00 07 15.9 +27 42 29; Peg
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 120°
24" (10/12/20): moderately bright, oval 4:3 or 3:2
WNW-ESE, strong sharp concentration with a very bright core. The 40"x30" halo has a nearly
even surface brightness. A mag 15
star is 0.9' NE and a mag 13 star 1.5' NNW. Member of a group (LGG 002), that also includes
17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, slightly elongated
~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus.
Forms a pair with
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, oval 3:2 ~E-W, small, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 1.9' NNE and a mag 13 star is 1.5' NNW of center.
13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, very small, small bright core.
13.1" (11/5/83): faint, very small. Forms a pair with NGC 2 2' SSE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1 on 30 Sep 1861 while
testing the 11-inch f/17.5 Merz refractor of the Copenhagen Observatory. He missed nearby NGC 2. This was d'Arrest's first deep sky
discovery, though he was uncertain if his object was identical to h4 or h5
(both of which refer to
******************************
NGC 2 = UGC 59 = MCG +04-01-026 = CGCG 477-055 = Holm 2B =
00 07 17.1 +27 40 41; Peg
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 115°
24" (10/12/20): at 375x; fairly faint, oval 5:3 WNW-ESE, ~35" major axis, broad weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 1.1' W.
17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star lies 1.1' W of center. Forms a pair (optical) with brighter and larger NGC 1, just 1.8' N.
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, elongated ~E-W. A mag 13 star lies 1' W.
13.1" (8/24/84): very faint, very small, low surface brightness. Forms a close pair with NGC 1.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2 on 20 Aug 1873 and recorded a "vF companion [to NGC 1] south". Dreyer confirmed the observation on 29 Oct 1877 and noted, "Nova 2' ssf easily seen, vF, eS stellar."
NGC 2 was missed by d'Arrest, who discovered NGC 1 on 30 Sep 1861 with an 11-inch refractor, and Herman Schultz, who observed NGC 1 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala. Yann Pothier credits Auguste Voigt with the original discovery on 14 Sep 1865 with the 31-inch Foucault reflector at the Marseilles Observatory.
******************************
00 07 16.8 +08 18 06; Psc
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 111°
48" (10/24/11): at 610x appeared fairly bright,
elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 30"x12", well concentrated with a very small
bright core and stellar nucleus. A
mag 11.5 star lies 1.3' SW.
Brightest in a group with the other members much fainter. These include
18" (10/21/06): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.25', very small slightly brighter core, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. A mag 11.5 star lies 1.2' SW. Brightest in a group of faint galaxies.
17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, small, bright core,
slightly elongated. A mag 11.5
star is 1.2' WSW. Brightest in the
NGC 3 group with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3 = m 1 on 29 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "F, vS, R, alm stellar." NGC 3 is the brightest in a small group of faint galaxies (NGC 7834, 7835, 7837, 7838, 7840, 3, 4) all discovered by Marth on the same night. Édouard Stephan made observation on 26 Sep 1867 and 19 Sep 1873, and measured an accurate position on 9 Oct 1876.
******************************
00 07 24.4 +08 22 23; Psc
V = 15.9; Size 0.4'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 30°
48" (10/24/11): at 610x appeared fairly faint, very
small, round, 10" diameter, high surface brightness. This description applies to the core as
the faint thin extensions on the DSS were not noticed. Located 2.9' W of mag 9.5
18" (10/21/06): extremely faint and small, round. This threshold object appeared virtually stellar, perhaps 4" diameter and only visible occasionally with averted vision. Located 3' due west of a mag 9 star. Another very difficult galaxy, NGC 7840, lies 4' WNW.
17.5" (8/2/86): faintest member of the NGC 3 group. Extremely faint and small, at visual threshold. Located 2.9' W of mag 9 SAO 109022 and 4.8' NNE of NGC 3.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4 = m 2 on 29 Nov 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "eF". His position is 10 tsec of RA following
and 5' N of NGC 3 (discovered on the same night, along with 5 other faint
galaxies). The galaxy listed here
(
******************************
00 07 48.9 +35 21 44; And
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 115°
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, very small, round, small bright core.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5 = St. 12-1 on 18 Sep 1871. His rough position 5' too far ESE. His published micrometric position (list 12, #1) was made 10 year later on 21 Oct 1881 with description "Small core of 13 to 14 mag, surrounded by a very small and faint nebula."
******************************
00 09 32.6 +33 18 31; And
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift found NGC 6 = Sw. 2-3 on 20 Sept 1885 with the
16" Clark refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "eF; cE; vS;
one of 5 stars which point to it is pretty near." There is nothing at his position, but
75 seconds of RA east and 47' north is NGC 20 = UGC 84. The RA offset is shared by several
other objects discovered this night (
******************************
00 08 20.8 -29 54 55; Scl
V = 13.9; Size 2.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 29°
17.5" (8/20/88): extremely faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE. Requires averted vision due to low surface brightness and low elevation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7 = h4014 on 27 Sep 1834 and
logged "vF, pL, vmE, gvlbM, 2' long." The next night he observed the galaxy again and noted
"vF, mE, vgvlbM." On a
third sweep he called it "eeF, L, mE, requires the utmost attention to
perceive though the sky is perfectly pure." His position matches
******************************
00 08 46 +23 50 16; Peg
V = 15.3/16.5; Size 6"
= **, Corwin.
Otto Struve discovered NGC 8 on 29 Sep 1865 with the 15-inch
refractor at Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. He described it as fainter than
******************************
NGC 9 = UGC 78 = MCG +04-01-030 = CGCG 477-059 = Holm 3a =
00 08 54.6 +23 49 03; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 155°
17.5" (11/14/87): faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, weak concentration. Located at the western vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 9 stars 6' E and 6.5' NE.
Otto Struve discovered NGC 9 on 27 Sep 1865 with the 15-inch Merz & Mahler refractor at Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. It was found while unsuccessfully searching for Comet Biela (never returned after 1852). Struve's position was 15 seconds of RA too small and 2' too far south. He noted a mag 9 star follows by 26 seconds (time), so the identification is certain. This is one of 4 NGC galaxies that Struve discovered while fruitlessly searching for Comet Biela (3 others were rediscoveries). See NGC 8.
******************************
00 08 34.5 -33 51 30; Scl
V = 12.5; Size 2.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 25°
17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, bright
core, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE. A mag 13
star follows by 2.9'. Located 21'
SSE of mag 5.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 10 = h4015 on 25 Sep 1834 and
recorded "Not vF, L, lE, glbM, 1'.". On a later sweep he logged it "F, pL, R, bM,
40"." His mean position
matches
******************************
00 08 42.5 +37 26 53; And
V = 13.7; Size 1.6'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 111°
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, edge-on WNW-ESE. A close double star with mag 11/12 components lies 3' N.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 11 = St. 12-2 on 28 Sep 1867 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseilles Observatory and recorded a rough unpublished position (3' SW of the galaxy) in his logbook. On 24 Oct 1881 he measured a micrometric position and recorded, "vF; vS; little irregular oval SE to NW; two very faint stars involved."
******************************
00 08 44.8 +04 36 45; Psc
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 125°
17.5" (12/19/87): very faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, diffuse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 12 = H. III-868 = h1 on 6 Dec 1790 (sweep 984) and logged "eF, pS, irr F." The 4 Nov 1850 observation using Lord Rosse's 72" reads "Some stars seen in it, it is vF. Nothing further remarkable."
******************************
00 08 47.7 +33 25 59; And
V = 13.2; Size 2.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 53°
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core. A mag 13 star is 30" S and a mag 12 star lies 1.2' SSW of center. First of three with NGC 20 12' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 13 = H. III-866 = h2 on 26 Nov 1790 (sweep 981) and logged "vF, vS. 300 verified and showed 3 stars and the nebula placed in the form of a square; the nebula being the np corner." R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 18 Sep 1857, recorded "2 neb. nearly in line p. and f; about 14' apart; the p one [NGC 13] is of irregular outline; F; bM. The f. one [NGC 13] is S; R; pB; bM." The pair was observed 5 times up to 1873.
******************************
00 08 46.1 +15 48 56; Peg
V = 12.1; Size 2.8'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 25°
17.5" (12/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval
SSW-NNE, broad concentration, faint extensions. Located 1.4° ESE of
William Herschel discovered NGC 14 = H. II-591 = h3 on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 590) and recorded "F, pL, iF, unequally bright." His position is at the west edge of Arp 235 = VV 80. John Herschel observed this galaxy on his first registered sweep of 2 Nov 1823. On 11 Sep 1828 (sweep 174), he logged "eF; R; bM a star 10 m north preceding, dist. 5'."
******************************
00 09 02.5 +21 37 28; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 30°
17.5" (11/14/87): faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 15 = m 3 on 30 Oct 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "vF, vS, R, bM". His position is reasonably match with
******************************
NGC 16 = UGC 80 = MCG +04-01-032 = CGCG 477-061 = PGC 660
00 09 04.3 +27 43 46; Peg
V = 12.0; Size 1.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 16°
17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated ~N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus.
13.1" (8/24/84) : moderately bright, small, bright stellar nucleus, small fainter lens SSW-NNE.
8" (8/16/82): fairly faint, small, elongated N-S, bright nucleus at 200x.
8" (6/19/82): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration.
William Herschel probably discovered NGC 16 = H. IV-15 = h4 = h5 on 8 Sep 1784. He recorded "Stellar, or rather like a faint star with a small chevelure and two burs [sic]. F, S." His RA was 1 min 24 seconds too large (using a different star Corwin found an error of 1 min 6 seconds).
John Herschel observed this galaxy on 5 Sep 1828 and described h4 as "pB; R; bM; 30" (? if not IV. 15)" Due to the difference in position he wasn't sure if his object was new. John Herschel swept the area again 11 nights later and found a nebula (h5) that he assumed was his father's H. IV-15: "a star 15m with a burr, RA from Catalogue." Édouard Stephan made several observation, apparently trying to find two different objects as reported in the General Catalogue (GC 8 and 12). In the NGC, Dreyer combined the previous designations into NGC 16 and Corwin favors this interpretation. Wolfgang Steinicke feels H. IV-15 more likely applies to NGC 22 than NGC 16. Herschel's RA was off by 40 seconds (too far east) and 7' too far south but the description "F, S, Stellar, or rather like a faint star with a small chevelure and two burs" may be a better fit.
J.L.E. Dreyer, observing with the 72" on 29 Oct 1877, recorded "pB nucl with vF neby; round; E sp nf; 2 st 13 and 12 mag preceding in the parallel about 4' and 5' distant."
******************************
00 11 06.7 -12 06 27; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 2.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30°
48" (11/5/21): at 488x; bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, gradually increases towards the center, overall high surface brightness with a faint thin halo. A faint, roundish glow [apparently tidal debris] is attached on the NW side. With careful averted vision, a thin, very low surface brightness tidal tail occasionally pops to the NE, ~30" in length. A fairly bright double star (WZ 1 = 12.4/13.9 at 7") is 2' W.
17.5" (8/20/88): moderately bright, small, round,
bright core, stellar nucleus. A
close double star is 2' W. Forms a
pair with
This infrared-luminous galaxy is in an advanced stage of merger with a tidal tail to the NE.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 17 = LM 2-276 in 1886 and logged
"mag 13.5, 0.1' dia, iR, two stars mag 9.5, 2.0' in PA 280°." Muller's position was 2.0 min of RA
west of
******************************
00 09 23.0 +27 43 56; Peg
= **, Carlson and Corwin.
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 18 on 15 Oct 1866 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory. Schultz's micrometric position is 19 sec of RA following NGC 16 and corresponds precisely with a double star at 00 09 23.0 +27 43 55 (2000). Dreyer noted that Heinrich d'Arrest and Lord Rosse couldn't find NGC 18 and neither could Édouard Stephan (notes section of his 11th list).
******************************
NGC 19 = UGC 98 = MCG +05-01-046 = CGCG 499-065 = PGC 759
00 10 40.9 +32 58 59; And
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 42°
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, diffuse. A mag 15
star is 1' SW. Located 9' S of mag
6.8
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 19 = Sw. 2-4 on 20 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His description reads, "eeF; lE; in [the] center of 3 vF st forming an equilateral triangle, two of them double." There is no obvious candidate at Swift's position but 74 seconds of RA east and 8' north is UGC 98. Similar offsets in RA and Dec yield identities for NGC 21, 7831 and 7836, all discovered the same night (NGC 6 also shares the same offset in RA). Furthermore, his description of the surrounding stars matches this galaxy. Hermann Kobold suggested this identification when he measured its position in 1898 at Strasbourg with the 18-inch refractor. Heber Curtis found it again on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector in 1912-13 and reported it as new ("not noted in the NGC).
NGC 19 is mislabeled as NGC 21 in RNGC, PGC and UGC (and software Megastar) and not assigned a NGC designation in MCG and CGCG. Finally, RNGC misclassifies NGC 19 as nonexistent because of the error in Swift's position. See Corwin's Notes.
******************************
NGC 20 = NGC 6 = UGC 84 = MCG +05-01-036 = CGCG 498-082 = LGG 001-008 = PGC 679
00 09 32.6 +33 18 31; And
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 140°
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is just 30" E and a brighter mag 10 star lies 2.4' E. Second of three with NGC 13 12' NW.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 20 using Lord Rosse's 72"
on 18 Sep 1857 and recorded as "S; R; pB; bM"). Although no position was measured it
was catalogued as GC 6 (Rosse nova) and later by Dreyer as NGC 20. Herman Schultz independently found the
galaxy on 16 Oct 1866 with the 9.6" refractor at Uppsala and it was
entered by Dreyer in the GC Supplement as GC 5086, though Dreyer added the
comment "Query = GC 6".
Schultz's micrometric position matches
Lewis Swift later independently found this galaxy on 20 Sept
1885 and published it in his second discovery paper (#3). Swift's position for NGC 6 was 1.1
minutes of RA west and 47' S of UGC 84.
His RA offset is identical to the error in his positions for NGC 19, NGC
21, NGC 7831,
******************************
NGC 21 = NGC 29 = UGC 100 = MCG +05-01-048 = CGCG 499-066 =
00 10 46.9 +33 21 11; And
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 21 = Sw. 2-5 on 20 Sept 1885 and
recorded "eF; S; lE."
His positions for NGC 19, 7831 and 7836 from the same evening are all
offset ~70 seconds in RA and 8' in declination. The offset position for NGC 21 lands on NGC 29. So, NGC 21 is a duplicate of NGC
29. RNGC, UGC and PGC misidentify
******************************
NGC 22 = UGC 86 = MCG +05-01-039 = CGCG 499-055 = PGC 690
00 09 48.2 +27 49 57; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 160°
17.5" (11/14/87): faint, fairly small, diffuse, slightly elongated, broad concentration. Located 2.5' S of a mag 10 star. Forms a wide pair with NGC 16 12' SW.
13.1" (8/24/84): very faint, fairly small, roundish, very diffuse, even surface brightness.
13.1" (11/5/83): extremely faint, small, round. A mag 9 star 3' N interferes with viewing. Located 12' NE of NGC 16.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 22 = St. 13-1 on 28 Sep 1867 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. On this date he only wrote a rough position for NGC 16 in his logbook but gave an offset (38 seconds of RA and 5' dec) to NGC 22. He observed NGC 22 again on 29 Oct and 1 Nov 1877 and published an accurate position (reduced on 2 Oct 1883) with description "eF; pS; R; lbM, resolvable".
William Herschel possibly discovered this galaxy on 8 Sep 1784 (H. IV-15, sweep 260) and recorded "F, S, Stellar, or rather like a faint star with a small chevelure and two burs." His position is poor -- 40 sec too far east and 7' too far south -- but the description is a reasonable fit. Dreyer assumed the observation referred to NGC 16, which is 1 min 25 sec of RA to the west and he commented in the NGC notes "Some error in recording the transit, probably simply of 1 min; reductions correct." Wolfgang Steinicke feels H. IV-15 refers to NGC 22 and Herschel never observed brighter NGC 16, but Corwin and Seligman favor Dreyer's interpretation.
******************************
NGC 23 = UGC 89 = MCG +04-01-033 = CGCG 477-062 = Mrk 545 = LGG 002-003 = PGC 698
00 09 53.3 +25 55 26; Peg
V = 12.0; Size 2.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 8°
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, diffuse. Unusual appearance as a mag 14 star is superimposed 26" SE of center. Forms a pair with NGC 26 9' SE. Brightest member of a group (LGG 002) at a distance of ~200 million l.y.
8" (7/24/82): faint, small, elongated NW-SE, stellar nucleus. A star is at the SE end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 23 = H. III-147 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 264) and recorded as "2 or 3 stars in a line, with seeming nebulosity between them." I only noted a single superimposed star, though Herschel's second "star" may be the nucleus. Stephan made an observation on 28 Oct 1875, while Dreyer (as Lawrence Parsons' assistant) observed the galaxy a month at Birr Castle and described a "vS neb, with a starlike nucl = 11-12 mag and a *13 in PA 135.2°. Dist 26.2"." Englemann measured an accurate position, in Astronomische Nachrichten 2485.
******************************
00 09 56.4 -24 57 49; Scl
V = 11.6; Size 5.5'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 46°
24" (10/17/20): fairly bright, large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 4.0'x1.2', large brighter middle bulge (elongated). A mag 12.7 star is just east of the NE end.
17.5" (8/2/86): moderately bright, pretty edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 4.0'x0.8', large bright core. A mag 12 star is just east of the NE end. This is a little-known striking spiral.
William Herschel discovered NGC 24 = H. III-461 = h2308 on 27 Oct 1785 (sweep 467). He logged it as "vF, cL, lE, glbM, 4 or 5' long." John Herschel observed it from the Cape of Good Hope as "F; vL; vmE; vgbM; 4' l; 1' br." Pietro Baracchi, observing with the 48" Melbourne telescope on 9 Dec 1887, called it "pF; L; vmE; gbM; fades away gradually at the ends - outline not well defined, woolly." Herbert Howe, using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory, reported the length as 3' and PA = 45°.
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00 09 59.4 -57 01 14; Phe
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 85°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.5', fairly well concentrated with a
brighter core. Flanked by a mag 15
star 0.6' NE and a similar star 1' S.
Located 2.7' SE of a mag 10.5 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 25 = h2309 on 28 Oct 1834 and
recorded as "F; R; 30" across." His position matches
******************************
NGC 26 = UGC 94 = MCG +04-01-034 = CGCG 477-064 = LGG 002-004 = PGC 732
00 10 25.8 +25 49 55; Peg
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 100°
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, broad concentration. Two mag 13.5 stars are 1.0' NE and 1.2' N of center. Forms a pair with NGC 23 9' NW.
13.1" (12/11/82): very faint, fairly small, oval.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 26 on 14 Sep 1865 with an 11" Merz refractor at Copenhagen and made a total of 3 observations. His position and descriptions (combined in the NGC as "vF, pL, R, 2 F stars north) match. As the observer for the 4th Earl of Rosse, Dreyer rediscovered this galaxy on 28 Sep 1875 and recorded "eF, pL, R. Clouds came on." Édouard Stephan also made an observation on 28 Oct 1875, perhaps aware of d'Arrest's discovery.
Yann Pothier credits Auguste Voigt with the original discovery on 13 Sep 1865 (just one day before d'Arrest!) with the 31-inch Foucault reflector at the Marseilles Observatory.
******************************
00 10 32.7 +28 59 46; And
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 117°
24" (8/25/19): at 324x; moderately bright and large, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE, ~0.9'x0.4'. Contains a round, small bright core that gradually increased to a slightly brighter stellar nucleus. A mag 10.5 star is 1.6' S.
NGC 27 forms a close pair with superthin galaxy
17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.4', broad concentration to a brighter core. Located 1.5' N of mag 9.5 SAO
73786. A wide pair of mag 13.5
stars are 1.4' NNW and 2.0' NNW.
Forms a pair with
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, small, roundish, very small brighter core. Situated between two mag 13 and 14 stars.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 27 = Sw. 1-1 on 3 Aug 1884 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded as "vvF; vS; E; B* nr." His position matches UGC 96 = PGC 742.
******************************
NGC 28 = PGC 730 = LEDA 395160
00 10 25.2 -56 59 21; Phe
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright,
fairly small, irregularly round, 30"x25", fairly high surface
brightness, steadily increases to a very small bright core and stellar
nucleus. Located in the core of
AGC 2731 with NGC 31 1.8' E, NGC 25 4' SW and
John Herschel discovered NGC 28 = h2310 on 28 Oct 1834 and
described as "eF, preceding of 2. Requires attention, but no doubt
remains." The 2nd object is h2311 = NGC 31. His position matches
******************************
NGC 29 = NGC 21 = UGC 100 = MCG +05-01-048 = CGCG 499-066 = PGC 767
00 10 46.9 +33 21 10; And
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 154°
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NNW-SSE, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is at the north edge. Located 13' N of mag 6.8 SAO 53694. Third of three with NGC 13 and NGC 20.
William Herschel discovered NGC 29 = H. II-853 = h6 on 26 Nov 1790 (sweep 981) and noted "F, S, E nearly in the meridian." John Herschel called it "pB; pL; irr figure." Swift found the galaxy on 20 Sep 1885 and recorded it as new in his second discovery list (#5). His position was offset by 70 seconds of RA too far west and 8' in declination, so Dreyer assumed it was a different object and catalogued it as NGC 21. But Swift's position for NGC 19, 7831 and 7836, all discovered on the same night, carry this same offset. So, NGC 21 is a duplicate observation of NGC 29. NGC 29 was observed 8 times with Lord Rosse's 72" and recorded on 16 Oct 1854 as "Elongated north and south, * at on end of neb inv, and another rather fainter south of center."
******************************
00 10 50.8 +21 58 37; Peg
= **, Carlson and Corwin.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 30 = m 4 on 30 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "Neb * 13." SDSS shows a very close double 1' N of Marth's position at 00 10 50.8 +21 58 37 (J2000). Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, states "*14 and ? neb *15 nf alm att; *13.3 nff 2.9'. Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 lists of NGC/IC corrections, identifies NGC 30 as a double star.
******************************
NGC 31 = ESO 149-020 = PGC 751
00 10 38.5 -56 59 11; Phe
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): this is the
largest of 9 members of AGC 2731 viewed.
Appeared moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8',
broad concentration, bright core.
Situated in the center of the cluster with NGC 28 1.8' W, NGC 25 5.7' SW
and
John Herschel discovered NGC 31 = h2311 on 28 Oct 1834 and logged "eeF; the following of 2. Requires attention, but leaves no doubt" and on a later sweep as "eeF; S; R." The preceding object is h2310 = NGC 28. Herschel's positions clearly establishes NGC 28 = PGC 730 and NGC 31 = ESO 149-020 = PGC 751. Nevertheless, the PGC reverses the identifications of NGC 28 and 31. The galaxy identified in the RC2 as NGC 28 is actually NGC 31. The ESO entry (149- G20) for NGC 31 does not give the NGC equivalence. The SGC (Southern Galaxy Catalogue) identifications are correct although the PGC errata paper claims the SGC reverses the identifications.
******************************
00 10 53.5 +18 47 46; Peg
= wide **, Corwin. =several stars, RNGC.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 32 = Au 1 on 10 Oct 1861 while observing Comet Encke with the 6.2-inch Plössl refractor at Athens Observatory. Although it wasn't Schmidt's first discovery, it was published (AN 1355) in time to be included in Auwers' 1862 list in new nebulae and by John Herschel as GC 16. His position corresponds precisely with a pair of mag 13.6/14.7 stars at 27" separation in PA = 200. Harold Corwin identifies Schmidt's object as a double star and RNGC calls it several stars.
******************************
00 10 56.6 +03 40 33; Psc
= **, Corwin.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 33 = m 5 on 9 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "eF, vS, or neb st." Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, describes NGC 33 as a "? Neb *13.7, eS, R; *9.5 sp 2.0', *13.0 ssf 1.8'." The POSS shows a faint evenly matched double star at 00 10 58 +03 40.5 located 2.0' NW of a mag 10 star. This appears to be Reinmuth's object although the *9.5 is sf 2.0' not "sp". Corwin also identifies NGC 33 as a double star near Marth's position.
******************************
NGC 34 = NGC 17 = MCG -02-01-032 = Mrk 938 = VV 850 = PGC 781
00 11 06.7 -12 06 27; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 2.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30°
48" (11/5/21): at 488x; bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, gradually increases towards the center, overall high surface brightness with a faint thin halo. A faint, roundish glow [apparently tidal debris] is attached on the NW side. With careful averted vision, a thin, very low surface brightness tidal tail occasionally popped into view to the NE, ~30" in length. A fairly bright double star (WZ 1 = 12.4/13.9 at 7") is 2' W.
17.5" (8/20/88): moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. A close double star is 2' W. Forms a pair with NGC 35 6' NNE.
This infrared-luminous galaxy is in an advanced stage of merger with a tidal tail to the NE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 34 = Sw. 6-1 on 21 Nov 1886, along with NGC 35, with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position and description ("equilateral triangle with 2 stars, one a close double") matches MCG -02-01-032 = PGC 781. Frank Muller independently found this galaxy in 1886 and listed it as LM II-276 (later NGC 17). His RA was 2.0 minutes too small, but the description matches. So, NGC 34 = NGC 17 (discovery priority unknown). Herbert Howe searched for NGC 17 unsuccessfully with the 20" refractor at Denver and concluded it was equivalent to NGC 34 based on the similar descriptions.
******************************
NGC 35 = MCG -02-01-033 = PGC 784
00 11 10.5 -12 01 15; Cet
V = 12.5; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.4
17.5" (8/20/88): moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. A close double star (WZ 1 = 12.4/13.9 at 7") is 2' W. Forms a pair with NGC 35 6' NNE.
This LIRG (infrared-luminous galaxy) is in an advanced stage of merger with a tidal tail to the NE.
Lewis Swift independently discovered NGC 35 = Sw. 6-2, along with NGC 34, on 21 Nov 1886. Frank Muller also found NGC 35 = LM 2-277 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Swift's position is 48" N of MCG -02-01-033 = PGC 784. The discovery priority is unknown.
******************************
00 11 22.3 +06 23 21; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 2.2'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 21°
17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, almost
round, bright core. A mag 14 star
lies 1.9' NE. Forms a close pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 36 = H. III-456 on 25 Oct
1785 (sweep 464) and recorded "vF, pS, irr figure." His RA is 1.0 minute too large, but it
was corrected by d'Arrest and Bigourdan and the NGC position is just 1' south
of
******************************
NGC 37 = ESO 149-022 = PGC 801 = LEDA 395521
00 11 23.0 -56 57 26; Phe
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 35°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint,
fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.4'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright compact core,
surrounded by a low surface brightness halo. A mag 15 star lies 0.8' E.
John Herschel discovered NGC 37 = h2312 on 2 Oct 1836 and
recorded as "extremely faint, small, round.". His position matches
******************************
00 11 47.0 -05 35 10; Psc
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80°
17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, small, almost round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 1.4' WNW a mag 12 star 2.6' ENE of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 38 = St. 12-3 on 30 Sep 1867 and recorded a rough position (3' too far SE) in his logbook. He published an accurate micrometric position made on 25 Oct 1881 and described it as "F; S; R; bM; bright stellar nucleus."
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00 12 19.0 +31 03 42; And
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, diffuse. A mag 14 star
is at the south edge. Forms a pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 39 = H. III-861 = h7 on 2 Nov 1790 (sweep 975) and noted "eF, S." John Herschel made three observations as well as two by d'Arrest.
******************************
00 13 01.0 +72 31 19; Cep
V = 10.6; Size 38"x35"; PA = 14°
48" (10/23/14): this showpiece, annular planetary was observed unfiltered (low-excitation) at both 488x and 813x and a remarkable amount of detail was visible. The main section of NGC 40 is nearly round and 0.7' in diameter but outer extensions on the north and south ends increase the dimensions to roughly 1.0'x0.8' SSW-NNE. The darker interior surrounding the blazing mag 11.5 central star (WC8-type carbon Wolf-Rayet) has a very uneven surface brightness and is slightly darker to the southwest of the central star.
The rim is irregular and much brighter along fairly narrow N-S strips on the W and E side. The western rim is the brighter one and somewhat patchy with a slightly darker notch to the south of its center. At its north end is a small, faint extension. The rim is more uniform in brightness on the eastern side.
A very faint, thin outer loop curls north and west at its north end of the main disc! A small, detached, elongated patch floats near its north edge, but slightly south of the tip of the outer loop to its east. A very faint star or stellar knot is involved in this patch.
The rim is very weak on the S side and an easy star is at the SW end. A faint, very small detached piece was easily visible at the southern extremity [32" SSW of the central star] of NGC 40. This patch forms the eastern vertex of a small triangle with a star ~10" NW (noted earlier) and a fainter star 10" SE.
17.5" (12/30/99): at 100x appeared (unfiltered) as a slightly elongated, moderately bright disc surrounding a bright mag 11.5 central star. A slightly fainter mag 12 star lies 1.0' SW. This is a low excitation PN with an OIII/H-beta ratio of just 0.4 and at 100x there was a noticeable enhancement using the H-beta filter, while it dimmed with an OIII filter. At 220x, a star was intermittently visible at the SW edge and the PN was slightly elongated SSW-NNE. The UHC filter gave the best response at this power. The surface brightness appeared irregular -- darker around the central star and slightly brighter along the west and east side of the rim. At 280x, the faint star I noted earlier was barely off the SW edge and the PN was weakly annular with a brighter rim along the west and east side and a darker center. The SW and NE ends of the halo were clearly weaker, though. 380x provided a nice view with subtle irregularities in the interior.
17.5" (11/1/86): bright, moderately large, round. Contains a prominent mag 11.5 central star surrounded by a fairly bright halo.
13.1" (12/7/85): at 166x (unfiltered): bright central star visible centered within a fairly small prominent disc.
13.1" (1985): moderately large, bright central star surrounded by a moderately bright halo at 166x and 214x using a UHC filter.
8": at 100x; a bright central star is surrounded by an easy halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 40 = H. IV-58 = h8 on 25 Nov 1788 (sweep 886) and recorded, "a star about 9th mag, surrounded with vF milky nebulosity; other stars of the same size are perfectly clear from that appearance. The star is either not round or double; but I am in the north and above the pole, I could not view it sufficiently to determine it. Less than 1' in diameter." On 20 Nov 1829 (sweep 228), John Herschel logged "a star 11m with a luminous atmosphere 30" to 40" diameter." On 29 Oct 1831 he noted "a * 10m with strong nebulous atmosphere 15" diameter. Exactly round and pretty suddently fading away makes a double star class 5 with a star preceding."
Williamina Fleming (1905) classified the spectrum as Peculiar and noted "Bright lines and bands." Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) described, "Central star about mag 10. The nebula resembles a truncated ring from the ends of which extend much fainter wisps. The brighter central portion is 38"x35" in PA 14°, while the total length along this axis is about 60"."
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00 12 48.0 +22 01 25; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (11/14/87): faint, small, round, broad
concentration. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 41 = m 6, along with NGC 42, on 30 Oct 1864. Using Lassell's 48" on Malta he recorded "pF, S, lE, gbM."
******************************
NGC 42 = UGC 118 = MCG +04-01-041 = CGCG 478-043 = PGC 867
00 12 56.3 +22 06 02; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 115°
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus, compact. Forms a pair with NGC 41 5' SSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 42 = m 7, along with NGC 41, on 30 Oct 1864. He called it "F, vS, stell."
******************************
NGC 43 = UGC 120 = MCG +05-01-054 = CGCG 499-079 = PGC 875
00 13 00.8 +30 54 55; And
V = 12.6; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 49" NW of center. Forms a pair with NGC 39 12' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 43 = h9 on 11 Nov 1827. His description reads, "eF; has a 12m star 45" dist; pos 325°?" His position was 2' too far N (nearby NGC 39 is also offset 1.5' too far N).
******************************
00 13 13.4 +31 17 11; And
= **, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 44 = h10 on 22 Nov 1827 and logged as "eF, vS; not to be seen but in the clearest night." There is a faint, very close double star at his position (00 13 13.4 +31 17 11) on the SDSS. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, appears to identify this double star as NGC 44: "cF, eS, E, ident doubtful; BD +30d17 npp 6.6'; double star 16 and 12.5 nf 1.5', *14 sf 1.3'." Corwin's confirms the identification as a double star.
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00 14 03.9 -23 10 52; Cet
V = 10.7; Size 8.5'x5.9'; Surf Br = 14.7; PA = 142°
17.5" (8/2/86): faint, large, almost round, very
diffuse. A mag 10 star (SAO
166133) is attached at the south end.
Located 4' ENE of mag 6.9
NGC 45 is a low surface brightness, metal-poor spiral with a weak star formation rate. It resides in the background of the Sculptor Group at a distance of ~23 million l.y.
13.1" (12/7/85): extremely faint, fairly large. A mag 7 star 4' WSW detracts from observation.
13.1" (8/24/84): only suspected at visual threshold. The nearby mag 7 star interferes with viewing.
John Herschel discovered NGC 45 = h2313 on 11 Nov 1835 and
logged "extremely faint; large; round; very gradually very little brighter
in the middle; attached to and nearly involving a large star; the following of
two. A very faint object of singular appearance, 3 or 4' diameter; forms a kind
of cometic appendage to the star, which, however, is quite at the
edge." His position is 9 sec
of RA west of
******************************
00 14 09.8 +05 59 16; Psc
= *, Carlson and Corwin.
Edward Cooper discovered NGC 46 = Au 2 on 22 Oct 1852 with the 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland. While compiling the comprehensive Markree Ecliptic Catalogue it was noted (probably by assistant Andrew Graham) as a nebulous star but there is only a single mag 12.2 star at his position. Auwers reported only finding a sharp, nebulous star on 28 and 30 Sep 1861, but included it in his 1862 list of new nebulae. Bigourdan also reported he could not find a nebula at the Markree position.
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00 14 30.7 -07 10 04; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 2.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.4
24" (11/7/18): at least fairly faint and nearly moderately bright, round, up to 1.5' diameter with averted vision, broad concentration with a relatively large slightly brighter central region, no distinct nucleus. The halo fades out without a perceptible edge. Located 5' NE of a 1' pair of mag 7.3/9.5 stars that point to the galaxy.
17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval
WNW-ESE, bright core. Collinear
with mag 9
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 47 in 1886 with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. There is no published record on his observation, so the discovery must have been communicated directly to Dreyer, but Tempel's position matches PGC 967. Lewis Swift likely discovered this galaxy again on 21 Oct 1886, though his position for Sw. 5-3 (later NGC 58) is 1 min of RA to the east. The discovery priority is unknown.
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00 14 02.1 +48 14 05; And
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 15°
17.5" (8/31/86): third and largest of six in a group
(first of three NGC galaxies with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 48 = Sw. 2-6, along with NGC 49
and 51, on 7 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position was 0.7 minutes of RA too
large. Bigourdan measured an
accurate position on 13 Oct 1890 (repeated in the
******************************
NGC 49 = UGC 136 = MCG +08-01-033 = CGCG 549-029 = WBL 005-005 = PGC 952
00 14 22.4 +48 14 48; And
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 165°
17.5" (8/31/86): fifth of six in the NGC 51 group. Fairly faint, small, almost round, bright core. Second of three NGC galaxies and situated between NGC 48 and 51.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 49 = Sw. 2-7, along with NGC 48 and 51, on 7 Sep 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position was 0.5 minutes of RA too large, though his description "middle one of 3 in line" pins downs the identification. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 13 Oct 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) and as well as Barnard (AN 4136). Barnard's sketch of the field was published in AN 4136.
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00 14 44.7 -07 20 43; Cet
V = 11.6; Size 2.3'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 155°
24" (11/7/18): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, strong concentration with a very bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. Flanked by a mag 12.9 star 1.8' S and a mag 13.7 star 1.7' NW.
17.5" (8/20/88): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE. Rises to a small, very bright core. Brightest in a group with MCG -01-01-057 3' NNW (logged as "faint, very small, round") and NGC 47 11' NNW.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 50 = Nova #13 = Sw. 5-1 on 8
Jan 1866 while searching for Biela's Comet, which never returned after
1852. He was using the 9.5-inch
Merz equatorial at the College Romain as an assistant to Father Angelo Secchi
(see AN 1571). His position
matches
******************************
NGC 51 = UGC 138 = MCG +08-01-035 = CGCG 549-031 = WBL 005-006 = PGC 974
00 14 34.9 +48 15 20; And
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core. A faint star is superimposed on SE edge (or a companion galaxy). Brightest and last of six in the group. Also the third of three NGC galaxies in the NGC 51 group.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 51 = Sw. 2-8 on 7 Sep 1885, along with NGC 48 and 49, with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His RA was 0.5 minutes too large (similar offset as the other two). Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 13 Oct 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) and as well as Barnard (AN 4136).
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00 14 40.1 +18 34 54; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 2.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 127°
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, small, thin edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 52 = H. III-183 = h11 on 18
Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and recorded "eF, S, irr E." The NGC position is
0.4 min of RA east of
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00 14 42.8 -60 19 44; Tuc
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 160°
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright and large, elongated 5:3 N-S, 1.2'x0.7'. Broadly concentrated, then suddenly condenses to a sharp stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star lies 1.7' W of center and a faint star lies 1' NE of center [this is a close double star]. Several mag 10-12 stars are in the field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 53 = h2314 on 15 Sep 1836 and
recorded "extremely faint; round; very little brighter in the middle;
30" across." His
position matches
******************************
NGC 54 = MCG -01-01-060 = PGC 1011
00 15 07.7 -07 06 25; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 93°
24" (10/17/20): at 260x; fairly faint, very elongated 4:1 E-W, 0.8'x0.2', brighter in the middle along the major axis. Part of a small group (USGC S005) with NGC 47 10' SW.
17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, even surface brightness. Located 10' ENE of NGC 47 in a group.
Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered NGC 54 = Sw. 5-2 in 1886 with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory, as well as Lewis Swift on 21 Oct 1886. Tempel's observation doesn't appear in any of his lists, so the discovery must have been communicated directly to Dreyer. The first discovery date is unknown.
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00 15 05.9 -39 13 01; Scl
V = 7.9; Size 32.4'x5.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 108°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran): NGC 55 nearly filled the 37' field of the 21mm Ethos at 264x, extending close to 30' in length WNW-ESE and roughly 4' in width. The structure was fascinating at 429x with a highly irregular surface brightness due to dusty patches and rifts, along with bright clumps and knots. The "bright" central section, which is offset WNW of center, spans ~9' in length. At the west end of the central section, the surface brightness dims significantly and the galaxy tapers, extending several arc minutes further WNW. At the ESE side of the central portion is a bright, elongated, mottled core, roughly 1' in length and slightly bulging. Just ESE of the core are two noticeable knots; the first is small but elongated, the second knot is very bright and elongated. With careful viewing the second knot resolved into two individual pieces or clumps. Continuing further ESE, the surface brightness drops significantly very quickly and a large, elongated dark notch appears to take a bite out of the galaxy. Just as the galaxy begins to brighten again towards the ESE end, there is another bright round knot and a second very small piece just detached to the ENE. At the ESE tip the galaxy brightens a bit more and has an irregular, patchy appearance with a couple of brighter stars superimposed.
20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): viewed at nearly 60° elevation at 212x, this huge galaxy was an amazing sight and overfilled the 23' field (at least 25' in length). Near the core were two small, prominent HII knots. A couple of additional low surface brightness knots were visible further east along the mottled extensions. The appearance was asymmetric with the brighter WNW section bulging slightly.
17.5" (11/1/86 and 12/3/88): very large, edge-on 6:1
WNW-ESE, 16'x3'. Very asymmetric with a bright, elongated western
portion, darker center and a faint, nearly detached eastern section (
13.1" (11/5/83): fairly bright, very large. The very faint eastern portion is near detached from the bright WNW section.
8" (9/25/81): very large, very elongated, brighter to the west, very faint eastern section.
15x50 IS binoculars (10/21/06): although very low in the southern sky, NGC 55 was visible as a faint, relatively large elongated patch using handheld IS binoculars. Easy to locate 3.8° NW of Alpha Phe as the galaxy is exactly collinear with three mag 7 stars to the east that are aligned east to west.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 55 = D 507 = h2315 on 7 Jul 1826 from Parramatta, New South Wales. Using his 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector, he described it as "a beautiful long nebula, about 25' in length; position N.p. and S.f., a little brighter towards the middle, but extremely faint and diluted to the extremities. I see several minute points or stars in it, as it were through the nebula: the nebulous matter of the south extremity is extremely rare, and of a delicate bluish hue. This is a beautiful object." Dunlop observed the galaxy on 4 nights and made a simple sketch (Figure 21).
John Herschel first observed this galaxy from the Cape on 3
May 1834: "bright; very large; very much elongated in a long irregular
train, the preceding end being much the brightest. Whole length = 1.5 diam. of
field, or 22' The nucleus is either a double star or a much more sharply
terminated nebulous mass, elongated in a different position (146.5 ) from that
of the nebula (109.8 )." He observed it again on 23 October 1835,
recording it as "very bright; very large; very much elongated; at least
25' long and 3' broad. The following part is faint, the preceding and shorter
trinuclear the 2d, nucleus taken. A strange object." His final observation
on 4 October 1836 reads: "very bright, very large; a very long irregular
crooked ray with 3 nuclei, the second of which appears to consist of
stars." His sketch of the galaxy (fig. 8, plate IV) clearly shows its
convoluted form and three brighter sections. In his discussion, he grouped it
together with the galaxy
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 55 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope on 29 Oct 1875 (plate I, figure 2 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope from 1869 to 1885"). He reported "The present appearance agrees well with H.'s description and drawing. The 'following' portion is now much fainter than shown by H.'s sketch; indeed it is so very faint that its exact outlines cannot with certainty be determined, a faint whitishness being all that can be made out, while the star-like appearance described by H. in his portion cannot now be seen. The 'preceding' portion is still, as shown by H., much the brightest. There are still three nuclei, the centre one of which is much the brightest. H. says this one appears to consist of stars; but although I have tried several powers, I cannot with any certainty, determine this point, although it has, at times, a sparkling appearance. The 'following' portion of this nebula appears to have become much fainter since H. observed it." Turner's sketch shows the bright knot on the eastern end of the galaxy.
Lewis Swift reported the eastern section (Sw. 11-2) as a new object: "eeeF; vL; eE; close f NGC 55; f of 2." As a result, Dreyer assigned it as IC 1537, though this section was sketched by both Dunlop and John Herschel (plate IV, #8).
The photographic appearance of the fainter eastern portion caused confusion. In 1940, Harlow Shapley and J.S. Paraskevopoulo wrote NGC 55 was "possibly two overlapping systems, similarly inclined, with similar internal structure? The third interpretation, suggested in conversation by Dr. G.Z. Dimitroff, is lent color by the appearance of the object on small-scale long-exposure plates, where it appears to be a double, edge-on spiral, without nuclei and with the components differing perhaps three magnitudes in total brightness. Strong absorption may conceal nuclear regions; but a number of spirals that appear to be devoid of a central nucleus or strong central concentration are now known. It may well be that such objects will need to be recognized as forming a distinct class."
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00 15 24 +12 26; Psc
= Not found, Carlson and Corwin.
John Herschel found NGC 56 = h12 on 13 Oct 1825 and logged "about this place a considerable space seems affected by nebulosity." Neither Guillaume Bigourdan nor Édouard Stephan found anything near Herschel's position and nothing was found on Mount Wilson and Lick photographs. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Corwin's notes for more.
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00 15 30.9 +17 19 43; Psc
V = 11.6; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 40°
24" (9/16/17): at 375x; moderately bright and large,
round, diffuse outer halo, 1'-1.2' diameter, but well concentrated with a small
bright core and occasional sharp stellar nucleus.
17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 57 = H. II-241 = H. II-243 = h13 on 8 Oct 1784 (sweep 286) and recorded (for H. II-241) "pS, cometic, but hazy weather." A couple of nights later he logged this galaxy again as H. II-243, "faint, small, irregularly round." In the GC, John Herschel notes that Auwers misidentified H. II-243, which is identical to H. II-241 (the confusion was caused by an omitted offset star). This galaxy was observed 7 times at Birr Castle and the 26 Oct 1854 observation reads "vF, I think it is resolvable [mottled]."
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00 14 30.7 -07 10 04; Cet
See observing notes for NGC 47.
Lewis Swift found NGC 58 = Sw. 5-3 on 21 Oct 1886, in a trio with NGC 50 and NGC 54, with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. There is nothing at Swift's position but his description reads "vF, pS, R, wide D * near sp; 3rd of 3." Herbert Howe, using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory, was unable to find NGC 58 on two nights and suggested that NGC 58 was a duplicate of NGC 47, discovered earlier by Wilhelm Tempel in 1886. This requires that Swift's RA for NGC 58 was 1.1 minutes too large. Despite Swift's comment "3rd of 3", his description of a "wide D[ouble] star nr sp" applies to NGC 47, making this equivalence very likely. Dreyer repeats Howe's efforts in the IC II Notes and adds "probably = [NGC] 47". See Corwin's notes for the full story.
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00 15 25.3 -21 26 42; Cet
V = 12.4; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 127°
17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, large bright core. There are four mag 13-14 stars to the west.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 59 = LM 1-1 on 10 Nov 1885 and
recorded "pS, iR, lE 120°".
His very rough RA (to nearest tmin) is coincidentally just 0.2 tmin E of
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00 15 58.4 -00 18 13; Psc
V = 14.4; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 155°
17.5" (8/20/88): extremely faint, small, round. A mag 15 star is off the west
edge. Located 17' due east of mag
8
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 60 = St. 12-4 on 28 Oct 1875. His published position (list 12, #4) was made 7 years later on 2 Nov 1882 with description "eeF; vS; R; slightly condensed towards the center."
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00 16 24.5 -06 19 21; Psc
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (8/20/88): this is a double system with the
brighter component (
William Herschel discovered NGC 61 = H. III-428 = h14 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and logged "vF; vS; irr figure." John Herschel called it "F; R psbM; 15"." The declination in RNGC (copied from MCG) is 5' too large. MCG and RC3 label the brighter component as NGC 61A.
******************************
00 17 05.5 -13 29 13; Cet
V = 11.5; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 130°
17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, small, oval WSW-ENE,
weak concentration. Located
between mag 7.2
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 62 = St. 13-2 on 8 Oct 1883
(date position was reduced) and recorded "F, vS, R, glbM." His position matches
******************************
00 17 45.5 +11 27 01; Psc
V = 11.6; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 108°
17.5" (12/19/87): fairly bright, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 63 = Sf. 96 on 27 Aug 1865
with the 11-inch Merz refractor at Copenhagen and recorded (combining two
observations) "class II, round, 35", mag 16 nucleus; lying between
two mag 12 and 13 stars, the first precedes the nebula by 9.7 sec." His position and description matches
Truman Safford made an independent discovery on 30 Sep 1867 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. Hermann Vogel made an observation on 16 Aug 1868 (he credited d'Arrest) with the 8.5" refractor at the Leipzig Observatory, as well as Édouard Stephan at Marseilles Observatory on 18 Sep 1871. Dreyer observed NGC 63 at Birr Castle on 30 Oct 1877 and logged, "pB, pS, oval p f, smbM. Inside a triangle of 3 st 12, one of them in PA 268.9 (W), Dist 143.7", the 2 others about the same distance np and f."
******************************
00 17 30.3 -06 49 30; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30°
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, weak concentration. An anonymous galaxy (2MASXi J0018358-070255) lies 21' SE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 64 = Sw. 5-4 on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 17 sec of RA east and 1.6' south of MCG -01-01-068 = PGC 1149. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
******************************
00 18 58.7 -22 52 50; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 178°
17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, round. Located 2.6' WNW of mag 8.8 SAO
166184. Forms a pair with
Frank Muller discovered NGC 65 = LM 2-278, along with NGC
66, in 1886. His position is 1.0
minute of RA west of
******************************
NGC 66 = ESO 473-010 = MCG -04-02-002 = PGC 1236
00 19 05 -22 56 18; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 32°
17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, slightly elongated
SSW-NNE, even surface brightness.
Located 1.4' S of mag 8.8
Frank Muller discovered NGC 66 = LM 2-279, along with NGC
65, in 1886. His position is 1 min
of RA west and 1' south of
******************************
00 18 12.2 +30 03 19; And
V = 15.6; Size 0.45'x0.3'; PA = 112°
24" (9/15/12): very faint, very small, round,
12"-15" diameter, just visible continuously. This galaxy is at the
west end of the
18" (11/14/09): this galaxy and PGC 1185 were the faintest members viewed in the NGC 68 group. NGC 67 appeared as a mag 16 threshold glow 1.7' SW of NGC 68. It required averted to occasionally glimpse, though a few times I could tell it was elongated. In a 22" scope, I was able to hold this galaxy continuously at over 400x.
PGC 1185 was occasionally glimpsed as a threshold
"star" sandwiched between this galaxy and NGC 68 (0.8' from both
galaxies). Most sources identify
PGC 1185 as NGC 67 and this galaxy as
17.5" (8/27/87): extremely faint and small. First in the NGC 68 group of 9 with NGC
68 0.9' NE,
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 67 on 7 Oct 1855, while observing and sketching the NGC 68 group (plate XXV, fig 1 in the 1861 publication). PGC 1185 (close northeast) is misidentified as NGC 67 in various sources including Megastar. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
NGC 68 = Arp 113 = VV 166b = Holm 6a = UGC 170 = MCG +05-01-065 = CGCG 499-106 = WBL 007-008 = PGC 1187
00 18 18.5 +30 04 18; And
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x1.1'
24" (9/15/12): at 322x appeared fairly faint to
moderately bright, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, high surface
brightness though contains a brighter nucleus. One of the brighter members in a dense group of galaxies and
forms a tight trio with NGC 70 1.0' NE and NGC 71 1.3' SE. In addition,
18" (11/14/09): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter. Appears as a compact knot (like a core) of moderate surface brightness with no outer halo. Forms the southwest vertex of a tight trio with NGC 70 and NGC 71 in a dense group.
17.5" (8/27/87): faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration. This galaxy is the brightest in a compact group and first in an interconnected trio with NGC 70 1.0' NE and NGC 71 1.2' SE. An extremely difficult galaxy, NGC 67, is just 0.9' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 68 = H. V-16 = h15 on 11 Sep
1784 (sweep 266) and recorded "eF, 5 or 6' dia, 3 or 4 stars in it; but
they seem to have connection with it." This is the only galaxy Herschel discovered in the group but
he listed it in his fifth class of "large" nebulae. Corwin feels it's likely that Herschel
saw the merged light of NGC's 68, 70, and 71 (3 brightest in a small triangle
in the core). John Herschel made a
similar observation. On 16 Sep
1828 he wrote "An extr F cluster with neb 5' diam. Several *s 15...18m. Seen distinctly, but there is also
unresolved nebulosity. R.J.
Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 7 Oct 1855, made a sketch of NGC 67, 68,
69, 70, 71, 72, 74 (Plate XXV, Fig. 1, 1861 LdR publication). The NGC position matches
******************************
NGC 69 = Arp 113 = VV 166e = Holm 6f = MCG +05-01-066 = CGCG 499-105 = WBL 007-007 = PGC 1191
00 18 20.5 +30 02 24; And
V = 14.8; Size 0.5'x0.3'
24" (9/15/12): faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter, bright quasi-stellar nucleus.
Member of the compact NGC 68 group and first in a string with
18" (11/14/09): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter. Located 1.6' SSE of NGC 71 and a similar separation due west of NGC 72.
17.5" (8/27/87): extremely faint and small, faint stellar nucleus. In the core of the NGC 68 group with NGC 67 1.8' NW, NGC 71 1.6' NNE, NGC 72 1.8' E.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 69 on
7 Oct 1855, while observing the NGC 68 group. It's clearly shown on the sketch on plate XXV in the 1861
publication. The NGC position matches
******************************
NGC 70 = Arp 113 = VV 166a = Holm 6c = UGC 174 = MCG +05-01-067 = CGCG 499-108 = WBL 007-010 = IC 1539 = PGC 1194
00 18 22.6 +30 04 47; And
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 0°
24" (9/15/12): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S. Extends between two mag 14 stars separated by 42". Sharply concentrated with a small, high surface brightness core and a much fainter halo.
18" (11/14/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, sandwiched between two mag 13.5-14 stars at the NNE and SW ends [42" separation]. Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and a diffuse, low surface brightness halo that might extend to 0.8'x0.6', though the stars confuse the extent of the halo. Forms the northern member of a very tight trio with NGC 71 1' SSE and NGC 68 1' SW. A total of 9 members were viewed within a 7' circle!
17.5" (8/27/87): very faint, very small, round, small bright core. Located in the core of NGC 68 group and nearly between two mag 13.5 stars 25" NE and 20" SSW. In an interconnected trio with NGC 68 1.0' SW and NGC 71 1.0' SSE.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 70 on
7 Oct 1855 while observing the NGC 68 group. It was accurately placed on the sketch (plate XXV, fig 1) in
the 1861 publication. The NGC
position matches
Heber Curtis, in his 1918 description of nebulae photographed with the Crossley reflector at Lick, misidentified NGC 70 as NGC 68.
******************************
NGC 71 = Arp 113 = VV 166c = Holm 6b = UGC 173 = MCG +05-01-068 = CGCG 499-107 = WBL 007-009 = PGC 1197
00 18 23.5 +30 03 48; And
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4
24" (9/15/12): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a high surface brightness 0.4' core and a much fainter halo to 40" diameter. In a tight group of 10 galaxies including NGC 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 74, along with numerous stars mixed in! A mag 14 star is 40" ENE.
18" (11/14/09): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter. Compact appearance with a fairly high uniform surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is close following [38" ENE]. Forms the SE vertex of a tight equilateral triangle of galaxies with NGC 68 and NGC 70.
17.5" (8/27/87): very faint, small, oval ~E-W, weak concentration. Member of the NGC 68 group and third in a close trio with NGC 68 1.2' NW and NGC 70 1.0' NNW.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 71 on 7 Oct 1855 while observing the NGC 68 group. It was accurately placed on the sketch (plate XXV, fig 1) in the 1861 publication. Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the galaxy on 23 Sep 1865.
******************************
NGC 72 = Arp 113 = VV 166d = Holm 6d = UGC 176 = MCG +05-01-069 = CGCG 499-109 = WBL 007-011 = PGC 1204
00 18 28.3 +30 02 26; And
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 15°
24" (9/15/12): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 30"x24", very small brighter nucleus. Member of the compact NGC 68 group and in a string with NGC 60 1.7' W and NGC 72A 1.3' ESE.
18" (11/14/09): faint, small, slightly elongated, 35"x30" diameter, low even surface brightness. Located 2-3' SE of a tight trio (NGC 68/70/71). NGC 72A, an extremely compact galaxy, lies 1.3' E.
17.5" (8/27/87): very faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. Located in the core of the NGC 68 group with NGC 72A 1.3' ESE, NGC 69 1.8' W, NGC 71 1.7' NW.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 72 on
7 Oct 1855 while observing the NGC 68 group. It was accurately placed on the sketch (plate XXV, fig 1) in
the 1861 publication. The NGC
position matches
******************************
00 18 39.0 -15 19 20; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 145°
17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core. A mag 14/15 double star is close following (separation of 24" oriented SW-NE).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 73 = Sw. 5-5 on 21 Oct 1886 with
a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and logged "vF; S; R; vF D*
close following." His
position is 30" N of
******************************
00 18 49.3 +30 03 42; And
V = 14.5; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 130°
24" (9/15/12): faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.25', broad weak concentration. On the east side of the NGC 67-72 group, 5.6' due east of NGC 71.
18" (11/14/09): extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2'. Appears as a phantom streak with averted vision. Located ~6' E of the NGC 68/70/71 triple and furthest east member of the group.
17.5" (8/27/87): very faint, small, elongated NW-SE, diffuse, even surface brightness. Located 6' E of NGC 71 at the east edge of the NGC 68/NGC 70 group.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 74 on
7 Oct 1855 while observing the NGC 68 group. It was accurately placed on the sketch (plate XXV, fig 1) in
the 1861 publication. Bigourdan
measured an accurate position on 29 Sep 1886, matching
******************************
00 19 26.4 +06 26 57; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, round, bright core,
stellar nucleus. Located 5' SE of
an isosceles triangle of mag 11/12 stars with sides 1.3', 1.6' and 1.7'. Mag 7.2
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 75 = Sw. 5-6 on 22 Oct 1886 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 6 sec of RA west and 48" north of UGC 182 = PGC 1255.
******************************
00 19 37.8 +29 56 01; And
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 80°
24" (8/31/16): fairly faint to moderately bright,
fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 30"x25", very small bright
nucleus. Forms a close pair with
17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~E-W, small bright core.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 76 = Big. 1 on 22 Sep 1884 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory. This was Bigourdan's first discovery.
******************************
00 20 01.6 -22 31 56; Cet
V = 14.6; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint spot on the threshold
of visibility with averted vision.
Only glimpsed for moments several times although sighting certain. Located 3.1' ESE of a mag 11.5 star. Next closest is a 14th mag star 4.0'
WSW. Incorrectly identified in the
RNGC as
17.5" (10/21/95): not seen, though viewed through thin clouds.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 77 = LM 2-280 in 1886 using the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick observatory in Charlottesville,
Virginia. Although the discovery
positions at the observatory were generally very imprecise due to poorly
calibrated circles (in this case off by 30 tsec in RA), Howe measured an
accurate position (given in the IC 2 Notes section), which matches
******************************
00 20 27.5 +00 50 01; Psc
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 80°
17.5" (8/20/88): this is a double system with the southwestern member appearing faint, very small, round, bright core. The companion is attached at the northeast end and appears very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. The two components are separated by just 30" and within a common halo.
Carl Frederick Pechüle discovered NGC 78 around 1876 using
the 11-inch Merz refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory. The discovery must have been
communicated directly to Dreyer as it was included in the GC Supplement (5094),
but there was no published announcement.
The NGC position is 1.5' north of
******************************
00 21 02.9 +22 34 00; And
V = 14.0; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (11/22/08): fairly faint, small, round, 25"
diameter, broad weak concentration.
This member of the
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, fairly small, almost round,
broad concentration. Located at
the NW end of the NGC 80 group 9.1' NW of
13.1" (9/29/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 79 = Big. 2, along with
NGC 86 and 94, on 14 Nov 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory at the
NW end of the NGC 80 group. His
position matches
******************************
NGC 80 = UGC 203 = MCG +04-02-004 = CGCG 479-006 = WBL 009-003 = PGC 1351
00 21 10.9 +22 21 26; And
V = 12.1; Size 1.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (11/22/08): this giant lenticular galaxy is the
brightest in a visually rich group (WBL 009), with 20 galaxies viewed in a 25'
circle. At 283x it appeared fairly
bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a very bright 30" core that
increases to the center and a much fainter outer halo. The closest cluster members are
17.5" (9/19/87): moderately bright, fairly small, sharp
concentration, very bright core, stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group with NGC 81, 83, 85, 86, 91, 93, 94,
96,
13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, fairly small, almost round, small bright core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 80 = h16 on 17 Aug 1828 and
noted "F; S; R; psbM; 15"." The NGC 80 group was observed 5 times by Lord Rosse's
assistants. On 19 Sep 1857, R.J.
Mitchell wrote, "S; R; or nearly so; and lbM." The NGC position matches
******************************
00 21 13.3 +22 22 58; And
V = 15.2; Size 0.3'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 84°
18" (11/22/08): this companion to NGC 80 appeared extremely faint and small, round, just 6"-10" diameter. A mag 15 star lies 0.7' NNW. Located 1.7' NNE of NGC 80.
17.5" (9/19/87): extremely faint and small, slightly elongated. Two mag 15 stars are close NW, the nearer star is 40" NW. Located just 1.6' NNE of NGC 80 in a group.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 81 on 15 Nov 1873 during one of the observations with Lord Rosse's 72" of the GC 38 = NGC 80 group. Copeland described a "F neb, fairly certain. Pos 212.3°, dist 219.5" from [NGC 83]". His micrometric offset matches PGC 1352. Corwin notes that Bigourdan mistook a star NW of the galaxy (mentioned in my visual observation of the galaxy) as NGC 81.
******************************
00 21 17.4 +22 27 42; And
= *, Corwin and Carlson.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 82 = Big. 3 on 23 Oct 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory. According to Corwin, Bigourdan's offset matches a star at 00 21 17.4 +22 27 42 (2000). NGC 82 is incorrectly equated with NGC 83 in the MCG.
******************************
NGC 83 = UGC 206 = MCG +04-02-005 = CGCG 479-008 = WBL 009-004 = PGC 1371
00 21 22.5 +22 26 01; And
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (11/22/08): fairly faint, small, round, 20"-24" diameter, weak concentration. Cradled by three brighter mag 10-10.5 stars off the following side with the closest 0.9' SSE. NGC 83 is the brightest in a subgroup that is currently "falling into" the larger NGC 80 subgroup.
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, slightly elongated
NW-SE, broad concentration. This
is the second brightest member of the NGC 80 group with NGC 80 5.3' SSW and the
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, very small, round. Three mag 10 stars follow. Located 5' NE of NGC 80 is a group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 83 = h17 on 17 Aug 1828 and recorded "E; perhaps bicentral; makes trapezium with three B stars." R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 26 Oct 1854, noted "round and brighter in the middle." Édouard Stephan made an observation on 2 Nov 1877 and Engelhardt measured an accurate micrometric position.
This galaxy is identified as NGC 82/83 in MCG although NGC 82 refers to a star.
******************************
00 21 21.3 +22 37 03; And
= *, Thomson and Corwin. Incorrectly identified in the RNGC as MCG +04-02-010.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 84 = Big. 4 on 14 Nov 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory. At his position is a single star. The RNGC misidentifies MCG +04-02-010 as NGC 84. The identification was discussed in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal for July, 1991.
******************************
00 21 25.5 +22 30 43; And
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5
18" (11/22/08): faint, very small, slightly elongated, ~18"x15". Forms a very close pair with IC 1546 = NGC 85B just 0.9' SE within the NGC 80 cluster. Situated between NGC 83 4.7' S and NGC 86 2.8' N.
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated. Forms a close pair with IC 1546 = NGC 85B 53" ESE and NGC 83 lies 5' S.
13.1" (9/29/84): extremely faint, very diffuse, small, almost round. Located 5' N of NGC 83.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 85 on 15 Nov 1873 using Lord
Rosse's 72" and recorded "eeF, cL, R neb, was certainly and
repeatedly seen. Pos 7.4°, dist
289.2" or 2.7s f, 4'46" N of [N83]. His micrometric offset points directly at
******************************
NGC 86 = MCG +04-02-009 = CGCG 479-011 = WBL 009-007 = PGC 1383
00 21 28.6 +22 33 24; And
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 9°
18" (11/22/08): this member of the NGC 80 group appeared faint, very small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~20"x14". Elongated in the direction of a mag 12.5 star located just 0.7' S of center. NGC 85 lies 2.8' S.
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, very small, elongated ~N-S. A mag 12.5 star is 35" S. MCG +04-02-010 (incorrectly identified in RNGC as NGC 84) lies 2.2' NNE. Located 4' N of NGC 85 in the NGC 80 group.
13.1" (9/29/84): extremely faint, very small, round. A mag 13 star is close S.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 86 = Big. 5 on 14 Nov 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory, along with NGCs 79 and 94.
******************************
00 21 14.2 -48 37 42; Phe
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): fairly faint,
fairly small, irregularly round, 0.7' diameter, low even surface
brightness. Westernmost and second
faintest in the compact Phoenix Quartet (Rose 34) with
John Herschel discovered NGC 87 = h2316 (along with NGC 88, 89, 92) on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF, vS, R, gbM, first of four." The next sweep two nights later he logged "eF; S; R. The first of a group of four nebulae."
******************************
NGC 88 = ESO 194-010 = Rose 34 = AM 0018-485 = PGC 1370 = Robert's Quartet = Phoenix Group
00 21 22.0 -48 38 24; Phe
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 145°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, very small bright core. An extremely faint star is attached at the SW end. This galaxy is the faintest in the Phoenix Quartet (Rose 34) and centered in an equilateral triangle of galaxies with NGC 87 1.5' NW, NGC 92 1.9' NE and NGC 89 1.5' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 88 = h2317 (along with NGC 87, 89 and 92) on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF, vS, R, 2nd of 4, in centre of gravity of the others.".
******************************
NGC 89 = ESO 194-011 = Rose 34 = AM 0018-485 = SCG 0018-4854 = PGC 1374 = Robert's Quartet = Phoenix Group
00 21 24.4 -48 39 55; Phe
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 148°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5', very small slightly brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. Has a slightly higher surface brightness than NGC 92. Furthest southern member of the compact Phoenix Quartet (Rose 34) with NGC 87, 88, and 92. NGC 88 lies 1.5' N and a faint star is 43" N (at the midpoint to NGC 88).
John Herschel discovered NGC 89 = h2318 (along with NGC 87, 88 and 92) on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; gbM. The 3rd of four."
******************************
00 21 51.4 +22 24 00; And
V = 13.7; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 113°
48" (10/30/16): at 488x and 610x; bright, oval 3:2 E-W,
sharply concentrated with a very bright roundish core (slightly elongated at
610x) and a fairly large oval halo, ~60"x40". A spiral arm is visible on the
northwest side, curling clockwise to the south but the long, thin tidally
stretched extensions to the northwest and southeast were not seen. Forms a striking (interacting) pair
with
NGC 90 = Arp 65 was classified as a Spiral galaxy with
small, high surface-brightness companions on arms.
18" (11/22/08): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.5'x0.35'; contains a small, round, brighter core. NGC 93 lies 2.8' ENE and a mag 12 star is 1.4' SW.
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, small (only the central portion of the galaxy observed), slightly elongated, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 1.3' SW. Forms a pair with NGC 93 2.8' E. Located on the east side of the NGC 80 group 7.0' ESE of NGC 83.
13.1" (9/29/84): very faint, elongated NW-SE. A mag 13 star is 1' SW.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 90 and
93 on 26 Oct 1854. His description mentioned "Several S; F neb visible at
once in finder" so John Herschel assumed at least 3 objects were
discovered, which he catalogued as GC 40, 41, 42. But a sketch of the NGC 90 field shows only two nebulae
labeled as Alpha (now NGC 90) and Beta (now NGC 93). Herman Schultz observed the field on 17 Oct 1866 with the
9.6" refractor at Uppsala and measured an object he thought was GC 40, but
was actually Mitchell's Alpha. His
micrometric position matches
Modern catalogues misidentify UGC 208 as NGC 91 but Schultz's position for NGC 91 falls precisely on a very faint star 1.9' S. This misidentification may have originated in Curtis' description of nebulae (1918) based on Crossley photographs at Lick observatory. See Corwin's notes for further discussion.
******************************
00 21 51.6 +22 22 06; And
V = 14.8
48" (10/30/16): this number applies to a mag 14.8 star 1.9' due south of the center of NGC 90 = Arp 65.
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 91 on 17 Oct 1866 with the 9.6" refractor at Uppsala Observatory. Schultz's micrometric position of 00 21 52.1 +22 22 06 (2000) pinpoints NGC 91 as a mag 15 star at 00 21 51.6 +22 22 06. Lord Rosse and d'Arrest are credited with this number in the NGC, but Corwin notes this star was not mentioned in the Birr Castle observations of the field nor by d'Arrest. All modern catalogues misidentify NGC 90 = UGC 208 = PGC 1405 as NGC 91.
******************************
NGC 92 = ESO 194-012 = Rose 34 = AM 0018-485 = PGC 1388 = Robert's Quartet = Phoenix Group
00 21 31.6 -48 37 30; Phe
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 144°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): this galaxy is the brightest member and furthest east in the compact Phoenix Quartet (Rose 34). It appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', broad concentration to a bright core. A faint tidal tail to the SE was not seen. The nearby members of the quartet are NGC 87 2.9' W, NGC 88 1.9' SW and NGC 89 2.6' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 92 = h2319 (along with NGC 87, 88 and 89) on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, R, gbM; 20" across. The last of four"."
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NGC 93 = Arp 65 = UGC 209 = MCG +04-02-012 = CGCG 479-015 = WBL 009-010 = PGC 1412
00 22 03.3 +22 24 29; And
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 48°
48" (10/30/16): at 488x and 610x; very bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.3', well concentrated with an intense core that elongates into a bar with averted vision. A low surface brightness outer halo increases the size to 1.0'x0.45'. Three mag 13.5-14 stars are close following. Forms a striking interacting pair with NGC 90 2.8' WSW.
18" (11/22/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 0.5'x0.2', contains a very small brighter core. A triangle of mag 13.5-14 stars follows by 1'-2'. NGC 90 lies 2.8' W.
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, very small, oval SW-NE, faint stellar nucleus, bright core. This is a double system with an anonymous companion 35" S. Three mag 13.5-14 stars follow at 1.2' E, 1.9' E and 1.9' ESE forming a small right triangle. Forms a pair with NGC 90 2.8' W at the east side of the NGC 80 group.
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, very elongated. There is a trio of very faint stars to the east.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 93 and 90 on 26 Oct 1854 and labeled it as "Beta" on his sketch. The description mentions "Several S; F neb visible at once in finder" so John Herschel assumed at least 3 objects were discovered, which he catalogued as GC 40, 41, 42, but only two are labeled on the sketch. NGC 93 was independently found by Heinrich d'Arrest on 5 Oct 1864 and catalogued by Dreyer as GC(S) 5098, as he was unsure of the positions and identifications. Stephan observed NGC 90 and 93 (identified as GC 5097 and 5098) on 12 Oct 1869. The two GC entries, #42 and #5098, were combined under NGC 93.
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00 22 13.6 +22 28 59; And
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 25°
18" (11/22/08): faint, very small, elongated 4:3,
~20"x15". This member of
the NGC 80 group forms a nearly contact pair with
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, round, small bright core. Forms a close pair with an anonymous galaxy (2MASX J00221387+2228242) 35" SSE. Located on the east edge of the NGC 80 group.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 94 = Big. 6 on 14 Nov
1884 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory, along with NGCs 79,
86 and 96. His position is a
reasonable match with
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00 22 13.6 +10 29 31; Psc
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 75°
17.5" (12/19/87): moderately bright, moderately large, round, bright core, very faint stellar nucleus, diffuse halo. A mag 12 star is 2.0' NE of center.
13.1" (12/19/87): faint, small, round, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 95 = H. II-257 = h19 on 18 Oct 1784 (sweep 298) and logged "F, S, R, lbM." He found it again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 477) and noted "F, pL, mbM, iR." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; pL; R; gbM."
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NGC 96 = MCG +04-02-014 = PGC 1429
00 22 17.8 +22 32 47; And
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6
18" (11/22/08): very faint, small, round, 24" diameter, irregular surface brightness. Occasionally a faint star at the edge or possibly a stellar nucleus sparkles. Last of 20 galaxies viewed in the NGC 80 group. The SDSS reveals a faint star is superimposed.
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, slightly larger but more diffuse than NGC 94. Located at the NE edge of the NGC 80 group.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 96 = Big. 7 on 24 Oct 1884 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory. 10 days earlier he discovered NGCs 79, 86 and 94 in the NGC 80 group.
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00 22 30.0 +29 44 43; And
V = 12.3; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 30" WSW and a mag 14 star 1.3' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 97 = h18 on 16 Sep 1828 and recorded "F; R; g; bM; 15"."
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00 22 49.5 -45 16 09; Phe
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 0°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, sharply concentrated with a bright core and very small bright nucleus.
John Herschel discovered NGC 98 = h2320 on 6 Sep 1834 and
recorded as "very faint; round; brighter in the middle;
resolvable." His position
(single observation) matches
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00 23 59.4 +15 46 12; Psc
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.2
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, fairly small, round, weak
concentration. A mag 14 star is
1.4' WNW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 99 = St. 13-3 on 8 Oct 1883 (date the position was reduced) and recorded "vF, R, 1' dia, gbM."
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NGC 100 = UGC 231 = MCG +03-02-009 = CGCG 457-012 = FGC 42 = Holm 9a = PGC 1525
00 24 02.6 +16 29 10; Psc
V = 13.3; Size 5.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 56°
48" (11/8/15): bright, extremely large and thin edge-on 10:1 WSW-ENE, extends at least 4.0'x0.4'. A brighter central region extends ~2' in length and the outer extensions fade significantly and taper towards the tips as they dim out. A mag 15.3 star is just beyond the east end of the galaxy. Four mag 15.2-16.2 stars (in an E-W string) lie within 2.5' south of the galaxy.
17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, thin edge-on 7:1 WSW-ENE, moderately large, 2.0'x0.3', weak concentration. NGC 99 lies 42' S.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 100 = Sw. 3-1 on 10 Nov 1885 with
a 16" refractor at his Warner Observatory. His description reads "vF; pS; vE" and the
position matches
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00 23 54.5 -32 32 12; Scl
V = 12.8; Size 2.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 84°
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W, low surface brightness.
John Herschel discovered NGC 101 = h2321 on 25 Sep 1834 and
logged as "pretty bright; pretty large; a little elongated; 45";
precedes a star of 14th magnitude."
On a later sweep he noted "very faint; round or very little
elongated; gradually brighter in the middle; 15 arcseconds." So the two observation differ
significantly in terms of brightness.
His position matches
Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 5 Oct 1885 with the Melbourne telescope and wrote "pF, pL, a little elongated following and preceding, about 70" long and 50" broad. A star 14m following, a little north. This object is not conspicuous - it is quite flat - or evenly lighted and the outline is not sharp."
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00 24 36.5 -13 57 22; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 140°
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, round, bright core.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 102 = LM 1-3 in 1886 with the 26-inch refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and described as "0.2'. Round." His rough position is just 1' S of MCG -02-02-011 = PGC 1542.
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00 25 17 +61 19 18; Cas
V = 9.8; Size 5'
24" (1/4/14): at 125x and 260x, ~40 stars mag 12-15 were resolved, mostly within or near a distinctive 3.3' string oriented SSW-NNE. Two brighter mag 11.8/12.3 stars lie at the N end of the string, just detached from the richest clump of stars near the center of the cluster. Another sparser string of stars is parallel and just 1' W of the main string. A string of stars oriented N-S is detached to the SE of the main string. Observed with a 4 day moon up.
13.1" (10/20/84): 20 faint stars over unresolved haze, very elongated SSW-NNE. Two mag 11 stars are at the north end.
John Herschel discovered NGC 103 = h20 on 5 Oct 1829 and
recorded, "pS, p compressed cl; 3' diam; st 11...18m in 2 or 3 principal
branches. If this be VI 35 [NGC
136], there must be a mistake in my father's obs or mine of 6m in
RA." Herschel's conjecture
was wrong -
The first observation was made by William Herschel on 26 Nov 1788 (sweep 887). He noted "clustering, small stars, considerable rich", but didn't assign it a discovery number. He mentioned again, though, in his 1817 paper "Astronomical observations and experiments tending to investigate the local arrangement of the celestial bodies in space, and to determine the extent and conditions of the Milky Way."
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00 24 05.2 -72 04 50; Tuc
V = 4.0; Size 30.9'; Surf Br = 0.1
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; the core was distinctly orange-yellow. In addition, I immediately noted a couple of obvious orange supergiants at the south edge of the core and in the outer halo on the east side.
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 163x and 264x): absolutely stunning view in the 30" at 163x and 264x. Even in the 37' field of the 21mm Ethos, the stars appeared to fill the entire field, only thinning out near the edge. The pinpoint stars were amazingly packed, but increased in intensity to a relatively small, blazing core, which was plastered with resolved stars. The very center of the nucleus contained a small, intense knot overlaid with packed stars giving a strong impression of layers. I immediately noticed the core had a pale yellowish tint.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at low power (76x using a 27mm Panoptic) the blazing core had an unusual, pale yellow hue.
20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this was the best view I had of 47 Tucanae during the week. At 212x, the entire 23' field was packed edge-to-edge with pinpoint stars and the blazing, intense core, which had a yellowish tint, was resolved into a mesmerizing dense mat of stars. The halo extended to at least 30'.
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this breathtaking globular was viewed at over 50° elevation and was stunningly resolved into several thousand stars out to a diameter of over 25'. The star density steadily increases towards the center. The relatively small 4' core was blazing and highly resolved right to the edge of a very small compressed nucleus. A 3-dimensional affect was very strong with layers of stars forming a dense mat over the core. Many of the stars in the halo are connected in chains and lanes. The 9 mm Nagler did a better job of busting apart the stars in the core, although the cluster overfilled the field at this power. Although the total visual magnitude is just slightly fainter than Omega Centauri and the size slightly smaller, 47 Tucanae is certainly equal if not surpassing Omega Centauri in visual impact due to its dazzling central blaze.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): While at Bargo, I observed 47 Tucanae for the first time. Though still very low in the sky the view was thrilling. At 186x, the globular filled the 26' field with an uncountable number of stars. Strongly concentrated to an intense, blazing core which was only partially resolved at a low elevation. The highly resolved outer halo extended ~25' in an irregular outline while the central halo was very symmetric. This is the most prominent naked-eye GC as so much of its light is concentrated into the central core and it lies in a sparse field with no other rivals other than the SMC.
Naked-eye: easy 4th magnitude naked-eye blur just west of the SMC, seen many times from the southern hemisphere. Visible in a dark sky while very low in the sky and from suburban locations when higher in the sky.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered the nebulous appearance of NGC 104 = Lac I-1 = D 18 = 47 Tucanae = h2322 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. It appeared "like the nucleus of a fairly bright comet." He placed it in group I, consisting of nebulae without stars. The cluster was noted, though, as a "star" in Bayer's Uranometria, which was first published in 1603. The designation "47 Tuc" comes from Bode's extension of Flamsteed numbers to the southern constellations (these are not used today except for 47 Tuc and 30 Dor).
With his 9-inch speculum reflector, James Dunlop logged "(47 Toucan, Bode) this is a beautiful large round nebula, about 8' diameter, very gradually condensed to the centre. This beautiful globe of light is easily resolved into stars of a dusky colour. The compression to the centre is very great, and the stars are considerably scattered south preceding and north following." His sketch (figure 1 in his catalogue) shows a beautifully resolved, elongated cluster.
John Herschel observed it for the first time on 11 Apr 1834 and logged "the great cluster preceding the Nubecula Minor. Estimated dia of the denser portion 5'; of the whole (not, however, including loose stragglers) 8'. Stars 14..16 mag. and one of 12th mag N.p. the centre. Excessively compressed. (N.B. In a sweep below the pole, when of course owing to the low altitude much of the light was lost.)" His observation of 12 Aug 1834 reads: "A most glorious cluster. The stars are equal, 14th mag., immensely numerous and compressed. Its last outliers extend to a distance of 2 min, 16 sec in RA from the centre. It is compressed to a blaze of light at the centre, the diameter of the more compressed part being 30 arcsec in RA. It is at first very gradual, then pretty suddenly very much brighter in the middle. It is completely insulated. After it has passed, the ground of the sky is perfectly black throughout the whole breadth of the sweep. There is a double star 11th mag. preceding the centre (Pos. 226.5 - 6.5 arcsec in RA from centre of neb.)" On 21 Sep 1835 he wrote: "Fills the field with its stragglers, condensation in three distinct stages, first very gradually, next pretty suddenly, and finally very suddenly very much brighter in the middle up to a central blaze whose diameter in RA is 13.5 sec and whose colour is ruddy or orange-yellow, which contrasts evidently with the white light of the rest. The stars are all nearly equal (12..14 mag). A stupendous object." His final record of the object was on 5 Nov 1836: "A most magnificent globular cluster. It fills the field with its outskirts, but within its more compressed part, I can insulate a tolerably defined circular space of 90" dia wherein the compression is much more decided and the stars seem to run together; and this part I think has a pale pinkish or rose-colour." In his diary Herschel also refers to the "Rose coloured central mass".
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00 25 16.8 +12 53 02; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 167°
17.5" (12/19/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration. Two mag 13.5 star lie 0.7' W and 1.4' ESE. Situated in a group of six mag 13/14 stars.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 105 = St. 13-4 = Sw. 5-7 on 15 Oct 1884 (date position reduced) with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. His description reads "eF, S, R, vlbM". Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy again on 31 Oct 1886 and included it in his 5th discovery list (#7). His position is just 5 seconds of RA too small and the description "inside of and near [the] preceding corner of equilateral triangle" applies.
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00 24 43.8 -05 08 55; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 80°
17.5" (9/17/88): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 106 = LM 1-4 in 1886 with
the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position in list I is 1.0
tmin E of
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00 25 42.1 -08 16 59; Cet
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 140°
17.5" (9/17/88): very faint, very small, round, low
even surface brightness. Located
4.9' NW of mag 7.8
Otto Struve discovered NGC 107 on 14 Jan 1866 with the 15-inch Merz & Mahler refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. It was found while unsuccessfully searching for Comet Biela. This is one of 4 NGC galaxies Struve discovered in his search (the comet never returned after 1852) and 3 others that had been previously discovered. MCG (-02-02-014) doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 107, although the identity is certain.
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00 25 59.8 +29 12 43; And
V = 12.1; Size 2.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (10/17/87): moderately bright, fairly small, small very bright core, faint extensions SSW-NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 108 = H. III-148 = h21 on 11 Sep 1874 (sweep 266) and noted "vF, pL, lbM." John Herschel made two observations, logging on 16 Sep 1828 (sweep 178): "pB; R; psbM; 20"."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 3 Nov 1855, recorded "E sp nf, the arms being vF, and p one rather the brighter, they are perhaps cut off from central Nucl. by dark spaces, but all this is very uncertain. Night not good."
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00 26 14.6 +21 48 27; And
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 77°
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, oval ~E-W. Located about 75' SE of the NGC 80 group.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 109 = Au 3 on 8 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen (early discovery) and described it (combining two observations) as "vF, vS, R. Forms a quadrilateral with 3 stars." Auwers included it as #3 in his 1862 list of new nebulae.
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00 27 25.4 +71 23 27; Cas
17.5" (9/2/89): this is a loose group of mag 11-14 stars surrounding a mag 10 star. Near the bright star are several faint stars in a string. The status as a cluster is doubtful and this is very possibly a random grouping.
John Herschel discovered NGC 110 = h22 on 29 Oct 1831 and recorded "a very loose; p rich cl; *s 9...12m; *9m in middle taken."
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00 26 42 -02 38; Cet
= Not found, SG.
= possibly equal to
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 111 = LM 2-281 in 1886
and recorded "vF, vS, R, lbM, *8.5, preceding 36s and 2' N, RA
doubtful". There is nothing
at his position and the RNGC misidentifies
John Ponting has suggested NGC 111 is identical to NGC 758, though the RA is 1.5 hours off and the declination is 20' off. See Corwin's NGC ID notes for more on this suggestion.
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00 26 48.8 +31 42 11; And
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 108°
17.5" (11/25/87): faint, small, oval WNW-ESE, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 1.8' WSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 112 = Sw. 2-9 on 17 Sep 1885 with
a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His RA is just 4 sec east of
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NGC 113 = MCG -01-02-016 = PGC 1656
00 26 54.6 -02 30 03; Cet
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 45°
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core, faint stellar nucleus.
Located 43' S of the
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 113 = T. 1-1 = T. 4-1 on 27 Aug 1876 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. He described it as a "class III nebula, small, mag 14-15 nucleus."
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NGC 114 = UGC 259 = MCG +00-02-027 = CGCG 383-014 = PGC 1660
00 26 58.2 -01 47 11; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165°
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, round, very small bright
core. Forms a twin of
Truman Safford discovered NGC 114 = Sf. 114 = T. 4-2, along with NGC 118, on 23 Sep 1867 with the 18.5" Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. The discovery list was not published until 1887 so Safford wasn't credited in the NGC. Wilhelm Tempel independently found the galaxy on 27 Sep 1880 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and included it in his 4th discovery paper. Tempel was credited with the discovery in the main NGC table.
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00 26 46.1 -33 40 36; Scl
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 127°
17.5" (12/3/88): extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE. An unequal double star is 1' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 115 = h2323 on 25 Sep 1834 and
recorded "faint; large; very little elongated; 60" across; has a
double stars 2.5' distant N.p.".
His position and description matches
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00 27 05.2 -07 40 07; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 99°
17.5" (9/17/88): faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W, bright core. A mag 11 star is 2.5' SSW. The NGC identification of this galaxy is uncertain.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 116 = Nova #14 on 14 Jan 1866
while searching for Biela's Comet.
He was using the 9.5-inch Merz equatorial at the College Romain as an
assistant to Father Angelo Secchi (see AN 1571). There is nothing at his position but PGC 1671is 15' further
north and Corwin assigns it to NGC 116 (with uncertainty). MCG doesn't label this galaxy as NGC
116.
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00 27 11.0 +01 20 01; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 100°
17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W. A mag 15 star is involved at the west edge 24" from center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 117 = m 8 on 13 Sep 1863 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and described as "F, vS." His position matches
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NGC 118 = UGC 264 = MCG +00-02-032 = CGCG 383-016 = III Zw 9 = PGC 1678
00 27 16.2 -01 46 49; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 40°
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, round, small bright core. Forms a twin of NGC 114 4' W. NGC 124 lies 10' ESE.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 118 = Sf. 91 = T. 4-3, along with NGC 114, on 23 Sep 1867. Wilhelm Tempel found the galaxy again on 27 Sep 1880 (along with NGC 114 and NGC 124) with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and he was credited with the discovery in the NGC.
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00 26 57.6 -56 58 41; Phe
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright and large, irregularly round, ~0.9'x0.8', smooth halo, sharply concentrated with a small, very bright nucleus. Sparsely populated star field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 119 = h2324 on 28 Oct 1834 and recorded "pB; R; psbM; 25 arcsec." His position is accurate.
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00 27 30.0 -01 30 48; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 73°
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, oval WSW-ENE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 16' NNE of the NGC 114/NGC 118 pair.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 120 = T. 4-4a on 27 Sep 1880. In his description of NGC 124 (4th entry in his 4th discovery list), he mentions he found another nebula 10' north of a mag 9.5 star (about 8' north of NGC 124). The NGC position is 5' too far north. Bigourdan measured an accurate mircrometric position on 16 Nov 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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00 26 47.8 -71 32 12; Tuc
V = 11.2; Size 1.5'
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x appeared fairly bright, roundish, 1.3' diameter with a brighter core, no evident resolution. A mag 12 star lies just 1' W of center, a bit beyond the halo. NGC 121 is in the same low power field with 47 Tucanae and 35' SW of mag 6.1 Theta Tuc. This globular is the oldest and most luminous in the SMC, though it is still 2-3 Gyr younger than the oldest galactic globulars.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this is one known classical globular in the SMC. At 186x is appeared fairly faint, small, 1.5'x1' diameter, contains a small brighter core. There was no hint of resolution. Located 35' NNE of 47 Tucanae.
John Herschel discovered NGC 121 = h2325 on 20 Sep 1835 and logged as "pretty bright; a little extended; very gradually brighter in the middle; 40" dia." His position is accurate. It was described as a "Bright globular cluster, near 47 Tucanae" in the 1935 Harvard Observatory Bulletin 899 based on Bruce plates at Arequipa, Peru.
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00 27 38.3 -01 38 26; Cet
= *15?, Gottlieb and Corwin. Not found, RNGC
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 122 = T. 4-4b on 27 Sep 1880
(along with NGC 124) with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri
Observatory. Tempel noted two
nebulae 3'-4' north of a mag 9.5 star.
These numbers may refer to a pair of mag 15.5 stars about 5' NW of the
brighter star. If this is the
case, then NGC 122 is at 00 27 38.3
-01 38 26 (2000) and
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00 27 40.0 -01 37 39; Cet
= *15?, Gottlieb and Corwin. Not found, RNGC
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 123 = T. 4-4c on 27 Sep 1880 (along with NGC 120, 122 and 124) with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. In the observation, Tempel noted two nebulae 3'-4' north of a mag 9.5 star. These numbers may refer to a pair of mag 15.5 stars about 5' NW of the star. Assuming this identification is correct, then NGC 123 is at 00 27 40.0 -01 37 39 (2000). See Corwin's NGC ID notes.
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NGC 124 = UGC 271 = MCG +00-02-038 = CGCG 383-018 = PGC 1715
00 27 52.3 -01 48 38; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 168°
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, moderately large, oval NNW-SSE, weak concentration. A pair of mag 14 stars are 1.8' W of center. Member of a group with NGC 114 and NGC 118 12' WNW.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 124 = Sf. 92 = T. 4-4d, along with NGC 114 and 118, on 23 Sep 1867. Wilhelm Tempel found the galaxy again on 27 Sep 1880 (along with NGC 114 and 118) with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and reported it as new in his 4th discovery paper. Tempel was credited in the NGC.
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00 28 50.3 +02 50 19; Psc
V = 12.1; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 85°
18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core ~15" diameter surrounded by a faint halo. A 20" pair of mag 12 stars is less than 1' S of center.
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, small, round, very
bright core, stellar nucleus. A
mag 12/13 double star at 20" separation oriented NNW-SSE lies 1' SW. Located 6' WSW of
13.1" (11/5/83): faint, small, round, small bright core. Two stars close SW are oriented N-S. Second brightest of three in the NGC 128 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 125 = H. III-869 = h23,
along with NGC 128, on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and recorded "vF, vS, bM,
N.f. 2 small stars. 300 shewed it
very plainly in the field with the following [NGC 128]. The CGCG failed to label
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00 29 08.1 +02 48 40; Psc
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 110°
18" (12/3/05): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.3'x0.2', weak concentration, low surface brightness but easy with averted vision and slightly brighter than the close companions to NGC 128. Located 3.6' SW of NGC 128 in a group of five. A mag 12 star lies.1.6' NW.
17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, oval ~E-W?. Located 3.6' SSW of NGC 128 in a group.
13.1" (11/5/83): extremely faint, very small. Member of the NGC 128 group.
Bindon Blood Stoney probably discovered NGC 126 on 4 Nov
1850. Lord Rosse's 1861
publication mentions "3 others near [NGC 125 and 128]." But no diagram was given and only two
new objects -
Heinrich d'Arrest measured accurate positions on 19 and 21 Sep 1865 (published in 1867). Édouard Stephan possibly observed it on 23 Aug 1871 as he noted 5 objects in the field (but no separate positions). J.L.E. Dreyer, Lord Rosse's assistant, observed the field on 12 Dec 1874 and reported NGC 126 as "Suspected a nebulous knot between [NGC 125] and [NGC 128], a little south." A sketch in the 1880 publication accurately places NGC 126. Lord Rosse (1) and d'Arrest (2) were credited in the NGC.
******************************
NGC 127 = MCG +00-02-050 = CGCG 383-029 = LGG 006-010 = PGC 1787
00 29 12.4 +02 52 21; Psc
V = 14.8; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 70°
18" (12/3/05): this very close companion to NGC 128 is
quite dim, appearing as an extremely faint knot just 12" diameter with no
details. It is fainter and closer
than
17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, round. Located just 0.8' NW of NGC 128. Faintest of five in the NGC 128 group.
Bindon Blood Stoney and Lord Rosse discovered NGC 127 and NGC 130, on 4 Nov 1850, while observing NGC 128. Stoney reported "2 small objects [NGC 127/130] about equally distant from [NGC 128]. Both Lord Rosse and I thought they were small nebulae, they lie a little below the minor axis of [NGC 128]."
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NGC 128 = UGC 292 = MCG +00-02-051 = CGCG 383-029 = LGG 006-002 = PGC 1791
00 29 15.1 +02 51 51; Psc
V = 11.8; Size 2.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 1°
18" (12/3/05): moderately bright and large, very elongated 7:2 N-S, 1.4'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very bright core that gradually increases to a stellar nucleus. The N-S extensions fade out and taper towards the tips. Flanked on either side of the northern extension by two close companions, NGC 127 and NGC 130, less than 1' NW and 1' NE.
17.5" (10/8/88): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group of five with two extremely close companions: NGC 127 0.8' NW and NGC 130 1.0' ENE. NGC 125 lies 6' WSW.
13.1" (11/5/83): fairly bright, fairly small, spindle N-S.
8" (8/16/82): faint, small, elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 128 = H. II-854 = h25, along with NGC 125, on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and logged "pB, vS, R, vgmbM, pretty well defined on the margin". At Birr Castle on 12 Dec 1874, Dreyer recorded "cE in PA 2.4°, mbM, probably sharp on f side, and a little curved, convex side f; two stars (or eS nebulous knots perhaps?) follow very near."
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00 29 58.5 +60 12 43; Cas
V = 6.5; Size 21'
24" (1/4/14): at 125x and 260x, ~100 stars resolved in
a 10'x5' region elongated N-S. The
cluster is more compressed on the south side, where three mag 9 stars (HD
236429,
17.5" (8/29/92): 60 stars mag 10-15 in the 8'x6'
central region of the cluster formed by an isosceles triangle with vertex at
the south end. Each side of this
triangle includes a mag 10 star and most cluster members are contained within
triangle. No real boundaries and
many mag 15 stars are at the edges of this triangle. Mag 6.0
8": ring-shaped open cluster with stars mag 9-13. There is a line of stars to the north on the east edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 129 = H. VIII-79 = h24 on 16 Dec 1788 (sweep 892) and logged "a coarsely scattered cluster of large stars, mixed with smaller ones, not very rich." John Herschel reported "a * 9m about middle of a vL, coarse sc rich cluster of *s 9..13 which more than fills field."
******************************
NGC 130 = MCG +00-02-052 = CGCG 383-029 = LGG 00-011 = PGC 1794
00 29 18.5 +02 52 13; Psc
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 44°
18" (12/3/05): very faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~0.3'x0.2', weak concentration, easy with averted vision. Slightly brighter of two companions to NGC 128 and situated just off the NE flank, 1.0' from center.
17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, oval ~SW-NE, small bright core. Located 1.0' ENE of NGC 128. Second faintest of five in the NGC 128 group.
Bindon Blood Stoney and Lord Rosse discovered NGC 130 and NGC 127, on 4 Nov 1850, while observing NGC 128. Stoney described "2 small objects about equally distant from [NGC 128]. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (3 different nights) with the 11-inch at Copenhagen.
******************************
00 29 38.3 -33 15 36; Scl
V = 13.2; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 63°
17.5" (12/3/88): very faint, very small, oval WSW-ENE,
weak concentration. A mag 14.5
star is off the ENE edge. Located
9' WSW of much brighter
John Herschel discovered NGC 131 = h2326 on 25 Sep 1834 and logged "pretty bright; pretty large; pretty much elongated; very gradually brighter in the middle." On a later sweep he noted "very faint; the preceding of two. The other [NGC 134] very large and bright."
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00 30 10.6 +02 05 34; Cet
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 40°
17.5" (11/6/88): fairly faint, moderately large, oval SSW-NNE, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.7' NE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 132 = H. II-855 = h26 on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and recorded (summary from 2 observations) "pB, cL, iR, resolvable, vgbM, about 1 1/2' sp a vS star." Bindon Stoney, LdR's observer on 6 Dec 1850, logged "R, F nucleus, 40" broad."
******************************
00 31 17 +63 21 12; Cas
Size 7'
17.5" (10/13/90): about 15 stars including 5 brighter stars forming a "Y" asterism and 10 faint stars. One of the brightest stars is a very close double star (9.7/11.3 at 6") and a curving lane of very faint stars passes through this double star, not rich. This is the poorest of three clusters just north of Kappa Cassiopeia.
8" (8/16/82): group of 8 stars in "Y"
asterism, in field with open cluster
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 133 on 4 Feb 1865 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen and recorded (single observation) a "double star in a group of scattered stars, mag 10 and fainter. Found while observing h28 [NGC 146]. The double star is mag 10 and 11 at a separation of 6"." His position and description matches this weak cluster.
******************************
NGC 134 = ESO 350-023 = MCG -06-02-012 = PGC 1851
00 30 21.5 -33 14 50; Scl
V = 10.4; Size 8.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 50°
17.5" (12/3/88): bright, fairly large, very elongated SW-NE, sharp concentration with a bright core and long faint arms. Two mag 13.5 stars are nearby; one at the preceding edge 40" NW of center and one on the opposite side of the core, 1.5' SE of center. NGC 131 is in the field 9' WSW.
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly bright, very elongated SW-NE, small bright core, sharp edge along the west side. A star is off the preceding side.
8" (11/8/80): fairly faint, elongated, low surface brightness.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 134 = D 599 = D 590 = h2327 with his 9" reflector on 7 Jul 1826. His description for D 599 reads "very faint nebula, about 25" diameter, rather elliptical. North of Eta Caelae Sculptoris. There are four small stars south of the nebula in the form of a lozenge." His position is 22' NNW of the galaxy but the description of the four nearby stars to the south clinches the identification. For D 590 he logged (handwritten notes), "a very faint round nebula, about 2' diameter, rather brighter in the middle, il defined. South following Eta Sculptoris."
John Herschel's positio for h2327 is accurate and he noted it could be identical D 590. His observation on 25 Sep 1834 reads, "vB; vL; vmE; pslbM; 8' long; 1' broad; pos = 47.9°; dies away gradually at both extremities; has a star 10th mag., distance 45", pos = 327.9. On a second sweep on 19 Oct 1835 he logged "bright; large; vmE; pretty suddenly little brighter middle; 4' long; 1' broad; position = 227°; the following of 2." He also sketched the galaxy (Plate VI, figure 19), clearly showing its spindle-shape with tapering edges.
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 134 on 2 Nov 1875 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope (plate I, figure 1 of "Observations of the Southern Nebulae...") and noted, "The present appearance of nebula is exactly as represented in Herschel's sketch; the centre is sharp and stellar-like with power of 255; but with 420 it is more diffused, and somewhat sparkling. A careful examination leaves the impression that it is practically unchanged since Herschel's time, the only difference between his sketch and present aspect being the position of the North star, which in Herschel's sketch is shown in a straight line with the centre of nebula and s.f. star, whilst at present it is somewhat to the n.f. of that point; this may however be the fault of the engraver."
The earliest photograph is probably from 1909-1911 by Knox-Shaw at the Helwan Observatory with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector. It was described as "B, 5' x 1', an elongated spiral."
******************************
00 31 45.9 -13 20 16; Cet
V = 15.2; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (10/21/95): faint, very small, round, weak
concentration with a slightly brighter core. Forms a quadrilateral with three mag 14 stars, all within
2'. Located 3.5' SW of a mag 9.5
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 135 = LM 1-5 on 2 Oct
1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position is 2 min of RA west
(typical error) of
RNGC and PGC (and second sources such as Megastar) misidentify NGC 135 as IC 27 based on their positions. The correct identification is given in NED, HyperLeda and SIMBAD.
******************************
NGC 136 = Cr 4 = OCL-295 = Lund 18
00 31 31 +61 30 36; Cas
V = 11.6; Size 1'
24" (1/4/14): ~10 faint stars are resolved in a small,
circular patch ~1' diameter, over unresolved haze. A small detached group to the southeast increases the total
to 15 stars and the size to 2'.
Most of the resolved stars are mag 14-15. Located ~6' NE of mag 8.5
17.5" (8/16/93): 7-8 faint stars mag 14 resolved in very tight, compact group of 1.5' diameter, over background haze. A few additional stars trail to the SE so there are about 10 stars in the group. Located 6' NE of mag 8.3 SAO 11238.
13.1" (10/20/84): 5 or 6 very faint stars 13/14 over haze. Appears similar to a small, faint gc with no strong concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 136 = H. VI-35 on 26 Nov 1788 (sweep 887) and described a "a small cluster of vF, exceedingly compressed stars about 1' diam. The next step to an easily resolvable nebula." He considered this cluster a miniature globular.
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00 30 58.1 +10 12 30; Psc
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (12/19/87): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 1' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 137 = H. II-471 on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 477) and logged "F, irr figure, lbM." His position is very accurate. Heinrich d'Arrest also measured an accurate position.
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00 30 59.2 +05 09 35; Psc
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 175°
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, small, oval N-S, small
bright core, stellar nucleus. A
mag 11 star is 1' N. Brightest in
a trio with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 138 = m 9 (along with NGC 139 and NGC 141) on 29 Aug 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "F, eS, sbM." Marth's position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 139 = CGCG 409-022 = PGC 1900
00 31 06.4 +05 04 43; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, small, almost round. Located in a group with NGC 138 5' NNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 139 = m 10 (along with NGC 138
and NGC 141) on 29 Aug 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged
"eF, S." Marth's
position is 2' N of
******************************
00 31 20.5 +30 47 32; And
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 45°
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, broad concentration. Two faint stars following including a mag 15 star 44" SSE.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 140 = Sf. 60 = St. 12-5 on 8 Oct 1866 with the 18" refractor at Dearborn Observatory and described it as "probably a small cluster". His discovery list was not published until 1887, too late to be credited in the NGC. Édouard Stephan independently found the galaxy on 5 Nov 1882 and is credited with the discovery in the NGC.
******************************
NGC 141 = CGCG 409-027 = PGC 1918
00 31 17.5 +05 10 47; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 0°
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, round, weak concentration. Located 5' ENE of NGC 138 in a compact trio.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 141 = m 11 (along with NGC 139
and NGC 138) on 29 Aug 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged as
"vF, vS, iR." His
position is 0.1 minute east of
******************************
00 31 07.9 -22 37 07; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 101°
17.5" (10/8/88): first of three with
Frank Muller discovered NGC 142 = LM 2-282 (along with NGCs 143 and 144) in 1886 using the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position is OK and his note of a double star 0.5' N pins down the identification. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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NGC 143 = ESO 473-022 = MCG -04-02-015 = PGC 1911
00 31 15.6 -22 33 36; Cet
V = 14.4; Size 1.0'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 20°
17.5" (10/8/88): second of three with NGC 142 and NGC 144. Extremely faint, small, oval SSW-NNE. Located 3' NNE of NGC 142.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 143 = LM 2-283, along with NGCs
142 and 144, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick
Observatory. His rough position is
a reasonable match with
******************************
00 31 20.6 -22 38 45; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (10/8/88): third of three with NGC 142 and NGC 143. Faint, small, round, very weak concentration. Located 3' SE of identical NGC 142.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 144 = LM 2-284, along with NGC
142 and 143, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick
Observatory. His rough position is
a reasonable match with
******************************
00 31 45.7 -05 09 09; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 135°
48" (11/8/15): at 375x and 488x; fascinating irregular spiral galaxy. A bright bar extends 30" N-S. A spiral arm is attached at the north end of the bar and is easily visible extending to the west, and curling clockwise. The arm has a fairly high contrast and definition. A small HII knot (~8" diameter) is nearly attached to the north end of the bar where the spiral arm begins. A fainter, low contrast arm is attached at the south end of bar and extends 30" due east.
Two companions were picked up.
17.5" (9/17/88): fairly faint, moderately large, oval
~E-W, small bright core. Located
6' WNW of mag 8.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 145 = h27 = h2328 on 9 Oct 1828 and recorded "vF; vlE; glbM, 60" long."
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NGC 146 = Cr 5 = OCL-299 = Lund 21
00 33 01 +63 18 42; Cas
V = 9.1; Size 7'
24" (1/4/14): at 125x and 260x, ~60 stars are resolved in a 7' region that stands out reasonably well at low power. Near the southeast end of the group is the pair HJ 1033 = 10/10 at 7". The cluster is generally elongated NW-SE and includes a dozen or so brighter stars. A rectangular "void" lacking stars is on the NW side.
17.5" (10/20/90): about 30 stars in a fairly large group about 10' diameter. Includes a close mag 10 pair at 7" separation, 10 stars mag 12-13 and 20 stars mag 14-15. Third of three open clusters in low power field with King 14 10' SW and NGC 133 10' WNW.
8" (11/28/81): includes a few mag 10 stars, many mag 12 stars and fainter stars over haze. Located 22' N of a mag 4 star. NGC 133 is in the field to the WNW and King 14 is close SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 146 = h28 on 27 Oct 1829 and recorded a "loose cl; *s 11 and 12m; 10' diam; place that of a double +* (h 1033) whose RA is erroneously stated in my 4th catalogue."
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00 33 11.7 +48 30 27; Cas
V = 9.5; Size 13.2'x7.8'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 25°
17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, very large, elongated almost 2:1 SSW-NNE, 5'x3', very low almost even surface brightness. A mag 13.8 foreground star is superimposed just north of center. The halo gradually fades into background.
17.5" (8/29/92): at 115x (20mm Nagler) appears up to 8'x4' from the White Mountains (elevation 12,500 ft).
8" (8/28/81): very faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, diffuse.
24" (1/1/16): Hodge III is the brightest globular cluster in NGC 147 at V ≈ 16.5. At 450x and 500x it only occasionally popped but was verified at the same position using a detailed finder chart.
I first identified two mag 13 stars at 1' separation oriented N-S, which are situated 5' SSE of the center of NGC 147. These stars are just outside the halo of the galaxy. A mag 14.7 star is 1' further NW, forming an obtuse isosceles triangle with the two mag 13 stars. Hodge 3 is 41" N of the mag 14.7 star and nearly forms the 4th vertex of a parallelogram with these three stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 147 = h29 on 8 Sep 1829 and recorded "vF; vL; irr R; 4..5' diam; loses itself insensibly; has a *11m in the centre." Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 25 Oct 1851, logged "L, vF neby, round a * 12m. I suspect it is a spiral of the faintest class, perhaps h 29." On 21 Aug 1852, George J. Stoney (returning after examinations at Trinity) wrote, "Involves some stars, one of about 12th or 13th magnitude, E; vF."
In 1944 William Baade announced that NGC 147, along with NGC
185, were members of the Local Group (1944ApJ...100..147B) when they were
resolved into stars on plates take with the 100-inch at Mt Wilson. NGC 147 is considered a satellite
system of
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00 34 15.5 -31 47 10; Scl
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 90°
17.5" (8/2/86): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated E-W, small bright core.
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly bright, small, elongated E-W, very small bright core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 148 = h239 on 27 Sep 1834 and
recorded "vB; S; lE in parallel; smbM to a * 11m." His RA was 1.0 min west of
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00 33 50.3 +30 43 24; And
V = 14.3; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 155°
17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, round. Contains a faint stellar nucleus or a mag 15 star is involved. A mag 13 star is close SW just 0.6' from the center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 149 = St. 13-5 on 1 Nov 1877 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. His reduced position was measured nearly 6 years later on 4 Oct 1883 with description "vF, vS, R, gbM, mag 14 stellar nucl, *12 close sp".
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00 34 16.0 -27 48 16; Scl
V = 11.4; Size 3.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 118°
13.1" (10/20/84): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, weak concentration, irregular surface brightness [probably due to spiral arms], slightly mottled.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 150 = Sw. 6-3 on 20 Nov 1886 with
his 16" refractor. His
position was 30 seconds of RA west of
It was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as a "Fine small spiral". The galaxy was also photographed between 1909-11 by Harold Knox-Shaw at the Helwan Observatory and described as a "two-branched spiral".
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00 34 02.5 -09 42 20; Cet
V = 11.6; Size 3.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 75°
48" (10/29/19): very bright striking spiral with an inner ring and a long, drawn out spiral arm! Overall, at 610x the galaxy extended over 2:1 WSW-ESE, ~3.2' x 1.4'. Very strongly concentrated with a very bright core that gradually increased to the center. Immediately west of the core was a noticeably darker gap and a lower contrast gap was east of the core. These gaps were outlined by bright arcs, each about 90°, creating a partial oval ring surrounding the core.
The western half of the halo had a low surface brightness and extended at least 1.5' from the center. I noticed a brightening at the extreme west end of the halo. Checking the SDSS, this is a split spiral arm, separated beyond a darker dust lane. A thin, long spiral arm was attached at the south side of the core (along the inner ring) and was easily seen gently curving northeast, extending directly to a mag 12.6 star!
A small, faint knot, at most 10" diameter, was easily seen near the end of this arm, very close SSW [16"] of the mag 12.6 star. This "knot" is a companion galaxy (2MASX J00340814-0941481), though its redshift is 1/3 greater than NGC 151, so it may be in the background.
24" (12/1/16): bright, fairly large, contains a very bright boxy rectangular central section that is slightly elongated NNW-SSE (this is the central bar and nucleus), encased by a fairly low surface brightness halo extended at least 2:1 E-W, ~2.7'x1.2'. A mag 12.5 star is at or just off the ENE edge (1.7' from center). A superimposed companion is at the tip of the eastern spiral arm of the galaxy, very close southwest of the mag 12.5 star. It was marginally glimpsed but only occasionally popped.
17.5" (9/17/88): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 5:3 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x1.5', bright nucleus. A mag 13 star is at the ENE edge, 1.7' from the center.
13.1" (8/24/84): fairly bright, bright core, very bright nucleus, very faint halo elongated ~E-W. A faint star is at the ENE edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 151 = H. II-478 = h30 =
h2330 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and logged "pB, L, lE, lbM." John Herschel observed this galaxy at
Slough and at the Cape, where he recorded "pF; R; gbM;
60"." His two entries
were combined in GC 74 and his position matches
Based on photos taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1919-20 with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector, NGC 151 was described as "4' x 1.5', bright almost stellar nucleus; spiral with at least 3 long, much curved arms in what are almost stellar condensations. One fo the arms appears to wind completely around the nucleus, and possibly extend to more than 3' from it to a star in p.a. 190°."
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00 32 55.5 -73 06 59; Tuc
V = 12.9; Size 3'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x this SMC cluster appeared as a fairly faint, fairly large, round glow, ~2'
diameter. At 228x, the cluster had
a fairly smooth, fairly low surface brightness with no core and no signs of
resolution.
John Herschel discovered NGC 152 = h2331 in the SMC on 20 Sep 1835 and logged "vF; L; R; vglbM; 2'." His position was 2 min of RA too far west, but the position was corrected in the GC and NGC.
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00 34 02.5 -09 42 20; Cet
V = 11.6; Size 3.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 75°
See observing notes for NGC 151.
Lewis Swift found NGC 153 = Sw. 4-1 on 9 Aug 1886 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and logged "pF; pS; R; * near north-following". There is nothing at his position but 17 seconds of RA west is NGC 151. This is a similar offset as other objects he observed that night and his description matches this galaxy. Rudolph Spitaler analyzed the equivalence NGC 153 = NGC 151 in AN 130, p57 (1892) and Dreyer mentioned it in the IC 1 Notes. RC1 mistakenly identifies the mag 12.5 star at the end of the northeast arm as NGC 153.
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00 34 19.4 -12 39 24; Cet
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Forms a triangle with two mag 13.5 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 154 = H. III-467 = h31 on 27
Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "eF, vS, 240 power left some
doubt." His position matches
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00 34 40.1 -10 45 59; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 175°
17.5" (9/17/88): fairly faint, very small, oval 4:3 N-S, bright core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 155 = Sw. 4-2 = LM 1-6 on 1 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His RA was 10 seconds too small. Frank Muller also found the galaxy in 1886 (sometime before Oct 12th) with the 26" Leander McCormick refractor and reported "mag 13.0, S, R, bsp, *12 in PA 90° at 3.2' separation." Bigourdan measured an accurate micrometric position on 21 Oct 1890 as well as Howe at Denver near the end of the century.
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00 34 35.8 -08 20 24; Cet
= **, Carlson and Corwin.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 156 in 1882 with an 11"
refractor at the Arcetri Observatory, while observing
******************************
NGC 157 = MCG -02-02-056 = PGC 2081
00 34 46.6 -08 23 48; Cet
V = 10.4; Size 4.2'x2.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 35°
48" (10/29/19): at 610x; showpiece spiral with the sweep of two prominent spiral arms, outlined by dust lanes, forming a striking, stretched "S" pattern, similar to Superman's logo! Overall, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~3'x2'. At the center was a very small, intense nucleus. A beefy spiral arm was attached at the west side of the nucleus. It showed a high contrast, due to inner and outer dust lanes with a brighter, curving arc at its southwest end. This arm rotated clockwise towards the southeast side, and hooked towards the northeast. The second thick arm as attached on the east end of the nucleus. It also showed a high contrast arc along its northeast portion, then rotated sharply clockwise towards the west and angled southwest to the west of the central region. Two mag 13.6/15.3 stars (0.6' apart) lie 1.3' NE of center. A dusty triangular wedge (between spiral arms) extended from these stars towards the core.
17.5" (9/17/88): bright, large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, broad
concentration, small bright core, mottled appearance, sharp edge along the east
side. Two mag 13.5 and 15 stars
are near the NE edge. The galaxy
is bracketed between 9.5-mag
8": fairly faint, fairly large, diffuse. Located between two mag 8.5/9.5 stars to the north and south.
William Herschel discovered NGC 157 = H. II-3 = St. 9-1 on 13 Dec 1783 (sweep 44) and recorded "F, L, mE, between two considerably bright stars." His position was not accurately determined but his description is a perfect match with MCG -02-02-056 = PGC 2081. Eduard Schönfeld, Heinrich d'Arrest and Father Secchi provided accurate positions, so the NGC position is correct. Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 18 Sep 1873 (probably looking for H. II-3) and commented it was "tres belle". He measured an accurate position on 28 Oct 1878 and reported it as new in his 9th discovery list (#1). Dreyer listed d'Arrest and Stephan in the "Other Observers" column.
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00 35 05.3 -08 20 40; Cet
= *?, Corwin. "Not found", Carlson.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 158 in 1882 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and recorded in list V while observing the field of NGC 157. Corwin identifies his object as a single star at 00 35 05.3 -08 20 40.
******************************
00 34 35.7 -55 47 24; Phe
V = 13.8; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 95°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly faint to
moderately bright, elongated nearly 3:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.3', contains a small
bright, round core and a stellar nucleus.
Located 29' SSE of mag 7.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 159 = h2332 on 28 Oct 1834 and logged "vF, S, R, 15", precedes 3 stars." On a second sweep he noted "vF, R, glbM, 20 arcseconds". His position is accurate.
******************************
00 36 04.1 +23 57 29; And
V = 12.6; Size 3.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 45°
24" (9/30/16): at 200x; fairly bright or bright, large,
elongated 2:1 or 5:2 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with a small very bright core
that increases to a stellar nucleus.
Surrounding the core is a large, low surface brightness halo
~1.8'x0.8'. Situated 4.3' SSW of
mag 7.3
13.1" (10/20/84): moderately bright, almost round. Located 4.2' SSW of mag 7.5 SAO 74134. Forms a wide pair with NGC 169 11' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 160 = H. III-476 = h32 on 5 Dec 1785 (sweep 484) and logged "vF, vS, stellar, a few minutes south preceding a pretty bright star. 240 showed the same." John Herschel reported "has a * 7m, 5' distant; pos of neb from * 195.5°." Lord Rosse's assistants made 7 observations of the field with the 72-inch.
******************************
00 35 33.9 -02 50 55; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 150°
24" (10/6/18): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small,
slightly elongated SSW-NNE, ~30"x20" though the length increases with
averted. Contains a bright core
and a very tiny nucleus. A mag
12.1 star is 1.2' N. Forms a pair
with
24" (11/24/14): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3
SSW-NNE, fairly high surface brightness.
Contains a small bright nucleus that increases to a stellar point. A mag 12 star is 1.2' N and a mag 12.5
star is 2' SSW. Forms a close pair
with IC 1557 1.7' S. Located 6' SE
of mag 8.8
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, round, small bright core. Bracketed by two mag 12 stars 1.2' N and 1.5' S.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 161 = Sw. 6-4 on 21 Nov 1886 with
the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. He recorded, "eF; eS; R;
nearly between 2 equal mag stars."
His position is 18 sec of RA east and 1' north of
The MCG, PGC, RNGC and Roger Sinnott's
******************************
00 36 09.2 +23 57 45; And
= * 75" NE of NGC 160, Thomson and Corwin.
Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 162 on 16 Oct 1866 using Lord Rosse's 72" and by Herman Schultz on 5 Sep 1867 with the 9.6" refractor at Uppsala Observatory. Both observers recorded a single star 75" NE of NGC 160. This star was possibly noted even earlier by Heinrich d'Arrest on 22 Aug 1862. Schultz assumed this object was GC 82, discovered by R.J. Mitchell at Birr Castle on 18 Sep 1857. But Mitchell's object is a close companion of NGC 169 (now known as IC 1559), not NGC 162 as John Herschel assumed. Dreyer also observed this star on 6 Nov 1874 and noted "An eS, F neb point, or probably a F* nf h79 in PA 78"."
In the GC Supplement, Dreyer incorrectly decided "Rosse nova does not exist [so GC 82 = IC 1559 did not receive an NGC number]. 82 was undoubtedly observed instead of 79, which latter nebula is not double. The description in PT 1861, agrees perfectly with the appearance of 82" He added that "Schultz's GC 80 has not been seen in Birr before 1874: I have therefore entered it in the catalogue as a nova." So, Dreyer assigned Schultz's GC 80 to the single star (the one first seen by Lawrence Parsons in 1866) following NGC 160 and renumbered it as GC 5107. RNGC misidentifies NGC 162 with an anonymous galaxy close SE of NGC 160 and Dorothy Carlson incorrectly equates NGC 160 = NGC 162 in her NGC errata list. Wolfgang Steinicke thoroughly covered the identifications of GC 80 and 82 in his book on the history of the NGC.
******************************
00 35 59.8 -10 07 18; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 85°
24" (8/29/19): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, round, well concentrated with a small bright core and stellar
nucleus. The halo drops off
quickly in surface brightness. It was obvious only to 30" and ~45"
diameter with averted vision. In a
trio with
17.5" (9/17/88): fairly faint, small, round, brighter core, stellar nucleus, diffuse halo. Forms a pair with NGC 165 6' E.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 163 = Sw. 4-3 on 20 Sep
1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His mean position (also measured on the next night) matches
Lewis Swift independently found NGC 163 on 9 Aug 1886 and reported it in his 4th discovery list (#3). Swift's RA was 14 seconds too large and falls between NGC 163 and 165 but Swift's positions for three other galaxies he observed on this night (NGC 153, 217 and 7774) are all 10 - 15 seconds of time too large. This implies that Swift missed slightly fainter NGC 165. Based on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector between 1912-13, Heber Curtis described NGC 163 as "Almost stellar; structureless; bright nucleus. A very faint spindle is 1.5' s.p.
******************************
00 36 32.9 +02 44 59; Psc
V = 15.2; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (11/6/88): extremely faint, very small,
round. Located about 30' W of the
Albert Marth discovered NGC 164 = m 12 on 3 Aug 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged as "eF".
******************************
NGC 165 = MCG -02-02-069 = PGC 2182
00 36 28.8 -10 06 23; Cet
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 50°
24" (8/29/19): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, brighter core, low surface brightness halo ~45" diameter. A mag 13.5 star is 1.4' NE. NGC 165 is the fainter of a pair with NGC 165 7' E. A mag 9.6 star (HD 3336) lies 7' NW.
MCG -02-02-064, located 15' NW, appeared faint, oval ~5:2 SSW-NNE, soft even surface brightness, ~0.75'x0.3'
17.5" (9/17/88): faint, fairly small, almost round, very weak concentration, low surface brightness. Slightly larger but fainter than NGC 163 6' W. A mag 14 star lies 1.5' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 165 = H. III-954 on 10 Dec 1798 (sweep 1086) and recorded "eF, S." His position is just 1.6' north-northwest of NGC 165 = PGC 2182, and much further from NGC 163 = MCG -02-02-066 = PGC 2149, the galaxy associated with III-954 in the NGC. In the 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH", Dreyer noted the RA of H. III-954 was 28 sec too large (for NGC 163). Wolfgang Steinicke and Harold Corwin agree with the conclusion that H. III-954 more likely applies to NGC 165.
Wilhelm Tempel found NGC 165 in 1882 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and reported it as new in his fifth discovery paper. In his note on NGC 163, he mentions he found another fainter nebula 30 sec following. Tempel's second nebula was assumed to be new, so he was credited with the discovery of NGC 165 in the NGC. Spitaler measured an accurate position in 1891 at Vienna. Based on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector between 1912-13, Heber Curtis described NGC 165 as "Nearly round, 1' in diameter. A very faint, rather regular spiral. Nucleus almost stellar."
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00 35 48.8 -13 36 38; Cet
V = 14.6; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (12/3/88): very faint, very small, oval NW-SE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 166 = LM 1-285 in 1886
with the 26" refractor of the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position is just under 1 min
of RA preceding
******************************
00 35 22.9 -23 22 29; Cet
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 171°
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, small, oval 3:2 ~N-S, very weak concentration.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 167 = LM 2-286 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "0.8', iR,
gbM." His position is 1
minute of RA east of
Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes). The NGC error in RA was also noted in the table of corrections published by Harvard Observatory based on plates taken at Arequipa between 1898 and 1901.
******************************
00 36 38.7 -22 35 37; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 26°
24" (10/3/13): first of three edge-ons with
17.5" (12/3/88): first of three in a group with NGC 172 and NGC 177. Very faint, very small, slightly elongated. An extremely faint star is possibly involved. NGC 172 lies 7' E and NGC 177 13' ENE.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 168 = LM 2-287, along with NGC
172 and 177, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick
Observatory. His position and description matches
******************************
NGC 169 = Arp 282 NED1 = UGC 365 = MCG +04-02-035 = CGCG 479-044 = PGC 2202
00 36 51.7 +23 59 27; And
V = 12.4; Size 3.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 88°
24" (9/30/16): at 200x; fairly bright, fairly small,
elongated 5:2 E-W, ~0.8'x0.3'.
Contains a small, bright elongated core that increases to a stellar
nucleus. Forms a disturbed,
interacting pair (
13.1" (10/20/84): moderately bright, slightly elongated
~E-W. Located 3.8' WSW of mag 6.4
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 169 on 18 Sep 1857. His description reads, "a vS, double nebula, the n one is E sp nf, bM." A month later he logged "D nebula, alpha [on a diagram] is mE p f, bM. Beta is lE nearly n s, bM." In Lord Rosse's 1861 publication, it was mistakenly assumed that the observation referred to NGC 160, so was not a new object. The following year Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 169 and was credited with discovery in the General Catalogue (GC 82), published in 1864. Mitchell's "Beta" was assigned GC 80.
d'Arrest listed his discovery in a large table of new nebulae published in 1865, he was able to add a footnote that his object was discovered earlier at Birr Castle (assuming it was identical to GC 80). In the NGC, Dreyer correctly credited both LrR and d'Arrest for the discovery of NGC 169, but he mistakenly described NGC 160 as a double nebula (repeating Mitchell's error) and deleted GC 80 (Mitchell's "Beta"). Finally, the companion was catalogued as IC 1559, though it should have received a NGC designation. See that number for more.
MCG labeled the brighter northern galaxy as
******************************
00 36 45.8 +01 53 11; Cet
V = 14.3; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 85°
17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, round. Located 2.0' NW of mag 9.0
Albert Marth discovered NGC 170 = m 13 on 3 Nov 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "F, S, R." Marth's position is 1' N of CGCG 383-042 = PGC 2195.
******************************
00 37 21.6 -19 56 04; Cet
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 171 = H. III-223 on 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 303) and recorded "vF; lE or rather oval; roughly 1' dia; np 2 pB stars". There is nothing at the NGC position, but Dreyer states in the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that Carolyn Herschel made a one degree error in copying the declination for III-223. Once corrected, NGC 171 is identical to NGC 175, found by John Herschel on 11 Nov 1834. This galaxy is generally identified as NGC 175, due to the error in declination for NGC 171. See Corwin's notes for more.
******************************
NGC 172 = ESO 474-005 = MCG -04-02-027 = KTS 4B = PGC 2228
00 37 13.6 -22 35 13; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 2.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 12°
24" (10/3/13): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on
SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.2', irregular surface brightness. Second of three edge-ons in the
17.5" (12/3/88): second of three with NGC 168 and NGC 177. Faint, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness. NGC 168 lies 7' W and NGC 177 5' ENE.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 172 = LM 2-288, along with NGC
168 and 177, in 1886 with the 26" Clark refractor at Leander McCormick
Observatory. His position is a
good match with
******************************
NGC 173 = UGC 369 = MCG +00-02-092 = CGCG 383-043 = PGC 2223
00 37 12.4 +01 56 32; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 3.2'x2.6'; Surf Br = 15.2; PA = 90°
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, fairly large, round, broad concentration. Bracketed midway between a mag 12 star 1.5' SW and a mag 13 star 1.6' NE. Forms a pair with fainter NGC 170 7.5' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 173 = H. III-871 = h33 on 28
Dec 1790 (sweep 988) and logged "vF, S, R, vgbM." Caroline's reduced position is 4' north
of
******************************
00 36 58.9 -29 28 40; Scl
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 152°
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, small, oval NW-SE, weak
concentration. A mag 13 star is
just off the SE edge. Situated
among a group of mag 10-11 stars including mag 9.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 174 = h2333 on 27 Sep 1834 and
logged "F, S, lE, among several bright stars." The next sweep he noted "vF, S,
R.". Finally on a third sweep he recorded "vF, R, 25", near one
or two stars." His mean
position matches
******************************
NGC 175 = NGC 171 = ESO 540-006 = VV 791a = MCG -03-02-024 =
00 37 21.6 -19 56 04; Cet
V = 12.2; Size 2.1'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 109°
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, oval small bright core, diffuse halo. Forms a right angle with two mag 11 stars 4' SSE and 5' ENE.
8" (10/31/81): faint, small, diffuse, even surface brightness.
John Herschel discovered NGC 175 = h2334 on 11 Nov 1834 and
recorded "pB, pL, E, gbM, r, 80" long, 60" broad. If this nebula
be really III.223 [NGC 171], the P.D. [polar distance] assigned to that nebula
by my Father's observations must be 1 degree in error. The error cannot lie in this
observation, the 109th degree of Polar distance being beyond the possible reach
of the instrument in [this] sweep."
His position and description matches
By historical precedence, the principal designation should be NGC 171, but the galaxy is usually identified as NGC 175 due to the unambiguous position.
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NGC 176 = ESO 029-002 = Lindsay16
00 35 54 -73 10 00; Tuc
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x this SMC cluster is fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~40" diameter,
low surface brightness with a brighter core. It appeared unresolved except for a mag 13 star at the north
edge and a mag 14 star at the south edge.
NGC 152 lies 13' WNW.
Located 3.5' NNE of mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 176 = h2335 in the SMC on 12 Aug 1834 and recorded "eF; R; near a *8m (At the beginning of the Nubecula Minor." On a second sweep he logged "eF; S; lE, resolvable." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 177 = ESO 474-006 = MCG -04-02-028 = KTS 4C = PGC 2241
00 37 34.3 -22 32 57; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 2.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 9°
24" (10/3/13): this galaxy is the most prominent of a
trio of edge-ons (
17.5" (12/3/88): third and brightest of three with NGC 168 and NGC 172. Faint, edge-on 4:1 N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 172 lies 5' WSW.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 177 = LM 2-289, along with NGC
168 and 172, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick
Observatory. Muller's position is
2' S of
******************************
00 39 08.4 -14 10 26; Cet
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 175°
24" (9/30/16): at 282x; fairly bright, fairly large,
elongated 5:2 N-S, ~1.5'x0.6'.
Appears mottled along the major axis with a brighter knot or region at
the north end [HST image reveals this is a giant star-forming region]. The galaxy appears to spread or bulge
out with a faint extension on the southwest side [the HST image shows this is a
series of HII/star-forming clumps].
This highly disrupted galaxy lies 8' NE of mag 9.0
17.5" (11/6/93): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 1.8'x0.8', broad low concentration but no nucleus. NGC 207 is in the field 9' ESE and NGC 210 lies 27' NE.
13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, fairly small, weak
concentration, elongated 2:1 N-S, lies 27' SW of
R.J. Mitchell probably discovered NGC 178 = LM 1-7 on 7 Dec 1857 as the observer on Lord Rosse's 72". He stated "about one field of finder [26'] south, and a few seconds preceding, is another neb., faint, E nearly n s, no nucleus." Dreyer assumed this description applied to GC 108 = NGC 207, but the north-south elongation clearly applies to NGC 178, which is 18' S, though 1.4 minutes of RA to the west. Yann Pothier caught this correction in March 2020.
Ormond Stone made an independent discovery on 3 Nov 1885
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"F, S, mE 0°, bM, faint wing south-preceding." His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is 1.5 min of RA too far west but his description and sketch (examined by
Harold Corwin) matches this galaxy. Stone was credited with the discovery in
the NGC. Finally, Stephane Javelle
discovered NGC 178 again on 26 Aug 1892, assumed it was new based on position
and listed it as the 28th object in his first discovery paper (J. 1-28, later
The galaxy was described as "sausage shaped with a tail south", in the 1924 list of "nebula" descriptions at Helwan observatory.
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00 37 46.1 -17 50 57; Cet
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 113°
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, round. Forms a double with a mag 14.5 star just 25" NNW of center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 179 = LM 2-290 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position matches
******************************
00 37 57.7 +08 38 06; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 2.4'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 160°
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, bright core. A mag 11 star is at the NW edge 39" from the center.
13.1" (12/7/85): faint, small, elongated NW-SE. A mag 10.5 star at the NW edge detracts from viewing.
William Herschel discovered NGC 180 = H. III-876 on 29 Dec 1790 (sweep 991) and logged "vF, pL, iR, just S.f. a small star which is partly involved in the nebulosity." Auwers' reduction was 1° off in North Polar Distance, though the NGC position was just 2' N.
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00 38 23.2 +29 28 21; And
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 151°
24" (9/15/12): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1
NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.15'. Located 2.7'
SSW of
18" (10/21/06): faint, small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.2'. In a trio with NGC 184 4' ESE and NGC 183 2.7' NE. A mag 12 star lies 1.5' SE
17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, small, round,
diffuse. First of three with NGC
183 2.7' NE. Located 10' N of 30
Andromedae (V = 4.4). Member of
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 181 = St. 13-6, along with with NGC 183 and 184, on 3 Nov 1877. His published position (list 13, #6) was reduced on 6 Oct 1883.
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NGC 182 = UGC 382 = MCG +00-02-095 = CGCG 383-045 = PGC 2279
00 38 12.4 +02 43 43; Psc
V = 12.4; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 75°
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.8', sharply concentrated with a very bright round
core. Located 3.6' SE of mag 7.7
17.5" (10/8/88): moderately bright, small, round,
bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
Located 4' SE of mag 7.6
Brightest in the large NGC 182 group (sometimes called the NGC
200 group) including
William Herschel discovered NGC 182 = H. III-870 on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and logged "vF, S, iR, vgbM." The NGC position is accurate.
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NGC 183 = UGC 387 = MCG +05-02-035 = CGCG 500-057 = PGC 2298
00 38 29.3 +29 30 40; And
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 130°
24" (9/15/12): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 50" diameter, well concentrated with a bright core increasing to a very small bright nucleus. Brightest and largest in a group including NGC 181 2.7' SSW, NGC 184 4.1' SSE and LEDA 1871091 (very low surface brightness edge-on) 5.2' NNE. A mag 12.4 star lies 3.2' S. It was easy to locate this group as it is situated just 12' N of mag 4.4 Epsilon And.
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, fairly small, round, very
small bright nucleus, 40" diameter.
Based on the listed dimensions, I missed a very low surface brightness
halo and viewed the high surface brightness core. Forms the NW vertex of a triangle with a mag 12 star 3' S
and a mag 13 star 3' E. Brightest
in a trio with NGC 181 and NGC 184 close south.
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core. Located 12' N of 30 Andromedae (V = 4.4). Brightest of three in AGC 71 with NGC 181 2.7' SW and NGC 184 4.1' SSE.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 183 = Sf. 65 = St. 13-7 on 5 Nov 1866 with the 26" refractor at Dearborn Observatory and simply called a "neb. * 13m." Édouard Stephan found the galaxy on 3 Nov 1877 (perhaps aware of Safford's discovery?). He reported it as new in his 13th discovery list (#7) with a micrometric position measured on 6 Oct 1883. Stephan was credited with the discovery in the NGC as Safford's discovery list wasn't published until 1887, after the NGC was going to press.
******************************
NGC 184 = CGCG 500-059 = PGC 2309
00 38 35.8 +29 26 51; And
V = 14.8; Size 0.7'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 5°
24" (9/15/12): faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 24"x12", slightly brighter core. Faintest in a trio with NGC 181 3.1' NW and NGC 183 4.1' NNW. Bracketed by a mag 12.4 star 1.6' WNW and a mag 13.5 star 50" E.
18" (10/21/06): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 24"x16". Situated between a mag 13 star 0.9' E and a mag 12 star 1.6' WNW. In a trio with NGC 181 3' NW and NGC 183 4' NNW. Located 8' N of mag 4.4 Epsilon (30) Andromedae.
17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, round. A mag 13.5 star is 1' E. Third of three in AGC 71 cluster with NGC 183 4.1' NNW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 184 = St. 13-8, along with NGC 181 and NGC 183 (discovered earlier by Truman Safford), on 6 Oct 1883. His position was accurate.
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00 38 57.2 +48 20 15; Cas
V = 9.2; Size 11.7'x10.0'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 35°
24" (9/14/12): Hodge V is the brightest globular cluster in NGC 185, first identified by Paul Hodge in his 1974 paper "Photometry of the Globular Clusters of NGC 185" (PASP, 86, 289). At 325x and 450x it appeared as an extremely faint star (V = 16.7), forming the southern vertex of a small equilateral triangle with a mag 14.5 star 20" N and a mag 15 star 20" NW. This extragalactic globular was repeatedly glimpsed for brief moments and a couple of times it could be held for a few seconds. Situated 3.8' NE of the center of NGC 185 and outside the visible halo of the galaxy.
17.5" (10/13/90): bright, very large, slightly elongated ~E-W, broad concentration but no nucleus. Three mag 14 stars are at the W, NW and SW ends. Higher surface brightness than NGC 147. The brightest globular is located 8' N of center and is a marginal object at high power (see description). This is a satellite system of M31 and a Local Group member at a distance of 2.15 million light years.
8" (10/4/80): fairly faint, fairly large, diffuse, NGC 147 58' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 185 = H. II-707 = h35 on 30 Nov 1787 (sweep 786) and recorded "pB, vL, irr R, vgmbM, resolvable, 5 or 6' diameter." The first observation with LdR's 72" on 28 Mar 1848 reads "Resolved by a power of 800, although the night was rather hazy." This is a good example of how preconceptions that nearly all nebulae were resolvable influenced the results. The NGC position is accurate.
James Keeler first photographed the galaxy using the Crossley reflector at Lick before 1900. It was described (1918 Curtis publication) as "rather irregular slightly oval, 3' long; there are two curious rifts near the nucleus; it appears to be an irregular spiral. The nebular matter is faint and diffuse. A star of mag 14 is north of the very faint nucleus."
In 1944 William Baade announced that NGC 185, along with NGC 147, were members of the Local Group (1944ApJ...100..147B) when they were resolved into stars on plates take with the 100-inch at Mt Wilson. In an unusual situation, Baade requested that an actual photographic print of NGC 185 was bound in his ApJ paper to demonstrate resolution, as detail was lost with an ordinary halftone illustration.
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NGC 186 = UGC 390 = MCG +00-02-098 = CGCG 383-047 = PGC 2291
00 38 25.3 +03 09 59; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 23°
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; bright, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 40"x20".
Sharply concentrated with a very bright round core and bright stellar
nucleus. Situated just north of
the line connecting a mag 6.4 star 14' W and a mag 7.4 star 12' E. Located on the west side of the NGC 182
group.
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, stellar
nucleus. Located between mag 6.4
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 186 on 6 Dec 1850 (Friday). Bindon may have been observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. It was noted as "much smaller than alpha (NGC 194), and is sbM and I think a nova." Heinrich d'Arrest made an independent discovery on 23 Sep 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. d'Arrest measured an accurate position. Édouard Stephan made another observation on 29 Oct 1875, while working through the galaxy group.
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00 39 30.3 -14 39 23; Cet
V = 12.5; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 148°
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 5:2 NW-SE, even surface brightness. Located 30' SSE of NGC 178.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 187 = LM 1-8 on 3 Nov 1885 with
the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and he logged "F,
S, mE 150°, bM." His rough
position is 1 min west of
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00 47 15 +85 14 49; Cep
V = 8.1; Size 14'
17.5" (12/26/00): At 100x, ~75 stars resolved within
10'-12', roundish group. The
cluster is fairly rich but unconcentrated, with a noticeable void of stars near
in the center and a somewhat ill-defined boundary. The stars appear to be layered; at least a dozen mag 12-13
stars are superimposed on a much richer carpet of mag 14-15 stars over
unresolved haze. At 220x, some
additional very faint stars are visible, bringing the total up to ~85 stars. Two mag 9.5-10 field stars (
NGC 188 is one of the older known open clusters with an age of ~6.3 billion years and the closest to the north celestial pole.
13.1" (8/24/84): about 50 stars at 62x with several mag 7-9 stars in field, appears fully resolved.
8" (8/24/84): large cluster, many faint stars, not rich, blank areas near center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 188 = h34 on 3 Nov 1831 and recorded a "Cl, vL, p Rich, 150-200 stars mag 10-18; more than fills the field." The Sky Catalogue 2000.0 gives a poor position of 00 44.0 +85 20.
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00 39 36 +61 05 42; Cas
V = 8.8; Size 4'
24" (1/4/14): well detached, roundish group of stars at 125x. Using 260x, ~40 stars are resolved in a 5'-6' group. There are several pairs and tight groupings. Many of the stars are in a richer 3' inner group, generally arranged in a ring and including HJ 1043 = 11.6/12.7 pair at 12" (oriented N-S). A few of the brighter stars, though, form the 6' outline. A distinctive quadrilateral of stars is ~6' NW.
17.5" (12/23/92): 30 stars mag 10-14 in 6' diameter, weakly compressed, no dense areas but appears to have some unresolved background haze. Elongated E-W due to a couple of strings extending to the west. A 6'x5' parallelogram of four mag 9 stars in the field to the south. Not an impressive cluster.
8" (11/13/82): about two dozen stars, moderately large, irregular shape, scattered, haze.
Caroline Herschel probably discovered NGC 189 = h36 on 27
Sep 1783 with her 4.2-inch
comet-seeker reflector, although William mistakenly attributed her with the
discovery of
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00 38 54.7 +07 03 46; Psc
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6
48" (10/25/11):
18" (8/26/06): this double system was just resolved into two very close, small knots, roughly 20" each in diameter with their halos in contact. Both components have faint stellar nuclei. The northern component (HCG 5A) was slightly brighter and larger. HCG 5C is a difficult object 1' NW. The entire quartet is arranged in a N-S chain with a total length of only 1.6'.
18" (11/23/05): NGC 190 is a double system which often appears as an elongated glow, 40"x20", oriented N-S. With careful viewing, the system just resolves into two very small round knots, just 20" between centers. The northern component is ~20" diameter and the southern member ~15". The two knots both have faint stellar nuclei and appear virtually tangent. A third member, HCG 5C, is occasionally visible as an extremely faint knot off the NW side.
17.5" (12/11/99): Initially seen as a single faint, elongated glow at 220x. At 280x in moments of good seeing this object cleanly resolved into two very close, very small knots with the brighter component on the north side. HCG 5C was only intermittently visible with averted vision as a 15" threshold knot.
17.5" (9/5/99): NGC 190 is a challenging double system
best viewed at high power. Using
280x, at first appeared as an elongated irregular glow but with extended
viewing, two "knots" oriented N-S were resolved within a common
halo. The brighter and larger
component (HCG 5A) is at the north end and appears very faint, very small,
round, 20" diameter. The
southern component (HCG 5B) is extremely faint and small, perhaps 15"
diameter. HCG 5C is a threshold
knot 1' NW. The HCG is a subgroup
of
17.5" (10/8/88): very close double system, faint,
small, elongated SSW-NNE, irregular.
HCG 5B is a very small companion attached at the south edge just
22" between centers. In a
compact group of four (
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 190 = Sw. 5-8 on 22 Oct 1886 with
the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is just 6 sec of RA east of
******************************
00 38 59.3 -09 00 09; Cet
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 125°
17.5" (9/17/88): close double system with
William Herschel discovered NGC 191 = H. II-479 = h38 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and logged "pB, mE nearly in the meridian, near 2' long". Sir Robert Ball, using Lord Rosse's 72" on 12 Dec 1866, recorded "One neb, with either 2 stars or B, S, neb knots very closely foll - cB, pL, R, bM, two pB st preceding." One of these "knots" is IC 1563, although discovery credit is given to Bigourdan in the IC. The NGC position is accurate.
******************************
00 39 13.5 +00 51 49; Cet
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 167°
18" (11/23/05): moderately bright, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3' or 1.0'x0.3'. Well concentrated with a small very bright core that
increases to a stellar nucleus.
Brightest in the
17.5" (10/8/88): brightest of four in the HCG 7 group. Moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated NNW-SSE, bright core. NGC 197 lies 2.1' NNE, NGC 196 3' N and NGC 201 5' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 192 = H. III-872 = h39, along with NGC 196 and NGC 201, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 988) and logged "vF, vS, bM." John Herschel made 5 observations and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 193 = UGC 408 = MCG +00-02-103 = CGCG 385-055 = PGC 2359
00 39 18.5 +03 19 52; Psc
V = 12.2; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 55°
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40"x32", sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core. A mag 13 star is barely off the SW edge and a mag 10 star is 2.6' ESE. NGC 204 is 6.7' ESE (on line with the mag 10 star).
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, very small, round, sharp concentration. Located 2.6' WNW of a mag 10 star (9.9/10.6 at 2"). A mag 13 star is off the west edge. Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 204 7' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 193 = H. III-595 = h37 on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 657) and logged "vF; S; 3 or 4 stars in it, but I have not been out long enough, however I have no doubt." Herschel's RA was off so his son John thought his observation (recorded as h37) was new: "vF; L; close to a *15. RA by III. 595, which this precedes 25.5 seconds." R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 24 Nov 1854, noted "Not L; R; bM; a bright star close sp; resolvable?". The NGC position is accurate.
WH also recorded nearby NGC 204 and noted "vF, vS, but I have not been out long enough, any may be a deception." His offset from NGC 193 clearly matches NGC 204, though likely due to his uncertainty didn't assign it an H-designation.
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NGC 194 = UGC 407 = MCG +00-02-105 = CGCG 383-054 = PGC 2362
00 39 18.4 +03 02 14; Psc
V = 12.2; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 30°
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; bright, fairly small, slightly out of round, ~35"x30". Sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core and stellar nucleus. A mag 7.4 star is 6' NNW. Near the center of the NGC 182 group with several galaxies near; NGC 200 is 10' SSE, NGC 199 is 7' NE and NGC 186 is 15' NW.
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 5' S of mag 7.3 SAO 109348! Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 199 6' NE and NGC 200 10' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 194 = H. II-856 = h40 on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and recorded "F, S, vgbM." John Herschel called it "pB; S; R; bM."
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00 39 35.8 -09 11 41; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 45°
24" (12/1/16): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration.
17.5" (9/17/88): faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 195 = T. 1-2 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His position was 0.4 min of RA west and 5' north of MCG -02-02-079 = PGC 2391. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 16 Dec 1897 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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NGC 196 = HCG 7B = UGC 405 = MCG +00-02-110 = CGCG 383-053 = LGG 010-003 = PGC 2357
00 39 17.8 +00 54 46; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 3°
18" (11/23/05): moderately bright, small, fairly high surface brightness. Sharply concentrated with a bright, very small core surrounded by a much fainter oval halo 3:2 N-S, ~0.6'x0.4'. Second brightest in the HCG 7 quartet with NGC 192 3' SSW and much fainter NGC 197 1' SSE.
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core. Forms a very close pair with NGC 197 1' SSE in the HCG 7 group. NGC 192 lies 3' SSW and NGC 201 5' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 196 = H. II-860 = h41, along with NGC 192 and NGC 201, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 988) and logged "pF, pS, vgbM." John Herschel made 4 observations. MCG mislabeled this galaxy as NGC 197.
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NGC 197 = HCG 7D = UGC 406 = MCG +00-02-107 = CGCG 383-053 = LGG 010-006 = PGC 2365
00 39 18.8 +00 53 31; Cet
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3
18" (11/23/05): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. This galaxy is the smallest and faintest in the HCG 7 quartet and was missed by William and John Herschel.
17.5" (10/8/88): extremely faint, very small, almost round. Member of the HCG 7 group and located 2.1' NNE of NGC 192. Forms a close pair with NGC 196 1' NNW and NGC 201 lies 4' SE. Appears fainter than 14.2z.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 197 = m 14 on 16 Oct 1863 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "eF, s of 196." His position matches
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NGC 198 = UGC 414 = MCG +00-02-109 = CGCG 383-057 = LGG 009-003 = PGC 2371
00 39 23.0 +02 47 52; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80°
24" (12/12/17): at 200x; fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 60"x50", large bright core. Slightly higher surface brightness than NGC 200 6' NNE. Two mag 12 stars 3.5' N and 4.5' N are collinear with the galaxy. A mag 9.9 star is 5.3' SSE.
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration. Located within the NGC 182 group with NGC 200 6' NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 198 = H. II-857 on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and recorded "F, S, vgbM". At the same time he found H. II-858 = NGC 200 to the northeast. Herman Schultz, Heinrich d'Arrest and Basilius von Engelhardt all measured accurate micrometric positions.
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NGC 199 = UGC 415 = MCG +00-02-111 = CGCG 383-058 = PGC 2382
00 39 33.1 +03 08 19; Psc
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 160°
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Situated 5' E of a mag 7.3 star and 7' NE of NGC 194. Member of the NGC 182 group.
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core. Located 5' E of mag 7.3 SAO 109348 within the NGC 182 group. NGC 194 lies 6' SW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 199 on 24 Sep 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen and described (from 3 observations) "faint and small. A mag 8 star precedes 27 sec and somewhat south." Ralph Copeland, Lord Rosse's (Lawrence Parsons) assistant, found this galaxy on 11 Dec 1873 and logged "cF, L neb." Édouard Stephan made another observation at the Marseilles observatory on 29 Oct 1875.
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NGC 200 = UGC 420 = MCG +00-02-112 = CGCG 383-060 = PGC 2387
00 39 34.8 +02 53 15; Psc
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 161°
24" (12/12/17): at 200x; moderately bright or fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 60"x40", broad concentration but no distinct nucles. One of the brightest members of the NGC 182 group. NGC 198 lies 6' SSW. A 1' pair of mag 12.4 stars oriented N-S lies 3'-4' SW.
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration. Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 198 6' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 200 = H. II-858, along with NGC 198, on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 985) and recorded "pB, S, vgbM." Ralph Copeland, Lord Rosse's assistant on 17 Sep 1873, logged "cB, L, cE north-south, gbM". There was a confusion, though, in the orientation with respect to NGC 198. The NGC position (from d'Arrest and Herman Schultz?) is accurate.
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NGC 201 = HCG 7C = UGC 419 = MCG +00-02-115 = CGCG 383-059 = LGG 010-004 = PGC 2388
00 39 34.9 +00 51 35; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 155°
18" (11/23/05): NGC 201 is the largest member of the HCG 7 quartet. At 225x appears faint, fairly large, round, ~1.6' diameter, low nearly even surface brightness with only a very weak concentration. Located 5' E of NGC 192.
17.5" (10/8/88): largest in the NGC 192 group = HCG 7. Faint, moderately large, diffuse, even surface brightness, slightly elongated NW-SE. Last of four including NGC 192, NGC 196 and 197.
William Herschel discovered NGC 201 = H. III-873 = h43, along with NGC 192 and NGC 196, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 988) and recorded "eF, cL. I should not have seen it but for the other two [III-872 = NGC 192 and II-860 = NGC 196]." On 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113), John Herschel recorded "vF; L; E; 60". The last of 3 on the parallel of the first."
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00 39 39.8 +03 32 11; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 153°
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; faint to fairly faint, fairly
small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE. A mag 13.6 star is off the east side [42"
from center] and a mag 15-15.5 star is at the NNW tip. Located 7' SSW of mag 7.6
17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, elongated NNW-SSE, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is at the east edge 0.7' from center. Located 7' S of mag 7.8 SAO 147387. Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 203 5' S.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 202 = St. 8a-1 on 29 Oct 1875. His rough position was 5' too far W. His published position (list 8a, #1) was made on 17 Nov 1876 with description "eF, vS, a few faint points (stars) involved". One star is at the N end.
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NGC 203 = NGC 211 = MCG +00-02-114 = CGCG 383-061 = PGC 2393
00 39 39.5 +03 26 34; Psc
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 85°
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval E-W, 30"x20", fairly high surface brightness, quasi-stellar nucleus. In the NGC 182 group with NGC 193 8.6' SW, NGC 204 8.6' S and NGC 202 5.6' N.
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, oval E-W, weak concentration. Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 202 5' N.
Ralph Copeland, assistant for Lord Rosse (Lawrence Parsons),
discovered NGC 203 on 19 Dec 1873.
It was found while observing the field of NGC 193 and 204. His micrometric position matches
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NGC 204 = UGC 423 = MCG +00-02-116 = CGCG 383-063 = PGC 2397
00 39 44.2 +03 17 58; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 30°
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; moderately or fairly bright,
fairly small, round, 25" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright
core that mildly increases towards center.
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Located 4' ESE of a mag 9.5 star. Member of the NGC 182 group with NGC 193 7' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 204 = h42 on 21 Dec 1786
(sweep 657) and noted "vF, vS, but I have not been out long enough, any
may be a deception." His
offset from NGC 193 clearly matches NGC 204, but he didn't assign it an
H-designation and is uncredited in the GC and NGC. John Herschel discovered it again on 16 Oct 1827 and logged
"pB; R; the following of 2 [with
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00 40 22.0 +41 41 07; And
V = 8.1; Size 21.9'x11.0'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 170°
13.1": bright, very large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE,
10'x4', quite prominent but only a gentle broad concentration. G73, the brightest globular cluster in
8" (10/4/80): fairly bright, large, elongated ~N-S, companion to M31.
Caroline Herschel discovered M110 = NGC 205 = H. V-18 = h44 on 27 Aug 1783 with her 4.2-inch comet-seeker reflector. In the 1785 Philosophical Transactions, William wrote "there is a very considerable, broad, pretty faint, small nebula near it; my sister discovered it, August 27th, 1783, with a Newtonian two-feet sweeper." Charles Messier probably made an earlier observation on 10 Aug 1773, though no report was published, nor does it appear in his notes. A sketch published in 1807, though, showed both companions to M31. Kenneth Glynn Jones suggested adding NGC 205 as M110 in a 1967 Sky & Telescope article. William Herschel first observed it on 5 Oct 1784 (sweep 282). On 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 613), he recorded "vB, mE, above 20' long nearly in the meridian; a few degrees from np to sf, the branches lose themselves." On 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 621), he also logged "eB, mE. I suppose not less than 1/2° long and 10 or 12' broad.; vgmbM; so as to come to a luminous nucleus. The time very inaccurate, the telescope being off the roller, and only guided by hand."
M110 was observed with Lord Rosse's 72" on 2 Nov 1850 and "spirality" was suspected (falsely). A later observation on 16 Oct 1855 recorded "vL; mE np by sf; sharp nucleus, for some distance round which, the neb. is bright and then suddenly decreases; there is a bright star np the nucleus; and another involved in sf end; another in preceding border.”
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00 40 31.4 +40 44 16; And
Size 4.2'x2'; PA = 0°
24" (8/25/19): quite prominent, very large elongated patch, extending 4'x2' N-S. A number of faint stars were easily seen superimposed. A brighter, narrow "spine" stands out well with the general star cloud. NGC 206 can be traced further SSW, where it merges with Association 79, a very large 6'x2' cloud of lower surface brightness oriented SSW-NNE. Association 80 is a 3' patch directly south of NGC 206 by 7' and has 3 brighter stars superimposed on the north side. This patch also includes C107, a 5" open cluster on its south side.
48" (11/1/13): Using Jimi Lowrey’s 48-inch f/4, we carefully examined the large association NGC 206 for resolved stars using the finder chart in Stephen Odewahn's 1987 study "A photometric survey of the rich OB association NGC 206 in M31”. I assumed using a labeled photographic chart it would not be difficult to identify individual stars, but his chart failed to capture the range in visual brightness of the Milky Way and cluster stars. As a result I had to carefully verify small patterns of stars (triangle, quadrilaterals, etc.) several times to feel confident of the identifications. After several minutes of observation, I had identified the 6 or 7 brightest members down to V = 17.6, as well as the superimposed Milky Way stars. The brightest “star" (Odewahn #12 at V = 16.1) at the north edge was relatively prominent, but most were in the mag 17-17.5 range.
Finally, I stopped carefully scrutinizing individual stars, relaxed my eyes and just gazed at the entire star cloud with averted vision. I was startled that in moments of good seeing, roughly 20 additional extremely faint stars popped in and out of view, mimicking the appearance of a dense open cluster or partially resolved globular cluster! Based on photometry in the paper, the magnitudes of the resolved stars extended down to approximately V = 18.3-18.4. The cloud, itself, was quite irregular and split up into several slightly brighter patches.
Checking journal articles afterwards, I found that Odewahn #12 (= BH05) was not a single star but was listed as a globular cluster candidate (M31GC J004030+404530) in Barmby & Huchra’s 2001 paper "M31 Globular Clusters in the HST Archive: I. Cluster Detection and Completeness”. But the 2010 paper "A Photometric catalog of 77 newly-recognized star clusters in M31” by Paul Hodge described the results of an HST WFPC2 search for star clusters in active star-formation regions of M31. BH05 was reclassified as a luminous and massive young cluster with an unusually elliptical shape. In addition, Odewahn’s #40 and #112 (and perhaps others) are also clumps of stars or clusters, but visually were essentially stellar.
17.5" (8/18/93): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 4.0'x1.6', low and uneven surface brightness. A few very faint stars are just visible over surface including a brighter star at the south tip. Located 40' SW of the core of M31. This is the huge star cloud at the SW end of M31.
8" (12/6/80): very faint, moderately large, elongated N-S, low surface brightness patch near the SW end of M31.
William Herschel discovered NGC 206 = H. V-36 = h45 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 613) and recorded "vF, vL, mE, about 20' long nearly in the meridian, or a little from np to sf." John Herschel simply called it "a very large space filled with neb.”
E.E. Barnard independently discovered NGC 206 in 1883 and assumed it was new. On 14 Sep 1885 he reported [AN 2687], "about two years ago, I found with my 5-inch refractor, a moderate size nebula involved with the extreme preceding end of the Great Nebula in Andromeda. I have now confirmed the observation with the 6-inch Cooke Equatorial and as I can find no record of such nebula I suppose it is new." Barnard quickly caught his mistake and credited Herschel the next month [AN 2691]. Interestingly, Barnard also reported discovery of the M31 association A54 on the opposite end of M31, though for some reason Dreyer didn’t assign this object a NGC designation.
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NGC 207 = MCG -03-02-035 = PGC 2395
00 39 40.6 -14 14 13; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 85°
24" (9/30/16): at 282x; fairly faint/moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, 25"x15". A mag 14 star is close southwest [separation 38"]. NGC 178 is 8.7' NW and IC 41 is 3.8' N. A mag 9.5 star lies 4.4' SE.
17.5" (11/6/93): faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W,
25"x15". A mag 14.3 star
is just 40" SW of center.
Located 4.4' NW of mag 9.2
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 207 on 29 Oct 1877 as the observer on Lord Rosse's 72". He wrote, "About 35 seconds preceding and 25' ± south [of NGC 210] is [NGC 178], very faint, S, lE p f, mbMN, stellar, 5' nnf a coarse double star 10-11 and 12m. A very insignificant object." The description applies, as well as the time difference (actual value 32 seconds preceding) in RA although the galaxy is 5' NNW of the coarse double star instead of NNE as stated.
Dreyer assumed R.J. Mitchell's description from 7 Dec 1857 referred to NGC 207, but as it mentions the object is elongated N-S, it more likely applies to NGC 178. Ormond Stone independently discovered NGC 207 at Leader-McCormick Observatory on 3 Nov 1885 and reported it as new (LM 1-9) in the observatory's first discovery list.
IC 41 (discovered by Javelle) lies 3.7' north, although MCG,
PGC and HyperLeda incorrectly equate IC 41 with NGC 207 (error also in
Megastar). RNGC misclassified NGC
207 as nonexistent and it was reported as not found at Helwan observatory in
1924 (though.
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NGC 208 = MCG +00-02-118 = CGCG 383-064 = PGC 2420
00 40 17.6 +02 45 23; Psc
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; faint, small, round, 24"
diameter, low even surface with no nucleus. Three brighter stars follow; a mag 11.1 star 3.0' ENE, a mag
11.7 star 5' ESE and a mag 12 star 6' ENE. NGC 208 is one of the faintest NGC members of the NGC 182
group.
17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, very small, round. Located west of four mag 11-13 stars that form a rhombus. The closest is a mag 11 star 3' ENE. Member of the NGC 182 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 208 = m 15 on 5 Oct 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "pF". His position is very close SE of CGCG 383-064 = PGC 2420. Édouard Stephan found the galaxy on 29 Oct 1875. Initially he noted it as new in his logbook, but later crossed that out.
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00 39 03.6 -18 36 30; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 10°
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, round, small bright core. Located 70' SW of Beta Ceti.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 209 = LM 1-10 on 9 Oct
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is ~1.4 min of RA east of
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NGC 210 = MCG -02-02-081 = PGC 2437
00 40 34.8 -13 52 28; Cet
V = 10.9; Size 5.0'x3.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 160°
24" (11/21/19 and 10/17/20): at 322x; the central region is very bright, moderately large, oval 5:3 ~N-S, 1.2'x0.7'. Contains an intense roundish core that gradually increases to the center. With averted vision, a very large, low surface brightness halo - more easily visible on the south side - increased the size dramatically to nearly 4'x2'. Often the halo seemed like a ring as there was a dip in brightness surrounding the brilliant central region. Although there was hint of structure, the arms were not evident. The halo passes through a mag 12.6 star on the west side [1.2' from center].
13.1" (8/24/84): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~NNW-SSE, small very bright core. A mag 11.5 star is close WSW [1.3' from the center]. Located 7' E of mag 8.3
8" (10/31/81): faint, small, round. A mag 9 star is 7' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 210 = H. II-452 = h46 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 451) and recorded "pB, pS, mbM, resolvable, star 1.5' distant". His position is 30 tsec too far west.
R.J. Mitchell, LdR's observer on 7 Dec 1857, logged "bright centre; much elongated north and south, arms vF." Francis Leavenworth independently found the galaxy on 2 Oct 1886 at the Leander-McCormick Observatory and included it in the LM first discovery list (#11).
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NGC 211 = NGC 203 = MCG +00-02-114 = CGCG 383-061 = PGC 2393
00 39 39.5 +03 26 34; Psc
See observing notes for NGC 203.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 211 = St. 8a-2 on 29 Oct 1875 (rough position 3' to the WNW). He reported it as new (list 8, #2) based on a position taken 18 Nov 1876, but there is nothing (other than a faint star) near his position. Corwin found that Stephan misidentified his offset star (GSC 0014-1250 at 00 40 43.5 +03 28 05) so his position for NGC 211 was 20' E of NGC 203. When his offsets are reapplied they point directly to NGC 203, discovered three years earlier by Ralph Copeland. So, NGC 211 = NGC 203, with the original discovery going to Ralph Copeland. Emmanuel Esmiol did not catch Stephan's error when his rereduced Stephan's positions at the Observatoire de Marseille, so the position is incorrect in his 1916 paper.
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00 40 13.3 -56 09 11; Phe
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 131°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): NGC 212, along
with
John Herschel discovered NGC 212 = h2336 on Oct 28 1834 and recorded "vF, S, R, 15", the preceding of two [with h2337 = NGC 215]".
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00 41 10.0 +16 28 09; Psc
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.1
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, round, small bright core. A mag 13.5-14.0 star is off the SE edge 26" from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 213 = H. III-200 on 14 Oct 1784 (sweep 289) and logged "2 small stars with nebulosity between, verified with 240 power." His position is accurate. On 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 590) he noted "2 small stars with faint nebulosity, most of the chevulure is about the preceding star; the stars are within 1/2' of each other."
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00 41 28.0 +25 29 58; And
V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 35°
13.1" (10/20/84): moderately bright, slightly elongated SW-NE, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 214 = H. II-209 = h47 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 264) and recorded "vF, pL, iR, equally bright, r." R.J. Mitchell (LdR's assistant) observed the field on 3 Nov 1855 and noted, "I find 3 neb, perhaps 4, as in annexed sketch. A is oval, and I think resolvable; and has a star at np edge." Mitchell goes on to describe 1 or 2 additional nebulae in the field, but these are either stars or close doubles.
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NGC 215 = ESO 150-019 = PGC 2451
00 40 48.9 -56 12 51; Phe
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 120°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): this is the
brightest member of AGC 2806. Appeared moderately bright or fairly bright,
moderately large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, well concentrated with a bright core
that increases to the center. NGC
212 (just barely inferior) lies 6' NW.
Located 4' NE of mag 10
John Herschel discovered NGC 215 = h2336 (along with NGC 212 = h2336) on Oct 28 1834 and recorded "pF, S, R, 20", the following of two [with NGC 212]." On a later sweep he logged "F, R, vgbM; among stars." His position is accurate.
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00 41 27.1 -21 02 44; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 27°
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, fades at tips.
William Herschel discovered NGC 216 = H. III-244 = h49 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 330) and noted "eF, vS, E." John Herschel logged "eF; lE; nf to sp." The NGC position is accurate.
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00 41 33.8 -10 01 20; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 2.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 110°
17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, fairly small. This is a pretty edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE with a small bright core and stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 217 = H. II-480 = h48 = Sw. 4-4 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and recorded "F, pL, lE, lbM." John Herschel observed NGC 217 on a single sweep and noted "not vF; S; gbM; 10-15"." Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 9 Aug 1886 and reported it as new in his 4th discovery list (#4). His position was 15 seconds of RA too large, a similar offset as other objects he observed that night.
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00 46 31.9 +36 19 32; And
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 177°
24" (12/22/14): at 260x: moderately bright and large,
irregularly round, ~0.8' diameter though the halo increases in size and shape
with averted vision. A brighter
nucleus is offset to the east side of the galaxy, so could be mistaken for a
knot in the halo. Forms an
interacting pair (
CGCG 519-022 was fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.2', very weak concentration. The SDSS reveals numerous thin, blue arm segments of NGC 218 that are apparently tidally stretched towards CGCG 519-022.
17.5" (9/1/02): fairly faint, fairly small, irregular shape and surface brightness, 1.0' diameter, broadly concentrated. Forms the right angle of a small isosceles triangle with two mag 13.5-14 stars 1.4' N and 1.3' W. Forms an interacting pair with MCG +06-02-017 1.4' E. The companion is very faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.5'x0.25'. Member of the Pisces-Perseus Supercluster.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 218 = St. 8a-3 on 19 Oct 1873
and logged an initial position only 30" E of center of
I checked Emmanuel Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions at Marseilles Observatory and found that NGC 218 was left off of the main tables, but replaced with an "Anonymous" galaxy using a delta RA of +4 min from the same offset star. This offset corresponds exactly with UGC 480. At the bottom of the page Esmiol added the note "wrongly identified as NGC 218." So, clearly NGC 218 = UGC 480. Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke agree with this analysis. Wolfgang notes in his book on the history of the NGC, that Esmiol's catalogue gives 4 discoveries of Stephan that did not receive NGC designations, but he missed this connection with NGC 218. This identification has now been incorporated into NED, although it is still incorrect in HyperLeda (as of 2013) as well as the NGC/IC Project, which has not been updated in a long time.
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00 42 11.3 +00 54 16; Cet
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 60°
17.5" (10/8/88): very faint, extremely small, slightly
elongated. A mag 12 star is 1.1'
SSW of center. Located 3.7' NNW of
George Phillips Bond, director of Harvard College
Observatory, discovered NGC 219 = HN 1 on 16 Sep 1863 at Harvard College
observatory with the 15-inch Merz & Mahler refractor. His position and description matches
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00 40 30.6 -73 24 11; Tuc
V = 12.4; Size 0.8'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
228x, this SMC cluster appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round,
~50" diameter, brighter nucleus.
There was no resolution except for a single faint star near the
center. A mag 11 star lies 1' NE and
just south of
James Dunlop discovered NGC 220 = D 2 = h2338 on 1 Aug 1826. He described (single observation) a "faint ill-defined nebula, about 1 1/2' long, irregular figure, rather branched. This is just involved in pretty strong margin [edge] of the Cloud." His position is 3.6' NW of NGC 220 and the comment "rather branched" suggests he may have seen both NGC 220 and 222 as a single elongated object. Herschel assigned D 2 to NGC 231 = h2340 (also in the chain), but it has a lower surface brightness and less likely to have been noticed.
John Herschel observed NGC 220, along with NGC 231, on 12 Aug 1834 (sweep 482) and recorded "F, vgbM, irregular figure." In Sep 1835 (sweep 625) he wrote "The first of an irregular string of nebulae and stars which descends at an angle of about 45 degrees from the centre to the edge of the field (i.e. in a north-following direction)." Harold Corwin notes that h2339 (later NGC 222) may be a 4th observations of this cluster (see notes).
Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 16 Dec 1887 (first of 14 objects) with the Melbourne telescope and called it "pB, irr, pS, lBM, amidst stars."
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00 42 41.9 +40 51 53; And
V = 8.1; Size 8.7'x6.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 170°
24" (11/24/14): extremely high surface brightness, large, elongated at least 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~5'x3.5'. The large halo is highly concentrated to a small very bright core. The core itself is sharply concentrated to a very small, very bright nucleus punctuated by an intense stellar nucleus.
13.1" (8/24/84): very bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, about 4'x3', increases to small very bright core which is almost stellar. Located 24' S of the center of M31.
8" (8/24/84): very bright, moderately large, round, 24' S of M31.
15x50mm (7/26/06): an intense "star-like" core is surrounded by a small halo in my IS binoculars.
Guillaume Le Gentil discovered
In the Appendix to the 1912 'Scientific Papers of Sir William Herschel' this description is given of M32: "1813, December 26, 20 feet telescope, a vB R nebula, vgbM, up to a nucleus." John Herschel recorded (1 Oct 1828), "eB; pL; sbM to a * 10m; 40"; a small star follows it 11.5 seconds."
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NGC 222 = ESO 029-004 = Lindsay 24
00 40 44.5 -73 23 03; Tuc
V = 12.2; Size 0.6'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): second and the smallest of three SMC clusters in a string with NGC 220 1.5' SW and NGC 231 2.5' NE. At 228x, it appeared as a fairly faint, small, round glow of ~30" diameter, unresolved. A mag 11.5 star lies 30" south.
John Herschel discovered NGC 222 = h2339 on 11 Apr 1834 and simply recorded "vF, R, outlying." His position, though, is unusually poor - landing 3.7' S of NGC 220. Since h2339 was only recorded on the single sweep 441, Harold Corwin suggests this number may be another observation of NGC 220, which was recorded on 3 later sweeps, but not the one on 11 Apr 1834! As NGC 220 is much more prominent than the smaller cluster taken as NGC 222, it seems unreasonable that Herschel would have missed NGC 220. On sweep 625, Herschel recorded NGC 220 as "The first of an irregular string of nebulae and stars which descends at an angle of about 45 degrees from the centre to the edge of the field (i.e. in a north-following direction)". It's very possible that the cluster taken as NGC 222 was one of these "string of nebulae and stars" as it is just 1.5' NE of NGC 220, so perhaps he did see the cluster on this date. See Corwin's notes for more on this identification.
James Dunlop's D 2, discovered on 1 Aug 1826, probably refers to this chain. He described a "faint nebula, about 1 1/2' long, irregular figure, rather branched. This is involved in the margin of the Nebula minor." His position is ~3.5' WNW of NGC 220/222 and may apply to NGC 220 (brightest cluster) only. Herschel assigned D 2 to NGC 231 = h2340, which is likely incorrect due its low surface brightness.
Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 16 Dec 1887 (second of 14 objects) with the Melbourne telescope and called it "pB, roundish, pS lbM, amidst stars."
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NGC 223 = IC 44 = UGC 450 = MCG +00-02-129 = PGC 2527
00 42 15.8 +00 50 44; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 62°
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 219 3.7' NNW. Located close to the midpoint of a mag 11 star 2.8' SE and a mag 12 star 3.0' NW that is just south of NGC 219.
George Phillips Bond discovered NGC 223 = HN 7 = Au 4 = Sw.
6-5 on 5 Jan 1853. It was found
with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone observations of stars
near the celestial equator. He
noted a round nebula, between stars #131 and 132 and measured the dec, but not
the RA. The discovery was listed
as #4 in Auwers 1862 list of new nebulae, though the RA was only given to the
nearest minute of time. Heinrich
d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy on 1 Jan 1862 and assumed it was a
new discovery. He added a note of
Bond's earlier discovery in his 1865 catalogue of new nebulae. Lewis Swift made another discovery
(list VI, #5) on 21 Nov 1886.
Finally Swift "discovered" it again on 12 Nov 1890, and
described Sw. 10-1 (later
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00 42 44.1 +41 16 08; And
V = 3.4; Size 191'x62'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 35°
17.5" (7/5/86): the remarkable "Andromeda galaxy" is very bright, extremely large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, about 2.5° length. Very large bright core containing a stellar nucleus using direct vision. There are two black parallel dust lanes along the NW side of the core. The galaxy extends beyond the star cloud NGC 206 located about 40' SW of the core.
18": a total of 38 globular clusters have been tracked down in M31 as well as 9 star clusters.
8" (number observations starting in 1980): amazing at 50x with a prominent dust lane along NW side, stellar nucleus.
Persian astronomer Abd-al-Rahman Al-Sûfi first mentioned M31
= NGC 224 = h51 in his "Book of Fixed Stars" (964 AD) as the
"Little Cloud" lying before the mouth of a Big Fish (an Arabic
constellation). Surprisingly,
Tycho Brahe didn't mention M31 in his star catalogue (nor Hipparchus or Bayer),
which included 6 nebulous objects (only real one was
William Herschel first observed M31 in 1780 ("has no star in it") but using a 6-inch on 2 Aug 1783 he noted, "227x, a strong suspicion of stars. This speculum has not light enough. I doubt not but 20 feet will confirm it. 460x, suspicion still stronger." He was obviously mistaken on the resolvability. WH also noted the nebula "begins to shew a faint red colour." Perhaps he detected a slight hue to the nuclear region (red giants), though this seems unlikely. In 1826 John Herschel wrote, "At present it has not, indeed, a star, or any well-defined disk in its center, but the brightness, which increases by a regular gradation from the circumference, suddenly acquires a great accession, so as to off the appearance of a nipple as it were in the midd, of very small diameter (10" or 12")...Its nebulosity is of the most perfectly milky absolutely irresolvable kind, with the slightest tendency to that separation into flocculi above described in the nebula in Orion..."
The quasi-stellar nucleus was observed by Johann Lamont on 13 Oct 1836 with a 10.5-inch refractor at Munich Observatory and measured as 6.9" diameter. George Bond made a remarkable sketch in 1847 using the new 15-inch Harvard refractor, showing two sharply defined dust lanes, a stellar nucleus and M32 and M110 embedded within the halo of M31. He mentioned "a sudden interruption of light, appearing like a narrow, dark band, in which the eye could detect no deviation from perfect straightness, streating, in the direction of the axis of the nebula, entirely across the field of view; exterior to this, with respect to the axis, was another band or canal..." Bond also traced the major axis to a length of 4°. Leopold Trouvelot produced a beautiful sketch of the dust lanes in 1874 at the Harvard College Observatory.
The spiral nature, though, was first revealed in photographs by Isaac Roberts in 1888 with a 20-inch reflector (reproduced in many publications) and E.E. Barnard in 1890 with the 12-inch refractor, though neither used in the word "spiral" in their papers. Roberts speculated wildly on the nature of M31, suggesting it was a "new solar system in the process of condensation from a nebula" and the two companions, M32 and M110, were "already undergoing their transformations into planets."
Ernst Hartwig discovered the first extragalactic supernova near the center of M31 on 20 Aug 1885 with the Dorpat Observatory's 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor. SN 1885A = S And reached mag 5.85 and faded to mag 14 a half a year later. The brightness (if a nova) seemed evidence that M31 was relatively nearby (within the Milky Way). In 1899, though, German astronomer Julius Scheiner obtained a spectrum using a 7.5 hour exposure and found "No traces of bright nebular lines are present, so that the interstellar speace in the Andromeda nebula, just as in our stellar system, is not appreciably occupied by gaseous matter." He further stated "previous suspicion that the spiral nebulae are star clusters is now raised to a certainty, the thought suggests itself of comparing ..our stellar system, with especial reference to its great similarity to the Andromeda nebula." This added strong support for the "island-universe" theory.
In 1919 Knut Lundmark obtained a distance of 650,000 light years based on the brightness of M31 novae, implying an extragalactic nebula. But in the early 1920's Adriaan van Maanen claimed he measured internal displacements on photographs taken 12 years apart that showed rotation or motion outward along the spiral arms, implying a close distance and small diameter. The Island Universe question was effectively ended when Hubble identified a Cepheid variable (V1) in M31 on a plate taken October 5-6, 1923 and derived a distance of 930,000 l.y based on the Period-Luminosity relation. In 1929 he obtained a distance of 900,000 l.y. based on a large number of Cepheids.
In 1943-44, while the Los Angeles area was in a World War II blackout, William Baade first resolved the central region of M31, M32, M110 as well as NGC 147 and NGC 185 using the 100-inch at Mount Wilson. He identified two distinct populations of stars based on their metallicity, naming young, high-velocity stars in the disk as Type I and older red stars in the bulge as Type II. The differences in Population I and II Cepheids modified the P-L relation and increased the distance by 2.5x.
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00 43 35 +61 46; Cas
V = 7.0; Size 12'
24" (1/4/14): bright, large, scattered group of ~50 stars in 10' group. Includes 15-18 brighter stars that stand out (mag 9.5-11). A ragged N-S string of stars defines the eastern border of the cluster. There are no rich subgroups and a lack of faint stars.
A detached group of stars is off the north side, but these
stars do not appear to be part of the cluster.
17.5" (11/2/91): about two dozen stars at 100x in a 12' diameter. Bright but scattered. Outline forms an isosceles triangle with the vertex at west edge and the long base on the east side. Most stars are mag 10-11 and evenly spaced. The cluster appears completely resolved. Only one fairly close double star in group. Just ENE of the main group is a line of five mag 9 stars oriented N-S.
8": two dozen stars in a cluster, fairly bright but scattered, no dense spots.
Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 225 = H. VIII-78 = h52 on 27 Sep 1783 (and seen again on 30 Oct 1783 and 23 Feb 1784) with her 4.2" comet seeker reflector. The cluster was first observed by William on 11 Mar 1784 before he began the evening's sweeps. On 26 Nov 1788 (sweep 887), he recorded, "a good many coarsely scattered L stars of an equal size, they take up a space of 15 or 20'."
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00 42 54.0 +32 34 52; And
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (9/1/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 ~E-W, 0.6'x0.45', very weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is just off the
south side, 30" from the center.
Located 11' ESE of mag 8.5
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small,
irregularly round, bright core, irregular surface brightness. A mag 14 star is 30" S. Located 7' NE of mag 9.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 226 = h53 on 22 Nov 1827 and
logged "eF; S; R; has a 13m to south, dist 20"." His position and description matches
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00 42 36.8 -01 31 43; Cet
V = 12.1; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 155°
13.1" (10/20/84): moderately bright, very small bright core or stellar nucleus?
13.1" (9/29/84): compact galaxy elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, small prominent nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 227 = H. II-444 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and logged "F, pL, lbM". The micrometric position from Engelhardt in the NGC is accurate.
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00 42 54.5 +23 30 12; And
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (10/13/90 and 10/20/90): faint, small, almost
round, weak concentration. In a
tight quadruple group with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 228 = St. 10-1, along with NGC 229, on 3 Oct 1869 (single unpublished position between the pair). His published micrometric position was made on 10 Oct 1879.
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NGC 229 = MCG +04-02-049 = CGCG 479-064 = PGC 2577
00 43 04.6 +23 30 33; And
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (10/13/90 and 10/20/90): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, stellar nucleus. In a quadruple group with NGC 228 2.5' W and CGCG 479-065 9' ESE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 229 = St. 10-2, along with NGC 228, on 3 Oct 1869 (single unpublished position between the pair). His published micrometric position was made on 10 Oct 1879.
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00 42 27.1 -23 37 44; Cet
V = 14.7; Size 1.1'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 44°
24" (12/22/14): extremely faint to very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~20"x10", low surface brightness. Requires averted and concentration, but clearly visible ~25% of time.
17.5" (10/4/97): extremely tough, very small object
that I suspected on a couple of pops.
My field sketch shows it situated just south of the midpoint of two
stars oriented NW-SE [separation 1.5'] and it seemed extended SW-NE
(perpendicular to the line connecting the stars). This matches the DSS image, so I probably finally detected
this galaxy. Located 6' SW of NGC
232 and 8' SW of the double system
17.5": negative sightings on 12/3/88, 10/21/95 in thin clouds and 12/20/95.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 230 = LM 2-291, along
with
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NGC 231 = ESO 029-005 = Lindsay 25
00 41 06.4 -73 21 08; Tuc
V = 12.7; Size 0.8'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this SMC cluster appeared as a moderately large, low surface brightness hazy region with an irregular outline, ~2' diameter. A few mag 14 stars were resolved. Last of three open clusters with compact NGC 222 2.5' SW and NGC 220 4.0' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 231 = h2340 on 12 Aug 1834
(sweep 482) and recorded "an irregular train of stars and nebulosity in
the Nubecula Minor. (Evidently that referred to in sweep 625 [NGC 220])."
His position falls very close to the cluster taken as NGC 231 (
Herschel suggested h2340 might be equivalent to D 2, but Dunlop likely saw only NGC 220 or both NGC 220 and 221, which he described as "a faint nebula, about 1.5' long, irregular figure, rather branched. This is involved in the margin of the Nubecula Minor."
Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster of 16 Dec 1887 (third of 14 objects) with the 48" Melbourne telescope and called it "eeeF, very small thin nebulosity around a minute star. Two or more stars near."
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NGC 232 = ESO 474-015 = MCG -04-02-040 = VV 830 = PGC 2559
00 42 45.7 -23 33 41; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 171°
24" (12/22/14): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, weak concentration. NGC 235/235B lies 2.0' NE and NGC 230 is 6' SW.
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. Forms a trio with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 232 = LM 2-292, along
with NGC 230 and 235, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander
McCormick Observatory. His
position essentially matches
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00 43 36.6 +30 35 13; And
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus, diffuse outer halo, no distinct edges.
William Herschel discovered NGC 233 = H. III-149 = h54 on 14 Oct 178 (sweep 266) and logged "eF, vS, R." R.J. Mitchell, assistant to Lord Rosse's on 22 Nov 1854, recorded "pB, vS, R, a F* v close preceding??". There is a very faint star close west of the core.
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00 43 32.4 +14 20 33; Psc
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (10/8/88): moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, broad concentration, faint nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 234 = H. II-245 on 14 Oct 1784 (sweep 289) and logged "F, pS, irregular oval." On 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 295), he noted "F, pS, R, lbM." and again on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 590), "pB, cL, gmbM." Dreyer made a detailed observation at Birr Castle on 8 Nov 1876: "pB, pL, iR, seems with higher power to have two points of condensation, p and f, the f. one the brighter. I think the p one is a S * involved. Lord Rosse thought it resolved." A mag 16.3 star is at the west edge and the following "point of condensation" probably refers to the nucleus. The NGC position is 2.5' too far south.
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NGC 235 = ESO 474-016 = MCG -04-02-041 = PGC 2569
00 42 52.8 -23 32 29; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 117°
24" (12/22/14): at 260x; NGC 235A, the brighter northwest component of this interacting double system, appeared fairly bright, fairly small, round, 24" diameter high surface brightness, bright core increases to a very bright stellar nucleus. NGC 235B is attached on the southeast side and appeared fairly faint, small, 12" diameter, round, very small brighter nucleus. The pair of galaxies are separated by just 20" between centers!
17.5" (12/3/88): the western member of this double system appeared faint, very small, round, small bright core. The eastern component, attached at the following end, appeared extremely faint and small, round. Forms a double with NGC 232 2.5' SW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 235 = LM 2-293, along
with NGC 230 and 232, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander
McCormick Observatory. His
position is 0.3 min of RA east of
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00 43 27.5 +02 57 30; Psc
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 160°
17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 SW-NE, fairly low even surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is off the NE edge 1.4' from center. Located roughly 1 degree east of the large NGC 182 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 236 = m 16 on 3 Aug 1864 using
Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta and recorded "vF, pL". His position is 1.5' N of
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00 43 27.9 -00 07 30; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 175°
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, brighter core.
13.1" (12/7/85): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, weak concentration.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 237 = Sf. 94 = Sw. 6-76 on 27 Sep 1867 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. His discovery list was not published until 1887, so Dreyer was unable to credit him in the NGC. The galaxy was independently found by Lewis Swift on 21 Nov 1886 with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and catalogued it as #6 in his 6th discovery list, though his position was 16 seconds off in RA. Swift is credited with the discovery in the NGC. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.
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00 43 25.5 -50 10 57; Phe
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 93°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, moderately large, roundish, ~1.5' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus. A weak central bar extends NW-SE from the nucleus.
Subtle structure was evident in the halo with slightly
enhanced regions. A slightly
brighter patch is on the northwest and west side (images show this part of an
inner ring) and an extremely faint "star" is superimposed [25"
NW of center]. The DSS2 image
reveals this is either a bright knot or possibly an interacting companion. In 1981ApJS...46...75A
("Spectroscopic Measures of Galaxies, Their Companions, and Peculiar
Galaxies in the Southern Hemisphere"), Arp identifies this object as a
companion galaxy as well as Madore in the 2007 paper "The Curious Case of
John Herschel discovered NGC 238 = h2341 on 2 Oct 1834 and
recorded "eF, pL, R, gvlbM, 50"." His position matches
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00 44 37.4 -03 45 34; Cet
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 28°
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, broad concentration. A mag 12 star is 2.6' E of center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 239 = LM 1-12 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is just 1' S of MCG -01-03-007 = PGC 2642. Ormond Stone's "corrected" position, given in the IC 1 notes, is 1.1 tmin too far E. In the IC 2 notes section, Max Wolf states the original NGC position was correct!
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00 45 01.9 +06 06 47; Psc
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, small, oval 4:3 ~E-W, small bright core. A mag 14 star is 1.2' SSE of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 240 = Sw. 5-9 on 22 Oct 1886 with
the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "vF; S; R; * nr
south". His position is 9 sec
of RA east of
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00 43 34 -73 26 36; Tuc
V = 12.0; Size 0.9'
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 241 = h2342 on 12 Aug 1834 and described "a very F, R nebula or group (We are now fairly in the Nubecula Minor, and field begins to be full of faint perfectly irresolvable nebulous light." There is nothing at his sinngle Cape of Good Hope position but 10' N is h2343 (later NGC 242). Herschel caught this error and corrected the NPD in an errata list at the end of the CGH catalogue, though apparently he didn't notice the nearly identical positions. Since Herschel only observed NGC 241 on a sweep where NGC 242 was not recorded, Harold Corwin (as well as ESO and Eric Lindsay) equate NGC 241= NGC 242. Since NGC 242 refers to his first observation it should be the primary designation. See Harold Corwin's notes for more.
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NGC 242 = NGC 241 = ESO 029-6 = Lindsay 29
00 43 34 -73 26 36; Tuc
V = 12.0; Size 0.9'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
282x, this SMC cluster appeared fairly bright, slightly elongated E-W,
0.8'x0.6'. A faint star is at the
west end and another faint star or clump of stars is at the SE end. A pair of mag 12.5/13 stars lies 2.5'
SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 242 = h2343 on 11 Apr 1834 and recorded "pL; vF; R; vgbM; (in a sweep below the pole and ill seen) the RA is probably also in error. On a second sweep he recorded "a binuclear nebula, or two, vS, R, running together." Finally on a third sweep he noted "a small irresolvable knot in the bright part of the Nubecula Minor." NGC 241 = h2343, recorded in Aug 1834, is a duplicate observation (see notes).
Interestingly, Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 16 Dec 1887 (as well as numerous other SMC clusters) with the 48" Melbourne telescope and logged it as two objects (labeled as "D" and "E") "almost forming a double nebula". The main NW clump was called "pB, very small, nebulous star" and the SE knot as "pB; eeS; nebulous star very close to D. I believe two minute stars in D and one in E which makes the objects sparke, many stars in the field." This matches Herschel's description of "a binuclear nebula, or two..." SIMBAD labels the NW clump as NGC 241 = Kron 22w = Lindsay 29w and the SE clump as NGC 242 = Kron 22E = Lindsay 29e and NGC 241/242 is listed as a star cluster pair in 2000A&AS..146...57D.
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00 46 00.9 +29 57 34; And
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 145°
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 1.4' E of a mag 10.5 star.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 243 = St. 12-6 on 6 Oct 1869 and recorded an unpublished position 2' SSE of center. He published an accurate micrometric position made on 18 Oct 1881 and recorded "Faint, very small, round, gradually brighter middle, *10 precedes by 6 seconds [of time]."
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00 45 46.7 -15 35 50; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 50°
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, small bright core. Located 3.5' NNW of a mag 10.5 star. A tight trio of mag 14.5 stars is 8' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 244 = H. III-485 = h55 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and logged "vF, S, iF, resolvable." The NGC position is just 1' too far N.
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00 46 05.5 -01 43 22; Cet
V = 12.2; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 145°
17.5" (10/8/88): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W, stellar nucleus. A pair of stars mag 13.5 and 14.5 with a separation of 35" lie 1.5' S.
13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, star superimposed or faint stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 245 = H. II-445 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and recorded "F, iR, easily resolvable, 1' broad." The NGC RA is just 0.1 tmin too large.
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00 47 03.3 -11 52 19; Cet
V = 10.4; Size 240"x210"; PA = 120°
48" (10/23/14): At 488x with an NPB filter the view of the Skull Nebula was breathtaking and all the structure in a detailed photograph was visible. The thin brighter rim varied in brightness, thickness and scalloped structure along its entire length.
The rim is brightest along a 60° arc on the western side, bulging inward just north of center, creating a small darker indentation in the rim due west of the prominent central star. Moving counterclockwise around the rim, a small brighter, elongated patch is at the northwest edge, close to a mag 11.5 star just outside the planetary. The rim is relatively weak along the north side, but two brighter (detached) patches are along the northeast side. An irregular, elongated luminous patch spreads inward here. This glow is fairly prominent just northeast of center, on line with the central star and the second interior mag 12 star (southwest of center). A second luminous patch is midway from the central star to the north rim. The rim is weakest overall along a 90° arc on the eastern side, near a mag 13.5 star, which is embedded just within the planetary. Two more luminous patches are visible at the south rim, with the westernmost glow both larger and brighter.
The interior is relatively dark, though glows weakly with subtle variations, creating pockets of darkness - one is northeast of the central star - and mild enhancements. A small diaphanous glow is just south of the mag 12 star on the southwest side. More extensive milky nebulosity extends inward from the southern rim, though the most prominent interior glow is the split nebulosity mentioned earlier on the northwest side.
33" (9/15/07): gorgeous annular planetary viewed at 200x. The thin brighter rim was striking and varied in brightness and thickness around the periphery. The rim is brightest along the western or WNW edge and weakest on the east side. The interior was darker but irregular in surface brightness.
18" (10/13/07): 175x gave an excellent view using the NPB filter and the thin, bright irregular rim (only dimming on the east side) and darker center was quite striking.
18" (8/23/03): I took a quick look at 160x from Chew's Ridge with a thin waning crescent low in the ENE. Without a filter I don't remember the brighter rim being so crisply defined and the annularity so clear. The superimposed stars gave the planetary a transparent, 3-dimensional feel as if I was seeing inside the object.
17.5" (1/8/00): at 100x, appears as a moderately bright, 3.5' irregular glow with a darker center and encompassing four stars including the 12th magnitude central star. Excellent contrast gain using an OIII filter, which sharpens up the edge of the roundish annulus and enhances the irregular surface brightness. The halo is brightest along a 270° arc running from SW to NE and is clearly weakest at the east edge of the halo. A mag 11.5 star is embedded at the NW edge of the halo 2.0' from center. The irregular central hole is much darker but faintly luminous. A mag 12 star is also superimposed southwest of the central star and a 4th star is just inside the eastern boundary. The central star forms a thin right triangle with the other two brighter stars. At 220x, the western 90° outer arc is brightest and there appears to be a knot embedded at the NE edge of the halo.
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly bright, large, 4' diameter, annular. Four stars are involved including the central star. This planetary has an irregular surface brightness with subtle structure.
13.1" (many dates from 11/13/82 to 8/24/84): fairly bright with filter,
clearly annular, sharper edges.
8" (11/5/83): fairly faint, large, four stars involved. No annularity noted.
16x80 (8/24/84): faintly visible in finder.
80mm finder (10/13/07): visible unfiltered at 25x. Nice contrast gain using the NPB filter and the planetary also appears to increase in size.
William Herschel discovered NGC 246 = H. V-25 = h56 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "four or five pL stars forming a trapezium of 4 or 5' diameter. The enclosed space is filled up with milky nebulosity faintly terminated. The stars seem to have no connection with the nebulosity." The 1973 Revised New General Catalogue of Nonstellar Objects (RNGC) reversed the sign of the declination (+), and this typo was copied into some amateur software and digital setting circles.
Isaac Roberts described NGC 246 as a spiral nebula based on an early photograph. In 1912 Knox-Shaw reported it was not a spiral, but "like the Owl nebula", based on a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector from 1909-11. Still Hardcastle later classified NGC 246 as a spiral nebula. Campbell (at Lick) and Paddock found the spectrum to be of a PN. Based on a Crossley photograph, Heber Curtis described (1918) "a somewhat irregular oval, brightest on western edge; 4'x3.5' in PA 120°. Periphery clear-cut, with a broken ring effect. Very faint, irregular matter in inner parts. The central star is bluish, and considerably brighter photographically than visually."
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00 47 08.2 -20 45 37; Cet
V = 9.1; Size 21.4'x6.9'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 174°
48" (10/31/13): at 287x, NGC 247 spanned at least
18'x5' NNW-SSE and stretched from an HII region at the NNW tip to beyond the
mag 9.5 star (
17.5" (11/1/86): bright, very large, bright core,
elongated 7:2 N-S, 14'x4'. The
southern extension is brighter and mag 9
13.1" (8/5/83): fairly bright, diffuse, very large, bright core.
8" (10/4/80): very large, elongated ~N-S, bright core. A mag 10 star is at the south tip. The southern extension appears brighter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 247 = H. V-20 = h57 on 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 303) and logged "a Streak of light about 27' long, and in the brightest part, which was pB is 3' or 4' broad. The extension nearly in the meridian (I believe a little from from S.p. to N.f.) ... The situation is so low, that it would probably appear of much greater extent in a higher altitude." His size estimate (27') was much too large. John Herschel observed NGC 247 at Slough on 16 Sep 1830 (sweep 293) and noted "eF; vL; vmE; vglbM; 10' long; pos 172.0 deg. Has no bright star in it, but a star 8.9 mag at some distance n.p." Surprisingly, he made no (published) observations at the Cape of Good Hope.
Based on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector, Heber Curtis described NGC 247 as "a faint, very large spiral, 18'x5' in p.a. 175°. Nucleus stellar; many almost stellar condensations. Whorls somewhat irregular, and indistinct." (1918)
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NGC 248 = SMC-N13A/B = ESO 029-8
00 45 24.0 -73 22 47; Tuc
Size 0.8'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x this fairly faint SMC nebulous cluster appeared as an irregular glow, 0.8'x0.6', elongated NW-SE. There was a good response using a UHC filter at 76x. One or two stars or knots are involved including a small nebulous knot at the southeast end. NGC 256 lies 8' SSE and NGC 242 is 9' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 248 = h2344 on 11 Apr 1834 and logged "very faint. Below the pole, and the sweep otherwise irregular." On a later sweep he recorded "faint, elongated or binuclear, small, very gradually a little brighter in the middle." His position matches the knot at the southeast end.
Pietro Baracchi observed this cluster on 16 Dec 1887 along with a number of other SMC clusters with the 48" Melbourne telescope. He listed NGC 248 as two separate objects; the NW object (SMC-N13B) was labeled as "F" and called "pF; eeS a faint nebulous star" and the SE object was labeled as "G" (SMC-N13A) and described as "very close to F, almost forms a double nebula - this is a little brighter and larger than F. pB; vS; R; pmbM."
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00 45 33 -73 04 48; Tuc
Size 2.0'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): NGC 249 is the first of four
striking, collinear SMC nebulae and clusters with
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x this SMC cluster with nebulosity appeared fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, 1.3'x0.9', weakly concentrated. Two or three faint stars are involved including a mag 13 star just north of the center. The UHC filter produces a good contrast boost and increased the size to at least 2'. Forms a pair with NGC 261 4.5' ESE with NGC 242 18' S.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 249 = D 19 = h2346 on 5 Sep 1826 with his homemade 9" speculum reflector. He recorded "a small faint elliptical nebula - this is the preceding in a line of small faint nebulae." His position is just 3.7' N of this SMC nebula.
John Herschel recorded NGC 249 on 3 sweeps. In Sep 1835 (sweep 635), he remarked "faint, large, round; very gradually brighter in the middle; 2' across. Here begins a starry region of the Nubecula Minor." On 4 Oct 1836 (sweep 738), he wrote, "pretty bright, pretty large, oval, resolvable, 2' diameter." Herschel noted that Dunlop's D 19 or 21 might be equivaent.
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00 47 16.0 +07 54 36; Psc
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 153°
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, almost round, faint stellar nucleus. Located in the center of a small right triangle consisting of two mag 13.5 stars 2.1' NE and 2.8' NE and a mag 12.5 star 2.7' S. Located 29' NW of mag 4.4 63 Psc.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 250 = Sw. 3-2 on 10 Nov 1885 with
the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 17 sec of RA east of
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00 47 54.0 +19 35 48; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 2.4'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.7; PA = 105°
24" (11/21/19): at 322x; nearly moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, decent concentration with a bright core and faint halo that extends over 1'. The surface brightness seemed irregular like a face-on spiral (it is) and the periphery varied with averted vision. A mag 12.5 star is 1' NE of center and a 3.5" pair of mag 14.5 stars is just off the E edge. Located 10' E of mag 6.1 59 Psc.
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 E-W, weak concentration. Enclosed by a small group of four mag 12-14.5 stars including a mag 12.5 star (close double) just 0.7' E. Located 9.5' E of 59 Piscium (V = 6.1).
William Herschel discovered NGC 251 = H. III-204 = h58 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 291). His description reads, "vF, S, s.p. 2 vS stars, a third star in it but not in the center, and I suppose is not connected with it. 240 verified it." On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 635) he logged "vF, S, lbM, just preceding two stars are in the same meridian." John Herschel recorded "vF; R; follows a *6.7 40s and is 1.5' north of it. It is near 2 v s st. If this be III 204, my father's polar distance is 5' wrong."
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00 48 01.5 +27 37 26; And
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 80°
17.5" (10/17/87): moderately bright, moderately large,
large slightly elongated halo, bright core, stellar nucleus. Brightest and first of three with NGC
258 3.2' NE and
William Herschel discovered NGC 252 = H. II-609 = h59 = h60 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and logged "pB, S, iR, gbM." John Herschel made 4 observations under h59 and a 5th observation listed as h60.
Both Herschels missed
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00 47 33.1 -25 17 17; Scl
V = 7.2; Size 27.5'x6.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 52°
48" (10/23/14): although I've viewed NGC 253 several previous times with Lowrey's 48", I'm always amazed by the spectacular view as the mottled galaxy explodes into numerous bright knots, dusty patches, dark lanes and luminous star associations. Using a 21mm Ethos (232x), NGC 253 completely filled the 26' field. The central region of this starburst galaxy contains a blazing, nonstellar nucleus surrounding by an intense, elongated core with several bright patches around the periphery of the core (segments of the inner spiral arms). Just northwest and southeast of the nucleus are extremely bright sections of the core. Since the galaxy is only 12° from edge-on, many visible features extend parallel to the SW-NE major axis (PA = 52°).
A dark lane running SW-NE parallels the core just off its northern side. Close northwest and parallel to this dust lane is a very bright, fairly narrow arm, extending ~3' in length. Another thin arm (also running SW-NE) is to the southeast of the core with a prominent, very thin section ~3.5' SW of center, just southwest of a superimposed mag 12.5-13 star. Three smaller bright patches surround a superimposed star ~2.5' NE of the nucleus. The brightest and largest of these patches is close southeast of the star. Further northeast the surface brightness lowers in the outer portion of the galaxy, but it still appears curdled and blotchy. Several bright stars are near the periphery including a mag 9.3 star 6.2' SW of center and a mag 11.6 star 3.8' W of center. A brighter patch is ~3.5' WSW of center is near the latter star. Additional luminous patches are further out on the southwest end.
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): superb view at 152x and 303x with NGC 253 within 10° of the zenith. Much of the detail seen in Lowrey's 48" was visible, although the bright patches were not quite as contrasty. The nucleus is a very small region embedded in a very bright, elongated central region that is enhanced immediately south of the nucleus. A thin, luminous "arm" extends in the direction of the major axis near the north side. A long spiral "arm" is along the northeast flank of the galaxy, extending 5 or 6' in length. Three slightly brighter patches were noted to the northeast of the core close to a superimposed star (also marked in the 48" observation). A bright, elongated strip was along the southwest side, about 2.8' NNW of a mag 9.3 star near the southwest edge (6.2' from center).
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): stunning view in the 13mm Ethos at 264x although the galaxy overfilled the 23' field. The dust structure and knots were mesmerizing but I didn't take detailed notes.
17.5" (many dates 8/2/86 to 8/29/92): at 100x; very bright, very large, edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, 30'x5', at 100x. The galaxy exhibits only a weak central concentration to a small elongated core that is slightly larger than the visible knots. Remarkable dust structure and mottling visible particularly on the southwest extension and a dark lane runs along the north side. Three faint HII knots are visible near a superimposed star on the southwest side and a slightly brighter knot lies northeast of a star near the core.
13.1" (9/11/82): very bright, elongated 4:1 SW-NE, very mottled, dust lanes, dark patches, 30' diameter.
8" (10/4/80 and 9/11/82): very bright, large and elongated! Mottled appearance, 25'-30' diameter.
10x30mm IS binoculars: easily visible as an elongated glow.
Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 253 = H. V-1 = h61 = h2345 on 23 Sep 1783 from Datchet in England (before William started his sweeps) with her "small Newtonian Sweeper of [4.2" aperture] 27 inches focal length, and a power of 30." This was the only galaxy she discovered. William took a look in his 6.2" reflector and described it as a nebulous spot lengthened out to a considerable extend from SW to NE.". He found it just a month later on 30 Oct 1783 while sweeping horizontally (solo sweep 8 of his second night and only internal discovery #3) with his 18.7-inch, though he realized it was found by his sister and added "it is Carolina's." He noted, “On looking at the nebula a long while the suspicion of its consisting of stars grows stronger as it begins to put on a faintly mottled appearance.” On 27 Oct 1785 (sweep 467) he recorded "about 45' long and 7 or 8' br; cB, mBM. The place taken is that of the brightest part of it, where there is a small star visible, which however I suppose has no connection with the nebula. It makes an angle of 25 or 40° with the meridian, from sp to nf. The faint ends of it require much attention to be seen, and I believe extend much farther than I could trace them."
John Herschel recorded it from the Cape as "vvB; vvL; vmE; 30' long, 3' or 4' broad; has several stars in it; gmbM to a centre elongated like the nebula itself. The nebula is somewhat streaky and knotty in its constitution and may perhaps be resolvable." A second observation in 1836 was logged as "vvB; vvvL; a superb object; 24' in length, breadth about 3'; pos = 143.8 very exact. Its light is somewhat streaky, but I see no stars in it but 4 large and one very small one, and these seem not to belong to it, there being many near." In the GC, he noted the position angle should read 54.5°. John Dunlop didn't publish an observation from Paramatta (near Sydney) as it lies a couple of degrees outside his northern declination cut off.
William Lassell sketched NGC 253 from Malta in November 1863 with his 48" and included numerous dark lanes and rifts on the southwest side and a very irregular outline. Wilhelm Tempel's sketch with the 11" Amici refractor at Florence captures several small knots (brightest in the nucleus) and accurately depicts the surrounding star field and superimposed stars. The origin of the "Silver Coin" nickname goes back to at least 1964 (Time-Life International edition of "The Universe"), with the description "Silvery Coin of the flat Sc spiral NGC 253", though the 1962 edition published in the U.S. reads "Silvery Dollar ..."
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00 47 27.6 -31 25 20; Scl
V = 11.7; Size 2.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 137°
17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 NW-SE, very bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 5' SW of mag 7.1
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly bright, small, elongated ~E-W, small bright nucleus. Located 5' SW of a mag 8 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 254 = h2347 on 28 Sep 1834 and logged "vB, R, gmbM, 40", has a star 8th mag 5' distant." His position is accurate.
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NGC 255 = MCG -02-03-017 = PGC 2802
00 47 47.1 -11 28 07; Cet
V = 11.9; Size 3.0'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 15°
17.5" (8/16/93): moderately bright, fairly large,
elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x1.6', broad mild concentration. A mag 14 star lies 2.5' ESE. Forms a pair with
13.1" (8/24/84): similar to previous observation but exhibits a weak concentration.
13.1" (11/5/83): moderately bright, fairly small, round, no noticeable concentration.
8" (8/28/81): faint, small, round. Located 25' NNE of NGC 246.
William Herschel discovered NGC 255 = H. II-472 = h62 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "F, pS." John Herschel made a single observation, "vF; L; R; gbM; 30"." In 1912 Harold Knox-Shaw identified this galaxy as an "spiral with many stellar condensations in the whorls", based on photographs taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory between 1909-11.
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NGC 256 = ESO 029-11 = Lindsay 30
00 45 54 -73 30 24; Tuc
V = 12.5; Size 0.9'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; bright,
fairly small, roughly triangular outline, 30"-35" diameter, high
surface brightness, bright core, mottled.
A few faint stars were resolved.
A mag 9.7 star (
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this SMC cluster appeared moderately bright, fairly small, triangular or wedge-shaped, 30" diameter. Weakly concentrated with a slightly brighter core but there was no resolution. Located 1.9' SSW of mag 9.7 HD 4558, which detracts somewhat from viewing. NGC 248 lies 8' NNW and several clusters are within 15' including NGC 265 6' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 256 = h2348 in the SMC on 11 Apr 1834 and described "not vF, S, R, has a star 9th mag Nf." On a second sweep he logged "F, S, R, gbM, 40" south of a star 8th mag. (In Nubecula Minor)." His third observation reads "F, lE, 30", precedes a star 9th mag" and a fourth record states "F, S, R, 18"; a star 9th mag Nf."
Pietro Baracchi observed this cluster on 16 Dec 1887, along with a number of other SMC clusters, with the 48" Melbourne telescope. He described NGC 256 (labeled as "H" as "follows G [NGC 248] by 30s and is 7' 20" south of it. pB, very small, sparkling, stars are in it - resolvable? Probably a group of close stars, only few - immersed in very faint nebulosity."
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00 48 01.6 +08 17 48; Psc
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 105°
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 ~E-W, weakly concentrated but no core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 257 = H. II-863 on 29 Dec 1790 (sweep 991) and logged "pL, lE, gbM, resolvable." John Herschel made no observations, though Stephan measured a position on 23 Aug 1871.
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NGC 258 = MCG +04-03-005 = Holm 23d = PGC 2829
00 48 12.8 +27 39 26; And
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (10/17/87): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 11 star is close WSW 40" from center. Second of three with NGC 252 3.2' SW and NGC 260 5.3' NE.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 258 on 22 Dec 1848. This was his first discovery and he noted "3 nebulae in line, 2 of them novae." The field was observed no less than 7 times at Birr Castle, though the descriptions are sometimes contradictory and made under poor conditions. Stoney probably also discovered NGC 260 to the northeast (the 3rd nebulae), and it was also seen in 1854, though d'Arrest was credited with the discovery in the NGC.
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00 48 03.2 -02 46 31; Cet
V = 12.5; Size 2.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 140°
17.5" (11/28/97): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.7', broad concentration. Forms the vertex of a right isosceles triangle with a mag 11
star 3' SSE and a mag 11.5 star 3.4' WSW.
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus, pretty system. Forms a right angle with a mag 10.5 star 3' SSW and a mag 11.5 star 3.5' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 259 = H. II-621 = h63 = h64 on 13 Dec 1786 (sweep 646) and recorded "F, E from np to sf, 1 1/2' long, lbM." He found it again the following year on 11 Sept 1787, relisting the nebula as II-703. The second observation had an error in the offset position, so WH thought it was a new discovery. Strangely, John Herschel also recorded the galaxy twice, as h63 (called a "Nova") and h64 = H. II-621. Heinrich d'Arrest noted the equivalence of both entries. See notes in the GC and NGC.
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NGC 260 = UGC 497 = MCG +04-03-006 = CGCG 480-009 = Holm 23c = PGC 2844
00 48 34.6 +27 41 33; And
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated. A faint mag 14.5-15.0 star is close NE. This galaxy is the third of three with NGC 252 8.4' SW and NGC 258.
George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 260 on 22 Dec 1848 with LdR's 72" and recorded "3 neb in a line nff, p one = h59 [NGC 252], other two vF [NGC 258 and NGC 260], middle one [NGC 258] eF, vS, distance of extremes about 12'." Although NGC 260 = UGC 497 is 9' ESE of NGC 252, it is collinear with the other two, and most likely the 3rd nebula seen by Stoney. Another observation in 1854 also mentions "3 neb".
Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 260 on 27 Aug
1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. His position matches
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NGC 261 = SMC-N12A = ESO 029-12
00 46 29 -73 06 06; Tuc
Size 1.8'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; prominent, fairly large roundish glow, ~1.25' diameter, high surface brightness, surrounding a 13th magnitude H-alpha emission star (SK 9 = Lin 78). Excellent contrast gain adding a NPB (narrow-bandpass) filter yielding a superb 2' nebula, sandwiched between similar NGC 249 5' WNW and the stellar association Hodge 12 with nebulosity (SMC-N19). A number of stars are close east (part of the association) including three collinear mag 13.5-14 stars 2' E and a 4th mag 12.5 star 3' E.
SMC-N19 lies 5' ESE. At 244x it was a fairly faint, very large nebulous glow, ~3' diameter. With careful viewing an uncatalogued detached piece is sometimes visible to the NW (centered at 00 47.5 -73 05) and very faint nebulosity spreads to the southwest for a total diameter of 4' diameter. Unfiltered a 6' cloud of at least 50 mag 12.5-15 stars (Hodge Association 12) are involved with the nebula.
SMC-N30 lies ~11' ESE. At 244x unfiltered it was a fairly easy, fairly large, irregular curving or kidney-shaped nebula SW-NE, ~1.5'x0.8'. Unfiltered a couple of 14th magnitude stars are involved. Adding a NPB filter, the nebulosity was prominent and filled in to a more roundish outline.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x this SMC HII region appeared fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter with a single mag 13 star at the center (emission-line star Lin 78 = SK 9). A UHC filter produced a good contrast gain and increased the size to over 2'. A group of four stars follows including supergiant SK 13 (three brighter in a string and one faint star) and a number of faint stars are scattered nearby. Forms a similar pair with NGC 249 4.5' WNW. NGC 267 lies 12' SE.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 261= h2349 = D 4 = D 21 on 1 Aug 1826. He described "a considerable condensation of the nebulous matter of an irregular figure in the margin of the bright part of the cloud, 2' or 3' diameter. His position is about 7' too far ENE, though the description probably applies to both NGC 249 and 261 and perhaps N19. His published description for D 4, though, is "faint round nebula, about 30" diameter." D 21 was logged on a drift on 5 Sep after recording D 19 = NGC 249, and described as a "small round faint nebula." His position was 3' too far N (same offset as NGC 249).
John Herschel made 3 observations, first logging it in Sep 1835 (sweep 625) as "very faint, round, gradually brighter in the middle, 2' across, resolvable." On 4 Oct 1836 (sweep 738), he described it as "pretty bright, round, 60". Has a star 13th mag in centre. Occurs in a field illuminated by the Nubecular Minor and many stars." Herschel noted this object could be either Dunlop 3, 4 or 21.
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00 48 47.1 +31 57 25; And
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (11/24/14): moderately bright, small, round,
dominated by a high surface brightness core that increases to the center, very
low surface brightness halo, ~25" diameter. Forms a pair with
17.5" (11/25/87): faint, small, round, bright core. Contains a faint stellar nucleus about 15th magnitude.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 262 = Sw. 2-10 on 17 Sep 1885
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 15 sec of RA east of
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00 48 48.4 -13 06 27; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2
17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, round, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 30" W.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 263 = LM 1-13 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position is close to MCG -02-03-021 = PGC 2856.
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00 48 21.0 -38 14 04; Scl
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 113°
18" (11/22/08): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3
WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.3'. Contains a
very small brighter core with direct vision. A group of 4 stars including mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 264 = h2350 on 30 Aug 1834 and
noted "F, S, R, vsvmbM to a star 13th mag. A trapezium of large stars
follows." His position and
description matches
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NGC 265 = ESO 029-14 = Lindsay 34
00 47 10 -73 28 36; Tuc
V = 12.2; Size 1.0'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; bright, fairly large, irregular outline, ~1' diameter, mottled appearance, brighter on the north end. A few resolved stars occasionally sparkled. Three other clusters are within 6'; NGC 256 to the WSW, Kron 25 is 3.6' WSW and NGC 269 to the SE. A mag 9.7 star is 4.8' W and a mag 8.5 star is 9' E. Situated in a very rich field of faint stars with numerous HII regions and clusters to the north.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this SMC cluster appeared moderately bright and large, 1' diameter, round, fairly symmetrical appearance with no concentration. NGC 256 lies 5.7' WSW with NGC 269 6' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 265 = h2351 in the SMC on 11 Apr 1834 and remarked "vF; situated on the edge of the Nubecula Minor." On a later sweep he recorded as "vF, R, 30 arcseconds."
Pietro Baracchi observed this SMC cluster, along with many others, on 16 Dec 1887 with the Melbourne telescope. He called it "pB; S; R, gbM"
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00 49 47.8 +32 16 40; Psc
V = 11.6; Size 3.0'x2.9'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus. Located on the Andromeda border 4' N of mag 8.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 266 = H. III-153 = h65 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and noted "vF, pL, lE, r, very little brighter towards the following side." John Herschel observed NGC 266 on 4 sweeps and 5 observations were made by Lord Rosse's assistants. On 18 Sep 1857 it was described as "S, pB disc, in vF haze of mottled nebulosity, which seems brightest in a line p and f." E.E. Barnard found NGC 266 in Feb 1889 while sweeping with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory. He described it as "R, 1' +/- or less, bM to faint nucleus of 13m."
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00 48 02.9 -73 16 27; Tuc
Size 2.5'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x + NPB filter; bright, very large nebulous cluster, slightly elongated N-S, ~2'x1.6'. Removing the filter, several faint stars were peppered across the glow. Very good contrast gain using the NPB filter.
SMC-N25 is a separate 1' patch 2' NNE that appeared fairly bright (with the filter), moderately large, round glow, ~50" diameter. SMC-N28 is a very large, lower surface brightness patch (barely detached from NGC 267), ~1.5' diameter, centered ~2.3' ENE of NGC 267. On close inspection it was divided into two sections on the north and south side and weaker in the center. The southern section (SMC-N28A) was extended E-W and slightly brighter.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
228x this SMC cluster with nebulosity appears as a fairly faint, fairly large
irregular glow ~2'x1.4'. The
surface was grainy with a half-dozen mag 14 stars resolved (Hodge Association
15). There was a good response
using a UHC filter, which increased the size of the visible nebulosity. Collinear with two mag 10.5 stars ~6'
SE. A string of brighter stars to
the north heads east for 17' towards
John Herschel discovered NGC 267 = h2352 in the SMC on 4 Oct 1836 and recorded "a faint, pretty large, cluster of very small stars. It is the preceding knot (or centre of condensation) of the resolvable portion of the Nubecula Minor which fills the subsequent field and consists of irregularly scattered clustered stars 12...20th mag." His position is on the southwest side of the cluster/nebula.
Pietro Baracchi observed this nebulous cluster (labeled as "I prime" on 17 Dec 1887 with the 48" Melbourne telescope. He logged it as "Cl; F; pL; very faint stars. Not observed last night."
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00 50 09.4 -05 11 38; Cet
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 95°
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse,
slightly elongated 4:3 ~E-W, weak concentration but no nucleus. Lies west of a group of four bright
stars including mag 8.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 268 = H. III-463 = h66 on 22 Nov 1785 (sweep 474) and logged "vF, pL, irr R, resolvable." The NGC position is accurate.
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NGC 269 = ESO 029-016 = Lindsay 37
00 48 21 -73 31 54; Tuc
V = 12.6; Size 0.6'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; bright, fairly large, round, 45" diameter. This SMC cluster contains a relatively large brighter core that appeared a little lively but showed no resolution. A mag 10.5 star is 3' SE. Kron 25, situated 3' NNW, appeared fairly faint, irregular glow, ~35" diameter, low surface brightness. NGC 269 is located in a rich SMC region with numerous clusters and nebulae to the north.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak concentration but no core or resolution. A 2.5' string of three stars follows by 2'-3' and a mag 11 star lies 3' SE. Situated in a rich SMC star field 6' SE of NGC 265.
John Herschel discovered NGC 269 = h2353 on 5 Nov 1836 in the SMC and described as "vF; S; R; 30"." His position is accurate.
Pietro Baracchi observed this cluster on 16 and 17 Dec 1887, along with a number of other SMC clusters, with the 48" Melbourne telescope. He described NGC 269 (labeled as "L") as "F ,S , R, gbM. This follows K [Kron 25] by 21s and is 2' 40" south of it. A star 10m follows L by 64s and is 3' north of it."
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00 50 32.4 -08 39 07; Cet
V = 12.1; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 25°
17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 SW-NE,
bright core, almost stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 270 = H. III-955 on 10 Dec
1798 (sweep 1086) and logged "cF, vS, iR." His position matches
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00 50 41.9 -01 54 37; Cet
V = 12.0; Size 2.1'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
17.5" (10/8/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated NW-SE, small bright core.
Mag 8.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 271 = H. II-446 = h67 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and noted "F, S, E, milky; about 1 1/2' preceding a pB star." On 13 Dec 1786 (sweep 646) he noted "pB, R, mbM, about 1' sp a bright star." John Herschel logged "Not vF; R; pslbM; 30"; a star 8-9m follows."
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00 51 25 +35 49 18; And
V = 8.5; Size 5'
17.5" (9/26/92): 9 stars in a 5' diameter forming a "hook" asterism. Includes a mag 9 star and a close double star. Appears to be fully resolved and only an unimpressive, scattered asterism.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 272 on 2 Aug 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. His single position points directly to this group of stars. It is listed in the 4th edition of the Gosta Lynga catalogue but was removed from the 5th edition. Visually it appears to be a scattered asterism.
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00 50 48.4 -06 53 08; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 105°
24" (10/5/13): moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, ~48"x16". Contains a very small brighter core. A mag 14 star is off the NW edge by ~20". NGC 272/274 = Arp 140 lies 11' SSE.
17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W. A mag 14 star is off the NW edge, 42" from center. NGC 272/274, a contact pair of galaxies, lies 11' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 273 = H. III-430 on 10 Sep
1785 (sweep 435) and noted "vF, vS.
This precedes the former [
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NGC 274 = Arp 140 NED1 = VV 81a = Holm 26b = MCG -01-03-021 = LGG 015-002 = PGC 2980
00 51 01.9 -07 03 28; Cet
V = 11.8; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 155°
24" (10/5/13): bright, round, fairly small, 0.6'
diameter, sharply concentrated with a small intensely bright core that
gradually increases to the center, but no nucleus. This is the brighter but smaller component of a striking
double system (
13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, small, compact, very small bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 275 1' SE.
8" (11/13/82): faint, very small, round.
William Herschel discovered NGC 274 = H. III-429 = h69 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435), although he only noted a single object as "vF, pS, E."
The pair was observed 8 times with Lord Rosse's 72-inch. On 3 Oct 1856, assistant R.J. Mitchell's wrote, "69 [NGC 274] is S, B, R, with bright nucleus; 70 [NGC 275] is F, E and patchy. Suspect formed of two knots involved in faint nebulosity; there appears to be a nebulous connexion between them all." On 15 Nov 1857, Lord Rosse experimented with a silvered secondary (the speculum secondary was covered with a thin silver layer) and noted "silvered mirror shows the object brighter than before, but no new details.”
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NGC 275 = Arp 140 NED2 = VV 81b = Holm 26a = MCG -01-03-022 = LGG 015-002 = PGC 2984
00 51 04.5 -07 03 56; Cet
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 90°
24" (10/5/13): at 375x appeared moderately to fairly bright, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~45"x27". Very unusual patchy, irregular appearance! A brighter elongated N-S patch (or arm) is on the east end. Also the southwest border is slightly brighter with a sharp, curving edge. This edge is more prominent at the NW end of the galaxy, where it merges with NGC 274 just northwest.
13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, fairly small, diffuse, even surface brightness. Forms a close pair with NGC 274 1' NW.
8" (11/13/82): faint, very small, round.
John Herschel discovered NGC 275 = h70 on 9 Oct 1828 and logged "A fine double neb; the preceding only seen by my father. pB; S; smbM. The f is vF; S; R; pos = 60°; dist of centres 40". The neb join at borders." Also see the observations using Lord Rosse's 72" under NGC 274.
Based on a photograph taken at the Helwan observatory with the Reynolds reflector in 1927-31, NGC 275 was described as an "irregula nebula with 4 pB stellar knots, and one vF knot involved. These knots are joined together in the form of an "M", the preceding side of which curves round and extends as far as NGC 274."
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00 52 06.5 -22 40 49; Cet
V = 14.9; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 90°
17.5" (10/21/95): extremely faint, very small, 20"
diameter. This is a threshold
object and can just glimpse at moments.
No details visible including shape but detection repeated several
times. View hampered by mag 7.6
Frank Muller discovered NGC 276 = LM 2-294 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and he noted a "*11,
position 0° [North] Delta 3.2'."
His position is 1.2 min of RA west of
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NGC 277 = MCG -02-03-028 = PGC 2995
00 51 17.2 -08 35 49; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 50°
17.5" (10/13/90): faint, very small, round. A mag 11 star is just off the NW edge 50" from core.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 277 on 8 Oct 1864 with the
11" refractor at Copenhagen.
His position and description of the nearby mag 11 star (52"
distant) is a perfect match with
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00 52 04.3 +47 33 02; Cas
V = 10.8; Size 2.1'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.2
48" (10/27/16): at 610x and 813x; NGC 278 is extremely bright, large, the halo has a squarish appearance, ~1.4' diameter, high surface brightness. Very well concentrated with an intense round core that increases to the center. Sections of the two main thick spiral arms are visible, particularly along the north and south portion of the halo. Slightly darker lanes outline the inside of the arms. The inner arm sections are only noticed as subtle brighter patches. A well defined, small knot is on the east side of the halo [25" from center] and a second small knot is on the northeast side [23" from center]. These two star-forming complexes are catalogued as X-ray sources in NED. I also noted a third object at the NE edge, but at this position on the HST image is a very faint star.
17.5" (10/13/90): bright, moderately large, round,
bright core, stellar nucleus.
Located 3' S of mag 8.8
14.5" (12/17/20): fairly bright striking galaxy, moderately large, 1.25' diameter, high surface brightness, large bright core, sharp stellar nucleus. The halo has an irregular surface brightness, well defined periphery.
William Herschel discovered NGC 278 = H. I-159 = h71 on 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 644) and logged "vB, R, vgmbM, about 1.5' dia., about 1' south of a pretty considerable star." On 30 Nov 1787 (sweep 786) he noted "cB, R, vgbM, about 1 1/2' dia." R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 16 Oct 1855, recorded "pB, R, N, light certainly patchy, but I can distinguish no stars in it. It is a right handed spiral?? I suspect a F* cl following the nebula."
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00 52 08.9 -02 13 07; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 5°
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 279 = H. III-439 = h73 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and logged "vF, S, irr figure." John Herschel made two observations of NGC 279 at Slough.
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00 52 29.9 +24 21 01; And
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 95°
17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 E-W, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is just off the SE edge 1.0' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 280 = H. III-477 = h72 on 5 Dec 1785 (sweep 484) and logged "vF, S, R, just preceding a vF star." This galaxy was observed with on 3 nights at Birr Castle and R.J. Mitchell recorded on 26 Oct 1854, "F object with two nuclei, possibly a spiral." There is no double nuclei, but the spiral suggestion is correct.
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00 52 49 +56 37 40; Cas
Size 35'x30'
18" (2/16/07): remarkable view of this detailed
emission nebula/cluster at 115x and 220x.
Without a filter at 220x about three dozen stars are visible in the
region of the nebula, including a number of faint stars. At the center of the cluster (
The nebulosity responds dramatically to a UHC or OIII filter. The two brightest regions have a butterfly appearance with the two lobes or wings partially divided by a curving dust lane oriented roughly N-S. A fainter detached portion is on the southeast side. The overall dimensions extend to 15'-18'. The two lobes are fairly similar in size and surface brightness, though the following section is larger including the southern piece. The western section has the brightest and most sharply defined edge running along its southern border and oriented E-W. A long straight dust lane extends along the southern boundary of both lobes and defines the sharp edge on the western lobe. The curving central dust lane intrudes into the nebula on the south side and nearly divides the two sections, though weak nebulosity connects the two wings.
17.5" (9/28/02): the bright central quadruple (ADS 719 = Burnham 1) includes a mag 8.6/9.1/9.8 trio at 4" and 9". At 140x, a fainter companion (mag 10) at 1.54" separation was just visible close following the brightest member and is cleanly resolved at 324x.
17.5" (10/17/98): spectacular view of this detailed HII region at 100x using an OIII filter. This 15' nebulous complex has a mushroom appearance and is separated into three main lobes apparently by dust. The brightest and largest lobe is following a bright triple star embedded near the center (8.6/9.2/9.8 at 4" and 9"). There appears to be a much fainter detached piece off the south end of this lobe. Preceding the triple star is a section that is noticeably elongated and irregular in surface brightness fading to the NW. The section to the north is faintest and separated from the eastern lobe by a curving dark lane. A dark intrusion, apparently due to obscuring dust, is visible south of the triple star.
13.1" (8/24/84): very large, fascinating nebulosity, very irregular, dark gaps between sections, five brighter stars mag 8.6-12.5 involved. The brightest star is a very close double.
80mm (2/16/07): at 13x and a UHC filter, the PacMan nebula is easily visible surrounding the central star.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 281 visually on 26 Nov 1881
(Sidereal Messenger, Vol 2, p226 and AN 369, 108, 1884) with his 5-inch
refractor at Nashville and recorded a "large, faint nebula, very diffuse,
not less than 10' diameter."
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00 52 42.2 +30 38 21; Psc
V = 13.7; Size 0.4'x0.3'; PA = 50°
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, very small, round,
bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
Located 2' N of mag 8.4
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 282 = St. 10-3 on 6 Oct 1869 and recorded an unpublished position 1' SE of center. He published an accurate micrometric position made 10 years later on 13 Oct 1879 with description, "faint, small, round, little brighter middle."
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00 53 13.2 -13 09 50; Cet
V = 14.1; Size 1.6'x1.0'; PA = 160°
24" (10/5/13): first and largest of five galaxies
including four similar NGCs and much fainter
17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, round, bright
core. A mag 13.5 star is 1.5'
NE. First of four similar galaxies
with NGC 284 3' E and
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 283 = LM 1-14 (along with NGCs 284, 285 and 286) on 2 Oct 1886. He gave the same positions for NGC 283, 284 and 285 in his discovery list, although the (rough) position is good. NGC 286 was placed 2' further N. Since the positions were only given to the nearest minute of RA, this is reasonable and his rough position is a reasonable match with MCG -02-03-031 = PGC 3124. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 of NGC 282, 284, 285 and 286 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.
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NGC 284 = MCG -02-03-032 = PGC 3131
00 53 24.2 -13 09 33; Cet
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2
24" (10/5/13): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 20"x15". Collinear with NGC 285 1.4' E and NGC 283 2.7' W, all three similar in brightness. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.6' NW with MCG -02-03-032 2.4' NW.
17.5" (10/28/89): extremely faint, very small, round. A mag 13.5 star is 1.6' NW. Second of four similar galaxies with NGC 283 3' E, NGC 285 1.5' E and NGC 286 3' SE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 284 = LM 1-15 (along with
NGCs 283, 285, and 286) on 2 Oct 1886 with the 26" refractor at the
Leander McCormick Observatory. His
(rough) position is a good match with
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NGC 285 = MCG -02-03-033 = PGC 3141
00 53 29.8 -13 09 39; Cet
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4
24" (10/5/13): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 18"x15", very small brighter nucleus. Third in a string with similar NGC 284 1.4' W and NGC 283 4.1' W. NGC 286 is ~3' due N.
17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, round. Third of four in a group and third of three almost on a line with NGC 283 and NGC 286 3.5' S. Appears similar to NGC 284 2' W.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 285 = LM 1-16 (along with
NGCs 283, 284 and 286) on 2 Oct 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander
McCormick Observatory. His (rough)
position is a good match with
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NGC 286 = MCG -02-03-034 = PGC 3142
00 53 30.3 -13 06 46; Cet
V = 14.1; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 175°
24" (10/5/13): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 N-S, 40"x30", weak concentration, small brighter nucleus. By a slight margin, the brightest in a compact quartet of similar NGC galaxies with NGC 283/284/285 in an east-west string just 3' S. Also PGC 173072, a much fainter galaxy, lies 3.7' SW.
17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S. Fourth of four with NGC 285 3.5' S and NGC 284 4' SSW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 286 = LM 1-17 (along with
NGCs 283, 284 and 285) on 2 Oct 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander
McCormick Observatory. His (rough)
position is a good match with
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00 53 28.3 +32 28 56; Psc
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.4'; PA = 15°
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.
John Herschel discovered NGC 287 = h75 on 22 Nov 1827 and
recorded "eF; S; R. The
faintest object imaginable; (night wonderfully clear)." His position
matches
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00 52 47.4 -26 35 24; Scl
V = 8.1; Size 13.8'; Surf Br = 0.1
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): this very loose globular appeared fully resolved at 303x. There were too many stars to possibly count, but certainly several hundred were resolved including a number of relatively bright stars (brightest members mag 12.6). The core was loosely overlaid with a dozen or so brighter stars. A number of stars in the halo appeared to be arranged in strings and arcs including one string extending towards the west.
18" (1/1/08): at 220x-280x, ~60 stars were resolved in an 8' diameter. This globular has a very loose, irregular appearance with a very small brighter core containing a clump of resolved stars. A string of stars running SSW-NNE runs through the west side of the halo with a brighter star (double) at the NNE end of this string. A roughly parallel string also passes through the east side of the halo. Located 1.8° SE of NGC 253 and form a nice pair in the 80mm finder at 13x.
18" (8/25/06): this bright globular is quite loose (concentration class 10) and well-resolved at 220x over the entire face and halo. The outer halo is very irregular with a scraggly appearance and extends to 8'-10' in diameter. Roughly 100 stars were resolved in total.
18" (8/23/03): bright but loose globular, well-resolved at 323x into 75-100 stars (difficult to count). A number of the stars are clearly aligned in long chains.
17.5" (8/29/92): very bright, very large, round, ~8' diameter. Well-resolved over entire disc into 75-100 stars mag 13-15 over background glow although not densely packed. Observation made from the White Mountains (12,500 ft). In a previous observation, roughly 60 stars were resolved, only weakly concentrated in core.
13.1" (9/11/82 and 11/5/83): 30-40 stars resolved over haze.
8" (10/31/81): faint stars resolved across entire disc at 200x with averted, many near visual limit
8" (10/4/80): very large, grainy, few stars resolved at the NW and south edges, other clumps on the verge of resolution.
15x50 (8/25/06): easily visible in IS binoculars as a fairly large, diffuse glow.
8x50 (11/5/82): fairly easy at just 8x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 288 = H. VI-20 = h74 = h2354 on 27 Oct 1785 (sweep 467) and recorded "pB, L, oval round, bM, 7 or 8' long, 4 or 5' br." His summary description (including a 2nd observation) reads "cB, iR, 8 or 9' diameter, a great many of the stars visible, so that there can remain no doubt but that it is a cluster of vS stars." Caroline Herschel missed this cluster two years earlier when she discovered NGC 253. John Herschel observed this globular both at Slough and at the Cape, where he recorded "globular cluster; bright; large; round; gradually brighter in the middle; all resolved into stars 12..16 mag; 5' diameter."
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00 52 41.6 -31 12 28; Scl
V = 11.0; Size 5.1'x3.6'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 130°
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly bright, fairly large, oval NW-SE, broad concentration. A mag 13.5 star is off the NW edge 3.2' from the center. Brightest in a group that includes NGC 254 situated 1.1° WSW.
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly bright, oval ~E-W. A mag 13 star is off the west edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 289 = h2355 on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "vB; L; pmE; oval; has a star 11th mag north preceding.". His position and description is accurate.
In 1914, Hardcastle classified NGC 246 as a "spindle-shaped nebula" but the following year, Knox-Shaw reported it was a"open spiral" based on a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector.
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NGC 290 = ESO 029-019 = Lindsay 42
00 51 15 -73 09 42; Tuc
V = 11.7; Size 0.8'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, fairly small, irregular, triangular shaped, 40" diameter. A star or quasi-stellar knot is at the north tip. SMC-N45, located 4.5' SE, appeared bright, moderately large, irregular or triangular in shape, 35"-40" diameter. Several very faint stars are superimposed or at the edges of the glow including a couple of mag 15 stars at the south edge and a couple of mag 15.5 stars at the east edge. Two mag 13/14 stars lie 0.8' SE.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, very small, granular, 20" diameter, brighter core. A faint star or knot is at the north edge (may be a compact HII region). A pair of mag 10/11 stars 8' NE are collinear with the cluster.
LHA 115-N45 (cluster with nebulosity) lies 4.5' SE. This SMC HII region and cluster appeared as a faint, elongated patch with a few faint stars resolved around the edges.
John Herschel discovered NGC 290 = h2357 in the SMC on 11 Apr 1834 and simply logged "eF". His position (single sweep) is about 35" N of the cluster.
Glen Cozens associates Dunlop's D 5, discovered on 5 Sep
1826, with NGC 290. Dunlop's
rather generic description "a faint ill-defined nebula about 12"
diameter" and poor match in position (12' to the SE), makes this
identification rather arbitrary.
In fact, his position for D 5 is 5' due north of
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00 53 29.8 -08 46 04; Cet
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 45°
17.5" (10/5/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, very thin extensions. Located 12' W of 21 Ceti (V = 6.2) at the edge of 220x field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 291 = m 17 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "vF, vS, lE, alm stellar." His position is accurate.
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00 52 38 -72 48 00; Tuc
V = 2.3; Size 316.2'x186.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 45°
18" (7/6/02 - 7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory): During a week's stay I went through the most prominent clusters and nebulae in the SMC using the fork-mounted 18" at Zane Hammond's observatory.
Naked-eye (6/29/02 - Bargo): this number refers to the entire SMC. My first view of the SMC was outside Sydney with Les Dalrymple. I only took observing notes (through a 12.2") on SMC globular NGC 121 and nearby cluster Kron 3, as well as 47 Tucanae.
Amerigo Vespucci was the first northern hemisphere explorer to see the SMC in 1501, 20 years earlier than Magellan. This was mentioned in a 1990 article by Dekker.
John Herschel (h2356) has two entries: "I should consider this to be about the main body of the Nubecula Minor, which is here fairly resolved into excessively minute stars, which are however certainly seen with the left eye." On a later sweep he noted: "Hereabouts seems to be placed the main body of the Nubecula Minor which is a Faint, Rich, Large Cluster of very small stars (12..18) filling many fields, and broken up into many knots, groups, and straggling branches. But the whole is clearly resolved into stars."
Pietro Baracchi observed the region between NGC 220 and NGC 294 over 16 and 17 Dec 1887 using the 48" Melbourne telescope. Along with discovering a few new objects that went uncredited (Bruck 67 near NGC 294, Kron 25, SMC-N45), he wrote "About this region there is a very large cluster of stars scattered in an irregular way - from 12 to 18. This covers more than one field ..with the supposed [GC 166 = NGC 294], there are other small groups surrounded by extremely faint nebulosity; and along this space occupied by the objects from A [NGC 220] to N [NGC 294] there are several stars which seem to be nebulous. All the region along with these objects the sky is almost continuously covered with a multitude of stars, which render the observations difficult and confusing."
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00 54 16.0 -07 14 08; Cet
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 10°
17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint, very small, round,
very low surface brightness. A mag
14.5 star is off the SE end 1.1' from center. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 293 = m 18 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "vF, S." His position is accurate.
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NGC 294 = ESO 029-22 = Lindsay 47
00 53 05 -73 22 48; Tuc
V = 12.2; Size 0.8'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; bright, moderately large, round, 40" diameter, slightly mottled but there was evident no resolution. Bruck 67, located just 2.3' SSW, appeared faint, fairly small, irregular low surface brightness patch, 35" diameter.
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 45"-50" diameter, contains a bright core. The halo has a smooth moderately high surface brightness but there were no resolved stars. Four mag 12-13 stars forming a parallelogram are centered 4.5' NW, but there are no bright stars in the immediately field. Bruck 67, a slightly smaller irregular glow with a low surface brightness, lies 2.2' SW. NGC 267 lies 23' WNW.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 294 = D 5 or D 6 = h2358 on 5 Sep 1826. He described D 5 as "a small faint nebula, about 10" or 12" diameter." and D 6 as "a faint nebula, about 20" diameter". D 5 was placed 5' too far N, while D 6 (logged next on the drift) is 5' too far SSE. Either could apply.
John Herschel first observed this nebula on 11 Apr 1834 (sweep 441). He simply noted "eF. In a sweep below the Pole." and added a note later "This obs give 47 -- instead of 46 -- for the min of RA. The earlier minute preferred." In Sep 1835 (sweep 625) he recorded the RA minute as 46, which was used in the GC and NGC but this is 1.0 min too far west. He referenced D 5 as the discovery.
Pietro Baracchi observed this cluster on 16 and 17 Dec 1887, along with a number of other SMC clusters with the 48" Melbourne telescope. He described NGC 294 (labeled as "N") as "pB, pL, R, gbM. N follows M [Bruck 67, which he discovered] by 18 seconds and is 2' north of it."
The Hodge-Wright SMC Atlas labels NGC 294 as Lindsay 47, though Table 6 suggests NGC 294 = L47?
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00 59 32.3 +31 47 53; Psc
Size 0.55'x0.5'
24" (10/1/16): at 375x; faint, small, slightly
elongated, 15"-18" diameter, very weak concentration. Located 6.5' SW of mag 7.8
NGC 295 is the slightly fainter of a pair with
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 295, along with CGCG 501-058,
on 26 Oct 1872. While observing
the field he assumed was
There is nothing at Copeland's offset from NGC 296. A 10th magnitude star is near NGC 296
but it's not at the reported position angle and separation, so it's clear
Copeland misidentified the field and Corwin considered NGC 295 as lost. Confusing the situation further, the
computed position for NGC 295 happens to land on NGC 296! As a result, all modern catalogues
label NGC 296 as NGC 295 and
Recently (2016) Yann Pothier was able to identify the
correct field about 1° ENE, surrounding mag 7.8 HD 5801 = SAO 54330. This star is 115" distant in PA
32° from CGCG 501-058, so Copeland assumed this galaxy was NGC 296. The second object is
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NGC 296 = (R)NGC 295 = UGC 562 = MCG +05-03-024 = CGCG 501-042 = PGC 3260
00 55 07.6 +31 32 32; Psc
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 164°
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated NNW-SSE, bright core.
Located just 30" W of a mag 10 star. Brightest in a group of four with
William Herschel discovered NGC 296 = H. II-214 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged "F, E, preceding a bright star. Appears almost like a brush issuing from the star, but does not join it by a good deal." Although his RA was 20 seconds too large and Dec 1' too far north, it is clear from the description that NGC 296 = UGC 562.
Dreyer used WH's (poor) position to compute the position of NGC 295, found by Ralph Copeland. See NGC 295 for the story on this number. Coincidentally, the computed position for NGC 295 lands on NGC 296! As a result UGC, CGCG, PGC and RNGC misidentify NGC 296 as NGC 295. In addition, RNGC misidentifies UGC 565 as NGC 296.
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00 54 58.9 -07 20 59; Cet
V = 15.7; Size 0.3'x0.3'
18" (11/22/03): this extremely faint and tiny galaxy was a marginal object at 257x, barely glimpsed several times as a fleeting quasi-stellar spot just 1.3' SW of NGC 298. If this observation is valid, NGC 297 is one of the very faintest NGC galaxies (B = 16.7) that I've recorded.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 297 = m 19 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "eF". His position is 2 sec of RA west and 1' S of much brighter m 20 = NGC 298, discovered at the same time. It's possible that Marth confused a close, faint double situated 2' S of NGC 298 as a nebula. But 1.3' SW of NGC 298 at 00 54 58.9 -07 20 59 (2000) is a nearly stellar galaxy, described here, which is a more likely candidate. In any case, NGC 297 is not identical to NGC 298 as stated in the RNGC. See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 298 = MCG -01-03-033 = LGG 015-003 = PGC 3250
00 55 02.2 -07 20 00; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 87°
18" (11/22/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5', weak concentration. Located 11' W of a mag 6 star that I kept outside the field. NGC 297 is an extremely difficult companion just 1.3' SW. Member of a small group (LGG 015) including NGC 274/275 and NGC 337.
17.5" (10/13/90): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 E-W. Forms a pair with NGC 293 11' NW. Located 11' W of mag 5.9 SAO 129032 in field!
Albert Marth discovered NGC 298 = m 20 (along with NGC 297) on 27 Sep 1864 using Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta. His position is accurate.
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00 53 24.8 -72 11 47; Tuc
V = 11.7; Size 0.9'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, fairly small,
round, high surface brightness, 0.8' diameter. Contains an intensely bright
quasi-stellar nucleus. A few stars
were resolved at the edges at 397x.
Brightest in a group of clusters with
Lindsay 51 appeared moderately bright, fairly small, irregular shape, ~30" diameter, very small bright nucleus. Situated just 0.6' W of a mag 10.6 star (SMC yellow supergiant) in a rich section of the SMC.
Kron 28 appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round,
~45" diameter, low surface brightness glow extending to the west of mag
10.7
18" (7/11/05) - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x appeared fairly bright, fairly small, round, 50" diameter with a broad weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 306 5' SE.
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, this SMC cluster appeared as a small, round, bright knot, ~45" diameter. Forms the southeast vertex of an obtuse triangle with two mag 11 stars ~3.5' NNE and 4' W. Forms a trio with NGC 306 4.7' SE and Kron 30 3.8' W. Kron 30 appeared as just a hazy patch, ~1.5' diameter with a few mag 13/14 stars superimposed or resolved.
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
the first of two small knots of stars (the other being NGC 306) located 26' W
of
John Herschel discovered NGC 299 = h2360 on 12 Aug 1834 (sweep 482) and recorded "F; vS; R; glbM; r; 15"." His final observation on 5 Nov 1836 (sweep 745) reads, "pB, vS, R, 12", resolvable. Situated at the upper limit of the nubecula which here is starry. At the other it is nebulous."
James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 299 earlier on 5 Sep 1826. Dunlop's D 50, 51 and 52 were described as three small, faint nebulae in a line with orientation NW to SE and his position is 17' to the NE of NGC 299 and NGC 306. Although the positions are a poor match, the orientation and separations of the two clusters match up well (with two of Dunlop's numbers), suggesting that NGC 299 is D 50 or D 51. NGC 306, though, might be too faint for Dunlop's 9" speculum reflector, so perhaps his orientation is a coincidence.
This cluster is misclassified as a Bright Nebula in the RNGC, and the wrong type was copied into the NGC 2000.0 and first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0.
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NGC 300 = ESO 295-020 = MCG -06-03-005 = AM 0052-375 = LGG 004-002 = PGC 3238
00 54 53.4 -37 41 00; Scl
V = 8.1; Size 21.9'x15.5'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 111°
25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 187x; bright, extremely large, irregular, elongated roughly 5:3 WNW-ESE, at least 15'x9'. Contains a large, brighter core region with a mag 11.5 star at the ENE edge of the core. A mag 9.6 star is in the halo (along a faint spiral arm), 2.6' SW of center and a mag 10.6 star is superimposed in the outer halo, 5.3' SE of center. Spiral structure was surprisingly subtle. A low contrast, broad inner arm extends west from the north side of the core, curls south on the west side and spreads out. A more obvious inner arm emerges from the south side of the core and sweeps east and north, though the root of the arm is not defined. The arm passes through a relatively bright and large HII patch/OB association, ~25" diameter, situated 3.9' E of center and loses contrast further north. This giant HII complex is catalogued in NED as NGC 300:[DCL88] 137 from a 1988 study by Deharveng et al, "H II regions in NGC 300". A mag 11.5 star is 2.3' further NE in the outer halo of the galaxy. I didn't have time to examine the galaxy at higher power to search for additional H II knots.
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly large oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, very diffuse appearance, bright stellar nucleus. There is a hint of structure although the galaxy has a low surface brightness and was viewed at a low elevation (13° at most) from my latitude of +38.5°. This nearby galaxy is located at a distance of 6 million light years in the Sculptor group, and may be physically paired with NGC 55.
15x50 IS binoculars: (11/18/06): visible in binoculars as a relatively large, very low surface brightness hazy region, roughly 15' in size. A star is superimposed on the SW side.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 300 = D 530 = h2359 on 5 Aug
1826 with his 9" speculum reflector.
Based on 3 observation he described "a pretty large faint nebula,
irregular round figure, 6' or 7' diameter, easily resolvable into exceedingly
minute stars, with four or five stars of more considerable magnitude; slight
compression of stars to the centre." There are several superimposed Milky
Way stars. In his first
observation, he noted "a pretty bright small star south of it [probably
mag 8.7
John Herschel observed the galaxy on 3 occasions. On the first sweep (1 Sep 1834) he described it as "B; vL; vgpmbM; vmE; irregular figure; 8' to 10' long, 3' or 4' broad; has subordinate nuclei." His sketch (plate V, figure 10) includes the nucleus and two or three additional regions of nebulosity. Three nights later, he noted it as "faint, very large, very gradually brighter towards the middle; 4' long; 2' broad; has another nebula attached." The secondary nebula is the large HII complex [DCL88] 137 on the east side. On 30 Nov 1837 he wrote: "A large oval nebula, containing three stars." He had tentatively identified it with Dunlop 530, but noted: "Mr. Dunlop's neb 530 is described by him as easily resolvable into very minute stars. Its identity with [NGC 300] is therefore very doubtful."
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 300 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope on 20 Dec 1875 (plate I, figure 3 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae..."). The giant HII complex on the east side is clearly shown on the sketch as a distinct oval patch. Pietro Baracchi obsrerved NGC 300 on 7 Oct 1884 and thought there might be changes based on Herschel's sketch and Turner's sketch. He wrote "The appearance of this nebula may be greatly altered by the state of the atmosphere; but an inspection of drawings shows some change, I think. The principal change is this, that the patch following does not exist at present, or it must be very much fainter than all the rest." The galaxy was photographed by Harold Knox-Shaw at the Helwan Observatory between 1909-11 and described as a "spiral with many conensations".
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00 56 18.3 -10 40 25; Cet
V = 14.6; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 70°
17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, round. Situated between two mag 9/9.5 stars with a separation of 15'.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 301 = LM 1-18 in 1886 with the
26-inch refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is fortunately
just 0.2 tmin W of
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00 56 19.1 -10 40 42; Cet
= * 1.8' ENE NGC 301, Corwin.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 302 = LM 1-19 in 1886 and placed
1.0' ENE (PA 75°) of NGC 301. The
only object close to this position is a faint star. RNGC misidentifies NGC 302 with
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00 54 54.7 -16 39 18; Cet
V = 15.3; Size 0.7'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 158°
17.5" (10/21/95): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness with just a weak concentration. Can almost hold steadily with averted vision once identified on my finder chart.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 303 = LM 1-20 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 1' N of
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00 56 06.0 +24 07 37; And
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 175°
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, very small, elongated
3:2 NNW-SSE, small very bright core.
Forms a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 304 = St. 9-2 on 4 Nov 1875. His published position (list 9, #2) was recorded 3 years later on 23 Oct 1878.
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00 56 20.9 +12 03 54; Psc
17.5" (9/26/92): small group of 7 stars, including a
mag 9.5 star, in a 3' diameter. A small equilateral triangle of three mag 11-12
stars is just south. This is an
unimpressive but fairly distinctive asterism in a very sparse field. RNGC, PGC and RC 3 incorrectly equate
NGC 305 with the galaxy
John Herschel discovered NGC 305 = h76 on 17 Oct 1825 as "a small cluster of p closely scattered stars". At Herschel's position is a small unimpressive asterism (not a cluster). MCG, RNGC and RC3 misidentify the galaxy UGC 571 as NGC 305. HyperLeda now shows NGC 305 as stellar (or stars) and NED correctly identifies the number as "six galactic stars". Discussed in Malcolm Thomson's "Catalogue Corrections" and Corwin's notes.
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NGC 306 = ESO 029-023 = Kron 33 = Lindsay 50
00 54 14.7 -72 14 30; Tuc
V = 12.1; Size 1.1'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): NGC 306 is slightly fainter and smaller than NGC 299 4.7' NW. At 244x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, ~35" diameter. At 397x, two faint stars were resolved at the northeast and southwest ends. Two brighter mag 12 and 13 stars lie 1.8' ESE and 2' ENE. A fairly close pair of mag 13/14 stars (~9" separation) is 1.4' WNW.
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): slightly fainter of a pair with NGC 299 5' NW. Appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, smooth surface brightness, no resolution. Two mag 12 stars lie 2' E and SE.
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 306 is a slightly smaller and fainter companion of NGC 299, situated 4.7' NW. At 128x it appeared small, round, fairly faint, ~35" diameter with no sign of resolution. Forms the west vertex of a small triangle with two mag 12 stars ~2' SE and a 2' E.
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a fainter of a pair of small SMC clusters with NGC 299 and located 4.7' SE of NGC 299. At 171x it was just a small, hazy compact knot, ~30" in diameter, with no resolution and fairly even surface brightness to the edge. A mag 12 star is ~2' SE. In the same low power field with the impressive NGC 346 located 22' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 306 = h2361 on 4 Oct 1836 and recorded "an extremely small faint [in italics] knot of the Nubec. Min. 15" diameter." His position is accurate.
James Dunlop possibly made an earlier discovery on 5 Sep 1826. Dunlop's D 50, 51 and 52 were described as three small, faint nebulae in a line with orientation NW to SE and his position is 17' to the NE of NGC 299 and NGC 306. Although the positions are a poor match, the orientation and separations are a good match (perhaps a coincidence?), suggesting either D 51 or D 52 refers to NGC 306. But I'm not convinced as this cluster may be too faint to have been seen by Dunlop (Herschel only noticed it on 1 of the 4 sweeps that he logged NGC 299!).
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00 56 32.5 -01 46 19; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 85°
24" (9/28/19): at 322x; moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.3', strong concentration with a bright core that increases to a very bright nucleus.
18" (10/16/09): at 285x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core. This galaxy is in the foreground of Abell Galaxy Cluster 119, which lies 1/2 degree to the north.
17.5" (10/8/88): faint, very small, oval 3:2 E-W, small
bright core. A mag 15.5 star (NGC
308) is 1' SSE. The center of
John Herschel discovered NGC 307 = h77 on 6 Sep 1831 and
logged "pF; S; E; 15"."
His position matches
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00 56 34.3 -01 47 03; Cet
= *, Corwin.
Sir Robert Ball discovered NGC 308 on 31 Dec 1866 while observing the field of NGC 307. He recorded a faint "Nova" in PA 147° (SE) at a separation of 60" (measured at 52" on 23 Oct 1876). In this position (51" separation) is a 15th magnitude star that Ball apparently mistook for a very small nebulous object.
The RNGC misidentified
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00 56 42.8 -09 54 50; Cet
V = 11.9; Size 3.0'x2.5'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 175°
24" (12/21/16): at 282x; fairly faint, moderately
large, roundish, fairly low but uneven surface brightness, contains a brighter
core that increases somewhat to the center. I detected hints of spiral arms in the halo (slightly
brighter arcs). A mag 12.5 star is
2' NNE and a mag 15 star is off the west side, 1.5' from center.
17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is off the NNE edge 2.1' from center. A mag 15 star is off the west edge.
8" (10/31/81): very faint, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.
At a redshift distance of ~260 million light years, NGC 309 is one of the largest and most luminous spiral galaxies known.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 309 = T. 1-4 in 1876 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His RA was 10 seconds too small. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 26 Oct 1897 as well as by Howe in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.
Based on a photograph taken with the Reynolds reflector at the Helwan observatory, NGC 309 was described as a "open spiral with a pB sharp stellar nucleus, well defined arms and many condensations".
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00 56 48.1 -01 45 58; Cet
= *, Corwin and Gottlieb.
Sir Robert Ball discovered NGC 310 on 31 Dec 1866 while observing the field of NGC 307. His placed this object, with respect to NGC 307, at 225" separation in PA 81°. The offset was measured again on 23 Oct 1876 as 239" in PA 84.8°. At this position (233" in PA 85°) is a single mag 15.3 star that Harold Corwin identifies as NGC 310.
The RNGC and PGC misidentify
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00 57 32.7 +30 16 51; Psc
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 120°
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, round, small
bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
First of three on line and equally spaced with
John Herschel discovered NGC 311 = h78 on 15 Sep 1828. While observing H. II-210 = NGC 313 he recorded "F, vS; R; bM; 6". The next sweep he logged "pB; R; gbM; 10"."
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00 56 15.6 -52 46 58; Phe
V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 62°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly small, high surface brightness, 40"x30", sharply concentrated with an intense core. The halo is extended 4:3 or 5:4 WSW-ESE. A mag 11.3 star lies 2.4' W.
NGC 312 is the furthest north in a group of 8 galaxies in a
25' string to the south. The
galaxies share a common redshift of z = .026, implying a distance of ~350
million l.y. The closest companion
is
John Herschel discovered NGC 312 = h2363 on 5 Sep 1836 and noted "vF, S, R". On a later sweep he logged "F, S, R, 15", follows a star 12th mag on same parallel". The mag 12 star mentioned in the description is 2.5' W. His mean position from 2 observations is accurate.
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00 57 45.7 +30 22 00; Psc
= ** 1' NW of core of
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 313, along with NGC 316, on 29 Nov 1850 (Friday). Bindon may have been observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. Stoney's offset of 1' NW of NGC 315 points directly to a double star (clearly resolved on the DSS) at 00 57 45.7 +30 21 56 (2000) - position on the southern star. The sketch in the 1861 publication shows two stars encased in a small nebula (labeled as Gamma), but in the 1880 publication there are only two stars.
Dorothy Carlson (in her 1940 NGC Correction paper) and Harold Corwin identify this double star (the northern component itself is a very close double, so technically a triple) as NGC 313.
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NGC 314 = ESO 411-032 = MCG -05-03-015 = PGC 3395
00 56 52.3 -31 57 48; Scl
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 168°
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 2.1' ESE of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 314 = h2362 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, eS, R, sbM to a stellar nucleus." On a later sweep he logged "eeF, vS; almost doubtful whether really the object looked for. Has a pB star following 2' distant. (N.B. The coincidence of the places destroys this doubt)." His mean position is accurate.
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NGC 315 = UGC 597 = MCG +05-03-031 = CGCG 501-052 = Holm 28a = PGC 3455
00 57 48.8 +30 21 09; Psc
V = 11.2; Size 3.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 40°
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly bright, fairly small, oval 3:2
~SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.
Located 3.5' NW of mag 8.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 315 = H. II-210 = h79 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266) and noted "F, pL, unequally bright, resolvable, near a pB star." John Herschel observed NGC 315 on 3 sweeps and NGC 311 was also found. When the field was observed by Lord Rosse's assistants, NGC 318 was also discovered, though a nearby single star (NGC 316) and a double star (NGC 313) were mistaken as nebulous.
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00 57 52.4 +30 21 16; Psc
= * 47" following NGC 315, Gottlieb. =**, de Vaucouleurs.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 316, along with NGC 313, on 29 Nov 1850 (Friday). Bindon may have been observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. It was noted as "suspected" and labeled as Delta on a diagram with an offset of 44" ENE from the center of NGC 315. At this position is a single star (noted as such in the 1855 observation published in 1861). John Herschel repeated it was a star in the GC notes but Dreyer still added it to the GC Supplement.
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00 57 40.4 +43 47 32; And
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 105°
24" (10/5/13): this is the larger component of a close
double system with
17.5" (8/29/92): the SSE component of this double
galaxy appeared very faint, very small, round, low even surface
brightness. A mag 11 star is 1' W
and a faint mag 14 star is 1' SW, forming a wide 30" double. The NNW component is the slightly
brighter of the pair and appears faint, very small, very small bright core, stellar
nucleus. On the POSS the SSE galaxy is the brighter component.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 317 = Sw. 2-11 on 1 Oct 1885 with
the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 28 sec of RA east and 1' N of
******************************
NGC 318 = CGCG 501-054 = PGC 3465
00 58 05.2 +30 25 32; Psc
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.3'; PA = 15°
17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 is off the NW edge 0.9' from the center. Located 5.6' NE of NGC 315 and the third of three in a group.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 318 = St. 12-7 on the 3 Nov 1855 observation of NGC 315 . It was noted as "F, S, R." and placed accurately on a sketch in line with NGC 311 and 315. Dreyer noted it was not seen earlier in the 1850 observation or later. Édouard Stephan independently found this galaxy on 6 Nov 1882 and listed it as new in his 12th discovery list, missing the earlier GC entry. Stephan's position is accurate.
******************************
00 56 57.5 -43 50 20; Phe
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 35°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright,
fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.5', contains a very small
brighter nucleus. A mag 15.4 star
is 33" SW of center and a mag 13 star is 2.3' SSE. Forms a pair
24" (10/5/13): at 225x appeared faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 20"x15". NGC 322 lies 7' NNE. Despite an elevation of only 10°, both galaxies were easily seen.
John Herschel discovered NGC 319 = h4007, along with NGC 322, on 5 Sep 1834 and remarked "eF; vS; R; lbM." His CGH position has a typo of 23h instead of 00h in RA, but he corrected this mistake in his errata list at the end.
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00 58 46.5 -20 50 24; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 159°
17.5" (11/6/93): faint, very small, round, very small
bright core, very faint stellar nucleus, diffuse slightly elongated halo. A mag 12 star is 1.5' NNW. Located 15' SE of mag 7.8
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 320 = LM 2-295 in 1886
with a 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position but
1.4 tmin of RA east is
******************************
00 57 39.1 -05 05 11; Cet
V = 14.8; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8
24" (12/1/13): faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter. Easily visible 1.5' SE
of a mag 12.5 star and 5.7' WSW of
17.5" (12/11/99): very faint, very small, round,
15" diameter. The faintest of
5 galaxies in the field (
13.1" (7/12/86): very faint, small, round.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 321 = m 21 (along with NGCs 325,
327 and 329) on 27 Sep 1864 using Lassell's 48" on Malta. His description simply reads "eF,
vS", but his position matches
******************************
NGC 322 = ESO 243-015 = AM 0054-435 = MCG -07-03-003 = PGC 3412
00 57 10.0 -43 43 39; Phe
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 153°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright and
large, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.25', contains a very small bright
nucleus.
24" (10/5/13): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 5:3 NNW-SSE, 25"x15". A mag 13 star lies 1.4' SW. Brighter of a pair with NGC 319 7' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 322 = h4007, along with NGC
319, on 5 Sep 1834, and recorded "vF; vS; R; lbM; follows 3 stars 12, 13
and 14m." His position is 6
sec of RA east and 1' south of
******************************
NGC 323 = ESO 151-009 = PGC 3374
00 56 41.6 -52 58 34; Phe
V = 12.6; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 178°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, fairly
small, round, high surface brightness, 40" diameter, very small bright
core. In a group of galaxies (8
recorded in a 25' string N-S) with NGC 328 4' NE and
John Herschel discovered NGC 323 = h2365 on 3 Oct 1834 and recorded "vF, S, R. The RA may err several seconds. The PD also is not very good." On a much later sweep he recorded "Viewed; found exactly in the place of No 29, Sweep 498 [previous description] pB, S, R, bM, 15 arcseconds, there is also another [NGC 328], pos = 36.8 degrees [NE], delta in PD = 4'."
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00 57 14.7 -40 57 34; Phe
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 95°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; moderately bright and large, elongated at least 3:1 E-W, ~1.0'x0.3'. Strongly concentrated with a bright core and much fainter extensions that were initially missed. Resides in a sparsely populated field with a mag 12 star 5' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 324 = h2364 on 23 Oct 1835 and
recorded "F, S, Stellar, the bad definition of a south-easter prevents
certainty, but I think it is not a star." There is nothing at his position, but exactly 30' S is ESO
295-G25 = PGC 3416, a galaxy that fits Herschel's description, assuming he
noticed only the central region.
ESO, MCG and RC3 correctly identify this galaxy as NGC 324 but RNGC
misidentifies
******************************
NGC 325 = MCG -01-03-045 = FGC 111 = PGC 3454
00 57 47.8 -05 06 45; Cet
V = 14.6; Size 1.5'x0.2'; PA = 90°
24" (12/22/14): at 260x; very faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~20"x10". Occasionally a mag 16.5 star appeared to be involved [DSS shows a very faint star just north of the core]. Situated 2.1' NW of NGC 327.
17.5" (11/6/93): only highly suspected several times as an extremely faint and small glow situated 2.1' NW of NGC 327. This galaxy is a very low surface brightness edge-on in a group with NGC 329 4' NE and NGC 321 2.7' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 325 = m 22 on 27 Sep 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, vS." His position matches
RNGC and MCG misidentify NGC 321 = MCG -01-03-043 as NGC 325. RC3 doesn't label MCG -01-03-045 as NGC 325. The "Deep Sky Field Guide" (version 1) mentions a "faint, anonymous galaxy 2' NW" of NGC 327 and this is probably NGC 321. I find it odd that Marth described NGC 325 as "vF", while NGC 321, which is noticeably brighter, is described as "eF".
******************************
00 58 22.7 +26 51 56; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.0
24" (12/6/18): NGC 326 is a merged double system with
twin nuclei separated by only 8".
At 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, slightly brighter core. Increasing to 500x, the nucleus was
precisely collinear with a mag 13.0 star 1.2' W and a mag 13.7 star 2.5'
W. This corresponds with the
northern of the dual nuclei.
Occasionally the second nuclei (10" SE) seemed to sharpen as a
faint quasi-stellar spot within the halo.
Located 5' NNW of mag 7.3
17.5" (10/20/90): faint, small, round, weak
concentration. A mag 13 star is
1.2' W. Situated at the center of
an isosceles triangle consisting mag 7.2
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 326 on 24 Aug 1865 with the
11" refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on 2 nights) matches
******************************
NGC 327 = MCG -01-03-047 = Holm 30a = PGC 3462
00 57 55.2 -05 07 50; Cet
V = 13.3; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 175°
24" (12/1/13): at 375x appeared moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 N-S, ~48"x15", fairly high even surface brightness with only a weak concentration. Brightest in a small group with NGC 329 3.9' NNE and NGC 321 4.8' NW.
13.1" (7/12/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. Second of three with similar NGC 329 3.8' NNE and MCG -01-03-041 9' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 327 = m 23 (along with NGC 321, NGC 325 and NGC 329) on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "F, E." His position and description is appropriate.
******************************
NGC 328 = ESO 151-013 = PGC 3399
00 56 57.4 -52 55 26; Phe
V = 13.3; Size 2.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 100°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.35', contains a slightly bulging core that is only weakly concentrated. In a group of 8 galaxies in a 24' string N-S including NGC 323 4' SW and ESO 151-010 2.6' NW. The ESO galaxy (B = 15.7) appeared fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 15"x10".
John Herschel discovered NGC 328 = h2366 on 5 Sep 1836 and
logged "vF, lE, vgbM.".
His position is 0.1 min of RA east and 1' north of
******************************
NGC 329 = MCG -01-03-048 = Holm 30b = PGC 3467
00 58 01.4 -05 04 17; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 20°
24" (12/1/13): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 45"x15". NGC 327, the brightest member in the group, lies 3.9' SSW.
13.1" (7/12/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. Third of three with NGC 327 3.8' SSW and MCG -01-03-041 8' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 329 = m 24 on 27 Sep 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, E." This galaxy is the last in a quartet
along with NGC 321, NGC 325 and NGC 327.
His description and position applies to
******************************
00 56 19 -72 27 48; Tuc
V = 9.6; Size 1.9'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; extremely bright, fairly large, elongated NW-SE, ~1.5' diameter, high surface brightness cluster. Easily over 20 stars were resolved in central region and more than three dozen including outliers around the periphery. NGC 330 is situated in a rich, glowing section of the SMC just 20' SW of NGC 346, the top HII region in the SMC.
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is one of the brightest SMC clusters and a fascinating object at 228x. It appears as a bright, extremely rich knot of stars, just 1' to 1.5' diameter, which was only partially resolved. Streaming out from the dense core were numerous mag 12 and fainter stars, some arranged in a curving chain off the following side of the core. The bright outliers seemed scattered about to at least 5' (Hodge Association 40). NGC 330 is situated 20' SW of the remarkable HII region NGC 346 within a rich star field!
10x30 IS binoculars (11/4/12 - Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand): visible as a very small, but non-stellar knot.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 330 = D 23 = h2367 on 1 Aug 1826. His published description (based on his 5 Sep observation) reads, "A small, but very bright nebula, exceedingly condensed. This is the brightest nebula in the small cloud. I think I perceive two bright nuclei in this body." His published position was just 2' due N of center.
John Herschel observed the cluster on 5 separate sweeps, first recording on 11 Apr 1834 (sweep 440), "pretty bright, small, oval, resolved, 60"." On 12 Aug 1834 (sweep 482), he called it a "globular cluster, S, B, little elliptic, gbM; 2' across. Fairly resolved into rather large and not very crowded stars."
******************************
NGC 331 = MCG -01-03-012 = PGC 2759
00 47 06.9 -02 43 51; Cet
V = 14.7; Size 0.8'x0.5'; PA = 127°
17.5" (11/28/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Requires averted to glimpse and can only view for moments knowing exact location. A nice mag 13/14 double lies 6' N [at 20" separation]. Located 14' W of NGC 259. The identification NGC 331 = MCG -01-03-012 is very tentative.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 331 = LM 2-296 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position,
though he mentions the RA (which is often bad) is doubtful. Harold Corwin suggests the possible
identification NGC 331 = MCG -01-03-012 = PGC 2759 (listed here), though that
assumes Leavenworth made a 10 min error in RA. Leavenworth's description mention a *12 located 3' NE and
there is a faint star (closer to mag 15) in this relative position. RNGC and
PGC misidentify
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00 58 49.1 +07 06 41; Psc
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (10/5/91): faint, small, bright core, slightly
elongated NW-SE. A line of three
mag 12-13 stars is close SW.
Located 18' NNE of a mag 6.9 star
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 332 = Sw. 5-10 on 22 Oct 1886
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position and description ("5 or 6 stars near south
in a curve") matches
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00 58 51.3 -16 28 09; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 119°
17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, very slight central brightening. Almost on a line with two mag 13 stars 3' SE and 5' SE. This is a double system (not resolved).
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 333 = T. 1-5 in 1877 with an
11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. Tempel's position is 10 sec of RA west and 4' south of PGC
3519. Herbert Howe measured an
accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin
Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
This is a double galaxy (often listed as
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00 58 49.8 -35 06 58; Scl
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 169°
17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no concentration. Best viewed at 280x. Forms the north vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 11-12 stars 2.5' SW and 2.5' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 334 = h2368 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, S, R, glbM; makes a triangle with two stars south of nebulosity." On later sweep he logged "eF, S, R, at the northern angle of an equilateral triangle formed with two stars 11th mag." His position and description (of the nearby mag 11 stars) clearly establishes NGC 334 = ESO 351-026.
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00 59 19.5 -18 14 01; Cet
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 137°
17.5" (10/21/95): extremely faint, small, elongated 5:2
NW-SE, 0.8'x0.3', low even surface brightness.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 335 = LM 1-21 on 9 Oct
1885 with the 26" Clark refractor at the Leander McCormick
Observatory. His very rough
position is just 0.1 tmin of RA east and 2' S of
******************************
NGC 336 = ESO 541-002 = PGC 3470
00 58 02.8 -18 23 05; Cet
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.3'; PA = 42°
17.5" (10/21/95): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 2.2' NW of center. NGC 335 lies 20' NE. Incorrect identification in RNGC.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 336 = LM 1-22 on 31 Oct
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Corwin examined the discovery sketch
and verified NGC 336 = ESO 541-002 = PGC 3470. The RNGC, PGC and ESO misidentify
******************************
NGC 337 = MCG -01-03-053 = IV Zw 35 = LGG 015-004 = PGC 3572
00 59 50.3 -07 34 43; Cet
V = 11.6; Size 2.9'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
48" (11/1/13): at 488x appeared bright, fairly large, very irregular with a number of obvious clumps. Although the galaxy is generally elongated 3:2 or 5:3 NW-SE it contains a bright, elongated N-S central region that seems to be a bar. On the south end of the "bar" is a brighter elongated patch extending towards the WSW. Another brighter knot is at the north end of the bar, extending to the east. On the southeast flank of the galaxy is an elongated, fainter patch. The northwest side of the halo extends further out, giving an asymmetric outline, and one or two small knots are involved. A mag 11 star lies 5' E. Member of a group (LGG 015) that includes NGC 274/275 and NGC 298.
17.5" (12/26/00): fairly bright and large, elongated
3:2 NW-SE, ~1.8'x1.2', broad concentration. The appearance is asymmetric -- with a noticeably mottled or
irregular surface brightness.
Brighter knots within the halo are also clearly visible at moments. The visual impression matches well with
the DSS image, which shows a chaotic structure with a number of large HII
knots.
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated NW-SE, fairly even surface brightness, diffuse outer halo. A mag 11.5 star is 5.4' E of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 337 = H. II-433 = h80 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435). His description reads "pB, pL, bM, irregular parallelogram in the direction of the meridian."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, observed this irregular galaxy on 3 Oct 1856 and recorded "pL, not vF. Its brightest part is a line running diagonally, and there is a knot at either end. Perhaps it shaped like an "S". The galaxy has a distorted appearance on CCD photo.
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01 00 36.4 +30 40 09; Psc
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 109°
17.5" (10/5/02): nice, fairly small edge-on oriented WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.25', very small bright core. A pair of evenly matched mag 14 stars are close off the south side.
17.5" (11/25/87): moderately bright, very elongated WNW-ESE, moderately large, bright core. An easy mag 14 double star at 22" separation is off the SSE edge just 0.8' from center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 338 = T. 1-6 = St. 12-8 on 13 Oct 1869 with further observations on 28 Oct 1875 and 3 Nov 1877. His published micrometric position (discovery list 12, #8) was not made until 6 Nov 1882 with description "vF, vS, irregular, bright nucleus."
Wilhelm Tempel rediscovered NGC 338 in 1877 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and recorded "small but class III; has 2 stars mag 14-15 near the south end." His RA is 11 seconds too small and 1' S, but the description of the nearby stars fits. Tempel was credited with the discovery in the NGC with Stephan listed second due to Stephan's later publication, though the discovery order is reversed.
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00 57 46.4 -74 28 24; Tuc
V = 12.8; Size 2.2'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright,
fairly large, roundish, 3' diameter, weak concentration to a small brighter
core. The outer halo appears
ragged and mottled but the only definite resolution was a star on the east side
of the halo. This cluster is
located 15' SE of mag 6.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 339 = h2369 on 18 Sep 1835 in the SMC and recorded "vF, L, R, vgbM, 3' or 3.5' diameter". His position is 1.3' NNW of center. NGC 339 was described as "probably globular" in the 1935 Harvard Observatory Bulletin 899 based on Bruce plates at Arequipa.
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01 00 34.9 -06 52 00; Cet
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65°
17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, small, elongated 2:1
WSW-ENE, bright core. First of six
in the
Albert Marth discovered NGC 340 = m 25 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, S, E". This is the first in a group of 6 galaxies he discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350). His position is accurate.
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01 00 45.8 -09 11 09; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x1.0'; PA = 55°
48" (11/4/21): at 610x; bright, moderately large, roundish, 1' diameter. Strong concentration with a very bright, slightly elongated core that increased to an intense stellar nucleus. A fairly low contrast spiral arm is attached on the SE side of the core. It curled around the south side and extended to the NW, fading out west of center. The northern arm was very weak along the north side of the halo.
17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration. Located along the west side of a triangle formed by a mag 11.5 star 2.5' N, a mag 12.5 star 3' ESE and a mag 13.5 star 3' SSE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 341 = St. 12-9 on 3 Oct 1869 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory and recorded an unpublished position 2' NE of center. He published an accurate micrometric position made on 21 Oct 1881 and recorded "faint; irregularly round; moderately large; a little central condensation; fairly distinct nucleus; seems resolvable."
Forms a double system (Arp 59) with
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NGC 342 = MCG -01-03-058 = PGC 3631
01 00 49.8 -06 46 22; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 105°
17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated, weak concentration.
Forms a pair with NGC 340 7' SW and second of six in the NGC 349 group
(USGC S034). Located 11' WNW of
mag 7.2
Albert Marth discovered NGC 342 = m 26 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS". Second in a group of 6 galaxies he discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350).
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00 58 24.1 -23 13 30; Cet
Size 0.7'x0.3'; PA = 9°
18" (12/3/05): extremely faint, very small, ~12"
diameter. Appears as a very low
surface brightness spot with averted vision located 2' W of a 1.2' pair of mag
14 stars. Forms a very close pair
with
18" (11/6/04): extremely faint, small, round, very low surface brightness. Situated 2' W of a N-S pair of mag 14 stars. A mag 15 star is 1' N. NGC 344 close SE was not seen. The identification of this pair is uncertain.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 343 = LM 2-297, along with NGC
344, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick
Observatory. This nebula was
placed 1' N of NGC 344 but there is nothing at Muller's position. Corwin suggests NGC 343/NGC 344 are the
faint pair of galaxies AM 0055-232 = PGC 133741/
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00 58 25.4 -23 13 46; Cet
Size 0.3'x0.2'
18" (12/3/05): extremely faint and small, 5" diameter. Forms a very close pair with NGC 343 close preceding, just 24" between centers. At times this object appeared stellar and easier to view than NGC 343, though there doesn't appear to be a faint star close by that I might have confused it with.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 344 = LM 2-298, along with NGC 343, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory.. Muller described both objects as possible stars and his position is 0.3 min of RA east and 1.5' north of ESO 475-006. Corwin suggests that NGC 343 and NGC 344 may instead refer to a faint pair of galaxies (Arp-Madore 0055-232 = PGC 13374/198261) about 2.5 min of RA due east of Muller's position. If Muller observed this pair, then NGC 344 (fainter SE component) at B = 17.2 is the faintest discovery at Leander McCormick Observatory with the Clark refractor.
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01 01 22.0 -06 53 04; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 140°
17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, even surface brightness.
Located 6' SSW of mag 7.2 SAO 129088. Third of six in the NGC 349 group (USGC S034) with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 345 = m 27 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS, gbM". Third in a group of 6 galaxies he discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350) and placed accurately.
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NGC 346 = SMC-N66 = ESO 051-010 = Lindsay 60 = SMC Ass 45
00 59 05 -72 10 36; Tuc
V = 10.3; Size 14'x11'
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the largest HII region in the SMC and an amazing sight at 171x using a UHC filter. The brightest section is a "bar" extending NW-SE with a well-defined edge along the northern side. Extending from the central region are two sweeping "arms" or extensions, creating an exaggerated "S" appearance similar to a barred spiral galaxy! The longer but lower surface brightness arm is attached at the southeast end of the central region and broadly sweeps towards the west, below the bar. The shorter, but high surface brightness arm is attached at the northwest end and hooks towards the east. These extensions increase the diameter to 8'-10' in total size!
Without the filter, the nebula is set in a rich star field
(Hodge Association 45) and a number of stars are superimposed or involved with
the nebula, some in the center. NGC 346 hosts 33 O-type stars, several in a
small clump including a massive 02-type mag 12.8 star and a mag 12.6 O4-type
star. On the NE side is
10x30mm and 15x50mm: NGC 346 is easily visible in binoculars.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 346 = D 25 = h2370 on 1 Aug 1826. His published description (based on an observation on 5 Sep) reads "pretty large, pretty bright nebula, about 2.25' diameter, irregular round figure, resolvable, very slight condensation, not well defined at the edges."
John Herschel lists 5 observations in his Cape catalog: He first observed it on 11 Apr 1834 as "B, L, pmE, pgmbM, 5', resolvable (ill seen, below the pole)." On a second sweep he called it "Cluster, imperfectly resolved; rather irregular figure; 5' diameter. Not equally condensed about centre; fades imperceptibly; has a double star (12th mag) in centre." His third observation was recorded as "B, L, irregularly round, gmbM, 3' or 4' in extent, fades away insensibly." His next sweep was recorded as "B, L, neb with resolvable centre; irregularly extended into a kind of broad train as in figure, gently graduating away to the borders. 6' diameter." His final observation was logged as "B, L, irregular figure, with a star 13th mag in most compressed part." His published sketch is in the CGH catalogue on plate IV, figure 6.
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 346 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope on 17 Dec 1875, with an "arm" attached on the NW end of bar, hooking to the east. It also shows a very small knot of stars about 0.8' NE of center (plate I, figure 4 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885"). He commented, "It is very unlike H.'s drawing and description; indeed I cannot trace any resemblance between that and its present appearance; and were it not for its position, and the fact that L.S. observed and sketched it on 5th February 1870, I should be in great doubt as to its being the proper object. The position, however, accords with that given by Herschel, and Le Sueur's sketch [unpublished plate VII, figure 79] is, in its general features, very like mine, so that there is no room for doubting its identity. The central portion is by far the brightest, being a cluster of stars so very distinct that they could almost be counted; and the nebula here also appears the most dense. From this point it proceeds s.f. for almost 1' 30", terminating in a few very faint stars. Towards the n.p. direction it forms a complete bend or hook, and is here very faint. A little n.f. the main or central portion is a very small and faint round patch, which at times looks like a cluster of very faint stars, but I cannot with certainty determine whether or not it be stars or only nebula, although the night is an exquisite one, being clear and steady."
Although a spectrum taken in 1919 at the Cordoba Observatory of Argentina clearly revealed a gaseous spectrum, Charles Perrine declared "the first true spiral which I have encountered that appears appears to consist almost wholly of gaseous nebulosity." (confusing the spiral morphology with a spiral galaxy).
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01 01 35.2 -06 44 02; Cet
V = 15.0; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 105°
17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, very small, round,
20" diameter, very weak concentration. Located 4' N of mag 7.5
Albert Marth discovered NGC 347 = m 28 on 27 Sep 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS". This is the 4th in a group of 6
galaxies discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350). At Marth's position is
But RNGC misidentifies
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01 00 52.0 -53 14 41; Phe
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 91°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; NGC 348 and
ESO 151-018, situated 7' ENE of NGC 348, appeared fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.2', small bright core. The extensions fade out at the tips.
John Herschel discovered NGC 348 = h2371 on 3 Oct 1834 and
recorded "eF, S, R." On
a later sweep he noted "eeeF, seems to have a vF star involved." His position and description matches
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NGC 349 = MCG -01-03-068 = PGC 3687
01 01 50.7 -06 47 59; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 140°
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, broad concentration.
Located 4' E of mag 7.2 SAO 129088! Forms a close pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 349 = m 29 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS". This is the fifth in a group of 6 galaxies discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350). His position is just 1' too far south (same offset as NGC 350).
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NGC 350 = MCG -01-03-069 = PGC 3690
01 01 56.6 -06 47 45; Cet
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, very small, round, bright core. A mag 11 star is 1.2' E. Last of six in the NGC 349 group and forms a close pair with NGC 349 1.5' W. Located 6' W of a mag 7.2 SAO 129088.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 350 = m 30 on 27 Sep 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF." This galaxy is the last in a group of 6
he discovered that night (NGC 340, 342, 345, 347, 349, 350). His position is 1' S of
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01 01 57.8 -01 56 12; Cet
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 142°
17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 NW-SE, broad concentration.
Forms a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 351 = Sw. 3-3, along with NGC 353, on 4 Nov 1875. His rough RA for NGC 351 was 8 seconds too large. Stephan didn't confirm or publish the discovery, so didn't receive credit in the NGC.
Lewis Swift rediscovered both galaxies on 10 Nov 1885 and included them his 3rd discovery list, #3 and #4. His RA for NGC 351 was also 12 seconds too large. Bigourdan measured an accurate micrometric position on 25 Oct 1897 as well as Howe in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.
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01 02 09.2 -04 14 45; Cet
V = 12.6; Size 2.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 165°
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.5', broadly concentrated with fainter extensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 352 = H. III-191 = h81 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and logged "vF, mE." His position was poor but John Herschel measured a fairly accurate (mean) position.
The position angle in Harold Corwin's ESGC and the Deep Sky Field Guide (first edition) is in error (10° or NNE-SSW), instead of 165° or NNW-SSE.
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NGC 353 = UGC 641 = MCG +00-03-058 = CGCG 384-058 = PGC 3714
01 02 24.6 -01 57 28; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 26°
17.5" (10/5/91): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 351 7' WNW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 353 = Sw. 3-4, along with NGC 351, on 4 Nov 1875. His rough RA for NGC 351 was 10 seconds too large. Stephan didn't confirm or publish the discovery, so didn't receive credit in the NGC.
Lewis Swift rediscovered both galaxies on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. The RA in his third discovery list, #4, was 9 seconds too large (similar offset as NGC 351).
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01 03 16.3 +22 20 33; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 29°
17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, fairly high surface brightness. A mag 13 star is at the WNW end and a mag 11 star is 1' E. Located 3.3' NNW of mag 9.1 SAO 74452.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 354 = St. 12-10 on 5 Oct 1869. He published an accurate micrometric position made 12 years later on 24 Oct 1881 with the description "eF and S; R; a mag 14 star precedes by 1 sec".
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01 03 06.9 -06 19 26; Cet
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 125°
17.5" (9/26/92): extremely faint, very small,
round. Near my visual threshold
and only glimpsed with averted vision for moments. Located just 4' WNW of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 355 = m 31 on 27 Sep 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "eF, vS." His position matches
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01 03 07.0 -06 59 17; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 70°
17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 3:2 SW-NE, very weak concentration. Located about 30' SE of the NGC 349 group (USGC S034).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 356 = m 32 on 27 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, S, iR." His position is accurate.
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NGC 357 = MCG -01-03-081 = PGC 3768
01 03 21.9 -06 20 22; Cet
V = 12.0; Size 2.4'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 20°
13.1" (9/3/86): moderately bright, small, compact, very bright core. A faint mag 14 star is at the ENE edge. NGC 355 4' WNW not seen in 13.1" but glimpsed in 17.5".
William Herschel discovered NGC 357 = H. II-434 = h82 on 10
Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and recorded "F, S, irr figure, bM,
resolvable." His position is
accurate. John Herschel observed this galaxy on 3 sweeps, logging on 10 Oct
1828: "F; R; sbM; to a *13m; 20" a *14 10 sec nf." His position and description is a
perfect match with
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01 05 10.9 +62 01 14; Cas
17.5" (11/6/93): consists of just four mag 11-12 stars in a 2'x1' trapezoid at the NGC position. This appears to be just a small asterism. 10' SE is also a scattered group in two detached sections elongated E-W with about a dozen mag 12-13.5 stars in each group.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 358 on 4 Feb 1865 with the
11" refractor at Copenhagen while observing h 83 = NGC 366. Harold Corwin suggests his description
(translated roughly from Latin) is "A cluster of several stars -- not many
members. Found when inspecting the
cluster h 83 [
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01 04 16.9 -00 45 53; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 135°
17.5" (10/5/91): faint, small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, bright core. A mag 14.5 star is 1.2' SSE. Forms a pair with NGC 364 7' ESE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 359 = m 33, along with
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01 02 51.4 -65 36 36; Tuc
V = 12.6; Size 3.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 144°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; excellent
large, thin edge-on NW-SE with tapered tips, stretching ~2.5'x20". The center is slightly brighter with a
mottled or clumpy appearance. A faint double (mag 14.5/15) at ~12" is just
west of the southeast end. Two
bright stars are near; mag 8.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 360 = h2372 on 2 Nov 1834 and
remarked "eF, vmE, vlbM; a Ray nebula, pos = 145.4°". His position and descriptions matches
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01 02 11 -71 36 24; Tuc
V = 11.8; Size 1.6'
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
228x, this SMC cluster appeared moderately bright and large, round, 1'
diameter, weak concentration to center, grainy. A single star or clump was resolved. Located 4.5' SE of mag 7.8
James Dunlop discovered NGC 361 = D 54 = h2374 on 6 Sep
1826. After logging mag 7.8 HD
6222 (less than 5' NW), he recorded "a small round pretty well-defined
nebula, 15" or 20" diameter." His position was 7' too far SE, but in the same offset
direction as
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 361 on 11 Apr 1834 (sweep 441) and noted "vF, L, oval, vgvmbM." He listed the possible equivalence with D 55, which was the next object in the drift and offset 10' E of NGC 361. D 55 may refer to a pair of stars at 01 03 02 -71 33.2.
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01 03 14 -70 50 54; Tuc
V = 6.5; Size 12.9'; Surf Br = 0.1
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 228x, NGC 362 appeared very bright and well-resolved into a couple of hundred stars! The rich halo was plastered with stars and extended to nearly 8’ diameter. The 2' compressed core was well-concentrated to a blazing center (concentration class III). Stars appeared to stream out of the core in curving spiral lanes. This globular has a classic symmetric appearance with a prominent, round core and halo. NGC 362 is situated just north of the SMC, though 47 Tuc (NGC 104) overshadows the splendor of NGC 362.
Naked-eye (11/4/12 - Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand): this 6.5-magnitude globular was just visible naked-eye to the north of the SMC.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 362 = D 62 on 1 Aug 1826. He described "a beautiful bright
round nebula, about 4' diameter, exceedingly condensed. This is a good
representation of the 2nd of the Connaissance des Temps [
John Herschel (h2375) reported it with his 18" reflector from the Cape of Good Hope on 12 Aug 1834 as a "Fine, highly condensed globular cluster; psbM; diameter 4'." On 3 Nov 1834 he called it "vB; vL; psvmbM; round; 5' or 6' diameter; all resolved." Observing the next night, he recorded it as "a globular cluster; vB; vlE; gvmbM. Diameter of more condensed part approx. 60 sec in RA; but there are loose stars to a considerably greater distance, stars 13 or 14 mag all nearly equal and distinct, but run into a blaze in centre." His final observation reads: "globular cluster, vB, very compact; psvmb; 4' across; all resolved into stars 13..15 magnitude."
There was a 1.0 tmin error in reduction in the NGC position too far west. This error was noted in Harvard College Observatory NGC corrections based on plates taken with the Bruce telescope at Arequipa between 1898 and 1901 and repeated by Dreyer in the IC 2 notes.
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01 06 15.8 -16 32 34; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 49°
17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, very small, round, 0.5' diameter, very small brighter core. A mag 12 star is 3' NNE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 363 = LM 1-23 on 28 Nov
1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position is 1.5 min of RA
west of
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NGC 364 = UGC 666 = MCG +00-03-069 = CGCG 384-067 = PGC 3833
01 04 40.8 -00 48 10; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30°
17.5" (10/5/91): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 359 7' WNW. Plotted too far south on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 364 = m 34, along with NGC 359, on 2 Sep 1864 and logged "vF, vS". Édouard Stephan made an observation on 28 Oct 1875.
The RNGC position is 3' too far south. CGCG doesn't identify its 384-067 as NGC 364 and the UGC position is 26' too far S!
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01 04 18.7 -35 07 17; Scl
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 5°
17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter. A pair of mag 11/13 stars [45" separation] lie ~5' SE. Required averted vision to comfortably view this galaxy.
John Herschel discovered NGC 365 = h2373 on 25 Sep 1834 and
recorded "F, S, R, gbM, 20"." His mean declination from two
observations is ~1.3' S of
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NGC 366 = Cr 9 = OCL-286 = Lund 37
01 06 26 +62 13 42; Cas
Size 3'
24" (1/4/14): small, rich group with 30 stars resolved in a 3' region at 260x, with several small knots of stars. On the south side is the multiple star STI 177 A/B/C = 12/12.9/13 at 3.8" and 10". Just 48" NE, is the 12" mag 12/13 D and E components with a fainter component at 7" and another close pair or triple is ~30" E. On the N end of the group is DAM 304 = 12/14 pair at 9". A string of mag 14-15 stars oriented SW-NE is on the west side of the main grouping.
17.5" (11/6/93): 10 stars mag 12-14 in a small 3' group. Consists of two mag 12-13 stars both of which form very close doubles and a tight trio of mag 13-14 stars on the east side. The rest are faint stars and the cluster is set over unresolved haze. Not impressive but stands out clearly in field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 366 = h83 on 27 Oct 1829 and reported a "small cl 2' in diam. Place that of the double star h 1070." His position, though, is 2' S of the double star.
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01 05 48.9 -12 07 42; Cet
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 15°
17.5" (12/26/00): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness. Requires averted vision but visible ~80% of the time with concentration at 280x once identified in the eyepiece field. Elongation not noted so I probably only picked up the brighter central region.
17.5" (10/4/97): uncertain sighting. Possibly barely glimpsed on a couple of occasions using a GSC finder chart to pinpoint location and averted vision at 280x. No elongation noticed.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 367 = LM 2-299 in 1866 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
16.0, 1.0'x0.2', E 175°, bn, 3 st 12, np 30°. There is nothing at his position but 1 min of RA east is PGC
3894. This galaxy is elongated SSW-NNE (Muller's PA is nearly N-S) and his
description of three nearby stars matches this galaxy. RNGC misidentifies FGC 120 = PGC 90518,
an extremely thin edge-on, as NGC 367.
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01 04 21.9 -43 16 36; Phe
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7
24" (10/5/13): at 225x; very faint, very small, round,
18" diameter. Situated 3.1'
NE of mag 8.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 368 = h4012 on 5 Sep 1834 and logged "eeF; vS; N.f. a star 7-8 mag distant 3'." His position and description is accurate (after correcting for a 1 hr typo in RA).
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01 05 08.9 -17 45 32; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 52°
17.5" (11/6/93): faint, small, round, 0.8' diameter, gradually weak concentration. A similar pair of mag 10.7 and 11.1 stars oriented NW-SE lie 5' SW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 369 = LM 1-24 on 9 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position is 3' S of ESO 541-017 = PGC 3856. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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01 06 44.6 +32 25 43; Psc
See observing notes for
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 370 = Au 5 on 7 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory. There is nothing at his single position, though he mentions a mag 13 star is 15" to the south.
Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 370 is possibly equal to NGC 372. This is a triple star found by Dreyer at Birr Castle on 12 Dec 1876 at a mean position of 01 06 44.6 +32 25 43 (2000). The triplet is about 10 seconds of time greater and 1' further north than d'Arrest's position and the separation for the north-south pair is close to his estimate. This identification is uncertain, but there is nothing else in the vicinity that matches.
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NGC 371 = SMC-N76 = ESO 051-14 = Lindsay 71 = Kron 48 = SMC Ass 53
01 03 30 -72 03 24; Tuc
Size 8'
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x
and UHC filter, NGC 371 is a fairly bright, prominent, round SMC nebulous
cluster, up to 6' in diameter with a fairly well-defined edge. The haze has a pretty consistent high
surface brightness and seems suspended in a large, scattered cluster or star
cloud (Hodge Association 53). A 5'
string of four mag 10-11 stars oriented NW-SE is superimposed on the glow (one
is mag 13.0 WR star SMC AB 7) as well as a number of fainter stars. SMC AB 6, another mag 12 WR binary, is
at the south end. This is an
excellent low power field with the striking HII region NGC 346 22' WSW and NGC
395/
10x30mm and 15x50mm IS binoculars: easily visible along with NGC 346.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 371 = D 31 = h2376 on 1 Aug 1826. Based on 5 observations he described it as "a pretty large unequally bright nebula, about 5' diameter, round figure, resolvable into stars of mixt magnitudes." His published position was 8' too far south, but the description fits. On 5 Sep 1826 he wrote "a large faint ill-defined nebula, irregular round figure, easily resolvable, about 5' diameter. This is the large faint nebula in the northern extremity or what I have called the 3 nebulae in the [Small]] Cloud."
John Herschel made 5 observations beginning on 11 Apr 1834, recording "cluster, 6th class; faint, round, 10' diameter, stars 15..18th mag." The next observation was logged as "vF, L, p rich cluster, 6th class. Stars 14..15th mag." On a third sweep he noted it as "a F, L, p compressed cl of 6th class. 10' diameter. gbM; stars 12..16th mag - in some parts almost nebulous." The fourth observation was recorded as a "cluster 6th class; stars 12..15th mag, a few = 10th mag and one of 9th mag; much compressed in the middle; fills field and has loose straggling lines and crooks branching off." The final sweep was recorded as "F, L, cl; little compressed; gbM; 7' diam; resolved into stars 14..16th mag." Herschel was very uncertain (??) if Dunlop 31 referred to this cluster.
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01 06 44.6 +32 25 43; Psc
18" (11/18/06): faint triple star resolved at 280x. The components form a very small equilateral triangle 1' N of a mag 12 star with the components ~10" apart. The brightest component of the triple is at the north vertex and the other two are mag 15-15.5. NGC 370 may also refer to this multiple star.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 372 on 12 Dec 1876 with the 72" at Birr Castle and stated "the last nova [GC 5146 = NGC 372] looks at first sight like a hazy *, the higher power seems to resolve it, at all events sev luminous points were seen. Has a *12 in pos 166.5d, dist, 74"." This pins down the equivalence with a triple star with a mean position of 01 06 44.6 +32 25 43 (2000). Heinrich d'Arrest *possibly* also observed this triple star (or one or more of its components) on 7 Oct 1861 and it was catalogued as GC 197 = NGC 370.
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01 06 58.2 +32 18 31; Psc
V = 14.9; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (11/18/06): extremely faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter. There appears to be a 15-16th magnitude star superimposed as a stellar point was sometimes visible offset from the center. Located on the SW side of the "Pisces Group", 9' SW of NGC 383.
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated ~E-W. Located 8.3' SW of
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 373 on 12 Dec 1876 using the
72" at Birr Castle in the NGC 383 group. His description is simply "vF, vS" but he
accurately placed it 428" in PA 225.8° with respect to a mag 12.2 star
situated SSW of
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01 07 05.8 +32 47 42; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 175°
17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus or mag 15 star is superimposed [SDSS shows a nucleus]. Located almost midway between two mag 14 stars 0.7' NE and 0.9' SW. Located about 25' N of the core of the NGC 383 group.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 374 = Au 6 on 7 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor at the observatory in Copenhagen. His single position is accurate and he noted it was "between 2 stars mag 15." The discovery was early enough to be included in Auwers 1862 list of new nebulae.
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01 07 05.9 +32 20 53; Psc
V = 14.7; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (11/18/06): very faint, extremely small, round,
15" diameter, weak concentration.
Situated ~2' W of a triangle of mag 12/13/14 stars (on the opposite side
from
17.5" (9/19/87): extremely faint and small, round. Three mag 12-13.5 stars forming an isosceles triangle with the long base oriented N-S are about 2' SE. Located 5.6' SW of NGC 383 in the core of the cluster. Forms a pair with NGC 373 2.8' SSW.
Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 375 on 1
Dec 1874 with his father's 72" and shown on the constructed sketch of the
entire Pisces Group in the 1880 publication. The GC and NGC position matches
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01 03 54 -72 49 30; Tuc
V = 10.9; Size 1.0'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; very bright, fairly
small, irregular or triangular shape, 35"-40" diameter. A half dozen stars were resolved within
the glow surrounded by a much fainter halo. Brighter and larger
Lindsay 60 is 16' ENE (see NGC 419 for notes) and Lindsay 66 is 18' NW. The latter resolved into three brighter stars in a small string oriented WSW-NNE [length of 21"]. At 397x, the middle "star" was a very small knot, ~6"-8" diameter. This is probably the core of the cluster. The three stars seem surrounded by an extremely low surface brightness halo.
Henize N63 and N64 are a fairly similar pair of compact emission nebulae 27' WNW. Both are ~30" in diameter and separated by 1.4' NW-SE. They were easily noticed at 397x with N63 on the NW side slightly brighter. The contast was increased at 244x through an NPB filter. A mag 12 star lies 0.7' NW of N63.
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, small, round, 30" diameter, a few individual stars or clumps are resolved. A 10' string of stars (Hodge Association 56) passing ~4' N and angles towards the NE. NGC 419 follows by 20'. Observation made through thin clouds.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 376 = D 36 = h2378, along with NGC 419, on 2 Sep 1826. He recorded (single observation) "a faint ill-defined nebula, about 1 1/2' diameter." His reduced position (from a drift) is 9.5' ENE, though matches his offset error in declination (about 3.5') for NGC 419. So despite a size estimate that's too large, the discovery appears highly likely.
John Herschel recorded this cluster on two sweeps: on 12 Aug 1834 he logged "pretty faint, small, round, resolvable, pretty compact." On a later sweep he recorded it as a "globular cluster, a vS, vB knot of visible stars 15 or 20" diameter almost like a solid mass." His position and description on both sweeps is accurate, although DeLisle Stewart reported erroneously (based on plates taken at Harvard's Aqrequipa station between 1898 and 1901) that this object was a "double star only, components 10" apart at 270° (E-W). Herschel credited Dunlop as the possible discoverer (D 36) in his General Catalogue but not the Cape Catalog.
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01 06 34.8 -20 19 57; Cet
V = 15.1; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30°
24" (12/1/13): at 325x appeared extremely faint, small, round, 18" diameter. Visible perhaps 25% of the time as an extremely faint patch and too fleeting to detect an elongated shape. Forms the northern vertex of a triangle with a mag 14.5 star 6' SW and a mag 13.5 star 4.7' SE. A large scattered group of stars including several mag 10-11 lies ~10' E.
18" (12/3/05): not seen at 225x.
18" (11/6/04): extremely faint, small, round, 20" diameter (core only viewed?). Only visible intermittently with averted and concentration (in fairly poor seeing) but sighting definite.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 377 = LM 1-25 on 15 Oct
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Based on the discovery sketch, Corwin
determined NGC 377 = ESO 541-019 = PGC 3931. This would place NGC 377 17' S of Leavenworth's rough
position, an unusual error in declination. ESO misidentifies 541-019 as possibly
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01 06 12.1 -30 10 41; Scl
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 90°
17.5" (11/6/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
E-W, 1.2'x0.8'. A mag 11.5 star is
3' NNE. Located 8' WSW of mag 10.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 378 = h2377 on 28 Sep 1834 and noted "vF, S, R, glbM, 15 arcseconds." His position matches ESO 412-005 = PGC 3907. Listed in category 8 (Galaxies with apparent companions) in the Arp-Madore catalogue and an image is on page 8.2.
******************************
01 07 15.7 +32 31 13; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 0°
18" (11/18/06): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', broad concentration with a slightly brighter
core. Forms a similar pair with
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S, even surface brightness. Forms a pair with similar NGC 380 2' S in the NGC 383 group.
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 379 = H. II-215 = h84, along with NGC 380 = H. II-216 and NGC 383 = H. II-217, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded "Three, F, vS, R, all in a row in the meridian, nearly of equal size, the distance between the two most south [NGC 383 and 383] is about double that of the other."
******************************
NGC 380 = Arp 331 NED2 = UGC 682 = MCG +05-03-051 = CGCG 501-081 = LGG 017-001 = PGC 3969
01 07 17.6 +32 28 59; Psc
V = 12.5; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2
18" (11/18/06): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core. Forms a 2.2' pair with NGC 379 and 4.5' NNW of NGC 383 at the north end of the "Pisces Group".
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 379 2' S in the NGC 383 group.
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 380 = H. II-216 = h85, along with NGC 379 = II-215 and NGC 383 = II-217 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268). See description under NGC 379.
******************************
NGC 381 = Cr 10 = OCL-317 = Lund 38
01 08 18 +61 35; Cas
Size 6'
24" (1/4/14): nice group of ~75 stars, fairly uniformly distributed in a 6' group. A triple star (STI 185 = 10.8/12.5 at 9" and a third closer companion) is just north of center. The cluster is roughly circular with no denser patches, but it does include a number of faint stars so the appearance is fairly rich. Pretty well detached in the 50' field at 125x (less so on the north side).
17.5" (8/16/93): 40 stars mag 11-15 in loose 6' diameter, stands out best at 100x. The brightest mag 10.8 star is part of a triple along the north side. Fairly uniform in mag 12/13 stars with a scattering of faint stars, fairly even distribution with no rich regions. Not recognizable as a cluster at 220x.
17.5" (11/2/91): about three dozen stars in 6' diameter, fairly faint, roughly a circular group. Consists mostly of mag 12/13 stars. Includes a triple star (10.8/12.5/13 at 8"/~3") and two mag 11 stars on the west side. Several stars are arranged in strings. Relatively few stars in center. A line of mag 10 stars trail off to the north edge of field and the mag 10 star at the end of the string 11' N is a close double star.
8": ~30 stars in a circular group, bright curving string to the north. A mag 8 star is 10' E.
Caroline Herschel is generally attributed with the discovery of NGC 381 = H. VIII-64 on 27 Sep 1783, though according to an article in Aug 2007 S&T, Caroline's discovery preceded Gamma Cass instead of following and likely refers to NGC 189 instead. Her brother William probably discovered the cluster on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and noted "a forming cluster of pretty compressed stars." In his second published catalogued he added "C.H. disc[overy] 1783".
******************************
NGC 382 = Arp 331 NED5 = VV 193b = UGC 688 = MCG +05-03-052 = CGCG 501-086 = LGG 018-002 = PGC 3981
01 07 23.9 +32 24 15; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 0.5'x0.5'
18" (11/18/06): fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, slightly brighter corer, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Situated at the south edge of the halo of NGC 383 (the brighter member of the "Pisces Group"), just 30" from the center.
17.5" (9/23/00): very faint, extremely small, round, 20" diameter, very faint quasi-stellar nucleus at moments. This galaxy is the fainter of a close pair with NGC 383 in the Pisces group.
Supernova SN 2000dk (Type Ia) was discovered 5 days ago (18 Sept.) and was visible as a mag 15.5 "star" at the NW edge of the halo (5" W and 9" north of center). At the first glance using 280x, the galaxy appeared elongated in the direction of the SN, but in moments of better seeing, the SN was clearly resolved and similar in brightness to the nucleus of NGC 382.
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, very small, round. Forms a double system with much brighter NGC 383 30" NNE in a group.
13.1" (9/29/84): very faint, extremely small, round. Nearly attached to NGC 383.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 382 on 4 Nov 1850. It was labeled "Gamma prime" in his sketch of the Pisces Group. Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this nebula on 26 Aug 1865 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen. This is one of 5 galaxies discovered by Stoney on that night including NGCs 384, 385, 386 and 388.
******************************
NGC 383 = Arp 331 NED6 = VV 193a = UGC 689 = MCG +05-03-053 = CGCG 501-087 = LGG 018-003 = PGC 3982
01 07 24.9 +32 24 45; Psc
V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 30°
18" (11/18/06): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.3' diameter, broadly concentrated to a bright core that increases to a 6" nucleus. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 382 30" S of center. This galaxy is the brightest and largest member of the "Pisces Group" (at the southwest end of the Pisces-Perseus Supercluster) and is surrounded by 10 galaxies within 8'!
17.5" (9/19/87): brightest in the NGC 383 cluster. Fairly bright, moderately large, slightly
elongated, broadly concentrated halo.
Forms a double system with NGC 382 30" SW. NGC 380 is 4.5' NNW, NGC 379 6.8' NNW,
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, almost round, bright core. Forms a double with NGC 382.
William Herschel discovered NGC 383 = H. II-217 = h86, along with NGC 379 and NGC 380, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268). See description under NGC 379. John Herschel made 3 observations and reported on 22 Nov 1827 (sweep 106), "pB; pL; gbM."
******************************
NGC 384 = Arp 331 NED3 = UGC 686 = MCG +05-03-055 = CGCG 501-084 = LGG 017-002 = PGC 3983
01 07 25.0 +32 17 34; Psc
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 135°
18" (11/18/06): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.6'x0.5', fairly well concentrated with a small bright core. At the south end of the "Pisces Group" with NGC 385 1.7' N.
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, slightly elongated, bright core. NGC 385 2' N and NGC 386 is 4.3' NNE in the NGC 383 group.
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 385.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 384 = Au 7 on 4 Nov 1850. He labeled it "Zeta" on his sketch of the Pisces Group. Heinrich d'Arrest rediscovered this galaxy (along with NGC 385) and measured an accurate position on 12 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen. Auwers published d'Arrest's observation in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae and John Herschel credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the GC. Dreyer credited Lord Rosse, as well as d'Arrest, in the NGC.
******************************
NGC 385 = Arp 331 NED4 = UGC 687 = MCG +05-03-056 = CGCG 501-085 = LGG 018-004 = PGC 3984
01 07 27.2 +32 19 12; Psc
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9
18" (11/18/06): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, strong concentration with a bright 20" core. Located near the south end of the "Pisces Group" and appears slightly larger and brighter than nearby NGC 384 1.7' SSW. A trio of mag 12-13 stars lies 2'-3' WNW and the two northern stars are collinear with the galaxy.
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core. Forms a trio with NGC 386 2.6' N and NGC 384 1.8' S in the NGC 383 group.
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, small, small bright core, similar to NGC 384.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 385 = Au 8 on 4 Nov 1850. He labeled it "Epsilon" in his sketch of the NGC 383 (Pisces) Group. Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this galaxy on 7 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen and measured an accurate position (4 measurements). d'Arrest's observation was included in Auwers 1862 catalogue of new nebulae and John Herschel credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the GC. Dreyer credited both LdR and d'Arrest when compiling the NGC.
******************************
NGC 386 = Arp 331 NED7 = MCG +05-03-057 = CGCG 501-088 = PGC 3989
01 07 31.3 +32 21 43; Psc
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6
18" (11/18/06): faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, gradually increases to a very small brighter core. Located 3.3' SSE of NGC 383 and on a line to the north of the NGC 384/385 pair in the core of the "Pisces Group".
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, round, bright core. Located 3.3' SSE of NGC 383 in a group. NGC 385 lies 2.6' S.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 386 on 4 Nov 1850. He labeled it "Delta" in his sketch of the NGC 383 (Pisces) Group.
******************************
01 07 33.0 +32 23 28; Psc
V = 15.5; Size 0.3'x0.3'
18" (11/18/06): at 280x appeared very faint, very small, round, 8" diameter. This is perhaps the smallest and faintest NGC galaxy in the "Pisces Chain". Located 2' SE of NGC 383 and 2.5' N of NGC 386 in the heart of the "Pisces Group".
17.5" (9/19/87): extremely faint, round, almost stellar. Located 1.8' NNE of NGC 386 and 2.1' SE of NGC 383 in the NGC 383 group. Not 100% certain of its non-stellar appearance.
Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 387 on 10 Dec 1873 with Lord
Rosse's 72" and included it on the sketch that was made of the cluster
(later labeled as GC 5149), along with offsets from NGC 383. The GC (5149) and NGC position matches
******************************
01 07 47.1 +32 18 36; Psc
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 168°
18" (11/18/06): at 280x appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter. Located 4.5' E of the NGC 384/385 pair at the south end of the "Pisces Group".
17.5" (9/19/87):extremely faint and small, round, size 10"-15". Located 5'-6' E of NGC 385 in the NGC 383 group.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 388 on 4 Nov 1850. He labeled it "Theta" in his sketch of the NGC 383 (Pisces) Group.
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01 08 30.0 +39 41 44; And
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 54°
17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, very small, elongated 2:1
SW-NE, even surface brightness. A
mag 11 star is just off the NE edge 0.7' from center which detracts from
viewing. Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 389 = Sw. 2-12 on 6 Sep 1885 with
the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 30 sec of RA west and 1.5' north of
******************************
01 07 54.4 +32 25 59; Psc
= *, Corwin.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 390 = Big. 9 on 19 Nov 1884 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory and recorded "mag 13.4-13.5; stellar aspect". According to Harold Corwin (private correspondence), Bigourdan's offsets match a star at 01 07 54 +32 25 59 (2000). This identification was first given by Hubble in his 1920 paper "Photographic investigations of faint nebulae"
RNGC misidentifies
******************************
01 07 22.6 +00 55 33; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 45°
24" (11/21/19): at 322x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, very small bright core increasing to a bright stellar nucleus. Situated within a group of stars including a mag 10.7 star 1.7' NNW.
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, very small, round,
compact, well-defined edge, small bright core. Located 1.7' SSE of a mag 10 star and 4.4' NNE of mag 9.5
George Phillips Bond discovered NGC 391 = HN 3 = Au 9 on 8
Jan 1853 with the 15-inch Merz & Mahler refractor while taking micrometric
positions of stars for the Harvard Zone Catalogue. He noted a "faint
nebula, 1' 30" south following star number 32 [11th magnitude]."
At this exact position is
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01 08 23.5 +33 08 00; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 50°
24" (10/5/13): brightest member of the
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, round, bright core, sharp stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1' SW. Brightest of three (KTG 3) with NGC 394 1' NE and NGC 397 2' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 392 = H. II-218 = h87 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and simply noted "F, resembling the foregoing [NGC 379, 380, 383]." John Herschel remarked on 16 Nov 1827 (sweep 102), "pF; bM nearly to a *; between 2 stars". Both Herschels missed the nearby galaxies NGC 394 and 397.
******************************
NGC 393 = UGC 707 = MCG +06-03-015 = CGCG 520-018 = V Zw 52 = PGC 4061
01 08 37.0 +39 38 39; And
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 20°
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, sharp concentration, faint halo, two mag 13/13.5 star are 1.2' WNW and 1.6' NW with a separation of 36". Forms a pair with NGC 389 3.3' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 393 = H. I-54 = h88 on 5 Oct 1784 during sweeps 281-285, which were made in the east (not in Caroline's fair copy of the sweeps). On 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) he recorded "pB, S, R, vgbM." John Herschel logged on 1 Oct 1828 (sweep 183), "vF; vS; lE; gbM; 10". Allowing the moon & c. this cannot be a 1st class neb [as his father placed it]; no other neb near it." In the GC notes, John Herschel mentioned "This [h88] is not the I. 54 of the P.T, which proved to be one of Messier's nebulae, but another subsequently inserted by WH, so as not to break the order of the numbers..." Both Herschels missed nearby NGC 389 (discovered by Lewis Swift).
******************************
NGC 394 = MCG +05-03-063 = CGCG 501-095 = Holm 36b = KTG 3B = PGC 4049
01 08 26.0 +33 08 52; Psc
V = 13.9; Size 0.5'x0.2'; Surf Br = 11.3; PA = 135°
24" (10/5/13): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.2', small brighter core. Second brightest in a small triplet (KTG 3) with brighter NGC 392 1.0' SW and NGC 397 2.6' SSE.
17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, oval NW-SE, small brighter core. In a group with NGC 392 1' SW and NGC 397 3' SSE.
R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 394 on 26 Oct 1854. His described GC 212 (later NGC 392) as "B, S, R, bM. [John Herschel] described it as between 2 stars. I think the northernmost one is a nebula [NGC 394] of same character but smaller." There are two entries for this galaxy in the GC, the second (GC 215) refers to Heinrich d'Arrest's independent discovery on 22 Aug 1862. d'Arrest recognized his object was first seen at Parsonstown in a note in his 1865 catalogue. Dreyer combined the two GC entries in the NGC with credit given to both d'Arrest and LdR.
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01 05 07.9 -71 59 37; Tuc
Size 2'
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): easily picked up in the same field as brighter NGC 371. At 171x, this object appeared as a moderately bright 4' round knot of mag 14 or fainter stars with a good response to the UHC filter (the emission component is SMC-N78). The surface brightness was fairly high with the filter although Hartung just described this object as a "star group". NGC 395 forms a pair with IC 1624 3.2' SSE. Located 8' NE of NGC 371.
IC 1624 appeared about half the size of NGC 395, roughly 1' in diameter with a mottled appearance and no central condensation or resolution. A mag 13 star is close west with a mag 11 star 2' W (supergiant SK 118). A very small nebulous knot (SMC-N78C) was also noted ~2' SE. A large, scattered group of stars (OB-association) is superimposed on the field.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 395 = D 35 = D 34 = h2379 on 1 Aug 1826. He described D 35 (handwritten notes) as "a very faint ill defined nebula, rather elongated, with a star south of it." His notebook position is 9' to the SSE. D 34, found on a drift on 5 Sep 1826 and described as "a faint elliptical nebula", was placed 7' due south.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 395 on 5 Nov 1836 and recorded "very faint, pretty large, round, gradually a little brighter in the middle; 2' across."
Delisle Stewart photographed this object at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901. He noted it was a "Group of about 10 stars, not a nebula."
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01 08 08.4 +04 31 51; Psc
V = 15.2; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 140°
17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated. Required averted vision
to identify with GSC finder chart but with concentration I could just hold it
steadily. Located 2.1' NNW of a
mag 13 star. By a remarkable
coincidence, Saturn was in the same low power field just 15' due S! Best view of NGC 396 at 280x with
Saturn sufficiently out of field to avoid any glare. Misidentified in the RNGC (
Albert Marth discovered NGC 396 = m 35 on 27 Oct 1864 with
William Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "eF, S, lE." Harold Corwin notes that a faint galaxy
(
******************************
NGC 397 = MCG +05-03-064 = CGCG 501-096 = KTG 3C = PGC 4051
01 08 31.0 +33 06 33; Psc
V = 14.6; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (10/5/13): faintest in the KTG 3 triplet with brighter NGC 392 2.2' NW and NGC 394 2.5' NNW. At 375x appeared fairly faint, small, 15"x12", slightly elongated SW-NE, very weak concentration.
17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint and small, slightly elongated, very low even surface brightness. Faintest of three with NGC 392 2' NW.
Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on Lord Rosse's 72"
telescope, discovered NGC 397 on 6 Dec 1866. While observing GC 212 = NGC 392 he noted a "suspected
neb preceded by a vF*". The
closest match is
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01 08 53.6 +32 30 52; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 135°
18" (11/18/06): very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter. Member of the "Pisces Group" (z = 0.016), though located 20' NE of NGC 383.
17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint and small, round, low
surface brightness. Requires
averted to see well.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 398 = Big. 10 on 28 Oct 1886 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory. His position is accurate.
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NGC 399 = UGC 712 = MCG +05-03-067 = CGCG 501-101 = LGG 018-005 = PGC 4096
01 08 59.2 +32 38 03; Psc
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 40°
18" (11/18/06): this member of the NGC 383 group ("Pisces Group") appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.45', weak even concentration.
17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S,
even concentration to bright core, substellar nucleus.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 399 on 3 Oct 1869 and
recorded a rough unpublished position 1' NE in his logbook. I assume his target was nearby NGC 403,
which was discovered by d'Arrest in 1862.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 399 again on 7
Oct 1874 and noted a "small nebula" 464.3" (7.7') in PA 205.4°
(SSW) from GC 217 = NGC 403. This
offset matches
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01 09 02.5 +32 43 57; Psc
=*, HC. = Not found, JS.
Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on Lord Rosse's 72"
telescope, discovered NGC 400 on 30 Dec 1866. He placed his object, with respect to GC 217 = NGC 403, at a
separation of 151" (2.5') in PA 242° (WSW). At this offset is a very faint star at 01 09 02.5 +32 43
57.
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01 09 07.7 +32 45 35; Psc
=*, HC. = Not found, JS.
Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 400 on 30 Dec 1866. He placed his object, with respect to GC 217 = NGC 403, at a separation of roughly 110" in PA 291.3°. At this offset is a very faint star at 01 09 07.7 +32 45 35. This identification was first given by Hubble in his 1920 paper "Photographic investigations of faint nebulae. "GC 5153 = NGC 400, described in the same observation by Ball, is also a faint star!
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01 09 13.3 +32 48 23; Psc
=*, HC. = Not found, JS.
Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 402 on 7 Oct 1874 with his father's 72" and recorded a "faint nebulous knot" and placed 281.7" in PA 353° from star 1 in the sketch. This star is 87.3" in PA 177° from NGC 403 and has a position of 01 09 15.7 +32 43 42 (2000). This offset points to a very faint star at 01 09 13.3 +32 48 23 (2000). This identification was first given by Hubble in his 1920 paper "Photographic investigations of faint nebulae"
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NGC 403 = UGC 715 = MCG +05-03-068 = CGCG 501-104 = LGG 018-006 = PGC 4111
01 09 14.1 +32 45 07; Psc
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 86°
18" (11/18/06): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, ~1.3'x0.4', sharp concentration with a small, very bright core. The extensions are fairly low surface brightness but appear a bit asymmetric; possibly misaligned at slightly different angles or slightly different widths. A group of four stars nearly forming a trapezoid is close south. Located ~30' NE of the core of the NGC 383 group ("Pisces Group") and one of the brightest members of the cluster.
17.5" (12/23/89): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, bright core, small bright nucleus. Four mag 10-13 stars are close south. Brightest of a trio with MCG +05-03-071 = CGCG 501-105 2' SE and NGC 399 8' SW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 403 on 29 Aug 1862 with the
11" refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on 2 nights) matches
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01 09 26.9 +35 43 05; And
V = 10.3; Size 3.5'x3.5'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (10/13/01): bright, fairly large, round, at least 2' diameter. Contains a bright 30" core that increases steadily to a bright stellar nucleus. Located 7' NW of mag 2.1 Beta Andromedae (Mirach), which detracts somewhat from viewing.
13.1" (12/22/84): bright, round, bright stellar nucleus. Located 7' NW of Beta Andromedae (V = 2.1)!
William Herschel discovered NGC 404 = H. II-224 = h89 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and recorded "pretty bright (not withstanding the light of Beta Andromeda, which is in the field with it), cL, R, bM." The observers on Lord Rosse's 72" tried to resolve this nebula. R.J. Mitchell reported on 16 Oct 1855, "pL, B. I have no doubt it is a cluster. The F borders of the nebula extend a long way out, involving several stars."
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01 08 33.9 -46 40 05; Phe
= Double star 7.3/8.3 at 1.2", Corwin and ESO.
John Herschel discovered NGC 405 = h2380 on 6 Sep 1834 and
recorded "After a long and obstinate examination with all powers and
apertures, I cannot bring it to a sharp disc and leave it, in doubt whether it
be a star or not. The star [Beta Phe] immediately preceding offered no such
difficulty, giving a good disc with 320." This is clearly a double star on the Southern Sky Survey
(
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01 07 24.4 -69 52 33; Tuc
V = 12.5; Size 3.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 160°
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this interesting edge-on is fairly bright, large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~2.5'x0.8'. Contains a large, elongated core. Emerging from the east edge of the north end of the core is an extremely thin extension or arm that stretches north-northwest. A fainter, less obvious arm is attached at the west edge of the south end of the central region. In addition there appears to be a faint star or knot involved [images reveal a star superimposed south of the core]. This galaxy is located 1° NNE of the bright globular cluster NGC 362 and 3° NNE of the center of the SMC!
John Herschel discovered NGC 406 = h2381 on 6 Sep 1834 and
logged "F, R, vL, vglbM, 3' dia.". His position matches
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01 10 36.5 +33 07 35; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 1.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 0°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 N-S, bright core.
Faintest of three with
13.1" (8/23/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, NGC 410 5' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 407 = H. II-219, along with NGC 410 = II-220, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and described both as "Two, eF and vS. The following [NGC 410] the largest." He gave a single position, roughly between the two galaxies. Édouard Stephan (XIII-9) independently found the galaxy on 2 Oct 1883 at the Marseilles Observatory and published an accurate position. Herman Schultz also measured a precise micrometric position and recorded a nearby star as a "nova" (NGC 408).
******************************
01 10 51.1 +33 09 05; Psc
= * 1.6' W of NGC 410, Gottlieb and Carlson. Incorrect identification in the RNGC. 17.5" (12/23/89): (R)NGC 408 not found.
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 408 = Nova III on 22 Oct 1867
with the 9.6-inch refractor at the Uppsala Observatory. Schultz placed this object just 8 tsec
of RA preceding NGC 410. At this
offset is a mag 14.5 star at 01 10 51.1 +33 09 05 (2000), which almost
certainly is his object. RNGC misidentified
******************************
01 09 33.2 -35 48 21; Scl
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, small, round, 30"
diameter. Located just 45" SE
of a mag 13 star. Identified at
280x after missing at 220x.
Brighter than
John Herschel discovered NGC 409 = h2382 on 29 Nov 1837 and
reported "eF, R, S, near a vS star." His position is 8 sec of RA east
and 2' north of
******************************
NGC 410 = UGC 735 = MCG +05-03-080 = CGCG 501-118 = Mrk 562 = PGC 4224
01 10 58.9 +33 09 07; Psc
V = 11.5; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 30°
17.5" (12/23/89): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, broadly concentrated halo, stellar nucleus. In a trio with NGC 407 5' WSW and NGC 414 5' SE. Part of a large group (USGC U045).
13.1" (9/29/84): brightest of 3, fairly bright, bright core, slightly elongated SW-NE, NGC 414 4.5' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 410 = H. II-220, along with NGC 407, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded "Two. The preceding faint, very small. The following pretty large". Herman Schultz measured an accurate position at Uppsala.
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NGC 411 = NGC 422 = ESO 051-019 = Kron 60 = Lindsay 82
01 07 55.9 -71 46 01; Tuc
V = 12.2; Size 1.9'
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly
faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter. At 228x, appeared as a low surface brightness glow with a
very weak concentration and no sign of resolution. Located 5' NW of mag 8.6
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
fairly faint SMC cluster was immediately noticed in the same lower power field
while viewing NGC 395/IC 1624 about 20' SW. At 128x it appeared fairly small, round, ~1.5' diameter,
mottled but with no resolution.
Located 5.3' NW of mag 8.6 HD 7031 and 13' ESE of mag 7.4
James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 411 = D 57? = h2384 on 6 Sep 1826. He logged "a small faint nebula, about 15" diameter", though the reduced position was 19' too far SE. But the previous object in the drift was noted as a 7th mag star and assuming this refers to mag 7.4 HD 6623, it was also offset 18' in the same direction. Some doubt remains as this cluster might be too faint to have been noticed in Dunlop's 9" speculum reflector.
John Herschel discovered NGC 411 in Sep 1835 (sweep 625?)
and recorded "vF, pL, R, vlbM; 2'." His position is accurate. On 5 Nov 1836 (sweep 745) he logged a similar description
and position, but Harold Corwin found the RA minute (1 tmin too large) was
miscopied into his table of "Stars, Nebulae, and Clusters in the Nubecula
Minor" and it received the designations GC 231 and
Delisle Stewart first photographed NGC 411 at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described it in a list of NGC corrections: "as in NGC, but round, small, stellar, cB."
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01 10 18 -20 01; Cet
= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 412 = LM 1-26 on 15 Oct
1885 with the 26" Clark refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and
simply noted "Neb?" There is nothing near Leavenworth's
position. Corwin examined the
discovery sketch, but it wasn't of much help and he was unable to recover this
object (or even identify it with a star).
ESO lists
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01 12 31.5 -02 47 37; Cet
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 151°
17.5" (8/4/97): very faint, diffuse glow located 1.3' SSE of a mag 13.5-14 star. The galaxy is roundish and ~1' in diameter with little or no concentration. The star to the north is preceded by a mag 14-14.5 star 1.4' W. The RNGC identification at 01 12 31.5 -02 47 38 is probably incorrect and this number was deleted from DSFG.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 413 = LM 2-301 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His very rough position (to nearest
minute of RA and given as doubtful) is 2 tmin west of
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NGC 414 = UGC 744 = CGCG 501-123 = IV Zw 39 = WBL 031-004 =
01 11 17.6 +33 06 48; Psc
V = 13.5; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 23°
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 21"x14" NW-SE with a very faint halo extending SW-NE. This is a merged double system with twin nuclei NW-SE, separated by only ~7". I suspected it to be double at 375x and it was definitely "resolved" at 500x. The brighter NW nucleus (higher surface brightness) was ~6" diameter and appeared more centered in the halo. The southeast nucleus (~5" diameter) was nearly attached as a round, tiny "bulge" or knot.
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE. Third of three with NGC 410 5' NW and NGC 407 8.4' W. NGC 414 consists of a merged pair of compacts, though they were not resolved.
13.1" (9/29/84): faint, thin streak NW-SE, weak concentration.
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 414 = Nova IV on 15 Oct 1866
with the 9.6-inch Steinheil & Söhne refractor at Uppsala Observatory. His micrometric position is
accurate. This appears to be the
only galaxy in the NGC that Schultz discovered first. He independently discovered NGC 20, but it was discovered
earlier at Birr Castle. He
discovered NGC 90 but it was found earlier at Birr Castle (GC 40). Another is
This is a double or merged system with two nuclei. The companion on the southeast side is
catalogued separately as
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NGC 415 = ESO 352-014 = MCG -06-03-024 = PGC 4161
01 10 05.7 -35 29 27; Scl
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 55°
17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated, 30" diameter (probably only viewed the core). Required averted vision at 280x and could not hold it steadily. NGC 409 is located 20' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 415 = h2383 on 1 Sep 1834 and
noted "vF, R, gbM, 20"." On a later he called it "vF, S, R,
glbM, 15"." Herschel's mean position matches
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01 07 58.6 -72 21 19; Tuc
V = 11.8; Size 1.1'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this SMC cluster appeared fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter. A mag 13 star lies 1' N. Located in a rich faint star field 31' N of NGC 419 and 27' SE of the large, nebulous cluster NGC 371.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 416 = h2386 = D 42 or D 43? on 5 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector. He described D 42 as a "round well-defined nebula, about 30" diameter." His position was 13.5' SE of the cluster. D 43, logged on a separate drift on the same date, was called "a small round nebula, 8" diameter, bright at the centre" and placed 12' ENE. Either or both entries might apply.
John Herschel made 4 certain observations at the Cape. His earliest was on 11 Apr 1834 (sweep 441), with description "F; S; R; 30". On other sweeps he noted sizes up to 60" and his positions are accurate. Herschel didn't reference a Dunlop number, probably because of the poor positions.
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01 11 05.5 -18 08 54; Cet
V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 55°
17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Can almost hold continuously with averted vision after identified at 280x. Very weak if any concentration. No brighter stars in field.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 417 = LM 2-300 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His RA is 0.4 min west of
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01 10 35.5 -30 13 17; Scl
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 19°
24" (11/7/18): at 200x; fairly faint, large, very
diffuse, 2' diameter, low surface brightness. Broad concentration with a slightly brighter core
region. The visual brightness
profile corresponded with a face-on spiral and this was verified afterwards on
the DSS.
17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, slightly elongated, fairly small, 1.2' diameter, low surface brightness though slight broad concentration, gradually fades into the background. A mag 14 star is 2' S. Located 7' S of a mag 10 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 418 = h2385 on 27 Sep 1834 and
logged "not vF, pL, R, gbM, 60"." On a later sweep he noted "F, R, vglbM, 40", the
preceding of two [with
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NGC 419 = ESO 029-33 = Lindsay 85
01 08 17.3 -72 53 02; Tuc
V = 10.6; Size 2.6'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): this SMC cluster appeared extremely bright, large, round, 2' diameter, strong concentration with a relatively large bright core. The halo was mottled but no individual stars were resolved.
Lindsay 80, located 8' NNW, appeared fairly faint, slightly elongated and irregular, 30"-35" diameter. A mag 13.8 star is at the west edge. A mag 11 star is 1.6' SSE and a mag 11.3 star is 2.9' E.
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, large, impressive, large bright core, fainter halo, 2' diameter. Mottled and lively but not resolved. A mag 9 star lies 8' S and a mag 7 star lies 9' SE.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): quite
bright, fairly large, round, 1.8' diameter, moderately concentrated, granular
but no resolution. Appears like an
unresolved globular cluster with a very symmetrical appearance although
classified as a rich open cluster.
Located 9' NW of mag 7
James Dunlop discovered NGC 419 = D 38 = h2387 on 1 Aug 1826. He described D 38 as "a very small oval nebula about 10" diameter, a little brighter in the middle with a very small star south of it. A star 7 or 8th mag following [HD 7187]." His position was off by 7' to the SSE (similar offset as NGC 395) and the description matches. He made a second observation on 6 Sep 1826 and called it "a pretty bright round nebula preceding a star 6th or 7th magnitude, rather elliptical, gradually a little condensed to the center, well defined with two minute stars following but not involved." His position was off by 4' SE and the description is an exact match. D 39, recorded on 2 Sep and placed 4' NE, might be another observation although the description is a poor match: "a rather faint nebula, about 2' long, extended in the direction of the meridian, easily resovable."
D 39 as a "pretty bright round nebula preceding a star 6th or 7th magnitude [HD 7187]. Rather elliptical, gradually a little condensed to the center. Well defined with two minute stars [11th mag] following, but not involved." His position was 4.5' to the SE and the description is an excellent match. D 39 may another observation from 2 Sep 1826.
John Herschel reported 4 observations in his Cape catalogue, first on 11 Apr 1834 (sweep 441) as "pB; pL; R; 2'. Has two stars near". His position and description are accurate. Herschel gave a possible equivalence with D 36, though that entry more likely applies to NGC 376.
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01 12 09.6 +32 07 24; Psc
V = 12.1; Size 2.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, moderately large, round, bright core, large fainter halo. Located 10' W of ∑98 = 7.0/8.0 at 20".
William Herschel discovered NGC 420 = H. III-154 = h90,
along with
Harold Corwin mentions that despite Herschel's comment that the eastern galaxy [NGC 421] is the largest [and presumably more obvious], "all the observers have assigned the preceding number (H III-154 = NGC 420) to the [single] object."
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01 12 12 +32 07; Psc
= Not found, Carlson.
William Herschel discovered NGC 421 = H. III-155, along with NGC 420 = III-154 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged both as "Two. Both eF, vS. The following [NGC 421] is the largest." Dreyer notes there was no mention in the sweep of the separation between the objects and that only a single galaxy was observed by John Heschel, Bigourdan, and at Birr Castle. Perhaps William Herschel thought that NGC 420 was double? In any case, although the original description seems to imply that NGC 421 should be the number of the single galaxy here, everyone has assigned NGC 420 to the galaxy. See Corwin's notes for further discussion.
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NGC 422 = NGC 411 = ESO 051-019 = Kron 60 = Lindsay 82
01 07 55.9 -71 46 01; Tuc
V = 12.2; Size 1.9'
See observing notes for NGC 411. The cluster previously assumed to be NGC 422 is
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very faint, small, 30" diameter, low surface brightness and no hint of resolution. Follows NGC 411 by 7' and forms the eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 411 and a mag 8 star 6' SW. Observation made through thin haze.
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this faint SMC cluster is located 7' following NGC 411. At 228x it appeared as just a very faint knot, less than 1' diameter with a low surface brightness and no resolution. Located 5.5' NE of mag 8.6 HD 7031.
John Herschel discovered NGC 422 in 1836 with his 20-foot
(18") reflector and it was included as #162 in his catalogue of
"Stars, Nebulae, and Clusters in the Nubecula Minor". His position was 30 seconds of RA west
(very small offset at this declination) of
But Harold Corwin found that the entry #162 in "Stars, Nebulae, and Clusters in the Nubecula Minor" actually derives from Herschel's second observation of NGC 411 = h2384 ("eF; pL; R; glbM 2'.") on sweep 745 (5 Nov 1836) though he accidentally increased the RA by 1.0 tmin. So, NGC 411 has two entries in this table (both indicated as deriving from a sweep with his 18") -- #162, which is 1.0 minute of RA too large, and #157, which was copied correctly. Entry #162 later acquired the numbers GC 231 and NGC 422. So, NGC 422 = NGC 411 with NGC 411 the primary designation.
The cluster previously assumed to be NGC 422 was later discovered by DeLisle Stewart on plates taken in 1900 at Harvard's station in Arequipa, Peru and received the designation IC 1641. Instead, IC 1641 has been misidentified as a very faint cluster (Hodge-Wright 62) just following the real IC 1641. See Corwin's notes for more.
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NGC 423 = ESO 412-011 = MCG -05-04-004 = PGC 4266
01 11 22.2 -29 14 04; Scl
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 114°
17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 ~E-W, even surface brightness.
Located 7' S of mag 9.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 423 = h2388 on 14 Nov 1835 and recorded "vF, S, E, glbM." Two sweeps later he logged it as "eF, S, lE, 20", following of two [with NGC 418]." His position is accurate.
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01 11 27.6 -38 05 01; Scl
V = 12.8; Size 1.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 60°
17.5" (10/4/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6', brighter core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 424 = h2389 on 30 Nov 1837 and
logged "vF, S, R, glbM, 18 arcsec." His position matches
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01 13 02.6 +38 46 06; And
V = 12.6; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (8/16/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', fairly even high surface brightness. A mag 11 star is just off NW edge [29" from center].
Truman Safford discovered NGC 425 = Sf. 62 = St. 10-4 on 29 Oct 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and recorded "pS, pB, gar[?] bM." Édouard Stephan (X-4) discovered the galaxy again on 5 Oct 1869 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. He published an accurate micrometric position made 12 years later on 24 Oct 1881 (discovery list 10, #4) with the description "faint, small, round, weak condensation, tangent on the NW with a mag 11 star." Dreyer credited Stephan with the discovery in the NGC as Safford's discovery list was published in 1887, too late for Dreyer to see.
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01 12 48.6 -00 17 25; Cet
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 140°
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated 4:3 NW-SE, prominent bright core. First of trio with
William Herschel discovered NGC 426 = H. III-592 = h91, along with NGC 429, on 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) and logged "Three, the place is that of the last [NGC 430], which is the largest and most north, F, S. The next in size is about 2 or 3' sp [NGC 426], vF, vS. The last [NGC 429] is about 5' south of the 1st; eF, eS, not verified." John Herschel called this object on 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113), "vF; R; sbM."
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01 12 19.2 -32 03 41; Scl
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 0°
17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (only core viewed?). Required averted vision and a finder chart to identify at 280x. Located in a sparse field. A couple of very faint nearby stars were not recorded.
John Herschel discovered NGC 427 = h2390 on 25 Sep 1834 and
recorded "Rather doubtful, but I strongly incline to the suspicion of its
being a vF neb with 2 vS stars near it". On a second sweep (#635) he noted "I believe it only 3
vF st, but yet there remains a suspicion of nebulosity." His position is just 1.3' S of
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01 12 55.6 +00 58 54; Cet
V = 11.5; Size 4.1'x3.1'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 120°
48" (11/4/21): at 488x; very large and unusual asymmetric knotty spiral. Contains a very patchy spiral arm and and an ill-defined irregular halo. The halo is elongated ~4:3 SW-NE and ~3' in diameter. The brighter central region has a very weak concentration with no core or nucleus. The halo is more extensive on the south side (so the central region is offset to the north), spreading within 0.8' of a 6" pair of mag 13/13.5 stars. A mag 12 star is 1.9' NW of center (outside the halo).
A faint, 10" HII knot ([HK83] #10/12 in the Hodge-Kennicutt Atlas of HII regions) is ~50" SE of center. A patchy, arcing train of knots (brightest part of the northern spiral arm), ~1' in length, is a similar distance on the NW side. The brightest individual knot ([HK83] #44) is ~8" diameter and situated at its south end [0.7' WNW of cneter]. A fainter patch is at the north end [0.7' N of center].
24" (12/22/14): bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3
~NW-SE, mottled irregular appearance, broad weak concentration. With averted vision the halo increased
in size to ~2.5'x2.0'. A
quasi-stellar HII region, catalogued [HK83] 44-46, occasionally popped as a
very small detached knot, ~6" diameter. This is the brightest in a series of blue HII knots on the
NW side of the outer core [45" WNW of center]. NGC 428 forms the southeast vertex of an isosceles triangle
with mag 8.7
13.1" (9/3/86): fairly bright, moderately large, oval
~N-S, weak concentration. A mag 13
star is at the NW edge 1.8' from center.
Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 8.5 stars SAO
109728 and
William Herschel discovered NGC 428 = H. II-622 on 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) and noted "F, R, bM, easily resolvable." Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position on 30 and 31 Oct 1864.
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NGC 429 = UGC 762 = MCG +00-04-037 = CGCG 385-027 = PGC 4368
01 12 57.4 -00 20 43; Cet
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 19°
17.5" (11/30/91): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core. A mag 14 star is 1' N. Faintest of three with NGC 430 6' N and NGC 426 4' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 429 = H. III-593 = h92, along with NGC 426, on 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) and recorded "The last [NGC 429] is about 5' south of the 1st [NGC 430]; eF, eS, not verified."
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NGC 430 = UGC 765 = MCG +00-04-039 = CGCG 385-029 = PGC 4376
01 13 00.0 -00 15 09; Cet
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 155°
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, round, prominent small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 1' SSW. Brightest in a group with NGC 429 6' S and NGC 426 3.5' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 430 = H. II-447 = h93 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and noted "eF, vS, 240 confirmed it with difficulty but left no doubt." His position is accurate. The following year he found NGC 426 and 429, so his summary description reads "F, S. Two more near it. See III.592.593 [NGC 426 and 429]." John Herschel reported on 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113), "F; R; vsbM to a star."
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01 14 04.5 +33 42 15; And
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 20°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 2.5' SW of a mag 10.5 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 431 = h95 on 22 Nov 1827 and recorded "F; S; vsbM". His position is accurate.
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01 11 46.3 -61 31 40; Tuc
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 126°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; fairly faint, small, round, 25". Contains a small bright nucleus that gradually increases to a faint stellar peak. Located 35' NE of mag 5.35 Iota Tucanae. NGC 432 is the brightest member of the unstudied cluster ACO S137 (distance ~365 million l.y., richness class 0).
I didn't make a careful survey of possible cluster members
but picked up the following two galaxies:
John Herschel discovered NGC 432 = h2391 on 6 Oct 1834 and logged "F, S, R." No position was determined on that sweep. On a later sweep he noted "pF, S, R, gbM, 15 arcseconds, has a star 12th mag following" and commented the "place is liable to some error".
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01 15 09 +60 07 36; Cas
Size 3'
24" (1/4/14): the most distinctive part of this cluster is a mag 9.3 star surrounded by a 2' cloud (mostly south) of ~15 mag 13-14 stars. A mag 11 star is at the NW corner, a 50" pair of mag 11 stars is at the SE end and a mag 11.5 star is at the SW corner. A small string of stars extends from the mag 9.3 star to the southwest.
17.5" (8/16/93): 30 stars mag 10-14 in a 6' triangular outline although very few stars are inside the triangle. The mag 10 star at the north vertex is surrounded (mostly on the south side) by a rich subgroup of faint stars, including at least three close multiple systems. Mag 8.7 SAO 22122 is just south of the triangle and 8' SSW of the mag 10 star in the cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 433 = h94 on 29 Sep 1829 and described a "star 8m the chief of a small loose cluster." The mag 9.3 star is on the north side of the cluster. Robert Ball observed the cluster using the 72" at Birr Castle and logged "Loose CL. consisting of 50 or 60 stars of various sizes from about 8 mag down."
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01 12 14.2 -58 14 51; Tuc
V = 12.0; Size 2.1'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 6°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; bright, moderately
large, oval 4:3 or 3:2 N-S, ~1.25'x0.9'.
Sharply concentrated with a bright, elongated core enclosing a round,
intensely bright nucleus. The halo
has a subtle but definite uneven surface brightness. NGC 434 is the brightest in a trio (
NGC 434A appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 12", very low surface brightness. This galaxy is a thin edge-on with very faint curving arms similar to the Integral Sign galaxy, but only the core was noticed. NGC 434A is the faintest in the trio.
John Herschel discovered NGC 434 = h2392 on 28 Oct 1834 and logged "B, R, psbM, 40" dia." His position is accurate (2 sweeps). Joseph Turner observed the pair of the NGCs on 14 Jan 1879 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and commented that NGC 434 was "considerably elongated" and not round as Herschel described.
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01 13 59.9 +02 04 18; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 20°
24" (1/1/19): at 260x and 375x; faint to fairly faint,
elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, ~30"x18", fairly low surface brightness,
weakly brighter core but no nucleus.
Situated midway between a mag 10.9 star 2.3' NNE and mag 8.8
17.5" (12/23/92): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is just off the WSW edge 20" from the center. Located midway between mag 8.5 SAO 109745 2.5' SSW and mag 10.5 2.5' N. NGC 445 lies 15' SE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 435 = m 36 on 23 Oct 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "eF, S, E". His position is 2' N of
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01 15 58 +58 49 00; Cas
V = 8.8; Size 6'
24" (1/4/14): at 200x, ~50 stars are resolved in a rich, 4' group that is well-detached and distinctive. The main group is confined within a triangular outline with a mag 10.9 star at the S end, a mag 12 star at the W end and a mag 11.5 star at the N end. Contains a very rich central region ~1.5' diameter and includes STI 1550, a close triple with components 11.2/11.3/11.8 at 9" and 12". Another uncatalogued pair is just 0.6' S of STI 1550. Two mag 9.5/10 stars are collinear to the east of the mag 10.9 star at the south end.
17.5" (8/16/93): 40 stars mag 10-15 in 4' diameter. Includes a rich 1.5' region with 15 stars with a nice triple star in a tight equilateral triangle. Other brighter stars in this grouping form a pentagon outline. Three equally spaced mag 9-10 stars oriented E-W begin just off the south side. Several sprays of stars emanate out in various directions from the central region.
17.5" (11/2/91): fairly bright and compact, ~30 stars mag 9-14 at 220x in a 4' diameter, distinctive group. Just north of center is a tight triple star with 4th star to E, also second trio of stars is close south. A mag 9 star near the south edge is collinear with two mag 9 stars 2' SE and 4' SE all equally spaced.
William Herschel discovered NGC 436 = H. VII-45 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774). His summary description is "a small pretty compressed cluster of stars, not rich, iF, like a forming one." The NGC position is accurate.
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01 14 22.3 +05 55 37; Psc
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 130°
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 437 = Sw. 5-11 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 8 seconds of time too far west but his description "F * nr np" applies to this galaxy. Hermann Kolbold measured an accurate positionin 1895 at the Strasbourg Observatory (not published until 1907).
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NGC 438 = ESO 296-007 = MCG -06-03-029 = PGC 4406
01 13 34.2 -37 54 06; Scl
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 126°
17.5" (10/4/97): faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak even concentration. Situated just following the midpoint of two mag 13 stars 3.1' SSE and 2.8' NNE. NGC 424 lies 27' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 438 = h2393 on 1 Sep 1834. On one sweep he called this nebula "vF" and another time "pB". His mean position matches ESO 296-007 = PGC 4406.
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01 13 47.2 -31 44 51; Scl
V = 11.5; Size 2.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 156°
24" (9/15/12): at 175x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x1.2', increases to a bright core.
NGC 439 is the brightest in the cluster ACO S141 = Klemola 1
with
17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x1.2', broad concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 2.3' SW and a mag 14
star is 2.2' SE of center.
Brighter of a pair with NGC 441 2.5' SSE. Located 11' NE of mag 8.2
8" (1/1/84): very faint, small, round. Can just hold steadily with averted vision. A mag 8 star is 10' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 439 = h2394 (along with NGC 441 = h2395) on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "pB, R, bM, 20 arcseconds." His mean position from 2 sweeps is accurate.
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NGC 440 = ESO 113-025 = AM 0110-583 = KTS 8C = LGG 019-002 =
01 12 48.5 -58 16 56; Tuc
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 45°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; moderately bright,
fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', well concentrated with a very
small bright core and much fainter extensions. Second brightest in a trio (
John Herschel discovered NGC 440 = h2396 on 27 Sep 1834 and
logged "F, S, R, 15" dia."
His position (typo corrected at the end of the Cape of Good Hope
catalog) matches
******************************
NGC 441 = ESO 412-019 = MCG -05-04-016 = PGC 4429
01 13 51.1 -31 47 19; Scl
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 135°
24" (9/15/12): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:2 WSW-ENE, bright core, increases to the center. A mag 14 star lies 1.2' NE. Second brightest member of ACO S141 with NGC 439 2,6' NNW.
17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 1.3' NE. Forms a close pair with NGC 439 2.5' NNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 441 = h2395 (along with NGC 439 = h2394) on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; gbM." His position is accurate.
******************************
01 14 38.7 -01 01 14; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 157°
13.1" (9/3/86): Located 3.9' SW of 38 Ceti (V =
5.7). Fairly faint, small, bright
core. Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 442 = Sw. 5-12 on 21 Oct 1886
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 11 seconds of RA west
and 15" south of
******************************
01 15 07.5 +33 22 38; Psc
V = 13.0; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core, stellar nucleus. Located 20'
NNW of
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 443 = Au 10 = Big. 114 on 8
Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen. There is nothing at his single
position, but he stated a mag 15 star was 8.3 seconds of time directly
west.
Stephane Javelle independently discovered NGC 443 on 17 Oct
1903 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory, placed it accurately,
and Dreyer recatalogued J. 3-849 as
******************************
01 15 49.6 +31 04 50; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 1.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 157°
17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint, fairly small, very
elongated 4:1 NNW-SSE. A mag 11
star is 3' ESE. Forms a pair with
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 444 on 26 Oct 1854 with Lord Rosse's 72" at Birr Castle while observing NGC 452. The first description reads "vvF ray, elongated NW-SE, without nucleus." The NGC RA is 28 sec too small but Mitchell's description and sketch clearly identifies NGC 444 = UGC 810 = 4561. Javelle independently discovered the galaxy on 17 Oct 1903 with the 30" refractor at Nice, assumed it was new and placed it correctly in paper 3-851 (later 1658). So, NGC 444 = IC 1658 with discovery priority to Mitchell.
******************************
NGC 445 = CGCG 385-047 = WBL 034-002 = PGC 4493
01 14 52.6 +01 55 03; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 135°
24" (1/1/19): at 375x; better than fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~25"x20", strongly concentrated with a fairly high surface brightness core and much fainter outer halo. An extremely faint star is superimposed at the northeast edge. The galaxy is bracketed by a mag 11.9 star 2.0' ESE and a mag 12.7 star 0.9' WNW. Brightest in a group (WBL 34 = USGC U049)
NGC 445 forms the northern vertex of a triangle with with
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, very small, round, broad concentration. On a line between a mag 12 star 0.9' WNW and a mag 11 star 1.9' ESE. NGC 435 lies 15' NW. UGC 791 6.3' SW not seen.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 445 = m 37 on 23 Oct 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta. His
position matches
******************************
01 16 03.6 +04 17 38; Psc
V = 12.7; Size 2.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 NW-SE, prominent sharp bright core with a nearly stellar nucleus. This galaxy is identified as
Albert Marth discovered NGC 446 = m 38 on 23 Oct 1864 with
Lassell's 48-inch on Malta. There
is nothing at Marth's position but Corwin suggests NGC 446 is
******************************
NGC 447 = IC 1656 = UGC 804 = MCG +05-04-006 = CGCG 502-013 = PGC 4550
01 15 37.6 +33 04 04; Psc
V = 14.0; Size 2.2'x2.2'; Surf Br = 15.5
17.5" (9/19/87): at 222x; very faint, very small,
round. A mag 15 star is involved
at the southeast end. In a group
with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 447 = Au 11 on 8 Oct 1861with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen. His position (measured on 4 nights) is accurate. He noted the mag 11 star that follows by 9.2 seconds of RA and 110" north as well as an involved star about 18-19th magnitude (the star is closer to mag 15). Auwers included this discovery in his 1862 list of 50 new nebulae. Stephan observed it on 5 Oct 1869 at Marseilles. A week later on a second observation he apparently discovered NGC 449 and 451.
Barnard found this galaxy again, along with NGC 451, on 25
Oct 1888 using the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory. He noted (in his logbook) the
"nebula is s.p. comparison star [mag 6
Based on the NGC positions, the RNGC has reversed the identifications of NGC 447 and NGC 449 whose correct orientations should be SW-NE. UGC and CGCG misidentify NGC 447 = PGC 4550 as NGC 449 = IC 1656 and NGC 449 is misidentified as IC 1661 in CGCG. MCG identifies these galaxies correctly. These errors were noted in my RNGC Corrections #3 and Corwin's notes.
******************************
01 15 16.5 -01 37 35; Cet
V = 12.1; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 116°
17.5" (10/5/91): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, brighter along major axis, bright core, high surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 448 = Sw. 4-5 on 2 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is just 5 tsec of RA east and 33" S of UGC 801 = PGC 4524.
******************************
NGC 449 = MCG +05-04-009 = CGCG 502-018 = Mrk 1 = PGC 4587
01 16 07.2 +33 05 22; Psc
V = 14.2; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (9/19/87): at 222x; very faint, very small,
round, bright core. Forms a close
pair with NGC 451 1.9' SE. Located
2.9' SW of mag 6.0
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 449 = St. 12-11, as well as NGC 451, on 12 Oct 1869 while observing NGC 443. His published micrometric position was made 12 years later on 11 Nov 1881 with description "vF, vS, R, vlbM, vF * involved".
The RNGC misidentifies NGC 447 as NGC 449 (reversing the identifications of NGC 447 and NGC 449). CGCG labels NGC 449 as IC 1661. Although it is possible that IC 1661 (discovered by Barnard) is a duplicate observation of NGC 449, Corwin feels it is more likely that IC 1661 applies to NGC 451. More in my RNGC Corrections #3 and Malcolm Thomson's "CGCG Corrections".
******************************
NGC 450 = UGC 806 = MCG +00-04-062 = CGCG 385-052 = PGC 4540
01 15 30.4 -00 51 40; Cet
V = 11.5; Size 3.1'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 72°
48" (10/22/11): at 610x this double system is dominated by NGC 450, which appeared bright, large, 2.3' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a relatively large 30" bright core, surrounded by a very large, low surface brightness halo. The halo is slightly asymmetric and more extensive on the west side.
Three faint "stars" are superimposed on the east side of the galaxy; two appeared stellar, but the faintest and most westerly object was clearly "soft" at 610x. These are apparently HII knots in the galaxy and the southeast object is listed in NED as UM 311 from the University of Michigan Emission Line Survey.
NGC 450 has a very close companion,
13.1" (9/3/86): very large, diffuse, broad concentration, slightly elongated. Located 12.5' NE of 38 Ceti.
William Herschel discovered NGC 450 = H. III-440 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and logged as "vF, vL, requires great attention." His RA was 25 seconds too large, but Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position used in the NGC. This system is a noninteracting spiral pair with the companion (UGC 807) over 6 times as distant.
******************************
NGC 451 = IC 1661 = MCG +05-04-011 = CGCG 502-019 = Mrk 976 = PGC 4594
01 16 12.4 +33 03 51; Psc
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (9/19/87): at 222x; very faint, very small, oval. Located 3.3' SSW of mag 6.0 SAO 54567! Forms a close pair with NGC 449 1.9' NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 451 = St. 12-12, as well as NGC 449, on 12 Oct 1869 while observing NGC 443. His published micrometric position was made 12 years later on 10 Nov 1881 with description "vF, vS, R, vlbM".
E.E. Barnard independently found this galaxy visually, along with NGC 447, on 25 Oct 1888 observing with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory. He noted it was 6 seconds of time preceding his comparison star (mag 6 HD 7578) and called it "vvF, S, R." The rediscovery was sent directly to Dreyer who cataloged it again as IC 1661, though his declination was 1.2' too far north (similar error with IC 1656 = NGC 447). Barnard later wrote in pen in his notebook that "This is NGC 451". CGCG labels this galaxy IC 1661, though NGC 451 should be the primary designation.
******************************
NGC 452 = VV 430 = UGC 820 = MCG +05-04-010 = CGCG 502-020 =
01 16 14.8 +31 02 02; Psc
V = 12.6; Size 2.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 43°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, bright core. Located 3.2' SE of a mag 10.5 star. Forms a pair with NGC 444 6' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 452 = h96 on 22 Nov 1827 and reported "vF; E; a * 9m np and a small * nf at the extremity of the nebula." His position is accurate and a star is superimposed at the NE end. The field was observed 7 times using Lord Rosse's 72". R.J. Mitchell's observation on 3 Nov 1855 reads "mE, pB nucleus and a star in north end; np. this neb. is a star of the 9th mag, and about the same distance preceding this star is another neb., vF, mE [NGC 444].
******************************
01 16 17.4 +33 00 51; Psc
= ***, Corwin.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 453 = St. 12-13, along with NGC 449 and 451, on 12 Oct 1869. At his position (reduced on 10 Nov 1881) is a collinear triple star 2.2' SSE of NGC 451. The triple is cleanly resolved on the DSS. It is very possible the two brighter (northern) stars were unresolved (nebulous) to Stephan.
******************************
01 14 23.0 -55 23 54; Phe
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.5
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): NGC 454 was resolved into a
neat contact double system at 244x [28" separation between centers],
though better viewed at 397x. The
main component is on the east side and appeared moderately bright, fairly
small, elongated ~2:1 E-W, ~50"x25". At 397x it was sharply concentrated with an extremely high
surface brightness elongated core and stellar nucleus. The interacting
companion,
John Herschel discovered NGC 454 = h2397 on 5 Oct 1834 and logged "vF, S, R, bM, 15 arcsec." His position is accurate.
******************************
01 15 57.6 +05 10 43; Psc
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 165°
17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, bright core. Located 2.5' NW of a mag 10.5 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 455 = m 39 on 27 Oct 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "F, vS, alm stell". His position is 1' N of
******************************
01 13 44.4 -73 17 26; Tuc
Size 5'
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
the first of an unusual chain of three nebulous clusters with
James Dunlop discovered NGC 456 = D 7 = D 10 = h2399 on 1
Aug 1826, along with NGC 460 and
John Herschel observed this object on at least 3 sweeps from the Cape. He noted it was the first of 3 nebulous clusters with NGC 460 (observed 4 times) and NGC 465 (recorded once). In addition, it appears that h2398, which did not enter the GC or NGC, is a 4th observation of NGC 456 but with a poor RA. Herschel equated D 7 with h2399.
NGC 456 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as "several cB stars, involved in nebulosity."
******************************
01 19 35 +58 17 15; Cas
V = 6.4; Size 13'
17.5" (9/19/87): ~150 stars in a beautiful cluster including mag 5 Phi 1 (yellow supergiant possibly in the foreground) and mag 7 Phi 2 Cassiopeiae. Includes many mag 14-15 stars.
8" (1/1/84): ~75 stars in cluster at 100x.
6: striking bird-shape with two prominent "arms". One of my favorite objects in this scope at 36x.
15x50mm (7/26/06): the cluster was slightly resolved in IS binoculars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 457 = H. VII-42 = h97 on 18 Oct 1787 (sweep 769) and described "A star [Phi Cass]. About 50 seconds preceding is a cluster of small scattered stars, not very rich." John Herschel recorded "a double star 10m, pos 324.5°, dist 12", in the midst of a p rich L cl which fills the field. The stars are 10m; one of 7 and 1 of 8m in the sf part."
By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 12 Oct 1782 using his 6.2" reflector.
******************************
NGC 458 = ESO 051-026 = Lindsay 96
01 14 54 -71 32 54; Tuc
V = 11.7
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this cluster is an outlying member of the SMC to the NE of the main body and 70' SE of NGC 362. At 228x, it appeared fairly bright, small, 1.5'-2' diameter, brighter core, slightly elongated. The surface brightness was irregular with some mottling but there was no apparent resolution. Three mag 10 stars are on the SW edge of the field, 10' from the cluster.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 458 = D 60 = h2401 on 6 Sep 1826. He described "a round well-defined nebula, gradually brighter to the centre, about 25" diameter." His position is 12' too far E, but correctly matching in declination with HD 6222 (close to NGC 361), the first object recorded in the drift.
John Herschel made 2 observations, recording on 12 Aug 1834 (sweep 482) "F, L, R, vgbM, 4' dia." Herschel noted the equivalence with D 60.
NGC 458 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described in a list of NGC corrections as "probably a cluster, extremely small, close, no neb. seen." NGC 458 was described as "probably globular" in the 1935 Harvard Observatory Bulletin 899 based on Bruce plates at Arequipa.
******************************
01 18 08.1 +17 33 44; Psc
V = 14.6; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.1
17.5" (8/16/93): extremely faint, very small, round, very low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is 1' SE. Located 5' WSW of two mag 10/11.5 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 459 = H. III-205 on 15 Oct
1784 (sweep 291) and described as "eF, 240 left a doubt, though it rather
confirmed it. I perceived it in counting a field, otherwise I should never have
suspected it." WH's position
for III-205 is 01 18.2 +17 39 which is 7' north of
******************************
NGC 460 = SMC-N84A = ESO 029-39 = Kron 66 = Lindsay 97
01 14 41 -73 17 50; Tuc
V = 12.5; Size 1.8'
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the second of three SMC clusters with NGC 456 and NGC 465 in a chain. At 128x and UHC filter, two close nebulous patches roughly oriented NW-SE were visible, separated by a dusky lane oriented SW-NE. The total diameter is ~2.5'. The northwest component, which corresponds with John Herschel's position, has a very small knot or star (SMC-N84A) at the south end.
The fainter southeast section has some stars involved (Lindsay 97), including mag 12.5 Sk 155, a massive O9-type star and mag 14.2 SMC-N84B, an emission-line "star" [resolved by HST as a compact HII knot]. Located 4' ESE of NGC 456 with NGC 465 a similar distance southeast. A mag 10 star is close north.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 460 = D 8 = D 12? = h2402, along with nearby NGC 456 and NGC 465, on 1 Aug 1826. He described a "a small oval nebula, about 10" diameter" and his single position is just 2' NE. He apparently viewed in again during a short drift on 6 Sep 1826 that included NGC 456 and NGC 465, but his reduced positions were 20'-25' too far ENE.
John Herschel discovered this SMC cluster/nebula on 11 Apr 1834 (sweep 441) and recorded it 4 times. He noted it was the second of three nebulous clusters with NGC 456 (observed 3 times) and NGC 465 (observed once). Herschel placed h2402 at a mean position of 01 14 40 -73 18.2 (2000), which was used in the GC and NGC. Nevertheless, the declination given in RNGC, Deep Sky Field Guide (first edition only), NGC 2000.0 and Uranometria 2000 Atlas (first edition only) is one degree too far north. The declination given in ESO is correct.
NGC 460 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described in a list of NGC corrections as "Several stars involved in nebulosity."
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01 17 20.4 -33 50 28; Scl
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 23°
17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low surface brightness, no concentration. Lies in a barren field with a mag 13 star 3.3' SW. Incorrect position in RNGC and on U2000 atlas.
John Herschel discovered NGC 461 = h2400 on 25 Sep 1834 and
recorded "pB, R, glbM, 20 arcseconds". There is nothing at his position but 30' S is
******************************
01 18 10.9 +04 13 34; Psc
V = 14.8; Size 0.4'x0.4'
17.5" (12/23/92): extremely faint and small, round,
visible continuously with averted vision.
A mag 13.5 star is 2.5' S.
The galaxy is almost collinear with mag 9.2
Albert Marth discovered NGC 462 = m 40 on 23 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF, vS, stellar". His position is accurate. This galaxy is not included in the CGCG, MCG, RC3 and UGC.
******************************
01 18 58.2 +16 19 33; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 4°
17.5" (12/23/92): very faint, fairly small, elongated
5:2 SSW-NNE, very small brighter core, extremely faint extensions.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 463 = St. 3-1 on 13 Oct 1869. His published accurate position was made on 16 Dec 1871 with the description "eF, vS, R, little brighter middle."
******************************
01 19 26.7 +34 57 20; And
= ** or asterism of 4*, Gottlieb. Unlikely identification in the RNGC.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 464 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory, Italy, and recorded it in list V at 01 19 33 +34 57.7 (2000). According to Bigourdan who searched for NGC 464, Tempel's entry may refer to a small asterism of four stars close northeast. But just 1' W of his position is a 9" pair of mag 14 stars with a mean position of 01 19 26.7 +34 57 20 (2000). Interestingly, my observing notes with the 17.5" indicate that I thought the close faint double could possibly be a non-stellar object!
RNGC and PGC misidentify
******************************
NGC 465 = ESO 029-040 = Kron 67 = Lindsay 99
01 15 42.7 -73 19 27; Tuc
V = 11.5; Size 4'
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the last in a chain of interesting knots and clusters including NGC 456, NGC 460nw and 460se. At 171x it appears as a 4' curving chain of stars (Hodge Association 63) with no central concentration situated 4' following NGC 460. There is possibly some faint haze involved or this is just dim stars (no significant nebulosity shows on the Red DSS 2 image). The entire complex of stars and nebulosity is ~10' in length and fascinating in a 171x field (29').
James Dunlop discovered NGC 465 = D 9 = D 13? = h2404, along with NGC 456 and NGC 460, on 1 Aug 1826. He described "a faint nebula, about 1 1/2' diameter, of an irregular round figure. His position was 6' too far E, but the description fits. He apparently viewed in again during a short drift on 6 Sep 1826 that included NGC 456 and NGC 460, but his reduced positions were 20'-25' too far ENE.
John Herschel observed the cluster on 4 Oct 1836 (sweep 738) and described it as the third of three "in an irregular line of loose stars and nebula." This object was only recorded on this one sweep, while NGC 456 and 460 were recorded 3 or 4 times.
NGC 465 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described in a list of NGC corrections as "many stars, but no nebula, perhaps open cluster."
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01 17 13.4 -58 54 36; Tuc
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 103°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter. Gradually increases to a small brighter nucleus and a stellar peak. An extremely low surface brightness outer halo was not seen at higher power. Collinear with a mag 11.7 star 3.5' N and a mag 12.2 star 9' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 466 = h2403 on 3 Oct 1836 and
logged "vF, R, gbM, 30" dia." His position matches
******************************
01 19 10.1 +03 18 02; Psc
V = 11.9; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.9
24" (1/12/13): bright, moderately large, round, 1.2'
diameter, sharply concentrated with a relatively large high surface brightness
core that increases to a very small, very bright nucleus. Located 3.5' WNW of mag 7.5 HD
7991. First in a trio with
13.1" (8/25/84): moderately bright, slightly brighter core.
13.1" (11/13/82): fairly faint, small, round, weak
concentration. Collinear with mag
8.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 467 = H. I-108 = h99 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and logged "cB, vL, iR, preceding a very bright star." Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position.
******************************
01 20 28.7 +32 42 32; Psc
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6
See observing notes for
Modern sources associate NGC 468 = IC 92 (below).
17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint, small. A mag 15 star is 1' NW. Located 10' WNW of NGC 472 = NGC 468.
John Herschel discovered NGC 468 = h98 on 22 Nov 1827 and
recorded "vF; eS; stellar."
His position was 3.6' south of
In March 2015, Harold Corwin checked Herschel's observing
logs (in response to an inquiry from Courtney Seligman about the identity), and
found he made an error in reducing the position of NGC 468 by 37 seconds in RA
(recording the wrong wire). Once corrected
for an additional 37 seconds, the position of h98 = NGC 468 is a close match
with
******************************
01 19 32.9 +14 52 19; Psc
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.5'
17.5" (11/30/91): faint, small, round, weak
concentration. Located 5.1' NNE of
mag 8.6
Albert Marth discovered NGC 469 = m 41 (along with NGC 471
and
******************************
NGC 470 = Arp 227 NED1 = UGC 858 = MCG +00-04-084 = CGCG 385-070 = KTG 5B = PGC 4777
01 19 44.8 +03 24 36; Psc
V = 11.8; Size 2.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 155°
48" (10/25/14): very bright, large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, ~1.8'x1.2'. The bright core contains an intense circular nucleus. Two spiral arms are visible with the brighter and better defined arm on the southwest side of the core. It extends ~40" SW-NE and is fairly narrow and straight. A second matching arm to the northeast of the core also stretches SW-NE, but has a lower contrast. Neither arm clearly connects to the nucleus, so they appear more as bright arcs.
24" (1/12/13): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.9', high surface brightness. The halo gradually and weakly increases towards the center and then a sharp increase to a bright, quasi-stellar nucleus. Forms a 5.5' pair with NGC 474 to the east. NGC 467 lies 11' SW.
13.1" (8/25/84): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration at center. Largest of three with NGC 467 11' SW and NGC 474 6' E.
8" (10/31/81): faint, small, round.
William Herschel discovered NGC 470 = H. III-250, along with NGC 474, on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338). He described both as "Two. vF, vS, R, almost stellar 4' or 5' from each other, nearly in a parallel." On 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) he noted "pB, L, R, mbM." and on 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 788) he noted "pB, cL, R, gbM, the preceding of two."
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NGC 471 = UGC 861 = MCG +02-04-024 = CGCG 436-029 = PGC 4793
01 19 59.6 +14 47 10; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 85°
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, very small, round, very
small very bright core, sharp stellar nucleus. NGC 469 is 10' NW.
Superimposed on the distant cluster
Albert Marth discovered NGC 471 = m 42 (along with NGC 469
and NGC 475) on 3 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted as
"neb *12m". His dec is
1' N of
******************************
NGC 472 = NGC 468 = UGC 870 = MCG +05-04-022 = CGCG 502-034 = PGC 4833
01 20 28.7 +32 42 32; Psc
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, round, small bright core. Located 3.5' SE of a mag 10 star. IC 92 (generally misidentified as NGC 468) lies 10' WNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 472 on 29 Aug 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured on 3 nights) and description (he measured the nearby mag 9.7 star as preceding by 14 seconds) corresponds with UGC 870 = PGC 4833. d'Arrest is credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC, but in Mar 2015 Harold Corwin found that h98 = NGC 468, which had previously been equated with IC 92, actually refers to this galaxy. So, NGC 472 = NGC 468, with discovery priority to John Herschel. See NGC 468.
******************************
NGC 473 = UGC 859 = MCG +03-04-022 = CGCG 459-030 = PGC 4785
01 19 55.1 +16 32 41; Psc
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 153°
17.5" (12/23/92): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.7', broad concentration, bright core, stellar nucleus. Several bright stars are in the field including three mag 9 stars 5' SE, 10' SSW and 11' NW. NGC 463 lies 20' SW.
13.1" (10/20/84): moderately large, very diffuse, slightly elongated. Two very faint stars are off the east edge and a mag 9 star follows.
William Herschel discovered NGC 473 = H. III-206 on 15 Oct
1784 (sweep 291) and noted "eF, S." His position is 5' southeast of
******************************
NGC 474 = Arp 227 NED2 = UGC 864 = MCG +00-04-085 = CGCG 385-071 = KTG 5C = PGC 4801
01 20 06.7 +03 24 56; Psc
V = 11.9; Size 7.1'x6.3'; Surf Br = 15.7; PA = 75°
48" (10/25/14): the outer halo of NGC 474 was examined closely at 375x for evidence of the outer, concentric shells and circular streams that are visible on deep images. Immediately there was a strong sense of arcs from two or more different shells. The easiest arc to confirm was the outermost on the eastern side, which curves south from a mag 13.3 star situated 3.3' NE of center. The arc passes through a mag 16.3 star and extends 30°-40°. A second outer arc on the northeast side is half the distance (~1.6') to the center. This arc has a stronger curvature and measures roughly 60°. Only a single outer arc (slightly more difficult to confirm) was noted on the southwest side, 2'-2.5' from center. My rough sketch shows it also curving ~60°. Additional inner arcs or ripples were strongly sensed in the main halo of the galaxy, but were too subtle and fleeting to pinpoint locations. The center was sharply concentrated with a very prominent 1' core. The core itself was sharply concentrated to a small, blazing nucleus.
24" (1/12/13): bright, very large with a huge very low surface brightness halo, extending roughly 4'x3.5' NW-SE. Very sharply concentrated with a very bright, slightly oval core, ~1.0'x0.8', which increases to a small intense nucleus. Largest in a trio with NGC 470 5.5' W and NGC 467 16' SW.
13.1" (8/25/84): fairly bright, small, round, small
bright core. Forms a pair with NGC
470 6' W. NGC 467 lies 15' SW and
8" (10/31/81): faint, very small, round, bright core. Located 30' ESE of mag 5.2 89 Piscium.
William Herschel discovered NGC 474 = H. III-251, along with NGC 470, on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and logged both as "Two. vF, vS, R, almost stellar 4' or 5' from each other, nearly in a parallel." On 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) he noted "pB, pL, mbM." Again on 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 788), he reported "pB, S, R, smbM, the following of 2."
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01 20 02.0 +14 51 40; Psc
V = 15.0; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (10/4/97): threshold object that was barely glimpsed on a couple of occasions at 280x with averted vision using a GSC finder chart to pinpoint the location. Visible less than 10% of time and would not have detected at all without first knowing precise position. Appeared ~10" diameter but much too faint for any details. Located 4.5' N of NGC 471 and 7' E of NGC 469.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 475 = m 43 on 3 Nov 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF, S". His original position matches
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01 20 19.9 +16 01 13; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (12/4/93): very faint, very small, 20" diameter, weakly concentrated core. Located just east of distinctive 13' string of six mag 12-13 stars oriented NW-SE including a mag 13 star 3' NW and a mag 11.5 star 3.5' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 476 = m 44 on 3 Nov 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta. He
logged it as "eF, vS, stellar" and his position is a close match with
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01 21 20.3 +40 29 17; And
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 135°
18" (7/11/10): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
NW-SE, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration with just a slightly brighter center but
no core or zones. A mag 13.5 star
lies 0.8' SE. Brightest of three
with
17.5" (8/16/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5', weakly concentrated but no core, larger halo with averted. A mag 13.5 star is at the SE edge. Forms a very close pair with MCG +07-03-031 2.3' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 477 = H. III-577 = h100 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and noted "vF, pL, lE, lbM." John Herschel reported on 1 Oct 1828 (sweep 183), "eF; S; R vglbM; 15" [diameter]; moonlight."
******************************
01 20 08.9 -22 22 40; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 128°
17.5" (12/20/95): very faint, very small, round,
30" diameter, low even surface brightness. Situated between two mag 13.5-14 stars ~1.5' S and a similar
star 1.2' NNW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 478 = LM 2-302 in 1886
with the 26" refractor of the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is just 14 sec of RA east
of
******************************
NGC 479 = UGC 893 = MCG +01-04-031 = CGCG 411-031 = PGC 4905
01 21 15.7 +03 51 44; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (12/23/92): very faint, small, round, broad mild concentration. Forms the east vertex of a near equilateral triangle with a mag 11 star 6.6' WSW and a mag 12 star 7' NW. NGC 474 lies 30' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 479 = m 45 on 27 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF, S, R". His position is accurate.
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01 20 34.3 -09 52 50; Cet
V = 15.2; Size 0.5'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 65°
17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint and small, round, ~10" diameter. This marginal object required averted vision and the GSC finder chart to glimpse at 280x. Located 8' E of mag 7 SAO 147742 and nearly at the midpoint of two mag 12 stars 3.7' SW and 3.3' NE. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC and this identification of a Leavenworth discovery is uncertain (see notes).
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 480 = LM 2-304 in 1886
with the 26" Clark refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 25 sec of RA following
******************************
NGC 481 = MCG -02-04-030 = PGC 4899
01 21 12.4 -09 12 40; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 85°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, small bright core, fairly bright stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1' NW.
Lewis Swift independently discovered NGC 481 = Sw. 6-7 = LM
2-303 on 20 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory,
along with Francis Leavenworth sometime in 1886 or early 1887 with the 26"
refractor at Leander McCormick.
The discovery priority is unknown.
Swift's comment "F * nr np" applies to
******************************
01 20 20.5 -40 57 59; Phe
V = 13.7; Size 2.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 84°
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; very nice thin
edge-on, elongated at least 6:1 E-W, ~1.5'x0.25'. Contains a slightly bulging core and very narrow tips. Slightly brighter along a thin strip of
the major axis. Located 13' W of mag 8.6
The interacting pair
John Herschel discovered NGC 482 = h2405 on 23 Oct 1835 and
logged "eF, lE, 20". A difficult object but certain after long
attention with the left eye."
His position is 1' S of
******************************
01 21 56.3 +33 31 17; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4
24" (10/4/13): fairly bright, fairly small, round,
30" diameter, high surface brightness, increases gradually to a small
bright nucleus. The halo is
slightly elongated with averted vision.
Two mag 10.2/11 stars lie ~3' E.
13.1" (8/8/86): faint, small, round, weak
concentration. There is a string
of three stars oriented SSW-NNE following including two mag 10 stars 2.6' ESE
and 3' ENE and a mag 13 star 3.8' NE.
Member of the
John Herschel discovered NGC 483 = h102 on 11 Nov 1827 and
reported "vF, so that had difficulty in finding it again when it had
quitted the field". His
declination is 5' S of
******************************
01 19 34.7 -58 31 28; Tuc
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 94°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 E-W, ~1.0'x0.7'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright nucleus that increases to a nearly stellar peak and a much fainter halo. A mag 15.1 star is barely off the southeast side and a mag 14.7 star is 1.7' WSW. Brightest in a group (LGG 019) with ESO 113-035 14' SW and NGC 466 30' SW (on a line).
John Herschel discovered NGC 484 = h2406 on 28 Oct 1834 and logged "vB, S, lE, psmbM." His mean position from 2 observations is accurate.
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01 21 27.6 +07 01 07; Psc
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 3°
17.5" (11/30/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1
N-S, weak concentration. Located
3.7' NE of mag 8.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 485 = h101 on 8 Jan 1828 and
recorded "eF; pL; R; has a red * 7.8m 45 degrees south
preceding." Herschel's
description and the NGC position (from Heinrich d'Arrest and Herman Schultz)
matches
******************************
01 21 43.1 +05 20 47; Psc
V = 16.5; Size 0.3'x0.25'
17.5" (10/4/97): A stellar object was glimpsed a few
times at the plotted position 5.5' NNW of
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 486, along with
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01 21 55.1 -16 22 14; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 112°
17.5" (11/6/93): faint, small, slightly elongated, 30" diameter, weak concentration.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 487 = LM 1-27 on 28 Nov
1885. His rough position (nearest
min of RA) is 0.6 tmin west of
******************************
NGC 488 = UGC 907 = MCG +01-04-033 = CGCG 411-033 = PGC 4946
01 21 46.8 +05 15 25; Psc
V = 10.3; Size 5.2'x3.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 15°
17.5" (11/1/86): bright, large, very bright core, oval
4:3 ~N-S. A mag 11 star is at the
south edge just 1.6' SSE of center and a mag 10 star lies 3' SW. Located 9' W of mag 8.3 SAO
109832. In a group with NGC 490 8'
NE (similar redshift), NGC 486 5.5' NNW and
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; bright, large, oval 4:3 N-S, 3.2' major axis. Contains a large prominent core that increases to a very small, very bright nucleus. Hint of mottling in uneven halo. A mag 11.6 star is at the SSE edge of the halo [1.6' from center].
William Herschel discovered NGC 488 = H. III-252 = h103 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and recorded "vF, pL, iR, lbM." John Herschel gave a more detailed description on 24 Sep 1830 (sweep 300): "B; L; svmbM, and losing itself imperceptibly; resolvable in centre with 320x; *7m in parallel 1 min following." The NGC position is accurate.
******************************
01 21 53.9 +09 12 24; Psc
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 120°
18" (12/3/05): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on
streak NW-SE, 0.9'x0.2', well concentrated with a very small bright core. Contains a faint quasi-stellar nucleus
with direct vision. Furthest west
of a large group of galaxies in the
17.5" (10/17/87): moderately bright, fairly small,
edge-on WNW-ESE, bright core.
Member of the NGC 524 group with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 489 on 22 Dec 1862 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on 3 nights) and description (he also noted the
double star that precedes by 22 seconds) matches
******************************
NGC 490 = MCG +01-04-035 = CGCG 411-035 = PGC 4973
01 22 02.9 +05 22 02; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (11/1/86): very faint, small, round, bright
core. Located 8' NE of NGC
488. Forms the northern vertex of
an equilateral triangle with NGC 488 and mag 8.3
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 490, along with NGC 486, 492 and 500, on 6 Dec 1850. Bindon may have been observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. It was labeled Beta in the sketch and described as "vvF". The NGC position is accurate.
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01 21 20.2 -34 03 49; Scl
V = 12.5; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 93°
24" (11/21/19): at 322x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 E-W, 48"x35", strong concentration with a small very bright core. The surface brightness is irregular, suggesting a face-on spiral. A mag 13.5 star is less than 1' SW of center.
17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, slightly brighter along major axis. A mag 13.5 star is off the west edge 50" WSW of core.
8" (1/1/84): extremely faint, round, very small, threshold object. A mag 13.5 star is off the west edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 491 = h2407 on 25 Sep 1834 and
reported "B, vlE, pgmbM, near a vS star." His mean position (2 observations) and description matches
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NGC 492 = MCG +01-04-038 = CGCG 411-036 = PGC 4976
01 22 13.6 +05 25 01; Psc
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low surface brightness, no concentration. On line with a mag 12 star 3.7' NW and a faint pair of mag 14-14.5 stars [at 22" separation] 2' NW. Forms a close pair with MCG +01-04-037 1' SW (not seen). NGC 492 is located 12' NE of NGC 488 member with several other faint galaxies (NGC 486 8.5' SW, NGC 490 4' SW, NGC 500 7' ESE) in the field.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 492 on 6 Dec 1850 during an observation of the NGC 488 field. Bindon may have been observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. It was labeled "Delta" in the diagram and called "vvF". The sketch and position clearly identifies NGC 492 = PGC 4976. The sketch appears to show a faint double star mentioned in my notes close NW but not the close companion to the SW, which was first mentioned in Heber Curtis' published descriptions of nebulae photographed with the Crossley reflector (1918) at Lick.
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01 22 09.1 +00 56 47; Cet
V = 12.5; Size 3.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 58°
17.5" (11/2/91): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 3.5'x1.0', weakly concentrated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 493 = H. III-594 = h105 on 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) and logged "vF, mE, bM, 3.5' long, 1.5' broad." John Herschel reported on 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113), "vF; L; E pos by diag 60°±; lbM; 90" length."
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01 22 55.4 +33 10 26; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 2.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 100°
24" (10/4/13): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 50"x20", large bright elongated core. A mag 15.5 star is at the south edge
[16" from center]. A wide
pair of mag 13.5 stars lie 1.4' SW and a similar star is 1.4' SE. Located near the center of the
13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W,
bright core. A wide mag 13 double star at 30" separation is just 1'
SW. Forms the vertex of a right
triangle with mag 7.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 494 = h104 on 22 Nov 1827 and logged "vF; E; has a D* to south". His position and description is accurate.
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01 22 55.9 +33 28 18; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 170°
24" (10/4/13): fairly faint to moderately bright,
fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 30"x20", contains a small bright
core. Bracketed by two 14th
magnitude stars 1' SSW and 1' NNE.
Located in the core of the NGC 507 group (actually the NGC 499
subgroup), with NGC 499 3.3' ESE,
13.1" (8/8/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core. Located midway two mag 14 stars 1.1' SSW and 1.1' NNE. First of three with NGC 496 4.8' NE and NGC 499 3.3' ESE. Located in a rich galaxy group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 495 = H. III-156, along with NGC 496 and NGC 499, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged "Three [along with NGC 496 and 499], eS and F, forming a triangle." He observed this trio again the next night (sweep 271) in more detail: "Three, forming a [right triangle]; the [right angle] to the south [NGC 499], the short leg preceding [NGC 495], the long towards the north [NGC 496]. Those in the legs [NGC 495 and 496] the faintest imaginable; that at the rectangle [NGC 499] a deal larger and brighter, but still vF." The NGC position (from Heinrich d'Arrest and Herman Schultz) is accurate.
******************************
NGC 496 = UGC 927 = MCG +05-04-036 = CGCG 502-060 = WBL 038-010 = PGC 5061
01 23 11.6 +33 31 48; Psc
V = 13.3; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 28°
24" (10/4/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.45', low fairly even surface brightness with a weak concentration. but no distinct core. Located in the NGC 499 subgroup of the NGC 507 Group with NGC 498 2.4' S, NGC 499 4.2' S, NGC 495 4.8' SW and NGC 501 6.3' SSE.
13.1" (8/8/86): faint, low even surface brightness. Second and largest of three with NGC 495 4.8' SW and NGC 499 4.2' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 496 = H. III-157, along with
NGC 495 and NGC 499, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and observed again the next
night (sweep 271). See description
under NGC 495. The NGC position is 0.1 tmin west and 1' south of
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01 22 23.8 -00 52 30; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 2.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 132°
17.5" (11/27/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
NW-SE, weak concentration. A mag
13 star is 2.2' SE of center.
Located northwest of the core of
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 497 = St. 12-14 = Sw. 5-13 on 6 Nov 1882 (or earlier) with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 31 Oct 1886 and reported it in his 5th discovery list. Frank Muller equated the two discoveries in an Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) listing nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue that had been discovered previously.
******************************
NGC 498 = MCG +05-04-037 = PGC 5059
01 23 11.3 +33 29 22; Psc
V = 15.0; Size 0.5'x0.5'
24" (10/4/13): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x12", low surface brightness. Located 1.8' N of NGC 499 and 2.4' S of NGC 496, on a line between the two brighter galaxies. This is perhaps the faintest NGC galaxy in the NGC 507 Group.
17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint and small, no details visible. This very difficult object was only detected after extended viewing at 220x, 280x and 420x. Finally started to glimpse a virtually stellar spot for moments at 280x using a detailed finder chart to pinpoint the location. Located 1.7' N of NGC 499 and 2.4' S of NGC 496 within the cluster.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 498 on 23 Oct 1856 with Lord Rosse's 72" and placed on two sketches (object D in the original sketch) in the field of NGC 499. His description says "only suspected", but the object is placed correctly on the sketch between NGC 496 and 499.
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NGC 499 = IC 1686: = UGC 926 = MCG +05-04-038 = CGCG 502-059 = LGG 024-002 = WBL 038-009 = PGC 5060
01 23 11.5 +33 27 37; Psc
V = 12.2; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 82°
24" (10/4/13): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 60"x45", well concentrated with a very bright core. Brightest member of a subgroup of the NGC 507 Group with NGC 498 1.8' N, NGC 501 2.8' SE, NGC 498 3.4' WNW, NGC 496 4.2' N.
13.1" (8/8/86): moderately bright, moderately large, very bright core with a much fainter halo! Third of three with NGC 495 3.3' WNW and NGC 496 4.2' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 499 = H. III-158 = h106, along with NGC 495 and 496, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and the trio was observed again the next night (sweep 271). See NGC 495 for his description. John Herschel made two observations and recorded on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 100) "pB; R; bM. Nebulae numerous hereabouts."
Stephane Javelle independently found this galaxy on 1 Dec
1899 with the Nice Observatory 30" refractor and it was also catalogued as
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NGC 500 = MCG +01-04-040 = CGCG 411-039 = PGC 5013
01 22 39.4 +05 23 14; Psc
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 95°
17.5" (12/23/92): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 1' NE. Located 10' NE of a mag 8 star. NGC 490 is 9' WSW and NGC 488 18' SW.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 500, along with NGC 486, 490 and 492, on 6 Dec 1850. Bindon may have been observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. It was labeled Epsilon on the diagram in the 1861 and 1880 publications and noted as "vF."
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NGC 501 = CGCG 502-062 = WBL 038-012 = PGC 5082
01 23 22.4 +33 25 59; Psc
V = 14.5; Size 0.4'x0.4'
24" (10/4/13): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15", very small brighter nucleus. Located 2.8' SE of NGC 499 and 1.8' SW of a mag 11.3 star in the NGC 507 Group.
17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Can just hold continually with averted vision once identified. Located 2.8' SE of NGC 499 in a cluster. A mag 10.5 star lies 1.8' NE.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 501 on 28 Oct 1856 using Lord Rosse's 72". It was sketched as object "E" and described as "vF, S."
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NGC 502 = UGC 922 = MCG +01-04-043 = CGCG 411-040 = LGG 023-002 = PGC 5034
01 22 55.6 +09 02 57; Psc
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9
18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core ~10" diameter.
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, small bright core, possible faint stellar nucleus. Member of the NGC 524 group.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 502 on 25 Sep 1862 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on 4 nights) matches
******************************
01 23 28.4 +33 19 55; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.4'x0.3'
24" (10/4/13): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated, 20"x15". Two
mag 13.4/13.8 stars 0.6' SE and 1.1' SE are collinear with the galaxy. Located 4' NE of mag 7.6
17.5" (10/4/97): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Collinear with two mag 13.5 stars 0.6' SE and 1.0' SE. Located 4' NE of mag 7.5 SAO 54647 within the NGC 507 Group (NGC 507/508 in the field).
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 503 on 13 Aug 1863 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single micrometric position is an exact match with
******************************
NGC 504 = NGC 506: = UGC 935 = MCG +05-04-041 = CGCG 502-064 = WBL 038-013 = PGC 5084
01 23 27.9 +33 12 16; Psc
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 47°
24" (10/4/13): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated
5:2 SW-NE, ~40"x16", well-concentrated with a very bright elongated
nucleus and faint extensions.
Located 4' SW of NGC 507 in the core of the NGC 507 Group.
13.1" (8/8/86): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, small bright core. First of three with NGC 507 4' NNE and NGC 508 5.3' NNE. Also NGC 494 lies 7.2' WSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 504 = h107 = Au 12 on 22 Nov 1827. No visual description was published but he noted it "precedes III.159 [NGC 507] by about 10 sec, and is half a field to the south of it." Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this object on 8 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen. His discovery was included in Auwers 1862 catalogue of new nebulae with a total of 5 observations in d'Arrest's 1867 "Siderum Nebulosorum". Herschel catalogued the two observations separately as GC 291 and 292, but Dreyer combined them to NGC 504, assigning credit to d'Arrest.
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01 22 57.1 +09 28 08; Psc
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1
18" (12/3/05): faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter. Contains a faint stellar
nucleus with direct vision.
Located 7' WNW of
17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, extremely small, round. NGC 509 lies 7' ESE.
13.1" (8/24/84): extremely faint, slightly elongated ~E-W? Located 7' WNW of NGC 509 in the NGC 524 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 505 = m 46 on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS, stellar". His position is accurate.
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01 23 35.3 +33 14 41; Psc
V = 15.3
24" (10/4/13): this number probably applies to a mag 15.3 star 1.3' SW of the center of NGC 507, beyond the halo.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 506 on 7 Nov 1874 during the 8th and last observation of the NGC 499/507 Group. There is no description but a micrometric measure is given 223.1" in PA 153.7° from mag 7.6 HD 8347 at 01 23 12.1 +33 17 24 (J2000). There is no object at this offset but the NGC position is further southeast (perhaps Dreyer had additional information) and the NGC description adds "sp 507". Near this position is a single star given here that Corwin identifies as NGC 506. RNGC mistakenly equates NGC 506 with NGC 504.
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NGC 507 = Arp 229 NED1 = VV 207a = UGC 938 = MCG +05-04-044 = CGCG 502-067 = WBL 038-015 = PGC 5098
01 23 40.0 +33 15 22; Psc
V = 11.2; Size 3.1'x3.1'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (10/4/13): bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, sharply concentrated with a blazing core that increases to the center. The outer halo gradually fades out, so there is no distinct edge, but just beyond the halo on the north side is NGC 508 (1.5' between centers). Brightest in a large group with over 20 members that is part of the Pisces-Perseus Supercluster.
A number of galaxies are nearby including NGC 504 4' SW, IC
1687 4.6' WNW,
13.1" (8/8/86): moderately bright, moderately large, round, very bright core. Second of three with NGC 508 1.5' N and NGC 504 4' SSW in a large group. Located 6' ESE of mag 7.8 SAO 54647.
William Herschel discovered NGC 507 = H. III-159 = h108, along with NGC 508 = III-160, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded both as "Two. Both eF, S, but unequal." John Herschel made 2 observations, calling it "extremely faint" on 17 Nov 1827 (sweep 104) and 5 nights later as "pretty bright".
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NGC 508 = Arp 229 NED2 = VV 207b = UGC 939 = MCG +05-04-045 = CGCG 502-068 = WBL 038-016 = PGC 5099
01 23 40.6 +33 16 51; Psc
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (10/4/13): moderately bright to fairly bright,
moderately large, round, broad concentration with a brighter nucleus. Forms a close pair with NGC 507 1.5' S
in the central region of the NGC 507 Group. Also nearby is NGC 503 3.9' NW,
13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, round. Forms a close pair with NGC 507 1.5' S. Third of three with NGC 504 5.3' SSW. Located 6' E of mag 7.8 SAO 54647.
William Herschel discovered NGC 508 = H. III-160 = h109, along with NGC 507, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded both as "Two. Both eF, S, but unequal." The NGC position is accurate.
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NGC 509 = UGC 932 = MCG +01-04-045 = CGCG 411-043 = LGG 023-011 = PGC 5080
01 23 24.1 +09 26 01; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 1.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 82°
18" (12/3/05): faint, fairly small, elongated nearly 2:1 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.5', broad weak concentration. Situated between two mag 13.8/14.3 stars less than 2' SW and NNE. NGC 505 lies 7' WNW. Member of the NGC 524 group.
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, small, elongated ~E-W. Located between a mag 14 star 1.9' SW and a mag 13.5 star 1.4' N. Forms a pair with NGC 505 7' WNW in the NGC 524 group.
13.1" (8/24/84): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W. Two faint stars are north and south.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 509 = m 47 on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, S, E." His position is accurate.
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01 23 55.6 +33 29 49; Psc
17.5" (10/4/97): this is a faint and difficult double
star that was just resolved at 280x.
The fainter eastern component is difficult to cleanly resolve
[separation 8"] and it is easy to imagine that Schultz would mistake this
oibject as nonstellar. Located 7'
ESE of NGC 499 and 9' WNW of
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 510 = Nova V on 11 Nov 1866 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory. At Schultz's micrometric position (44 seconds following NGC 499) is a close, faint double star (also observed by Bigourdan) with a separation of 8" and mean position of 01 23 55.6 +33 29 49. The RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 5102 as NGC 510. PGC 5102 is 32 sec east in RA and 3' S of NGC 499. Discussed in Malcolm Thomson's "Catalogue Corrections".
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01 23 30.7 +11 17 27; Psc
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.1
17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is attached at the south edge 17" from center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 511 = St. 8a-4 on 2 Nov
1875. His accurate published
position (list 8a, #4) was made on 26 Oct 1876 with description "eF,
diffuse, vS, faint star involved and touches a mag 14-15 star." His description and position matches
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01 23 59.8 +33 54 30; And
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 116°
13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated WNW-ESE. A mag 14 star
is just off the SE edge 0.6' from center and a mag 12 star is 1.6' SSW. Located 6.5' NE of a mag 11 star.
13.1" (12/22/84): faint, small, edge-on streak NW-SE, requires averted.
John Herschel discovered NGC 512 = h110 on 17 Nov 1827 and
recorded "vF; vS." His
position (single observation) is just 23" S of
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NGC 513 = UGC 953 = MCG +06-04-016 = CGCG 521-020 = PGC 5174
01 24 26.8 +33 47 59; And
V = 12.9; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.1; PA = 75°
13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration. Located at the NE end of a line of four mag 12-13 stars which extend to SW; the closest mag 13.5 star is 0.9' SW and is followed by a second parallel line of stars. NGC 512 lies 9' NW. Incorrect RA by 0.6 minutes west in the RNGC and plotted incorrectly on the U2000.
William Herschel discovered NGC 513 = H. III-169 = h111 on
13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and simply noted "stellar." This object is in a large group of
galaxies found on this sweep using Beta Andromedae as a reference star. Seven of these objects have varying
errors in RA except for NGC 404. In this case, Herschel's RA is off by ~30
seconds from
The RA in the RNGC is also 0.6 min too far west and the galaxy is misplotted on the first version of Uranometria 2000. The position is given correctly in UGC and RC3. See Corwin's notes.
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01 24 03.9 +12 55 03; Psc
V = 11.6; Size 3.5'x2.8'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 110°
24" (10/12/20): Type Ia supernova SN 2020 uxv was discovered 46" ENE of center of NGC 514 on Oct 5, 2020. It was easily visible at mag ~14.0. A mag 9.5 star is 3' E of the galaxy with 3 stars nearby; a wide pair HJ 13 = 14.4/14.7 at 29" is 1' W (in direction of the galaxy) and a mag 14.8 star 1' S. The SN was about 1/2 mag brighter than the mag 14.4 star.
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly large, 2.5'x2.0', elongated ~E-W, broad weak concentration, edges fade into the background, low surface brightness but granular or mottled texture. Located 3.1' WNW of a mag 9.5 star. A mag 13.5 star is 3.4' SW. Several faint stars are close east and a a mag 15 star is just off the south edge 1.5' from center.
8" (1/1/84): faint, moderately large, very diffuse, even surface brightness. A mag 9 star off the east edge interferes with viewing.
William Herschel discovered NGC 514 = H. II-252 = h112 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 295). His description reads, "F, pL, oval, lbM, preceding a pretty bright star." John Herschel reported on 17 Oct 1825 (sweep 15), "vL; irr R; vglbM; by diagram at least 3' in diameter; a remarkable object. Is closely followed by the double star h13; see fig. 38." The galaxy was observed 6 times at Birr Castle. The earliest observation on 13 Dec 1848 noted "John Herschel's D* [referring to h 13] is triple and perhaps quadruple. 2 nuclei or nucleus and star in nebula." The NGC position is accurate.
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NGC 515 = UGC 956 = MCG +05-04-052 = CGCG 502-077 = WBL 038-021 = PGC 5201
01 24 38.6 +33 28 22; Psc
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.1'
24" (10/4/13): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 ~NW-SE,
~36"x24", fairly well concentrated with a bright core. A mag 15.7 star is superimposed on the
NW side. Forms a pair with
13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, faint stellar nucleus. An extremely faint mag 16 star is suspected at the NW end (confirmed on the POSS). Forms a pair with NGC 517 3' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 515 = H. III-167 = h113,
along with NGC 517, on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271 using Beta Andromedae
as the reference star). He simply
noted "Two, both stellar" and his single position (marked uncertain)
is about 35 sec of RA east of
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01 24 08.1 +09 33 06; Psc
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 44°
18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, moderately large, appears as a thin streak, ~1.0'x0.25' oriented SW-NE, weak concentration, bulging core and tapering extensions. Member of the NGC 524 group.
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, weak concentration. Located 10' W of NGC 524.
13.1" (8/24/84): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, even surface brightness. Located about 10' W of NGC 524.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 516 on 25 Sep 1862 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His mean position and offset from NGC 524 (41 seconds preceding) is an
exact match with
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NGC 517 = VV 36a = UGC 960 = MCG +05-04-054 = CGCG 502-079 = WBL 038-022 = PGC 5214
01 24 43.8 +33 25 47; Psc
V = 12.4; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 20°
24" (10/4/13): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~45"x22", well concentrated with a bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 515 2.9' NNW. Member of the NGC 507 Group.
13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE. Appears slightly brighter than NGC 515 3' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 517 = H. III-168 = h114, along with NGC 515, on on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271 using Beta Andromedae as the reference star). He simply noted "Two, both stellar" and his single position (marked uncertain) is about 35 sec of RA east of NGC 515 = UGC 956. John Herschel made the single observation "pB; R". Heinrich d'Arrest measured a pretty accurate position (3 nights). See Corwin's notes.
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01 24 17.7 +09 19 52; Psc
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 98°
18" (12/3/05): faint or fairly faint, very elongated E-W, 1.0'x0.3', weak concentration with a slightly brighter core, irregular surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star lies 1' SW. Located 2.5' SW of a mag 10.5 star.
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is off the SSW side 0.9' from center. Located 2.5' SW of a mag 10 star and 15' SSW of NGC 524 in a group.
13.1" (8/24/84): very faint, small, elongated ~E-W. A mag 10 star is NE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 518 = m 48 on 17 Dec 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "F, vS, R." His position is 1' S of
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01 24 28.6 -01 38 29; Cet
V = 14.5; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 140°
17.5" (9/19/87): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 14 star is 45" S. Member of the AGC 194 cluster.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 519 = Sw. 6-8 (along with NGC
530, 538, 557) on 20 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner
Observatory. His position is 7
seconds of RA west and 1.3' south of
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01 24 34.4 +03 47 42; Psc
V = 11.4; Size 4.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 130°
48" (10/22/11): the view of this very bright, highly
irregular, disrupted galaxy (merging pair) was fascinating at 488x. The most prominent feature is a very
high surface brightness curving "bar" oriented NW-SE (
On the south side is a fairly bright, elongated section
oriented WNW-ESE (
18" (10/19/06): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 2'x0.6'. This disturbed galaxy has a very unusual appearance with a bright knot at the NNW end. The SSE end is wider and fainter and appears to feather out with a fainter, more delicate section that branches from the main body (VV 231b). The periphery at the SSE end is difficult to trace due to this chaotic structure.
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 3.0'x1.2'. Very unusual appearance; the NW portion is noticeably brighter with a bright knot at the NW tip and a mottled texture. Fades towards the SE where it merges into a fainter section which is tilted ~E-W with an irregular surface brightness and ill-defined edges.
14.5" (12/17/20): fascinating galaxy (mid-stage merger) at 226x. Appears very elongated 3:1 NW-SE with a brighter central region, ~2' length. A much more prominent knot is at the NW end (nucleus of the northern galaxy)! The SE end is more diffuse and feathers out. Appears brighter (bar) along the major axis. The galaxy almost mimics a comet in appearance.
8" (11/28/81): faint, diffuse, elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 520 = H. III-253 = h116 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and remarked "eF, cL, E." On 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 788), he reported "cL, E from sp to nf." John Herschel reported on 16 Oct 1827, "pB; E like a comet, pos 135°±; 60" length". Using LdR's 72", Bindon Stoney wrote on 18 Dec 1851, "South end is like a brush or broom with a split in it." His sketch was included in the 1861 publication (as well as 1880). A second observation on 9 Nov 1876 reads "Lord Rosse thought it had two points of condensation 3/4' apart. I (Dreyer) thought it spread out in the following end like a fan. Not well seen." This galaxy is in Arp's category of disturbed galaxies with interior absorption.
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01 24 33.8 +01 43 53; Cet
V = 11.7; Size 3.2'x2.9'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 20°
24" (9/23/17): at 375x; bright, large, round, at least
2' diameter, sharply concentrated with a large bright core that gradually
increases to the center (quasi-stellar nucleus), halo fades out at the
periphery.
13.1" (1/1/84): sharply concentrated with a very small bright core surrounded by a fairly large but very diffuse round envelope. Located 14' W of NGC 533.
William Herschel discovered NGC 521 = H. II-461 = h115 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and recorded "F, pL, irr R, bM." On 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) he noted "vF, R, vgbM, 1 1/2' diam." John Herschel made two observations, calling it "B" and "vF" on the two sweeps. R.J. Mitchell, using Lord Rosse's 72" on 3 Oct 1856, logged "pB, S, disc enveloped in F outlying neby and looks like an unresolved cluster." The NGC position is accurate.
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01 24 45.9 +09 59 40; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 2.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 33°
18" (12/3/05): faint to fairly faint edge-on streak
SW-NE, 1.2'x0.2'. This is a pretty
slash with a slightly brighter core.
Fades at the tips but uniformly narrow in width (does not bulge in the
center).
IC 101 is a faint hazy spot, irregularly round, ~20"-25" diameter. A mag 14.5 star lies 1' S. IC 102 is extremely faint, very small, 15" diameter, no details. This marginal object was just glimpsed as drifted through the field.
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, pretty edge-on steak SSW-NNE, weak concentration. Located 27' N of NGC 524 in a group.
13.1" (8/24/84): very faint, edge-on streak SSW-NNE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 522 on 25 Sep 1862 with the
11-inch Merz refractor at Copenhagen.
His mean position (2 observations) matches
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01 25 20.8 +34 01 30; And
V = 12.7; Size 2.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 108°
48" (11/5/21): at 488x; very bright, very elongated 3:1 or 4:1 ~E-W, with an unusual misshapen structure. The brightest part extends ~40" E-W in a thin bright "bar", connecting a superimposed mag ~14.5 star (west side) and a bright 15" knot on the east side (the knot is possibly the nucleus of a merging galaxy) . A second slightly brighter "core" (of main galaxy) lies along the bar, midway between the star and knot.
The main body flares or widens on the east end and a very low surface brightness plume continues east. A brighter (but still faint) thin extension is west of the superimposed star for a total length of ~1.25'.
24" (11/24/14): fairly bright, moderately bright, very elongated 7:2 ~E-W, ~1.1'x0.3'. This disrupted galaxy (or merger) appeared very asymmetric, widening a bit at the east end and tapering slightly to the west. A small, relatively bright knot, ~10" diameter, is at the east end. An easily visible mag 14-14.5 star is embedded at the west end. The main body, which extends ~40" from the knot to the star, is fairly thin and only very weakly brighter in the center. With careful viewing, a very faint narrow plume extends west of the main glow.
13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, thin edge-on 4:1 ~E-W. Located north of the NGC 483-517 cluster.
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 523 on 23 Aug 1862 and described this galaxy as a "Double Nebula, F, S, both very near. A *11 precedes by 11.65 seconds." As he noted this object as a "Nebula duplex", he apparently saw the knot at the east end (identified in NED as NGC 523 NED02). William Herschel probably made the first discovery on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271) and simply noted H. III-170 = NGC 537 as "stellar". His RA readings for objects in this sweep are poor (given to the nearest minute) and assuming H. III-170 has an error of about 55 sec in RA, then NGC 523 = NGC 537. The eastern knot was the site of SN 2001EN.
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NGC 524 = UGC 968 = MCG +01-04-053 = CGCG 411-051 = LGG 023-005 = PGC 5222
01 24 47.8 +09 32 19; Psc
V = 10.3; Size 2.8'x2.8'; Surf Br = 12.3
18" (12/3/05): very bright, large, round, well concentrated with a bright core increasing to a very bright small nucleus. The halo extends to 2.0' or 2.5'. A mag 11 star lies 2.3' S of center. Brightest in a large group of 8 NGC galaxies and a few IC galaxies.
17.5" (10/17/87): very bright, fairly large, very
bright core, large faint halo, bright stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2.5' S. Brightest in the NGC 524 group
including NGC 505, NGC 509, NGC 516, NGC 518, NGC 522, NGC 525,
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; bright, large, round, ~2.2' diameter. There are 3 distinct zones: a large round halo and a relatively large very bright core that increases to an intense nucleus. Surrounded by four stars including a mag 13.5 star right at the edge of the halo on the ESE side.
13.1" (8/24/84): bright, small very bright core surrounded by fainter round halo.
8" (11/8/80): fairly faint, round, bright core. Located just north of a mag 10 star.
br well concen gx among sev br *s @ 80x. 140x: circ, strong even concen to ill-def 20" core and *ar nuc just discernable over it. Halo rel f by comp to core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 524 = H. I-151 = h117 on 4 Sep 1786 (sweep 581) and logged "cB, cL, R, cometic, vgmbM to a nucleus, several small stars near." On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), John Herschel desribed this object as "vB; pL; R; psmbM; 60"; 4 st near." The NGC position is accurate.
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NGC 525 = UGC 972 = MCG +01-04-054 = CGCG 411-053 = PGC 5232
01 24 52.9 +09 42 12; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~50"x40", symmetrical appearance and increases steadily to a brighter core and faint stellar nucleus. Member of the NGC 524 group. A mag 11 star lies 2' NW.
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. Located 2' SE of a mag 10.5 star in the NGC 524 group.
13.1" (8/24/84): faint, small, almost round.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 525 on 25 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His mean position (2 observations) is fairly accurate and also noted the nearby mag 11-12 star (2' northwest) as 5 seconds preceding and 1.5' north.
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01 23 54.2 -35 03 56; Scl
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 112°
17.5" (11/1/97): initially NGC 526 appeared as a very
faint, small glow, slightly elongated WNW-ESE. After extended viewing, it resolved at times into a close
double system with
John Herschel discovered NGC 526 = h2408 (along with NGC 527
= h2409) on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB, S, rather a doubtful object. The
preceding of two [with NGC 527]".
On a later sweep he noted "vF;; S; lE; this is the
"doubtful" neb of a former sweep." This double system consists of
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NGC 527 = ESO 352-068 = MCG -06-04-021 = PGC 5128
01 23 58.1 -35 06 54; Scl
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 14°
17.5" (11/1/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.4', weak concentration to a slightly brighter core. A mag 13 star lies 1' NE. The double system NGC 526 is 3.1'
N. NGC 527, itself, is a double system
with
John Herschel discovered NGC 527 = h2409 (along with NGC 526 = h2408) on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB, S, E, bM, 20". The following of 2 [with NGC 526]".
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01 25 33.6 +33 40 18; And
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 55°
13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core. There is a string of mag 10 stars to the north including two mag 10.5 stars 3.6' NNW and 7.6' NE and a mag 9.5 star 5.6' NNE. Two bright stars lie SE including a mag 10 star 6' SSE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 528, which was missed by both Herschels, on 22 Aug 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is quite accurate.
In March 2020, Yann Pothier found that Bindon Blood Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, made an earlier discovery on 7 Nov 1850. A diagram in the 1880 publication shows two nebulae with distances to nearby stars. Although the orientation for west is off (the arrow should be pointing down) the separations are a perfect match with NGC 513 (discovered by William Herschel) and NGC 528. A later observation on 27 Nov 1857 by R.J. Mitchell mentions a similar diagram was made, so NGC 528.was seen twice at Birr Castle before d'Arrest's observation. Dreyer questioned if the two nebulae were novae but he wasn't left with any positions, so d'Arrest was credited in the NGC.
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01 25 40.3 +34 42 47; And
V = 12.1; Size 2.4'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 160°
17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, fairly small,
bright core. Located 10' NW of mag
6.3
13.1" (12/22/84): faint, diffuse. Located among group of 4-5 mag 10-11 stars with a mag 6 star 10' ESE. Brightest in a group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 529 = h118 on 17 Nov 1827 and recorded "pB; vS; sbM. The preceding of two [NGC 536]. Corwin suggests that William Herschel first catalogued this galaxy as H. III-171, but made an error in RA of over 1 minute of time. But Wolfgang Steinicke argues that H. III-171 refers to NGC 536, according to the sweep order. Lord Rosse's assistant R.J. Mitchell discovered the other two members of HCG 10 in 1855.
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01 24 41.7 -01 35 14; Cet
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 134°
24" (11/7/18): at 375x; moderately bright, moderately
large, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, well concentrated with a very bright elongated
core and sub-stellar nucleus. A
mag 13 star is just off the SE tip.
Several galaxies within AGC 194 are nearby including
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is at the SE end 0.9' from center. Forms a pair with IC 1696 3' SE within AGC 194.
13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, edge-on NW-SE, bright core. A mag 12 star is off the SE end.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 530 = Sw. 6-9 on 20 Nov 1886 with
the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 15 sec of RA east of
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01 26 18.8 +34 45 15; And
V = 13.8; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 34°
17.5" (8/31/86): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, fairly small. A mag 12 star is just off the NE end 1.0' from center. Member of the NGC 529-536 group = HCG 10 with NGC 536 3.1' SSE.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 531 (along with
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NGC 532 = UGC 982 = MCG +01-04-056 = CGCG 411-055 = LGG 023-006 = PGC 5264
01 25 17.3 +09 15 51; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 2.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 28°
18" (12/3/05): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 7:2 SW-NE, ~2.0'x0.4', broad concentration, patchy appearance with an irregular surface brightness. Member of the NGC 524 group.
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, fairly large, edge-on 3:1 or 4:1 SSW-NNE, broad concentration. Member of the NGC 524 group with NGC 518 15' W and NGC 524 18' NW.
13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, thin streak elongated SSW-NNE, slightly brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 532 = H. III-556 = h119 on 4 Sep 1786 (sweep 581) and noted "vF, mE, about 1 1/2' long; the extent about 15° from the meridian from sp to nf." On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), John Herschel recorded "not vF, L, R, bM, 40" dia." He included both his father's and his own observations as separate entries in the General Catalog because "the description differ so materially, especially in the particular of extension." Nevertheless, GC 313 = GC 314. Dreyer combined both entries into NGC 532.
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NGC 533 = UGC 992 = MCG +00-04-131 = CGCG 385-121 = PGC 5283
01 25 31.4 +01 45 33; Cet
V = 11.4; Size 3.8'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 50°
24" (9/23/17): at 375x; bright, large, oval 3:2 SW-NE,
~2.5'x1.6', sharply concentrated with a large bright core that is slightly
elongated, halo gradually fades into the background sky. NGC 521 lies 14' WSW and
13.1" (1/1/84): moderately bright, bright core, faint stellar nucleus suspected, elongated halo WSW-ENE. A mag 13.5 star is 3.4' WNW.
8" (1/1/84): very faint, very small, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 3.5' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 533 = H. II-462 = h121 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and logged "pB, R, pL, mbM." On 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) he noted "pB, R, vgbM, about 1.5' dia." and on 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 788), "F, S, R, gbM." John Herschel recorded on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 110), "B; pL; R; bM."
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01 24 44.6 -38 07 45; Scl
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 142°
17.5" (11/1/97): very faint, very small, round,
~25" diameter, weak concentration.
Slightly fainter than
John Herschel discovered NGC 534 = h2410 (along with nearby
NGC 544 and 546) on 23 Oct 1835 and logged "eeF, S, bM." His mean position from two sweeps
matches
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01 25 31.1 -01 24 30; Cet
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 58°
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, oval SW-NE, weak
concentration. In the central core
of the AGC 194 cluster on line with
13.1" (9/22/84): extremely faint, elongated SW-NE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 535 on 31 Oct 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and recorded "eF, vS, 1st of 3 in a line [with NGC 541 and 545 (double)]".
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NGC 536 = HCG 10A = UGC 1013 = MCG +06-04-021 = CGCG 521-025 = PGC 5344
01 26 21.7 +34 42 12; And
V = 12.4; Size 3.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 62°
17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, slightly elongated WSW-ENE. A mag 14 star is involved at the north edge. Located 8' NNE of mag 6.3 SAO 54695. Brightest along with NGC 529 in HCG 10 with NGC 529 8.5' W, NGC 542 2.6' SE and NGC 531 3.1' NNW.
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, very small faint core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 536 = H. III-171 = h120 on
13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271) and simply noted "stellar". Objects that were discovered on this
sweep (NGC 513, 515, 517, 523, 536, 552, 553, 614) have various offset errors
in RA. His position for H. III-171
is 1.0 min of RA east of
Analyzing the sweep data, Harold Corwin suggests H. III-171
applies to NGC 529, which is 1 min 40 sec of RA west of Herschel's place, but
Wolfgang Steinicke argues that H. III-171 must apply to NGC 536 (coming from
the previous object
******************************
NGC 537 = NGC 523 = UGC 979 = MCG +06-04-018 = CGCG 521-022 = Arp 158 = IV Zw 45 = PGC 5268
01 25 20.8 +34 01 30; And
See observing notes for NGC 523.
William Herschel discovered NGC 537 = H. III-170 on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271) and simply noted "stellar". All the RA positions are off by varying amounts in this sweep, computed with respect to Beta Andromedae (except for NGC 404) in varying amounts. Dreyer questioned if this object was identical to Heinrich d'Arrest's NGC 523 and these numbers are equated in the RNGC. If Dreyer's suggestion is correct, WH's RA 1.0 tmin too large and Corwin came to the same conclusion. See his notes for more on the story.
******************************
01 25 26.1 -01 33 02; Cet
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 40°
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, very small, elongated SSW-NNE,
weak concentration. A mag 12 star
is at the north edge 34" from center.
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, elongated SW-NE, star on NE tip.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 538 = Sw. 6-10 on 20 Nov 1886
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "eF; S;
vE; pF * close N; Not 5180 [
******************************
01 25 21.7 -18 09 51; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 145°
17.5" (12/23/92): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, low even surface brightness. Followed by a line of three mag 13-14 stars oriented SSW-NNE located 3.2' SSE, 2.6' SE and 2.7' NE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 539 = LM 1-28 on 31 Oct
1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position is just 1' to 2' S
of
******************************
01 27 08.9 -20 02 12; Cet
V = 14.6; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 179°
17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint and small, round. Only glimpsed at moments at 280x using a Guide Star Catalog (GSC) finder chart but several times appeared virtually stellar. On two occasions a 20" halo was seen (too faint to determine elongation but extended 2:1 N-S on DSS). A mag 14 star lies 1.3' due north.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 540 = LM 1-29 on 15 Oct
1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position by ~2
min of RA east and 5' south is
******************************
NGC 541 = Arp 133 = UGC 1004 = MCG +00-04-137 = CGCG 385-128 = PGC 5305
01 25 44.3 -01 22 46; Cet
V = 12.1; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2
48" (10/22/11): very bright, fairly large, round,
sharply concentrated with an intense core 30" core surrounded by a much
fainter halo, nearly 1.5' diameter.
Just off the east side of the halo are two faint galaxies:
Minkowski's object, experiencing a burst of star formation, was actually triggered by the jet from the nucleus of NGC 541 because the body of the jet can be traced all the way to the region where the new stars are forming.
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, oval SSW-NNE. Slightly fainter than NGC 545/NGC 547 4.4' NE in the core of AGC 194. Also at midpoint with NGC 545/547 and NGC 535 3.7' SW. A bridge of stars and gas connects NGC 541 and the interacting pair NGC 545/547. Embedded in the bridge just NE of NGC 541 is "Minkowski's Object" (not seen) which has a very unusual optical spectrum.
13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, round.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 541 on 30 Oct 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured on 3 nights. I'm surprised that William Herschel missed this galaxy in his discovery observation of NGC 545/547.
A bridge of stars and gas connects NGC 541 and the interacting pair NGC 545/547. Embedded in the bridge just northeast of NGC 541 is "Minkowski's Object" which has a very unusual optical spectrum. See "Minkowski's object - A starburst triggered by a radio jet" at http://adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/bib_query?1985ApJ...293...83V. A brief summary and excellent image is at http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/M/Minkowskis_Object.html.
******************************
NGC 542 = HCG 10D = MCG +06-04-022 = CGCG 521-026 = PGC 5360
01 26 30.8 +34 40 32; And
V = 14.7; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (8/31/86): faint, diffuse, slightly elongated. Located 2.6' SE of NGC 536 in the HCG 10 = NGC 529-536 group.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 542 on 16 Oct 1855 with Lord Rosse's 72" while observing NGC 529 and 536 (discovered earlier by the Herschels). This nebula was shown on the sketch as Delta and Dreyer measured a micrometric position.
******************************
01 25 50.0 -01 17 34; Cet
V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 90°
48" (10/22/11): fairly bright/bright, fairly small,
elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.6'x0.2', contains a small bright core.
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, very elongated ~E-W. Located 4.5' NW of NGC 545/NGC 547 duo in the core of AGC 194.
13.1" (9/22/84): very faint, very small.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 543 on 31 Oct 1864, while
measuring positions for other members of AGC 194 with the 11-inch refractor at
Copenhagen. His single micrometric
position is just off the south edge of
******************************
NGC 544 = ESO 296-024 = MCG -06-04-028 = AM 0122-381 NED01 =
01 25 12.0 -38 05 41; Scl
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 2°
17.5" (11/1/97): very faint, very small, round,
25" round, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core. Precedes a mag 14 star by 1.5' and
forms a close pair with NGC 546 1.5' N; the two galaxies and the star form a
nearly perfect equilateral triangle.
Located ~15' SW of the core of the distant
John Herschel discovered NGC 544 = h2411 (along with nearby
NGC 534 = h2410 and NGC 546 = h2412) on 23 Oct 1835. His description reads "eeF; the Sp of two [with NGC
546] which form an equilateral triangle with a star 13th mag" and matches
******************************
NGC 545 = Arp 308 NED1 = UGC 1007 = MCG +00-04-142 = CGCG 385-132 = Holm 42a = 3C 40 = PGC 5323
01 25 59.1 -01 20 25; Cet
V = 12.2; Size 2.4'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 55°
48" (10/22/11): very bright, large, oval 2:1 SW-NE, 1.4'x0.7', well concentrated with a large bright core and fainter halo that merges with NGC 547 on the southeast side.
17.5" (9/19/87): NGC 545 is the brightest member of AGC 194. It appeared moderately bright, small, round, small bright core. Forms a double system with NGC 547 in a common envelope.
CGCG 385-129, located 2.5' NW of NGC 545, is extremely faint and small, round. It forms the eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with a pair of mag 13 stars 45" SW and NW. RNGC and MCG misidentify CGCG 385-129 as NGC 545. CGCG 385-127, located 3' W of NGC 545 is extremely faint and small, almost round.
13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, round, bright core. Preceding of a double system with NGC 547 0.5' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 545 = H. II-448, along with NGC 547, on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and recorded both as "Two, stellar of equal size and within 1' of each other. Their nebulosities run together and at first sight seem to form only one extended nebula." These galaxies form a double system and are the brightest members of AGC 194.
RNGC misidentifies the double system NGC 545/547 as NGC
547/547A. MCG calls the double
galaxy
******************************
NGC 546 = ESO 296-025 = MCG -06-04-029 = AM 0122-381 NED02 =
01 25 12.7 -38 04 09; Scl
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 35°
17.5" (11/1/97): extremely faint, very small, round, requires averted to view. Located 1.5' N of brighter NGC 544. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.5' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 546 = h2412 (along with nearby NGC 534 = h2410 and NGC 544 = h2411) on 23 Oct 1835 and recorded "eeF. The on f of two." On a later sweep he logged "eeF; S; R; vgbM." His mean position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 547 = Arp 308 NED2 = UGC 1009 = MCG +00-04-143 = CGCG 385-133 = Holm 42b = 3C 40 = PGC 5324
01 26 00.7 -01 20 43; Cet
V = 12.2; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 85°
48" (10/22/11): very bright, round, moderately large, 1' diameter, very bright core. The halo merges with NGC 545, which is in contact on the NW side.
17.5" (9/19/87): moderately bright, small, round, small bright core. Forms a contact pair with NGC 545 0.5' NW and the brightest (pair) in AGC 194. NGC 541 is 4.6' SW and NGC 543 lies 4.1' NW.
13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, round, bright core, in contact with NGC 545 very close NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 547 = H. II-449, along with NGC 545, on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and reported both as "Two, stellar of equal size and within 1' of each other. Their nebulosities run together and at first sight seem to form only one extended nebula." These galaxies form a double system and are the brightest members of AGC 194. MCG identifies this galaxy as NGC 547b.
******************************
01 26 02.5 -01 13 32; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 135°
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, slightly elongated, broad concentration. Member of AGC 194.
George Searle discovered NGC 548 = HN 33 on 2 Nov 1867 using
the 15-inch Merz Refractor (Annal of Harvard Obs, Vol 13, #25) at Harvard
Observatory. His micrometric
position matches
******************************
NGC 549 = ESO 296-022 = PGC 5243
01 25 07.1 -38 00 29; Scl
V = 14.5; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 100°
18" (12/17/11): extremely faint, fairly small, round, no structure, required averted vision. Located ~5' NNW of NGC 544/546 pair. Viewed at 11° elevation.
17.5" (11/1/97): not visible
John Herschel discovered NGC 549 = h2413 on 29 Nov 1837 and
recorded "eeeF, S, R, vgbM. The 4th of a group of four [with NGC 534, 544
and 546]." There is nothing
at this position, but 15' N is
Instead, I suggested that NGC 549 = ESO 296-022 = PGC 5243.
This galaxy matches Herschel's position in declination but his RA would be off
by 18 tsec. Although
This identification was suggested by Pietro Baracchi, when he observed the group with the 48" Melbourne telescope on 19 Dec 1887. He noted "GC 324 [NGC 549] found but out of position...It is eeF; eS; R." It precedes [NGC 544] by 6s and is 5' 10" north of it. In this group [GC] 316, 320, 321 agree with Herschel in appearance, relative and absolute position, but 324 [NGC 549] is out altogether. It agrees very well in appearance but its relative position with regard to the other three objects is quite different. Herschel observed [NGC 549] only once and the other three were observed twice - it is probable that he made some mistake in placing or connecting the four objects together."
******************************
01 26 42.5 +02 01 20; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 120°
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.5', bright core has a fairly high surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus, faint halo. Located 9' SW of a mag 9.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 550 = H. II-463 = h122 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and noted "F, S, lE." On 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 655) he logged "F, S, mbM, irr lE nearly in the parallel" and again on 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 788), "F, vS, irr R, lbM."
John Herschel reported on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 110), "pB;
S; E from p to f; BM; has a granulated (i.e. a resolvable)
appearance." Dreyer, as Lord
Rosse's assistant, observed NGC 550 on 23 Oct 1876 with description, "F,
pL, E npsf, 2 st 13-14m p & np
2.5'. Orange-red *9-10
(with a F companion 3/4' preceding) is 9.2' NE." The mag 9.0 star is the K2-type
******************************
01 27 40.6 +37 10 59; And
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 140°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is at the NW end 1.1' from center. A close mag 14.5 double is just following the SE end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 551 = H. III-560 = h123 on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599) and noted "vF, S, E, among some stars." John Herschel reported "vF; E; vglbM; near a * 13m." (Oct. 1828). R.J. Mitchell observed this galaxy with the 72" on 18 Sep 1857 and recorded, "much elongated np-sf. Faint triple star following; at Alpha a vF * or neb. patch." Although the orientation of the sketch is not shown, at the position of Alpha there is just a very faint star.
******************************
01 26 10.1 +33 24 22; Psc
17.5" (12/9/01): this number possibly applies to the
mag 15 star just 30" preceding
William Herschel discovered NGC 552 = H. III-172, along with NGC 553, on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271) and noted "Two [with NGC 552 = III-172]. Both vS. stellar, but a little doubtful." There is nothing near his position and Harold Corwin suggests NGC 552 may apply to a star at 01 26 10.1 +33 24 21, which is just preceding CGCG 502-084 = NGC 553? Wolfgang Steinicke also identifies it as a star, but at 01 26 57.0 +33 33 29. See NGC 553.
******************************
NGC 553 = CGCG 502-084 = Mrk 1155 = LGG 026-033 = PGC 5333
01 26 12.6 +33 24 19; Psc
V = 14.6; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 15°
17.5" (12/9/01): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter (viewed core only of this faint edge-on), requires averted. A slightly brighter mag 15 star (possibly NGC 552) is 30" preceding. Located 18' ESE of NGC 517, just following the NGC 507 Group.
This identification is very uncertain due to a poor position by William Herschel.
William Herschel discovered NGC 553 = H. III-173, along with NGC 552, on 13 Sep 1784 (problematic sweep 271). He simply recorded "Two [with NGC 552 = III-172]. Both vS. stellar, but a little doubtful." There is nothing near his position and RNGC classifies NGC 553 as nonexistent. Dreyer notes the observation by Sir Robert Ball at Birr Castle on 4 Jan 1867 ("Two, perhaps 3 neb, but I had not time to examine the field closely. Alpha is F, vS; Beta extremely faint; Gamma is doubtful") may refer to other objects.
Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 553 is possibly CGCG 502-084 = PGC 5333. NGC 552 could apply to the faint star close preceding. This assumes Herschel's RA is 1.6 min too large, and his dec 3' too far north (his errors in RA were greater as the sweep progressed). But Wolfgang Steinicke disagrees. He argues that WH's sweep path from III-171 = NGC 536, the previous object in the sweep, is not consistent with CGCG 502-084, which is too far west and south to be seen. So, perhaps it is best to simply classify NGC 553 and 552 lost.
******************************
01 27 09.6 -22 43 30; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 177°
24" (12/6/18): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 4:3 N-S, ~30"x24".
Contains a very small brighter core/nucleus. A mag 12.3 star is 1.8'
E. Brightest in a small triplet
with
18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, irregular round, 40" diameter, weak concentration. Two mag 12 stars follow 1.8' E and 2.5' SE. Close pair with NGC 552 2.3' S.
17.5" (11/6/93): faint, small, round. Forms the SW vertex of an equilateral triangle with a mag 13.2 star 1.8' NE and a mag 12.8 star 1.8' E. Forms a close pair with NGC 555 2' S.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 554 = LM 2-305, along with NGC
555 and 556, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick
Observatory. His position is 0.4
min of RA too far west. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00
using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2
notes). This is an extremely close
double system (
******************************
NGC 555 = ESO 476-012 = MCG -04-04-014 = PGC 5419
01 27 11.8 -22 45 44; Cet
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 13°
24" (12/6/18): at 260x; faint, very small, round,
20" diameter, low even surface brightness. In a triplet with NGC 554 2.3' NNW and NGC 556 4' N. Located 15' ENE of mag 7.1
18" (12/3/05): extremely faint, very small, round. Appears as a very low surface brightness hazy spot with averted vision. ~15" diameter. Visible at best 1/3 of the time with averted vision. Located 2.3' S of NGC 554.
17.5" (12/9/01): extremely faint, very small, round. In a small group with NGC 554 2' N and NGC 556 (not seen).
17.5" (11/6/93): extremely faint, very small, just glimpsed at moments though definitely visible. A mag 13 star is 1.5' ENE. Forms a close pair with NGC 554 2' N.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 555 = LM 2-306, along with NGC 554 and 556, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 0.4 tmin west of ESO 476-012 = PGC 5419. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
******************************
NGC 556 = ESO 476-013 = PGC 5420
01 27 12.6 -22 41 52; Cet
V = 14.5; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 136°
24" (12/6/18): at 260x; very faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter. Situated 1.8' NNE of NGC 554. A mag 12.3 star is 1.7' SE.
18" (12/3/05): marginal object, glimpsed a few times but confirmed off the NNE side of NGC 554 and faintest in a close trio with NGC 554 and NGC 555. Appeared quasi-stellar, ~6" in diameter. Situated just 1.8' NNE of NGC 554.
17.5" (11/6/93): not seen.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 556 = LM 2-307, along with NGC
554 and 555, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick
Observatory. His position is 0.5
min of RA east of
******************************
01 26 25.1 -01 38 20; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 45°
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, round, broad
concentration, halo gradually fades into background. Located 4.5' WNW of mag 8.7
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 557 = Sw. 6-11 on 20 Nov 1886
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "eF; S;
B * f 15 seconds and is on of it."
His position is poor; 46 sec of RA east of
******************************
NGC 558 = CGCG 385-143 = PGC 5425
01 27 16.1 -01 58 16; Cet
V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.1; PA = 110°
24" (9/23/17): at 375x; fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated WNW-ESE, ~20" diameter.
Appears to have a brighter bar oriented WNW-ESE [confirmed on the
SDSS]. A mag 12.0 star is 1.3'
WNW.
17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, very small, very small bright core, faint stellar nucleus, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE in direction of a mag 12.5 star 1.3' WNW of core. Member of AGC 194 with NGC 560 4' NNE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 558 on 1 Feb 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen, while measuring nearby NGC 560 and NGC 564. He also accurately placed the nearby mag 12 star (called mag 10) as 5 seconds preceding.
******************************
01 29 34 +63 18 12; Cas
V = 9.5; Size 4'
17.5" (11/2/91): about 50 stars mag 10-15 at 220x in a 6'x4' region. Fairly compact and rich with an irregular outline. Includes a thin isosceles triangle of three mag 10 stars with the base to the south. The southeast star in this base is a close unequal double. A number of the stars are arranged in strings including four mag 13-14 stars over haze trail from base to the north. Also four mag 8/9 stars precede the cluster to the northwest in a 10' string.
William Herschel discovered NGC 559 = H. VII-48 = h124 on 9 Nov 1787 (sweep 777) and noted "a compressed cluster of some pL and many vS stars, iR, 6' or 7' diameter." John Herschel independently found this cluster on 5 Oct 1829 and described "A fine rich cluster 5' diameter, irregular." He made a clerical error in reducing the PD, which is 1° too far south (error caught by Auwers) and assumed this was a new discovery when compiling the Slough Catalogue. This error was corrected in the General Catalogue (h124 = H. VII-48).
******************************
NGC 560 = IC 117 = UGC 1036 = MCG +00-04-151 = CGCG 385-145 = PGC 5430
01 27 25.4 -01 54 47; Cet
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 178°
24" (9/23/17): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, very elongated at least 3:1 N-S, ~50"x15", slightly brighter
core, small bright nucleus. Middle
of 3 with NGC 558 4' SW and
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, well-defined very small bright core, faint narrow extensions. In a trio with NGC 558 4' SSW and NGC 564 6' ENE within in AGC 194.
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, small, elongated ~N-S, bright core. Located 5' WSW of NGC 564.
William Herschel discovered NGC 560 = H. III-441, along with
NGC 564, on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and logged "vF, vS, iE." Heinrich d'Arrest measured an
accurate postion on 5 Jan 1864.
Édouard Stephan found the galaxy on 4 Nov 1875 (already aware of
it?). He reported it as new (list
8b, #1) with an accurate position determined on 21 Nov 1878. But he added a footnote that it was
probably equal to H. III-411 (similarly, St. 8b-2 = NGC 564). Both d'Arrest and Stephan are mentioned
as "Other Observers" in the NGC. Harold Corwin found that Stephane Javelle's J. 1-58 (later
******************************
01 28 18.8 +34 18 30; And
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.
Located 15' ESE of mag 6.3
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 561 on 23 Aug 1862 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and logged "eF, 30" dia,
R". His single position
matches
******************************
01 28 29.3 +48 23 15; And
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 20°
17.5" (11/27/92): faint, fairly small, round, even surface brightness. A bright wide double star is located 4' S with components 8/10 at 21".
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 562 = Sw. 3-5 on 30 Nov 1885 with
the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and noted "eF; pS; R; D *
near south". His position is
17 tsec following
******************************
NGC 563 = NGC 539 = ESO 542-010 = MCG -03-04-063 = PGC 5269
01 25 21.7 -18 09 51; Cet
See observing notes for NGC 539.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 563 = LM 1-30 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. The description mentions "sev
faint stars follow in a line n and s". Corwin identifies NGC 563 as a duplicate observation of NGC
539 = ESO 542-010 = PGC 5269 (discovered earlier by Leavenworth) with a 2 tmin
error in RA as the description of the line of faint stars matches NGC 539.
******************************
NGC 564 = UGC 1044 = MCG +00-04-154 = CGCG 385-148 = Holm 44a = PGC 5455
01 27 48.2 -01 52 46; Cet
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 145°
24" (9/23/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core, 30" diameter. A mag 14 star is 1.4' S and a mag 15 star is 40" NW of center.
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 NW-SE, very small bright core.
A mag 15 star is just off the west edge. Third of three and similar to NGC 560 6' WSW although
different position angles. Located
7' NNW of mag 8.6
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, bright core. Two bright stars are in the field to SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 564 = H. III-442, along with NGC 560, on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 448) and logged "vF, vS, iE." d'Arrest measured an accurate postion on 5 Jan 1864. Édouard Stephan found the galaxy on 4 Nov 1875 (already aware of it?). He reported it as new (list 8b, #2) with an accurate position determined on 21 Nov 1878, although he noted the probable equivalence with H. III-442 (similarly, St. 8b-1 = NGC 560).
******************************
01 28 10.1 -01 18 22; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 36°
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, bright core. Located just west of the midpoint of two mag 10 stars 3.9' NE and 4.7' S in the rich cluster AGC 194.
George Searle discovered NGC 565 = HN 34 on 2 Nov 1867 using the 15-inch Merz Refractor (Annal of Harvard Obs, Vol 13, #26) at the Harvard Observatory. His micrometric position is accurate.
******************************
01 29 03.0 +32 19 56; Psc
V = 13.5; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 178°
17.5" (12/23/89): very faint, fairly small, elongated N-S, even surface brightness. NGC 571 lies 15' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 566 = h125 on 22 Nov 1827 and
noted "vF; S; R". His
position matches
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01 27 02.3 -10 15 55; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 125°
17.5" (11/6/93): faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11.5 star is 4.5' S.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 567 = LM 1-31 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged
"mag 15, vS, R". His
rough position (RA given as uncertain) is 1.0 tmin east of
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01 27 57.0 -35 43 04; Scl
V = 12.6; Size 2.2'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 137°
17.5" (11/1/97): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration to a small brighter core. Larger of pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 568 = h2414 on 29 Nov 1837 and
recorded "very faint, small, round." His position matches
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01 29 07.2 +11 07 54; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.5'; PA = 163°
24" (10/1/16): fairly faint, but moderately large,
elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~40"x20", fairly low surface brightness, weak
concentration. Forms a disrupted
interacting pair with
17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', low surface brightness with weak concentration.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 569 = m 49 on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta. He noted "eF, vS, R" and measured a fairly accurate position.
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01 28 58.6 -00 56 57; Cet
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 175°
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, small bright core. Contains a faint stellar nucleus offset towards the west end or a very faint star is superimposed. A mag 13 star is 1.8' SSW. Member of AGC 194.
George Searle discovered NGC 570 = HN 32 on 31 Oct 1867 using the 15-inch Merz Refractor (Annal of Harvard Obs, Vol 13, #27) at Harvard Observatory. His micrometric position is accurate.
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01 29 56.1 +32 30 04; Psc
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0
17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint, small, round, very
diffuse. A close mag 14/15 double
star is close west. Located 5.6'
SSW of mag 9.0
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 571 on 1 Oct 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. As well as providing an accurate position he measured the mag 14 star that precedes by 6 seconds of RA (or 74" separation), though did not note it was double.
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01 28 36.4 -39 18 26; Scl
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (10/3/13): although quite low from central California, viewed at 280x and 375x and appeared faint, very small, round, 18" diameter (core only). A mag 14.6 star is at the NW edge. A mag 10.3 star lies 6.2' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 572 = h2415 on 4 Sep 1834 and
reported "eF, S; attached to a minute star, and very near a bright
one.". His position and
description apply to
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01 30 49.3 +41 15 26; And
V = 13.1; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 10.9
17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, small, fairly strong smooth surface brightness, only a gradual concentration but no core or nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 30" SW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 573 = St. 12-15 on 21 Oct 1881 (or earlier) and recorded "vF, vS, R, gradually brighter to the center".
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NGC 574 = ESO 353-006 = MCG -06-04-039 = PGC 5544
01 29 03.0 -35 35 57; Scl
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 2°
17.5" (11/1/97): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak even concentration to a brighter core. Follows an asterism of four mag 13 stars, the closest being 2.4' W. In same field with NGC 568 15' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 574 = h2416 on 1 Sep 1834 and described "A Double Star. The left eye leaves no doubt of its being involved in a vF neb. diffused over 15". An extremely delicate and difficult object. Pos. of the double star 225 degrees; dist. 4", 15 and 16 mag." On a later sweep he noted "vF, S, R." and the next sweep he recorded it again: "There is a nebula but I perceive no double star in it." This galaxy is a barred spiral, and possibly he detected a brightening in the bar at one end.
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01 30 46.7 +21 26 25; Psc
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (11/30/91): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, low almost even surface brightness, broad mild concentration, edges fade into background.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 575 = St. 8a-5 on 19 Oct
1873. His published observation
was made 3 years later on 17 Oct 1876 with description, "eF, almost
unobservable, irr R, dia 3/4 to 1'."
Dreyer made a transcription error and the declination in the GC
Supplement and NGC is two degrees too far north. Stephane Javelle found this galaxy again on 18 Jan 1896,
placed it correctly, and reported it in list 3-888 (later
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01 28 57.7 -51 35 55; Phe
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 18°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; moderately
bright, fairly small, 30" diameter.
Sharply concentrated with an elongated bar oriented NW-SE containing a
faint stellar nucleus. The outer
halo has an extremely low surface brightness. Situated along the north side of a pentagon of mag 11.3-14
stars. Located 7.6' SE of mag 7.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 576 = h2417 on 3 Oct 1834 and
logged "F; S; R; bM; among 5 or 6 stars 11m." His position and description matches
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01 30 40.7 -01 59 40; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 140°
17.5" (9/26/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, weak concentration, occasionally a very faint stellar nucleus is visible. Located near the east edge of AGC 194 and 5' WSW of a mag 10 star.
Aaron Skinner discovered NGC 577 = Sf. 100 = T I-7 = T. 4-5 on 23 Oct 1867 with the 18.5" Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. Truman Safford published the discovery list 20 years later (1887), so Dreyer didn't notice it in time for Skinner to be credited in the NGC.
Wilhelm Tempel independently found the galaxy on 14 Aug 1877
with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and recorded it in both
his first discovery paper (#7) and his 4th paper. Tempel claimed he found
two nebulae 2m 50s following NGC 560 and 564 (there is only a single galaxy at
this position), which Dreyer assigned to NGC 577 and
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01 30 28.9 -22 40 00; Cet
V = 10.9; Size 4.9'x3.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 110°
48" (11/5/21): at 375x; fascinating structured 3-armed spiral extending nearly 4'x2.5' WNW-ESE. A very bright, well defined thin bar runs E-W through the center of the galaxy, ~40"x10", with a slightly brighter nucleus.
Two spiral arms were obvious - the northern spiral arm was detached from the bar and seemed to start just north of the eastern end of the bar. It swept roughly due west in the northern halo, with a brighter, patchy section to the NW of the bar. The southern arm was nearly attached to the west end of the bar and was easily seen shooting straight east. It was fairly thin and well defined, with a slightly brighter section to the SE of the bar. There was a strong suggestion of a third arm extending west, with an isolated section on the south side of the halo.
An easily visible, relatively large "knot", ~15" diameter, was noticed
immediately on the east side [1.0' ENE from center], though it's not embedded
in one of the arms. I assumed at
the time it was a giant HII region, but images revealed it's an overlapped
background galaxy (
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated
4:3 WNW-ESE, ~4'x3', slightly brighter middle is mottled, no distinct
core. A mag 14 star or knot is at
the east end 1.3' from the center.
Images reveals this is a galaxy, catalogued as
8" (9/25/81): faint, fairly large, elongated. Lies SE of a mag 8 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 578 = h2418 on 11 Nov 1835 and logged "B; L; pmE; gpmbM; 3' long, 2' broad." His position is accurate.
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01 31 46.6 +33 36 55; Tri
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, moderately large,
almost round, weakly concentrated but no core. Pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 579 = h127 on 22 Nov 1827 and
logged "vF; pL; gbM".
His position matches
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NGC 580 = NGC 577 = UGC 1080 = MCG +00-04-165 = CGCG 385-165 = PGC 5628
01 30 40.7 -01 59 40; Cet
See observing notes for NGC 577.
Wilhelm Tempel found NGC 580 = T. 1-8 = Sw. 6-12 on 14 Aug
1877 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory, claiming to see
two nebulae 2m 50s following NGC 560 and 564. The second object was
assigned NGC 580. But there is only the single galaxy
Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 20 Nov 1886 and reported it as new in his 6th discovery list. Dreyer assigned Swift's position to NGC 580 with Swift and Tempel credited in the NGC. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.
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01 33 22 +60 39 30; Cas
V = 7.4; Size 6'
13.1" (10/20/84): 50-60 stars in cluster, fairly
rich. Includes several bright
stars in a distinctive triangular wedge shape. At the NW edge is STF 131, a triple consisting of mag 7.3 HD
9311 (background star), a 9.9-mag star at 14" and an 11.8-mag star at
28". Mag 8.4
Pierre Méchain discovered
William Herschel observed the cluster on 8 Aug 1783 and wrote, "14 or 16 pretty large stars with a great many eS ones. Two of the large ones are double, one of the 1st the other of the 2nd class. The compound eye glass shews a few more that may be taken into the cluster so as to make about 20. I exclude a good many straggling ones, otherwise there would be no knowing where to stop."
John Herschel included M103 in his Slough Catalogue (h126) but only referenced STF 131, Struve's entry (1825) from his catalogue of double stars, so he was apparently unaware of the equivalence with M103. He reported it on 29 Sep 1829 (sweep 213) as "A fine cl; R; rich; rather coarse; 6 or 8' diam; stars 10...11m. One of Struve's "acervi".
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NGC 582 = UGC 1094 = MCG +05-04-065 = CGCG 502-105 = PGC 5702
01 31 58.1 +33 28 35; Tri
V = 13.2; Size 2.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 58°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, weak concentration. Pair with NGC 579 8' NNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 582 on 9 Aug 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He mentioned the mag 12-13 star that precedes by 4.5 seconds of time and measured an accurate position.
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01 29 44.1 -18 20 22; Cet
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 40°
17.5" (10/21/95): very faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration with no distinct core. A mag 12 star is 1.5' NW of center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 583 = LM 2-308 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His typical poor position is 1 min of
RA east of
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01 31 20.7 -06 52 06; Cet
V = 10.5; Size 4.2'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 55°
24" (12/28/16): at 200x and 375x; very bright, large,
oval ~3:2 SW-NE, ~2.4'x1.6', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core
that gradually increases to quasi-stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group (LGG
027) with
17.5" (8/2/86): very bright, moderately large, oval WSW-ENE, very bright large core. Forms a pair with NGC 586 4.5' SE.
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE with a very low surface brightness halo increasing to 2'x1.5'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright round core containing a small intense nucleus. Pair (similar redshift) with NGC 586 4.4' ESE.
8" (9/25/81): bright, round, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 584 = H. I-100 = h128 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435), along with NGC 586, and recorded both as "two, the first [NGC 584] cB, pS, R, mbM. The second [NGC 586] eF, S, about 5 or 6' following the former, requires great attention to be seen. His position is fairly accurate. John Herschel made 3 observations, reporting it as "vB; R; psbM; 25" [diameter]." (sweep 186, 9 Oct 1826).
E.E. Barnard found this galaxy while observing his comet
discovery C/1888 RI with the comet nearly occulting the galaxy! He commented "The comet's nucleus
passed some 30" N of the nucleus of the nebula. The comet is probably 5 times as bright as the nebula and is
a great many times larger."
The discovery was reported directly to Dreyer, who catalogued it again
as
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01 31 42.4 -00 55 55; Cet
V = 13.1; Size 2.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 86°
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', small bright core, faint thin extensions. This is an outlying member of AGC 194 cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 585 = h129 on 20 Dec 1827 and reported "vF; R; bM; 25" [diameter]." His position was off by 7 sec of RA west and 1' S.
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NGC 586 = Holm 45a = MCG -01-05-001 = LGG 027-002 = PGC 5679
01 31 37.0 -06 53 38; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 10°
24" (12/28/16): at 200x and 375x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 5:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.4', small bright core. Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 584 4.3' NW.
17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse, very weak concentration. Located 4.5' SE of NGC 584.
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, ~45"x20", fairly low surface brightness, small brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 586 = H. III-431 = h130 = Sw. 3-6 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) along with NGC 584. See description under NGC 584. John Herschel made a single observation on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), "vF; R; 15 arcsec".
R.J. Mitchell observed NGC 586 with the 72" on 28 and
29 Nov 1856. Herschel entered the
Birr Castle observations as GC 343 = R[osse]. nova. In compiling the 1880 Rosse Catalogue, though, Dreyer noted
the equivalence with h130 = III 431.
Lewis Swift apparently thought he discovered this object on 30 Nov 1885,
though his position for Sw. 3-6 was 19 seconds of time too far east. His description stated
"south-following GC 363 [
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01 32 33.4 +35 21 30; Tri
V = 12.8; Size 2.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 67°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WSW-ENE, even surface brightness.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 587 on 27 Aug 1862 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position is 4.5' S of
The CGCG, UGC and PGC label this galaxy
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01 32 45.9 +30 38 51; Tri
Size 0.5'
18" (12/8/07): moderately bright
17.5" (7/5/86): extremely faint nebulosity in M33,
requires averted vision to view.
Located 14' W of the center of M33 and forms the western vertex of a
very obtuse isosceles triangle with
13.1" (7/5/86): barely visible with averted. Almost collinear with NGC 592 and NGC 595.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 588 = Au 13 in M33, along with NGC 592, on 2 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen. His micrometric position (measured on several nights) is accurate. Auwers included this HII region in his 1862 catalogue of 50 new nebulae.
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01 32 39.9 -12 02 34; Cet
V = 14.0; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.4
17.5" (9/26/92): faint, very small, round, small
brighter core, very faint stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 2.3' SW. In a trio with
Frank Muller discovered NGC 589 = LM 2-309 in 1886 with the
26" Clark refractor of the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is
50 sec of RA west of
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01 33 40.9 +44 55 44; And
V = 12.9; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 150°
24" (11/7/18): at 200x; moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a bright elongated core and a much fainter halo. Situated in a rich star field with four mag 10 stars within 5'.
Forms a pair with
17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, broad concentration, faint almost stellar nucleus, rich star field. There is a group of mag 10 stars in the field to the north including mag 10 stars 2.1' ENE, 3.2' N and 4.5' NNE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 590 on 22 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is accurate.
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01 33 31.2 +35 40 06; And
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 5°
17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, oval NW-SE, even
surface brightness. A mag 14.5
star is 0.8' N and a faint mag 15.5 star 1.5' WNW. Located 6.6' NW of 7.3
Truman Safford discovered NGC 591 = Sf. 61 = Sw. 3-7 on 10 Oct 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and described as "pF, S, R, bM." Safford was not credited in the NGC as Dreyer missed his discovery list published in 1887, just prior to the NGC. Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy again on 30 Nov 1885 and reported it in his 3rd discovery paper. Dreyer credited Swift with the discovery in the NGC. Swift's position is 13 seconds off in RA.
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01 33 12.5 +30 38 50; Tri
Size 0.8'x0.7'
18" (12/8/07): moderately bright HII complex, ~40"x30". There appears to be faint star or stellar knot superimposed. Located 8' due west of the core with NGC 588 an additional 6' further west on the same line.
17.5" (7/5/86): faint nebulosity in M33 9' WSW of the core. Forms the vertex of an obtuse isosceles triangle with NGC 588 6' W and NGC 595 6' NE.
13.1" (8/15/82 and 8/5/83): fairly easy HII region with averted vision.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 592 = Au 14 in M33, along with NGC 588, on 2 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Copenhagen. His micrometric position (measured on 3 nights) is fairly accurate. Auwers included the discovery in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae.
In March 2020, Yann Pothier found an earlier discovery by R.J. Mitchell, the observer on Lord Rosse's 72" on 7 Dec 1858. His excellent sketch in the 1862 publication (plate 26, figure 10) includes NGC 592 at the right edge.
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NGC 593 = MCG -02-05-003 = PGC 5733
01 32 20.7 -12 21 16; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 12°
17.5" (9/26/92): extremely faint, small, very elongated
3:1 ~N-S, low surface brightness.
In a small group with NGC 589 12' NE and
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 593 = St. 12-17 on 30 Oct 1869. He noted a rough offset from NGC 599; 40 seconds preceding and about 15' S. The actual offsets are 33 seconds preceding and 10' S. His published micrometric position was made 13 years later on 2 Nov 1882 with the somewhat odd description "very small group of stars, a little elongated SSW to NNE and appearing to be enveloped in a very slight nebulosity." There is a very faint star on the south end, though I didn't note it in my 17.5" observation.
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01 32 57.0 -16 32 08; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 32°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 SW-NE, bright core. Located in
a barren field 9' SSE of mag 8.8
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 594 = LM 1-32 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"mag 12.5, pS, E 225°." His rough position essentially matches MCG
-03-05-005 = PGC 5769 and the position angle is close (SW-NE). Harold Corwin suggests Lewis Swift may
have rediscovered this galaxy on 29 Sep 1897 and recorded it in list Sw. 12-7 (later
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01 33 33.5 +30 41 31; Tri
18" (12/8/07): fairly bright knot near the core of M33,
just 4' NW of center and close west of the spiral arm that winds north from the
core on the west side. Appears
elongated SSW-NNE, ~40"x30", with a fairly well-defined outer
edge. This is the second most
luminous HII region in M33 after
17.5" (7/5/86): very faint nebulosity in M33, located 4' NW of the center. Situated just off the west edge of the beginning of the spiral arm that extends north and then northeast from the core on the west side. This is a combination star cluster and HII region.
13.1" (8/15/82 and 8/5/83): faintly visible with averted. Situated at the edge of a spiral arm.
Bindon Blood Stoney or George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 595 = Sf. 63 on 27 Dec 1850 (Friday). An offset was measured from a star superimposed on M33. It was possibly first seen on Sept. 13, though the description on that date only mentions "full of knots"). The nebula was labeled as "1" on the diagram in the 1861 publication. No coordinates were ever measured at Birr Castle.
Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this HII knot on 1 Oct 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured a fairly accurate position (4 seconds of RA too large). d'Arrest is credited with the discovery in the NGC. Truman Safford rediscovered it on 1 Nov 1866 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and recorded Sf. 63 as "pF, vS, probably a well-known outlier of M33."
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01 32 51.9 -07 01 54; Cet
V = 10.9; Size 3.2'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 40°
17.5" (8/2/86): fairly bright, fairly small, very
bright core, surrounded by a small faint halo. Located 12' W of mag 5.8
8" (9/25/81 and 11/28/81): fairly faint, small, round, bright core. Located 12' W of a mag 6 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 596 = H. II-4 = h132 on 13 Dec 1783 (early sweep 44). On 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) he logged "pB. Much like the brightest of the two preceding [NGC 584]; but rather smaller." His summary description from 6 observations reads "pB, pS, R, mbM, resembling a telescopic comet." On 2 Jan 1827 (sweep 40), John Herschel reported "pB; R; a * 6m follows 47.5 seconds and is 40" north." On 31 Oct 1877, R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, noted "B, S, R, Nucl, a vF * preceding and another north." The 2 mentioned stars are mag 16-16.5.
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01 32 14.7 -33 29 44; Scl
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (12/26/00): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter. Located just 1.9' NNW of a mag 12.5 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 597 = h2419 on 25 Sep 1834 and
recorded "vF, R, 25"." On a later sweep he logged "F, S, R,
bM, 15"." His mean position matches
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01 33 50.9 +30 39 37; Tri
V = 5.7; Size 70.8'x41.7'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 23°
17.5" (11/1/86): bright, very large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, weakly concentrated irregular halo, rises suddenly to a small bright core. Two prominent spiral arms form an "S-pattern" with an irregular surface brightness. At least a dozen HII regions or clusters are resolved (see the numerous IC listings). Overall, the entire galaxy is very mottled and the outer extent is difficult to define.
13.1" (several dates from 8/16/82 to 8/23/84): two prominent spiral arms distinctly visible and three HII knots in arm leading to NGC 604.
8" (10/4/80): the bright central region was slightly grainy and the halo showed two main spiral arms indicated by their outer edges.
Naked-eye (several times): just glimpsed in very dark skies, perhaps visible 25% of the time in best conditions.
Gioivanni Hodierna possibly discovered M33 = NGC 598 = H. V-17 = h131 before 1654 and catalogued it as a cloud-like nebulosity or obscuration "near the Triangle". Charles Messier made a definitive discovery of M33 on 25 Aug 1764. William Herschel assumed it was new (not found at Messier's position) and catalogued it as H. V-17 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266). On 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 680) he noted "The large nebula. The middle of it easily resolvable and some of the stars visible; it is impossible to say how far it may extend; the nebulosity losing itself so gradually, but goes undoubtedly a great way in every direction, but chiefly from sp to nf." A little later in the sweep he noted "Looked for the 33rd of the Conoiss des Temps, but it is not in the place."
John Herschel included only a single observation in the Slough Catalogue from 15 Sep 1828 (sweep 177): "Enormously L; vgbM. The nucl taken; has a * 12m, nf the nucl. The diffused neb extends 15' s[outh] and as much nearly to n[orth]. It has irregularities of light, and even feeble subordinate nuclei [HII knots] and many small stars."
Lord Rosse and/or assistant George Johnstone Stoney observed spiral sturcture in M33 on 6 Sep 1849 and a drawing by Rosse on the 16th with four or more spiral arms was included in the 1850 PT paper (figure 5). The description reads, "New spiral, s(outh) branch the brightest, none F, nf one short but pB, p(receding) on pretty distinct, sf one but suspected; the whole involved in F neby which probably extends past several knots which lie about it in different directions. Faint nebulosity seems to extend very far following." R.J. Mitchell produced a more detailed drawing on 18 Dec 1857 (included in the 1861 publication). Isaac Roberts produced the first excellent photograph of M33 in 1895 with his 20" reflector, revealing more detail than seen visually.
Based on the discovery of three dozen Cepheids by 1926, Edwin Hubble found a distance of ~860,000 l.y. using the Period-Luminosity relation. This determination, along with M31, proved they were external galaxies and effectively ended the "Island Universe" debate. The actual distance is ~3x larger, due to mixing different types of Cepheids (Population I and II) .
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NGC 599 = MCG -02-05-005 = PGC 5778
01 32 53.7 -12 11 28; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 135°
17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration, in a poor star field. NGC 589 lies 10' NNW and NGC 593 12' SW. Forms a close pair with NGC 601 3.3' ESE (not seen but appears stellar on the POSS).
William Herschel discovered NGC 599 = H. II-473 = LM 2-310 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and logged "F, S, iF, easily resolvable, some of the stars visible.". His position was fairly accurate. This is an S0 galaxy, so I wouldn't expect that Herschel would find it mottled or resolvable. Frank Muller found it again in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and he reportedit as new in the observatory's second discovery paper (#310) with description "mag 13.0, 0.8' dia, gbM."
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01 33 05.3 -07 18 43; Cet
V = 12.4; Size 3.3'x2.8'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 85°
17.5" (9/26/92): faint, fairly large, round, 2.5' diameter. Appears as a low surface brightness glow without core or structure.
William Herschel discovered NGC 600 = H. III-432 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and simply noted as "eF". John Herschel made no observations of this low surface brightness galaxy and it was probably missed at Birr Castle. The single observation on 29 Nov 1850 with Lord Rosse's 72" commented "searched for 20' sf [NGC 596], doubtful whether found, perhaps it was a vF stellar object 2.5' S of a *13m and about 6' S of a *10m." This appears to refer to a 15th mag star and not the galaxy.
Based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory between 1914-16, NGC 600 was described as "vF, 2' x 1', nucleus elongated 20°, giving this spiral an almost Phi-type [barred] appearance."
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NGC 601 = Mrk 1000 = PGC 73980
01 33 06.5 -12 12 32; Cet
Size 0.3'x0.3'
17.5" (10/4/97): extremely faint and small, round. Initially appeared as a mag 15.5 "star" but a very small 10" halo was visible after extended viewing. Located 3.3' ESE of NGC 599. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC. Appears stellar on the POSS.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 601 = LM 2-311 (close southeast
of II-310 = NGC 599) in 1886 using the 16" Clark refractor at Leander
McCormick Observatory. His
position is just 5 sec of RA west of
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01 29 26 -73 33 36; Hyi
Size 3'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; NGC 602 is a large nebulous cluster (SMC-N90) that was clearly brighter on the southeast end. The total size is ~3' with the southeast end fairly bright, fairly large, irregular shape. A tight knot of three stars is near the center. Additional stars are involved near the edges. A weak dust lane was on the west end oriented SW-NE, separating the roundish western section. A mag 13.8 star (O3-type Sk 183) is involved just west of the dust lane. This star is one of the massive O-type stars in the SMC and the dominant ionizing source of the nebula. The two portions are separated (barely) without a filter but tangent when I added a NPB filter. A mag 12.5 star is off the SW side (1.8' from center) and a mag 13 star is off the north side, 2.2' NNW of center. NGC 602, along with N89 and N88 to the northwest, are situated along the boundary of SMC-1 (also called SMC-SGS 1), the only supergiant shell in the SMC, with a diameter of ~1°..
SMC-N89, located 20' NW, is fairly faint, large, roundish, irregular glow, ~3.5' diameter. At the northeast end are four mag 11.5 to 13 stars (part of Hodge association 67) in a near equilateral triangle with a 4th star at the center and a 12th mag star is at the E or SE end of the nebulosity. Lindsay 104 is a very faint, unresolved patch (cluster) just southwest of the four distinctive stars. Situated at the western boundary of SMC-1.
SMC-N88, located 33' NW, is dominated by a Highly Ionized Blob (HEB) of only 3.5" diameter and mag ~12.5. At 244x + NPB filter it appeared as a bright "star" or quasi-stellar object surrounded by faint nebulosity on the east and south side. I assume there was a contrast gain with the filter as this dense, high-excitation object has a ratio of O III lines/H-beta > 10.5. The nebula is surrounded by Hodge Assoication 64 including a mag 14 star 2' E, two close mag 14 stars 1.8' SE and a mag 14.5 star 1' SSE. A mag 11.2 star (part of Hodge Associatin 65) lies 5.6' S. Situated at the NW edge of supershell SMC-1.
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, a knot of stars is embedded in a 3' fairly bright oval nebula (Henize N90). On closer inspection the knot of stars is offset to the SE side of the nebula. At 171x and UHC filter, the nebulosity is fairly bright and clearly locally brighter on the SE end around the knot of stars. A weak dark rift, running SW-NE, separates the fainter portion of nebulosity to the NW. This nebulous cluster is an outlying member of the SMC.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 602 = D 17 = h2421 on 1 Aug 1826. He described "a faint round nebula, about 2' diameter, a very little brighter in the middle, with some minute stars in it." Dunlop's position is just 3' too far east.
On 11 Apr 1834 (sweep 411), John Herschel logged "pB, S, irregularly round, psb but not to the middle, but rather to a point near the southern edge. Is decidedly resolved, and has scattered stars. (This is an outlier of the Nubecula Minor)". On 5 Nov 1836 (sweep 745), he called it "B, R or lE, psbM to a star; has also a star involved which looks like a second nucleus and several small stars about it."
Joseph Turner observed this object on 26 Jan 1879 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and noted there was clearly a double star in the center.
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01 34 44.0 +30 13 58; Tri
17.5" (9/28/02): identified at 162x as a slightly fuzzy glow and cleanly resolved into a faint triple star at 325x (7.5mm Tak and Paracorr). Situated ~30' SE of the core of M33.
17.5" (8/11/96): this is a faint, close triple star within M33 described as a "A small neb. or Cl. with 3 st[ars] in it" by Lord Rosse. It appeared as a faint nebulous spot at low power and was barely resolved at 220x. The trio of mag 14/15 stars was cleanly resolved at 410x. The maximum separation is 15", the close pair at 9" separation and the other side 12" with the trio forming a 3-4-5 right triangle! Located 28' SE of the center of M33.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 603 on 29 Nov 1850
(Friday). Bindon's brother, George
Johnstone, may have participated in the discovery as he visited Birr Castle
several weekends in Fall 1850. It was recorded as "A S neb. or Cl. with 3
st in it. It is about 8' ssp a
[double star] whose components are of the 11 m. RA 1h 26m +/- NPD 60d 35' +/-. (I obs)."
This description pins down the identification as a triple star whose
components have a maximum separation of 15". In the IC 2 notes, Dreyer mentioned he only saw an extremely
faint star on plates of M33. Karl
Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, states "Cl of 3
st 14". This identification
was noted by Mayall and Aller (1942) in the article "The Rotation of the
Spiral Nebula
******************************
01 34 31.9 +30 47 13; Tri
48" (11/5/21): at 488x (unfiltered): NGC 604 appeared very bright, highly structured, with several mag 16.5+ supergiant stars resolved in the HII region. The main section is roughly 50" in diameter and elongated NW-SE, but with a very irregular outline, particularly on the eastern side.
The brightest region has a dented triangular shape, ~15" on each side, with a very high surface brightness along the SW facing edge (W side of NGC 604). Just to the NNW of the triangle is a 15" patch that is nearly detached. Adding an NPB filter, the nearly detached patch is fully connected and the SW facing flank brightens significantly. Also the SSE end of the nebula has a small elongated patch that noticeably improved contrast.
Very close to the NE vertex of the triangle is a faint Wolf-Rayet star (WR 4, V = 17.4) and a slightly brighter star (WR 2) is close to the S vertex. Two or three additional very faint stars are within 15" to the east of the triangular region (one is WR 6).
18" (12/10/07): bright, large HII knot in M33 at the end of the spiral arm that trails to the east on the north side of the core. A mag 10.5-11 star is located 1.5' SE and NGC 604 is elongated 3:2 in the direction of this star. The outline is oval, though a bit irregular, particularly on the east side. It appears brighter and mottled on the northwest side and with direct vision a slightly brighter stellaring is embedded near the northwest end.
13.1" (7/5/86): bright HII region located 12' NE of the core of M33. Situated at the end of the large spiral arm of M33 that extends north and then east of the core. Bright, fairly small, ~30" diameter, round.
8": fairly bright, round, knot in M33.
William Herschel discovered NGC 604 = H. III-150 = h133 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266) and noted "vF, S, R nebula, brightest in the middle." Lord Rosse or assistant reported on 13 Sep 1850: "large spiral full of knots, north following is a bright, small neb [NGC 604], which on a very good night might appear attached to the spiral, than which it is brighter." Bindon or George Stoney measured an offset from a star superimposed just north of the core of M33 on 2 Jan 1851 and the nebula was labeled as "3" on the diagram in the 1861 publication. Vogel first identified its gaseous spectrum in 1890.
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01 35 02.4 +41 14 53; And
V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 145°
17.5" (9/26/92): faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus, very small halo surrounds core.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 605 = St. 12-18 on 3 Oct 1869 and recorded an unpublished position 1.4' E of center. He published an accurate micrometric position made on 21 Oct 1881 and recorded "very faint, extremely small, round, bright stellar nucleus."
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01 34 50.2 +21 25 05; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (11/30/91): faint, small, round, weak
concentration. Located 2.5' S of
mag 8.8
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 606 = St. 12-16 on 5 Oct 1869. He published an accurate micrometric position made 12 years later on 18 Oct 1881 and recorded "extremely faint, round, diameter about 45", very little central concentration, seems resolvable."
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01 34 16.3 -07 24 46; Cet
V = 11.7/13.9; Size 14"
= **, Spitaler. =***, Carlson.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 607 = Au 15 on 23 Aug 1855 with a 4.6-inch Fraunhofer refractor at Leibniz. At his micrometric position (measured on two nights) is a pair of mag 12/14 stars at 14" separation. He also measured a mag 9.2 star (called mag 11) that follows by 29.7 seconds and 2' north, so this identification is certain. Auwers included this object in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae. In the NGC notes, Dreyer mentioned "no nebulosity seen by Schönfeld, but Auwers saw it [with the Konigsberg heliometer and reported the observation in the notes section of the catalogue]." Rudolph Spitaler found a double star (mag 11 with a 14th magnitude companion), which was mentioned in the IC 1 Notes section.
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01 35 28.2 +33 39 24; Tri
V = 13.2; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 32°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, small, oval SSW-NNE,
gradually increases to small bright core.
Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 608 = h134 on 22 Nov 1827 and recorded "vF; psbM. Stellar". His position in the Slough and General Catalogue is 7 seconds of RA too small. The NGC position is accurate.
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01 36 27 +64 32 12; Cas
V = 11.0; Size 3'
24" (1/4/14): at 200x, ~15 faint to very faint stars sparkle over an unresolved background glow ~2.5' diameter. Two brighter mag 12/13 stars are detached, just off the southwest end. The cluster is 2.5' NW of MLB 187, a 5" pair of mag 9/9.5 stars.
13.1" (12/7/85): faint, fairly small, diffuse, about
six very faint stars over unresolved haze. Located 10' SSW of mag 6.6
8" (1/1/84): not found.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 609 on 9 Aug 1863 (one of two open clusters he found, along with NGC 133) with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted it as "subtle and elegant group of stars mag 14-15; 4' dia; nearly round." His single RA measure is ~50 seconds too large and this error was carried over into the NGC, RNGC and Sky Catalogue 2000.
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01 34 18 -20 09; Cet
= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 610 = LM 2-312 (along with NGC 611 = LM 2-313) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position and Corwin was unable to recover this object after an extensive search for a candidate. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
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01 34 18 -20 08; Cet
= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 611 = LM 2-313 (along with NGC 610 = LM 2-31) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position and Corwin was unable to recover this object after an extensive search for a candidate. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
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01 33 57.7 -36 29 36; Scl
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 172°
17.5" (11/10/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
N-S, ~1.2'x0.8', weak concentration.
Located 1.0' following a mag 11 star. First of three with
John Herschel discovered NGC 612 = h2423 on 29 Nov 1837 and
recorded "F, R, 12", follows a star 12th mag. This is possibly
identical with the next [h2424 = NGC 619] but one with a mistaken minute."
His position is 1' S of
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01 34 18.2 -29 25 06; Scl
V = 10.1; Size 5.5'x4.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 120°
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): this very large barred spiral was a stunning showpiece at 303x! The bright central bar region is oriented NW-SE and extends ~2.5'x1' with the halo and arms stretching ~5'x3.6'. The central region was sharply concentrated with a very intense oval core that increased to a bright stellar nucleus. A prominent spiral arm was easily visible on the southeast end. It had a well defined edge and a high contrast as it emerged from the central region and unfurled east and north. The arm then dimmed significantly but could be followed as it bent backwards on the east side towards the northwest! The arm faded away before reaching a mag 9.6 star (SAO 167149) 2.2' NE of center. A second relatively bright, well-defined arm is attached on the northwest end of the bar and it curled south on the west end of the halo.
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1
WNW-ESE, 4.0'x1.3', prominent elongated core, almost stellar nucleus with
direct vision. The halo is broader with averted vision. There appeared to
be a very faint extension or large knot southeast of the core . The DSS reveals
this feature to be the bright spiral arm extending southeast from the central
bar. Located 2.4' SW of mag 9
8" (11/28/81): faint, moderately large, diffuse, small bright core. A mag 9 star lies 2.5' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 613 = H. I-281 = h139 = h2422 = D 621 on 9 Dec 1798 (sweep 1084) and recorded "cB, E np-sf, 5 or 6' long, 1 1/2' broad, a nucleus in the middle, A pretty considerable star is about 3' north of it, and a little following."
James Dunlop independently found the galaxy on 5 Aug 1826, apparently unaware of WH's prior discovery (or he thought it was a different object). He described "a very small round nebula, about 15" diameter, pretty well defined, bright at the center." His position was over 1/2° too far E. Stephen O'Meara finds it curious that Dunlop failed to note any elongation and didn't mention its proximity to the 10th magnitude star just off its NE flank.
John Herschel observed the galaxy both at Slough and at the Cape of Good Hope. On 27 Sep 1834, his Cape observation reads "vB; vL; vmE; pos 118.3 ; 1st gradually then suddenly much brighter to the middle to a nucleus 4' long 1.5' broad, has a star 9th mag N.f." He also noted that the position assigned in his Slough Catalogue was incorrect. On a second sweep, he logged "pB; vmE; pslbM, 2 1/2' length. No other near it within 3 fields in RA and 1 field's breadth in declination." Finally on a third sweep he logged "vB; L; vmE; pspmbM; has a *10; N.F."
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NGC 614 = NGC 627 = UGC 1140 = MCG +05-04-075 = CGCG 502-118 = PGC 5933
01 35 52.3 +33 40 55; Tri
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
broadly concentrated, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 608 5' WSW. Located 9' S of mag 7
William Herschel discovered NGC 614 = H. III-174 = h135 on
13 Sep 1784 (last object using Beta And as the reference star in sweep 271) and
noted "Stellar, verified with 240 power." There is nothing at his position, but 78 seconds of RA
(time) to the west is
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NGC 615 = MCG -01-05-008 = LGG 027-005 = PGC 5897
01 35 05.6 -07 20 27; Cet
V = 11.6; Size 3.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 155°
17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2'x1', evenly concentrated halo, very small bright core,
bright stellar nucleus. Located
5.4' ENE of mag 8.5
8" (11/28/81): faint, small, slightly elongated. Located 5' E of an 8th magnitude star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 615 = H. II-282 = h137 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and recorded "pF, cL, irregular brightest about the middle, r." His summary description (including an observation on 10 Sep 1785, sweep 435) reads "pB, cL, lE, mbM". John Herschel observed NGC 615 on 9 Oct 1828 (sweep 186): "pB; R; is sf a * 8m distant 10'." The galaxy is only 5' north-following the star. Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate position with the 27" refractor at Vienna.
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01 36 04.3 +33 46 12; Tri
= **, Carlson and Corwin.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 616 on 14 Aug 1863 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted (single observation) a "double
star veiled in faint nebulosity."
He measured the offset to nearby mag 6.5
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01 34 02.5 -09 46 27; Cet
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (11/1/97): at 220x appeared extremely faint, very
small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness. Requires averted to view and cannot
hold steadily. Slightly easier to
view at 280x. Located 30' NW of
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 617 = LM 2-314 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 1.2 tmin east of MCG -02-05-007 = PGC 5831, a common error with the observations there. MCG (-02-05-007) does not label this galaxy as NGC 617.
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01 36 18 +33 24; Tri
= NGC 614??, Corwin. = Not found, Dreyer and Carlson. = *?, IC 1 notes. = NGC 608?, Burnham.
John Herschel discovered NGC 618 = h136 on 16 Nov 1827 and reported "pB; pL; bM; precedes a * 2m 51.0s". There is nothing at his position and there is no fairly bright star at the required separation east of his position. In the NGC Notes section, Dreyer commented "never found at Birr [in 5 attempts], nor by d'Arrest [in several attempts]. Schönfeld (II) has two observations, vF, eS = *13, place agreeing with [John Herschel]. Query: only a faint star..." In the IC 1 Notes and Corrections entry for NGC 618 and 627, Dreyer adds "Not observed by John Herschel in the same sweep as [NGC 608 and 614]. Neither of them seen by Burnham."
Wolfgang Steinicke suggests NGC 618 may be a mag 10 star at 01 41 36.6 +33 17 40 (J2000) with a mag 12.7 star 30" southwest and a mag 15.7 star 30" south. Harold Corwin is skeptical that this combo would mimic a "pretty bright" nebula and suggests that NGC 618 is possibly a duplicate observation of NGC 614, although the brighter star following is not at the required separation, unless Herschel meant 51 seconds, instead of 2m 51s. Wolfgang Steinicke analyzed the sweep data and arrived at a different position, close to 01 42 +33° 23' (J2000), assuming the bright star precedes the object, but this "corrected" position has no "pB" objects nearby.
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NGC 619 = ESO 353-021 = MCG -06-04-051 = PGC 5878
01 34 51.7 -36 29 22; Scl
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 130°
17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.8'. Difficult to determine orientation as requires averted to glimpse (probably affected by fairly low elevation). Preceding of pair with brighter NGC 623 2.9' E. In a group with NGC 612 11' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 619 = h2424 on 30 Nov 1837 and noted "eeF, vS, R; the preceding of two [with NGC 623] in the field together." His position is accurate.
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01 36 59.8 +42 19 23; And
V = 13.1; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration, fairly high surface brightness. A mag 12 star is 45" WSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 620 = St. 3-2 on 13 Oct 1869. His published accurate position was made on 14 Dec 1871 with the description "eF, vS, R, eF, vS, R, bM but no nucleus."
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01 36 49.0 +35 30 43; Tri
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.0
17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, almost round, broad
concentration. Located 2' SW of a
mag 10.5 star and 7' S of mag 8.4
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 621 = St. 13-10 on 24 Nov 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory and noted "vF, eS, R, bM and nucleus". His position is accurate.
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01 36 00.1 +00 39 49; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 45°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W. Even surface brightness except for a well-defined very small bright core and faint stellar nucleus or faint star superimposed.
William Herschel discovered NGC 622 = H. III-454 = h138 on 9
Oct 1785 (sweep 463) and logged "Suspected, eF, pL, 240 power left it
doubtful." The NGC position
matches
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NGC 623 = ESO 353-023 = MCG -06-04-052 = PGC 5898
01 35 06.4 -36 29 25; Scl
V = 12.5; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 94°
17.5" (11/10/96): brighter of pair with NGC 619 2.9' preceding. Fairly faint, fairly small, 1.0' diameter, round. Collinear with NGC 619 and NGC 612 14' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 623 = h2425 on 30 Nov 1837 and recorded "F, S, R; the following of two [with h2424 = NGC 619]." His position is accurate.
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NGC 624 = MCG -02-05-010 = PGC 5932
01 35 51.0 -10 00 10; Cet
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 100°
17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5'. A mag 13 star is at the south edge 30" from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 624 = H. III-471 = h140 on 30 Nov 1837 (sweep 479) and described "a few small stars mixed with seeming nebulosity. 240 showed the same." There is a star at the south edge and another 1.4' N. John Herschel noted on 6 Jan 1831 (sweep 315), "eF; S; among 2 or 3 vF st, very difficult".
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01 35 05 -41 26 12; Phe
V = 11.1; Size 5.8'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 92°
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 E-W, brighter core. Viewed at a very low elevation (less than 10°).
James Dunlop discovered NGC 625 = D 479 = h2426 on 2 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector and described "a very faint nebula, of a round figure, with two or three minute stars in it near the meridian". His single position is ~8' too far E. John Herschel logged on 5 Sep 1834, "B, pL, mE, nearly in the parallel; pmbM." On a second sweep on 4 Dec 1836 he called it "B, mE, gbM, 80"." The next night he logged the galaxy again as "B, L, mE, gbM, 1.25' long."
Joseph Turner observed NGC 625 on 24 Jan 1879 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and noted "it is at present much brighter at the following extremity, giving it the appearance of a tail. This extra brightness is caused by a small star being situated there as shown in the above sketch." His small star appears to be a bright HII region in the galaxy.
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01 35 12.0 -39 08 48; Scl
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 43°
18" (10/25/08): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8'
diameter, small bright core, very faint halo.
John Herschel discovered NGC 626 = h2427 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF, S, R, bM, 15"." His position is accurate.
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NGC 627 = NGC 614? = UGC 1140 = MCG +05-04-075 = CGCG 502-118 = PGC 5933
01 35 52.3 +33 40 55; Tri
= NGC 614?, Corwin. =**, Steinicke.
John Herschel discovered NGC 627 = h141 on 11 Nov 1827 and recorded "vF; R; another precedes; which must be III.174 [NGC 614]. The RA conjectural and PD liable to some error." Heinrich d'Arrest was unsuccessful in locating an object at Herschel's position and he commented "is not in the heavens. Anyway, the place assigned [by Herschel] as doubtful, is errant."
Sherburne Burnham (Publ of the Lick Observatory, Vol II) was also unable to find the object and Dreyer concluded "should be struck out" in the IC 1 notes section. Burnham suggested this might be a duplicate observation of NGC 614 in which case the object that preceded would be NGC 608 (misidentified as III 174). But Wolfgang Steinicke argues that NGC 614 is located 2.4° due north of ∑137, the previous object in the sweep, so he could not have arrived at the field of NGC 614 as the next object. See Corwin's identification notes for more.
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01 36 41.6 +15 47 03; Psc
V = 9.4; Size 10.5'x9.5'; Surf Br = 14.2
48" (10/22/11): beautiful face-on spiral with long, graceful arms wrapping around an intense 1' core that increases towards the center, but there is no sharp nucleus. At first glance at 375x there appeared to be four arms, but with a more careful look there are two main arms that each wrap more than 360° around the core as well as a couple of side branches. Each arm is studded with a number of non-stellar HII regions that highlight the arms. In addition, a number of stars are superimposed, both in the inner region (two faint stars are within 25" of the center) and around the edge of the halo, which extends to 7'-8' diameter.
The more prominent arm "southern" arm is very regular - emerging from the core on the south side and wrapping counterclockwise around the core to the north, unwinding gradually as it curves to the east and then pulls away from the central region more suddenly on the south side. This arm is very patchy and delineated by a large number of HII knots with the two most prominent ones near the outer southern end. The "northern" arm begins to emerge from north of the core, tightly wraps counterclockwise around the core, passing near or through a few superimposed stars on the south side of the core, unwinding more as it stretches again to the north. The arm structure is a bit more complex on the north side due to side branches and the embedded HII knots are more scattered.
The HII regions were viewed more carefully at 610x. The following identifications are from Paul Hodge's 1976 "HII regions in NGC 628" (ApJ, 205, 728), which lists over 700 HII knots. The brightest is #627, near the end of the outer southern arm 2.7' SSW of center. It appeared fairly bright, fairly small, round, ~20" diameter. Moving clockwise along this arm towards the core, the next prominent knot is #598 situated 2.2' SSE of center. It was slightly fainter than #627, round, 15" diameter. Next in line is #552, a faint round knot of 10" situated 1.8' SE of center. East of the core by 1.5' is #406, a very faint, round 10" knot situated 36" S of a superimposed mag 14.5 star. Just 30" W of this star and 1.2' NE of center is #292, a fairly faint, very small knot, ~8" diameter. Continuing inward along this arm, the next knot is #196, a very faint hazy spot 1.3' N of center. Finally, less than 1' NW of center is another very faint patch with multiple Hodge numbers #260-268.
There were no notable knots on the inner southern portion of the northern arm, but a noticeable clump of knots is on the NW portion of this arm. First was #167/168, a faint 10" knot 1.6' NW of center. Continuing outward 2.0' NNW of center is a faint, elongated patch, ~25" diameter, consisting of #91-95 and #49 at the north end of the glow. I didn't search the outer region of the halo for additional HII knots, except noted #330, a 10" knot situated between two mag 12-13 stars at the eastern edge of halo, 3.9' from center.
24" (8/7/13): viewed type IIP SN 2013ej, discovered on July 25th, 92" E and 135" S of center. It appeared bright at mag 12.5.
17.5" (2/2/02): viewed type Ic SN 2002ap, discovered just 3 days earlier on Jan 29th. The supernova was easily visible as a mag 12.5 "star", situated 4.6' W and 1.5' S of center. This very energetic event is considered a hypernova, resulting from an extreme core-collapse scenario.
17.5" (8/31/86): bright, large, round, very bright core. A spiral arm is attached at the east side of core winding towards the west along the south side. A dark gap is visible between the arm and the main central portion. Several stars are superimposed in the halo.
13.1" (8/24/84): very prominent, fairly small bright core surrounded by a very large, diffuse glow. Visible in 16x80 finder.
8" (many dates from 10/4/80 to 8/24/84): very small bright core surrounded by a large faint halo. Fairly even surface brightness.
Pierre Méchain discovered
On 13 Dec 1848, Lord Rosse and/or assistant George Johnstone Stoney detected spiral structure with the 72" and noted "Rough sketch made. Spiral?" The next night he "confirmed last night's observations; feel confident it is a spiral." LdR classified M74 as "Spiral or curvilinear" in his 1850 paper. Isaac Roberts photographed the spiral in Sep 1893.
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01 38 58.5 +72 52 01; Cas
17.5" (10/13/01): near Struve's position is a striking 1' chain of 5 stars mag 12.5-13.5 extended WSW-ENE. Two of the stars at the following end of the chain form a very close pair. There is also a wider trio of stars which follows by 6', but this is a courser, less interesting group in the field and less likely to fit Struve's description "3*+ neb".
Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 629 = ∑ 2 = Au 16 in 1825 with the 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor at Dorpat. Struve included this object in a list of 9 "Nebulae detectae" in an appendix to his main catalogue of double stars, published in 1827. Auwers included "Struve 2" in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae with the description "irregular nebula with 3 *." Auwers was unable to find it, though, with the Königsberg Heliometer in February 1861. About 6' west of Struve's position is a tight string of 5 stars within 1' and Harold Corwin identifies this asterism as NGC 629. The brightest mag 12.2 star has companions at 11" and 13".
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NGC 630 = ESO 297-009 = MCG -07-04-020 = PGC 5924
01 35 36.5 -39 21 29; Scl
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 60°
18" (10/25/08): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.6'x0.45, small bright core increases to the center, fairly high surface brightness. Forms a close pair with slightly fainter ESO 297-008 1.8' SW, which was surprisingly missed by John Herschel. NGC 626 lies 13.5' NNW. The companion is just over the constellation border into Phoenix and appeared faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', low even surface brightness.
John Herschel discovered NGC 630 = h2428 on 23 Oct 1835 and recorded "pF, S, R, bM, 15", precedes two stars 11th mag. The two stars are there and Herschel's position is accurate.
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01 36 47.0 +05 50 07; Psc
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.3
17.5" (12/18/89): faint, small, round, smoothly
increases to small bright core.
Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 631 = m 50 on 27 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta. He noted "vF, S, gbM." Stephan independently discovered it on 30 Sep 1867, though only measured a rough position for NGC 632.
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NGC 632 = UGC 1157 = MCG +01-05-010 = CGCG 412-008 = Mrk 1002 = PGC 6007
01 37 17.5 +05 52 39; Psc
V = 12.3; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 170°
17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, small, very small very bright core dominates, slightly elongated much fainter halo. A mag 14.5 star is embedded in the north side. Forms a pair with NGC 631 8' WSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 632 = h143 on 24 Sep 1830 and logged "pB; S; R; psbM; 15" [diameter]."
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01 36 23.4 -37 19 18; Scl
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 177°
17.5" (11/10/96): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~N-S, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration (hampered by low elevation). Located 3' SE a mag 9/10 double star at
15" separation. Forms a pair
with
John Herschel discovered NGC 633 = h2429 on 1 Sep 1834 and
logged "pB, S, R, gbM, 15"; follows a pretty bright double
star." On a later sweep he noted, "Not vF, R, 30", has a double
star N.p." His mean position
and description matches
Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on 11 Dec 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and wrote, "Extraordinary - This is a double nebula. There are two distinct nebulae in the field pretty close to one another as shown in diagram - How is it that Herschel only has one?" The companion he discovered was ESO 297-012.
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01 38 18.5 +35 21 54; Tri
V = 13.0; Size 2.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 167°
24" (2/5/21): at 260x; nice edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE,
moderately bright, 1.0'x0.2', brighter along the major axis. A mag 14.7 star is just off the W edge
[22" from center]. Located 2'
NE of mag 7.6
17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, very elongated
~N-S. A mag 15 star is at the west
edge. Located 2' ENE of mag 7.7
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 634 = St. 8a-6 on 2 Nov 1875. His pubished position was made on 26 Oct 1876 with description "eF, eS, sev F* involved". He explored the region further in 1881 and made another observation on 19 Nov 1881.
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01 38 17.8 -22 55 44; Cet
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (12/9/01): very faint, small, round, 20"
diameter, weak concentration.
Forms the SW vertex of a triangle with a mag 10 star (
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 635 = LM 1-33 on 15 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his rough position but based on the discovery sketch (which shows two or three stars to the NE and another to the SSE), Harold Corwin has identified NGC 635 = PGC 6062. In this case, Leavenworth's dec was 3° too far north. RNGC lists the number as nonexistent (not found). See Corwin's notes.
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01 39 06.5 -07 30 46; Cet
V = 11.5; Size 2.8'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 140°
17.5" (9/26/92): fairly bright, fairly small, round, bright well-defined circular core, very small nucleus. The faint halo increases diameter to almost 2'. A mag 12 star is 3' ENE.
8" (11/28/81): faint, small, round, small bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 636 = H. II-283 = h144 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and recorded "pB, S, of equal light, r, a star or two visible in it." On a second observation on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) he noted "pB, S, mbM." John Herschel made two observations and reported on 9 Oct 1828 (sweep 186), "pF; S; R; psbM; 20" [diameter]."
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01 43 03 +64 02 12; Cas
V = 8.2; Size 4'
18" (10/25/08): very pretty cluster at 283x. The central 2.5' region is rich and contains roughly 3 dozen stars including a mag 10.2/11.4 double (STI 264 = ADS 1342) at 9.5" separation. A third mag 11 star forms a wide trio 46" to the south. An arc or "C" shaped curve of stars passes through the central double and opens to the north. A chain of brighter stars begins at the center of the open end of the arc (on north side) and zigzags to the north and NE. A wide bright double (23" separation) sits at the east end of the central region. Finally another fainter linear chain of stars heads to the west of the central region. Within a 5' region, 50-60 stars are resolved.
13.1" (12/7/85): rich cluster of two dozen stars arranged in an arc. There are five bright stars including a mag 10/11.2 double star at 9" separation.
8" (1/1/84): 10 stars in cluster includes four mag 10 stars and fainter, mottled, over haze.
William Herschel discovered NGC 637 = H. VII-49 on 9 Nov 1787 (sweep 777) and noted "a cluster of some cL stars and many eS, so as hardly to be visible. The large ones arranged in circular order 3' or 4' diameter."
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01 39 37.8 +07 14 15; Psc
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 20°
17.5" (12/18/89): faint, small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, almost even surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 638 = Sw. 5-14 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is accurate.
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01 38 59.1 -29 55 31; Scl
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 31°
17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint, very small. Fainter of a close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 639 = h2430 (along with NGC 642
= h2431) on 27 Sep 1834 and noted "vF, vS; the preceding of two [with NGC
642].". His mean position
from 3 observations matches
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01 39 24.8 -09 24 03; Cet
V = 14.9; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 147°
17.5" (10/29/94): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter, no concentration. Collinear with a mag 11-12 double star (30" separation) located 6' NNE. A mag 11.5 star lies 4.0' SSW of center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 640 = LM 2-315 in 1886
and reported "mag 15.8; 0.6'; lE 170°; lbMN; *10 s 4'.". His position is only 9 sec of RA east
of
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01 38 39.1 -42 31 40; Phe
V = 12.1; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7
24" (10/3/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint to
moderately bright, fairly small, round, 36", well-defined E-type
appearance, gradually increases to the center. A mag 10 star lies 4.2' SW and a mag 13 star is 1.9' NE, but
the field is quite barren of stars.
Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 641 = h2432 (along with NGC 644
= h2433) on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB, S, R, gpmbM; the preceding of two
[with NGC 644]." His mean
position from 3 sweeps matches
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NGC 642 = ESO 413-014 = MCG -05-05-003 = VV 419 = PGC 6112
01 39 06.3 -29 54 56; Scl
V = 12.9; Size 2.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 31°
17.5" (12/20/95): brighter of a pair with NGC 639 1.7' SW. Faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, ~1.2'x0.8' (fades into background so difficult to estimate PA and size), broad weak concentration. A mag 13 star is just off the SE end 50" from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 642 = h2431 (along with NGC 639
= h2430) on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, S, R, gbM, 15", has a star
near it, following.". His
mean from 3 observations matches
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01 35 02 -75 33 24; Hyi
V = 13.5
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint,
moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, broad weak concentration without a
distinct core, some mottling but no resolution. Located 8.5' NNE of mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 643 = h2435 on 18 Sep 1835 and logged "eF, R, vglbM, 40"."
In 1957, Gerard de Vaucouleurs concluded (based on Mt
Stromlo plates) that NGC 643 was an outlying cluster of the Small Magellanic
Cloud and not a galaxy as listed in the 1932 Shapley-Ames Catalogue. Eric Lindsay independently listed it as
a new cluster (not making the connection initially with NGC 643) in his 1958
paper on SMC clusters and described it from a 30 minute ADH plate (South
Africa) as "a conspicuous object, clearly recognizable as a cluster with
20-30 faint resolved stars. The
texture and distribution of the outlying stars suggest it is globular;
otherwise it would have been classified as certainly open." NGC 643 was deleted from de
Vaucouleur's 1964 Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies and Alan Sandage's
1981 revision of the S-A Catalogue.
RNGC gives the type as 28 (cluster in the LMC) instead of 29 (cluster in
the SMC). NGC 2000.0 classifies it
as a globular cluster.
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NGC 644 = ESO 244-043 = AM 0136-425 = MCG -07-04-027 = PGC 6097
01 38 53.1 -42 35 06; Phe
V = 14.0; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 155°
24" (10/3/13): difficult due to low elevation (10°) and fairly poor seeing this far south. At 200x appeared very faint, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, ~24"x18", required averted. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 641 4.3' NW. A mag 10 star lies 6.8' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 644 = h2433 (along with
brighter NGC 641 = h2432) on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, S, lE, glbM. The
following of two [with NGC 641].".
His position and description matches
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01 40 08.7 +05 43 35; Psc
V = 12.6; Size 2.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 125°
17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, slight broad concentration. A line of three mag 9.5-10.5 stars aligned E-W are located just north including a mag 9.5 star 3' NW, a mag 10.5 star 2.2' N and a mag 10 star 4.7' ENE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 645 = m 51 on 27 Oct 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, pL, mE." His position and description applies to
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01 37 21.2 -64 53 42; Hyi
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 107°
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): this interacting double system
(NGC 646 +
The companion, PGC 6014, appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. It was easily seen close east of NGC 646 [0.9' separation between centers]. The pair is located 8' NE of mag 9.5 HD 10080.
John Herschel discovered NGC 646 = h2434 on 2 Nov 1834 and logged "vF, irregularly round, vglbM." His position matches this double system.
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01 39 56.1 -09 14 33; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 45°
17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, elongated 4:3, small
bright core. Forms a pair with NGC
649 3.3' SE. Located 5' W of mag
8.8
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 647 = LM 2-316 (along
with
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01 38 39.8 -17 49 53; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 114°
17.5" (12/4/93): faint, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration. A bright uneven double star h2067 = 7.6/11.6 at 34" lies 10' ENE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 648 = LM 1-34 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is 1.6 min of RA east of
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NGC 649 = MCG -02-05-034 = PGC 6169
01 40 07.4 -09 16 18; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 20°
17.5" (9/26/92): extremely faint, very small, round. Located 3' SW of mag 8.8 SAO 129437, which hampers the observation. Forms a pair with NGC 647 3.3' NW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 649 = LM 2-317 (along with NGC 647 = II-316) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position angle (N-S) is off by 20° but it is clear that NGC 649 = MCG -02-05-034 = PGC 6169. MCG misidentifies NGC 649 as NGC 647.
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01 42 18.1 +51 34 16; Per
V = 10.1; Size 163"x107"
18" (10/19/06): superb view at 225x using a UHC filter. The main bi-polar body was very bright, elongated ~SW-NE and dominated by two large, irregular knots at either end. The SW knot is brighter and the brightest portion is more elongated in the direction of the minor axis. Both knots are somewhat irregular in shape and brightness. A faint star is just off the SW end. The two bright knots are attached with a fainter bridge of nebulosity. Extending off the north end is a large "arm" that sweeps around towards the west and a slightly less obvious counterpart is attached at the south end and sweeps towards the east. The overall effect mimics a photograph of a barred spiral galaxy or perhaps a rotating sprinkler head with jets of water curving away.
17.5" (8/2/86): bright, fairly large, consists of two prominent irregular lobes with a darker center; the SW lobe is brighter with straight edges while the NE lobe has a slightly curved edge. A mag 13.5 star is attached at the southern edge of the SW lobe. Extending from the main body of this striking bipolar planetary is a large halo that contains two large outer arms or wings similar to a spiral galaxy! The outer "arm" attached at the NE end is brighter and longer and curves to the west. The southern extension is short, fainter and less defined. The general features described above were clearly seen in my 13.1" at 166x using an OIII filter on 10/10/86.
13.1" (8/24/84): SW end is brighter while the NE end is slightly curved. Boxy appearance with a dark center.
80mm (1/20/07): at 12.5x appears as a very faint, very small low surface brightness spot that blinks well using an OIII filter and increases significantly in contrast. At 25x and OIII filter appears as a fairly faint, round knot with a fairly high surface brightness.
Pierre Méchain discovered
Observing on the 72" on 5 Nov 1866, Sir Robert Ball described M76 in detail as a "new spiral": "remarkable object; a new spiral possessing details of interest. Previous observation as to form confirmed with some further particulars well seen in single lens. It consists principally of the two B knots which according to Herschel are the pair of double nebula, and third much fainter knot p the other two. Form compared to a reaping hook. Sketched by Lord Oxmantown. The nebulosity terminates very suddenly on the s edge where there is a star, probably distinct from, through very close to the nebulosity. A branch of nebulosity in the following direction was suspected by both observes preceding from between the two knots."
Sir William Huggins first observed a single emission line in the spectrum (a second was likely present) in 1865-66. It was first photographed by Issac Roberts in 1891 and he suggested the appearance was probably due to a broad ring seen edge-on. Based on a Crossley photograph, Curtis (1918) described, "central star of mag 16. Quite irregular, but evidently to be included as one of the larger members of the planetary class. The central and brighter portion of the nebula is an irregular, patchy oblong 87"x42" in pa 40° from the ends of which faint, irregular, ring-like wisps extend total length 157" in pa 128°. Brightest patch at southern end of central part."
T.W. Webb's "Celestial Objects for Common
Telescopes" (1881 or 1885 edition?) described it as a "Pearly white
nebula, double; curious miniature of
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NGC 651 = PK 130-10.1 = M76 = PN G130.9-10.5 = Little Dumbbell Nebula
01 42 21.9 +51 34 49; Per
V = 10.1
17.5": part of NGC 650 = M76, see description for NGC 650.
William Herschel discovered NGC 651 = H. I-193 on 12 Nov 1787 (sweep 780) and recorded "Two close together; both vB, their nebulosities run into each other. Distance of their centers 1 1/2' or 2' from sp to nf." Although Herschel avoided cataloguing Messier objects, he assigned one new designation (H. I.193). Dreyer identified NGC 650 as M76 and NGC 651 as H. I-193 (following of the double nebula).
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01 40 43.2 +07 58 58; Psc
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 55°
17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, very weak concentration.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 652 = Sw. 5-15 on 22 Oct 1886
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 14 tsec east of
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01 42 25.7 +35 38 18; And
V = 13.4; Size 1.5'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 39°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on SSW-NNE, small bright core. A mag 12.5 star is 1.3' ESE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 653 = St. 13-11 on 17 Nov 1881. His published position was reduced on 29 Nov 1883 with description "very faint spindle, elongated NE to SW, length ~1'; a little gradual condensation; several faint stars involved."
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01 43 59 +61 53 00; Cas
V = 6.5; Size 5'
24" (2/5/21): rich cluster immediately NW of mag 7.3 HD
10494. Includes a large number of
multiple stars. STI 277, a wide,
but very unequal pair of mag 11.4/14.5 stars, is 1.5' N of
13.1" (10/20/84): 35 stars, rich, includes several doubles. Located just northwest of mag 7.3 HD 10494, which is a likely member.
8": rich in faint stars including doubles. A mag 7 star is at the southeast edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 654 = H. VII-46 = h145 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and noted "a small cluster of pretty large stars, pretty rich." John Herschel described on 5 Oct 1829 (sweep 216), "a fine rich cluster; stars 11...14m; 3' dia; irreg fig; place that of the most compressed part; one star 6.7 mag, south-following the center, is ruddy."
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01 41 55.1 -13 04 56; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 45°
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, round, weakly concentrated halo, rises quickly to small bright core. A mag 12/14 double star at 20" separation is 2' S. Located 10' NNW of a mag 9.5 star.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 655 = LM 1-35 on 12 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 2' S of MCG -02-05-037037 = PGC 6262. Bigourdan was unable to find this galaxy. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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01 42 27.3 +26 08 35; Psc
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 35°
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, round, 1.0'
diameter, bright core. A mag 11
star is 1.5' NW. Located 8' ESE of
mag 9
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 656 on 20 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He measured a very accurate position on 2 nights as well as the nearby mag 10 star (5 seconds preceding and 1 1/4' north).
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01 43 21 +55 50.2; Cas
17.5" (10/25/97): very unimpressive asterism near at the double star O∑ 35 = 7.2/10.4 at 13". Possibly John Herschel was attracted to a group of ~10 stars 4'-5' SW of the bright double. There are a few additional stars following this group which lead back to the double. This grouping includes a couple of close, faint doubles but appears to be a weak asterism at all powers as there is no evident clustering.
John Herschel discovered NGC 657 = h146 on 28 Nov 1831 and noted "A double star (h2070), the chief of a p rich loose cl; st 12m."
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01 42 09.7 +12 36 06; Psc
V = 12.5; Size 3.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 20°
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, broad concentration, fairly faint small core. Located 4' SSW of mag 8.8
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 658 = St. 11-1 = Sw. 2-13 on 3 Oct 1869 and recorded an unpublished position less than 1' NE of center. A second observation was made on 5 Nov 1875. He published an accurate micrometric position (list 9, #1) made on 27 Nov 1880 and recorded "very faint, very small, irregular, brighter in the middle."
Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 17 Sep 1885 and reported it as possibly new in his second discovery list (#13). His position and description are correct, though he criticized Stephan by writing "pB; pL; vE; nearly bet 2 pB st. If this is Stephan's No 1 of his catalogue of 60 nebulae, A.N. 2390, then his description is wrong in every particular." Dreyer credited both Stephan (1) and Swift (2) in the NGC.
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01 44 23 +60 40 12; Cas
V = 7.9; Size 5'
13.1" (10/20/84): ~20 stars in cluster, not impressive. Located 80' E of M103.
13.1" (11/5/83): 18 stars at 166x over haze. In field to NW of
Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 659 = VIII-65 on 27 Sep 1783 with her 4.2-inch comet-seeker reflector. She observed it again on 30 Oct 1783. William Herschel independently discovered the cluster on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and logged "a small cluster of small stars, not very rich." In his PT catalogue, he noted "Caroline Herschel [discovered it in ] 1783."
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01 43 01.7 +13 38 35; Psc
V = 11.2; Size 8.3'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 170°
48" (10/23/11): this large, striking galaxy contains a very bright, elongated bar oriented SW-NE, ~2'x1'. The northeastern half of the bar is noticeably brighter with a very high surface brightness. The galaxy is fainter and wider on the southwest portion of the bar. The central region in mottled and dusty, but I didn't notice the X-shaped dust lanes visible on photos. At the southwest end, a broad low surface brightness spiral arm emerges and sweeps south, curving slightly east for a length of 2'. A second faint arm begins at the northeast end of the bar and extends north a similar distance, bending gradually to the west. The arms gave the galaxy a stretched "S" appearance and significantly increased the overall size to ~6.5'x2.5', roughly N-S.
17.5" (12/18/89): fairly bright, large, oval SW-NE,
broadly concentrated halo, mottled.
A mag 14 double star is 1.8' ESE of center. Located 10' SE of mag 8.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 660 = H. II-253 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 295) and noted "pB, pl, E, bM, r". Sir Robert Ball, an assistant with the 72" at Birr Castle, described "a fine neb of the character of the neb in Andromeda. cB, vL, E 37.1°, possibly curved and with details. E Nucl which was suspected to be in two parts or have some peculiarity." A later observation by Dreyer reads "pB, pL mE 41°. Looks like a brush, fades away gradually south-following, more sharply defined north-preceding. Condensation in nf end."
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01 44 14.6 +28 42 22; Tri
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 60°
17.5" (9/26/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, prominent core, bright stellar nucleus. Bracketed by two mag 14 stars 75" SW and 75" NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 661 = H. II-610 = h147 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and noted "F, S, bM, resolvable". John Herschel described it on 15 Sep 1828 (sweep 177) as "pF; S; R; psbM". E.E. Barnard found it on 11 Oct 1882 with his 5-inch refractor and described a "minute speck of a nebula...which I assume to be new."
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01 44 35.5 +37 41 46; And
V = 12.9; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 20°
17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, very small, fairly high
even surface brightness, elongated 3:2 ~N-S. Located 3' ENE of mag 6.9
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 662 = St. 13-12 on 17 Nov 1881 and recorded "F, S, R, rather marked central condensation." He reduced the position on 22 Nov 1884 and published it in his large 13th discovery list (#12).
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NGC 663 = Cr 20 = Mel 11 = OCL-333
01 46 16 +61 13 06; Cas
V = 7.1; Size 16'
13.1" (10/20/84): ~75 stars, fairly large, rich. Includes several doubles, the most prominent are STF 153 = 9.3/10.3 at 8" and STF 152 = 9.0/11.2 at 9" and STF 151 = 10.5/10.9 at 7".
William Herschel discovered NGC 663 = H. VI-31 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and recorded "a beautiful cluster of pretty large stars near 15' diameter, considerably rich." Neither John Herschel nor Lord Rosse's assistants observed the cluster.
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01 43 45.8 +04 13 23; Psc
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 65°
17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, weak concentration. Nearby are a mag 15 star 50" NW and two mag 14 stars 1.8' WSW and 2' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 664 = h148 on 24 Sep 1830 and noted "vF; R; 20" [diameter]." R.J. Mitchell, observing with the 72" on 11 Dec 1854, recorded "S, R, bmN. Forms a trapezium [eastern vertex] with 3 stars."
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01 44 56.1 +10 25 22; Psc
V = 12.1; Size 2.4'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 125°
17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval
WNW-ESE, prominent core, bright nucleus.
Brightest in a group of four with
William Herschel discovered NGC 665 = H. II-588 on 4 Sep 1786 (sweep 582) and logged "F, irr R, r."
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01 46 06.3 +34 22 28; Tri
V = 13.4; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.2
17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus. Almost collinear with a mag 12.5 star 2' NNE and a mag 13 star 3' NNE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 666 = St. 13-13 on 22 Nov 1883 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. His position is accurate and his description "very small star in an extremely small and faint nebula" applies to the stellar nucleus and small halo.
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01 44 56.7 -22 55 09; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 82°
17.5" (10/25/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness. Not seen with certainty at 220x and verified at 280x. Located 1.4' SE of a mag 12 star.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 667 = LM 2-318 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 0.3'
west and 2' south of
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01 46 22.6 +36 27 37; And
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 30°
17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, slightly elongated
SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo, small bright core. Located 2.5' W of a mag 10.5 star at the NW edge of
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 668 = St. 11-2 on 3 Oct 1869 and recorded a unpublished position just 1' to the NE. He published an accurate micrometric position made on 4 Dec 1880 in his 11th discovery list with description "pretty faint, pretty small, gradually brighter middle." He made a later observation on 17 Nov 1881.
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01 47 16.2 +35 33 46; Tri
V = 12.3; Size 3.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 36°
17.5" (11/27/92): moderately bright, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, bright bulging core, thin tapering extensions, fairly striking appearance. A mag 13 star is just south of the SW tip 1.5' from the center. Three mag 12 stars form a shallow obtuse triangle close north with the nearest star 1.8' NW. Located at the SW edge of AGC 262 galaxy cluster.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 669 = St. 13-14 on 17 Nov 1881 and a second observation two nights later. His published position in list 13 was reduced on 28 Nov 1883 with description, "pF; mE NE to SW; 1.5' length; gbM; mottled center or several small stars involved."
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01 47 24.9 +27 53 09; Tri
V = 12.7; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 172°
13.1" (11/5/83): fairly faint, small, compact,
elongated 2:1 N-S, bright core.
Located 28' NNW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 670 = H. II-611 = h149 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and noted "F, S, lE". John Herschel logged on 15 Sep 1828 (sweep 177), "not vF; S; E nearly in Meridian [N-S]; 15" C; 10" br." R.J. Mitchell, using the 72" on 18 Sep 1857, recorded "S, pretty much E np sf, bM, is about 2' preceding a double star."
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01 46 59.1 +13 07 31; Ari
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 55°
17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, seems brighter at both ends. A double star with components mag 12.5/13.5 (oriented NW-SE with separation 20") lies 3' S. Located very close to the Pisces border.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 671 = Sw. 2-14 on 17 Sep 1885
with the 16" Clark refractor at Warner Observatory and logged "eF;
pS; R; "between a double star and a star with a distant
companion." Swift's position
is 18 sec of RA east of
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NGC 672 = VV 338b = UGC 1256 = MCG +04-05-011 = CGCG 482-016 = Holm 46a = KTG 8B = PGC 6595
01 47 53.9 +27 25 56; Tri
V = 10.9; Size 7.2'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 65°
24" (12/28/13): at 225x appeared very bright, very
large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, mottled appearance. Contains a brighter, elongated "bar" that is
slightly angled (roughly 7:2 E-W) to the major axis of the halo. Slightly brighter "patches"
were visible just beyond the bar (on both the east and west side), probably
where spiral arms attach to the bar.
13.1" (11/5/83): fairly bright, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, even surface brightness. Bracketed by a mag 13.5 star 2.2' WNW and a mag 13 star 3.2' E. Brightest in a group with IC 1727 8' SW.
8" (11/13/82): fairly faint, low even surface brightness, fairly large, diffuse. Two mag 13.5 stars lie NW and at the east edge.
8" (11/28/81): faint, fairly large, very diffuse, elongated ~E-W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 672 = H. I-157 = h150 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and logged "cB, cL, extended in the parallel, mbM, about 6 or 7' long, 3' broad." The galaxy was observed 7 times with the 72". On 26 Oct 1854, R.J. Mitchell recorded "A tolerably B ray, bM. The B portion is narrow, but I think F neby extends laterally; * south of centre and another fainter one sp center? [this may refer to an HII region]." I'm surprised, though, that IC 1727 was missed during these observations.
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01 48 22.5 +11 31 18; Ari
V = 12.6; Size 2.1'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 0°
17.5" (12/18/89): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, weak concentration. Located 3.1' WSW of a mag 10 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 673 = H. II-589 on 4 Sep 1786 (sweep 582) and logged "F, pL, E, brightest following the middle, 2' south-preceding a considerably bright star [10th mag]." Using the 72" at Birr Castle in 1875, J.L.E. Dreyer accurately described the galaxy as "pB, pL, irr R, vlbM, *10-11m Pos. 65.8°, Dist 195.6".
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01 51 17.4 +22 21 28; Ari
See observing notes for
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 674 on 2 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted "pretty bright, elongated, *14 follows by 8 seconds." There is nothing at his position, but 2.0 min of RA east is NGC 697 and the description fits! John Herschel and Dreyer assumed this was a new discovery and catalogued d'Arrest's object as GC 398 = NGC 674. Curiously, he claims the object was found the same night (4th of 411) that he also observed NGC 697. Father Hagen and Bigourdan searched fruitlessly for NGC 674 and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, says "not found, = NGC 697?" That conclusion is warranted. See Corwin's notes.
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01 49 08.6 +13 03 35; Ari
V = 14.5; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 99°
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 30"x12". A mag 14.6 star is close northeast. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 675 1.3' E.
17.5" (12/18/89): extremely faint, small, elongated
E-W. Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 675 = Sw. 5-16, along with NGC
677 = Sw. 5-17, on 25 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner
Observatory. His position is 5 sec
of RA west and 17" south of
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01 48 57.3 +05 54 24; Psc
V = 11.9; Size 4.0'x1.2'; PA = 172°
17.5" (12/18/89): very unusual appearance as a mag 10
star (BD +5 244) is superimposed on the core! Fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, almost even
surface brightness except for the bright star [5" SSW of the
nucleus].
William Herschel discovered NGC 676 = H. IV-42 = h151 on 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 607) and recorded "a star with vF branches in the direction of the meridian, each branch about 1' in length; the star about 8 or 9 m; other stars of the same size are free from these branches". Interestingly, he used this example in his 1814 PT paper to argue, not only of the association of the star [very near the center] and the nebula, but that the nebula was brighter near the star because nebulous matter was being drawn by gravity to the star. John Herschel made two observations and logged on 24 Sep 1830, "a *9m with a vF narrow ray of nebulosity; a most curious object." The galaxy was observed 4 times at Birr Castle. On 8 Nov 1876, J.L.E. Dreyer recorded "*9m with pF neb elongated 168.4°, longer on the side of *, concave preceding, convex following."
The 9.5-mag star superimposed at the center is included in the CGCG magnitude (10.5z). Steinicke notes that the separation from centre is only 9", the smallest value of all cases of bright superimposed stars in the NGC!
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NGC 677 = IC 152? = UGC 1275 = MCG +02-05-042 = CGCG 437-039 = PGC 6673
01 49 14.0 +13 03 19; Ari
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.7
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; moderately bright or fairly bright, moderately large, round, at least 1' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a small, intensely bright nucleus and a low surface brightness halo. A mag 15.3 star is close to the south edge of the halo. Brighter of a very close pair with NGC 675 1.3' W.
17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core increases to a very small brighter nucleus. A mag 14 star lies 1' W and a mag 15 star is 1' S. Forms a close pair with NGC 675 1.4' WSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 677 = Sw. 5-17, along with NGC
675 = Sw. 5-16, on 25 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner
Observatory. His position is 10
sec of RA west and 14" north of
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01 49 24.8 +21 59 51; Ari
V = 12.2; Size 4.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 78°
24" (8/30/16): fairly bright, large, very elongated 4:1
WSW-ENE, 2.5'x0.6'. Sharply
concentrated with an unusually brighter core that is irregularly round, stellar
nucleus. The arms are long and low
surface brightness, but the warped dust lane was not seen. Forms a striking pair with
18" (11/22/03): fairly bright, moderately large, very
elongated 7:2 WSW-ENE, 3.0'x0.8'.
Sharply concentrated with a small bright core that increases to the
center. The extensions are much
fainter. Forms a pair with NGC 680
5' ESE in the NGC 697 group (also called the
13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated 3:1 ~E-W. Forms a pair with NGC 680 5' ESE in the NGC 697 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 678 = H. II-228, along with NGC 680, on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274) and described them together as "Two. Both F, pS, irregularly R." On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 636) he logged "pB, S, mbM."
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01 49 43.7 +35 47 08; And
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (10/17/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, broad concentration, in AGC 262.
13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, round, small bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 679 = H. III-175 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and simply noted "stellar." His RA was 17 seconds of time too large. Édouard Stephan made observations on 2 and 5 Nov 1875, 1 Nov 1877 and 17 Nov 1881. He reduced a precise micrometric position on 23 Nov 1876 (perhaps to correct Herschel's error).
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NGC 680 = UGC 1286 = MCG +04-05-015 = CGCG 482-019 = WBL 052-002 = LGG 034-003 = PGC 6719
01 49 47.3 +21 58 16; Ari
V = 11.9; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 156°
24" (8/30/16): bright, moderately large, irregularly
round, 1.5'x1.2'. Sharply concentrated
with a bright 30" core that increases gradually to a stellar nucleus. A mag 10.8 star is 3.5' E. Forms a striking pair with NGC 678 5'.5
WNW.
18" (11/22/03): fairly bright, high surface brightness elliptical or lenticular, slightly elongated, 1.7'x1.5'. Contains a well-condensed 30" bright core surrounded by a fainter halo that fades gradually. Surrounded by three mag 10-11 stars 3'-4' S, E and NE. In a trio with NGC 678 5' WNW and IC 1730 3.5' NE.
13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 678 5' WNW in the NGC 697 group (also called the NGC 691 group).
William Herschel discovered NGC 680 = H. II-229, along with NGC 678, on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274). On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 636) he noted "pB, S, mbM." See NGC 678.
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01 49 10.7 -10 25 35; Cet
V = 12.0; Size 2.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 68°
17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is at the NW edge of the halo. Just SW is a perfect rhombus asterism consisting of four mag 13 stars with sides 1.5' with an additional mag 14 star just east of the rhombus. MCG -02-05-053 lies 22' N. On images, this galaxy has a striking resemblance to the Sombrero Galaxy, although the dust lane was not noticed.
13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, elongated ~E-W, diffuse edges, weak concentration, small bright nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is at the west edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 681 = H. II-481 = h2436 on
28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and noted "pB, cL, R, about 1.5' following a small
star [mag 13]." His position
is 7' N of
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01 49 04.5 -14 58 29; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 95°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very
small bright core, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated fainter outer halo. Located 15' SE of mag 7.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 682 = H. II-501 = h154 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and noted "F, S, R, very small pretty bright nucleus." On 15 Oct 1830 (sweep 307), John Herschel called it "vF; R; vgbM; 15" [diameter]." The NGC position is accurate.
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01 49 46.7 +11 42 05; Ari
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, small, round. A pair of mag 14 stars are 2' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 683 = h153 on 17 Oct 1825 and
noted "eF; AR may be a whole minute wrong [the transit was missed]."
Despite his uncertainly, Herschel's position matches
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01 50 14.0 +27 38 48; Tri
V = 12.4; Size 3.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 90°
24" (12/28/13): fairly bright, beautiful edge-on 7:1 E-W, 1.8'x0.25', sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core and a faint stellar nucleus.
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 E-W, even concentration, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 32' NE of NGC 672 in a group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 684 = H. II-612 = h152 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and logged "pB, pL, lE nearly in the parallel, mbM."
Edward Swift, Lewis' son, found this galaxy again on 18 Jan
1890 while "searching for Swift's Comet" and it was reported as a new
object in list IX-6. In
Astronomische Nachrichten #3429, Isaac Roberts noted the equivalence of
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01 47 42.5 -52 45 47; Eri
V = 11.0; Size 3.7'x3.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 75°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, large, slightly elongated ~WNW-ESE, broad concentration with a large brighter core, 3' diameter. Just outside the core, the surface brightness is irregular or mottled and a couple of extremely faint quasi-stellar knots (HII regions) are just visible in the outer halo. There is an impression of spiral structure in the halo, but I couldn't trace the arms.
John Herschel discovered NGC 685 = h2438 on 3 Oct 1834 and
logged "F, vL, R, vgvlbM, 3'.". His position is 1.5' S of
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01 48 56.1 -23 47 54; For
V = 12.4; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 0°
17.5" (11/6/93): moderately bright, small, round,
bright core, fairly bright stellar nucleus. Forms the vertex of a right angle with mag 9.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 686 = H. III-459 = h155 = h2437 on 26 Oct 1785 (sweep 465) and noted "vF, vS, easily resolvable." John Herschel observed this galaxy both at Slough, England and at the Cape of Good Hope. He logged it from Slough on 14 Oct 1830 (sweep 306) as "vF; R; gbM; 15"; a *8 m south-preceding."
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01 50 33.2 +36 22 15; And
V = 12.3; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (10/17/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Member of AGC 262.
13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, small, round, bright core.
13.1" (12/11/82): fairly bright, small, round, bright core, ~1' diameter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 687 = H. III-561 on 21 Sep
1786 (sweep 599) and noted "vF, stellar." Stephan made observations on 5 Oct 1869, 17 Nov 1870, 30 Nov
1877, 17 Nov 1881 and 19 Nov 1881.
He discovered several unpublished discoveries in the cluster including
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01 50 44.2 +35 17 04; Tri
V = 12.7; Size 2.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 145°
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval
NNW-SSE, weak concentration. Forms
a pair with
13.1" (10/20/84): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, weak concentration.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 688 on 16 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position matches this starburst (nucleus) galaxy. Stephan made an observation on 13 Oct 1869 at Marseilles Observatory.
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01 49 51.7 -27 27 59; For
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 68°
17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, small, round, broad concentration. A mag 14.5 star lies 1.5' SW.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 689 = LM 1-89 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position is 0.8 tmin west and
3' north of
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01 47 48.1 -16 43 17; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 145°
17.5" (10/25/97): marginal object that required a GSC finder chart and averted vision just to glimpse. As the observation was extremely difficult, no details were visible, although it seemed round, perhaps 20" diameter. The correct position confirmed with respect to a couple of collinear mag 12 stars 5' SE and 10' SE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 690 = LM 1-37 on 9 Nov
1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position is 1.5 tmin east of
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NGC 691 = UGC 1305 = MCG +04-05-019 = CGCG 460-031 = CGCG 482-023 = LGG 034-004 = PGC 6793
01 50 41.7 +21 45 35; Ari
V = 11.4; Size 3.5'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 95°
18" (11/22/03): bright, large, slightly elongated E-W,
~2.0'x1.5'. Fairly sharp
concentration with a well-defined 45" core surrounded by an unconcentrated
halo. A close pair of mag 9-10
stars (uncatalogued) is just off the northeast edge! NGC 691 is the brightest in the NGC 691 group (also called
the NGC 697 group and LGG 034) that includes NGC 678, NGC 680, NGC 691, NGC
694,
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, fairly large, almost round, very diffuse, weak concentration. A close double star is off the NE edge. Located 15' SSE of NGC 680 in the NGC 697 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 691 = H. II-617 on 13 Nov
1786 (sweep 636) and noted "F, cL, vglbM". The NGC position matches
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01 48 42.0 -48 38 55; Phe
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly bright,
moderately large, roundish, 50"-60" diameter. Contains a bright, elongated core NW-SE
that appears to be a bar (verified later on the DSS) and a quasi-stellar
nucleus. Four stars curl south off
the southwest side including a mag 12 star 3.7' SSW. Mag 9.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 692 = h2439 on 2 Oct 1834 and noted "B, R, gbM, 30"." On a later sweep (744) he described it as "vF, R, gbM, 20"." His position (h2439) is accurate, although there was a 10 tsec error in RA on sweep 744.
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NGC 693 = UGC 1304 = MCG +01-05-035 = CGCG 412-033 = PGC 6778
01 50 30.9 +06 08 42; Psc
V = 12.4; Size 2.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 106°
17.5" (12/18/89): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, broad concentration. A mag 10.5 star is 1.4' E of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 693 = H. II-859 = h156 on 25 Dec 1790 (sweep 986) and noted "pB, S, E nearly in parallel, south preceding a small star." John Herschel logged on 24 Sep 1830 (sweep 300), "pB; E; vgbM; a * 10m, north-following." The galaxy was observed 5 times at Birr Castle. On 7 Oct 1850, Bindon Blood Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) recorded "Light rather equable, a minute star in the p part, resolvable?". A sketch made on 24 Nov 1851 by Bindon Blood was included in LdR's 1861 publication (Plate XXV, fig 2).
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01 50 58.4 +21 59 50; Ari
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.5'; PA = 160°
18" (11/22/03): moderately bright, fairly small, 0.7'x0.5'. Fairly high surface brightness, which increases to an occasional faint stellar nucleus. A mag 10.5 star is 2.3' SE. IC 167, which lies 5.5' SSE, is very faint, elongated 4:3, 0.8'x0.6', low surface brightness.
13.1" (9/29/84): faint, small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness. Member of the NGC 697 group (also called the NGC 691 group) with IC 167 5.5' SSE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 694 on 2 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted the nebula was collinear with two mag 15 stars [probably to the NW and SE].
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NGC 695 = UGC 1315 = CGCG 482-026 = V Zw 123 = PGC 6844
01 51 14.2 +22 34 57; Ari
V = 12.8; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 40°
13.1" (9/29/84): faint, very small, round. A mag 13 star is at the west end, 0.5' from center. Located 14' N of NGC 697 in a group, though physically this galaxy lies far in the background.
William Herschel discovered NGC 695 = H. II-618 on 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 636) and noted "vS, stellar." The NGC position is off by 1' to the S.
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01 49 31.2 -34 54 19; For
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 25°
17.5" (11/1/97): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3
SW-NE, 40"x30", weak concentration. A mag 12 star follows by 3.3'. Forms a pair with fainter
John Herschel discovered NGC 696 = h2440 (along with NGC 698
= h2441) on 29 Nov 1837 and noted "F, S, R, 15"." His position is 0.2 tmin east and 2.5'
south of
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NGC 697 = NGC 674 = UGC 1317 = MCG +04-05-022 = CGCG 482-027 = LGG 034-006 = PGC 6848
01 51 17.4 +22 21 28; Ari
V = 12.0; Size 4.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 105°
18" (11/22/03): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, ~3.0'x1.3'. Contains a fairly well-defined bright elongated core and a fairly smooth halo. Located 16' ENE of the bright double star 1 Arietis. NGC 695 is located 13' N.
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, only a weak broad concentration. The striking double star 1 Arietis (6.2/7.4 at 3") lies 16' WSW. Brightest in the NGC 697 group (also called the NGC 691 group) with a number of members about 30' S.
8" (11/28/81): fairly faint, elongated. Located ~15' E of a close mag 6/7 double (1 Arietis).
William Herschel discovered NGC 697 = H. III-179 on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274) and recorded "vF, pL, lE." On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 636) he noted "pB, cL, E, mbM." Heinrich d'Arrest found this galaxy on 2 Dec 1861 but his RA was 2 minutes too small. Dreyer assumed d'Arrest's object was new, and recatalogued it as NGC 674. So, NGC 697 = NGC 674, with NGC 697 the primary designation.
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NGC 698 = ESO 353-051 = MCG -06-05-005 = SCG 9 = PGC 6710
01 49 43.7 -34 49 52; For
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 171°
17.5" (11/1/97): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (probably viewed core only), low surface brightness, no concentration. Requires averted vision and cannot hold steadily. Forms the northern vertex of a right triangle with a mag 12 star 4.7' S and brighter NGC 696 5.1' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 698 = h2441 on 29 Nov 1837 and
noted "vvF; S." His
single position is 10 tsec of RA east and 2.5' south of
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01 50 43.7 -12 02 09; Cet
V = 13.9; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 130°
17.5" (12/23/92): extremely faint, fairly small,
edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, very low surface brightness, brighter core. Located 7' NNE of mag 8.5
Frank Muller discovered NGC 699 = LM 2-319 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 16.0,
1.0'x0.4', E 105°, bnp, curved; *9.5 p 22 sec". His position matches
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01 52 16.9 +36 02 12; And
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (12/8/20): at 260x;
UGC 1336 appeared very faint, small,round, 18", low surface brightness (core region) with extremely low surface brightness extensions N-S. A mag 15.4 star is off the N end and a mag 14.5 star (with mag 15.5-16 companion) is off the S end.
17.5" (12/19/87): very faint, small, round. Two mag 14 stars are collinear 1.5' WSW
and 2.7' WSW. Located about 8' SW
of the central core of AGC 262 in a group of four galaxies with UGC 1336 3.7'
NW. This galaxy (
UGC 1336 (NGC 700 in most sources) appeared extremely faint, very small, irregularly round. Several faint stars near.
17.5" (10/17/87): extremely faint, small, round. A mag 14 star lies 1' W.
R.J. Mitchell, assistant to Lord Rosse, discovered NGC 700
on 12 Oct 1855. He noted
"about 8' sp same group [
The RNGC, UGC and CGCG misidentify UGC 1336 as NGC 700. This latter galaxy is 6.5' WSW the center of the group, but is not as obvious at the eyepiece. See Corwin's notes.
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01 51 03.7 -09 42 10; Cet
V = 12.2; Size 2.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 40°
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1
WSW-ENE, broadly concentrated halo, faint stellar nucleus suspected. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 701 = H. I-62 = h160 = h2442 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and noted "F, pS, irr R." On 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) he called this object "cB; pL; E; bM." It was placed in class I (Bright Nebulae). John Herschel observed the galaxy at both Slough and at the Cape, commenting on 9 Dec 1835 (sweep 650) from the Cape, "eF, pL; certainly not entitled to a place in the 1st class." In the GC notes, he added d'Arrest missed it with a 4.5-inch refractor at Leibzig. Stephan observed it at Marseilles on 22 Nov 1875.
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01 51 19.2 -04 03 21; Cet
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 155°
17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 NNW-SSE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 10' NNW of mag 7.3
Arp classified NGC 702 (
William Herschel discovered NGC 702 = H. III-192 = h158 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and noted "eF, S, 240 verified it with difficulty." John Herschel observed the galaxy on 3 sweeps and logged on 18 Oct 1827 (sweep 97), "eF; lE in meridian; has a * 14m 90" south."
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NGC 703 = UGC 1346 = MCG +06-05-029 = CGCG 522-037 = Holm 49c = PGC 6957
01 52 39.6 +36 10 17; And
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 50°
24" (12/8/20): at 260x; fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", contains a very small core and stellar nucleus. A mag 15.3 star is just off the SW end [27" from center].
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, small, oval, weak
concentration. A mag 15 star is at
the SW end. Located in the central
core of AGC 262 with
13.1" (10/22/84): faint, very small, third brightest of four in the core of AGC 262.
13.1" (12/11/82): very faint, round, difficult.
William Herschel discovered NGC 703 = H. III-562 = h157, along with NGC 704, 705 and 708, on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599) and recorded "Four, unequal, 3 in a row [NGC 704, 705, 708], the 4th [NGC 703] making a rectangle with them. All in the space of 2 or 3'; the one at the angular part [NGC 708] is much larger than the others." John Herschel logged on 17 Nov 1828 (sweep 105), "vF; the np of two [with NGC 708], dist 90" ±."
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NGC 704 = UGC 1343 = MCG +06-05-028 = CGCG 522-034 = Holm 49b = PGC 6953
01 52 37.8 +36 07 32; And
V = 13.1; Size 0.6'x0.5'
24" (12/8/20): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, brighter nucleus. At 375x the southern component (LEDA 197601) of this merged double system bulged out as a small "knot" at the south end.
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, oval ~N-S, weak concentration. Located in the dense core of AGC 262 with NGC 705 1.3' NE, NGC 703 2.7' N and NGC 708 2.7' NE. This double galaxy was unresolved, but was merged in the N-S direction.
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, very small. Second brightest of four in the core of AGC 262.
13.1" (12/11/82): very faint. On a line with NGC 705 and NGC 708.
William Herschel discovered NGC 704 = H. III-563, along with NGC 703, 705 and 708, on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599). He described the group as "Four, unequal, 3 in a row [NGC 704, 705, 708], the 4th [NGC 703] making a rectangle with them. All in the space of 2 or 3'; the one at the angular part [NGC 708] is much larger than the others."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 7 Oct 1855, noted
"[NGC 704] is seen with higher power (single lens) to be
double." So, he resolved this
double system. I suggested to
Harold Corwin (in Mar 2014) that the two components could justifiably be
labeled
******************************
NGC 705 = UGC 1345 = MCG +06-05-030 = CGCG 522-036 = Holm 49d = VI Zw 90 = PGC 6958
01 52 41.5 +36 08 39; And
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 117°
24" (12/8/20): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, ~25" in length, contains a small brighter core with small "wings". A mag 15 star is 40" S. Situated at the exact center of the small triangle formed by NGC 703, 704 and 708.
17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. Located in the core of AGC 262 with NGC 703 1.7' N, NGC 704 1.3' SW and NGC 708 1.1' NE. A mag 14 star is 40" south, midway to NGC 704.
13.1" (10/20/84): very faint, very small, star less than 1' SW between NGC 703 and NGC 704.
13.1" (12/11/82): extremely faint, very small.
William Herschel discovered NGC 705 = H. III-562, along with NGC 703, 704 and NGC 708, on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599). He described the group as "Four, unequal, 3 in a row [NGC 704, 705, 708], the 4th [NGC 703] making a rectangle with them. All in the space of 2 or 3'; the one at the angular part [NGC 708] is much larger than the others." The NGC position is accurate.
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NGC 706 = UGC 1334 = MCG +01-05-040 = CGCG 412-037 = PGC 6897
01 51 50.5 +06 17 48; Psc
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, almost even surface brightness but faint stellar nucleus seen at moments. A mag 13 star is 1.0' N of center. NGC 693 lies 22' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 706 = H. II-596 = h161 on 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 607) and noted "F, S, irr F, about 1' south of a very small star." The star is exactly 1' north. John Herschel logged on 24 Sep 1830 (sweep 300), "pB; 30"; a *13m 1 radius of neb dist from edge."
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01 51 27.1 -08 30 20; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 85°
24" (11/7/18): at 375x; small but fairly high surface brightness. Elongated ~2:1 (at least the brighter major axis), ~30"x15", faint stellar nucleus. A faint star (mag ~15.5) is superimposed on the southeast end.
Brightest in a group at z = .018 with
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, very small, round, very small bright core. A faint star is superimposed [only 12" SE of center] and it gave the appearance of a double nucleus.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 707 = T. 4-6 on 13 Nov 1879
with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and reported "III
class, with star in the middle."
His micrometric position matches
******************************
NGC 708 = UGC 1348 = MCG +06-05-031 = CGCG 522-039 = Holm 49a = PGC 6962
01 52 46.4 +36 09 08; And
V = 12.7; Size 3.0'x2.5'; Surf Br = 14.9; PA = 35°
24" (12/8/20): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, slightly brighter nucleus. A mag 15 star is attached at the north end [0.3' from center].
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is at the north end just 0.2' from center. NGC 708 is the brightest galaxy in the central core of AGC 262 with NGC 703 1.8' NW, NGC 705 1.1' SW and NGC 704 2.7' SW.
13.1" (9/22/84): very faint, small, round, largest in a group of four. A mag 15 star is off the north edge.
13.1" (12/11/82): brightest in the central group, small, round.
William Herschel discovered NGC 708 = H. III-565 = h159, along with NGC 703, 704 and 705, on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599). He described the group as "Four, unequal, 3 in a row [NGC 704, 705, 708], the 4th [NGC 703] making a rectangle with them. All in the space of 2 or 3'; the one at the angular part [NGC 708] is much larger than the others." John Herschel recorded on 17 Nov 1828 (sweep 105), "pB; pL; lbM; 40" [diameter]."
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01 52 50.6 +36 13 25; And
V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.2'; PA = 130°
24" (12/8/20): between faint and fairly faint, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 NW-SE, ~25"x12", brighter core/nucleus. Situated midway between a mag 9.8 star 2' NW and a mag 12 star 2' SE. The galaxy is elongated in the same orientation. Lies in the central region of galaxy cluster AGC 262.
17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, elongated NW-SE. Located almost at midpoint of a mag 12 star 1.9' SE and a mag 10 star 2.0' NW. Located just north of the central core of AGC 262 with NGC 708 4.3' SSW and NGC 703 3.8' SW.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 709 on 28 Oct 1850. He recorded "4' or 5' nnf of group [NGC 703/704/705/708] is another nebula, perhaps two." Édouard Stephan made an observation at the Marseilles Observatory on 24 Nov 1875. Dreyer found it again on 18 Nov 1876 and recorded "Nova [=5195] nf h 157 [NGC 703]., Pos 35.1, Dist. 210.5", vF, pS, it has a *11 m in Pos 297, Dist 110.3", *12-13m about same distance sf, the 2 st and neb being almost in a line." Dreyer was credited with the discovery in the NGC, though Stephan was earlier.
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01 52 53.9 +36 03 12; And
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.0
24" (12/8/20): at 260x; fairly faint, moderately large, roundish, ~50" diameter, even surface brightness. Largest galaxy in the central core of AGC 262.
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval slightly elongated ~E-W. A mag 15 star is 40" SSW of center. Located about 6' SSE of the central four galaxies (NGC 703, NGC 704, NGC 705, NGC 708) in the core of AGC 262.
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, slightly elongated, fairly small, largest in field.
13.1" (12/11/82): faint, round, visible with direct vision, second brightest in the central core.
Bindon Blood Stoney probably discovered NGC 710 on 28 Oct
1850. He recorded "ssf [a group of 5 or more nebula] about 12' is a F, pL
nebula with stars in it." It
was picked up again by assistant R.J. Mitchell on 12 Oct 1855 and noted as
"6' or 7' sf this group is a pB, R, neb, bM." Heinrich d'Arrest next found and
accurately measured NGC 710 on 12 Aug 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at
Copenhagen. Édouard Stephan
observed NGC 710 on 24 Nov 1875 from the Marseilles Observatory, along with a
discovery of
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01 52 27.7 +17 30 46; Ari
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 15°
17.5" (12/7/90): very faint, very small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE. A mag 14 star is 20" E.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 711 = St. 12-19 on 5 Nov 1875. His published observation (list 12, #19) was made 6 years later on 4 Nov 1881 with description "vF star [nucleus] surrounded by vF, vS nebulosity."
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01 53 08.5 +36 49 12; And
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 85°
17.5" (10/24/87): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated WSW-ENE, even concentration, small bright core. A mag 14 star is close SW 0.6' from
center and a mag 12 star is 1' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 712 = h163 in October 1828 (sweep 188 between 11 and 27 Oct) and logged "vF; R; among several pB stars."
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01 55 21.5 -09 05 01; Cet
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 95°
17.5" (10/25/97): at 280x, appeared very faint, small,
elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.7'x0.2', low even surface brightness. Located 7.7' SE of brighter
17.5" (11/6/93): not found.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 713 = LM 2-320 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 3 min of RA west of MCG -02-05-075 although his PA of 90° matches this galaxy. There is also a mag 15 star 2.2' NNW in agreement with Leavenworth's note of "*14, np 2'." MCG does not label -02-05-075 as NGC 713. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, mentions a galaxy 8' SE of NGC 731 is much elongated in PA 90°, which fits Leavenworth's description for NGC 713.
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01 53 29.6 +36 13 17; And
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 112°
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated WNW-ESE, bright core. Two mag 13.5 stars are 1.0' W and 1.4' NW of center. Member of AGC 262.
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, bright core, edge-on WNW-ESE, two faint stars are close west.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 714 on 28 Oct 1850. He mentioned it in respect to NGC 709: "following this last [NGC 709] is one about 11' [east]." R.J. Mitchell found NGC 714 again on 12 Oct 1855 and noted "about 10' nf the group is a pB, 1L neb, with B Nucl, susp resolvable." Heinrich d'Arrest next found the nebula on 2 Dec 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured an accurate position. Stephan made observations on 24 Nov 1875, 3 Nov 1877 and 30 Nov 1877 at Marseilles. Finally, Lawrence Parsons observed it again on 18 Nov 1876, noting "forming a triangle with 2 stars 13m preceding and north-preceding (perhaps a 3rd star)." In the 1880 publication Dreyer indicated the observation was a duplicate of GC 5197 (d'Arrest). d'Arrest and LdR are attributed with the discovery in the NGC.
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01 53 12.5 -12 52 23; Cet
V = 15.0; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 175°
17.5" (10/25/97): extremely faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.4'. Located 3.5' N of a mag 11 star. A mag 8 star is 11' NW edge at the edge of the 220x field. Best viewed at 280x.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 715 = O St I-38 on 12 Dec 1885
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position but
1.5 min of RA east and 3' S is
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01 52 59.7 +12 42 30; Ari
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 57°
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 SW-NE,
1.5'x0.7', broad weak concentration but no nucleus. Located 8' WNW of mag 7.5
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 716 = Sw. 4-6 on 1 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. There is nothing at his position but Corwin identifies NGC 716 = UGC 1351. This implies Swift made a 40' error (copying?) in declination, though his description matches this galaxy, including the "bright * near foll".
Bigourdan found this galaxy again on 1 Jan 1892, placed it correctly as a nova, and Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 1743. The description for IC 1743 mentions "=NGC 716?" and in the IC 2 notes Dreyer comments that Bigourdan couldn't find NGC 716 but B.250 = IC 1743 may equal NGC 716. This galaxy is identified as IC 1743 in UGC, MCG and CGCG, although the earlier discovery by Swift implies that NGC 716 should be the primary designation.
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01 53 55.1 +36 13 46; And
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 117°
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, small, edge-on WNW-ESE, small bright core. Located 5.1' E of NGC 715 in the core of AGC 262.
13.1" (9/22/84): very faint, slightly elongated ~E-W, 6' E of NGC 714.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 717 on 12 Oct 1855 and noted "5' nf this nebula [NGC 714] is another fainter ray." Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the nebula on 16 Sep 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. Lawrence Parsons made another observation on 18 Nov 1876, recording "Foll last neb [NGC 714] is an eF, pL neb with a star 15m ~1' sf." In the 1880 publication Dreyer indicated that the Birr Castle observation was a duplicate of d'Arrest's GC 5198. LdR and d'A are mentioned as the discoverers in the NGC.
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01 53 13.2 +04 11 45; Psc
V = 11.7; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 45°
17.5" (11/6/93): moderately bright, fairly small, round, increases to very small prominent core, stellar nucleus, very faint larger halo 1.5' diameter.
8" (10/31/81): faint, very small, round, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 718 = H. II-270 = h164 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and logged "pB, S, iR, mbM". John Herschel made two observations and called it "B; R; psbM; 25" [diameter]" (sweep 300 on 25 Sep 1830).
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01 53 38.8 +19 50 26; Ari
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 150°
17.5" (12/7/90): very faint, very small, round, broad concentration. Two mag 14 and 15 star are close east. The bright double star Gamma Arietis (components 4.4/4.7) lies 30' S.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 719 on 24 Nov 1861 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position is 13 sec of RA following
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01 53 00.4 -13 44 20; Cet
V = 10.2; Size 4.7'x2.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 135°
17.5" (9/26/92): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2.0'x1.0', well-defined very bright core with dimensions 40"x20". A very faint halo extends the major axis to almost 2' length.
William Herschel discovered NGC 720 = H. I-105 = h165 = h2443 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 451) and noted "cB, pL, iR, mbM.". This galaxy was observed by John Herschel at both Slough and the Cape of Good Hope where he logged "pB, lE, psmbM, 40"."
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01 54 45.5 +39 23 00; And
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 135°
17.5" (11/27/92): faint, fairly small, 1' diameter, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, very diffuse, low surface brightness, no central concentration. Located in fairly rich star field.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 721 on 27 Aug 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and recorded "eF, pL, no ncl". His RA is 8 seconds too large (single measure). MCG doesn't label their entry as NGC 721.
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01 54 47.1 +20 41 54; Ari
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 138°
24" (12/1/16): at 225x; fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~30"x20", slightly brighter nucleus. This galaxy lies a mere 7' SSE from the glare of 2.7-magnitude Beta Arietis, but the galaxy was not difficult with the star placed off the edge of the field. A group of mag 11.5-13 stars is nearby, including a mag 12 star 2.7' ENE.
17.5" (12/7/90): very faint, very small, oval 3:2 NW-SE. Remarkable location as situated 7' SSE of Beta Arietis (V = 2.6) in the same 220x field. This is a similar situation as NGC 404 near Mirach, but NGC 722 is much fainter.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 722 on 2 Dec 1861 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and recorded "vF, vS, R, Beta Arietis 7'
north." His position
(measured on 3 nights) matches
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01 53 45.6 -23 45 28; Cet
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, 1.0' diameter, just a slight central brightening. A mag 12.8 star is 2.5' S. Located very close to Cetus-Fornax border.
William Herschel discovered NGC 723 = H. III-460 = h166 =
h167 = h2444 on 26 Oct 1785 (sweep 465) and noted "vF, vS". The galaxy was observed by John
Herschel at both Slough and at the Cape of Good Hope where he logged "pF,
R, gbM, 25". No other neb within 15' all round." His first of two observations from
Slough on 14 Sep 1830 differed in North Polar Distance so he catalogued it
separately as h167 (later
******************************
NGC 724 = NGC 723 = ESO 477-013 = MCG -04-05-016 = PGC 7024
01 53 45.8 -23 45 28; Cet
See observing notes for NGC 723.
John Herschel found NGC 724 = h167 on 14 Sep 1830 and noted "vF; pL; R; gbM; has a small * 75° sp. It is barely possible that this may be H III 460 [NGC 723] with a mistake in reading the polar distance." Herschel's suspicion was correct as he later reobserved the galaxy from the Cape (h2444) and noted there was only one nebula in the vicinity. Nevertheless, h167 became GC 436 and finally NGC 724. So, NGC 723 = NGC 724 with the two entries equated in ESO and RNGC. See Corwin's notes.
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01 52 35.5 -16 31 04; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (10/29/94): very faint, small, elongated 3:2
SSW-NNE, 30"x20", low surface brightness, weak concentration. Located 6.4' WSW of mag 7.8
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 725 = LM 1-39 on 9 Nov
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position but
1.6 min of RA west is
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01 55 31.8 -10 47 58; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 100°
17.5" (12/4/93): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated, low smooth surface brightness.
A mag 12 star is 2.8' E of center.
Located 6.5' SE of mag 8.9
Frank Muller discovered NGC 726 = LM 1-40 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (given to the
nearest minute of RA) is 1.0 tmin west of
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01 53 49.4 -35 51 23; For
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 76°
18" (12/3/05): extremely faint, very small, round, appears as a low surface brightness hazy spot with averted, no details.
18" (11/6/04): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness. Collinear with two mag 11 and 12 stars 5' NE and 10' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 727 = h2445 on 1 Sep 1834 and
logged "F, S, R, bM, 15 arcsec." His position is just 1.5' S of
******************************
01 55 01.4 +04 13 21; Psc
= ***, Carlson.
John Herschel discovered NGC 728 = h168 on 16 Oct 1827 and noted a "suspected nebula". There are three cleanly resolved stars on the DSS at Herschel's position. Heinrich d'Arrest and Guillaume Bigourdan were unable to find Herschel's object. See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 729 = NGC 727? = ESO 354-010 = MCG -06-05-012 = PGC 7027
01 53 49.4 -35 51 23; For
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 76°
See observing notes for NGC 727.
John Herschel discovered NGC 729 = h2446 on 30 Nov 1837 and logged "eeeF, S, R. RA only rudely taken by a star, being out of the field." Harold Corwin feels this entry is most likely a duplicate observation of h2445 = NGC 727, found earlier on 1 Sep 1834. His position happens to be 12 tsec west of a double star located 5.4' NE of NGC 727 at 01 54 11.3 -35 48 17 and ESO equates NGC 729 with this close double. The RNGC classification is a galaxy, although the position and description "USB, CLOSE DB*?" applies to this double star!
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01 55 18.0 +05 38 11; Psc
= *, Carlson and Corwin.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 730 = Big. 11 on 7 Nov 1885 with the 12" refractor at the Paris Observatory. At his position is just a 15th mag star, though he may have logged a different star on a separate observation. See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 731 = NGC 757 = MCG -02-05-073 = PGC 7118
01 54 56.1 -09 00 38; Cet
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (11/6/93): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration. A mag 13 star is 2.5' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 731 = H. III-266 = h2447,
along with
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01 56 27.7 +36 48 08; And
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 10°
17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE. A mag 13 star is 45" NW of center. Member of AGC 262.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 732 = St. 13-15 on 19 Nov 1881. His published position in his 13th and last discovery list was reduced on 5 Dec 1883 with description "vF* involved with a vF, vS, round neby".
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01 56 33.9 +33 03 19; Tri
= *, Corwin.
Listed as a faint galaxy 3.6' NW of
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 733 on 11 Oct 1850 (Friday). Bindon may have been observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. The "nebula" was labeled Epsilon in a field sketch and an offset was measured of 115" in PA 293.3 deg (NW) from Alpha [NGC 736]. There is nothing at this exact position, though a mag 15 star is 97" from NGC 736 in PA 296 deg and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 733 with this star.
RNGC and PGC probably misidentify
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01 53 28.7 -16 59 44; Cet
Size 0.6'x0.4'; PA = 28°
24" (10/3/13): faint to fairly faint, small, round,
18" diameter, low even surface brightness. Can hold continuously at 375x. Located 10' SE of mag 5.8
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 734 = LM 1-41 on 9 Nov
1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported
"mag 14.0, vS, R, bMN, *11 p[recedes] 11 sec." His rough position (nearest minute of
RA) happens to be just 3' N of PGC 7121, and this galaxy is identified as NGC
734 in the RNGC and PGC. The 11th
mag star in the description (also shown on his discovery sketch) might refer to
a star situated 4.3' WNW (the difference in RA is 17 sec), though a brighter
star even closer (3.2' SSE) is not shown on the sketch. I proposed to Corwin and Wolfgang
Steinicke that a better candidate for NGC 734 is 2MASX J01532872-1659442 = PGC
170023. This galaxy is brighter
than PGC 7121 and has a star 13 tsec due west.
******************************
01 56 38.0 +34 10 37; Tri
V = 13.3; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 138°
24" (11/24/14): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 36"x15", contains a very small brighter core. A mag 14 star is superimposed on the NW tip. A mag 10.2 star is 1.5' SW and a mag 12 star is 1.4' NW.
Two faint companions are nearby, the trio forming V Zw
146.
17.5" (11/27/92): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE. The apparent elongation may be exaggerated due to a mag 14 star located at the NW edge 20" from center. Several stars are nearby including a mag 10 star 1.5' SW and a mag 11.5 star 1.3' NW. Located about 1° north of the NGC 750/751 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 735 = H. III-176 on 13 Sep
1784 (sweep 271) and logged "Stellar, the faintest imaginable, even 240
left some little doubt." His
position is 7' north of
******************************
NGC 736 = UGC 1414 = MCG +05-05-028 = CGCG 503-055 = VI Zw 111 = PGC 7289
01 56 40.9 +33 02 37; Tri
V = 12.1; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, fairly small,
round, small bright core, small halo.
A mag 15 star is 30" N (this is
13.1" (12/11 82 and 10/20/84): moderately bright, small, a faint star is at the north edge. A nearly stellar galaxy (NGC 738?) is close NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 736 = H. II-221 = h169 on 12
Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged "F, pL, mE, r, 1 1/2' long." John Herschel observed this galaxy on 3
sweeps by and described it on 11 Nov 1827 as "pB; R; bM; has a *13m
np". Both Herschel's
positions match
******************************
01 56 40.8 +33 03 00; Tri
17.5" (11/1/86): mag 15 star only located 30" N of NGC 736.
Bindon Blood Stoney, possibly accompanied by his brother George Johnstone, discovered NGC 737 on 11 Oct 1850 during an observation of the NGC 736 field. The galaxy was labeled "Beta" on a constructed diagram. He measured a distance of 30" in PA 12° from NGC 736. At this offset is a mag 15 star. The 9 Jan 1874 observation notes "[h169 = NGC 736] has a 12m star 11.9°, 35.1" distant, this must be beta of Oct 11 1850, when it was recorded as a nebula. [Sir J. Herschel records 3 observations of this companion object, all taken in Nov 1827. Nov 11 has *13 np, Nov 16 has a "* near it" and lastly, Nov 22 "has a S* or stellar neb to the n."
In "Publications of Lick Observatory (Vol II), Sherburne Burnham identified NGC 737 as a mag 15.5 star about 30" N of NGC 736. He accurately measured the offset from NGC 736 as PA = 10°, distance 32". Curtis concluded "Does not exist; is simply a faint star" based on Crossley reflector plates at Lick and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, also writes "*14.7 0.7' N of N736, no neb...".
******************************
NGC 738 = CGCG 503-057 = VI Zw 113 = PGC 7303
01 56 45.7 +33 03 30; Tri
V = 14.9; Size 0.3'x0.2'
17.5" (11/1/86): very faint, extremely small, just non-stellar. Forms a pair with NGC 736 1.4' SW.
13.1" (10/20/84): possible observation as a very faint quasi-stellar object just 1.4' NE of bright NGC 736.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 738 on 11 Oct 1850
(Friday). Bindon may have been
observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle
several weekends in Fall 1850. It
was labeled "Gamma" on a field diagram with a measured offset of
79" in PA 46° from NGC 736, matching
******************************
01 56 54.7 +33 16 00; Tri
V = 13.9; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (11/27/92): very faint, very small, round. Forms the south vertex of a triangle
with a mag 13.5 star 1.1' NW and a mag 14 star 40" NE. The galaxy pair
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 739 on 9 Jan 1874 with the 72" at Birr Castle in an observation of NGC 750/751 group. Described as "A cF, vS, R neb, bM (inside a triangle of st) is south-preceding the n[orth] component". The direction should have read north-preceding the north component but Copeland gave the correct orientation as PA 292° (WNW) and separation 524" (8.7'). Because of his error the derived position was in error and this was copied into the NGC. In 1913 Curtis noted there was nothing at the NGC position and suggested MCG +05-05-030 was NGC 739, based on Crossley photographs at Lick. CGCG (503-059) fails to label its entry as NGC 739. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
NGC 740 = UGC 1421 = MCG +05-05-031 = CGCG 503-058 = PGC 7316
01 56 54.9 +33 00 55; Tri
V = 14.0; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 137°
17.5" (11/1/86): very faint, thin edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE. Located midway between a mag 10 star 1.3' ESE and a mag 14 star 1.2' WNW. Last in a group with NGC 736 3' NW.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 740 on 11 Oct 1850
(Friday). Bindon's brother, George
Johnstone, may have participated in the observation as he visited Birr Castle
several weekends in Fall 1850. It was labeled "Delta" on the field
diagram with an offset of 197" in PA 115° from NGC 736. Close to this offset is
******************************
01 56 21.0 +05 37 44; Psc
V = 11.1; Size 3.0'x2.9'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (12/21/16): at 375x; bright, moderately large,
round, sharply concentrated with a small very bright core that increases to the
center. The halo increases with
averted to over 1'. A mag 11 star
is 2.4' NW. NGC 741 is the
brightest in a group (WBL 061) with
17.5" (11/6/93): moderately bright, round, prominent core, faint stellar nucleus at moments, larger halo with averted. A mag 11 star is 2.4' NW. In a common halo with NGC 742 attached at the east end at 0.8' separation in pa 100°. Brightest in a group and forms a close triple with CGCG 413-006 1.5' NNW. CGCG 413-006 (generally misidentified as IC 1751) appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S. A mag 10.5 star lies 1.3' WNW. CGCG 413-002, 3' SW, appeared very faint and small, round.
8" (1/1/84): faint, round, diffuse edges, small faint core. A mag 12 star is close NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 741 = H. II-271 = h172, along with NGC 742, on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338). His description from 25 Oct 1785 (sweep 464) reads, "F. I take it to be two very near each other. 240 stregthens the suspicision; not far from from the parallel [E-W]. The following [NGC 742] is the smallest, and most north, it is also the faintest." R.J. Mitchell , Lord Rosse's assistant on 24 Nov 1854, described a "D neb, the p one is pB, R, bM, the f one is smaller and fainter and lbM."
Lewis Swift found NGC 741 on 26 Nov 1897 and reported it new in his 11th list (#28) with description "pF; pS; R; 9m * near np." His position was 6' too far northwest and Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 1751. Herbert Howe corrected Swift's position though didn't make the connection with NGC 741. The CGCG (413-006) labels the galaxy as IC 1751, instead of NGC 741. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
NGC 742 = VV 175b = MCG +01-06-004 = CGCG 413-009 = III Zw 38a = WBL 061-005 = PGC 7264
01 56 24.2 +05 37 36; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.3x0.3'
24" (12/21/16): at 375x; fairly faint or moderately bright, small, round, 15" diameter, high surface brightness. NGC 742 is 0.8' E of center of NGC 741 (closest companion) and lies near the edge its halo.
17.5" (11/6/93): faint, extremely small, round. Located just off the east edge of NGC 741 in a common halo. Clearly visible, though just 10"-15" diameter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 742 = H. II-272 = h173, along with NGC 741, on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338). See description under NGC 741. John Herschel logged on 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 95), "The f]ollowing] and fainter of a double neb [with NGC 741]; vF; R; sbM; 12" [diameter]."
On 24 Nov 1854, R.J. Mitchell using the 72" logged a
"D neb, the p one is pB, R, bM, the f one is smaller and fainter and
lbM."
******************************
01 58 31 +60 10 00; Cas
Size 5'
17.5" (11/26/94): bright, distinctive but scattered
group in a triangular outline.
Consists of two dozen stars in a 6' diameter including 10 brighter mag
9-11.5 stars. The brightest star
is mag 9.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 743 = h170 on 29 Sep 1829 and recorded a "double star in the following part of a L, poor, triangular cluster of 15 or 20 stars 10...13m.".
******************************
01 58 30 +55 28 30; Per
V = 7.9; Size 11'
13.1" (11/5/83): about two dozen stars in a 7' diameter
including several fairly bright stars.
The brightest is mag 7.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 744 = h171 on 28 Nov 1831 and logged, "p rich, irr fig cluster of *s 11...13m, 8' dia." Sir Robert Ball, observing on the 72" on 29 Oct 1866, recorded "about 100 stars, more or less, of various sizes, scattered about, two of the 7th and the rest from the 8th mag down".
******************************
01 54 07.8 -56 41 37; Eri
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 30°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.6', broad concentration to a brighter core. A mag 15.5 star is just off the east side, 27" from center. A group of 4 stars zigzag to the east including a mag 10 star 4.8' ENE. Located 2.3° NE of Achenar.
NGC 745 forms a close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 745 = h2449 on 27 Oct 183 and
recorded "pB, R, gbM, 30"." His position matches
******************************
01 57 51.0 +44 55 06; And
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 90°
17.5" (9/26/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is at the west tip. Several other faint stars are near and some nice star chains (both faint and fairly bright) lead off from the west side.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 746 = Sw. 2-15 on 12 Sep 1885
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is just 5 tsec west of
******************************
01 57 30.4 -09 27 45; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 175°
17.5" (10/25/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, no concentration. Located 7' SW of a mag 10.5-11 star. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 747 = LM 2-321 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded a
slightly elongated nebula in PA 180°.
His position is 1.2 minutes of RA west of
******************************
01 56 21.7 -04 28 03; Cet
V = 12.6; Size 2.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 138°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6', small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 1.9' SE of a mag 10.5 star and the galaxy is elongated in the direction of the star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 748 = H. III-193 = h176 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and reported "eF, verified with 240 power with difficulty, near a small star". His position was well off in RA, but John Herschel measured an accurate position on two consecutive sweeps in October 1827.
******************************
01 55 41.1 -29 55 21; For
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 111°
17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x0.8'. Fairly sharp concentration with a prominent core and faint extensions. The core brightens to a very small but non-stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 3.9' W of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 749 = h2448 on 27 Sep 1834 and
logged "B, S, E, psbM."
His mean position from 3 sweeps matches
******************************
NGC 750 = Arp 166 NED1 = VV 189a = UGC 1430 = MCG +05-05-034 = CGCG 503-062 = VI Zw 123 = LGG 042-001 = PGC 7369
01 57 32.4 +33 12 37; Tri
V = 11.9; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, small, round. Forms a contact double system with NGC 751 virtually attached at the south end. Resolved into two distinct galaxies at 220x.
13.1" (10/20/84): double galaxy with
8" (11/28/81): both components merged into a single elongated object.
William Herschel discovered NGC 750 = H. II-222 = h175 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged "just like the former." The "former" refers to NGC 736, which was described as "F, pL, mE, r, 1.5' long." John Herschel called the galaxy round on one sweep and elongated on another. This close pair was not resolved by either Herschel but was first seen as double by Lord Rosse's assistant Bindon Stoney on 11 Oct 1850. Édouard Stephan noted the two nuclei on 13 Oct 1869 at Marseilles Observatory.
******************************
NGC 751 = Arp 166 NED2 = VV 189b = UGC 1431 = MCG +05-05-035 = CGCG 503-062 = VI Zw 123 = LGG 042-002 = PGC 7370
01 57 32.9 +33 12 13; Tri
V = 12.5; Size 1.4'x1.4'
17.5" (11/1/86): this is the southern member of double system with NGC 750. Fairly faint, very small, round. Appears smaller and fainter than NGC 750 just off the north edge.
13.1" (10/20/84): double nebula with NGC 750 with two distinct nuclei and probably a common halo, oriented N-S.
8" (11/28/81): both components of NGC 750/751 merge into a single object.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 751 on 11 Oct 1850
(Friday). Bindon's brother, George
Johnstone, may have participated in the observation as he visited Birr Castle
several weekends in Fall 1850. It was described as a "D neb [with NGC
750], Pos 171°, Dist 25", nf is a third nebula [
On 10 Dec 1873, Ralph Copeland gave a more detailed description: "D neb, cB, pL, R, sbM and pF, S, R, sbM." John Herschel's entry for GC 456 is confused; his description "nf h175 [NGC 750]" refers to NGC 761, but he used the same position as NGC 750 ("D neb"), so his comment could be interpreted as referring to NGC 751. Perhaps to avoid confusion, Dreyer added the entry GC 5200 in the GC Supplement (with reference to the 1861 publication) for NGC 751 and used GC 456 for NGC 761 in the NGC.
******************************
01 57 48 +37 51 00; And
V = 5.7; Size 50'
17.5" (11/1/97): easy naked-eye cluster, overfills the 100x field (20mm Nagler). The brightest star is a yellowish mag 7 star just south of center. Two equal mag companions to the south form an isosceles triangle. There are no dense regions and the many brighter mag 9-10.5 stars are pretty evenly distributed throughout the field. Many of the stars appear to be arrange in long strings and arcs, though. There are perhaps 150 stars in the field (difficult to count) with a few nice pair and trios. Off the SW side just out of the field is a wide bright pair of mag 5.7/5.9 stars at 3.6' (naked-eye). The western of these two stars (56 Andromedae) has a striking orange-red hue and a faint companion.
8": very large, bright, many doubles, overfills low power field. Easy naked-eye open cluster in dark sky.
Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 752 = H. VII-32 = h174 on 29 Sep 1783 with her 4.2-inch comet-seeker reflector (though this cluster is a naked-eye object). According to Wolfgang Steinicke, William found it a month earlier on August 24th, while observing with his 6.2-inch reflector. On 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599), he called it "a vL coarse scattered cluster of vL stars, irregularly round, very rich. I suppose it takes up half a degree." Later he noted "like a nebulous star to the naked eye." But Italian astronomer Giovanni Batista Hodierna may have found the cluster earlier around 1654.
******************************
01 57 42.2 +35 54 58; And
V = 12.3; Size 2.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 125°
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly bright, moderately large, oval NW-SE, broad concentration. Bright member of AGC 262.
13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core.
8" (9/25/81): faint, small, round.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 753 on 16 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted a mag 13-14 star followed by 17 seconds of time and measured an accurate position (2 nights).
******************************
NGC 754 = ESO 152-033 = PGC 7068
01 54 20.9 -56 45 40; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 40"x35", weak concentration to a slightly brighter core. Located 4.5' SSE of brighter NGC 745. Two mag 10 stars lie 5' E and NE and a third mag 11.3 star is 4' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 754 = h2450 (along with NGC 745
= h2249) on 27 Oct 1834 and recorded "vF, S, R, bM.". His position matches
******************************
NGC 755 = NGC 763 = MCG -02-06-005 = PGC 7262
01 56 22.5 -09 03 42; Cet
V = 12.6; Size 3.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 50°
17.5" (12/23/92): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 2.5'x0.8', brighter along major axis, brighter core but no well-defined nucleus, appears mottled.
William Herschel discovered NGC 755 = H. III-265 = h177 = h2447 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and logged "vF, lE, verified with 240 power." John Herschel's observations of h177 and h2447, which he assumed referred to H. III-265, may instead apply to NGC 731. Christian Peters measured an accurate position in 1881 that was given in the NGC.
Ormond Stone independently found this galaxy in 1886 and
reported it as #44 in the Leander McCormick Observatory's first discovery paper
(later
Based on photographs taken in 1919-20 with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory, NGC 755 was described as "bright irregular central portion 1.25' long with no distinct nucleus, but showing some indications of spiral structure; the outer portions are vF and also show spiral strucutre."
******************************
01 54 29.2 -16 42 27; Cet
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 50°
17.5" (10/25/97): very faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. Situated ~2' S of a small obtuse triangle of mag 13-14 stars.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 756 = LM 1-42 on 9 Nov
1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick. His rough position is 1.7 min of RA
east of
******************************
NGC 757 = NGC 731 = MCG -02-05-073 = PGC 7118
01 54 56.1 -09 00 38; Cet
See observing notes for NGC 731.
Ormond Stone found NGC 757 = O St I-43 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick. There is nothing at his position, but 10' S is NGC 755. Harold Corwin originally equated NGC 757 with NGC 755 but now feels NGC 757 is a duplicate of NGC 731. Although there is no discovery sketch for NGC 757, the sketch for NGC 763 (#44 in the first list) shows that NGC 763 = NGC 755. Applying the same relative offsets suggests NGC 757 = NGC 731 assuming both galaxies were observed at Leander McCormick on the same night.
******************************
01 55 42.1 -03 04 00; Cet
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (10/29/94): very faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak even concentration to a very small core. The RNGC position is 4.5' too far ESE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 758 = LM 2-322 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick. His position is about 0.6 tmin east of
******************************
01 57 50.3 +36 20 35; And
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, small, round,
bright core. Member of AGC 262
with
13.1" (8/8/86): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, faint elongated halo.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 759 on 17 Sep 1865 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position matches
******************************
01 57 47.4 +33 21 20; Tri
= **, Carlson.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 760 on 19 Dec 1873, observing
with the 72" at Birr Castle.
With respected to GC 456 = NGC 761, he placed this nebula 80"
distant in PA 202.5° (close southwest) and described it as a "cF, R
neb". At this exact offset is
a close double star just resolved on the DSS. Corwin and Carlson also identify this double star as NGC
760. The MCG misidentifies
******************************
NGC 761 = UGC 1439 = MCG +05-05-036 = CGCG 503-064 = VV 425 = LGG 042-003 = PGC 7395
01 57 49.6 +33 22 37; Tri
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 143°
17.5" (11/1/86): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE. A faint triangle of stars is off the north edge. Follows a mag 8.5 star.
13.1" (10/20/84): extremely faint, small, elongated
NW-SE. Located close SW of three
mag 13-13.5 stars 1.5' NE, 2.1' NE and 1.0' ENE. Also 5' SE of mag 8.5
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 761 on 11 Oct 1850
(Friday). Bindon may have been
observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle
several weekends in Fall 1850. A
third nebula was noted NE of NGC 750/751.
On 10 Dec 1873, assistant Ralph Copeland described it as "pB, cL, 4
S near; it has a *11m in Pos 309°, Dist 314.1"." At this precise offset is
******************************
01 56 57.7 -05 24 11; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 25°
17.5" (12/7/90): faint, very small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 762 = H. III-464 = h178 = h2451 on 22 Nov 1785 (sweep 474) and logged "eF, S, I found it in gauging [counting stars in a given region], otherwise it might have been overlooked." John Herschel observed this galaxy from both Slough and the Cape, where he described it as "vF, E, vlbM, 30 arcseconds."
******************************
NGC 763 = NGC 755 = MCG -02-06-005 = PGC 7262
01 56 22.5 -09 03 42; Cet
See observing notes for NGC 755.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 763 = O St I-44 in 1886 with the 26" Clark refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded 1.6'x0.4' in PA = 65°. There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 tmin of RA west and 5' S is NGC 755, which matches his description. Corwin checked the discovery sketch and confirms NGC 763 is a duplicate of NGC 755 (discovered earlier by William Herschel). Corwin also notes that if NGC 757 was discovered by Stone on the same night, then the same offset leads to NGC 757 = NGC 731 (also discovered earlier by WH).
******************************
01 57 03.5 -16 03 51; Cet
= **, Carlson and Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 764 = O St I-45 on 6 Jan 1886 with the 26" at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing near his position and Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin identify this number with a double star. See Corwin's notes for further comments.
******************************
01 58 48.0 +24 53 33; Ari
V = 12.8; Size 2.8'x2.8'; Surf Br = 14.9
17.5" (12/7/90): faint, fairly small, round, broad
concentration, very faint stellar nucleus. Located 8' WNW of mag 7.8
Albert Marth discovered NGC 765 = m 52 on 8 Oct 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, vS". His position matches
******************************
01 58 42.0 +08 20 48; Psc
V = 12.7; Size 2.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.2
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1' diameter, low even concentration, very small brighter core. Forms the west vertex of isosceles triangle with a mag 11.5 star 2.4' NE and a mag 12 star 3.0' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 766 = h180 on 8 Jan 1828 and
recorded "vF; S; R; 15...20"; a *10m 15° np; 2' dist." His position matches
******************************
01 58 50.7 -09 35 12; Cet
V = 14.7; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 165°
17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 ~N-S, very low surface brightness with no concentration. A mag 14 star is 2.0' N. Located 7' W of mag 8.4
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 767 = LM 2-323 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 0.6 tmin west of MCG -02-06-010 = PGC 7483 and his description 1.3'x0.3' in PA 160° matches this galaxy.
******************************
01 58 40.8 +00 31 46; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 30°
24" (12/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright,
elongated at least 2:1 SSW-NNE, 40"x18", brighter along a the major
axis (elongated core or bar?). A
mag 15.7 star is 50" E of center and a mag 14.5 star is 2' NE.
17.5" (12/7/90): extremely faint, very small, round. Located 8' W of mag 8.2 SAO 110258.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 768 = Sw. 3-8 = Sw. 5-18? on 2
Dec 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position was 18 seconds east and 1'
S of
******************************
01 59 35.9 +30 54 35; Tri
V = 12.8; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 73°
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, elongated WSW-ENE,
fairly even surface brightness. A
mag 13 star is on the east edge 30" from the center. Located about 30' SSW of
Truman Safford discovered NGC 769 = Sf. 68 on 9 Nov 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and recorded "S, pF, irr figure, gbM." Édouard Stephan (XII-20) found the galaxy on 22 Nov 1875 (already aware of Safford's prior discovery?). He reported it as new in his 12th discovery list (#20) based on a measure taken 5 Nov 1882. Dreyer credited Stephan with the discovery in the NGC as Safford's list was not published until 1887, too late for Dreyer to see while compiling the NGC.
******************************
01 59 13.6 +18 57 17; Ari
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 15°
48" (11/1/13): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, ~40"x32", very high surface brightness. Forms a double system 3.5' SSW of NGC 772, a showpiece spiral.
18" (12/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, increases to a small bright core. This is a companion to NGC 772 and may be the cause of its bright, disturbed spiral arm.
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, ~25" diameter, contains a very small bright nucleus.
13.1" (11/5/83): faint, very small, round, small bright core. Located 3.5' SSW of NGC 772.
R.J. Mitchell (GC 464) discovered NGC 770 on 3 Nov 1855 while observing NGC 772. He noted, "has companion neb. 5' or 6' south." Dreyer later measured an accurate offset. Heinrich d'Arrest (GC 461) independently found NGC 770 in 1861 and it was listed twice in the GC. Both entries were combined in the NGC with an accurate position.
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02 03 26.6 +72 25 16; Cas
V = 4.0
= *4.0 = 50 Cas
John Herschel found NGC 771 = h179 on 29 Oct 1831 and noted
"I suspect this star[50 Cas] to be nebulous." There are several other instances where
Herschel thought a bright star had a nebulous halo (e.g.
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NGC 772 = Arp 78 = UGC 1466 = MCG +03-06-011 = CGCG 461-018 = LGG 040-002 = PGC 7525 = Fiddlehead Galaxy
01 59 19.8 +19 00 30; Ari
V = 10.3; Size 7.2'x4.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 130°
48" (11/1/13): very bright, very large, elongated at
least 5:3 WNW-ESE, ~5.4'x3', sharply concentrated with a blazing core that
increases to the center. Contains
two spiral arms, though dominated by a bright, long arm that attaches to the
core on the east side, wraps counterclockwise to the north of the core and then
extends in a fairly thin arch to the west. The arm extends over 3' in length and ends at the northwest
tip of the galaxy, ~2.5' from the center.
It contains 1 or 2 very faint HII knots. A second low contrast arm begins at the south end of the
core and spirals out clockwise to the east. This arm is broader and does not have a sharply defined edge
but was fairly easily visible. The
outer halo to the southeast of this arm has a very low surface brightness. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 770
3.5' SSW.
24" (9/7/13): bright, very large, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 4'x2.5'. Strongly concentrated with a very bright oval core. The halo is clearly asymmetric and more extensive on the NW side. With careful viewing a long arm is visible at 200x extending from the central region towards the NW. The arm is better separated from the main body at 450x and ends near NGC 772:[HK83] 57, a slightly brighter HII knot that appears as an extremely faint, "soft" star.
18" (12/3/05): bright, very large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, roughly 4'x3'. The halo is asymmetric and more extensive on the NW side with a very strong impression of a spiral arm attached on the north side and sweeping to the west (confirmed on image). Forms a pair with much fainter NGC 770 3.5' SSW.
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; fairly bright and large, oval ~4:3 WNW-ESE, at least 3' major axis. Strong concentration with a very bright core that increases to a stellar peak. There was an impression of an "enhancement" on the north side, but not a distinct arm. Pair with NGC 770 3' SSW.
13.1" (11/5/83): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, sharp concentration. Forms a close pair with NGC 770 3.5' SSW.
8" (10/4/80): fairly faint, fairly large, oval, bright core, two mag 11 stars to SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 772 = H. I-112 = h181 on 29 Nov 1785 (sweep 481). His description reads, "cB or vB, L, R, mbM, 3 or 4' dia, difficulty resolving. In the most resolvable part a faint red colour perceivable." On 3 Nov 1855, Lord Rosse assistant R.J. Mitchell wrote "...One branch in particular strongly suspected as at A [in diagram] curved towards the * preceding." This description refers to the northern spiral arm and star preceding (indicated on the diagram) is the HII region NGC 772:[HK83] 57, from Hodge & Kennicutt's "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies". Dreyer also noted this HII region on a 9 Jan 1875 observation: "An eeF neb point was by glimpses seen by both observers in Pos 315° +/, Dist. 2' +/- from [GC] 463."
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01 58 52.0 -11 30 53; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 0°
17.5" (12/4/93): faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 N-S,
1.0'x0.5', very weak concentration.
Located 11' SE of mag 8.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 773 = H. III-468 = h2452 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "vF; E; 1.5' long, 1' broad, nearly in the meridian [N-S]; lbM." John Herschel reported from the Cape of Good Hope, "F, R, glbM, 30"." The NGC position is accurate.
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01 59 34.7 +14 00 29; Ari
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 165°
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, small, almost round, 0.5' diameter, slight even concentration, no distinct core. Forms a triangle with two mag 12 stars 2.3' NNW and 3.5' NE. Located 12' ESE of a mag 9.5 star and 9' ENE of a mag 10 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 774 = H. III-214 on 16 Oct
1784 (sweep 295) and logged "vF, stellar, verified with 240
power.". J.L.E. Dreyer, using
Lord Rosse's 72" on 7 Oct 1874, recorded "F, stellar, not quite R but
of somewhat irregular shape, probably vlE north-south or very nearly towards a
*11m in Pos 333°, Dist 143.7 arcsec". The NGC dec is 1' S of
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01 58 32.6 -26 17 36; For
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 167°
17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, moderately large,
slightly elongated ~N-S, 1.5'x1.2, broad concentration with no distinct
core. An elongated group of six
mag 13-14 stars (6' length oriented E-W) lies 5' S. Located 13' NW of mag 6.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 775 = h2453 on 14 Nov 1835 and
noted "pB, S, R, gbM, 18 arcsec" His positions from two sweeps differed by 10 tsec in RA, but
clearly identifies
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01 59 54.5 +23 38 40; Ari
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; moderately bright and large,
round, very small bright core in a diffuse 1' halo. A mag 15.5-16 star is at the north edge. Two small companions are close;
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration, very faint stellar nucleus, halo fades into background. A mag 15 star is 30" N. Brightest of three with IC 180 2.6' SE and IC 181 2.0' NE. IC 180 appeared very faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE and IC 181 is extremely faint and small, round.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 776 on 2 Dec 1861 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and logged "vF, S, R". His single position matches
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02 00 14.9 +31 25 46; Tri
V = 11.5; Size 2.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 155°
24" (11/24/14): at 375x; bright, moderately large,
elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very bright rounder core,
~0.9'x0.7'. Two fairly bright
stars are in the field to the south, mag 9.3
13.1" (8/24/84): fairly bright, small, almost round,
small bright core. Forms a pair
with NGC 778 7' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 777 = H. II-223 = h182 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded "pB, pS, R." John Herschel logged on 22 Nov 1827 (sweep 106), "B; R; gbM; 40"; a considerable nebula." R.J. Mitchell, assistant to Lord Rosse on 18 Sep 1857, wrote "S, R, bM, several S st p and np the nucleus."
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NGC 778 = UGC 1480 = MCG +05-05-039 = CGCG 503-069 = PGC 7597
02 00 19.4 +31 18 47; Tri
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 150°
24" (11/24/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, ~30"x20", weak concentration. A mag 8.7 star is 3' NE. Second brightest in a trio with brighter NGC 777 7' N and much fainter KUG 0156+310 = PGC 74060 6' W. The latter was an extremely faint 8" glow just north of a mag 13-13.5 star.
13.1" (8/24/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated. Located within a bright trapezoid formed by two mag 9 stars 7' N and 4.8' NW (SAO 55174), mag 8.5 SAO 55185 3.0' NE and a mag 10.5 star 2.8' WSW. Forms a pair with NGC 777 7' NNW.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 778 = Sf. 64 = St. 8a-7 on 5 Nov 1866 with the 18" refractor at Dearborn Observatory. Édouard Stephan found the galaxy on 2 Nov 1875 during an observation of NGC 777 or he was already aware of Safford's prior discovery. Stephan made another observation two nights later and reported it as new in list 8a, #7, with an accurate position measured on 17 Nov 1876. As Safford's discovery was not published until the fall of 1887 as the NGC was going to press, Stephan was credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement (5205) and NGC.
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01 59 42.3 -05 57 51; Cet
V = 11.2; Size 4.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 160°
48" (10/24/14): extremely bright, very large, nearly edge-on 7:2 NNW-SSE, 3.5'x1.0'. Contains an intensely bright, mottled core and nucleus. The core is within a brighter, elongated "bar". The outer halo appears to extend further to the south with averted vision and bend slightly with respect to the central region. The northern end of the halo has a similar effect as if the galaxy is very slightly warped.
17.5" (11/27/92): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE in PA 160°, 3.0'x1.0', brighter core, substellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 4.6' SSW of center.
8" (10/31/81): fairly bright, bright core, edge-on N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 779 = H. I-101 = h183 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and logged "cB, pL, mbM, E a few degrees deviating from the meridian; from np to sf." John Herschel observed the galaxy on 3 sweeps, including 2 Jan 1827 (sweep 40): "pB; pL; E; pos about 160° by diag." His position angle and position is accurate.
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02 00 35.2 +28 13 31; Tri
V = 13.4; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 170°
17.5" (11/27/92): very faint, very small, round. Two mag 15 stars nearby 0.7' S and 20" E. Lies within a 12' group of stars roughly forming a "Big Dipper" asterism.
William Herschel discovered NGC 780 = H. III-583 = h184 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and noted "vF, vS, E. Resembles 3 faint stars in a line, with vF nebulosity between them." John Herschel logged it on 15 Sep 1828 (sweep 177): "eF; 3 stars in Meridian precede it; the large 10m is 20° sp the nebula." Lord Rosse failed to find this object on one occasion with the 72", but it was confirmed and measured twice by d'Arrest with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. He noted the 15th mag star off the south end and measured an accurate position used in the NGC.
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02 00 09.0 +12 39 22; Ari
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 13°
17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.3', dominated by a round small bright core, much fainter extensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 781 = H. III-215 on 16 Oct
1784 (sweep 295) and logged "eF, stellar, found with 240 power." His position is 2' north of
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01 57 40.4 -57 47 26; Eri
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 15°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, ~1.0' diameter. Contains a central "bar" oriented ~E-W within a brighter quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 14-14.5 star is superimposed at the northeast end of the galaxy with the nucleus WSW [by 28"]. A thin, low surface brightness spiral arm is attached at the east end of the galaxy. It was occasionally glimpsed, extending towards the southwest and separating from the central region.
John Herschel discovered NGC 782 = h2454 on 27 Oct 1834 and logged "pB, pL, lE, attached to a star 12th mag." His position is accurate.
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NGC 783 = IC 1765 = UGC 1497 = MCG +05-05-042 = CGCG 503-073 = Mrk 1171 = LGG 042-005 = PGC 7657
02 01 06.4 +31 52 57; Tri
V = 12.1; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 35°
13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, diffuse, slightly
elongated E-W, even surface brightness.
A mag 13 star is at the WNW edge of halo and a mag 12.5 star is off the
SE edge 1.1' from center. Forms a
pair with
13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 783 = St. 8a-8, along with
NGC 785, on 5 Oct 1869 with further observations on 22 Sep 1871, 28 Oct 1875,
and 1 Nov 1877. He described NGC
783 as "extremely faint, small, irr round, diffuse, very small brighter
nucleus, star attached." E.E.
Barnard later found this galaxy again at Lick (date unknown) and reported the
discovery directly to Dreyer, who cataloged again as
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02 01 16.9 +28 50 14; Tri
V = 11.7; Size 6.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 0°
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly bright, very large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, weak concentration.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 784 on 20 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He questioned if it was elongated or double and his single position is accurate. Édouard Stephan made an observation on 22 Nov 1875.
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NGC 785 = IC 1766 = UGC 1509 = MCG +05-05-046 = CGCG 503-076 = LGG 042-006 = PGC 7694
02 01 40.0 +31 49 35; Tri
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 80°
13.1" (8/24/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 783 8' WNW.
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 785 = St. 8a-9, along with
NGC 783, on 5 Oct 1869 at the Marseilles Observatory. He made additional observations on 22 Sep 1871 and 28 Oct
1875. He published an accurate
micrometric position (discovery list 8a, #9) made on 25 Oct 1876 with description
"extremely faint and small, a faint star is involved." E.E. Barnard found this galaxy again
sometime in the early 1890's at Lick Observatory and communicated the discovery
directly to Dreyer. Barnard's
position was about 30 seconds of RA west and 3' S of NGC 785 (similar offset
error with IC 1765 and NGC 783), so Dreyer thought it was a different object
and catalogued it again as
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02 01 24.6 +15 38 48; Ari
V = 13.3; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.2
17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, very small, round, even
surface brightness.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 786 on 20 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured on 2 nights) is 1' too far south-southwest.
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02 00 48.5 -09 00 08; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 90°
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration, stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 3' W of center. Located 4' NW of a mag 9.5 star.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 787 = T. 4-7 = LM 1-46? on
27 Feb 1865, perhaps while asteroid hunting. He was observing with the 13.5-inch refractor at the
Hamilton College Observatory in New York. Wilhelm Tempel rediscovered the
galaxy on 9 Nov 1879 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and
reported it in his 4th discovery paper.
This galaxy was possibly "discovered" again by Ormond Stone at
Leander McCormick in 1885 or 1886 and included in the first discovery list
(#46). His position is 1.4 tmin W
and 6' N of
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02 01 06.4 -06 48 57; Cet
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 115°
13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, elongated WNW-ESE,
weak concentration, stellar nucleus. (
William Herschel discovered NGC 788 = H. II-435 = h185 on 26 Sep 1865 (sweep 436) and noted "F, S, iR, bM". John Herschel observed the galaxy on 30 Dec 1826 (sweep 39) and logged "B; pL; R; bM."
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02 02 26.0 +32 04 20; Tri
V = 13.4; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.7; PA = 3°
13.1" (12/22/84): faint, small, round, faint stellar
nucleus? Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 789 = St. 3-3 on 24 Aug
1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 22 Sep 1871 and 16
Nov 1871 and measured an accurate position on 10 Dec 1871 (probably aware of
d'Arrest's prior discovery.
Stephan listed NGC 789 as new in his third discovery list (#3), as well
as
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02 01 21.6 -05 22 15; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core, strong stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 790 = H. III-433 = h186 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and logged "vF, vS." John Herschel logged "F; pL; R; bM; 25" diameter." (8 Jan 1831).
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02 01 44.3 +08 29 59; Psc
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.1
17.5" (11/27/92): faint, small, round, even concentration, very small bright core, very symmetrical appearance. Located 3.3' SW of a mag 10 star. A mag 12.5 star is 2.8' E of center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 791 on 3 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted a mag 13-14 star that follows by 11.5 seconds and measured the position on 3 nights.
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NGC 792 = UGC 1517 = MCG +02-06-015 = CGCG 438-014 = PGC 7744
02 02 15.3 +15 42 44; Ari
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 130°
17.5" (12/18/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core. Three mag 11-12 stars in a E-W line of 2' length begins 3' SSW and extends to the west. NGC 786 lies 12' WSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 792 = h187 on 7 Sep 1828 and logged
"eF; S; R; has a *11m 15° nf."
His position and description matches
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02 02 54.5 +31 58 51; Tri
= **?, Corwin.
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 793 in 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England. It was placed southeast of NGC 789, but there are no galaxies in the vicinity, only several faint stars. Corwin tentatively identifies a very faint double as NGC 793. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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02 02 29.3 +18 22 23; Ari
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 45°
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly faint, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 794 = H. III-207 = h188 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 291) and noted "eF, vS, stellar, 240 showed it very plainly." John Herschel made a single observation on 7 Sep 1828 and noted "F; S; R; glbM; 12" [diameter]." Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 20 Oct 1889 and catalogued it as Sw. 9-9 (later IC 191) with description "pB; pL; lE." Dreyer thought Swift's nebula might be new because of the disparate descriptions, though added the parenthetical "probably = [NGC 794]" in the IC description. So, NGC 794 = IC 191. See Corwin's notes.
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01 59 49.4 -55 49 27; Eri
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 141°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; fairly faint or moderately bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~30" diameter. Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core (also slightly elongated NW-SE) that increases to an intensely bright nucleus. 13th mag stars are just 0.9' NW and 1.5' ENE, and a 15th mag star is off the west side [30" from center].
John Herschel discovered NGC 795 = h2455 on 27 Oct 1834 and
logged "pF, S, R; makes an obtuse angled triangle with 2 stars 11th
mag." His position and
description of the nearby stars matches
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01 56 45 -74 13 12; Hyi
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright but
fairly small. The main knot is
round, ~30" in diameter with a single star that stands out at the SE
edge. Barely off the NW edge is a
10" knot that is possibly detached.
This knot increases the total size to nearly 45"x30",
elongated NW-SE. Located 8.5' SW
of mag 8.2
NGC 796 is a young, massive cluster and the most compact and dense cluster in the Magellanic tidal bridge structure.
John Herschel discovered NGC 796 = h2456 on 18 Sep 1835 and remarked "F, vS, R, has a *12m 25" distance at 45° np." On a second sweep he recorded "somewhat doubtful, but I believe it is a vF neb involving a vF star." His third observation was reported as "eF, S, R, 10" close to a vS star."
This object was first identified as an outlying open cluster of the SMC in 1935, based on long exposure Bruce plates taken at the Arequipa station in Peru.
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02 03 28.0 +38 07 01; And
V = 12.6; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 65°
17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, small, slightly
elongated, bright core, faint halo, stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is just 0.8' WNW of center and a brighter mag
13 star lies 1.7' ENE. Forms a
pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 797 = H. III-566 = h189 on
21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599) and noted "vF, pL, iR." He apparently found it again on 18 Oct
1786 (sweep 618) and logged "pB, cL, lE, mbM.", though his position
is much closer to NGC 801. In Oct
1828 (sweep 188), John Herschel logged, "vF; R; sbM; near a *." There are actually a couple of stars
very near and his position matches
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NGC 798 = UGC 1539 = MCG +05-05-048 = CGCG 503-078 = PGC 7823
02 03 19.6 +32 04 39; Tri
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 137°
13.1" (12/22/84): very faint, very small, very elongated NW-SE, small bright core. Located 11' E of NGC 789.
Édouard Stephan possibly discovered NGC 798 = St. 3-4 on 22 Sep 1871. His single position was 2.5' E of NGC 789 but he mentioned "observations", implying two objects were seen. He measured an accurate position on 10 Dec 1871 that was reported in his third discovery list (along with NGC 789, discovered earlier by d'Arrest). A later observation was apparently made on 1 Nov 1877.
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02 02 12.3 -00 06 04; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 100°
48" (11/5/21): at 610x; very bright, fairly large,
~1.5' diameter. Strong sharp
concentration with a very bright, central region that is slightly elongated and
increases modestly towards the center (no distinct nucleus). A mag 14.5-15 star is on the east end,
45" from center. Forms a pair
with
Contrasting the very high surface brightness central region is a very low surface brightness halo with definite spiral structure. The arms seem to form a weak ring around the central region with a darker gap in the interior!
17.5" (12/7/90): faint, very small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus at moments. A mag 14 star is just 45" E. Forms a close pair with NGC 800 1.8' S.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 799 = Sw. 2-16, along with NGC 800, on 9 Oct 1885. His RA was 30 seconds of time too large (same error as NGC 800) and his discription reads, "eeF pS; R; s[outh] of 2" should read "eeF pS; R; n[orth] of 2". Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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NGC 800 = UGC 1526 = MCG +00-06-024 = CGCG 387-028 = Holm 54b = PGC 7740
02 02 11.8 -00 07 49; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 10°
48" (11/5/21): at 610x; bright, moderately large, round central region with weak concentration. The slightly elongated halo showed weak spiral structure on the north and south side and spanned 0.9' in diameter. A mag 15.2 star is 1' SW. NGC 800 is the smaller of a pair with NGC 799 1.8' N.
17.5" (12/7/90): extremely faint, very small, round, very low even surface brightness. Forms a close pair with NGC 799 1.8' N.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 800 = Sw. 2-17, along with NGC 799, on 9 Oct 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His RA was 30 seconds of time (RA too large), which is the same offset as NGC 800. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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NGC 801 = UGC 1550 = MCG +06-05-079 = CGCG 522-106 = PGC 7847
02 03 44.9 +38 15 32; And
V = 13.1; Size 3.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 150°
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very elongated NNW-SSE, fairly small, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 797 9' SW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 801 = Sw. 2-18 on 20 Sep 1885 and
recorded "eF; pS; iR; D * close f; v difficult."
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01 59 06.0 -67 52 13; Hyi
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 152°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright,
oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration. Located 27' SE of mag 4.7 Eta-2 Hyi. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.5' W. Forms a
pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 802 = h2457 on 15 Oct 1784 and
logged "eeF, vS, R; has a star 13th mag preceding, distance
100"." His position and
description matches
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02 03 44.7 +16 01 52; Ari
V = 12.6; Size 3.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 8°
17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on
N-S. A mag 11 star is 1.0' WSW of
center. Located 49' SE of mag 7.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 803 = H. III-208 = h190 on
15 Oct 1784 (sweep 291) and logged "eF, vS, iR, just following a pB
star." On 11 Jan 1831 (sweep
319), John Herschel reported, "vF; not vS; glbM; follows *10m 3.5
sec." His description and
position matches
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02 04 02.1 +30 49 59; Tri
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 7°
17.5" (11/26/94): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 N-S,
very small brighter core with thin faint extensions. Two mag 11.5 stars are 1.9' WSW and 3.5' SW of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 804 = Sw. 2-19 on 7 Sep 1885 with
the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and logged "eeF; vS; R;
lbM; v difficult." His
position is 22 seconds of RA east of
******************************
02 04 29.5 +28 48 44; Tri
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 115°
17.5" (12/7/90): faint, very small, oval 3:2 ~E-W, even
surface brightness. A mag 13.5
star is just off the SW edge 30" from center and a mag 14 star is 1'
WNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 805 on 26 Sep 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted a mag 13-14 star preceded by 2 seconds and measured a fairly accurate position (2 nights).
******************************
02 03 31.4 -09 55 56; Cet
V = 14.3; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 60°
17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, irregular surface brightness, probably brighter on the west end. A mag 11 star is 3.7' NNE of center.
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, even surface brightness, asymmetric appearance with a very faint stellar nucleus offset to the NE end or an extremely faint star may be superimposed near NE tip. A mag 11 star is 3.5' NE.
Distorted, patchy appearance on the SDSS that may be the
result of the post-collision merger.
HyperLeda catalogues the companion a
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 806 = Sw. 5-19 on 1 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and logged "eeF; S; R; pB * nr; extr difficult". His RA was 13 seconds too large but his comment of a "pB * nr" applies to this galaxy.
******************************
NGC 807 = UGC 1571 = MCG +05-06-001 = CGCG 504-006 = PGC 7934
02 04 55.7 +28 59 16; Tri
V = 12.5; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 145°
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.
A mag 13 star is 45" N.
Located 2' NE of a mag 10.5 star and 8.5' SW of mag 7.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 807 = H. III-151 = h191 on
11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266) and wrote "vF, vS, stellar, between a pretty large
and small star, but nearer to the smallest." John Herschel recorded on 15 Sep 1828 (sweep 177), "vF;
vS; 6"; has a *12m 1' N, and another about 20° sp.". His description and position matches
******************************
02 03 56.6 -23 18 42; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 7°
17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, very weakly concentrated along the major axis. A string of three mag 14 stars extending NW are collinear with the galaxy and equally spaced at 1.0' separation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 808 = h192 = h2458 on 14 Oct 1830 and logged "vF; R; vgbM; 40" [diameter]." He observed it again from the Cape of Good Hope and noted, "vF, lE, gbM, 25"." Joseph Turner sketched NGC 808 on 10 Nov 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate I, figure 5 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae...") and described it as small, faint, considerably elongated, brighter in the middle, no appearance of resolvability.
******************************
02 04 18.9 -08 44 07; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 170°
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, very small, round, very small brighter core, stellar nucleus.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 809 = Sw. 5-20 on 1 Nov 1886 with
the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 22 sec of RA east of
******************************
02 05 28.5 +13 15 05; Ari
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 25°
24" (11/30/21): at 260x; between fairly faint and
moderately bright, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, ~45"x35", relatively
large brighter core, low surface brightness halo. Mag 7.9
17.5" (12/18/89): faint, small, round, bright
core. Located on a line to the SW
of mag 7.8
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 810 = St. 3-5 on 16 Nov 1871. His rough position was 3' too far ENE. His published micrometric position (list III, #5) was made a month later on 11 Dec 1871 with description "vF, vS, R, more condensed in the center but no bright nucleus." Corwin notes the RA in the NGC is 10 seconds too small (transcription error).
A companion (not seen) is superimposed 0.25' following the nucleus, which itself looks double on the SDSS.
******************************
02 04 00 -09 06 21; Cet
Size 0.6'x0.5'; PA = 33°
18" (10/25/08): very faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter. Once identified this
faint galaxy could be held continuously.
Located 5.7' ENE of a mag 10.9 star and 22' NNE of mag 7.3
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 811 = LM 2-324 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and commented
"neb?, *10 1' S." There
is nothing at his position but 50 sec of RA west is
******************************
02 06 51.5 +44 34 20; And
V = 11.2; Size 9.3'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 160°
13.1" (8/24/84): faint, very elongated NNW-SSE, diffuse. A mag 11 star is 1.1' SW. Located 17' NE of mag 7.4 SAO 37787.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 812 = St. 8b-3 on 4 Nov 1875. His accurate published position (list 8b, #3) was made on 11 Dec 1876 with description: "eF, thin shape, E 45° with the meridian [135°], 1.5' length, bM, difficult observation."
******************************
NGC 813 = ESO 052-016 = PGC 7692
02 01 36.0 -68 26 21; Hyi
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 99°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, fairly small, oval E-W, 40"x25", sharp concentration with a small bright core. A very faint star is superimposed on the east side of the halo and a second very faint star lies 30" S of center. NGC 802 lies 37' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 813 = h2459 on 24 Nov 1834 and
noted "pF, R, gbM, 30"." His position matches
******************************
02 10 37.6 -15 46 25; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 4°
17.5" (10/25/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1
SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5', broad concentration.
Located close NE of a mag 12 star [0.9' from center]. At moments appears to have a faint
stellar nucleus. Forms a close
pair with extremely difficult
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 814 = LM 1-47 (along with NGC
815 = I-48) on 6 Jan 1886. There is
nothing near Stone's position but his discovery sketch was examined by Corwin
and it establishes NGC 814 = MCG -03-06-010 = PGC 8319 and NGC 815 = PGC
906183. In this case Stone's RA
was 4 min of RA too far west. RNGC
and PGC misidentify
******************************
02 10 39.4 -15 48 47; Cet
Size 0.4'x0.3'
17.5" (10/25/97): not seen initially at 220x. After extended viewing, just glimpsed for moments on a few occasions at 2.4' S of NGC 814. Appeared virtually stellar, ~5"-10", no details due to faintness.
See comments for NGC 814. RNGC and PGC (as well as Megastar, etc.) misidentify MCG -03-06-004 = PGC 7798 as NGC 815. NGC 815 appears to be a very close and small double system (virtually stellar).
******************************
02 08 08.8 +29 15 21; Tri
V = 14.5; Size 0.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.7
17.5" (12/7/90): very faint, very small, round. A mag 15 star is involved at the south
edge just 0.2' from center. Forms
a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 816 = St. 6-1 on 15 Sep 1871 during an observation of NGC 819. His recomputed position is a perfect match.
******************************
02 07 33.7 +17 12 09; Ari
V = 13.2; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.5; PA = 27°
17.5" (12/18/89): faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, low almost even surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 817 = Sw. 4-7 on 2 Sep 1886 with
the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and reported "eF; vS; R;
right angled with 2 stars".
His position is 24 tsec east of
******************************
02 08 44.5 +38 46 38; And
V = 12.5; Size 3.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 113°
17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated WNW-ESE, broad concentration, no core. A mag 15 star is 30" E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 818 = H. II-604 = h194 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and logged "pB, cL, lE, mbM". Bindon Blood Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 3 Oct 1850, recorded "bM, some stars seen in it; night hazy."
******************************
NGC 819 = UGC 1632 = CGCG 504-017 = PGC 8174
02 08 34.4 +29 14 02; Tri
V = 13.4; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.7; PA = 10°
17.5" (12/7/90): faint, small, round. A mag 13 star lies 1' N. Forms a pair with NGC 816 5.7' WNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 819 = St. 6-2 on 20 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted the mag 13 star just 42" north and measured an accurate position. Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 15 Sep 1871, probably aware of d'Arrest's prior discovery (published in 1867), and also discovered NGC 816. He reported both NGC 816 and NGC 819 as new in his 6th discovery list (#1 and #2). Dreyer credited both d'Arrest (1) and Stephan (2) in the NGC.
******************************
02 08 25.0 +14 20 58; Ari
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 72°
17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core. A mag 15 star is just off the east edge 0.7' from the center. Located almost at the midpoint of two mag 14 stars 1.6' SW and 1.4' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 820 = h195 on 7 Sep 1828 and logged "F; R; bM; 15 arc seconds." R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 30 Nov 1856, recorded "oval, major axis sp-nf, a F* follows closely. There is another F* in the on edge." His description is accurate and the star at the north edge is roughly mag 16.5.
******************************
02 08 21.1 +10 59 41; Ari
V = 10.7; Size 2.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 25°
17.5" (12/18/89): fairly bright, fairly small, oval 3:2
SW-NE, very bright elongated core.
Located just 1.1' SE of mag 10
8" (11/8/80): fairly faint, small, compact. A mag 10 star is just 1' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 821 = H. I-152 = h193 on 4 Sep 1786 (sweep 582) and commented "pB, vS, R, bM, 1' sf a considerable star with a small one sf the nebula." Dreyer's 1912 notes to the Second Catalogue mentions "A second obs. (Sweep 591, Sept. 18, 1786) describes it as vB, vS, lE, vBN. But the neb. is in reality only pB, second class." John Herschel also logged it on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 121) as "Not vB; R; sbM to nucl; has a *1m sp, dist 55"." R.J. Mitchell, using the 72" on 18 Dec 1856, recorded a "bMN, E spnf, S * in s end." This star is around mag 15.5 and was not seen in my observation.
******************************
02 06 39.1 -41 09 24; Phe
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 77°
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; fairly faint,
fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~35"x25", small bright nucleus
rises to a stellar peak. Located
10.7' ENE of mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 822 = h2461 on 5 Sep 1834 and
recorded "F, R, sbM, resolvable, 15", a difficult object." His mean position from two sweeps
matches
******************************
02 07 20.1 -25 26 31; For
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 110°
17.5" (10/8/94): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.3'x0.2' although with averted vision the outer halo doubles in diameter. Unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is attached at the east end and the galaxy appears a "fuzzy" component just west of the star. Located 4' N of a mag 10 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 823 = h196 on 14 Oct 1830 and recorded "A vF double star enclosed in a vF neb." Herschel also observed this nebula at the Cape (h2460) and gave the same description. Lewis Swift apparently independently found this object on 8 Oct 1896. Sw. 11-34 (later IC 1782) was described as "vF; D* of = mag in nebulosity. Curious object." He added the note "This appears like a nebulous double star, but I think it is simply a double star in a nebula. There is a vast difference between a nebulous star, and a star in a nebula." Dreyer must have missed the close match of Swift's and Herschel's position and their descriptions are virtually identical. So, NGC 823 = IC 1782. See Corwin's notes.
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 823 with the Great Melbourne Telescope on 11 Nov 1876 (plate I, figure 6 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae..."), showing a brighter star at the east edge and a stellar nucleus, though he interpreted these as a "very small double star involved".
******************************
02 06 53.1 -36 27 13; For
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 21°
17.5" (10/25/97): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (probably only viewed the core). Contains a sharp stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star lies 4.7' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 824 = h2462 on 29 Nov 1837 and commented "F, R, 40", vsvmbM to a star 12th magnitude." He also observed it on the next sweep and his position (typo in NPD was corrected at the end of the CGH) matches ESO 354-037 = PGC 8068.
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02 08 32.3 +06 19 26; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 2.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 53°
24" (1/25/14): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 5:1 SW-NE, ~0.7'x0.15', brighter elongated core. An extremely faint star (mag 16.3) is just north of center. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.7' NNE.
NGC 825 forms a pair with
17.5" (12/18/89): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE. A mag 13.5 star is 1.7' N. Located 5.5' WNW of mag 9.3
Albert Marth discovered NGC 825 = m 53 on 18 Nov 1863 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, S, mE.". His position is 1.5' S of
******************************
02 09 25.1 +30 44 23; Tri
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.3'; PA = 20°
17.5" (12/7/90): very faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is 40" NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 826 = St. 6-3 on 18 Sep 1871
(also the date the position was reduced, according to Esmiol, an assistant at
Marseilles Observatory). This is a
double system (not known if a physical pair) with a very faint companion
overlapping on the north side. The
same night he discovered
an assistant at Marseilles Observatory
******************************
02 08 56.3 +07 58 17; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 2.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 85°
17.5" (12/18/89): faint, fairly small, oval E-W, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 827 = H. III-227 = h198 = Sw. 1-2 on 7 Nov 1784 (sweep 308) and reported "suspected 2 or 3 small stars with seeming nebulosity between them, 240 rather confirmed it, but left a doubt." Dreyer commented in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that the "Place perfectly correct, no other nebula near, but it is not a nebulous cluster but a neb, vF, S, lbM, difficult". Lewis Swift found the galaxy on 9 Oct 1884 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and reported it in his first discovery list. Although Swift insisted his observation "cannot be [NGC 827]", his position and description ("vF; pS; eE; spindle") clearly apply to this galaxy.
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02 10 09.6 +39 11 26; And
V = 12.3; Size 2.9'x2.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 145°
17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, bright core. A wide double star with components 10.5/11 (separation 25" in PA 0°) are 3' E. Located 15' NW of the bright double star 59 Andromedae = 6.1/6.8 at 17".
William Herschel discovered NGC 828 = H. II-605 = h197 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and logged "pB, S, iF." John Herschel described it in Oct 1828 (sweep 188) "pB; R; gbM; has a D* 15 sec following." Six observations were made at Birr Castle. The earliest (perhaps by Lord Rosse) on 4 Nov 1848 reads, "F, scarcely seen in finder, another S neb 60° np 1.5' dist, if it be not a F *." A later observation noted "Either a single R neb with * inv sf center or double." NGC 828 is a disrupted spiral with a dust lane on the south side of the core, so some structure was resolved.
******************************
02 08 42.2 -07 47 26; Cet
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 70°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:3 WSW-ENE. A mag 11 star is 0.9'
SE. First of three and similar
shape as
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 829, along with NGC 830, on 23 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted a mag 11 star was 0.7' distant and his position (measured on two nights) is accurate.
******************************
NGC 830 = MCG -01-06-050 = Mrk 1020 = PGC 8201
02 08 58.7 -07 46 01; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 110°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Second of three and similar dimensions as NGC 829 4.5' WSW. NGC 842 lies 12' E.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 830, along with NGC 829, on 23 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position and offset from NGC 829 is accurate.
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02 09 34.6 +06 05 47; Cet
V = 14.5; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.8
17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, very small, round. Located just east of the midpoint of a
line connecting mag 7.1
Albert Marth discovered NGC 831 = m 54 on 18 Nov 1863 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, pS". His position matches
******************************
03 11 05.4 +35 23 12; Per
See observing notes for
17.5" (11/1/97): faint double star mag 14/15 at 7" separation. Difficult to resolve cleanly at 220x in mediocre seeing due to faintness of the north-northeast component. Easier to resolve at 280x. Although the identification as NGC 832 is not certain, this close double star could easily be mistaken as a small nebulous object. Located 4.3' NE of a mag 9.5-10 star. Also 2' SW is a wider, brighter pair of mag 13.5-14 stars at 11" separation, which is much easier to resolve.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 832 on 17 Sep 1865 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted (single observation) that a mag 9-10
star was 5' southwest. There is
nothing at his position and there is not a bright star 5' SW. Corwin suggests this number may apply
to a close double star (7" separation) at 02 11 00.8 +35 32 29. This pair is 24 seconds following
d'Arrest's position (similar dec) and has a mag 9-10 star 4.3' southwest. RNGC misidentifies
In an email on 26 Jul 2016, Harold Corwin found that if
d'Arrest made a 1-hour transcription error in RA his position is a good match
(about 1' too far north) with NGC 1226.
Furthermore, there is a mag 10.4 star 4.3' SW, matching d'Arrest's
description. This identification
seems likely as d'Arrest made several similar 1-hour errors in RA:
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02 09 20.8 -10 07 59; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 85°
18" (11/14/09): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated ~2:1 E-W, 55"x25", contains a small bright core. Forms a close pair with
18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 5:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very small bright
core. First of four in HCG 16 and
forms a close double with NGC 835 1' E.
17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, small, edge-on ~E-W, bright core. Forms a very close pair with NGC 835 1.0' E of center in the HCG 16 with NGC 838 and NGC 839.
William Herschel discovered NGC 833 = H. II-482 = h199 =
h2463, along with NGC 835, 838 and 839, on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479). He recorded the quartet as "Two,
both faint, both E and S within a minute of each other [NGC 833 & NGC 835],
and not far from the parallel.
About 4 or 5' south and about 2 seconds following are two more [NGC 838
&
******************************
02 11 01.4 +37 40 01; And
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 20°
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 834 = H. III-567 on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599) and logged as "vF, S, lE".
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NGC 835 = HCG 16A = Arp 318 NED1 = MCG -02-06-031 = LGG 049-003 = PGC 8228
02 09 24.6 -10 08 10; Cet
V = 12.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.3
18" (11/14/09): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~55"x35", sharply concentrated with a small intense core. Brightest in the striking HCG 16 group.
18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright small core. This galaxy is the brightest member of HCG 16 (one of the best Hickson groups) and the eastern member of a close pair with NGC 833 1' W. A mag 9.7 star lies 2.7' S and NGC 838 lies 3.5' E, roughly on a line with NGC 833.
17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, small, round, bright core. Brightest of four in the HCG 16 group and forms a close pair with NGC 833 1.0' W. NGC 838 lies 3.4' E and NGC 839 5.3' SE. A mag 10 star lies 2.7' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 835 = H. II-482 = h200 = h2464, along with NGC 833, 838 and 839, on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479). See notes for NGC 833. Joseph Turner sketched the quartet on 4 Nov 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. (page 115 of his logbook and plate I, figure 7 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae...")
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02 10 24.9 -22 03 18; Cet
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 110°
17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, small, round, low even
surface brightness. A mag 14 star
is 2.3' ENE.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 836 = LM 2-325 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position but
1.3 min of RA east is
******************************
NGC 837 = ESO 478-010 = MCG -04-06-011 = PGC 8297
02 10 16.3 -22 25 52; Cet
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 12°
17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, small, elongated 5:3 N-S, 0.5'x0.3', no concentration. A mag 12 star is 1.1' N. Forms a pair with NGC 849 6.6' NNW. NGC 836 lies 23' N.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 837 = LM 2-326 in 1886
and reported "mag 15.5, 0.8' dia, vE 0°, *10 1' N." There is nothing at his position, but
1.1 min of RA east is
******************************
NGC 838 = HCG 16C = Arp 318 NED3 = Arp 318:C2 = MCG -02-06-033 = LGG 049-004 = PGC 8250
02 09 38.4 -10 08 47; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 85°
18" (11/14/09): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40"x35", well concentrated with small high surface brightness nucleus.
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, small bright core, high surface brightness. Located 3.5' ESE of NGC 835 with NGC 838 just 2.5' SE.
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, slightly elongated, very small bright core, possible stellar nucleus. Third of four in HCG 16 and located 3.4' E of NGC 835.
William Herschel discovered NGC 838 = H. II-482 = h201 = h2465, along with NGC 833, 835 and 839, on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479). John Herschel noted it was the "third in order and in size". See notes for NGC 833. Joseph Turner called NGC 838 "rather the brightest of the group" through the 48" GMT, though Baracchi thought it was the faintest.
******************************
NGC 839 = HCG 16D = Arp 318 NED4 = Arp 318:C3 = MCG -02-06-034 = LGG 049-005 = PGC 8254
02 09 42.7 -10 11 01; Cet
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 85°
18" (11/14/09): moderately bright, elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', small bright core. A faint star lies 1' NW. Last in the HCG 16 quartet of fairly bright NGC galaxies.
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 7:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.3', fairly weak concentration. A mag 14 star lies 1' NW. Located 4' E of a mag 9.7 star and 5' SE of NGC 835 (brightest in HCG 16).
17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, edge-on ~E-W, bright core. Last of four in HCG 16 and has a similar appearance to NGC 833. Located 2.5' SE of NGC 838. A mag 10 star lies 4.2' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 839 = H. II-482 = h202 = h2466, along with NGC 833, 835 and 838, on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479). John Herschel noted it was the largest in the quartet. See notes for NGC 833.
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02 10 16.2 +07 50 43; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 73°
17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, low almost even surface brightness.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 840 = m 55 on 2 Sep 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "eF, vS". His position matches
******************************
02 11 17.4 +37 29 50; And
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 135°
17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated NW-SE, very bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 834 lies 11' NNW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 841 = H. III-604 = St. 13-16 on 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 692) and commented "vF, stellar, confirmed 240x." His position (reduced by Caroline Herschel and Arthur Auwers) is just 4 seconds of RA west of UGC 1676. John Herschel mistakenly assumed his father's object was identical to his h204 (= NGC 845) and the end result was Dreyer equated NGC 845 = GC 501 = H. III-604 = h204. Heinrich d'Arrest observed the galaxy on 22 Sep 1865. His RA was 13 seconds too large but he commented there was an error in the Herschel's positions (Auwer's reductions).
Probably based on d'Arrest's comments, Édouard Stephan observed NGC 841 on 24 Nov 1883 (he observed all 3 NGC galaxies here), as well as 5 Dec 1877, and reported it in his 13th discovery list (#16) at the correct position. Dreyer assumed Stephan's object was new, so he was credited with the discovery of NGC 841 in the NGC instead of William Herschel. He also observed this galaxy among his last recorded observations on 22 Nov 1886. Malcolm Thomson discussed the identifications in Q. Jl R. astr. Soc. (1991), 32, 17-24. See Corwin's identification notes.
******************************
NGC 842 = MCG -01-06-055 = PGC 8258
02 09 50.8 -07 45 45; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 145°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE in direction of a mag 13 star 1.5' SE, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Third of three with NGC 830 12' W and NGC 829 16' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 842 = h203 on 8 Jan 1831 and
noted "vF; R; psbM; 12" [diameter]." His position was 2' N of
******************************
02 11 08.0 +32 05 52; Tri
= ***, Carlson.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 843 on 16 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. There are three mag 14.6-15.0 stars at his position with separations of 9"/9". In his first observation he states it is possibly a planetary nebula, but on the second he resolved it at 226x. MCG misidentifies +06-05-098 as NGC 843 although this galaxy is over 5 degrees north of d'Arrest's position.
******************************
NGC 844 = CGCG 413-052 = PGC 8291
02 10 14.3 +06 02 59; Cet
V = 15.0; Size 0.4'x0.4'
17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, extremely small,
round. Located 5.3' WSW of mag 7.4
Albert Marth discovered NGC 844 = m 56 on 18 Nov 1863 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, S". Marth's position is a good match with
******************************
NGC 845 = UGC 1695 = MCG +06-05-104 = CGCG 522-135 = PGC 8438
02 12 19.8 +37 28 38; And
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 149°
17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, small, thin edge-on NW-SE, weak concentration. Located 12' E of NGC 841. This identification of this galaxy with NGC 845 is uncertain.
John Herschel discovered NGC 845 = h204 in Oct 1828 and logged "vF; irregular figure." His position corresponds with UGC 1695 = PGC 8438. Herschel and Heinrich d'Arrest equated H. III-604 with h204, but Harold Corwin concludes H. III-604 applies to NGC 841 and William missed NGC 845. On the other hand, Malcolm Thomson concluded NGC 845 = NGC 841 (see Q.J. R. astr. Soc.(1991) 32,17-24).
Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 1 Dec 1877 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at Marseilles Observatory (added as an "anonymous" nebula in Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions), though didn't report it as new in any list. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
02 12 12.3 +44 34 07; And
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 140°
13.1" (8/24/84): fairly faint, weak concentration,
almost round, in rich field.
Located 4' NW of mag 9.2
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 846 = St. 8b-4 on 2 Nov 1875. His published accurate position was measured on 22 Nov 1876 with description "eF, eS, R, gbM". Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 30 Nov 1885 and reported as new in his 3rd list, #9 (later NGC 847). So, NGC 846 = NGC 847, with discovery priority to Stephan.
******************************
02 12 12.3 +44 34 07; And
See observing notes for NGC 846.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 847 = Sw. 3-9 on 30 Nov 1885 with
the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position and description "nearly between a pB star
and 3 vF equal mag stars" matches
******************************
02 10 17.5 -10 19 16; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 135°
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 11.5 star lies 1.2' NE. Located 17' SE of NGC 835 (HCG 16)
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, elongated NW-SE, bright
core. A mag 11 star is just off
the north edge 1.2' from center.
Member of the
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 848 = LM 1-49 = Sw. 5-21 on 11
Dec 1885 and reported "mag 15.5, eS, E 325°, gbM, *10 north 1.0'."
His position is 1 min of RA east of
******************************
NGC 849 = ESO 478-009 = PGC 8286
02 10 11.2 -22 19 23; Cet
V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 117°
17.5" (10/8/94): extremely faint, small, round, 15" diameter, very low even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 837 6.6' SSE. NGC 836 lies 16' NNE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 849 = LM 2-327 in 1886 with the 26" Clark refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 14.8, 0.5', R, neb?". His position is 1.5' S of MCG -02-06-036 = PGC 8299. Herbert Howe reported in 1899-00, "The object is as bright as a star of mag 12, and appeared to me a trifle un-starlike. I could see nothing else which appeared nebulous in the neighborhood.
******************************
02 11 13.6 -01 29 08; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 85°
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, small round, 0.8' diameter, evenly concentrated, faint stellar nucleus. Collinear with a mag 14 star 1.7' SE and a mag 13 star 3.4' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 850 = H. III-259 on 6 Jan
1785 (sweep 351) and logged "eF, eS, irr F." His position is 22 tsec of RA following
******************************
02 11 12.1 +03 46 46; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 135°
24" (1/25/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly
small, elongated 5:3 or 2:1 NW-SE, ~30"x15", contains a small
brighter core. A mag 14.7 star is at
the NE edge [23" from center].
Located 20' E of mag 6.8
NGC 851 forms a pair with
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. A mag 14.5 star is
at the NE edge just 22" from center.
Located 20' E of mag 6.9
Edward Swift, Lewis' 14 year-old son, discovered NGC 851 =
Sw. 3-10 on 30 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. The Swifts' published position is 12
sec of RA following
******************************
02 08 55.5 -56 44 13; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 83°
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 35"-40" diameter. A star is superimposed at the northwest edge of the galaxy [measured 18" from center]. At 397x contains a slight brighter nucleus and the halo has a slightly irregular surface brightness. A mag 10.5 str lies 9' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 852 = h2467 on 27 Oct 1834 and reported "pF, R, glbM, 40", resolvable." His position corresponds with ESO 153-026 = PGC 8195.
******************************
02 11 41.2 -09 18 22; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 2.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 70°
17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.8'. Located midway between two mag 12 and 13 stars 1.8' NE and 1.7' SW. Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 9.5 and 10.5 stars in the field 7' NW and 5' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 853 = H. II-486 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and logged "F, S, E". John Herschel didn't observe this galaxy, though Stephan made an observation on 16 Nov 1871.
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02 11 30.7 -35 50 06; For
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
17.5" (10/25/97): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated (PA uncertain), 0.8' diameter. A mag 13.5-14 star follows by 2.0'.
John Herschel discovered NGC 854 = h2468 on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; lE in meridian; 50" l; gbM." On later sweeps it was called "vF".
******************************
02 14 03.7 +27 52 38; Tri
V = 12.6; Size 2.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 67°
17.5" (11/27/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.8', bright middle, fainter extensions. A mag 14.5 star is just 30" S. Located just north of the Aries border.
William Herschel discovered NGC 855 = H. II-613 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and logged "F, S, lE in parallel, bM." His position is 0.2 tmin west of UGC 1718 = PGC 8557.
******************************
02 13 38.4 -00 43 02; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 20°
17.5" (12/4/93): faint, round, 0.8' diameter, no concentration except for faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is just off the east edge 1.0' from center. NGC 863 lies 14' ESE.
Lewis Swift found NGC 856 = Sw. 5-22 on 31 Oct 1886 and
recorded "eF; S; lE; F * close.". His position was 6 seconds of RA west and 1' north of UGC
1713 and the faint star is 1' ENE.
He had discovered this galaxy 4 weeks earlier (3 Oct), listing it as
V-23 and logging "pF; pS; lbM; np of 2 [with NGC 863= NGC 866]. His first position was 14 seconds of
time too far east and neither Swift nor Dreyer (who later catalogued it as NGC
859) recognized the equivalency as the descriptions were pretty different.
******************************
02 12 37.0 -31 56 42; For
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 92°
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter. Sharp concentration with a very small bright core surrounded by a very faint halo. A mag 13.5 star is 2.8' NNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 857 = h2469 on 18 Nov 1835 and logged "B, S, E, psmbM, 18"." His position (also measured on the next sweep) matches ESO 415-006 = PGC 8455.
******************************
02 12 30.2 -22 28 17; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 79°
17.5" (10/29/94): extremely faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, very low surface brightness. Weak concentration at the center. Located 8.5' W of a mag 10 star. A faint companion off the east side was not seen.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 858 = LM 2-328 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 0.7 min of RA east and
1.7' south of
******************************
NGC 859 = NGC 856 = UGC 1713 = MCG +00-06-054 = CGCG 387-058 = PGC 8526
02 13 38.4 -00 43 02; Cet
See observing notes for NGC 856.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 859 = Sw. 5-23 on 3 Oct 1886 with
the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and found again by Swift on 31 Oct
1886 and listed as V-22 = NGC 856.
Herbert Howe reported he was unable to find NGC 859 on a night he
measured NGC 856. That's not
unexpected as there is only a single galaxy here and Swift's comment of
"F* close" for NGC 856 applies to
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NGC 860 = CGCG 504-037 = V Zw 204 = PGC 8606
02 15 00.2 +30 46 44; Tri
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.3'
17.5" (11/26/94): very faint, extremely small, round,
10"-15" diameter. With
direct vision the small halo disappears and a tiny core with a stellar nucleus
is visible. A mag 15 star lies
1.9' SSE. Located 9' ENE of mag
7.4
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 860 = St. 6-4 on 18 Sep 1871 with description "*13 in F nebulosity" Esmiol, an assistant at Marseilles Observatory, reported that Stephan reduced the position on the same date.
******************************
02 15 51.2 +35 54 48; Tri
V = 13.8; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 38°
13.1" (11/14/87): faint, very small, edge-on SW-NE. A mag 13 star is attached at the SW end 0.5' from center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 861 on 18 Sep 1865 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
He noted a mag 12 star (double) was joined to the south and his single
position is just off the southwest side of
******************************
02 13 03.0 -42 02 02; Phe
V = 12.8; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; fairly faint to moderately bright, round, 0.5'-0.6' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus. A mag 16 star is just off the west side [30" W of center]. Located 8' WNW of a mag 10.3 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 862 = h2470 on 5 Sep 1834 and
logged "pF, vS, svmbM, like a blurred star." On a second sweep he noted "F, R,
gbM, 30"." His mean position matches
******************************
NGC 863 = NGC 866 = NGC 885 = UGC 1727 = MCG +00-06-056 =
02 14 33.6 -00 46 00; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, very small, round,
fairly concentrated, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 856 is 14' WNW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 863 = H. III-260 = h205 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and noted "vF or eF, vS, stellar, not so faint as the last [NGC 850]". There is nothing at his position, but 30 seconds of RA west and 3' north is UGC 1727. John Herschel measured an accurate position on 24 Nov 1827 (sweep 108) and described it as "vF; R; bM."
On 3 Oct 1856, Lewis Swift recorded 3 galaxies: NGC 859, NGC
866 and NGC 868. The second entry,
which reads "pF; pS; R; lbM; sf of 2", also fits
******************************
02 15 27.8 +06 00 09; Cet
V = 10.9; Size 4.7'x3.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 20°
48" (10/29/16): this striking two-armed barred spiral
appeared bright, fairly large, overall elongated 3:2 SW-NE, well concentrated
with a bright core. The core
extends into a weakly defined bar WNW-ESE. A long thin spiral arm is attached to the west end of the
bar and it curled gradually counter-clockwise to the south for nearly 90°,
ending due south of the core [separation 1.2']. A bright mag 10.7 star is superimposed on the east side
[44" ESE of center]. The
second spiral arm was not as easily seen as it begins just inside (west) of the
bright star, which detracted from the view. This thin arm extended straight north, roughly at a right
angle to the bar and merged into the halo on the northeast side.
24" (12/6/18): at 260x; fairly bright interesting galaxy with a mag 10.7 star superimposed on the east side that detracts from viewing structure. Overall the galaxy is fairly large with an irregular halo roughly SW-NE, ~2.5'x1.8'. Contains a very bright, round nucleus and the brighter central region appeared extended WNW-ESE. A spiral arm on the west and south side appeared as a slightly enhanced "wing", mostly seen as an enhanced curving edge. The opposing arm was only a short and weak arc enhancement that extended north of the bright star.
13.1" (9/3/86): fairly faint, oval SSW-NNE, even surface brightness. A fairly bright mag 11 star is at the following edge 43" ESE of the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 864 = H. III-457 = h206 on 25 Oct 1785 (sweep 464) and noted "vF, cL, vlbM, milky, preceding a bright star and the nebulosity joining to it, but probably unconnected." John Herschel logged on 25 Sep 1830 (sweep 300), "eF; R; attached to and np a * 11.12 mag. Clouded before it could be fully verified." Despite the clouds, his position and description match.
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02 16 15.2 +28 35 59; Tri
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 158°
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on NNW-SSE, bright middle. Located between a mag 11 star of the SSE end and a mag 13.5 star off the north end.
STF 239, a fairly wide 14" pair with some color contrast (fainter companion is a very light blue), lies 17' NE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 865 = St. 5-1 on 9 Sep 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory and recorded "eF; eS; irregular." His position (reduced on the same date, according to Esmiol) was accurate.
******************************
02 14 33.6 -00 46 00; Cet
See observing notes for NGC 863.
Lewis Swift found NGC 866 = Sw. 5-24 on 3 Oct 1886 and again on 31 Oct 1886 (NGC 885 = Sw. 5-27) with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. There is nothing at his position, and Herbert Howe reported he could not find NGC 866 in 1899-00. Swift's discovery positions for NGC 866 and 885 are similar in declination but differ by 4 minutes in RA.
In the case of NGC 866, Swift's RA was 1 min of RA east of NGC 863 = UGC 1727, and NGC 885 is 5 min of RA east of NGC 863. William Herschel (III-260) discovered this galaxy 100 years earlier and it was catalogued as NGC 863. So, NGC 863 = NGC 866 = NGC 885. There are several cases where Swift recorded two observations of the same galaxy in two different lists, including Sw. 5-23 = NGC 859 (3 Oct 1886) and Sw. 5-22 = NGC 856 (31 Oct 1886), which were found on the same two nights!
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02 17 04.8 +01 14 39; Cet
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 867 = H. III-2 on 21 Dec 1783 (the only nebula in his early sweep #61). His complete description reads "An almost invisible F neb, it is R and about 8 or 10" diameter, being brighter in the centre than outwards. It can be seen when the glass if perfectly clean and the attention confined to the object. By two diagrams it is about 1.5° nf a star which was taken to be 69 Ceti, but obs was interrupted by clouds." There is nothing at Herschel's rough position and Bigourdan was unable to find H. III-2 on two attempts. Heinrich d'Arrest suggested NGC 867 might be a duplicate of NGC 875 and Dreyer noted this in the NGC entry for 875, although Herschel's position is a poor match. Corwin also suggests IC 225 as another possibility. See his identification notes for more.
******************************
NGC 868 = UGC 1748 = CGCG 387-063 = PGC 8659
02 15 58.5 -00 42 49; Cet
V = 14.4; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 95°
17.5" (12/4/93): very faint, very small, round, low smooth surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is 1.0' NE and a mag 11.5 star 3' NE. NGC 863 lies 21' WSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 868 = Sw. 5-25 on 3 Oct 1886 with
the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is a good match with
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02 19 04 +57 08 06; Per
V = 4.6; Size 30'
17.5" (10/25/97): this is the brighter and richer western member of the famous "double cluster". Includes a mag 6.6 star near the center and a mag 6.7 star 2.5' NNE. Close following the mag 6.6 star is a neat parabolic group of five stars opening towards the star. On the west side of this star is a rich group of ~20 stars mostly arranged in an incomplete ring. A faint curving string of stars from the mag 6.7 star leads to the parabolic quintet. The 20' field at 220x has too many stars to count, but probably has ~200 stars.
8": this is the western component of the "double
cluster". Very bright, large,
about 30' diameter. Very rich with
about 100 stars resolved, includes several bright mag 6.5-7.0 stars in the
center. Forms a pair with
Naked-eye (11/13/07): I noticed that the Double Cluster was clearly resolved into two "clumps" naked-eye.
Hipparchus catalogued the Double Cluster about 130 BC and Ptolemy copied it into his Almagest: "At the tip of the right hand [of Perseus] and nebulous [or misty]." Giovanni Battista Hodierna first resolved the Double Cluster into stars by 1654. He described "The third nebulous star, which is the first of all that Ptolemy invokes, [lies] in the constellation Perseus, at the tip of his right hand, below Cassiopeia. [It is] very prominent amid the Milky Way, on account of a large profusion of stars, which are grouped in two places."
William Herschel observed NGC 869 = H. VI-33 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 877) and recorded "A very beautiful brilliant cluster of large stars, very rich. The place taken is the most compressed part of it, which is not in the middle; the middle of it contains a vacancy".
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02 17 09.2 +14 31 23; Ari
V = 15.5; Size 0.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7
18" (1/15/07): extremely faint and small, round,
12" diameter. Only glimpsed
with averted as an extremely faint spot but the detection was repeated several
times with concentration and patience.
Located 1.5' SSW of
18" (11/22/03): not found
17.5" (12/18/89): not found
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 870 (along with
******************************
NGC 871 = UGC 1759 = MCG +02-06-053 = CGCG 438-046 = LGG 053-002 = PGC 8722
02 17 10.7 +14 32 52; Ari
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 4°
18" (11/22/03): at 300x appears fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S. Irregular surface brightness and a slightly asymmetric shape with the impression of a very faint star or knot at the east edge. NGC 870, located just 1.5' S, was not seen (but detected on 1/15/07).
17.5" (12/18/89): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 N-S,
weak concentration. A wide pair of
mag 13.5 stars at 30" separation lies 2.5' SSW. Located 5' NNW of mag 9
8" (1/1/84): very faint, small, even surface brightness. A mag 10 star is 4' SE and two mag 13.5 stars lie south. Located 12' W of NGC 877.
William Herschel discovered NGC 871 = H. III-201 = h208, along with NGC 877, on 14 Oct 1784 (sweep 289) and noted "vF, vS, E. South [the galaxy is 5' north] of pretty considerable star." George Johnstone Stoney, using the 72" on 22 Nov 1854, recorded "E nearly n-s; a S but conspicuous star closely follow centre, but not involved." This star is probably 16th mag. NGC 870 to the south was missed but confirmed in later observations.
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02 15 25.2 -17 46 51; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 174°
17.5" (10/8/94): extremely faint but moderately large and almost requires averted vision, low surface brightness, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8'. A mag 11 star is 3.1' NW of center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 872 = LM 1-50 on 15 Oct
1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest tmin of RA)
is 0.8 tmin following
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02 16 32.4 -11 20 56; Cet
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 145°
17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter, broad concentration with no distinct core. A mag 11 star is 3.6' SW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 873 = H. II-474 = h209 = h2471 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and logged "pB, pL, lE, brightest in the middle." John Herschel observed this galaxy twice at Slough and three times at the Cape of Good Hope.
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02 16 02.0 -23 18 22; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 173°
17.5" (10/25/97): threshold object barely glimpsed on a couple of occasions. Could not verify the observation with certainty although the exact spot was examined using a GSC chart. Located 3' SSW of a mag 11 star. This galaxy is incorrectly listed as nonexistent in RNGC and is not plotted on U2000.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 874 = LM 2-329 in 1886 with the
26" Leander McCormick refractor and reported "mag 15.5 (nucleus),
0.3'x0.1' in PA 170° and possibly a double star." Additionally, he noted a mag 10 star is
2.8' in PA 320° (NW). His position
is 8' N of
******************************
NGC 875 = UGC 1760 = MCG +00-06-060 = CGCG 387-065 = NGC 867? = PGC 8718
02 17 04.8 +01 14 39; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 105°
24" (1/25/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core that increases to a nearly stellar nucleus.
NGC 875 forms a pair with
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, round, even symmetrical concentration down to small bright core. Forms a pair with IC 218 2.4' NNE, though the companion was not seen with certainty.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 875 = Sw. 5-26 on 26 Sep
1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. Lewis Swift independently found it again on 7 Oct 1886 and
recorded "eF; vS; R."
Both of their positions match
******************************
NGC 876 = UGC 1766 = MCG +02-06-057 = LGG 053-004 = PGC 8770
02 17 53.4 +14 31 16; Ari
V = 14.7; Size 2.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 20°
17.5" (12/18/89): extremely faint, visible for moments
with averted, very small, almost round.
A pair of mag 14.5 stars lie 1.5' S. Located just 2' SW of NGC 877 and 4' NW of mag 8
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 876 on 22 Nov 1854 with Lord Rosse's 72", during his observation of h210 = NGC 877. He noted this nebula as "sp [h210 = NGC 877] I suspect a vvF patch" and labeled it on the sketch as Delta. Copeland computed a micrometric position on 15 Nov 1873. The field of NGC 870, 871, 876 and 877 was observed at Birr Castle 14 times from 1850 to 1875.
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NGC 877 = UGC 1768 = MCG +02-06-058 = CGCG 438-052 = LGG 053 -005 = PGC 8775
02 17 59.4 +14 32 40; Ari
V = 11.9; Size 2.4'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 140°
17.5" (12/18/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, broadly concentrated halo. A mag 13.5 star is at the SE end 1.1' from center. Located 5' NNW of mag 8.0 HD 14192. Brightest in a group with NGC 876 2' SW and NGC 871 12' W.
8" (1/1/84): faint, fairly small, even surface brightness. An extremely faint star is at the SSE edge. A mag 9 star is 4' SE. NGC 871 lies 12' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 877 = H. II-246 = h210, along with NGC 871, on 14 Oct 1784 (sweep 289) and recorded "F, pL, E, south of a considerable star [the galaxy is 5' north of the star]; the situation of these two is very similar with regard to the star, and rather remarkable; the distance from the star about 4 or 5'." John Herschel made an observation on 7 Sep 1828 (sweep 173): "pB; R: pgbM; a small * sf; dist 1' and a * 9m 5' dist nearly s[outh], a little foll." R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant on 3 Nov 1855, recorded "[NGC 877] has a * or knot in p end, centre suspected resolvable; dark space running along southern side of nucleus?" The "dark space" is a gap between the core and a spiral arm and the "* or knot in p end" appears to be an HII region.
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02 17 54.3 -23 23 03; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 112°
17.5" (12/28/94): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star is 3.0' ENE of center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 878 = LM 2-330 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 40 sec of RA west of
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02 16 51.2 -08 57 50; Cet
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6
18" (1/15/07): extremely faint, fairly small, round, 0.4' diameter. Very low surface brightness and only glimpsed at 220x. Once identified I could repeatedly detect this dim galaxy with concentrated averted vision but it was a difficult object.
18" (11/6/04): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Required averted and concentration in fairly poor seeing and just barely visible as a very low surface brightness spot.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 879 = LM 2-331 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position but
1.0 tmin west is
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02 18 27.2 -04 12 20; Cet
V = 15.0; Size 0.55'x0.35'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 26°
17.5" (11/17/01): extremely faint, very small, round,
0.2' diameter. Located 7' SSE mag
8.5
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 880 = LM 2-332 in 1886
and reported "mag 15.8, 0.2' dia, R, sbMN." His position matches
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02 18 45.2 -06 38 20; Cet
V = 12.4; Size 2.2'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 140°
24" (1/1/22): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly large,
elongated ~4:3 NW-SE. Appears to
be a spiral with a relatively large bright core enveloping a small bright
nucleus. The halo increases in
size with averted and has an uneven surface brightness. A mag 12 star is 1' NNE
and mag 8.4
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.4'x1.0', broadly brighter middle but no distinct core. A mag 12 star is 1.4' NNE. Located 5.3' ESE of mag 8 SAO 129814. NGC 883 lies 11' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 881 = H. II-436 = h211, along with NGC 883, on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and reported "F, pS, lE, south of 2 or 3 unequal stars." The RNGC position is 3' too far north.
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02 19 39.8 +15 48 51; Ari
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 82°
17.5" (12/18/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 0.9' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 882 = h213 on 11 Jan 1831 and
logged "eF; R; gbM; 12"; near a * 16m.". His position is 1' N of
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NGC 883 = MCG -01-06-090 = PGC 8841
02 19 05.2 -06 47 29; Cet
V = 12.3; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 100°
24" (1/1/22): at 375x; bright, moderately large, sharply concentrated with a very bright well defined core and an intensely bright quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 9.2 star (very wide, unequal pair) is 3.4' S. IC 219 lies 9' SW and NGC 881 is 10' NW.
17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, fairly small, round, fairly high surface brightness, increases to small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' W and an uneven mag 10/12 double star at 30" separation is located 3' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 883 = H. II-436 = h215, along with NGC 881, on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and logged "F, pS, lE." On 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), John Herschel wrote "pB; R; gbM; 15"; a coarse D* in field."
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NGC 884 = Chi Per = Cr 25 = Double cluster
02 22 32 +57 08 36; Per
V = 4.6; Size 30'
18" (8/11/10): NGC 884 includes three rare M-type red supergiants including two mag 8/8.5 colored stars separated by 1.9' on the NE side of the cluster appearing red and warm yellow (V403 and V439). On the east side of the core of the cluster is the orange M-supergiant RS Per.
17.5" (10/25/97): the following group of the remarkable field of the "double cluster" is not as large or bright as NGC 869, but is centered around two wide triple stars. The central 5' has up to 50 stars including a number of faint mag 14-15 stars forming a rich background. Off the west end of the central region is a long string of stars which heads NE for 10' towards 3 brighter stars and then turning south and heading back past mag 8 orange-red RS Persei. The 20' field includes ~200 stars, although the cluster includes fewer bright stars as NGC 869 and is less compressed.
8": this is the eastern component of the "double cluster". Very bright, large, very rich, ~20' diameter, ~60 stars, includes bright colored stars, many doubles.
Hipparchus catalogued the Double Cluster about 130 BC and Ptolemy copied it into his Almagest: "At the tip of the right hand [of Perseus] and nebulous [or misty]." Giovanni Battista Hodierna first resolved the Double Cluster into stars by 1654. He described (No. 3 of his 2nd table) "The third nebulous star, which is the first of all that Ptolemy invokes, [lies] in the constellation Perseus, at the tip of his right hand, below Cassiopeia. [It is] very prominent amid the Milky Way, on account of a large profusion of stars, which are grouped in two places."
William Herschel logged NGC 884 = H. VI-34 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 877) as "A very beautiful, brilliant cluster of large stars irregularly round, very rich, near one-half degree in diameter." John Herschel noted on 9 Dec 1831 (sweep 387) that "a fine ruby star in the centre". The cluster was examined at Birr Castle looking for colored stars and five red stars were reported and one with a bluish tinge.
In William Denning's "Telescopic Work for Starlight Evenings", he noted it "In a telescope it forms a double cluster, and is one of the richest and most beautiful objects that the sky affords." The earliest use may be in George Chamber's 1867 edition of Descriptive Astronomy"
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NGC 885 = NGC 863 = NGC 866 = UGC 1727 = MCG +00-06-056 = Mrk 590 = PGC 8586
02 14 33.6 -00 46 00; Cet
See observing notes for NGC 863.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 885 = Sw. 5-27 on 31 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. There is nothing near his position and Herbert Howe "searched for it on three nights without success [using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory]." Corwin suggests Swift made a 5 minute error (too far east) in RA, finding NGC 863 again -- he also recorded this galaxy (discovered 100 years previously by William Herschel ) 4 weeks earlier and reported it as Sw. 5-24 (later NGC 866). So, likely NGC 885 = NGC 866 = NGC 863, with NGC 863 the primary designation.
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02 23 12 +63 46 42; Cas
Size 14'
17.5" (8/5/97): the most noticeable grouping in this
area is a 6' scattered group which is arranged into a rough pentagon with a
broad triangular "roof" forming the west side. Nearly all of the stars here form the
border of this figure and it visually appears to be an asterism. The brightest
member is mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 886 = h214 on 30 Oct 1829 and described "a coarse straggling cl; not v rich; 10 or 12' dia. Stars 9...13". The NGC position is only 5' off from this scattered cluster (Stock 6). RNGC labels this cluster as "nonexistent" (Type 7).
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02 19 32.6 -16 04 12; Cet
V = 12.0; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 5°
17.5" (12/4/93): faint, fairly small, round. Unusual appearance as a mag 14 star is embedded in the NE end. Located between a mag 11 star 3.5' SE and a mag 12 star 3.9' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 887 = H. III-486 = h216 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and noted "vF, vS, iF, better with 240 power". On 15 Oct 1830 (sweep 307), John Herschel logged "pB; R; pgbM; 25" [diameter]." George Stoney, using the 72" on 17 Sep 1852, recorded a "* in the edge, perhaps cometary or like a snowdrop."
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02 17 27.3 -59 51 40; Hor
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 72°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): moderately bright,
small, round, 30" diameter, broad concentration to center but no defined
zones. A star is just off the NW
edge, 25" from center. One
the east side are two very faint stars.
The closest is at the edge of the halo, just 16" from center while
the second star is 35" NE of center.
A wide pair of mag 13 stars is centered 3.5' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 888 = h2473 on 6 Oct 1834 and
logged "eF, S, R, has two small stars very near it.". His position
and description matches
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02 19 07.0 -41 44 58; Phe
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): moderately bright,
fairly small, round, 45" diameter, gradually increases to a small bright
core and stellar nucleus. Located
7' NW of mag 6.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 889 = h2472 on 6 Oct 1834 and
logged "eF, vS, R, psbM, has a star 7th mag Sf and 6 other small stars
intermediate". His position
and description matches
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02 22 01.0 +33 15 58; Tri
V = 11.2; Size 2.5'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 55°
17.5" (10/29/94): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.0'. Sharply concentrated with a prominent core containing a stellar nucleus. Using averted vision the faint extensions increase to 2' length. A group of stars is off the west side.
8" (11/8/80): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, wide double star mag 12/13 lies 3' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 890 = H. II-225 = h217 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and noted "F, vS, R." John Herschel made 4 observations and first logged it on 11 Nov 1827 (sweep 100) as "pB; R; gbM; has 3 or 4 S st p[receding] in a chain". The galaxy was also observed 6 times at Birr Castle. On 12 Oct 1855, R.J. Mitchell remarked "pL, oval major axis spnf, sbM, probably a distant globular cluster." There are a couple of very faint stars around the periphery and this may have given the impression of a distant globular.
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02 22 33.4 +42 21 03; And
V = 9.9; Size 13.5'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 22°
48" (10/25/11): at 375x, the stunning edge-on NGC 891 was one of the top highlights of the observing week with the 48". The galaxy nearly filled the 16' field, stretching nearly 12' by 2' SSW-NNE. A 17th magnitude star is superimposed close to the NNE tip and a mag 16.5 star is near the SSW end. The brighter, bulging central region extends 2.5' with a mag 12 star just north of the core on the west side. A similar star is superimposed on the southern extension along with a few fainter stars. A very high contrast dust lane slices through most of the galaxy except at the tips, where the galaxy fades out. I was surprised how broad the dust lane appeared, particularly through the central section. Although the dust lane perfectly bisects the galaxy into two symmetric halves, the edge of the lane was ragged and uneven.
A very small, dim galaxy was visible just off the east edge, 2.3' NNE of center and collinear with two mag 12 and 13.3 stars off the west edge of the galaxy. It appeared as a very faint, elongated glow, ~15"x6". Once identified I could hold this galaxy nearly continuously with averted vision. In addition, an extremely compact anonymous galaxy is just 50" NW the center of NGC 891 and 40" SE of the mag 13.3 star. It was visible continuously at 375x and 488x as a faint glow, roughly 6" diameter. Surprisingly this object is not listed in NED, HyperLeda or SIMBAD, though it's probably no fainter than mag 16.5.
18" (8/26/06 and 11/13/07): the long, remarkable dust lane that bisects this galaxy was quite contrasty with a scalloped appearance along the edges. Member of the NGC 891/1023 Group.
17.5" (8/31/86): bright, extremely large, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, 10'x2'. A striking dust lane bisects the galaxy and is most prominent through the bulging central region.
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; bright, extremely large edge-on ~10'x1.5'. Brighter central region ~2.5'x1.5', but no nucleus. Subtle dust lane evident and pretty obvious in the central region. A mag 12.8 star is superposed near the SSW end, 4.4' from center, and a mag 11.8 star is 1.4' N of center, at the west edge.
13.1" (7/16/82 and 9/11/82): at 140x; dust lane visible with averted. Fairly easy using 166x.
8" (11/28/81): fairly bright, large, edge-on, central bulge.
80mm (11/13/07): I was surprised how evident the galaxy appeared at 25x in the 80mm finder.
William Herschel discovered NGC 891 = H. V-19 = h218 on 6
Oct 1783 and described "a considerably bright nebula about 15' long and 3'
broad; its length is divided in the middle by a black division at least 3' or
4' long." On 17 Oct 1786
(sweep 614), he logged "cB, about 15' long and 2 or 3' broad, bM, nearly
in the meridian, a little from sp to nf." On 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 621), he swept it again as "cB,
gbM, about 15' l and 3' br, a black division in the middle in the direction of
the length; at least 3 or 4' long." In the notes section of his first
catalogue, William mentioned that Caroline found this object on 27 Aug 1783 in
his first catalogue, but this is a transcription error in the handwritten copy
sent to the printer as she found NGC 205 = M110 on that date (sketched earlier
by Messier). Admiral William Smyth
repeated this error in his Cycle of Celestial Objects (1844). Herschel also found two members of
nearby Abell Galaxy Cluster 347 (
John Herschel noted on sweep 182 that it "has a chink or dark division in the middle and two stars." He sketched the galaxy and remarked "An extraordinary object. Perhaps the figure is too nicely symmetrical as it certainly is too sharply defined. It is of the last degree of faintness and may very well be though full in the field of view. There can hardly be a doubt a thin flat ring of enormous dimensions seen very obliquely." The galaxy was also sketched at Birr Castle in 1850-51 and Dreyer noted, "I think the split is broader at one end, and that the nebula is a little more sharply defined on the following [Eastern] branch. The central part is longer, but perhaps not so bright as on the preceding branch. A bifurcation suspected at south end by Lord Rosse."
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02 20 52.0 -23 06 49; Cet
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 5°
17.5" (12/9/01): extremely faint, fairly small, low surface brightness, slightly elongated, 0.6'x0.4'.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 892 = LM 2-333 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 0.2 tmin west of ESO 478-026 = PGC 8926.
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NGC 893 = ESO 298-029 = MCG -07-05-017 = PGC 8888
02 19 58.5 -41 24 11; Phe
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 115°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): fairly bright,
fairly large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.9', broad concentration to a small,
brighter core. Located 3.2' WSW of
mag 8.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 893 = h2474 on 23 Oct 1835 and
logged "Not vF, R, pgbM, 35", has a star 9th mag following 4'
distance." His position (two sweeps) and description matches
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02 21 33.7 -05 30 46; Cet
See observing notes for
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 894 on 28 Nov 1856 using Lord Rosse's 72" and described a "D neb, components unite a preceding end. The south one [NGC 895] is L, oval gbM, the n one [NGC 894] is more elongated and fainter, also bM." But the observation by J.L.E. Dreyer on 14 Oct 1876 revealed a single spiral with GC 530 = NGC 894 the brightest portion of a spiral arm: "pF, L, seemed first to have 2 Nuclei preceding-following, the foll one being the brighter, but it was soon seen that the preceding one is no Nucl, but only the brightest part of a curved arm, convex sp, very soft. Sometimes I thought there was also some condensed part f the Nucl; Lord Rosse thought there was some patch or neby s of the nucleus [this probably refers to the southeastern spiral arm]. So, NGC 894 is the brightest part of the northwestern spiral arm of NGC 895. This was recognized by Curtis after being photographed with the Crossley reflector at Lick Observatory (see 1918 Lick publication).
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NGC 895 = MCG -01-07-002 = PGC 8974
02 21 36.2 -05 31 14; Cet
V = 11.7; Size 3.6'x2.6'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 65°
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly bright, large, broadly concentrated halo, diffuse halo. A mag 14 star is off the following edge, 2.0' ENE from the center and a mag 12 star is 4.7' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 895 = H. II-438 = h219 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and commented "pB, pL, irr figure, mbM." On 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 456), he noted "F, vL, irr figure, r, unequally bright." The northwest spiral arm (discovered at Birr Castle) was catalogued separately as NGC 894. See historical notes on NGC 894.
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02 25 31 +62 00 54; Cas
Size 27'x13'
18" (10/13/07): NGC 896 and
17.5" (11/27/92): at 100x with OIII filter this is a fairly bright emission nebula, very large, about 20' diameter. Elongated roughly E-W but consists of two distinct sections (NGC 896 and IC 1795) which merge together. The bright western portion = NGC 896 has a high surface brightness, round, ~7' diameter and a star is off the NW edge. A weak dark lane separates NGC 896 from faint IC 1795. The region is weakly nebulous without filter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 896 = H. III-695 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and recorded "eF, pL, iF. Mem. The PD must be reckoned inaccurate, the string having been touched since the last cluster was taken."
NGC 896 is generally taken as the brightest portion of the IC 1795 complex on the southwest end (IC 1795/NGC 895 being the northwest portion of the huge "Heart Nebula"). John Herschel did not make an observation to confirm the position. Corwin suggests that IC 1795 (found by Barnard) is a separate knot in the same HII complex, though Wolfgang Steinicke equates NGC 896 with IC 1795.
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02 21 06.5 -33 43 15; For
V = 11.8; Size 2.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 17°
17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.8' diameter, small bright core. A mag 11 star is 44" E of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 897 = h2475 on 19 Oct 1835 and
logged "pB, S, R, psbM. Has a star 10th mag exactly following in the
parallel just at the edge or 35" distant from centre." His position and description is a
perfect match with
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NGC 898 = UGC 1842 = MCG +07-06-004 = CGCG 539-004 = PGC 9073
02 23 20.43 +41 57 05; And
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 170°
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; very pretty edge-on ~6:1 N-S, ~1.2'x0.2'. Sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus. Situated in a rich star field with a group of 4 stars mag 11-13 forming a near rhombus ~3' SE (sides ~1').
13.1" (11/13/82): fairly faint, very elongated
~N-S. Located 10' SSW of mag 6.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 898 = H. III-570 on 17 Oct
1786 (sweep 614) and logged "eF, vS, lE.". There is nothing at his position but 40 seconds of RA west
is
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02 21 53.1 -20 49 24; Cet
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 116°
24" (10/3/13): brightest (or highest surface
brightness) in a trio (
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.2'x1.0', only a weak concentration. An easy pair of mag 13 stars at 25" separation oriented WSW-ENE is located 1.5' WSW. Forms a pair with IC 223 5' NNE with NGC 907 17' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 899 = h2476 on 13 Nov 1835 and reported "pB, lE, gbM, resolvable, 30", has a coarse double star preceding." His position and description (the coarse double is southwest) matches UGCA 26 = PGC 8990.
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02 23 32.2 +26 30 41; Ari
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 30°
17.5" (10/29/94): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter,
even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. Brighter of a close pair with
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, round, weak even concentration, small brighter core. A mag 9.5 star is 7.5' S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 900 = m 57 (along with NGC 901)
on 5 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, vS,
stellar". Marth's position
matches
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02 23 34.1 +26 33 25; Ari
V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.4'
17.5" (10/29/94): very faint, very small, round, 0.3' diameter, no concentration. Can view with direct view and hold continuously with averted vision. Located 2.8' NNE of NGC 900. Incorrectly listed as identical to NGC 900 in RNGC. Not listed in any of the major catalogues!
Albert Marth discovered NGC 901 = m 58 (along with NGC 900)
on 5 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "eF,
vS". His position is 3 sec of
RA east and 3' N of NGC 900 (which was placed accurately) and at this offset is
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02 22 21.8 -16 40 45; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.2
17.5" (12/28/94): extremely faint, very small, round,
0.4' diameter, low surface brightness, no concentration. A mag 13 star is 3.2' SSE of
center. Located 10' S of mag 7.8
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 902 = LM 2-334 on 28 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is just 1' S of MCG -03-07-005 = PGC 9021.
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02 24 00.9 +27 21 23; Ari
Size 0.7'x0.4'; PA = 175°
17.5" (1/20/90): extremely faint, very small, glimpsed
for moments. Located 1.5' NW of
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 903 = St. 13-17, along with
NGC 904, on 13 Dec 1884 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles
Observatory. His position matches
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NGC 904 = UGC 1852 = MCG +04-06-024 = CGCG 483-028 = PGC 9112
02 24 05.6 +27 20 33; Ari
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 130°
17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, elongated NW-SE, smooth surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 903 1.5' NW. Second of six in a group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 904 = St. 13-18, along with NGC 903, on 13 Dec 1884 (or earlier) with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory and reported "vF, vS, R, lbM". His position matches UGC 1852 = PGC 9112.
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02 22 43.5 -08 43 08; Cet
V = 15.7; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (10/13/01): extremely faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter. Requires averted and concentration to glimpse (in fairly poor seeing). Located 4.4' S of a mag 10 star.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 905 = LM 2-334 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 0.7 tmin of RA east of
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02 25 16.2 +42 05 24; And
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 15°
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly faint, round,
relatively large, 50" diameter, diffuse halo, slightly brighter
core/nucleus. Located in the core
of AGC 347 with
13.1" (10/20/84): fairly faint, small, round. Located in the core of AGC 347 with NGC 909 3.5' S.
13.1" (11/13/82): faint, furthest north in the string of galaxies.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 906 = St. 10-5 on 30 Oct 1878
(date position reduced) and recorded "eeF, irregular oval; dia = 45
arcsec." Except for NGC 898
and
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NGC 907 = UGCA 28 = ESO 545-010 = MCG -04-06-034 = KTS 16C =
02 23 01.9 -20 42 43; Cet
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 81°
24" (10/3/13): moderately to fairly bright, fairly
large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.5'.
Irregular surface brightness and clearly brighter on the east side. Third in the
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.8'x0.6', broad weak concentration. IC 223 lies 14' WSW and NGC 899 16' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 907 = H. III-224 = h2477 on 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 303) and noted "vF, S, irr R". John Herschel described the galaxy from the Cape as "F, E in parallel; glbM, 20" long."
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02 23 04.6 -21 14 02; Cet
V = 10.2; Size 6.0'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 77°
48" (10/27/19): at 375x; Showpiece two-armed spiral extending 5'x2' WSW-ESE and displaying a great deal of structure. Contains a bright oval core with a very small, very bright nucleus. A knotty spiral arm is rooted at the northeast end of the core. It bends sharply to the west on the north side of the core and displays a blotchy surface. As this arm extended west it separated from an inner arm by a dark lane, spread out and faded at the west end.
A longer spiral arm emerges from the west side of the core. It wraps tightly to the east in a bright arc to the south of the core. This arm has a fairly well defined outer edge, but was not as splotchy as the northern arm. At the east end, it splits into two arms with a slightly darker gap between and passes north of a mag 14.4 star. The northern split arm has a brighter 15" patch at its tip [1.0' NNW of the mag 14.4 star].
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly bright, large, elongated 4.5'x2.0' WSW-ENE. The brighter middle has an irregular surface brightness and a faint star or knot is just west of the geometric center [this is probably the nucleus]. A mag 14 star is just south of the following end. Four mag 11-12.5 stars lie 3' to 5' N and form a trapezoid with parallel bases oriented E-W.
8": fairly bright, large, elongated E-W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 908 = H. I-153 on 20 Sep 1786 (sweep 596) and noted "cB, vL, E from sp to nf, I believe above 15' long; but the ends are very faint." His position (Caroline's reduction) is accurate. John Herschel made no observations of this galaxy either from Slough or the Cape. The NGC position is accurate.
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NGC 909 = UGC 1872 = MCG +07-06-013 = CGCG 539-016 = PGC 9197
02 25 22.8 +42 02 08; And
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, gradually increases to a brighter core and nucleus. A mag 9.8 star is 2.4' SW and a mag 9.2 star is 4' W. In the core of the cluster AGC 347 with NGC 906 3.5' NNW.
13.1" (10/20/84): fairly faint, very small, round, compact. Located 4' ENE of a mag 9.5 star. Forms a pair with NGC 906 in the core of AGC 347.
13.1" (11/13/82): faint, just south of NGC 906.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 909 = St. 10-6 on 30 Oct 1878
(or earlier) and reported "eF, vS, stellar nucl". His position matches
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02 25 26.8 +41 49 26; And
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.7
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly bright, relatively
large, round, 1.0'-1.2' diameter, strong concentration with a very bright core
that increases to an intense nucleus.
The halo is low surface brightness and fades out at the periphery,
making it difficult to gauge the exact size. Located at the core of AGC 347 with several other members
near including
13.1" (10/20/84): fairly bright, small, round. Located in the core of AGC 347 with NGC
911 8.5' NNE and
13.1" (11/13/82): fairly faint, similar brightness to NGC 911 in the core of AGC 347.
William Herschel discovered NGC 910 = H. III-571 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and recorded "eF, stellar, not verified." His position was accurate despite the uncertainty. On the same sweep he discovered NGC 898.
******************************
NGC 911 = UGC 1878 = MCG +07-06-016 = CGCG 539-021 = PGC 9221
02 25 42.3 +41 57 23; And
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 115°
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 40"x20", contains a bright core that
increases to a stellar nucleus. A
mag 9.3 star (
13.1" (10/20/84): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated. Located 2.1' S of mag
9.2
13.1" (11/13/82): fairly faint, just south of a 9th magnitude star.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 911 = St. 10-7 on 30 Oct 1878 (or earlier) and recorded "vF, vS, R, gbM." Except for NGC 898 and 923 (discovered by William Herschel), Stephan discovered all the NGC galaxies in the cluster.
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NGC 912 = MCG +07-06-015 = CGCG 539-020 = PGC 9222
02 25 42.7 +41 46 38; And
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; faint, fairly small, round, 24", gradually increases to the center. Located in the core of AGC 347 with NGC 913 1.4' N and brighter NGC 910 4' NW.
13.1" (10/20/84): extremely faint and small, round. Forms a close pair with NGC 913 1.3' N. Located 4' ESE of NGC 910 in the core of AGC 347.
13.1" (11/13/82): extremely faint, very small, round.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 912 = St. 10-8 on 1 Dec 1875 during an observation of NGC 910. He note "+ two other nebulae new." Almost certainly one of these was NGC 912. His published accurate position (list 10, #8) was made on 30 Oct 1878 with description "F, vS, R, bM." Except for NGC 898 and NGC 923 (discovered by William Herschel), Stephan discovered all other NGC galaxies in the cluster.
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02 25 44.6 +41 47 58; And
Size 0.6'x0.3'; PA = 22°
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 30"x15", low even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 912 1.4' S. Situated 3.7' SE of NGC 910 in the core of AGC 347.
13.1" (10/20/84): extremely faint and small, round. Located 3.5' ESE of NGC 910 in the core of AGC 347. Forms a close pair with NGC 912 1.3' S.
13.1" (11/13/82): extremely faint and requires averted to glimpse, nonstellar knot.
Édouard Stephan possibly discovered NGC 913 = St. 10-9 on 1 Dec 1875 during an observation of NGC 910. He noted that two other new nebulae were seen. His published position (list 10, #9) was made on 30 Oct 1878 with description"eeF, eS, lbM."
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NGC 914 = UGC 1887 = MCG +07-06-017 = CGCG 539-023 = PGC 9253
02 26 05.1 +42 08 39; And
V = 13.0; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 117°
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly faint, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, ~0.8'x0.6', low surface brightness, weak concentration. Three mag 13.5-14.5 stars are equidistant (1.6') SSW, W and NW. This relatively large member of AGC 347 is 10' ENE of similar NGC 906.
13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, fairly small, diffuse, almost round. Located at the NE corner of the core of AGC 347.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 914 = St. 10-10 on 1 Dec 1875. His rough position was 3' to the E, nearly identical as other galaxies he logged in the cluster that night. His published accurate position (list 10, #10) was made on 30 Oct 1878 with description "eF, diffuse, 1' dia."
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02 25 45.6 +27 13 16; Ari
V = 13.9; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6
24" (11/21/19): between faint and fairly faint, fairly
small, round, 20" diameter, small brighter nucleus. Forms a very close, fairly similar pair
with
17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round, very small bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 916 1.4' NNE and first of three with NGC 919 7' E. Member of the larger group WBL 073.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 915 = m 59, along with NGC 916 and NGC 919, on 5 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta. He called it "eF, vS, stellar".
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NGC 916 = MCG +04-06-034 = CGCG 483-043 = PGC 9245
02 25 47.6 +27 14 33; Ari
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 5°
24" (11/21/19): between faint and fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', small brighter nucleus. Forms a close pair with NGC 915 1' SSW.
UGC 1885, located 10' N, was quite faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, low surface brightness.
17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round, very small bright core. Appears similar to NGC 915 just 1' SW amd second of three along with NGC 919 6.7' ESE. Member of the WBL 073 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 916 = m 60, along with NGC 915 and 919, on 5 Sep 1864 from Malta with Lassell's 48".
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02 26 07.7 +31 54 44; Tri
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 55°
24" (2/5/13): at 375x appeared moderately bright,
moderately large, oval 5:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.6', weak concentration to a bright
oval core. Just north of a group of mag 12-13 stars and 2' N of mag 8.2 SAO
55553.
17.5" (10/5/02): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.5', broad concentration to a brighter core. Located 2.0' N of a mag 8 star and 18'
NW of mag 5.6 11 Trianguli.
Several mag 13/14 stars in a curving chain are just south. This galaxy is identified as
17.5" (8/5/97): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated SW-NE, 1.5'x0.8', broad concentration with large slightly brighter
core. Located close north of a
semi-circular group of stars and just 2.0' NNW of mag 8.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 917 = h220 on 22 Nov 1827 and recorded "vF, S, R, forms a semicircle with 4 st." There is nothing at Herschel's single position. Dreyer looked for h220 on 5 Nov 1874 at Birr Castle and noted "no nebulosity seen, only 3 st about 18-20 mag close together nearly in a line pf" (these stars are visible on the DSS). In the NGC notes, Dreyer adds: "h220. No neb, only a vs, Cl with 4 st nr np (2 Birr obs, 1874-76, not found by d'Arrest)." Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
Harold Corwin identifies NGC 917 = UGC 1890. This galaxy is situated exactly 20' S of Herschel's position and there are several stars just south that form a slightly curving arc. Corwin also checked the sweep and found a diagram matching the nearby stars UGC 1890 nearly perfectly. So, Herschel must have made a clerical error in recording or transfering the position or simply misread the NPD on his telescope. Archinal and Hynes (Star Clusters) misidentify an asterism near Herschel's original position as NGC 917. See Corwin's notes.
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02 25 50.6 +18 29 49; Ari
V = 12.2; Size 3.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 158°
17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly large, almost round, very low surface brightness, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is involved near the northwest edge. Located 3' NNW of a mag 10.5 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 918 = h221 on 11 Jan 1831 and logged "pF; L; R; 60"; np a *10 m, dist 3'." This galaxy was observed 4 times at Birr Castle. On 30 Nov 1856, R.J. Mitchell recorded "vvF, pL, R. A * easily see in or near the centre, 2 others not so certain involved north of center."
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NGC 919 = UGC 1894 = MCG +04-06-039 = CGCG 483-049 = WBL 073-005 = PGC 9267
02 26 16.7 +27 12 43; Ari
V = 14.5; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 138°
24" (11/21/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~40"x15", irregular surface brightness [perhaps due to a dust lane]. A very faint star appears to be superimposed [a 16th mag star is ~8" S of center]. In a group (WBL 73) with NGC 915 and 916 ~7' W.
17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE. Third of three with the NGC 915/NGC 916 pair 7' W and fifth of six in a group (WBL 073)..
Albert Marth discovered NGC 919 = m 61, along with NGC 915 and 916, on 5 Sep 1864 from Malta with Lassell's 48".
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02 28 45.9 +45 58 14; And
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 34°
17.5" (8/5/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:2 SW-NE, broad concentration to a brighter core. A mag 14 star is at the west edge . Viewed after glimpsing
UGC 1920 (listed as NGC 920 in all modern sources) appeared
extremely faint, moderately large, ~1.5' diameter, very low surface brightness,
required averted vision to glimpse.
This roundish unconcentrated glow is situated within a group of stars
including a mag 11 star 1.6' WSW and mag 13 stars 1' NW and 1' SE. I would not have noticed this object without
averted vision and knowing the exact location using a printed finder
chart. Located 9.5' W of much
brighter NGC 920 = IC 1799 and 15' WNW of
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.4', broad concentration to a fairly bright core and
occasional stellar nucleus. A mag
14 star is very close west and a mag 12 star (unequal double) is 1.4' NNW. Located in a rich star field 11' WSW of
a mag 7
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 920 = Sw. 2-20, along with NGC
933, on 11 Sep 1885. His description reads "eF, eS, R;
1 or 2 eF * close; e diff." and his position is 16 seconds of RA west and
1.5' north of UGC 1920 = PGC 9377, the galaxy which has always been taken as NGC
920. I wrote the following note in
Jan 2014 to Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke after I realized that NGC 920
probably refers to
"Swift's position in list II-20 is also 70 tsec due west of IC 1799 = UGC 1943, and an excellent match in declination (given Swift's general accuracy). So, IC 1799 is only off in RA from Swift's position. His description mentions "1 or 2 eF* nr", which could apply to either galaxy, but UGC 1920 also has brighter nearby stars that to me would be mentioned. More importantly, though, IC 1799 is a more prominent galaxy than UGC 1920. In fact I probably would have missed UGC 1920 (the halo is very low surface brightness) in my 18-inch if I wasn't looking in the right place. IC 1799, on the other hand, was immediately noticed in the field, and has a much higher surface brightness. So, I'm suggesting NGC 920 = IC 1799 = UGC 1943."
Wolfgang Steinicke responded that his copy of Swift's paper came from Max Wolf's library in Heidelberg and "The '0' (of 20) is struck through and a '1' is noted to the right of the digit." Therefore Wolf also suspected a 1 minute error in Swift's RA. Corwin notes that once 1 tmin of RA is added to Swift's RA, this leaves only a "difference in RA of only -10 seconds in RA and just -7 arcseconds in Dec -- negligible, in the face of Swift's usual errors."
Guillaume Bigourdan independently discovered this galaxy on 28 Jan 1891, measured an accurate position, and it was catalogued as Big. 251 (later IC 1799). All major catalogues, as well as NED, HyperLeda and SIMBAD, identify this galaxy as IC 1799. This leaves UGC 1920, the galaxy always assumed to be NGC 920, without a NGC or IC designation.
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02 26 33.5 -15 50 51; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 81°
17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.6'. A mag 13 star is 1.2' SE of center.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 921 = LM 1-51 on 6 Jan 1886 with
the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position but
1.3 min of RA east is
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02 25 04.7 -24 47 17; For
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, slightly elongated N-S, 1.2'x1.0', weak concentration, stellar nucleus with direct vision. A mag 12 star is 2' NNW.
8" (1/1/84): fairly faint, even surface brightness, slightly elongated N-S. A mag 12.5 star is 2' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 922 = H. III-239 = h2478 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 321) and logged "vF, S, near 1' diameter or more". John Herschel reported on on 20 Nov 1835 (sweep 646), "pB; R; gpmbM; 60" [diameter]".
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NGC 923 = UGC 1915 = MCG +07-06-022 = CGCG 539-030 = PGC 9355
02 27 34.6 +41 58 40; And
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 95°
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly faint (relatively
bright member of AGC 347), fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, brighter core,
0.6'x0.4'. Collinear with CGCG
539-029 3' SSW and
18" (11/26/03): faint or fairly faint, small, round, 25"
diameter, weak concentration.
Located 2.4' SSW of a mag 9 star.
Second of three on a line with fainter
13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, very small. Located just 2.4' SSW of mag 9 SAO 38041, which interferes with viewing. Member of AGC 347.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 923 = St. 10-11 on 30 Oct 1878 (or earlier) and recorded "vF, S, R, weak concentration."
In March of 2020, Yann Pothier suggested the original discovery was made by Dreyer on 6 Nov 1874, though he assumed his observation applied to H. III-570 = NGC 898. His description, which reads "pB (at least not vF), S, lE npp sff. A * in Pos. 27.3°, Dist. 145.5".", does not apply to NGC 898, but NGC 923 instead, which is located 4.2 minutes of time following NGC 898.
Wolfgang Steinicke added the following comments: "The
reason why Dreyer missed III 570 (NGC 898) on 6 Nov. 1874 is not due to an
incorrect setting of the 72-inch. This is shown by correct data given for the
other objects in that night (all observed before GC 533 [NGC 898]): GC 5036
(
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02 26 46.8 +20 29 51; Ari
V = 12.7; Size 2.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 53°
24" (1/1/16): at 375x; moderately bright, oval SW-NE,
45"x30", sharply concentrated with a small bright core and
quasi-stellar nucleus. The outer
halo has a low surface brightness.
Forms a close pair with
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo, distinct stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 924 = H. III-474 on 29 Nov
1785 (sweep 481) and logged "eF, vS, iR, confirmed at 240 power." His
position (Auwer's reduction) is a close match with
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02 27 17.0 +33 34 43; Tri
V = 10.1; Size 10.5'x5.9'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 102°
24" (1/25/14): on this observation I used 375x and focused on the HII regions in the spiral arms of NGC 925. [HK83] 120/121 was seen as an extremely faint, very small HII knot on the west end of NGC 925, 3.2' from center. This HII complex is near the western tip of the southern spiral arm, though I couldn't trace the arm itself as far this knot but a mag 14 star was identified 0.9' SSE.
[HK83] 44, a very faint 6" knot, was barely detached off the east end of the central bar. A second fainter and even smaller knot, [HK83] 46/49, was occasionally seen ~20" WNW, right at the tip of the bar. [HK83] 42, a faint 6" knot, was seen along the weak southern arm, 1.5' SE of center. The location was pinpointed just north of the midpoint of two mag 13.5/14.5 stars oriented E-W at 1.6' separation.
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly bright, large, about 5'
diameter although the halo is irregular.
The core appears as a bright bar running through the center and
elongated WNW-ESE with a fainter halo north and south of the bar. The bar is
moderately concentrated and has a mottled texture. There is a strong impression of very faint extensions or
arms that begin to hook north on the WNW end and south on the ESE ends of the
bar. An extremely faint knot is
just visible off the west side 3.3' from the center. This knot is an HII
complex and association near the edge of a spiral arm and is catalogued as #120
in Hodge-Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies". Several stars are near; a mag 10.5 star
lies 3.4' S of center, two mag 12 stars are just north of the core 1.0' and
1.5' from the center and a wide pair of mag 12.5 star are 5' W. Member of the
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; fairly bright, large, elongated WNW-ESE with a very low surface brightness halo making it a wider oval, ~4.5' diameter. A prominent bar runs through the major axis WNW-ESE, with a slightly brighter ncl at the center. There was a strong suggestion of arm structure in the halo, particularly on the south side. Several stars are superposed; the brightest three are mag 13-13.5.
8" (11/8/80): faint, fairly large, diffuse, irregular, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, even surface brightness. A mag 10 star is 3.5' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 925 = H. III-177 = h222 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and reported "vF, cL, iR, r, 2 or 3' diameter." On 11 Nov 1827 (sweep 100), John Herschel logged "pB; L; E; vgbM; among stars." Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 14 Sep 1850, called it "3' by 50", rather F dash of light; a conspicuous star nf the middle outside edge."
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02 26 06.6 -00 19 57; Cet
V = 13.3; Size 1.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 36°
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE,
1.2'x0.6, diffuse unconcentrated glow.
A mag 13 star is 2.5' SSW.
Located 7' N of a mag 9.5 star.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 926 = T. 1-9 = Sw. 5-28 in
1876 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and noted a 1'
diameter. Tempel's position is 3' S of
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02 26 37.3 +12 09 19; Ari
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, round, pretty smooth
low surface brightness. Located
10' NW of mag 9.1
Johann Palisa discovered NGC 927 = Sw. 3-11 on 18 Jan 1885
with the 27-inch Grubb refractor at the Vienna University Observatory and
reported it in AN 2732. This is
the only NGC object to be discovered with the Great refractor. Lewis Swift independently discovered
the galaxy later that year on 2 Dec 1885 with the 16" refractor at the
Warner Observatory. Swift's
position is just 6 tsec east of
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02 27 41.0 +27 13 15; Ari
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 35°
17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Sixth in a group including NGC 903, NGC 904, NGC 915, NGC 916, NGC 919.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 928 = m 62 on 5 Sep 1864 with Lassell's
48" on Malta and noted "eF, vS, stellar". His position matches
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02 27 18.3 -12 05 12; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 170°
17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, fairly small, low surface
brightness, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE.
Located 3.3' SW of mag 8.5
Frank Muller discovered NGC 929 = LM 2-335 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 15.3,
0.6'x0.2' in PA 170°, precedes *8.5 3.8' PA 15°." There is nothing at his position but
0.8 min of RA east is
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02 27 54 +20 21; Ari
= Not found, Gottlieb and Corwin.
Ralph Copeland, assitant to the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 930 on 26 October 1872. While observing NGC 932 (GC 543) he noted a second object close nearby, which he described as "F, S, iR, vgbM" and offset from NGC 930 by 60" in PA 314.3 deg (NW) or 3.1" p and 42" N. This nova was not mentioned in the subsequent three observations of NGC 930 in 1872, 1873 and 1876 but Dreyer added it to the GC Supplement (5238), repeating Copeland's description.
I carefully examined the POSS print of the field and the only object near the offset is a mag 12.4 star (GSC 1221-478). There is a small reddish condensation with dimensions about 10" diameter at the northeast edge of the galaxy and Karl Reinmuth took this as NGC 930 ("eF, vS, R, vgvvlbM; 0.6' nf att NGC 932."). But neither the separation nor the direction is a good match. So, NGC 930 is nonexistent.
The RNGC mixes up the identifications and lists the main galaxy as NGC 930 and calls NGC 932 non-existent. Since Herschel was definitely the first to observe this galaxy, H. II-489 = GC 543 = NGC 932 should apply and the data listed in the RNGC under NGC 930 should be transferred to NGC 932. UGC and CGCG equate the numbers NGC 930 = NGC 932, but the galaxy should be identified as NGC 932 only, since Copeland was clearly referring to something different. Listed in RNGC Corrections #4.
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02 28 14.5 +31 18 41; Tri
V = 12.8; Size 3.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 73°
24" (11/24/14): at 200x and 375x; moderately bright and
large, thin edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.3', brighter core, sharp stellar
nucleus.
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.5', broad concentration, faint stellar
nucleus. Several brighter stars
are in the field including a pair of mag 10 stars 6' NW and 10' N.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 931 on 26 Sep 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. His position (mean of 2 observations) is on the east edge of the galaxy.
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NGC 932 = UGC 1931 = MCG +03-07-014 = CGCG 462-014 = LGG 061-001 = PGC 9379
02 27 54.7 +20 19 57; Ari
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (1/1/16): fairly faint/moderately bright, round, 40" diameter, small bright core. A mag 14 star is 50" SE and a mag 12.4 star is 1.7' NW. Member of a large group (LGG 061), inlcuding NGC 924, 935, 938 and 976.
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core. A very faint 15th magnitude
"star" (emission knot) is involved at the NE end. A mag 14 star is 1' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 932 = H. II-489 on 29 Nov 1785 (sweep 481) and noted "F, S, lE, 3 stars visible in it, but they seem not to belong to it." His position was 2' too far north. This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 930 in RNGC, MCG and RC3 (as well as secondary sources such as Megastar). UGC and CGCG equate the numbers NGC 930 = NGC 932, but only NGC 932 should apply. See notes for NGC 930.
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NGC 933 = UGC 1956 = MCG +08-05-013 = CGCG 553-016 = PGC 9465
02 29 17.5 +45 54 41; And
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 35°
17.5" (11/26/94): faint, small, round, 0.8' diameter, weak concentration but no well-defined core. A mag 15 star is 30" N. Located 8.8' SW of mag 7 SAO 38067. Forms a pair with IC 1799 6.6' NW. This galaxy makes a right angle with IC 1799 to the NW and the bright star NE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 933 = Sw. 2-21 on 11 Sep 1885
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory, on the same night he found
Sw. 2-20 = NGC 920. His position
is accurate (as opposed to NGC 920) and matches
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NGC 934 = UGC 1926 = MCG +00-07-016 = CGCG 388-017 = PGC 9352
02 27 32.9 -00 14 41; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130°
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, very small, round, small
concentrated core 15" diameter, stellar nucleus. Located 13' W of mag 8.5
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 934 = T. 1-10 in 1876 with the
11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and described as "very small
and faint. 5" dia = tiny
planetary nebula". His
position matches
Based on a photograph taken by Perrine with the Crossley reflector, Heber Curtis noted "A small, faint, nearly round nebula is near this place, but it is not a planetary." In 1915, Harold Knox-Shaw also noted it was not a planetary based on a visual observation at the Helwan Observatory south of Cairo.
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02 28 11.2 +19 35 56; Ari
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 155°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 NW-SE. A mag 14 star is
superimposed. Located 1.2' NE of a
mag 10 star. Forms a double system
with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 935 = Sw. 2-22 on 18 Sep 1885
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is just 4 sec of RA east of
******************************
02 27 37.5 -01 09 19; Cet
V = 10.1; Size 4.7'x4.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 135°
17.5" (12/4/93): bright, fairly large, very bright core
30"x20" elongated E-W (bar), core increases to almost stellar
nucleus. The much larger fainter
halo extends up to 3.0'x1.5'.
Three mag 9 stars lie N; mag 8.7
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; fairly bright and large, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~2.5'x2.0'. Strong, fairly sharp concentration with an impresssive core than increased to an intense nucleus. Extending through the core is a brighter "bar" oriented E-W. NGC 941 is in the field 12' E.
8" (1/1/84): bright, moderately large, very bright core, oval NW-SE. Forms a pair with NGC 941 12' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 936 = H. IV-23 = h223, along with NGC 941, on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351). His description reads, "cB, a very bright nucleus with a chevelure of 3 or 4' diameter." He placed this nebula in the fourth class, which included planetary nebulae as well as stars with burs, with milky chevelure, with short rays, remarkable shapes, etc. On 24 Nov 1827 (sweep 108), John Herschel described it as "vB; vL; R; psmbM; 2' diame; fades away insensibly."
Based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt, it was described in 1921 as "4'x3', E145°, vB almost stellar nucleus; a Phi-type spiral with pB cross-arms in p.a. 80° and 1.5' long, surrounded by a vF oval haze showing no structure.
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02 29 28.1 +42 15 00; And
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 117°
17.5" (11/26/94): very faint, very small glow either
surrounding a bright stellar nucleus or a mag 13 star is superimposed at the
center. Located within a group of
about a dozen faint stars in a 4' diameter with a single brighter mag 11 star
at the SW side 2.3' from NGC 937. Unusual
appearance as the galaxy appears set in a very faint cluster. Located on the east side of AGC 347
with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 937 = St. 13-19, along with NGC 946, on 1 Nov 1877 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. The position was reduced on 12 Dec 1884 with description "vF* with slight nebulosity."
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NGC 938 = UGC 1947 = MCG +03-07-017 = CGCG 462-017 = LGG 061-002 = PGC 9423
02 28 33.5 +20 17 01; Ari
V = 12.4; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 100°
24" (1/1/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 35"x27", small bright core. A mag 15 star is at or just off the southeast edge [35" from center]. NGC 930 is 10' WNW.
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, broad concentration, small faint halo. NGC 932 lies 10' WNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 938 on 30 Dec 1863 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on 2 nights) matches
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02 26 21.3 -44 26 46; Eri
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 110°
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35"-40" diameter. Well concentrated with a relatively large bright core. A mag 10.5 star lies 5.4' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 939 = h2479 on 18 Oct 1835 and
noted "eF, S, vlbM, 20 arcsec." His position matches
******************************
NGC 940 = NGC 952 = UGC 1964 = MCG +05-06-050 = CGCG 504-095 = PGC 9478
02 29 27.5 +31 38 27; Tri
V = 12.4; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 20°
17.5" (12/23/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, prominent small bright core, stellar nucleus, high surface brightness. NGC 931 lies 25' SW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 940 = Sw. 3-12 on 26 Sep
1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He called it round, small, mag 13 stellar nucleus. His position (3 measures) was
accurate. Lewis Swift found the
galaxy again on 7 Nov 1885 and reported it as new in his 3rd discovery list
(#12) with description "vF; eS; R; BM; 5239 [NGC 931] nr; v
diff."
******************************
NGC 941 = UGC 1954 = MCG +00-07-022 = CGCG 388-023 = PGC 9414
02 28 27.8 -01 09 05; Cet
V = 12.4; Size 2.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 170°
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, elongated 4:3 N-S, 2.0'x1.5'. Appears to have a slightly brighter bar within a diffuse halo. Forms a pair with NGC 936 12.5' W.
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, nearly 1.5' major axis, mild concentration to a slightly brighter core/bar that occasionally seems elongated.
8" (1/1/84): extremely faint, very small. Located 12' E of NGC 936.
William Herschel discovered NGC 941 = H. III-261 = h224, along with NGC 936, on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and noted, "vF, cL. It will just go into the field with the last [NGC 936]." Dreyer, Lord Rosse's assistant on 22 Oct 1876, recorded "vF, vL, iR, or perhaps lE ns? No stars near it".
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02 29 10.3 -10 50 10; Cet
V = 11.4; Size 3.4'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 35°
24" (12/22/14): NGC 942 is the slightly brighter and
southern component of a close double system with
17.5" (12/4/93): this is the slightly brighter southern
member of a double system with NGC 943.
Appears faint, very small, round.
Increases to a small brighter core and faint stellar nucleus. NGC 943 is just 30" N and both
galaxies appear immersed in a common halo.
Ralph Copeland, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 942 =
LM 1-53, along with NGC 943 on 31 Oct 1872. He recorded a "Double in position 159.0°, distance of
nuclei = 40".4; both are R; psbM but the np is slightly larger than the
other. Position of a 12m * from
the brighter of the nebulae = 286.4°, distance = 139.3". But he mistakenly assumed he was
observing
Frank Muller rediscovered the pair in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and described both as a "nebulous double star?". They were included in the observatory's first discovery paper (#53 and #54) with #53 (later NGC 942) placed 1' N of #54 (later NGC 943). Herbert Howe measured accurate positions for the pair in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory, as well as Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II). Muller was credited with the discovery in the NGC. RC 2 reverses the identifications (identifying NGC 942 as the northwestern galaxy), so the NGC designations go in RA order.
******************************
NGC 943 = Arp 309 NED1 = VV 217a = MCG -02-07-019 = Holm 59b = PGC 9457
02 29 09.6 -10 49 40; Cet
V = 11.4; Size 3.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 15°
24" (12/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 18"x15", very small brighter nucleus. NGC 943 is the southern component of a 30" double system with NGC 942. The halos of the two galaxies are merged. IC 230 lies 5.5' W.
17.5" (12/4/93): this is the northern member of a contact pair with NGC 942. Faint, very small, weak concentration. The center of NGC 942 is just 30" S within a common halo. NGC 950 lies 12' S.
Ralph Copeland, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 943 = LM 1-54 and NGC 942 on 31 Oct 1872. But he mistakenly assumed he was observing NGC 945. As a result, Copeland's discovery went unnoticed until recovered by Yann Pothier in March 2020. See NGC 942 for more.
Frank Muller rediscovered the pair in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and described both as a "nebulous double star?". They were included in the observatory's first discovery paper (#53 and #54) with #53 (later NGC 942) placed 1' N of #54 (later NGC 943). Herbert Howe measured accurate positions for the pair in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory, as well as Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II). Muller was credited with the discovery in the NGC. Édouard Stephan also found the pair (only a single position) on 29 Oct 1875. RC 2 reverses the identifications (identifying NGC 942 as the northwestern galaxy), so the NGC designations go in RA order.
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02 26 41.6 -14 30 57; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 15°
17.5" (10/8/94): faint small streak, elongated 3:1 N-S,
0.7'x0.2'. A mag 14 star is 2.3' E
of center. Two bright stars are
following: mag 9
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 944 = LM 1-55 on 1 Jan
1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"mag 15.0, 0.4', vE 0°, sbN like a double star." There is nothing at his rough position
but 1.5 min of RA west is
******************************
NGC 945 = MCG -02-07-013 = Holm 58a = LGG 063-001 = PGC 9426
02 28 37.3 -10 32 21; Cet
V = 12.1; Size 2.4'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration to a small core. A mag 14 star is off the SE side 1.4'
from center. Located 5' N of mag
8.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 945 = H. II-487 = h225 = h2480 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and recorded "F, cL, iF, lbM". Herschel missed the companion NGC 948. John Herschel observed NGC 945 from Slough on 6 Jan 1831 and at the Cape, though he also missed NGC 948. His Cape observation from 9 Dec 1835 reads "eF, L, R, glbM, 2'." Francis Leavenworth (list I-56) probably independently found the galaxy again in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory.
******************************
NGC 946 = UGC 1979 = MCG +07-06-026 = CGCG 539-034 = PGC 9556
02 30 38.5 +42 13 57; And
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 65°
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.6', sharp concentration with a small, round bright core and stellar nucleus. Forms the southern vertex of a quadrilateral with three mag 11 stars between 2.5' and 3' separation NNW, NNE and NE. NGC 937 lies 15' W. Located at the east edge of galaxy cluster AGC 347.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 946 = St. 13-20 on 1 Nov 1877 and recorded a rough position 6' too far east. His published micrometric position (list 13, #20) was reduced (along with NGC 937) on 12 Dec 1884 with description "F, S, R, glbM".
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02 28 33.2 -19 02 32; Cet
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 50°
17.5" (10/8/94): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.6'x0.8', broad weak concentration. A mag 11 star is 3.1' NW of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 947 = h2481 on 10 Nov 1835 and
reported "pB, E, gbM, 50" long, 35" broad." His position is
a good match with
******************************
NGC 948 = MCG -02-07-015 = Holm 58b = LGG 063-002 = PGC 9431
02 28 45.4 -10 30 49; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 170°
17.5" (12/4/93): very faint, very small, slightly elongated halo has a very low surface brightness. Forms a pair with much brighter and larger NGC 945 2.5' SW.
Lewis Swift found NGC 948 = Sw. 5-29 on 1 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and logged a "D neb with GC 547 [NGC 945]...". Swift's position is about 15 tsec of RA east of MCG -02-07-015.
Ormond Stone perhaps discovered this galaxy a month earlier on 12 Oct 1886. The nebula in Leander McCormick list I-56 is a close match with NGC 948, though there is no mention of brighter NGC 945, so I'm not certain of the identification. NGC 945 and 948 were observed and measured by Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) but his RA is too far west. Herbert Howe measured accurate positions for the pair in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory.
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02 30 48.8 +37 08 12; Tri
V = 11.8; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 145°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, fainter outer halo extends dimensions to 2.0'x0.8', broad concentration, no distinct core but brighter along major axis. A mag 14 star is at the SE tip. Located in a fairly rich star field. Member of the NGC 1023 Group.
8" (11/28/81): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration. Located 30' E of a mag 7 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 949 = H. I-154 = h226 on 21 Sep 1786 (sweep 599) and logged (summary description) "cB, pL, E np to sf, vgmbM, 3' long, 2' broad." On 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 692) he recorded "cB, vgbM, lE, about 3' long and 3' broad." The galaxy was observed 5 times at Birr Castle. On 16 Oct 1855, R.J. Mitchell recorded "Oval, no Nucl, light pretty equable, major axis np-sf, clearly resolvable. I can at moments see some of its stars. B* at the south edge".
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NGC 950 = MCG -02-07-021 = LGG 063-003 = PGC 9461
02 29 11.7 -11 01 30; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 40°
24" (12/22/14): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
round, 0.4' diameter, fairly low even surface brightness. Collinear with two mag 13/14.5 stars to
the southwest. Forms a pair with
17.5" (12/4/93): faint, small, round, unconcentrated with a low surface brightness. A wide pair of mag 13/14 stars with separation 37" are 2' SW. Located 5.1' NNW of mag 8.3 SAO 148415. The double system NGC 942/NGC 943 lies 12' N.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 950 = LM 1-57 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His (rough) position matches
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02 28 56.9 -22 20 55; Cet
V = 14.6; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 48°
17.5" (11/17/01): extremely faint, small, round,
0.4'. The faint glow requires
averted and has a low surface
brightness with no noticeable core.
Situated at midpoint between two mag 11.5 stars 3' NW and 3' SE. Forms a close pair with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 951 = LM 2-336 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.3, 0.4' dia, E 0° [N-S], double star?"." His position is just 1.5' S of ESO 479-008 = MCG -04-07-001 = PGC 9442 and his PA = 0° matches the central bar.
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NGC 952 = NGC 940 = UGC 1964 = MCG +05-06-050 = CGCG 504-095 = PGC 9478
02 29 27.5 +31 38 27; Tri
V = 12.4; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 20°
See observing notes for NGC 940.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 952 = St. 3-6 on on 13 Oct 1869 and recorded a rough position 2' to the SE of NGC 940, discovered by d'Arrest in 1865. Another observation on 24 Nov 1870 was 4' to the W. He reported it as new in his third discovery list (#6) based on a micrometric position made on 14 Dec 1871, but there is nothing nearby and Bigourdan was unable to recover it.
Corwin concluded that Stephan must have misidentified his
offset star (given as 4713 Lalande), though wasn't able to identify another
candidate. Emmanuel Esmiol, an
assistant at Marseilles Observatory, reported in his 1916 re-reduction of
Stephan's positions that the offset star was
******************************
NGC 953 = UGC 1991 = MCG +05-07-001 = CGCG 505-001 = PGC 9586
02 31 09.8 +29 35 19; Tri
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x1.5'
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, round, gradually increases to small brighter core. A mag 12-13 star is 1.3' W of center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 953 = St. 3-7 on 26 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted the star 5.5 seconds preceding (1.3' W) and measured an accurate position (3 measures). Édouard Stephan observed this galaxy on 16 Nov 1871. His published micrometric position (list III, #7) was made the following month on 7 Dec 1871. Dreyer credited both d'Arrest (1) and Stephan (2) in the NGC. Nine galaxies discovered by d'Arrest were reported as new by Stephan, suggestng in several cases he probably knew their positions beforehand.
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02 28 51.6 -41 24 10; Eri
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 19°
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 or 5:3 SSW-NNE, ~1.25'x0.8'. Broadly concentrated with slightly brighter core region. Mag 9.4 HD 15612 lies 7.6' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 954 = h2482 on 5 Sep 1834 and
logged "F, pL, lE, has a star 8th mag 3' distant S.f." His position (measured on 4 sweeps) and
description (the star is 3.5' SE) matches
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02 30 33.3 -01 06 31; Cet
V = 12.0; Size 2.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 19°
17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.4', fairly bright elongated core. A mag 12 star is 2.5' SE. Located 25' W of 75 Ceti (V = 5.4).
8" (11/28/81): very faint, small, elongated SW-NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 955 = H. II-278 = h229 on 6
Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and noted "pB, S, E." John Herschel also observed this galaxy on 2 sweeps and gave
a similar description. Both of the
Herschels' positions match
In the NGC notes, Dreyer mentioned this object was a possible "variable nebula" because it was easily seen by Schönfeld in 1863, 1864 and 1868, Friedrich August Winnecke and Heinrich d'Arrest, but was not found by Vogel in 1865 nor Schönfeld in 1861. Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) observed and measured the object without difficulty. Winnecke wrote a paper in 1878 that claimed NGC 955 showed a "periodic variability". It was also compared for variability on plates taken with the 60" at Mt Wilson in 1913 and 1917 and at the Helwan Observatory around 1920. Wolfgang Steinicke covers the story in his book on the NGC (p519).
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02 32 31 +44 35 36; And
V = 8.9; Size 8'
17.5" (11/26/94): 15 stars mag 12-14 and two mag 9
stars in a 5'x2' group, very elongated N-S. The two mag 9 stars bracket the group at the north (mag 8.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 956 = h228 on 23 Dec 1831 and described a "p rich cl; 2 or 3 B and about 20 st 13...15m; a star 9th mag taken" His position is 1' SW of the mag 9.3 star in Herschel's description.
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02 33 19 +57 34 12; Per
V = 7.6; Size 11'
17.5" (10/25/97): moderately rich cluster, ~9'x4' in
size and oriented ~E-W. Includes a
mag 8 star (
8": 30 stars in cluster, fairly large, moderately rich, elongated ~E-W, unresolved haze. A bright wide double star mag 8/10 at 23" is on the SE edge. Bracketed by fairly bright stars to the east and west. Located 1° NE of the Double Cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 957 = h227 on 9 Dec 1831 and noted "a p rich, pL, cl; st 13...15; not compressed at the centre. Figure an irregular parallelogram."
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02 30 42.7 -02 56 22; Cet
V = 12.1; Size 2.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 10°
17.5" (11/17/01): fairly bright, fairly large,
elongated 5:2 ~N-S, 2.5'x1.0'.
Contains a brighter, bulging core and appears brighter along a thinner
"bar" (the major axis).
A similar comment was made in the 12/4/93 observation.
17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.6'x0.8'. Appears brighter along the major axis. The brighter core has an occasional sparkle or bright spot. A mag 13.5 star lies 2.0' N of center.
8": faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, slightly brighter along the major axis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 958 = H. II-237 = h230 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and recorded "faint, extended about 2' long in the direction of the meridian". On 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 96), John Herschel logged "pB; R; or irreg figure; bM." Bindon Stoney, using the 72" on 24 Nov 1851, commented the "brightest part near preceding edge; E nnf-ssp; double star north, to which nebula does not reach."
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02 32 24.0 +35 29 41; Tri
V = 12.4; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 65°
17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, fairly large, weak
concentration, slightly elongated WSW-ENE. Located 13' S of mag 7.6
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 959 = St. 8b-5 on 29 Oct 1875. His published position (list 8b, #5) was made on 9 Nov 1876 with an estimated major axis of 1.25'. He made a later observation on 1 Nov 1877.
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02 31 41.2 -09 18 01; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 125°
17.5" (10/8/94): faint, very small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, only 25"x10", very small bright core. Located 5.6' ENE of a mag 10.5 star.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 960 = LM 2-337 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 15.5, 0.2' dia, R, neb?; *9 south-preceding 30 sec." His position is 30 sec west of MCG -02-07-028 = PGC 9621. I'm surprised he listed this galaxy as round, though a mag 12 star is 5.7' SW (Leavenworth calls it mag 9) or 22 sec preceding in RA.
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02 41 02.4 -06 56 09; Cet
See observing notes for
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 961 = LM 2-338 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "1.5'x1.0', E 230°, *10 at end." There is nothing at Stone's position but Harold Corwin found that if Stone made a 10 min (transcription?) error in RA, then NGC 961 is a duplicate of NGC 1051 = PGC 10172 (discovered by Édouard Stephan). The declinations are similar and Stone's description applies perfectly to NGC 1051. So NGC 961 = NGC 1051 = IC 249 (another duplicate observation by Javelle), with NGC 1051 the primary designation. NGC 961 is classified as nonexistent in RNGC and NGC 961 is not included in the aliases of NGC 1051 in HyperLeda.
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02 32 39.9 +28 04 12; Ari
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x1.2'; PA = 170°
17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Located 6' W of a mag 9 star.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 962 = St. 3-8 on 13 Oct 1869 with a rough position 2' to the SE. A second observation was on 16 Nov 1871. His published micrometric position was reduced on 13 Dec 1871 with description "eF, S, grad incr to the center."
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02 30 31.0 -04 12 59; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (12/4/93): faint, small, round, weak concentration but no distinct core. Located just north of the midpoint of the line connecting two mag 13/14 stars 2' SE and 2' WNW. Incorrect identification in the RNGC.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 963 = LM 2-339 in 1886
with the 26-inch refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position but
1.3 min of RA east (a common error) is
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02 31 05.8 -36 02 06; For
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 31°
17.5" (10/25/97): fairly faint, moderately large, nearly edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.4'x0.4', brighter core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 964 = h2483 on 1 Sep 1834 and
recorded "B, pmE, psbM, 30" long; position 215.7 degrees." His position (measured on 4
observations) and description matches
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02 32 24.9 -18 38 24; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 10°
17.5" (12/28/94): extremely faint, small, round, 0.6'
diameter, no concentration, requires averted vision. A mag 12 star is 3.4' SSE of center. Located 11' SSE of mag 9.5
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 965 = LM 1-58 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His (rough) position is a fairly good match with
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02 31 46.7 -19 53 05; Cet
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 112°
17.5" (10/8/94): faint, very small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak even concentration. Located 40" NNE of a mag 9.5 star.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 966 = LM 2-340 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is
0.3 tmin east of
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02 32 12.7 -17 13 01; Cet
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 33°
17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, gradually brightens but no distinct core. An occasional stellar nucleus is visible. Located 6.0' E of a mag 10 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 967 = h2484 on 10 Nov 1835 and
noted "pF, S, R, pgmbM, 25"." The following October he called it
"eF, irregularly round, lbM."
His position matches
William Herschel made an unpublished observation on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459), recording "a patch apparently nebulous; but may be only a few stars." His re-reduced position is 4.5' due south of this galaxy. He didn't return on a later sweep to verify this observation so it didn't receive an internal number or H-designation.
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02 34 06.2 +34 28 48; Tri
V = 12.2; Size 3.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 60°
17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
broad concentration, stellar nucleus.
Located 10' NE of mag 7.6
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 968 = St. 10-12 on 1 Dec 1875 and recorded a rough position 2' to the ESE. He made additional observations on 1 Nov 1877 and 5 Dec 1877. His accurate reduced position (list 10, #12) was made on 5 Dec 1879 with description "pF, pS, R, incr to a bright core."
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02 34 08.0 +32 56 50; Tri
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 5°
24" (2/18/20): at 375x; between moderately and fairly bright, oval 2:1 N-S,
1.0'x0.5'. There are three
distinct zone; the oval halo, a bright roundish core and a prominent stellar or
quasi-stellar nucleus. Brightest
in the small trio with
18" (1/26/11): at 285x appeared moderately bright,
moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.5', sharp concentration with a
small, very bright core. In a
tight trio with NGC 970 2' NNE and NGC 974 3.8' E. Also nearby is
17.5" (12/4/93): first of four in the NGC 978 group. Fairly faint, small, round, sharp concentration. A mag 14 star is just 0.9' S. Located 3.4' SSW of a mag 9.5 star in a rich star field. NGC 974 lies 3.8' E, NGC 970 2' NNE and NGC 978 10' SE, all in the same field.
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, small, small bright nucleus, slightly elongated N-S. In a trio with NGC 974 3.9' E and NGC 978 11' SE. NGC 970 2' NE not seen.
John Herschel discovered NGC 969 = h231, along with NGC 974 = h233 and NGC 978 = h234, on 22 Nov 1827 and reported "S; R; psbM. The first of 3."
******************************
NGC 970 = MCG +05-07-009 = PGC 9786
02 34 11.8 +32 58 38; Tri
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 55°
24" (2/18/20): at 375x; faint, small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, with averted vision often extends to 18"x12" but the
two components of this double system were merged. A mag 10 star is 1.5' N. In a close trio with much brighter NGC 969 and NGC 974.
18" (1/26/11): faintest in a trio with NGC 969 2' SSW and NGC 974 3.3' SE. At 285x appeared extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 15"x10". Located 1.5' S of a mag 10 star. Two mag 14 stars lie 1.3' NW and 1.7' NE. NGC 971 is a 15.5 magnitude star 0.9' E.
17.5" (12/4/93): extremely faint, very small, round. Located near the midpoint and just east of the line connecting a mag 9.5 star 1.5' N and NGC 969 2' SSW. A mag 14.5 star is 1.3' WNW. This is a double system (unresolved). Member of the NGC 978 group with NGC 974 3.3' ESE and NGC 978 10' SE.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 970 on 14 Sep 1850 (Saturday) while observing the NGC 978 group. Bindon may have been observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. This galaxy is labeled "Gamma" on the sketch of 11 Oct 1850 and the micrometric offset from NGC 969 is accurate, though it was seen as single.
The RNGC misidentifies the northeast component of NGC 970 as NGC 971. This error is included in my RNGC Corrections #7.
******************************
02 34 16.0 +32 58 47; Tri
V = 15.8
24" (2/18/20): at 375x; NGC 971 is a mag 15.8 star situated 0.9' E of NGC 970. It was very faint, but easily visible.
18" (1/26/11): at 285x an extremely faint mag 15.5 star (mistaken as a nebula at Birr Castle) situated 0.9' due east of NGC 970. It's sandwiched between NGC 970 and a mag 14 star 0.9' NE. Also lies 1.6' SE of a mag 10 star.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 971, along with NGC 970, on 14 Sep 1850 (Saturday) while observing NGC 969 and 974. Bindon may have been observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. Offsets measured on 11 Oct 1850 (Friday) point precisely to a mag 15-15.5 star situated 56" east of NGC 970.
The RNGC misidentifies the northeast component of NGC 970 as NGC 971. This error is included in my RNGC Corrections #7.
******************************
02 34 13.4 +29 18 43; Ari
V = 11.4; Size 3.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 152°
17.5" (12/23/92): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2.0'x1.0', large bright core dominates, much fainter outer halo, appears brighter on the southeast side. Three stars (including two mag 9 stars at 45" separation) are in a line off the southwest flank and equally spaced.
8" (11/8/80): fairly faint, round, bright core, bright double star to SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 972 = H. II-211 = h232 = St. 3-9 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266) and logged "F, pL, lE, bM, just north of 2 stars." On 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 680) he recorded "pB, cL, E from sp to nf [should be np to sf] but nearer the meridian, mbM, about 1' north of 3 stars in a row." On 16 Sep 1828 (sweep 178), John Herschel wrote "pB, lE, pgmB". Stephan found the galaxy again on 11 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory and this observation led to the entry 5247 in the GC Supplement. Dreyer combined the two GC entries (560 = 5247) in the NGC. NGC 972 was observed 15 times at Birr Castle. On 7 Oct 1855, R.J. Mitchell recorded "has a knot in p edge [probably an HII region]; neb spreads out and fades away gradually sf." A sketched made on 12 Oct 1855 was included in the 1861 publication (Plate 25, Fig. 3)
******************************
02 34 20.2 +32 30 19; Tri
V = 12.8; Size 3.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 48°
18" (1/26/11): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.25', sharply concentrated with a bright elongated
core and very faint thin extensions.
A faint star is very close preceding the SW extension. Located 4.5' NE of mag 7.5
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 3:1 SW-NE. Located 4.5'
NE of mag 7.5
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 973 = Sw. 4-8 on 30 Oct 1885 with
the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "eeF; S; vE; pB
* nr sp". His position and
description matches
******************************
NGC 974 = UGC 2049 = MCG +05-07-012 = PGC 9802
02 34 25.8 +32 57 16; Tri
V = 12.7; Size 2.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.2
24" (2/18/20): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, roundish, ~50"x40", broad weak concentration to a small brighter core. Two mag 14.5 stars are close off the S side and N side. Brighter NGC 969 is 3.8' W.
18" (1/26/11): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly
elongated SW-NE, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration in the halo, then sharply
concentrated with a small bright core.
Bracketed by a mag 14 star 0.8' S, and a mag 14.5 star 0.9' N. Forms the eastern vertex of a small
triangle with brighter NGC 969 3.8' W and NGC 970 3.3' NW. NGC 978 lies 8' SE. Located 4' SE of a mag 10 star and 11'
NW of mag 8.1
17.5" (12/4/93): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, small brighter core. Situated between two mag 14 stars 56" NNW and 45" SSE. Located in the NGC 978 group with NGC 969 3.8' W, NGC 970 3.3' NW, NGC 978 8' SSE.
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, slightly elongated, moderately large, broadly concentrated, diffuse halo, two faint stars on opposite ends. Forms a pair with NGC 969 3.9' W. NGC 970 not seen.
John Herschel discovered NGC 974 = h233, along with NGC 969
and NGC 978 on 22 Nov 1827 and logged
"vF; R; bM. The second
of 3". His position matches
******************************
02 33 22.8 +09 36 06; Cet
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 0°
17.5" (10/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. Symmetrical appearance with an even concentration to a small bright core and a stellar nucleus. A mag 10 star is 2.3' NNW of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 975 = Sw. 1-3 on 9 Nov 1884 with
the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "vF;
cE." His position is 8' north
of
******************************
02 34 00.0 +20 58 36; Ari
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (1/20/90): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, large bright core, very small bright nucleus.
13.1" (9/3/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core. Situated between two faint stars oriented N-S. Located about 30' SE of a mag 7 star.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 976 = T. 1-11 in 1876 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His description (published in 1878) reads, "Class III, small and faint; on one side of a trapezoid of 4 stars." The trapezoid of stars is just to the north of the galaxy. Édouard Stephan made another discovery on 31 Oct 1877.
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02 33 03.4 -10 45 35; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 65°
48" (10/26/11): at 488x this galaxy is sharply
concentrated with a very intense oval core oriented WSW-ENE, ~36"x27",
The core increases to a bright quasi-stellar nucleus and sometimes a stellar
point. The core is surrounded by a
much fainter outer halo, 1.6'x1.3', that is only slightly elongated SSW-NNE.
17.5" (12/4/93): faint, small, round, weak
concentration, occasional stellar nucleus. Just NW are three equally spaced stars mag 11 and 12 which
form a line NW-SE of length 6'.
Located 7.7' SSE of mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 977 = H. III-472 = h2485 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and recorded "vF, pL, vlbM, near some scattered stars.". Both William and John Herschel measured accurate positions.
******************************
NGC 978 = UGC 2057 = MCG +05-07-016 = CGCG 505-018 = PGC 9821
02 34 47.0 +32 50 46; Tri
V = 12.4; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 80°
24" (2/18/20): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated, ~35"x30", gradually increases to a bright
core but no distinct nucleus. NGC
978 is a contact pair with
18" (1/26/11): at 285x appears moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 40"x32". Sharply concentrated with a high surface brightness core and a thin faint halo. Forms a contact pair with NGC 978B at the SE end. The companion appeared as an elongated brightening, ~15"x10" N-S, within the SSE portion of the outer halo. Located 6' WSW of mag 8.1 HD 16015. A trio consisting of NGC 969, NGC 970 and NGC 974 lies 10' NW.
17.5" (12/4/93): moderately bright, fairly small,
round, prominent core within a small halo. A mag 11.5 star is 2.3' ESE. Located 6' WSW of mag 7.9
13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, small, round, small bright core. Brightest of three with NGC 969 10' NW and NGC 974 8' NNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 978 = h234, along with NGC 969
and NGC 974, on 22 Nov 1827. His
position is a good match with
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02 31 38.8 -44 31 28; Eri
V = 12.8; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 115°
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, ~35" diameter, faint but sharp stellar nucleus. Situated within a string of 3 stars ~E-W with a mag 11.5 star 1.8' W.
Forms a pair (similar redshift) with
John Herschel discovered NGC 979 = h2486 on 22 Nov 1827 and logged "Not vF, S, R; almost stellar; between 2 stars nearly in the parallel." His two observations differ by 7 sec in RA.
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02 35 18.6 +40 55 35; And
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 110°
17.5" (11/27/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2
WNW-ESE, small bright core, similar appearance but slightly fainter by 0.5 mag
than
See notes for NGC 982.
******************************
NGC 981 = MCG -02-07-030 = PGC 9710
02 32 59.9 -10 58 25; Cet
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 5°
17.5" (12/4/93): faint, small, unconcentrated round spot with a low surface brightness. Two mag 13 stars are 2.1' SW and 3.3' SW. NGC 977 lies 13' NNE.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 981 = LM 1-59 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.0, 0.4' dia, gbM". His
(rough) position falls close to
******************************
NGC 982 = UGC 2066 = MCG +07-06-039 = CGCG 539-056 = PGC 9838
02 35 24.9 +40 52 11; And
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 132°
17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 2' NE of a mag 10 star. Brighter of a striking pair with NGC 980 3.5' NNW. Identifications of NGC 980 and NGC 982 are reversed in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG.
William Herschel discovered NGC 982 = H. III-573 = h236, along with NGC 980, on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614). He described them as "Two. Both vF, vS, er, dist 4', the place between them. As Herschel did not provide individual positions, Dreyer used John Herschel's positions for h235 and h236. Unfortunately, he measured the position of h236 accurately, but reversed the sign of the declination offset to NGC 982, placing it 5.5' too far south. This resulted in h235 (later GC 565) being placed southwest of h236 (later GC 566). Dreyer copied the GC positions into the NGC, and noted the orientation as SW-NE, instead of NW-SE as they appear on the sky.
Because of this error, several catalogues (RNGC, CGCG, UGC and RC3) reverse the identifications of NGC 980 and 982, which should be NGC 980 = UGC 2063 = PGC 9831 and NGC 982 = UGC 2066 = PGC 9838. MCG has the correct identifications. This summary is based on Malcolm Thomson's Catalogue Corrections and Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.
******************************
02 38 55.7 +34 37 21; Tri
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 140°
See observing notes for
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 983 = St. 3-11 on 13 Dec 1871 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. His 6th magnitude reference star was misidentified, so the position in list 3, #11 (published in 1872) is incorrect. The error was caught and mentioned in a footnote in MN XXXII, although there was still a typo of 10 tmin in RA in the corrected position. Using Stephan's offsets (3 minutes 8 seconds and 3' 38") from 15 Triangulum, his position corresponds with UGC 2133 = PGC 10034. Stephan found the galaxy again 10 years later on 14 Dec 1881, measured an accurate position in St. 12-21, and Dreyer catalogued it as NGC 1002. Karl Reinmuth missed the footnote in MN and in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, couldn't find NGC 983. In any case, NGC 983 = NGC 1002. Although NGC 983 should be the primary designation due to the earlier discovery, the galaxy is usually identified as NGC 1002. RNGC misclassifies NGC 983 as nonexistent. See Corwin's notes
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02 34 43.1 +23 24 47; Ari
V = 12.8; Size 3.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.7; PA = 120°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated WNW-ESE, small very bright core. A mag 12.5 star is 1.2' S. Located 6' SE of mag 8.4
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 984 = St. 3-10 on 16 Nov 1871. His position was 3' too far E. His published micrometric position (list 3, #10) was made a month later on 13 Dec 1871 with description "vF, eS, R, bM."
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02 34 37.4 -08 47 10; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
48" (10/26/11): at 488x and 610x this disrupted galaxy (possible collisional ring) revealed its structure. A very bright, sharp stellar nucleus is offset to the southwest side of the halo. The moderately large halo appears as a 0.9'x0.7' oval or a circle that was squashed along the south and southeast edge, near the nucleus. With averted vision, the brighter rim was noticeable and the galaxy appeared as a ring with a darker center and a "diamond" (the Seyfert nucleus) attached on the southeast side. The ring appeared similar to a faint annular planetary. An extremely faint mag 18 star is at the north edge of the rim.
2MASX J02343785-0853042, an easily visible galaxy, lies 6' S. It appeared faint to fairly faint, slightly elongated NW-SE, 20"x15", broad concentration, brighter core. A mag 12.5 star lies 45" NW.
17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, sharp stellar nucleus with a small very faint halo! A triangle of mag 10/11 stars with sides 1.7', 2.5' and 3.0' is about 5' WNW and the galaxy forms the bottom of a "cross" asterism with these stars. This is a Seyfert galaxy, accounting for the dominant nucleus.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 985 = LM 2-341 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is only 1' S of
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02 33 34.2 -39 02 43; For
V = 10.9; Size 3.9'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 150°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran): at 264x, this beautiful, barred S-shaped spiral appeared very bright, large, with a very bright elongated central region that increased to a small, very bright core and bright stellar nucleus. Within the central region it was brighter along the central axis (bar) oriented SW to NE. At the southwest end of the central bar a relatively thin arm emerged and swept ~1.3' SE (clockwise). From the NE end of the central region another thin arm shot north for 1.5' and contained a very small, brighter knot or HII region.
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x1.2'. Dominated by a 20" rounder core.
A nice evenly matched mag 10.5 pair at 12" separation is 9' NNE with
another similar star 1' S. Located 8' due north of mag 9
8" (1/1/84): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, bright core, diffuse edges.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 986 = D 519 = h2487 on 5 Aug 1826 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta (near Sydney) and described "a faint nebula, of an irregular round figure, about 30" diameter, north of a bright small star." His single position is 9' SE of NGC 986 (typical error) and there are no other nearby brighter galaxies that he might have been picked up instead.
John Herschel described the galaxy on 23 Oct 1835 as "pB, L, psbM, 3' long 2' broad, either binuclear or more elongated on the n.f. side than on the opposite." On a later sweep he logged "B, L, pmE, very suddenly much brighter middle, 100" long 60" broad, unequally bright, and exhibiting an approach to binuclear form." See Plate VI, figure 14 of the CGH Observations. Herschel's secondary nucleus appears to be the brighter southwest end of the central bar.
Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 29 Nov 1875 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. He resolved it as a stretched S-shaped barred spiral (Plate I, figure 8 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885". Albert Le Sueur earlier made a sketch (unpublished plate VII, figure 80).
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02 36 49.6 +33 19 38; Tri
V = 12.4; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 30°
13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
SW-NE, small bright core. Located
26' N of mag 6.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 987 = H. III-161 = h237 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and logged "vF, S, irregularly extended, resolvable". John Herschel observed this galaxy on two sweeps, recording on 11 Nov 1827 (sweep 100):"vF; R; S; bM; 2 st 14m np point to it."
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02 35 29.7 -09 21 35; Cet
V = 11.0; Size 3.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 112°
17.5" (11/1/86): faint, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE,
wider on ESE edge. Unusual
appearance as mag 7.2
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 988 = St. 10-13 on 29 Nov 1875 and called it a 6th magnitude star (4811 Lalande) surrounded by a faint round nebulosity, a bit extended to the southeast." Stephan's RA was about 20 seconds too small as he misidentified the superimposed 7th magnitude star (79 Ceti). Dreyer corrected the position in the NGC, commenting in the IC 2 notes section: "No nebulosity seen by Burnham [Publ of Lick Observatory, II) and Barnard. Stephan's position is wrong, being taken from Baily's Lalande, where the places of two stars (with an 18 second difference in right ascension) are mixed up. I took the northeastern star, as I was not certain that it was not nebulous, while the southwestern one was certainly free from haze". Emmanuel Esmiol deleted NGC 988 in his 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's measurements.
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02 33 46.0 -16 30 41; Cet
V = 12.2; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 11.4
17.5" (10/29/94): faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter, very small brighter core.
Located off the SE end of a string of four mag 12-13 stars oriented
NW-SE and 6.0' NNE of mag 9.0
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 989 = LM 1-60 on 9 Nov
1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His (rough) position is 1.4 tmin east
of
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02 36 18.2 +11 38 32; Ari
V = 12.5; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, small, round, small
bright core, stellar nucleus, even symmetrical concentration from halo to
nucleus. Located 6' W of a mag 9.5
star and 4' N of a mag 10.5 star.
Part of the
William Herschel discovered NGC 990 = H. III-557 = h238 = Sw. 4-9 on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 591). His description reads, "vF, vS, lE, resolvable, 240 power the same.". On 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 121) John Herschel logged "pB; R; psbM; 25"; moonlight."
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, observed NGC 990 on 12 Dec 1848. Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy on 1 Sep 1886 and catalogued it as new in his fourth discovery paper (#9).
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02 35 32.2 -07 09 16; Cet
V = 11.7; Size 2.9'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 60°
24" (11/21/19): at 322x; large, slightly elongated, broad and fairly weak concentration with only a slightly brighter core. Overall, low surface brightness but the halo seems slightly mottled as if a face-on spiral (it is). Member of the NGC 1052 group (LGG 071).
17.5" (8/31/86): large, diffuse, weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is 1.5' S of center. Located 40' N of mag 5.5 80 Ceti (V = 5.5).
William Herschel discovered NGC 991 = H. III-434 = h239 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and recorded "vF, cL, irr figure, lbM, 4' or 5' long, 2 or 3' broad". His reduced position is accurate. John Herschel simply noted "eF" on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), and his position is 9 seconds of RA too large.
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02 37 25.5 +21 06 02; Ari
V = 12.6; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 10°
18" (1/26/11): at 285x appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 45"x22", well concentrated to a small bright core increasing to a stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 1.5' SSE. Located 4.3' SW of mag 9 SAO 75477.
Forms a pair with
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, elongated N-S, very faint extensions. Located 4.3' SSW of mag 8.5 SAO 75477. A mag 12.5 star is 1.4' SE of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 992 = Sw. 4-10 on 31 Oct 1877. His rough notebook position was 2.5' to the SE. He never reduced and published the discovery.
Lewis Swift rediscovered NGC 992 on 6 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His RA was 8 seconds too small but his description ("cE, * nr S") in his 4th discovery list (#10) matches. Bigourdan noted "it passes 7 seconds before the NGC position" in the correction list in his 1891 Comptes Rendus paper. But his comment should read "7 seconds after". Kobold measured an accurate position in 1902 with the 18" refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory (published in 1907). Swift received discovery credit in the NGC.
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02 36 46.0 +02 03 01; Cet
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 110°
18" (10/21/06): faint, small, round, 25" diameter,
even surface brightness. A mag 14
star lies 30" N. Located
between two mag 10 stars 6.7' SW and 4.3' NE at the west edge of the
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, moderate concentration with a very small brighter core. A mag 13.5 star is just 34" NNW of center. Located 4.4' SW of a mag 9.5 star. An unequal double star (mag 12/14 at 19" separation) lies 3' E. Located at the west end of the NGC 1016 cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 993 = m 63 on 15 Jan 1865 and
noted "eF, vS". Édouard
Stephan made an observation on 1 Dec 1875 and noted it as "Lassell
63". Lewis Swift found the
galaxy again on 17 Oct 1885. He
claimed it was not NGC 993 and listed it as new in his 3rd discovery list
(#13). As a result, it also
carries the designation
******************************
NGC 994 = NGC 993 = UGC 2095 = MCG +00-07-052 = CGCG 388-063 = PGC 9910
02 36 46.0 +02 03 01; Cet
See observing notes for NGC 993.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 994 = Sw. 3-13 on 17 Oct 1885
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. He described this nebula as "vF *
close; between a pB* and a F D*; np of 2 [with
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02 38 32.0 +41 31 46; And
V = 13.4; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 35°
18" (12/18/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration with a slightly brighter core except
for a stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus with direct vision. A mag 14.5 star is at the east
edge. Member of the NGC 995-1005
cluster (~40' N of
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core. A mag 15 star is just off the east edge. Located at the west edge of the NGC 995-1005 group with NGC 996 7' NNE and NGC 1000 5' SE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 995 = St. 3-12 on 8 Dec 1871
(date position was reduced) with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles
Observatory. His position matches
******************************
NGC 996 = UGC 2123 = MCG +07-06-045 = CGCG 539-064 = PGC 10015
02 38 39.9 +41 38 51; And
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5
18" (12/18/06): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.9', gradually increases to a small, brighter core. This galaxy is the brightest, along with NGC 995 7.2' SSW, of a group of 8 galaxies (6 NGC's) generally arranged in a ring (part of the NGC 1023 group). Forms a close pair with NGC 999 2' NE and also forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 10.5-11 stars 3' NE and 3' NW.
17.5" (11/1/86): faint, small, round, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 999 2' NE in the NGC 995-1005 group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 996 = St. 3-13, along with
NGC 999, NGC 1001 and
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02 37 14.5 +07 18 21; Cet
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8
24" (12/28/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, round, 30" diameter, small bright core, stellar nucleus, high
surface brightness. Mag 9.5 HD
16303 is 1.4' SW. Forms a pair
with
CGCG 414-028 appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. I was surprised the visibility is comparable to NGC 998.
UGC 2092: extremely faint, fairly small, elongated ~5:2 SW-NE, ~20"x8", very low surface brightness! As the axial ratio of this bulgeless superthin is ~12:1, I only picked up the slightly brighter central section.
17.5" (10/8/94): faint, small, round, 40"
diameter, weak concentration, small ill-defined core. Located 1.4' NE of mag 9
Albert Marth discovered NGC 997 = m 64, along with NGC 998, on 10 Nov 1863 and noted "F, S". His position was accurate. Brightest in a group of faint galaxies -- one of which (NGC 997 NED01) is in the halo on the north side. Stephan made an observation on 13 Oct 1869 at the Marseilles observatory.
******************************
NGC 998 = MCG +01-07-016 = PGC 9934
02 37 16.5 +07 20 09; Cet
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
24" (12/28/16): at 375x; very faint to faint, small, round, 18" diameter, very low surface brightness. Forms a close pair with NGC 997 1.8' SSW.
17.5" (10/8/94): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Very low even surface brightness and requires averted vision. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 997 1.8' SSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 998 = m 65 (along with NGC 997)
on 10 Nov 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted
"vF". NGC 998 was placed
2 sec of RA following and 1' N of NGC 997, and at this position is
CGCG misidentifies NGC 997 with CGCG 414-028 = PGC 2802440, a small, very faint galaxy situated 8.2' NNE of NGC 997. The UGC notes to NGC 997 and the RNGC follow the CGCG error and also misidentify CGCG 414-028 as NGC 998. NGC 998 is mentioned as an anonymous companion to NGC 997 in the UGC notes. PGC has the correct identification, though is incorrect to use CGCG 414-028 as an alias. MCG reverses the identifications as well as the declinations. The identification of NGC 997 is included in my RNGC Corrections #7.
******************************
NGC 999 = UGC 2127 = MCG +07-06-047 = CGCG 539-066 = PGC 10026
02 38 47.4 +41 40 14; And
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 61°
18" (12/18/06): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. Sandwiched between a mag 11 star 1' NE and a mag 14 star just off the SW edge [28" from the center]. Located just 2' NE of NGC 996 in the NGC 995-1005 group with NGC 1001 4.5' E.
17.5" (11/1/86): very faint, very small, round. A mag 12 star is 1.0' NE. Member of the NGC 995-1005 group with NGC 1001 4.7' E.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 999 = St. 3-14, along with NGC 996, NGC 1001 and UGC 2111, on 10 Nov 1871. His published micrometric position was made the following month on 8 Dec 1871. NGC 999 is the third in a group of 6 NGC galaxies discovered by Stephan.
CGCG, UGC, PGC and HyperLEDA incorrectly equate NGC 999 and
8 Dec 1871
******************************
NGC 1000 = MCG +07-06-048 = CGCG 539-067 = PGC 10028
02 38 49.7 +41 27 35; And
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
18" (12/18/06): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration. Located 5.3' SE of NGC 995 at the south end of the NGC 995-1005 cluster (35' N of NGC 1003). Appears very compact on the DSS.
17.5" (11/1/86): very faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE. Member of the NGC 995-1005 group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1000 = St. 3-15, along with
NGC 1005, on 9 Dec 1871 (according to Yann Pothier) with the 31" reflector
at the Marseilles Observatory. His
position matches
******************************
NGC 1001 = MCG +07-06-050 = CGCG 539-069 = PGC 10050
02 39 12.7 +41 40 18; Per
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 114°
18" (12/18/06): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.2'. With direct vision a faint stellar nucleus is visible. Occasionally I thought the nucleus was double, but instead there appeared to be an extremely faint star at the NW edge. Located 4.7' E of NGC 999.
17.5" (11/1/86): faint, small, very elongated WNW-ESE. An extremely faint mag 15.5 star is at the west end or an extremely faint companion (appears elongated on the POSS). A mag 13.5 star is 1.4' SE. NGC 999 lies 4.7' W in the NGC 995-1005 group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1001 = St. 3-16, along with NGC 996, NGC 999 and UGC 2111, on 10 Nov 1871. He possibly made an earlier observation on 30 Nov 1866, if he recorded a 5 minute error in RA. His published micrometric position was made the following month on 8 Dec 1871. NGC 999 is the fifth in a group of 6 NGC galaxies discovered by Stephan.
******************************
NGC 1002 = UGC 2133 = MCG +06-06-070 = CGCG 523-079 = N983 =
02 38 55.7 +34 37 21; Tri
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 140°
17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, larger brighter core, irregular surface brightness. Collinear with a mag 12.5 star 1.2' NE and a mag 13 star 2.8' NE.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 1002 = St. 12-21 on 5 Nov 1875 and measured an approximate position 3' to the ENE. His published position (list 12, #21) was reduced on 14 Dec 1881 with description "very faint, very small, irr round, condensation around a bright central nucleus." He made an earlier discovery in 1871 (list 3, #11), but misidentified his comparison star, so the position for NGC 983 is incorrect. When corrected, NGC 983 = NGC 1002. Because the position for NGC 1002 is unambiguous, catalogues use this identification. He observed NGC 1002 on his last documented night (22 Nov 1886). See Corwin's notes for NGC 983.
******************************
NGC 1003 = UGC 2137 = MCG +07-06-051 = CGCG 539-070 = LGG 070-005 = PGC 10052
02 39 16.9 +40 52 20; Per
V = 11.5; Size 5.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 97°
18" (12/18/06): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated
3:1 ~E-W, 2.5'x0.9', broad concentration with a large, brighter core. The core brightens slightly to the
center but there is no distinct nucleus, although the center has a mottled
appearance with an occasional sparkle or two (possibly a faint, superimposed
star or a slightly brighter knot).
A mag 13 star is just off the NE edge of the core. Located 2' NE mag 10
17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, bright core. A mag 13 star is involved at the NE side, just 0.8' from center. Located 2' NE of a mag 10 star.
13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is on the NE edge 0.8' from center. An extremely faint knot is at the NW edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1003 = H. II-238 = H. III-198 = h240 on 6 Oct 1784 (sweep 283) and noted "Suspected, but the haziness will not permit to verify it." On 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614), he logged "pB, mE nearly in the parallel, mbM, near 4' long and about 1' br." On the following night (sweep 618) he logged "cB, mE, vgmbM, near 4' l." The two H-designations were combined in the GC and NGC (suggested by Marth).
Fritz Zwicky discovered the type-Ia SN 1937D, in his early search using the 18-inch Schmidt telescope at Paloomar.
******************************
NGC 1004 = UGC 2112 = MCG +00-07-057 = CGCG 388-068 = PGC 9961
02 37 41.8 +01 58 31; Cet
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 115°
18" (11/18/06): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 12 star is attached at the west edge of the halo. Observation through thin clouds.
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, small, round, bright nearly stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is barely off the WSW edge. Located 13' SW of NGC 1016 on the west side of the cluster.
17.5" (10/8/94): faint, very small, round, 0.5'
diameter. A mag 12 star is just
off the WSW edge 25" from the center. Forms a pair with
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core. A mag 12 star is just 25" WSW of the center. Member of the NGC 1016 cluster with NGC 1008 8' NNE and NGC 1016 13' NE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1004 = St. 11-3 = Sw. 3-14,
along with
******************************
NGC 1005 = MCG +07-06-052 = CGCG 539-071 = PGC 10062
02 39 27.7 +41 29 36; Per
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (12/18/06): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, increases to a samll bright core. Located on the SE side of the NGC 995-1005 group, 3' E of a 40" pair of mag 11.5-12 stars.
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core. Located in the NGC 995-1005 group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1005 = St. 3-17 on 9 Dec 1871 (or earlier) with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. Yann Pothier lists a possible discovery date as 10 Nov 1871. Sixth in a group of 6 NGC galaxies discovered by Stephan.
******************************
02 37 34.9 -11 01 31; Cet
Size 0.9'x0.9'
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift found NGC 1006 = Sw. 5-30 on 29 Sep 1886 with a 16" refractor. His position was 10 sec of RA west of NGC 1010, discovered 10 years earlier by Édouard Stephan. Frank Muller noted the equivalence with Tempel's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) listing nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously. Nevertheless, Dreyer assigned Sw. 5-30 to NGC 1006, resulting in two NGC designations.
******************************
02 37 52.2 +02 09 21; Cet
V = 15.1; Size 0.6'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 49°
18" (11/18/06): very faint, extremely small, round, 12" diameter. Located 7.2' WNW of NGC 1016 and 2.7' S of a mag 9.5 star. This is the faintest NGC galaxy in the cluster.
17.5" (10/17/87): extremely faint and small,
round. A mag 9 star (
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1007 = m 66 on 15 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, stellar". Marth's position is 1' S of CGCG 388-069 = PGC 9967.
******************************
NGC 1008 = UGC 2114 = MCG +00-07-060 = CGCG 388-070 = PGC 9970
02 37 55.3 +02 04 47; Cet
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 85°
18" (11/18/06): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3', weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located 6.5' WSW of NGC 1016 and 3' NW of a mag 11 star.
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.5'x0.35', weak even concentration. Located 3' NW of a mag 11 star and 7' WSW of NGC 1016 in the core of the cluster.
17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, small, round. A mag 10 star is 2.9' SE. Located between NGC 1004 7.1' SW and NGC 1016 6.5' ENE.
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. NGC 1007 lies 4.6' NNW. Located 7' SW of NGC 1016 in the NGC 1016 cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1008 = m 67 on 15 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, eS, stellar". His position is accurate.
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02 38 19.0 +02 18 35; Cet
V = 14.4; Size 1.4'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 124°
18" (11/18/06): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.2', low even surface brightness. Located 11.5' due north of NGC 1016 in a cluster.
18" (10/21/06): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.45'x0.15'. Brighter IC 241 lies 6' WNW. Located 11' due north of NGC 1016 in the cluster.
17.5" (10/17/87): extremely faint, small, elongated
WNW-ESE. A mag 11 star is 2'
SE.
Edward Swift, Lewis' 15 year-old son, discovered NGC 1009 =
Sw. 3-15 on 1 Jan 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner
Observatory. The Swifts' published
positon is 15 sec of RA west of
******************************
NGC 1010 = NGC 1006 = MCG -02-07-044 = Holm 62a = PGC 9949
02 37 34.9 -11 01 31; Cet
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.0
17.5" (10/8/94): faint, fairly small, round, no
concentration. A mag 13 star is
3.7' NW. First in and brightest of
a trio with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1010 = St. 8b-6 (possibly along with NGC 1011), on 29 Oct 1875. His single rough position was 6' to the WNW, but his published position in 1877 is accurate. Swift rediscovered the pair on 29 Sep 1886 and reported both as new in his 5th discovery list (#30). Frank Muller noted the equivalence with Stephan's nebula in an 1887 article on Swift's duplicate catalogue entries (acknowledged by Swift in the errata to his 6th list). Nevertheless Dreyer assigned Sw. 5-30 to NGC 1006, so NGC 1006 = NGC 1010.
******************************
NGC 1011 = MCG -02-07-045 = Holm 62b = PGC 9955
02 37 38.9 -11 00 20; Cet
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (10/8/94): very faint, small, round. Located 1.5' NE of NGC 1010. Second of three with NGC 1017 2.7' E.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1011 = St. 8b-7 = Sw. 5-31, along with NGC 1010, on 21 Nov 1876. His position is accurate. Lewis Swift independently found the pair on 29 Sep 1886. His position in his 5th list is just 10 seconds of RA too far west. Frank Muller noted the equivalence with Stephan's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously (acknowledged by Swift in the errata to his 6th list). Dreyer combined the two observations into NGC 1011 and credited both observers.
******************************
02 39 14.9 +30 09 05; Ari
V = 12.0; Size 2.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 24°
17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, broad concentration. Unusual appearance as a mag 13.5 star is embedded just east of the core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1012 = H. III-152 = h241 on 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 266) and recorded "vF, pS, of equal light." On 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 680) he logged "F, irr figure, some stars visible, but they seem not to belong to it." On 16 Sep 1828 (sweep 178), John Herschel recorded "pB; irreg R; bM; 18"; resolvable. RA doubtful". R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, made a sketch on 23 Nov 1857 that was included in the 1861 publication (plate XXV, figure 4).
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02 37 50.4 -11 30 26; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (12/28/94): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration. Located 8.8' SW of a mag 8.5 star (∑288 = 8.9/11.9 at 12"). The galaxy is collinear with an elongated group of four mag 12-13 stars oriented SW-NE starting 6' SW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1013 = Sw. 5-32 on 29 Sep 1886
with his 16" Clark refractor.
His position is 7 tsec west and 26" south of
******************************
02 38 00.8 -09 34 24; Cet
V = 14.8/15.2; Size 10"
24" (2/5/13): this NGC designation applies to a close
pair of faint stars that was resolved at 282x. The two stars are both 15th magnitude (14.8/15.2) and at a
separation of 10" or less. Located
3' SW of
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1014 = LM 2-342 in 1886 with the 26" refractor and reported "0.1' dia, iR, and 1st of 2 [with NGC 1018]." With respect to NGC 1018, Muller's offset is 0.2 tmin west and 1' south. Just 1' further south is a very faint double star (separation ~11") and Corwin identifies this double as NGC 1014.
******************************
02 38 11.5 -01 19 08; Cet
V = 12.1; Size 2.6'x2.6'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 10°
17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated, bright core, faint halo. Located 6.4' NW of mag 8.0
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1015 = T. 1-13 = T. 5-1 on 27
Dec 1875 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His micrometric position in list V is a
precise match with
******************************
NGC 1016 = UGC 2128 = MCG +00-07-067 = CGCG 388-076 = WBL 081-005 = PGC 9997
02 38 19.5 +02 07 09; Cet
V = 11.6; Size 2.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.2
18" (11/18/06): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter. Contains a bright 20" core that increases to the center. Located 8' SE of a mag 9.6 star. Brightest and largest member of the NGC 1016 cluster (WBL 081 = USGC U137) at a distance of ~300 million l.y.
18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, fairly large, round. The bright 30" core increases to the center. Surrounding the core is a fairly large, low surface brightness halo ~2' in diameter. This is the dominant galaxy in the cluster. A parallelogram of four mag 14 stars is just south.
17.5" (10/17/87): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, bright core. This galaxy is the brightest and largest in the NGC 1016 cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1016 = m 68 = Sf. 103 = T. 1-12
on 15 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "F, S, R,
psbM." His position matches
******************************
NGC 1017 = MCG -02-07-047 = Holm 62c = PGC 9964
02 37 49.8 -11 00 37; Cet
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (10/8/94): extremely faint, small, round. Last and faintest of three with NGC 1011 2.7' W and NGC 1010 3.8' WSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1017 = Sw. 5-33 = LM 1-61 on 29
Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded
"eeeF, vS, R, eee dif 3rd of 3 [with NGC 1010 and 1011]. His
position was 1.4' NNE of
******************************
NGC 1018 = MCG -02-07-048 = PGC 9986
02 38 10.3 -09 32 38; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 5°
24" (2/5/13): faint to fairly faint, small, oval 4:3 N-S, 20"x15", weak concentration. A group of stars lies immediately to the east. NGC 1014, a close pair of stars, is 3' SW.
17.5" (12/28/94): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, unconcentrated. Requires averted vision and cannot hold steadily. A mag 12 star is 2.2' SE. Located 22' NW of mag 6.7 SAO 148523. Appears fainter than listed V = 13.7.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1018 = LM 2-343 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.0, 0.2'x0.1', E 180 (N-S), 2nd of 2 [with NGC 1014]." His position is 0.1 tmin west and 2'
north of
******************************
NGC 1019 = UGC 2132 = MCG +00-07-068 = CGCG 388-079 = PGC 10006
02 38 27.5 +01 54 27; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 40°
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, moderately large,
irregularly round, 1.0'x0.8', low surface brightness. Located 13' SSE of NGC 1016.
17.5" (10/17/87): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, broad concentration. Located 13' S of NGC 1016 in cluster.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1019 = St. 11-4, along with NGC 1014, on 1 Dec 1875. An accurate micrometric position was measured (list 11, #4) 5 years later on 1 Dec 1880 with description "vF; irregular oval; very slightly brighter core with an eccentric nucleus."
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02 38 44.3 +02 13 52; Cet
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.2'; PA = 20°
18" (11/18/06): faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S,
0.6'x0.35', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core surrounded by a
low surface brightness halo. Forms
a very close pair with
18" (10/21/06): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.7'x0.25', very faint stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed at the center. Located 9' NE of NGC 1016 on the NE side of the cluster. Forms a pair with NGC 1021 1' SE.
17.5" (10/17/87): very faint, very small, oval ~N-S, weak concentration. Forms a close pair with NGC 1021 1.2' SE in the NGC 1016 cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1020 = m 69, along with NGC 1021, on 15 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta. He noted it as "eF, vS" and recorded an accurate position. Édouard Stephan logged it on 1 Dec 1875 (noted as "Lassell 69") when he observed the galaxy group.
******************************
NGC 1021 = CGCG 388-084 = PGC 10027
02 38 48.0 +02 13 02; Cet
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 160°
18" (11/18/06): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", low surface brightness with no concentration. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 1020 1.2' NW.
18" (10/21/06): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 0.5'x0.35', low even surface brightness. Fainter member of a close pair with NGC 1020 1' NW.
17.5" (10/17/87): extremely faint, very small, oval ~N-S, diffuse. Forms a close pair with NGC 1020 1.2' NW in the NGC 1016 cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1021 = m 70, along with NGC 1020, on 15 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta. He noted "eF, S" and recorded an accurate position. Édouard Stephan logged it on 1 Dec 1875 (noted as "Lassell 70") when he observed the galaxy group.
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02 38 32.6 -06 40 39; Cet
V = 11.3; Size 2.7'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (10/29/94): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.2'. Broadly concentrated halo contains a well-defined fairly bright 30" core. The core increases to a stellar nucleus. At times the elongation appears more pronounced. A mag 13 star lies 2.1' NE of center. Member of the NGC 1052 group (LGG 071).
8" (10/31/81): faint, small, diffuse, broad concentration, slightly elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1022 = H. I-102 = h244 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 436) and recorded "cB, pL, mbM." On 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 456) he noted "cB, pL, R, mbM." R.J. Mitchell with the 72" on 28 Nov 1856, reported "pL, mbMN, patchy. Suspect the preceding end is separated from the rest of the neb by a darkish line. Small * or knot close NW."
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NGC 1023 = Arp 135 = UGC 2154 = MCG +06-06-073 = CGCG 523-083 = LGG 070-003 = PGC 10123
02 40 23.8 +39 03 48; Per
V = 9.4; Size 8.7'x3.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 87°
48" (10/25/11): this gorgeous galaxy appeared extremely bright, very elongated 4:1 E-W, ~7'x1.8', with a large, brighter central core that increases to an intensely bright inner core punctuated by a bright stellar nucleus. The outer halo gradually fades at the ends of the extensions. Several stars are superimposed on both sides of the core.
18" (8/1/05): at 225x, this striking galaxy appeared very bright, large, very elongated 4:1 E-W, ~4.5'x1.0', though it seemed to extend further with averted vision. The central region has a dramatic, sharp concentration with an unusually bright, oval core. Two mag 14 and 15 stars are superimposed off the west side of the core and a mag 14 star is off the east side.
17.5" (12/7/90): bright, large, very elongated 7:2 E-W,
very bright core, almost stellar nucleus.
A large fainter halo increases the dimensions to 7'x2'. Two 15th magnitude stars are
superimposed on the east and west ends.
Brightest in the NGC 1023 group, which includes NGC 1003 and
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; very bright and large, very elongated 4:1 E-W, ~5' major axis. Very strong concentration with a prominent core that increases to an intense nucleus. A mag 14 star is superposed E of the core and another is closer in W of the core [0.85' from center].
13.1" (12/22/84): very bright, impressive, elongated ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus.
8" (11/8/80): fairly bright, bulging bright core, lens-shaped.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1023 = H. I-156 = h242 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and noted "eB, mE, a very BN, the branches losing themselves in the direction of the parallel nearly." On 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 692), he recorded "vB, gmbM to a very bright nucleus, mE nearly 10' long, from about 12° sp to nf." John Herschel sketched the galaxy in Oct 1828 and as well as Lord Rosse's assistant Bindon Stoney on 27 Dec 1850 (plate XXV, figure 5 in Lord Rosse's 1861 publication).
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NGC 1024 = Arp 333 = UGC 2142 = MCG +02-07-020 = CGCG 439-022 = KTG 9A = LGG 069-002 = PGC 10048
02 39 11.9 +10 50 49; Ari
V = 12.1; Size 3.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 155°
48" (10/30/16): very bright, large, elongated 3:1
NNW-SSE. Sharply concentrated with
a large, very bright elongated core, and a more circular nucleus. A very large, much lower surface
brightness halo, extends nearly 3'x1'.
The halo is a bit more diffuse on the northwest side. The minor axis nearly reaches a mag
12.3 star 0.7' NNE of center. A
mag 13.7 star is off the SSE end, 2.2' from center. Brightest in a group with nearby
24" (1/12/13): bright, moderately large, very elongated
3:1 NNW-SSE. Sharply concentrated
with a very bright, elongated core ~25"x15" and much fainter
extensions increasing the size to ~1.2'x0.4'. Interestingly, the elongation of the core seems is slightly
misaligned with respect to the major axis of the extensions. The extremely low surface brightness
outer arms were not seen. A mag 12
star is 0.7' NNE of center.
Brightest in a trio (
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 NNW-SSE, rounder bright core, brighter along major axis. A mag 11 star is 42" NNE of
center. Located 13' NNE of mag 6.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 1024 = H. II-592 = h243 on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 591) and logged "pB, S, E, bM". John Herschel logged on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 121): "F; R; bM; 20"; has a * 11m 40° nf; 25" distant."
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02 36 20.0 -54 51 49; Hor
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 6°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright
but fairly small, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration. A star or stellar companion is at the NW edge of the
halo. Forms a pair with brighter
John Herschel discovered NGC 1025 = h2488 on 11 Sep 1836 and
recorded "eF, S, R, 15"; the preceding of two [with NGC
1031]." His position is 16
tsec of RA west of
******************************
02 39 19.2 +06 32 38; Cet
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core and a stellar nucleus. A mag 11.5 star lies 2.8' S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1026 = m 71 on 24 Dec 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta, noting "pF, S, R, psbM". His position is accurate.
******************************
02 42 35 +61 35 42; Cas
V = 6.7; Size 20'
17.5" (11/27/92): 90 stars in 15' diameter, fairly scattered
but still a striking cluster. Surrounds mag 7.0
8": includes a dozen stars mag 8 to 12.5. Fairly small, rich, over unresolved background haze.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1027 = H. VIII-66 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and described "a cluster of coarsely scattered considerably large stars, 8' or 10' diameter, one 7th mag, near the middle." On 9 Nov 1787 (sweep 777) he logged "a much scattered cluster of cL stars. A star 7m not far from the middle, about 15' diam."
Corwin comments that E.E. Barnard independently found the
object (probably on a plate), sent a note directly to Dreyer and it was
catalogued again as
******************************
NGC 1028 = MCG +02-07-023 = CGCG 439-025 = KTG 9C = PGC 10068
02 39 37.2 +10 50 37; Ari
V = 14.8; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 15°
24" (1/12/13): at 375x appeared faint, elongated ~5:3 SSW-NNE, 25"x15", low surface brightness though seems slightly uneven or patchy like a face-on spiral. Faintest in the KTG 9 triplet with NGC 1029 3' S and NGC 1024 (brightest) 6' W. The redshift of NGC 1028 is over twice that of NGC 1024 and 1029, so it is a background galaxy.
17.5" (11/26/94): extremely faint, small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.4'. A mag 14 star is 1.4' N and a mag 12 star lies 1.7' SW. Faintest of trio and located 3.0' N of NGC 1029 and 6.1' E of NGC 1024.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1028 = m 72 (along with NGC 1029 = m 72) on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta. His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 1029 = UGC 2149 = MCG +02-07-024 = CGCG 439-024 = KTG 9B = LGG 069-003 = PGC 10078
02 39 36.5 +10 47 36; Ari
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 70°
24" (1/12/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.3', well concentrated with a small high surface brightness core that increases to a stellar nucleus.
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, weak concentration. A very faint mag 15 star is superimposed at the NE edge. A mag 12 star is 2.0' NW. Forms a trio with NGC 1024 7' WNW and NGC 1028 3.0' N.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1029 = m 73, along with NGC 1028, on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "F, S, mE". Édouard Stephan made an observation on 24 Nov 1875.
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02 39 50.8 +18 01 28; Ari
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 8°
17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly small, very elongated N-S, low surface brightness, weak concentration and slightly brighter along major axis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1030 = H. III-581 = h245 on
25 Oct 1786 (sweep 623) and reported "vF, E, irr F. The time very inaccurate." As noted, his RA was poor, but John's
Herschel's position, measured on 11 Jan 1831 (sweep 319) matches
******************************
NGC 1031 = ESO 154-005 = PGC 9907
02 36 38.7 -54 51 35; Hor
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 23°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, gradually increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. A mag 11.5 star lies 3.3' NNE. Forms a pair with fainter NGC 1025 2.7' W. Located 15' W of h3520 = 7.6/8.8 at 21" and 40' SW of mag 5.2 Zeta Hor.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1031 = h2490 on 11 Sep 1836 and
recorded "F, S, R, gbM, 20"; the following of two [with NGC
1025]". His position is close
west of
******************************
02 39 23.6 +01 05 37; Cet
V = 11.6; Size 3.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 68°
48" (10/26/11): at 385x and 488x appears very bright, large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 3.0'x0.8'. Well concentrated with a prominent, bulging oval core that brightens towards the center and long, thin, fainter tapering extensions that dim at the tips. A mag 13 star is at the tip of the ENE extension. The visual treat, though, is a razor thin dust lane that clearly bisects the large central buge. As the much fainter extensions start to taper down, the dust lane loses contrast and disappears towards the ends.
18" (1/15/07): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 2.8'x0.9'. Well concentrated with a bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. The galaxy extends to a mag 12.5 star at the ENE edge making the total length nearly 2.8'. The thin dust lane seen on images was not visible.
17.5" (10/29/94): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x0.6'. Dominated by a bright core which is broadly concentrated and contains a faint stellar nucleus. The extensions are smooth and unconcentrated. A mag 12.5-13 star is at the ENE edge 1.4' from the center and two mag 13 stars are along the north side (1.8' NE and 1.3' NNW of center) forming a right triangle.
8" (1/1/84): faint, small, very elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration. Four mag 13 stars to north including one 1.8' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1032 = H. II-5 = h246 on 18 Dec 1783 (early sweep 47) and noted "vF, S, like a small comet, 3/4° above Delta Ceti." On 7 Nov 1785 (sweep 470), he called it "the nebula in the quartile. It is not quite R, but lE having vF rays sp and nf." His summary description (from 8 sweeps) reads "pB, S, lE, bM." This was first object Herschel found with the telescope moving vertically only and using reference stars as they passed through the eyepiece. NGC 1032 was his 10th overall deep sky discovery (according to his internal numbering). Lord Rosse's 1861 publication mentions "Spirality suspected".
******************************
02 40 16.1 -08 46 37; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 0°
17.5" (10/29/94): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.6'
diameter, very low even surface brightness, no details. Located 7.1' NE of mag 8.5
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1033 = LM 2-344 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position, but
1.2 minutes of RA east is
******************************
02 38 13.9 -15 48 35; Cet
V = 11.5; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 11.2; PA = 135°
17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.5', weak concentration. A wide pair of evenly matched mag 12-13 stars lie 5' W (58" separation in PA 316°).
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1034 = LM 1-62 on 12 Nov
1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position, but
1.0 tmin of RA west is
******************************
02 39 29.1 -08 07 58; Cet
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 150°
48" (10/29/19): at 610x, bright, large, very elongated
3:1 NNW-SSE, 2'x0.6', slightly brighter core. Unusual appearance as the eastern half of the galaxy is
significantly affected by dust, so it appeared noticeably darker than the
western half. Furthermore, the
eastern half was mottled, with an irregular surface brightness and several
slightly brighter knots or patches.
A bright mag 14 star is just inside the SSE tip. A mag 10.9 star is 5' N and a mag 9.2
star (
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; relatively bright, fairly large, very elongated nearly 4:1 NNW-SSE, ~2'x0.5', very weak concentration with no distinct core or nucleus. The surface brightness, though, was slightly uneven or irregular. A mag 14 star is at the SSE end.
13.1" (9/3/86): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE (PA 150°), fairly small. A mag 14 star is attached at the SE end. Member of the NGC 1052 group (LGG 071), which lies 25' ESE.
13.1" (9/9/83): at 166x; fairly faint, very elongated (nearly edge-on) NW-SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1035 = H. II-284 = h249 = h2489 on 7 Nov 1784 (sweep 355) and recorded "F, mE, about 3' long and 3/4' broad, resolvable." John Herschel observed this galaxy from both Slough and the Cape of Good Hope. His latter observation, made on 9 Dec 1835 (sweep 650) reads "vF, pmE, has a vF star at the S.f. extremity".
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02 40 29.1 +19 17 50; Ari
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 5°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, large brighter core, very small bright nucleus is possibly stellar.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1036 = H. III-475 = h247 on
29 Nov 1785 (sweep 481) and logged "vF, S, confirmed with 240
power." His position is
within 1' of
******************************
02 40 00 -01 44; Cet
= Not found, Gottlieb and Corwin. The RNGC identification of
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1037 = Sw. 5-35 on 29 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and wrote "eeeF; vS; vE; eee dif; [NGC 1032] in field". There is nothing near his position and furthermore NGC 1032 is ~3° away from his coordinates. But no reasonably bright galaxy is in the field of NGC 1032 either. Perhaps he misidentified NGC 1032? RNGC, PGC, and RC3 misidentify UGC 2119 = PGC 9973 as NGC 1032. This galaxy is 2 tmin of RA west and 7' S of Swift's position and still doesn't agree with Swift's comment about NGC 1032. See my RNGC Corrections #2 and Corwin's identification comments.
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02 40 06.3 +01 30 32; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 61°
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.4', bright core is moderately concentrated. Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1038 = Sw. 3-16 = Sw. 5-34 on 17 Oct 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at the Warner Observatory and "discovered" it again on 2 Oct 1886, recording it in his 5th discovery list. Dreyer combined both entries in the NGC. Swift's position is accurate.
William Herschel made an observation on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep
505) and noted "suspected, may be 2 small close stars in the
parallel." Apparently he
never confirmed the observation so it was not catalogued. His position (Caroline's reduction) is
less that 1' northwest of
******************************
02 42 00 +42 47; Per
V = 5.2; Size 35'
24" (12/28/13): gorgeous low power field with 21mm
Ethos (125x; 49' diameter). The
cluster roughly extends 35' with a much richer and brighter core of ~12'-15'
that contains a large number of mag 8-10 stars. Several of the brighter stars appear as wide doubles or in
chains. A long string of stars is
on the south side of the core, extending towards the southeast. Other chains extend north and east out
of the core. Several doubles were
identified using the chart in Stoyan's "Atlas of the Messier
Objects". O∑ 44 is a
challenging mag 8.5/9.0 pair at 1.4" that just resolved at 225x and better
at 300x. Another 8th mag star (C
component) is widely separated at 86". h2154 is a 9.5/10.9 pair at 10" on the SW side and
h1123 is a very wide 20" pair of mag 8.4 star. Also in the core is ES 1506, a challenging mag 8.9/14 pair
at 7" and h2155, a very wide 8.3/10.3 pair at 17" on the NE
side. PN
13.1" (12/22/84): about 100 stars in a 30' diameter. Very bright, very large, many double stars, three main curved lanes. Includes a bright double star h1123 = 8.0/8.0 at 20". Naked-eye object in fairly dark sky.
Giovanni Hodierna probably discovered M34 = NGC 1039 = h248 around 1654, though there is some doubt on his intended object. Charles Messier found M34 again on 25 Aug 1764, and he is generally credited with the discovery. William Herschel described M34 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) as "a cl of scattered L stars, considerably rich." John Herschel called it a "fine cluster, about 20 st 9 10...11m and as many less. Fills field, coarsely scattered."
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02 43 12.4 +41 30 03; Per
See observing notes for
Édouard Stephan found NGC 1040 = St. 3-18 on 9 Dec 1871 (date the position was reduced) with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at Marseilles Observatory. There is nothing at his position, but precisely 1.0 minute of RA west is NGC 1053 = UGC 2187, which was found by Swift on 21 Oct 1886 and accurately placed in his 5th discovery list (#37). Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, and Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC Corrections paper, equate NGC 1040 = NGC 1053. Based on the earlier discovery, NGC 1040 should be the primary designation. See Corwin's notes.
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02 40 25.2 -05 26 26; Cet
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 15°
17.5" (10/29/94): faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter. Symmetrical appearance with an even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. A distinctive line (4.5' length) consisting of three equally spaced mag 11 stars oriented WNW-ESE is 3' S.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1041 = St. 12-22 on 4 Nov 1875 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at Marseilles Observatory. His published micrometric position (list 12, #22) was made on 17 Nov 1881 with description "pF, pS, iR, bM."
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02 40 23.9 -08 26 01; Cet
V = 11.0; Size 4.7'x3.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 15°
48" (10/26/16): at 488x; bright, very large, face-on spiral with a small bright core and a relatively small weak bar oriented ~NW-SE. Low contrast spiral structure was visible around the core. Most prominent, though, was an outer spiral arm along the east side, which swept N-S in a gentle arc. It was brightest just to the west of a mag 13.6 star [SDSS reveals numerous HII knots] situated 1.6' SE of the core. The outer spiral arm along the western edge was more diffuse and ill-defined, passing just east of a 16th magnitude star 1.7' WSW of the core.
17.5" (11/1/86): very large, very diffuse low surface
brightness system best viewed at 83x or 133x. Almost round, slightly brighter on the SE end with either a
very faint star(s) superimposed or a brighter knot. Forms a pair with
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; large, diffuse galaxy, roundish, ~3' diameter, slightly irregular surface brightness to halo, no distinct core. A mag 13.6 star is just off the E side of halo, 1.6' ESE of center and a mag 13.3 star is 2.6' due N. NGC 1052 is 15' SW.
13.1" (9/3/86): very large but diffuse, only a very weak concentration.
13.1" (9/9/83): 62x and 166x; large, very diffuse, no central brightening, irregularly round, best at 62x (too large and diffuse for higher power).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1042 = Sw. 3-17 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16" Clark refractor at Warner Observatory and reported "eeF, L, R, np of 2 [with NGC 1052]". In his 5th discovery list, Swift corrected the description to read "sp of 2" [with NGC 1052]. Based on a photograph taken with the Reynolds reflector at the Helwan observatory in the late 1920s, NGC 1042 was described as an "open spiral with a pF stellar Ncl, well defined [arms] with some [knots]."
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02 40 46.5 +01 20 35; Cet
V = 15.0; Size 0.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 110°
17.5" (1/9/99): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. I just glimpsed the core as a very small, round, knot with a mag 14.5 star 0.4' SSE of center. The small, thin extensions of this edge-on spiral were not seen. Located 14' SE of NGC 1038 and 20' SE of IC 1827 (on a line).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1043 = Sw. 5-36 on 2 Oct 1886
with the 16" Clark refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is just 4 tsec east and 36"
south of
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02 41 06.1 +08 44 16; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 11.8
24" (1/31/14): NGC 1044 is a double system with fainter
17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 WNW-ESE, broad concentration to a large brighter core. A mag 11 star lies 2.3' NW. Brightest of a collinear compact trio
with NGC 1046 2.0' SE and
William Herschel discovered NGC 1044 = III-228 = h251, along with NGC 1046, on 7 Nov 1784 (sweep 308) and noted "eF, vS, 240 power confirmed it. Another still smaller and fainter about 1' following [NGC 1046]." John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position on 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118) and wrote "vF the p[receding] of two; a * 10m, p[receding] in same line.".
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02 40 29.1 -11 16 39; Cet
V = 12.1; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 55°
17.5" (10/29/94): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.5', well concentrated to a small prominent core and a stellar nucleus. A nice evenly matched pair of mag 11-12 stars (16" separation in PA 78°) lies 11' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1045 = H. II-488 = h253 = h2491 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and recorded "F, S, iF, bM." John Herschel observed this galaxy at both Slough and the Cape of Good Hope. His Cape description from 22 Nov 1835 (sweep 648) reads "pB, R, bM, 35". Observed in a south-east cloud drift."
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NGC 1046 = MCG +01-07-024 = CGCG 414-039 = PGC 10185
02 41 12.8 +08 43 09; Cet
V = 13.8; Size 0.3'x0.3'
24" (1/31/14): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 50" SE. Fourth of 4 in a 3' string oriented NW to SE line with NGC 1044 (double) 1.8' NW and CGCG 414-36 2.9' NW.
17.5" (10/29/94): faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is off the SE edge 48" from the center. Forms the third of three on a line with double system NGC 1044 2.0' NW and MCG +01-07-022 = CGCG 414-036 2.9' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1046 = H. III-229 = h252, along with NGC 1044, on 7 Nov 1784 (sweep 308) , recording "Another still smaller and fainter about 1' following [NGC 1044] suspected; but 240 power left it doubtful." John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position on 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118).
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02 40 32.9 -08 08 52; Cet
V = 14.3; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 88°
17.5" (11/26/94): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 E-W, diffuse with only a very weak concentration, no distinct core. A mag 11.5 star is 3.9' S. Located 10.2' NW of NGC 1052 and 15.8' E of NGC 1035 in the NGC 1052 group (LGG 071).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1047 = Sw. 3-18 on 10 Nov 1885
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 6 tsec of RA east and 1' S of
******************************
NGC 1048 = NGC 1048B = MCG -02-07-062 = PGC 10140
02 40 37.9 -08 32 00; Cet
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 105°
48" (10/26/16): at 488x; fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 40"x16", bright core. A mag 14.4 star is 1' NNE. Located 7' SW of NGC 1042.
Forms a similar pair with
17.5" (11/26/94): at first glance, appeared as an ill-defined faint glow 1' S of a mag 14 star. One closer inspection, NGC 1048 resolved into a pair of small, faint galaxies 1.0' between centers oriented NNE-SSW. The northern member (generally identified as NGC 1048) was clearly brighter and elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.6'x0.3'. Just 1.0' SSW is a fainter companion (NGC 1048A). Located 7' SSE of the large, low surface brightness system NGC 1042 within a large group.
17.5" (11/1/86): large, very diffuse system best viewed at 83x. There was a slight brightening to the south but the fainter companion was not clearly resolved in poor seeing.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1048 = Sw. 3-19 on 10 Nov 1885
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position matches the contact pair
******************************
02 39 49 -34 15 30; For
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'
48" (10/29/16): at 488x; very bright, moderately large, very high surface brightness, granular appearance, ~50" diameter. There are three well defined brightness zones: an extremely bright compact nucleus, a small bright core and a much lower surface brightness halo with a fairly well defined circular edge.
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, moderately large, very sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core surrounded by 1' halo that dims around the periphery.
24" (9/14/12): at 325x, moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core, 30" diameter.
18" (12/10/07): moderately bright gc in the Fornax Dwarf. Appears small, round, ~30" diameter, gradually increases to a small brighter core. Located 15' NNE of mag 8.4 HD 16690. Brightest gc in the Fornax Dwarf.
17.5" (10/8/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core.
13.1" (10/10/86): brightest of four globular clusters
in the Fornax Dwarf galaxy.
Moderately bright (estimate V = 12), small, very small bright core,
faint halo. Located 15' NNE of mag
8.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 1049 = h2492 on 19 Oct 1835 and reported "pretty bright; small; round; like a star 12th magnitude a very little rubbed at the edges, a curious little object and easily mistaken for a star, which, however, it certainly is not". His position is 1' N of this Fornax Dwarf globular. The galaxy itself was discovered over a century later by Harlow Shapley in 1938 while at the Boyden Station in South Africa on photographic plates taken with the 24" Bruce refractor.
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NGC 1050 = UGC 2178 = MCG +06-06-078 = CGCG 523-092 = PGC 10257
02 42 35.7 +34 45 48; Per
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 110°
17.5" (11/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 1.0'x0.8', weak concentration. A mag 15 star is 45" N of center. This 15th mag star is described as mag 18 in the NGC.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1050 = St. 3-18 on 17 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is just off the north edge of the galaxy and he mentioned the mag 15 star off the north edge of the galaxy (called mag 18). Stephan observed the galaxy on 16 Nov 1871, probably aware of d'Arrest's discovery at the time. He measured the position again on 9 Dec 1871 and listed this galaxy as new in his third discovery list #18 (published in 1872). A later observation was made on 22 Nov 1875. Dreyer credited both d'Arrest (1) and Stephan (2) in the NGC.
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NGC 1051 = NGC 961? = IC 249? = MCG -01-07-033 = UGCA 40 =
02 41 02.4 -06 56 09; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 2.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 45°
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.5', no concentration. Very unusual appearance as a mag 12 star is attached at the northeast end 35" from the center and the galaxy appears to hang from the star. Forms the east vertex of a triangle with two mag 10 stars 6.7' NW and 5.2' WSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1051 = St. 11-5 on 13 Oct 1869 with a rough position 2' to the SE. His published accurate micrometric position was made on 13 Dec 1871 with description "eeF; elongated NE-SW, a little diffuse, *12 attached at NW end." The star is actually attached at the NE end.
Ormond Stone independently discovered NGC 1051 in 1886 with
the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick and reported it as new in his 2nd
discovery paper (#338) but he made a 10 minute time error in RA (error caught
by Harold Corwin). Dreyer
catalogued again as NGC 961.
Stephane Javelle also possibly found the galaxy in 1892 and he reported
it as J. 1-92 (later
******************************
NGC 1052 = MCG -01-07-034 = KTS 18C = LGG 071-008 = PGC 10175
02 41 04.8 -08 15 21; Cet
V = 10.5; Size 3.0'x2.1'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 120°
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 2' diameter, sharply concentrated with an unusually bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.
13.1" (9/9/83): bright, small, round, intense core. Brightest in a large group (LGG 071) with three galaxies in 62x field including NGC 1042 14' SW and NGC 1047 10.2' NW.
13.1" (9/3/86): at 166x; small oval shape, very bright core, stellar nucleus.
8" (11/8/80): faint, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1052 = H. I-63 = h254 =
h2493 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and recorded "B, R, mbM, about 1'
diameter, vF towards the border."
His position is matches
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NGC 1053 = NGC 1040 = UGC 2187 = MCG +07-06-060 = CGCG 539-083 = PGC 10298
02 43 12.4 +41 30 03; Per
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 40°
17.5" (11/27/92): faint, very small, slightly elongated. Bracketed by two mag 15 stars just off
the north and south edges and collinear with three equally spaced stars to the
south (mag 11.5 star 2.3' S, a mag 10.5 star 4' S and a mag 13 star 6' S). Located 5' W of mag 7.5
Lewis Swift found NGC 1053 = Sw. 5-37 on 21 Oct 1886 with
the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and noted "vF, vS, lE, 4
stars in line south point to it, one close". His position and description matches
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02 42 15.8 +18 13 03; Ari
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 20°
17.5" (1/20/90): faint, small, round, even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is 30" NW. NGC 1030 lies 30' WSW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1054 on 8 Oct 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen and logged "eF, vS, verified at 230x. A star is near the northwest rim."
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02 41 45.2 +00 26 31; Cet
V = 10.6; Size 7.6'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 105°
48" (10/24/14): very bright, nearly edge-on spiral, spans ~6'x1.8' WNW -ESE. The bright central region extends 2'x0.5' and increases gradually towards the center. A relatively wide, prominent dust lane runs along nearly the entire northern flank of the galaxy!
The fainter portion of the galaxy on the north side of the
dust lane was clearly visible paralleling the central region. Due to a slight tilt in edge-on
orientation, the northern section of the galaxy is partially obscured and
extended only ~1.6' in length and at most 30" in width. The glow terminates on its west side
after reaching the mag 11.2 star just 1.2' NNW of center. Forms a wide pair (similar radial
velocity) with
18" (1/13/07): fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, ~5'x1.6', broad concentration but no well-defined core or nucleus. A mag 11 star is just north of the core and two mag 13 stars are north of the western flank. A dark lane runs along the north edge of the galaxy creating a sharp light cut-off, though the faint portion of the galaxy to the north that is cut off by the dark lane was not seen.
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly bright, fairly large, very
elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, broadly concentrated halo. A mag 11 star is just off the NW flank 1.2' from the
center. Located 7' SE of mag 6.8
13.1" (9/3/83): fairly faint, elongated WNW-ESE. A mag 12 star is 1' N.
8" (11/8/80): faint, elongated. Located 30' NNW of M77.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1055 = H. I-1 = H. II-6? = h258 on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 53?). His summary description (based on 7 observations) for H. I-1 reads "cB, cL, iF, bM." He possibly found NGC 1055 the night before, describing H. II-6 as "a small nebula. It is like a very small comet, not visible in the finder 1/2°." He estimated the position as roughly 1/2° north of Delta Ceti and later commented "This has probably been a telescopic comet, as I have not been able to find it again, notwithstanding the assistance of a drawing which represents the telescopic stars in its neighbourhood." In the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, Dreyer suggested H. II-6 was equivalent to NGC 1055 and added the note "very rough sketch shows it in line with 2 stars preceding and one following." Steinicke, though, equates H. II-6 with a pair of stars at 02 40 19.5 +00 54 37 (2000), which fits Dreyer's comments.
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02 42 48.4 +28 34 26; Ari
V = 12.4; Size 2.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 160°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, increases to rounder small bright core. A mag 12 star is 2.2' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1056 = H. III-584 = h256 on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626) and recorded "vF, S, bM". On 16 Sep 1828 (sweep 178), John Herschel logged "pB; S; R; psbM; 12" [diameter]."
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02 43 02.9 +32 29 28; Tri
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 115°
24" (9/23/17): at 260x; fairly faint, moderately large,
oval 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8'.
Contains a brighter core that seems to extend into a very low contrast
bar. First in the
24" (2/7/16): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated
2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.35', small brighter core. The major axis points to
18" (1/26/11): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
NW-SE, 0.7'x0.45', low even surface brightness. Located 4.7' NW of NGC 1060 in a group with NGC 1061 3'
SE.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 1057 in December 1849. The
sketch and description ("vF double neb") clearly applies to
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02 43 29.8 +37 20 27; Per
V = 11.2; Size 3.0'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (1/26/11): fairly bright, fairly large, irregularly round, 2' diameter, broad, weak concentration, very small brighter nucleus ~5" diameter, irregular surface brightness, asymmetric appearance. A star is superimposed on the NW side ~35" from the center. The halo is more extensive or brighter on the west side and very weak on the east side, so the nucleus appears offset towards the northeast side. A mag 15 star is at the south end of the galaxy. Member of the NGC 1023 Group.
17.5" (12/7/90): moderately bright, moderately large, round, almost even surface brightness, no distinct core, possibly mottled. A mag 14 star is involved at the NW edge and a mag 15 star is involved at the south end. A mag 11.5 star lies 2.3' SSW of center.
13.1" (11/29/86): moderately bright, moderately large, round, almost even surface brightness. A faint star mag 14.5 star is superimposed on the NW edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1058 = H. II-633 = h255 on 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 692) and logged "F, cL, R, lbM, 4' diameter. In Oct 1828 (sweep 188), John Herschel recorded, "pF; L; R; glbM; 50"." His RA was 9 seconds too small. This galaxy was observed 4 times at Birr Castle. On 24 Nov 1854, R.J. Mitchell remarked "L, R. Susp Nucl or * in centre, 2 conspicuous stars inv in the preceding side." Hermann Kobold measured a fairly accurate position in 1899 at Strasbourg (published in 1907).
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02 42 35.6 +17 59 48; Ari
= **, Reinmuth and Gottlieb.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1059 = h259 on 25 Jan 1832 and
simply noted "eF, hardly sure."
There is nothing nonstellar near his position but just 1' SE is a close
pair of mag 14 stars at 10" separation. Several observers looked for Herschel's object. Heinrich d'Arrest was unable to find
anything "on a very clear night" and Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick
Observatory, II) also carefully searched unsuccessfully for the object,
although in sweeping around he discovered
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NGC 1060 = UGC 2191 = MCG +05-07-035 = CGCG 505-038 = WBL 085-002 = PGC 10302
02 43 15.1 +32 25 30; Tri
V = 11.8; Size 2.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 75°
24" (9/23/17): at 260x; bright, large, nearly 2'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a large bright core that gradually increases to a stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is at the east edge of the halo [1.0' from center]. Brightest in a group (reobserved due to a current supernova in NGC 1067).
24" (2/7/16): very bright, large, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to the center. The much fainter halo gradually dims and is slightly elongated WSW-ENE, ~1.6'x1.3'. Brightest in a group of 10 galaxies (including 5 NGCs) in a 20' field.
The two closest galaxies are NGC 1061 2.5' N and
18" (1/26/11): bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3
WSW-ENE, large low surface brightness halo extends 2.0'x1.5'. Sharply concentrated with a large, very
bright core that is well concentrated to the center. Brightest in a group of 5 NGC galaxies including NGC 1061
2.5' N, NGC 1057 4.8' NW, NGC 1066 8' NE and NGC 1067 9' NE. Located 10' WNW of mag 7.4
17.5" (11/27/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, halo gradually brightens to small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 10' WNW of mag 7.7 SAO 55822. Brightest in a group with NGC 1061 2.5' N and NGC 1066 8' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1060 = H. III-162 = h257,
along with NGC 1066, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and described the pair as
"Two, both vF, pS, R lbM".
His position was about 15 seconds of RA east and 3' north of
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NGC 1061 = MCG +05-07-036 = CGCG 505-039 = WBL 085-003 = PGC 10303
02 43 15.8 +32 28 00; Tri
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 25°
24" (9/23/17): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 SW-NE, 32"x24", very weak concentration. Located 2.5' N of NGC 1060 (brightest in a group) with NGC 1057 3' NW and NGC 1060 7' E.
24" (2/7/16): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 24"x18", even surface brightness. NGC 1057 is 3.1' NW and NGC 1060 is 2.5' S.
18" (1/26/11): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 30"x20". Located in the center of the group, 2.5' N of NGC 1060. NGC 1057 lies 3' NW.
17.5" (11/27/92): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. Located 2.5' N of NGC 1060 in a group.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1061 in December 1849 and logged "pF, S, R". The diagram made in 1850 matches CGCG 505-039 = PGC 10303.
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02 43 24.0 +32 27 44; Tri
= *, Gottlieb and Corwin. The RNGC and RC3 identification of NGC 1062 = UGC 2201 is
incorrect, but here are my notes on
24" (2/7/16): extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, ~30"x10". This low surface brightness edge-on was only occasionally glimpsed with effort. Situated 1.8' NW of NGC 1066 and 1.7' SW of NGC 1067 in the NGC 1060 = WBL 085 cluster.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 1062 on 11 Oct 1873 as observing assistant on the 72" at Birr Castle. He placed this object with respect to NGC 1061 at 116.8" in PA 97.6 deg (ESE). At this offset (1.9' ESE of NGC 1061) is an extremely faint star. RNGC and RC3 (as well as SIMBAD and other sources) misidentify UGC 2201 = PGC 10331 as NGC 1062. This galaxy is located over 6' ENE of NGC 1061. See my RNGC Corrections #2 and Corwin's notes.
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02 42 10.0 -05 34 07; Cet
V = 14.3; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 105°
17.5" (11/28/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.5', low even surface brightness. Preceded by a wide pair of mag 11/13 stars ~4' W.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1063 = St. 12-23 on 16 Nov 1881 with the 31" reflector at Marseilles Observatory. His position is accurate.
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02 42 23.5 -09 21 44; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 30°
17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, fairly small, round,
30" diameter. Requires
averted vision but can hold with concentration due to a very low even surface
brightness. Forms a pair with
brighter
NGC 1064 is a face-on spiral with a small core and much fainter arms (halo) and I missed it twice from the brighter skies east of Mt Hamilton.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1064 = LM 2-345 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is just 0.2 tsec west of
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02 42 06.2 -15 05 30; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (12/20/95): In a trio with slightly brighter IC
253 2.7' N and extremely faint
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1065 = Sw. 5-38 on 29 Sep 1886 and reported "eeF, pS, * nr s, B* preceding, e difficult". His position is just 4 tsec west of MCG -03-07-059 and the description matches, so the identification is secure. Still, I'm surprised he missed nearby IC 253 to the north, which Javelle discovered later at the Nice Observatory. RNGC mistakenly equates NGC 1065 and IC 254 (a separate galaxy).
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NGC 1066 = UGC 2203 = MCG +05-07-042 = WBL 085-006 = PGC 10338
02 43 49.9 +32 28 30; Tri
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.3
24" (9/23/17): at 260x; fairly bright, large, slightly elongated, well concentrated with a bright core and low surface brightness halo ~1.5'x1.2'. A mag 7.4 star (HD 16954) lies 7' SSE. NGC 1066 is the second brightest member of the NGC 1060 group = WBL 85, with NGC 1067 2.2' N.
24" (2/7/16): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.3'x1.0', well concentrated core increases to the center, occasional faint stellar nucleus. Second brightest and largest in the cluster (WBL 085). In a small trio with NGC 1067 2.2' N and UGC 2201 1.7' NW.
UGC 2201, which is misidentified as NGC 1062 in RNGC, RC3
and SIMBAD, is an extremely low surface brightness edge-on and was only
occasionally glimpsed, extending ~30"x10" E-W.
18" (1/26/11): moderately bright, fairly large, irregularly round, 1.5'x1.2', broad concentration in halo. Contains a small brighter core that increases to the center. Forms a pair with NGC 1067 2.2' due north. Located 8' NE of NGC 1060 and 7' NNW of mag 7.4 HD 16954.
17.5" (11/27/92): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.5'x1.3'. Similar size to NGC 1060 8' WSW but one magnitude fainter. Broadly concentrated halo but no well defined core. Located 7' NNW of mag 7.7 SAO 55822. Forms a pair with NGC 1067 2.2' N, also nearby is NGC 1061 7' W. Appears brighter than the CGCG mag of 14.9.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1066 = H. III-163 = h260, along with NGC 1060, on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and described both as "Two, both vF, pS, R lbM." This galaxy was observed 10 times at Birr Castle!
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NGC 1067 = UGC 2204 = MCG +05-07-043 = WBL 085-007 = PGC 10339
02 43 50.6 +32 30 42; Tri
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (9/23/17): at 260x; faint, fairly small, round, low surface brightness, 30-35" diameter. SN 2017gjn (Type 1a), discovered 1' NNW of center on 24 August, was visible as a mag 15.5 "star".
24" (2/7/16): fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, low surface brightness with a broad weak concentration [face-on Sc]. In a small trio with NGC 1066 2.2' S and UGC 2201 1.7' SW. Situated 8' NE of NGC 1060 (brightest in the cluster) and 6.7' NNW of mag 7.4 HD 16954.
18" (1/26/11): very faint, fairly small, irregularly round, ~40"x35", very low surface brightness, very weak concentration. Located 2.2' N of NGC 1066 in a group of 5 NGC galaxies.
17.5" (11/27/92): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness. Forms a close pair with NGC 1066 2.2' S in the NGC 1060 group. UGC 2201 (misidentified in the RNGC and RC3 as NGC 1062) is 1.6' SW and was not seen.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1067 = h261 on 22 Nov 1827 and reported "eF; S; the nf of two [with NGC 1066]. Change in polar distance estimated at 3'." The actual separation is 2.2'.
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02 42 40.3 -00 00 48; Cet
V = 8.9; Size 7.1'x6.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 70°
48" (10/26/11): at 375x; the view through Lowrey's 48-inch was remarkable. Spiral arm structure was easily visible with two main arms in the central halo and a bright inner arm around the nucleus and core. The bright inner arm attaches at the east side of the intense core, wraps tightly clockwise around the north side of the core and heads south on the west side of the core. There were two main arms in the central halo forming an elongated "S" pattern. A long spiral arm is attached near the east side of the core and wraps clockwise outside the inner arm described above. It continues around to the west side and heads south, ending near a compact HII knot ([EKS96] 19 from Evans et al 1996 "Atlas of H II Regions in Nearby Seyfert Galaxies"). A second long spiral arm is attached on the southwest side of the core and wraps clockwise to the east side of the core, passing inside of a 10" HII knot [EKS96] 79/80]. The arm rotates to the northern edge of the halo. Besides these main arms, several fainter sections of additional arms are tightly wrapped in the central halo. The main central region of the galaxy is encased in a very large, low surface brightness outer halo, extendng ~6'x5' WSW-ENE. NGC 1055, part of the M77 group, lies 30' NNE.
18" (10/21/06): very bright, fairly large oval, extended 4:3 SW-NE, ~3.5'x2.5'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, oval core containing a sharp, very bright stellar nucleus. There was a strong impression of mottling or spiral structure in the halo with a curving dust lane (gap between the spiral arms) embedded in the halo that swings around from the southwest side of the halo towards the north along the west side of the core. Inner arm detail was also suggested around the edge of the halo with an impression of mottling or turbulence. A mag 11 star is just off the SE side, ~1.5' from the center.
17.5" (11/14/87): very bright, moderately large, sharp concentration with an unusually bright core, almost stellar nucleus, diffuse slightly elongated halo. Appears mottled at high power and a hint of inner arm structure. A mag 11 star is 1.3' ESE of the center. This is a Seyfert 2 galaxy and brightest in a group with NGC 1055 and 1073.
14.5" (12/17/20): very bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~2.4'x2.0'. Very sharp and strong concentration with a very intense core punctuated by a brilliant stellar-like nucleus. The (central) halo has a slightly irregular surface brightness. A mag 10.8 star is barely off the SE flank, 1.4' from center.
8" (11/28/81): bright, intense core, faint halo.
Pierre Méchain discovered M77 = NGC 1068 = h262 on 29 Oct 1780. After Messier was notified of the discovery, he observed it less than 2 months later and called it a "cluster of small stars which contains some nebulosity." William Herschel described M77 as "Very bright; an irregular extended nucleus with milky chevelure, 3 or 4' long, near 3' broad." In later observations with his large 10-foot telescope, he also noted it was "A kind of much magnified stellar cluster; it contains some bright stars in the centre."
Lord Rosse's assistant George Johnstone Stoney first observed M77 on 4 Dec 1848 and called it "a blue spiral?" M77 was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" object in Rosse's 1850 PT paper. Observing assistant Bindon Stoney made a sketch on 24 Nov 1851 (the description reads "The central part is, I am nearly sure, spiral") shown on plate XXV, figure 6 in LdR's 1861 paper (also Plate 1, Figure 4 in the 1880 publication). William Lassell's 1863 sketch, made using 760x with his 48-inch from Malta, shows a tight spiral emanating from a bright stellar nucleus and wrapping a full 360°.
Isaac Roberts' photograph in 1892 revealed considerable structure in the central region with a "dense composite nucleus, bounded by a broad nebulous ring, which is studded with strong condensations.."
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02 42 59.7 -08 17 22; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 145°
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.4'x0.7', slightly brighter core. A mag 12 star lies 2.2' NE. Located 4.9' W of mag 8.8
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1069 = Sw. 5-39 on 29 Sep 1886
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "eeF; pS;
R; between two dist stars; B* nr following." Swift's position is just 6 tsec west of
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02 43 22.2 +04 58 05; Cet
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 175°
17.5" (11/26/94): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S. Contains a well-defined bright, round core which is evenly concentrated to the center. A mag 11 star lies 2.4' SSW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1070 = H. II-273 = h263 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and noted "F, S, iR." On 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 95), John Herschel logged it as "pB; R; gbM; 15" [diameter]." Stephan made observations on 31 Oct 1869, 24 Nov 1875 and 5 Dec 1877 at Marseilles.
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02 43 07.8 -08 46 26; Cet
V = 14.5; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 160°
17.5" (11/28/97): extremely faint, small, round, 25" diameter, very low surface brightness, no concentration. Requires averted vision and probably only viewed the core as this galaxy has low surface brightness arms. Nearly collinear with two mag 11/12 stars 3.3' E and 4.6' W, respectively.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1071 = LM 2-346 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "0.3'x0.1',
pE 180°, *10, p 16s; *9, f 15s".
His position is an exact match with
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02 43 31.3 +00 18 25; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 11°
18" (1/15/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, ~0.9'x0.5'. Contains a moderately bright roundish core with much fainter extensions N-S. A mag 11 star lies 3.9' NNW and a pair of mag 11/13 stars at 14" is 4.7' SE. Located 23' NE of M77.
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, bright core. Located 23' NNE of M77.
13.1" (9/3/83): very faint, thin, very elongated SSW-NNE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1072 = St. 12-24 on 31 Oct
1877, after observing nearby NGC 1055.
His position in his 12th discovery list (reduced on 20 Dec 1881) is
accurate. Stephane Javelle found
NGC 1072 on 24 Jan 1898 and reported it in his 3rd discovery list (#945, later
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NGC 1073 = UGC 2210 = MCG +00-08-001 = CGCG 389-002 = LGG 073-003 = PGC 10329
02 43 40.3 +01 22 33; Cet
V = 11.0; Size 4.9'x4.5'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 15°
48" (10/24/14): at 488x; the central bar is very bright and well-defined, extending 1.0'x0.3' SW-NE. An easily visible spiral arm is attached at the northeast end of the bar and extends at a right angle to the northwest, passing through a mag 16 star [50" N of center]. The arm then dims but sweeps clockwise around the west side, and merges with the second arm attached at the southwest end of the bar. As a result, the galaxy appears to have a single continuous arm rotating ~270° and ending on the southeast side, ~1.2' from center! The outer part of the halo has a low surface brightness but extends at least 4' in diameter. Another mag 16 star is on the southwest side of the halo [1.4' from center].
At least three HII complexes were identified. The brightest is NGC 1073:[HK 83] 6/9, an elongated patch ~13"x8" E-W, situated at or just beyond the southeast end of the spiral arm [1.4' from center]. A small, fainter knot close west, [HK83] 19, was difficult to resolve. [HK83] 69, a faint 10" knot, is on the west side of the halo (beyond the arm) [1.4' due west of center]. Finally, [HK83] 49 is a third 10" knot of low contrast in the northwest outer halo [1.9' NNW of center]. The designations are from Hodge and Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of HII Regions in 125 Galaxies".
13.1" (9/3/83): fairly faint, large, even surface brightness, round. An equilateral triangle consisting of three mag 9.5-10.5 stars with sides 5' lies SW.
8" (11/28/81): very faint, fairly large, very diffuse, round. Three mag 10 stars are close SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1073 = H. III-455 on 9 Oct 1785 (sweep 463) and recorded "vF, vL, lbM, 6 or 7' diameter". He noted it was "easily resolvable" on a later sweep. The mottling he noted is due to numerous HII knots.
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02 43 36.1 -16 17 50; Cet
V = 13.7; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 167°
17.5" (12/20/95): very faint, small, elongated 3:2
~N-S, 50"x35", low surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 2.8' SSW of center. Forms a pair with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1074 = LM 1-63 on 28 Nov
1885 with the 26" Leander McCormick refractor. His rough position essentially matches
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NGC 1075 = MCG -03-08-002 = PGC 10320
02 43 33.5 -16 12 05; Cet
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 153°
17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter. Requires averted vision. Forms a pair with NGC 1074 5.8' S.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1075 = LM 1-64 on 28 Nov
1885 with the Leander McCormick 26" refractor. His approximate RA (nearest min of RA) is just 0.6 tmin
west, though 2' south of
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02 43 29.2 -14 45 16; Cet
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 99°
17.5" (12/20/95): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.7', broad concentration with a large brighter
core. Located 5.4' W of mag 9.4
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1076 = Sw. 3-20 on 29 Dec 1885
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and commented "vF; pS;
R; B* 22s east". His position
is 7 tsec of RA east of
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02 46 00.7 +40 05 24; Per
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165°
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE,
almost even fairly low surface brightness. Forms a double system with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1077 = Sw. 2-23 on 16 Aug 1885
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and placed accurately. This is a double system (with PGC
10465), though the brighter southwestern component is called
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02 44 08.0 -09 27 08; Cet
V = 14.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.1
17.5" (12/20/95): very faint, very small, round. Contains a 10" brighter core surrounded by a 25" halo. A mag 10 star lies 5.8' NNW. Located close to the Eridanus border.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1078 = LM 2-347 in 1886 with the
26" Leander McCormick refractor and noted a "mag 9.5 star follows 30
sec, south 2'." His position
is 0.3 tmin east of
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02 43 44.5 -29 00 11; For
V = 11.5; Size 3.5'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 87°
13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, fairly large,
elongated 2:1 E-W, bright core, faint stellar nucleus, faint elongated halo.
Member of the
John Herschel discovered NGC 1079 = h2494 on 14 Nov 1835 and logged "B, pmE, sbM, 90" long, 40" broad". His position is accurate.
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02 45 10.0 -04 42 39; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 160°
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, almost even surface brightness, well-defined halo. Several stars are near and forms the west vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 12.5/13.5 stars 2.7' SE and 2.6' NE of center. A brighter mag 11.5 star lies 3.5' W.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1080 = Sw. 5-40 on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 5 tsec east and 15" north of MCG -01-08-003 = PGC 10416.
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02 45 05.5 -15 35 17; Eri
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 27°
18" (11/26/03): at 160x appears faint, fairly small,
very elongated 5:2 or 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.35', low even surface
brightness. Located 10' S of mag
7.6
17.5" (11/26/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2
SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.5', uniform surface brightness. Located 10' SSW of mag 8.2
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1081 = Sw. 5-41 on 21 Oct 1886 with
the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 5 tsec of RA west of
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02 45 41.2 -08 10 50; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 90°
17.5" (12/20/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6'. Fairly sharp concentration with a well-defined 20" core. A mag 12.5 star lies 2.4' N of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1082 = Sw. 5-42 on 29 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is accurate. The RNGC declination is 2' too far south.
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NGC 1083 = MCG -03-08-015 = PGC 10445
02 45 40.6 -15 21 29; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 1.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 17°
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint but striking edge-on
streak 5:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.3'.
Weak concentration with no distinct core. Located almost at the midpoint of two mag 11 stars 2.5' NW
and 3.2' SE. Second of three on a
line with NGC 1081 16' SW and
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1083 = Sw. 5-43 on 29 Sep 1886
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and reported "eeF; pS;
vE; surrounded by 5 or 6 stars; np of 2 [with NGC 1089]. His position is close to
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02 45 59.8 -07 34 42; Eri
V = 10.7; Size 3.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 35°
17.5" (10/21/95): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x1.2', broad concentration with a large bright core. Irregular mottled appearance or dust or dark lanes on the east side. The west side has a symmetric bulging appearance but there are dark indentations or bays on the NE and SE sides of the halo (probably between the spiral arms). Member of the NGC 1052 group (LGG 071).
8" (10/31/81): bright, moderately large, elongated. Three mag 9-10 stars lie 13' N, 15' NNE and 16' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1084 = H. I-64 = h264 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355). He recorded "vB, pL, lE, mbM" and measured an accurate position.
The galaxy was observed 8 times at Birr Castle, the earliest by George Johnstone Stoney on 12 Nov 1848. He called it "a curious object with dark spaces." On 16 Oct 1855, assistant R.J. Mitchell called this a "Fine oval neb, has nucl, light mottled, sometimes I thought I saw a dark bay north of Nucl, certainly the neb is brighter along n and nf side than in the part intervening between that and the nucleus". Lassell's sketch shows a very tight spiral wrapping 1 1/2 revolutions around a stellar nucleus. He noted "A very obscure faint spiral nebula of apparently this form with power 760.”
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02 46 25.3 +03 36 26; Cet
V = 12.3; Size 3.0'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 15°
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8', gradually increases to a small bright core. Forms the east vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 10.5/12.5 stars 4' SW and NW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1085 on 26 Sep 1865 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen. He noted the nebula was between two mag 11-12 stars - one preceding by 14.5 seconds [4' SW] and the other following by 18.5 seconds [4.6' E].
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02 47 56.4 +41 14 47; Per
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 35°
17.5" (10/24/87 and 12/23/92): faint, small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness, rich star field. A pretty double star lies 5' SE (9.3/11.3 at 8" in PA 90°). Surrounded by several mag 14-15 stars.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1086 = Sw. 2-24 on 30 Nov 1877. His rough unpublished position was 5.5' due E, consistent with the other positions taken immediately before and afterwards. He never measured an accurate position and published the discovery.
Lewis Swift rediscovered NGC 1086 on 20 Aug 1885 and recorded "vF; pS; D* near". His RA in his second discovery list (#24) is 13 seconds too large, but there are no other nearby candidates and a nearby double star is 4.8' SE.
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02 46 25.1 -00 29 55; Cet
V = 10.9; Size 3.7'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
18" (1/15/07): fairly bright, fairly large, round, 1.7'
diameter. Broad concentration with
an ill defined core which appears to be offset towards the west side. The halo gradually fades into the background.
17.5" (11/14/87): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2
N-S, gradually brighter halo, small bright core. Two mag 11 stars 2.9' NE and 3.8' ESE of center are part of
a string of brighter stars oriented NW-SE.
13.1" (9/3/83): fairly bright, moderately large, weak concentration, elongated N-S.
8" (12/6/80): faint, fairly small, diffuse. Located near a string of mag 10 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1087 = H. II-466 = h265 on 9 Oct 1785 (sweep 463) and noted "pB, cL, R, mbM." A month later on 7 Nov 1785 (sweep 470) he logged "pB, pL, irr R."
Based on photos taken at the Helwan Observatoiry in 1919-20, the galaxy was described as "B, 3' x 1.5', E 10° ±, spiral with fairly sharp BN and about 20 bright, almost stellar condensations; the whols in south portion of nebula are fairly normal, but the north portion is rather curious."
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02 47 04.0 +16 12 00; Ari
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 100°
17.5" (11/10/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
SW-NE, 0.8'x0.5'. Faint stellar
nucleus at moments. A mag 13.5 star
is 1.2' NW. The main body appears
elongated E-W on the POSS. Perhaps
the elongation I noticed was caused by a superimposed companion at the NE end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1088 = H. III-582 on 25 Oct
1786 (sweep 623) and noted "vF, S, irr F." His position is 2' south of
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NGC 1089 = MCG -03-08-020 = PGC 10481
02 46 10.1 -15 04 23; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 15°
24" (1/28/17): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~0.5'x0.4', very small brighter core, occasional stellar nucleus.
17.5" (11/26/94): very faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter. Symmetrical appearance with a weak, even concentration to a faint stellar nucleus. Third of three on a line with NGC 1083 18' SSW and NGC 1081 34' SSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1089 = Sw. 5-44 on 29 Sep 1886
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and noted "eeF, S, R, sf
of 2 [with NGC 1083]". His
position is 9 seconds of RA west of
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NGC 1090 = UGC 2247 = MCG +00-08-011 = CGCG 389-011 = PGC 10507
02 46 33.9 -00 14 50; Cet
V = 11.8; Size 4.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 102°
18" (1/15/07): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE, ~2.5'x1', broad mild concentration to a fairly large, slightly brighter core which has a mottled texture. A mag 15 star is just off the the south edge and an 11th magnitude star lies 3' N.
17.5" (11/14/87): moderately bright, moderately large,
oval ~E-W, weak concentration. A
mag 15 star is at the south edge 42" from center and a mag 11.5 star is
3.1' N. NGC 1087 lies 15' S and
13.1" (9/3/83): faint, moderately large, diffuse, slightly elongated ~E-W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1090 = H. II-465 = h266 on 9 Oct 1785 (sweep 463) and recorded "F, pL, R, bM."
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02 45 22.4 -17 32 00; Eri
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 77°
17.5" (11/26/94): very faint, very small, elongated 4:3
WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.5', no concentration.
A mag 11.5 star is 2.4' NNW of center. Forms a close pair with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1091 = LM 1-65 (along with NGC 1092, 1098, 1099 and 1100) on 17 Oct 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is just 1' too far south. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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NGC 1092 = ESO 546-017 = MCG -03-08-014 = HCG 21d = PGC 10432
02 45 29.5 -17 32 32; Eri
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 170°
17.5" (11/26/94): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, increases to a bright core. Brighter of a close pair with NGC 1091 1.8' WNW. Last in HCG 21, consisting of five faint galaxies with NGC 1091, NGC 1098, NGC 1099 and NGC 1100.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1092 = LM 1-66 (along with NGC 1091 and 1098) on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick. Herbert Howe's corrected position, repeated in the IC 2 notes, is accurate. Howe also noted that NGC 1092 is "considerably brighter than its companion" although both were described by Leavenworth as "vF".
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02 48 16.2 +34 25 12; Tri
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 100°
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, fairly low almost even surface brightness. Located 4.3' SSE of a mag 9.5 star.
Édouard Stephan probably discovered NGC 1093 = St. 10-14 on 29 Nov 1875 and recorded a rough position 2' to the SE. He possibly made an earlier discovery on 30 Nov 1886, though the position was off by 30'. His published micrometric position (list 10, #14) was made on 6 Dec 1879.
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NGC 1094 = UGC 2262 = MCG +00-08-015 = CGCG 389-016 = PGC 10559
02 47 27.8 -00 17 06; Cet
V = 12.5; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 85°
18" (1/15/07): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 5:3 E-W, ~1'x0.6', broad weak concentration. Forms a close pair with
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very small, round,
bright core. NGC 1087 lies 20' SW
and NGC 1090 14' WNW. Located 4.8'
S of mag 9.1
13.1" (9/3/83): very faint, very small, almost round. Located 14' ESE of NGC 1090.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1094 = H. III-462 = h267 on
7 Nov 1785 (sweep 470) and noted "vF, S." His position is 1' S of
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02 47 37.9 +04 38 15; Cet
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 45°
17.5" (12/28/94): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8'. Appears as a low unconcentrated glow just 2.0' SE of a mag 10 star which hampers viewing. Forms a pair with NGC 1101 10' SE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1095 = St. 8b-8, along with
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02 43 49.4 -59 54 47; Hor
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.0
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): very faint, fairly
small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 35"x25", fairly even surface
brightness. Mag 9.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 1096 = h2496 on 3 Oct 1836 and
logged "F, R, glbM, 30 arcsec."
His RA is 10 seconds west of
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NGC 1097 = Arp 77 NED2 = ESO 416-020 = MCG -05-07-024 = UGCA 41 = LGG 075-003 = PGC 10488
02 46 18.9 -30 16 28; For
V = 9.5; Size 9.3'x6.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 130°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): NGC 1097 was one of the top highlights of my October 2015 trip to Australia. At 303x; this showpiece barred spiral contains a bright central bar ~4.5'x1.5' NW-SE. The bar is sharply concentrated with an extremely bright, slightly elongated NW-SE core but no distinct stellar nucleus.
A prominent spiral arm is attached on the northwest end of the bar. The arm is relatively thin, well defined and knotty as it curls counterclockwise to the east, dimming out gradually about 3' ENE of center. A large bright knot is close to the northwest end of the bar, just inside the beginning of the arm and close east of a superimposed mag 14.5 star. NED catalogues this region with the multiple designations NGC 1097:[EKS96] 148 and [EKS96] 151 from the 1996 "An Atlas of H II Regions in Nearby Seyfert Galaxies". Roughly halfway along its length is a pair of fairly prominent HII knots. The first is [EKS96] 245, a 12" knot 2.5' NNE of center. Close east is slightly larger [EKS96] 300/304, 2.5' NE of center. The arm then fades as it passes just south of a mag 15 star.
At the southeast end of the bar a delicate, thin spiral arm unfurls counterclockwise towards the northwest. About halfway along its length is a slightly brighter elongated patch extending ~30" in length, with designations [EKS96] 100/105/119 and others. The arm dims out about 3' WSW of center. The arms stretch about 6' tip to tip, giving overall dimensions of perhaps 7'x6'.
The satellite galaxy
18" (12/30/08): very bright, large, very elongated
NW-SE. The brightest portion is
the entire central "bar" which extends ~5'x1.5'. This region is surrounded by a much
fainter "halo", increasing the size to ~5'x3'. The center is strongly concentrated to
a very bright 50"x40" core, slightly elongated NW-SE. At the northwest end of the bar, a very
diffuse arm sweeps to the east in a counterclockwise direction for ~2.5' in
length and appears to brighten or have a faint knot near the end. At the southeast end of the bar, only a
hint of a short extension sweeping west was detected. A faint star (mag ~14.5) is along the west side at the
northwest end of the main bar, near where the brighter arm is attached. NGC 1097A, a small companion galaxy, is
situated just off the NW side and appeared faint, very small, irregularly
round, 25"x20".
Brightest in a group (LGG 075) including NGC 1079,
17.5" (10/17/87): very bright, very large, very elongated NW-SE, very bright core. A companion galaxy NGC 1097A is attached at the NW end.
14.5" (12/17/20): at 140x; bright, very large, elongated ~5:2 NW-SE, ~4.5'x2', sharply and strongly concentrated with a prominent core that increases to a very small (non-stellar) intensely bright nucleus. The outer halo is very diffuse but may increase the dimensions to 6'x4'.
NGC 1097A is situated 3.3' NW of center, and in line with the major axis. It was faint but easily visible, elongated 2:1, 30"x15".
8" (10/31/81): bright, elongated NW-SE, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1097 = H. V-48 = h2495 on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 972) and logged "vB; E 75° np to sf; about 8' long. A very bright nucleus confined to a small part about 1' diameter." John Herschel recorded this barred spiral on 18 Nov 1835 (sweep 643) from South Africa as "B, L, vmE, pspmbM, 3' long; pos = 151.1°." The next night he logged "B, L, vmE, psvmbM to a pL, R nucleus; 4' long, 40" broad."
Dunlop's D 625 possibly refers to NGC 1097, although his position is too rough to make a positive identification. He found a "round nebula, about 2' dia, very bright at the centre, and very faint from the centre to the margin , almost equally faint from the bright nucleus to the margin. There are two pretty bright small stars following the nebula rather north."
NGC 1097 was photographed in 1919-1920 at the Helwan Observatory near Cairo and by Harlow Shapley and John Paraskevopoulos in the late 1930s with the 60-inch reflector (mirror originally from Andrew Ainslie Common) at Harvard's Boyden Station in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Shapley and Paraskevopoulos remarked "The large nucleus shows a strong rift and a peculiar internal structure that perhaps result chiefly from the distribution of obscuration. Along the swollen or elliptical "bar" and in the spiral arms there are also peculiar obscurations and markings."
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NGC 1098 = ESO 546-014 = MCG -03-08-008 = HCG 21c = PGC 10403
02 44 53.7 -17 39 33; Eri
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 102°
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8', small bright core, stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located 5.2' SSW of mag 8.1
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1098 = LM 1-67, along
with NGC 1091 = I-65 and NGC 1092 = I-66, on 17 Oct 1885. There is nothing at his position but 2
tmin east and 2' north is
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NGC 1099 = ESO 546-015 = MCG -03-08-011 = HCG 21a = PGC 10422
02 45 17.6 -17 42 31; Eri
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 10°
17.5" (11/26/94): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.5', no concentration. Brightest in HCG 21 with NGC 1100 4.5' ENE and NGC 1098 6.4' NW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1099 = LM 1-68 (along with NGC 1098 = I-67 and NGC 1100 = I-69) on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Ormond Stone's corrected position in the IC 1 is accurate and Herbert Howe also measured an accurate position in 1899-00.
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NGC 1100 = ESO 546-018 = MCG -03-08-016 = HCG 21b = PGC 10438
02 45 36.0 -17 41 19; Eri
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 58°
17.5" (11/26/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, weak concentration. Similar appearance as NGC 1099 4.5' WSW. A mag 14 star is off the SE side 1.7' from the center and a mag 13 star is 2.3' NNE. About 9' N is pair of faint galaxies; NGC 1091 = HCG 21E and NGC 1092 = HCG 21D.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1100 = LM 1-69 (along with NGC 1098 = I-67 and NGC 1099 = I-68) on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Ormond Stone's corrected position given in the IC 1 Notes is accurate and Herbert Howe also measured an accurate position in 1899-00 at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.
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NGC 1101 = UGC 2278 = MCG +01-08-003 = PGC 10613
02 48 14.8 +04 34 41; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 100°
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.8'x0.4', very small bright core. Forms a "double" with a mag 13 star at the west end 24" from the center. Starting about 4' SW is a very shallow arc of five mag 12-13 stars open to the NW with two 30" pairs at the SW and east ends of the arc and a total length of 4.5'. Forms a pair with NGC 1095 10' NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1101 = St. 8b-9, along with NGC 1095, on 4 Nov 1875. His published micrometric position (list 8b, #9) was made a year later on 22 Nov 1876 with description "eF, eeS, R, bM, *13 preceding by 2 seconds in parallel."
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02 47 12.9 -22 12 32; Eri
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 89°
17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint, very small, slightly
elongated, only glimpsed with averted vision. Situated on a E-W line between two mag 12 and 13 stars 5.4'
E and 4.4' W. There are two mag 14
stars nearly collinear 1.6' and 2.4' S.
Located 17' due north of mag 6.5
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1102 = LM 2-348 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 15.7,
0.2', R." His position is 17
tsec east of
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02 48 06.0 -13 57 35; Eri
V = 12.9; Size 2.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 40°
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:1
SW-NE. Unusual appearance with a
mag 12 star just at the NE end of this small streak. Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1103 = Sw. 3-21 on 26 Dec 1885
with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 8 sec of RA west of
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02 48 38.7 -00 16 17; Cet
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 70°
18" (1/15/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3, very weak concentration except for a slightly brighter quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star lies 1' S.
17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE. A mag 14 star is 1.0' S of center. Located 18' E of NGC 1094.
13.1" (9/3/83): extremely faint, very small. A line of three stars is following and a faint star is off the SE edge.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1104 on 6 Nov 1864 with an
11" refractor at Copenhagen and logged "vF, vS, a mag 14 star is
50" south." His position
and description matches
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NGC 1105 = IC 1840 = MCG -03-08-004 = PGC 10333
02 43 42.0 -15 42 20; Cet
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (11/26/03): very faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.5'x0.4', broad concentration with a round 20" core. Located 6' NW of mag 8.9 SAO 148573. NGC 1081 lies 20' ENE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1105 = LM 1-71 on 2 Dec
1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position but
Harold Corwin examined Leavenworth's discovery sketch and it matches
This galaxy was independently discovered by Herbert Howe on
30 Jan 1900, probably while searching for NGC 1105 at the NGC position, and
reported it as new in list 3-7 (later
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02 50 40.5 +41 40 18; Per
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated WSW-ENE, bright core. A
mag 14.5 star is attached at the west end. Located 3' WNW of mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 1106 = h268 on 18 Sep 1828,
although he was uncertain about the observation: "Query whether a nebula
or a knot of minute stars indistinctly seen." There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 minute of
RA west is
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02 49 19.6 +08 05 34; Cet
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 140°
17.5" (10/21/95): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE. Fairly high surface brightness with a prominent core and much fainter extensions. Two strings of stars form a "V" to the south.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1107 = m 74 on 2 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "F, vS, R." His position is accurate.
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02 48 38.5 -07 57 04; Eri
V = 15.1; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 85°
17.5" (11/28/97): very faint, very small, round, 25" diameter. At moments a stellar nucleus is visible. NGC 1110 lies 11' NE at the edge of the 220x field.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1108 = Sw. 5-45 on 31 Oct 1886
with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 5 tsec east and 24" north of
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02 47 43.6 +13 15 20; Ari
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (1/9/99): faint, small, round, 25" diameter,
weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Situated 2.5' ENE of a mag 11.5
star. The NGC identification of
this galaxy is very uncertain due to poor positions in the group by Marth and
UGC, MCG and CGCG identify this galaxy as
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1109 = m 75 on 2 Dec 1863 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "vF". This is the first in a group of 8 that
he discovered that night, several of which (NGC 1109, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1117)
have identification problems because of poor positions or perhaps he confused
some faint stars as nebulous.
There is nothing near his position for NGC 1109. Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 1109
may refer to
Modern catalogues, including RC3, RNGC, PGC and LEDA
identify
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02 49 09.5 -07 50 14; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 2.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 18°
17.5" (11/28/97): this unusual galaxy appears a moderately large, low surface brightness streak, 2.0'x0.4' oriented SSW-NNE. Located 2.7' N of a mag 11.5 star. NGC 1108 lies 11' SW. Member of the NGC 1052 group (LGG 071).
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1110 = LM 2-349 on 21 Dec 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 15 tsec east of MCG -01-08-010 = PGC 10673 and his dimensions of 2.8'x0.3' clearly refers to this galaxy although his PA (168°) has a quadrant error.
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NGC 1111 = IC 1850? = PGC 1426583
02 48 39.3 +13 15 34; Ari
Size 0.7'x0.3'; PA = 9°
17.5" (1/9/99): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:1 SSW- NNE, ~25"x9". Originally this object appeared virtually stellar as I probably just detected the core but after viewing for awhile the thin extensions were noticed. IC 1850 is located 5.6' NW of IC 1852. This NGC identification (NGC 1111) is very uncertain.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1111 = m 76 on 2 Dec 1863 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "F, vS, stellar". This is the second in a group of 8
galaxies he discovered that night, several of which (NGC 1109, 1111, 1112,
1113, 1117) have identification problems because of poor positions or perhaps
he confused faint stars as nebulous.
Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 1111 = IC 1850 = PGC 1426583, which is
located 1.0 min of RA west of Marth's position but matches in RA. Courtney Seligman notes that IC 1850 could
just as easily be equated with NGC 1109, as Marth's positions for these two
entries are very close. RNGC, PGC
and HyperLEDA label
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NGC 1112 = IC 1852? = UGC 2293 = MCG +02-08-011 = CGCG 440-015 = PGC 10660
02 49 00.4 +13 13 25; Ari
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 3°
17.5" (1/9/99): very faint, fairly small, ~40"x25". Appears as a very low surface brightness glow with no noticeable concentration and an ill-defined edge. After extended viewing could hold continuously with direct vision. IC 1850 (possibly NGC 1111) lies 5.6' NW and IC 1846 (possibly NGC 1109) is 19' W. The NGC identification is very uncertain and CGCG, UGC and MCG label this galaxy as IC 1852 only.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1112 = m 77 on 2 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "F, pS". This is the third in a group of 8 galaxies he discovered that night, several of which (NGC 1109, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1117) have identification problems because of poor positions or possibly he confused faint stars as nebulous.
Harold Corwin suggests NGC 1112 may refer IC 1852 = UGC 2293 = PGC 10660. Stephane Javelle discovered this galaxy on 7 Jan 1896 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory. Marth's position is exactly 1.0 min of RA following IC 1852 and matches in declination. CGCG, UGC and MCG label this galaxy IC 1852, while RNGC, PGC, RC3 and Megastar identify it as NGC 1109. RNGC classifies NGC 1112 as nonexistent. Finally, HyperLEDA equates IC 1852 with NGC 1109. Although NGC 1112 = IC 1852 is a reasonable match, given all the problems in this region this identification is very uncertain. See Corwin's notes for NGC 1109 and Courtney's Seligman website for NGC 1112.
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02 50 05.0 +13 19 39; Ari
= *??, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1113 = m 78 on 2 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted simply as "vF". This is the 4th in a group of 8 galaxies he discovered that night, several of which (NGC 1109, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1117) have identification problems because of poor positions or perhaps he confused faint stars as nebulous. Marth's position falls very close to a 10th magnitude star, though it is very unlikely Marth could have described this star as "vF" and there are no other non-stellar candidates due west or east. Corwin suggests that NGC 1113 may refer to a 15th magnitude star 2' NW (position given here) of the bright star, though this is very speculative. NGC 1113 is classified as nonexistent in the RNGC and there is no entry in LEDA.
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02 49 07.2 -16 59 39; Eri
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 8°
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated almost 3:1 N-S, 2.0'x0.7', broad concentration to a brighter middle but no nucleus. Appears slightly larger than catalogued dimensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1114 = H. III-449 = h269 = h2497 on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and logged "vF, pL, broadly extended, lbM." John Herschel observed this galaxy both at Slough, England and at the Cape of Good Hope, where he recorded on 11 Dec 1835 (sweep 652), "pB, L, pmE, vglbM, 2' long, 40" broad."
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02 50 25.3 +13 15 58; Ari
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.3'; PA = 10°
17.5" (11/28/97): extremely faint, very small, round,
15" diameter. Can hold
steadily with averted vision. A
nice pair of mag 13.5/14 star lie 2' N [17" separation]. Located 4.8' SSW of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1115 = m 79 on 2 Dec 1863 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "vF". Although 5 of the 8 objects in the
region he discovered this night have poor positions or are lost, Marth's
position is a good match with
******************************
NGC 1116 = UGC 2326 = MCG +02-08-017 = CGCG 440-021 = PGC 10781
02 50 35.7 +13 20 06; Ari
V = 14.3; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 27°
17.5" (11/28/97): very faint, small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.2', very small brighter core. Forms a pair with NGC 1115 4.8' SSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1116 = m 80 on 2 Dec 1863 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "vF". Although 5 of the 8 objects in the
region he discovered this night have poor positions or are lost, NGC 1116 is an
excellent match with
******************************
02 51 13.0 +13 11 07; Ari
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 5°
17.5" (11/28/97): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S. Appears as a barely resolved double system oriented N-S, ~30"x20" total size. The object at the south side appears to have a stellar nucleus. The northern object has a 20" halo and appears larger. The centers of this pair are only 24" apart.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1117 = m 81 on 2 Dec 1863 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "Close to a small star". This is the 7th in a group of 8
galaxies he discovered that night, several of which (NGC 1109, 1111, 1112,
1113, 1117) have identification problems because of poor positions or perhaps
he confused faint stars as nebulous.
There is nothing near his position for NGC 1117, but
******************************
02 49 58.7 -12 09 50; Eri
V = 12.7; Size 2.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 90°
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4'. The small, rounder bright core contains a faint stellar nucleus. A wide unequal pair [mag 12/14 at 33" separation] lies 5' NE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1118 = Sw. 5-46 on 1 Nov 1886 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory. His position and description "vE" is accurate
******************************
02 48 17.1 -17 59 15; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 0°
17.5" (12/20/95): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration. Forms the west vertex of a near equilateral triangle with a mag 10.5 star 3.0' NE and a mag 12 star 3.5' SE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1119 = LM 1-72 on 17 Oct
1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position, but
Herbert Howe measured an accurate position at the end of the century (repeated
in the IC 2 notes) that matches
******************************
02 49 04.1 -14 28 15; Eri
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 40°
17.5" (11/18/95): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter. Even concentration to a bright core and nearly stellar nucleus. A faint, close double star lies 4.2' SSW and 5' NW is a small group of four mag 13 stars (includes a 30" pair).
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1120 = LM 1-72 on 1 Jan
1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his rough position,
but 1.1 min of RA west (common error) is
******************************
02 50 39.1 -01 44 03; Eri
V = 12.9; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.5; PA = 10°
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', well concentrated with a small bright core and a stellar nucleus. Located 1.7' SSW of a mag 10 star in the northwest corner of Eridanus.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1121 = Sw. 1-4 on 9 Nov 1884 with his 16-inch refractor. His RA was 13 seconds too large. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory as well as Porter in 1908 at the Cincinnati Observatory.
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02 52 51.1 +42 12 20; Per
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 40°
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, small, round,
diffuse. A pair of mag 14 stars
are at the ESE and NE end and a mag 15 star is at the west end. Located 12' NNE of mag 7.2
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1122 = Sw. 2-25 on 6 Sep 1885
with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "vF, pS, R,
* nr north." His position and
description matches
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NGC 1123 = NGC 1122 = UGC 2353 = MCG +07-06-083 = CGCG 539-117 = PGC 10890
02 52 51.1 +42 12 20; Per
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 40°
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, small, round, diffuse. A pair of mag 14 stars are at the ESE and NE end and a mag 15 star is at the west end. Located 12' NNE of mag 7.2 SAO 38407.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1123 = H. II-601 = h270 on
17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and logged "F, S, iF, resolvable." His position is within 2' of
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02 51 35.9 -25 42 07; For
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 0°
17.5" (11/17/01): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Located 1.8' SW of a mag 10.3 star. This galaxy has a faint outer ring, but the observation records the smaller, round core only.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1124 = LM 1-74 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "*9, nf
1'." His description and
rough position is a good match with
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02 51 40.4 -16 39 02; Eri
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 53°
24" (1/28/17): at 225x and 375x; moderately bright,
elongated nearly 3:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.35', small bright core, stellar
nucleus. Forms a very close (optical)
pair with
17.5" (11/18/95): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.4', small bright core. MCG -03-08-034 at the southwest tip was not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1125 = H. III-450 = h272 on
6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and noted "vF, S, E." His position is accurate, though falls
closer to the fainter southwest component (MCG -03-08-034). The northeast component (
******************************
02 52 18.6 -01 17 45; Eri
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 135°
17.5" (11/7/89): extremely faint, small, edge-on 4:1
NW-SE, low even surface brightness.
Located 8' WSW of
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1126 = Sw. 5-47 on 31 Oct 1886
with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is just 44" north of
******************************
02 52 51.8 +13 15 23; Ari
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 39°
17.5" (11/17/01): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated, 0.5'x0.4', low even surface brightness with no noticeable core. Situated in a fairly sparse star field
with a mag 10.9 star 6' ESE.
Located 19' NW of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1127 = m 82 on 2 Dec 1863 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "vF". Although 5 of the 8 objects in the
region he discovered this night have poor positions or are lost, Marth's position
for this number is a good match with
******************************
02 57 41.6 +06 01 28; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.7
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 N-S. This merged double system was easily resolved with the two nuclei separated by 16" N-S. The northern nucleus was noticeably brighter and well defined, ~12" diameter. The southern nucleus had a lower surface brightness and the edge faded out more gradually into the common halo that enclosed both nuclei. A mag 13.6 star is 1' W and a mag 12.6 star is 1' SW.
18" (11/22/08): on initial glance the brightest galaxy
in
17.5" (11/28/97): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S,
40"x20", irregular surface brightness. On careful examination the glow resolved into a very close
pair of extremely small galaxies oriented N-S with tangent halos [just 16"
between centers!]. This double
system is the brightest in AGC 400 with
The identification of this galaxy with NGC 1128 is very uncertain.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1128 = Sw. 5-48 on 8 Oct 1886 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory and recorded "eF; S; lE; 2 pF stars close preceding." There are no good candidates near Swift's position.
Harold Corwin suggests NGC 1128 is
Interestingly, William Herschel might have first seen this double system. On 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 607), he recorded "Some small stars with suspected nebulosity, probably a deception." Although it was never catalogued, his position is just 1' northwest of CGCG 415-041!
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02 54 27.3 +41 34 46; Per
V = 12.5; Size 2.9'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 90°
18" (11/18/06): this giant cD galaxy is the brightest
in the nearby X-ray bright cluster WBL 88 = AWM 7 (z = 0.017), which is a
member of the Pisces-Perseus supercluster. Several faint galaxies lie within a
few arcminutes including
17.5" (10/24/87): brightest in a compact group. Moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated WSW-ENE, brighter along major axis, small bright core. A mag 15 star is at the west edge
22" from the center. Forms a
close trio with NGC 1130 1.7' NNW and NGC 1131 1.7' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1129 = H. II-602 = h271 on
17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and logged "F, pS, iR, lbM." John Herschel described it on 18 Sep
1828 (sweep 182): "vF; R vglbM; 30" diameter." Their positions match
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant in Oct 1854, noted "has either a F* sp or is double." This refers to MCG +07-07-003, which MCG misidentified this galaxy as NGC 1129. In December, he noted "suspect the supposed neb close sp edge to be only a faint double star. Finally in Dec 1855, Mitchell observed with Lord Rosse, who "thought the companion on sp edge to be merely a neb with a * for centre." Because of the uncertainty, Dreyer didn't assign an NGC designation to MCG +07-07-003.
******************************
NGC 1130 = MCG +07-07-002 = CGCG 540-004 = CGCG 539-122 = AWM 7-6 = PGC 10951
02 54 24.4 +41 36 20; Per
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 35°
18" (11/18/06): faint, very small, elongated ~2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.2'. A mag 14 star is attached at the south end. Located in the core of the NGC 1129 cluster = AWM 7, just 1.7' NNW of NGC 1129.
17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is just south. Located 1.7' NNW of NGC 1129.
William Parsons (Lord Rosse) and assistant R.J. Mitchell
discovered NGC 1130 and 1131 on the 8 Dec 1855 observation of the NGC 1129
field. Their description reads,
"there is a knot north about 2' distance [from NGC 1129].
******************************
NGC 1131 = MCG +07-07-005 = CGCG 539-125 = CGCG 540-007 = V Zw 286 = AWM 7-4 = PGC 10964
02 54 34.0 +41 33 32; Per
V = 13.5; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5
18" (11/18/06): faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter, weak even concentration.
Located 1.7' SE of NGC 1129 in the core of the AWM 7 cluster. Brighter
17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, very small, round, bright core. Third of three with much brighter NGC 1129 1.7' NW and NGC 1130 3.5' NW.
William Parsons (Lord Rosse) and assistant R.J. Mitchell
discovered NGC 1131 and 1130 during the 8 Dec 1855 observation of the NGC 1129
field. They recorded,
"another about 2' following and a little south of h271 [NGC
1129]". CGCG 540-004 = PGC
10964 lies 1.7' SE of NGC 1129 and is the best candidate. Harold Corwin notes that
******************************
NGC 1132 = UGC 2359 = MCG +00-08-040 = CGCG 389-040 = PGC 10891
02 52 51.8 -01 16 27; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 2.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 140°
17.5" (11/7/89): faint, small, round, almost even
surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus. Located 4.3' WSW of mag 9.5
NGC 1132 is the prototype of a "Fossil Group" -- the end-product of extensive merging of a once normal group, leaving a massive central galaxy that dominates the luminosity of a X-ray luminous group (delta Rmag ≥ 2.0 with next brightest group member).
John Herschel discovered NGC 1132 = h273 on 23 Nov 1827
(sweep 107) and recorded "eF; pL; gbM; has a *8m following". His position and description matches
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02 52 42.1 -08 48 15; Eri
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 175°
17.5" (11/28/97): very faint, small, slightly elongated, 30" diameter, weak concentration to a small brighter core. Mag 14.5 stars lie 2.6' E and 2.3' NNW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1133 = LM 2-350 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is a good match with MCG -02-08-015. His notes mention that mag 12 stars 3' np and 2' nf. These stars are 2.3' NNW and 2.6' E, and closer to mag 14.
******************************
NGC 1134 = Arp 200 = UGC 2365 = MCG +02-08-027 = CGCG 440-027 = PGC 10928
02 53 41.2 +13 00 53; Ari
V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 148°
24" (12/21/16): at 282x; fairly bright, moderately
large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 NW-SE, ~1.2'x0.6', sharply concentrated with a
bright core and fairly bright, sharp stellar nucleus. Appears slightly brighter along the east edge with averted
-- probably a section of the eastern spiral arm, which is bright on the
DSS. A mag 13.6 star is 50"
NE of center.
Arp noted "Splash appearance on west side [tidal plume] of galaxy points to low surface brightness companion 7' [west]." The companion he referred to is UGC 2362, which is possibly interacting (the pair has identical redshifts). UGC 2362 appeared faint, fairly small, very low surface brightness patch ~20" diameter (probably the brighter central part of this Magellanic system). A mag 14.8 star is 0.8' S.
IC 267 appeared moderately bright, relatively large, elongated ~4:1 NNW-SSE, ~1.7'x0.4', irregular surface brightness. This appears to be a central bar (verified on the DSS) rather than an edge-on galaxy. Either a star is superimposed at the center or the galaxy has a bright stellar nucleus! Located 10' SSE of NGC 1134.
17.5" (10/21/95): faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE, 1.8'x0.3', broad weak concentration. Located 10.3' SSE of NGC 1134.
17.5" (10/21/95): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration with a large brighter
core. A mag 13 star is 48"
ENE of center. Located 11' ENE of
mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 1134 = H. II-254 on 16 Oct
1784 (sweep 295) and recorded "F, S, iR, r". His position is 2.3' SE of
******************************
02 50 53.7 -54 58 33; Hor
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80°
See observing notes for
John Herschel found NGC 1135 = h2498 on 11 Sep 1836 and
recorded "F, R, gbM. Taken for No 3 sweep 520 [h2499 = NGC 1136],
but proves, on reduction, to be a different nebula". His position is
1.5' NW of NGC 1136 and 2' S of
If this identification is correct, NGC 1135 is John Herschel’s faintest discovery at B = 16.2. But then why did he classify it as "Faint", instead of "Extremely Faint" (his faintest class)? Instead, Harold Corwin argues NGC 1135 is a duplicate observation of NGC 1136 (discovered earlier on 5 Dec 1834), despite Herschel stating they were two different objects. HyperLeda is the only online catalogue that equates NGC 1135 and 1136.
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NGC 1136 = NGC 1135 = ESO 154-019 = PGC 10807
02 50 53.7 -54 58 33; Hor
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80°
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): fairly bright,
moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, ~1.5'x1.2'. Sharply concentrated with a fairly small (20") very
bright core surrounded by a much fainter halo. Located 7' NW of mag 8.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 1136 = h2499 on 5 Dec 1834 and
logged "F; R; gb; - moon up."
There is nothing at his position but 5.4' N is
Pietro Baracchi searched for GC 622 [NGC 1136] unsuccessfully on 11 Feb 1888 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. He reported "GC 622 is not to be found and probably there is some mistake in the position - according to his description 622 is no fainter than 621 [NGC 1135], therefore I should see it."
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02 54 02.7 +02 57 43; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 2.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 20°
17.5" (1/7/89): faint, very small, almost round, broad concentration, stellar nucleus?
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1137 = Sw. 3-22 on 17 Oct 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 11 seconds of RA east and 1' south of UGC 2374.
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02 56 36.5 +43 02 50; Per
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Forms an equilateral triangle with a mag 13 star 0.9' S and a mag 12.5 star 0.9' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1138 = H. III-580 = h274 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 620) and remarked "Suspected. resolvable, 1 or 2 stars visible in it." John Herschel gave a more complete description on 23 Dec 1831 (sweep 389), "vF; vS; R; gbM; 10"; makes isosceles triangle with 2 stars 15 mag".
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02 52 46.8 -14 31 46; Eri
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 36°
17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, small, round, 30"
diameter, low even surface brightness.
Appeared fainter than V = 13.3 and required averted vision to see with
certainty using GSC chart. A mag
15.5 double star is 1' SW (verified on GSC).
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1139 = LM 1-75 on 1 Jan
1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his rough position,
but 1.4 min of RA west is
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02 54 33.4 -10 01 42; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 6°
13.1" (12/7/85): fairly bright, very small, round, stellar nucleus. Member of the NGC 1052 group (LGG 071).
William Herschel discovered NGC 1140 = H. II-470 = h275 = h2500 on 22 Nov 1785 (sweep 475) and logged "F, S. I had hardly been out long enough, but yet I think it was no deception." A second observation showed it as "pretty bright, but hardly to be distinguished from a star." John Herschel observed this galaxy both at Slough, England and at the Cape of Good Hope.
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02 55 09.7 -00 10 41; Cet
See observing notes for
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1141 = m 83 on 5 Jan 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and described as "vF, S, [Double neb with NGC 1142]". There is nothing at his position (not found by Fath in 1914 on Mt. Wilson plates). However 40' S is the double system NGC 1143 and 1144, found by Édouard Stephan (8a-10 and 8a-11) on 29 Oct 1875 (perhaps looking for Marth's objects) and placed accurately. This pair is generally identified as NGC 1143 and 1144 due to the unambiguous identification. Several other objects discovered that night by Marth have large positional errors.
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02 55 12.0 -00 10 59; Cet
See observing notes for
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1142 = m 84 on 5 Jan 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "pF, S, R [Double neb with NGC 1141]". There is nothing at his position (not found by Fath in 1914 on Mt. Wilson plates). However 40' S is the double system NGC 1143 and 1144. This was later found by Édouard Stephan (list 8a-10 and 8a-11) on 29 Oct 1875. The pair is generally identified as NGC 1143 and 1144 due to the unambiguous identification. Several other objects discovered that night by Marth have large positional errors.
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NGC 1143 = NGC 1141 = Arp 118 NED1 = Arp 118:C1 = VV 331b =
02 55 09.7 -00 10 41; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.8'; PA = 110°
48" (11/4/21): at 488x; fairly bright, fairly small,
round, ~0.6' diameter, strong concentration with very bright core that
increased to the center. In a
common dog-bone shaped halo with NGC 1144 [0.7' between centers].
48" (10/25/11): bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.7', well concentrated with a very bright, intense core! Slightly fainter of an interacting pair with highly disrupted NGC 1144, just 40" between centers. The eastern portion of the outer halo of NGC 1143 is merged or overlaps with the halo of NGC 1144 on its northwestern side.
PGC 1150350, listed as a 2nd "collider" with NGC 1144 in Madore's 2009 Atlas and Catalogue of Collisional Rings, lies 1.2' NW. The 2MASS galaxy appeared fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.4'x0.15', stellar nucleus.
17.5" (1/7/89): very faint, very small, round. In a common halo with NGC 1144 0.5' ESE. This galaxy is the slightly fainter of the pair.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 1143 = St. 8a-11, along with NGC 1144, on 29 Oct 1875 and again on 1 Dec 1875. His published accurate position (list 8a, #11) was made on 17 Nov 1876 with description "NGC 1144 and 1143 are contiguous and form a sort of nebula with 2 nuclei; they are almost identical; however [NGC 1144] is a little fainter than [NGC 1143]. Both excessively faint and small; round with central condensation."
Albert Marth earlier discovered this galaxy on 5 Jan 1864 but his position was 40' too far N (also NGC 1142), so he didn't receive credit. But it is clear that Marth's NGC 1141 = NGC 1143 and Marth's 1142 = NGC 1144.
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NGC 1144 = NGC 1142 = Arp 118 NED2 = VV 331a = UGC 2389 =
02 55 12.0 -00 10 59; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 130°
48" (11/4/21): at 488x; bright, slightly elongated, strong concentration with a very bright core that increased to the center. Slightly brighter of a merged pair with NGC 1143 [center 0.7' NW] in a common peanut or dogbone-shaped halo. The bridge of material extending from NGC 1144 was slightly darker in the interior forming a "loop".
48" (10/25/11): at 488x, appeared very bright, moderately
large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 50"x35". Contains a large, very bright core that is offset to the SE
side. The core gradually increases
to an intense center. A mag 16.4
star is off the southeast side.
Forms a double system (
17.5" (1/7/89): faint, small, round, bright core. Slightly brighter of pair with NGC 1143 in a common halo 0.5' WNW.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 1144 = St. 8a-10, along with NGC 1143, on 29 Oct 1875 and again on 1 Dec 1875. His published accurate position (list 8a, #10) was made on 17 Nov 1876 Albert Marth earlier discovered this galaxy on 5 Jan 1864, but his position for NGC 1142 was 40' too far N. So, NGC 1144 = NGC 1142. Based on the earlier discovery, NGC 1142 should be the primary designation, but due to Marth's poor position, Stephan's number has been used. See NGC 1143 for more.
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02 54 33.2 -18 38 09; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 3.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 60°
17.5" (12/28/94): faint, moderately large, thin edge-on
7:1 WSW-ENE, 2.2'x0.3', only a weak concentration. Among a group of three mag 10-11 stars with a mag 10 star
just following the ENE tip.
NGC 1145 is a member of the
John Herschel discovered NGC 1145 = h2501 on 11 Dec 1835 and
recorded "F, vmE, 90" long, 10" broad; has two stars 10th mag
following." His position is
accurate. MCG misidentifies MCG
-03-08-028 as NGC 1145 and UGC misidentifies
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02 57 37.0 +46 26 14; Per
Size 0.4'
18" (11/23/05): this asterism consists of a 30"
pair of mag 12/13 stars with a couple of fainter companions making a quadruple. About 1' NW is a faint, hazy clump of
three mag 14-15 stars. Viewed at
225x and 300x.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1146 on 29 Jan 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen and described "Cl, vS. At 226x the stars are clearly mixed with nebulosity. A triple star is directly south." His position is ~1' northwest of a a group of four stars that Corwin identifies as NGC 1146. Three brighter stars are also close southeast matching d'Arrest's description.
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02 55 18 -09 07; Eri
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1147 = LM 2-351 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 15.0, 0.4'x0.2', E 180°, *9.5 f 25s n 1'." There are no candidates near his position and Corwin found no match within 5° of Muller's position, so it stands now as lost. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
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02 57 04.4 -07 41 09; Eri
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 80°
17.5" (12/28/94): very faint, fairly small, round, low
surface brightness, no concentration.
A mag 15 star appears superimposed at the NE side. Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1148 = Sw. 3-23 = LM II-352 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is accurate although Bigourdan could not find the galaxy. Leavenworth independently discovered the galaxy again on 21 Oct 1886 and reported it as new in the Leander McCormick observatory second list (#352), though his RA was 30 seconds too large
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02 57 23.8 -00 18 34; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 130°
17.5" (1/7/89): very faint, very small, round. A mag 14.5 star is 30" SSW of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1149 = St. 11-6 on 2 Dec 1880 with the 31" reflector at Marseilles Observatory and reported "vF, vS, R, bM, S* preceding 2 sec". His position and description (the star is 0.5' SW) is accurate.
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02 57 01.3 -15 02 55; Eri
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 65°
17.5" (11/10/96): brighter of pair with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1150 = LM 1-76 (along
with NGC 1151 = LM 1-77) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander
McCormick Observatory. His (rough)
position is close to
******************************
02 57 04.6 -15 00 47; Eri
V = 15.0; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 10°
17.5" (11/10/96): extremely faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter. Requires averted to glimpse using GSC chart and no details visible. Located 2.3' NNE of NGC 1150.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1151 = LM 1-77 (along with NGC 1150 = LM 1-76) with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is close to MCG -03-08-048, with NGC 1151 = PGC 11147. RNGC mistakenly equates NGC 1150 = NGC 1180 and NGC 1151 = NGC 1181. Although the declinations are similar, NGC 1180/NGC 1181 are a separate 2' pair about 4.7 min of RA further east.
******************************
NGC 1152 = MCG -01-08-019 = PGC 11182
02 57 33.6 -07 45 32; Eri
V = 14.5; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 10°
17.5" (12/28/94): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 1148 8.5' NW. This galaxy is the smaller of the pair but has a higher surface brightness and is more concentrated. Located 2.5' N of a mag 11 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1152 = Sw. 3-24 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is accurate.
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02 58 10.2 +03 21 43; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 45°
17.5" (1/7/89): fairly faint, small, very small bright core, slightly elongated SW-NE, small halo. A mag 14.5 star is superimposed 20" S of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1153 = H. II-274 = h276 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 338) and logged "F, vS, iE, easily resolvable." His position was 3.5' too far SE. John Herschel made a single observation on 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 95) and noted "F S; R; sbM; 12" diameter."
Four observations were made at Birr Castle. On 7 Dec 1857, R.J. Mitchell recorded "F, vS, R, a S* close preceding." The mag 14.5 star is mentioned in my observation.
******************************
02 58 07.7 -10 21 47; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 95°
17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, round, even surface
brightness. Forms a close pair
with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1154 = St. 8b-11, along with NGC 1155, on 1 Dec 1875. His published position (list 8b, #11) was made on 15 Dec 1876 with the 31" reflector at Marseilles Observatory.
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NGC 1155 = MCG -02-08-035 = Mrk 1064 = Holm 64b = PGC 11233
02 58 13.0 -10 21 00; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (10/13/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration. Slightly fainter of a close pair with NGC 1154 1.5' SW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1155 = St. 8b-10, along with
NGC 1154. Coincidentally his rough
position is 10' due south of
******************************
02 59 42.3 +25 14 15; Ari
V = 11.7; Size 3.5'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 25°
48" (11/5/21): at 488x; very bright, large, elongated ~3:1 SSW-NNE, ~2.3' in length. The main body has a high surface brightness and appeared very mottled and irregular, but there no core or nucleus. The outer halo has a much lower surface brightness with an irregular outline.
A small, slightly brighter elongated knot (HII region) is along the west side [0.4' SW of center]. A second small knot, ~6" diameter is at the SW end [0.8' SW of center]. Three stars are involved or at the edge; a mag 12.2 star and a mag 15 star on the N side [0.7' NNW and 0.4' N of center], and a mag 15 star at the S edge [1.2' SSW of center].
24" (12/12/17): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, ~2.25'x0.9', no well defined core, noticeably irregular outline and surface brightness. The low surface brightness halo appeared to spread out on the south end and the northeast side had an indentation. The main body was somewhat uneven or mottled with a couple of very small, low contrast knots suspected. In a friend's 28" at 438x, a knot was confirmed SW of center (~0.4'), as well as a slightly brightening NE of center (this is the "core" on deep images).
A mag 12 star is just inside the NNW border and a mag 15 star is closer in. Another mag 15 star is at or just beyond the southern edge.
18" (10/25/08): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 2.0'x0.8'. Brighter along the major axis with a slightly brighter core. The outline is roughly rectangular and the surface brightness is irregular. The southwest end appears asymmetric. A mag 11.5 star is at the north end, 0.9' from center.
8" (12/6/80): faint, diffuse, slightly elongated SSW-NNE. A mag 12.5 star is just NW of the NE flank.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1156 = H. II-619 on 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 637) and recorded "pB, cL, pmE in the meridian, resolvable, within a minute of a star." His position was just off the southeast side of this dwarf Irregular. Four observations were made with Lord Rosse's 72".
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02 58 06.6 -15 07 07; Eri
Size 0.5'x0.2'; PA = 170°
17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no other details visible. Located 1.9' WNW of a mag 12.5 star.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1157 = LM 1-78, along
with
******************************
NGC 1158 = MCG -03-08-050 = PGC 11157
02 57 11.4 -14 23 45; Eri
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 147°
17.5" (10/17/98): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (probably only viewed the core). Surprisingly faint as nearby IC 270 located 24' NW is the brightest the group (including ICs 268, 269 and 272 as well as NGCs 1150, 1151, and 1157).
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1158 = LM 1-79 (along
with NGC 1157 = LM 1-78) on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander
McCormick Observatory. His
position (nearest tmin of RA) is 1 min of RA east of
******************************
03 00 46.5 +43 09 46; Per
V = 13.4; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.5
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. Located 6.8' ENE of
mag 7.6
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1159 = St. 13-21 on 30 Nov 1883. His published position (list 13, #21) was reduced a few days later (2 Dec 1883).
******************************
03 01 13.2 +44 57 18; Per
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 50°
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1
SW-NE, broad concentration, diffuse halo.
A trio of mag 12-13 stars lie 1.5'-2' N. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 1160 = H. III-199 = h277, along with NGC 1160, on 7 Oct 1784 (during sweeps 281-285, carried out in the east) and reported "the first of 2 [with NGC 1161]. vF, iF, pS." On 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645), he logged "pB, iR, mbM, about 1' in diam." and measured separate positions for the two objects.
John Herschel measured an accurate position for NGC 1161 and noted the wide double star off the west side, but has no entry for NGC 1160 and it was not found by d'Arrest. So, the observers at Birr Castle assumed NGC 1160 was a new discovery and the two galaxies have three entries in the GC. Dreyer staightened this out before the publication of the NGC, while an observing assistant at Birr Castle. Surprisingly, NGC 1160 was sketched by Dreyer and clearly shows the southern spiral arm.
******************************
NGC 1161 = UGC 2474 = MCG +07-07-015 = CGCG 540-026 = PGC 11404
03 01 14.2 +44 53 50; Per
V = 11.0; Size 2.8'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 23°
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly bright, fairly small, oval 3:2
SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.
Two bright stars are close west; a mag 10 star is 45" W and mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 1161 = H. II-239 = h277, along with NGC 1160, on 7 Oct 1784 (during sweeps 281-285, carried out in the east), and reported "The 2nd of 2; pB; pS; resolvable." On 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645) he noted "F, E, about 1 1/2' long." This pair was observed at Birr Castle on 4 nights.
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02 58 55.9 -12 23 55; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (12/28/94): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, evenly concentrated with a small bright core and an quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is 3.7' S of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1162 = H. III-469 = h2502 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "vF, stellar, 240 power left some doubt." John Herschel observed NGC 1162 from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded "pF, R, glbM, 25"." Édouard Stephan made observations on 29 Oct 1875 and 1 Nov 1877.
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03 00 22.0 -17 09 10; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 2.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 135°
17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.3' (full length of extensions not seen), low even surface brightness. NGC 1163 is a member of the NGC 1209 Group (LGG 81), which includes NGCs 1145, 1188, 1189, 1190, 1199 and IC 276.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1163 = LM 1-80 on 31 Oct
1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Leavenworth's rough RA (nearest min of
RA) is about 1tmin west of
******************************
03 01 59.8 +42 35 06; Per
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 145°
17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is just 0.6' NNW of center and a mag 15 star is even closer at 0.4' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1164 = h278 on 18 Sep 1828 (sweep 182) and logged "eF; S; 5 arcseconds." His position is accurate.
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02 58 47.7 -32 05 55; For
V = 12.7; Size 2.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 115°
17.5" (12/9/01): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0', irregular surface brightness. The brighter core appeared double at moments (faint star superimposed?). The outer halo is very diffuse.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1165 = h2503 on 19 Oct 1835 and
noted "vF, pmE, vlbM, 60" long, 30" broad." His position
and description matches E417-008 =
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03 00 35.0 +11 50 35; Ari
V = 14.0; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.1
17.5" (1/9/99): very faint, fairly small, weak
concentration. The halo is
ill-defined but appears irregularly round, ~0.8'x0.6. A couple of mag 15.5 stars are within 1' of the west
side. Also confusing the
observation is a superimposed mag
15.5+ star at the north edge which pops in and out of view for moments. A wide pair of mag 14 stars lie 3' NE.
Forms a pair with fainter
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1166 = m 85 on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "eF, S". His position is accurate.
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03 01 42.4 +35 12 20; Per
V = 12.4; Size 2.8'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 70°
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, moderately large, high
surface brightness core with very faint larger halo slightly elongated
WSW-ENE. A mag 10 star lies 4.0'
S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1167 = H. III-178 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 271) and reported "vF, pL, R, small pB place in the middle." His position (reduced by Auwers) was ~11' too far WNW and the GC position was 4' too far northwest. Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 6 Jan 1874, though didn't publish a position. The NGC position, though, was accurate.
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NGC 1168 = UGC 2476 = MCG +02-08-047 = CGCG 440-042 = PGC 11378
03 00 47.2 +11 46 21; Ari
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 18°
17.5" (1/9/99): extremely faint, very small, round,
20" diameter. Probably only
viewed the core (the arms are very low surface brightness on the digitized sky
survey). Located midway between
NGC 1166 5.2' NW and mag 9
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1168 = m 85 on 1 Oct 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and simply noted "eF". His position is accurate.
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03 03 34.7 +46 23 09; Per
V = 11.3; Size 4.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 28°
24" (2/8/18): at 200x; bright, very large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, ~2.5'x2.0', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core/nucleus. A bright star (mag ~13) is superimposed at the SSW edge of the nucleus! Located in a Perseus star field rich in fainter stars.
17.5" (10/24/87): moderately bright, very small, bright core. With averted vision a large extremely faint halo is visible elongated SW-NE. A mag 13.5 star is superimposed at the SW side of the core! NGC 1169 is located just 10.6° from the galactic equator. It's is a huge spiral, with a diameter of 170,000 light-years.
8" (1/1/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated. Only the core was visible as I missed the large halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1169 = H. II-620 = h279 on 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645) and logged "F, S, irr R, bM." His position is at the northeast end of the galaxy. Interestingly, John Herschel reported on 31 Dec 1831 (sweep 390), "vF; irreg figure. Suspected to be only a few stars." R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's observer on 11 Dec 1854, recorded a "B* sp the Nucl and a vF* ? involved np the Nucl. The neby fades away gradually." The RNGC places this galaxy 1.0 min of RA too far east.
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03 02 24 +27 04; Ari
= Tail of a comet?, HC =Not found, JS.
Charles Sanders Peirce (son of Benjamin Peirce) discovered NGC 1170 = HN 38 on 31 Dec 1869 at Harvard College Observatory using the 15-inch Merz & Mahler refractor (Annals of Harvard Obs, Vol 13, #47). An approximate position is given in the Harvard Observatory list based on comparison with Comet 1869 III. A very close, unequal double star is near Peirce's position at 03 02 29.6 +27 03 20 (2000). But the description "J.W. and C.S.P. independently think the sky generally bright f and a little n of the comet for 14' or more (several fields according to C.S.P.)" implies that the observation refers to an extremely large object and Corwin and Steinicke suggest the observation perhaps refers to the actual tail of the comet! This is the only object in the NGC attributed to Peirce (mispelled as Pierce in the NGC). Classified as nonexistent in the RNGC. See Corwin's comments.
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03 03 59.0 +43 23 54; Per
V = 12.3; Size 2.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 147°
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, broadly concentrated.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1171 = St. 10-15 = Sw. 2-26 on 26 Nov 1869 with a rough position 1' S of center. He made a second observation on 1 Dec 1877 and published an accurate micrometric position on 4 Dec 1880 with description "very faint, pretty large, irregular." Lewis Swift rediscovered NGC 1171 on 12 Sep 1885 and reported it as new in his second discovery paper (#26). His position was only 0.2 minutes of time too large. Dreyer credited both Stephan (1) and Swift (2) in the NGC.
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03 01 36.0 -14 50 12; Eri
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 25°
13.1" (1/18/85): faint, small, round, broad
concentration. Located 2.1' SW of
mag 9.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 1172 = H. II-502 = h280 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and logged "F, eS, stellar, preceding a pB star. 240 verified it." The "pB star" is 2' NE. On 15 Oct 1830 (sweep 307), John Herschel called this object "pB; pL; R; psbM; 40" diameter."
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03 03 58 +42 23; Per
= Not found, RNGC.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1173 = Big. 12, along with
NGCs 1176, 1178, 1183, on 17 Dec 1884 with the 12" at the Paris
Observatory and reported "mag 13.4-13.5; 20" diameter, stellar
ncl". There is nothing at his
position, though Harold Corwin states that Bigourdan made a 1 degree error in
reducing the NPD from his offset stars.
Once corrected, his positions for the other three objects match single
stars near
******************************
03 05 30.7 +42 50 05; Per
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift found NGC 1174 = Sw. 4-11 on 31 Aug 1883 and recorded "vF; pS; lE; in contact on preceding side with a pB*; D* np point to it about 4.5"." There is nothing at his position but 1 minute of RA further east is NGC 1186 and Swift's detailed description of the star in contact and the nearby double star clinches the equivalence. So, NGC 1174 = NGC 1186, with discovery priority to Herschel (H. IV-43).
Rudolph Spitaler first mentioned the equivalence in AN, 127, 91. He wrote "I could not find NGC 1174. Close to Swift's place are crowded four or five faint stars; About 6 seconds before the alleged position, I temporarily thought I noticed something nebulous, but I can not vouch for it. According to Swift's description, I rather believe that the place is in error by 1 minute and this nebula is identical to NGC 1186. This is supported by the remark "D[ouble] * np points to it about 4.5"." If the two nebulae were not identical, this would have to mean: "D * nf, etc.", where "D *" undoubtedly refers to the double star DM 42°694. Incidentally, according to Swift's description in NGC, it must also be called "pB * close following" instead of "pB * close preceding".
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NGC 1175 = UGC 2515 = MCG +07-07-019 = CGCG 540-032 = PGC 11578
03 04 32.3 +42 20 22; Per
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 153°
17.5" (10/24/87): moderately bright, fairly small,
edge-on 3:1 NW-SE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a close pair with
13.1" (1/19/85): fairly faint, elongated NNW-SSE, fairly small, larger brighter core, diffuse outer arms, possible faint stellar nucleus. Located SE of a mag 7 star. Forms a close pair with NGC 1177 1.7' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1175 = H. II-607 on 24 Oct
1786 (sweep 620) and recorded "F, cL, E." His position is just off the east edge of
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03 04 34.9 +42 23 37; Per
= *, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1176 = Big. 13, along
with NGC 1173, 1178 and 1183, on 17 Dec 1884 with the 12" at the Paris
Observatory. There is nothing at the NGC position, but Corwin states that
Bigourdan made a 1 degree error in reducing the NPD from his offset star. Once corrected, his position for NGC
1176 corresponds with a mag 14.5 star 3.3' N of NGC 1175. The positions for
******************************
NGC 1177 = IC 281 = MCG +07-07-020 = CGCG 540-033 = PGC 11581
03 04 37.1 +42 21 46; Per
V = 14.1; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W. A mag 13 star is just 33" N of center. Located 1.7' NE of NGC 1175 at the western edge of AGC 426.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 1177
on 29 Nov 1874 and reported a "vS, F, R neb (to which 637 [NGC 1175]
perhaps extends) north-following.
A *11 in Pos 15.4°, Dist 34.6 arcsec." The position and description matches
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03 04 38.8 +42 18 49; Per
= *, Corwin. = Not found, RNGC.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1178 = Big. 14, along with NGC 1173, 1176 and 1183, on 17 Dec 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory. There is nothing at his position, but Corwin states that Bigourdan made a 1 degree error in reducing the NPD from his offset star. Once corrected, his position for NGC 1176 corresponds with a mag 13.8 star 2.0' SE of NGC 1175. The positions for NGC 1176 and 1183 also match stars, although NGC 1173 is apparently lost. See Corwin's notes.
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03 02 38.3 -18 53 51; Eri
V = 12.0; Size 4.9'x3.8'; Surf Br = 15.0; PA = 35°
17.5" (1/1/92): extremely faint, moderately large, 2.5' diameter, very low surface brightness, Appears as a diffuse, hazy region with a mag 13.5 star at the ESE edge 1.2' from center.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1179 = LM 1-81 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His (rough) position essentially matches
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03 01 51.0 -15 01 48; Eri
V = 14.9; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 5°
17.5" (1/28/00): extremely faint, very small, slightly
elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.3', weak concentration. Forms a close (physical) pair with NGC 1181 2.4' SW. Located 2' WNW of a mag 12 star.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1180 = LM 1-82 (along with NGC 1181 = I-83) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Leavenworth's generally poor positions are close enough here so the identification NGC 1180 = PGC 11435 and NGC 1181 = PGC 11427 is certain. For some reason Howe could not find these galaxies near Leavenworth's position but did find NGC 1150 and 1151 about 5 min of RA west of Leavenworth's positions and assumed they were NGC 1180 and 1181. Dreyer even added the comment "are they perhaps = 1150 and 1151?". But these are two different pairs, roughly where Leavenworth placed them. Because of Howe's error, RNGC claims NGC 1150 is identical to NGC 1180 and NGC 1151 is identical to NGC 1181.
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03 01 42.8 -15 03 09; Eri
V = 15.4; Size 0.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 100°
17.5" (1/28/00): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.4'x0.2', requires averted. I was only able to detect the brighter central region and missed the extensions. NGC 1181 is the slightly fainter of a close (physical) pair with NGC 1180 2.4' NE. Located 2' WNW of a mag 12 star.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1181 = LM 1-83 (along with NGC 1180 = I-82) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Leavenworth's generally poor positions are close enough here so the identification NGC 1180 = PGC 11435 and NGC 1181 = PGC 11427 is certain. For some reason Howe could not find these galaxies near Leavenworth's position but did find NGC 1150 and 1151 about 5 min of RA west of Leavenworth's positions and assumed they were NGC 1180 and 1181. Dreyer even added the comment "are they perhaps = 1150 and 1151?" But these are two different pairs, roughly where Leavenworth placed them. Because of Howe's error, RNGC claims NGC 1150 is identical to NGC 1180 and NGC 1151 is identical to NGC 1181.
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03 03 28.4 -09 40 13; Eri
V = 14.8; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 115°
17.5" (1/28/00): very faint, small, round, slightly
elongated NW-SE, 25"x20" diameter, low surface brightness. A mag 12 star lies 2.5' SW and a mag 13
star is 1' E. Located 29' NE of
mag 5.8
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1182 = LM 1-84 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.5, 0.7'x0.3', E 120°, *10 P 240° [SW], dist 3.0'." There is nothing at his rough position
(RA to the nearest min of time), but 1 min of RA east is
******************************
03 04 46.1 +42 22 08; Per
= *, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1183 = Big. 15, along with NGC 1173, 1176 and 1178, on 17 Dec 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory. There is nothing at his position, but Corwin states that Bigourdan made a 1 degree error in reducing the NPD from his offset star. Once corrected, his position for NGC 1183 corresponds with a mag 14 star 1.7' ENE of NGC 1177. The positions for NGC 1176 and 1178 also match stars, although NGC 1173 is apparently lost. See Corwin's notes.
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03 16 45.4 +80 47 36; Cep
V = 12.4; Size 2.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 168°
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, sharp concentration, stellar nucleus. This is a pretty edge-on system with a bulging core and tapering extensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1184 = H. II-704 on 16 Sep
1787 (sweep 757) and recorded "F, pL, mE from np to sf, lbM." Auwer's reduced position is ~5' north
of
******************************
NGC 1185 = MCG -02-08-041 = PGC 11488
03 02 59.4 -09 07 55; Eri
V = 14.8; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 30°
17.5" (1/28/00): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 15 star is close SSE [56" from center].
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1185 = LM 2-353 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 15.7, 0.8' dia, pE 15°.". His position is just 8 tsec west of MCG -02-08-041 = PGC 11488 and the description applies.
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NGC 1186 = NGC 1174 = UGC 2521 = MCG +07-07-021 = CGCG 540-034 = PGC 11617
03 05 30.7 +42 50 05; Per
V = 11.4; Size 3.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 122°
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE. A mag 13 star, superimposed just southwest of the center, detracts from viewing.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1186 = H. IV-43 = h281 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and reported "a pretty S star with a very F nebulosity to the nf side, of very little extent." On 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 621), he noted "a pretty B star with two faint branches." John Herschel also described it on 23 Dec 1831 (sweep 389) as "a star 14m with some kind of faint nebulous appendage." Herschel placed this galaxy in his class IV, which refers to objects that appeared to be planetary nebulae.
R.J. Mitchell and Samuel Hunter, Lord Rosse's observing assistants, both failed to find this galaxy and d'Arrest tried to follow up in 1863 but was also unsuccessful. Stephan made an observation on 5 Dec 1877. Bigourdan also observed and suggested it was a "variable nebula", because of the mixed results. Rudolph Spitaler took a look on 12 Mar 1891 with the 27-inch Vienna refractor. His description reads, "elongated NW-SE, but its boundaries are not so regularly shaped it could be described as elliptical. On its south preceding side is a mag 11 star. In the southeast side the nebula is limited by two faint stars, but at times the edge of the nebula seems to stretch beyond these. The brightest part is northeast of the former star. I estimate the length to be 2'."
Lewis Swift found this galaxy and superimposed star on 31 Aug 1883 and assumed it was new. His RA for Sw. 4-11 (later NGC 1174) was 1 minute of RA too small. Finally, it was checked for variability on photographs taken with the Mt Wilson 60-inch in 1914 and 1917, with no change found.
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03 02 37.4 -22 52 03; Eri
V = 10.8; Size 5.5'x4.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 130°
48" (10/27/19): at 375x; very bright, very large spiral
with a bright elongated core oriented WNW-ESE. The inner portion of the halo was clearly blotchy. A brighter arc or patch was just SE of
the core and another brighter arc as close E and NE of the core. Finally, a subtle brighter patch was NW
of the core. These brighter spiral
segments formed a pseudo-ring oriented WNW-ESE. The outer halo was diffuse and extended ~4.5'x3.25',
reaching a mag 15.9 star 1.9' N of center. Another 16th mag star was in the outer halo on the NE side.
Located 4.6' SE of mag 8.8
17.5" (11/26/94): moderately bright, fairly large,
4'x3' NW-SE. Elongated in the
direction of mag 8.8
8" (10/31/81): faint, fairly large, elongated, diffuse. Located 4.7' SE of a mag 9 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1187 = H. III-245 = h2504 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and noted "vF, cL, iE, resolvable, unequally bright." John Herschel described the galaxy from the Cape as "bright; very large; pretty much elongated; very gradually brighter to the middle; 3.5' long, 2.5' broad; has in or near the middle a star 16 mag." E.E. Barnard observed the nebula on 23 Aug 1883 and was surprised Herschel called it "vF", as it was not difficult in his 5-inch refractor.
NGC 1187 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described in a list of NGC corrections as "cF, small, 2-branch spiral, 2 stars south preceding." The galaxy was later photographed by Harold Knox-Shaw at the Helwan Observatory between 1909-11 with the 30" Reynolds reflector and described as a "spiral with curious faint extensions". Photographs taken in 1919-20 with the new 30" mirror showed "spiral with many braches in which are a great many almost stellar condensations; pF stellar nucleus through which is a vF line in p.a. 115° [central bar], giving the central portion a Phi type appearance ([barred ring]."
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03 03 43.4 -15 29 07; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 170°
17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, elongated 3:1 N-S. NGC 1188 is only 8' N of
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1188 = LM 1-89 on 2 Dec
1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. This is the first in a group of five
galaxies (NGCs 1189, 1190, 1191 and 1192) discovered that night. Although Leavenworth only gave a rough
RA for these objects, Herbert Howe measured accurate individual RA's in 1899-00
(repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).
In this case, Howe's corrected RA is a good match with
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03 03 24.3 -15 37 23; Eri
V = 13.9; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.8
17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint, fairly small, unusually low even surface brightness. First in the HCG 22 quintet with brightest member NGC 1199 4' ENE. NGC 1189 lies 2.3' SSE. NGC 1189 is also a member of the larger NGC 1209 Group at z ~.009.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1189 = LM 1-90 (along with nearby NGC 1188, 1190, 1191 and 1192) on 2 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Although Leavenworth only gave a rough RA for these objects (corrected by 3 min of RA in a note in the second discovery list), Howe measured relatively accurate individual RA's in 1899-00, which are repeated in the IC 2 Notes section. This is the first of 5 NGC galaxies in HCG 22.
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03 03 26.2 -15 39 44; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 95°
17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 E-W, very low surface brightness, requires averted vision. Member of the HCG 22 quintet with NGC
1199 4' NE, NGC 1189 2.3' NNW, NGC 1191 1.8' SE and
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1190 = LM 1-91 (along with nearby NGC 1188, 1189, 1191 and 1192) on 2 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Although Leavenworth only gave a rough RA for these objects (corrected by 3 min of RA in a note in the second discovery list), Herbert Howe measured relatively accurate individual RA's in 1899-00, which are repeated in the IC 2 Notes section. This is the second of five NGC galaxies in HCG 22.
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NGC 1191 = HCG 22D = MCG -03-08-064 = PGC 11514
03 03 30.9 -15 41 08; Eri
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 60°
17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 14 star is 1.5' S. Member of the the HCG 22 quintet with NGC 1192 1.0' ENE, NGC 1190 1.8' NW and NGC 1199 4' NNE. NGC 1191 and 1192 have 3.5 times higher redshift than the other HCG 22 members, so lie in the background at a similar redsift as NGC 1180 and 1181.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1191 = LM 1-91 on 2 Dec 1885 (along with nearby NGC 1188, 1189, 1190 and 1192) with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Although Leavenworth only gave a rough RA for these objects (corrected by 3 min of RA in a note in the second discovery list), Herbert Howe measured relatively accurate individual RA's in 1899-00, which are repeated in the IC 2 Notes section. This is the third of five NGC galaxies in HCG 22.
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NGC 1192 = HCG 22E = MCG -03-08-065 = PGC 11519
03 03 34.6 -15 40 45; Eri
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 102°
17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint and small, round. In a tight group (HCG 22) with NGC 1191 1' WSW, NGC 1190 2.3' NW and NGC 1199 4' N. This galaxy and NGC 1191 have 3x higher redshift than the other HCG 22 members so lie in the background at a similar redsift as NGC 1180 and 1181.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1192 = LM 1-91 (along with nearby NGC 1188, 1189, 1190 and 1191) on 2 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Although Leavenworth only gave a rough RA for these objects (corrected by 3 min of RA in a note in the second discovery list), Howe measured relatively accurate individual RA's, except for NGC 1192. But assuming this object is east of NGC 1191 and 1' N, the identification is certain.
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03 05 56 +44 23 00; Per
Size 2'
17.5" (10/24/87): this faint open cluster consists of an elongated glow with five faint stars mag 14-15 superimposed and a mag 11 star at the west edge. Located 4' ESE of a wide pair of bright stars (7.7/9.5 at 1.1'). This is a fairly old open cluster with age ~ 4.2 billion years.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1193 = H. II-608 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 621) and recorded "F, cL, easily resolvable, some of the stars visible." His position is accurate.
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03 03 49.1 -01 06 13; Cet
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 140°
17.5" (1/7/89): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE,
broad concentration.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1194 = St. 13-22 on 3 Nov 1877 with the 31" reflector at Marseilles Observatory. His micrometric position (reduced on 23 Nov 1883 and published in his 13th discovery list) is accurate.
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03 03 32.8 -12 02 03; Eri
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4
24" (12/6/18): at 375x; nearly fairly faint, small,
round, 20" diameter, very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is
45" SE. In a quartet with NGC
1196 2.3' SSE, along with
17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2
N-S, even surface brightness. A
mag 13 star is 45" SE of center.
First of four in the
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 1195 while making an
observation of the
Pietro Baracchi independently discovered NGC 1195 on 7 Dec 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and sketched the field, along with NGC 1196, NGC 1200 and IC 285 (new discovery).
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NGC 1196 = MCG -02-08-042B = Holm 65a = PGC 11522
03 03 35.2 -12 04 34; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2
24" (12/6/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, small bright nucleus, ~30"x20". A low surface brightness halo increases the size with averted to ~40" in diameter. Occasionally it brightened along the spine of the major axis like a bar. In a group (USGC S110) with several NGCs and ICs, including NGC 1195 2.3' NNW.
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, well-defined bright core. A mag 13 star is 1.7' N and a mag 12 star is 3' SSE. Second of four in the NGC 1200 compact group with NGC 1195 2.2' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1196 = h2505 on 8 Jan 1877 while observing the field of NGC 1200. He logged it on two consecutive nights as "vF" and "the S.p. of two [with NGC 1200]", but missed nearby NGC 1195.
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03 06 12 +44 04; Per
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1197 = Sw. 2-27 on 12 Sep 1885 with the 16-inch refractor at Warner Observatory and reported "pF, cE, pS, sev vF stars nr". His position falls on a blank piece of sky between two mag 13.1 and 14.2 stars. There are also a number of faint double stars in the vicinity on the DSS that he might have mistaken for a nebulous object. In any case, this number is currently lost or nonexistent.
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03 06 13.3 +41 50 56; Per
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 120°
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, diffuse round
halo, stellar nucleus about 14th magnitude. Located 7' N of mag 8.8
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1198 = St. 11-7 on 1 Dec 1875
and noted a rough position 1.5' to the NE. His published position (list 11, #7) was made on 6 Dec 1880
with description "core of 11th magnitude, slightly nebulous." His position was accurate although MCG
missed identifying
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NGC 1199 = HCG 22A = MCG -03-08-067 = LGG 081-002 = PGC 11527
03 03 38.4 -15 36 50; Eri
V = 11.4; Size 2.4'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 48°
17.5" (10/13/90): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, broadly concentrated halo, small bright core. A mag 11 star is 2.8' NE. An extremely faint mag 15 star or possibly an anonymous galaxy is 2' N.
NGC 1199 is the brightest in the HCG 22 quintet with extremely faint NGC 1190 4.1' SW, NGC 1191 4.6' SSW, NGC 1189 3.4' W and NGC 1192 4.0' S. NGC 1191 and 1192 lie in the background, though, at 3.5x the redshift. NGC 1199, along with NGC 1209, are the brightest members of a much larger group (LGG 81) that also includes NGCs 1145, 1163, 1188 and IC 276 at z ~.009.
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, small, round, diffuse halo surrounded by a fairly bright stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1199 = H. II-503 = h282 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and logged "pB, S, iF, mbM." Both William and John Herschel's declination was ~ 1' too far north. Engelhardt measured an accurate micrometric position.
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NGC 1200 = MCG -02-08-043 = PGC 11545
03 03 54.6 -11 59 30; Eri
V = 12.7; Size 2.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 85°
24" (12/6/18): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated but orientation difficult to pin down. The brighter central region is strongly concentrated with a very small brighter nucleus. The outer 1' halo has a very low surface brightness and drops off imperceptibly into the background sky. A mag 15.4 star is at the south edge of the halo. Brightest in a quartet with IC 285 3' SE and brightest in the larger USGC S110 galaxy group (8 members).
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, halo slightly elongated N-S. There is an extremely faint star or possible companion at the south edge. Third of four and brightest in a compact quartet with NGC 1195 and 1196.
NGC 1200 forms a close pair with IC 285 3.2' ESE. The IC companion was logged as "very faint, small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, very low even surface brightness."
William Herschel discovered NGC 1200 = H. II-475 = h2506 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and noted "pF, pL, irr F, bM." On 22 Nov 1835 (sweep 648) John Herschel described it from the Cape of Good Hope as "pB, L, R, 80". The N.f. of two, distance about 7.5'; position 45 degrees." His mean position from 2 measures is accurate.
While observing NGC 1200 on 7 Dec 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope, Pietro Baracchi discovered nearby IC 285 and made an independent discovery of NGC 1195 (found earlier by Dreyer).
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03 04 08.0 -26 04 12; For
V = 10.7; Size 3.6'x2.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 7°
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.6'x0.8', well concentrated. Dominated by a bright, very small round core and an almost
stellar nucleus. Forms the
southern vertex of an acute triangle with a mag 12 star off the NNW side 2.9'
from center and a mag 10.5 star 3.8' NE of center. In a group (LGG 086) with
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 N-S, ~1.8'x0.8'. Sharply concentrated with a small intensely bright core that dominates the appearance and increases to a sharp stellar peak. In a small group (LGG 086) with NGC 1255 and 1302.
8" (10/31/81): fairly bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, small bright core. A mag 11 star is 4' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1201 = H. I-109 = h283 on 26 Oct 1785 (sweep 466) and logged "cB; mbM; iR; resolvable." On a later sweep he wrote, "cB, pS, lE in the direction of the meridian, mbM, resolvable, 1.5' long." Finally on sweep (593) he recorded "pB, pS, bM, lE." On 14 Oct 1830 (sweep 306), John Herwschel remarked "B; R; psbM; 30" [diameter]." His position was just off the north end of the galaxy.
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03 05 02.5 -06 29 30; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (1/12/02): very faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness. A pair of mag 14/15 star (32" separation) lie 1' SE. Located 4' SW of a 20" pair of mag 10.5/11.5 stars and 4.8' SSW of a mag 10.3 star.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1202 = LM 2-354 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.5, 0.3' dia, wide double star, position 45° (NE) at 4' distance. His position is ~30 tsec of RA east of
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03 05 14.1 -14 22 53; Eri
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (10/13/90): very faint, very small, round. A very close contact pair
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1203 = LM 1-85 on 1 Jan
1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position is a good match
with
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03 04 40.0 -12 20 29; Eri
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 69°
24" (12/6/18): at 375x; very unusual appearance with a fairly bright mag 12.5 star attached on the south edge with the galaxy elongated 2:1 or 5:2 WSW-ENE and extending ~0.9'x0.4'. A mag 14.5 star is 45" SW (outside the glow) and a mag 15.3 star is just 15" SE of the brighter star. Member of the NGC 1200 group (USGC S110).
17.5" (11/17/01): interesting object as it appears as a diffuse glow, elongated ENE-WSW with three stars near including a mag 11 star attached at the south edge.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1204 = LM 1-86 on 26 Dec 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag 15.5, E 45°, B* and sev F stars inv in neb, resolvable." His position is a good match with MCG -02-08-045 = PGC 11583 and the description is appropriate for this galaxy. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes) and mentions "I noticed simply a small triangle of stars of mags 11, 12, and 13. The brightest star seemed to be enveloped in an extremely faint mantle of nebulous matter."
Recently (27 Mar 2015), I found that William Herschel observed NGC 1204 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478), though he only logged "a deception", and didn't assign it an internal discovery number or H-designation. His offset in position from #1193 = NGC 1200 (the previous object in the sweep), places the "deception" just 1.2' south of NGC 1204, based on Corwin's reduction (Steinicke also confirms this observation). Based on my visual notes, I can see why WH found the appearance ambiguous.
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03 03 28.4 -09 40 13; Eri
See observing notes for NGC 1182.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1205 = LM 1-87 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 14.0, 0.7'x0.3', E 25°, *9.5 in PA 240° at 3.0' dist." There is nothing at his position but 2 min of RA west is PGC 11511 and Stone's description applies (except his PA should read 125°). This was Stone's second observation of this galaxy. His position for I-84 = NGC 1182 was 1.0 min of west too far west, but the descriptions are virtually the same. Herbert Howe examined the field in 1899-00 and report "having examined the locality very carefully on two fine nights I judge the objects to be identical." Based on this this observation, Dreyer states in the IC 2 Notes that "1205 is equal to 1182". Either number could be the primary designation as the earlier observation is not known. See Corwin's notes.
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03 06 09.7 -08 50 00; Eri
V = 14.9; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2
18" (1/1/08): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Visible ~80% of the time using averted vision as a very low surface brightness knot with no structure. Located 6.5' N of a mag 10.5 star.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1206 = LM 2-355 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged
"mag 15.6, 0.2' dia, vlE 180°."
His position matches
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03 08 15.5 +38 22 56; Per
V = 12.6; Size 2.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 123°
24" (2/7/16): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.4'.
A mag 14.5-15 star is superimposed on the northwest side.
17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 NW-SE, broadly concentrated halo. A mag 15 star is attached at northwest end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1207 = H. III-578 = h284 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 618) and noted "vF, vS." In Oct 1828 (sweep 188) John Herschel wrote, "F; vS; R; psbM; 12" diameter." The superimposed star was mentioned at Birr Castle: "I am not sure whether it is a star or a nucleus in the north-preceding end."
According to Gary Kronk, Lewis Swift discovered it again in October 1884, though didn't publish it in one of his twelve lists.
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03 06 11.9 -09 32 27; Eri
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 75°
24" (12/6/18): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly large,
oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, contains a very bright elongated core and fainter halo,
~1.1'x0.5'.
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 E-W,
broadly concentrated halo, much fainter extensions. First and brightest in a group with
William Herschel discovered NGC 1208 = H. II-285 = h285 = h2507 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and logged "pF, S, lE, south of a pB triangle, about 1/2' in length." On 15 Dec 1786 (sweep 650) he recorded "F, S, lbM, E not far from the parallel; a little from sp to nf." John Herschel observed this galaxy both at Slough, England and at the Cape of Good Hope and 7 observations were made at Birr Castle.
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NGC 1209 = MCG -03-08-073 = LGG 081-003 = PGC 11638
03 06 03.0 -15 36 41; Eri
V = 11.5; Size 2.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 85°
17.5" (1/12/02): moderately bright, fairly small,,
elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.4'x0.7'.
Increases to a bright, rounder core and stellar nucleus.
NGC 1209 is the brightest in a group (LGG 81), along with NGC 1199, that includes NGCs 1145, 1163, 1188, 1189, 1190 and IC 276. NGC 1209 is located 40' following HCG 22, whose brightest member is NGC 1199.
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, very small bright core. Appears slightly fainter than NGC 1199 40' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1209 = H. II-504 = h286 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and logged "pB, S, lE, mbM. The brightness also extended. " John Herscel reported on 15 Oct 1830 (sweep 307), "vB; E; psbM; 30" l; 20" br."
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03 06 45.3 -25 42 59; For
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 121°
17.5" (12/28/00): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak but even concentration to a brighter core. A mag 13 star lies 1.1' NNW of center. Located 40' NE of NGC 1201.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1210 = LM 1-88 on 13 Nov 1885
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and reported
"mag 15.0, vS, iR, E 340°?, gbMN". There is nothing at his rough RA (nearest minute) and the
Knox-Shaw reported it was "Not shown" on a photograph taken at the
Helwan observatory in 1921-22. But
1 minute of time east is
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03 06 52.4 -00 47 40; Cet
V = 12.5; Size 2.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30°
17.5" (1/7/89): moderately bright, fairly small, very faint outer halo, sharp concentration, round. Two mag 13 stars lie 2.1' ESE and 2.2' ENE oriented N-S with a separation of 1.1'.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 1211 = Sf. 102 on 31 Oct 1867 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. Édouard Stephan made an observation on 29 Nov 1875 (perhaps aware of Safford's discovery?). He listed it as new in his 11th list (#8) with an accurate position from on 27 Nov 1880. Stephan was credited with the discovery in the NGC, as Safford's discovery wasn't published until 1887, too late to be included in the NGC.
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03 09 42.2 +40 53 35; Per
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.5'; PA = 22°
24" (12/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, 20"x15", faint stellar nucleus. Located 18' ESE of Algol and 2.7' SW of a mag 8.7 star
within AGC 426.
18" (11/22/03): faint, small, round, 25" diameter,
even surface brightness. Forms the
SW vertex of an equilateral triangle with mag 8.7
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1212 = Sw. 1-5 on 18 Oct 1884
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "S; R;
vvF. Right angled with 2
stars. In field with
Algol". Swift's position is
poor, 40 seconds of RA west of
RNGC and PGC (as well as secondary sources such as Megastar)
misidentify
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NGC 1213 = IC 1881 = UGC 2557 = MCG +06-07-045 = CGCG 524-058 = PGC 11789
03 09 17.3 +38 38 59; Per
V = 14.5; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 15.4; PA = 60°
24" (2/7/16): faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~SW-NE, 24"x18", low surface brightness, fades into background. The image is confused as there are two very faint stars involved as well as two additional stars off the north side. Located in a rich star field 50' ESE of mag 3.4 Rho Per. NGC 1207 is 20' SW.
17.5" (1/1/92): extremely faint, fairly small, slightly elongated. This galaxy has an extremely low surface brightness with a very ill-defined outline! Several faint stars are near or involved including a mag 14 star close off the SW edge and a pair of mag 15.5 stars at the north end.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1213 = Sw. 1-6 on 14 Oct 1884
with his 16" refractor and recorded "vvF; lE; v diff; F* close
north." His position is 0.4
min of RA west of
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NGC 1214 = HCG 23A = MCG -02-08-051 = Holm 66a = PGC 11675
03 06 55.9 -09 32 38; Eri
V = 14.0; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 40°
24" (12/6/18): at 375x; between fairly faint and
moderately bright, fairly high surface brightness edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 1.1'x0.3',
small bright core. In a small
group (
48" (10/30/16): at 375x and 488x; bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.35', sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. Brightest in the HCG 23 quintet with NGC 1215 4' SE. A mag 11 star is 2.7' due north. The seeing and transparency was subpar during the observation of the group.
17.5" (10/20/90): faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2.7' N. FIrst of four in the field with NGC 1215 4' SE and NGC 1208 11' W. Brightest in HCG 23.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1214 = LM 1-94 = Sw. 5-49, along with NGC 1215 and 1216, in 1886 using the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Stone reported, "mag 14.0, 0.7'x0.2', E 60°." He added a note, "48 seconds f[ollowing] G.C. 647 [NGC 1208] same declination, stellar N[ucleus] in cen of vF neb; 1st of 3 [with NGC 1215 and 1216]; *10, P 15° Delta [separation] 3'." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is essentially correct.
Lewis Swift also found this galaxy on 21 Oct 1886. He described it as "F; pS; iR; 647 [= NGC 1208] nr; 1st of 2 [with NGC 1215]." Frank Muller suggested the equivalence with Stone's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously. As the Leander McCormick discovery list was submitted to the Astronomical Journal on 12 Oct 1886, the discovery credit goes to Stone.
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NGC 1215 = HCG 23B = MCG -02-08-055 = Holm 66b = PGC 11687
03 07 09.4 -09 35 32; Eri
V = 14.1; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 15°
24" (12/6/18): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~0.8'x0.6', small brighter core region that brightens towards the center. low surface brightness halo. Sandwiched between edge-ons NGC 1214 4.5' NW and NGC 1216 2.5' ESE.
48" (10/30/16): at 375x and 488x; fairly bright, fairly
large, sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core SSW-NNE that
increases to a stellar nucleus. Surrounded by a fairly large, low surface
brightness oval halo ~1.2'x0.9'.
Forms a close pair with
17.5" (10/20/90): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, well defined small bright core, faint extensions. Member of the NGC 1208 group and HCG 23 with NGC 1214 4' NW and NGC 1216 2' SE.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1215 = LM 1-95 = Sw. 5-50, along with NGC 1214 and 1216, in 1886 using the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Stone reported, "mag 15.5, 0.4', dif." He added the note, "2nd of 3 [with NGC 1214 and 1216]." His declination is 2' too far south, incorrectly placing NGC 1215 1' south of NGC 1216, instead of 1' N.
Lewis Swift also found this galaxy on 21 Oct 1886. He described it as "eF; vS; R; 647 [= NGC 1208] nr; 2nd of 2 [with NGC 1214]." Frank Muller noted the prior discovery in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887), though he assumed Swift found NGC 1216. The Leander McCormick discovery list was submitted to the Astronomical Journal on 12 Oct 1886, so Stone made the earlier discovery.
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NGC 1216 = HCG 23C = MCG -02-08-056 = PGC 11693
03 07 18.4 -09 36 44; Eri
V = 14.8; Size 0.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 65°
24" (12/6/18): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, 4:1 or 5:1 WSW-ENE, ~36"x8", surprisingly high surface brightness. The listed V magnitude of 14.8 seems too faint based on its appearance. Similar in surface brightness to NGC 1214.
48" (10/30/16): at 375x and 488x; fairly bright, fairly small, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, ~40"x8", well concentrated with a very bright, high surface brightness core that increases to a stellar nucleus. The extensions are quite thin. NGC 1215 lies 2.5' NW.
17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, extremely small, stellar nucleus or faint star superimposed, extremely faint and very small extensions SW-NE. Member of HCG 23 with NGC 1215 2' NW.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1216 = LM 1-96 in 1886, along with NGC 1214 and 1215, with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. He recorded "mag 14.5, 0.2' dia, stellar ncl, 3rd of 3" and the rough position matches MCG -02-08-056 = PGC 11693. This galaxy was missed by Lewis Swift, though he found nearby NGC 1214 and 1215.
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03 06 06.0 -39 02 11; For
V = 12.4; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 50°
18" (1/17/09): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, sharply concentrated with a small brighter core and much fainter halo. A 24" pair of mag 9/12 stars located 7' SE is lined up with the galaxy. A mag 13 star lies 1.5' N. A faint companion galaxy 0.9' N (MCG -07-07-004) was not seen, probably because of the low elevation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1217 = h2508 on 23 Oct 1835 and logged "not vF; R; pslbM; 20". Has a *11m 2' N. His position (h2508) and description is accurate (the star is 1.6' N).
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03 08 26.3 +04 06 38; Cet
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 155°
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, round, bright core. Located 92' E of Alpha Ceti.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1218 = Sw. 4-12 on 6 Sep 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 1.4' too far west. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1896 at Strasbourg (published in 1907).
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03 08 28.0 +02 06 30; Cet
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (10/24/87): moderately bright, moderately large, almost round, weak concentration.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1219 = m 87 on 9 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48". He recorded an accurate position and description "F, pL, R."
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03 11 41 +53 20 54; Per
Size 2'
17.5" (12/28/94): very compact group of about a dozen faint stars mag 13.5-15 in a small 1.5' wedge-shaped clump. There is a very tight string of three strings at the NE end and the brightest mag 13 star is at the south end. Does not appear fully resolved due to density and background haze. This is a young cluster(60 million years old) at a distance of ~5900 light years in the Perseus Arm.
8" (11/28/81) : faint open cluster, small, six faint stars are visible over unresolved haze.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1220 = h287 on 28 Nov 1831 (sweep 386), recording "a vS, close-packed group of 8 or 10 stars 14...15 mag in a space of 30" diam, so as easily to be taken for a pB nebula." His position and description matches this cluster.
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03 08 15.5 -04 15 35; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 160°
17.5" (1/7/89): very faint, very small, round. A mag 13 star is 1.2' SE. FIrst of three with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1221 = LM 2-356 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"mag 15.5, 0.2'x0.1', E 170°, * in PA 175° (south)." His position is 20 sec of RA east of
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03 08 56.9 -02 57 18; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 170°
17.5" (1/7/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1222 = St. 13-23 on 30 Nov 1883. His published position (list 13, #23) was reduced a few days later (5 Dec 1883).
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NGC 1223 = MCG -01-09-003 = PGC 11742
03 08 19.9 -04 08 18; Eri
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.1
17.5" (1/7/89): second and brightest of a trio with NGC 1221 8' SSW and NGC 1225 7' E. Faint, small, round, bright core. The identifications of NGC 1223 and NGC 1225 are reversed in the RNGC and U2000.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1223 = LM 2-357 (along
with NGC 1225 = II-358) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander
McCormick Observatory in 1886, recording "mag 15.0, 0.3' dia, R,
gbMN". His position is 45 sec
of RA following
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03 11 13.6 +41 21 49; Per
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.1
24" (12/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter (central region of galaxy), gradually increases to a stellar peak. A mag 13.5 pair [~12" separation?] is just 1.5' ENE. A mag 9.8 star lies 2.2' SSW and a mag 10.4 star is 3.0' NNW. Located 42' NW of Algol in AGC 426.
17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, very small, round, small brighter core. Member of AGC 426.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1224 = Sw. 2-28 on 20 Aug 1885
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position matches
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NGC 1225 = MCG -01-09-004 = PGC 11766
03 08 47.2 -04 06 05; Eri
V = 14.4; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.1
17.5" (1/7/89): third of three with NGC 1221 and NGC 1223. Very faint, very small, round, small bright core. Located 7' E of NGC 1223. The identifications of NGC 1223 and NGC 1225 are reversed in the RNGC.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1225 = LM 2-358 (along
with NGC 1223 = II-357) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander
McCormick Observatory, recording "mag 15.5, 0.2' dia, R". His position is 30 sec of RA following
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NGC 1226 = UGC 2575 = MCG +06-08-001 = CGCG 524-061 = PGC 11879
03 11 05.4 +35 23 12; Per
V = 12.9; Size 2.1'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 95°
24" (2/5/21): at 260x; moderately bright, round,
45" diameter, small bright core.
Brightest of a trio with
UGC 2579 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 30" length, broad concentration with a slightly brighter core.
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 1227 4' SSE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1226 = St. 10-16, along with NGC 1227, on 29 Nov 1875. His published position (list 10, #16) was made 4 years later on 6 Dec 1879. The original discovery was apparently made by Heinrich d'Arrest on 17 Sep 1865, but due to a transcription error his position was 1-hour of RA too small and falls on a blank piece of sky. See NGC 832.
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NGC 1227 = UGC 2577 = CGCG 524-062 = CGCG 525-003 = PGC 11880
03 11 07.8 +35 19 29; Per
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.0
24" (2/5/21): at 260x; faint, small, round, 24" diameter, very small brighter nucleus (possibly a stellar peak). Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 10 stars 4.5' WSW and 4.5' SE. Fainter of pair with NGC 1226 4' N.
17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, very small, round. Forms a pair with NGC 1226 4' NNW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1227 = St. 10-17, along with NGC 1227, on 29 Nov 1875. His single position on that date matched NGC 1226, though he noted there were two nebulae. His published position (list 10, #17) was made on 10 Jan 1880.
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03 08 11.7 -22 55 23; Eri
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 78°
17.5" (11/10/96): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE,
0.8'x0.6'. A mag 13 star is
50" S. In a group with NGC
1229 2.2' S.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1228 = LM 2-359 (along
with
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NGC 1229 = Arp 332 NED1 = VV 337b = UGCA 53 = ESO 480-033 =
03 08 11.0 -22 57 37; Eri
V = 14.0; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 81°
17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter. Located 2.2' S of brighter NGC 1228 in a group with NGC 1230 1.9' SE and IC 1892. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.4' N on a line to NGC 1228.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1229 = LM 2-359, along
with NGC 1228 = II-359, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander
McCormick Observatory, recording "mag 16.0, 0.1', R, gbM, 2nd of
2". There is nothing at his
position, but 1 min of RA west is
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NGC 1230 = Arp 332 NED2 = ESO 480-034 = MCG -04-08-027 = PGC 11743
03 08 16.4 -22 59 03; Eri
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 109°
17.5" (11/10/96): faintest in a group with NGC 1228, NGC 1229 and IC 1892. Only glimpsed momentarily using Vicker's CCD Atlas. Appears extremely faint and small, 10" diameter with possible extensions to 20". Located 3.8' SSE of NGC 1228 and 1.9' SE of NGC 1230. IC 1892 lies 5' further SE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1230 = LM 2-361, along with NGC 1228 and NGC 1229, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Leavenworth made no estimate of size or brightness, only the comment "*??". There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of RA west and 2' N is ESO 480-033 = PGC 11734. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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NGC 1231 = MCG -03-08-074 = PGC 11658
03 06 29.3 -15 34 09; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (1/12/02): extremely faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter. A mag 15 star is just off the SSW edge of the halo, 30" from the center. Located 6.8' NE of NGC 1209. Due to a poor position by Leavenworth, this galaxy is classified as nonexistent in the RNGC.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1231 = LM 1-97 on 2 Dec
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory,
recording "mag 16.0, pL, E like a fan." There is nothing at his rough position (given to an nearest
min of RA and arcmin of Dec). But
exactly 4 min of RA west is
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03 09 45.1 -20 34 46; Eri
V = 9.9; Size 7.4'x6.5'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 108°
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): NGC 1232 is a face-on multi-arm knotty Sc-type. At 303x it appeared very bright, very large, roundish, at least 6' diameter. It was sharply concentrated with a very bright, elongated core that contained a brighter central bar-like nuclear region. Spiral structure was evident in the large halo, but more subtle than I expected as several segments were disconnected. The most prominent was a knotty arm on the north side. It emerged near the northwest end of the core and shot linearly (2' length) towards the northeast in the direction of a mag 14 star 2.5' NE of center.
Another spiral arm extended east and west perhaps 1.5' length, just south of the central region. The arm faded out at its west end but after a short break, a very faint elongated knot, ~14"x8", was visible 1.7' WSW of center. NED includes multiple designations NGC 1232:[HK83] 442, [HK83] 445, [HK83] 450 and more from Hodge and Kennicutt's 1983 "Atlas of HII regions in 125 galaxies". The arm dimmed again but could just be traced shooting straight N-S in the northwest end of the halo. Another short, linear segment of a arm (containing [HK83] 110) was just visible close east of the core, 1.1' ENE of center.
17.5" (10/8/88): bright, large, slightly elongated,
bright core, very large faint halo. Located 8' WSW of mag 8.6
13.1" (1/18/85): large, large bright core, substellar nucleus, very diffuse outer halo. An arm is suspected attached at the west end and winding towards the east on the north side of the core.
8" (10/31/81): faint, diffuse, low surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1232 = H. II-258 = h2509 on 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 303) recording "eF, lbM, 7 or 8' dia." On 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) he logged "F, cL, bM, irr F, 5 or 5' diam. The nebulosity is unequal, seeming to be two or three clouds or nebulosities joined together." John Herschel made 3 observations at the Cape. His most detailed observation reads, "B; vL; R; resolvable; 3' (dia), first very grad then psbM. With the left eye I see it mottled. (N.B. This is no doubt a distant globular cluster)."
Based on a photograph taken at the Helwan observatory in
1921-22, NGC 1232 was described as "pB, 7'x7', open spiral, B stellar
nucleus, many branches with almost stellar condensations."
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03 12 33.1 +39 19 07; Per
V = 13.2; Size 1.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 27°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 NNW-NNE, 1.2'x0.4', broadly concentrated, faint extensions. A mag 13.5 star is off the NE end. Member of AGC 426 (south of main stream).
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1233 = St. 3-20 on 10 Nov 1871. His rough position was 7' too far ESE. His published micrometric position (list 3, #20) was made a 1 month later on 10 Dec 1871. He followed up with another observation on 30 Nov 1877.
Harold Corwin suggests that Swift's V-51 = NGC 1235 might be a duplicate observation with a 24' error in declination.
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03 09 39.2 -07 50 47; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 141°
17.5" (1/12/02): extremely faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter,
low even surface brightness.
Requires averted vision but once identified I could almost hold it
continuously with concentration.
Based on the galaxy's size and elongation, I probably viewed the
brighter core only. Located 4' SW
of mag 9.5
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1234 = LM 2-362 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, recording
"mag 16.2, 0.6' dia, iR, 1 or eF stars inv, *9m precedes 30
sec." There is nothing at his
position but 40 sec of RA due west is
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03 12 48 +38 56; Per
= ***, JS. =NGC 1233?, HC
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1235 = Sw. 5-51 on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. There are no galaxies near his position. The RNGC identifies NGC 1235 as a triple star, situated about 1.5' N of Swift's position. But these stars appear too bright and too easily resolved to be confused with a faint nebulous object by Swift. Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 1235 may be a duplicate of NGC 1233, which is located due north. If this identification is correct, Swift made a 24' error in declination (too far south). Except for NGC 58, the other dozen discoveries by Swift on that night have no significant errors, so this identification is very uncertain. See Corwin's notes.
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03 11 28.0 +10 48 30; Ari
V = 14.7; Size 0.5'x0.3'; PA = 30°
18" (12/10/07): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.4'x0.2', low surface brightness, no concentration in fairly poor seeing.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1236 = m 88 on 5 Oct 1864 with
Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta, recording "eF, vS, R". His position is just off the south side
of
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03 10 08.9 -08 41 32; Eri
V = 14.5/14.5; Size 13"
24" (12/28/13): this 13" pair of evenly matched
mag 14-15 stars was easily resolved at 225x. Located 21' NW of the
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1237 = LM 2-363 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, reporting "mag 13.0, 0.4' diameter, E 170°, double star?" Dreyer included the description as a possible double star and Corwin confirms it *is* a double star 36 tsec west and 1' south of Muller's position. The separation is 14" with a PA 152°.
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03 10 52.7 -10 44 53; Eri
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 110°
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, small, round, very
small bright core. Contains a
faint stellar nucleus or possibly a faint star is superimposed. Forms the west vertex of an obtuse
isosceles triangle with a mag 13 star 2.4' SE and a mag 14 star 2.3' NNE of
center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1238 = Sw. 5-52 on 1 Nov 1886
with his 16" refractor, recording "vF; pS; R; sp of [
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03 10 53.7 -02 33 11; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 70°
17.5" (1/7/89): faint, very small, round, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1239 = H. III-262 = h288 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and recorded "Suspected, stellar, 240x verified it with difficulty." WH's position was poor but John Herschel was only able to correct the declination, as the nebula was "scarcely seen through thick haze" (sweep 96). So, the listed RA is roughly 30 sec too far east in the NGC. Still there are no other nearby candidates and the identification NGC 1239 = PGC 11869 is not in question.
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03 13 26.7 +30 30 26; Ari
= **, Corwin.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1240 = H. III-164 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 268) and recorded "suspected, 240 left a doubt; extremely faint and very small, most probably two close stars; between two stars." There is nothing near his position and Bigourdan was unsuccessful (twice) in trying to recover this object. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, notes "*13.5 in Dreyer's place". Harold Corwin suggests NGC 1240 is a double star (11" separation) about 8' southeast of WH's position. This pair is also on a line between two other stars so matches Herschel's position.
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NGC 1241 = Arp 304 NED1 = VV 334a = MCG -02-09-011 = Holm 68a = PGC 11887
03 11 14.7 -08 55 20; Eri
V = 12.0; Size 2.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 145°
24" (12/28/13): fairly bright, moderately large, oval
2:1 NW-SE, 2'x1', contains a large bright core that increases towards the
center. There was a hint of arm
structure in the outer halo. Forms
a pair with
13.1" (12/7/85): moderately bright, round, bright core surrounded by a diffuse halo. Forms a close pair with fainter NGC 1242 1.6' NE. Located 3.0' due south of mag 9.0 SAO 130329.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1241 = H. II-286 = h289 = h2510 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 355) and recorded "F, pL, R, lbM, south of a small star." John Herschel observed this galaxy both at Slough, England, calling it "eF" and "pB" on two observations, and at the Cape of Good Hope where he logged "F, pmE, 50", the preceding of two [with NGC 243]."
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NGC 1242 = Arp 304 NED2 = VV 334b = Holm 68c = MCG -02-09-012 = PGC 11892
03 11 19.2 -08 54 07; Eri
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
24" (12/28/13): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~35"x21", weak concentration. Forms a pair (Arp 304 = VV 334) with brighter NGC 1241 1.7' SE. A bright mag 9.3 star lies 2' NW.
13.1" (12/7/85): very faint, small, round, small bright
core, stellar nucleus, can hold with averted vision. Forms a close pair with much brighter NGC 1241 1.6' SW. Located 2.1' SE of mag 9.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 1242 = H. III-591 on 15 Dec 1786 (sweep 650) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 1241], that of which the place is taken [NGC 1241] is F, pL, vgvmbM, R. The other [NGC 1242] is about 1' nf, eF, stellar. A 3rd suspected sf the 1st, still fainter than the 2nd; the I did not see it well enough to verify it, and it may be a deception." Bindon Stoney, using LdR's 72" on Dec 7 1850, assumed it was a new discovery (labeled as "Beta" in his sketch). Dreyer later noticed the equivalence with III-591 when he examined the field on 6 Nov 1877 as the observing assistant at Birr Castle.
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03 11 25.4 -08 56 43; Eri
= **, Corwin.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1243 = h291 = h2511 on 6 Jan 1831 (sweep 315). From Slough he recorded "eF, vS" and from the Cape "eF; R; the following of two; pos from the other [NGC 1241] = 120° (ESE)". At his position a faint double star and the position angle matches. Interestingly Herschel never observed NGC 1242, which is close NE of NGC 1241. At Birr Castle, NGC 1241 was observed several times and assumed to be a "nova", but on 6 Nov 1877 Dreyer (the observing assistant at the time) claimed he saw all three objects in the field. His micrometric offset for h291 = h2511, points exactly to this double star again! See Corwin's notes for the complete story.
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03 06 31.2 -66 46 33; Hor
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 2°
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x
appeared as a moderately bright, fairly large edge-on N-S, ~2.0'x0.4'. Exhibits only a broad, weak
concentration to a slightly brighter core. Forms a 10' pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 1244 = h2512 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF, lE, gbM, 25 arcseconds." His position (from 2 sweeps) is accurate. He questioned if this object was the same as Dunlop's 205, but Dunlop's description ("a very faint small nebula, north following, a pretty bright small star; a very minute star is between the bright star and the nebula") does not seem to match.
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03 14 41 +47 14 18; Per
V = 8.4; Size 10'
17.5" (12/7/90): about 100 stars at 220x in 10' diameter. Rich in mag 13.5-14 stars and includes four mag 12 stars along the west side. Roughly circular outline and uniform but no concentration to the center, many stars are arranged in lanes. A mag 8.5 star is off the south edge and a mag 9 star is about 5' off the ENE edge.
13.1" (1/28/84): about 75 stars in a dense cluster. Includes bright stars on the north side.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1245 = H. VI-25 = h290 on 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645), recording "a beautiful very compressed and rich cluster of small stars, about 8' or 9' diameter, irr R." On 30 Nov 1787 (sweep 786) he added "The large stars arranged in lines, like interwoven letters." John Herschel wrote on 31 Dec 1831 (sweep 390), "rich, L, cl not very comp; irreg R with stragglers; stars 12...15m; brightest part 5' diam".
On 23 Nov 1848, George Johnstone Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) wrote, "Coarse, cl. strongly honey-combed. Would probably look annular with eccentric eyehole if it were far enough to be a nebula."
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NGC 1246 = ESO 082-009 = PGC 11680
03 07 02.0 -66 56 19; Hor
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 40°
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.8'. Contains a large bright core that increases to a faint, stellar nucleus with a much fainter outer halo. Located 10' SSE of NGC 1244. Three mag 10-11 stars lie midway between NGC 1246 and NGC 1244.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1246 = h2513 on 2 Nov 1834 and noted "pF, R, glbM, 15 arcseconds." His position is accurate (2 observations).
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NGC 1247 = MCG -02-09-014 = UGCA 58 = FGC 396 = PGC 11931
03 12 14.3 -10 28 50; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 3.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 69°
17.5" (12/28/94): moderately bright edge-on 5:1
WSW-ENE, 2.4'x0.5', weak concentration.
A mag 14.5 "star" 2.5' SE of center appears possibly quasi-stellar
-- this is the compact galaxy
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x0.5', broad mild concentration, fairly striking appearance.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1247 = H. II-900 on 10 Dec
1798 (sweep 1087), recording "F, E nearly in the parallel sp-nf, 3' l, 1'
b". His position is 10 sec of
RA east of
******************************
03 12 48.5 -05 13 29; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 100°
17.5" (1/7/89): fairly faint, small, round, small
bright core, possible stellar nucleus.
Located 5.5' S of mag 8.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 1248 = H. III-443 = h292 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457), noting "vF, vS, confirmed by 240 power." John Herschel made three observations and initially assumed he had made the discovery.
******************************
03 10 01.2 -53 20 09; Hor
V = 11.8; Size 4.9'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 86°
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, large, very elongated nearly 3:1 E-W, ~4'x1.4', broad concentration with a bulging middle. The galaxy was brighter along the major axis (bar). The observation was cut short by clouds, so it's possible the observation was somewhat compromised.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1249 = h2514 on 5 Dec 1834,
recording "B; L; vmE in pos. 80°; vgbM to an axis; 2.5' l; 1'
br." His position and
description matches
NGC 1249 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described in a list of NGC corrections as "spiral, 1 branch much brighter than other, E at 80°."
******************************
03 15 21.1 +41 21 20; Per
V = 13.0; Size 2.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 159°
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, bright core, faint almost stellar nucleus. Member of AGC 426.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1250 = Sw. 5-53 on 21 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is accurate (on the west side of AGC 426).
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03 14 09.1 +01 27 24; Cet
= **, Carlson and Corwin.
Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 1251 = HN 24 on 25 Jan 1860 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars. He simply noted "faint nebulosity", but within 25" of his position is a faint double star (14.3/15.0 at 7"). All 9 of his nebulous objects in the NGC turned out to be single or double stars.
******************************
03 10 44 -57 45 30; Hor
Size 10'
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): fairly large
scattered group of ~20 stars in a 10' region. Includes mag 6.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 1252 = h2515 on 4 Dec 1834, recording a "Star 8m, the chief of a cluster of 18 or 20 stars." His Cape catalogue position corresponds with mag 6.6 HD 20037 at 03 10 39.2 -57 48 35 (2000), the brightest in this 10' group. Apparently JH made a copying error after he precessed his coordinates to 1860 for the General Catalogue (#663) as his position there is exactly 20' too far south. Dreyer didn't catch this mistake so it carried over into the NGC. As a result, ESO says "Not found" and RNGC classifies NGC 1252 as an "unverified southern object", both using the erroneous NGC position.
The group of stars at Herschel's position has been considered an asterism as most of the brighter stars have different proper motion using Hipparchos and ACT data. See Baumgardt "The nature of some doubtful open clusters as revealed by HIPPARCOS" (A&A, 340, 402, 1998). But a more recent paper by de la Fuente Marcos, et al. (MNRAS 434, 194, 2013) found there is an old, metal-poor cluster remnant here. At a distance of nearly 900 parsecs from the Galactic disk, it is one of the furthest (from the disk) cluster remnants known.
******************************
03 14 09.1 -02 49 22; Eri
V = 11.7; Size 5.2'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 82°
48" (10/23/11): very bright, very large, elongated ~5:2
WSW-ENE, ~4'x1.6'. Contains a
large, very bright elongated core that gradually increases to the center. A mag 12.5 star is superimposed just SW
of the central region. A spiral
arm emerges from the galaxy on the ENE end and curls sharply clockwise towards
the SW on the follwing end of the galaxy and quickly dims. The arm appears patchy with a couple of
small knots near the outer edge (~1.6' from center). The arm on the west end is harder to make out as it emerges
from the central region near the superimposed star and is not as well defined,
appearing more as a hazy, mottled region with some brighter patches. A mag 12 star lies 3' ENE and just
beyond the star is
24" (12/1/13): NGC 1253A was picked up as a very faint to faint glow, elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.4'x0.2' (central region seen), low surface brightness. Situated 3.9' ENE of much brighter NGC 1253 and just 0.9' NE of a mag 12 star. NGC 1253 showed a little structure but I didn't take notes.
17.5" (1/7/89): moderately bright, oval ~E-W, no central brightening but contains a slightly brighter knot at the NE end. A mag 12 star is involved at the west end 52" from the center and a mag 11 star is 2.9' ENE of center. Forms a double system with NGC 1253A 3.7' ENE (just following the mag 11 star) which was not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1253 = H. IV-17 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280), reporting "a small star with a vF nebulous brush following, discovered with 240x. The brush was faint and about 1.5' or 2' long. A star on each side which viewed were free from that brush that I drew them in the same part of the field." His position was 6' too far south (at the beginning of this sweep, he noted "The rope being broken the PD is coarsely marked in revolutions of the axel"). d'Arrest corrected the position on 4 Jan 1864 and made a total of 4 accurate positions.
******************************
03 14 23.8 +02 40 42; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated
SW-NE, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Equidistant between mag 8.7
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1254 = m 89 on 9 Sep 1864 with Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta and logged "F, vS, stellar". His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 1255 = ESO 481-013 = MCG -04-08-050 = UGCA 60 = AM 0311-255 = LGG 086-001 = PGC 12007
03 13 32.2 -25 43 31; For
V = 10.9; Size 4.2'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 117°
13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, large, fairly diffuse, weak concentration, elongated NW-SE. A mag 12 star is 2.0' SW of center. In a small group with NGC 1201 and 1302.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1255 = LM 1-98 on 30 Aug 1883
with the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University (Sidereal Messenger, Vol 2,
page 226 and Object "b" in AN 108, 370, 1884) and described a
"faint nebula, not large, pretty even in light. A faint star close p
and slightly south probably involved.
Star is s and f the nebula by about 30'." Ormond Stone made
an independent discovery in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander
McCormick Observatory, recording "4.1'x2.0', PA 315°."
The NGC position is 2.5' south of
******************************
03 13 58.2 -21 59 10; Eri
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 108°
17.5" (11/10/96): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak even concentration to a small brighter core. A mag 15 star lies 1.1' N. Located 6.5' ESE of mag 9 SAO 168391. In same field with NGC 1258 13' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1256 = h2516 on 13 Nov 1835,
calling it "F, S, almost stellar, but E, has a * 8 preceding 7.5', 2' N." His position and description (the star
is mag 9.3
******************************
03 16 59.5 +41 31 45; Per
= **, Corwin. Misidentified in RNGC and RC3.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1257 = Big. 16 on 19 Oct
1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory. There is nothing at his position, but according to Harold
Corwin, Bigourdan's position (once the position of his offset star is
corrected) points directly to a close pair of 15th magnitude stars at 03 16
59.5 +41 31 45. The RNGC, PGC and
RC 3 misidentify
******************************
03 14 05.5 -21 46 28; Eri
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 17°
17.5" (11/10/96): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness. Appears ~1.5'x1.0' (slightly larger than listed dimensions). In field with NGC 1256 13' SSW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1258 = LM 2-364 on 19 Nov
1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory, recording
"mag 15.6, 1.2' dia, vlE 0°, GC 665 [NGC 1256] 12' south." His position is just 0.2 min of RA east
of
******************************
03 17 17.3 +41 23 07; Per
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.7'
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; faint, small, round, 15"
diameter. A mag 15 star is at the
west edge and a small trio of 13th mag star is close east. In the central region of AGC 426 with
17.5" (12/19/87): extremely faint, very small. An extremely faint mag 15.5 star is at
the west edge. Located 3.7' NE of
UGC 2626 = (R)NGC 1259. First of
three with NGC 1260 and
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1259 = Big. 17 on 21 Oct
1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory and noted, "round,
25" diameter, vslbM".
With respect to Big. 18 = NGC 1260, his position is 11 sec of RA west
and 1' S. This offset corresponds
to
******************************
NGC 1260 = UGC 2634 = MCG +07-07-047 = CGCG 540-081 = PGC 12219
03 17 27.2 +41 24 19; Per
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 86°
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 45" length, strong concentration with a bright round core. NGC 1259 lies 2.2' SW and MCG +07-07-048 is 1.8' SSE. The latter galaxy appeared faint, small, round, 15" diameter. A mag ~14.5 star is at the west edge.
17.5" (12/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W, weak concentration. This member of AGC 426 is the brightest of three with NGC 1259 2.2' SW.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1260 = Big. 18 on 19 Oct
1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory, reporting "mag 13.3-13.4,
25" dia, no nucleus."
His position corresponds with
******************************
03 12 15.3 -55 13 01; Hor
V = 8.3; Size 6.9'; Surf Br = 0.0
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, symmetric globular, ~5' diameter, with a large very bright condensed core (concentration class II). A mag 9 star lies 3.6' NE of the center, just outside the halo. At 171x, the halo was just resolved into a large number of faint stars.
20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 212x, the resolution was a bit better in the halo than with the 18", but the blazing core was still unresolved.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1261 = D 337 = h2517 on 28 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta, NSW. He described (based on two observations) "a very bright round nebula, about 1.5' diameter, pretty well defined and gradually bright to the centre. A small star north following." No mention was made of resolution in either of his two observations, though it might have been possible at high power (brightest stars mag 13.5).
John Herschel observed the cluster twice, first describing it on 5 Dec 1834 (sweep 520) as a "globular, bright; large; irregularly round; 2.5' diameter; all resolved into equal stars 14 mag. Has a star 9th mag 45° N.f. 3' distant." On his second sweep he logged "pretty bright; round; very gradually brighter in the middle; 3' across; resolved into stars of 15th magnitude. A very faint nebula (??) precedes." There is a close pair of extremely faint galaxies southwest of the globular, but I doubt Herschel could have picked these up.
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03 15 33.6 -15 52 46; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 135°
48" (11/4/21): moderately bright, fairly small, round, slightly brighter core and nucleus. The halo has a fairly low surface halo but a well defined periphery and an irregular surface brightness (NGC 1262 is a face-on spiral).
17.5" (12/30/99): extremely faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter, no concentration. Requires averted vision and could not hold steadily. A mag 15 star lies 1.0' SW.
The redshift-based distance of this galaxy is nearly 1.1
billion l.y., with a second measurement in NED yielding 1.4 billion l.y! The larger figure places it as the most
distant NGC, further than
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1262 = LM 1-99 on 12 Nov
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory,
recording "mag 15.0, pS, iR, sbMN, halo 15.5." Within the accuracy of his measurement
(nearest minute of RA), his position matches
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03 15 39.6 -15 05 55; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (12/30/99): extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter. Requires averted to glimpse. Once or twice the small halo disappeared and an extremely faint stellar nucleus was momentarily visible.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1263 = LM 1-100 on 31 Dec
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory,
recoerding it as "mag 14.0, 0.7' dia, lE 0°, sbM." His very rough RA (nearest min of RA)
is 0.7 min west of
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03 17 59.5 +41 31 14; Per
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 30°
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.5'x0.4', very small slightly brighter nucleus. The nearest member of AGC 426 is PGC
12263, 1.4' S, which was extremely faint and small, 10" diameter, required
averted to pick up. 5' to the SE are
17.5" (12/3/88): very faint, small, round, low surface brightness. An extremely faint companion is 1.5' SSW. Member of AGC 426.
CGCG 540-085, which RNGC misidentifies as NGC 1264, is 4.4' SSW. It appeared very faint, extremely small, round, even surface brightness. Three stars forming a right triangle are 2'-3' west.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1264 = Big. 19 on 19 Oct
1884 and noted "mag 13.3, 30" diameter, vslbM." His position corresponds with
******************************
03 18 15.8 +41 51 28; Per
V = 12.1; Size 1.8'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 165°
24" (1/28/17): at 282x; large, very diffuse glow with a
bright star superimposed just east of center! This galaxy appeared as a low surface brightness haze
perhaps 1.25' in diameter. With
careful viewing, there appeared to be a very small, slightly brighter core just
west of the star. A mag 10.4 star
lies 2.7' S.
17.5" (1/7/89): very faint, small, round glow. This member of the AGC 426 cluster is located just east of a mag 11 star and has a striking location. Forms a pair with IC 312 6' SSW.
Note: The bright star is directly superimposed, so there was some confusion in this observation.
Note: In 2017 it was determined that based on the historical record NGC 1265 is identical to IC 312 (description below) and the traditional identification NGC 1265 = UGC 2651 is incorrect.
24" (1/28/17): at 282x; moderately bright, fairly
small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.4', small bright core.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1265 = Big. 20 on 14 Nov
1884 and reported "mag 13.3, 15" diameter, slbM." His position
is 5 tsec of RA east and 1.4' south of
In January 2017 I wrote Harold Corwin regarding my observation: "[I] initially was stumped on NGC 1265. It took me a minute or two to notice NGC 1265 as a relatively large, diffuse glow surrounding a fairly bright star that is superimposed. The star is not evident on the DSS, but you can clearly see it on the SDSS, including its diffraction spikes. NGC 1265 supposedly has a V mag ~12, but I'm guessing that includes the star, and the glow of IC 312 at V = 13.4 was more obvious to me."
Corwin checked Bigourdan's records and found he misplaced his offset star by 8'. Once corrected, his offset points to IC 312! Although the 8 arcminute error is unexplained, Corwin concludes "it is clear that Bigiourdan discovered IC 312 and not UGC 2651." Although he has updated his files to this identification, it will be difficult to change other databases and the literature on the Perseus galaxy cluster.
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03 16 00.8 -02 25 38; Eri
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 115°
17.5" (1/7/89): faint, small, oval 3:2 ~E-W, even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1266 = H. III-194 on 20 Sep
1784 (sweep 280) and noted "eF and eS. 240 verified it" There is nothing at his position, but
11.7' north and 13 sec of RA east is
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03 18 44.9 +41 28 04; Per
V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.8'
24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly small,
round, fairly high surface brightness, increases to a bright stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, round, faint
stellar nucleus. Forms a close
pair with NGC 1268 1.0' N with CGCG 540-089 1.8' NW and NGC 1270 2.6' E. Located in the rich central section of
AGC 426 with
CGCG 540-089 is extremely faint and small, round. Two mag 14 stars are close south just 16" and 32" from the center.
CGCG 540-087 is faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S. A mag 13.5 star is 0.8' N of center.
13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, small, compact, arc of stars just south. In a group of 4 in AGC 426.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1267 on 14 Feb 1863 with the 11-inch Merz refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory. He noted a size of 8" and his position (measured on 2 nights) is accurate. The same night he also discovered nearby NGC 1268, 1270, 1272, 1273 and 1278.
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NGC 1268 = UGC 2658 = MCG +07-07-056 = CGCG 540-093 = WBL 097-013 = PGC 12332
03 18 45.1 +41 29 19; Per
V = 14.5; Size 1.1'x0.9'; PA = 120°
24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, very slightly elongated,~0.6'x0.5', nearly even surface brightness. A 15th magnitude star is superimposed on the south side. Forms a close pair with NGC 1267 1.2' S. NGC 1268 has a significantly lower surface brightness.
17.5" (10/24/87): extremely faint and small, round, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a close pair with NGC 1267 1.2' S. Also very near are CGCG 540-089 1.8' SW and NGC 1270 is 2.7' ESE. Located in the central core of AGC 426 with NGC 1272 6.8' E.
13.1" (1/28/84): extremely faint, very small, diffuse. Located 1' N of NGC 1267 in AGC 426.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1268 on 14 Feb 1863 with
the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory. His position (measured on 2 nights) and description (1'
north of NGC 1267) matches
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03 17 18.2 -41 06 26; Eri
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 1269 = h2518 on 1 Nov 1836, and logged "vB; R; glbM; 15"." On the same sweep he found NGC 1291 = h2521 and strangely he recorded identical declinations and almost identical descriptions! Could he have reobserved the same object unknowingly? In MN, Vol 62, p469, Innes comments "not visible in the 7-inch [at the Cape of Good Hope]. This is perhaps the same as NGC 1291, observed by John Herschel on the same night. JH gives for the latter exactly the same declination and description as for h2518." Pietro Baracchi also searched for NGC 1269 unsuccessfully with the Great Melbourne Telescope on 16 Feb 1888. The most reasonable conclusion is Herschel recorded this object twice and NGC 1269 = NGC 1291. See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 1270 = UGC 2660 = MCG +07-07-057 = CGCG 540-095 = LGG 088-006 = PGC 12350
03 18 58.1 +41 28 13; Per
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 15°
24" (2/13/18): at 375x; relatively bright, fairly
small, round, ~0.9' diameter, fairly high surface brightness, increases to the
center, thin fainter halo. In the
central core of AGC 426 with the trio of NGC 1267, 1268 and CGCG 540-089
immediately west and NGC 1272 4.5' ENE.
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright core. Located in the central core of AGC 426 with NGC 1267 2.6' W, NGC 1268 2.7' WNW and NGC 1272 4.4' ENE.
13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small, weak concentration. Last of four in a small group in the core of AGC 426 with NGC 1267 2.5' W.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1270 on 14 Feb 1863 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory and placed it 14 seconds of time following NGC 1267. At the same time, d'Arrest discovered nearby NGC 1267, 1268, 1272, 1273 and 1278. Dreyer measured a micrometric offset from NGC 1272 in 12 Dec 1876. Dreyer found this galaxy again on 11 Sep 1888 and reported it as new in his 8th list. Dreyer correctly assumed Sw. 8-30 was a reobservation of one of the earlier discoveries in the cluster, so didn't assign it an IC designation.
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03 19 11.3 +41 21 12; Per
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.35'; PA = 123°
17.5" (8/12/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Member of AGC 426.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1271 = Big. 21 on 14 Nov
1884, recording "mag 13.5, 20" diameter, no nucleus." His position is just off the south edge
of
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NGC 1272 = UGC 2662 = MCG +07-07-058 = CGCG 540-098 = LGG 091-003 = PGC 12384
03 19 21.3 +41 29 27; Per
V = 11.8; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.2
24" (2/13/18): at 375x; bright, fairly large (largest in AGC 426!), round, ~2' diameter. Strongly concentrated with a large bright core that gradually increases to the center but no central pip. The surface brightness of the core is lower than NGC 1275, which is 5' ENE.
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, small, round, small
bright core. This galaxy is the
second brightest in AGC 426 and forms the SW vertex of a distinctive
parallelogram of brighter galaxies with NGC 1275 5' ENE,
13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core.
8" (1/1/84): extremely faint and small, round.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1272 on 14 Feb 1863 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory. He estimated a size of 45"-50" diameter and measured the position on 2 nights (27 seconds preceding NGC 1275). The same night he found NGC 1267, 1268, 1270, 1273 and 1278.
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NGC 1273 = MCG +07-07-059 = CGCG 540-099 = LGG 088-029 = PGC 12396
03 19 26.7 +41 32 26; Per
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; relatively bright, fairly
small, round, 35" diameter, very small bright nucleus. One of a dozen galaxies logged within
8'! Forms the NW vertex of a
trapezoid with NGC 1272, 1274 and 1275 and at the midpoint of NGC 1272 3' SSW
and
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, round, small bright core. Forms the NW vertex of a parallelogram of brighter galaxies in the core of AGC 426 with NGC 1272 3.1' SSW, NGC 1275 4.4' ESE, and NGC 1278 5.3' ENE.
13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small. Located 4.4' WNW of NGC 1275 in the core of AGC 426.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1273 on 14 Feb 1863 with
the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory. His position (measured on 2 nights) matches
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03 19 40.5 +41 32 55; Per
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 43°
24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 25"x15", slightly brighter nucleus. Located in the center of an oval ring of galaxies in the core of AGC 426. The four nearest are NGC 1278 2.7' NE, NGC 1275 2.6' SE, NGC 1273 2.6' WSW and CGCG 540-101 2.2' NW! The latter galaxy appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter. An equilateral triangle of mag 14 stars is close south.
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, weak concentration, slightly elongated. Located in the dense central core of AGC 426 just 2.7' NW of NGC 1275 and 2.6' E of NGC 1273.
CGCG 540-101 = PGC 12405, which is misidentified as IC 1907 in MCG, PGC and RC3, lies 2.3' NW. It appeared very faint, small, round. A small triangle of stars is close south.
13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, very small. Located 2.7' NW of NGC 1275 within AGC 426.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 1274
on 13 Dec 1874 and labeled it as "d" on his sketch. The sketch and micrometric offset from
a nearby star matches
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NGC 1275 = UGC 2669 = MCG +07-07-063 = CGCG 540-103 = Perseus A = 3C 84 = PGC 12429
03 19 48.1 +41 30 43; Per
V = 11.9; Size 2.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 110°
24" (2/13/18): at 375x; bright, fairly large, slightly
elongated WNW-ESE, ~1.6'x1.3'.
Divided into three distinct zones; sharply concentrated with a strong
bright core, a prominent quasi-stellar nucleus and a halo that gradually fades
out. Similar or slightly smaller in size to NGC 1272, but with a higher surface
brightness core/nucleus. A mag
13.8 star is just off the NW side.
A dozen members of AGC 426 were logged within 5' of NGC 1275! The closest is
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly bright, fairly small, oval
~E-W, small bright core. NGC 1275
is a Seyfert galaxy and is the largest and brightest member of AGC 426. Surrounded by a swarm of faint galaxies
in the core including NGC 1272 5.2' WSW, NGC 1273 4.4' WNW, NGC 1274 2.6' NW,
13.1" (1/28/84): fairly bright, fairly small, small bright core.
8" (1/1/84): faint but not difficult, small, slightly elongated, small bright core.
6" (10/24/87): extremely faint and small, round. Used a 6" mask on the 17.5".
William Herschel discovered NGC 1275 = H. II-603 = h293 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614) and recorded "pretty bright, stellar [nebula], or a pretty considerable star with a small, vF chevelure." William's position was 1.5' too far south. John Herschel made a single observation on 18 Sep 1828 (sweep 182) and measured an accurate position. NGC 1275 was observed by Lord Rosse's assistant George Johnstone Stoney on 16 Dec 1848. He noted "A multitude of nebs. knots in the neighborhood, principally preceding; counted 15; many more."
Heinrich d'Arrest observed the cluster on 14 Feb 1863 (discovering NGC 1267, 1268, 1270, 1272, 1273 and 1278) and described NGC 1275 as a "nebula duplex", the second component being NGC 1278 about 3' NE, so d'Arrest was the first to observe NGC 1278. But he wasn't sure which of the two nebulae was NGC 1275 (H. II-603), so reported his observation of NGC 1275 as new and noted for NGC 1278: "II 603? [h]293?". John Herschel credited d'Arrest with the discovery of GC 675 (later NGC 1278), but Dreyer thought Herschel discovered NGC 1278 and he mistakenly assigned d'Arrest's discovery to NGC 1275. Steinicke agrees (personal e-mail) that Dreyer reversed the discovery credits and descriptions for NGC 1275 and NGC 1278 in the NGC and concludes:
NGC 1275 = II 603 = h 293 = GC 674, discovered by WH on 17 Oct 1786 and observed by d'Arrest on 14 Feb 1863.
NGC 1278 = GC 675, discovered by d'Arrest on 14 Feb 1863 and independently by Bigourdan on 22 Oct 1884 (IC 1907).
NGC 1275 contains a Sy2 nucleus and is one of the 6 original galaxies studied by Seyfert in his seminal 1943 paper "Nuclear Emission in Spiral Nebulae". It is a powerful radio source (Perseus A)
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03 19 51.2 +41 38 31; Per
= **, Corwin. =
24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration with a slightly brighter core. In the central core of the Perseus galaxy cluster 2.8' NNE of NGC 1273 and 3.9' WNW of NGC 1278.
17.5" (12/3/88): very faint, very small, oval. Located in the central core of AGC 426 on a line with NGC 1277 and NGC 1278 2' SE.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 1276 on 12 Dec 1876 while measured positions within the cluster. From NGC 1278, his micrometric offset is 291" in PA 352.3° (or 3.5 seconds of RA west and 4.8' north). There is no galaxy close to this offset, but at 4.7' separation in PA 353° is a 15" pair of stars that Corwin identifies as NGC 1276. I'm surprised Dreyer didn't resolve this pair, though perhaps he thought one component was nebulous.
Malcolm Thomson suggested PGC 12430 as a possible match though the offsets are 6 seconds of RA west of NGC 1278 and only 2' N. Karl Reinmuth stated in his 1926 monograph, "not found [on a Heidelberg plate] in Dreyer's place; perhaps 1.6' nnp of NGC 1277." Reinmuth also refers to PGC 12430, but no simple error in Dreyer's offsets lands of this galaxy. RNGC also appears to identify PGC 12430 as NGC 1276.
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NGC 1277 = MCG +07-07-064 = CGCG 540-104 = LGG 088-007 = PGC 12434
03 19 51.5 +41 34 25; Per
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 92°
24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, fairly high surface brightness, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a "double" with NGC 1278" just 45" SE between centers.
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, oval ~E-W, small bright core. Located in the central core of AGC 426 3.7' N of NGC 1275 and forms a close pair with NGC 1278 0.8' SE.
13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, extremely small. Located 0.8' NW of NGC 1278.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 1277 = Sw. 8-32 on 4 Dec 1875. Dreyer independently found the galaxy a year later on 12 Dec 1876 and both observations are included in Dreyer's GC Supplement (5304 = 5305). Dreyer equated the GC entries in the NGC.
Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 14 Sep 1888 and reported it as new as the 32nd nebula in his 8th list, writing "eeeF; vS; R; close D[ouble] with 1276; M[iddle] of 3 in line; 1271, 73, 76, 78 in field". His position is within 1' of NGC 1277 and the description applies, except it forms a close double with NGC 1278. Dreyer didn't assign an IC designation to Sw. 8-32, apparently correctly deciding it was a duplicate. Unfortunately, Sw. 8-31 didn't receive an IC designation either, although it applies to PGC 12430 (described as "one of 3 in a line").
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NGC 1278 = IC 1907 = UGC 2670 = MCG +07-07-065 = CGCG 540-105 = PGC 12438
03 19 54.1 +41 33 48; Per
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 85°
24" (2/13/18): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated E-W, 40" diameter, bright core, gradually
increases to center. Slightly
brighter than NGC 1277, which is off the northwest side [50" from center].
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval,
small bright core. Located in the
central core of AGC 426. Forms a
close pair with NGC 1277 0.8' NW with
13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small. Located 3.4' N of NGC 1275 and forms a close pair with NGC 1277.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1278 on 14 Feb 1863 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory. William Herschel is credited with the discovery in the NGC, but H. II-603 and h293 should apply to NGC 1275 instead, as well as the description "pB, pS, R, bM". Guillaume Bigourdan independently found this galaxy on 22 Oct 1884 and reported it in his 4th Comptes Rendus list as Big. 375 (later IC 1907). Both d'Arrest and Bigourdan missed nearby NGC 1277. See notes on NGC 1275 for more on the confusion of NGC 1275 and 1278.
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NGC 1279 = PGC 12448 = PGC 12449
03 19 59.0 +41 28 47; Per
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.2'; PA = 0°
17.5" (8/12/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated. Visible continuously with averted vision. Located in the central core of AGC 426 just 2.8' SE of NGC 1275! This galaxy is not listed in MCG, CGCG or RC3 and was incorrectly identified in the PGC.
17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S.
13.1" (1/28/84): extremely faint, very small, near visual threshold. Located 2.8' SE of NGC 1275.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 1279 on 12 Dec 1876 with the
72" at Birr Castle. He simply logged "vF, vS" and measured a
micrometric offset from a star between NGC 1275 and NGC 1272 at 272.4" in
PA 104.5°. At this precise offset
(270" in PA 105°) is
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03 17 57.1 -00 10 09; Cet
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 55°
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, small, round, weak concentration.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1280 = St. 12-25 on 30 Nov 1877. His published micrometric position was reduced on 19 Dec 1881 with his description reading, "vF, vS, R, gbM, seems resolvable."
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NGC 1281 = MCG +07-07-067 = CGCG 540-108 = PGC 12458
03 20 06.1 +41 37 48; Per
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 68°
24" (2/13/18): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 30"x24", sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core that has a high surface brightness. A mag 10.5 star is 1.0' WSW. Located 4.6' NNE of NGC 1278 in the core of AGC 426.
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE. Located in the central core of AGC 426 1.0' NE of a mag 10 star. NGC 1275 lies 7.8' SSW.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 1281 on 12 Dec 1876 with the
72" at Birr Castle and noted "vF, S, *11m 1' p". With respect to NGC 1278 (incorrectly
identified by Dreyer as h674), this object was placed 10.8 seconds of RA east
and 239" N. This micrometric
offset points exactly at
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03 20 12.1 +41 22 01; Per
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 25°
17.5" (8/12/88): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 1283 2' NNE in the core of AGC 426. NGC 1275 lies 10' NW.
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, small, round, slightly brighter core. Located 1' E of a mag 13.5 star.
13.1" (1/8/84): faint, fairly small, diffuse halo.
Located 10' SE of NGC 1275. Forms
a pair with
Édouard Stephan probably discovered NGC 1282 = Big. 22 on 29 Nov 1875. His rough, unpublished position was 2' SE of center, similar to his other positional errors. He didn't follow up with an accurate position and publish the discovery, so did not receive recognition in the NGC. Guillaume Bigourdan rediscovered it on 23 Nov 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory. His description reads, "mag 13.2-13.3, 20" diameter, faint stellar ncl."
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NGC 1283 = UGC 2676 = MCG +07-07-069 = CGCG 540-110 = PGC 12478
03 20 15.5 +41 23 55; Per
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 70°
17.5" (8/12/88): faint, small, round. A pair of stars are close north.
17.5" (11/14/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated. Forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 13.5 star 1' N and a mag 14 star 1' NNW. This member of AGC 426 forms a pair with NGC 1282 2' SSW.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 1283 = Big. 23 on 23 Nov 1884 with the 12" at the Paris Observatory, reporting "mag 13.4, 20" diamewter, vlbM." His position is accurate.
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03 17 45.5 -10 17 20; Eri
V = 12.1; Size 2.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 90°
17.5" (12/28/94): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, low even surface brightness. A wide mag 13.5/14.5 double at 26" lies 2' SSE. Located 9.8' NNW of mag 7.1 SAO 148889. Appears fainter than listed V = 12.1.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1284 = H. III-956 = h2519 on
10 Dec 1798 (sweep 1087) and noted "vF, vS, 2 or 3' north of 2 small
stars.". His position matches
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03 17 53.4 -07 17 54; Eri
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 35°
17.5" (12/28/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, weak broad concentration but no defined core. Slightly mottled or irregular surface brightness.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1285 on 28 Oct 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory. His single position is just off the east side of the galaxy.
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03 17 48.5 -07 37 01; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
18" (11/23/05): fairly faint, small, round, 25"
diameter, very small bright core.
A mag 15 star is just of the west side, ~40" from the center. Located 4.9' ENE of mag 9.7
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1286 = Sw. 3-25 on 10 Nov 1885
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 7 sec
of RA east of
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03 18 33.4 -02 43 51; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, small, round, even surface
brightness. Located 9' NW of mag
7.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 1287 = H. III-195 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280) and noted "eF, eS, verified with 240 power." His RA is 13 seconds too large. Heinrich d'Arrest noted the error and his mean position (3 nights) is close off the northeast edge of the galaxy.
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03 17 13.2 -32 34 34; For
V = 12.1; Size 2.3'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 178°
17.5" (12/28/00): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 2.0'x1.5', broad concentration with no distinct. The surface brightness appears somewhat uneven (face-on Sb) although the outer halo fades smoothly into the background.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1288 = h2520 on 19 Nov 1835 and recorded "vF; L; R; vglbM; 2.5' diam." His position and description is accurate. Lewis Swift saw the galaxy as "considerably elongated in the meridian [N-S]. It is not round as Sir J. Herschel says."
NGC 1288 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as "Close 2-branch spiral, diameter 1', stellar nucleus."
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03 18 49.8 -01 58 24; Eri
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 100°
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, better than average surface brightness, fairly small, elongated nearly 2:1 E-W, strong concentration with a prominent core that increases to a stellar nucleus.
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 E-W, broad concentration to a brighter core. An 8' line of four mag 11-13 stars oriented SW-NE follows;
the closest is a mag 11 star 3.6' ESE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1289 = Sw. 4-13 on 1 Sep 1886 and
recorded "vF; S; R; 4 st following in a row.". His position was 11 seconds of RA west
of
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03 19 25.2 -13 59 23; Eri
V = 14.8; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (1/12/02): faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter. Located 1.3' SE of a mag 13.5 star. Forms a pair with
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1290 = LM 1-101 (along with NGC
1295 = LM 1-102) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick
Observatory. There is nothing at
his rough position (nearest min of RA) but 1.2 tmin of RA east is
RNGC and MCG misidentify
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NGC 1291 = NGC 1269 = ESO 301-002 = MCG -07-07-008 = PGC 12209
03 17 18.2 -41 06 26; Eri
V = 8.5; Size 9.8'x8.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 156°
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; extremely bright, large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~3.5'x2.7', very bright core with an intense nucleus. A mag 12.2 star is is superimposed at the N edge [1.7' from center] and a second very faint star is on the halo on the south side. The huge outer ring was not noticed.
17.5" (8/31/86): very bright, fairly large, contains a
very bright, large core. A mag 12
star is just off the north end 1.7' from the center. Mag 8
13.1" (10/10/86): very bright, moderately large, round, very bright core, almost stellar nucleus, large faint halo. A star is involved on the north side.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1291 = D 487 = h2521 on 2 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta and recorded "a pretty bright round nebula, about 1.5' diameter, very bright and condensed to the centre, and very faint at the margin; with a very small star about 1' north, but not involved.". His single position was 4' too far ESE. Probably due to a clerical error, John Herschel included two entries for this galaxy in his Cape Catalogue from his observation on 1 Nov 1836 - namely, h2521 (later NGC 1291) and h2518 (later NGC 1269). The RA for h2518 was 2.6 minutes of time too small, though otherwise the two entries are essentially identical and neither he nor Dreyer caught the error. In 1901 Robert Innes was unable to find NGC 1269 with the 7" refractor at Cape Town and first suggested it was identical to NGC 1291.
On sweep 754 (5 Dec 1836), Herschel described NGC 1291 as "Globular; vB, R, 1st gradually, then suddenly very mbM; r, mottled, but not resolved.". In a 1908 paper in Annals of the Harvard College Observatory, Solon Bailey (director of the Boyden Observatory at Arequipa from 1893 to 1919) expressed his doubt on the object's nature: "This object is given as a globular cluster in the NGC. This appears probable, although it is not resolved on the [24"] Bruce plates [at Arequipa]." He later included it in a list of uncertain or not probable globular star clusters. Photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt between 1914 and 1916 revealed only "structureless nebulosity."
Photographs taken around 1920 with the 30-inch reflector at the Cordoba observatory in Argentina revealed the large outer ring. Based on the image, Charles Perrine described NGC 1291 as "probably a spiral nebula of exceptional interest" with "a large apparently disconnected ring"...about one and one-half turns of a helix, the doubled portion (showing two streams) being to the north of the nuclear portion of the nebula. The diameter of the helix is about 7'. The diameter or perhaps major axis at right angles to the major axis of the center portion is 10'."
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03 18 14.8 -27 36 37; For
V = 12.1; Size 3.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 7°
13.1" (10/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, bright core. A group of four stars lies to the north includes a mag 11 double star at 24" separation 3' NE, a third mag 11 star 4.4' NNE and a mag 12 star 3' due north.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1292 in Nov 1885 with the 6" Cooke refractor at Vanderbilt University. His position and description in Sidereal Messenger 5, p25 ("rather faint, moderate size, elongated nearly north and south, just south and slightly preceding a small wide double-star") is accurate.
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03 21 36.4 +41 23 35; Per
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, small, round, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 1294 2' SSE. Member of AGC 426.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1293 = H. III-574 = h294,
along with
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NGC 1294 = UGC 2694 = MCG +07-07-076 = CGCG 540-117 = PGC 12600
03 21 40.0 +41 21 36; Per
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 167°
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, small, round, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 1293 2' NNW. Member of AGC 426.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1294 = H. III-575 = h295, along with NGC 1293, on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 614). He described both as "Two [NGC 1293 and NGC 1294]. Both vF, stellar, vlbM, but the southern [NGC 1294] is the brightest and largest." His RA was ~10 seconds too small. Furthermore, John Herschel mistaenly called this galaxy the "north-following of two" on 18 Sep 1828 (sweep 182).
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NGC 1295 = MCG -02-09-030 = PGC 12465
03 20 03.3 -13 59 54; Eri
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 175°
17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', very small bright core. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.3' NW. Located 3' WSW of a mag 10.3 star and 8' N of mag 9 SAO 148906. Forms a pair with NGC 1295 9' due east. The identifications of NGC 1290 and NGC 1295 are reversed in the RNGC.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1295 = LM 1-102 (along with NGC 1290 = I-101) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His description reads "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, *10 3.0' in PA 75° (ENE)." There is nothing at Stone's rough position (nearest minute of RA) but 1 min of RA east is MCG -02-09-030 = PGC 12465 and the star is just where he placed it. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes). This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 1290 in RNGC and MCG.
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03 18 49.7 -13 03 44; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 0°
17.5" (12/30/99): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak concentration. At 280x, there is a hint of structure or possibly a very faint star is attached. The DSS image shows a barred spiral with spiral arms attached at the east and west ends of the bar.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1296 = LM 1-365 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory, reporting
"0.2' diam, R". His
position is 34 tsec of RA east of
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03 19 14.2 -19 06 00; Eri
V = 11.8; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 3°
17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright with a large faint halo nearly 2' diameter, broadly concentrated halo, small bright nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is at the north edge 1' NNE of center. Companion of NGC 1300, which lies 20' SSE.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1297 around Jan 1885 with his
5-inch Byrne refractor while sweeping comets (Sidereal Messenger 4, p53 and The
Observatory 8, p123). He called it
"small, round, and very much brighter, somewhat suddently, in the centre. Rather faint from its generally low
altitude. It is south following a
9th mag star by 1 1/4'. This nebula is 20'± north preceding a larger
nebula. I have taken this latter
nebula to be [
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NGC 1298 = UGC 2683 = MCG +00-09-062 = CGCG 390-063 = PGC 12473
03 20 13.1 -02 06 51; Eri
V = 14.0; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.7; PA = 70°
17.5" (10/24/87): fairly faint, small, oval slightly elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration. NGC 1289 lies 22' WNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1298 on 4 Jan 1864 with the
11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory. His position (observed on 2 nights) is very good and he
accurately measured a mag 13-14 star that precedes by 8 seconds of time. The MCG misidentifies
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NGC 1299 = MCG -01-09-028 = PGC 12466
03 20 09.6 -06 15 45; Eri
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 40°
17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 5:2 SW-NE, irregular surface brightness. A bright knot or possibly a star is superimposed at the NE
end. The galaxy appears to extend
out from the pointed NE corner towards the SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1299 = H. II-287 = h296 on 27 Jan 1785, logging it as "F, vS, lE, easily resolvable, unequally bright." On 15 Dec 1786 (sweep 650) he noted "vF, pS, E."
NGC 1299 was observed 9 times at Birr Castle, perhaps trying to resolve it. The earliest was by assistant George Johnstone Stoney on 19 Dec 1848 and noted as "gbM; E [southwest-northeast]."
The position angle is off by 90 deg in the RC 3.
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NGC 1300 = ESO 547-031 = MCG -03-09-018 = UGCA 66 = LGG 090-002 = PGC 12412
03 19 41.0 -19 24 40; Eri
V = 10.4; Size 6.2'x4.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 106°
48" (10/25/14 and 10/29/16): the northern spiral arm is brightest and thickest in the 1' section, oriented SW-NE, where it attaches to the bar. At 375x and 488x at least three knots (HII complexes) were clearly resolved along this region. The brightest knot is on the southwest end (close to the end of the bar) and appears as a very faint, small, elongated glow, ~12"x8". This HII complex contains NGC 1300:[H69] 16/19 from Paul Hodge's 1969 "HII Regions in Twenty Nearby Galaxies" (ApJS, 18, 73). [H69] 15, the next brightest knot, is 0.3' NE and appeared very faint and small, ~8" diameter. Finally, [H69] 14, the faintest knot, is near the northeast end of this arm segment (~15" NE of [H69] 15) and is extremely faint and small, 6" diameter. The northern arm appears to fade out as it extends east (north of the core) but reappears along the eastern end of the arm.
The root of the southern arm at the east end of the bar is brighter and thicker, but no HII regions were resolved. The long southern arm could be traced the full length (nearly 4') sweeping west and arcing north on its western half. A small, weak knot is at the very tip, which is 2.5' W of center (on line with the bar).
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): beautiful classic barred spiral at 303x! A prominent 3' bar runs WNW-ESE and contains a very bright, roundish 1' core that gradually brightens to the center. An easily visible arm is attached at the east end of the bar. It hooks sharply to the west on the south side, gradually curling towards the north. The arm has a fairly even surface brightness except where is attaches to the bar in a brighter, thicker section. It ends nearly due west of the core [2.2' from center]. An opposing arm is attached at the west end of the bar and is brightest initially along a clumpy section (containing at least 2 resolved knots) angling from southwest to northeast. The central section of the northern arm (directly north of the core) has a very low surface brightness but it brightens in a thin section near the east end. The two main arms extend at least 4.5'x3' ~E-W
48" (10/25/11): this prototype barred spiral was mesmerizing at 375x. Running roughly E-W through the center is a long bright bar, ~3' in length. The center is sharply concentrated with an intensely bright 1' core that continues to increase to a stellar nucleus. At the west end of the bar, a fairly bright arm emerges and hooks back dramatically to the east (counterclockwise) to the north of the bar and continues to the northeast end of the galaxy. The arm is brightest in a thick arc, oriented SW-NE, where it attaches to the bar. The central section of the arm to the north of the core is slightly fainter and then brightens slightly on its northeast end. A mag 15.5-16 star is superimposed in the gap between this arm and the core, 45" NE of center. The second arm emerges at the east end of the bar and is brightest initially in a fairly thick arc extending counterclockwise to the southwest. This arm is slightly more separated from the core as it gracefully curves to the southwest side of the galaxy. The two main arms increase the overall size of the galaxy to 5'x3' WNW-ESE.
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly bright, elongated ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus. A spiral arm is visible at the west end of the central bar curving to the north. NGC 1297 lies 20' NNW.
8" (10/31/81): faint, fairly large, elongated, low surface brightness, diffuse.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1300 = h2522 on 11 Dec 1835, recording "B; vL; 1st very gradually then pretty suddenly vmbM; 3' l; 2' b; mE. (N.B. These dimensions can only refer to the brighter portions.)" His second descriptions reads: "pF, vL; 1st gradually then pretty suddenly bM to a F nucleus; mE 8' or 10' l, 2' b.". Herschel's position (2 observations) in his Cape Catalogue is accurate but in the General Catalogue he made a clerical error so his position for GC 689 = NGC 1300 was 1° too far south. Barnard caught this error (Sidereal Messenger 4, p125) and Dreyer corrected the position while compiling the NGC.
NGC 1300 was missed by William Herschel - the closest
galaxies he discovered were
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03 20 35.4 -18 42 58; Eri
V = 13.4; Size 2.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 140°
17.5" (12/30/99): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 15 star lies 1.7' NNW of center. Located 30' NW of NGC 1297 and 44' NNW of NGC 1300.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1301 = LM 1-103 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, logging "mag 13.0, iF, vmE 135°." His rough position is 13' NW of ESO 547-032 = PGC 1252, but there is no question about the identification as the position angle matches this galaxy.
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03 19 51.0 -26 03 37; For
V = 10.7; Size 3.9'x3.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 172°
13.1" (10/10/86): fairly bright, compact, oval ~N-S, small very bright core. A mag 11.5 star is 1.9' NE of center. NGC 1201 and 1302 are the brightest members of the LGG 086 group.
8" (10/31/81): fairly faint, bright core, fairly small, round.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1302 around Jan 1885 with his 5-inch Byrne refractor while sweeping comets (Sidereal Messenger 4, p53 and The Observatory 8, p123). His position is accurate.
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03 20 40.8 -07 23 40; Eri
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 20°
17.5" (1/12/02): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S,
30"x25". The halo
suddenly brightens to a sharp 5" nucleus. A mag 15 star is just off the southeast side 20" from
center. Forms the northern vertex
of an isosceles triangle with mag
9.7
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1303 on 28 Oct 1865 with an
11" refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position matches
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03 21 12.8 -04 35 03; Eri
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 130°
17.5" (1/7/89): very faint, small, oval WSW-ENE, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1304 = H. III-444 on 5 Oct
1785 (sweep 457) and logged
"eF, pS, E.". His
position (reduced by Auwers) is just 3 sec of RA east and 2' S of MCG
-01-09-030 = PGC 12575. Corwin
suggests that
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03 21 23.0 -02 19 01; Eri
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 130°
17.5" (10/24/87): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S. A faint mag 15.5 star is 30" off the NE edge and 0.9' from center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1305 on 4 Jan 1864 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen, logging it as "pB, R, 20" diam, *15 near the northern end." His position is 1' too far north.
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03 21 03.0 -25 30 45; For
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (12/30/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
0.7' diameter. Weak, even
concentration to a slightly brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus. Located 17' WNW of mag 6.5
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1306 = LM 1-103 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
14.8, vS, gbM, no Nucl, *10.5 4' E."
His rough position matches
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NGC 1307 = NGC 1304 = MCG -01-09-030 = PGC 12637
03 21 12.8 -04 35 03; Eri
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 130°
See observing notes for NGC 1304.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1307 = LM 2-366 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, reporting "mag 15.3, 0.2' diam, R, *9.5 follows 8 sec, north 3'." Close to his discovery position is KUG 319-47 = PGC 12637, though this galaxy may be too faint to have picked up by Leavenworth. Corwin suggests that NGC 1307 is identical to NGC 1304, discovered earlier by William Herschel. This brighter galaxy is 1 tmin of RA west of Leavenworth's position (a common error). Although there is no star matching Leavenworth's description, Corwin suggests a mag 11.5-12 star 6 tsec of RA west and 3.2' north might be Leavenworth's intended star. If Leavenworth reversed his directions, then NGC 1307 = NGC 1304. RNGC calls NGC 1307 nonexistent. See Corwin's notes.
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03 22 28.6 -02 45 27; Eri
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 45°
17.5" (1/7/89): faint, small, round, weak concentration. Located within a small group of four stars including two mag 11 stars 1.5' E and 1.9' NNW, also a pair of mag 13.5 stars lie 2' WSW. These four stars form an isosceles trapezoid.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1308 = H. II-568 on 30 Sep
1786 (sweep 608), recording "eF, S, iF. In the midst of 3 or 4 stars; the
following thereof is the brightest."
His position and description of the nearby stars is an exact match with
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03 22 06.3 -15 24 00; Eri
V = 11.5; Size 2.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly bright, moderately large, halo
gradually increases to brighter middle, faint almost stellar nucleus, well-defined
halo slightly elongated SW-NE.
Located 4' NE of mag 7.5
8" (11/28/81): fairly faint, small, round. A mag 8 star is 4' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1309 = H. I-106 = h2523 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 451), logging it as "cB, cL, iR, bM, 3' diameter." JH described it as "pF, R, glbM, pos from a * 7 mag = 31°, difference in RA 7.5 sec, * 4' S."
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03 21 03.5 -37 06 07; For
V = 12.1; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 95°
17.5" (1/12/02): faint, moderately large, the halo is
slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.8'x1.4'.
The halo is weakly concentrated to a slightly brighter, 1' round
core. Located 20' WNW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 1310 = h2524 on 22 Oct 1835 and
reported "vF, R, pL, vlbM; 90 arcsec." His position is 2' S of
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03 20 07.2 -52 11 11; Hor
V = 13.0; Size 3.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 40°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 2.2'x0.6', broad concentration with a large, brighter core but no distinct nucleus. Located 9.5' S of mag 8.4 HD 20916. Member of the Dorado Group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1311 = h2525 on 24 Dec 1837,
recording it as "F, mE in position 37.3 degrees; gbM, 2' long, 15
arcseconds broad.". His
position and description is accurate.
NGC 1311 and
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03 23 41.7 +01 11 05; Tau
= **, Corwin.
Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 1312 = HN 23 on 16 Dec 1859
with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone
Survey of equatorial stars. He
simply noted "a circular nebulosity", but at his exact position is a
double star at 03 23 41.7 +01 11 05 (J2000). Bigourdan was unable to find this object and Karl Reinmuth,
in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, mentions "perhaps *, ef *
ssf vnr." RNGC, CGCG, UGC,
MCG and RC3 all misidentify
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03 18 16.1 -66 29 53; Tuc
V = 8.7; Size 9.1'x6.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 39°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this was the first object I took a look at using the 24" f/3.7 as it was the brightest galaxy I had yet to observe. I was amazed to find a striking, two-armed barred spiral with obvious bright HII knots in the arms! At 200x the main body of the galaxy appeared as a bright oval or wide bar ~4.5'x3.5' oriented SSW-NNE with a central bulge. A relatively short spiral arm emerges from the south-southwest end and hooks towards the northwest. A brighter elongated HII knot (cataloged as [PES80] 5/6), ~30"x20", is embedded within this extension. A mag 15 star is west of the northwest end of this arm.
Just east of the NNE end of the main bar is another brighter HII knot ([PES80] 1), ~30"x15" and oriented E-W. A faint star (or stellar knot) is less than 1' NW. This bright HII region is embedded in a diffuse arm that curves gently east-southeast from the north end of the bar. After the bright knot, this extension dims but ends at [PES80] 3, a third bright knot ~15" diameter, which is isolated at the end of the arm (nearly due east of the core). The HII designations are from a 1980 study by Page, Edmunds and Smith in MNRAS, 193, 219.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1313 = D 206 = D 207 = D 205? =
h2528 on 27 Sep 1826. He described
D 207 as "a faint ill defined nebula about 1 1/2' diameter, round figure,
a very minute star south slightly involved in the margin - a bright star about
20' south of the nebula." His
reduced position was 13' too far east but the declination was incorrectly
transcribed, so his published position was off by 30'. D 206 was described as "a faint
ill-defined nebula, rather extended in the direction of the meridian [N-S],
with several exceedingly minute stars in it." Finally D 205 was placed 1.4° too far west and 10' small,
but the description fits: "a very faint small nebula, north following a
pretty bright star [mag 8.7
John Herschel only observed this bright galaxy on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) and logged "pB, irreg R or lE, vL, vgbM, resolvable, 3'."
Joseph Turner observed and sketched the galaxy on 13 Nov 1878 with the 48-inch Melbourne Telescope (p.194 of logbook). He sketched the central bar oriented N-S, broader on the south end and tapering on the east end. Just north of end of the "bar" he sketched a small knot, probably a HII region. A small elongated patch was seen just east of the north end of the bar, oriented NW-SE (part of the eastern spiral arm). A symmetric elongated patch was shown just west of the south end, also oriented NW-SE (this is the brightest section of the western arm).
Pietro Baracchi also observed the galaxy on 4 Dec 1885 and wrote, "pB, vL, irregular, pmbM,. This object is complicated. It seems to have appendages not quite detached from the main body but alomost separated from it by two very faint portions which seem at first void of nebula, giving a first impression of three detached nebulae, the middle of which is large, elongated due N and S and gpmbM and the other two, small very faint patches one north and one south of the middle one. The north one pretty much brighter than the south one - but these three individualities are connected by extremely faint nebulous intervals. Another extremely faint pretty large round flat object south-preceding [NGC 1313]. I believe this is a new nebula." His sketch includes this object as a diffuse patch labeled as "New?" on the southwest side. At his position is the HII complex [PES80] 8, which is situated between the central part of the galaxy and a mag 10 star 7.6' SW of center. [PES80] 1 is also shown on the sketch as a brighter patch on the NE end of the galaxy.
NGC 1313 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as possibly a "2-branch spiral."
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03 22 41.2 -04 11 12; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.8
17.5" (1/12/02): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. Appears as a low surface brightness glow just north of a mag 12 star [52" from center].
17.5" (1/7/89): not seen.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1314 = LM 2-367 on 18 Jan
1887 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and
recorded "mag 16.0, 2.0' diameter, E 170°, mag 10 star with an eF nebula
south, *16 in middle?" There
is nothing at his position but 1.1 tmin of RA west is
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03 23 06.6 -21 22 31; Eri
V = 12.4; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (12/28/00): moderately bright, slightly elongated
NW-SE, 1.5'x1.3', moderate concentration with a bright core. Located 21' NW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 1315 = h2526 on 13 Nov 1835, logging "pB, R, gbM, 25 arcsec." His position is accurate. The same night he also found NGC 1319, located 15' SE.
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NGC 1316 = Arp 154 = Fornax A = ESO 357-022 = MCG -06-08-005 = PGC 12651
03 22 41.7 -37 12 30; For
V = 8.5; Size 12.0'x8.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 50°
17.5" (11/26/94): very bright, moderately large, oval
3:2 SW-NE, about 2.5'x1.5'.
Dominated by an intense 40"x30" core which brightens to a
non-stellar nucleus. Forms a pair
with
8" (9/25/81): bright, round, slightly elongated, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 1317 7' N.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1316 = D 548 = h2527, along with NGC 1317, on 2 Sep 1826. He described "a rather bright, round nebula, about 1.5' diameter, gradually condensed to the centre." On 24 Nov 1826, he noted "a group of pretty bright small stars following, which matches NGC 1316. Dunlop discovered six members of the Fornax cluster, though most (15) were found by John Herschel.
Herschel first observed the galaxy on 22 Oct 1835 (seep 636) and noted "vB; pL; lE; vsvmbM, to a nucleus 2" in diameter." On 28 Nov 1837 (sweep 801) he logged "vB; vL; 4' diameter; 1st gradually, then very suddenly very much brighter towards the middle to a stellar ncl"
NGC 1316 is the brightest member of the Fornax cluster and is also known as Fornax A, one of the closest and most famous radio sources in the southern hemisphere. Its radio lobes extend several degrees of sky. Arp classified it as a disturbed galaxy with interior absorption -- like Centaurus A, NGC 1316 contains an extensive system of dust filaments as well as low surface brightness shells and tidal tails, indicating a likely merger. Four supernovae have exploded since 1980.
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NGC 1317 = NGC 1318 = NGC 1392 = ESO 357-023 = MCG -06-08-006 = PGC 12653
03 22 44.4 -37 06 13; For
V = 11.0; Size 2.8'x2.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 78°
17.5" (11/26/94): moderately bright, fairly small, 1.2' diameter, even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. Forms a bright pair with NGC 1316 6.3' S. Located at the southwest end of the Fornax I cluster.
8" (9/25/81): faint, small, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 1316 7' S.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1317 = D 547 = h2529, along with NGC 1316, on 2 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta. He described "a small faint round nebula about 15 arcseconds in diameter." and his position is ~15' too far ENE. John Herschel first observed the galaxy on 22 Oct 1835 and noted "pB, S, R, psbM." His second sweep he recorded it as "pB, pL, 1' diameter; a miniature of the last neb. of this sweep." Julius Schmidt independently found the galaxy on 19 Jan 1865 and thought it was new, because JH made an typo of 20 degrees in NPD for h2529 in the CGH catalogue. JH corrected the NPD in the addendum of the catalogue, but apparently Schmidt didn't check.
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03 22 44.4 -37 06 13; For
V = 11.0; Size 2.8'x2.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 78°
See observing notes for NGC 1317.
Julius Schmidt found NGC 1318 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory in his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "a" in his table). His position is almost identical to NGC 1317 = h2529. Schmidt assumed this nebula was "new" in his 1876 paper since he was working from John Herschel's Cape Catalogue. In the original listing for h2529, Herschel made an typo of 20 degrees in NPD but he corrected this mistake in the addendum of the catalogue. Apparently Schmidt didn't check his correction list. Dorothy Carlson and RNGC list this number as "Not Found".
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03 23 56.5 -21 31 39; Eri
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 27°
17.5" (12/28/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.6'. Increases to a small brighter core and occasional quasi-stellar nucleus. Located 6.8' due west of NGC 1325! A mag 14 star lies 0.8' NW of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1319 = h2533 on 13 Nov 1835 and
logged it as "F; S; R; bM; 15"; precedes IV-77 [NGC 1325]." His position matches
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03 24 48.7 -03 02 33; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 135°
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE,
moderate concentration, small bright core, faint halo. First of four in the field and forms a
close pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 1320 = H. III-197 = h298 = h2530, along with NGC 1321, on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280). He described the pair as "Two. Both eF, verified with 240 power but with 157x I had but a very distant suspicion of them." John Herschel made observations from both Slough, England as well as the Cape of Good Hope.
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NGC 1321 = MCG -01-09-035 = Mrk 608 = PGC 12755
03 24 48.6 -03 00 56; Eri
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 45°
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, small, elongated ~E-W, bright core. Appears slightly smaller but higher surface brightness than NGC 1320 1.7' S. Second of four in the field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1321 = H. III-196 = h297 = h2531, along with NGC 1320, on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 280). He described the pair as "Two. Both eF, verified with 240 power but just suspected with 157 power." John Herschel observed the pair from both Slough on 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 96), as well as the Cape of Good Hope on 5 Oct 1831 (sweep 739) .
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03 24 54.7 -02 55 09; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 100°
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. Third of four in the field and appears slightly fainter than the NGC 1320/NGC 1321 pair. NGC 1321 lies 6' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1322 = h2553 on Oct 5 1836 and logged "F, R, bM, 15", the 3rd of three [with NGC 1320 and 1322]." His position was accurate.
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03 24 56.1 -02 49 19; Eri
V = 15.0; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 85°
17.5" (11/25/87): very faint, extremely small, round. Located 30" NE of a mag 14 star. Fourth of four in a group, with two pairs at different separations. NGC 1322 and 1323 have similar redshifts.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 1323 on 2 Nov 1850 (Saturday) while reobserving the field containing NGC 1320 and 1321. Bindon may have been observing with his brother George Johnstone, as he visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. The description reads, "suspected neb (or perhaps only a star) with a F* close sp." It's possible this galaxy was found earlier by Stoney on 19 Dec 1848 and mentioned as a "* or nebula about 2 1/2' north of [NGC 1322]. But the separation is nearly 6' and there is an extremely faint star 2' NNE of NGC 1322, which is more likely the object seen on that date. This quartet was observed a total of 14 times at Birr Castle!
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03 25 01.7 -05 44 44; Eri
V = 13.4; Size 2.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 135°
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1324 = H. III-445 = h299 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457), logging "vF, pS, E." On 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), John Herschel noted, "vF; pmE; 20" long, 12" broad."
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NGC 1325 = ESO 548-007 = MCG -04-09-004 = UGCA 70 = LGG 097-002 = PGC 12737
03 24 25.6 -21 32 36; Eri
V = 11.5; Size 4.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 56°
17.5" (12/28/00): bright, large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 3.0'x1.3', broad concentration with a large, brighter core. A mag 11.5 star is embedded in the northeast end. The southwest end is better defined and clearly tapers down, giving a lens-like appearance. The edge of the halo is more ill defined to the northeast of the star.
Second brightest in the
13.1" (10/10/86): fairly faint, pretty edge-on 3:1 SW-NE, weak concentration. A star is attached at the northeast end and a mag 13.5 star is 1.5' SE of center. Located in a small group with NGC 1319 6.8' W and NGC 1325A. NGC 1325A is faint, moderately large, round, but very diffuse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1325 = H. IV-77 = h2534 on 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091), describing "a star about 9 or 10m with a nebulous ray to the south-preceding side. The ray is about 1.5' long. The star may not be connected with it." John Herschel described and sketched this galaxy from the Cape on 11 Nov 1835: "A complete telescopic comet; a perfect miniature of Halley's, only the tail is rather broader in proportion; mE; 90" l; the star at the head = 10 mag. See fig 17, Pl VI."
Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 15 Nov 1875 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate II, figure 8 1/2). He noted it appeared "much fainter than Herschel's sketch shows it - It seems to be much altered since he observed it." Instead of the tip of the galaxy at the brighter star (called "a perfect miniature of Halley's" by Herschel), Turner sketched a thin section of the galaxy, skirting around the start and extending further northeast.
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03 23 56.4 -36 27 52; For
V = 10.5; Size 3.9'x2.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 77°
17.5" (11/26/94): bright, fairly small, round, 1.3' diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core and bright stellar nucleus. On a line with three mag 13 stars 2.7' and 4.2' WSW and 3.6' to the ENE. A brighter mag 11 star lies 4.3' NNW. Located on the SW side of the Fornax I cluster.
8" (9/25/81 and 10/31/81): faint, fairly small, round, bright core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1326 = h2535 on 29 Nov 1837, recording it as "60" diameter, vsvmbM to a nucleus, ? a disc." His position is accurate (on the SE side of the halo).
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03 25 23.2 -25 40 46; For
V = 14.7; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 176°
24" (12/1/13): at 260x appeared very faint, very small,
elongated 3:2 N-S, 18"x12".
Visible ~80% of the time with averted. Situated 2.5' ENE of a mag 10.7 star.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1327 = LM 1-105 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and placed roughly at 03h 25m -25d 41' (2000). His description simply includes a magnitude of 16.3 for the nucleus, and the comment "neb?". Southern Galaxy Catalogue, ESO-LV, RC3 and Uranometria 2000 (2nd edition) identify NGC 1327 = ESO 481-026 at 03 25 23.2 -25 40 46 (2000). This galaxy is within 1 minute of RA and a reasonable match in position and description.
NGC 1327 was described by Delisle Stewart (based on plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901) as "3 very faint stars, close stars, no nebula." ESO/Uppsala also identified a pair of stars with a wider third star about 8' NW of this galaxy as possibly NGC 1327, although they stars are too bright to be Stone's object. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent and it is missing from the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas. See my RNGC Corrections #6 and Corwin's notes.
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03 25 39.1 -04 07 30; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 130°
17.5" (11/25/87): faint to fairly faint, very small,
round, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus. Located 4.6' SW of mag 8.7
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, round, slightly brighter core. Located ~5' SW of a mag 8 star.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1328 = LM 2-368 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 0.5 tmin of RA east of
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03 26 02.6 -17 35 29; Eri
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 35°
17.5" (12/30/99): faint, small, slightly elongated
SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5'. Contains a small
bright core, ~10" in size and a faint stellar nucleus with direct
vision. A mag 11.5 star lies 4.0'
S. Located 9' NE of mag 9 SAO
148955. A faint edge-on galaxy
(
John Herschel discovered NGC 1329 = h2536 on 11 Dec 1835 and
commented "F, R, glbM, 30 arcsec.". His position matches
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03 29 04.1 +41 40 30; Per
24" (2/14/15): at 225x appears as small, fuzzy patch with 1 star often resolving [probably the mag 15 star at the northwest end. At 375x, a second mag 15.5 star just 15" E was cleanly resolved. At 450x, a third mag 16 star was resolved.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1330 = St. 12-26, along with
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NGC 1331 = IC 324 = ESO 548-019 = MCG -04-09-012 = LGG 097-025 = PGC 12846
03 26 28.3 -21 21 19; Eri
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2
13.1" (10/10/86): faint, fairly small, almost round. Located 2' SE of NGC 1332.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1331 = H. III-959 on 19 Dec
1799 (sweep 1091), recording it as "The second is close to it [NGC 1332],
or about 1 1/2' sf the former; it is vF, vS." His single position on this sweep is 22 seconds of RA too
small and happens to fall close to
Joseph Turner sketched the pair on 26 Nov 1875 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate II, figure 9) as well as Pietro Baracchi on 7 Jan 1885.
Guillaume Bigourdan independently found this galaxy on 3 Dec
1888 and placed it accurately (B. 142, later
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NGC 1332 = ESO 548-018 = MCG -04-09-011 = UGCA 72 = LGG 097-003 = PGC 12838
03 26 17.1 -21 20 04; Eri
V = 10.3; Size 4.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 120°
13.1" (10/10/86): bright, moderately large, very bright core, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, 2.4'x0.6'. A faint mag 14-14.5 star is just southwest of the core. Forms a pair with NGC 1331 = IC 324 2.8' SE (collinear with the major axis). NGC 1332 is the brightest in a group with NGC 1315, NGC 1319, NGC 1325, NGC 1331 and Holmberg VI (NGC 1325A).
8" (12/6/80): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, bright core, diffuse halo. NGC 1331 not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1332 = H. I-60 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and logged "vB, S, lE, mbM." On 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) he recorded "Two [along with NGC 1331], the 1st [NGC 1332] vB, SBNcl with faint branches from np to sf." The position of NGC 1331 is too far west in the NGC, so the pair is out of RA order.
Joseph Turner sketched the pair on 26 Nov 1875 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate II, figure 9) as well as Pietro Baracchi on 7 Jan 1885.
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03 29 19.7 +31 24 57; Per
Size 9'x7'
18" (1/20/07): fairly large, striking reflection nebula with a 10th magnitude star at the NE end. The nebula curves to the southwest ending with a 1' brighter knot with very faint star involved near its edge. A couple of mag 14 stars are superimposed between the mag 10 star and the knot. The total size is roughly 7'x4'. The surrounding region (particularly to the north) is nearly starless and clearly affected by dust. This region has a number of Herbig-Haro objects and is an active star formation region.
17.5" (2/9/02): bright, interesting reflection nebula
at 140x. Apparently illuminated by
a mag 10 star oddly offset at the NE end of the glow. The appearance is irregular; extending ~10'x6' SW-NE in the
general direction of a mag 10 star 11' SW. The SW extension contains a couple of faint mag 14 stars and
ends at a small, brighter knot that appears to surround a very faint star or
stars. The field is oddly void of
faint stars and there is a large starless region to the north (this is the dark
nebula
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly bright reflection nebula surrounds a mag 10 star that is offset to the northeast side of the nebula. This is a large object, about 10'x6' and elongated SW-NE. There is a bright knot in the southwest end. Two or three 15th magnitude stars are superimposed.
13.1" (11/29/86): fairly bright nebula, large, extends SSW of a mag 9.5 star, oval, slightly brighter at the south edge.
Eduard Schönfeld discovered NGC 1333 = Au 17 on 31 Dec 1855 with a 3-inch Fraunhofer refractor at Bonn Observatory, while measuring stars for the BD catalogue (NGC 1333 received the number BD +30° 548). He noted it as a nebulous star. The discovery was not announced until 1862 in AN 1391 and Auwers included it the same year as #17 in his "Verzeichnis neuer Nebelflecke" (list of new nebulae). In the meantime Horace Tuttle independently discovered the object on 5 Feb 1859 with a 3-inch comet-seeker and Bond (director of Harvard College) announced it as new in 1859MNRAS..19..224B: "it follows a star of the 9-10 mag by 6 seconds, and is 2' north of it. It is barely visible in a telescope of 3 in aperture."
In September 1862 d'Arrest noted it was as faint as a Herschel nebula of third class with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen, but since Tuttle's (independent) discovery was made using a 3-inch scope, he thought it might be a variable nebula (a popular topic among visual observers). Winnecke also took the view that it "must be a new one" as it was listed neither in the Slough catalogue nor Auwers' lists. Based on all the observations, Schönfeld reached the conclusion this case was a "...striking example of how the visibility of very faint, large diffuse nebulae depends on the magnification, air transparency and adaptation to the dark of the eye, so that, compared with ordinary fixed stars, aperture takes a back seat." In 1914 Barnard photographed the region at Yerkes Observatory and noted the nebula appeared "roundish and not symmetrical with respect to the star - its center seems to be several minutes to the south." Summarized from Harold Corwin's identification notes and Steinicke's "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters".
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03 30 01.8 +41 49 57; Per
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 115°
24" (2/14/15): at 225x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE, ~0.6'x0.3', broad concentration to a brighter core, which increases to a fairly weak nucleus. A mag 13.5-14 star is 1.0' NW of center. A mag 15.5 star is at the eastern end [30" E of center] and a similar star is at the north edge of the core. Located on the east side of AGC 426.
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, bright core. A mag 13.5 star is just off the WNW tip. An extremely faint stellar nucleus seen for moments. NGC 1335 lies 16' SSE. This is a possible outlying member of AGC 426.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1334 = Sw. 8-37 on 14 Feb
1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and logged "vF, pL,
35", No nucl. A mag 16 star precedes by 9.6 seconds due west." His position and description matches
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NGC 1335 = UGC 2762 = MCG +07-08-019 = CGCG 541-018 = PGC 13015
03 30 19.5 +41 34 22; Per
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 165°
24" (2/14/15): fairly faint to moderately bright,
fairly small, elongated 5:3 N-S, 30"x18". Contains a bright, elongated small core. Located 3' N of mag 9.0
17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, very small, round, an
extremely faint star is possibly involved, can just hold steadily with
averted. Located 4' N of mag 8.5
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1335 = St. 12-27, along with NGC 1330, on 13 Oct 1869. His rough, unpublished position is 13' to the NW of this galaxy, so the identification is not uncertain. His published micrometric position in list 12 (#27) was reduced on 14 Dec 1881 and is accurate. UGC doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 1335.
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NGC 1336 = ESO 358-002 = MCG -06-08-016 = LGG 096-009 = PGC 12848
03 26 32.2 -35 42 50; For
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 22°
18" (12/22/11): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 1.0'x0.7. Broad concentration but no distinct core. Observation may have been through thin clouds. Located 12' WSW of mag 5.7 Chi 2 and 15' NNE of mag 6.4 Chi 1!
17.5" (1/12/02): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 3:2 SSW-NNE, 2.0'x1.4'. Gradually increases to a large, brighter core. Situated within a group of several mag 6 stars and located 13' W of mag 5.7 Chi 2 and 14' NNE of mag 6.4 Chi 1! Member of the Fornax I cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1336 = h2537 on 22 Oct 1835 and
recorded on his last of 3 observations "vF, lE, 40 arcsec." His position matches
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03 28 05.8 -08 23 21; Eri
V = 11.9; Size 5.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 145°
13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, even surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1337 = Sw. 3-26 on 10 Nov 1885
with his 16" refractor and recorded "vL; vE nearly in meridian;
eF." His position
matches
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03 28 54.5 -12 09 12; Eri
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 55°
48" (10/22/11): at 488x this bright, fairly large,
roundish galaxy has an interesting structure. Off center within the glow is a bright "bar" that
extends 1' from NW to SE. The bar
contains a small bright core and a stellar nucleus. Surrounding the bar feature is 1.2' roundish halo, that is
more extensive on the SW side but with a noticeably lower surface
brightness. The halo on the NE side
of the bar is brighter but smaller.
Located 2.0' W of a mag 10 star and 6' SW of mag 8.8
17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated WNW-ESE, even surface brightness. Located 2' W of a mag 10.5 star and 6' SW of mag 8.5
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1338 = St. 13-24 on 18 Dec
1883. His published micrometrical
position was measured on 15 Dec 1884 and matches
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03 28 06.5 -32 17 11; For
V = 11.6; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 172°
18" (12/22/11): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 ~N-S, 0.9'x0.6'. Has a high surface brightness and evenly increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. Located 6' SE of double star HJ 3578 = 9.2/12.6 at 27".
13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, very compact, round, bright core. An uneven mag 10.5/13 double star at 30" separation lies 6' NW. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1339 = h2538 on 18 Nov 1835 and logged "pB, R, pslbM, 40 arcsec." On a later sweep he noted "B, R, psmbM; a double star precedes." The double star (HJ 3578) is 5.8' NW.
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03 28 19.1 -31 04 05; For
V = 10.4; Size 6.0'x3.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 165°
18" (12/22/11): very bright, fairly large, elongated
2:1 NNW-SSE, ~3'x1.5'. Contains a
very large, faint halo but sharply concentrated with a very bright, elongated
core that increases to the center.
Mag 10
17.5" (11/26/94): bright, moderately large, elongated
2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.3'x1.0', well concentrated with a very bright 30" round
core and a bright stellar nucleus.
Forms an isosceles right triangle with mag 9.7
8" (10/31/81): fairly faint, slightly elongated N-S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1340 = h715 on 19 Nov 1835 and
logged "vB, lE, psbM, 45 arcsec". There is nothing at his position but exactly 10' S is NGC
1344, which was discovered by William Herschel on 9 Oct 1790 and catalogued as
H. I-257. Herschel later observed
it again at the Cape. The
equivalence was even suggested in the NGC Notes section. Swift stated the number should be
struck out as he was not able to find it at Herschel's position. Corwin and ESO equate NGC 1340 = NGC
1344, with
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03 27 58.4 -37 08 58; For
V = 12.3; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 134°
13.1" (10/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, even surface brightness. A mag 12 star is off the SE end 0.9' from center. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1341 = h2540 on 29 Nov 1837 and
noted "F, S, R; has a star 12th mag following." His position and description matches
NGC 1341 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described in a list of NGC corrections as "vE at 140°."
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03 31 36 +37 22; Per
V = 6.7; Size 14'
17.5" (12/23/92): about 100 stars mag 9-14 in 15' diameter, scattered in chains and loops. Two mag 8 stars off the NE side are probably field stars, a nice double star is at the west end. There are several striking star lanes at low power including a long stream oriented E-W. A line of six stars oriented NW-SE forms the SW side and terminates at an easy double star. The NW end is near the striking double star (10.4/11.2 at 14". The field has a large variation of magnitudes.
8": bright, large, scattered, consists of mag 8 stars and fainter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1342 = H. VIII-88 = h301 on 28 Dec 1799 (sweep 1092) and described "a cluster of coarsely scattered large stars, about 15' diameter." His position is accurate.
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03 37 49.7 +72 34 17; Cas
V = 12.7; Size 2.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 80°
48" (11/2/13): bright, large, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, ~2.2'x1.1', unusually sharply concentrated with a blazing, round core ~0.4' diameter, which is punctuated by a faint stellar nucleus. Two faint stars [14" separations] are superimposed within the eastern side of the halo and faint spiral arcs were visible in the outer halo. An extremely faint companion, identified in NED as HFLLZOA G134.74+13.65, was seen as a very low surface brightness patch 1.2' NE of center. A relatively wide pair of stars (h2190 = 13/14 at 15" separation) is 1' NNW of center. This is an unusual "nuclear ring" galaxy with intense starburst activity in the ring.
17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, fairly small, large brighter core, extremely faint halo elongated 2:1 E-W. A double star (h2190 = mag 13/14 at 15" separation) is off the NNW edge 1.0' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1343 = H. III-694 = h300 on 11 Oct 1787 (sweep 764) and noted "vF, vS, irr R, bM. 360 confirmed it." John Herschel made two observations, recording on 29 Oct 1831 (sweep 378), "F, R, gbM, 15". Close to the double star h 2190." His position is accurate.
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NGC 1344 = NGC 1340 = ESO 418-005 = MCG -05-09-005 = AM 0326-311 = LGG 096-004 = PGC 12923
03 28 19.1 -31 04 05; For
V = 10.4; Size 6.0'x3.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 165°
18" (12/22/11): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~3'x1.5'. Contains a very large, faint halo but sharply concentrated with a very bright, elongated core that increases to the center. Mag 10 SAO 194317 lies 5.5' N and mag 9.6 HD 21668 lies 6' E.
17.5" (11/26/94): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.3'x1.0', well concentrated with a very bright 30" round core and a bright stellar nucleus. Forms an isosceles right triangle with mag 9.7 SAO 194325 6' E and mag 10.4 SAO 194317 5.5' N of center. Outlying member on the north side of the Fornax I cluster.
8" (10/31/81): fairly faint, slightly elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1344 = H. I-257 = h2542 on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 972) and recorded "cB, iR, vgmbM, about 1.5' diameter." His position was accurate, though for some reason the RA in the NGC is 21 seconds too large. John Herschel independently found this galaxy on 19 Nov 1835 and assumed it was new, but his position was 10' too far north and it was catalogued again as GC 715 = NGC 1340. So, NGC 1344 = NGC 1340, with NGC 1344 the primary designation. The RA was corrected in Robert Baker's 1933 "Catalogue of 985 Extragalactic Nebulae in a Region in Fornax and Eridanus".
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03 29 31.7 -17 46 42; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 33°
17.5" (12/30/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.5'. Contains a brighter, elongated core. A trio of mag 9.5-10.5 stars (with nearly equal sides of 4'-5') lies ~5' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1345 = h2541 and noted "vF, R, pslbM, 20 arcsec.". His position is an exact match with ESO 548-026.
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03 30 13.3 -05 32 36; Eri
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 80°
24" (11/23/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.45', very small brighter core. A mag 13.4 star is just
0.6' W of center. Member of a
small group (USGC S125) that also incudes
NGC 1346 forms an interacting pair with
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated, bright core. A mag 13.5
star is just 30" W. Located
13' WSW of mag 8.1
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1346 = St. 8b-12 on 1 Dec 1875. He measured an accurate micrometrical position (list 8b, #12) on 15 Dec 1876 and noted it followed a mag 13 star by 2.2 seconds (of time).
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03 29 41.8 -22 16 45; Eri
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (2/5/21): at 200x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness. At 260x, there was a weak central concentration. The companion wasn't seen in very poor seeing.
17.5" (1/12/02): faint, moderately large, irregularly
round, 1.2' diameter, weakly concentrated. A very faint companion at the S edge was not seen. Located 14' N of mag 6.8
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1347 = LM 2-369 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"mag 16.0, 1.0'x0.8', E 130°, sbMN." His position is only 8 sec of RA east of
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03 34 09 +51 25 12; Per
Size 6'
18" (11/23/05): at 225x, this unimpressive cluster appears ~4'x3', elongated NW to SE with roughly 20 stars resolved. Includes two mag 10.5-11.5 stars, a few mag 12 stars with the remainder mag 13-15. The stars are fairly evenly distributed with a couple of tight clumps of stars on the south side. Appears fairly well detached in a low power field, though not eye-catching. Located two degrees NE of Alpha Persei (Mirfak).
William Herschel discovered NGC 1348 = H. VIII-84 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and noted "a cluster of small stars, not very rich." This is a reddened cluster (see Astronomy and Astrophysics, v.387, p.479-486, 2002) at a distance of roughly 6000 light years.
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03 31 27.5 +04 22 51; Tau
V = 13.0; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.2
17.5" (10/21/95): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, very weak even concentration to a quasi-stellar nucleus. Located along the hypotenuse of a small right triangle formed by three mag 13.5 stars with the nearest star 1.6' SE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1349 = Sw. 6-13 on 20 Dec 1886
with his 16" refractor and reported "eeF; S; R; between 2
stars." His position is 10
tsec E and 1' S of
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03 31 07.9 -33 37 42; For
V = 10.3; Size 5.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
18" (12/22/11): bright, large, oval 2:1 N-S,
3.0'x1.4'. Sharply concentrated
with a very bright oval core surrounded by a much fainter halo. The core steadily increases to a very
small, brighter, quasi-stellar nucleus.
Located 6' SW of mag 7.2
17.5" (11/26/94): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 N-S. The halo appears about 3'x2' although difficult determine the exact dimensions as the halo fades gradually into the background. Sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" round core and stellar nucleus. A very faint star is just west of the south extension and two mag 12 stars are 2.7' SE and 3.0' E of center. Located 6' SW of mag 7.2 SAO 194353. Fornax I cluster member.
8" (10/31/81): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, bright core.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1350 = D 591 = h2545 on 24 Nov 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta, NSW. He noted (single observation) "a very faint small ill-defined nebula, south-following [preceding] a small star." He probably was referring to the mag 7.2 star 6' NE. His position was fairly poor, nearly 15' to the SE.
John Herschel observed the galaxy in his sweep of 19 Oct 1835, logging "bright, large, much elongated, but with a round nucleus much brighter than the environing faint atmosphere. PD roughly taken. Transit missed, the observation having been lost by relying on the RA given by Mr. Dunlop's Catalog (3h 25m) which is too great. That here set down is assumed at random as probably nearer the truth." His approximate position was corrected by DeLisle Stewart based on a photograph taken between 1898 and 1901 at Harvard College Observatory's Arequipa Station and repeated in the IC 2 Notes.
Harold Knox-Shaw also photographed the galaxy at the Helwan Observatory between 1909-11 with the 30" Reynolds reflector and described an "oval ring with central star and traces of structure external to this in the form of either another ring or spiral arms".
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03 30 34.9 -34 51 15; For
V = 11.6; Size 2.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 140°
18" (12/22/11): fairly bright, oval 3:2 NW-SE,
0.8'x0.5', high surface brightness.
Brightens evenly to a very small bright core and a quasi-stellar
nucleus. Located 9' SE of mag 9.4
13.1" (10/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, bright core. Fornax I cluster member.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1351 = h2544 on 19 Oct 1835 and
reported "pB, R, psbM, 30 arcsec.". His position matches
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03 31 32.9 -19 16 42; Eri
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 134°
17.5" (11/17/01): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration.
Located 4.4' NW of mag 8.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 1352 = h2543 on 11 Dec 1835 and
recorded "eF; S; pslbM; has a * 8 mag S.f. Very difficult and probably not
to be seen without a recently polished mirror, such as was used in this
observation." His position
and description matches
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03 32 03.0 -20 49 05; Eri
V = 11.5; Size 3.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 138°
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly bright, moderately bright, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.0', large bright core, stellar nucleus. The halo appears more extensive NW of the core. The major axis is parallel to a mag 11.5 star off the SE end 2.8' from the center.
8" (11/28/81): faint, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, bright core. A mag 12 star is 2.8' SE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1353 = H. III-246 = h2546 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and noted "vF, E, equally bright." On 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) he reported "cB, cL, irr F, lE from np to sf." John Herschel logged it on 11 Nov 1835 as "B, mE, gmbM, 90" l, 40" br.
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03 32 29.4 -15 13 16; Eri
V = 12.4; Size 2.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 148°
18" (11/23/05): this galaxy was a pleasant surprise as it appeared moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.3'. Contains a fairly bright bulging core with fainter extensions that fade and taper at the tips (spindle shape). A mag 14 star lies off the SE end, 1.2' S of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1354 = H. III-487 = h2547 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 499) and recorded "vF, S, E." John Herschel called it "vF, S, lE, glbM, 25 arcsec." The NGC position is accurate.
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NGC 1355 = MCG -01-10-002 = PGC 13169
03 33 23.5 -04 59 55; Eri
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 80°
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated WSW-ENE, bright core.
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, edge-on WSW-ENE, bright core.
Samuel Hunter, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 1355 on 27 Dec 1861. His sketch clearly shows NGC 1355 labeled as Alpha, along with NGC 1358 (close to a double star). Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 1355 on 8 Oct 1864 while observing nearby NGC 1358. He was surprised this nebula was missed by William Herschel and Lord Rosse (unaware of Hunter's observation). Stephan recorded NGC 1355 on 22 Nov 1875 during an observation of NGC 1358, as well as Dreyer on 6 Nov 1877. Dreyer later realized that Alpha on Hunter's diagram was d'Arrest's "nova". Nevertheless, he credited d'Arrest and not LdR with the discovery in the GC Supplement and NGC.
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NGC 1356 = ESO 200-031 = Rose 37 = PGC 13035
03 30 40.6 -50 18 35; Hor
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 149°
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x
appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated N-S, ~1.2'x1.0'. Weak concentration, though with direct
vision a faint, stellar nucleus is visible. With careful viewing the galaxy appeared to be mottled or
clumpy. Forms a close pair with
much fainter
John Herschel discovered NGC 1356 = h2549 on 23 Dec 1837 and recorded "vF, R, gbM, 40 arcsec." The next sweep he logged "vF, pL, irregular, near stars." His first position is at the northern tip of the galaxy.
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03 33 17.0 -13 39 49; Eri
V = 11.5; Size 2.8'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 85°
13.1" (12/7/85): fairly bright, moderately large,
round, bright core. Forms the
vertex of an isosceles right triangle with mag 8.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 1357 = H. II-290 = h2548 on 1 Feb 1785 (sweep 364) and recorded "F, pL, R, bM, about 5 or 6' south preceding of a pretty large star." John Herschel logged it twice from the Cape of Good Hope and noted on 8 Dec 1835 "pF, pL, R, 40", near three stars, two of which are 10th mag." Sir Robert Ball, observing with the 72" at Birr Castle on 13 Nov 1866, remarked "cB, pL, bM, either double or with a star [correct] very closely preceding. Observations interrupted by the superb display of shooting stars." According to Wikipedia, the 1866 Leonids produced hundreds per minute and a few thousand per hour in Europe.
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NGC 1358 = MCG -01-10-003 = LGG 103-001 = PGC 13182
03 33 39.7 -05 05 22; Eri
V = 12.1; Size 2.6'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 15°
17.5" (11/25/87): moderately bright, moderately large,
irregularly round, sharp concentration.
A pretty mag 13 double star at 15" separation is 1.7' ENE. Located 8' W of a mag 10 star. Forms a pair with NGC 1355 6.8'
NW. Member of the
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, almost round, small bright core. A faint double star is close east and brighter star to west.
13" (12/18/82): very faint, small, elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1358 = H. III-446 = h302 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457) and noted "vF, S, between some small stars." His position was too far south, but John Herschel measured an accurate position (two observations) copied into the NGC.
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03 33 47.2 -19 29 23; Eri
V = 12.2; Size 2.4'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 139°
17.5" (11/17/01): fairly large oval 4:3 NW-SE,
3.0'x2.5' WNW-ESE, fairly low surface brightness with no significant concentration. This galaxy has a disturbed, knotty
appearance that was not picked up visually. Brightest in a small group with
John Herschel discovered NGC 1359 = h2550 on 12 Oct 1836 and
recorded "F, L, R, vglbM, 2'."
His position matches
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03 33 14.6 -25 52 18; For
V = 9.6; Size 460"x320"
18" (1/17/09): superb view at 115x and OIII filter. Appears as a huge oval, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, extends ~6'x4', contains a bright mag 11 central star. This showpiece planetary is clearly asymmetric and notably brighter on the NNE side in a sector extending from the center and fanning out to the north. This brighter region is irregular in surface brightness and slightly dims before brightening along the NNE rim. The south side is slightly fainter and contains a weaker arc or lane.
18" (1/1/08): at 115x; this unusual planetary is a huge oval or irregular egg-shape, ~6'x4', oriented SSW-NNE (PA ~30°) surrounding a very bright mag 11 central star. Excellent contrast with an OIII filter as it really brings out its asymmetric structure. The planetary is noticeably brighter in a fan-shaped wedge spreading out from the central star to the north. At times the northeast rim appeared a bit clumpy. The fainter south side has a slightly darker lane extending to the southeast.
17.5" (11/17/01): At 100x with OIII filter, this huge planetary appears a very large oval 3:2 or 4:3 SSW-NNE, ~6'x4.5' with a striking central star. Appears clearly brighter on the north side of the central star in a section defined by a triangular wedge with apex at the central star. The nebulosity dims a bit on the west side as well as the south.
17.5" (10/8/88): very bright, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 6'x4' diameter, very bright mag 11 central star, almost even surface brightness. Very impressive planetary with or without OIII filter.
14.5" (12/17/20): bright, unusually large PN with a prominent 11th mag central star. Irregular oval or egg shape SSW-NNE, nearly 6'x4'. Noticeably brighter along the north side in a roughly triangle slice extending from the central star. Much weaker on the SE flank. Good contrast gain at 76x and 87x using OIII and UHC filters.
13.1" (10/10/86): very large, oval 4:3, very bright mag 10-11 central star. Impressive at 88x using an OIII filter.
13.1" (10/20/84): large, pale oval ~N-S, bright central star. Appears moderately bright using a filter.
80mm finder (1/1/08): faintly visible at 25x as a dim oval glow surrounding a faint star. Adding an OIII filter significantly increased the contrast and the outline appeared better defined.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1360 in 1859 with his 4.5-inch
comet-seeker. He didn't announce
the observation until 1885, though.
Wilhelm Tempel also discovered it on 9 Oct 1861, along with
In the March 1885 issue of "The Sidereal Messenger: A
Monthly Review of Astronomy" Swift reported that "in 1859 while
searching in Eridanus for comets I ran upon the most conspicuous nebulous star
visible from this latitude - a 7th magnitude star nearly in the center of a
bright nebulosity. As both were so
bright, I, of course, supposed they were well known. Not until five years since was I aware that this wonderful
object was not in the G.C."
Dreyer credited Swift (his earliest discovery) and Winnecke in the
NGC. So, NGC 1360 was
independently "discovered" by four observers, the most (along with
This is one the brightest objects missed by the Herschels as well as by John Dunlop. In 1914, Hardcastle classified NGC 1360 as a spindle-shaped nebula. The following year, Knox-Shaw at the Helwan Observatory reported it wasn't a spindle but was "probably like the Owl", based on a photograph taken with the Reynolds reflector. Minkowski first classified it as definitely a planetary in 1946. A star was incorrectly plotted at the position on the Uranometria 2000 Atlas (first edition) because the CoD and CPD catalogue (used as a source for the U2000) included the central star.
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03 34 17.7 -06 15 54; Eri
V = 13.9; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 39°
17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, weak concentration to a very small, brighter core. Situated nearly midway between two mag 12 stars 5' NW and 5' ESE.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1361 = LM 2-370 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is just 0.2 tmin east and
1' north of
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03 33 53.0 -20 16 56; Eri
V = 12.8; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 5°
17.5" (12/9/01): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
30" diameter. Steadily
increases to a small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus. Located 5.4' NNW of mag 8.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 1362 = h2551 on 13 Nov 1835 and recorded "vF; S; R." His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate. William Herschel is credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC, but H. III 960 applies to NGC 1370 (see that number).
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03 34 49.3 -09 50 33; Eri
V = 13.1; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 45°
17.5" (11/17/01): fairly faint, fairly small,
irregularly round, 0.7'x0.6', very weak concentration. Forms a close pair with
Sherburne Burnham discovered NGC 1363 = Sw. 5-54 with the
18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory on 31 Dec 1877 (Memoirs of
the Royal Astr Soc, Vol 44, p169). At Burnham's offset from a nearby mag
6 star is
******************************
03 34 58.8 -09 50 19; Eri
V = 14.7; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (11/17/01): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no other details visible. Forms a close pair with NGC 1363 2.3' W. Located 5.6' ENE of mag 6.2 SAO 149047.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1364 = LM 2-371 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory while observing NGC
1363 (previously discovered by Sherburne Burnham). His position is a good match with
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03 33 35.9 -36 08 24; For
V = 9.6; Size 11.2'x6.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 32°
48" (10/22/11): stunning view of this huge, barred spiral with the full extent of the long, graceful arms clearly visible and a great deal of structure. The very bright bar runs nearly 3' WSW-ENE and contains an extremely bright core that increases to a striking knotty nucleus that is sliced by a dust lane running SW to NE. The dust lane creates a mini spiral in the center with a bright elongated section south of the lane that has an "arm" attached at its northeast end that curls to the southwest. The section of the nucleus north of the lane appears as a small but brighter arm, gently curving from SW to NE.
The main northern spiral arm is attached at the west end of the bar and has a bright, mottled "knot" as it emerges from the bar and heads north-northeast. This knot contains the HII regions #23-25 from Paul Hodge's 1969 "HII Regions in Twenty Nearby Galaxies" (ApJS, 18, 73). It was also the site of SN 2001du, a supernova discovered visually by Robert Evans. This arm dims a bit and then brightens along a 1' strip (containing #19) just northwest of a superimposed mag 13.5 star. The arm then dims significantly but can be easily traced a total length of 6.5', ending just southeast of a mag 13.5-14 star.
The main southern arm emerges on the east-northeast end of the bar as a brighter patch or OB association that contains #2-3, matching the west end. A group of stars is just beyond this patch to the east. The arm extends ~6.5' SW and is bordered by several stars; a mag 14.5 star is on the south edge before the middle of the arm, a mag 16 star 1.3' due south of this star and two mag 15/16 stars are on the inside (northern edge) beyond the middle of the arm. A very small, very faint knot is near the southwest tip of the arm. The arm dims significantly at this point but bends and continues another 2' NW.
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): viewed SN2012fr, a type Ia supernova, as a mag 12 star situated just 2" west and 52" north of the center of NGC 1365.
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the best visual barred spiral in the sky and although it was only at 33° elevation (well past the meridian), the view was stunning at 200x with its long sweeping arms making a slashing cosmic "Z" in the eyepiece. I was also surprised by the structure in the fairly small, extremely bright core that is embedded in the 3' E-W bar. On the north edge of the mottled core, a very short, hooking appendage extended towards the northeast with a fainter counterpart on the southwest end. This gave the small core the appearance of a tiny barred spiral! At the west end of the bar a bright arm emerges, dramatically sweeping back to the NNE (sharp 110° angle) beyond a mag 13 star that is situated near the 1/3 mark of its total length. The counterpart on the east end of the bar shoots to the southwest, reaching a faint star at its end. The total distance between the tips of the arms is roughly 10'.
20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 127x and 212x, NGC 1365 appeared as an amazing two-armed barred spiral, similar to the photographic appearance. The core is a quite bright, bulging oval embedded in a larger bar oriented ~E-W. Attached at opposite ends of the bar are two long, graceful arms that extend quite a distance and are nearly straight. The arm attached on the west side of the bar wraps around a mag 12.5 star about 1' NW of the core and extends well beyond towards the NNE. The opposite arm attached on the following end is slightly fainter and shoots towards the SSW. The tips of the outer arms dramatically increase the total size of the galaxy.
18" (12/30/08): although a pale imitation of the view from Australia, with careful viewing at 175x the spiral arm attached at the west end of the central bar was faintly visible sweeping to the NNE for ~3' in length. The counterpart on the SE side was not seen.
13.1" (12/22/84): bright, elongated core, large, 3' diameter, very diffuse outer halo. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
8" (1/1/84): fairly bright, fairly large, bright core, diffuse halo, broad concentration.
8" (9/25/81): moderately large, elongated, gradually brighter core.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1365 = D 562 = h2552 on 2 Sep 1826. He described "a pretty large faint round nebula, about 3 1/2' diameter, gradual slight condensation to the centre, very faint at the margin." He made two observations but his published RA was off by a full 10 minutes of time. His handwritten notebook positions are only 9' E and 9' SE, so he clearly made a transcription error (of 3 minutes in time) in his catalogue. As a result, Dunlop wasn't credited with the discovery in the GC or NGC.
John Herschel independently discovered NGC 1365 on 28 Nov
1837 (sweep 801) and described "A very remarkable nebula. A decided link
between the nebula
Albert Le Sueur sketched a pair of dramatic spiral arms, central bar and core as a "Z" shaped figure using the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope on 30 Jan 1870 (unpublished plate VII, figure 84). Joseph's Turner sketch (unpublished lithograph plate II, figure 10) on 2 Dec 1875 shows a distinct bar but the outer halo forms a nearly complete oval, so the overall shape is a squashed "Theta". NGC 1365 was probably first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as "! open, 2-branch spiral, double nucleus."
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03 33 53.7 -31 11 39; For
V = 12.0; Size 2.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 2°
13.1" (10/10/86): fairly faint, small, bright core,
thin faint extensions 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.5'.
Located 6.8' S of mag 6.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 1366 = H. III-857 = h2553 on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 972) and recorded "vF, S, irr F, lbM." His position is at the south edge of the galaxy.
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03 35 00.7 -24 56 04; For
V = 10.7; Size 5.6'x3.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 135°
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly bright, moderately bright,
elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.5', halo fades into the background. Very bright elongated core 30"
diameter increases to a stellar nucleus.
A mag 8.3 star
8" (10/31/81): faint, moderately large, bright core, diffuse halo.
Ormond Stone found NGC 1367 = LM 1-106 in 1886 with the
26-inch Clark refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"mag 13.0 [bright], *9, nf 5.0'." His rough position is a good match with
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03 34 58.9 -15 39 23; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 108°
18" (11/26/03): very faint, small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE,
0.7'x0.4', weak concentration, very small bright core. Forms an isosceles triangle with a mag
14 star 1.8' ESE and a mag 14.9 2.5' NE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1368 = LM 1-107 on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position falls 3' S of MCG -03-10-012 = PGC 13247. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory as well as Robert Baker in his 1937 Harvard catalogue of galaxies in Fornax and Eridanus. MCG doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 1368.
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NGC 1369 = ESO 358-034 = MCG -06-09-004 = LGG 096-019 = PGC 13330
03 36 45.2 -36 15 24; Eri
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 12°
18" (12/30/08): faint, fairly small, irregularly round,
~0.9'x0.8', very weak concentration.
Located 4.3' NW of mag 7.2
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1369 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2" Plössl refractor at the Athens Observatory. It was found during a survey on the Fornax Cluster (nebula "b" in his table). but there is nothing at his position, which is 9.4' SE of NGC 1365. Interestingly, NGC 1365 is the previous entry in his table (AN 2097, p137) and that position is very accurate. The entry that follows NGC 1369 is a bright star (assigned mag 5.6), which supposedly follows NGC 1369 by 7 sec in RA and 2.4' S, though its position must also be in error. Harold Corwin found that if Schmidt made 3 minute error in RA for both objects (change 27 to 30), then NGC 1369 = ESO 358-034 = PGC 13330 and the bright star (4.5' SE) is mag 7.2 HD 22621.
This galaxy was listed in a table of new nebulae found between 1909-11 at the Helwan Observatory, but Knox-Shaw remarked that it was "possibly identical with [NGC] 1369." ESO-LV (surface photometry catalogue) and RC3 identify NGC 1369 = ESO 358-034 but the ESO-Uppsala catalogue and MCG don't label this galaxy as NGC 1369. The RNGC calls this number nonexistent.
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NGC 1370 = ESO 548-048 = MCG -03-10-013 = LGG 095-002 = PGC 13265
03 35 14.5 -20 22 26; Eri
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 50°
17.5" (12/9/01): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4'. Situated exactly midway between two mag 13/14 stars just off the NW and SE flanks (both ~40" from center)! NGC 1362 lies 20' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1370 = H. III-559 = H.
III-960 = h2554 on 20 Sep 1786 (sweep 597) and logged III 559 as "3 vS
stars in a line, with vF nebulosity.
On 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) he noted III 960 as "vF, vS, 300
confirmed it." His position
on both sweeps are pretty close to
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NGC 1371 = NGC 1367 = ESO 482-010 = MCG -04-09-029 = UGCA 79 = AM 0332-250 = LGG 097-012 = PGC 13255
03 35 01.3 -24 56 00; For
V = 10.7; Size 5.6'x3.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 135°
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly bright, moderately bright, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.5', halo fades into the background. Very bright elongated core 30" diameter increases to a stellar nucleus. A mag 8.3 star SAO 168653 (wide double at 53" with a mag 11.5 star) is 4.5' NE. NGC 1360 lies one degree SSW.
8" (10/31/81): faint, moderately large, bright core, diffuse halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1371 = H. II-262 = h2555 on
17 Nov 1784 (sweep 321) and logged "F, a little & irr E above 1' in
dia." His position is ~5'
north of
Ormond Stone independently found the galaxy in 1886 and recorded LM 1-106 (later NGC 1367) as "mag 13.0 [bright], *9, nf 5.0'." His rough position is a good match for NGC 1371 and his comment about the nearby star clinches the equivalence. Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin both conclude NGC 1371 = NGC 1367, with NGC 1371 the primary designation.
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03 36 59.7 -15 52 53; Eri
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2
18" (11/23/05): very faint, extremely small, round,
15"-20" diameter. A mag
14.5 star lies 1' SW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1372 = LM 1-108 on 12 Nov
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is 0.9 tmin west of
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03 34 59.2 -35 10 16; For
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 131°
18" (12/17/11): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 NW-SE, 40"x30", broad concentration. Smallest and faintest in a trio with
13.1" (12/22/84): very faint, extremely small. First of three with NGC 1374 4.8' SE
and
John Herschel discovered NGC 1373 = h2556 on 29 Nov 1837 and
recorded "eF, vS, the preceding of three [with NGC 1374 and
1375]." His position is quite
poor and lands at the southwest edge of NGC 1374, so clearly there was some
problem with the observation. When
Julius Schmidt observed the field he measured an accurate position for NGC
1374, but was unsure of its identification and has no measurement for NGC
1373. Still, there are only three
galaxies here, and Herschel's description is appropriate for
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NGC 1374 = ESO 358-023 = MCG -06-08-029 = LGG 096-014 = PGC 13267
03 35 16.6 -35 13 35; For
V = 11.1; Size 2.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.9
18" (12/17/11): very bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter. Contains a relatively large intense core that increases to the center. Forms a striking pair with NGC 1375 2.3' S of center. NGC 1373 lies 4.9' NW and
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, round, bright core. In a close trio with NGC 1375 2' S and NGC 1373 4.8' NW. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
8" (10/31/81): faint, small, round.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1374 = h2557 (along with NGC 1373 = h2556 and NGC 1375 = h2558) on 29 Nov 1837, recording "vB, pL, lE, gmbM, the 2nd of three." His position was 1.6' ENE of center (similar offset as NGC 1375). In 1865 Julius Schmidt measured a more accurate position with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory.
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NGC 1375 = ESO 358-024 = MCG -06-08-030 = LGG 098-002 = PGC 13266
03 35 16.8 -35 15 57; For
V = 12.4; Size 2.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 91°
18" (12/17/11): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.4'x0.6'. Broad concentration with a fairly large brighter core. Forms a striking pair with NGC 1374 2.3' N.
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, edge-on streak 3:1 E-W. In a trio with NGC 1374 2.4' N and NGC 1373 6.8' NW. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1375 = h2558 in the Fornax Cluster and described "B, S, lE, pmbM; the 3d of 3 [with NGC 1373 and 137] of the same RA as the second." His RA is 7 sec too large, but Julius Schmidt's position (measured on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory and listed as nebula "c") is accurate in RA.
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NGC 1376 = MCG -01-10-011 = LGG 103-002 = PGC 13352
03 37 05.9 -05 02 34; Eri
V = 12.1; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 95°
17.5" (11/25/87): moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, diffuse, weak concentration. Member of the NGC 1376/1417 Group (LGG 103).
13.1" (12/7/85): moderately bright, round, moderately large, weak concentration, diffuse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1376 = H. II-288 = h303 on 28 Jan 1785 (sweep 359) and logged "F, pL, irr R, r." John Herschel measured an accurate position on 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 96), calling it "L; the faintest thing imaginable."
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03 36 39.0 -20 54 05; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 92°
17.5" (12/9/01): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 E-W, bright core, 1.2'x0.6'. Located 11' W of mag 9.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 1377 = H. II-961 = h2560 on 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) and noted "vF, vS." John Herschel made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope, recording it as "F, S, R, bM, 15 arcsec."
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03 35 58.2 -35 12 40; For
= **, Carlson & ESO. Not found, de Vaucouleurs
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1378 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "d" in his table). His position corresponds with an 11" double star (brighter component mag 13.2) and ESO, Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin identify NGC 1378 with these two stars.
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03 36 04.0 -35 26 29; For
V = 10.9; Size 2.4'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.8
18" (12/17/11): very bright, fairly large, round, 1.6'
diameter. Well concentrated with a very bright 20" core that increases to
a bright, stellar nucleus.
Slightly larger
13.1" (12/22/84): bright, almost round, bright core, almost stellar nucleus. Forms a right angle with NGC 1387 11.5' SE and NGC 1381 10' NE. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
8" (10/31/81): faint, small, round, bright core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1379 = h2561 on 25 Dec 1835 and reported a "Globular cluster, pB, R, gpmbM, 70 arcsec." His position corresponds with ESO 358-027 = PGC 13299. He also described a few other galaxies in the Fornax cluster as globulars.
In 1915, Harold Knox-Shaw reported it was not resolved visually and showed on continuous spectrum on a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector.
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03 36 27.5 -34 58 31; For
V = 9.9; Size 4.8'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 7°
18" (12/17/11): extremely bright, large, elongated ~5:3 N-S, ~3.0'x1.8'. Sharply concentrated with an intense, elongated core that brightens to the center, though there was no evident nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is superimposed ~0.9' SW of center. This is one of the brightest Fornax cluster galaxies.
13.1" (12/22/84): very bright, elongated 2:1 N-S, bright core, faint elongated halo. A very faint mag 14 star is SW of the core 1.2' from the center. Member of Fornax I cluster.
8" (10/31/81): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated, bright core.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1380 = D 574 = h2559 on 2 Sep 1826 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta. He recorded "a rather faint pretty well-defined elliptical nebula, about 1' long, and 50" broad, a little brighter to the centre." His single position was well off, 19.5' too far ESE, but this is brightest single galaxy he likely picked up. John Herschel also made a single observation on sweep 635 (19 Oct 1835) and logged, "very bright; large; round; pretty suddenly brighter towards the middle; A fine nebula." He added: "The obs. of the place like that of Dunlop 591 above was lost by setting the instrument on the place given in Mr Dunlop's Catalogue, and relying on his RA (3h 31m) which is too great, instead of sweeping over them, when they could not have escaped being regularly taken." In 1865 Julius Schmidt measured a more accurate position with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory.
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NGC 1381 = ESO 358-029 = MCG -06-09-003 = PGC 13321
03 36 31.6 -35 17 43; For
V = 11.5; Size 2.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 139°
18" (12/17/11): fairly bright, fairly large, very
elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.6'x0.5'.
Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core that increases to
the center. A mag 14 star lies
1.8' SE and a similar star is 3' NW.
Situated nearly at the midpoint of a line connecting
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, edge-on 3:1 NW-SE, bright core, faint elongated halo. A mag 14 star is 1.8' SE of center. Member of the Fornax I cluster with NGC 1379 10' SW and NGC 1387 14' SSE.
8" (10/31/81): faint, small, elongated.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1381 on 19 Jan 1865 with the
6.2-inch Plössl refractor at the Athens Observatory. It was found during his survey of the Fornax Cluster on the
same night (nebula "e" in his table published in 1876). His position is an excellent match with
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NGC 1382 = NGC 1380B = ESO 358-037 = MCG -06-09-009 = PGC 13354
03 37 09.0 -35 11 42; For
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 179°
18" (12/17/11): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.8' diameter. Fairly low surface brightness with only a broad, mild concentration and no core or zones. NGC 1381 lies 9.6' SW.
13.1" (12/22/84): very faint, round, fairly small, very diffuse. On a line with NGC 1381 9.5' SW and NGC 1379 20' SW. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1382 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch Plössl refractor at the Athens Observatory. It was found during a survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "f" in his table). There is nothing at his position, but 37 seconds of RA east and 1.7' S is ESO 358-037. This is the only reasonable candidate but his position for NGC 1381 (the previous object is his list) is accurate, so the identification NGC 1382 = ESO 358-037 is uncertain.
Harold Knox-Shaw found this galaxy again on a photograph taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector between 1912-14 at the Helwan Observatory and reported it as new in the 1915 observatory bulletin. de Vaucouleurs called this galaxy NGC 1380B in his 1956 "Survey of Bright Galaxies South of -35° Declination", based on Mt Stromlo plates. See Harold Corwin's notes for more.
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03 37 39.2 -18 20 22; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 91°
17.5" (12/11/99): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.6', well concentrated. Situated between two mag 13/14.5 stars 1.5' SW and NE. First in a group of 7 NGC galaxies
including
John Herschel discovered NGC 1383 = h2562 on 11 Dec 1835 and recorded "pF, vS, R, psmbM." His position is accurate.
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03 39 13.5 +15 49 08; Tau
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 145°
17.5" (11/2/91): very faint, very small, round. A mag 13.5 star is 1.2' WNW of
center. Located 3.5' WSW of mag
8.6
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1384 = m 90 on 20 Oct 1864 with
William Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted a "neb * 13." His position falls very close to a
faint, unequal double star but Harold Corwin notes that 1.6' S is
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03 37 28.8 -24 30 07; For
V = 10.9; Size 3.4'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 165°
48" (10/29/19): at 610x; very bright, large, excellent spiral with an unusual, chaotic appearance! Overall, the galaxy is elongated ~5:3 N-S, ~3.0'x1.8', with a prominent thick bar running ~E-W through the center. A small, bright knot is close north of the west end of the bar.
A brighter, elongated patch (probably a short section of a spiral arm) was easily seen extending north of the bar. Only the initial part of the southern arm attached to the west end of the bar was visible. The main, long spiral arm was rooted on the east end of the bar and stretched well north of the central region. Its surface brightness seemed irregular or patchy. The arm faded and was less defined as it curled clockwise and spread west on the north end of the halo. The south portion of the halo was faint overall (due to dust) but displayed a semi-circular outline due to the very low surface brightness southern arm.
17.5" (11/26/94): fairly bright, moderately large. Dimensions are 2.5'x2.0' slightly elongated N-S, but with an irregular appearance. A bright bar appears to extend through the galaxy WNW-ESE surrounded by an irregular patchy halo more elongated N-S. Spiral structure is strongly suggested with a spiral arm on the NE side. The galaxy appears more extensive north of the bar. Located within a 10' string of four mag 11-12 stars oriented SW-NE.
8" (10/31/81): faint, fairly small, brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1385 = H. II-263 = h2563 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 321) and recorded "F but less bright than the last [NGC 1371], bM, about 1.5' dia." His position is 4' too far north-northwest. John Herschel called this object "B, R, gpmbM, 40 arcsec" and measured an accurate position.
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03 36 46.2 -35 59 58; Eri
V = 11.2; Size 3.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 25°
18" (12/17/11): bright or very bright, large, elongated
5:2 SW-NE, 2.5'x1.0'. Gradually
brighter outer halo, then sharply concentrated with a very bright, elongated
core that increases towards the center.
13.1" (1/1/84): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE,
bright core. NGC 1389 lies 16' NNE
and NGC 1369 15' S (not observed).
Located 5.2' NNW of mag 9.5
8" (1/1/84): fairly faint, bright core, almost round.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1386 on 19 Jan 1865 with the
6.2-inch Plössl refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the
Fornax Cluster (nebula "g" in his table). His position is at the east
edge of
******************************
NGC 1387 = ESO 358-036 = MCG -06-09-007 = LGG 096-016 = PGC 13344
03 36 56.8 -35 30 24; For
V = 10.7; Size 2.8'x2.8'; Surf Br = 12.8
18" (12/17/11): at 285x appeared bright to very bright,
fairly large, round, 2' diameter.
Sharply concentrated with a very bright 25"-30" core that
increases to a stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus. Bracketed at low power by NGC 1379 11.5' WNW and
13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, small, round, possible faint stellar nucleus. Member of Fornax I cluster. NGC 1381 lies 14' NNW and NGC 1379 11.5' WNW.
8" (10/31/81): faint, small, round, broad concentration.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1387 = h2564 on 25 Dec 1835 and described a "globular cluster, vB, R, gmbM, 90 arcseconds, A globular cluster in all probability identical with this, was also seen in Sweep 636, while searching beyond the meridian for Dunlop 562." His position is accurate. He also described a few other galaxies in the Fornax cluster as globulars (NGCs 1310, 1379, 1399 and 1436). In 1915 Knox-Shaw reported it was similar to 1380 and 1399 "and probably a nebula", based on a photograph as well as a visual observation with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory.
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03 38 12.0 -15 53 58; Eri
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (12/9/01): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter. Forms the eastern vertex of a triangle with a mag 11.5 star 4.5' W and a mag 13 star 3' SW. NGC 1372 lies 17' W.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1388 = LM 1-109 on 12 Nov
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA)
happens to be fairly accurate in this case, falling 2.4' SE of
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NGC 1389 = ESO 358-038 = MCG -06-09-010 = LGG 098-004 = PGC 13360
03 37 11.7 -35 44 46; Eri
V = 11.5; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 30°
18" (12/17/11): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 60"x40". Moderately concentrated with a brighter core and a thin fainter halo. Forms the SW vertex of a trapezoid with a mag 10 star 3' N, and two mag 12 stars 3' E and 3.7' NE.
13.1" (1/1/84): moderately bright, small, almost round, weak concentration. Member of Fornax I cluster.
8" (1/1/84): faint, small, round.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1389 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch Plössl refractor at the Athens Observatory. It was found during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "h" on his list). His position is accurate.
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03 37 52.1 -19 00 30; Eri
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 19°
17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.4'. Very weak concentration along the major axis. Situated 6' N of a mag 9.8 star and ~40' SW of the NGC 1407 group.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1390 = LM 2-372 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 14.0, 1.0'x0.6', E 260°." There is nothing at his position but 16 sec of RA west and 2' N is ESO 548-054 = PGC 13386, the only nearby candidate. His PA is in error (should read 20°, instead of 260°). The RA was corrected in Robert Baker's 1937 "Catalogue of 1113 Galaxies in a Region in Fornax and Eridanus".
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03 38 52.9 -18 21 15; Eri
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 65°
17.5" (12/11/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3
~E-W, very weak concentration.
Located between
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1391 = LM 2-373 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His description reads "mag 15.4,
0.4' dia, R, gbMN, 1st of 3, one of which is GC 742 [NGC 1383]. There is nothing at his position, but 28
tsec of RA east is
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03 22 44.4 -37 06 13; For
V = 11.0; Size 2.8'x2.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 78°
See observing notes for NGC 1317.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1392 = Sw. 6-15 on 13 Feb 1887, along with Sw. 6-14, and recorded "vF; pS; R." There is nothing at his position, though Sw. 6-15 was placed ~4.5' N of brighter VI-14. Swift has a long note at the end of his 6th list about VI-14 and VI-15. He assumed VI-14 referred to the "Great Southern Comet" 1887-I, though he found it 3° south of the predicted place. At the end of his paper, H.C.F. Kreutz remarked that the most recent orbital calculations placed Swift's nebula 38 minutes of RA east and 4° south of the position of the comet, so they were likely not related. More of the story which follows, is gleaned from Gary Kronk's book on Lewis Swift and Harold Corwin's IC identification notes.
In the following volume of Astronomische Nachrichten (AN 118, 203), Swift wrote (17 Dec) "I have made two unsuccessful attempts to refind the two objects one of which I thought was very probably Comet 1887-I. The seeing on both occasions were fairly good but not equal that when seen which was exceptionally fine. I am therefore not surprised that the faintest one was not seen as it was a very faint object and though so near the suspected comet was not noticed for some little time. In fact I begin to fear I shall never see the faint one again in consequence of an increased number of electric street lights south of and not far from the observatory."
Barnard also searched for Swift's nebulae and reported on 19 November (AN 118, 173) he strongly suspected Swift's positions were erroneous as he searched for the comet unsuccessfully on 11 and 12 February and would have picked up a brighter object when he covered Swift's position. After later receiving a letter from Swift, he specifically searched for the nebulae again on the 15th of November with a 6.4-inch refractor (at Vanderbilt) and found nothing at Swift's position. But expanding his search area he found two nebulae with the same relative positions and appropriate descriptions that "seems to me that these are Swift's objects". A note was added by A. Krueger, AN's editor, that based on Barnard's position, the two nebulae are GC 697 and 698 (= NGC 1316 and 1317). This would imply Swift made a very large error of 15 minutes of time in RA (too far east), but otherwise these galaxies are a good match with Swift's description and relative positions!
Swift was apparently quite upset by Barnard's remarks and responded in the AN 118 note (5 Jan 1888) that the previous night he observed Barnard's nebulae and "they bear about as much resemblance to mine as the Orion nebula does to the Andromeda nebula. I am now more thoroughly convinced that the suspected object was a comet than I was at first and highly probably was comet 1887 I." Despite Swift's comments, the most likely conclusion is NGC 1392 = NGC 1317 and Sw. 6-14 = NGC 1316.
ESO misidentifies
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NGC 1393 = ESO 548-058 = MCG -03-10-019 = PGC 13425
03 38 38.5 -18 25 41; Eri
V = 12.0; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 170°
17.5" (12/11/99): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 1' diameter, bright core. Member of the NGC 1407 group. First of three on a line with NGC 1391 5.6' NE and NGC 1394 10' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1393 = H. III-451 = h2565 on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and recorded "vF, S, R." John Herschel logged "pF, R, glbM, 30"." Both Herschels missed nearby NGC 1391 and NGC 1394 to the northeast.
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NGC 1394 = ESO 548-060 = MCG -03-10-021 = PGC 13444
03 39 06.9 -18 17 32; Eri
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 5°
17.5" (12/11/99): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', small bright core. A mag 13 star lies 1.6' N. Third of three on a line with NGC 1393 and NGC 1391.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1394 = LM 2-374 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"mag 14.5, 0.4'x0.2', E 170°, sbMN, 3rd of 3." There is nothing at his position, but
30 seconds of time further east is
******************************
03 38 29.8 -23 01 41; Eri
V = 9.6; Size 5.9'x4.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 126°
13.1" (10/10/86): bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 ~E-W,
very bright core, fainter halo.
Two faint mag 14 stars lie on the west and north edges 1.0' from
center. Brightest in a group of
five with
8" (10/31/81): fairly bright, small, round, small bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1395 = H. I-58 = h2566 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 321) and logged "B, S, lE, mbM." John Herschel recorded "vB, pmE, psmbM, 60" long", and measured an accurate position (2 sweeps).
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03 38 06.5 -35 26 24; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 90°
18" (12/17/11): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated, ~20" diameter, low surface brightness. Requires averted vision and no details were visible. Located just 4.7' W of NGC 1399 (second brightest galaxy in the Fornax cluster).
18" (12/30/08): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15". Required averted to glimpse though the observation may have been affected by clouds or contrails. Located 4.7' W of NGC 1399 in the Fornax I cluster.
Note: this identification is very unlikely and the number should probably be classified as "lost".
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1396 on 19 Jan 1865 with the
6.2-inch Plössl refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the
Fornax Cluster (nebula "i" in his table). There is nothing at his position of 03 38 01 -35 40 17
(2000), and the RNGC classifies NGC 1396 as nonexistent. The Southern Galaxy Catalogue and RC3,
though, identify
But I'm not convinced that Schmidt could have picked up this galaxy with a 6-inch refractor as it was extremely faint in my 18-inch. Harold Corwin took another look at the SGC galaxy in September 2017 and is now also skeptical this is the object seen by Schmidt. See Harold Corwin's historical notes and my RNGC Corrections #6.
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03 39 47.2 -04 40 12; Eri
V = 13.7; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.4
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1397 = H. III-569 on 30 Sep
1786 (sweep 608) and recorded "eF, lE, easily resolvable." His position (re-reduced by Auwers) is
just 1.3' NE of
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NGC 1398 = ESO 482-022 = MCG -04-09-040 = PGC 13434
03 38 52.0 -26 20 13; For
V = 9.7; Size 7.1'x5.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 100°
17.5" (11/26/94): very bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1, 2.2'x1.1', well concentrated with a very bright 30" rounder core and a stellar nucleus. NGC 1360 lies 1.3° NW. This galaxy has a beautiful inner and outer ring structure on deep images.
14.5" (12/17/20): bright, large, slightly elongated central region at least 1.5' diameter. Strongly and sharply concentrated with a very bright inner core that increases to an intense stellar nucleus. The outer halo is very diffuse and difficult to judge diameter but perhaps 2.5' to 3'.
8" (10/31/81): fairly bright, moderately large, round, bright core.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1398, along with an independent discovery of NGC 1360, on 9 Oct 1861 using his personal 4-inch Steinheil refractor from Marseilles. Tempel didn't announce the discovery until May 1882. In the meantime it was independently found by Friedrich August Winnecke on 17 Dec 1868 with a 4.5-inch refractor by Reinfelder & Hertel at Karlsruhe. It was also found by Eugen Block (announced in AN 2287) on 18 Oct 1879 with a 4-inch refractor at Odessa. This is the brightest galaxy discovered by Tempel (V = 9.7) and the most southerly.
Based on plates taken at the Helwan observatory in 1927-31, NGC 1398 was described as an "oval ring 5' diameter, surrounding a faint, disc 1.5' diameter with a vB central almost stellar ncl, 1/2' with a pF axis E 10°."
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NGC 1399 = ESO 358-045 = MCG -06-09-012 = LGG 096-017 = PGC 13418
03 38 29.0 -35 27 04; For
V = 9.6; Size 6.9'x6.5'; Surf Br = 13.7
18" (12/17/11): very bright, large, round, 3'
diameter. The outer halo has a fairly
low surface brightness but the central portion is sharply concentrated with a
very bright 35" core. The
core continues to brighten significantly to a quasi-stellar nucleus. A star is superimposed less than
20" NNE of center. Brighter
of a pair with
13.1" (12/22/84): bright, large faint halo is broadly concentrated, brighter core. A star is superimposed 0.3' N of the center. This galaxy is the second brightest and second largest in the core of the Fornax I cluster. NGC 1404 is 10' SE.
8" (10/31/81): fairly bright, round, bright core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1399 = h2569 on 22 Oct 1835 and recorded a "globular cluster, vB, pL, psbM, resolvable or resolved, 2'." He also described a few other galaxies in the Fornax cluster as globulars (NGCs 1310, 1379, 1387 and 1436). In 1915, Harold Knox-Shaw reported it was not resolved visually awith the 30-inch Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory.
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NGC 1400 = ESO 548-062 = MCG -03-10-022 = PGC 13470
03 39 30.8 -18 41 17; Eri
V = 11.0; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 40°
17.5" (12/11/99): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, brighter core, stellar nucleus. Smaller and fainter than NGC 1407 11' NE. Possible member of the NGC 1407 group.
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus, small faint halo. Forms a wide pair with NGC 1407 11.6' NE.
8" (10/31/81): faint, very small, round. Situated 11' SW of NGC 1407.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1400 = H. II-593 = h2567 on 20 Sep 1786 (sweep 597) and recorded "pB, pS, R, resembling the following [NGC 1407], but much less." John Herschel noted "B, R, psmbM, 30"."
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NGC 1401 = ESO 482-026 = MCG -04-09-042 = LGG 097-010 = PGC 13457
03 39 21.9 -22 43 29; Eri
V = 12.3; Size 2.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 130°
13.1" (10/10/86): faint, small, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, bright core. A mag 13.5 star is just 0.4' N of center. NGC 1403 lies 20' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1401 = H. III-247 = h2568 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and noted "eF, vS." His RA was 23 seconds too large, but John Herschel measured an accurate position. I'm surprised neither noted the elongation.
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03 39 30.5 -18 31 37; Eri
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 88°
17.5" (12/11/99): fairly faint, small, round, gradually increases to a small brighter core. Located 10' S of NGC 1400 in a group.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1402 = LM 2-376 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position essentially matches ESO 548-061 = PGC 13467.
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NGC 1403 = ESO 482-025 = MCG -04-09-041 = PGC 13445
03 39 10.8 -22 23 18; Eri
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 175°
17.5" (11/2/91): fairly faint, small, 40" diameter, small bright core surrounded by a very faint halo, almost stellar nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is just off the west edge 30" from the center. A bright wide double star mag 8/10.5 at 30" is located 4' NNE. NGC 1401 lies 20' S.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1403 = LM 2-375 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His RA was 0.2 minutes of time too large and it was corrected in Robert Baker's 1933 "Catalogue of 985 Extragalactic Nebulae in a Region in Fornax and Eridanus".
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NGC 1404 = ESO 358-046 = MCG -06-09-013 = LGG 094-012 = PGC 13433
03 38 52.1 -35 35 38; For
V = 10.0; Size 3.3'x3.0'; Surf Br = 12.5
18" (12/17/11): very bright, moderately large, round,
1.5' diameter. The outer halo
gradually increases then brightens fairly rapidly to a small, very bright
core. The core increases to the
center but a stellar nucleus wasn't seen.
A mag 12-12.5 star is 45" SE, at the edge of the halo. Mag 8.1
At 285x, supernova 2011iv, discovered on Dec 2, was easily visible just 7" W and 8" N of center. The supernova was similar in brightness to the mag 12-12.5 star at or just off the southeast edge of the halo.
13.1" (12/22/84): bright, fairly small, round, bright
core. Located just 2.8' NNW of mag
8.1
8" (10/31/81): fairly bright, small, round, bright core. A mag 8 star is close SSE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1404 = h2571 on 28 Nov 1837 and recorded (the following night) "vB, R, psmbM, 40", has a star N.f." His RA was 12 seconds too large and the star is south following but this identification is certain. In 1865 Julius Schmidt measured a more accurate position with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory, though he initially reported it as a new nebula. His later table in 1876 correctly identifies it as h2571.
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03 40 18.9 -15 31 48; Eri
V = 15.6; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 15.1; PA = 153°
17.5" (12/9/01): extremely faint, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.3'.
Requires averted to glimpse.
Located 5' NNE of brighter
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1405 = LM 1-110 (along with NGC 1413 = I-111) on 26 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick and logged "mag 16.0, pL, vE 150°, glbM, sev vF st inv." His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is accurate and the position angle matches, though no are stars involved (noted first by Herbert Howe in 1900). Howe measured an accurate RA in 1899-00 at Denver.
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03 39 23.1 -31 19 18; For
V = 11.8; Size 3.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 15°
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, moderately large, 3.0'x0.6, brighter core, dims at ends of extensions. Located 16' ESE of mag 7.4 SAO 194416. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1406 = h2572 on 18 Nov 1835 and accurately recorded "F, vmE, vglbM, 2' l, 20" br; *7 mag precedes in parallel."
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NGC 1407 = ESO 548-067 = MCG -03-10-030 = LGG 100-004 = PGC 13505
03 40 11.8 -18 34 48; Eri
V = 9.7; Size 4.6'x4.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 35°
24" (1/1/19): at 260x; very bright, very large, round, 2.5'-3' diameter. The galaxy displayed three distinct brightness zones that were sharply delineated. The large halo was fairly smooth, but the sharply concentrated with a very bright core. The core has a sharp brightness spike with an extremely bright nucleus!
A number of galaxies are nearby including NGC 1400 11.5' SW,
NGC 1402 10' WNW,
17.5" (12/11/99): bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, bright core, nearly stellar nucleus. Brightest in the NGC 1407 Group (LGG 100), which includes 8 NGC galaxies and IC 343.
13.1" (1/18/85): bright, fairly small, bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a wide pair with NGC 1400 11.6' SW.
8" (10/31/81): bright, small, round, small bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1407 = H. I-107 = h2570 on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and recorded "B, R, mbM or large nucleus, about 1.5' diameter." John Herschel logged it as "vB, L, R, first vg then vs, vmbM; 3'."
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03 39 24 -35 31; For
= Not found, RNGC, Corwin and ESO.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1408 on 19 Jan 1865 with the 6.2-inch refractor at the Athens Observatory during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula "k" in his table). There is nothing near his position, though a 20" pair of mag 14.5/15.5 stars is 1.6' NW and a slightly close pair of mag 13.5/15 star is 4' SE. Either might apply, so this number is considered lost. See Corwin's notes.
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03 41 10.4 -01 18 08; Tau
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130°
24" (2/5/21): NGC 1409 is the brighter southwestern
component of a double system with
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, small, oval SSW-NNE. This is a contact pair with NGC 1410 - just 14" between centers. At high power appears faint, small, round, small bright core. NGC 1410 is just 15" NE in a common halo. Located on the Eridanus border.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1409 = H. III-263 = h304 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and logged "Suspected, eF, stellar or lE, 240x power rather confirmed it, but left a doubt." His position is 2' south of this double system (with NGC 1410).
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NGC 1410 = VV 729 = III Zw 55 = MCG +00-10-012 = CGCG 391-028 = PGC 13556
03 41 10.7 -01 17 55; Tau
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 120°
24" (2/5/21): NGC 1410 is the fainter northeastern component of an interacting double system with NGC 1409 [15" between centers]. At 260x; faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, stellar nucleus. Sometimes appears as a "bulge" extending out of the north side of NGC 1409, but resolved clearly at 375x.
17.5" (10/24/87): faint, very small, round, small bright core. Forms a very close contact pair with NGC 1409 on the Eridanus border.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's observer, discovered NGC 1410 on 17 Jan 1855. He recorded a "Double neb [with NGC 1409], north and south, both vS, bM. Cannot make out whether there is a connexion between them."
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03 38 44.9 -44 06 02; Hor
V = 11.3; Size 2.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 6°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very
bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~2'x1.5'. Very sharply concentrated with an intensely bright 20"
core and fairly even surface brightness halo that gradually fades out.
13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core. One of farthest southern galaxies easily viewed from Northern California.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1411 = h2573 on 24 Oct 1835 and
recorded "B, R, vsvmbM, 20 arcsec." His position is accurate. Harold Corwin suggests Lewis Swift may have found this
galaxy again on 3 Oct 1897 at Echo Mountain, but made an error in recording the
RA of Sw. 11-55, with the RA 9 min too small (the dec matches). If so, then NGC 1411 = IC 1943. See Corwin's notes for
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03 40 29.3 -26 51 44; For
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 131°
17.5" (1/12/02): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated nearly 2:1 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.7', bright core. Situated in a group of three mag 11/12 stars with a mag 12 star 1.6' SE. Located 38' SE of NGC 1398 in northeast Fornax.
John Herschel found NGC 1412 = h2574 on 20 Nov 1835 and
recorded "F, S, E, gpmbM, 15"; has a * S.f. distance 2'." There is nothing at his position and
NGC 1412 was reported as not found on a 60 min exposure at the Helwan observatory
(1935) or on Bruce 24-inch refractor plates from South Africa (Robert Baker,
1933). As a result the RNGC
classified the number as nonexistent.
But 40' due south of Herschel's position is
Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 26 Dec 1897, placed
it 37 sec of RA too far west (declination matches) in discovery list XI-58
(later
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03 40 11.5 -15 36 39; Eri
V = 14.3; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.1
17.5" (12/9/01): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter. A mag 14.5 star is located 1.7' W. Forms a pair with NGC 1405 5' NNE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1413 = LM 1-111 (along with
NGC 1405 = I-110) on 26 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander
McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, vS, R, lbM." His rough position (nearest minute of
RA) is 0.8 min of RA east of
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03 40 57.0 -21 42 48; Eri
V = 14.0; Size 1.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 172°
17.5" (1/12/02): faint, fairly small, very elongated
3:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.3'. Collinear with
two mag 13 stars 6' S. Forms a
pair with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1414 = LM 2-377 on 19 Nov 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.8, 1.6'x0.1', E 0° (N-S), bMN. His description and position is accurate (just off the south side). Herbert Howe corrected position, measured in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory, refers to NGC 1422. In Harvard Observatory's 1933 "Catalogue of 985 Extragalactic Nebulae in a Region in Fornax and Eridanus", Robert Baker noted the "Original NGC position in agreement with present catalogue".
NGC 1414 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described in a list of NGC corrections as "Elongated at 165°."
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NGC 1415 = IC 1983 = ESO 482-033 = MCG -04-09-047 = LGG 097-011 = PGC 13544
03 40 56.8 -22 33 50; Eri
V = 11.9; Size 3.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 148°
17.5" (11/2/91): moderately bright, moderately
large. Contains a bright core with
a bright almost stellar nucleus and a much fainter halo elongated 2:1
NW-SE. A mag 11 star is 2.7' NNW
of center. Forms a wide pair with
NGC 1416 9' S. Located 8.5' ESE of
mag 8.6
13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, elongated NW-SE, fairly small, bright core, faint elongated halo.
8" (11/28/81): faint, small.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1415 = H. II-267 = h2575 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and logged "F, vS, R, lbM." John Herschel made 3 observations from the CGH, recording it first as "pF, E, pslbM, 40" long."
Lewis Swift probably independently found the galaxy on 8 Oct
1896 from Echo Mountain in Southern California and recorded it in list XI-55
(later
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NGC 1416 = ESO 482-034 = MCG -04-09-048 = PGC 13548
03 41 02.9 -22 43 08; Eri
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (11/2/91): faint, small, round, weak
concentration. Located almost on
line with mag 9.2
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1416 = LM 2-378 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.5, 0.5' dia, R, *8.7 nr; *8.6 north 2'." His position 3' south of
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03 41 57.4 -04 42 18; Eri
V = 12.1; Size 2.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 175°
17.5" (11/25/87): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, bright core.
A mag 11 star is 1.3' SE of center. Brightest in a group (LGG 103) with
13.1" (12/7/85): moderately bright, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright core. A mag 10.5 star is close SSE. Second of three in a group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1417 = H. II-455 = h306, along with NGC 1418, on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457) and recorded both as "Two. The preceding [NGC 1417] F, S, E, lbM. The following [NGC 1418] eF, vS, E, hardly to be seen but 240 verified it; about 6 or 7' south following the first." His position is accurate.
On 16 Oct 1827 (sweep 96), John Herschel remarked "R; north-preceding a star. The second of 3 [with NGC 1418]." His position is 19 sec of RA too far west, but the description applies (the star is 1.3' SE). He also accurately measured the position, but listed it under h307 (NGC 1418). See notes for IC 344 = h305.
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NGC 1418 = MCG -01-10-022 = Holm 70b = LGG 103-005 = PGC 13606
03 42 16.2 -04 43 50; Eri
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 15°
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, almost even surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star is 1.4' S. Forms a pair with NGC 1417 4.9' WNW. Member of the NGC 1376/1417 Group (LGG 103)
13.1" (12/7/85): faint, small, oval ~N-S. A mag 12 star is 1' S. Third of three in a group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1418 = H. II-456 = h307, along with NGC 1417 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 457) and recorded, "Two. The preceding [NGC 1417] F, S, E, lbM. The following [NGC 1418] eF, vS, E, hardly to be seen but 240 verified it; about 6 or 7' south following the first." His position was 2.6' too far NE, but the identification is certain. John Herschel had problems with his observation, and his description for 30 Dec 1826 applies to NGC 1417!
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03 40 42.1 -37 30 40; Eri
V = 12.6; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.4
18" (1/21/04): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter. Increases to a very small, brighter core. An occasional stellar nucleus was glimpsed when the seeing steadied up at 215x. Located 28' SW of mag 4.7 SAO 194475. Outlying member of the Fornax I cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1419 = h2576 on 22 Oct 1835 and
recorded "pB, vS, psbM, 15" (clouded)." His position (from two sweeps) matches
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03 42 39.8 -05 51 09; Eri
= ***, Corwin.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1420 on 28 Oct 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. At his single position is a close triple star and he noted a mag 13 star precedes by 10.5 seconds of time in approximately the same declination. This clinches the identity with this close triple.
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03 42 29.4 -13 29 20; Eri
V = 11.4; Size 3.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 179°
18" (1/13/07): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated N-S, ~3.2'x1.0', broad concentration with a brighter bulging core. The surface brightness is noticeably irregular and mottled with the impression of several brighter patchy knots. Most noticeable is a brighter northern end that appears to contains a small brighter spot. This end also seems to contain a small knot or extension that bulges out and angles towards the northwest. [This feature was verified on the DSS]. A mag 13 star is close west of the north end.
17.5" (11/2/91): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, 3.0'x0.7', broad weak concentration, fades towards tips. The surface brightness has a patchy or mottled appearance. The southern tip is slightly fainter than the northern edge. A mag 13 star is 2.8' NE of center.
8" (11/28/81): very faint, moderately large, elongated N-S. A distinctive 6.5' collinear string consisting of four stars mag 10-12 oriented NW-SE begins 8' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1421 = H. II-291 = h2577 on 1 Feb 1785 (sweep 364) and noted "pF, mE in the direction of the meridian, between 3 and 4' l and about 1' broad, resolvable." John Herschel observed this galaxy on 8 Dec 1835 and recorded "F, vmE, vlbM, 3' l, 20" br; pos. = 184.2 degrees." Dreyer and Lord Rosse made a detailed observation with the 72" on 14 Oct 1876: "F, mE 178.7°, about 4' long; F* (17m +/- ) p near the on end, 38.7" distant, the brighter part of the neb seems abruptly terminated just foll the star, towards which it also appears curved; eF* or knot in neb foll the *17m."
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NGC 1422 = ESO 548-077 = MCG -04-09-051 = LGG 097-015 = PGC 13569
03 41 31.1 -21 40 53; Eri
V = 13.2; Size 2.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 65°
17.5" (1/12/02): extremely faint, very small, round,
20", low surface brightness.
Based on the DSS image, I only viewed the brighter core as this galaxy
is very extended SW-NE. Forms a
pair with NGC 1414 8' WSW. Located
30' NW of
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1422 = LM 2-379 on 19 Nov
1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and
recorded "mag 15.5, 0.8'x0.2', E 80 deg." There is nothing at his position, but roughly 1 min of RA
west is
NGC 1422 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described in a list of NGC corrections as "elongated at 65°." He also corrected to RA.
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03 42 40.1 -06 22 54; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 20°
18" (1/21/04): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.3'. No details but not difficult. A mag 14.5 star follows by 1.3'.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1423 = Sw. 5-55 on 31 Oct 1886
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 29 sec of RA east of
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03 43 13.9 -04 43 48; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 10°
17.5" (11/25/87): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, even surface brightness. NGC 1418 lies 14' W and NGC 1417 19' W.
13.1" (12/7/85): faint, fairly small, almost round, diffuse, slightly elongated N-S. Located 14' E NGC 1418.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 1424 on 8 Dec 1850
(Sunday) while observing the field of NGC 1417. Bindon may have been observing with his brother George
Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. This
galaxy was suspected during the earlier observation on Saturday night. The observer noted a "faint
nova" 16' following [NGC 1418].
The following month month Stoney called it "vF, E." This group was observed 15 times at
Birr Castle. Francis Leavenworth
mentioned the galaxy in his description of
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03 42 11.3 -29 53 36; For
V = 10.6; Size 5.8'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 129°
13.1" (10/10/86): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core. A pair of mag 12.5/14 stars at 30" separation are 2' NE of center and a mag 11 star lies 2.5' N. Outlying member of the Fornax I cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1425 = H. II-852 on 9 Oct
1790 (sweep 972) and recorded "F, pL, irr R, gbM." His position is accurate. Harold Corwin comments that Lewis
Swift's object Sw. 11-61 (later
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NGC 1426 = ESO 549-001 = MCG -04-09-054 = AM 0340-221 = LGG 097-016 = PGC 13638
03 42 49.1 -22 06 30; Eri
V = 11.4; Size 2.6'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 111°
13.1" (10/10/86): fairly bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1426 = H. III-248 = h2578 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and recorded "vF, vS, lE." John Herschel made two observations from the CGH, first calling it "F" and then "B", probably due to varying sky conditions.
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03 42 19.4 -35 23 34; For
V = 10.9; Size 3.6'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 76°
18" (12/17/11): bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 2.0'x1.5'. Well concentrated with a very bright, rounder 25" core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5-13 star is 1.7' W, a bit outside the halo.
18" (1/21/04): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x1.4'. Contains a large, prominent core which is rounder than the halo.
8" (1/1/84): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, diffuse. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1427 = h2579 on 28 Nov 1837 and logged "pF; S; R; psmbM; 20" dia." His position is accurate.
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03 42 22.8 -35 09 16; For
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 118°
18" (12/17/11): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.5'. Contains a faint outer halo, well-concentrated with a bright 20" core that increases somewhat to the center. A mag 13 star is at the west edge (35" from center).
18" (1/21/04): fairly faint, small, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE. A mag 13 star is just west of the NW edge and the galaxy is elongated in the direction of the star. Located 14' N of NGC 1427. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 1428 on 19 Jan 1865 with the
6.2-inch Plössl refractor at the Athens Observatory. It was found during his survey of the Fornax Cluster (nebula
"l" in his table). His
position matches
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03 44 00 -04 43; Eri
= Not found, Corwin. =*, Carlson.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1429 = LM 2-381 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He has two listings under this number. The first reads mag 15.2, 0.2' diameter, R, bgM with the note "1st of 2, one of which is GC 763 [NGC 1424]; *10 p 15s". The second object is listed at 0.5 min of RA east and described as mag 15.5, 0.3'x0.2', E 180° (N-S) with the note "second of 2". There is only a single galaxy near his position, namely NGC 1424 (discovered earlier at Birr Castle), which better matches the second entry (elongated N-S). So, NGC 1429 is nonexistent though Corwin comments his description may apply to a different pair of galaxies!
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03 45 02.9 -18 15 59; Eri
See observing notes for
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1430 = LM 2-380 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported, "mag 15.4, 0.6'x0.4', E 20°, sbMN." There is nothing at his position and no reasonable candidates showed up in a quick search of the surrounding fields. Bigourdan was not able to recover this object and it was reported not found on Harvard plates taken with the Bruce astrograph in South Africa (Baker, 1937).
Harold Corwin identified this number with a mag 13.3 star near Leavenworth's position but a single star does not fit his description (0.6'x0.4' in PA 20°). As a result, I had listed this object as lost. But in Apr 2016 Yann Pothier suggested that NGC 1430 is a duplicate of NGC 1440. The RA of NGC 1440 is 1.5 minutes further east (typical error in the Leander-McCormick observations) and the description is a fairly good match (except for the magnitude estimate). See Corwin's identification notes.
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03 44 40.8 +02 50 06; Tau
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 160°
17.5" (1/12/02): very faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, low surface brightness, requires averted vision. Located 14' NW of mag 6.7 SAO 111393. Four mag 9.5-11 stars are in the 220x field including a mag 11 star 4' S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1431 = m 91 on 6 Sep 1864 with
William Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "eF, pL, iR." His position is 2' N of
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03 45 49.5 +24 22 05; Tau
Size 15'x15'
8" (12/28/16): at 124x (unfiltered): although all the bright stars in the Pleiades had scattered light halos, it appeared mag 3.9 Maia had a slightly more extensive halo and irregular halo than mag 3.7 Electra. So, I am fairly confident this was due to the outer reflection nebulosity surrounding Maia. The scattered light itself seemed about the same intensity around both stars.
Paul and Prosper Henry (brothers) discovered NGC 1432 on the first plate they took of the Pleiades on 16 Nov 1885 at Paris Observatory using the 33-cm astrograph. The plate showed nebulosity around Maia which they described "appears very clearly and has spiral form...it was impossible to see it in our telescopes." The discovery was announced in AN 2702, though it didn't include an image of the nebula (first published in 1888). This is the only object in the NGC discovered photographically!
Pickering noted on 21 Jan 1886 that he had already photographed the Pleiades on 3 Nov 1885 with an 8-inch lens and stated it only showed "certain irregularities...due merely to defects in the photographic process." However, a comparison revealed that these "irregularities" included a patch west of Maia, pointing to the north, and a diffuse remnant near Merope pointing south. As Pickering interpreted these as plate flaws, the discovery priority remains with Paul and Prosper Henry. The first visual observation was made by Otto Struve on 5 Feb 1886 with the new 30-inch refractor at Pulkovo. On 23 Feb 1886 he made another observation and sketch with the nebula stretching from Maia to the east. E.E. Barnard also observed it visually in 1890.
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03 42 01.5 -47 13 20; Hor
V = 9.9; Size 6.5'x5.9'; Surf Br = 13.7
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, broad concentration with a large halo. The overall dimensions are ~3.5'x2.2'. I had a strong impression of extensions or the beginnings of two spiral arms (sketch made and verified); one arm begins at the west end and starts to curve towards the east on the south side while the other is symmetrically placed on the following end and hooks west on the north side. On images these arms connect to form a perfect barred ring. A mag 12 star lies 2.8' SW of center, beyond the halo.
This barred spiral is the brightest member of the NGC 1433
group and part of the Dorado Cloud complex that includes
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1433 = D 426 = h2580 on 28 Sep 1826. His description (based on two observations) reads "a very faint nebula, about 1' diameter, rather elliptical in the parallel of the equator; with a brightish point or condensation of the nebulous matter, a little to the preceding side of the centre."
John Herschel first logged the galaxy on 14 Dec 1835 (sweep 654), "B, L, pmE, smbM; 100" long, 60" broad". On 3 Dec 1837 (sweep 805) he noted "vB, L, mE, vsmbM to nucleus = 10th mag star."
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 1433 with the Great Melbourne Telescope on 10 Nov 1877. He showed the thin bar running E-W with a well defined, bright nucleus. (p. 149 of his logbook). It was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as "!! vB, vL, ellips. spiral"
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03 46 12.8 -09 40 57; Eri
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165°
17.5" (11/17/01): extremely faint and small, round,
10" diameter. Situated
between mag 8.6
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1434 = LM 2-382 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.3, 0.4' dia, R, *8.5, follows 25 sec and 3' N. " There is nothing at
his position, but 1.8 min of RA due east is
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03 46 10 +23 45 54; Tau
Size 30'x30'
24" (12/28/16): at 124x (unfiltered): the huge Merope
Nebula was easily visible, roughly spanning 20' in a wedge or triangular shape
with mag 4.2 Merope close to the northeast vertex. The most well defined edge is clearly the eastern side as it
extends N-S. The edge passes close
to a string of 7 stars oriented NNW-SSE, including two mag 10 stars and nearly
reaches mag 8.1
18" (1/26/11): at 73x (unfiltered), the Merope Nebula
was immediately visible as a huge wedge-shape or comet-shaped glow with Merope
near the focus on the northeast end and the nebula spreading out generally to
the south and west. The most
striking feature of the nebula is the well-defined and approximately eastern
edge oriented N-S that heads south from Merope, passing through a 1' pair of
mag 10/11 stars as well as a 1' pair of mag 10/12.5 star. The nebulosity can be traced a bit over
20' along this side. On the west
side of Merope the border is more ill-defined but roughly heads southwest for
~20'. The southern border is also
ill-defined but is roughly oriented NW to SE and nearly extends nearly as far
as mag 9
17.5" (3/2/02): at 100x, the Merope Nebula is the brightest of the reflection nebulae that encase the Pleiades. It appears as a moderately bright, very large, fan-shaped cone of light extended in a wedge SW to SE from Merope. The boundary of the nebulosity is straighter and better defined along the SE edge where it follows a string of mag 10-11 stars. The SW border is not as well defined but extends beyond a trio of mag 13 stars. The fan is broadest at its southern extremity which is roughly 15' from Merope.
16x80 (12/22/84): the Merope nebula was faint but definite in the 16x80 finder using a Deep Sky filter. Also, nebulosity surrounding other stars were confirmed with confidence at full aperture in the 13.1" at 62x.
8" (10/4/80 and 11/4/80): very large, faint, very elongated tear-drop shaped nebulosity extending SW away from Merope. Has a sharper edge along the eastern side. Best view using the Rich Field Adapter at 37x-50x.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1435, the Merope Nebula, on 19 Oct 1859 from Venice with his personal 4-inch Steinheil refractor using 45x. The following historical summary is from Wolfgang Steinicke's book "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters".
The Merope Nebula was the first deep sky object Tempel
discovered. He initially thought
it was a comet, but the next night (20th) he checked and found no movement.
The discovery was published on 23 Dec 1860 (AN 54, 285). Christian
August Peters, the editor of Astronomische Nachricten, confirmed the
observation using a 7-inch refractor. Auwers first observed it on 14 Jan
1861, but d'Arrest was unsuccessful using the 11-inch Merz refractor at
Copenhagen in Aug 1862. Based on his negative results on several
attempts, he reported "I have hitherto been able positively to see
nothing. ...I therefore, even yet, am of opinion that this nebula is variable,
otherwise the original announcement of the discovery ... must be looked upon as
been greatly exaggerated. This report began a heated interchange
involving many of the world's most prominent visual observers over the next 30
years (see
In September 1862, Julius Schmidt supported d'Arrest, claiming if it was not variable he would have noticed it while carefully observing the Pleiades since 1841. He first reported a sighting on 5 Feb 1861, describing it as "very large, very pale and quite shapeless." Auwers responded critically to d'Arrest, claiming neither Tempel's (Merope) nebula nor NGC 1333 were variable but that "large, blurred, faint objects are much more easily visible in small instruments than in large ones" and d'Arrest's failure was due to "a small field of view, completely filled by the 15' large nebula". Charcornac at Paris Observatory also reported the nebula was difficult to see at high power. Schönfeld wrote that the nebula "instantly stuck out in the local telescope (6.5-inch refractor in Mannheim, Germany) on Sept 20, 1862 when I pointed it freely towards Merope, without knowing the exact place, looking like a blurred nebula with the shape and size described by Auwers."
d'Arrest responded to the attack on 12 Nov 1862 (AN 1393) stating "after a long effort I actually set eyes on Tempel's Nebula", though it was "the faintest object which I remember ever having seen in the refractor". He was "still convinced that the nebula was variable; otherwise the discovery report ["large, bright nebula"] must be seen as highly exaggerated." In March 1862, Winnecke viewed the nebula with a 4.1-inch refractor at low power and asked Otto Struve to take a look in the 15-inch Merz refractor, convinced that it would be difficult to see in the larger scope. Winnecke noted "Indeed, we were not convinced about its existence until the telescope was moved quickly back and forth". Winnecke concluded there was no reason to invoke variability to explain the observations. In 1863, Tempel wrote a letter to the French magazine Le Monde asserting that nebulae, in general, are unchanging (otherwise their constituent stars would have to be vary simultaneously) and that atmospheric conditions were the source of different observational results.
Reverend Thomas Webb observed the nebula on 6 Oct 1863 with his 5.5-inch Clark refractor, stating "on turning the telescope upon the group at 29x and 64x, though I probably should not have it discovered unknown, I found it with ease, as a very ill-defined, but on the whole egg-shaped haze, encompassing a brilliant star with its smaller but rather brighter end." As far as the variability "he [Schönfeld] thinks this and other suspected nebulae, being very feeble, large and diffuse, are influenced in visibility by magnifying power, varying transparency of the air, and practice of the eye, so that aperture is less concerned in their case than in that of minute stars." Although he never observed the nebula, John Herschel catalogued the Merope Nebula as GC 768 and his description stated "VAR" [variable].
The controversy about the variability and GC entry caused Lawrence Parsons (4th Earl of Rosse) to take a look with the 36-inch and 72-inch reflectors at Birr Castle, but he found no nebulosity in five observations from Feb 1871 to Sep 1873! Dreyer, himself, was unsuccessful (on a "misty" night) on 24 Dec 1875. The first (marginal) successful observation at Birr Castle was not made until 10 Dec 1877 and confirmed later that month.
The debate over variability wasn't settled. In 1875 Charles Wolf at Paris Observatory reported he was unable to see the Merope Nebula from Nov 1874 to Feb 1875 and Stephan at the Marseilles observatory confirmed this. Wolf concluded, "This nebula is truly variable and its period seems to be rather short". But Tempel published another report in Jan 1877 (AN 2139) concluding, "the invisibility of the Merope Nebula in a large telescope is due to the eyepiece and its field of view. If d'Arrest had used an eyepiece of lower power than 95x, giving a field of 20 to 25'; he would have seen the nebula very easily." Tempel also made disparaging remarks about the large reflectors at Birr Castle, claiming the 36-inch and 72-inch didn't show more stars than his 11-inch Amici refractor (Tempel and Dreyer had a bitter dispute in 1878 about the "spiral form of nebulae", which Tempel couldn't see in his 11-inch).
On 6 Mar 1877, Maxwell Hall drew the nebula with his 4-inch refractor at 100x and was amazed it was invisible to Lord Rosse and Robert Newall, who had a 25-inch Cooke refractor. Hall was also critical of Schiaparelli's description of the orientation of the nebula. Hall's article touched off another debate between Wolf, Common, Hough, Tempel, Swift, Barnard and Burnham.
Charles Wolf published his work on the Pleiades and included a sketch made in Nov 1875. He saw nebulosity extending to Electra and Celaeno, by masking Merope with the micrometer bar. A much earlier report by Hermann Goldschmidt to Leverrier in Paris on 21 Sep 1863, claimed he saw not only the Merope nebula but that the Pleiades were completely surrounded by diffuse nebulosity, extending over an area of 5°.
In 1880, Ainslie Common published a drawing of the Pleiades nebulosity using his 36-inch reflector. It showed a large, elongated patch SE of Merope (the wrong direction!) and two additional patches; one north of Merope and another to the NW of Alcyone. This caused some more controversy.
In 1880, Tempel published (MNRAS, 40, 622) an excellent drawing of the nebula using Amici I, with accurate form and brightness levels, along with a large number of nearby faint stars. He mentioned the various astronomers who confirmed the object, including Schmidt, Winnecke Auwers and Schönfeld, and also opponents such as d'Arrest, Secchi and the Birr Castle observers. He stated "But all ambiguity has been since cleared up, for on fitting the large telescopes with eyepieces of a low magnifying power the nebula becomes distinctly visible, and is shown by them with image equal in clearness to that given by the smaller instrucments. He also criticized Goldschmidt's observation of the Pleiades surrounded by nebulous clouds and the drawing of Common, saying the sketch must have "evidently been executed with a telescope of insufficient power to show the Merope Nebula." He concluded with satisfaction "It is now ascertained beyond question that the nebula exists...and anyone publishing statements about its non-existence merely uses vain words, and proclaims himself wanting in knowledge of the history and nebulae and the management of telescopes."
Common was offended and responded the "three-foot telescope" mentioned in his report was of three-foot aperture! Hall wrote one more report on 13 Dec 1880, claiming the nebula had changed shape, now "extending as far as Electra, and the parabolic form of the Nebula, as seen 1877, was destroyed." He wondered why Tempel had overlooked the "extension of the nebula in the direction of Electra."
Amazingly, the controversy of the existence of the Merope Nebula wasn't over. At Dearborn Observatory in Chicago, Hough and Burnham had previously been critical of earlier reports, because of their discordant descriptions and their negative results in 1879 and 1880 using the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at 120x and higher. After Tempel's paper, they made a concerted effort from 29 Nov 1880 to 22 Mar 1891 with various eyepieces, stopping down the refractor to 12-inch, even masking Merope. But they came up empty and decided the previous positive observers were misled by the glare from Merope and the neighboring stars! Dreyer immediately responded, criticizing the large exit pupil used and furthermore he didn't see anything unusual about or contradictory about previous published reports of a "large and diffused nebulosity". Also, the theory about the glare from Merope causing an illusion was rejected. Swift also responded on 2 Dec 1881, that he independently ran across the Merope Nebula in 1874 while searching for comets with his 4.5-inch refractor and "strongly suspected it was a new comet." His analysis was that Hough and Burnham used too high of a power as he could see the nebula even stopped down to 2-inch aperture at 25x.
Barnard observed and drew the Merope Nebula and nearby stars with his 5-inch refractor in 1883. He wrote "it is plainly visible in my 5-inch refractory, it has been seen with a 2.5-inch telescope, in the presence of a quarter-full moon." He criticized Common's sketch but felt his sketch agreed with Tempel's (though it extended further west past Electra). Barnard also mentioned that Trouvelot reported that it is variable and had become very faint (he described the nebula as changing to a dim purplish color) and "can now be seen only by those acquainted with its former appearance"!
Paul and Prosper Henry first photographed the Pleiades on 16 Nov 1885 and revealed additional nebulosity around Maia, later catalogued as NGC 1432 (the only photographic discovery in the NGC) as well as faint nebulosity near Electra. In 1886 Charles Wolf published a comparison between the photographic image and the visual observations that showed significant changes in the Merope Nebula. Morever, the separate nebula observed by Goldschmidt and Wolf had disappeared but he concluded that photographic and visual observations can never be reconciled as objects invisible on photographs can exist visually. Surprisingly, the image most closely resembled the ridiculed drawing of Common. Common wrote that his sketch showed the Maia Nebula, however the connection is poor - his placement is closer to Alcyone than Maia.
The image encouraged others to search for addition nebulae in the Pleiades. On 26 Feb 1886, Spitaler and Palisa in Vienna reported the Maia nebula appeared as a "small flaky nebulosity, completely separated from Maia" and on 3 Mar, the former was "only the brightest knot of an extended nebulosity, completely covering Maia." Spitaler wrote "one can hardly refrain from thinking that at least the whole Pleiades region west and north of Alcyone is covered by an extended nebulosity, of which all previously perceived, apparently isolated nebulae, are merely bright knots of light."
On 23 Oct 1886 Isaac Roberts took a 3 hour exposure which revealed "not only are the stars [Alcyone, Maia, Electra, Merope] surrounded by nebulae, but the nebulosity extends in streamers and fleecy masses, till it seems almost to fill the spaces between the stars, and to extend far beyond them." Common again felt vindicated and repeated his treatment by Tempel, "who thought I had not used a sufficiently large telescope" (a misunderstanding by Tempel).
Another image was taken by the Henry brothers in 1888 showing extensive nebulosity. At an RAS meeting on 8 Jun 1888, Common says "I immediately compared my sketches with it and found that every star I had seen, except one, was there, and, of course, in their proper places." Robert Newall, who also attended the meeting, stated he was certain that his observations differed from Common with Merope appearing as an oval comet with Merope at the focus and he had not seen the additional patches claimed by Common.
In an 1888 issue of Knowledge, English astronomer Arthur Ranyard wrote an article titled "Great Nebula in the Pleiades" and stated "The observations are worth examining, as they throw some light on the differences which are always likely to exist when observations are pushed into the border-land of vision, where by reason of the extreme faintness or minuteness of the objects examined, the eye begins to fail, and the imagination begins to play a larger and larger part in filling up the gaps where the senses of the eye-straining observer fail him."
Maxwell Hall made a late interesting set of observations in 1889 in Jamaica. He compared the view of the Merope Nebula using a 9-inch reflector with a glass mirror and his 4-inch Cook refractor. He reported "a glance through the refractor showed the well-known nebula projected against the dark background or field of view; but in the reflector there was so much light scattered around the field of view that the nebula was invisible." He concluded this explained the positive sightings in smaller refractors and vice versa, the failure with larger reflectors (especially Lord Rosse's initial failures). In 1891, Spitaler reviewed the major observations of the Pleiades nebulae in a 20-page paper and created a remarkable map of the region, showing extensive nebulosity surrounding the Pleiades. He argues his map shows the main structures were correctly drawn and generally only the boundaries vary.
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03 43 37.1 -35 51 12; Eri
V = 11.7; Size 3.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 150°
18" (1/21/04): large, low surface brightness glow with just a weak concentration. Appears slightly elongated NNW-SSE, perhaps 2.5'x2.0', but edges fade into the background so difficult to determine the outline of the halo. A mag 9.7 star lies 11' NE. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1436 = D 562 = h2581 = h2582 with his 9" reflector at Parramatta and described "a pretty large faint round nebula, about 3.5' diameter, gradual slight condensation to the centre, very faint at the margin." His position was 22' too far SSE.
John Herschel logged it on 9 Jan 1836 (sweep 636) as "very bright, and evidently a globular cluster." He only gave the rough place from Dunlop. He made another observation (h2582) on 28 Nov 1837 (sweep 801) but assumed it was new and as a result NGC 1436 = NGC 1437. Dorothy Carlson and RNGC list NGC 1436 as "Not Found". See Corwin's notes for the full story.
While searching for NGC 1436 with the Great Melbourne
Telescope on 14 Feb 1888, Pietro Baracchi discovered
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03 43 37.1 -35 51 12; Eri
V = 11.7; Size 3.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 150°
18" (1/21/04): large, low surface brightness glow with just a weak concentration. Appears slightly elongated NNW-SSE, perhaps 2.5'x2.0', but edges fade into the background so difficult to determine the outline of the halo. A mag 9.7 star lies 11' NE. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1437 = h2582 on 28 Nov 1837 and
logged "F, vL, glbM, R, 4" dia." His position matches
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03 45 17.2 -23 00 09; Eri
V = 12.4; Size 2.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 69°
17.5" (11/2/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, halo gradually brightens but no nucleus. A mag 11 star just 20" off the east edge detracts from viewing and a very faint mag 14.5 star lies 1.7' S.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1438 = LM 1-112 on 11 Dec 1885
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"mag 15.0, vmE 60°, *10 follows 1.0'." His rough position (nearest minute of RA) and description
matches
NGC 1438 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and he corrected the position.
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03 44 49.9 -21 55 14; Eri
V = 11.4; Size 2.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.3
13.1" (10/10/86): moderately bright, fairly small, bright core, stellar nucleus, round, large faint halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1439 = H. III-249 = h2584 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 331) and recorded "vF, vS." John Herschel made 3 observations from the CGH, first logging it as "pF, S, R, bM, 20" dia."
******************************
NGC 1440 = NGC 1442 = NGC 1430: = NGC 1458: = ESO 549-010 =
03 45 02.9 -18 15 59; Eri
V = 11.5; Size 2.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 28°
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, small, small faint
halo, bright core, stellar nucleus.
Located 7' ENE of mag 10
William Herschel discovered NGC 1440 = H. II-458 = h2583 on
6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and recorded "pB, R, bM." John Herschel made
two observations from South Africa, logging it on 11 Dec 1835 as "pB; R;
vsmbM to a nucleus = *13' 60" dia." William also made an observation on 20 Sep 1786 with a 1°
error in declination, with the designation II-594. JH included this observation in the GC (773), although he
noted that Auwers considered it identical to II-458. Dreyer added it as
Joseph Turner observed this galaxy on 10 Nov 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and noted it "resembles a planetary nebula with a faint halo surrounding the nucleus, which is a little elongated n the north-following direction."
Finally, Francis Leavenworth found this galaxy again in
1886, recorded it in the second discovery list (#387) from the Leander
McCormick observatory but made a 2 min error in RA (too far east). Dreyer assumed it was new and was
catalogued as
******************************
03 45 43.0 -04 05 31; Eri
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 70°
24" (12/8/20): at 260x-375x; between fairly faint and
moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.3', contains a bright
core. Brightest and largest in
trio with
13.1" (12/18/82): faint, small, slightly elongated. Largest and brightest of three with NGC 1449 5.7' SE and NGC 1451 6.2' ENE. Brighter NGC 1453 lies 13' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1441 = H. II-597 on 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 608) and recorded "F, E in a row with some stars." His position and description matches.
******************************
NGC 1442 = NGC 1440 = NGC 1458: = ESO 549-010 = MCG -03-10-043 = PGC 13752
03 45 02.9 -18 15 59; Eri
See observing notes for NGC 1440.
William Herschel found NGC 1442 = H. II-594 on 20 Sep 1786 (sweep 597) and logged "pB, vS, R, bM." There is nothing at his position and it was reported as not found on Harvard plates taken with the Bruce astrograph in South Africa (Baker, 1937). But exactly one degree north is NGC 1440 = H. II-458, which he earlier discovered on 6 Oct 1785. The equivalence was first noted by Auwers but John Herschel still included his father's observation in the GC (774) as well as Dreyer in the NGC with the comment H. II-594 is probably identical to H. II-458 = NGC 1440. Leavenworth found this galaxy again in 1886 and reported it as new in his second list (#387, later NGC 1458), though his RA was 2 minutes of time too large. So, NGC 1440 = NGC 1442 = NGC 1458.
******************************
03 45 53.1 -04 03 09; Eri
= *, Corwin. "Not found", Carlson.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1443 in 1882, and described in paper V (AN 2439) "class III and forms with NGC 1441 and the two d'Arrest nebulae (NGC 1449 and NGC 1451) a trapezoid, so the second northernmost in this group". There is nothing at his position, but Corwin identifies a single mag 14.5 that fits Tempel's description. See Corwin's identification notes.
******************************
03 49 26 +51 39 18; Per
V = 6.6; Size 4'
17.5" (11/2/91): at 220x, about 20 mag 7-14 stars scattered in a 5' diameter, not rich or impressive. The group mainly consists of a bright double star (STF 446 = 7/10 at 9") with a third fainter mag 13 star 12" NE of the bright mag 7 star. Close northwest is a line of four mag 10-12 stars oriented SW-NE.
The bright star (B-type
8" (1/1/84): consists of a mag 7.5 star with 7 faint stars just west. The brightest star is STF 446 = 7.5/9.0 at 10".
William Herschel discovered NGC 1444 = H. VIII-80 = h308 on 18 Dec 1788 (sweep 894) and recorded "a cluster of small stars, containing one large one, 9-10 mag; 2 or 3' diam. not rich." On 8 Nov 1831 (sweep 384), John Herschel logged a "cluster of about 20 st; place that of a superb double star (∑ 446); the rest 12m."
******************************
03 44 56.1 -09 51 20; Eri
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5": faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3', weak concentration. Located 2.2' SE of a mag 12 star and 25' ESE of mag 3.5 Delta (35) Eridani. NGC 1434 lies 21' NE.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1445 = LM 2-383 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and reported "mag
14.5, 0.3' dia, R, *9, position 330° at 2'." His position is 0.8 min of RA east of
******************************
03 45 57.5 -04 06 44; Eri
= *?, Corwin.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 1446 on 8 Jan 1877 observing with the 72" at Birr Castle. He commented "perhaps a vF neb f [NGC 1441]" with no micrometric offsets and the sketch only shows two stars following NGC 1441, so it's unclear what object Dreyer had in mind. (in 1882). Wilhelm Tempel independently recorded a new object in 1882 with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and placed it 16 seconds of RA east of NGC 1441 and +3/4' in declination. There is nothing at this exact separation and Harold Corwin lists a possible star if the +3' to 4' should read -3' to 4'. Dreyer assumed both observations referred to the same object, so he and Tempel are credited in the NGC.
******************************
03 45 47.1 -09 01 07; Eri
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 105°
17.5" (1/12/02): faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter, very small brighter nucleus.
Located 2.7' WSW of mag 7.9
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1447 = LM 2-384 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"mag 14.5, 0.4' dia, R, neb?; *9.5 at 3.2' separation in PA 240° (WSW)
." His position is 3' S of
******************************
03 44 32.0 -44 38 38; Hor
V = 10.7; Size 7.6'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 41°
18" (12/30/08): moderately bright, large, edge-on ~6:1 SW-NE, ~4.5'x0.8'. Contains a brighter, elongated core that increases to the center. A brighter star is close southeast of the core (1.4' from center) and a fainter star is near the northeast end. Situated at the midpoint of two mag 9.2/9.7 stars located 7.5' N and 7.5' S. Viewed at only 8° elevation. Brightest members of a subgroup (LGG 102) of the Dorado Group complex.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1448 = h2585 on 14 Dec 1835 and
recorded "pB, vL, vmE, 3' l, 20" br, position = 221.6
degrees." There is nothing at
his position but 50 seconds of RA east is
This galaxy was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901. He noted NGC 1448 was not seen and was an error for NGC 1457.
******************************
NGC 1449 = MCG -01-10-032 = LGG 103-013 = PGC 13798
03 46 03.0 -04 08 17; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 20°
24" (12/8/20): at 260x and 376x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.3'. Similar NGC 1451 is 4' SSW and brighter NGC 1441 is 6' WSW in the LGG 103 group.
13.1" (12/18/82): faint, very small, round. Located 5.7' SE of NGC 1441 and forms a trio with NGC 1451 4.2' NNE in a group. Member of the NGC 1376/1417 Group (LGG 103)
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1449, along with NGC 1451,
on 9 Oct 1864 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen. His position, measured on 4 nights,
matches
******************************
03 45 36.5 -09 14 04; Eri
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 15°
17.5" (11/17/01): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, 0.7'x0.5' SSW-NNE.
Several faint galaxies are situated nearby.
Lewis Swift found NGC 1450 = Sw. 5-56 = LM 1-113 = LM 1-114
on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position
is 16 seconds of RA due east of
Frank Muller (also from the LM Observatory) noted the equivalence with Stone's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously. As a result Dreyer assigned a single NGC designation, crediting both Swift and Stone. As the LM discovery list was submitted to the Astronomical Journal on 12 Oct 1886, Stone made the earlier discovery. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
******************************
NGC 1451 = MCG -01-10-033 = LGG 103-014 = PGC 13801
03 46 07.1 -04 04 10; Eri
V = 13.3; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 45°
24" (12/8/20): at 260x-375x; fairly faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, very small bright nucleus. A mag 14 star is 2' S and a mag 14.7 star is 2' SE. In a group of galaxies with nearby NGC 1449 and NGC 1441.
13.1" (12/18/82): faint, very small, round. In a trio with NGC 1441 6.2' WSW and NGC 1449 4.2' SSW within a group. Located 7.9' SW of NGC 1453. Member of the NGC 1376/1417 Group (LGG 103)
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1451, along with NGC 1449,
on 9 Oct 1864. His position
(measured on 4 nights) matches
******************************
03 45 22.3 -18 38 01; Eri
V = 11.8; Size 2.2'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 113°
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, small, round, broad weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus, small faint halo. Appears similar to NGC 1440 25' NNW but slightly fainter. Member of NGC 1407 group (LGG 100).
William Herschel discovered NGC 1452 = H. II-459 on 6 Oct
1785 (sweep 459) and recorded "F, R, lbM." His position is 3.2' north of
******************************
NGC 1453 = MCG -01-10-034 = LGG 103-007 = PGC 13814
03 46 27.2 -03 58 09; Eri
V = 11.5; Size 2.4'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.2
24" (12/8/20): very bright, large, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a stellar peak. The outer halo (at least 1.5' diameter) has a much lower surface and fades gradually away without a definite edge. One of the two brightest galaxies in the NGC 1376/1417 Group.
13.1" (12/18/82): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, very small bright core. Brightest of four with a faint trio of galaxies NGC 1441, NGC 1449 and NGC 1451 roughly 10' SW. Member of the NGC 1376/1417 Group (LGG 103).
William Herschel discovered NGC 1453 = H. I-155 = h309 on 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 608) and recorded "cB, S, mbM." On 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 638) he noted "pB; gmbM."
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03 45 59.3 -20 39 08; Eri
= *, Gottlieb. Not found, ESO.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1454 = LM 2-385 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and reported a
"*?; *9.5, P 240° [SW] distance 3'.2." There is nothing at his position.
******************************
NGC 1455 = NGC 1452 = ESO 549-012 = MCG -03-10-044 = PGC 13765
03 45 22.3 -18 38 01; Eri
V = 11.8; Size 2.2'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 113°
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, small, round, broad weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus, small faint halo. Appears similar to NGC 1440 25' NNW but slightly fainter. Member of NGC 1407 group (LGG 100).
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1455 = LM 2-386 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.7, 0.5', lE 30°, sbMN." There is nothing at his position but 40 sec of RA west is NGC 1452 and his position angle matches its bar. Heber Curtis was perhaps the first to note "R.A. as given in the NGC probably in error; no object in that place. [NGC 1452] faint; Saturn-shaped; 1' long in p.a. 30°."
NGC 2000 and the Southern Galaxy Catalogue equate NGC 1455
with NGC 1452. RNGC misidentifies
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03 48 08.3 +22 33 31; Tau
= **, Gottlieb.
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 1456 in 1886 with a 15.5-inch refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England and noted a "double star mag 10-12, companion nebulous at 130°, 9'' [separation]. At his position is a wide pair of stars with the southwest component a "fused" double star (both components visible) on the DSS at 03 48 08.3 +22 33 31 (2000). The single mag 10 star is 1.4' NE. Lohse's description matches this pair although there is no involved nebulosity, as first noted by Sherburne Burnham when he examined the pair in 1909 at Yerkes. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
******************************
NGC 1457 = NGC 1448 = ESO 249-016 = MCG -07-08-005 = PGC 13727
03 44 32.0 -44 38 38; Hor
V = 10.7; Size 7.6'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 41°
See observing notes for NGC 1448.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1457 = h2586 on 24 Oct 1835 and recorded "pB, vmE, glbM, a ray nebula, 4' l, 20" br, pos = 38 degrees.". His position (observed on 3 sweeps) is accurate. He also picked up this galaxy on a separate sweep in 14 Dec 1835, but placed this galaxy 50 sec of RA too far west. He apparently missed the equivalent descriptions and it was also catalogued as NGC 1448. The IC 2 notes notes this number is identical to NGC 1448 (DeLisle Stewart). The primary designation should be NGC 1457 (earlier discovery), but this galaxy is generally referred to NGC 1448.
******************************
NGC 1458 = NGC 1440 = NGC 1442 = ESO 549-010 = MCG -03-10-043 = PGC 13752
03 45 02.9 -18 15 59; Eri
See observing notes for NGC 1440.
Francis Leavenworth found NGC 1458 = LM 2-387 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported "mag 13.0, 0.3' diameter, round." There is nothing at his position and it was reported not found on Harvard plates taken with the Bruce refractor in South Africa (Baker, 1937). But NGC 1440, two minutes of time west, is likely Leavenworth's object. NGC 1442 is probably another observation of this galaxy with a one degree error in declination (see these entries for more). So, NGC 1440 = NGC 1442 = NGC 1458.
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03 46 57.9 -25 31 18; For
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 167°
17.5" (11/2/91): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, low almost even surface brightness. A mag 12 star is 2.9' S of center.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1459 = LM 1-115 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest minute of
RA) is a good match with
******************************
03 46 13.7 -36 41 48; Eri
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 60°
18" (1/21/04): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.0' diameter. This Fornax I cluster member has a fairly low surface brightness. A mag 12.8 star is very close off the SE side [38" from center]. Located 2.7' S of a mag 10.6 star. Member of the Fornax I cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1460 = h2587 on 28 Nov 1837 and described "F; S; R; 15"; attached to a star 14 mag." His position and description is accurate.
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03 48 27.1 -16 23 36; Eri
V = 11.8; Size 3.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 155°
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.5'. Strong concentration with a small bright core. Located 3.3' SE of a mag 10.5 star.
8" (11/28/81): faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1461 = H. II-460 = h2588 on 6 Oct 1785 (sweep 459) and noted "pB, S, lE, mbM or a nucleus." His position is 2' south of MCG -03-10-047 = PGC 13881, and accurate in RA. John Herschel logged "pB, vlE, pmbM, 25" dia.", but was off by 21 sec in RA (too far east). Schönfeld measured an accurate position (used in the NGC).
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03 50 23.5 +06 58 22; Tau
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (11/2/91): extremely faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE (orientation uncertain), very low surface brightness. A faint double star lies 1' WNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1462 = m 92 on 13 Sep 1864 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, S, vlE". Marth's position is accurate.
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03 46 15.5 -59 48 37; Ret
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 45°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright and large at 200x, round, even concentration to a small,
brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus. Quite a number of brighter stars are nearby including a
group of 7 bright mag 10-11 stars that lie just to the north and two additional
mag 11 stars that flank the galaxy 1.8' SSW and 2.5' ENE. In addition, the galaxy is 8.5' NNW of
mag 9.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 1463 = h2589 on 6 Oct 1834 and recorded "F, S, R, bM, 15", one of a constellation with 7 bright stars." His position (h2589) and description is accurate.
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03 51 24.4 -15 24 08; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 44°
18" (11/22/03): faint, small, round, 40"x35",
fairly low even surface brightness with just a weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star lies 1.9' SSE. Located 16' NE of mag 8.3
Lewis Swift found NGC 1464 = Sw. 5-57 on 1 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and reported "pF; S; R; forms equilateral triangle with 2 stars." His position is 2' NW of PGC 13976 and the description applies, though the triangle is technically isosceles in shape.
Frances Leavenworth discovered this galaxy earlier in 1886
(the discovery list was submitted on 12 Oct) but his rough RA for LM 1-116
(later
******************************
03 53 32.0 +32 29 33; Per
V = 13.7; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 165°
13.1" (1/1/84): fainter extensions visible oriented ~N-S.
13.1" (11/5/83): faint, small, round, but not
difficult. Mag 6.6
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1465 = Sw. 5-58 on 25 Sep 1886
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "pF;
pS; R; pB* near p[receding]."
His position is 8 tsec east and 39" north of
******************************
03 44 32.4 -71 40 16; Hyi
V = 11.6; Size 2.3'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, moderately large, round, 2.5' diameter. Appeared mottled with some extremely faint stars resolved in the halo. The only brighter resolved star is on the south side of the halo. The view is somewhat hampered by mag 6.3 CT Hydri just 4' ENE and a mag 9 star 2.3' SSE. NGC 1466 is one of the 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
outlying globular of the LMC is known to be one the oldest LMC clusters. At 128x it appeared moderately bright,
fairly small, round, 2' diameter.
There was no resolution except for a single faint star at the south edge
but the surface brightness was high.
This cluster was fairly prominent and very easy to find as it is
situated 4' WSW of mag 6.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 1466 = h2590 on 26 Nov 1834 and recorded "F, irregularly round, glbM, 30", has a * 7th mag foll, and others near." On a second sweep he notes "Viewed past meridian; found in place; pB, R, gbM, 30" dia."
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03 51 52.7 -08 50 17; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 115°
17.5" (2/11/96): very faint, small, round, 0.6'
diameter, slightly brighter core.
Slightly brighter of a pair with
17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, very small bright core surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo. Located 4.3' NNE of a mag 10 star.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1467 = LM 2-388 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.0, 0.3' dia, R, *9 at 4.2' in PA 185° [SSW]." His position is just 0.2 min of RA west of
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03 52 12.5 -06 20 56; Eri
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 135°
17.5" (2/11/96): very faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, weak even concentration to an occasional stellar nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is 1.0' ENE of center. Located ~3' N of a 1' pair of mag 11/12 stars.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1468 = St. 12-27 on 28 Dec 1877. His published position in the 12th discovery list was reduced on 14 Dec 1881.
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04 00 28.0 +68 34 40; Cam
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 153°
17.5" (11/2/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.6', very bright core surrounded by fainter elongated halo. A mag 10 star is just off the west edge 0.6' WSW from the center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1469 = Sw. 3-27 on 24 Feb 1886
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "vF;
vS; R; B* nr." His position
is 6' NW of
******************************
NGC 1470 = MCG -02-10-016 = PGC 14002
03 52 09.7 -08 59 57; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 169°
17.5" (2/11/96): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.3', slightly brighter core. Forms a faint pair with NGC 1467 10' NNW.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1470 = LM 2-389 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.0, 0.8'x0.2', E 180° [N-S], *9.5 precedes 20s, 2' S." There is nothing at his position but
1.0 min of RA west is
******************************
NGC 1471 = NGC 1464 = PGC 13976
03 51 24.4 -15 24 08; Eri
See observing notes for NGC 1464.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1471 = LM 1-116 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"mag 14.5, vS, pE 45°."
His description is accurate, though his rough position is 1 minute 40
seconds of RA due east of
******************************
03 53 47.3 -08 34 06; Eri
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, round. A mag 13 star is 1' SE. FIrst and brightest of three with NGC
1477 4' E and
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1472 = LM 1-117 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and described "mag
14.0, 0.1' dia, 1st of 3 [with
******************************
03 47 26.8 -68 13 13; Hyi
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 36°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x
appears moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weakly concentrated
with a slightly brighter core.
This galaxy has a slightly mottled or clumpy appearance (the SGC notes a
"large knot 0.3' NE of center"). Elongated in the direction of a star 3' SW. Situated within a string of 4 stars - one
star to the NW and three to the SE.
Member of a small group that includes
John Herschel discovered NGC 1473 = h2592 on 2 Nov 1834 and
recorded "pF; R; glbM; 25" dia." His position (from two sweeps) corresponds with
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03 54 30.3 +10 42 24; Tau
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 0°
17.5" (2/11/96): faint, fairly small, round, 40"
diameter, weak concentration to a slightly brighter 15" core. A mag 13.5 star is just 1.0' N of
center. Located 12' WSW of mag 9
This galaxy is identified as
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1474 = m 93 on 5 Oct 1864 and
logged "vF, S, R." His
position is 8' S of
******************************
03 53 49.8 -08 08 15; Eri
Size 0.6'x0.6'
18" (10/16/09): not seen initially at 275x but referring to the exact position an extremely faint glow was quickly seen with averted. Appears very small, round, 12" diameter. Visible ~2/3 of the time with averted once it was acquired.
18" (1/1/08): extremely faint and small, round,
10"-15" diameter.
Requires averted vision to glimpse. Located 9' SE of mag 8
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1475 = LM 2-390 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"mag 15.3, 0.1' dia, R, *14 4' north-preceding." His position is close to
******************************
03 52 08.9 -44 31 57; Hor
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 86°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.2', broad concentration. Located 15' SE of a mag 8 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1476 = h2591 on 14 Dec 1835 and recorded "F, S, pmE in the parallel; gbM, 15" long." On a second sweep he described it "vF, lE, gbM, 25" long". His position is accurate.
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03 54 02.9 -08 34 30; Eri
V = 14.8; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint, very small, round. A mag 15 star is 1' NE. Located in a trio with NGC 1472 4' W and NGC 1478 2' NE.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1477 = LM 1-118 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, 2nd of 3 [with NGC 1472 and 1478]." His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is essentially accurate, along with the companions.
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03 54 07.3 -08 33 20; Eri
V = 15.5; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint and small, round, at visual threshold. Faintest of a trio with NGC 1477 2' SW and NGC 1472 5' WSW.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1478 = LM 1-119 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, 3rd of 3 [with NGC 1472 and 1477]." His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is essentially accurate, along with the companions.
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03 54 24 -10 12; Eri
= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1479 = LM 2-391 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory recorded "mag
16.0, 0.6'x0.1', 1st of 2 [with
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03 54 30 -10 16; Eri
= Not found, RNGC.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1480 = LM 2-392 (along with NGC 1479 = LM 2-391) in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, but there is nothing at his position. Muller mentions a "*10 following 30s" but no discovery sketch was found to aid in the identification and Harold Corwin's search came up empty. The RNGC has an obvious typo in the position as the RA is off by over 8 hours.
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03 54 28.9 -20 25 38; Eri
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 133°
24" (12/1/13): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2
NW-SE, 30"x20", broad concentration. Fainter of a pair with
17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated NW-SE, even surface brightness.
Located 2.5' NW of mag 8.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 1481 = h2593 on 13 Nov 1835 and
described "eF, S, R, precedes two bright stars and the nebula III.962 [NGC
1482].". His single position
is 2' S of
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NGC 1482 = ESO 549-033 = MCG -03-10-054 = KTS 22B = PGC 14084
03 54 38.9 -20 30 09; Eri
V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 103°
24" (12/1/13): moderately bright to fairly bright,
fairly large, oval 5:3 WNW-ESE, ~1.5'x0.9'. Contains a large bright core that increases to a very small,
bright nucleus. Surrounding the
core is a very low surface brightness halo. Forms a right triangle with two bright stars; mag 8.6 HD
24694 2.3' ENE and mag 8.6
17.5" (2/1/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3
~E-W, broad concentration. Forms
the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with mag 8.7 SAO 168936 2.5' NW
and mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 1482 = H. III 962 = h2594 on 19 Dec 1799 (sweep 1091) and recorded "vF; vS; near 2 bright stars, south preceding of them." John Herschel observed the galaxy from the Cape of Good Hope on 13 Nov 1835 and logged "F, S, R; makes an obtuse angled triangle with two bright stars, the one preceding, the other following it." A week later he called it "eF, S; makes an obtuse angled nearly isoceles triangle with two stars 10th mag north of it." His third observation on 11 Dec was recorded as "pB, lE, gbM (newly polished mirror); makes an obtuse angled triangle with two stars 10th mag to its north."
Fritz Zwicky discovered SN 1937E, during his systematic search for supernovae using the 18" Schmidt at Palomar (his 4th discovery).
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03 52 47.7 -47 28 40; Hor
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 125°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright and large, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.2'x0.9', broad
concentration, slightly irregular or patchy surface brightness but no clear
spiral structure. Located 15' SE
of mag 6.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 1483 = h2595 on 14 Dec 1835 (and possibly earlier by Dunlop) and recorded "pretty faint; round; very little brighter in the middle; 20". (Newly polished mirror, but the sky dull and haze forming; so that this may very possibly be Dunlop 428.)". His second observation reads "very faint; pretty large; round; very gradually a little brighter in the middle; 80" across. I feel convinced that this nebula is too faint to have been seen by Mr Dunlop. Put on the 9 inch aperture, could not discern the least trace of it. Mirror polished yesterday and in high beauty. Sky superb."
James Dunlop found D 428 on 2 Sep 1826 and described
"An extremely faint ill-defined small nebula. A pretty large nebula (D 427) precedes this." Despite Herschel's comments, Dunlop's
position lands very close to NGC 1483 and his position for
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03 54 17.9 -36 58 14; Eri
V = 13.1; Size 2.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80°
18" (12/30/08): faint, thin edge-on ~6:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.25', low even surface brightness with no noticeable core. Located at the SE edge of the Fornax I cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1484 = h2596 on 28 Nov 1837 and
recorded "vF, L, E, vgvlbM, 2'." His position is 1' S of
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04 05 03.6 +70 59 46; Cam
V = 12.6; Size 2.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 22°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is just following the SSW end.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1485 = Sw. 3-28 on 24 Feb 1886
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and logged "eF; pS;
R." His position is 2.6' NW
of
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03 56 18.6 -21 49 17; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 2°
17.5" (2/22/03): very faint, fairly small,, 0.6'x0.4',
weak concentration with a roundish, brighter core, requires averted
vision. The halo appears elongated
SSW-NNE although difficult to pin down a consistent orientation. Located 10' E of mag 9.7
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1486 = LM 2-393 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is about 25 sec of RA east
of
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03 55 45.3 -42 22 05; Eri
V = 11.9; Size 3.3'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 55°
18" (1/17/09): fairly faint, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.8'x1.5', slightly elongated E-W, weak central brightening. Appears to have an irregular surface brightness, though viewed at a very low elevation from Lake Sonoma. Two mag 12.5-13 stars form an isosceles triangle with the galaxy 1.2' N and 1.2' W. On the DSS this is a distorted interacting system with two brighter condensations and long, faint tidal plumes. This object should be viewed from a more southerly latitude to see detail. Member of the small NGC 1512 group (LGG 108)
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1487 = D 480 = h2597 on 29 Oct
1826. He described "a very
faint ill-defined nebula, with two or three very small stars in it, and a small
star following." There is
nothing at his published position, but 83 seconds of RA west is the interacting
system
John Herschel observed this galaxy on 3 sweeps. On 24 Oct 1835 (sweep 639) he recorded "pB, pL, R, 90"; makes a triangle with two stars 13th mag about 1 radius of nebula (by diagram) from its edge."
Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 26 Nov 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (p. 151 of his logbook). He noted it had a mottled appearance and was "rather irregular in shape, of rather an oval form...the sp side is brider than the rest of the nebula." NGC 1487 is a distorted triple system.
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04 00 04.3 +18 34 02; Tau
= **, Thomson. Incorrect ID in RNGC, CGCG, RC3.
Edward Cooper discovered NGC 1488 = Au 19 with a 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland. While compiling the comprehensive Markree ecliptic Catalogue it as noted (probably by asistant Andrew Graham) as a nebulous mag 12 star. At his position is a 9" pair of stars. Bigourdan reported finding a 13th mag double star with no nebulosity. Engelhardt also made a micrometric measurement of the components of this double star.
RNGC, CGCG and RC3 misidentify
******************************
03 57 38.2 -19 12 58; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 12°
17.5" (2/22/03): very faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.4', nearly uniform surface brightness. Situated between a mag 10.8 star 2.7' W and a mag 11.4 star 4' NE.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1489 = LM 2-394 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.0, 1.0'x0.6', E 190° (SSW-NNE)."
His position is 40 sec of RA east of
******************************
03 53 34.4 -66 01 05; Ret
V = 12.4; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 142°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 280x
appeared bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a very bright
20" core that increases to the center, surrounded by a diffuse 1.2'
halo. A faint star is embedded at
the east edge of the halo. NGC
1503 lies 18' E and
John Herschel discovered NGC 1490 = h2599 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB, S, lE, pmbM, 18" dia." His position is accurate.
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04 03 13.6 +51 18 58; Per
Size 3'x3'
18" (1/20/07): at 115x and 174x and OIII filter appears as a bright, large, elongated HII region on the west side of an 11th magnitude star. Appears roughly 4'x2', extending SSW to NNE and brighter on the south end. The west side has a fairly hard, well-defined edge while the east side is more irregular and fades into the background. Four faint stars are involved on the northern end and a pair of fainter stars are at the south end.
17.5" (3/2/02): at 100x, this is a moderately bright, roundish glow, ~3' diameter. Extends mostly west of a mag 11 star, wrapping around the star, particularly on the north side. Excellent contrast gain with an OIII filter as it appears bright with an irregular surface brightness. There is a subtle bite cut out of the nebulosity on the east side that creates a darker hollow extending just west of the star. At 220x (unfiltered), about a half dozen stars are involved or at the edges. The nebulosity is quite irregular with a high surface brightness region preceding the star. Faint, elongated haze extends from this patch to the NE past the star giving an elongated appearance. A pair of mag 13-14 stars is at the northern end and another pair is just off the western edge.
17.5" (12/7/90): at 140x with OIII filter appears as a bright, moderately large, circular nebulosity involving a mag 11 star. The brightest portion lies to the west of the star and is elongated 3:2 ~N-S. There appears be a dark gap just west of the mag 11 star. Two very faint stars are superimposed near the edges.
13.1" (1/18/85): bright emission nebula just west of a mag 10.5 star, extends SW-NE, interesting shape.
8" (11/14/80): bright, large, ~6' diameter. A mag 10.5 star is at the east side.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1491 = H. I-258 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and recorded "vB, iF, resolvable, bM, 5' l, 3 or 4' br. A pL star in it towards the following side, but unconnected." His position is fairly accurate, though Dreyer used a micrometric position of an involved star by Engelhardt. See Corwin's notes.
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03 58 13.1 -35 26 48; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 10°
18" (1/21/04): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, fairly even surface brightness. Located 1.5' N of a mag 13 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1492 = h2598 on 28 Nov 1837 and logged "vF, vS, R, 10'." His position is accurate, though, his size of 10' is probably a typo for 10".
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NGC 1493 = ESO 249-033 = AM 0355-462 = LGG 106-004 = PGC 14163
03 57 28 -46 12 36; Hor
V = 11.3; Size 3.5'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.7
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, round, 3.0' diameter, broad concentration. Contains a brighter, elongated core or "bar" oriented ~E-W. The halo contains a strong suggestion of irregular spiral structure. A mag 15 star is at the east edge of the halo. This face-on SBcd galaxy is a member of LGG 106 (subgroup of the Dorado Group).
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1493 = D 438 = h2600 with his 9-inch reflector on 2 Sep 1826 and described "a very faint nebula, about 1' diameter, round figure". JH first logged it on 14 Dec 1835 and noted "F, vL, R, vglbM, 3'; sky dull, a haze forming." On a second sweep he was critical of Dunlop's discovery and commented "faint; large; round; very gradually a little brighter in the middle; 2.5' across. With 9" aperture, and a mirror newly polished yesterday, and in high beauty, it is barely possible to discern with the utmost attention that this nebula exists; but to have discovered it with that aperture and power 180 would have been quite out of the question; possibly, however, 90 might show it better." Despite Herschel's skepticism, Dunlop's position is unusually accurate.
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03 57 42.5 -48 54 32; Hor
V = 11.7; Size 3.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 179°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 N-S, 2.4'x1.5'. Contains an elongated bar-like core with a suggestion of
spiral structure and mottling (HII regions) in the halo. A distinctive trio of mag 12-12.5 stars
(separations 30"-45") lie 3.5' N. Located 14' W of mag 7.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 1494 = h2601 on 28 Dec 1834 and described "F, L, R, vgvlbM, 70" dia." On a second sweep he called it "F, L, R, vglbM, 2.5'; has north of it a triangle of stars 12th mag." His position and description is accurate.
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03 58 21 -44 28 00; Hor
V = 12.6; Size 3.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 104°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright or fairly bright, fairly large, very thin edge-on 8:1 WNW-ESE, 2.5'x0.3', broad concentration but no well-defined core, slightly mottled or uneven appearance, fades at tips with the ESE tip fainter. A mag 11.8 star lies 1.9' SE of center and a mag 9.4 star is 5.9' ESE, nearly collinear with the major axis. Possible member of the Dorado Group (NGC 1433 subgroup?).
John Herschel discovered NGC 1495 = h2602 on 24 Oct 1835 and logged "F, E in the parallel, vgvlbM, 60" l, 40" br." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.
NGC 1495 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described in a list of NGC corrections as "Elongated at 105° instead of 90° [parallel] as given in the NGC."
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04 04 32 +52 39 42; Per
Size 6'
17.5" (12/28/94): 20 stars mag 12-15 in a 5' region elongated E-W. The stars are mainly arranged in a semicircle open to the east with several nice close pairs! The brightest mag 11 star is on the NE end of the semicircle and the SE end is a very close double. An isolated mag 10 star is 4' SW and 0.8' NE of this star is an evenly matched mag 14 pair at 7" separation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1496 = h310 on 8 Nov 1831 (sweep 384) and recorded a "curious knot of stars forming a cluster in form the segment of an elliptic ring." His position and and description accurates describes this cluster.
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04 02 06.8 +23 07 59; Tau
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 60°
48" (10/31/13): moderately bright to fairly bright,
moderately large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 45"x30", contains a bright
core. A mag 12.7 star is 1.1' SW
of center. Brightest in a group
with
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, forms a triangle with two stars to the south. UGC 2927 lies 6' WSW. Located 15' E of ∑479 = 7.0/7.9 at 7" and about 3.5° SE of the Pleiades.
13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small, roundish, slightly brighter middle, a pair of stars are just south.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1497 = St. 8b-13 on 13 Jan 1872 and logged a rough position 9' to the SW. His published micrometric position (list 8 second part, #13) was made on 11 Dec 1876.
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04 00 19.4 -12 01 11; Eri
Size 0.7
17.5" (12/30/99): at 220x, this is an easily resolved trio of mag 13.5-14 stars forming a small isosceles triangle (separations of 30", 30", 45"). This triple star or asterism is the closest object to William Herschel's position but it's difficult to see how he confused it with a poor cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1498 = H. VII-3 on 8 Feb 1784 (sweep 136) and recorded "a small cluster of compressed stars, containing some pretty large." Dreyer notes in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel", that "there is no very pronounced cluster near the place." Herschel's reference star was 3 Leporis with an offset of -72m 30s and -30' dec. This places NGC 1498 at 03 59 54 -12 01 (J2000) and Auwer's reduction gives the same position. A close trio of mag 13/14 stars lies at 04 00 19.4 -12 01 11 (mean of three stars with a maximum separation of ~45"), which is a plausible candidate although doesn't qualify as a "small cluster of compressed stars." Pietro Baracchi searched for this object unsuccessfully a couple of times in 1887 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. See Corwin's notes for more of the story.
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04 03 14 +36 22 06; Per
Size 145'x40'
17.5" (1/16/02): Despite its reputation as a challenging target, this was an easy, fascinating object at 64x with a H-beta filter. The California Nebula is HUGE and extended a full two eyepiece fields even using a 31 Nagler for a total length of over 2.5 degrees and with a varying width of 15'-30', extended WNW-ESE. The E-W border is well-defined with a filter, particularly in the general vicinity of Xi Persei (middle of three naked-eye stars in the leg of Perseus collinear with the Pleiades) on the southern border and a long straight stretch on the northern edge. Along the northern edge, there is some filamentary, wispy structure similar to the view of the Veil nebula in a small scope!
The nebulosity is weaker and more disorganized, though, close to the preceding and following ends. The nebula tapers towards the eastern end where there are some additional brighter streaks and dark intrusions near a group of stars. Portions of the central region are clearly fainter with no evident structure. At the west end the structure is also chaotic with an irregular mix of weak nebulosity and darker voids. There is much to view here even at 64x, and I spent 30 minutes scanning the entire length for structure.
17.5" (10/28/89): the California Nebula requires very low power and visibility is best using an H-beta filter. At 82x appears very large, faint, very elongated, irregular low surface brightness with darker lanes and some wispy structure along the edges. The most well-defined section of the border is near a mag 8.5 star bordering the southern edge. Located roughly 30' N of mag 4.0 Xi Persei.
13.1" (1/18/85): definite contrast gain with H-beta filter as only the section NW of Xi was definite using a Daystar 300 filter (siimlar to UHC), but the H-beta shows the full extent easily.
13x80mm (1/13/07): excellent view in my 80mm finder using a 24mm Panoptic and an H-beta filter as a huge, elongated bar of fairly high contrast stretching across the field. The glow is generally brightest in the broad middle section between Xi Persei and the 6th magnitude star off the central north side. The nebula noticeably tapers towards the southeast end as the northern side of this end squeezes inward. Similarly, the northwest end also tapers as the northern boundary narrows towards the southern side.
13x80mm (2/5/21): very nice view with the 24mm Panoptic and an H-beta filter, as the 5° field frames the 2.5° wide nebula. Slightly brighter in the middle section, particularly on both the south and north border.
16x80mm (7/27/84): very large and faint, very elongated WNW-ESE, sharper and brighter on WNW edge, very low surface brightness. Improved contrast with an H-beta filter.
15x50mm IS binoculars (8/27/11): very faintly visible as a large, elongated glow near Xi Persei using a pair of 2" H-beta filters over the objectives.
Naked-eye (11/30/21): the California Nebula appeared as a bright, high contrast, very elongated glow using a handheld 1x image-intensifier monocular (PVS-14 L3 Gen3 Un-Filmed White Phosphor model) with a narrowband H-alpha filter. The Pleiades, nearly 13° to the SSW, shared the same naked-eye field on the screen.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1499, the California Nebula, on 3 Nov 1885 while searching for comets with the 6-inch Cooke Equatorial refractor at Vanderbilt University Observatory. In the Sidereal Messenger (Vol 5, p27), he reported "this requires the lowest power and cannot be seen by direct vision. It is only by directing the vision slightly to one side of its place that it is pssible to see it, then flashes out feebly." The NGC position is near the following end.
Simon Archenhold produced the first photograph on 27 Oct 1891. He quickly published an article with a sketch of the outline (nearly 2°) and apparently felt it was too large photographically to be identical to Barnard's intended object. Barnard responded in an 1894 article that he discovered this object visually and published a photograph taken in 1895 with the Willard lens in Astrophysical Journal, 2, 350.
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03 58 13.9 -52 19 42; Dor
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 88°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
260x, fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.6'x0.5', weak
concentration. Nearly on a line
between a mag 11.2 star 2.6' WNW and a mag 10.2 star 4.7' ESE. Brightest member of
John Herschel discovered NGC 1500 = h2603 on 24 Dec 1837 and logged "F, vS, R, pmbM, 12"; has a star 8th mag 15.5 tsec preceding in RA, to northward." Herschel noted this nebula might be equivalent to James Dunlop's D 369, which was described as "a faint nebula, elliptical in the parallel of the equator, about 30" long and 12" broad". Dunlop's position is 2 min 30 sec of RA east of this galaxy and not nearly as elongated as Dunlop's description. This equivalence is not given by Glen Cozens or Wolfgang Steinicke.
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04 06 59.4 +60 55 15; Cam
V = 11.9; Size 56"x48"; PA = 98°
18" (11/7/07): superb view at 450x in good seeing. The 1' diameter disc is slightly elongated ~E-W, ~60"x50" with a very narrow, brighter rim and darker center. The mag 14.4 central star was steadily visible. On closer inspection the thin rim was clearly irregular in surface brightness and slightly brighter along the southwest and northeast sides with a couple of tiny knots embedded in the rim. The slightly darker interior was weakly mottled or patchy with subtle variations in surface brightness.
17.5" (1/8/00): at 100x, this moderately bright PN was irregularly round, 1' diameter, weakly annular with a faint glimpse of the central star. There was a good contrast gain with the OIII filter and the image was crisp-edged, slightly elongated SW-NE and the small, darker center was more evident. Excellent view at 220x with the faint central star (mag 14.4) clearly visible. The surface brightness was irregular with an unevenly brighter outer rim. The central star was visible steadily at 280x and the overall surface brightness was mottled or "clumpy" (brighter on west and NE rim), darkening in the center.
17.5" (9/14/85): bright, moderately large, almost round, 1' diameter, high surface brightness. An easy mag 14.2 central star is visible. Appears darker near the central star with a brighter rim.
13.1" (1/28/84): slightly annular, very faint mag 14 central star visible.
8": fairly faint, moderately large, bluish, slightly elongated, sharp-edged.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1501 = H. IV-53 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) using the front-view (no secondary) design with a power of 157. He described "a very curious planetary nebula of nearly 1' in diameter; it is round, pretty well defined of a uniform light and pretty bright." Just 6 nights later, he reported "with 360 much magnitified, but still the borders pretty abruptly defined, irregularly elliptical." John Herschel didn't report an observation.
On 15 Jan 1868 Lawrence Parsons, the son of Lord Rosse, reported "a bright ring and inside it a dark annulus, very decided. A star in the centre seen very clearly and continuously with various powers; suspect variable [unequal?] brightness in the ring, perhaps a dark spot in it nearly on the p side. The f side of the ring appears broadest and to approach the central star nearer than the preceding side does. The n and s sides of the ring seem rather brighter than the p and f sides. Suspect other bright points in it, but am not at all certain. It is slightly elliptical, its major axis being nearly p and f."
George Searle of Harvard identified the emission spectrum in 1879. Based on a Crossley photograph, Curtis (1918) described, "central star nearly mag 12, surrounded by a very irregular and patchy elliptical disk, about 56"x48" in pa 98°. The periphery shows traces of a broken ring formation the brightest portions are the edges at the ends of the minor axis." Based on a Mt. Wilson photograph with the 60", Pease (1917) reported "this is a fine planetary of regular elliptical shape, 60"x45", p.a. 120°, with protuberances at each end of the minor axis making a total breadth 53". The nebula is irregularly mottled, bearing a resemblance to the convolutions of the brain."
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04 07 49 +62 19 54; Cam
V = 5.7; Size 8'
13.1" (1/28/84): bright, striking cluster, 40 stars
visible in a trapezoidal outline.
The brightest is the striking double STF 485 = 7.0/7.1 at 18" and
the cluster also includes ∑484 = 9.0/9.5 at 5". NGC 1502 is located near the SE end of the chain of stars
"Kemble's Cascade". The
cluster, part of the Camelopardalis OB1 association, contains 17 type-
William Herschel discovered NGC 1502 = H. VII-47 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 774) and recorded "a cluster of stars, pretty rich and considerably compressed, slightly extended, 3' or 4' diameter, irregular figure."
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03 56 33.5 -66 02 28; Ret
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 140°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round, 25" diameter. Contains a very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus. Located 18' E of brighter NGC 1490.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1503 = h2604 on 2 Nov 1834 and
logged "eF, S, R, (a doubtful object) Has a * on p, 10th mag 3'
dist." His position is 1' N
of
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04 02 29.7 -09 20 07; Eri
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (12/30/99): very faint, very small, round,
20" diameter. Appears as a
low surface brightness spot sandwiched between
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1504 = LM 1-120 (along with NGC
1505 = LM 1-121) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander
McCormick Observatory. His rough
positions (nearest min of RA) correspond with
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NGC 1505 = MCG -02-11-009 = PGC 14339
04 02 36.4 -09 19 21; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (12/30/99): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 40"x30". Increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 11.5-12.5 stars 3.5' WSW and SSW. Brighter of a close pair with NGC 1504 1.8' SW (inside the triangle).
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1505 = LM 1-121 (along with NGC 1504 = LM 1-120) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) matches MCG -02-11-009 = PGC 14339. MCG does not label this galaxy NGC 1505.
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04 00 21.6 -52 34 25; Dor
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 ~SW-NE, 35"x25", weak
concentration, gradually increases to a faint stellar nucleus. Situated between a mag 13 star 1.8' SW
and a mag 13.5 star 1.1' NE.
Member of
John Herschel discovered NGC 1506 = h2605 on 23 Dec 1837 and logged "eeeF, S, R.". On the next sweep (when brighter NGC 1500 was also discovered) he added "between two stars 12th and 13th mag." His position and description matches.
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04 04 27.1 -02 11 21; Eri
V = 12.3; Size 3.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 11°
13.1" (12/18/82): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 N-S, even surface brightness. A mag 10.5 star is 3.4' SSE and a mag 13 star is 1.2' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1507 = H. II-279 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 351) and recorded "mE, easily resolvable, about 4' long, some of the stars [in it] visible." On 1 Feb 1786 (ssweep 518) he noted "vF, mE, vlbM, about 3' l."
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04 05 47.6 +25 24 31; Tau
V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 25°
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1508 = St. 8b-14 on 1 Dec 1875 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. He measured an accurate position (list 8b, #14) on 15 Dec 1876.
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04 03 55.2 -11 10 44; Eri
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (12/30/99): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. This is a very compact galaxy with a fairly high surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is 1' E.
NGC 1509 = IC 2026 forms a close pair with
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1509 = LM 1-122 = Sw. 5-59 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Stone reported (2 observations), "mag 14.0, 0.1' dia, R, gbM." His rough position (accurate to the nearest min of RA and less than 1' too far north) is close enough to be unambiguous.
Lewis Swift found NGC 1509 again on 22 Oct 1886 and reported it in his 5th discovery list as "vF; vS; lE; F* nr p[receding]." His RA was 9 too large and it's possible the "F* nr p" refers to PGC 14389 (as I almost thought). Frank Muller noted the equivalence with Stone's object in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887) that listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had been discovered previously. Dreyer credited both Swift and Stone with the discovery in the NGC (in that order), but the Leander McCormick discovery list was submitted to the Astronomical Journal on 12 Oct 1886, so discovery priority goes to Stone.
Bigourdan reobserved the galaxy in 1897 but assumed it was a nova (misidentifying a nearby star as NGC 1509) and it received the number IC 2026. So, NGC 1509 = IC 2026. Howe also observed the field in 1899-1900 and measured an accurate position with the 20" refractor at Denver. See Corwin's identification notes for more.
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04 03 32.6 -43 24 01; Hor
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 90°
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): faint, very small, round, only 20" diameter. Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 13.5 stars ~1.8' S and 1.7' WSW. Located 5' SW of NGC 1512.
13.1" (11/29/86): not seen although far south from northern California. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 1512.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1510 = h2606 on 4 Dec 1836 and recorded "F; R; vgpmbM, 80" dia. Not resolved. A companion to Dunlop 466 [NGC 1512]." His position is accurate.
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NGC 1511 = ESO 055-004 = AM 0359-674 = KTS 23A = LGG 107-002 = PGC 14236
03 59 36.9 -67 38 03; Hyi
V = 11.3; Size 3.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 125°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, ~2.5'x0.8'. Contains a bright, elongated core with a small very bright nucleus. Two stars mag 14-15 stars bracket the galaxy just 54" E and 1.3' W of center and just north of the center. The northeast flank of the galaxy appears slightly brighter and more sharply defined and there is an impression of a dust lane on the south side. At 260x the galaxy has a mottled appearance and is slightly warped or asymmetric at the tips. A mag 10.8 star lies 3.5' SSE and a fainter edge-on NGC 1511A is in the field 11' SSE.
NGC 1511A appeared fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on
7:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x0.4', broadly concentrated with a slightly bulging core. NGC 1511 is a member of a small group
that includes NGC 1473, NGC 1511A and
John Herschel discovered NGC 1511 = h2608 on 2 Nov 1834 and
described "pB; mE; vgbM; 90" l; pos 125.5°." His position and description matches
The galaxy was sketched by Joseph Turner in 1876 (unpublished plate II, figure 12) using the Great Melbourne Telescope and later by Pietro Baracchi.
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NGC 1512 = ESO 250-004 = MCG -07-09-007 = AM 0402-433 = LGG 108-003 = PGC 14391
04 03 54.2 -43 20 56; Hor
V = 10.3; Size 8.9'x5.6'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 90°
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 SW-NE. Sharply concentrated with a bright, 30" core. The tightly bound spiral "ring" was not seen, although there was some brightening at the southwest and northeast ends of the major axis, where the spiral arms emerge from the central bar. Forms a pair with NGC 1510 5' SW.
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, slightly elongated. Forms a pair with NGC 1510 5' SW. Very far south for viewing from Northern California.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1512 = D 466 = h2607 on 29 Oct
1826 and described "a small faint round nebula, about 25" diameter, a
little brighter in the centre: a star of 10th or 12th magnitude preceding the
nebula [
John Herschel made 3 observations: On 24 Oct 1835 he logged "bright, large, slightly elongated, pretty suddenly brighter in the middle, 3' diameter; it is just north of a great group of large stars 6, 7 and 8th mag, scattered over two or three fields." On a second sweep he noted "Globular. bright, pretty large, round, 3' diameter. Resolved into stars barely perceptible." Finally, on a third sweep he recorded "B, R, gpmbM." Based on the second description, Herschel identified this object as a globular cluster in the General Catalouge.
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 1512 on 5 Dec 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope as sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus and faint halo. He commented "I cannot make out any distinct appearance of stars, although at times there is a suspicion of sparkling about the center - Indeed it has all the appearance of an ordinary nebula, round and much brighter in the centre. His unpublished lithograph (plate II, figure 13) shows a ring surrounding the core and nucleus. The east side of the halo or ring seems to be connected to the core by a bar.
Dreyer identified NGC 1512 as a globular in the NGC, following the GC. NGC 1512 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and "identified as extremely faint ring nebula. Long exposure needed." Based on a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt, the galaxy was described in 1921 as a Phi-type (barred-ring) spiral.
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04 09 55 +49 31 00; Per
V = 8.4; Size 9'
13.1" (1/18/85): about 60 stars mag 11 and fainter over unresolved background glow. Located 50' SE of Lambda Persei (V = 4.3).
William Herschel discovered NGC 1513 = H. VII-60 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and recorded "A L cl of considerable L stars, pretty compressed and very rich, iR, about 7' dia." His position is accurate.
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04 09 17.0 +30 46 33; Tau
V = 10.9; Size 136"x121"
48" (10/25/14): at 610x unfiltered; very bright and large; very irregular surface brightness, the rim varies greatly in thickness and brightness. The relatively thick rim is very bright in the northwest quadrant, along roughly a 70° arc. A second enhanced portion of the rim is along the southeast end (~35° arc) and a third slightly smaller, bright region (more circular) is on the east end. The rim is weak on the south or south-southwest end as well as the north and northeast side. A mag 17 star is at the edge of the rim on the southwest end. A few modest outer lobes were evident; the rim bulges out on the southeast side (near the two enhancements on this end) and to a lesser extent on the northwest and the south end. The mag 9.5 star at the center and a very faint companion to its southeast are surrounded by a darker central hole.
18" (2/4/08): at 175x, appears as a large, roundish glow (~2.5'x2.2) surrounding a bright mag 9.4 central star. Excellent response to UHC and OIII filters. The surface brightness is clearly irregular with subtle brighter and darker regions. The SW and NE ends were slightly dimmer, while the NW and SE portions of the rim were brighter. The region around the central star was also slightly darker.
17.5" (12/30/99): at 100x, moderately bright, round, ~2' halo surrounding a prominent mag 9.5 star. Displayed an excellent response to UHC and OIII blinking while the H-beta filter killed the PN (OIII/H-beta = 12). Using the OIII filter, the surface brightness was noticeably uneven, with the NW quadrant of the rim clearly brighter. The SE end was also weakly enhanced while the center and ends of the minor axis were slightly darker. At 220x using a UHC filter, the halo appeared nearly 2.5' in diameter. There was a small, darker "hole" surrounding the central star and the halo was clearly irregular with a brighter "knot" on the SE side, while the NW portion of the halo was brighter along the rim.
17.5" (9/14/85): very bright, large, round, 2'
diameter. Contains a very bright
mag 9.5 central star surrounded by a fairly bright halo with an irregular
surface brightness. Located midway
between mag 8.3
13.1" (12/22/84): bright, fairly large, round, dominated by a mag 9.5 central star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1514 = H. IV-69 = h311 on 13 Nov 1790 (sweep 980) and wrote, "A most singular phenomenon. A star of about 8th magnitude with a faint luminous atmosphere of a circular form, and about 3' in diameter. The star is perfectly in the center and the atmosphere is so diluted, faint and equal throughout that there can be no surmise of its consisting of stars; nor can there be a doubt of the evident connection between the atmosphere and the star. Another star, not much less in brightness and in the same field with the above, was perfectly free from any such appearance."
The striking symmetry of NGC 1514 caused Herschel to rethink his idea of planetary nebulae. He previously assumed all nebulae were unresolved stellar clusters of some kind, disguised by their great distance. After this point, he was convinced of the existence of pure nebulosity, out of which individual stars or planets were born and he no longer expected every nebula to be resolved with enough aperture. This essentially destroyed his interest in the 40-foot telescope (48-inch aperture), although the difficulty in using this unwieldy scope was also a major factor.
A total of 20 observations were made with the 72" at Birr Castle with one of the earliest (13 Jan 1852) by Bindon Stoney. He described NGC 1514 as a "new spiral of an annular form round the star, which is central; Brightest part is sf the star, spirality is very faint, but I have no doubt of its existence". Stoney and later R.J. Mitchell sketched an irregular rim with brighter and dimmer sections. Samuel Hunter made a sketch on 9 Jan 1858 with a brighter reversed "S" shape within an oval halo. A version of this sketch was chosen (over Stoney and Mitchell's sketches) for Rosse's 1861 publication (plate XXV, figure 7). Resolving spiral structure was a major theme at Birr Castle but irregularities in the rim was likely the cause of this illusion.
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04 04 03.0 -54 06 10; Dor
V = 11.2; Size 5.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 18°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
showpiece galaxy with a close companion at 260x. Very bright and large, very elongated at least 4:1 SSW-NNE,
~4.5'x1' with a bulging core -- similar to a smaller version of
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1515 = D348 = h2609 on 5 Nov 1826 using his 9-inch f/12 reflector from Parramatta. He found "a very faint nebula, about 35 arcseconds diameter. This precedes a group of small stars." His position is 1 min 15 sec of RA too far east (typical error) and a group of mag 12 stars follows, clinching the identification. John Herschel first observed this galaxy on 5 Dec 1834 and logged "B, L, vmE, gbM; 3' l, 40" br".
Joseph Turner observed this galaxy on 26 Nov 1877 and Pietro Baracchi on 6 Dec 1885 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope but neither noticed the companion close west.
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04 08 07.4 -08 49 46; Eri
Size 1.2'x0.6'; PA = 147°
24" (2/5/21):
17.5" (2/11/96): at first view (fairly poor seeing) appeared as a single but irregular galaxy elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5'. In periods of better seeing, the system resolved into an extremely close contact pair [21" between centers] with the brighter component at the SSE end, round, 25" diameter. The fainter component is attached at the NNW end, round, 20" diameter. A mag 15 star lies 1' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1516 = H. III-499 = h2610 on
30 Jan 1786 (sweep 516) and recorded "vF, S, E, easily resolvable."
John Herschel observed this double system twice from the Cape of Good Hope,
logging it (on his second sweep) as "vF; first vg then psvmbM, 20"
diameter". Ormond Stone
(I-113 and I-114) independently found this system again on 31 Dec 1885 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. He resolved the individual members, noting a separation of
0.5' in PA 340° [NNW-SSE], but his rough position (nearest min of RA) is over
two minutes of RA too large.
Dreyer assumed these were new nebulae and assigned the numbers
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04 09 11.9 +08 38 56; Tau
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small, round, weak concentration. Located just 1.0' NW of a mag 10 star.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1517 = St. 13-25 on 19 Oct
1883. His published position was
reduced on 23 Dec 1884 and matches
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04 06 49.1 -21 10 35; Eri
V = 11.8; Size 3.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 35°
18" (1/21/04): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, ~2.8'x1.0', broad concentration with a large bulging core and tapered ends. Irregular, mottled surface brightness and fades on the SW end. Located 2.6' NE a mag 10 star.
17.5" (12/28/94): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 2.7'x0.9', weak concentration. Located 2.5' NE of a mag 9.5 star. Appears asymmetric with the SW end close to the bright star much fainter than the main body.
8" (1/1/84): faint, very elongated 3:1 streak
SW-NE. A mag 10 star 2.5' SW
interferes with viewing.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1518 = h2611 on 6 Jan 1785 and
recorded "B; L; pmE; gbM; has a *8 mag south-preceding 3' or 4'
dist." There is nothing at
his position but
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04 08 07.6 -17 11 34; Eri
V = 12.9; Size 2.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 107°
24" (1/1/19): at 260x; fairly faint, moderately large,
very elongated nearly 4:1 WNW-ENE, low but irregular surface brightness, weak
concentration, 0.9'x0.25'. Located
4.6' NW of mag 8.5
UGCA 88 appeared very faint, fairly small, round, ~30" diameter, low surface brightness patch, fades out at periphery so difficult to gauge the diameter.
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 ~E-W, broad concentration.
Located 4.6' NNW of mag 8.8
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1519 = T. 1-14 = T. 5-2 on 2
Jan 1878 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His ring micrometer position in list V
is an exact match with
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03 57 51 -76 48 20; Men
Size 5'
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly small and poor cluster of a dozen stars mag 9.6 and fainter in a 5' region. The group was not impressive but it was detached in the field, so it was easy to identify. Viewed through thin clouds.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1520 = h2615 on 8 Nov 1836 and described "a poor cluster of about a dozen stars 9...12m within a space of about 5', the largest taken." His position corresponds with a mag 9 star surrounded by a small group of stars.
NGC 1520 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described in a list of NGC corrections as "No cluster seen, only scattered stars." Andrew Lindsay reported in 1964IrAJ....6..286L: "Not found. Centred on CPD -77°154. Star distribution seems normal." RNGC repeated this, although ESO classifies the object as an open cluster.
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NGC 1521 = ESO 550-011 = MCG -04-10-015 = PGC 14520
04 08 18.9 -21 03 07; Eri
V = 11.4; Size 2.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 10°
18" (1/21/04): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated N-S, ~1.2'x1.0', fairly well concentrated with a small
bright core and stellar nucleus.
Mag 8.4
8" (1/1/84): faint, very small, round, weakly concentrated. Located 5' NNW of mag 8.5 SAO 169161. Forms a pair with NGC 1518 22' WSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1521 = h2612 on 21 Nov 1835 and
logged "pB; R; bM; barely in time and too late for a good
observation." Nevertheless,
his position matches
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04 06 07.7 -52 40 12; Dor
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 42°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE,
30"x20", very small brighter core. A mag 15.8 star is just off the NW
side, 30" from center. A mag
13.5 star lies 1.3' NE of center.
Located 14' SW of mag 8.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 1522 = h2613 on 27 Dec 1834 and
described "eeF, vS, R, 12". In a very dark field, no star 13th mag
within 5'." On a second sweep he called it "vF, vS, R, vlbM, 12"
dia". His position matches
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04 06 11 -54 05 24; Dor
= 4*, Dreyer and HC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1523 = h2614 on 6 Dec 1834 and logged "vF, R." His position is roughly 2 min of RA east of NGC 1515 (recorded on the same sweep) and just north are four mag 14/15 stars. DeLisle Stewart reported "Only 3 vF st, not a nebula" based on plates taken at Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901. ESO also called this object "4 faint stars only". See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 1524 = NGC 1516A = MCG -02-11-017 = PGC 14515
04 08 07.4 -08 49 47; Eri
Size 0.5'x0.4'
24" (2/5/21): NGC 1516A = NGC 1524 is the northwestern component of an interacting double system with NGC 1516B = NGC 1525 [24" between centers]]. At 260x; it appeared fairly faint, small, round, ~20" diameter, very small or stellar nucleus.
17.5" (2/11/96): at first view (fairly poor seeing) NGC 1516 appeared as a single but irregular galaxy elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5'. In periods of better seeing, the system resolved into an extremely close contact pair [21" between centers] with the fainter NNW component appearing round, 20" diameter.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1524 = LM 1-123, along with NGC 1525, on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He described a double system at 0.5' separation in PA 340° (NNW-SSE). There is nothing at the published position, but 2 minutes of RA (time) to the west is NGC 1516, discovered by William Herschel (H. III-499), and his sketch confirms the intended objects. Neither William or John resolved the close pair of galaxies. So, NGC 1516A = NGC 1524 and NGC 1516B = NGC 1525. The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent. See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 1525 = NGC 1516B = MCG -02-11-018 = PGC 14516
04 08 08.2 -08 50 08; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.2
24" (2/5/21): NGC 1516B = NGC 1525 is the slightly larger southeastern component of a double system with NGC 1516A = NGC 1524 [24" between centers]. At 260x, NGC 1516B was nearly moderately bright, round, 25" diameter, very small bright nucleus with a sharp peak at the center. A mag 15 star is 1.2' S.
17.5" (2/11/96): this is the brighter SSE component of an extremely close double system with NGC 1516A. It appeared round, 25" diameter. A mag 15 star is 1' S.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1525 = LM 1-124 (along with NGC 1524 = LM 1-123) on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported finding a double system at 0.5' separation in PA 340° (NNW-SSE). NGC 1525 = NGC 1524B. See notes for NGC 1524 for the story.
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04 05 12.3 -65 50 23; Ret
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 36°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): very faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~25"x20", even surface brightness. Situated just south of a 10' x 1.5' group of 8 stars including a mag 9.8 star just 3.3' NNE. Viewed in poor conditions.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1526 = h2617 on 2 Nov 1834 and
logged "F, R, glbM, among B stars; one = 9th mag, 3' north." His position and description matches
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04 08 24.4 -47 53 50; Hor
V = 10.8; Size 3.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 78°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 3:1 WSW-ENE, 3.2'x1.2'. Very sharply concentrated with a blazing core that is elongated 2:1, increasing to a very small, intense nucleus. A mag 14 star lies 1.2' N of center and a mag 15.3 star is a similar distance south of center. Probable member of the Dorado Group.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1527 = D 409 = D 429 = h2612 on 28 Sep 1826 and described "a very small and very faint round nebula, about 20" diameter." His position was 10' too far NE. D 429 is probably a duplicate observation with a 55' error in declination (too far north).
John Herschel independently found this galaxy on 28 Dec 1834 while searching for D 409 and recorded "B, E, spmbM, growing more round internally; 60" long, 30" broad; pos 77°." On a second sweep he called it "pB, E, vsbM to a roundish nucleus." His third observation logged it as "pB, pmE, vsvmbM; seen in sweeping in vain for Dunlop 409." Herschel tentatively suggested this object corresponded with Dunlop 409 in the Cape Catalogue though the equivalence was not mentioned in the NGC.
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04 15 19 +51 12 42; Per
V = 6.4; Size 24'
13.1" (1/18/85): 80-100 stars in a 20' diameter. There are three bright stars on the
west side including mag 8.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 1528 = H. VII-61 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and described "a beautiful cluster of large stars, very rich, and considerably compressed, about 15' diameter." His position is near the center of this cluster.
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04 07 19.7 -62 53 57; Ret
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 164°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 45"x18", very
small bright core gradually increasing to a stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with brighter
John Herschel discovered NGC 1529 = h2619 on 9 Dec 1836 and commented "vF, S, R, gbM, 15" dia.". His position matches ESO 084-004 = PGC 14495, though the galaxy was clearly elongated in the 24".
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04 23 26.7 +75 17 44; Cam
V = 11.5; Size 4.6'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 17°
48" (10/29/16): at 488x; bright showpiece barred spiral! A relatively wide, very prominent bar extends WNW-ENE [PA 122°] and is steeply inclined to the orientation of the core. The bright core, centered on the bar, is elongated N-S and contains a very bright round nucleus that increases to the center. Two relatively bright and very distinctive thin spiral arms extend from the ends of the bar. The western arm is brightest in a region near the root, where it attaches to the bar and contains a small knot. The spiral arm is mostly visible extending north ~1.5' and only slightly curving east. A short, low contrast section of the arm extends south of the bar. A second long thin arm nearly perpendicular to the bar extends south a similar 1.5'. It is also brightest at its origin on the east end of the bar. The arm only extends a short distance and blends into the low surface brightness glow of the halo on the north side. From north to south tips of the arms is at least 3'. Two mag 15 stars are at the NE edge and a collinear mag 15.5 star is off the NW arm.
24" (12/28/13): at 200x, appeared fairly bright, large, elongated nearly 3:2 N-S, ~3.5'x2.2'. Contains a large, brighter circular core within a very large, elongated halo. A low contrast, thin spiral arm is attached on the west side of the core and sweeps north at the edge of the halo and a similar enhancement is visible on the east side extending due south. Two mag 15 stars [22" separation] are superimposed on the NE side [1.1' from center] and a mag 12.8 star lies 2.5' N.
13.1" (1/19/85): fairly faint, fairly large, very diffuse, almost round, gradual weak concentration, no nucleus.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1530 = T. 1-15 in 1876 with an
11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and included in the GC Supplement
(GCS 5334). His matches
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04 11 59.3 -32 51 05; Eri
V = 12.2; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 122°
48" (10/22/11): very bright, moderately large, oval
~2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.7', well concentrated with a very bright core. Forms a beautiful pair with the
stunning edge-on
14.5" (12/17/20): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 NW-SE, 1'x0.5', brighter core.
13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated. Forms a close pair with larger and brighter NGC 1532 1.6' SE. Member of the NGC 1532 group (LGG 111).
John Herschel discovered NGC 1531 = h2620 on 19 Oct 1835 and recorded "faint, round, brighter in the middle, 60". The preceding of two [with NGC 1532]." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.
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NGC 1532 = ESO 359-027 = MCG -05-11-002 = AM 0410-330 = LGG 111-003 = PGC 14638
04 12 04.3 -32 52 29; Eri
V = 9.9; Size 12.6'x3.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 33°
48" (10/22/11): this showpiece edge-on stretches 7'x1.2', tilting SW-NE. The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a large, elongated, very bright core that is mottled and increases to the center. The surface is knotty, streaky and mottled. A striking dust lane runs along the major axis, slicing the galaxy asymmetrically into two parts to the south of the core. The dust lane expands to a larger, elongated (dark) patch on the NE side of the core. The section to the south of the dust lane is much thinner and brightens to a prominent, very bright knotty 1.5' streak on the SW end [brightest part of a tidal tail extending towards NGC 1531]. A very faint star (B = 18.2) is close to the southwest tip of the bright streak. The fainter strip of galaxy south of the dust lane near the core appears patchy, probably due to dust and star-forming knots. Just northwest of the core is NGC 1531, a bright elliptical that angles perpendicular to the core and forms a striking pair.
24" (12/1/16): SN 2016 iae, a type Ic supernova discovered on 7 Nov 2016, was observed 15" E and 52" N of center of NGC 1532, along the western edge of the spiral arm extending NNE. The major axis of the companion NGC 1531 off the west side, pointed exactly to an extremely faint "star". In poor seeing, the supernova was only occasionally visible, perhaps mag 15.5.
14.5" (12/17/20): at 140x and 182x; bright, very large edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, ~6'x1.2', forms an impressive pair with NGC 1531. Contains a very bright core that increases towards the center.
13.1" (12/22/84): bright, large, pretty edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, very bright nucleus, thin extensions. Forms a close pair with NGC 1531 1.6' NW.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1532 = D 600 = h2621 on 29 Oct
1826. zjr described "an
extremely faint ill-defined nebula, rather elongated in the direction of the
meridian [N-S], gradually a little brighter towards the centre." His notes mention it is southwest of a
pretty bright star, which is mag 7.0
John Herschel observed this showpiece galaxy on 3 differents sweeps, recording it first on 19 Oct 1835 (sweep 635) as "B, vL, vmE, 5' long; A fine and curious object. The following and brighter of two [with NGC 1531]. In the ray is either a vF * or a knot in the nebula."
Joseph Turner sketched the pair on 30 Nov 1875 using the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate II, figure 14) as well as Albert Le Sueur on 31 Jan 1870 (unpublished plate VII, figure 82). Turner's sketch shows a brighter thin streak along the south edge of the southwest end of the galaxy.
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04 09 51.8 -56 07 06; Dor
V = 10.7; Size 2.8'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 151°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, moderately
large, 2.0' diameter, round, contains a small bright core. Collinear with two 11.5 magnitude stars
1' and 2' NE of center. Member of
the Dorado group with
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1533 = D 320 = h2622 on 5 Nov 1826. He described "a small faint nebula, south of two very small stars. Diameter about 12" diameter.", but his position was 1° too far north. Since NGC 1533 has two mag 11.5 star close north, this identification is likely, assuming a digit error in recording the declination. Glen Cozens first suggested this identification.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1533 again on 5 Dec 1834 (sweep 520) and recorded "vB, pL, R, smbM to a stellar nucleus. Has two stars 10th mag N.f."
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NGC 1534 = ESO 084-006 = AM 0408-625 = LGG 110-002 = PGC 14547
04 08 46.2 -62 47 49; Ret
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 76°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.4'. A mag 13.7 star is at the SE edge,
25" from center and mag 8.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 1534 = h2623 on 26 Dec 1834 and
recorded "F, S, R. Has a vS star following. Distance 1.5x radius of nebula
(by diagram)." His position
and description matches
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04 14 15.8 -12 44 22; Eri
V = 9.4; Size 48"x42"
48" (11/1/13): at 813x, this gorgeous planetary displayed an extremely bright, green double-shell structure. The 20" diameter inner ring was quite striking with slight irregularities in thickness and brightness and a very slight elongation. The darker interior of the inner ring was mottled with subtle darker and brighter patches around the mag 12.5 central star. The outer shell doubled the diameter and was slightly elongated ~N-S, 40"x35", with a mag 14.5-15 star superimposed on the NW side [16" from the central star]. With extended viewing there appeared to be subtle variations in brightness, almost like radial striations in the outer and inner shell. (Similar view on 10/23/14).
24" (11/24/14): I didn't take notes, but at 500x a mag 14.5-15 star was faintly visible near the NW edge of the outer shell [16" from center].
18" (1/1/08): In good seeing at 565x the complex double shell structure of this gorgeous planetary was remarkable. The bright mag 12.5 central star was surrounded by a well-defined dark central hole with subtle mottling. The bright inner ring (20" diameter) was relatively narrow, sharply defined and striking. The ring had a clumpy appearance, particularly on the north side and it dimmed slightly on the southeast side. An outer shell of fainter nebulosity doubled the diameter. Although the inner ring is round, the outer envelope was slightly elongated SSW-NNE. At 807x the view was stunning with brighter knots within the inner ring appearing to sparkle at times.
17.5" (12/30/99): this planetary has beautiful, bluish double-shell structure which was very evident at 100x surrounding a bright central star. The view at 380x and 500x was superb in good seeing. The double shell envelope was very prominent with a bright inner ring, ~20" diameter, with a fairly sharp edge embedded in a fainter roundish halo roughly doubling the diameter. The inner shell was irregularly darker surrounding the central star.
17.5" (2/8/91): very bright, fairly small, high surface brightness, mag 12.5 central star visible, blue color. This planetary has a double shell structure with inner shell slightly elongated and a faint rounder outer shell. Small dark gaps are visible around the central star.
13.1" (12/22/84): at 360x the central star visible surrounded by two shells. The bright inner shell has a small dark annulus surrounding the central star and the outer envelope is fainter and more diffuse.
8": bright, greenish, fairly small, round.
13x80mm finder (1/15/07): fairly bright stellar object at 13x in my 80mm finder and very easy to identify with blinking. Appears as a soft bluish star at 25x and definitely non-stellar at 32x and 54x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1535 = H. IV-26 = h2618 on 1 Feb 1785 (sweep 364) and recorded "a very curious planetary, vB of a uniform brightness all but the edges which are ill defined; about half a minute in diam. With 240 proportionally magnified, perfectly R or perhaps a little elliptical." On a second observation he called it resolvable on the borders, and probably a very compressed cluster of stars at an immense distance. From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel recorded "B; S; R; first pretty suddenly, then very gradually brighter in the middle; 20" across. A mottled disc, but so hazy at the borders that I have no doubt of its being a very distant and highly compressed globular cluster. It is not a planetary nebula, though a near approach to one: does not bear magnifying. A power of 320 is of no use. A very remarkable and interesting object." Possibly irregularities in the rim influenced JH to believe it was a GC.
William Lassell observed NGC 1535 on 7 Jan 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector from Malta and commented, "the most interesting and extraordinary object of the kind I have ever seen. A bright well-defined star, perhaps 11th magnitude, right in the centre of a circular nebula, whose edge was the brightest part; and this nebula again placed upon a larger and fainter, concentric and equally symmetrical." His sketch was published in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 4) on observations from Malta. He sketched it again in 1862 with his 48-inch and wrote, "An extraordinary and beautiful Planetary Nebula powers 760 and 1060. The circumferential nebula fades away at its upper margin and the lowe and opposite part of the circumference is less strongly defined than the preceding and following sides. Moreover, the nucleus does not seem stellar, but a small patch of bright light."
In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, found the supposed "globular cluster" displayed the spectrum of a planetary nebula. He was stationed in Bangalore, India for trigonometric surveying, but performed early spectroscopic investigations.
Ralph Copeland, made a detailed observation using Lord Rosse's 72" on 19 Dec 1873: "blue planetary nebula. A small stellar nucleus with a bright atmosphere surrounded by a fainter one [double-shell structure]. There is a very small vacuity close to and sf the nucleus - power 414. Outside diam np and sf = 45.1"; diameter of bright atmosphere = 18.4". With power 625 the nucleus seems quite granular and surrounded by a narrow dark ring extending quite round. Position of two of the most conspicuous central granules = 81.2°."
Sherburne Wesley Burnham, observing with the Lick 36-inch refractor, commented "besides the central star, there are other fainter stars within the nebula. The most prominent of these is near the northern edge of the circular disc... The 14.5m star does not seem to have been seen by other observers [Lassell noted a faint star just inside its preceding edge]." Burnham measured the position of this star at 16" in PA 324° (NW) of the central star.
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NGC 1536 = ESO 157-005 = PGC 14620
04 11 00.0 -56 28 55; Ret
V = 12.5; Size 2.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 155°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 NNW-SSE, 1.7'x1.1', broad concentration. Appears to have a bar oriented N-S containing a small, bright nucleus and enhancements in the halo give an impression of two spiral arms. Forms the western vertex of a triangle with a mag 10.6 star 2.8' WNW and a mag 12.7 star 3' SSE. NGC 1533 lies 24' NNW and NGC 1546 is 39' NE. Member of the NGC 1566 subgroup of the Dorado Group of galaxies.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1536 = h2625 on 4 Dec 1834 and
described "vF, R, pL, vlbM, 60" dia." His position matches
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NGC 1537 = ESO 420-012 = MCG -05-11-005 = LGG 111-006 = PGC 14695
04 13 40.7 -31 38 43; Eri
V = 10.6; Size 3.9'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 98°
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, prominent elongated core, stellar nucleus. Member of the NGC 1532 group (LGG 111).
John Herschel discovered NGC 1537 = h2624 on 18 Nov 1835 and
recorded "vB, lE, psvmbM, 50" l, 40" br." His position is
5' N of
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04 14 56.1 -13 11 30; Eri
Size 0.8'x0.6'; PA = 108°
24" (12/22/14): faint, small, round, 12" diameter
(core only), very faint stellar nucleus.
Holm 73 (double system) lies 3.3' SE and
Holm 73a = LEDA 3093623 appeared faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter (core). Forms a close pair with Holm 73b = LEDA 940994 45" NE. The companion was extremely to very faint, also just 6" diameter (core).
IC 2045 (identified as NGC 1538 in RNGC and PGC) appeared
fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter, very small slightly
brighter core. IC 2045 is the brightest in a small group including
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1538 = LM 1-125 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 16.0, 0.1' dia, R, gbM." His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is very close southeast of Holmberg 73a = LEDA 3093623, but could easily apply to other nearby galaxies given the inaccuracy of the Leander McCormick positions.
Harold Corwin remarks that Herbert Howe assumed Ho 73A was NGC 1538 when he observed the field on 20 Jan 1900 with the 20" refractor in Denver and also discovered nearby IC 2045 and IC 2047. Stone's rough position is 8' southeast of IC 2045 = PGC 14722, described by Howe as "eF, eS, almost stellar; near [NGC] 1538." and 4' southeast of IC 2047 = LEDA 941480, noted as "eF, eS, difficult, near [NGC 1538]."
RNGC and PGC identify IC 2045 (the brightest of these galaxies) as NGC 1538. But Corwin examined Stone's discovery sketch and NGC 1538 appears to be a better match with IC 2047. So, we are left with three possible candidates for NGC 1538 and the identification is uncertain.
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04 19 02.0 +26 49 38; Tau
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.5'
18" (12/10/07): faint, small, slightly elongated ~SW-NE, 0.4'x0.35', moderate concentration with a small brighter core. Appears a little brighter than the catalogued magnitude. Located ~ 4' W of a NNW-SSE string of three mag 12-13 stars with another mag 12 star 3' W enclosing the galaxy with this triangular asterism. The identification of NGC 1539 is uncertain.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1539 = m 94 on 6 Sep 1864 with
William Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, vS, gbM." There is nothing at his position,
though
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04 15 10.6 -28 29 21; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 5°
18" (1/21/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 ~N-S, ~0.8'x0.5'. Appears to
have a star or quasi-stellar knot at the north tip -- this is actually an
interacting galaxy [
John Herschel discovered NGC 1540 = h2626 on 6 Nov 1834 and
recorded "vF; E; resolvable.
Rather a doubtful object.
He confirmed the object, though, on sweep 643 and his position matches
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04 17 00.2 +00 50 06; Tau
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 77°
17.5" (2/1/92): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE,
small bright core. Located 7' SW
of mag 8.8
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1541 = m 95 on 14 Nov 1863 with
William Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, S". His position is 1' S of
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04 17 14.2 +04 46 55; Tau
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 128°
17.5" (2/11/96): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 40"x20", very weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is 0.9' ENE of center. Collinear with a 1' pair of mag 11 stars about 5' SE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1542 = m 96 on 18 Nov 1863 with
William Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged "vF, S, E." His position matches
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04 12 43.0 -57 44 17; Ret
V = 10.5; Size 4.9'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 93°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
bright, large, oval halo 2:1 E-W, at least 3'x1.5'. Sharply concentrated with a brilliant and bulging 1' round
core that brightens slightly to a small, intense nucleus. The large halo is
relatively fainter and fairly uniform.
9th magnitude
NGC 1543 is a member of the NGC 1566 subgroup of the Dorado Group of galaxies. Deep images reveal a detached outer ring, which was not seen.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1543 = D 306 = h2627 on 5 Nov 1826 with his 9" reflector and described as "a small round pretty well defined nebula, 10" or 12" diameter, slightly bright to the centre, a bright star in the field south following." Dunlop's position is 11' too far south. John Herschel independently found this galaxy on 4 Dec 1834 (no reference to Dunlop) and recorded it as "B, pL, pmE, smbM to a round nucleus = star 11th mag." Herschel's position is accurate.
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05 02 36.0 +86 13 20; Cep
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 130°
18" (8/1/11): fairly faint, small, round, sharply
concentrated with a very small, bright nucleus. A 10" pair of mag 14.5 stars is at the north edge and a
second wider pair at 18" separation (mag 13.6/14.4) is off the NW
side. Located 10' WNW of a very
distinctive 2' string of equally spaced mag 9.5/10/11 stars (
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, round. Several faint stars are near including an evenly matched mag 14.5 pair with 10" separation at the north edge 20" from center. This is the second closest NGC galaxy to the north celestial pole.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1544 = T. 1-16 in 1876 with an
11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. He reported it as a "very small nebula, surrounded by
many faint stars but as bright as II. 704 [NGC 1184]." His position is
close west of
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04 20 56 +50 15 18; Per
V = 6.2; Size 18'
17.5" (12/28/94): about 50 stars scattered evenly over
a 20' field with no dense areas or central concentration. A pretty pair of mag 7/8 stars is near
the center (South 445 = 7.3/8.2 at 72") with a blue mag 9 star to the west
(
8": about two dozen stars in the cluster. The three brightest stars are mag 7.5-8.5. Includes chains of faint stars with double star STF 519 = 7.9/9.4 at 18" at the north edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1545 = H. VIII-85 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and recorded "a coarsely scattered cluster of large stars, pretty rich." His position corresponds with the brightest star in the cluster.
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NGC 1546 = ESO 157-012 = AM 0413-561 = LGG 112-002 = PGC 14723
04 14 36.5 -56 03 39; Dor
V = 10.9; Size 3.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 147°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly
small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.1'x0.5', even surface brightness except for a
small brighter core. Located 8' NE
of mag 7.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 1546 = h2628 on 5 Dec 1834 and
logged "pB, lE, gbM to an extended nucleus. A double star precedes."
His position (two consecutive nights) matches
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04 17 12.4 -17 51 27; Eri
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 133°
17.5" (11/10/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6'. Contains a faint stellar nucleus offset to the south side or a mag 15.5 star is superimposed [DSS image appears to show a superimposed star]. A mag 13 star lies 1.2' NE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1547 = LM 1-126 on 17 Oct
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and
recorded a "cl? or neb with sev vF st and one *(mag) 11.5 north of center
inv." There is nothing at his
rough position (nearest minute of RA), but 43 sec of RA west is
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04 20 59 +36 34 00; Per
Size 20'
18" (2/14/10): at 175x there was nothing that looked
remotely cluster-like in the 35' field or that I felt might have caught
Herschel's attention -- just a random scattered star field with no denser
groupings. At 73x (67' field), though, my attention was drawn to mag 7.7
Still, the asterism I described was unimpressive and not rich enough to mimic a cluster, but seemed the best fit in the nearby area to Herschel's object. If this group is Herschel's h312, then his position for the brightest star is exactly 20' N of HD 27403 and matches in RA, so a single digit error in dec would explain the discrepancy.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1548 = h312 on 3 Feb 1832 (sweep 399) and described "The chief * of a very loose poor cluster 30' diam; little comp; stars 10...12m." There is nothing near his position and Karl Reinmuth states in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel nach Aufnahmen der Königstuhl-Sternwarte" that "no CL found; many st in milky way". Brian Skiff calls this object "just a sparse, unconcentrated group of stars slightly brighter than the background." But 20' south of Herschel's position I noticed that mag 7.7 HD 27403 and the surrounding field is probably the best match for Herschel's object. See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 1549 = ESO 157-016 = AM 0414-554 = LGG 112-003 = PGC 14757
04 15 44.0 -55 35 30; Dor
V = 9.8; Size 4.9'x4.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 135°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): bright, moderately large,
round, 1.5' diameter. Strongly
concentrated with an intense 30" core and a bright stellar nucleus with
direct vision. Cradled by a
distinctive group of 5 stars including mag 8.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 1549 = h2629 on 6 Dec 1834 and noted "B, R, 40 arcseconds." (single sweep). Wolfgang Steinicke originally credited James Dunlop (D 331) with the discovery, though Glen Cozens states Dunlop's number applies to NGC 1553 with a 1 hr error in RA. Steinicke now credits JH with the discovery. Innes (MN 59, 339, 1899) and DeLisle Stewart (based on plates taken at Arequipa between 1898 and 1901) corrected Herschel's poor RA.
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04 19 37.9 +02 24 36; Tau
V = 12.0; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 30°
24" (12/28/16): at 282x; fairly bright, moderately large, sharply concentrated with a small very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus, large low surface brightness halo roughly 1' fades out with a distinct edge. A fairly faint 7" double star is 1.7' S. IC 366, 3.1' SSE, was faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. NGC 1550 is the brightest in a group at z = .012 (see observation from 12/22/14).
24" (12/22/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core. An uncatalogued double star lies 1.7' S
(components 13.7/14.7 at 7").
Forms a pair with
13.1" (1/19/85): faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 1550 on 29 Dec 1861 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. His micrometric position (measured on two nights) corresponds with UGC 3012 = PGC 14880. Édouard Stephan observed this galaxy (position 4' SE) on 8 Jan 1874.
William Herschel made the original discovery of this galaxy
on 8 Oct 1785. He made a 1° error
in recording the declination (too far south) of H. II-464 (later NGC
1551). d'Arrest searched
unsuccessfully for
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NGC 1551 = NGC 1550 = UGC 3012 = MCG +00-11-055 = CGCG 393-001 = PGC 14880
04 19 37.9 +02 24 36; Tau
See observing notes for NGC 1550.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1551 = H. II-464 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and recorded "F, vS, r[esolvable]." There is nothing at his position and Dreyer comments in the NGC Notes "Not found at Copenhagen [by d'Arrest], not at Birr Castle. GC 835 [NGC 1550] is exactly 1° north; they are probably identical." NGC 1550 was found by Heinrich d'Arrest on 29 Dec 1861 and accurately placed. By historical precidence, WH's II-464 = NGC 1551 should be the primary designation but modern catalogues identify this galaxy as NGC 1550 because of the unambiguous positional match. See Corwin's notes.
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04 20 17.6 -00 41 36; Eri
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 110°
17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, faint extensions 3:2 WNW-ESE, even concentration to a small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2.8' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1552 = H. III-490 = h313 on
1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and noted "vF, vS, lE, 240 showed it better, but
left a bare possibity of deception."
His position is 10 sec of RA west of
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NGC 1553 = ESO 157-017 = AM 0415-555 = LGG 112-004 = PGC 14765
04 16 10.5 -55 46 48; Dor
V = 9.4; Size 4.5'x2.8'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 150°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): very bright, oval,
elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.25'x1.0', very bright core, fairly high surface
brightness halo. With averted vision
the halo increases to nearly 3' in length. A mag 12.5 star is at the north edge [1.0' from center], a
mag 12.5 mag star is off the SSE edge [1.7' from center] and a mag 12 star is
1.8' WNW of center. Forms a bright
pair with NGC 1549 12' NNW in the center of the Dorado Group.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1553 = D 331 on 5 Nov 1826 and described "a rather bright nebula about 1' diameter, very faint at the margin, gradually bright to the centre: a small star north, and another south, both involved in the margin of the nebula. A group of very small stars north." Dunlop made a transcription error of 1 hour in RA so his published published is 1 hour too large. Hhis two notebook entries are only 10' too far south. I'm surprised Dunlop apparently missed NGC 1549. He mentioned "a group of very small stars north", which are just off the south side of NGC 1549.
On 5 Dec 1834 (sweep 520), John Herschel recorded "vB, R, gmbM, 60", between three stars."
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04 21 43.5 +19 31 14; Tau
17.5" (11/10/96): at the position of Struve's Lost Nebula (reported by Otto Struve in 1868) is a mag 14 star noted in the observation of NGC 1555 (Hind's Variable Nebula). This star is 4' WSW of T Tauri and is not involved with nebulosity.
Otto Struve discovered NGC 1554 = "Struve's Lost Nebula" on 14 Mar 1868 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. He placed it 4' WSW of the star T Tauri (which illuminates NGC 1555 = Hind's Variable Nebula). It was confirmed and measured by Heinrich d'Arrest on 23-25 Mar 1868 after being notified by Struve. d'Arrest described it, using an 11" refractor at Copenhagen, as "pretty small, nearly round, with an eccentric core like a star of 14th magnitude". After that date, it was not observed again and may have just been a spurious observation of a close pair of mag 14 and 15.5 stars, considering the fascination at the time with nearby Hind's Variable Nebula.
Dreyer comments in the Notes section of NGC that he was unable to perceive any nebulosity near Struve's position at Birr Castle in 1877 (Lawrence Parsons was previously unsuccessful in 1872, 1876 and 1877) and it was not found by Tempel with the 11-inch Amici refractor at the Arcetri Observatory or Copeland at Dun Echt. Engelhardt was unsuccessful on 30 Dec 1884 and 8 Jan 1885. E.E. Barnard and Sherburne Burnham couldn't see it with the 36-inch Lick refractor on 15 Oct 1890. In the IC 2 notes and corrections section, Dreyer also mentions Struve's nebula was not found by Barnard in 1895 or by James Keeler on plates taken in 1899.
Several sources, including Sky Catalogue 2000.0 and RNGC, group NGC 1554 and NGC 1555 together as a single object. NGC 1554 doesn't exist now and Steinicke doubts it ever existed. The RNGC position for NGC 1554/1555 is 1 min of RA too far east. Steinicke mentions the nickname "Struve's Lost Nebula" was probably introduced by Cederblad in his 1946 catalogue.
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NGC 1555 = Ced 32b = vdB 28 = HH 155 = PP 17 = Hind's Variable Nebula
04 21 56.8 +19 32 04; Tau
Size 1'
48" (10/29/19): at 375x, this variable nebula was immediately seen as a diffuse, elongated patch just west of T Tauri. But the scope was shaking from the wind and the seeing was poor, so details were lacking.
24" (1/12/13): at 200x unfiltered, Hind's Variable
Nebula was immediately seen as a very faint, fairly small, elongated haze,
roughly 40" in length and slightly curved or bowed out to the west. The variable reflection nebula seemed
unevenly lit, though it was too faint to see any specific details. This famous nebula is illuminated by T
Tauri (mag 10-10.5), just 35" to the east. T Tauri is perfectly collinear with mag 8.4
17.5" (11/10/96): this is Hind's Variable (reflection) Nebula, illuminated by T Tauri (9-13). At 100x and 140x (unfiltered) an extremely faint haze was highly suspected on the west or west-southwest side of T Tauri (mag 9) in the direction of a mag 14 star to the west or slightly south (this star is at the position of NGC 1554 = "Struve's Lost Nebula"). No details in the nebula were visible at 100x (it did not appear as an arc) but a sketch made at 100x exactly matched the orientation of the nebulosity with respect to T Tauri. Nebulosity was not visible at 220x and no nebulosity was noted following T Tauri.
Hind's Variable Nebula was discovered (along with T Tauri) by John Russell Hind on 11 Oct 1852 with a 7-inch refractor. Because of it's variability, disappearance in the early 1860's, and eventual recovery by Barnard in 1890, it was a subject of fascination and numerous journal reports by most of the major great visual observers of the time including d'Arrest, Tempel, Charconac, Auwers, Secchi, Lassell, Struve, Winnecke, Lawrence Parsons, Dreyer, Barnard and Burnham.
John Russell Hind discovered NGC 1555 = Au 20 = Hind's Variable Nebula, which surrounds the variable star T Tauri, on 11 Oct 1852 with the 7-inch Dollond refractor of George Bishop. He reported in AN 839 a "very small nebulous-looking object...; it was south-preceding a star of 10th mag, which to my surprise, has escaped insertion on the map for 4h R.A. recently published - possibly it may be variable." Hind had discovered the young variable T Tauri and the variable reflection nebula NGC 1555. The following summarizes the visual history of this object as told by Wolfgang Steinicke in his "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters".
Jean Charcornac confirmed the existence of the nebula in 1854 at Marseilles, likely using a 4-inch refractor. It was probably independently found by James Breen with a 12-inch refractor at Cambridge in 1855. Heinrich d'Arrest first observed the nebula on 3 Nov 1855 in Leibniz (with several additional observations in 1856) and described "a pretty bright nebula, 4' diameter, star 10 at its northern end". Arthur Auwers made 7 observations between 7 Jan and 3 Mar 1858 with a 4.3-inch refractor. He noted the nebula "was visible quite easily and without difficulty, but much fainter than it must have been appearing [to d'Arrest] in 1855 and 1856. He later concluded that it reached its maximum brightness in 1856. He listed it as #20 in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae and reported the observations in his notes section.
By 1858, though, there was some fading as Charcornac could not recover it at Paris with the 10-inch refractor. It was not seen with confidence by Eduard Schönfeld in Feb 1861 using the 6.5-inch Steinheil refractor at Mannheim Observatory. Auwers was unsuccessful in 1861 with a 6-inch Fraunhofer and so was d'Arrest with the 11-inch Merz refractor in 1861-62. Leverrier and Charcornac failed to see nebulosity with the 12.4-inch refractor at Paris Observatory or the new 31.5-inch silver-on-glass reflector in Jan-Feb 1862. Father Angelo Secchi also failed in Rome using the 9.4-inch Merz refractor in Jan 1862. His report suggested a connection between the fading of the variable star and the nebula, shining by reflected light. William Lassell made an unsuccessful attempt with his 48-inch from Malta in March and Apr 1862. Hind made another attempt on 12 Dec 1863 in excellent conditions, but failed.
The only reported (barely) successful sighting of the nebula during 1861-62 was by Wilhlem Struve and Winnecke using the 15-inch Merz refractor in Pulkovo on 29 Dec 1861 and more easily on 22 Mar 1862, when a sketch was made. When Struve visited Lassell on Malta, they took a look again on 10 Oct 1863 with the 48-inch and could discern "three or four individual masses separated from each other by black sky", so Struve felt Lassell may have previously looked in the wrong place. "Hind's wonderful nebula in Taurus" was reported to the general public by Reverend Thomas Webb in 1864 in the popular magazine Intellectual Observer and the same year it was catalogued by John Herschel (who never saw it) as GC 839 and he reported on the history in the Notes section. In 1865 and 1866, Vogel made several observations (both positive and negative) in Leibniz with 4.6-inch and 6.5-inch refractors and reported very different degrees of visibility. But during the same time frame and into 1867 it was not seen by Schönfeld in Mannheim and was completely invisible to Struve on 14 Mar 1868 at Pulkovo, though he reported a new nebula (Stuve's "Lost Nebula", NGC 1554). Winnecke made a marginal observation in 1875 and sketched it with certainty in 1877. Tempel observed the field in 1877, made a map of the region including his and others observations, but apparently included nonexistent stars and nebulosity which he recorded.
Hind's Variable Nebula wasn't seen again until 1890 when it was barely recovered by E.E. Barnard and S.W. Burnham using the Lick 36-inch refractor. Barnard confirmed a very small, but "conspicuous and definite" glow (only 4" diameter) surrounding T Tauri, which he assumed was NGC 1555, and an excessively faint, round, larger nebula close south that they took as new, but was actually the real NGC 1555. The larger glow was observed again in 1891 by Burnham in 1891 and by Barnard in February 1895, when he finally realized that the faint object just south of T Tauri was actually Hind's Variable Nebula, (barely) visible again. But on three attempts in September 1895 ("under the finest conditions") he could find no trace of the nebula. Three years later in September 1898, Barnard made additional observations with the 40-inch Yerkes refractor and reported a tiny nebula attached southeast of T Tauri. The first photograph showing nebulosity was made by Keeler on 6 Dec 1899 and three patches were recorded (two corresponding with Barnard's sketches), but no sign of Struve's Lost Nebula. Carl Wirtz was unsuccessful in 1906 seeing either NGC 1554 or 1555 in a visual attempt using the 19-inch Merz refractor at Strausberg as well as by S.W. Burnham in 1907 using the 40-inch Yerkes refractor. Dreyer discussed many of the original visual observations in the NGC, IC 1 and IC 2 Notes section. In 1936, it was mentioned in the Carnegie Institute Yearbook that NGC 1555 "have been under observation by Baade and Hubble...About 1920 the region of the knot D in Pease's diagram (Mt. Wilson Contributions, No. 127) began to brighten and can now readily be seen in the telescope". I assume they mean visually in the 100-inch!
Modern sources often group NGC 1554 and 1555 (discovered by Struve) together, although there is no nebulosity visible on the Sky Survey at Struve's position for NGC 1555. The RNGC RA for NGC 1554 and NGC 1555 is 1.0 min of RA too far east.
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04 17 44.7 -50 09 50; Dor
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 167°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.1'x0.35'. Fairly high surface brightness with a brighter core but no distinct zones. Member of the Dorado Group. Viewed with 4.5 day moon up.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1556 = h2631 on 28 Dec 1834 and
recorded "vF, S, R, vglbM, 20" dia." His position matches
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04 12 52 -70 30.9; Hyi
Size 16'x11'
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): very large, scattered group of 3 dozen stars mag 6.0 and fainter (the next three are mag 9-10). Not rich but detached int the field. This asterism (possible cluster) is projected onto the outer parts of the LMC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1557 = h2633 on 24 Nov 1834 and
described "A star 7m chief of a cluster 8th class- about 20 in number,
loose and struggling." His
position corresponds with mag 7.0
Eric Lindsay in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud", (1964IrAJ....6..286L) reports, "Not found. Centered on CPD -70°287. This star is supposedly the chief of a cluster, about 20 in number, loose and straggling. Star distribution seems normal." Hodge and Wright marks a smaller group of stars to the northwest of Herschel's cluster. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (repeating Lindsay) as well as Kontizas, et al in the 1990 "The Cluster System of the Large Magellanic Cloud". But Bica et al (2001A&A...366..827B) call it a possible open cluster remnant."
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04 20 16.2 -45 01 52; Cae
V = 12.5; Size 2.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 72°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.7'x0.6'. Contains a large, brighter elongated core
that gradually brightens somewhat to the center. A mag 13.2 star lies 1.3' SSE of center. Located 10' E of mag 7.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 1558 = h2632 on 14 Dec 1835 and
recorded "pF, pmE, gpmbM, 25" long, 15" broad". There is nothing at his position, but
exactly 1 min of RA east is
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04 17 35.8 -62 47 01; Ret
V = 10.6; Size 3.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 64°
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 3.0'x1.5', broad weak concentration, slightly mottled. A mag 13.5 star is off the southwest end, 2' from center, and a brighter mag 12 star is 4.7' from center. Located 30' SE of mag 3.3 Alpha Reticulum and 28' N of the mag 6.1/7.8 double star Theta Reticulum.
NGC 1559 is a member of the
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1559 = D 264 = h2634 on 6 Nov 1826. He made two observations with summary description, "faint round nebula, about 40" diameter, slightly bright to the centre; this is north preceding Theta Rhomboidis". His published position is 18' too far south (accurate in RA) as he overestimated the separation from Theta Ret.
John Herschel observed the galaxy twice but didn't mention an equivalence with D 264, so Dunlop wasn't credited with the discovery in the GC or NGC. On 9 Dec 1836 (sweep 756), Herschel noted "B, L, mE, vg pmbM; 90" l; 40" br; has a * 14m at the southern edge."
Pietro Baracchi sketched the galaxy on 7 Dec 1885 using the 48" Melbourne Telescope. His sketch shows the galaxy fading and narrowing at the northeast end and an apparent tiny knot on the south side.
NGC 1559 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as "!! 3-branch spiral, 2 branches together, giving double appearance."
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04 32 48.9 +71 52 59; Cam
V = 11.4; Size 9.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 23°
17.5" (2/20/95): fairly faint, very large, 6'x1', low
surface brightness edge-on SSW-NNE.
Broad weak concentration with no distinct core but there a central 2'
brightening. A mag 13 star is
embedded on the preceding side of the NNE extension. The galaxy appears to extend very faintly beyond this
towards a mag 12 star further north.
Another mag 13 star is superimposed at the SSW end and a brighter mag
11.5 star is just following the tip of this extension. Member of the
8" (1/1/84): very faint, fairly large, edge-on SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness. Appears as a ghostly streak.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1560 = T. 9-1 on 1 Aug 1883
with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His position is 1 min of RA preceding
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04 23 01.1 -15 50 45; Eri
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (12/30/99): faint, small, irregularly round, 0.4'
diameter, small brighter center.
Located 2' NE of mag 9
17.5" (11/10/96): faint, small, round, weak concentration. Located 2.1' NE of a mag 9 star.
17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, round, broad mild concentration. Located 2' NE of a mag 8.8 SAO 149593. Brightest in a very faint group including NGC 1563, NGC 1564, NGC 1565 and IC 2063.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1561 = LM 1-127 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag
14.0, vS, lE 170°, glbM, *8, precedes 6 seconds." His rough position (nearest minute of RA)
is a good match with
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04 21 47.6 -15 45 20; Eri
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (12/30/99): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very little concentration. A mag 14.5 star is close W. First of six in the NGC 1561 group (18' following).
17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, very small, round. A mag 15.5 star is 1' W. Located 20' W of the center of the NGC 1561 group.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1562 = LM 1-128 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest minute of
RA) is 1 min of RA east of
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04 22 53.9 -15 43 58; Eri
Size 0.45'x0.4'
17.5" (12/30/99): this member of the NGC 1561 group was a marginal object -- requiring averted vision and only glimpsed ~10% of the time as a 15" featureless knot just 1.7' WNW of NGC 1564 and 7' NNW of NGC 1561.
17.5" (2/8/91): Not found.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1563 = LM 1-129, along with NGC 1564, on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Leavenworth gives a single (rough) position for the pair (separated by 1.7'), which is 3'-4' too far north. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes). RNGC and MCG misidentify IC 2063 = MCG -03-12-005 as NGC 1563. PGC misidentifies MCG -03-12-005 as NGC 1563 but gives the correct position.
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04 23 00.9 -15 44 20; Eri
Size 0.7'x0.5'
17.5" (12/30/99): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness. Two mag 13.5/14 stars are close NE. Located 6.4' due north of NGC 1561 in a group. Forms a close pair with NGC 1563 1.7' W.
17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint, very small, round. A trio of mag 13/14 stars lie 2'-3' NE. Member of the NGC 1561 group. Nearby NGC 1563 not seen.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1564 = LM 1-130 (along with NGC 1563 = I-129) on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes). The PGC magnitudes for NGC 1563 and 1564 appear to be reversed.
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NGC 1565 = MCG -03-12-007 = PGC 15015
04 23 23.4 -15 44 40; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (12/30/99): very faint, fairly small, round, 30". This galaxy has a low surface brightness with no central brightening but may be the largest in the group. A mag 14 star lies 1.5' NE of center. Located 8' NE of NGC 1561 in a group of faint galaxies (last of six).
17.5" (2/8/91): Not found.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1565 = LM 1-131 on 12 Nov
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest minute of
RA) is 2' N of
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NGC 1566 = ESO 157-020 = LGG 114-003 = PGC 14897
04 20 00.4 -54 56 16; Dor
V = 9.7; Size 8.3'x6.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 60°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this gorgeous spiral was a showpiece treat even with a 4.5-day moon well up in the west. NGC 1566 appeared strongly concentrated with a very bright, elongated 1' core region that increased to an intense, round, 20" nucleus. The two spiral arms were easily visible with direct vision. The "southern" arm is attached on the north side of the core, wrapping around the core counterclockwise on the east side (passing directly between the core and a mag 12 star 2' E of center) and spiraling around 180° to the south side of the halo. On the south end, the arm passes just north of a mag 15 star and ends at a slightly brighter mag 14.5 star. The "northern" arm is attached on the south side of the core and wraps around the west side, gradually unfurling towards the north side and ending over 2' NNE of center.
With careful viewing, the northern arm "resolved"
into 4 distinct extended HII regions, identified as NGC 1566:[HP80] I, II, IV
and VI in Hawley and Phillips 1980 paper "Spectrophotometry of H II
regions and the nucleus of NGC 1566" in ApJ, 235, 783. NGC 1566:[HP80] VI is a 12" knot
in the arm, 45" due west of center and is clearly resolved from [HP80] IV,
a slightly larger 15" knot which is 50" WNW of center. [HP80] II is a distinct 10" knot
1' NNW of center and the faintest is [HP80] I, just to its north. The arm passes just south of a mag 14
star 2' N of center. With averted
vision, the outer halo extends beyond the main arms, increasing the size to
5'x3' SSW-NNE. Mag 8.7
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): this Seyfert galaxy is a
member of the Dorado Group and appears bright, large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S. With careful viewing the halo extends
to ~3'x2'. A spiral arm is
attached on the west side and curves towards the north beyond the main body of
the galaxy. On the eastern side a
low surface brightness arm is attached (on an E-W line with a mag 12 star close
following the galaxy) and extends a little to the south on the eastern side of
the main body. I was surprised to
see the spiral arms so clearly!
Mag 8.2 HD 27713 lies 5.4' NW of center and a mag 9.9 star lies in the
field 9' W.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1566 = D 338 = h2635 on 28 May 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta and described "a pretty large round nebula, about 4' diameter, moderately and gradually condensed to the centre. A very small star near the following edge, not involved." His handwritten notes also mention a "pretty bright star precedes it and about 3' to 4' north", matching Mag 8.2 HD 27713, which is 5.4' NW of center.
John Herschel observed the galaxy twice from the Cape of Good Hope, recording on 5 Dec 1834 (sweep 520), "B, vL, first very gradually then suddenly much brighter to the middle, to a stellar nucleus. Diameter in RA = 15". A star 11th mag involved, N.p. gives it a distorted appearance. A curious object."
Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on 7 Dec 1885 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope. His sketch clearly shows both spiral arms and his description reads "the nebulosity is very faint and has a shape almost like the letter S."
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04 21 08.7 -48 15 18; Cae
V = 12.2; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 40"-45" diameter. Sharply concentrated with a small bright core. A mag 10.5 star lies 5' SW.
NGC 1567 forms a pair (same redshift and likely interacting)
with
John Herschel discovered NGC 1567 = h2636 on 28 Dec 1834 and
described "vF, S, R, glbM, 20" (hazy)". A later observation adds
"found in place and viewed past meridian; not vF, S, R." His position matches
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04 24 25.4 -00 44 47; Eri
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.8'; PA = 135°
24" (12/22/14): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated, well concentrated with a small bright core that
increases occasionally to a stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 1' NE. Forms an interacting double system (
NGC 1568A appeared extremely or very faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter, low surface brightness glow with averted vision. A mag 14.5-15 star is less than 30" N. On the SDSS, this galaxy has a striking set of tidal tails; it is connected to brighter to NGC 1568B with a delicate, curving bridge and a long tidal plume extends to the northwest.
17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, dominated by small bright core, fainter extensions NW-SE, faint halo. Two mag 12/13 stars are 1' NE and 1.5' NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1568 = Sw. 5-60 on 2 Oct 1886 with his 16" refractor and reported "eF; vS; R; nearly betw 2 stars." His RA was 21 seconds too large and his comment "nearly betw 2 stars" may apply to two stars 1' northeast and 4' southwest. Most likely the companion (NGC 1568A) is too faint to be seen by Swift. Jermain Porter measured an accurate position in 1906 at the Cincinnati Observatory.
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04 30 48.6 +64 50 56; Cam
V = 11.0; Size 3.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 120°
48" (10/23/11): at 488x, three very compact knots
(luminous super-star clusters) were closely lined up from NW to SE in the
central region (total length ~15") with the brightest knot NGC 1569-A in
the middle of the trio. NGC 1569-A
was flanked by 1569-C 7" NW and 1569-
18" (1/17/09): at 380x this unusual starburst galaxy appeared as a high surface brightness streak, elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE. The brightest region is NW of center and contains two stellar or quasi-stellar knots (super-star clusters) within the glow. One of these "stars" was fairly easy (NGC 1569-A) and the other was occasionally visible. A very faint stellar object (SSC NGC 1569-B) is close to the geometric center. The ESE side of the galaxy is fairly uniform though the position angle is slightly offset. A mag 9.8 star is less than 1' N of center.
17.5" (3/1/03): at 380x this is a bright, very elongated galaxy with an unusual asymmetric appearance, situated less than 1' S of a mag 9.5 star! Extended nearly 5:2 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.8'. The bright core is offset to the NW side of the glow with a tail extending SE, possibly bending at a slight angle to the core. Two stellar "nuclei" are visible in good seeing. The brighter "star" is embedded within the core, possibly just slightly north of center. A second fainter "star" is close SE, near the edge of the core and is visible intermittently. These "stars" are actually SSC's (luminous super-star clusters). NGC 1569 was recently determined to be a member of the IC 342 galaxy group.
17.5" (1/12/02): very bright, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 2.5'x1.1', high but irregular surface brightness with an asymmetric appearance. The very bright core is mottled and irregular and is offset to the NW side of the galaxy! At 380x, there are two stellar "nuclei" within this glow. The brighter stellar nucleus is fairly easy and a fainter stellar point is close SE. There is also a strong impression of a third stellar spot close west of the central nucleus. These faint "stars" are actually luminous super-star clusters, the most massive known type of star clusters (color image at http://www.lowell.edu/users/dah/papers/n1569hst.html). A mag 10 star is close off the north side, 1' from center and a mag 13 star is just off the SE end.
13.1" (1/18/85): very bright, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, high surface brightness, elongated bright core, mottling suspected. Located just 1' S of a mag 10 star.
8" (11/28/81): fairly bright, small, elongated. Located just south of a mag 9 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1569 = H. II-768 on 4 Nov 1788 (sweep 881) and noted "pB, S, lE, BN, just south of a pretty bright star." Ralph Copeland observed this galaxy on 17 Jan 1873 using Lord Rosse's 72" and recorded, "Decidedly cometic in appearance, with the head north-preceding. Position of elongation 111.2°. Has an 11 mag reddish star in PA 359°, Dist 45". This star is the south member of a double star. There is also a 15m star following in the direction of the axis of the nebula. This object, although of the second class, is 3 or 4x as bright as H. I-258 [NGC 1491]."
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04 22 08.9 -43 37 47; Cae
V = 12.3; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 172°
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 1570 = h2637 on 4 Dec 1836 and
recorded "F; S; R; gbM; 20" dia." His position is 10' N of
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NGC 1571 = NGC 1570 = ESO 250-019 = MCG -07-10-001 = PGC 14971
04 22 08.9 -43 37 47; Cae
V = 12.3; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 172°
18" (1/17/09): at 175x appeared faint, small, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 N-S, ~25"x18", very small brighter core. A mag 10.6/10.8 double star (HJ 3648) at 12" separation lies 3' ENE. Located 47' NW of a mag 6.4 star and 49' NE of a mag 5.3 star. Viewed at only 7 degrees elevation from Lake Sonoma.
John Herschel found NGC 1571 = h2638 on 1 Dec 1837 and
recorded as "vF; S; R; 15"; gbM; has a double star
north-following." His
position and description (the double star is HJ 3648) applies to ESO 250-019 =
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04 22 42.8 -40 36 03; Cae
V = 12.4; Size 2.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 0°
18" (12/30/08): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE (central bar), ~0.9'x0.3', slightly brighter nucleus. A mag 12 star is just off the east side, 0.9' NE of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1572 = h2639 on 23 Oct 1835 and
recorded "pF; S; R; 15"; has a * 13m, 1' nf." His position and description applies to
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04 35 04.1 +73 15 45; Cam
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 35°
24" (2/22/14): fairly bright, moderately large, oval
4:3 SSW-NNE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core. The large halo extends to at least
1.6'x1.2' with averted as the outer portion has a very low surface
brightness. A mag 15-15.5 star is
at the NNW edge [32" from center].
Several stars follow, including a mag 10.5 star 2.2' E. Brightest in a trio with
17.5" (1/23/93): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, gradually brighter halo, very small brighter core. A mag 10.5 star is just 2.2' E of core. CGCG 328-007 lies 4.5' NW.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1573 = T. 9-2 on 1 Aug 1883
with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His position is 2' SW of
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04 21 59 -56 58 24; Ret
V = 10.4; Size 3.4'x3.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 35°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, fairly bright, fairly large, round, 2' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a well defined core. A mag 9.7 star is near the SE edge of the halo (1.1' from center). A much fainter star is at the edge of central core on the SE side, ~20" from center. Two mag 11/12 stars are 4' and 4' 6, respectively. Located 19' NW of Rmk 4 = 6.8/7.2 at 5". Member of the Dorado Group and subgroup LGG 112.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1574 = h2640 on 4 Dec 1834 and described "pB, S, R, pgbM, has a star 10th mag 1' distant and one 14th mag distant one radius of the nebula from its edge, both S.f." His position is accurate.
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04 26 20.6 -10 05 54; Eri
V = 12.2; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7
See observing notes for
Frank Muller found NGC 1575 = LM 2-395 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
13.5, 1.0' dia, R, *9.5 at 2' dist in PA 185° [SSW]." His position is 0.4 min of RA west of
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04 26 18.8 -03 37 16; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 125°
17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, well-defined bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Almost at the midpoint of two mag 13 stars 1.2' SE and 1.5' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1576 = H. III-587 = h314 on 28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) and reported "vF, S, bM, between 2 stars." His position (Auwer's reduction) was 1' too far NW. There are two stars that bracket the galaxy as in the description.
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NGC 1577 = NGC 1575 = MCG -02-12-014 = PGC 15090
04 26 20.6 -10 05 54; Eri
V = 12.2; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, irregularly round,
gradually increases to small bright core, possible faint stellar nucleus. Located 2' N of a mag 10.5 star and 13'
SE of mag 6.9
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1577 = Sw. 3-29 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded "vF, pL, R, lbM, * nr south". His position and description (an 11th mag star is 2' S) applies to MCG -02-12-014. Frank Muller independently found the galaxy the following year and included it in the second discovery list, #395 (later NGC 1575). Although his RA was off by 0.4 minutes, the comment "*9.5, PA 185, 2' sep" clinches the identify NGC 1575 = NGC 1577, with priority to Swift.
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04 23 46.7 -51 35 59; Dor
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 177°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~0.8'x0.65'. Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and a stellar nucleus. Situated in a poor star field 1.2° ESE of mag 4.3 Gamma Doradus. Viewed with a 4.5-day moon in the sky.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1578 = h2641 on 27 Dec 1834
(same night he discovered NGC 1522) and reported "vF, S, R, pgbM, dilute
at the borders." His position
(3 sweeps) matches
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04 30 14.3 +35 16 47; Per
Size 12'x8'
18" (2/16/07): fairly bright reflection nebula at 220x, viewed unfiltered. The brightest portion is a fairly striking, roundish patch, ~1.5 diameter in the center of a triangular group of 6 stars. A mag 11.5 star lies 2' N with a faint star close south. A pair of mag 13 stars is symmetrically placed on the opposite side of the central region. A wide pair of mag 12 stars are off the NE side. Faint, irregular haze spreads out from the bright patch towards the SW, extending due west to due south and increasing the size to 6'-7', though the borders of the fainter nebosity are not well defined. There was only a hint of the dust structure visible on images.
17.5" (3/2/02): this bright reflection nebula appears nearly 5' in diameter with a prominent, slightly elongated 1.5' central region. The haze is irregular extending outward from this knot with the borders seemingly marked by a half-dozen stars situated around the periphery including a mag 11 star 2' N, a wide pair of mag 11.5-12 stars 1.6' and 2.3' NE and a pair of mag 13 stars ~2.5' S. Nebulosity extends mostly west and southwest of the central mass with a very faint piece to the south.
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, circular, fairly small, appears brightest at the following edge. Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 11.5-12 stars off the north and NE edges both 2' from center.
8" (12/6/80): faint nebulosity, diffuse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1579 = H. I-217 = h315 on 27 Dec 1788 (sweep 899) and reported "pB, cL, mbM. Cometic. Stands nearly in the centre of a trapezium, 2 nf small stars pointing to it." John Herschel made three observations; in Nov 1827 (sweep 105) he wrote, "pB; vL; irr R; it is inclosed among 6 stars, two of which point across its centre to a third. A * 7m precedes about 1 minute."
Samuel Hunter, Lord Rosse's assistant, made a detailed sketch on 13 Jan 1858 (fig. 8, plate XXV in the 1861 publication). On 2 Nov 1850 Bindon Stoney logged "A faint patchy neby. follows the chief portion and also to the south. The chief portion is irregular in figure and I had the impression of a dark space intervening between it and the faint nebulosity."
******************************
04 28 18.4 -05 10 44; Eri
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (2/11/96): faint, fairly small, irregularly
round, 50" diameter. Broad
concentration with a brighter center but no well-defined core. A mag 15 star is just off the following
end 48" from center and a mag 14 star is 1.4' WNW. There is an 30" pair of mag
12/13.5 stars ~3' SE. Located 10'
NNE of mag 9
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1580 = St. 8b-15 on 18 Dec
1873 with a notebook position 7' too far ENE. His published position, which matches
******************************
NGC 1581 = ESO 157-026 = LGG 114-004 = PGC 15055
04 24 44.9 -54 56 31; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 80°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, small, elongated 5:2 E-W, ~0.6'x0.25', no noticeable concentration. Two mag 10 stars at 1' separation lie 6' E. This Dorado Group member is located 40' due east of the bright galaxy NGC 1566.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1581 = h2642 on 5 Dec 1834 and recorded "F, S, E, gbM." His position is accurate.
******************************
04 31 39 +43 50; Per
Size 24'
18" (11/26/03): at 115x, appears a very large,
scattered field with a number of brighter stars. There are no denser regions of fainter stars to distinguish
this as a cluster although the star density drops rapidly to the west (edge of
Milky Way?). Most distinctive is a
stream of bright stars which extends 20' SW of the cluster's position and
includes a number of mag 8-10 stars.
The string begins with mag 8.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 1582 = H. VIII-70 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 801) and logged "a cluster of coarsely scattered large stars, pretty rich, 20 or 25' diameter."
******************************
04 28 20.7 -17 35 44; Eri
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 98°
17.5" (11/10/96): slightly brighter of a similar pair
with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1583 = LM 1-132 (along
with NGC 1584 = I-133) on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the
Leander McCormick Observatory. His
rough position (nearest minute of RA) is 0.6 tmin east of
******************************
NGC 1584 = ESO 551-006 = PGC 15180
04 28 10.2 -17 31 24; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 122°
17.5" (11/10/96): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 1584 5.0' SSE. Collinear with a nice well–matched double star 6.5' NE and a mag 13 star 5.0' NE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1584 = LM 1-133 (along with NGC 1583 = I-132) on 17 Oct 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
******************************
04 27 33.0 -42 09 55; Cae
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 175°
18" (12/30/08): at 175x appeared fairly faint, fairly
small, slightly elongated N-S, ~35"x30", very small brighter
core. A mag 12.6 star is attached
to the west edge and three mag 10 stars lies within 6'. Located 14' SSW of mag 6.5 HD
28552.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1585 = h2643 on 6 Dec 1834 and logged "pF, S, R, gbM, a * 12 mag prec. 2 seconds; pos from centre of neb. = 287.8 degrees." His position is 1' N of center and the description is accurate.
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04 30 38.2 -00 18 15; Eri
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 155°
17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE. Bracketed by two very faint mag 14.5/15 stars close off the WNW end and 30" off the SSE end. A wide evenly matched mag 11 pair at 1.3' separation lies 7.5' NW and is collinear with the galaxy. Uncertain identification in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1586 on 30 Dec 1861 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen and recorded (rough Latin translation) "faint, irregular, in line with a double star and a mag 14 star. Searched again on night 93 (for this object) in vain." There is nothing near his single position and Copeland, using the 72" at Birr Castle, reported "Not found, sky very clear".
But 15' north-northeast is
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04 30 40.0 +00 39 43; Tau
V = 11.7; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 144°
17.5" (2/3/03): fairly bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.2'x1.0', well-concentrated with a very bright core
and stellar nucleus. Forms a close pair with
13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, small, almost round, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 1588 1' E. NGC 1589 lies 12' N. Located midway between 44 and 45 Tauri.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1587 = H. II-8 = h316, along with NGC 1588 and 1589, on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 54). He described both as "Two close together [with NGC 1588], 3/4° north of 45 Eri." His summary description (from 4 sweeps) reads "Two [with NGC 1588]. The first F, S, r." On 23 Nov1827, John Herschel called this object "the south-preceding of a double nebula; R; pL; distance of centres 60"."
******************************
NGC 1588 = UGC 3064 = MCG +00-12-037 = CGCG 393-028 = Mrk 616 = II Zw 12 = Holm 76b = LGG 117-006 = PGC 15340
04 30 43.7 +00 39 53; Tau
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 175°
17.5" (2/3/03): fairly faint/moderately bright, fairly small, 0.6'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a very bright stellar nucleus. Smaller and fainter of close pair with NGC 1587 just 0.9' W.
13.1" (12/22/84): faint, very small. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 1587 1' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1588 = H. II-9 = h317, along with NGC 1587 and 1589, on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 54). His published summary description (from 4 sweeps) reads "Two [with NGC 1587]. The second F, vS, r." On 23 Nov 1827 (sweep 107), John Herschel called this "the north-following of a double nebula; F; S; R. Position by a drawing made at the time 30..40° nf."
******************************
NGC 1589 = UGC 3065 = MCG +00-12-038 = CGCG 393-030 = LGG 117-003 = PGC 15342
04 30 45.5 +00 51 52; Tau
V = 11.8; Size 3.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 160°
17.5" (2/3/03): very nice moderately large edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.3'x0.3'. Contains a bright core with faint extensions. In a trio with NGC 1587/1588 12' S.
13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, fairly small, small bright core. Forms a wide pair with NGC 1587 12' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1589 = H. II-7 = h318, along with NGC 1587 and 1588, on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 54). His summary description (from 3 sweeps) reads "F, pL, iR, vlbM." On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 100), John Herschel recorded "pB; bM; E from sf to np; has a * 50° nf, 1' dist; its situation is nearly at right angles to the longer axis of the nebula."
R.J. Mitchell, using the 72" on 29 Nov 1856, reported "the preceding edge of [NGC 1589] seems black and sharp as compared to its following edge." This "black" edge is a dust lane along the western flank.
******************************
04 31 10.3 +07 37 51; Tau
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 90°
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W. There is a trio of similar stars to the north with two mag 12.5 stars 2' NNE and 4.7' NW and a mag 11.5 star 4.4' N.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1590 on 28 Oct 1865 with
the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position matches
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04 29 30.6 -26 42 47; Eri
V = 12.8; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 30°
17.5" (11/10/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 SSW-NNE, very weak concentration.
A mag 13 star lies 1.2' due west.
Brightest and largest of three with
John Herschel discovered NGC 1591 = h2644 on 6 Nov 1834 and
recorded "pF; S; R; glbM; 15" dia." His position matches
******************************
04 29 40.8 -27 24 32; Eri
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 96°
24" (12/8/20): faint, low surface brightness elongated glow consisting of two attached lumps. It appeared that the brighter "knot", ~0.4' diameter, was on the east side with a very low surface brightness glow (similar size) attached on the west side.
17.5" (2/3/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W,
0.8'x0.4', fairly low even surface brightness. At moments, there appeared to be
an extension or companion attached on the following side. On the DSS, this is an unusual
(multiple?) galaxy (
John Herschel discovered NGC 1592 = h2645 on 29 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; vS." He only observed this object on one sweep and the declination is given as uncertain. There is nothing at his position and Herbert Howe reported in 1898 that "in the place given for this I found only small stars. 1591, near by, was observed".
RC3 identifies
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04 32 06.1 +00 34 02; Tau
See observing notes for
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1593 = m 97 on 7 Nov 1863 with William Lassell's 48". There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1 minute of RA east is NGC 1608 and Harold Corwin "recovered" this identification while compiling the ESGC. Édouard Stephan made another observation on 4 Jan 1878 and equated it with Marth's object.
NGC 1608 was found by Lawrence Parsons, using Lord Rosse's
72", on 1 Jan 1876, though his position was also poor. Finally, Stephane Javelle found the
galaxy again on 15 Jan 1898 with the 30" refractor at Nice. He reported as new in J. 3-988 (later
******************************
04 30 51.6 -05 47 54; Eri
V = 13.0; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 100°
17.5" (2/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8'. Forms the east vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 13/13.5 stars 2.0' NW and 2.3' WSW. A mag 14.5 star is just off the preceding edge 39" from center. Fairly smooth surface brightness except for a nearly stellar nucleus.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1594 = Sw. 5-61 on 22 Oct 1886
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His RA was 17 seconds too large. Herbert Howe measured an accurate
position for NGC 1594 in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin
Observatory in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 notes). Bigourdan (260) independently found this galaxy on 17 Jan
1895 while searching for NGC 1594 at Swift's position, placed it accurately,
and it was catalogued again as
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04 28 21.7 -47 48 57; Cae
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 17°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright, oval 5:3 SSW-NNE, 40"x25", well concentrated with
a small bright core and stellar nucleus.
With averted vision the dim outer halo increases to
50"x30". Second of three
in the Carafe Group with
The "Carafe Galaxy" is the largest in the trio. At 260x this galaxy was slightly elongated N-S, with a 1.5'x1.2' halo and an unusual structure. A brighter bar extends through most of the galaxy in a N-S direction with a brightest and bulging portion of the bar on the south side (perhaps an offset core). The northern half of the bar is narrower and extends nearly to the edge of the halo creating a lopsided barbell appearance.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1595 = h2646 (along with NGC 1598 = h2647) on 3 Dec 1837 and recorded "vF, R, bM, 15 arcseconds." His position is accurate.
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04 27 38.1 -55 01 40; Dor
V = 11.2; Size 3.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 20°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): bright, moderately large,
very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 1.8'x0.5', contains a slightly bulging core and
tapering extensions. Sharply
concentrated with a very small bright core. Paired with
John Herschel discovered NGC 1596 = h2648 (along with NGC 1602 = h2649) on 5 Dec 1834 and recorded "B, mE, pL, psmbM, 60" long. The preceding of two [with NGC 1602]." His position (2 consecutive sweeps) is very accurate.
Joseph Turner sketched the pair on 17 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (p. 130 of his logbook). NGC 1596 is shown as a thin edge-on, sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus. A lithograph was prepared (plate II, figure 15) but never published.
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04 31 13.5 -11 17 26; Eri
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 95°
17.5" (2/3/03): faint, very small, elongated 5:4 ~E-W, 0.5'x0.4', slightly brighter core. A close double star lies 2' NW.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1597 = LM 1-134 on 31 Dec 1885
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest minute of
RA) matches
******************************
NGC 1598 = ESO 202-026 = AM 0427-475 = KTS 25C = PGC 15204 = Carafe Group
04 28 33.6 -47 46 57; Cae
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 123°
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 1.1'x0.8', broad concentration with a brighter core that gradually increases towards the center. NGC 1598 is the third in the "Carafe" trio with NGC 1595 2.8' SW and ESO 202-023 10' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1598 = h2646 (along with NGC 1598 = h2647) on 3 Dec 1837 and logged "F, R, bM, 20 arcseconds." His position is accurate.
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04 31 38.7 -04 35 18; Eri
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 174°
17.5" (2/1/92): faint, very small, round, slight
central brightening. Located just
1.1' W of mag 9.1
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1599 = St. 12-29, along with
NGC 1607, on 5 Dec 1877. His
published position was reduced on 14 Dec 1881 and matches
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NGC 1600 = MCG -01-12-017 = PGC 15406
04 31 39.9 -05 05 10; Eri
V = 10.9; Size 2.5'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 15°
24" (2/24/20): at 260x and 375x; very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated N-S, ~1.6'x1.2', very bright core, stellar nucleus, brighter along a N-S central axis. Two adjacent NGC companions (1601 and 1603) lie 1.6' N and 2.5' E.
17.5" (2/1/92): bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3
N-S, broadly concentrated halo, almost stellar nucleus. Brightest in a large group with NGC
1601 1.6' N,
13.1" (12/18/82): fairly bright, small, round, broad concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1600 = H. I-158 = h319 on 26
Nov 1786 (sweep 638) and recorded "pB, pL, irr R, vgmbM." Just two
nights later (sweep 640) he noted "cB, pS, mbB." John Herschel made 4
observations and the assistants on Lord Rosse's telescope made 5 observations
of the field, discovering
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NGC 1601 = MCG -01-12-018 = PGC 15413
04 31 41.7 -05 03 37; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 95°
17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, extremely small, round, very small bright core. Faintest of a close trio with NGC 1600 1.6' S and NGC 1603 2.9' SE.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1601 = GC 867, along with NGC 1603 and 1606, on 14 Jan 1849. A diagram of the field surrounding NGC 1600 was made, as well as in 1850. Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the nebula on 16 Jan 1865 and it was catalogued again in the GC Supplement (GC 5343), though the comment was added "probably = GC 867". The two GC entries were combined in the NGC.
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NGC 1602 = ESO 157-032 = LGG 114-006 = PGC 15168
04 27 54.4 -55 03 24; Dor
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 83°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40" diameter, low surface brightness. Forms a pair with the prominent galaxy NGC 1596 just 2.9' NW. Member of the Dorado Group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1602 = h2649 on 5 Dec 1834 and recorded "eF, L, roundish undefined. The following of two [with h2648 = NGC 1596]." His position is accurate (two sweeps).
A lithograph was prepared (with NGC 1596) based on Joseph Turner's sketch on 17 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate II, figure 15) but it was never published.
******************************
NGC 1603 = MCG -01-12-019 = PGC 15424
04 31 49.9 -05 05 40; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 115°
17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, very small, round. Last of a close trio with NGC 1600 2.5' WNW and NGC 1601 2.9' NW.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1603, along with NGC 1601 and 1606, on 14 Jan 1849. A sketch of the field surrounding NGC 1600 was made in 1850. In Jan 1874, Ralph Copeland measured an accurate micrometric positions for NGC 1600, 1601 and 1603.
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NGC 1604 = MCG -01-12-020 = PGC 15433
04 31 58.6 -05 22 12; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE. The halo brightens to a small bright core. Situated between two mag 11 stars 2.3' ESE and 2.8' WNW. Located at the south edge of the NGC 1600 group. NGC 1600 lies 17' N.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1604 = Sw. 6-16 on 20 Dec 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 8 tsec west of MCG -01-12-020 = PGC 15433, but his comment "between 2 stars one a wide double" secures the identification.
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04 34 52 +45 16 18; Per
V = 10.7; Size 5'
17.5" (1/23/93): at 220x this is a very faint cluster
of 15 stars mag 13.5-14.5 in 4'-5' diameter. The resolved stars appear around the periphery forming an
irregular oval outline. The
central region is lacking in resolved stars but consists of unresolved
haze. Mag 7.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 1605 = H. VI-26 on 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645) and recorded "A vF compressed cluster of extremely small stars, near 4' diameter". His position is just off the southeast end of the cluster.
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NGC 1606 = MCG -01-12-022 = PGC 15443
04 32 03.3 -05 01 57; Eri
V = 15.1; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (12/26/00): extremely faint, very small, round,
~15" diameter. Required
averted and much harder to view than IC 373 which was just observed. Located 7' NE of NGC 1600 and 4.5' W of
mag 7.6
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 1606 = GC 869, along with NGC 1601 and 1603, on 14 Jan 1849. A sketch of
the field surrounding NGC 1600 was made in 1850. An accurate position was never measured but the sketch
matches
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NGC 1607 = MCG -01-12-023 = PGC 15442
04 32 03.1 -04 27 37; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 66°
17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, small, round, low even
surface brightness. Located 4.5' S
of mag 7.9
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1607 = St. 12-30, along with
NGC 1599, on 5 Dec 1877. His
published position reduced on 14 Dec 1881 and matches
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NGC 1608 = NGC 1593 = IC 2077 = UGC 3082 = MCG +00-12-044 = CGCG 393-037 = PGC 15447
04 32 06.1 +00 34 02; Tau
V = 13.4; Size 1.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
17.5" (2/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6'. Contains a 30" brighter core with fainter extensions. A mag 12.5 star lies 1.8' N of center. Located 22' ESE of NGC 1587/88 pair.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 1608
on 1 Jan 1876 and reported "about 1m 44s +/- following and 3.5' south [of
NGC 1587/1588] is a pF, cS stellar neb, with a *12 mag 117" south. His position is 10' NE of
******************************
NGC 1609 = MCG -01-12-025 = PGC 15480
04 32 45.1 -04 22 21; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 97°
17.5" (2/1/92): faint, small, dominated by small bright core, fairly bright stellar nucleus, small faint extensions NNW-SSE. A mag 14 star is 40" NW. Located in the NGC 1600 group with NGC 1607 10' SW and NGC 1611 7' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1609 = H. III-585, along
with NGC 1611, on 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 638). He noted it was "suspected, but the haziness [weather]
is increasing." Despite the
uncertainty, Herschel's position is less than 1' northwest of
******************************
NGC 1610 = NGC 1599?? = MCG -01-12-016 = PGC 15543
04 31 38.7 -04 35 18; Eri
See observing notes for NGC 1599. The NGC identification is very uncertain.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1610 = LM 2-396 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at Leavenworth's position and it was reported as "not revealed with 60 min exposure" at the Helwan Observatory (1935).
The RNGC identifies
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NGC 1611 = MCG -01-12-029 = PGC 15501
04 33 05.9 -04 17 49; Eri
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 103°
17.5" (2/1/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, large brighter middle. Member of a quadruple subgroup (NGC 1613 5' ENE, NGC 1609 7' SW, NGC 1612 7.5' NNE) within the NGC 1600 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1611 = H. III-586, along with NGC 1609, on 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 638) and recorded "eF, S, E, but hazy weather." His summary description (including a later observation) reads "eF, S, E nearly in parallel, another suspected 3' S.f., stellar." Dreyer mentions in his 1912 update to Herschel's catalogues, that Herschel probably also observed NGC 1613 but his orientation should read 3' north-following instead of 3' south-following.
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NGC 1612 = MCG -01-12-030 = PGC 15507
04 33 13.1 -04 10 20; Eri
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 137°
17.5" (2/1/92): very faint, small, round, very faint stellar nucleus. Faintest of three with NGC 1613 6.5' SSE and NGC 1611 7.5' SSW. Member of the NGC 1600 group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1612 = St. 12-31, along with NGC 1613, on 30 Nov 1877. They were noticed during an observation of NGC 1611. His published micrometric position was reduced on 21 Dec 1881.
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NGC 1613 = MCG -01-12-031 = PGC 15518
04 33 25.3 -04 15 55; Eri
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 135°
17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a trio with NGC 1611 5' WSW and NGC 1612 6.5' NNW in the large NGC 1600 group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1613 = St. 12-32, along with
NGC 1612, on 30 Nov 1877. They
were noticed during an observation of NGC 1611. His published micrometric position was reduced on 21 Dec
1881 and matches
William Herschel probably discovered NGC 1613 in his observation of NGC 1611 = H. III-586, commenting "another suspected 3' S.f., stellar." This would apply to NGC 1613 if south-following was replaced with north-following, but didn't assign it an internal discovery number due to his uncertainty.
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04 34 00.0 -08 34 44; Eri
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 85°
17.5" (10/29/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.6', broad concentration. A mag 13 star is 2.0' S of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1614 = Sw. 3-30 on 29 Dec 1885 with his 16" refractor. His RA was 21 seconds too large. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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04 36 01.9 +19 57 03; Tau
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 115°
17.5" (1/23/93): faint, very small, round, very small
bright core, stellar nucleus.
Forms the east vertex of an equilateral triangle with mag 7.1
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1615 = St. 9-3 on 1 Dec 1875 and recorded a rough position off the NW edge. His accurate published position (list 9, #3) was made on 5 Jan 1878. MCG missed labeling MCG +03-12-005 as NGC 1615.
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04 32 41.7 -43 42 56; Cae
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 36°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint or moderately bright, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, brighter core, stellar nucleus, ~48"x32". A mag 11 star is 4.4' WNW.
This galaxy is an asymmetric spiral with two arms of different shapes and brightness.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1616 = h2650 on 24 Oct 1835 and logged "pF, S, psbM." His position from 3 observations is accurate.
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NGC 1617 = ESO 157-041 = AM 0430-544 = PGC 15405
04 31 39.5 -54 36 08; Dor
V = 10.4; Size 4.3'x2.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 107°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 2.8'x1.4'. Well-concentrated with a bright 30" core which increases to a bright stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus! This member of the Dorado group is easily located 33' NW of mag 3.2 Alpha Doradus. The galaxy is cradled by three mag 12 stars 4' WNW, 5' SSW and 6' SE. The NGC 1596/1602 pair lies 43' SW.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1617 = D 339 on 5 Nov 1826 and described "a small round pretty well defined nebula, bright in the centre, NW of Alpha Doradus". His position was off by 11.5' (typical error) to the SE. John Herschel observed the galaxy on 5 Dec 1834 and logged (for h2651), "B, L, mE, first very gradually then very suddenly much brighter to the middle to a nucleus 5" in diameter; 3' long, 1' broad." The next night he reobserved it and noted "pB, L, mE, sbM, 3' long, 2' broad, pos. 105.8 degrees." His mean position is accurate.
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04 36 06.5 -03 08 56; Eri
V = 12.7; Size 2.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 35°
48" (11/2/13): very bright, large, very elongated 3:1
SSW-NNE, 2.0'x0.7', well concentrated with very bright core that increases to a
stellar nucleus. A group of four
stars follows. NGC 1618 is the
first of three prominent spirals with
17.5" (10/12/85): faint, fairly small, very elongated
3:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration.
First of three very elongated systems with NGC 1622 8' ESE and NGC 1625
18' SE. Located 13' NNW of Nu
Eridani (V = 3.2).
William Herschel discovered NGC 1618 = H. II-524 = h320 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and noted "F, S, iF, lbM, preceding 2 small stars." John Herschel reported his "observation [on 24 Nov 1827] marked as doubtful"and made no description but his position is accurate. William missed nearby NGC 1622 and NGC 1625, although they are similar in magnitude (JH missed NGC 1622 also).
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04 36 12 -04 50; Eri
= Not found, Corwin and Howe.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1619 = Sw. 6-17 on 22 Dec 1886
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 15 sec of RA west and
8.7' N of
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04 36 37.3 -00 08 35; Eri
V = 12.3; Size 2.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 25°
17.5" (1/23/93): moderately bright, moderately large,
very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x0.8', only a weak concentration but has an
irregular surface brightness and mottled appearance. A mag 14 star is at the NNE tip. Located 4.6' WSW of mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 1620 = H. II-514 = h321 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and logged "F or vF, pL, E from sp-nf, about 2' long, 1' broad." He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 8) as an illustration of "extended nebulae." The sketch appears show a very thin dark lane along the length, but this isn't mentioned in his description.
On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 110), John Herschel logged, "vF; L; mE; 3' L; 90" br; vlbM."
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NGC 1621 = NGC 1626 = MCG -01-12-035 = PGC 15626
04 36 25.0 -04 59 14; Eri
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.8'; PA = 95°
17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated 4:3 E-W, increases to small bright core. Located 3.5' SE of a mag 10.5 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1621 = Sw. 6-18 = LM 2-297 on 22
Dec 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is just 30" N of MCG
-1-12-35 = PGC 15626. Francis
Leavenworth made an independent discovery the same year (or early in 1887) that
was included in the second Leander McCormick discovery paper. His position is 48 seconds of RA east
of
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NGC 1622 = MCG -01-12-036 = Holm 77a = PGC 15635
04 36 36.6 -03 11 20; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 3.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 45°
48" (11/2/13): very bright, large, elongated 9:2 SW-NE,
2.8'x0.6', well concentrated with a very bright, elongated core that increases
to the center. This is the
thinnest of three striking edge-ons, just 11' NE of mag 3.9 Nu Eridani. NGC 1618, 8' WNW, is roughly parallel
in orientation and NGC 1625, 10' SE, is perpendicular!
17.5" (10/12/85): faint, elongated SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus, faint elongated halo. This is the second the of three edge-on systems with similar NGC 1618 8' WNW (also similar position angle) and NGC 1625 10' SE. Located 11' NNE of Nu Eridani. HCG 30 lies 22' N.
George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 1622 = GC 881 on 16 Jan 1850 using LdR's 72". His sketch shows NGC 1618, 1622 and 1625 in their correct orientation. Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this galaxy on 1 Jan 1862 near NGC 1618. John Herschel included both observations in the GC assuming they were different nebulae (881 for Stoney and 878 for d'Arrest) but accidentally placed GC 881 three degrees too far north. Dreyer caught this error and added a note that GC 881 = GC 878 in his observation on 1 Dec 1874 at Birr Castle, so the two GC entries were combined into NGC 1622.
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04 35 32.4 -13 33 23; Eri
V = 14.7; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 15°
18" (1/21/04): very faint, extremely small, 15"
diameter. A very faint
superimposed star or stellar nucleus was intermittently visible. Member of
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1623 = LM 1-135 on 31 Dec 1885
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (to the nearest
minute of RA) is essentially correct (30 sec too large). Stone's sketch also positively
identifies NGC 1623 = PGC 1559.
RNGC appears to misidentify
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04 40 37.2 +50 27 41; Per
V = 10.4; Size 5'x5'
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, round, compact glow surrounding a small group of at least five stars mag 11.8 and fainter using a UHC filter. The brightest cluster member (NGC 1624-2) and the principal source of ionization is the most magnetic massive star known with 35 solar masses and 20,000x the sun's magnetic field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1624 = H. V-49 on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 989) and reported "6 or 7 small stars, with faint nebulosity between them, of considerable extent, and of an irregular form." G.P. Bond independently discovered NGC 1624 at Harvard College Observatory on 18 Feb 1851 with a 4" comet-seeker and reported it as a discovery.
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NGC 1625 = MCG -01-12-038 = PGC 15654
04 37 06.2 -03 18 12; Eri
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 130°
48" (11/2/13): brightest of three prominent edge-ons near mag 3.9 Nu Eridani. At 287x appeared extremely bright, large, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.45', well concentrated with a very bright, elongated core that increases to a stellar nucleus. A mag 14.2 star is at the NW edge. There appears to be an elongated galaxy superimposed at the SE edge, but I didn't look for or notice this object. Located 12' ENE of Nu.
17.5" (10/12/85): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.3'. A mag 14 star is at the NW tip 0.7' from center. Third of three edge-on systems with NGC 1622 10' NW and NGC 1618 18' NW. Located 10' ENE of Nu Eridani.
13.1" (12/18/82): very faint, very elongated NW-SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1625 = h322 on 24 Nov 1827
(sweep 109) and recorded "vF; E; 45° np sf; sbM; follows nu Eridani
41sec." His position and description matches
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NGC 1626 = NGC 1621 = MCG -1-12-35 = PGC 15626
04 36 25.0 -04 59 14; Eri
See observing notes for NGC 1621.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1626 = LM 2-397 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia, R, *8, np 12 sec." His position is 48 sec of RA east of NGC 1621 (found by Lewis Swift on 22 Dec 1886 and reported in list VI-18) and Leavenworth's note of a "*8 np 12 sec" clinches the identification NGC 1626 = NGC 1621. Discovery priority is unknown. RNGC classified this number as nonexistent. See Corwin's notes for more of the story.
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NGC 1627 = MCG -01-12-040 = PGC 15675
04 37 38.0 -04 53 15; Eri
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x1.5'
17.5" (1/23/93): faint, fairly small, 1.5'-2' diameter,
low even surface brightness. A mag
11 star is 2.7' SSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1627 = Sw. 6-19 (along with NGC 1628) on 22 Dec 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is just 1' too far N. RNGC reverses the photographic descriptions for NGC 1627 and NGC 1628. See my RNGC Corrections #1 and WSQJ 4/80.
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NGC 1628 = MCG -01-12-039 = PGC 15674
04 37 36.1 -04 42 53; Eri
V = 14.2; Size 1.8'x0.4'; PA = 171°
17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 2' WNW. NGC 1627 lies 10' S. The photographic descriptions of NGC 1627 and NGC 1628 are reversed in the RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1628 = Sw. 6-20 (along with NGC 1627) on 22 Dec 1886 with a 16" refractor and recorded "vF; pS; vE in meridian; n of 2 [with NGC 1627]." His position and visual description matches MCG -01-12-038 = PGC 15654. The photographic descriptions for NGC 1627 and NGC 1628 are reversed in RNGC. See comments for NGC 1627.
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04 29 36 -71 50 18; Hyi
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.8'-1.0' diameter. A couple of mag 16-16.5 stars are resolved around the edges.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1629 = h2653 on 23 Dec 1834 and reported "vF, R, glbM, 1'." (single observation)
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04 37 15.5 -18 54 06; Eri
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 140°
17.5" (12/26/00): very faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1630 = LM 2-398 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 42 tsec east of ESO 551-019 = PGC 15659 (typical error).
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04 38 24.2 -20 38 59; Eri
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 44°
17.5" (1/23/93): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.8'
diameter. A mag 13.5 star is 1.9'
W of center. Located 6' ENE of mag
7.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 1631 = h2652 on 11 Dec 1835. His position is accurate although no visual notes were taken. Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory, added "very faint and small".
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04 39 58.5 -09 27 23; Eri
V = 14.4; Size 1.0'x0.6'; PA = 40°
17.5" (1/23/93): very faint, small, round, weak
concentration, low surface brightness.
Located 3.1' SSW of a mag 10.5 star.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1632 = LM 2-399 in 1886 at the
Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.2' dia,
R." There is nothing at his
position, but 0.8 min of RA east is
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04 40 09.1 +07 20 58; Tau
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
13.1" (1/18/85): faint, round, fairly small, faint knot
involved. Forms a very close pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 1633 = H. III-952 = h323, along with NGC 1634, on 9 Dec 1798 (sweep 1085) and recorded "Two nebulae [NGC 1633 & NGC 1634] within 1' of each other; lying in the meridian. Both eF, vS. 300x showed the same." His position (Auwer's reduction) is 1' too far north. On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), John Herschel logged "eF; pLp E towards the sf side, and has either a * or a second nucl sf [this is NGC 1634]."
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NGC 1634 = MCG +01-12-015 = CGCG 419-022 = Holm 79b = PGC 15775
04 40 09.8 +07 20 19; Tau
V = 14.1; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 109°
13.1" (1/18/85): forms a double system with NGC 1633. Very faint, extremely small. Appears like a nebulous knot almost in contact close south of NGC 1633. Situated within a group of brighter stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1634 = H. III-953 = h324, along with NGC 1633, on 9 Dec 1798 (sweep 1085) and recorded "Two nebulae [NGC 1633 & NGC 1634] within 1' of each other; lying in the meridian. Both vF, vS."
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04 40 07.8 -00 32 51; Eri
V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 5°
17.5" (1/23/93): moderately bright, fairly small,
round, 1' diameter, increases to very small prominent core. An easy mag 13 double star at 24"
separation is just 1.0' NW.
Located 3.5' WSW of a mag 10 star and 7' S of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 1635 = H. II-515 = h325 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and recorded "F or pB, S, bM." On 23 Nov 1827 (sweep 107), John Herschel logged, "vF; R; has a *9m about 12.5 sec following to the north." At Birr Castle (13 Jan 1863) it appeared "very like a distant globular cluster, just plainly visible."
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04 40 40.1 -08 36 29; Eri
V = 12.0; Size 1.2'x0.8'; PA = 0°
17.5" (1/23/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.6', slightly brighter along major axis. A mag 13.5 star is off the NE edge 1.0' from center. Located 6.0' NW of a mag 10 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1636 = H. II-522 = h326 = h2654 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 516) and logged "F, pS, irr E, resolvable, about a minute sp a small star." John Herschel observed this nebula both from Slough and from the Cape of Good Hope where he reported "F, R, gbM, 40", near some small stars."
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04 41 28.0 -02 51 29; Eri
V = 10.8; Size 4.0'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 15°
48" (11/2/13): bright, large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 3'x2.5'. Contains a large bright core with an elongated bright nucleus that appears to be a bar oriented E-W. The appearance is quite irregular due a thick, fairly prominent spiral arm that curves north-south along the eastern side of the halo and bending west as it curves counterclockwise on the north side. A darker gap was evident between the slightly brighter inner edge of this thick arm and the core. A small section of another spiral arm is attached at the SW side of the core. The SW side of the halo is fainter and not as extensive as the NE side, so the galaxy has a lopsided appearance.
13.1" (12/18/82): fairly faint, large, diffuse, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 2.1' NE of center. Located midway between Mu Eridani (V = 4.0) 1° ESE and 51 Eridani (V = 5.2) 1° WNW.
8" (10/4/80): faint, oval, fairly small.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1637 = H. I-122 = h327 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and reported "cB, vL, iR, bM, easily resolvable, 5' or 6' diameter." John Herschel made two observations from Slough, England – once describing it as "bright" and another time as "pretty faint". Fifteen observations were made at Birr Castle. George Johnstone Stoney noted it as a spiral on 19 Dec 1848 (included in Lord Rosse's 1850 list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae). R.J. Mitchell, observing on 26 Dec 1856, added "Suspect very strongly that it is a right handed spiral, but the outlying neby is vF." He made a sketch two nights later (1861 publication, Plate XXV, figure 9).
Albert Le Sueur sketched NGC 1637 using the 48" Melbourne Telescope with an elongated core (WSW-ENE) offset to the south side (halo more extensive to the north) and subtle structure in the halo (unpublished plate VII, figure 83). It was later observed by both Joseph Turner and Pietro Baracchi (11 Mar 1885).
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04 41 36.3 -01 48 33; Eri
V = 12.0; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 70°
18" (11/22/03): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.9'.
Sharply concentrated with a bright 30" core which increases to the
center.
13.1" (12/18/82): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE. Evenly lit halo with a very small bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1638 = H. II-525 on 1 Feb
1786 (sweep 518) and described as "F, pL, lE." His position is 2' NW of the center of
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04 40 52 -16 59 30; Eri
Size 9"/15"
24" (12/22/14): this close triple star was viewed at 260x and 375x. It is easy to see how this triple could be mistaken for a nebula at lower power or in soft seeing. At times, the closer 9" pair nearly blended together or the fainter component appeared as a faint glow off the east side of the brighter component. The 14.5-15th magnitude southern component (at 12"-15") was always cleanly split.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1639 = h2655 on 10 Dec 1835 and remarked "eF; vS; R; between 2 stars." At his position is a triple star as reported in 1898 by Herbert Howe using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory, "I find no nebula, but simply an equilateral triangle of 12.5 mag stars." The closer pair is ~9" separation, with a 3rd star at 15".
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04 42 14.5 -20 26 04; Eri
V = 11.7; Size 2.6'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 45°
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 11.5 stars 2.0' SSE and 2.0' WSW of center.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1640 = LM 1-136 on 11 Dec 1885
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted
"mag 14.0, 0.4' dia, E 40°."
His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.5 tmin west of
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04 35 35 -65 46 48; Dor
Size 11'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): large, scattered group of a dozen mag 10.5 to 13.5 stars and another dozen stars down to mag 15, in roughly a 10' region. No central concentration or rich subgroups, though detached in the field so stands out reasonably well. Still, this is a very poor "cluster" considering its size. Some catalogues have misidentified NGC 1641 with a close pair of galaxies on the east side of the group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1641 = h2656 on 2 Dec 1834 and remarked " pL; p rich; irreg R; p m comp; 5'; stars 11...16". His position is on the southeast side of a scattered group of stars, roughly 10' across.
Pietro Baracchi searched unsuccessfully for this object a
couple of times in Dec 1885 using the 48" Melbourne telesocpe. Shapley and Lindsay (S-L 6) give a
diameter of only 20" and notes "NGC 1641? irregularly resolved",
but this refers to the double system
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04 42 55.0 +00 37 08; Tau
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 175°
24" (12/22/14): moderately bright and large, round, ~1.2' diameter, fairly sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core. Surrounded by a number of 14th and 15th magnitude stars! A mag 10.4 star lies 3.7' W.
13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, fairly diffuse, slightly brighter small core.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1642 on 29 Dec 1861 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is accurate. He mentioned the nebula formed a right triangle with two mag 18 stars following, though the two stars are probably mag 14-15.
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04 43 43.9 -05 19 08; Eri
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 30°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
weak concentration. Located 7' NNE
of a mag 9.5 star. Forms a pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 1643 = H. III-588 = h328 on
28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) and noted "vF, S." On 10 Feb 18 1830 (sweep 232), John Herschel wrote,
"eF; irr R; bM; 10"."
Isaac Roberts photographed the region in 1903 and reported (MN, 63, 301)
that NGC 1643 was "bright and pretty large." Dreyer mentions in the
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04 37 40 -66 11 48; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x1.5'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright and large, round, 40" diameter, small bright core,
smooth halo, no resolution (brightest stars are mag 17). Located 5' S of mag 9.3
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1644 = D 226 = h2657 on
6 Nov 1826. He noted "an
extremely small round nebula, 8" or 10" diameter, pretty well
defined. A small star in the same
parallel preceding [due west]."
His position was considerably off - 20' to the SE - though a mag 8.7
star (
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1644 = h2657 on 2 Nov 183 (sweep 508) 4 and recorded "pB, S, R, gbM, 15"." His position matches this LMC cluster (possible globular).
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NGC 1645 = MCG -01-13-002 = PGC 15903
04 44 06.4 -05 27 56; Eri
V = 12.2; Size 2.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 95°
17.5" (12/23/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 1643 10' NW. Located 7.8' ESE of a mag 9.5 star. Appears fainter than V = 12.2.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1645 on 31 Oct 1864 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen while observing NGC 1643 (10' northwest). He noted it was double the size of NGC 1643 and his position is accurate.
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04 44 23.5 -08 31 54; Eri
V = 13.0; Size 1.6'x1.1'; PA = 155°
24" (12/21/16): at 432x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~NNW-SSE, 0.4'x0.3', high surface brightness, contains a very small bright nucleus. With averted vision, a very low surface brightness halo increases the size to roughly 40"x25" NNW-SSE. Occasionally an extremely faint stellar or quasi-stellar object briefly popped on the SSE edge of the halo. This is the nucleus of a merged companion NGC 1646 NED2, just 15" between centers!
The stellar companion was seen more often with confidence (though not continuously) through a friends's 28" at 439x. NGC 1646 is located 4.8' ESE of 5.9-magnitude 56 Eridani, which needs to be kept outside the field! A mag 10.5 star is 2' E and a mag 14.7 star is 0.9' S.
17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1
NW-SE, prominent small bright core, overall fairly high surface
brightness. Forms the south vertex
of isosceles triangle with
William Herschel discovered NGC 1646 = H. II-523 = h329 on 30 Jan 1786 (sweep 516) and remarked "F, vS, irr R, bM, almost stellar." On 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), John Herschel measured an accurate position and noted "pF; R; has a *7m, 3 or 4' dist np."
Robert Ball, assistant to the 4th Earl of Rosse, observed NGC 1646 on 10 Jan 1867. His description mentions "there is
one object sf and another np, one or both of which may be nebulae, but my examination
was interrupted before it could be completed." The southeast object
possibly refers to
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04 46 00 +19 04; Tau
V = 6.4; Size 45'
13.1" (1/11/86): about 80 stars in a scattered cluster including several bright stars. Very large, bright. Includes a mag 8.5/8.9 double star at 33" separation in the center. Also includes many faint double stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1647 = H. VIII-8 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 143) and called it "a cluster of scattered stars consisting chiefly of large ones, it takes up above 20' of space; but there is not a great number of them." Sue French notes it was the first object discovered while trying out a new speculum mirror. He wasn't satisfied with the mirror, repolished it, and put it back into action 4 nights later.
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NGC 1648 = MCG -01-13-004 = PGC 15920
04 44 34.7 -08 28 44; Eri
V = 14.5; Size 0.4'x0.3'
17.5" (1/23/93): extremely faint, very small, round, requires averted vision. A mag 11 star 3.3' SSW forms the vertex of a right triangle with NGC 1646 4.2' SW and 56 Eridani (V = 5.9) 7.4' WSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1648 = Sw. 3-31 on 29 Dec 1885
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and described "eeeF;
pS; ee diff; nf of [NGC 1646]."
His position is 19 tsec due east of
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04 38 06.9 -68 46 41; Dor
V = 11.2; Size 0.6'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint,
small, round, 20" diameter.
Sandwiched between 8.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 1649 = h2660 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; R; gbM; 30"." His position is 9' S of h2661 = NGC 1652, which he observed on 3 sweeps, but not on the single sweep that NGC 1649 was recorded. Harold Corwin concludes NGC 1649 is likely a duplicate of NGC 1652 based on the similar descriptions and a possible 10' digit error in declination. The Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas states "possibly NGC 1652" (no object is indicated) and ESO equates NGC 1649 = NGC 1652. NGC 1649 is classified as nonexistent in Mati Morel's "A Visual Atlas of the LMC". Eric Lindsay, in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" [1964IrAJ....6..286L], states "Not found. Centered on CPD -69°284. Possibly the faint cluster S/L 8, 13' south."
Robert Innes, at the Union Observatory in 1927, suggested a
6 minute error in RA and equal to
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04 45 11.5 -15 52 12; Eri
V = 11.9; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 170°
17.5" (12/23/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core. Located 11' E of a mag 10 star at the edge of the 220x field.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1650 = LM 1-137 on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 13.0, pS, E 0° [N-S], glsmbMN, envelope mag 14.0." His position is 3.6' SW of MCG -03-13-001 = PGC 15931and the description pins down the identification. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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04 37 31.7 -70 35 07; Men
V = 12.3; Size 2.5'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared moderately bright, fairly large, round, 1.7' diameter, slightly brighter core. Two mag 13.7 and 15.2 stars at ~20" separation are off the SE edge. A couple of mag 16-16.5 clusters members are occasionally resolved.
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC globular appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.7' diameter with a weak concentration. There was no resolution except for a mag 13.5 star off the SE edge, 1' from the center. Located 34' NW of mag 5.5 Mu Mensae.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1651 = h2662 on 3 Nov 1834 and noted "vF, L, R, vglbM, 2.5' dia." His position (3 sweeps) is accurate.
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NGC 1652 = ESO 055-032 = S-L 10
04 38 22.6 -68 40 21; Dor
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, moderately large, round, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration but azonal, symmetrical, no resolution. Located 8.4' NNE of mag 8.1 HD 29994. NGC 1649 lies 6.5' SSW and NGC 1676 lies 31' ESE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1652 = h2661 on 2 Nov 1834 and remarked "vF; S; R; gbM; 12" across." His position (measurd on 3 sweeps) is accurate. NGC 1649 is probably a duplicate observation with a 10' error in declination.
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04 45 47.3 -02 23 34; Eri
V = 12.0; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8
13.1" (11/29/86): moderately bright, moderately large,
round, broadly concentrated halo.
The
William Herschel discovered NGC 1653 = H. II-526 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and remarked "F, cS, R, lbM." His position is just off the ESE side of this galaxy.
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NGC 1654 = UGC 3154 = CGCG 394-003 = PGC 15943
04 45 48.4 -02 05 02; Eri
V = 13.4; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
broad mild concentration. Brighter
of a pair with NGC 1657 4.6' E.
Located 10' WSW of mag 9.0
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, oval slightly elongated ~E-W. NGC 1657 4.6' E not seen.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1654 = St. 12-33, along with
NGC 1657 and
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04 46 12 +20 56; Tau
= Not found, Dreyer. =**?, Gottlieb
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 1655 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cook refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory Scarborough, England and communicated directly to Dreyer. There is nothing at his position except an easily resolved double star. A mag 9.2 star to the south matches the NGC description "pB, R, gbM, *10 south."
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04 45 53.3 -05 08 12; Eri
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 55°
17.5" (12/23/89): faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE. A mag 14.5 star is at the north edge 0.4' from center. Located 3.1' S of a mag 10 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1656 = h330 on 10 Feb 1830 (sweep 233) and remarked "eF; irreg figure, if not a double or triple star, seen indistinctly." His position is accurate and he must have seen the star at the north edge.
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NGC 1657 = UGC 3156 = MCG +00-13-004 = CGCG 394-005 = PGC 15958
04 46 07.2 -02 04 38; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 150°
17.5" (1/23/93): very faint, fairly small, round, low almost even surface brightness. Located midway between NGC 1654 4.6' W and mag 9.0 SAO 131483 5.1' E.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1657 = St. 12-34, along with NGC 1654 and NGC 1661, on 30 Nov 1877. His published micrometric position was reduced on 21 Dec 1881.
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04 44 01.2 -41 27 48; Cae
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 124°
18" (1/17/09): picked up at 175x as a very faint glow,
~40"x25", extended NW-SE with careful viewing, low even surface
brightness. Forms a 3' pair with
fainter
John Herschel discovered NGC 1658 = h2658 (along with NGC 1660 = h2659) on 1 Dec 1837 and logged "F, pmE, glbM, 40"." His position is 1.6' too far south (similar offset with nearby NGC 1660).
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04 46 29.8 -04 47 22; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 40°
13.1" (12/18/82): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1659 = H. II-589 = h331 on
28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) and recorded "vF, cL, iE nearly in the parallel,
bM." Harold Corwin found
Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 22 Oct 1886 and recorded Sw. 5-64 (later NGC
1677) as "pF; pL; lE."
His declination was accurate but his RA was 5 minutes too large (same
error with
******************************
NGC 1660 = ESO 304-018 = MCG -07-10-021 = PGC 15908
04 44 11.3 -41 29 52; Cae
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 32°
18" (1/17/09): not picked up initially at 175x, but just visible at 225x as an extremely faint, round, glow ~20" in diameter (the elongation was not evident). After viewing at the higher magnification, I was able to go back and glimpse the galaxy at 175x. Forms a 3' pair with brighter NGC 1658 to the NW. Located 6' ENE of mag 9.9 HD 30203 and 2' SW of a mag 14 star. Viewed at a very low elevation from Lake Sonoma although the seeing was very good fairly close to the horizon.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1660 = h2659 (along with NGC 1658 = h2658) on 1 Dec 1837 and logged "vF, lE, glbM, 20"." His position is 1.5' too far south (similar offset with nearby NGC 1658).
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NGC 1661 = UGC 3166 = MCG +00-13-008 = CGCG 394-009 = PGC 16000
04 47 07.6 -02 03 16; Ori
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 35°
13.1" (12/23/89): faint, small, almost round, bright core. A line of four mag 12-13.5 stars is 1.5' S oriented E-W with length 1.7'. In a group with NGC 1654 and NGC 1657.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1661 = St. 12-35, along with NGC 1654 and NGC 1657, on 30 Nov 1877. His published micrometric position was reduced on 21 Dec 1881.
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04 48 29 +10 55 48; Ori
V = 6.4; Size 20'
17.5" (12/9/01): striking group of ~40 stars within 15' including a number of mag 9 stars. Many of the brighter stars are arranged in a "boat" shape with the bottom of the boat consisting of a string oriented NW-SE. In the middle is a mast, perpendicular to the longer stream of stars. The "mast" includes the multiple star HJ 684, a bright quadruple of mag 8-10 stars with a 5th fainter star (8.5/10.3 at 24" and 9.6/12.5 at 10").
William Herschel discovered NGC 1662 = H. VII-1 = h332 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 80) and found "a cluster of large scattered stars, they are visible in the finder." His Philosphical Transactions description also using a later sweep, added "10' or 12' in extent, with a vacancy in the middle." His position was 30 seconds of time too far east, but John Herschel measured an accurate position on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 121) and described, "A cluster of stars 11 and 12m, three L and five small stars. Query if the right object." It is.
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04 49 24 +13 09 06; Ori
Size 8'
17.5" (2/3/03): at 140x, ~20 stars are resolved in a scattered 6'-7' group. Includes a shallow arc of three brighter mag 10 stars on the SW side which may not be cluster members. Most of the mag 12-13 stars are concentrated in a 3' subgroup on the north side. Stands out reasonably well in the field although this group has been listed as a "possible open cluster remnant" - Bica et al., 2001A&A...366..827B. The Lynga position, DSFG, NGC 2000, SC 2000 and RNGC all place the cluster too far west by ~45 tsec of RA.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1663 = H. VIII-7 on 10 Feb 1783 (sweep 137) and described "A scattered cluster of stars. Large, intermixt with small (stars), not very rich." There is no grouping at his offset of 4m 0s preceding, and 1d 7' south of 4 Orionis. But Brent Archinal found a concentration of stars (~30 stars in 9') that is 1 minute of RA following H's position. The Lynga position, DSFG, NGC 2000, SC 2000 and RNGC all place the cluster too far west at 04 48.6 +13 09 and the cluster is plotted incorrectly on the first edition of U2000.
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04 51 05 +43 40 36; Aur
V = 7.6; Size 18'
13.1" (1/18/85): 40-45 stars, striking, rich, many
faint double stars and chains. A
long string of stars to the south leads to mag 7.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 1664 = H. VIII-59 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 622) and called it "a cluster of coarsely scattered pretty large stars, not very rich." His position was pretty accurate.
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04 48 17.1 -05 25 39; Eri
V = 13.2; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 50°
17.5" (12/23/89): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1665 = H. II-457 = h333 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 458) and recorded "F, cL, lbM." On 10 Feb 1830 (sweep 233), John Herschel measured an accurate position and called it "vF, pL, R." NGC 1665 wasn't found on one attempt at Birr Castle and d'Arrest followed up in Oct 1864 with two observations with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. It was later observed at Birr Castle in 1877.
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04 48 32.8 -06 34 12; Eri
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 35°
13.1" (1/18/85): faint, small, round, faint stellar
nucleus. Forms a wide pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1666 = Sw. 5-62 on 1 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is accurate and the comment "s of [N1667] of Stephan's Catalogue in AN 2661" applies.
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NGC 1667 = NGC 1689: = MCG -01-13-013 = LGG 118-005 = PGC 16062
04 48 36.9 -06 19 13; Eri
V = 12.1; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 20°
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, weak concentration. Forms a wide pair with NGC 1666 15' N.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1667 = St. 13-26 on 22 Oct 1883. His published position (list 13) was reduced on 13 Dec 1884. Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 22 Oct 1886, but Harold Corwin found his RA was 5.0 minutes too large (same error with NGC 1677) and it was catalogued as NGC 1689. So, NGC 1667 = NGC 1689 with priority to Stephan.
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04 46 05.9 -44 44 00; Cae
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 107°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): faint to fairly faint, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, low surface brightness, weak concentration to the center, which contains a faint stellar ncleus. A mag 13.8 star lies 25" NNE of center and several mag 11-12 populate the field. NGC 1668 is the brightest member of Abell Galaxy Cluster S497.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1668 = h2663 on 1 Dec 1837 and
logged "eF; R; attached to a star 14m". His position is 3' SE of
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04 43 00.0 -65 48 52; Dor
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 97°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): extremely to very faint, small, round, 25" diameter. Two mag 14 and 13 stars lie 1.4' NW and 3.5' NW, respectively. An asterism of 5 stars, including two mag 10 stars collinear with the galaxy, lies ~7' WNW. I couldn't hold the galaxy steadily with averted although it was viewed in poor conditions (very hazy skies and positioned well west of the meridian). Located in NW halo of the LMC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1669 = h2664 on 20 Dec 1835 and
logged "eF, S, R." His
position is 6 sec of RA west of
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04 49 42.5 -02 45 37; Ori
V = 12.7; Size 2.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 112°
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, round, bright core. A mag 14 star is close off the ESE edge 0.9' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1670 = H. III-501 on 1 Feb
1786 (sweep 518) and noted "vF, vS." His position is 1.5' SSE of
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04 49 34.1 +00 15 10; Ori
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 130°
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1671 = Sw. 5-63 on 2 Oct 1886
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory and recorded, "pF;
pS; R; pB * nr sp." His
position falls on the empty section of sky. Corwin suggests NGC 1671 is possibly equivalent to IC 395 =
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NGC 1672 = ESO 118-043 = AM 0444-592 = LGG 119-002 = PGC 15941
04 45 42.5 -59 14 50; Dor
V = 9.7; Size 6.6'x5.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 170°
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this gorgeous barred spiral appeared very bright and large with the main body elongated E-W, extending ~3.5'x2.0'. An obvious spiral arm is attached at the east end of the E-W central bar. This arm hooks to the north, wrapping around a superimposed star to the northeast of the bar (1.6' from the center). Three fainter stars with separations ~30" are sandwiched to the west of this star, between the arm and the bar. The arm fades out before reaching a mag 10 star 2.2' NE of center. A second arm begins to emerge on the west side of the bar, barely sweeping towards the south before abruptly terminating. So the second "arm" is just a small hooking appendage off the west end. The central bar itself is sharply concentrated with a dramatic, brilliant nucleus, ~25" diameter, that increases gradually to the center.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
striking spiral galaxy appeared fairly bright and large, ~4' diameter, sharply
concentrated with a very bright core.
Clearly emerging from the east side of the oval core or bar was a spiral
arm which curled north and wrapped around two stars to the NW of the core. The extension on the west side was just
a very faint, diffuse haze on the SW side without a sharply defined arm
structure. A mag 9 star is 6.5'
ENE and a mag 6.5 star (
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly
large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, ~3'x2'.
Sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core, ~20" diameter,
and a large oval halo. Spiral
structure was evident as an ill-defined extension or haze off the NE side,
though I could not resolve this spiral arm clearly. Situated directly between two mag 9 stars 10' SW and 6.5'
ENE. Located 30' NNE of mag 5.3
Kappa Doradus. This galaxy is a
member of the Dorado group, which includes NGC 1515, NGC 1533, NGC 1536, NGC
1543, NGC 1546, NGC 1553, NGC 1566, NGC 1574, NGC 1596, NGC 1617 and
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1672 = D 296 = h2665 on 5 Nov 1826. He described "a faint ill-defined nebula about 50" diameter, irregularly round with a small bright point near the preceding side, which I suspect to be a star; a pretty bright star about 20' south-preceding [mag 5.3 Kappa Dor] and also another following [mag 6.8 HD 30790]."
John Herschel made two observations, the first on 4 Dec 1834 (sweep 519) when he described it as "B, L, pmE, svmbM to a nucleus; 2.5' long, 1.5' broad; a star 12th mag involved." His position was accurate.
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 1672 on 5 Dec 1876 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope but there was no indication of spiral structure (unpublished lithograph plate II, figure 16). NGC 1672 was first photographed by Delisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as "!! 2-branch spiral, irregular figure."
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04 42 40 -69 49 18; Men
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, small, irregular shape, 35" diameter, contains a quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is at the NE end and a very faint star is resolved at the west edge of the halo. A mag 13.5 star lies 0.9' ENE. A string of stars heads NE from the cluster. Forms a pair with S-L 19 2' E, which is a relatively faint, small, roundish 25" glow.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1673 = h2667 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded (from one sweep only) "vF, S, attached to a star 10m. A doubtful object". His position, though, matches this cluster in RA and is off by less than 1' in dec.
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04 52 24 +23 54; Tau
= Not found, RNGC.
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 1674 with the 15.5-inch Cook
refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England. The discovery note states "two F
neb [along with
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04 52 24 +23 54; Tau
= Not found, RNGC.
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 1675 with the 15.5-inch Cook refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England. The discovery note states "two F neb [along with NGC 1674] in same field" but there are candidates near his position so this number is lost.
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NGC 1676 = ESO 055-036 = S-L 25
04 43 54 -68 49 42; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 0.8'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, moderately large, 1' diameter. Between 8 to 10 faint stars are resolved over the irregularly shaped glow. KMHK 59, a faint cluster, was picked up 5' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1676 = h2669 on 13 Dec 1835 and recorded "vF; irreg R; 90"; resolvable." In 1926, Robert Innes, with the 26-inch refractor of the Union Observatory, described NGC 1676 as "a small cloud of 14 and 15 mag stars, 2' diameter."
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NGC 1677 = NGC 1659 = MCG -01-13-006 = PGC 15977
04 46 29.8 -04 47 22; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 40°
See observing notes for NGC 1659.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1677 = Sw. 5-64 on 22 Oct 1886. There is nothing at his position but Harold Corwin identifies NGC 1677 = NGC 1659, assuming Swift's RA was 5 minutes too large. The same error was made with Swift's V-65 (later NGC 1689), which was found on the same evening.
Swift's (uncorrected) position is 0.4 tmin east and 6' north
of
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04 51 35.3 -02 37 24; Ori
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 70°
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core. A mag 12 star is close off western edge 1.0' from core. NGC 1670 lies 28' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1678 = H. III-502 on 1 Feb
1786 (sweep 518) and called "vF, S." His position is less than 1' S of
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04 49 54.6 -31 57 53; Cae
V = 11.5; Size 2.7'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
17.5" (1/23/93): moderately bright and large, 2' diameter, irregularly round, brighter core. Unusual appearance as four stars are closeby; a mag 12 star is at the NW edge, two mag 13/14.5 stars are near the SW edge and a mag 13.5 star at the E edge. This is a fairly bright galaxy for low elevation viewing. Images reveal an irregular extension on the south side.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1679 = h2666 on 18 Nov 1835 and described "pB, L, irreg round; involves four stars, and is very gradually brighter about the chief of them." Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 24 Nov 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. He drew it boomerange shaped with one side between the mag 12 star at the north edge and the 13th mag star on the east side (central part of galaxy) and a second side beginning at the mag 13 star extending southwest (this section is an irregular spiral arm). He also sketched nebulosity south of the 12th mag star. (p. 150 in logbook).
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04 48 33.8 -47 48 58; Pic
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 102°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 30"x18", even surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is 25" S of center, just off the edge. A mag 10.5 star lies 8' WNW and a few mag 10/11 stars are in the field to the southwest.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1680 = h2668 on 28 Dec 1834 and recorded "eeF, R, resolvable, or else stars seen on it. Well defined (hazy)." His position (3 sweeps) is accurate.
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04 51 50.3 -05 48 13; Eri
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 40°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, small, round, bright core. A mag 12 star is at the west edge 0.8' from center and a mag 12.5 star is 1.2' E.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1681 = St. 9-4 on 29 Dec 1877. He reduced the micrometric position a week later (6 Jan 1878) and published it in his 9th discovery list (#4).
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04 52 19.7 -03 06 20; Ori
V = 11.8; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 11.7
24" (2/5/21): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly small,
round, 30" diameter, sharp concentration with a very small very bright
nucleus. Member of the
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.
Located 4.0' N of mag 8.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 1682 = H. II-527, along with NGC 1684 = II-528, on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518), and logged "Two, the 1st vF, vS." His position is 40 tsec too far east, the same offset applying to II-528. JH missed this galaxy, only recording NGC 1684 = h334. The NGC position (from d'Arrest) is accurate.
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04 52 17.6 -03 01 29; Ori
V = 14.8; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 165°
24" (2/5/21): at 260x; very faint, small, elongated 2:1
NNW-SSE, 25"x12", can just hold continuously with averted
vision. Two mag 13-14 stars close
E are aligned with the galaxy. A
2' string of faint star to the north is also oriented E-W. Located 6' NNW of
NGC 1684 in a group that includes
17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint, very small, low even surface brightness. Among an elongated group of mag 14 stars including a wide pair 1.5' E and a wide pair 2' NW. Located 5' N of NGC 1682 and faintest in a group of four including NGC 1684 and NGC 1685.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1683 in Jan 1850. It was found while examining the NGC 1684 field and labeled as "Gamma" on his sketch. The NGC position is just 1.7' too far east.
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NGC 1684 = MCG -01-13-031 = PGC 16219
04 52 31.0 -03 06 20; Ori
V = 11.7; Size 2.3'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 90°
24" (2/5/21): at 260x; fairly bright, fairly large,
oval 5:3 E-W, ~1.3'x0.8', very strong concentration with a relatively large
bright core that increases to the center.
Mag 7.6
Brightest in a group with NGC 1682 is 3' W, NGC 1683 6' NNW and NGC 1685 9.5'
N.
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W, broadly concentrated halo. Brightest of four with NGC 1682 3' W, NGC 1683 6' NW and NGC 1685 9' N. Mag 8.0 SAO 131557 lies 3' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1684 = H. II-528 = h334 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and noted "The 2nd [with NGC 1682], F, S, lbM." His position is 40 seconds of time too far east (same error as NGC 1682 = II-527). John Herschel made two observations at Slough, recording on 24 Nov 1827 (sweep 109), "pB; R; bM; has a *7m 45° sp; very well observed." His position was accurate, though I'm surprised he missed nearby NGC 1682. The field was observed 9 times at Birr Castle. Because of the confusion with WH's positions as well as the identifications at Birr Castle, JH assigned 3 GC designations -- 920, 921 and 924. Dreyer sorted this out and combined the entries in the NGC.
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NGC 1685 = MCG -01-13-032 = PGC 16222
04 52 34.3 -02 56 58; Ori
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 135°
24" (2/5/21): at 260x; faint, fairly small,oval 3:2 NW-SE, ~40"x25", weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 1' SE of center. Member of the NGC 1684 group, which lies nearly 10' S.
17.5" (12/23/89): very faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, almost even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is off the SE edge 1.0' from center. NGC 1684 lies 9.5' S.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 1685 in January 1850. It was found while examining the NGC 1684 field and labeled as "Delta" on his sketch. The NGC position is 2.7' too far north, though the sketch makes the identification certain.
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04 52 54.5 -15 20 49; Eri
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 27°
17.5" (2/2/02): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness. Elongation not seen, so I only viewed the brighter core region as this galaxy is nearly edge-on SSW-NNE. A mag 13 star follows by 2'.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1686 = LM 1-138 on 26 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and described as "mag 15.5, vS, vE 30°." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 tmin west of MCG -03-13-019 = PGC 16239 and his position angle matches this galaxy. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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04 51 21.3 -33 56 21; Cae
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 40°
17.5": very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE,
0.6'x0.4'. Very small brighter
core at moments but the overall surface brightness is low and the object
required concentration for a steady view.
Based on the apparent size, I probably viewed the brighter central
region and missed the outer spiral extensions. Located 7' NE of mag 8.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 1687 = h2670 on 8 Jan 1836 and
noted "vF; R; gbM;
20"." On the next sweep
his position was a perfect match with
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NGC 1688 = ESO 119-006 = AM 0447-595 = LGG 119-003 = PGC 16050
04 48 23.5 -59 47 57; Dor
V = 12.0; Size 2.4'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 177°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x1.0', broad weak concentration but no other details were evident. This barred spiral is located 38' SE of NGC 1672 38' NW with NGC 1703 34' E. Located 30' ESE of mag 5.3 Kappa Doradus.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1688 = h2671 on 4 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; pL; R; gbM; 50"." On later sweeps he called this nebula "B" and "pB". His position is accurate.
Joseph Turner made a sketch on 5 Dec 1876 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope with the object shown as a narrow streak NW-SE, so he noticed noticed the full length of the central bar (page 121 of logbook). There was some mistake in preparing the lithograph (unpublished plate II, figure 17) which shows two elongated streaks along with additional stars.
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NGC 1689 = NGC 1667 = MCG -01-13-013 = PGC 16062
04 48 36.9 -06 19 13; Eri
See observing notes for NGC 1667.
Lewis Swift found NGC 1689 = Sw. 5-65 on 22 Oct 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. There is nothing at his position and Herbert Howe reported "I searched for it on two nights [with the 20" refractor at Denver] without success. Probably there was an error of just 5 min in its RA, and it is identical with 1667 [found earlier by Stephan in 1884], which has the same declination. Swift made the same 5 minute error in RA on the same sweep with NGC 1677 = Sw. 5-64, which is identical to NGC 1659. RNGC classifies this number as "not found" (from Dorothy Carlson's paper).
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04 54 19.2 +01 38 25; Ori
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9
24" (12/22/14): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. Brightest in a trio (WBL 109) with
UGC 3199 appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness and CGCG 394-028 is very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. A mag 10 star lies 3.2' SSW.
13.1" (11/29/86): very faint, very small, round. Several faint stars are nearby
including a two mag 13.5 star at the west edge 0.6' from center and 1.2'
NNE. Located 7.2' NE of mag 6.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 1690 = h335 on 5 Feb 1831
(sweep 322) and logged, "eF; among vS stars; has one vL * sp." His position matches
MCG, PGC and RC3 (and software such as Megastar) misidentify nearby UGC 3199 as NGC 1690. UGC, RNGC and CGCG have the correct identification. UGC mentions the MCG error in the notes section.
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04 54 38.3 +03 16 04; Ori
V = 12.0; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 85°
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, very small, bright stellar nucleus or star superimposed.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1691 = St. 8b-16 on 18 Dec 1873 and logged a rough position 6' too far east. His pubished position (list 8b, #16) was made 3 years later on 15 Dec 1876 with description "faint, small, mag 11 nucleus."
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04 55 23.7 -20 34 16; Lep
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 5°
17.5" (2/14/99): faint, moderately large, round, broad
concentration to a 30" core.
With averted vision the halo extends to at least 1' diameter with
ill-defined edges. Located 13' SE
of mag 8.9
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1692 = LM 1-139 on 11 Dec 1885
with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position, but
Harold Corwin examined Stone's discovery sketch and identified NGC 1692 = ESO
552-021. This implies Stone's
position is roughly 2 tmin of RA too small, a typical error found in his list. RNGC misidentifies
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04 47 39 -69 20 36; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 0.7'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright but
small, round. Contains a very
bright core and a small 30" halo.
No resolution except for a faint star at the NW edge. Forms a trio with brighter
John Herschel discovered NGC 1693 = h2672 (along with NGC 1695 = h2673) on 3 Nov 1834 and noted "F, S, R". His position is accurate.
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04 55 16.8 -04 39 10; Eri
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.7; PA = 30°
17.5" (2/14/99): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, 40"x30", very small brighter core. Situated within a
group of brighter stars including a mag 10.5 star 3.4' ESE. Located 28' WNW of
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1694 = St. 10-18 on 4 Jan 1878 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. He reduced the micrometric position 2 years later (9 Jan 1880) and published it in his 10th discovery list (#18). The MCG RA is 0.5 tmin too far east.
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NGC 1695 = ESO 056-003 = S-L 40
04 47 45 -69 22 24; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 1.5'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, fairly small, irregularly round. Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core surrounded by a 45" irregular halo. One brighter star is resolved at the SW edge and a faint star is resolved at the SE edge. A mag 11.5 star lies 1.7' NE. Brightest of three LMC clusters with NGC 1693 2' NNW and KMHK 109 3.8' E. KMHK 109 appeared as a faint, small glow with an irregular shape, gradually increased to the center but azonal with no resolution.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1695 = h2673 (along with NGC 1693 = h2672) on 3 Nov 1834 and logged "F, S, R."
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04 48 30 -68 14 36; Dor
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint,
fairly small, round, 30" diameter.
Bracketed by two stars; a mag 15 star 25" NW of center and a mag 15
star 38" SE of center.
Located 19' SW of mag 6.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 1696 = h2674 on 2 Nov 1834 and wrote "vF; E; vlbM" on his only observation. His position is off by 1.5' in dec.
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04 48 36 -68 33 30; Dor
V = 12.6; Size 2.6'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, fairly
large, round, large bright core, very mottled but not resolved except for a few
sparklers that are visible for moments.
A mag 10.6 star lies 2.5' SE.
Located 11' E of mag 7.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 1697 = h2675 on 2 Nov 1834 (along with NGC 1696, 1714, 1715, 1718, 1735, 1747, and a couple of dozen additional objects). On his first observation (out of 5) he recorded "pB, R, vglbM, 40"." On the 4th sweep he wrote "globular cluster, pB, R, glbM, 1.5'; resolved. With the left eye I see the stars". The Shapley-Lindsay position (S-L 44) is exactly 10' too far south.
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04 49 04 -69 06 54; Dor
V = 12.1; Size 1.6'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
moderately large, irregular glow, 1' diameter. Roughly 10 stars are resolved in the outer halo giving a
triangular shape. NGC 1698 forms a
close pair with KMHK 118, a much smaller and fainter cluster 1.6' SE. It appeared as a faint, small glow,
20" diameter with no resolution.
Mag 10.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 1698 = h2677 on 23 Dec 1834 and called it "pB; R; glbM; 60"; resolvable." Although only observed on a single sweep his position is good.
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04 56 59.6 -04 45 25; Eri
V = 12.9; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 160°
17.5" (12/23/89): very faint, small, slightly elongated
N-S, even surface brightness.
Located just 4' ENE of mag 7.8
Samuel Hunter discovered NGC 1699 = Sw. 6-21 on 13 Feb 1860 with LdR's 72” (too late for inclusion in LdR’s 1861 publication) while observing the field of NGC 1700. He noted "a smaller one nf, scarcely perceptible in finder and vF, above a F *." NGC 1699 is Hunter’s only deep sky discovery while an observing assistant at Birr Castle. Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 22 Dec 1886 and reported it as new in list VI-21. Dreyer credited both observers in the NGC.
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NGC 1700 = MCG -01-13-038 = LGG 123-002 = PGC 16386
04 56 56.2 -04 51 56; Eri
V = 11.2; Size 3.3'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 90°
24" (12/8/20): at 260x; bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 ~E-W, ~1.5'x1.1' Contains an intense core the increases to a stellar peak at the center. Situated 6' SSE of mag 8.0 HD 31569. NGC 1699 is 6.6' N and LEDA 146783 is 13' SE. The latter galaxy appeared faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 20"x15", faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 1.5' E.
17.5" (12/23/89): bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 E-W,
very bright core. Located 6' SSE
of mag 7.8 SAO 131619. Forms a
pair with NGC 1699 6.7' N. Brightest
in a group (LGG 123) that includes
13.1" (12/18/82): fairly bright, small, round, small bright core. Located 20' NNE of 62 Eridani (V = 5.5).
William Herschel discovered NGC 1700 = H. IV-32 = h336 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 458) and noted "cB, S, mbM." On 28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) he reported "cB, vS, bM. Like a star affected with irregular burs." NGC 1700 was observed 10 times with the 72". On 13 Jan 1858 R.J. Mitchell logged, "B centre which I strongly suspect resolvable, faint nebulosity stretches out a long way, involving a minute star preceding." WH's observation probably influenced the Birr Castle observers to look for (nonexistent) structure.
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04 55 51.2 -29 53 01; Cae
V = 12.8; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 137°
17.5": faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 45" diameter. Weakly concentrated with no well-defined core. A mag 11 star is close off the SE side (1.3' from center) and detracts slightly. A very faint pair of mag 15 stars at 18" separation is less than 2' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1701 = h2676 on 6 Nov 1834 and
remarked "F, S, R, 20". A star 10th mag S.f. and a small double star
S.p." His positiions and
description apply to
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04 49 28 -69 51 06; Men
V = 12.5; Size 1.0'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): nicely resolved
cluster, a dozen stars counted in a 50" region. KMHK119, a faint cluster, was picked up 1.8' SW as a small
faint, patch, 20" diameter, no resolution. Located 6.7' WSW of mag 7.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 1702 = h2680 on 12 Nov 1836 and reported a "vF, S, cluster." His position matches this LMC cluster. Herschel mentions that James Dunlop's D 73 is possibly an earlier discovery but of the three objects (NGC 1702, 1711 and 1751) that are likely D 73, NGC 1711 is the brightest.
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NGC 1703 = ESO 119-019 = AM 0452-594= LGG 119-005 = PGC 16234
04 52 52.6 -59 44 36; Dor
V = 11.3; Size 3.0'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.4
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 ~N-S, 1.5'x1.0'. Unusual appearance as a mag 10 star (a close double) is superimposed southeast of the core and the galaxy extends to the northwest of this bright star. The outer halo is diffuse and fades into the background. Located 34' E of NGC 1688. Member of the NGC 1672 group (LGG 119)
John Herschel discovered NGC 1703 = h2678 on 4 Dec 1834 and recorded F, L, R, vlbM, 90"; very dilute at borders. A star 9th mag S.f. almost involved." His position is accurate.
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NGC 1704 = ESO 056-009 = S-L 50
04 49 56 -69 45 24; Dor
V = 11.5; Size 1.7'x1.6'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.1'x0.9'. Contains three bright collinear stars oriented E-W as well as a number of faint stars resolved in the halo. NGC 1702, a bright resolved cluster, lies 6' SSW and a mag 7.2 star (HD 31518) lies 6' SE. NGC 1704 forms the north vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 1702 and the bright star.
James Dunlop probably NGC 1704 = D 110 = h2683 = on 3 Aug 1826. He reported "a small faint nebula". He recorded it again on 24 Sep 1826 (first object in his first of two drifts). His drift log shows it at 15' N of NGC 1711 and 22 seconds of time preceding, a good match.
John Herschel rediscovered the cluster (h2683) on 24 or 25 Dec 1834 (sweep 523) and called it "B; R; bM; 90".". But his description on 12 Nov 1836 (sweep 751) was quite different: "eF; S; E; 40" l; resolvable."
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NGC 1705 = ESO 158-013 = AM 0453-532 = PGC 16282
04 54 14.1 -53 21 38; Pic
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 50°
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.9', broad concentration. This galaxy contains a super-star cluster (SSC 1750-A) that appeared as a 14th magnitude "star" offset just west of the center. In good seeing at 350x using the 13mm Ethos and a 2x barlow, the SSC was easily visible and generally appeared stellar, though at moments there was an impression it spanned a couple of arcseconds. A short string of four faint stars is collinear to the NW. Located 30' ENE of the bright double star Iota Pictoris (5.6/6.4 at 12"). NGC 1705 is a nearby blue dwarf starburst galaxy at a distance of 17 million light years.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1705 = h2679 on 5 Dec 1834 and recorded "B; S; R; pmbM; 20"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.
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04 52 31.0 -62 59 08; Dor
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 124°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 40"x35", weak concentration, slightly brighter core. Mag 11 stars lie 5' SSW and 7' S. A mag 11.8 star is 3.6' NE. A companion attached to the northern spiral arm was not seen.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1706 = h2682 on 25 Dec 1837 and called it "F; R; vglbM; 40"." His position is accurate.
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04 58 21.1 +08 14 19; Ori
Size 30"
17.5" (2/14/99): this is a compact group of four mag 13.5-14.5 stars within 30". Easily picked up at 220x and three close stars visible. At 280x, this multiple star is cleanly resolved in moments of good seeing. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1707 = h338 on 8 Jan 1828
(sweep 118) and described a "resolved nebula or a small round group of
very small stars, 30" diameter." There is nothing at his position but 30 seconds of RA west
is a group of four to five stars and R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant in
1854, called it "only a group of 4 or 5 stars." Bigourdan apparently couldn't find NGC
1707 at Herschel's position and claimed it as new -- B. 381 (later
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05 03 26 +52 52 30; Cam
Size 20'x12'
18" (11/26/03): at 115x, this is a huge, triangular group of ~80 stars, roughly 20'x12', extended N-S with the base of this triangle on the south side and the vertex at the north end. Surprisingly, this scattered group is fairly well detached in the field and appears visually to be a cluster. Includes a number of mag 10.5-11.5 stars. The group is unconcentrated and most of the stars are situated along the perimeter with two large starless interior regions (larger one on the south side).
John Herschel discovered NGC 1708 = h337 on 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327) and described a "v Loose, pRi, fills field, the largest *10m, mixed magnitudes." The mag 10 star in h's description appears to be 30 tsec further east at 05 03 26.3 +52 52 31 (J2000). RNGC classifies this number as a nonexistent cluster. Walter Scott Houston mentioned this object in his columns of Jan '76 and Sep '89.
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04 58 44.0 -00 28 42; Ori
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 46°
24" (12/21/16): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 4:3 SW-NE, ~0.4'x0.3', very small or stellar nucleus. A mag 12.3 star is 50" NW of
center. In a group (WBL 110) with
13.1" (11/29/86): very faint, very small. A mag 13 star is close to the WNW edge just 0.8' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 1713 2.7' ESE.
R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 1709 on 8 Dec 1854 while observing NGC 1713. He described "two nebulous knots, the following one [NGC 1713] brighter than the other, both R, lbM, * preceding."
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04 57 17.0 -15 17 20; Lep
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 15°
18" (2/5/11): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3
SSW-NNE, well concentrated with a very small bright core. A mag 11 star is 1.2' SE of
center. Located 13' NE of mag 7.6
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is off the SE edge 1.2' from center. Hind's Variable Star lies 45' NE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1710 = LM 1-140 on 14 Nov
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is less than 1 min of RA following
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NGC 1711 = ESO 056-010 = S-L 55
04 50 36 -69 59 06; Men
V = 10.1; Size 3.5'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, large impressive cluster, appearing like a globular! Contains an intensely bright core, which is very mottled and surrounded by a well resolved halo. There appears to be two layers of superimposed layers in the halo as it includes a number of brighter stars overlaid on several dozen fainter stars. The halo extends out to at least 4' diameter, though without a sharp border as it thins. Located 9' S of mag 7.2 HD 31518. Nearby objects include S-L 56 5.5' S, NGC 1702 10' NW and NGC 1704 14' NNW.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1711 = D 73 = D 76 = h2684 = on 3 Aug 1826. It was observed again on 24 Sep, 3 Oct and possibly 27 Sep. He described it on 24 Sep as "a small nebula, slight condensation, pretty well defined." and mentioned a mag 7 star 10' N, which is near perfect match with 7.2-magnitude HD 31518. D 76 was described as a "pretty bright small round nebula". Clearly, with several observations on different nights, Dunlop was uncertain which ones referred to the same object and which were different.
John Herschel first observed NGC 1711 on 11 Nov 1836 (sweep 748) and described a "globular; B; S; R; r". The next night (sweep 751) he logged "globular; B; irreg R; gbM. Resolved into st 14m, with outliers as far as 4' diam." Herschel gave a possible equivalence with D 76.
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04 50 59 -69 24 30; Dor
V = 9.9; Size 4'x3'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): first
of three clusters with nebulosity including
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first of three nebulous LMC clusters with NGC 1722 3.9' NE and NGC 1727 7.7' NE. NGC 1712 appears as a fairly large knotty region of stars and possible weak nebulosity (within LMC-N79), ~4' diameter. A mag 10.7/11.5 double (separation 17") is at the south edge.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1712 = D 111 (or D 112) = h2685
on 24 Sep 1826. He noted D
111 as a "small faint nebula" and his reduced position was ~10' too
far ESE. But in the drift (second
on this date) he placed it 27' due north of 7th mag HD 31518 (he also began at
this star on the first drift). NGC
1712 lies exactly at this offset.
The next two objects in the drift, D 112 and D 113, apply to NGC 1722
and
John Herschel made a single observation on 24 or 25 Dec 1834 (sweep 523) and reported "a pB, S, cluster." Herschel didn't reference Dunlop's possible earlier observations due to the poor match in position.
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NGC 1713 = UGC 3222 = MCG +00-13-056 = CGCG 394-059 = LGG 120-025 = WBL 110-004 = PGC 16471
04 58 54.5 -00 29 20; Ori
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 45°
24" (12/21/16): at 282x; fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', gradually increases to the center. Brightest galaxy in a group (WBL 110 = HDCE 330) with NGC 1709 2.7' WNW.
CGCG 394-056, 6.6' S, appeared faint, very small, round,
12" diameter. A mag 13.5 star
is attached at the southeast end.
Mag 8.9
13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, faint halo gradually brightens. Forms a pair with NGC 1709 2.7' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1713 = H. II-516 = h339 on 1
Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and reported "F, S, iR, lbM." There is nothing at his position, but
6.3' due south is
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04 52 06.5 -66 55 25; Dor
V = 11.6; Size 1.1'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x, I found a surprisingly bright, high surface brightness knot, ~30"
diameter, with a brighter off-center core. A mag 11 star (M2-class supergiant) is 1' NW. Forms a close pair with fainter NGC
1715 just 1' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1714 = h2686 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "vB, S, E, bM, 15"; Has another very faint neb nearly north [h2687 = NGC 1715]." On later observations he described "vB, E or bi-nuclear, mbM, 40" long; the S.p. of two" and "vB, S, lE, psbM. Double or extended wedge-shaped."
Williamina Fleming reported NGC 1714 (N4A-1) as a gaseous
nebula based on its photographic spectra (
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 1714 and 1715 on 11 Nov 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. NGC 1714 has a broad fan shape with the illuminated star on the east side (unpublished plate II, figure 18).
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04 52 10.2 -66 54 27; Dor
Size 1.1'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): faint, small, low surface brightness glow, ~45" diameter. Located just 1' NNE of brighter NGC 1714 and 1.3' NE of a mag 11 star in the NW portion of the LMC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1715 = h2687 on 2 Nov 1834 and logged "vF, the N.f. of two [with NGC 1714 = h2686]." On his last of three observations, he recorded "eF, R, pL, the 2nd of two [with NGC 1714], making a lozenge with the other, and two stars."
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04 58 13.3 -20 21 49; Lep
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 20°
17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 2.5' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1716 = h2681 on 11 Dec 1835 and
called "pF; pL; R; glbM; 50"." His position is about 1' E of
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04 59 12 -00 15; Ori
= * or possibly = NGC 1709, Corwin. = NGC 1719, Sulentic.
George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 1717 on 15 Jan 1849 while observing the presumed field of h340 [= NGC 1719]. In the 1861 LdR publication, the description for h340 simply notes a "nova" near (2 observations claimed) and John Herschel added a single LdR nova to the GC. In the 1880 monograph, the description states "3 vF nebulae" and a very small diagram shows 3 nebulae (no arrow for west), two separated by 3.5' and a third separated by 10' from the larger of the pair. But only a single nebula was found again in 3 subsequent observations of NGC 1719 at Birr Castle.
While preparing the 1880 monograph, Dreyer added the note (in brackets) "The two upper ones are probably h339 & 340 [NGC 1709 & 1713]" and noted the third "nebula" could possibly be a mag 13-14 star recorded by d'Arrest 4.7 sec preceding and 80" north of NGC 1719. A mag 13 star is at d'Arrest's exact offset from NGC 1719 and the UGC notes section equates NGC 1717 with this star. RNGC equates NGC 1717 with NGC 1719 and MCG labels NGC 1719 as NGC 1717.
Yann Pothier suggests the 3 nebulae in the sketch are NGC 1709, NGC 1713 (the closer pair) and the third nebula is CGCG 394-056. Assuming west is to the left on the diagram, these three galaxies are a pretty good match, though CGCG 394-055 is just 1.4' from -056, so is another possibility. A visual observation might help decide. See Corwin's identification notes.
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NGC 1718 = ESO 085-10 = S-L 65
04 52 25.6 -67 03 09; Dor
V = 12.3; Size 2.0'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster appeared at 128x as a fairly faint, round, 1' diameter, well-defined knot with no resolution. A mag 14 star is 1' SSE of center. Located 8' SSE of NGC 1714 and 6' N of a mag 9 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1718 = h2688 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "F, R, bM." On his 3rd of 3 sweeps he logged "pF, R, vglbM, 60"." His positions are excellent.
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NGC 1719 = UGC 3226 = MCG +00-13-060 = CGCG 394-063 = Holm 83a = LGG 120-026 = PGC 16501
04 59 34.4 -00 15 38; Ori
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 102°
24" (1/28/17): at 225x; moderately bright, fairly
small, contains a very small bright core with very low surface brightness
extensions, ~40"x15". A
mag 15 star is superimposed on the southwest side ~15" from center. Located 11' SW of mag 8.1
17.5" (2/22/03): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.2', faint stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is superimposed on the southwest edge. A mag 13 star is 1.7' NW.
13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, very small, elongated ~E-W. A mag 14.5 star is at the west end.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1719 = h340 on 23 Nov 1827
(sweep 107) and reported "pB; R; psbM; has a B * N.f.; the fol of 2 [with
NGC 1713]." Although his
position is given as uncertain, it is just 1.7' WNW of
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04 59 20.5 -07 51 32; Eri
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 95°
13.1" (12/18/82): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated E-W. Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1720 on 30 Dec 1861 with an
11" refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on 3 nights) and descriptions matches
Based on a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector, NGC 1720 was described in the 1935 bulletin as a "spiral in the form of an "S", the central being spindle-lie, 3/4' x 1/4' E 90°, with a pF almost stellar nucleus; there is a slight condensation in the preceding arm and distinct [dust] absorption in the following arm."
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04 59 17.4 -11 07 08; Eri
V = 12.3; Size 2.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 120°
24" (12/28/13): moderately to fairly bright, fairly
small, high surface brightness, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~45"x30". Contains a small, bright irregular
core. A mag 14 star is 0.8' NE of
center. First in a close trio (KTS
28) with
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, broadly concentrated halo.
A mag 14 star is off the NE side 1' from the center. In a close trio with NGC 1725 1.6' SE
and
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1721 = Sw. 3-32, along with NGC 1725 and 1728, on 10 Nov 1885 with the 6-inch Cooke Refractor at Vanderbilt Observatory. In Sidereal Messenger, volume 5, he described "three small novae close together; difficult; rather faint, all three probably elongated north and south. A good many stars in field. It requires considerable power to make these nebulae out distinctly, a power of 120 on the 6-inch is about the lowest with which they can be seen.
Lewis Swift observed the trio a month later on 2 Dec 1885 after being notified by Barnard, but he mistakenly reported them as new in his third discovery list, which was published in 1886! Barnard immediately responded in AN 2755 to claim prior discovery and document their correspondence. Swift acknowledged Barnard's prior discovery in the errata to his 5th list. Dreyer credited both Barnard and Swift in the NGC, despite Swift's mistae.
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NGC 1722 = LMC-N79 = ESO 056-012 = LH 1
04 51 43 -69 23 54; Dor
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 1722 is part a small group of LMC clusters with nebulosity (LMC-N79) including NGC 1712 and NGC 1727. At 128x it appeared as a fairly faint, irregular hazy region with a few resolved stars and highlighted by IC 2111, a small, bright knot. The nebulosity has a good response to the UHC filter. Located 4' SW of NGC 1727. This is a very young open cluster with an unevolved main sequence and forms the eastern component of stellar association LH 2.
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): the second of a trio of LMC clusters and nebulosity at 128x and UHC filter. At the core is a small, bright 15" knot = IC 2111 and surrounding this is a larger 2'-3' group of faint haze and some stars. NGC 1727 lies 4.5' NE and NGC 1712 3.9' SW.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1722 = D 112 (or D 111) = h2689 on 24 Sep 1826. He described D 112 as a "double nebula, 15 seconds distant, 15" diameter." The next object in the drift was placed 15 seconds following and 5' north, which is a very good match with NGC 1727.
John Herschel made three observations (first on 3 Nov 1834, sweep 509). On 11 Nov 1836 (sweep 748) he called it "The second of a series of clustering patches." Herschel didn't reference Dunlop's possible earlier observation due to his poor reduced position.
Joseph Turner observed and sketched NGC 1722 on 13 Nov 1876
with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope, though he misidentified the field
(NGC 1722 was assumed to be
NGC 1722 is plotted as an planetary nebula (since IC 2111 was described as "Planetary, Stellar") on the Skalnate Pleso "Atlas of the Heavens" as well as the first edition of the Sky Atlas 2000.0.
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NGC 1723 = MCG -02-13-029 = PGC 16493
04 59 25.8 -10 58 51; Eri
V = 11.7; Size 3.2'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 40°
24" (12/28/13): fairly bright, moderately large, well concentrated with a bright elongated core or bar oriented E-W that increases to a small, rounder nucleus. The halo is much fainter and elongated 2:1 NW-SE, ~1.8'x0.9'. The galaxy is bracketed by mag 10 stars 2' N and 2.9' E, with a mag 11 star 1.4' S. The triplet NGC 1721, 1725 and 1728 lies 9' S.
17.5" (12/3/88): brightest in a group with a trio NGC 1721, NGC 1725 and NGC 1728 about 8' S. Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, small bright core. Sandwiched between a mag 10 star 2.0' NNW and a mag 11 star 1.3' S. An additional mag 10 star lies 2.9' due east.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 1723 = T. 5-3 on 12 Jan 1882 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and reported "Class III. Situated between two stars 9-10m, which form a triangle with a third." Tempel's micrometric position is very accurate.
E.E. Barnard independently found NGC 1723 on 10 Nov 1885 with the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University, along with the trio NGC 1723, 1725 and 1728 to the south. His position in Sidereal Messenger, vol. 5 (page 25) was 30 seconds of RA too far east. Swift notified Barnard that this "nebula" was discovered earlier by Tempel.
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05 03 33 +49 29 30; Aur
Size 1'
18" (3/19/04): this asterism consists of only a trio of mag 11-12 stars at separations of 21" and 29". Located 5' WSW of mag 8.4 HD 32212. A few other mag 8-9 stars are in the same field. Also a chain of 5 mag 12-13 stars is located ~7' E and is certainly more distinctive than this trio of stars.
George Rümker discovered NGC 1724 (his only NGC "discovery") on 30 Apr 1864 while observing stars for the Hamburg catalogue with a 10-cm meridian-circle refractor by Fraunhofer. Rümker marked a "nebula" on the Hamburg star catalogue and his position corresponds with a small trio of mag 11/12 stars at a central position of 05 03 33 +49 29.5 (2000). Auwers couldn't find Rumker's nebula and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, described NGC 1724 as "3 pF st; BD +49d1292 nff." Lynga considered it a doubtful OC (OCL-405) and RNGC classified this number as nonexistent.
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NGC 1725 = MCG -02-13-028 = VV 699 NED2 = KTS 28B = PGC 16488
04 59 22.9 -11 07 56; Eri
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 20°
24" (12/28/13): moderately to fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, well concentrated with a very small bright core. Initially logged as 25" diameter, but the low surface brightness halo increases in size to 35"-40". Squeezed between NGC 1721 1.6' NW and NGC 1728 1.3' NE.
17.5" (12/3/88): second of three in a close trio. Faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Located midway between NGC 1721 1.6' NW and NGC 1728 1.3' NE.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1725 = Sw. 3-33, along with NGC 1721 and 1728, on 10 Nov 1885 at Nashville with the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University (see description under NGC 1721).
Lewis Swift observed the trio a month later on 2 Dec 1885 after being notified by Barnard, but he mistakenly reported them as new again in his third discovery list, published in 1886! Barnard immediately responded in AN 2755 to claim prior discovery and Swift noted this trio was previously discovered by Barnard in the errata to his 5th list. Sherburne Burnham's corrected RA (Publications of Lick Observatory, II) is accurate.
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NGC 1726 = MCG -01-13-042 = PGC 16508
04 59 41.9 -07 45 19; Eri
V = 11.7; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 0°
13.1" (12/18/82): fairly faint, small, compact, small bright core, slightly elongated. A mag 12 star is just off the south edge 0.8' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 1720 7' SW. Located 4.8' ENE of mag 8.1 SAO 131659.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1726 = h341 on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), noting "F; R; about 30" north of a *13 m."
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NGC 1727 = LMC-N79E = ESO 056-014 = S-L 67 = LH 2
04 52 11.5 -69 20 13; Dor
V = 11.1; Size 2.8'x2.0'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, irregular patch, ~2.5'x1.5', with at least a half-dozen mag 13 stars resolved. This LMC cluster with nebulosity (N79E) responded well to a UHC filter at 128x. The western section is catalogued as LMC-N79C. A small extension was visible to the southeast consisting of cluster KMHK 187 (no stars were resolved with filter) and emission nebula LMC-N79D, increasing the size to ~3.5'x1.5'. NGC 1727 is in a group with NGC 1722 4' SW and NGC 1712 7.5' SW. Located 4' N of mag 8.5 HD 31722. This is a very young cluster or association (LH 2) with an unevolved main sequence similar to nearby NGC 1722.
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x
and UHC filter this is a fairly large elongated patch of nebulosity, ~3.5'
diameter with a group of mag 12-13 stars superimposed. A smaller detached piece of nebulous
haze (LMC-N79D), ~1' diameter, is close southeast. This is the 3rd (and 4th) in a chain of objects with NGC
1722 4.5' SW and NGC 1712 8' SW. A
mag 8.5 star (
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1727 = D 113 = h2690 on 24 Sep 1826. He described D 113 as a "small faint nebula, oval, 12" or 15" diameter" and placed it 15 seconds of time following and 5' N (in his handwritten drift log) of D 112 = NGC 1712/1722. This is a good match with NGC 1727, although his reduced position is off by nearly 20'.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1727 = h2690 on 3 Nov 1834 (sweep 509). He noted "a rather poor irreg R cluster. (Sky Hazy)". In Dec 1834 (sweep 523) he recorded "A cluster, pB, pmE, 3' l, 90" br; stars 12m"
Joseph Turner observed and sketched NGC 1727 on 13 Nov 1876
with the 48" GMT, though he misidentified the field (NGC 1727 was assumed
to be
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NGC 1728 = MCG -02-13-030 = VV 699 NED3 = KTS 28C = PGC 16495
04 59 27.7 -11 07 22; Eri
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 177°
24" (12/28/13): moderately to fairly bright, elongated
5:2 or 3:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.2', sharp concentration with a small bright core and
bright stellar nucleus. Third in a
close trio (
17.5" (12/3/88): last of a trio with NGC 1725 1.3' SW and NGC 1725 2.5' W. Fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, small bright core.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1728 = Sw. 3-34, along with NGC 1721 and 1725, on 10 Nov 1885 with the 6-inch Cooke Refractor at Vanderbilt Observatory. See historical notes for NGC 1721.
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NGC 1729 = MCG -01-13-043 = LGG 123-003 = PGC 16529
05 00 15.5 -03 21 06; Ori
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 30°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE. A mag 11 star is close off the east end 1.0' from center and a mag 12.5 star is 1.1' N of center. Member of the NGC 1700 group (LGG 123).
William Herschel discovered NGC 1729 = H. III-503 = Sw. 6-22 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and reported "vF, pL, sp 2 pB stars, equilateral triangle. Its nebulosity reaches the two stars." His position and description is accurate.
Édouard Stephan observed it on 18 Dec 1873 and 1 Dec 1875
and Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 20 Nov 1886. Swift reported it as new in his 6th discovery list, #22 and
wrote, "eeeF; pS; R; pF * nr foll; [
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04 59 31.8 -15 49 25; Lep
V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 94°
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval
~E-W. There is possibly an
extremely faint star at the east end [verified on DSS]. Forms an obtuse angle with mag 8.7 SAO
150054 5' NW and mag 9.0
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1730 = LM 1-141 = LM
1-142 = Sw. 5-66 on 12 Nov 1885. Leavenworth called it a double nebula
with separation 10" in PA 110°, but there is only a single galaxy with a
faint star superimposed. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is
accurate in declination and a good match in RA. Lewis Swift independently
found this galaxy on 9 Oct 1886 and reported it as new in his 5th list with a
very accurate position (used in the NGC).
Frank Muller noted the equivalence of Swift's and Leavenworth's nebula
in a Sidereal Messenger article (Feb 1887). Muller listed nebulae from Swift's 5th catalogue which had
been discovered previously. As a
result, Dreyer only assigned a single NGC designation. But apparently Barnard found the galaxy
again and notified Dreyer directly and it was catalogued again as
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NGC 1731 = ESO 085-012 = S-L 82 = LMC-N4 = LH 4
04 53 29.5 -66 55 30; Dor
V = 9.9; Size 8'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this is a large region of nebulosity (LHa 120-N4, a confirmed supernova remnant) and scattered stars (association LH 4), 6'-7' diameter. The double star h3710 = 10.7/12.7 at 12" is involved on the east side, along with a number of fainter stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1731 = h2691 on 23 Dec 1834 and described "a double star, the chief of a pretty rich, pretty large cluster of loosely scattered stars, little compressed to the middle; 8'; stars 11..15th mag." On a second sweep he called it "a poor loose cluster 8' diameter, stars 10..15th mag, chief double star taken." and on his third and last sweep, "a double star, the chief of a poor loose cluster 3 or 4' diameter."
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04 53 11 -68 39 00; Dor
V = 12.3; Size 0.9'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright, very small, 20"-24" diameter. At first glance looks like a double
star oriented NW-SE embedded in some surrounding haze. But with a careful
examination one of the "stars" is clearly bloated (perhaps has very
close companions) and appears as a very small high surface brightness
glow.
LMC Supernova remnant N86 lies 14' E. This observation is from the 2017 OzSky star party:
25" (10/17/17): at 244x; this LMC supernova remnant appeared unfiltered as a large, low surface brightness hazy region, just south of a mag 11.8 star. A couple of 14th mag stars appear involved with the haze. This mag 11.8 star forms the eastern vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 11.5 star 5.6' NW and a mag 10.0 star 6' SW. There was a weak contrast gain adding a NPB filter, with the most evident section ~1' diameter [centered 1.2' S of the mag 11.8 star] and slightly brighter on the east side.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1732 = h2694 on 23 Dec 1834 and described "a small double star first class [HJ 3712] in centre of a S, R, nebula." Joseph Turner made a sketch with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate II, figure 19) showing a double star within a small patch of nebulosity. Observing in 1926 with the 26-inch refractor of the Union Observatory in Johannesburg, Robert Innes called it a "5 arc second double star in the foci of an elliptical nebula."
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04 54 04.9 -66 40 57; Dor
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
LMC cluster appeared as a round knot, ~25" diameter with a fairly even
surface brightness. Easy to locate
as it is situated just 3.4' E of mag 6.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 1733 = h2693 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded "eF, R, gbM, 40". A very starry field follows this, and hereabouts may be said to commence the denser part of the Nubecula Major." His position is accurate.
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NGC 1734 = ESO 056-018 = S-L 83
04 53 34 -68 46 06; Dor
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly large, 1' diameter, very irregular shape, mottled. At 200x, a couple of extremely faint mag 16 stars were resolved at the edges. NGC 1732 lies 7.3' NNW. In addition I logged three clusters not plotted on the Morel Atlas: KMHK 193 4.7' WSW, KMHK 189 6.9' SW and S-L 75 9.7' SSW. The S-L cluster was brighter and larger than many NGC objects in the LMC. At 200x it appeared moderately bright and large, round, 45"-50" diameter, broad concentration, no resolution.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1734 = h2695 on 23 Dec 1834 and described as "pB, L, R, gmbM". His position matches this LMC cluster.
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04 54 20.2 -67 06 04; Dor
V = 10.8; Size 1.8'x1.5'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x
this LMC cluster appeared as a very elongated, very knotty string, ~1.2' in
length and consisting of several mag 12-14 stars in a tight chain. The core is the "star" HDE
268671 at the southeast end.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1735 = h2696 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "F, vS, R; has two or three stars appended." On a later sweep he called it "pB,S, R; has two stars appended forming an arc with the nebula."
Joseph Turner sketched the cluster on 13 Nov 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 20 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae..."). Turner called the nebula faint and at times sparkling, possbily caused by the presence of three stars.
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04 53 03 -68 03 10; Dor
Size 1.8'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
200x, this is a bright, relatively large, crescent-shaped nebulosity involving
4 stars, ~1.2'x0.8', stretching NNW to SSE. On the east side, four stars
were resolved in an 0.8' curving arc that followed the shape of the nebula!
The two brighter mag 13.5 stars are on the south end of the string and
two mag 14.5 and 15 stars are just north. In addition, a couple of very
faint stars are off the southwest side. I didn't compare the view using a
filter. Located ~9' E of a 2' pair of bright stars: mag 6.8 HD 31532 and
mag 8.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 1736 = h2697 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "B; R; resolvable" on his single observation. There is nothing at his position, but Robert Innes suggested h2697 was probably identical to a "nebulous patch north-preceding a 12 mag star", located 1 min of RA west of Herschel's's position. Henize (Catalogues of Hydrogen Alpha Emission Stars and Nebulae in the Magellanic Clouds, Astrophysical Journal Supplement 2, 1956, p315), also noted LHa N120-8 is "Probably NGC 1736. The NGC description suits the object but the position is 1 minute in error." He reported, "1.4' east-west and 1.9' north-south. It has a slightly irregular outline, is not elongated and has appreciable structure. Two 12.8 mag exciting stars are involved." Eric Lindsay, in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), repeated the "NGC position in error and should be 1m [West] where there is a bright round patch of nebulosity not listed in the NGC. This is Henize N8 and noted by Henize to be probably NGC 1736 with 1m error." Herschel caught several typos of this type and corrected them in an errata list, but missed this one.
Joseph Turner observed and sketch this object on 11 Nov 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 21 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae..." . In 1885 Barachi noted, "Small, round, bright, about 202 2 ; edge rather ill-defined, not sharp; sparkling at times; may be a little cluster, but could not make certain with any power."
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04 53 57.8 -69 10 28; Dor
V = 13.2; Size 0.8'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x + NPB filter; fairly
faint, moderately large, round glow (emission nebula N83C), ~0.9'
diameter. A mag 14.4 star is at
the center of the circular patch.
NGC 1737 is on the northwest side of an impressive complex of nebulae
with NGC 1743 1.8' SE and
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
200x appears as fairly faint nebulous patch centered ~1.8' NNW of the core of
NGC 1743 and appears nearly connected.
The outline is irregular and roughly 45" diameter with a couple of
mag 14 stars involved on the south side.
Within an impressive complex of nebulosity (LMC-N83 and association LH
5) with NGC 1745 and NGC 1748 as well as cluster
John Herschel discovered NGC 1737 = h2698 0n 11 Nov 1836 and recorded "very faint, small; the first of a trapezium of four nebulae. Place estimated from those of the second and fourth." The four objects are NGC 1737, 1743, 1745 and NGC 1748.
Joseph Turner misidentified the field containing NGC 1737, 1743, 1745, 1748 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. His sketch made on 13 Nov 1876 was published in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope from 1869 to 1885. Part I. Melbourne" (Plate III, figure 22). Turner commented "This is a most difficult group to identify, as it bears no resemblance to Herschel's description, and but for its position, which has been several times verified, I should very much doubt whether these were the objects at all. There are no other nebulous patches near, and H. says these four form a sort of trapezium, so that these must be the objects sought; but they must have altered greatly since H.'s time..."
The object taken as NGC 1737 is BSDL 104 (at the east edge of NGC 1712). Pietro Baracchi correctly identified and sketched the field on 13 Nov 1884.
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05 01 46.7 -18 09 28; Lep
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 38°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval
SW-NE, even surface brightness.
Contact pair with
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1738 = LM 1-143 (along with NGC
1739 = LM 1-144) on 11 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander
McCormick Observatory. His rough position
(nearest min of RA) is ~1 minute of RA west of
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NGC 1739 = ESO 552-050 = MCG -03-13-055 = PGC 16586
05 01 47.4 -18 10 02; Lep
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 105°
17.5" (1/20/90): extremely faint, very small, round. Attached at the south end of NGC 1738.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1739 = LM 1-144 (along with NGC 1738 = LM 1-143) on 11 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is ~1 minute of RA west of ESO 552-049. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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NGC 1740 = MCG -01-13-046 = Holm 84a = PGC 16589
05 01 54.8 -03 17 47; Ori
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 125°
17.5" (12/23/89): fairly faint, small, oval SW-NE,
small bright core. A mag 12 star
is at the SW edge 0.5' from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1740 = h342 on 11 Feb 1830
(sweep 233) and wrote, "eF; S; 4"; has a * 12m N.f." His position is just off the east side
of
While searching for
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NGC 1741 = NGC 1741A = HCG 31A = Arp 259 NED4 = VV 524 NED4 = VV 565 NED4 = MCG -01-13-045 = LGG 123-005 = PGC 16574
05 01 38.7 -04 15 34; Eri
V = 12.5; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 70°
48" (11/2/13): NGC 1741 = HCG 31A/C is a merging system
with intense star formation. HCG
31C, the western component, appeared fairly bright, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE,
~18"x9".
17.5" (2/8/97): brightest in
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, round. A mag 12 star is 0.9' SE of center. This is a double system and brightest in HCG 31. IC 399 lies 2.3' SE (not seen).
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1741 = St. 9-5 on 29 Dec
1877. He reduced the position a
week later (6 Jan 1878) and published it in his 9th discovery list (#5). Stephan's micrometric position matches
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05 02 00.4 -03 17 14; Ori
= * 1' NE of NGC 1740, Corwin.
Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 1742 on 29 Dec 1866 during an observation of GC 965 = NGC 1740. He described this object as "vF, vS" and placed it 3.6 sec east and 25" north of NGC 1740. Ball's position corresponds to a star at 5 02 00.4 -03 17 15 (2000). The RNGC misidentifies NGC 1742 by calling it equal to NGC 1740.
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NGC 1743 = LMC-N83A = ESO 056-21 = S-L 87
04 54 03.2 -69 11 57; Dor
V = 11.3; Size 1.0'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x + NPB filter; extremely bright, fairly large, irregular, extends ~1.5' NW-SE. The most prominent section has a very high surface brightness and contains a mag 12.3 star (the ionizing star 06-type SK -69°25). This knot is surrounded by a fainter halo to the SE and E, along with an extension towards the NW that ends just south of NGC 1737 (nearly connected). In the same nebulous complex (N83) is NGC 1748 ~2' NE, NGC 1745 3' NE, NGC 1737 2' NW and NGC 1756 5' SE.
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): brightest section of an excellent HII/cluster complex including NGC 1737, 1745, 1748 and 1756. At 200x, NGC 1743 appeared very bright, moderately large, ~50" diameter. Contains a very high surface brightness "core" with a fairly bright star involved. A larger "halo" extends mostly north amd roughly doubles the size to ~1.7'. NGC 1737, a faint extension with a couple of stars involved, is 1.8' NNW. NGC 1743 and NGC 1748 (a bright high surface brightness knot 2' NE) are embedded within a very large, irregular, low surface brightness haze extending ~3' (stellar association LH 5 and emission nebula LMC-N83), oriented roughly from NGC 1743 on the SW side to NGC 1745 on the NE end.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1743 = D 114 = h2699 on 3 Aug 1826. Based on two observations, he described "a small round nebula, about 20" diameter, bright at the centre." His notebook description from 3 Aug adds the following information: "A star of the 7th or 8th mag following and 5' south - both the nebula and star are in a pretty large faint nebula of considerable extended - extended following with several minute stars in it." This description applies very well to NGC 1727, which has a mag 8.5 star (HD 31722) 4' SE and is situated 14' SSW of Dunlop's position. Perhaps this is the intended object instead?
John Herschel recorded this object on 3 Nov 1834 (509) as "round, gradually brighter in the middle; 2' (thick haze)." On 11 Nov 1836 (sweep 748) he called it "bright, round, resolvable; No. 2 in a group of four forming a sort of lozenge." The four objects he referred to are NGC 1737, 1743, 1745 and 1748.
Joseph Turner misidentified the field containing NGC 1737, 1743, 1745, 1748 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. His sketch made on 13 Nov 1876 was published in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope from 1869 to 1885. Part I. Melbourne" (Plate III, figure 22). The object taken as NGC 1743, and drawn as a very elongated, curvy nebulosity oriented N-S, is actually NGC 1722.
Pietro Baracchi correctly identified the field on 13 Nov 1884. His sketch shows NGC 1743 in two sections; the northern part elongated NW-SE and ending near NGC 1737 and the southern part with a comet-like appearance surrounding the 06-type star SK -69°25. In a short report by Ellery in The Observatory, 9, 204, he mentions that NGC 1737, 1743, 1745 and 1748 appeared to show distinct differences, not only since John Herschel's time, but between Turner's and Baracchi's observations, though this is due to the confusion in the field.
Annie Jump Cannon discovered the gaseous nature of NGC 1743
on spectrum plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa station in 1897 and was
catalogued as
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04 59 57.6 -26 01 19; Lep
V = 11.1; Size 8.1'x4.4'; Surf Br = 14.9; PA = 168°
13.1" (1/18/85): weak central brightening. A faint double star at 20" separation is at the north edge.
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, fairly large, very diffuse, elongated 5:2 ~N-S, 5'x2', fairly even surface brightness. Two mag 14 stars are at the north edge 2.5' from the center with a total of three or four faint stars superimposed.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1744 = h2692 and called "vF, vL, vmE, vgvlbM, 4' long, 2.5' broad." His position is ~35 sec of RA too far east, but the identification is certain based on the description.
Joseph Turner sketched this galaxy on 11 Dec 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 23 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae...". He found the nebula much elongated ~N-S, length about 2' 20" and much fainter than expected. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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04 54 27 -69 09 34; Dor
V = 13.4; Size 1.5'x1.0'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): fairly faint but easily visible as an irregular nebulous haze (N83D), fairly large, surrounding a half-dozen stars mag 14 and fainter. Good contrast gain with a NPB filter at 244x. In a group of nebulae including compact NGC 1748 1.5' S and NGC 1743 3.5' SW. SIMBAD lists the brightest star at mag 12.4 at the east edge.
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly large nebulosity with a half dozen mag 13.5-14.5 stars involved, ~1' diameter. Located on the NE side of the NGC 1743 complex (OB association LH 5 and emission nebula LMC-N83), ~1.5' N of NGC 1748 and 3' NE of NGC 1743, the two main sections of the complex.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1745 = h2702 on 11 Nov 1836 and logged "faint, small, No 3 in a group of 4. Place estimated from No. 2." The four objects are NGC 1737, 1743, 1745 and NGC 1748.
Joseph Turner misidentified the field containing NGC 1737, 1743, 1745, 1748 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. His sketch made on 13 Nov 1876 was published in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope from 1869 to 1885. Part I. Melbourne" (Plate III, figure 22). The object taken as NGC 1745, and drawn as an irregular, elongated E-W nebula with roughly 10 stars involved, is actually NGC 1722. Pietro Baracchi correctly identified the field on 13 Nov 1884. His sketch seems to show an elongated nebula oriented WSW-ENE.
A small group of stars off the southeast edge of NGC 1743 is misidentified at NGC 1743 on the Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas.
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05 03 50 +23 46 12; Tau
Size 42'
17.5" (2/22/87): very bright, very large, large range
of magnitudes, spread out overall but locally rich in a few spots. Includes two main subgroups -
NGC 1746, although often applied to the 40' field including NGC 1750 and 1758, may in fact be a duplicate of NGC 1750 or just a group of faint field stars noted by d'Arrest while searching for NGC 1750.
13.1" (12/22/84): about 100 stars in 20' field. The brightest mag 7 star (
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1746 on 9 Nov 1863 with an 11" refractor while searching for NGC 1750 and called it a poor cluster. His position was roughly 10' north of William Herschel's position for NGC 1750 = H. VIII-43 though d'Arrest refers to his "cluster" as H. VIII-43. NGC 1746 is often applied to the entire 40' field including NGC 1750 and 1758 on the east side but Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 1746 may indeed be a duplicate of NGC 1750 or perhaps just a group of stars on the north edge of NGC 1750. In any case, it is not a separate cluster from NGC 1750 and 1759, although I've retained the position and size often found in observing books and atlases.
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NGC 1747 = LMC-N9 = ESO 085-016 = S-L 98
04 55 11 -67 10 06; Dor
V = 9.4
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x
and UHC filter, this LMC nebulous cluster appeared as a fairly large, low
surface brightness glow, ~4' diameter encasing a mag 9.7 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 1747 = h2701 on 2 Nov 1834 and described as "A star 9th mag in the centre of a poor cluster of very small stars, 4' diameter."
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NGC 1748 = IC 2114 = LMC-N83B = ESO 056-024
04 54 24.7 -69 11 02; Dor
V = 12.3; Size 0.7'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x + NPB filter; fairly bright but fairly small round patch (N83B) with a high surface brightness and a diameter of ~30". At 397x, a 13th mag "star" (N83B-1) was resolved at the southeast edge. This star is classified as a high excitation H II blob [HEB]. According to Iranian-born astronomer Mohammed Heydari-Malayeri, these unusual objects represent "early stages of massive stars emerging from their embryonic molecular clouds". Unfiltered a second star (mag ~13.5) is involved closer to the center, forming a 7" double with the HEB. NGC 1748 is in a group of interesting nebulae with NGC 1743 2' SW, NGC 1745 1.5' N and NGC 1737 2.5' WNW. Also NGC 1756 (populous blue cluster) is 4' SE.
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this HII region (LMC-N83B) appeared as a bright, small, high surface bright knot in a striking group of nebulae, 20" diameter. A couple of stars are involved in the bright glow. A mag 10.3 star is 1.9' SW. NGC 1743 lies 2' SW
John Herschel discovered NGC 1748 = h2704 on 11 Nov 1836 and
reported "pB, vS, R, No. 4 in a group of 4." The other three objects are NGC 1737,
1743, 1745. According to Harold
Corwin,
Joseph Turner misidentified the field containing NGC 1737, 1743, 1745, 1748 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. His sketch made on 13 Nov 1876 was published in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope from 1869 to 1885. Part I. Melbourne" (Plate III, figure 22). The object taken as NGC 1748 is LMC-N79D (off the SE edge of NGC 1727) and he mentioned a small star in the center. Pietro Baracchi correctly identified the field on 13 Nov 1884. His sketch seems to show a bright center or star and a fainter star on the east edge.
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04 54 56.0 -68 11 22; Dor
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
extremely faint, very small glow, ~20" diameter. Located 2' NW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 1749 = h2703 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "vF; R; the preceding of two [with NGC 1755] in the field." His position is accurate.
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05 04 00 +23 38 42; Tau
Size 20'
17.5" (1/19/91): prominent subgroup of two dozen stars within NGC 1746 on the SW side. Fairly large, oval outline oriented NW-SE, void in the center. Includes a nice double star 9.1/9.1 at 20". NGC 1758 is close NE (though probably physically unrelated ). Modern catalogues apply NGC 1746 to the entire cluster (see description), although NGC 1750 (from William Herschel) and NGC 1746 (from d'Arrest) are either identical or just parts of the same cluster.
13.1": group of fainter stars, just SE of open cluster NGC 1746.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1750 = H. VIII-43, along with NGC 1758, on 26 Dec 1785 (sweep 493) and described a "A cl of very coarsely scattered L *, joining to the following [VII 21 = NGC 1758] I believe." His position indicates NGC 1750 is the large, elongated group of stars centered at 05 03 55 +23 39.5, just southwest of NGC 1758. Although NGC 1750 is generally taken as a subgroup (on the SE side) of much larger NGC 1746, Corwin suggests that Heinrich d'Arrest's NGC 1746, which was found while searching for NGC 1750, is actually a duplicate of NGC 1750. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, states that NGC 1750 is the central group in a very large cluster also containing NGC 1746 and NGC 1758.
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04 54 12 -69 48 24; Dor
V = 11.7; Size 1.7'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, round, 1.3' diameter. Contains a slightly brighter core that is offset from the geometric center and an irregular halo. Two mag 15-15.5 stars were resolved at the edges and a couple of extremely faint mag 16-16.5 stars were occasionally resolved within the main glow.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1751 = D 78 = h2705 on 24 Sep
1826. He described it as "a
small faint nebula, about 15" diameter, irregular round figure, with a
minute star slightly involved in the south side." His reduced published position was 12'
too far ESE, but his handwritten drift data is fairly consistent with
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1751 = h2705 on 12 Nov 1836 (sweep 751) and logged "extremely faint, irregularly round; 2' diameter". His single position is accurate.
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05 02 09.4 -08 14 27; Eri
V = 12.4; Size 2.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 70°
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, even surface brightness. A pair of mag 11.5 stars are 2' NE (50" separation
WNW-ESE) and a fainter mag 12.5 star is 3.8' NE. Located 10' WSW of mag 7.8
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1752 on 30 Dec 1861 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. His mean position (measured on 2 nights) and description is accurate
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NGC 1753 = MCG -01-13-048 = PGC 16610
05 02 32.1 -03 20 35; Ori
V = 14.4; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 15°
17.5" (12/23/89): extremely faint, fairly small, low even surface brightness. A close double star mag 13/15 is 3' SE. NGC 1740 lies 10' WNW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1753 = Sw. 5-67 on 31 Oct 1886
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position and comment "s of [NGC 1740]" applies
to
Pietro Baracchi possibly made an earlier discovery on 28 Dec 1885 and reported "very faint, very small,vlbM, indistinct. He assumed he observed NGC 1740 but his position is 40 seconds of RA due east of this galaxy.
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04 54 18 -70 26 30; Men
V = 11.6; Size 1.6'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): bright, fairly small, round,
high surface brightness with a relatively thin outer halo, 45" diameter. Mottled, but unresolved except for a
couple of mag 15.5 stars at the edges.
A mag 11 star is just off the southeast side [33" from center]. A mag 10 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 1754 = h2708 on 12 Nov 1836 and recorded "F, S, R, 20". Has a 13th mag star close to edge (about 45 degrees S.f. by diag.)". His position and description is accurate.
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NGC 1755 = ESO 256-028 = S-L 99
04 55 14.7 -68 12 20; Dor
V = 9.9; Size 2'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, compact cluster, round, 1.5' diameter, brighter core, no resolution. Forms a pair with much fainter NGC 1749 2' NW.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1755 = D 167 = h2706 on 3 Oct 1826, along with D 168 (= NGC 1770). He described a "pretty bright round well-defined nebula, 15" diameter." His position was 7' too far west. He made a second observation on 6 Nov 1826 with his position 6' to the SSE.
John Herschel made a single observation on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "very bright, round, gradually brighter in the middle; 60". The following of two [with NGC 1749] in the field."
Pietro Baracchi observed NGC 1755 and NGC 1749 on 10 Dec 1884 with the 48" Melbourne telescope. His sketch shows NGC 1755 as very mottled with a distinct star at the south edge and another at the northwest edge. At the same time he discovered S-L 92, an extremely faint cluster 5' SW. He wrote in his notebook, "Nebula not in Calalogues. Very faint, a little elongated, no condensation." The discovery was not published.
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NGC 1756 = ESO 056-27 = S-L 94
04 54 49.9 -69 14 16; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 1.1'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): fairly bright, relatively lrge, round, 1' diameter, irregular surface brightness, slightly brighter center but no resolution. In a striking field with NGC 1748 4' NW and NGC 1743 centered 4.7' WNW.
LMC-N90, a compact HII region 3.7' SE, appeared as a small but moderately high surface brightness hazy knot, ~20" diameter. This object is categorized as a Low Excitation Blob (LEB) with a [O III]/H-beta ratio = 0.65.
S-L 114, located 7' ESE, was resolved at 397x into 4 stars in a knot including a 12th mag star, surrounding by unresolved haze. A mag 11.5 star is 0.9' SSE.
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright cluster, relatively large, round, 1.0' diameter, broad concentration with no nucleus or resolution. Located ~5' SE of the NGC 1743 HII complex (LMC-N83) and stellar association LH 5, which includes NGC 1737, 1743, 1745 and 1748.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1756 = h2707 on on 11 Nov 1836 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is accurate.
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05 02 36 -04 43; Eri
= Not found, Corwin and Dreyer.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1757 = h343 on 11 Nov 1836 (sweep 235) and described a "very large space affected with nebulous streams in zigzags up and down. (N.B. Such observations require several verifications. The opportunity has not occurred in this case.)". This object was searched for unsuccessfully at Birr Castle on 7 attempts between 1848-1858. Tempel failed twice, as did Spitaler, and Karl Reinmuth was unsuccessful identifying it on Heidelberg plates. Harold Corwin concludes it is nonexistent (see his notes for more).
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05 04 33 +23 48 54; Tau
Size 10'
17.5" (1/19/91): about two dozen stars visible at
100x. Moderately large, roundish
group comprising one of the subgroups of NGC 1746 on the east side. Located between two mag 8 stars
(oriented N-S) and a mag 7 star (
William Herschel discovered NGC 1758 = H. VII-21, along with NGC 1750, on 26 Dec 1785 (sweep 493) and described "a cluster of pretty compressed stars with many extremely small stars mixed with them." Auwers' re-reduced position places H. VII-21 at 05 04 24 +23 48, matching this 10' group of stars.
A 1992 article "Probable open clusters NGC 1750 and NGC 1758 behind the Taurus dark clouds" (http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1992BaltA...1..125S0) concludes that NGC 1758 and NGC 1750 may be true open clusters are different distances and a 1999 article (http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023%2FA%3A1002118814371?LI=true) arrives at the same conclusion. Another 1998 article "The Overlapping Clusters NGC 1750 and NGC 1758" in A&AS, 333, 471 concluded there was at least 1 cluster in the area (but could not conclude it was a double cluster) and that NGC 1746 was not a cluster. Finally, in a Feb 2005 S&T article, James Kaler states that "N1750 and N1758 are probably two different clusters separated along our line of sight by 500 light years, but they appear to fall almost directly atop each other"
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05 00 49.0 -38 40 27; Cae
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7
18" (1/17/09): very faint, small, round, 25"
diameter. Not seen initially
(confused a close double star as nebulous) until I carefully checked the
position. This galaxy is the
brightest member of
John Herschel discovered NGC 1759 = h2700 on 28 Nov 1837 and
called "vF; pL vglbM; 90"." His position is 2' S of
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04 56 36 -66 31 36; Dor
V = 11.5; Size 2'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): appears as a 1.7' E-W string of a half-dozen stars over fairly bright nebulosity. The emission haze is brightest just south of the string and extending to the west of the string a couple of arc minutes. Irregular nebulosity also branches out to the south of the string for another 2' and involves a mag 12 star. Another 2' string of N-S stars is on the west side of the haze.
NGC 1760 is at the SW end of a stunning complex (LHA
120-N11) of clusters and
nebulosity including
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, small, elongated 1' strip of nebulosity just 3' S of NGC 1761. One or two involved stars were barely resolved.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1760 = h2709 on 20 Dec 1835 and described "a very faint, small nebula, with three very small stars involved. Place deduced not from a sweep but from a drawing carefully made of its configuration with the neighbouring nebula, especially of the cluster [NGC 1761]." Steinicke attributes James Dunlop with the discovery (D 231), but I don't believe this group of stars is obvious enough to have been picked up with his 9" speculum reflector.
Joseph Turner sketched the entire complex with the 48"
GMT between 17 and 21 Apr 1879 (plate III, figure 24 in "Observations of
the Southern Nebulae made with the [48"] Great Melbourne
Telescope". Turner's sketch shows
the E-W string of stars but a round nebula to the SW, matching the position of
LMC-N11I, is identified as NGC 1760.
In November 1884, Baracchi wrote, "Very faint, small, roundish,
three stars in it, 16th or 17th magnitude. Agrees exactly with H[erschel]. and
T[urner]. No stars in the field. Three stars involved are not shown distinctly
in the lithograph. They really appear as three distinct stars involved in very
faint roundish nebula, whereas lithograph shows bright nebula with stars too
diffused and uncertain." His
sketch identifies GC 979 as the elongated strip just south of
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NGC 1761 = ESO 085-18 = S-L 122 = LH 9
04 56 38 -66 28 42; Dor
V = 9.9; Size 4.2'x3.0'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, large cluster sandwiched between the showpiece Bean Nebula (NGC 1763) to the north and NGC 1760 to the south. The cluster contains roughly 80 stars mag 11 to 16 in a 3.5' irregularly shaped group over some background haze. The stars are fairly even distributed except for a detached 1.3' group of 10-12 stars off the NW side. Including this detached section, the overall size of this star cloud (association LH 9) is 5'x3.5'. It’s the central cluster in the N11 Superbubble.
On the northwest side of the main cluster is
25" (4/4/19): at 244x; Brey 9 was a fairly bright compact knot on the northwest side of NGC 1761. It had a high surface brightness and ~5" diameter. A faint star was attached at the edge forming a "double".
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): this rich group of very faint stars is located just south of the HII region/cluster NGC 1763. On the west side is a quasi-stellar mag 10 object and the cluster is elongated E-W, 2'x1'. On the west side of the brighter star is another small group of faint stars and haze which may be a continuation of the cluster.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1761 = D 231 = h2710, along with NGC 1763 and NGC 1769, on 3 Aug 1826. He called it "a faint round nebula, 1' diameter" in a trio with D 230 = NGC 1763 and D 232 = NGC 1769. His positions for the trio are ~15' too far south (correct in RA). D 227, 228 and 229, recorded on 6 Nov and also described as a triangle of nebulae, may be another observation of NGC 1761, 1763 and 1769. Their positions was ~30' to the NW.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1761 on 11 Dec 1835 (sweep 653) and recorded the "chief star 9th mag in a large loose cluster." He made 3 observations and included it on a sketch (Plate III, fig 3), along with NGC 1760, 1763 and 1769. Joseph Turner sketched the entire complex as well in Apr 1879 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. NGC 1761 is shown as an irregular nebulous patch elongated E-W with a number of stars superimposed, particularly around the edges.
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05 03 37.0 +01 34 25; Ori
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 175°
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, oval ~N-S. A mag 13 star is superimposed on the east side.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1762 = H. III-453 on 8 Oct 1785 (sweep 462) and logged "vF, vS, 240 confirmed it." Caroline Herschel made an error in reducing his offset in RA and his published position was 10 tmin of RA too far west. Coincidentally, that placed it close to UGC 3198. When John Herschel observed this galaxy, he equated his h335 with H. III-453. JH sorted out the mistake when compiling the GC. The NGC dec was 3' too far north.
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NGC 1763 = LMC-N11B = ESO 085-20 = S-L 125 = LH 10 = Bean Nebula
04 56 45 -66 24 36; Dor
Size 5'x3'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): The Bean Nebula complex (LHA 120-N11) is the second largest stellar nursery in the LMC after the Tarantula Nebula. The showpiece object is NGC 1763, which sits near the center of a stunning field of emission nebulae and clusters including NGC 1760 7' S, NGC 1761 3' S, NGC 1769 6.5' SE, NGC 1773 8' ENE and NGC 1776 11' E. NGC 1763 is a very bright, very large irregular nebula, shaped like a kidney-bean or a fetus. The main body extends 5'x3', elongated SW-NE with a bulbous portion on the northeast side and an indentation (weaker nebulosity) on the south side. Overall the surface brightness is very high, though uneven, and much fainter haze and filaments flow out from the Bean in most directions. Within the main body, the nebula is brightest in a loop on the southwest side and secondly in a section on the northeast side.
LH 10, a large cluster or OB-association (youngest in the
LMC-N11 complex) with roughly two dozen resolved stars is involved with the
nebula. LH 10 includes a number of
12-13 mag stars (several of which are massive O3-type stars), many in an
elongated 1' group on the southwestern side. The brightest mag 11.7 "star" (PGMW 3070) is
actually an extremely compact cluster with 18 stars resolved by the HST. A wide pair [17" separation] of
mag 11.9 and 12.9 stars (O3-type
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): this emission nebula and cluster is set in fascinating field of several clusters and HII regions including NGC 1761, 1769, and 1773. The nebula is fairly bright, large, very elongated WSW-ENE, 4'x2'. A few stars are superimposed on the nebulosity. The roughly oval outline is irregular and the HII region appears brighter on the WSW side near a rich group of stars at the WSW tip. A couple of mag 11 stars are close off the NE end. IC 2115 and IC 2116 comprise the western and eastern portion of this object. After viewing this group of objects, the LMC which was well past the meridian disappeared behind some low clouds.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1763 = D 230, along with NGC 1761 and NGC 1769, on 3 Aug 1826 with a second observation on 6 Nov 1826. He described a "very faint rather elliptical nebula, about 2' diameter. This is the preceding and largest of three nebulae forming a triangle". His position is ~12' too far south, but close in RA.
John Herschel made 5 observations, the first on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508). On 13 Dec 1835 (sweep 653), he described it as "a vB, vL neb with stars (the chief of which in the anterior part of the neb taken) of a crooked rounded oblong starpe. A fine object. See fig. 3. Plate III." His excellent sketch includes NGC 1760, 1761, 1763 and 1769. Joseph Turner also sketched the complex between 17 Apr and 21 Apr 1879 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.
Annie Jump Cannon discovered a stellar object with emission lines in NGC 1763 on spectrum plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa station in 1897. See IC 2115.
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04 56 28 -67 41 36; Dor
V = 12.6; Size 1.0'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
relatively bright, fairly small, round, 0.4' diameter. At 200x, a few very tightly packed
stars are resolved within the glow.
A mag 14.2 star is 0.6' S and a mag 12 star is 2.2' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1764 = h2713 on 2 Jan 1837 and described as "very faint, small, round, 15". The zone here is full of grouping and clustering stars." His position is accurate.
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04 58 24.3 -62 01 41; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 150°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, small bright core, moderate surface brightness. A mag 11.5 star is 3.9' SSE and a mag 12 star is 7.8' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1765 = h2712 on 26 Dec 1834 and described as "vF; S; R; glbM; 15"." His position, measured on two sweeps, is accurate. In 1926, Willem van den Bos called it a "Nebula with bright centre, elongated Nf and Sp. 11 mag." (26" refractor, Union Observatory).
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04 55 58 -70 13 30; Men
V = 12.2; Size 0.7'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): bright LMC cluster, ~35"
diameter. Two mag 14 stars are
resolved, as well as 3-5 mag 15+ stars over haze. Located 2.7' ENE of mag 10
John Herschel discovered NGC 1766 = h2717 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F, S, R, gbM, 25 arcsec." On a second sweep he called it "vF, R, 30 arcsec. Taken at leaving the field, which, in so faint an object, is a source of uncertainty in R.A." His position, though, is fairly accurate.
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04 56 27.3 -69 24 08; Dor
V = 10.6; Size 1'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
218x, this compact LMC cluster appeared bright, small, round, ~25"
diameter, very small bright core, overall high surface brightness. The cluster forms the western vertex of
a triangle with
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1767 on 24 Sep 1826 and noted a "faint nebula, ill defined". In the drift (second of the night) it was recorded 26 seconds prior to NGC 1772 and 9' to its north. Those offsets land exactly on NGC 1767 so the identification is certain, although he accidentally skipped including it in his published catalog so it doesn't have a Dunlop designation.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1767 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded as#123 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." Dreyer added the cluster to the GC Supplement as GC 5062.
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04 57 02.7 -68 14 54; Dor
V = 12.8; Size 0.7'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, this LMC cluster appeared fairly faint, small, 0.7' diameter. It seemed to consist of a chain of faint knots of stars. Located 10' ESE of NGC 1755.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1768 = h2718 on 30 Dec 1836 and described as "F; R; gbM; 20"." His position is just off the southwest side of this cluster.
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NGC 1769 = LMC-N11C = ESO 085-23 = LH 13
04 57 45 -66 27 48; Dor
Size 2'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, large oval nebula oriented SW-NE, roughly 3'x2'. At the center is a mag 11.5 "star" (Sk -66 41), with three mag 14-14.5 companions - the closest is 15" SE (Wo 599, an O3-class star). A small, bright knot (~10" diameter) is embedded on the south side of the nebula, just 0.9' S of the central star. NGC 1769 is roughly centered within the stunning NGC 1763 (Bean Nebula) complex with showpiece NGC 1763 just 6.5' NW, NGC 1761 6' WSW, NGC 1776 6' NE, NGC 1760 8' SW and NGC 1773 7' NNE.
Sk -66 41 was once thought to be one of the most single massive and luminous stars in the LMC but it was resolved into a very compact cluster with ~15 components. The star 15" southeast (Wo 599 = O3-class) may be the ionizing source of the nebula. The 10" knot on the south side (identified as HNT 1 in SIMBAD) has also been resolved into a compact cluster of ~70 stars mag 17 and fainter.
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright HII region in a fascinating group with several clusters and nebulae. Appears fairly large, round, 2' diameter with a single mag 11 at the center. Situated 6' SE of the cluster/HII region NGC 1763 and a similar distance NNE of NGC 1760.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1769 = D 232 = h2716, along with NGC 1763 and NGC 1761, on 3 Aug 1826. He reported "a faint round nebula, about 1 1/2' in diameter." He also noted it was the smallest of the 3 nebulae. His position is 11' too far SSW, roughly matching the offsets with the other two objects.
John Herschel first observed NGC 1769 on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) and recorded, "B, irregularly R; 2'; has a 10th mag star in centre." On 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 522) he called it "vB; vsmbM to a 10th mag star which is double or triple. Other clusters and nebulae in field." He made a total of 5 observations.
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04 57 17.0 -68 24 39; Dor
Size 3'x2'
25" (4/4/19 - OzSky): at 244x; very impressive, bright
nebulous cluster 5' in diameter.
Unfiltered includes over two dozen stars from mag 11-14 with a few
pairs. Most of the stars are on
the north and west side and include an 11th mag star (
The entire field displayed a very strong response to a NPB filter with the nebulosity irregular and patchy and the two main nebulous patches on south side intensely bright. With careful viewing Brey 10 was surrounded by a very thin, dim arc (Wolf-Rayet bubble) of perhaps 150°, extending NW to SE of Brey 10 (opening to the NE) with a diameter of 1.5'. The SW edge of the arc was just north of (HD 268804. The arc was subtle and visible only intermittently.
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC object is an interesting mix of a star cluster (OB-association LH 12) and an associated emission nebula (LMC-N91A = IC 2117), with the nebulosity mostly on the south side. A mag 10 star is near the center, along with a number of mag 11-12 and fainter stars. The stars are mostly on the north side of the nebulosity with several in small clumps.
S-L 105, located 13' SW of NGC 1770, was observed using a 25" on 17 Oct 2017. It appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter. Contains a relatively large bright core but there was no resolution. An additional 6' SSW is N86, a verified LMC supernova remnant. It was picked up unfiltered as a large, low surface brightness hazy region, just south of a mag 11.8 star. A couple of 14th mag stars appear involved with the haze. There was a weak contrast gain adding a NPB filter, with the most evident section ~1' diameter [centered 1.2' S of the mag 11.8 star] and slightly brighter on the east side.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1770 = D 169 = D 168 = h2715 on 3 Aug 1826. His description of D 169 reads, "pretty bright pretty large nebula, of an irregular round figure, 5' diameter; a little brighter in the middle." His mean position (2 observations) is just off the SW side. Dunlop's D 168, from 3 Oct 1826 appears to be a duplicate observation. It was found along with D 167 = NGC 1755, but his positions were offset by 7'.
John Herschel described this nebulous cluster on 23 Nov 1834 (sweep 512) as a "cluster of 6th class; pretty rich, large, irregular figure, brighter in the middle; stars of 11..18th mag; fine object." On 30 Dec 1836 (sweep 759), he wrote "A star of 9th mag, the chief of a cluster of 6th class, 4' diameter; nebulous. The most condensed part is 1' south of the stars."
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NGC 1771 = ESO 085-027 = PGC 16472
04 58 55.7 -63 17 54; Dor
V = 13.4; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 136°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): faint, fairly
small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.3', low surface brightness, occasional
faint stellar nucleus. Two mag 12
stars are 1.7' SW and 3' SW.
Located 6' SE of mag 8.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 1771 = h2720 on 25 Dec 1837 and
recorded "vF, mE, glbM, 25" long, in field with many B and 1 vB * 7'
m np the neb." His CGH
position is accurate, but he made an error precessing the coordinates to 1860
for the GC, where the position is 10' too far south. This was copied by Dreyer into the NGC. Viewing through the 26" refractor
at the Union Observatory, Robert Innes described it in 1926 as "Exactly
like the last (
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NGC 1772 = ESO 056-33 = S-L 128
04 56 54.1 -69 33 24; Dor
V = 11.0; Size 1.5'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 40"x35". Sharply concentrated with a bright, 15" core. Three faint stars are resolved on the south side of the cluster and one on the north side. Forms the southern vertex of a triangle with LMC clusters NGC 1767 9.5' NNW and NGC 1782 11' NNE, which are part of stellar association LH 8.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1772 = D 79? = h2722 on 24 Sep 1826. He noted a "small faint nebula, 10" diameter", similar to his description of nearby NGC 1782. His reduced position was 18' too far SSE, much closer to NGC 1795. But checking his drift timings, it was logged immediately preceding NGC 1782 and recorded 10' to its south, exactly matching the offset in declination. The previous object in the drift is NGC 1767, which was accurately placed 9' to the north of NGC 1772.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1772 = h2722 on 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 523) and recorded "pB, S, R, 40", resolvable, preceded by a hook of stars 12th mag." On 15 Dec 1835 (sweep 656) he called it "an irregularly round, compact cluster, bM, 40" diameter." Robert Innes, observing with the 26.5-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in 1926, described a "cluster of stars, 12 to 15 mag, irregular shape, 90" across."
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NGC 1773 = LMC-N11E = ESO 085-25 = LH 14
04 58 11 -66 21 36; Dor
Size 2.7'x2.1'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran): NGC 1773 is located at the northeast end of the Bean Nebula complex with NGC 1763 centered 9' SW, NGC 1769 7' SSW and NGC 1776 5' SSE. At 264x it appeared as a fairly large, bright glow, oval 3:2 ~N-S, ~2.2'x1.5'. Two brighter mag 12/13 stars (17" separation oriented SW-NE) are involved, slightly southwest of the geometric center. On close inspection the northeastern component (mag 13 0-type supergiant SK -66°43) resolved into a very close double. In additional a couple of fainter mag 15/15.5 stars are superimposed on the north side of the glow. The nebulosity (LMC-N11E) is slightly irregular in surface brightness and brighter along the rim, particularly on the southwest side.
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): this HII region is the furthest NE in a group of HII regions and clusters. Appears fairly faint, fairly small, 1'-1.5' diameter with a couple of stars or a knot near the center. Located 9' ENE of NGC 1763 and a similar distance NNE of NGC 1769.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1773 = h2721 on 3 Jan 1837 and described as "pF, pL, irregularly R with two or three bright stars." His position is accurate.
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NGC 1774 = ESO 085-026 = S-L 141
04 58 07 -67 14 36; Dor
V = 10.8; Size 1.8'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): very bright, moderately large, roundish, ~45" diameter. Appears as a clumpy string of stars ~E-W, surrounding by unresolved haze. A couple of faint stars are resolved on either end of the string and a few very compact knots and stars "pop" in the main glow. The cluster appears on the verge of more extensive resolution though would require very high power due to its compactness. In a fairly poor star field with a mag 10.2 star 4.1' NW. NGC 1747 is 17' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1774 = h2723 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "B, R or oblong, pretty evidently a double star with a nebula about it." On a second sweep he called it "pF, R, pgbM" and on his last sweep "vB, S, R, smbM, 20" (evidently better seen.)".
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NGC 1775 = ESO 056-034 = S-L 129
04 56 53 -70 25 48; Men
V = 12.6; Size 0.7'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): bright, elongated ~E-W, 35" diameter, mottled. A couple of mag 16-16.5 stars occasionally resolved around the edges. A mag 14 star is 0.9' NW. The unresolved background glow of the LMC is remarkable just to the east. NGC 1754 lies 13' W and NGC 1766 is 13' NNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1775 = h2725 on 12 Nov 1836 and logged "vvF, irreg R; 2'." His position is just off the east side of this 1' cluster.
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NGC 1776 = ESO 085-028 = S-L 145
04 58 40 -66 25 48; Dor
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): located on the east side of the NGC 1763 (Bean Nebula) complex, this cluster is moderately bright, fairly small, well concentrated with a small bright core surrounded by a 50" halo. A couple of extremely faint stars are just visible in the halo. Located 5' SE of emission nebula NGC 1773, 6' ENE of emission nebula NGC 1769 and 2.7' NE of a mag 10.8 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1776 = h2724 on 3 Jan 1837 and described "vF; S; R; gbM." His position is accurate.
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04 55 48 -74 17 06; Men
V = 12.8; Size 2.1'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, fairly small, irregular shape, 45" diameter. Two mag 11.2/11.5 stars = HJ 3722 at 31" separation are superimposed on the east side of the glow! Only a couple of mag 16 stars pop around the edges of the mottled glow. Mag 12.5 and 13 stars lies 2.2' SE and 1.7' NW and a brighter mag 10.6 star is 3.6' N. Located 38' N of mag 5.5 Eta Mensae.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1777 = h2728 on 11 Nov 1836 and reported "eF, E, attached to and following a double star [of 9th magnitude]." His CGH position is exactly 1 min of RA west of this cluster, but the identification is certain. The wide double star, though, is east and southeast of the core and this error was corrected by JH in the GC.
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05 08 06 +37 01 24; Aur
V = 7.7; Size 7'
17.5" (2/1/92): about 50 stars mag 10-15 in a 15' field. Most stars are arranged in two rows oriented NW-SE with a dark lane between. Fairly scattered overall, includes several double stars. There is a nice double star 10/10 at 15" with two mag 13 stars near and 4' SE is a close striking double star HJ 3266 = 9.9/11.1 at 8". A fairly rich clump is at the SE end of cluster.
8": 20 stars mag 10 and fainter in a 6' field, small, elongated NW-SE, nice double star 10/10. Includes a string of mag 10-11 star to the north.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1778 = H. VIII-61 = h344 on 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 693) and noted "a coarsely scattered cluster of large stars, irr F, not rich, like a forming one." His position is off the SW side of the cluster. On 3 Feb 1832 (sweep 399), John Herschel described "a double star in a pretty close cluster of 20 or 30 stars." His position was 20' too far north, but he corrected the NPD in a short errata list at the end of his Slough catalogue and the GC has the correct position.
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05 05 18.0 -09 08 50; Eri
V = 12.1; Size 2.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 135°
24" (12/20/17): moderately bright, slightly elongated,
~40"x30" NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core that
increases right down to a stellar nucleus. A very low surface brightness halo increasing the
diameter to ~1.25' was difficult.
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly faint, fairly small. Contains a small, well-defined, fairly bright oval core that's elongated 3:2 NW-SE, very faint oval halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1779 = H. III-500 = h345 =
h2714 on 30 Jan 1786 (sweep 516) and called it "cF, S, irr F, bM.".
John Herschel observed this galaxy both from Slough and in the Cape of Good
Hope. His CGH observation reads
"pB, R, gbM, it is visible in strong moonlight and is much brighter than
II.522 [NGC 1636] or III.399 [
Joseph Turner made sketches on 19 Dec. 1876 and 6 Dec 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 25 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae...") In 1882 he noted, "The nebula becomes gradually brighter towards the middle, not suddenly as shown in the lithograph."
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05 06 20.7 -19 28 00; Lep
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 84°
17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round. A mag 13 star is 1.4' NNE.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 1780 = LM 1-145 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is 1.6 min of RA west and 1' north of
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05 07 55.0 -18 11 24; Lep
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 1781 = H. III-268 on 6 Feb
1785 (sweep 367) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar, 240 verified it beyond
doubt." There was a confusion
in the reference star on the sweep and Auwers' position (used by JH in the GC
and Dreyer in the NGC) is 3.0 min of RA too far west. Caroline Herschel's reduced position matches
Ormond Stone independently discovered this galaxy 100 years
later on 11 Dec 1885, recording it in LM 1-146, but his rough position (nearest
min of RA) was 1 min too far west.
His sketch (examined by Corwin) clearly establishes the equivalence. Dreyer assumed it was new and it received
the designation NGC 1794. Herbert
Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in
Denver, was unable to find NGC 1781 on two nights, though measured NGC 1794. He noted the similar descriptions and
difference in RA, and concluded NGC 1781 = NGC 1794. Dreyer repeats this in the IC 2 Notes. In this case, NGC 1781 should takes
historical precedence. RNGC
misidentifies
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NGC 1782 = ESO 056-36 = S-L 140
04 57 51.5 -69 23 38; Dor
V = 10.5; Size 1.2'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): viewed at 228x, this bright LMC cluster was fairly small, round, 40" diameter, strongly concentrated with a bright 15" core. Several faint stars huddle very near or are resolved around the edges. NGC 1782 forms the NE vertex of a triangle with two other LMC clusters - NGC 1767 7.4' W and NGC 1772 11' SSE. Located on the east side of stellar association LH 8, which contains these clusters.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1782 = D 115 = h2727 on 24 Sep
1826. He noted a "small faint
nebula, 10" or 12" [diameter]." His reduced position was 15' too
far SSE, closer to other clusters.
But checking his drift timings, it was logged 7 minutes preceding
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1782 on 16 Dec 1835 (sweep 657) and described "B, R, pmbM, 35", resolvable." His position is accurate.
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04 59 08.7 -65 59 18; Dor
V = 11.0; Size 3'
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x; Intensely bright LMC cluster! Very large, roundish, 2.5'-3' diameter, highly concentrationed with a large, brilliant core that gradually increases towards the center. At 429x; very granular or mottled appearance. A number of extremely faint stars and/or clumps of stars (too many to count) popped in and out of visibility.
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, fairly
large, round, 2.0' diameter, fairly smooth surface brightness. Appears to be a globular cluster as it
is well-detached in the field with a fairly crisply defined edge, increasing to
a brighter 1' core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1783 = h2726 on 13 Dec 1835 and recorded "pB, L, R, gbM, 2'." On a second sweep he called it "B, L, R, vgpmbM, resolvable 3'."
James Dunlop probably made an earlier unpublished discovery on 6 Nov 1826. After his entry for D 233 = NGC 1805, he states "a small nebula precedes this about 2 minutes in RA and 8' north". The actual offset is 3 minutes in RA west and 7.5' north.
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05 05 27.0 -11 52 18; Lep
V = 11.7; Size 4.0'x2.5'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 105°
17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, moderately large,
oval 3:2 ~E-W, bright core.
Situated in a group of brighter stars including a mag 11.5 star 3.0' E
and a mag 12.5 star 1.3' N of center.
Located 14' SE of mag 7.5
8" (10/31/81): faint, moderately large, diffuse. A mag 7 star is in the field to the NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1784 = h2719 on 11 Dec 1836 and recorded "pB, pL, irregularly round, or vlE, vgbM, 80", among pB stars." His position is accurate. Joseph Turner, observing with the 48" GMT on 6 Dec 1877, sketched it as very elongated E-W (p. 156 in logbook) and Ralph Copeland, observing with 72" on 19 Dec 1873 called it "pB, L, irr E. The brighter part is much elongated 90°." The elongated part is the central bar.
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04 58 45.4 -68 49 24; Dor
Size 3.5'
18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): asterism of 8 stars superimposed on the LMC. It includes two mag 11/11.7 stars at the northeast end and a roughly 9" pair of mag 12/12.5 stars at the southwest end. BSDL 375, a very faint nebulous patch, was noticed 2' following the two stars at the northeast end of NGC 1785. One or two mag 15 stars were resolved on the south side of the glow.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1785 between Nov 1836 and Mar
1837 with a 5-inch refractor and included it as #147 in his preliminary
catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula
Major." No description was
given but his position is 04 58 33 -68 51.3 (J2000). ESO lists two possible candidates:
In "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" [1964IrAJ....6..286L] Eric Lindsay states, "Not found. A few bright widely scattered stars NE but no cluster or nebula. There is a bright cluster, S/L 116, 2m W 3' N and a conspicuous one, S/L 117, 2m W and 7' S, neither in the NGC. The object is in the Nub. Cat. only classified as a nebula." RNGC follows Lindsay and classifies this number as nonexistent.
Based on Herschel's position and his LMC sketch, Corwin identified NGC 1785 with asterism of about 5 stars superposed on the LMC (ESO 56-**38). This is the first of the ESO candidates.
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NGC 1786 = ESO 056-039 = S-L 149
04 59 08 -67 44 42; Dor
V = 10.9; Size 1.2'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): exceptionally bright, relatively large, round, 45" diameter, extremely high surface bright core. A mag 11-12 star is superimposed just northwest of the core! KMHK 412 was picked up as a very faint glow 6.5' SE and just north of two mag 13 stars. NGC 1786 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1786 = h2729 on 26 Nov 1834 and logged "vB, E, S. Stellar, like a star 9th mag blurred." On the second of 3 sweeps it was called "vB, R, vsmbM, 30"."
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05 00 07 -65 45 48; Dor
V = 10.9; Size 23'
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): large cloud of stars (association LH 15), 15'-20' in size, over an extensive haze of unresolved stars. 40 to 50 mag 11-13 stars were visible at 105x within the cluster. NGC 1783 is located 15' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1787 = h2731 in the LMC on 25 Dec 1837. His single observation placed this cluster at 05 00 17.3 -65 50 33 (2000) and his description "p Rich cl of S stars which fills field" appears to describe the entire 20'-25' stellar association HW 15, which includes NGC 1783 and SL 178.
The RNGC and NGC 2000.0 position 04 59.1 -65 44 (2000) from Lucke and Hodge's "A Catalogue of Stellar Associations in the Large Magellanic Cloud", AJ, 75, 171-175, corresponds with the northwest portion of the association. The Hodge-Wright Atlas identifies NGC 1787 = S-L 178 at 05 01 44 -65 49.4, on the east side of the association, and ESO and Morel's Visual Atlas of the LMC follows this misidentification. Shapley & Lindsay did not equate S-L 178 with NGC 1787.
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NGC 1788 = LBN 916 = Ced 40 = Bernes 98
05 06 53.2 -03 20 27; Ori
Size 8'x5'
18" (1/1/08): very interesting, bright reflection nebula at 175x. Two brighter stars are involved in the brightest portion of the nebula with a mag 10 star (very unequal double) at the NW end. An oval glow extends ~4'x2.5' to the SE and contains a bright "knot" that surrounds a mag 11.5 star on the SE side. Two fainter stars are embedded within the glow and form a rhombus with the brighter stars at opposite ends. The SW edge of the main body has a sharper edge (due to dust). Surrounding this region are faint extensions that significantly increase the total size to ~8x6'. Towards the SE, dim haze can be seen as far as a 2' pair of mag 12.5 stars. Broad, wispy extensions appears to feather off to the NE for ~6' with additional faint haze to the south. The entire complex is bounded by several mag 8-9 stars forming a striking star field.
17.5" (2/9/02): at 144x this is a bright reflection nebula involving two mag 10 and 11.5 stars. The nebulosity is irregularly bright in a 4'x3' region elongated NW-SE and locally very bright in a knot surrounding the mag 11.5 star near the SE end. Enhanced by a Deep Sky filter at low power. The brighter mag 10 star ~2' NW has a faint companion and is also encased in the glow as well as a couple of other fainter stars. A faint extension fans out to the NE from the mag 11 star and some haze is suspected to the south, increasing the size to ~7' and involving a few additional stars. NGC 1788 is located within a bright trapezoid consisting of three mag 8.5-9 stars and a mag 10 star (sides of 9'-13')
17.5" (12/23/89): bright, fairly large, locally very bright surrounding a mag 12 star on the south end. This star appears slightly nonstellar as difficult to separate from bright haze. Extends NW to include a mag 10 star and three other faint stars are involved in the brightest portion. Very faint nebulosity also extends to north and further east.
8" (12/6/80): moderately bright reflection nebula, large, brightest in center, two stars involved, extends to east.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1788 = H. V-32 = h347 = Sw. 2-30 = Sw. 7-9 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518). His description reads, "cB, vL, milky, diffused and vanishing, very near and sf a bright star, the milkiness diffused and vanishing." On 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 640) he recorded "vL, milky; seems to have some untied stars towards the southern part of it; some other stars are in it, but plainly unconnected. 3 or 4' dia. vF except about the united stars." On 11 Feb 1830 (sweep 233) John Herschel described NGC 1788 as "A *10m with a neb south-following; pos 138 from *; the centre of the neb is like a misty *12 or 13m, or perhaps 2 or 3 st 15m; a small * to the south of neb makes an isosceles triangle. Place that of the *10m." This reflection nebula was observed 21 times at Birr Castle beginning in 1849 (the 1880 publication lists 10 of these).
Lewis Swift found this reflection nebula on 24 Nov 1884 and apparently felt that nebulosity surrounding the 10th mag star on the west side was distinct from Herschel's nebulosity, reporting it as a "nova" in his 2nd discovery list (#30) and his 7th list (#9).
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04 57 51 -71 54 06; Men
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~45" diameter. A couple of mag 15.5 stars are resolved, one near the west end and another on the northeast side. Situated on the southwest end of the LMC, with no other significant LMC clusters in the immediate vicinity, though S-L 111 lies 30' NNW. The description below of S-L 111 was made on 10/17/17 using a 25" f/5.
At 244x; easily identified as a partially resolved large
cluster, elongated E-W and at least 2' diameter. A mag 11.2 star is off the south side. At 397x; a total of ~15 stars were
resolved, mostly in the mag 15+ range.
The cluster is situated 6.8' S of mag 9.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 1789 = h2733 on 15 Dec 1835 and called it "vF, R, vglbM, 40"." His position is about 40" too far north.
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05 11 13.3 +52 03 54; Aur
18" (2/19/09): scattered, unimpressive group of 15
stars mag 11.5 and brighter in an elongated 15'x8' region. The main body of stars is extended
~E-W. A small group of stars is
detached off the NW side, including a mag 10 star and an easy 14"
pair. At the east end is a small
clump of 4 stars (one very faint) just following mag 9.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 1790 = h346 on 16 Feb 1831
(sweep 327) and described "A group of 8 or 9 stars 10m, nearly in
parallelogram. A pretty
object." His position corresponds
with mag 9
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04 59 07 -70 10 06; Men
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright
cluster, irregular, ~1' diameter, several mag 14-15 stars are resolved in the
core and one on the northwest end.
The cluster is situated in the center of an equilateral triangle
consisting of mag 8.7
S-L 158 appeared as a bright, compact knot (cluster), round, 20" diameter, with a surprisingly high surface brightness. LMC-N186, an incomplete, faint annulus of nebulosity (Superbubble) passes through NGC 1791, but I didn't examine the region with a filter to look for nebulous haze.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1791 = h2734 on 16 Dec 1835 and recorded "eF, R; 25"." His single position is very accurate.
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05 05 14.0 -37 58 47; Col
V = 10.2; Size 5.2'x2.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 137°
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x appears as a
bright, large oval ~2:1 NW-SE, 3.2'x1.6'.
Broad concentration to a large bright core and then sharply concentrated
with a bright, 15" nucleus.
The surface brightness is irregular with a mottled texture. A faint star is just preceding the
northwest tip. At 166x the galaxy
appears brighter along the major axis with some areas of lower surface
brightness giving a hint of spiral structure! A mag 14 star is at the preceding edge [1.2' from
center]. Brightest in a group (LGG
127) along with
17.5" (1/31/87): bright, large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 3'x1.5', pretty diffuse. Two faint mag 14.5 stars are superimposed. Appears brighter along the western side.
8" (1/1/84): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated.
8" (11/28/81): fairly faint, round, moderately large, diffuse.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1792 = D 531 = h2730 on 4 Oct 1826 and described "a long or rather elliptical nebula, about 2' long and 50" broad, a little brighter in the middle, and well defined. There is a group of small stars on the north side."
John Herschel recorded 3 observations in the Cape Catalogue: on his first sweep on 24 Dec 1835 (sweep 659) he logged "vB, vL, vmE, gbM, 4' long. Taken as Dunlop 531 but too late for transit, the observation having been missed by relying on Mr Dunlop's place." Then 2 nights later (sweep 661) he revisited this galaxy and noted "vB, vL, mE, glbM, 5' long, 2' broad, pos 314°, stars seen in it. Visible with moonlight and lamp illumination".
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04 59 38 -69 33 30; Dor
V = 12.4; Size 1.3'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
228x, this LMC open cluster appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round,
35" diameter with an even surface brightness and no sign of
resolution. A triangle of mag 11
stars is preceding in the field.
Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 1793 = h2736 on 24 Nov 1834 and described as "pB, R, bM, 1'." On a second sweep he logged "vF, S, R, glbM, 30", insulated." His mean position (2 sweeps) is accurate.
Pietro Baracchi observed this cluster, along with NGC 1801, on 2 Jan 1886 with the Melbourne telescope. His diagram shows the cluster elongated NW to SE, which matches the DSS image.
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NGC 1794 = NGC 1781 = ESO 553-007 = MCG -03-14-002 = PGC 16788
05 07 55.0 -18 11 24; Lep
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 45°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14
star is 1.2' SSE of center.
Located 10' SW of mag 8.0
Ormond Stone found NGC 1794 = LM 1-146 on 11 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Stone's rough position is 1 min of RA west of ESO 553-007 = MCG -03-14-002. At the end of the second discovery list there is a note that LM 1-146 = GC 998 = NGC 1781.
William Herschel discovered this galaxy 100 years earlier (cataloged as H. III-268) but Herschel's RA was 3.0 minutes too small (corrected by Caroline Herschel). ESO 553-007 is labeled NGC 1781 in the Uranometria 2000 Atlas but as NGC 1794 in MCG and RC3. By historical precedence, the primary designation should be NGC 1781.
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NGC 1795 = ESO 056-044 = S-L 165
04 59 47 -69 48 06; Dor
V = 12.4; Size 1.6'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright cluster, relatively large, 0.9' diameter, fairly smooth glow with no resolution. Located 2.9' ENE of a mag 10.5 star. This star forms the northern vertex of a distinctive isosceles triangle (legs 3.5' and base 1.4') with two mag 10.2 and 11 stars to its south.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1795 = D 82 = h2738 on 24 Sep 1826. He recorded D 82 as "a very small faint nebula preceding 3 small stars in the form of a triangle." A distinctive triangle of mag 10-11 star is nearby, including the mag 10.6 star and two mag 10.2 and 11.1 stars about 4' S, though the cluster is slightly east. He may have observed it the drift through the area three nights later, but his positions are more ambiguous.
John Herschel made a single observation on 12 Nov 1836 (sweep 749) and recorded "F, pL, lE, 2'."
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NGC 1796 = ESO 119-030 = PGC 16617
05 02 43.0 -61 08 22; Dor
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 102°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.3'x0.45', broad concentration, brighter core. A mag 10/11.5 pair at 9" lies 10' SSE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1796 = h2735 on 26 Dec 1834 and called it "F, pmE, gbM, 7" long, 25" broad." His position (2 observations) and description matches.
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05 07 44.9 -08 01 07; Eri
V = 14.7; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 90°
17.5" (12/7/90): very faint, very small, round, very
faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13
star is just 48" NW of center.
Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1797 = Sw. 6-23, along with NGC 1799, on 13 Feb 1887 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is accurate.
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05 11 40 +47 40 37; Aur
Size 5'
18" (11/18/06): at 115x I was surprised to find a fairly rich group of perhaps 20 stars peppered over a 5' region of extensive haze. The low power Milky Way field is rich in bright and faint stars with glowing regions of unresolved stars. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC and not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 1798 in Nov 1885 with the 6-inch Cooke Refractor at Vanderbilt University. In Sidereal Messenger, vol. 5 (page 25) he described a "small hazy spot, with high power (120) seems to be some faint stars mixed up with nebulosity, a small star involved f[ollowing]. It is followed some little distance by a 9th magnitude star." His position corresponds with a 5' group of stars, also catalogued as Berkeley 16. The RNGC misclassifies this number as nonexistent.
This cluster is located in the direction of the anti-galactic center at a distance of 4.2 kpc and an estimated age of 1.4 billion years.
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NGC 1799 = MCG -01-14-001 = PGC 16783
05 07 44.5 -07 58 08; Eri
V = 14.3; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 65°
17.5" (12/7/90): faint, small, round, bright core. This galaxy is the brighter of two with NGC 1797 3' S.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1799 = Sw. 6-24, along with NGC 1797, on 13 Feb 1887 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His RA was 8 seconds too large.
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05 06 25.5 -31 57 16; Col
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 113°
13.1" (12/22/84): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is off the NE edge 1.3' from center. Brightest in a small group (LGG 108), along with UGCA 103 and UGC 106.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1800 = h2732 on 19 Nov 1835 and described it as "pB, pmE, gpmbM, has a star 13th mag following." His position and description is accurate.
Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on 2 Jan 1886 with the 48" Melbourne telescope. His sketch indicates a 13th magnitude "star" at the NW tip. At this position is a relatively large bright HII knot.
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NGC 1801 = ESO 056-045 = S-L 170
05 00 35.3 -69 36 48; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x this LMC cluster appeared moderately bright, round, 1' diameter with a
fairly even surface brightness and no core. Located 8' SW mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 1801 = h2739 on 24 Nov 1834 (sweep 513) and reported "B, L, R, vgbM, 2.5'." On 3 subsequent sweeps he variously described the size as 90", 45" and 40". Robert Innes and Willem van den Bos, observing with the 26-inch refactor of the Union Observatory in 1926, called this object a "globular cluster, 13 mag and fainter stars, 90" diameter, bM."
James Dunlop possibly discovered this cluster on 27 Sep 1826. He described it as "a faint round nebula, 20-25" diameter." In the drift it was picked up ~16 minutes prior to logging D 88 = NGC 1898 and at nearly the same position north of center in the eyepiece field. NGC 1801 matches this offset in time, as well as NGC 1795.
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05 10 13 +24 08 24; Tau
Size 25'
18" (11/18/06): at 115x this Milky Way field appears as a bright, large, scattered group including a couple of dozen mag 10-11 stars. Most distinctive is a fairly rich 5' string of mag 10 to 13 stars oriented N-S. The rest of the group is scattered and extends east and southeast ~10' in size.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1802 = H. VIII-41 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 485) and recorded "a coarse cluster of star or projecting point of the milky way." Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, adds "many st, v sc, no distinct cl." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent but WEBDA has a listing for NGC 1802.
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05 05 26.5 -49 34 04; Pic
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 62°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 30"x24", fairly high surface brightness. NGC 1803 is situated 4.7' ENE of mag 5.0 Eta-2 Pictoris and the bright glare of the star hampered the observation.
Forms a close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 1803 = h2737 on 28 Dec 1834 and described "F, S, R, vglbM; query whether a star 11..12th mag near it S.f. be not also nebulous." Herschel's object south-following is likely ESO 203-019, located 2.2' southeast, which did not receive a NGC designation (Steinicke concurs).
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05 01 03 -69 05 00; Dor
V = 11.9; Size 0.9'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very small bright knot, ~25"-30" diameter, with four or more mag 12-14.5 stars resolved including three on a NW to SE line. Tightly packed into a very high surface brightness glow. S-L 180 lies 4' NE and appeared as a fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.5' diameter, soft glow with no resolution.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1804 = h2742 on 3 Nov 1834 and described "F (?), R, bM (Thick haze in sky)". On a second sweep his description reads "F, S, R, 30". Shapley and Lindsay (1963) give a diameter of 25'' and remark "few stars, partly condensed."
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NGC 1805 = ESO 085-32 = S-L 186
05 02 21.2 -66 06 41; Dor
V = 10.6; Size 2.2'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright,
fairly small, brilliant core, 30" diameter. A mag 13 star is situated just off the NW side, 25"
from center. The core is oddly
displaced off-center in the direction of this star. A few faint stars are resolved in the halo and a mag 13.5
star is at the south edge. NGC
1783 lies 20' WNW and
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, small, 25" diameter, sharply concentrated with a quasi-stellar bright nucleus. A mag 13 star is at the NW edge (24" from center). This is a well-studied young (40 million years old) LMC star cluster. Located 20' ESE of NGC 1783.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1805 = D 233 = h2741 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a small round well-defined nebula, 10" or 12" diameter". His position is 6' SSW of the cluster, within his usual errors.
John Herschel made 5 observations, the first on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) in which he recorded "a vS compact cluster of stars 11th mag with (?) nebulosity, 20"." On 3 Jan 1837 (sweep 761) he described it as "B, S, R, sbM, 25", has two stars very near, one NW and one SE." The two closest stars are oriented WSW of NGC 1805 and ENE
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05 02 11 -67 59 00; Dor
V = 11.1; Size 2.2'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very
bright LMC globular, large, round, at least 1.5' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a brighter,
grainy 25" core and a slightly mottled halo. Located 4.5' NE of mag 8.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 1806 = h2745 on 30 Dec 1836 and described as"pB, L, gbM, 3'." His position and description is accurate, though his estimate is a little too large.
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05 10 45 +16 30 48; Tau
V = 7.0; Size 17'
18" (1/26/09): this asterism contains a very faint
galaxy,
17.5" (2/1/92): bright, moderately large, striking group of 30 stars mag 9-14 in 12' including 10 stars mag 11 or brighter. Five bright stars are in a 11' string oriented N-S. The central star in this string is a pleasing, close double star HJ 3268; consisting of mag 9.5/10.5 stars at 10" separation. This double is collinear with two mag 11 stars 1.3' E and 2.9' E oriented perpendicular to the string. Several other members trail to SW forming a cross asterism.
8": ~25 stars in cluster including 10-12 brighter stars, several almost collinear. A double star mag 10/11 at 10" separation is near the center. Forms a pair of open clusters with NGC 1817 25' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1807 = h348 on 25 Jan 1832
(sweep 395) and logged, "a cluster of 10 or 12 large and a good many small
stars. The place that of a double
star." It is perhaps an
outlier of VII.4 (
A 2004 study ("uvby-H-beta CCD photometry of NGC 1817 and NGC 1807") concludes NGC 1807 is not a distinct cluster. Only NGC 1817, a very extended open cluster, covers the area.
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NGC 1808 = ESO 305-008 = AM 0505-373 = MCG -06-12-005 = LGG 127-002 = PGC 16779
05 07 42.3 -37 30 47; Col
V = 9.9; Size 6.5'x3.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 133°
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this 105x this striking starburst galaxy appeared bright, large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 5'x1.3'. The glow is sharply concentrated with a well-defined 20" core that brightens to a stellar nucleus. There appears to be an irregular extension at the northwest end that brightens and is offset to the major axis [on photos this corresponds with the start of a spiral arm that is attached at the north edge of the NW end of the galaxy]. At 166x, the halo is irregular and mottled. Brightest in a group (LGG 127) along with NGC 1792 40' SW and the galaxies may have experienced a tidal interaction in the past.
17.5" (1/31/87): bright, fairly large, small elongated core, long thin arms 4:1 NW-SE. A mag 14 star is off the NW end. This is a very pleasing galaxy.
8" (1/1/84): fairly bright, elongated NW-SE, moderately large, bright core. Similar in size to NGC 1792 but slightly fainter.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1808 = D 549 = D 532 = h2740 on 10 May 1826. Based on two observations he described "a faint nebula, about 2.5' long, and fully 1' broad, extended S.p. and N.f.; a very minute star near each extremity, not involved." D 532 is another observation and he noted it was very similar to D 531 = NGC 1792 (observed together), but he made a large error (nearly 40') in declination.
John Herschel made two observations from the Cape. On 24 Dec 1835 (sweep 659) he logged "B, L, lE, first gradually then psmbM. Transit missed, PD very rough" Two nights later (sweep 661) he reobserved it and noted "B, E, 3' long, 1.5' broad; in a field strongly illuminated by the moon in her first quarter."
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 1808 on 19 Dec 1876 through the 48" GMT with a very bright, elongated core on 19 Dec. 1876 (plate III, figure 26 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae..."). On 10 Dec 1884, Baracchi described NGC 1808 as ""Bright, very much elongated, suddenly much brighter middle, to a bright, sharp elongated nucleus, like a long dash. Nebula soft-edged. Fades away very gradually into pointed ends. Nucleus not quite in the axis of nebula."
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NGC 1809 = ESO 056-048 = PGC 16599
05 02 05.0 -69 34 06; Dor
V = 12.1; Size 3.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 143°
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
faint, reddened galaxy shines through the LMC in the same field 9' NE of the
LMC cluster NGC 1801 and 16'-18' SW of a trio of clusters consisting of NGC
1828,
John Herschel discovered NGC 1809 = h2747 on 23 Dec 1834 and
recorded (one one sweep only) "pF, S, R, gbM, 40", the second of two
in field [with NGC 1801 = h2739]."
His position is 4' south of
Eric Lindsay, in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" [1964IrAJ....6..286L], commented "At the same RA but 4' N an object which may be a galaxy, 210'' x 50''. In "Exploring the Southern Sky" (1987), the authors (Laustsen, Madsen and West) noted "It has been known for more than a century, and for a long time was believed to belong to the LMC. However, less than a decade ago, it became possible to measure the radial velocity...Somewhat unexpectedly, the velocity was found to be 1000 km/s, or several times larger than the velocities of stars and other LMC nebulae..."
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05 03 23 -66 22 54; Dor
V = 11.9; Size 1.2'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright
cluster, fairly small, 45" diameter, partially resolved with 4 or 5 stars
visible on the east side of the halo including a couple of mag 13.5-14
stars. Located 2.6' ESE of mag
10.3
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1810 = D 235 = h2746 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a small round pretty well defined nebula." He made a single observation and his position is 11' south-southeast of the cluster. It's also possible that this observation refers to brighter NGC 1818 -- along with D 234 and D236, though the latter two are placed south of D 235, agreeing with orientation of NGC 1810 and 1818.
JH made a total of 5 observations beginning on 6 Nov 1834. In order of his observations, he logged "eF, S, R, 15", precedes a globular cluster.", "vF, R, lbM, 40 arcsec", "F, S, R", "pF, R, lbM, 25 arcsec" and "Nebula; no description but that it has a globular cluster following it." The cluster he refers to is NGC 1818 and Herschel attributed Dunlop's 235 with the discovery.
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05 08 42.6 -29 16 35; Col
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 60°
17.5" (1/19/91): very faint, small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE. A mag 13 star is 1.4' ENE of center. Forms a pair with NGC 1812 2.7' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1811 = h2743 (along with NGC
1812 = h2744) on 6 Nov 1834 and logged as "vF, E." On a later sweep he recorded "pF;
S; lE; the preceding of two [with
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NGC 1812 = ESO 422-039 = MCG -05-13-009 = PGC 16819
05 08 52.9 -29 15 04; Col
V = 12.7; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 8°
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 N-S, moderate concentration, very small bright core. A mag 13 star lies 1.4' SW. Forms a close pair with NGC 1811 2.7' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1812 = h2744 (along with NGC 1811 = h2743] on 6 Nov 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; glbM; 15"; the following of 2." His position is accurate.
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05 02 40 -70 19 06; Men
V = 12.8; Size 0.8'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): first in a string
of three clusters with
John Herschel discovered NGC 1813 = h2752 on 16 Dec 1835 and observed on a single sweep. His description reads "vF; S; R; r" and his position is just 0.1 tmin preceding the center of the cluster.
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05 03 46.4 -67 18 04; Dor
V = 12.8; Size 1.0'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
bright, small, elongated N-S "knot" of stars on the west side of the
LMC association
John Herschel discovered NGC 1814 = h2748 on 2 Nov 1834 and described as "The southern of two nebulae [with NGC 1816] in the same cluster of stars [NGC 1820]." On a second sweep his description reads "vF, R, a nebulous knot in the south preceding part of a cluster".
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05 02 27 -70 37 18; Men
V = 12.4; Size 1.2'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
small, round, very bright core partially resolved into a couple of knots,
25" diameter. A single faint
star is resolved at the north edge.
A mag 12.5 star lies 1' SSE and several mag 11-12 stars are in the
field. Located 9' due east of mag
7.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 1815 = h2753 on 24 Nov 1834 and described as "pF, vS, R, vlbM, among many stars." His position is accurate.
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NGC 1816 = ESO 085-037 = S-L 199
05 03 51 -67 15 36; Dor
V = 13.0; Size 1.0'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): small, brighter "knot" on the west side of the LMC association NGC 1820 = LH 19. At 200x, a couple of stars are resolved within the 18" glow. Forms a pair with slightly brighter NGC 1814 2.5' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1816 = h2748 on 2 Jan 1837 and recorded "vF, R, another nebulous knot [along with NGC 1814] in the cluster [NGC 1820]". Shapley and Lindsay (1963) group NGC 1814, 1816 and NGC 1820 together and note "bright scattered stars in nebulosity", with a size of 6.8' x 4.5'.
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NGC 1817 = Cr 60 = OCL-463 = Lund 156
05 12 26 +16 41 06; Tau
V = 7.7; Size 16'
17.5" (2/11/96): large, roundish group of ~100 stars in a 15' diameter. The three brightest mag 8/9 stars lie on the west side. This trio is part of a 7' arc of 15 stars elongated N-S sharply defining the preceding side of the group. The cluster is fairly well detached except at the east side which merges into the general field density. About 5' NW of the trio described above is an unequal double h3269 = 8.6/10.6 at 20", though it appears detached from the main group. 25' SW is the bright, striking group NGC 1807 which has a cruciform outline.
8": about 65 stars in 15'-20' diameter, large, fairly rich, many faint stars. Includes three brighter stars on the west side including a mag 8.5 star. Forms a poor version of the "Double cluster" with NGC 1807 25' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1817 = H. VII-4 = h349 on 19 Feb 1784 (sweep 147) and recorded "a cluster of stars, ccattered and of very different magnitudes. They take up a space of about 20' and the cluster is coarsely circular. The weather is very indifferent so that the small stars are not very well to be seen; but I suppose there cannot be less than 150 that I might count at present." On 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 292), he reported "a cl of stars about 20 or 25' diameter, pretty rich, the stars not very small, nor very compressed." On 25 Jan 1832 (sweep 395), John Herschel wrote, "L, rich cl; stars 12...15 m; fills the field. Place that of a double star. The most compressed part is 42.5 sec foll the double star and 3' south of it." The double star is h3269 = 8.6/10.6 at 20".
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NGC 1818 = ESO 085-040 = S-L 201
05 04 14 -66 26 06; Dor
V = 9.7; Size 3'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, fairly large, 2.5' diameter, sharply concentrated with an intense core that is partially resolved into several very faint stars. The halo was fairly well resolved with two dozen faint stars plus some brighter mag 12-13 stars in the outer halo. Just off the southwest edge is KMHK 490, a very small non-stellar object that appeared like a close double star.
NGC 1818 is the brightest of a trio with NGC 1810 6' NW and
S-L 205 5' NE. S-L 205 is just a
faint, diffuse glow, roughly 35" diameter. NGC 1822 and
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1818 = D 236 = D 234 = D235 = h2749 on 3 Aug 1826. Dunlop apparently made observations on different nights at different positions and recorded them separately as discoveries. He described D 236 on 3 Aug 1826 as "a star with a burr or bright small small nebula about 20" diameter, very bright at the centre." He observed it twice and the published position is 3.4' ENE of center. D 234, found on 6 Nov. 1826, was described as "a round well-defined nebula, about 30" diameter." His notebook position is 8' due S. Finally, D 235, found on 24 Sep 1826, was described as a "small round pretty well-defined nebula" and his position is 5.5' NNW of center!
John Herschel made 6 observations of the cluster with the first description from 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508): "vB, S, R cluster of distinct stars, mbM, 2' diameter."
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05 11 46.1 +05 12 03; Ori
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 120°
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, very small, bright core,
elongated NW-SE. Located 12.5' S
of mag 8
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 1819 = Sw. 3-35 on 26 Dec 1885 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His position is 10 tsec west of UGC 3265 = PGC 16899. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 6 Dec 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).
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NGC 1820 = ESO 085-039 = S-L 199 = LH 19
05 04 02 -67 16 00; Dor
V = 11.5; Size 8'x5'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this star cloud or association (LH 19) in the LMC appears as a very large, irregular group of approximately two dozen stars mag 10-15, roughly 9'x5' and extended N-S. Includes five stars mag 12 or brighter, along with two brighter "knots" (NGC 1814 and 1816) on the west side as well as containing some irregular nebulosity (LHa120-N17).
John Herschel discovered NGC 1820 = h2754 on 2 Jan 1837 and described a "pL, rich, 6th class cluster, irregular figure, in radiating streaks. Place that of a star 10th mag (one of 3 such). It is within this cluster that the two nebulae [NGC 1814 & NGC 1816] occur."
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05 11 46.0 -15 08 04; Lep
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130°
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, elongated WNW-ESE,
weak concentration.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1821 = LM 1-147 on 26 Dec
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is 45 tsec west and 1' N of
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NGC 1822 = ESO 085-042 = S-L 210
05 05 09 -66 12 36; Dor
V = 13.1; Size 0.8'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, fairly small, 30" diameter. A single mag 14.5 star is resolved at the west edge. Forms a close pair with NGC 1826 2.8' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1822 = h2756 on 20 Dec 1835 and described as "vF, 20", the preceding of two [with NGC 1826 = h2751]." Wolfgang Steinicke credits James Dunlop with the discovery (D 235) on 24 Sep 1826, though Dunlop's position is much closer to NGC 1818, which may have multiple entries. I believe this cluster is too faint to have been picked up by Dunlop.
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NGC 1823 = ESO 056-051 = S-L 198 = LH 18
05 03 25 -70 20 06; Men
V = 12.1; Size 0.9'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright irregular cluster with 8 or 9 resolved stars within 45". Five of the resolved stars are collinear on the west side oriented ~N-S. Second of three clusters with NGC 1813 4' WNW and S-L 200 4' SSE and the surrounding field is filled with a scattering of mag 12-13 stars and a large number of fainter stars (this is the stellar association LH 18). S-L 200 is the largest of the three clusters, 1.2'x0.6' extended N-S, with several stars resolved over a hazy background or emission glow and a detached group of 4 stars off the south end.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1823 = h2758 on 12 Nov 1836 and described "The most compressed part of a pF; L; branching cluster of stars 12...15m" His position is on the southeast side of the cluster. Hodge and Lucke (1970) note this open cluster in the LMC lies within the LMC O-association No. 18; the brightest star in the cluster is 13.9 mag.
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05 06 56 -59 43 30; Dor
V = 12.6; Size 3.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 160°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): fairly
faint to moderately bright, nice edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE, ~2.3'x0.5'. Weak, broad concentration to a slightly
brighter core. Located 9' NNE of
mag 7.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 1824 = h2755 on 26 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF, vmE, 2' long, 20" broad, pos = 162 degrees."
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05 04 19 -68 55 36; Dor
V = 12.0; Size 1.0'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
bright, very small, round, 20" diameter, increases to a very bright
quasi-stellar nucleus but no resolution.
Located 3.5' WSW of mag 8.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 1825 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as #199 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." There was no description given but his position is 1.5' NW of this LMC cluster.
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NGC 1826 = ESO 085-043 = S-L 221
05 05 34 -66 13 54; Dor
V = 13.2; Size 0.9'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): slightly brighter of a pair of small clusters with NGC 1822 2.8' NW. Appeared moderately bright, round, 45" diameter, broad weak concentration but no resolution. A mag 10.8 star lies 2.9' E.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1826 = h2757 on 20 Dec 1835 and recorded "vF, 20", the following of two [with NGC 1822]." Steinicke lists Dunlop as the discoverer (D 235) of this object as well as NGC 1822, though Dunlop's position is much closer to NGC 1818, which may have multiple entries. I think this pair of clusters is too faint to have been picked up by Dunlop.
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05 10 03.7 -36 57 32; Col
V = 12.5; Size 3.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 120°
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, even surface brightness. Unusual appearance as a mag 11 star is superimposed on the east side of the center. Member of the NGC 1792/1808 group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1827 = h2751 on 28 Nov 1837 and described as "vF, vmE, a long ray through a star 11th mag." His position is 1' too far south.
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05 04 21.5 -69 23 18; Dor
V = 12.5
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): first in a trio with NGC 1830 and NGC 1835. At 228x this LMC cluster appears fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter. NGC 1830 lies 3.2' NNE and much brighter NGC 1835 is 4' ESE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1828 = h2761 on 23 Dec 1834 and described "F, S, R, 20"; the first of 3 [with NGC 1828, 1830 and 1835]." His position is accurate
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05 04 57 -68 03 18; Dor
V = 12.1
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
LMC cluster and HII region (LMC-N23A) appeared bright, fairly large, irregular
round, 1.5' diameter. Four stars
are within the nebulous glow including a mag 13.5, two mag 14 stars and a mag
15 star. Located 1.8' NW of mag
7.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 1829 = h2760 on 13 Dec 1835 and recorded "F, R, 60", r[esolvable]." His position (single sweep) is accurate.
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NGC 1830 = ESO 056-056 = S-L 207
05 04 39 -69 20 26; Dor
V = 12.6
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): second of three in a distinctive triangle with NGC 1828 3' SSW and NGC 1835 4.6' SE. At 228x, this LMC cluster appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter and quite similar to NGC 1828. An extremely faint, very small glow (designated BRHT 3b in SIMBAD) is 1' SW, on a line towards NGC 1828 (verified on DSS).
John Herschel discovered NGC 1830 = h2762 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F, S, R, 25"." He next recorded it as "the second of 3 [with NGC 1828 and 1835]." His position (observed on 4 sweeps) is accurate.
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05 06 16.2 -64 55 09; Dor
V = 11.2; Size 3.9'
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly large, 1.5'-2' diameter, weak even concentration to the center. This is a rich intermediate-age LMC globular cluster.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1831 = D 246 = h2759 on 3 Aug 1826, with a second observation on 5 Nov. He described it as a "pretty well-defined round faint nebula, 25" diameter; a little brighter at the centre." and his first position was 5' due west of center.
John Herschel observed the cluster on 3 Dec 1834 (sweep 518) and called it "B; L; R; glbM; 90"." In 1926, Robert Innes described it as a "Mag[nificent] globular cluster, 2' diameter, bM of thousands of very faint stars." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).
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05 12 03.2 -15 41 19; Lep
V = 11.3; Size 2.6'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 10°
24" (1/28/17): at 375x; bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 N-S, 1.6'x1.2', well concentrated with a small bright core. A mag 11 star is 1.1' E of center.
13.1" (12/18/82): fairly bright, bright core, slightly elongated ~N-S. A mag 11 star is 1.0' E of center. Situated 33' NNW of mag 3.3 Mu Leporis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1832 = H. II-292 on 4 Feb
1785 (sweep 365) and reported "pB, irr R, mbM, south-preceding a pretty
considerable star and within a minute of it." His position is 2.3' SE of
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05 04 22 -70 43 54; Men
V = 11.7; Size 2'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; fairly large nebulous
patch 1.5' diameter with a mag 13.4 star near the center and a half-dozen
additional stars resolved. The
nebulosity had a fair response using the NPB filter with a brighter piece on
the northeast side and a 2' irregular shape. Located at the south end of the huge
John Herschel discovered NGC 1833 = h2765 on 12 Nov 1836 and recorded "vF; pL; runs into and forms the first mass of a series of clustering groups." His position is accurate. Located within stellar association LH 24.
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05 05 12.2 -69 12 27; Dor
V = 11.8; Size 20"
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): bright, small, round, thin halo, just 20" diameter, mottled but no resolution. Located 2.8' SE of mag 9.3 HD 33487. NGC 1834 (and nearby clusters NGC 1828 and 1830) is 12' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1834 = h2764 on 11 Nov 1836 and recorded (single sweep) "B, vvS, lE, uniform in light, 10" across." His position is 30" S of this compact cluster. The NGC description added the query "Planetary?" On the DSS, this object appears to be an extremely compact cluster, though perhaps a brighter star is superimposed.
Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in
the Large Magellanic Cloud", comments "A fairly bright star blended
with two faint ones. Questioned as a planetary nebula in the NGC. Prism plates
show a fairly strong continuum only, and it is probably an early-type
star." RNGC follows Lindsay
and misidentifies NGC 1834 as a triple star. Hodge and Wright note that it
"may only be a bright star in a rich field". The ESO records it as a globular
cluster (
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NGC 1835 = ESO 056-058 = S-L 215
05 05 06 -69 24 18; Dor
V = 10.2; Size 1.2'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): brightest of three clusters with NGC 1828 4' W and NGC 1830 4.6' NW. At 228x, this LMC globular cluster appears bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, strongly concentrated with a small bright core. This object has a very symmetrical appearance with a high surface brightness like a compact globular cluster. NGC 1834 lies 12' N.
NGC 1835 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC. It has the highest known number (84) of RR Lyr variables in the LMC and is the brightest and most elliptical of the classic globulars.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1835 = D 116 = h2763 on 24 Sep
1826 (second drift). He described
"a small round well-defined nebula, rather bright towards the centre
(considerably condensed), 15" diameter." His reduced position was 15'
too far SSE, but his drift offset from
John Herschel rediscovered the cluster on 15 Dec 1835 (sweep 656) and recorded "vB, S, R, pmbM; 40"; the last of three [with NGC 1828 and 1830]." Herschel didn't associate D 116 with this cluster, probably due to his poor position. This cluster is missing from the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas although it includes nearby NGC 1828 and 1830.
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05 05 35 -68 37 42; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 1.5'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
bright LMC cluster, relatively large, high surface brightness, very elongated
NW-SE, 1.2'x0.4'. The dominant
portion of the cluster is on the NW end and appears bright, roundish,
25"-30" diameter with a few stars resolved just outside the glow. A
14th magnitude star is off the SE side and connects to a small knot (BRHT 4b) containing a very tight
string of 15th magnitude stars.
Forms a striking pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 1836 = h2766 on 23 Nov 1834 (along with NGC 1839 = h2768), though no description or position was given. On his second sweep (30 Dec 1836) he noted "the first nucleus of a clustering group of mixed stars and nebulosity." His position is accurate.
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NGC 1837 = ESO 056-059 = S-L 217 = LH 24
05 04 56 -70 42 54; Men
V = 10.6; Size 1.3'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; this cluster is primarily a very elongated N-S string of stars with some unresolved haze. There was no filter response. A few brighter mag 12.5-13 stars are involved with a total of a dozen in the 1.2' string. NGC 1837 forms a 3' pair with NGC 1833 to the west-southwest. A star cloud extends to the north with several mag 12 stars, along with many faint stars in the wider field. This magnificent association (LH 26) is rich in bright and faint stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1837 = h2769 on 3 Nov 1834. He observed this cluster on two sweeps and recorded it as "The last of three clustering groups (hazy)" and "the most condensed part of a large rich cluster of scattered stars which more than fills field." Archinal notes that brightest star is at 05 04 56.8 -70 42 57, close to Herschel's second position. It is not clear what other two objects he was referring to in the first sweep as only NGC 1833 is in the same field, though the star cloud (stellar association LH 24) containing these clusters extends to the northeast.
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05 06 47 -68 25 42; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 10'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): excellent scattered
cluster/association in the LMC.
Includes many brighter mag 11.5-13 stars along with dozens of fainter
stars. Perhaps 75 stars down to
mag 15 are resolved in a 7' region.
Located just east of mag 8.2
There are three Shapley-Lindsay clusters (not specifically mentioned by Herschel) at the edges. S-L 225, at the southwest edge, appeared fairly bright, round, 50" diameter. Several mag 14-16 stars are resolved, particularly along the north side. Located 2' SSE of mag 8.2 HD 33617. A mag 11.7 star is 1.3' WSW. S-L 230, at the northern edge, appeared very bright, fairly small LMC cluster, 30"x20" ~N-S, clumpy. At 394x, a brighter star is resolved along with a few very faint stars and a quasi-stellar knot. It was too densely packed for additional resolution. Just 1' SW of S-L 230 is S-L 229, a pretty faint small glow, ~20" diameter, with no resolution.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1838 = h2767 on 30 Dec 1836 and
logged as "a star 7 mag, the chief of a large very loose clustering
mass." The star was earlier
listed in the Brisbane Catalogue of Stars (published in 1835) as
Shapley-Lindsay, ESO and the Hodge-Wright Atlas identity the small knot S-L 225 as NGC 1838. Jenni Kay states that Herschel's description clearly refers to the larger star group, which contains a few small, faint open clusters within it, including S-L 225 and S-L 230. The large, loose grouping including a mag 8 star is roughly 10' in diameter, compared to S-L 225, which is just 35". Harold Corwin notes that S-L 225 may be outside of JH's intended object.
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NGC 1839 = ESO 056-063 = S-L 226
05 06 02 -68 37 36; Dor
V = 11.8; Size 1.6'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright cluster forming a striking pair with NGC 1836 just 2.5' W. At 200x appears as a very high surface brightness irregular glow, ~30" diameter, mottled but not resolved. A group of six mag 13-14 stars is off the west side in two short N-S strings. Several fainter clusters are in the field including HS 117 5' SSE, HS 109 6' SSW and S-L 234 6' SE.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1839 = D 170 = h2678, along with
NGC 1836, on 25 Sep 1826. He
described "a pretty large faint nebula, irregular figure [with several
bright points in it]." The part in brackets was found in his handwritten
notebook, but not his published catalog.
Dunlop's position was 10' E of NGC 1839 and the next entry in his
handwritten notes mentions "the preceding of the three nebulae [follows by
2 min 55 sec and 6' S]."
Close to this offset is
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1839, along with NGC 1836, on 23 Nov 1834 (sweep 512) and described as "pB, irregular figure; the following of 2 [with NGC 1836] in field together." On 20 Dec 1836 (sweep 759) he called it "the second nucleus of a binuclear clustering group of mixed nebula and stars."
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05 05 19 -71 45 46; Men
Size 0.6'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): NGC 1840 may the asterism of four mag 13.7-14.7 stars within 1.4' at this position. In addition a couple of mag 15-16 stars were resolved at 394x. Situated in a sparsely populated field.
More likely, though, NGC 1840 is a duplicate of NGC 1833.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1840 = h2771 on 3 Nov 1834 and described "F, R, bM, resolvable. Hardly visible through a thick haze. The observations makes the RA 6m 13.5s, but this is impossible from the context [of the sweep]. It *may* be 8m." In the Cape observations, Herschel gives a position of 5h 7m 13.5s (1830), which is ~3' too far west, and that position is also used in the GC. In any case, the only nearby object is an asterism of 4 stars. In August 2016 Harold Corwin went over the sweep carefully and concluded "Checking this arc, we find two candidate objects: NGC 1833 and SL 249 (at 05 07 35, -70 44.9). The NGC object (= h 2765) is the larger and brighter of the two, and its position is off JH's by even digits: 1 minute of time, and 1 degree of declination. This makes it likely [that NGC 1833 is also] NGC 1840." See his detailed analysis.
Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud", comments "There is some confusion about the RA. Dreyer chose the position 5h 6m 13.5' (1830) instead of 5h 7m 13.5s adopted by Herschel. There is nothing at either position. The object was hardly visible though a thick haze, the observation made the RA 6m which was considered impossible and may even by 8m. At the latter is the small cluster S/L 235."
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04 45 22.5 -83 59 55; Men
V = 14.1; Size 2.4'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, this LMC cluster appeared as a fairly large, round glow, ~3' diameter with a low surface brightness and just a very weak concentration. At 228x the cluster just starts to resolve into extremely faint 16th magnitude stars.
NGC 1841 resides in the halo and is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC. It is also the southernmost globular in the sky.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1841 = h2788 on 19 Jan 1836 and described "pF, L, irregularly round, vgbM, resolvable, 3' diameter. (RA open to much error for want of zero stars to be depended on)." Although his RA is off by 1 tmin, his position still matches the globular very well at this declination.
Harlow Shapley and John Paraskevopoulos first classified NGC 1841 as a globular cluster, possibly extragalactic (credited to Mrs. Seyfert) based on a long-exposure 24-inch Bruce plate at Bloemfontein, South Africa. The announcement was in "Southern Clusters and Galaxies" (Harvard Obs. Bull., No.914, 6). The listed V magnitude of 14.1 is almost certainly too faint.
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05 07 18 -67 16 24; Dor
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
fairly faint, moderately large, irregular shape, 25" diameter, no
resolution. Forms a pair with
brighter
John Herschel discovered NGC 1842 = h2772 on 20 Dec 1835 and described as "eF, the preceding of two [with NGC 1844 = h2773]." His position is accurate.
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05 14 05.9 -10 37 38; Ori
V = 12.6; Size 2.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 110°
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration, halo gradually fades into the background.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 1843 = St. 8b-17 on 15 Jan 1877 with description "faint, small, round, little brighter middle."
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NGC 1844 = ESO 085-048 = S-L 242
05 07 31 -67 19 24; Dor
V = 12.1; Size 1.3'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
fairly bright, moderately large, irregular (brightest portion is triangular
shaped), 45"-60" diameter.
A couple of faint stars are resolved at the edges with two interior
stars occasionally resolving.
Mottled appearance on the verge of higher resolution. A mag 12.4 star lies 2' SSW. NGC 1842 lies 3.4' NNW with
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright, fairly small, round, ~40" diameter, fairly smooth with
only a weak concentration to the center.
Two mag 12-13 stars lie to the south and a mag 10 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 1844 = h2773 on 2 Nov 1834 and described "pB, R, gbM, 60"." On a second sweep he recorded "pF, R, gbM, 25", has two stars 12th mag to the north." On a third observation is only logged "F, R". The final observation reads: "F, R, bM, the following of two [with NGC 1842 = h2772]."
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NGC 1845 = ESO 056-065 = S-L 232 = LH 26
05 06 22 -70 35 24; Men
V = 10.2; Size 20'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; very large star cloud/association (LH 26) completely filling the 19' field. At the northeast end is the small open cluster S-L 232, which is often taken as NGC 1845. It appeared as a moderately bright, nebulous patch, roundish, 30" diameter, unresolved. A mag 11.2 star is 0.9' SW. The star cloud generally trends northeast to southwest (from S-L 232), stretching ~20'x10', and includes the open cluster NGC 1833 and 1837 at the southwest end. The cloud includes a stunning mix of bright (a few mag 9.5 stars are Milky Way stars), numerous mag 12-13 stars and faint stars over the glowing LMC background haze of myriad unresolved stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1845 = h2770 on 24 Nov 1834 and
simply noted the position was "the general middle of the same cluster
[field containing NGC 1837 = h2769]." On a second sweep he gave the more detailed description,
"a star 9m the second in magnitude and near the centre of clustering
groups which run together and form a cluster which fills the whole field. vl
comp M; st 11...16m." His two
positions refer to different objects: probably the small cluster S-L 232 to the
northeast of
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NGC 1846 = ESO 056-067 = S-L 243
05 07 34.1 -67 27 41; Dor
V = 11.3; Size 2.8'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x this young LMC globular appeared fairly bright, relatively large, round,
2.5' diameter, broad concentration, mottled with some weak resolution. A mag 10 star lies 9' SW. Second in a collinear string of 4 LMC
clusters with NGC 1844 9' NNW, NGC 1842 11.5' NNW and
John Herschel discovered NGC 1846 = h2774 on 2 Nov 1834 and logged "B; L; R; gbM; 3'." He recorded this cluster on 4 different sweeps and his position is accurate.
James Dunlop's D 209 may be an earlier discovery on 6 Nov. 1826. He described a "very faint round nebula, 45" diameter, preceding a bright star in the same parallel." His position is 9' SW of center, within the range of his usual errors, but there isn't a bright star "in the same parallel". A mag 11.5 star is 7' due W, though I doubt he would call it a "bright star".
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NGC 1847 = ESO 056-066 = S-L 240
05 07 08 -68 58 18; Dor
V = 11.1; Size 1.0'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very
bright LMC blue globular, moderately large, irregular elongated shape, high
surface brightness glow with a small fainter halo, ~0.6'x0.4'. At 200x, several mag 14.5-15.5 stars
are resolved (a couple are fairly easy) within and at the edges of the central
glow. NGC 1825 lies 15' WNW, NGC
1856 is 16' SE and
John Herschel discovered NGC 1847 = h2775 on 15 Dec 1835 and logged as "B, E, 30", has a double star in the centre." On a second sweep he called it "B, S, R, gbM, 15"." His position is accurate.
Joseph Turner described and sketched NGC 1847 on 18 Dec 1875 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 27 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae..."): "It has a mottled appearance, the bright parts being very bright, as if consisting of very small stars. Sometimes these bright parts sparkle, but I cannot make out any distinct stars, although I feel convinced that these exist. The small star immediately south of nebula and close to it is involved in very faint nebula. H.'s drawing of this object is very unlike its present appearance. He describes it as having a double star in centre and his drawing also shows it so. The nebula presents altogether a more mottled appearance than indicated by H.'s sketch, and the two brighter parts might easily, upon an unfavourable night, be mistaken for the double star with H. shows in his drawing; I can however make nothing more of it than already stated. Night exquisite."
On 19th November 1884, Baracchi noted: "Pretty large, elongated, bright patches within it, not stars. Sparkling looks as if resolvable, but not so. Agrees exactly with Turner's drawing. Position of neighbouring stars agrees exactly with T. Nebula is most likely unchanged. H. puts a double star in it. This double star is perhaps represented now by the bright patches. It may be that H.'s stars have changed into diffused patches." Both T. and B. consider the lithograph as fairly representing the object."
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05 07 17 -71 11 18; Men
V = 9.7; Size 6'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): large, scattered
group of stars, winding in a loop or U-shape that is open on the east and
northeast side. On the west end is
a close, unequal double star with the primary being the brightest star in the
cluster. In total between 30-36
stars are resolved in a 5' region (stellar assoication LH 28). At the east end of the loop is S-L 256,
a faint but clumpy glow of 20" diameter. NGC 1848 is centered 6' NE of mag 7.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 1848 = h2776 on "the first and brightest star, 9th mag, of a cluster of loosely scattered stars" and recorded as "The first and brightest star, 9m, of a cluster of loosely scattered stars." His position is exactly 1 min of RA west of the star at the west edge of the group.
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05 09 35 -66 19 00; Dor
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'
30" (11/4/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, irregularly round, 1' diameter, small bright core, no resolution. An equilateral triangle of mag 11/12 stars with sides of 2.4' is centered 4' SW. While scanning the field, I noticed open cluster S-L 283 7.7' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1849 = h2778 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded "vF; lE; glbM; 25". His position from a single sweep is ~30" NNW of center.
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NGC 1850 = LMC-N103A = ESO 056-70 = S-L 261
05 08 45.8 -68 45 39; Dor
V = 9.5; Size 3'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 350x
in the 24" I was stunned by the view of this huge, extremely bright, blue
globular cluster! The outer halo,
which extends 5' in diameter, was resolved into dozens of faint stars arranged
in irregular star chains that appear to stream out of the core. A single brighter mag 13 star is
superimposed on the west side [30" W of center is the core of companion
cluster
NGC 1850 resides in a glorious LMC region that is packed
with an unbelievable number of clusters and HII regions including NGC 1854 6'
SE and
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): After the Tarantula region (30 Doradus complex), NGC 1850 is the brightest star cluster in the LMC and at an estimated age of only 40-50 million years, this rich, globular-like cluster has no counterpart in the Milky Way! At 128x, the cluster appeared very bright (9th magnitude), large, round, ~3.5' diameter, well concentrated with an intensely bright 1' core. A brighter mag 13 star is superimposed on the western side of the halo. Several very faint stars are resolved in the very lively halo.
NGC 1850 lies in a very impressive region of the LMC (near
the outskirts of the central bar) with 13 additional NGC clusters/nebulosity
within 30' including NGC 1854 7' SE, NGC 1858 10' SE,
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1850 = D 172 = h2780, along with NGC 1854 and 1858, on 3 Aug 1826. His summary description (based on two observations) reads, "pretty bright round nebula, 40" diameter. This is the preceding and brightest of three nebulae in a line [with NGC 1854 and NGC 1858]." His published position was 10' E (same offset as NGC 1839), but a 3rd observation on 6 Nov 1826, in which he stated the line is oblique to the equator, is only 5' SW.
John Herschel observed this cluster on 6 sweeps beginning on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) when he logged "pretty bright, small, round, a cluster of stars 12th mag; diam 1'." Three weeks later (sweep 512) he noted, "globular, very bright, very much compressed, 3' diameter." Herschel gave possible identities with D 172 as well as D 170, which applies to NGC 1839.
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05 14 06.3 -40 02 50; Col
V = 7.2; Size 11.0'; Surf Br = 0.1
18" (1/17/09): at 275x this very bright globular spanned ~6' and contained a blazing 1.5' core. Nearly two dozen stars were resolved including a distinctive SSW-NNE string that runs past the west side of the core. The observation was hampered by the low elevation of this globular from northern California (~10° elevation).
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 200x, this compact globular was very bright, strongly concentrated with an intense 1.5' core and a 4-5' fainter halo. The core was very lively and there were ~30 stars resolved [brightest cluster members are mag 13.2], mostly in the loose halo. A neat loop of stars emerges from the core and runs NNE-SSW along the west edge of the core.
17.5" (1/31/87): small bright core, large very mottled halo. About 20 stars are resolved, mostly west of the core.
13.1" (1/1/84): mottled bright core, unresolved except for two or three faint stars at the west edge.
8" (10/31/81): small, very small bright core, faint halo.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1851 = D 508 = h2777 on 10 May 1826. His summary decription (based on 5 observations) reads, "exceedingly bright, round, well-defined nebula, about 1.5' diameter, exceedingly condensed, almost to the very margin. This is the brightest small nebula that I have seen. I tried several magnifying powers on this beautiful globe; a considerable portion round the margin is resolvable, but the compression to the centre is so great that I cannot reasonably expect to separate the stars. I compared this with the 68 Conn. des Tems, and this nebula greatly exceeds the 68 in condensation and brightness."
John Herschel recorded it on 23 Oct 1835 (sweep 638) as a "superb globular cluster; all resolved into stars of 14th mag.; very suddenly much brighter in the middle to a blaze or nucleus of light; diam. in RA = 15 seconds of time. Difference of left and right eyes in resolving this cluster very remarkable. Returning from the left to the right eye, the object (in comparison) appears as if glazed over with a kind of dull film." On a later sweep he wrote, "very bright; round; very suddenly very much brighter in the middle; 3'; all clearly resolved into stars from 14 to 16 mag except at the centre, where they are massed together into a blaze of light." His final observation reads "Superb globular cluster, very bright; round; first very gradually then suddenly very much brighter in the middle; 4'; resolved, the stars barely visible in strong twilight."
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NGC 1852 = ESO 056-71 = S-L 264
05 09 24 -67 46 36; Dor
V = 12.0
25" (4/6/19 - OzSky): at 244x and 353x; bright, fairly large, round, 1.2' diameter, brighter core. A couple of 15th mag stars were resolved on the north side and a couple additional extremely faint 16+ mag stars on the edge of the southern halo.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x, this rich LMC cluster (possible globular) appeared moderately bright and
large, round, 1' diameter. Fairly
low surface brightness with a weak concentration to a slightly brighter
core. Forms the northern vertex of
a triangle with two mag 10 stars (
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1852 = D 171 = h2781 on 6 Nov 1826 and described a "very faint round nebula, about 25" diameter." His position is 5' SSE of the cluster and there are no other nearby candidates. John Herschel independently discovered the cluster on 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 522) and recorded "F; R; gbM; 2'." His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate and he made no mention of Dunlop's possible earlier observation.
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05 12 16.4 -57 23 57; Dor
V = 13.0; Size 2.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 43°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): moderately
bright and large, elongated ~5:2 SW-NE, 1.25'x0.5', slightly brighter core,
brighter along the major axis. A
mag 12 star is 1.6' NE of center, collinear with the major axis. Located 4.5' SSW of mag 9.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 1853 = h2779 on 4 Dec 1834 and
logged "F; S; mE; pos 45° n f to s p. Has a *11 mag north." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) and description matches
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NGC 1854 = NGC 1855 (core) = ESO 056-072 = S-L 265
05 09 20.1 -68 50 50; Dor
V = 10.4; Size 0.8'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I revisited this remarkable field after viewing NGC 1850 (located 6' NW) the previous night. At 200x this cluster appeared very bright, large, round, with a brilliant core. At 350x, it was resolved into numerous faint stars around the edges of the intense core. Up to a couple of dozen very faint stars popped in and out of visibility. The core is noticeably elongated N-S and is surrounded by a large, much fainter halo. There is a small clump of stars at the NW edge. NGC 1858, a large star cluster and nebulosity, lies 4' SE.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', moderate concentration. There is a small knot attached to the north edge. Located 6' SE of NGC 1850 with NGC 1858 4.5' further SE in a region of the LMC packed with clusters.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1854 = D 119 = h2782, along with NGC 1850 and 1858, on 3 Aug 1826. He noted a "small round pretty well-defined nebula" and mentioned the three nebulae were on a line oblique to the equator. Although his position is 12' too far ESE, the identification is certain.
John Herschel recorded NGC 1854 on 23 Nov 1834 (sweep 512) and logged "a cluster nebula, S, R, pB, 40"." He observed the cluster on 5 sweeps including 16 Dec 1834 (sweep 657) when he noted "B, E, gbM, 2', resolvable. The second of three objects [with NGC 1850 and 1858." His description for NGC 1855 = h2783 reads "a vB, L, round cluster of stars 12m, 5' diameter [this obs must refer to the general cluster in which the former (NGC 1854) is situated as a nebulous-looking knot - a combination of the most ordinary occurence in the Nubecula Major, though very rare in other parts of the heavens.)"
NGC 1854 and 1855 are equated in S-L (1963) and ESO as well as online sources such as SIMBAD. Brent Archinal has separate listings for NGC 1854 ("central portion") and NGC 1855 in his book "Star Clusters".
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05 09 20 -68 51 00; Dor
Size 2.3'x2.3'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 350, the cluster was resolved into numerous faint stars around the edges of the intense core. Up to a couple of dozen very faint stars popped in and out of visibility. The core (NGC 1854) is noticeably elongated N-S and is surrounded by a large, much fainter halo (NGC 1855).
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): see description for NGC 1854.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1855 = h2783 on 2 Nov 1834 and described "a vB, L, round cluster of stars 12m, 5' diameter [N.B. this obs must refer to the general cluster in which the former (h2782 = NGC 1854) is situated as a nebulous-looking knot - a combination of the most ordinary occurence in the Nubecula Major, though very rare in other parts of the heavens]." He has 5 observations of h2782 (the central core of the cluster), but only this single observation noting a much larger field. Most sources, such as ESO and SIMBAD, simply equate the two numbers or refer to the cluster as NGC 1855, though Brent Archinal has separate listings for both objects in his book "Star Clusters".
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1854 = D 119 (the core of the cluster) on 2 Aug 1826 and described a "small round pretty well-defined nebula". His position is 12' ESE of NGC 1855, a typical error shared by D 120 = NGC 1858. Dunlop is not credited in JH's catalogues or the NGC.
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NGC 1856 = ESO 056-073 = S-L 271
05 09 29 -69 07 42; Dor
V = 10.1; Size 2.7'x2.4'
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x, this LMC rich cluster appeared bright, moderately large, 1.5'
diameter. Well concentrated with a
very bright 30" core similar to a globular cluster. Located 2' N of mag 9.4
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1856 = D 118 = h2784 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a pretty well-defined small nebula, with a small star south of it." His position is 6' too far ENE, a comparable offset to NGC 1839 and NGC 1850, the previous objects in his drift on 25 Sep. The "small star south" matches a mag 9.4 star 2' S and the identification is secure.
John Herschel swept up the cluster on 3 Nov 1834 (sweep 509), logging it as "B, R, gbM, 12 seconds diameter in RA in time. Has a bright star to south." Robert Innes, observing with the 26.5-inch Union Observatory refractor in 1926, described a "cluster, 90" diameter, bM, stars 14th mag and fainter."
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05 20 06 +39 20 36; Aur
V = 7.0; Size 6'
13.1" (1/18/85): 50-60 stars resolved surrounding mag
7.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 1857 = H. VII-33 = h350 on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 619). He described "a cluster of pretty compressed pS stars, considerably rich, contains one large star, the rest are all of a size." His position is accurate. On 3 Feb 1832 (sweep 399), John Herschel recorded, "a *7m, very ruddy, almost orange-coloured, in a p rich cl of very small stars." Wolfgang Steinicke reports that William discovered it earlier on 30 Sep 1780 (before his sweeps started), while surveying the brighter stars with his 6.2-inch reflector.
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NGC 1858 = LMC-N105 = ESO 056-74 = S-L 274 = LH 31
05 09 56.1 -68 54 06; Dor
V = 9.9; Size 4.4'x2.6'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC
1858 would be a fascinating nebula and cluster (association LH 31) even if it
was isolated, but it's more striking situated at the southeast end of a wonderful
chain with the bright cluster NGC 1854 and NGC 1850, one of the top showpieces
in the LMC. At 346x about two
dozen stars were superimposed over an elongated glow and many other stars were
just outside the glow. At 200x
with a UHC filter, the associated emission nebula (LMC-N105) was very bright
overall with a very high surface brightness patch (N105A = HD 269111), roughly
30" in size, at the north end.
This patch contains the mag 13.9 Wolf-Rayet star Brey 16a = HD
269113. The nebula is brightest
along the west and east border and weaker in the center. The elongation is towards a mag 12 star
on the south side (Blue supergiant
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): third of three bright objects in a NW to SE string with NGC 1850 and NGC 1854/55. This is a large and very unusual cluster with nebulosity. There is a bright knot attached near the NW edge, ~15"-20" in diameter. This knot responds very well to a UHC filter at 76x (27 Panoptic). An obvious elongated patch of nebulous haze curves to the SE with several mag 13 stars involved with the glow and extended N-S. Overall, the size of the cluster/nebulosity extends to 3.5'x2'. Located 4.5' SE of NGC 1854.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1858 = D 120 = h2784, along with NGC 1850 and 1854, on 3 Aug 1826. He called it a "small round nebula, about 30" diameter" with the three "nebulae" described as on a line oblique to the equator, matching the sky. He made a second observation on 25 Sep 1826, matching in offset position from NGC 1856, the previous object in the drift. He described it as "the following of the three faint nebulae [with NGC 1850 and 1855] - irregular figure, ill defined, about 1' long, 25" or 30" broad."
John Herschel first recorded NGC 1858 on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) and noted "A bright cl of irregular figure." Herschel observed the cluster no less than 7 sweeps. For example, the next night (sweep 509) he called it "a large, irregularly elongated cluster and nebula. Has two bright nebulae N.p. [NGC 1850 and 1854]. " He added this note his observations: "This object, by diagrams, made in several of the observations, appears to consist of a resolvable and irresolvable portion, the general form being that of a somewhat crooked oblong extended from N.p. to S.f. at an angle of 60 or 70 degrees with the parallel, the northern end being nebulous, the southern starry. This anomolous form and constitution will serve to explain the apparent disagreement of these descriptions and places."
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05 11 32.5 -65 14 55; Dor
V = 12.1; Size 2.0'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
fairly small, round. A brighter
"bar" oriented NW-SE runs through the center, 0.6' diameter. Appears very mottled with a few very
faint stars resolved. Collinear
with mag 7
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this cluster
appeared as a faint, fairly small, round, unresolved spot, roughly 0.5'
diameter. Located 5.5' SSW of mag
7.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 1859 = h2786 on 3 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; vgbM; 20"; has a *7m nf, dist 6'." His position and description is accurate.
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05 10 39.9 -68 45 13; Dor
V = 11.0; Size 1.1'x1.1'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
LMC cluster was fairly faint, moderately large, possibly elongated slightly
N-S, ~35"x30", very weak concentration. A mag 10 star lies 1.7' SW. Picked up after viewing
John Herschel discovered NGC 1860 = h2787 on 30 Dec 1836 and described as "F; R; vgbM; 60." His position is ~30" too far south.
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05 10 22 -70 46 36; Men
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, round, fairly small, 35" diameter, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core, no resolution. A mag 12 star lies 4' W and there are no stars brighter than mag 11 in the field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1861 = h2790 on 12 Nov 1836 and described as "eF, R, gvlbM, 90 arcseconds." His single position is accurate.
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05 12 34.4 -66 09 11; Dor
V = 13.3; Size 0.3'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, irregular round, 25" diameter. Two mag 15-15.5 stars are resolved on the north side [6" separation] and a knot on the south side just resolves into a 4" pair. A wide 30" pair of mag 11/12.5 stars is 2.5' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1862 = h2789 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "vF, R, 30"." His position from this single sweep is 1.3' too far west.
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NGC 1863 = ESO 056-077 = S-L 299
05 11 40.1 -68 43 36; Dor
V = 11.0; Size 1.4'x1.2'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC globular appeared very bright, moderately large, irregular outline, ~40" diameter, high surface brightness. A faint star or clump is at the NE edge. Forms a pair with NGC 1865, located 5' SE. The remarkable field containing NGC 1850 (brightest cluster in the LMC), NGC 1855 and 1858 lies 15' SW.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1863 = D 173 = h2791 on 25 Sep 1826. He recorded "a small faint round nebula 12" diameter." His reduced position was 12' ENE of the cluster, a comparable offset in RA (time) as the previous object (NGC 1858) in the drift.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1863 = h2791 on 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 523) and recorded "B; vS; R; 20"." On a second sweep he added "resolvable, 15", has a small star very near the edge." His position (recorded on 5 sweeps) is accurate.
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05 12 41.0 -67 37 25; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 0.9'
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, fairly small,
roundish glow, 35" diameter.
Four stars are resolved are 303x.
Two mag 14.3 and 15.5 stars on the west end and a couple of mag 14.5-15
stars on the southeast side. HD
34650 = HJ 3747 = 9.4/11.0 at 7" is 6.2' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1864 = h2792 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; R; bM; 60." On a second sweep he logged "F; irreg R; r; query, if not a knot of vS stars." His position is accurate.
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NGC 1865 = ESO 056-078 = S-L 307
05 12 25.0 -68 46 19; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.4'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster was fairly bright, fairly large, round, 1' diameter with a weak concentration and no resolution. It has a symmetrical appearance like a globular. Located 5' SE of the bright cluster NGC 1863.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1865 = h2794 on 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 523) and recorded "vF, pL, R, vglbM, 45"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.
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NGC 1866 = ESO 085-52 = S-L 319
05 13 38.6 -65 27 51; Dor
V = 9.8; Size 4.5'
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): beautiful, highly resolved "blue globular" in the LMC. Appeared very bright, very large, with an intense 1' core surrounded by a 5' halo containing a few dozen very faint stars. The core itself was partially resolved into a number of densely packed stars over bright, mottled haze. NGC 1859 lies 18' NW.
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this LMC globular appeared moderately bright and fairly large large, round, 2.5' diameter. The appearance was symmetrical with a faint 2.5' halo increasing to a 1' bright core which was concentrated to the center. There was no obvious resolution although the surface was grainy or mottled. Forms an equilateral triangle with a mag 11-12 star 3' WNW and a mag 12-13 star 3' NNW. This is a young populous "blue globular" with an age of roughly 100 million years.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1866 = h2793 = D 247 = D 248 on 3 Aug 1826. He described D 248 as "a pretty bright round well-defined nebula, about 30" diameter, gradually and moderately condensed to the centre." His first position on 3 Aug was 9' to the E and a second position from 5 Nov was 7.5' to the W, so the identification is certain. D 247, found on 3 Oct 1826, is apparently another observation. It was placed 9' too far NW and described (in his notebook) as "a pretty bright round nebula, 35" diameter, gradually condensed to the center and well defined."
John Herschel observed NGC 1866 on 23 Nov 1834 (sweep 512) and recorded "vB; L; R; vgmbM; 2'; resolvable." In 1926, Robert Innes described the cluster as "fine cluster of stars, very dense, with outliers, 2' diam, a miniature of Omega Centauri, 8th mag." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).
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05 13 41.6 -66 17 36; Dor
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
LMC cluster appears as a fairly faint soft glow with no resolution, moderately
large, irregularly round, 35" diameter, slightly brighter core. Forms the obtuse angle of a flat
triangle with a mag 10.5 star 2.6' S and a mag 12.5 star 1.9' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1867 = h2795 on 3 Jan 1837 and described as "eF, pL, R, 2' (sky dull)" His position is accurate.
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05 14 37 -63 57 18; Dor
V = 11.6; Size 3.9'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large, round, fairly thin halo, 1.0' diameter, mottled and high surface brightness but not resolved. A mag 12 star lies 2.5' NE. Resides in an fairly sparse field 57' SE of mag 5.2 WZ Doradus.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1868 = h2796 on 30 Nov 1834 and reported "pF; pL; R; vglbM; 80"." On a second sweep he recorded "pB; R; gbM; 30"." In 1926, Robert Innes described it visually as a "Resolvable. 1' diameter, bM, = 9th mag." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).
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05 13 52.7 -67 22 41; Dor
V = 10.5; Size 14'
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): S-L 326 (middle of three
clusters within a large star cloud) consists of a mag 11.5 star, along with 5
other fairly bright stars and a number of faint stars (12-15 total
resolved). The cluster is encased
in an irregular HII glow with a brighter patch (LMC-N30A) to the southeast of
the mag 11.5 star. The glow is
moderately enhanced with the NPB filter, which reveals nebulosity extending off
the cluster to the west.
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, hazy glow
(= S-L 326) around a mag 10.5 star (
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1869 = D 210 = D 182 on 24 Sep 1826. His description of D 210 reads "a small round nebula, rather faint. This is the preceding in a line of nebulae and small stars, with a star of the 7th magnitude at the north extremity." Dunlop's sketch (figure 7) appears to support D 210 = NGC 1871 (or part of the "line"), with a small nebula at the opposite end of a curved chain extending to a star (Theta Doradus) at the opposite end. His published position is 3.4' ESE of S-L 326 in the center of the association (the "point taken" by Herschel). Dunlop's D 182, found on 27 Sep, also refers to these clusters: "a bright star [Theta Dor] is at the north extremity of a branched cluster of very small stars of mixed small mag or - with several small faint nebulae in strong nebulosity common to all." This number is from a drift in which he misidentified the reference star (Theta Dor) so his positions are systematically offset.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1869 = h2798 on 30 Jan 1835 (sweep 658) and described a "cluster of 7th class; a fine L cluster of scattered stars which fills field. The point taken is the middle of 3 groups [including NGC 1871 and 1873] in the most condensed part."
NGC 2000, ESO and Morel's Visual Atlas of the LMC all identify NGC 1869 with S-L 326, a small cluster flanked by NGC 1871 to the south and NGC 1873 to the north of Herschel's position. This is the object described by Herschel on his second sweep. But Jenni Kay notes that "I am confident the small cluster centrally positioned between NGC 1871 and NGC 1873, being 2.5' in size is not Herschel's cluster. The whole star group is attractive enough to warrant it's own designation. ...the small OC was used to measure a position only for the whole group which is the true NGC 1869 cluster." Based on his two sweeps, NGC 1869 refers BOTH to the small cluster and to the star cloud (Lucke-Hodge associations 36/37/38 as well as 34/32).
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05 13 10.9 -69 07 03; Dor
V = 11.3; Size 1.1'x1.0'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this cluster appeared very bright, small, round, at most 30" in diameter. The cluster was very grainy and lively at 350x and a few extremely faint stars occasionally popped into view.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1870 = D 123 = h2799 on 3 Aug 1826. He described "a faint ill-defined nebula, 2' diameter, preceding a large faint nebula." His position, from a single observation, is 9.5' too far ESE. Adding some doubt, though, is his size estimate of 2', which is much too large for this small object. Furthermore, there is no "large faint nebula" directly following, though he could be referring to NGC 1910, which is ~30' ESE and was also observed that night.
John Herschel rediscovered the cluster on 30 Jan 1835 and logged "B; S; R; glbM; 25." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.
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NGC 1871 = LMC-N30B = ESO 056-085 = S-L 325 = LH 38
05 13 52.0 -67 27 08; Dor
V = 10.1
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): this nebulous cluster contains
5 or 6 bright stars (mag 11.5-13) and 10 stars total, 2' diameter, elongated
E-W. A very small nonstellar knot
is near the center; a mag 11.8 blue supergiant (
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, this is a small group of stars in the LMC, 4 stars are resolved in nebulosity. NGC 1873 lies 7' N and NGC 1864 is 12' SW.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1871 = D 210 = D 182 = h2800 on 24 Sep 1826. He recorded D 210 as "a small round nebula, rather faint. This is the preceding in a line of nebulae and small stars, with a star of the 7th magnitude [probably mag 4.8 Theta Doradus] at the north extremity." Although NGC 1871 is not "preceding in a line", it lies at the south end of a line with NGC 1869 and 1873, extending towards Theta Doradus. Dunlop's D 182, found on 27 Sep, also refers to these clusters: "a bright star [Theta Dor] is at the north extremity of a branched cluster of very small stars of mixed small mag or - with several small faint nebulae in strong nebulosity common to all." This number is from a drift in which he misidentified the reference star (Theta Dor) and his published position is 2° to the SE.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1871 on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) and described "a poor cluster; the southern of three (with NGC 1869 and 1873) of four." On 2 Jan 1837 (sweep 760) he called it "the second of a series of clusters which extend northwards as far as [Theta Doradus]." His mean position is accurate.
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NGC 1872 = ESO 056-083 = S-L 318
05 13 11.6 -69 18 45; Dor
V = 11.0; Size 1.7'x1.7'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this bright globular was the first LMC object I observed in the 24" and the view and surrounding field was very striking. At 200x, the cluster appeared very bright, fairly large, round, 1.25' diameter, with a very bright core and a mottled halo. A couple of mag 14-14.5 stars are near the edge of the halo.
Just to the east is a fairly rich scattering of stars
including a 6' N-S curving chain that includes several mag 11-12 stars with a
nice mag 12 pair at the north end (
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1872 = D 121= h2802 on 24 Sep 1826 and recorded "a small round nebula." Athough his reduced position was 15' too far south, it was logged in the drift (second on 24 Sep) just 12 seconds prior to the NGC 1876 complex and 2' N, a nearly perfect match.
John Herschel first observed NGC 1872 on 3 Nov 1834 (sweep 509) and reported "B, R, gbM; the preceding nebula." In Dec. 1834 (sweep 523) he recorded, "pB, S, R, insulated in the recess of an arc-formed nebulous cluster (See plate III fig 6 for this and several following objects)." His position (recorded on 4 sweeps) is accurate.
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NGC 1873 = ESO 085-054 = S-L 324 = LH 36
05 13 55.8 -67 20 00; Dor
V = 10.4
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, large resolved cluster, 2.5' diameter. Includes a bright mag 11.6 star and 20 or more mag 13 and fainter stars over unresolved haze and nebulosity. Moderate contrast gain with NPB filter. Connected to S-L 326 (see NGC 1869) just 2.8' S and NGC 1871 7.5' SSW. The three star groups are embedded in a 15' star cloud (including associations LH 32/34/36/37/38). Faint stars and unresolved haze extends to the west and north as well as a several brighter mag 11.5-12.5 stars 4' to 6' W. This excellent region is situated 9' S of mag 4.8 Theta Doradus.
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, 4 stars resolved over haze, 1.0' diameter. Located 9' S of mag 4.9 Theta Doradus in a series of small clusters including NGC 1871 7' S and a small group just 3' S surrounding a mag 10 star that John Herschel gave as the center for NGC 1869.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1873 = D 210 = D 182 on 24 Sep 1826. His description of D 210 reads "a small round nebula, rather faint. This is the preceding in a line of nebulae and small stars, with a star of the 7th magnitude at the north extremity." Dunlop's sketch shows a curved chain of stars and nebulae extending south of a bright star (Theta Doradus). Dunlop's D 182, found on 27 Sep, also refers to these clusters: "a bright star [Theta Dor] is at the north extremity of a branched cluster of very small stars of mixed small mag or - with several small faint nebulae in strong nebulosity common to all." This number is from a drift in which he misidentified the reference star (Theta Dor) so his positions are systematically offset.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1873 = h2801 on 2 Jan 1837
(sweep 760) and described as "the third [with NGC 1871 and 1869] of a
series of clusters extending to
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NGC 1874 = LMC-N113D = ESO 056-84 = LH 35
05 13 09.0 -69 22 34; Dor
V = 12.8; Size 1.0'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
the first in a complex of HII regions located ~4' due south of the bright
cluster NGC 1872. At 200x and UHC
filter, NGC 1874 appeared bright, round, ~1' diameter, even surface
brightness. The nebulous glow is
just slightly fainter than
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1874 = part of D 122 = h2804 on 24 Sep 1826. His handwritten notes reads, "a cluster of nebulae, one about 20" diameter, 3 smaller with several small stars in a curved line [on the north side]. The stars are very small." His reduced position was 14' too far south, but the description fits this complex and in the drift he accurately placed NGC 1872 a few arc minutes NNW at the same time, confirming the identification. As NGC 1876 and NGC 1874 are the brightest objects in this complex, it's safe to assume that D 122 applies to at least these.
John Herschel recorded NGC 1874 = h2803 on 16 Dec 1835 (sweep 657): "the south preceding of two [with NGC 1876 = h2804], forming a binuclear nebula at the southern extremeity of an arc-formed cluster of stars." He sketched the complex, which is shown on Plate III, figure 6 in his Cape catalogue.
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05 21 45.8 +06 41 20; Ori
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
48" (10/24/11): bright, round, 30" diameter,
brighter core. A mag 13 star lies
1' W. The other three fainter
members (interacting chain
24" (2/9/13): NGC 1875 is the dominant E or S0 galaxy
in
17.5" (2/8/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very faint stellar nucleus. Located 1.0' E of a mag 13.5 star. No other members of HCG 34 seen.
17.5" (12/23/89): very faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 1' W. This galaxy is the brightest member of HCG 34 including an extremely faint interacting triplet just SE which was not seen.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 1875 = m 98 on 18 Nov 1863 with
William Lassell's 48" on Malta and logged as "eF, S, R." His position matches
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NGC 1876 = LMC-N113C = ESO 056-84 = LH 35
05 13 18.5 -69 21 52; Dor
V = 11.7
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
the largest and brightest in an impressive complex of HII regions just 3' S of
the blue globular NGC 1872. At
200x and a UHC filter it appeared very bright with a slightly irregular
outline, ~1.2' diameter, brightest along the north rim where there is a
brighter knot. NGC 1874,
another bright section, lies only 1' SW and
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1876 = part of D 122 = h2804 on 24 Sep 1826. His handwritten notes reads, "a cluster of nebulae, one about 20" diameter, 3 smaller with several small stars in a curved line [on the north side]. The stars are very small." Although his reduced position was 14' too far south, the description fits this complex and he accurately placed NGC 1872 a few arc minutes NNW, confirming the identification. As NGC 1876 and NGC 1874 are the brightest objects in this complex, it's safe to assume that D 122 applies to at least these.
John Herschel observed NGC 1876 on 3 Nov 1834 (sweep 509) and described it as "B, irreg R (the following of two very close) connected by an arc-formed cluster with another." The following month (sweep 523) he called it "pB, r[esolvable], the most compressed part of an irregular binuclear nebula which terminates, to the south, an arc-formed cluster." His mean position from 4 sweeps is accurate and a sketch showing the entire complex is on plate III, figure 6.
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NGC 1877 = ESO 056-084 = LMC-N11A/B
05 13 21.7 -69 22 37; Dor
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
the third in an interesting complex of HII regions and is situated just 1' SE
of much brighter NGC 1876. At 200x
with a UHC filter it appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, with
several stars embedded. NGC 1877
forms the SE vertex of a small equilateral triangle with NGC 1874 and
1876.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1877 = h2805 on 17 Jan 1838 and described as "a third and very faint nucleus of the nebular group at the southern extremity of the arc-formed cluster. From a figure of Jan 17, 1838 [plate III, figure 6 in the CGH Observations]." See Corwin's notes.
James Dunlop discovered the entire complex of nebulae on 24 Sep 1826. His handwritten description of D 122 reads, "a cluster of nebulae, one about 20" diameter, 3 smaller with several small stars in a curved line [on the north side]. The stars are very small." As NGC 1876 and NGC 1874 are the brightest objects in this complex, it's safe to assume that D 122 applies to at least these, but NGC 1877 is quite faint in comparison.
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05 12 51 -70 28 18; Men
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; moderately bright, small, round, compact, 20" diameter, fairly high surface brightness glow, no resolution. Occasionally a mag 16-16.5 star pops at the north edge. A mag 13.5 star is 1' NE and a mag 12.5 star is 1.8' NE. LHA 120-N 193A, a compact HII region, is 4.3' NNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1878 = h2807 on 12 Nov 1836 and described as "vF, lE, gvlbM, r. (N.B. The Nubecula Major is here very poor, and hardly anything of it seen.)" His position, from a single sweep, is ~30" too far east.
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05 19 48.2 -32 08 29; Col
V = 12.8; Size 2.5'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 60°
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, moderately large, almost round,
low even surface brightness.
Located 3.3' SE of mag 9.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 1879 = h2797 on 18 Nov 1835 and reported as "vF, L, R, vgvlbM, 2', has a star 12 seconds preceding and 3' north." His position is accurate.
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NGC 1880 = LMC-N113F = ESO 056-82
05 13 38.6 -69 23 03; Dor
Size 0.7'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the 4th in a striking group of HII regions with the main complex consisting of NGC 1874, 1876 and 1877 just to the west by 2'-3'. At 200x with a UHC filter NGC 1880 appeared as a moderately bright, small, round haze surrounding a star. A brighter mag 12.3 star ~40" SW is free of nebulosity. Very faint haze is visible extending to the east (BSDL 945) and northeast.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1880 = h2808 in Dec 1834 and described as "A fourth nucleus at the southern end of the arc-formed nebula and cluster, as laid down in the figure of Jan 17, 1838 [plate III, figure 6 in the CGH Observations]." This grouping consists of NGC 1872, 1874, 1877 and NGC 1880. See Corwin's notes for NGC 1874.
James Dunlop discovered the entire complex of stars and nebulae on 24 Sep 1826 (second sweep). His handwritten description of D 122 reads, "a cluster of nebulae, one about 20" diameter, 3 smaller with several small stars in a curved line [on the north side]. The stars are very small." As NGC 1876 and NGC 1874 are the brightest objects in this complex, it's safe to assume that D 122 applies to at least these numbers, and perhaps NGC 1880.
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NGC 1881 = ESO 056-086 = S-L 323 = LH 35
05 13 37.3 -69 18 03; Dor
Size 1.0'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): a long, curving chain of stars (part of stellar association LH 35) extends to the northeast of the NGC 1874/76/77 HII complex and ends at an easy pair of mag 12 stars (12" separation) located about 2.5' NE of the globular NGC 1872. At 260x, faint haze or unresolved stars, ~1' in diameter, encompasses this pair of stars.
Although there is dim nebulosity generally north and west of the double, John Herschel's description and sketch refers to an asterism of 5-6 faint stars 2.5' following the pair of stars. Modern sources are incorrect in identifying NGC 1881 with the pair of mag 12 stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1881 = h2810 on 17 Jan 1838 and recorded "vF; follows a double star. An outlier of the arc-formed nebula and cluster [N1874/76/77]. Laid down in drawing Jan. 17, 1838, whence also its place. See Plate III. fig. 6." There are only a handful of faint stars near his position. See Corwin's notes and my visual description.
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NGC 1882 = NGC 1884? = ESO 085-057 = S-L 340
05 15 33 -66 07 48; Dor
V = 12.3; Size 1.2'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, roundish, 1.2' diameter, small brighter core. A mag 14 star is resolved at the west edge of the core. A mag 10 star lies 5.5' E. NGC 1887 lies 12' SSE and NGC 1867 is 15' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1882 = h2809 (along with NGC 1867, 1919, 1946, 2034, 2062, 2153 and 2176) on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded "pF, R, vgvlbM, 3' diameter, mottled (resolvable)." His position is less than 30" NW of center.
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05 25 54 +46 29 24; Aur
Size 3'
13.1" (12/22/84): about a dozen very faint stars mag 13.5 and fainter over unresolved haze. Located 1.5° NE of Capella.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1883 = H. VII-34 on 11 Dec 1786 (sweep 645) and recorded "a cluster of vF and vS stars, pretty compressed but not very rich, irr F, about 3' diameter." His position is just off the north side of this cluster. The declination in Lynga, RNGC and Sky Catalogue 2000.0 is 4' too far N.
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05 15 58 -66 09 48; Dor
= Not found or 3 *'s, Corwin. =Not Found, Lindsay.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1884 = h2812 on 3 Jan 1837 and noted,"eF, 2' diameter." There is nothing obvious on the DSS at his position (29 tsec east and 2' south of NGC 1882). Eric Lindsay reports "not found" in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud". ESO equates NGC 1884 with NGC 1882. Since NGC 1882 and 1884 were recorded on the same sweep, this seems unlikely. If Herschel made a 10' error in dec, then NGC 1884 could be a duplicate of NGC 1887 instead, though his size estimate would be significantly too large. Finally, Harold Corwin notes this number may refer to 3 stars close to Herschel's position.
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05 15 07.0 -68 58 43; Dor
V = 12.0; Size 1.4'x1.2'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this cluster appeared very bright, round, moderately large, ~35" diameter. It was very irregular and slightly elongated E-W at 350x with a few extremely faint stars resolved around the edges and a few stars resolved within the halo (including one brighter star).
John Herschel discovered NGC 1885 = h2814 on 31 Jan 1835 and described as "pB; R; bM; 15"." His position from a single sweep is about 1' too far WNW.
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05 21 48.6 -23 48 34; Lep
V = 12.8; Size 3.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 60°
48" (10/29/16): at 488x; bright, striking edge-on 7:1
SW-NE, at least 2.0'x0.3', contains a brighter bulging core. This large, thin edge-on is nearly
bisected by a thin, pretty subtle dust lane slightly north of the central axis. The portion of the core south of the
lane was slightly larger and more prominent with a smaller section of the core
north of the lane. A mag 10.0 star
(
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, fairly small, edge-on WSW-ENE,
even surface brightness. Located just east of a line of four bright stars
oriented NW-SE, including mag 9.5
Frank Muller discovered NGC 1886 = LM 2-400 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick and recorded "mag 14.0, 3.0'x1.8',
E 240°, *8 at 0.6' in PA 245°."
His position is just 11 tsec west of
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NGC 1887 = ESO 085-059 = S-L 343
05 16 06 -66 19 06; Dor
V = 12.7; Size 1.0'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 40" diameter. Concentrated with a very small brighter core that is offset towards the west side. A mag 13.5 star is just off the NW edge of the main glow and a mag 15.2 star is off the NE edge. NGC 1882 lies 12' NNW and NGC 1867 is 14' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1887 = h2813 on 23 Nov 1834 and described as "vF; vS; R; has a * preceding 25" distance." His position from a single sweep is accurate.
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05 22 34.7 -11 29 58; Lep
V = 11.9; Size 3.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 145°
48" (2/18/12): very bright, large, elongated 5:1 NW-SE, 2.4'x0.5'. Contains a very bright, elongated core that appears mottled. The northwest extension is partially cut off in a north-south direction due to a dust lane near the midpoint and the northwest end has a much lower surface brightness.
48" (10/22/11): very bright, large, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE,
2.6'x0.5', large bright core.
Forms a striking pair with
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE streak. Forms a contact pair with NGC 1889 just NE of the center.
8" (10/31/81): very faint, small.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1888 = H. II-289 = h352 =
h2806 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 362) and recorded "F, pL, irregular triangular
figure, resolvable." I'm
surprised he missed NGC 1889, which was discovered by Lord Rosse's assistant
Bindon Stoney on 29 Oct 1851.
Joseph Turner sketched the pair of galaxies (
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NGC 1889 = Arp 123 NED2 = MCG -02-14-014 = PGC 17196
05 22 35.3 -11 29 49; Lep
V = 13.3; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 165°
48" (2/18/12): very bright, small, round, very high surface brightness core, stellar nucleus, 0.4' diameter. Forms a contact pair at the east edge of the core of NGC 1888
48" (10/22/11): very bright, small, round, 25" diameter, very high surface brightness. Attached on the east side of the core of NGC 1888.
13.1" (12/22/84): faint, extremely small, round. Forms a contact pair with much brighter NGC 1888. Located just east of the north end of NGC 1888.
Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 1889 on 29 Oct 1851. He described NGC 1888 as a "close double nebula, the preceding nebula [NGC 1888] is elongated NW-SE.". The rough position in the NGC is very close.
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05 13 46 -72 04 42; Men
V = 12.8; Size 1.2'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright,
fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, 40" diameter. This cluster consists of two "knots". The brighter knot on the northwest side
appears to have a stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 13-13.5 is just off the west-northwest edge, 0.7' NE
and another mag 13.5 star is 1' SSE.
Mag 9.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 1890 = h2816 on 26 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; glbM." His position (single sweep) is accurate.
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05 21 16.3 -35 42 5; Col
18" (1/21/04): ~15 mag 10-13 stars, scattered in a 15' field. There are no rich subgroups and appears to be an unimpressive, random group of stars. Still, it stands out as reasonably detached at 115x. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC and not catalogued by Lynga as a cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1891 = h2811 on 26 Dec 1835 and
called it "A large scattered cluster, which more than fills the
field. Stars 10...12m. Place that of a double star [HJ 3753],
the chief star." His position
corresponds with mag 9.3
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05 17 09.0 -64 57 35; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 2.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 74°
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): this galaxy shines through the northern portion of the LMC! At 166x, it appeared very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.3' with just a weak concentration. A very faint star is just south of the following end. Located 37' NE of the bright LMC young globular NGC 1866.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1892 = h2815 on 30 Nov 1834 and reported "vF; pL; lE in parallel; vglbM; 2' l; 9" br." On a second sweep he recorded "pF, pL, elongated in parallel; 90", 50"; has a star or two in it." In 1926, Robert Innes described it visually as a "very elongated nebula, 45° to 225°, 12th mag; 30" broad, 2' long." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory). The Hodge-Wright Atlas claims the RA is off by 1 tmin, but it is correctly marked on the Atlas and the NGC position is accurate.
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05 22 45 +33 25 12; Aur
V = 7.5; Size 11'
24" (1/4/14): at 200x, this bright, young cluster
contains 80-100 stars, with the richest portion forming a large
boomerang-shaped region extending 12'x5' N-S. The outline is slightly concave to the west and convex to
the east with a narrow denser region in the center with several pairs and
trios. NGC 1893 is the core of the
Aur OB2 association and contains a number of massive O-type stars including 9th
mag O4-type
The cometary "Tadpoles" nebulae
48" (10/27/19): just west of the cluster was a noticeable dark nebula, ~3' in diameter and it provided a striking contrast with the rich cluster immediately to its east and northeast.
13.1" (2/25/84): about 40 mostly faint stars, elongated N-S in poor transparency. Located within a triangle of three mag 8 stars. The emission nebula IC 410 is involved.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1893 = h351 on 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51) and described a "rich coarse cluster of scattered stars 9...15m; more than fills field." There is nothing at his position but exactly 3 tmin of RA west is a cluster embedded in the HII region IC 410. JH didn't mention any nebulosity in his description, so the number should just apply to the cluster only, with IC 410 referring to the nebula. The error in position was copied by JH into the GC and by Dreyer into the NGC. In the 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", Karl Reinmuth gave an corrected RA (noting it with an asterisk).
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05 15 51 -69 28 06; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 1.4'x1.2'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright to very bright,
moderately large, round, 0.8' diameter, high surface brightness. A couple of mag 15+ stars are at the
edge on the north side as well as a mag 13.5 star at the northwest edge. Situated in a rich region of the LMC
with a glowing background.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1894 = D 124 = h2818 on 24 Sep 1826. He recorded (second drift on this date) "a small very faint round nebula, 12" diameter." His reduced position was 14' too far south, but his drift record shows it was logged 3 minutes after NGC 1876 (the entire complex) and 6' south, matching the offsets to NGC 1894. Glen Cozens suggested that D 125 (the next number in the drift) may be NGC 1894, but that number likely applies to NGC 1903.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1894 = h2818 on 24 Nov 1834 (sweep 513) and recorded "F; R; gbM; 80"; resolvable. On a ground of small stars." His position is accurate.
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05 16 52 -67 19 50; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 0.8'
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): very bright, irregular HII
region, ~45" diameter, enhanced with NPB filter at 152x. Three mag 14.5-15 stars are involved
with the glow, one centrally. A mag 12 star is 1.7' NNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1895 = h2817 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; pL; R; glbM; 40"." On later sweeps he estimated the size as 70" and 80".
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05 25 35 +29 15 36; Tau
18" (11/22/03): at 115x, this is a scattered group of
two dozen or more stars (depending on assumed dimensions) situated northeast of
mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 1896 = H. VIII-4 = h353 on 17 Jan 1784 (sweep 76) and recorded "a cl of scattered stars with small ones intermixed; it is about 3/4 nf Beta Tauri." His summary description (from 3 observations) reads "a cluster of coarse and irregularly scattered pretty large stars." His position is accurately placed in this scattered group of stars.
On 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115), John Herschel logged, "the most condensed part of a poor cl divded into two. It consists of 20 or 30 stars 9...12m." His position is only given roughly, but is just off the southeast side. JH made a typo copying the NPD into the GC, where it is 9° too far south and Dreyer passed along this error into the NGC. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and uses the erroneous NGC position. Lynga does not list a cluster at Herschel's position, so this group is probably an asterism and Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, also adds "no distinct Cl."
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NGC 1897 = ESO 056-092 = S-L 355
05 17 32 -67 26 54; Dor
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): moderately bright cluster,
fairly small, round, 25" diameter, fairly smooth, no resolution except for
a mag 16.5 star at the south edge.
No response to filter. Mag
9.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 1897 = h2820 on 31 Jan 1835 and described as "eF; S; R." His position from a single sweep is accurate.
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05 16 41.9 -69 39 25; Dor
V = 11.9; Size 1.6'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright,
moderately large, irregular outline, nearly 1.0' diameter, bright central
region, very mottled, contains a very small bright nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is just off the
southwest edge, 30" from center and two mag 12 stars are 2' S and 1.7' SE
. Set within a rich background glow from the LMC, 12' W of
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1898 = D 126 = D 88 = h2822 on
24 Sep 1826. He described D 126
(second sweep) as " a very small round faint nebula, 6" to
8"." His reduced
position was 9' too far south (similar to other nearby objects in the drift),
but it was placed 18' due south of the previous object NGC 1903, matching the
sky. D 88, recorded on 27 Sep
1826, was recorded as "a round faint nebula about 25" diameter. North of three small stars forming a
triangle." His poorly
reduced position was 21' too far SE, but his drift data shows the offset from
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1898 on 24 Nov 1834 (sweep 513). He described it as "F; R; 40"." and measured an accurate position.
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05 17 49 -67 54 06; Dor
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; no cluster or nebulous object was in the field at the nominal position, which included three mag 11 stars and the rest mag 13 and fainter. I see nothing that would have caught John Herschel's attention in the field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1899 = h2821 on 30 Dec 1836 and reported as "F; R; vgbM; 40"; 3 stars 10' [approximate] mag precede."
Eric Lindsay reports "Not found" in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud". Nevertheless, there appears to be a small very faint star and nebulosity (Henize 120-N 36) on the red DSS2 2' SE of Herschel's position. The Hodge-Wright Atlas states "possibly Henize 36". Two mag 11 stars and a mag 12.7 star precede LHA 120-N 36, roughly agreeing with "3 stars 10' m precede." See Harold Corwin's notes for more on this number.
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05 19 09 -63 01 24; Dor
V = 13.6; Size 1.7'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright,
moderately large, irregularly round, ~45" diameter, mottled with brighter
spots but no definite resolution.
A mag 14.5 star is 1' WSW and a few mag 15-15.5 stars are within 1' E.
Located 3.7' SE of mag 7.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 1900 = h2819 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "eF; pL; lE; vgvlbM". In a second sweep, it appeared "pB; irreg R; gbM; 25". Among many stars, one = 7m, np." His position and description (the mag 7 star is 3.7' NW) is accurate.
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05 18 16 -68 26 24; Dor
Size 15'
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): very
scattered cluster of stars in a 15' region. The central grouping, extending 7'x2.5', is the most
compressed with ~15 stars (7 of these are fairly bright). Perhaps 40 stars total within 15', including
10 brighter stars. The brightest
stars are mag 8.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 1901 = h2824 on 30 Dec 1836 and described "a star 7th mag. The most southern and largest of a large, brilliant but poor cluster which fills the field. Stars 8, 9 ... 12th mag." His position is close west of mag 7.6 HD 35230.
In "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (1964IrAJ....6..286L) Eric Lindsay comments, "Centered on CPD -68°347. A dozen fairly bright stars, of which CPD 68°347 is the brightest and most southern, scattered within 11' diameter. Could hardly be considered a cluster and resembles mroe nearly a field irregularity." The brighter field stars are not associated with the LMC. But "A stellar group in line of sight with the Large Magellanic Cloud." (1968AJ.....73..566S) concludes, "BV photometry of a stellar group first noticed by Bok in line of sight with the Large Magellanic Cloud indicates that the group is real. An H-R diagram shows an apparent main sequence with a turnoff near A0."
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05 18 18.3 -66 37 35; Dor
V = 11.8; Size 1.6'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, fairly
small, 40" diameter, weak concentration. Located 43' NE of mag 4.8 Theta Doradus.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1902 = h2823 on 23 Nov 1834 and described as "pB; S; R; bM; 15"." On the fifth and final sweep he commented "globular; pB; R; psmbM; 2' diameter. Resolved."
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NGC 1903 = ESO 056-093 = S-L 356
05 17 22.4 -69 20 16; Dor
V = 11.9; Size 1.9'x1.9'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
showpiece cluster is located just 10' SW of the
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1903 = D 125 = h2825 on 24 Sep 1826. He recorded (handwritten notes) "small nebula, rather well defined." His reduced position was 10' too far south, but his handwritten drift notes placed it 18' due north of the next object, matching NGC 1898. Glen Cozens assigns D 127 to NGC 1903, but that number (two objects later in the drift) appears to describe NGC 1910.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1903 on 3 Nov 1834 (sweep 509) and described it as "vB; S; R; gbM; 30"." His position on 5 sweeps (all similar descriptions) is accurate.
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05 24 10.6 -24 31 27; Lep
V = 7.8; Size 6'; Surf Br = 0.0
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): excellent view at 200x. Contains an intense, 1' core that was mottled and partially resolved, particularly around the edges. The halo was easily resolved with several dozen brighter members peppered within the halo and around the periphery (~40 stars counted) although there were no dense knots. Surrounding the inner core (nucleus) is a dense ring of high surface brightness which was very mottled. In good moments of seeing this ring broke up into a swarm of stars. Located 40' ENE of 5th magnitude h3752, a striking mag 5.5/6.7 pair at 3".
17.5" (1/9/99): at 280x, M79 was well resolved into several dozen stars. Contains a sharply concentrated intense core, ~2' in diameter which is clumpy, mottled and partially resolved at its periphery. The inner part of the halo was peppered with faint stars. The background haze drops off significantly towards the outer portion of the halo but a number of brighter stars are resolved including a nice arc of stars along the following edge of the halo. A evenly matched close pair is on the northeast side and a mag 12 star (a post-AGB star that belongs to the cluster) is at the north edge. Located 35' NE of naked-eye 5th magnitude h3752 (5.5/6.7 at 3").
17.5" (12/7/90): 40-50 stars resolved mostly in the halo or at the edge of the very mottled core. A string of six stars is just east of center and a long string passes through the core. The brightest mag 12.5 star is north of the core.
17.5" (12/3/88): three dozen stars resolved, mostly at the edges of the core and in the halo.
17.5" (12/19/87): at 220x, three dozen stars were resolved.
13.1" (1/19/85): at 360x, about 40 stars resolved in good seeing including a few over the core.
8" (9/25/81): small bright core, a few stars are resolved at the edge of the mottled core. The outer halo is well resolved in excellent conditions.
Pierre Méchain discovered M79 = NGC 1904 on 26 Oct 1780. He reported it to Messier, who confirmed its position, and included it in his 1780 catalogue. Wolfgang Steinicke reports that William Herschel first observed the cluster on 4 Mar 1783 (before his sweeps) with his 6.2-inch reflector. On 17 Nov 1784, William Herschel recorded M79 as "a fine cluster of stars, near 3' dia. Extremely compressed but completely resolved." On 13 Jan 1806, he observed with his "Large 10 feet" and logged "The 79th of the Connoiss. is a cluster of stars of a globular construction, and certainly extremely rich. Towards the centre the stars are extremely compressed, and even a good way from it. With 171 the diameter is a little less than 1/3 of the field, and with 220 a little more; the field of one being 9'0", and of the other 8'0", a mean of both gives the diameter of the cluster 2'50", but I suppose that the lowness of the situation prevents my seeing the tiny scattered stars, so that this cluster is probably larger than it appears."
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05 18 24 -67 16 42; Dor
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright LMC cluster, fairly small, round, 30" diameter. Contains an irregular, small knotty nucleus that was unresolved. NGC 1895 (HII region) lies 9' WSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1905 = h4016 on 2 Jan 1837 and described as "F, S, R, r[esolved]. It was catalogued in a "supplementary nebulae" list of objects at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021) and identified as "h o n" (John Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC.
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05 24 47.2 -15 56 34; Lep
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, even surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star is just off the SE edge 1.6' from center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1906 = LM 1-148 on 12 Nov 1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is essentially correct (0.2 tmin too far east). Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 21 Feb 1889 as well as Howe in 1899-00 using the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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05 28 05 +35 19 30; Aur
V = 8.2; Size 7'
17.5" (10/12/85): 50 stars in a 7' diameter. Includes a few bright stars but very
rich in fainter stars in the central region. A wide pair of mag 9.5-10 stars is at the south end (9.6/9.9
at 52") and a closer pair is off the NE side (h699 = 10.4/11.6 at
10"). Located 33' SSW of
13.1" (11/5/83): dense, about three dozen stars.
8" (11/5/83): rich, glowing cluster, compact, includes two bright stars to the south.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1907 = H. VII-39 = h354 on 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 693) and noted "a pretty compressed cluster of small stars, near 4' diameter." John Herschel made three observations and reported on 5 Jan 1827 (42), "p Rich; irreg R; stars 9...12m, 50 or 60 counted; bM."
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05 26 00 -02 32; Ori
= Not found, Corwin and Carlson.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1908 = H. V-33 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and reported "I suspect diffused eF milky nebulosity. The means of verifying this phenomenon are difficult."
On 15 Jan 1868, Lord Rosse was "unable to say whether any diffused neby exists here. At the set there was a spot about 10' diam or so, where there was almost total absence of stars when compared with the surrounding parts, and either from this cause or some other, it was rather *darker*." Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey Die Herschel-Nebel, reported "not found" and Harold Corwin, using the PSS, also reports no obvious nebulosity. So, NGC 1908 is either lost or nonexistent. See Corwin's notes for more information.
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05 25.9 -08 07; Ori
= Not found, Corwin. Nominal position given.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1909 = H. V-38 on 20 Dec 1786 (sweep 656) and recorded "strongly suspected nebulosity of very great extent. Not less than 2 degrees 11' of PD and 26s of RA." So, this "suspected nebulosity" stretched across several fields! Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates was unable to find Herschel's nebulosity. Originally Corwin suggested this giant north-south nebuosity may refer to IC 2118, the Witch Head Nebula Herschel's rough position of H. V-36 is ~23 minutes of RA to far east but if his offset direction from Rigel was reversed (roughly 11 min of RA west instead of 11 min of RA east), then his corrected position would be a reasonable match with IC 2118. But it turns out the Herschel observed H. V-38 11 minutes after Rigel left the field, so obviously it can refer to IC 2118, which is well west of Rigel. So, this is apparently a case where Herschel was misled by subtle irregularities in the background sky or perhaps a reflection from a brighter star.
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NGC 1910 = ESO 056-099 = S-L 371 = LH 41 = LMC-N119
05 18 42.5 -69 14 12; Dor
V = 9.7; Size 10'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this large, bright cluster or star cloud (stellar association LH 41) contains the variable star S Doradus (8.6-11.5), the brightest star in the LMC and one of the brightest known stars (absolute magnitude -9). At 200x, roughly 100 stars mag 11-15 were resolved in a 7' region with some extensions increasing the diameter another couple of arc minutes. S Doradus is the brightest star in the main portion of the cluster, though there are several other mag 11 and 12 stars. S-L 360 is on the NW side (2' N of S Dor) and appeared as a small bright knot that was clearly non-stellar and surrounded by a thin, fainter halo (ring of faint stars on DSS). HDE 269333, a mag 11.2 Wolf-Rayet binary (WN+B) lies 1.6' NNE of S-L 360.
The cluster is embedded in LMC-N119, a very large, bright emission nebula. The most prominent section of the nebula is a very bright 3' patch to the east of S-L 360 and a wing to the south of S-L 360 that responds well to a UHC filter at 200x. Nebulosity is also visible on the west side of S Doradus. This section curves N-S to S-L 360 and also south of S Doradus. To the south of NGC 1910, a northwest to southeast stream extends a couple of degrees and includes dozens of LMC clusters with NGC 1903, an impressive globular, situated 10' SW.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1910 = D 129 = D 127 = h2827 on 3 Aug 1826. He described "A pretty large and very ill-defined nebula, irregular round figure, with several stars of some considerable magnitude in it." His position is unusually accurate. He recorded it again on his second drift of 24 Sep 1826 as D 127: "faint ill defined nebula following a cluster of very small stars - irregular figure branched into small nebulae." His reduced position was 12' too far SSW, but it well placed in the drift between NGC 1898 and NGC 1916.
John Herschel first recorded NGC 1910 in Dec 1834 (sweep 523) as a "fine cluster. Irregular figure, the chief nucleus (which seems to be a close double star, 9th mag) taken." On 15 Dec 1835 (sweep 656) he called it "The most condensed knot ( = 12 arcseconds) in a pretty rich, L, scattered cluster." The next night (sweep 657), he logged it as "p rich L cluster 10' diameter. It has in it a close triple star, easily taken for a nebulous knot. (N.B. This is doubtless the knot taken in the three foregoing observations...)."
In a 1953 paper, Harlow Shapley and Virginia Nail defined NGC 1910 as the center of "Constellation V", a 24' region containing numerous blue supergiants.
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05 20 33.0 -66 46 44; Dor
Size 1.2'
See observing notes for NGC 1920.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1911 = h2826 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; R; gbM; 30", among may stars." He only logged this object on one sweep and there is nothing at his position. Jenni Kay and Harold Corwin suggest NGC 1911 is probably be a duplicate observation of NGC 1920, which was recorded on 7 sweeps but not on the one in which he recorded NGC 1911. Herschel's position is 80 sec of RA west of this cluster and his description is a reasonable match.
Eric Lindsay, in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in
the Large Magellanic Cloud" writes "Not found. This should be WNW of
NGC 1920. This is No 2826 in Herschel's general Catalogue to which there is
reference under
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05 28 43 +35 51 18; Aur
V = 6.4; Size 21'
18" (1/17/09): at 175x this gorgeous cluster extends 25'-30' in diameter and contains roughly 200 stars in many irregular groupings. A very pretty string of stars extends N-S out the north side. Includes a very large number of mag 10-12 stars (fairly uniform) with many of the stars group very irregularly in long chains and loops. Some of these chains outline the periphery of nearly starless voids including the unconcentrated center which contains starless patches. NGC 1907 is located 33' SSW, though the two clusters were likely born in different parts of the galaxy.
8": large, bright, rich cluster with many 10th magnitude stars, square or cruciform shape, includes a number of double stars. A number of stars are arranged in strings.
Naked-eye (10/24/11): just glimpsed in very dark skies.
Giovanni Hodierna discovered M38 = NGC 1912 before
1654. He wrote "In this
constellation [Auriga] three nebulous patches can be observed", though
only two objects are clearly shown on his map (better matching the orientation
of
William Herschel observed the cluster on 23 Nov 1805 with the large 10-foot reflector and recorded "A cluster of scattered, pretty large [bright] stars of various magnitudes, of an irregular figure. It is in the Milky Way."
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05 18 18.7 -69 32 15; Dor
V = 11.1; Size 1.3'x1.1'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is an interesting LMC cluster and nebula at 200x. On the south edge is a small triangle of mag 13-14 stars (12"-15" on each side) and another three stars within the cluster are resolved. The cluster is involved an elongated bright nebulous glow NNW to SSE and at 350x additional nebulosity surrounds the main glow for a total size of 1.5'x1.0'. A mag 11.7 star lies 1.7' E and a mag 10 star 2.2' SW.
Continuing southwest for 2' beyond the mag 10 star I also picked up S-L 362, which appeared as a small, high surface brightness knot. At 350x, 5 or 6 very faint stars were tightly packed into the bright 20" diameter glow, the brightest at the south edge. These clusters are within the glow of the central bar, so the background is relatively bright.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1913 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded it as#356 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." No description was given in the GC or NGC but his position is just 1' SE of this small cluster.
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05 17 40 -71 15 24; Men
V = 12.0; Size 2'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright cluster and HII region, elongated NNW-SSE, at least a half-dozen stars resolved over an irregular glow extending 1.5'. Good contrast gain with a NPB filter at 152x. The size increases to ~2' and a small, very bright patch (LHa 120-N195A) is prominent on the northwest end. A mag 12 star is 4' E.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1914 = h2830 on 3 Nov 1834 and described as "vF; L; irreg R; 3'." On a second sweep he logged "F; pL; irreg fig; resolvable; 2' l, 90" br." His mean position is accurate.
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05 19 38.5 -66 47 59; Dor
Size 0.5'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly small knot of four mag 14-14.5 stars with perhaps some unresolved haze, ~40" diameter. Appears to be an asterism only and unimpressive. Three mag 11-12 stars lie 2'-3' E and emission nebula NGC 1920 is 6' ENE.
This identification of NGC 1915 is very uncertain and this
number may refer instead to open cluster
John Herschel discovered NGC 1915 = h2828 on 2 Jan 1837 and recorded "extremely faint, pretty large. (Possibly the same with No. 2826 [NGC 1911], but the nebulae are so crowded that they may with equal probability be different ones)." Herschel's position is 4' S of ESO 085-SC71 and ESO identifies this cluster as NGC 1915.
Jenni Kay says a faint cluster exists at the original position and the ESO cluster is too small and faint. On the DSS, there are only three mag 14 stars and a few very faint stars near Herschel's position, which to me was not eye-catching enough in the 24" to fit JH's description (mentioned to Corwin in a Feb 2014 email). In the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud", Eric Lindsay reported "Not found. This should be WSW of NGC 1920...". RNGC follows Lindsay and notes "Not Found". So, the identification of this number is uncertain. See Corwin's notes for further discussion.
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NGC 1916 = ESO 056-098 = S-L 361
05 18 37.6 -69 24 25; Dor
V = 10.4; Size 2.1'x2.1'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this LMC globular appeared very bright, moderately large, round, symmetric, 45" diameter. The center was sharply concentrated with a small blazing core! NGC 1903, a showpiece globular, lies 8' NW.
NGC 1916 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC. It resides within the LMC's central bar, ~10' S of the large NGC 1910 complex, which contains S Doradus.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1916 on 24 Sep 1826. He logged a "small much condensed nebula, well defined, 12" diameter." His position in the drift follows NGC 1910 by 36 seconds of time and 12' S. These offsets point directly to NGC 1916. Dunlop didn't assign the observation a separate catalog number.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1916 = h2829 on 3 Nov 1834 (sweep 509) with description, "vB; vS; R; gbM; 20"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate. Shapley and Lindsay ("A Catalogue of Clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud", Irish Astronomical Journal, Vol. 6, 1963) give a diameter of 60'' and comment "NGC 1916, very condensed centre, unresolved." The RA has a misprint of 1 minute too small and this error was copied into the RNGC.
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05 19 02.1 -69 00 04; Dor
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.7'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster (possible a globular) appeared fairly bright, fairly large, round, 1' diameter, with a broad concentration. A 1' string of 3 faint stars to the east is collinear with the cluster. S-L 397 lies 8' NE, and appeared as a compact, but relatively bright, elongated glow with an irregular or mottled surface, ~30" diameter.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1917 = D 130 = h2831 on 25 Sep 1826. He logged "a very faint small round nebula." His position is about 10' to the east, similar to his other errors in time (RA) in the drift. If this identification is correct, it suggests that D 132, which was found the same night, applies to S-L 397. The offset is this case is 8' to the east.
John Herschel independently discovered NGC 1917 on 16 Dec 1835 (sweep 657) and recorded "vF, L, R, gvlbM, 1'." His position is accurate.
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05 19 04.5 -69 38 56; Dor
V = 9.8; Size 7'x4'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
a combination LMC cluster and nebula (contains an embedded SNR
These stars are immersed in a diffuse nebulous glow that responds well to a UHC filter. The brightest section is a patch just east of the double star (LMC-N120C), but nebulosity extends throughout the cluster as an elongated glow of ~5' length. On images the nebulosity appears more like an arc or rim with some filamentary structure.
LMC-N127A, located 12' E, was observed in the 30" on 10/18/17. At 264x this emission nebula was bright, compact, roundish, 40" diameter. A star was visible at the center. Very good response to the NPB (narrow-band) filter and displayed a slightly brighter central region and thin fainter outer halo. Forms a "pair" with open cluster S-L 418 2' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1918 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded it as #369 in his catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." Corwin notes that Herschel's position falls between two bright knots near the supernova remnant.
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NGC 1919 = LMC-N37 = ESO 085-73 = S-L 392
05 20 15 -66 53 00; Dor
Size 2.5'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): large group of ~10 stars mag 13.5-15 in an irregular 2.5' group. The stars are involved in a fairly bright patch of nebulosity (LMC-N37), which probably including some unresolved stars. A 6' elongated string of mag 11-12 stars is centered roiughly 3' N and NGC 1920 is 6' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1919 = h2832 on 3 Jan 1837 and described a "cluster, 6th class, extremely faint, large, irregularly round, 4' diameter. Resolved into small stars with nebulous light." His position (single sweep) is accurate. NGC 1915 may be a duplicate observation (see that number).
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NGC 1920 = LMC-N38 = ESO 085-74
05 20 33.0 -66 46 44; Dor
V = 12.5; Size 1.2'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, high surface brightness HII region, relatively large, round, ~50" diameter. One or two stars are resolved within the glow. NGC 1919 lies 6' SSW.
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this HII region (LMC-N38) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, smooth glow. Located ~3' NE of a line of three mag 11-11.5 stars. NGC 1902 lies 16' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1920 = h2833 on 2 Nov 1834 and observed on at least seven different sweeps! On the initial observation he logged "pB, S, R, vgbM, 20"." The remaining observations were fairly similar, though his size estimates ranged up to 60" and 2' across. NGC 1911 (seen on only 1 sweep) is possibly a duplicate (essentially an 8th observation) -- though the RA is off by 1 min 20 sec.
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05 19 23 -69 47 18; Dor
V = 12.3; Size 1.0'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright but small nebulous glow, with a mag 13.5 star [or an extremely compact emission nebula (N121) or cluster] just off the west edge [20" separation]. A very faint star was visible at its southwest edge. There was only a weak response to an NPB filter at 152x. Located at the south end of a very rich region of the LMC (south side of the central bar) just 8' S of the NGC 1918 complex. Numerous other clusters lie ~15' N. A faint cluster H-S 227 was noticed 2' SW. It's a very faint, small, roundish, low surface brightness glow, ~20" diameter.
James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 1921 = D 89 = h2834 on 24 Sep 1826. He recorded "a pretty well-defined round nebula, about 20" diameter." Although his reduced published position was 15' too far ESE, reference to his handwritten sweep record shows a plausible match. With respect to D 90 = NGC 1939 (the next object in the drift) he logged D 89 just 40 seconds prior and 10' N. Although the declination offset matches, the time (RA) is off by over a minute.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1921 = h2834 on 12 Nov 1836 and recorded "vF; oval; r; 40"." His position from a single sweep is accurate.
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05 19 49.7 -69 30 04; Dor
V = 11.5; Size 1.4'x1.2'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this LMC cluster appears as a very small but high surface brightness knot, ~15" diameter with a tiny 8" core. A 3' chain of four mag 11-12 stars extends to the north and another chain extends to the east. A very close pair of faint clusters, S-L 385 and 387, lie 3' SW. The clusters are close twins - both soft round glows of ~30" diameter and separated by just 45" in an E-W orientation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1922 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and included it as object #374 his table of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." Dreyer added the cluster to the GC Supplement as #5063. Herschel's position is 1.5' too far north. It's possible that James Dunlop's D 131 refers to NGC 1922, but there are several nearby candidates, so assigning it to NGC 1922 seems very speculative.
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05 21 33.0 -65 29 16; Dor
V = 13.0; Size 0.9'
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, fairly small, irregular glow, ~1'x0.5', brighter center. Just following a group of faint stars elongated NNW-SSE. This is a cluster (part of stellar association LH 43) and HII region (N40) although I didn't test to see if there was a filter response. Locate 49' E of NGC 1866.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1923 = h2835 on 30 Nov 1834 and described as "vF; R; 30"." A faint and poor cluster precedes." His position is accurate. The poor cluster that precedes is part of stellar association LH 43.
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05 28 01.9 -05 18 39; Ori
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 130°
17.5" (11/25/87): moderately bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated. Located 6.7'
SE of mag 8.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 1924 = H. III-447 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 458), though his position was 3.6' too far south. He classified this galaxy as a cluster with description "vF, pL, R, within 2 or 3' of the corner of a hook of vS stars." George Bond found BGC 1924 again on 7 Feb 1863 at Harvard College observatory with the 15-inch Merz refractor and measured an accurate position (#12 in the HC discovery list in AN #1453). Édouard Stephan made an observation on 16 Jan 1877.
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05 21 44 -65 47 36; Dor
V = 9.5; Size 11'
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, appears as a 10'
star cloud (association LH 45) of brighter mag 10-11 stars over a background
carpet of faint stars and either haze or unresolved stars. The brightest mag 9.6 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 1925 = h2837 on 30 Nov 1834 and described a "Cluster 8th class; poor; scattered stars; a *10 mag the chief, in southern part taken." His position is close to the brightest star on the south end.
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05 20 35.4 -69 31 33; Dor
V = 11.8; Size 1.4'x1.2'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
bright LMC cluster appeared moderately large, ~55" diameter, irregularly
round with a high surface brightness.
Located between two mag 11.5 stars 1' S and 1.5' N. Located along the central bar with NGC
1922 4.2' WNW and
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1926 on 3 Aug 1826. He described D 131 as "a very faint ill-defined small nebula." and his position is just 2' to the NE.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1926 = h2838 on 3 Nov 1834 (sweep 509) and recorded "pB; R; 60". Situated in the main body of the Nubecula Major." On 24 Nov 1834 (sweep 513) he wrote "pB; pL; irreg R; r. Field full of light, consisting partly of stars, and partly of resolvable nebula." His positions on these sweeps matches this cluster.
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05 28 42 -08 23; Ori
= Not found, Carlson and Corwin.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1927 = h356 on 8 Jan 1831 and
reported "all about this place there exists diffused
nebulosity." His position
corresponds with mag 6.8
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NGC 1928 = ESO 056-106 = S-L 405
05 20 57.7 -69 28 40; Dor
V = 12.5; Size 1.3'x1.3'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter with a symmetrical appearance. Forms the last of three clusters with NGC 1926 3.4' SW and NGC 1922 6' WSW, along the richly populated central bar. A very distinctive trapezoid of four mag 10-11 stars (sides 1'-1.5') is just a couple of arc minutes to the NE. NGC 1928 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1928 = h2839 on 3 Nov 1834 (sweep 509) and recorded "pB; R; 60". Situated in the main body of the Nubecula Major." On 11 Nov 1836 (sweep 748), he wrote "vF; R; gbM. Field full of the nebulous light of the great Nubecula."
James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 1928 earlier on 3 Aug 1826. He described D 131 as "a very faint ill-defined small nebula." and his position is just 1.7' S of NGC 1928, but also just 2' NE of NGC 1926. I'd be surprised if Dunlop picked up one of these clusters and not the other, so perhaps neither identification is correct. Another possibility is D 131 refers to NGC 1922, which is 5.6' W of his position! With several nearby clusters, I don't see how D 131 can be assigned to a specific cluster with any confidence (Steinicke gives both NGC 1926 and 1928).
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05 21 38.3 -67 54 50; Dor
V = 12.4; Size 1.1'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
HII knot is the first in an impressive star cluster/emission complex (stellar
association LH 47) that extends over 7' in size and includes
On the DSS this object appears to be a symmetrical bubble. This HII complex and cluster includes the Superbubble complex N44.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1929 = h2840 on 23 Nov 1834 and simply noted "F. The preceding nucleus of the compound nebula figured in fig. 2, Plate III. Place by Delta RA and PD, from the chief nucleus measured on diagram." The sketch clearly established this number refers to the northernmost knot in the complex along the west side.
James Dunlop discovered the LH 47 association = D 175, which contains NGC 1929, on 27 Sep 1826, with a 2nd observation on 6 Nov 1826. He described "a pretty large rather faint nebula, about 5' diameter, irregular figure, partly resolvable into stars of mixt magnitudes. The nebulous matter has several seats of attraction, or rather it is a cluster of small nebulae with strong nebulosity common to all." Dunlop's position is roughly 5' SSW of the complex and NGC 1929 might be one of the "seats of attraction."
The SIMBAD position is 1.4' too far northeast and does not correspond with a bright knot.
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05 25 56.5 -46 43 43; Pic
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 32°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): moderately bright, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, brighter core, 0.8'x0.6'. A distinctive collinear trio of mag 11-11.5 stars (2.6' length) is a few arc minutes west.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1930 = h2836 on 29 Dec 1834 and
recorded, "vF; S; R glbM; 15"; has 4 B stars preceding." His position matches
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05 31 26 +34 14 42; Aur
V = 11.3; Size 3'x3'
18" (1/20/07): bright, high surface brightness nebula,
~2'x1.5', surrounds six stars including two mag 11/12 stars, a mag 13 star and
three fainter stars. The central 4
stars = ADS 4112 (one difficult in fairly poor seeing) form a small trapezium
asterism. The best view was
unfiltered.
17.5" (2/8/86): five stars including ADS 4112 (mag 11.5/12.3/13 at 8" and 10") are located within a bright, small nebulosity of high surface brightness. A sixth very faint star is just outside the nebula. Dims with OIII filter.
13.1" (11/5/83 and 2/16/85): five or six stars involved including three close fairly bright stars. A fourth very faint star to the west, fifth very faint star NE and sixth extremely faint star west. This is a bright, high surface brightness nebulosity.
8" (11/8/80): compact, striking nebulosity involving several stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1931 = H. I-261 = h355 on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1030). His description reads, "vB, irr R, vgbM, about 4 or 5' diameter. Seems to have 1 or 2 stars in the middle or an irregular nucleus; the chevelure diminishes very gradually." On 5 Jan 1827 (sweep 42), John Herschel reported "a triple star in a nebula. A most curious object. The nebula surrounds the stars like an atmosphere."
The observers using Lord Rosse's 72" reported 5 to 6 stars were involved on various nights. The first observation was made by George Johnstone Stoney on 29 Nov 1848, though he only noted "saw a multitude of stars and some unresolved nebulositiy."
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05 22 17.3 -66 09 16; Dor
= *, Corwin
John Herschel discovered NGC 1932 + 1933 = h2841 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "B; eS; bM; 10"." On a later sweep he called it a "double nebula; pos 260°, 80". The first pB; S; R; 30". The second eF; R; almost stellar." The second nebula was only recorded on one sweep (#538) out of 5 total. Based on this description, though, JH assigned two GC numbers (1138 and 1139), which became NGC 1932 and 1933. But there is only a single cluster at his position and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 1932 with a mag 13 star just west of the cluster.
Eric Lindsay, in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" [1964IrAJ....6..286L] writes "[NGC 1932 and NGC 1933] seem to be the same, a small compact fairly conspicuous open cluster, S/L 420. The supposedly fainter was observed in only one of five sweeps by Herschel. Dreyer therefore questioned it as a variable nebula." ESO also identifies the cluster as NGC 1932 = NGC 1933 but only the latter number should apply to the cluster.
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05 22 27.3 -66 09 08; Dor
V = 11.8; Size 1.2'
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, compact with a fairly high surface brightness. Two mag 11 stars aligned WNW-ESE lie 2' NNE and 3' NNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1933 + 1932 = h2841 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "B; eS; bM; 10"." On the third of five sweeps, he described this object as "a double neb; pos 260 deg; dist 80", hence the two GC and NGC entries. But there is only a single cluster at his position and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 1932 with a mag 13 star just west of the cluster and NGC 1933 with the cluster. ESO and the S-L catalogue calls the cluster NGC 1932 = NGC 1933, though only a single number (NGC 1933) should apply to the cluster.
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NGC 1934 = BSDL 1363 = ESO 056-109 = = LH 47
05 21 46.9 -67 56 14; Dor
Size 1.1'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
a locally brighter patch in the NGC 1929-34-35-36-37 complex (stellar association
LH 47), situated immediately northwest of
John Herschel discovered NGC 1934 = h2842 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "The second nucleus of the compound nebula figured in fig 2, Plate III, from diagram." The resolution on the pdf of Herschel's sketch in the LMC is not sharp enough to identify which "knot" JH is referring to within the complex (NGC 1929, 1935, 1936, 1937). At the position indicated here (from Corwin), there is nothing that stands out on the DSS or in my observation, other than a few stars. The "LMC extended catalog" (Bica+, 1999) places the center of NGC 1934 2' further north and there is another "knot" near this position on JH's sketch.
James Dunlop first observed the entire LH 47 association = D 175 on 27 Sep 1826, though NGC 1934 is probably not one of the "seats of attraction" in his description.
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NGC 1935 = IC 2126 = LMC-N44B = ESO 056-110 = LH 47 = S-L 417
05 21 58 -67 57 20; Dor
V = 11.2; Size 1.2'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
emission glow forms a pair
Superimposed on this entire complex of HII knots is a rich concentration of stars (S-L 417 = KMHK 822). As John Herschel described NGC 1935 on one sweep as "one of the chief nuclei or knots of a large irregular cluster nebula", this number along with NGC 1936 could also apply to the cluster. Nail and Shapley designated the OB association centered on NGC 1929, 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937 as "Constellation I" in a 1953 paper on the Magellanic Clouds
James Dunlop discovered the LH 47 association = D 175, containing NGC 1929, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937 on 27 Sep 1826, with a 2nd observation on 6 Nov 1826. He described "a pretty large rather faint nebula, about 5' diameter, irregular figure, partly resolvable into stars of mixt magnitudes. The nebulous matter has several seats of attraction, or rather it is a cluster of small nebulae with strong nebulosity common to all." Dunlop's position is roughly 5' SSW of the complex, a fairly good match. It seems safe to assume that two of these "seats of attraction" were NGC 1935 and NGC 1936 (JH only credited Dunlop with the latter).
John Herschel found NGC 1935 = h2843 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "B; S; R. One of the chief nuclei or knots of a large irregular cluster nebula." He next logged it as "F, S, R. The third of a group of four nebulae connected by stars." His third observation saw it as "the second nebula of a group of three." His final sweep was recorded as "the first bright nebulous head of a large beautiful irregular cluster of resolved stars." His detailed sketch is in Plate III, figure 2.
Williamina Fleming discovered the gaseous spectra of NGC 1935 on Harvard objective plates taken in 1901 at the Arequipa station and Dreyer catalogued Fleming 90 as IC 2126, although the IC position is just 5 sec of RA west of NGC 1935. The Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas labels this nebula as IC 2126 instead of NGC 1935 (same with NGC 1936 = IC 2127).
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NGC 1936 = IC 2127 = LMC-N44C = ESO 056-111 = LH 47
05 22 12.6 -67 58 32; Dor
V = 11.6; Size 1.1'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC
1936 appeared as a very bright, round glow, ~1' diameter with a very high,
uniform surface brightness at 200x using a UHC filter. Situated at the south end of a large
cluster and HII complex.
Additional fainter nebulosity sweeps to the south and is connected with
a fainter (anonymous) patch to the west by 1'. This extension increases the total size to 2' to 2.5'. NGC 1935 lies 2' NW. This number also applies to the cluster
(S-L 417) that spreads out the north.
Mag 8.5
James Dunlop discovered the LH 47 association = D 175, consisting of NGC 1929, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937 on 27 Sep 1826, with a 2nd observation on 6 Nov 1826. He described "a pretty large rather faint nebula, about 5' diameter, irregular figure, partly resolvable into stars of mixt magnitudes. The nebulous matter has several seats of attraction, or rather it is a cluster of small nebulae with strong nebulosity common to all." Dunlop's position (2 observations) is roughly 5' SSW of the complex. It seems safe to assume that two of these "seats of attraction" were NGC 1935 and NGC 1936, the brightest knots in the complex.
John Herschel observed NGC 1936 = h2844 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; S; R. Another chief nucleus or knot of the cluster nebula." He next logged it as "pB, S, R, The fourth of a group of four, connected by stars, etc." On the third sweep, he wrote "the third nebula in a group of 3." The 4th sweep saw it as "the last of three nebulae in a zig-zag formed cluster." On his 5th sweep, he noted "the southern and brightest nebular nucleus of a great branching cluster." His detailed sketch of the entire complex is on Plate III, figure 2.
Williamina Fleming discovered the gaseous spectra of NGC
1936 on Harvard objective plates taken in 1901 at Arequipa and Dreyer
catalogued Fleming 91 as
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05 22 25 -67 53 42; Dor
V = 10.4; Size 2.8'x2.0'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this object is the furthest northeast in a gorgeous field of stars and HII regions. NGC 1937 is a large nebulous patch, ~3.7'x2.7' in size, with ~20 stars resolved over the bright glow. Excellent contrast gain using a UHC filter at 200x. A string of stars mag 11.5 and fainter oriented WSW-ENE passes through the center of the cluster or star cloud (association LH 48).
NGC 1936, a very bright nebulous glow, lies 5' S, and other sections of the N44 superbubble complex lie to the southwest including NGC 1929, 1935 and IC 2126. Superimposed on this complex of HII glows is a fairly rich concentration of stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1937 = h2845 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; pL. An outlier of the group figured in Plate III No. 2. Place from diagram." His detailed sketch (Plate III, figure 2) clearly established that h2845 refers to this nebulous cluster. James Dunlop discovered the entire LH 47 association = D 175 on 27 Sep 1826 and referred to "several seats of attraction". I doubt that NGC 1937 was one of these, though Wolfgang Steinicke credits Dunlop with the discovery.
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05 21 24.8 -69 56 22; Men
V = 13.0; Size 0.6'
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 264x and 429x; fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, nearly even surface brightness. The bright LMC globular cluster NGC 1939 is only 40" SSE. At 429x I noticed a dim cluster, KMK88 50, just 1.8' N of NGC 1938. It was just a very faint, very small knot, 15", low surface brightness.
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): fainter of a close pair of clusters with brighter NGC 1939 to the south-southeast by just 40". At 303x, NGC 1938 appeared fairly faint, small, round, 24" diameter.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1938 + NGC 1939 = h2848 on 24 Nov 1834 and recorded a "B; R; a double nebula (clouding over)." On a second observation he recorded "pB; S; R; glbM; a double neb. It has a vF neb (NGC 1939) attached np." On a third sweep (of 4) he logged "A double neb. Pos 339.1; 50" dist; each F; R; glbM; 35" and 30"." Herschel catalogued both objects individually in the GC (1144 and 1145). See Corwin's notes for more on the clusters.
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NGC 1939 = ESO 056-108 = S-L 414
05 21 26.7 -69 56 59; Men
V = 11.8; Size 1.2'
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 264x and 429x; bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, high surface brightness with an intensely bright nucleus. Brighter of a close pair with NGC 1938 only 0.8' N. NGC 1939 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC. A mag 10.7 star is 3' SE.
While looking for this cluster I picked up an unplotted cluster, Hodge-Sexton 253, situated 6.6' SE of NGC 1939 and 3.7' SE of the mag 10.7 star. It appeared moderately bright, round, ~35" diameter, no significant concentration. S-L 412, situated 7' N of NGC 1939, was a roundish, fairly faint glow, ~24" diameter. In addtion, LMC-N127A lies 16' N of NGC 1939. At 264x this emission nebula was bright, compact, roundish, 40" diameter, with a star visible at the center. Very good response to the NPB (narrow-band) filter with a slightly brighter central region and thin fainter halo.. It forms a "pair" with open cluster S-L 418 2' NE.
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, fairly small,
round, 45" diameter, high surface brightness, mottled, contains a very
bright core. Forms a close pair
with NGC 1938 just 0.8' NNW. A mag
10.7 star lies 2.9' SE.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1939 = D 90 = h2848 on 24 Sep 1826. He recorded "a small round faint nebula 12" or 15" diameter. North preceding a small star." His poorly reduced position was 13' too far SE, his offsets to NGC 1943, the next object in the drift, is a perfect match. On 27 Sep, he recorded "a faint elliptical nebula north of a very small star, 15" or 20" diameter. Again, his offsets from the next two objects in the drift (NGC 1943 and NGC 1950) are a close match. Since Dunlop only recorded a single a single object, NGC 1938 and 1939 were unresolved or he only saw NGC 1939. See Corwin's notes for more on NGC 1938 and 1939.
John Herschel observed NGC 1938/1939 (single designation h2848) on 24 Nov 1834 (sweep 513) and described a "B; R; a double nebula (clouding over)." The following month (sweep 523) he recorded "pB; S; R; glbM; a double nebula. It has a vF neb attached np." On 16 Dec 1835 (sweep 657), he wrote "A double neb. Pos 339.1; 50" dist; each F; R; glbM; 35" and 30".
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05 22 44.9 -67 11 10; Dor
V = 11.9; Size 0.4'
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright but relatively small knot, triangular shape, 30" diameter, clumpy with a few stars just resolved. Forms the western vertex of a small equilateral triangle with a mag 10 star 1' E and a mag 11.5 star 1' S. The mag 10 star has an 11th magnitude companion following at 27".
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. No resolution. Cradled by three mag 10-11 stars 1.2' S, 1.1' E and 1.5' E. Located 52' E of mag 4.8 Theta Doradus in the LMC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1940 = h1146 on 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 522) and described the cluster as "pB; S; R; bM. Has 2 st 9 and 10 mag following." His position and description is a perfect match.
James Dunlop possibly discovered this cluster on the 27 Sep 1826 drift in which he misidentified the reference star (Theta Dor), so all positions were reduced incorrectly (2.4° to the SE in this case). He described D 184 as "a very small round nebula, 8" diameter." But his offset from NGC 1871/1869, the previous object in the drift, is both west and south of NGC 1940. Another possibility is D 212, recorded on 6 Nov 1826 as a "small faint ill-defined nebula." But again his position is a poor match -- 26' E of the cluster -- and the description too generic to assign it with any confidence to NGC 1940. So, neither observation is likely.
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05 23 07.4 -66 22 41; Dor
V = 12.0; Size 0.9'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): faint, very small, round,
15" diameter. One or two very
faint stars are resolved. Located
2.7' N of a mag 10 star and 12' NW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 1941 = h2846 on 20 Dec 1835 and described as "a nebulous group or knot." His single position is ~30" too far southeast.
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05 24 45 -63 56 30; Dor
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'
18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): this LMC cluster
appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25"-30" diameter, fairly
low even surface brightness. A mag 13.7 star is at the north
edge. A mag 10.8 star is 4.5' SE
and a mag 10.2 star is 8' ESE. The
galaxy
John Herschel discovered NGC 1942 = h2849 on 30 Nov 1834 and described "a star 14th mag, with an eF nebula about it." His second observation was recorded as "very faint. (Cloudy) (N.B. The PD has been probably spoiled by the clouds)". But Herschel's second observation through the clouds has the correct PD and his first was off by ~3'. Robert Innes and Willem van den Bos observed the cluster visually in 1926 with the 26.5-inch refractor at the Union Observatory. They reported it as "A star, 13 mag, with the nebulosity touching it due south about 40" diameter. Probably star is accidental."
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NGC 1943 = LMC-N130 = ESO 056-114 = S-L 430
05 22 29 -70 09 18; Men
V = 11.9
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, moderately large, round, thin halo, 0.8' diameter, quite mottled but not resolved in poor seeing. A mag 14 star is just off the NNE edge, 0.6' from center. I didn't use the NPD filter, but the red DSS shows some nebulosity is involved (LHA 120-N130). NGC 1938 and 1939, a very close pair of clusters, lies 14' NNW.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1943 = D 91 = h2850 on 24 Sep 1826. He noted it as "a small faint round nebula, 12" to 15" diameter. His poorly reduced position was 13' to the SE, but his offset from NGC 1939, the previous object in the drift, is an exact match. He logged it again on the 27th and his handwritten drift timings match in offset to both NGC 1939 and NGC 1950, the clusters logged immediately before and afterwards.
John Herschel rediscovered the cluster in Dec 1834 (sweep 523) and recorded "pB; R; glbM; 50"." On 16 Dec 1835 (sweep 657) he wrote "vF; 40"; has a *15m at 60" dist, pos = 19.6°." His position is accurate.
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05 21 57 -72 29 42; Men
V = 11.8; Size 3.2'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, fairly large, round, thin halo, 1.2' diameter, mottled, only a few stars resolved around the edges of the halo. A mag 13.5-14 star is off the SW edge, a mag 15.5 star is at the NW edge. Situated within a nice group of stars including four nearby mag 12.5 stars; 1.4' SE, 2' SSE, 2' N and 3.4' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1944 = h2852 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "pB; R; bM; 90"." His position is just off the NW side of this globular cluster.
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NGC 1945 = LMC-N48E = ESO 085-083
05 24 55 -66 27 24; Dor
Size 1.0'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
200x unfiltered, this LMC HII region (N48E) appeared fairly faint, fairly
small, ~30" diameter. The
shape is irregular and brighter along the south edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1945 = h2851 on 3 Jan 1837 and reported "eeF, vvL. Great blotches of diffused nebulosity." I logged a small, brighter patch of nebulosity on the south side of a large annular ring or loop of nebulosity. Herschel's description implies a much larger object than I described, though his position is an excellent match with this patch. I'd be surprised if he picked up the entire loop so perhaps the richness of the star field mimicked "diffused nebulosity". See Harold Corwin's notes on this number.
Karl Henize in the 1956 "Catalogues of Hydrogen Alpha Emission Stars and Nebulae in the Magellanic Clouds" (ApJS 2, p315), notes his object LHa N120-48 "includes NGC 1945." LHa N120-48 measures 12.3' east-west and 15.2' north-south. It has a slightly irregular outline, is very elongated and shows appreciable structure. LHa N120-48E (33" x 36", somewhat irregular outline, considerably elongated) lies at the centre of NGC 1945.
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NGC 1946 = ESO 085-84 = S-L 454
05 25 16 -66 23 42; Dor
V = 12.6; Size 1.0'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright LMC cluster, fairly small, irregularly round, high surface bright glow, 30" diameter. Although this knot was not resolved, it is situated in a glorious rich star field surrounded by numerous stars. A stream of stars, oriented SW to NE, seems to pass through NGC 1946, extending southwest to NGC 1945 (4.4' SSW) and northeast to NGC 1948, a magnificent star cloud and HII complex ~8' NNE. A brighter, parallel stream, consisting of stars of mixed magnitudes and unresolved glow (stars or nebulosity) is roughly 3' W, extending at least 10' SW to NE.
S-L 470 lies 7' E. Observed with a 25" on 4/3/19 it appeared bright, fairly small, round, compact, 35" diameter, contains a very small bright nucleus.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1946 = h2854 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded "pF, R, gbM, resolvable." Herschel credits Dunlop with the discovery (D 237), though in the GC and NGC a question mark was added. Dunlop's position matches this cluster very well though the description "a rather large faint nebula, 3' or 4' diameter, of an irregular round figure, no central attraction" implies a much larger object -- probably NGC 1948, whose center is just 6' NNE of his position.
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NGC 1947 = ESO 085-087 = AM 0526-634 = PGC 17296
05 26 47.5 -63 45 37; Dor
V = 10.6; Size 3.0'x2.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 119°
18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): fairly bright and
large, slightly elongated, ~2.5'x2.0', well concentrated with a bright core
that gradually increased to the center.
A mag 9.7 star (
S-L 509 appeared fairly faint, fairly large, irregular glow, ~1.2' diameter, mottled. A mag 14.5 star is resolved at the SW edge of the glow and a mag 15.5 star is at the north edge.
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, large, round, contains a large, very bright core surrounded by a fainter halo with a total diameter of ~3'. Within the brighter 2' core is a sharply concentrated brighter nucleus. This is an impressive S0 or E-galaxy at 200x due to the high surface brightness core and several brightness levels. Situated in the northern outskirts of the LMC with S-L 509, a faint LMC cluster, 21' NE. On images, the minor axis of this elliptical is bisected by a dust lane, though this feature wasn't noticed.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1947 = h2855 on 5 Nov 1826 with
his 9" reflector, although due to an oversight he failed to include it in
his 1828 catalogue (
John Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on 30 Nov
1834 (sweep 515) and described it as "pB, L, R, glbM; 2.5' diameter, a
star 9th mag N.p.". There is
nothing at his position but exactly 1° north is
Due to Herschel's erroneous position, Joseph Turner was unable to find it when he searched for it on 12 Dec 1878 with the 48-inch Melbourne Telescope. Interestingly, Pietro Baracchi was unsucessful in finding NGC 1947 on two attempts with the Melbourne telescope, but reported finding a new nebula nearby (perhaps S-L 556) on 3 Jan 1886 that was confirmed the next night (no sketch to confirm). Robert Innes and Willem van den Bos observed it visually in 1926 with the 26-inch refractor at the Union Observatory and assumed the galaxy was a globular cluster and compared it to 47 Tucanae! Innes wrote, "very condensed globular, bM, 2' diam, a miniature of [47 Tuc]."
Eric Lindsay, in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (1964IrAJ....6..286L), notes "The Decl. [recorded by Herschel] seems to be in error and the object is the well-known galaxy 1° N." In a paper on LMC clusters, Kontizas et al misidentifies KMH90-878 as NGC 1947 because of the dec error, though there doesn't appear to be a cluster on the DSS at the Kontizas position.
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NGC 1948 = ESO 085-85 = S-L 458 = LMC-N48 = LH 52
05 25 46 -66 15 51; Dor
V = 10.6; Size 8'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a large, well-resolved star cloud (stellar association LH 52) and emission nebula. The richest section is ~8' diameter, with a roughly diamond shape. Approximately 60 stars were resolved at 260x over haze. A fairly large, nebulous knot (LMC-N48B) was visible on the southwest side, ~1.2' diameter, and it responded well to a UHC filter. A couple of other very small knots or clumps of stars were visible at the center (LMC-N48A and N48C). Two parallel streams of stars and unresolved haze (roughly 3' apart), oriented SW to NE, extended southwest from NGC 1948 through NGC 1946 to NGC 1945. The western string was brighter, consisting of a number of mag 12-14 stars along with an unresolved glow (stars and/or nebulosity) extending at least 10'. These objects are located on the west side of the huge LMC-4 Superbubble.
LMC-N49, located 11' NNE, is the brightest LMC supernova
remnant and it harbors a powerful pulsar.
At 260x unfiltered, it appeared as a bright "U" shape just
under 1' in diameter with the center of the "U" at the east end (base
oriented SW-NE) and open on the west side. The interior is much dimmer than the rim. The brightest spot is right at the east
end, though the rim is much brighter and better defined along the entire
base. The northern bar of the
"U" side is fainter and oriented NW-SE with some haze spreading into
the interior. The southern bar is
brighter and narrower. A UHC
filter increased the contrast and there were hints of more complex filamentary
structure. Located 3.7' ENE of mag
9.0
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x this is a fairly
large star group in the LMC. Over
a dozen mag 12-13 stars were resolved in a triangular group, ~6' diameter, over
unresolved background haze or possibly nebulosity.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1948 = D 237 = h2856 on 6 Nov 1826. He recorded a "a large faint nebula, irregular round figure; no central attraction, 3' or 4' diameter, not very well defined." His position is about 6' SW of NGC 1948 and his size estimate (3' or 4') is appropriate. Glen Cozens suggests D 237 is possibly NGC 1945. It is located a similar distance SSW of Dunlop's position but is too faint an object for Dunlop's 9" speculum reflector.
John Herschel independently discovered NGC 1948 on 3 Jan 1837 (sweep 761) and described "a rich, discrete cluster, class VII. Not much compressed to the middle; 10' diameter, stars of 13th mag."
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05 25 05 -68 28 18; Dor
V = 12.4
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): very bright, fairly small, round, high surface brightness, ~35" diameter. No resolution, though this is primarily an emission nebula. A string of 3 mag 13.7/12.8/13 stars extend to the southwest by 45", 2.2' and 3.4'. I was very surprised when I added an NPB filter at 152x. A fairly prominent, large (~1.3' diameter), round emission nebula was nearly attached on the southwest side! This nebula (considered part of LHA 120-N 138A) surrounds a mag 13.6 star at its center and has a slightly brighter rim. Together with NGC 1949 the pair nearly forms a "diamond ring".
Using the NPB filter, LHA 120-N 138C was also seen 1.8' W as
a very faint, fairly small, 25" glow. It surrounds a mag 15.2 star that was not seen with the
filter. Much brighter is N 138B,
located 5.2' SW of NGC 1949. With
the filter it appeared fairly bright, small, round, 20" diameter,
crisp-edged. A mag 15 star is
attached at the southwest edge.
This interesting field is located 14' NW of mag 6.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 1949 = h2857 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "pB; S; R; psbM; 20"." His position (single sweep) is accurate and appears to described the small, high surface brightness nebula only.
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NGC 1950 = ESO 056-116 = S-L 450
05 24 33.0 -69 54 04; Men
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
the first in a group of clusters including
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1950 = D 92 = D 94 = h2859 on 24 Sep 1826. He noted "two very faint nebula, 25" diameter, ill defined". His poorly reduced position was 20' too far southeast, but in the drift he recorded it 2.0 minutes after NGC 1943 and 17' N, a perfect match. He also recorded it 3 nights later after NGC 1943 in the drift and called it "an extremely faint, ill defined small nebula".
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1950 on 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 523). He recorded "The first of several nebulae running together [along with 1958, 1959, 1969, 1971 and NGC 1972] and forming a very remarkable group, which fills the field with a faint diffused nebulosity. See plate IV, figure 7." On 12 Nov 1836 (sweep 751), he noted "A large ill-defined patch at the lower edge of the Nubecula Major, which is pretty definite here, and very bright."
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NGC 1951 = ESO 085-086 = S-L 464
05 26 06.4 -66 35 50; Dor
V = 10.6; Size 1.9'
25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): at 244x; this LMC cluster appeared extremely bright, moderately large, extremely dense knot of stars surrounded by a halo, 1' diameter, 6 or more stars were resolved around the periphery.
S-L 465, situated just 1.8' NNE of center, appeared moderately faint, round, compact, contains a very small bright core.
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, small, round, 25" diameter, well-concentrated with a 10" bright core (John Herschel described the core as a close double star).
John Herschel discovered NGC 1951 = h2858 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "B, R or lE; binuclear or sbM to a double star 10th and 11th mag." His second observation was recorded as "A close first class D star, 10th and 11th mag, with a thick nebulous mist like dust about it." His first position is accurate. Shapley and Lindsay ("A Catalogue of Clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud", Irish Astronomical Journal, Vol. 6, 1963) give a diameter of 80'' and remark "elongated, inner condensed, outer resolved."
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05 34 32.0 +22 00 52; Tau
V = 8.5; Size 6'x4'
48" (10/23/14): remarkable intricate filamentary
structure at 488x using a DGM Optics OIII filter. I didn't try to take detailed notes, but the entire surface
of
48" (11/2/13): using 488x I immediately focused in on a close unequal mag double star (mag ~16/16.5 at 5" separation ) that was visible a bit offset SE from the geometric center. The fainter southwest component (CM Tau) is the famous pulsar (rotating neutron star) at the heart of the Crab Nebula, which was discovered in 1968 and pulses 30 times/sec!
Although this observation was exciting (first definite view of the pulsar), the real jaw-dropping sight was at 287x using a DGM Optics OIII filter, which lit up the interior filaments! The two bright filaments that meander E-W through the nebula (dipping just south of the pulsar) were very prominent with slightly fainter side filaments extending south and north. Scanning with averted vision, numerous additional very faint, thin radial filaments extending outward were evident throughout the nebula. In addition, the periphery had a ragged or curdled appearance, particularly along the northern edge. The eypiece view approached the iconic HST image of the Crab Nebula !
18" (11/14/09): at 175x and OIII filter an obvious brighter filament is visible that begins just south of center and extends WNW towards the west end. This filament is brightest (or has a brighter knot) at its eastern end near the center. A fainter filament begins near the same point south of center and extends towards the NE. The two filaments, if joined as one, extend nearly from the west end of the Crab Nebula to the east.
18" (2/23/06): at 225x the shape was quite elongated and irregular and the interior had a turbulent appearance due to a very irregular surface brightness. The periphery has a tattered or ragged edge and changes shape somewhat with averted vision. With a UHC filter, there is a brighter knot (sometimes appears as an extended, elongated feature) near the SW edge.
17.5" (2/8/86 and 10/8/86): very bright, unusual potato shape with an irregular surface brightness, 6'x4', broad concentration towards center. Very irregular elongated shape with extensions or "arms" towards the NW and SE, ragged edges at periphery. A large dark indentation or "bay" intrudes on the NE side of the SE extension, so this end is thinner and less prominent. A few faint stars are superimposed. Using an OIII filter, the overall structure is muted but a bright inner streak is visible in the SW quadrant (oriented ~E-W) and this streak is not noticeable without the filter.
13.1" (1/18/85): large, bright, irregular potato shape, large indentation on following end. Easy in 16x80 finder.
8" (10/4/80): moderately bright, irregular shape, fairly large, indentation on the NW and SE ends.
15x50mm IS binoculars (2/23/06): easily visible as a faint, oval patch.
British astronomer John Bevis discovered M1 = NGC 1952 = h357 around 1731 using a 3-inch (+/-) refractor of 24 ft focal length. He labeled it as a nebula in his Uranographia Britannica star atlas, which was completed in 1750, though not published in 1786. Charles Messier independently discovered M1 on 28 Aug 1758 while searching for comet Halley on its first predicted return. Instead he found another comet, which turned out to have been discovered earlier. But while tracking this comet he found M1, which Messier noted "contains no star; it is a whitish light, elongated like the flame of a taper." Bevis informed Messier of his earlier discovery in 1771. Messier’s rediscovery of M1 was the inspiration to begin the compilation of his catalog.
William Herschel made numerous observations with his various telescopes, though first observed it on 24 Mar 1783 with this 6.2-inch reflector. With his workhorse 18.7-inch he attempted to resolve the nebula into stars: "Very bright, of an irregular figure; full 5 minutes in longest direction. I suspect it to consist of stars." In later obsrvation after 1800 he still felt it was "resolvable [mottled]" and most likely a cluster of stars.
Much of the following is gleaned from Wolfgang Steinicke's book on "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters". William Parsons (third Earl of Rosse) and friends Romney Robinson and James South observed M1 with his first (compound) 36-inch in early November 1840. A few weeks later Robinson wrote Rosse to examine other nebulae as "I am anxious to know whether they all have tails and claws". Parsons sketched M1 in 1844 (using his solid 36") with filaments or streamers extending out of the body and a long tail (see http://messier.seds.org/more/m001_rosse.html). His description reads: ".. a cluster; we perceive in this [36-inch telescope], however, a considerable change of appearance; it is no longer an oval resolvable [mottled] Nebula; we see resolvable filaments singularly disposed, springing principally from its southern extremity, and not, as is usual in clusters, irregularly in all directions. Probably greater power would bring out other filaments, and it would then assume the ordinary form of a cluster. It is stubbed with stars, mixed however with a nebulosity probably consisting of stars too minute to be recognized. It is an easy object, and I have shown it to many, and all have been at once struck with its remarkable aspect. Everything in the sketch can be seen under moderately favourable circumstances."
Romney Robinson, director of Armagh Observatory and a regular observer at Birr Castle, remarked "it is ragged, bifurcated at the top, and has streamers running out like claws in every direction." This description, along with the 1844 sketch, probably led the popular nickname "Crab Nebula".
William Lassell was certainly influenced by the sketch. He observed M1 in December 1852 with his 24" reflector and commented, "long filaments run out on all sides". Three weeks later, he noted "the outlying claws are only just circumscribed by the edge of the field of 6' in diameter." Father Angelo Secchi was also influenced; his sketch made around 1856 using a 9.5" refractor strikingly mimics the 1844 sketch with a long tail and external feelers! Secchi claimed the agreement in features demonstrated the strength of his telescope.
Interestingly, R.J. Mitchell resketched the Crab in 1855
with a much more traditional shape. Dreyer commented in The Observatory,
Vol. 37, p. 399-402 (1914), "The only published drawing which is a
complete failure, is that of M1, the "Crab Nebula", which has
unfortunately been reproduced in many popular books. It was made with the
3-foot, and long "feelers" were never again seen with the 3-foot nor
with the 6-foot." Still the
nickname stuck. See More
http://www.southastrodel.com/
Isaac Roberts first captured M1 photographically in 1892 with his 20-inch reflector.
In 1921 Carl Lampland suspected internal motion and based on plates with the the 40-inch reflector at Lowell, showed the nebula had changed shape. He also discovered the close double star at the center (5" separation).
Also in 1921 Lundmark mentioned (PASP, 33, 234) that the nova of 1054 was near NGC 1952. The 1054 "nova" was visible during the daytime fr 4 weeks and during the nighttime for up to 3 years. In 1928 Edwin Hubble (http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1928ASPL....1...55H) stated the nebula "is expanding rapidly and at such a rate that it must have required about 900 years to reach its present dimensions. For, in the ancient accounts of celestial phenomena only one nova has been recorded in the region of the Crab Nebula. This account is found in the Chinese annals, the position fits as closely as it can read, and the year was 1054!" The Chinese text noted "Thereafter, a "guest star" appeared on 4 July. In 1937 Nicholas Mayall made a spectral analysis (PASP, 49, 101) and in 1939 (ASPL, Vol 3, 145) announced the Crab Nebula was a supernova remnant.
In 1951 Australian astronomer John Bolton showed that M1 was a strong radio source (brightest in Taurus) and was named Taurus A. In 1968 a pulsar (rapidly rotating neutron star) was discovered in M31 with a period of 33 milliseconds (southwestern of the two central mag 16.5 stars).
M1 is plotted as a planetary nebula on Becvar's "Atlas of the Heavens" and the first edition of Tirion's Sky Atlas 2000.0.
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05 25 28.0 -68 50 18; Dor
V = 11.7; Size 1.2'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
200x, this LMC cluster appeared bright, moderately large, round,~50"
diameter, with a brighter core. At
350x, it was grainy with a couple stars easily resolved at the edges of the
halo. The nucleus appears offset
from center towards the east. The
interesting
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1953 = D 177 = h2862 on 25 Sep 1826. He recorded it as "a small round faint nebula, 8" or 10" diameter. His position is 7' too far E, consistent with the offset in RA (time) with the two previous objects in his drift. His small size estimate probaby applies to the core.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1953 on 24 Nov 1834 (sweep 513) and described as "pF, S, R, glbM, 40"." On 30 Jan 1835 (sweep 538) he recorded "pB, S, R, insulated, but has a group of four nebulae [NGC 1962, 1954, 1966, 1970] following in the parallel." His position is accurate.
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05 32 48.3 -14 03 45; Lep
V = 11.8; Size 4.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 155°
24" (12/28/16): at 225x; moderately bright and large, sharply concentrated with small, very bright core ~20"x15" N-S. The core is surrounded by a low surface brightness halo without a well defined edge but roughly 1.25' diameter. A mag 13 star is superimposed 45" N of center and a mag 13.8 star is 1.3' NW (outside the halo).
NGC 1954 is the brightest in a trio (HDCE 361) at a distance
of ~150 million years with
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is off the northwest edge 1.3' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 1957 5' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1954 = H. III-590 = h2853 on 14 Dec 1786 (sweep 647) and recorded "suspected, eF, stellar, not very doubtful." His position is accurate. John Herschel observed it from the Cape and noted "vF, R, 25"." Both Herschels missed nearby NGC 1957.
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05 26 10 -67 29 54; Dor
V = 9.8; Size 1.8'
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): this cluster and
emission nebula is near the western end of a beautiful curved chain of bright
clusters involved with prominent nebulosity (referred to as the "Sextant
Arc") that extends 17' WSW to ENE and includes
The cluster, which is part of stellar association LH 54,
includes as many as 40 stars in a 4' region including a half-dozen mag
11.5-12.5 stars in a 3' gently curving arc elongated E-W. Near the W end of this arc is mag 11.6
The cluster is immersed in a large, irregular haze that was brightest on its eastern side in a 30" circular glow. This patch is just a locally brighter section of a large irregular loop bowed out to the east and extending N-S for 6'-7' to a mag 9.5 star 3.5' S of the cluster.
A fainter group of stars and haze lies 4' W (S-L 456 within
association LH 51) and the DSS reveals both halves are the brightest portions
of an 8' superbubble (LHa 120-N51D).
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1955 = D 211 on 3 Aug 1826 and described "a small faint elliptical nebula, about 20" diameter. This is the preceding in a curved line of six or seven small nebulae, of unequal magnitudes." Dunlop made 4 observations and his position is just 1.6' too far SE. John Herschel called NGC 1955 = h2863 "The second of a great line of rich clusters [NGC 1968, 1974 and 1991] which are connected by abundant scattered stars. (The first not taken)." The first is probably S-L 456. JH credited Dunlop with the discovery.
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05 19 36.1 -77 43 45; Men
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 68°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): excellent, fairly large edge-on at 200x, ~2.0'x0.6'. Sharply concentrated with a small, round bright core and much fainter extensions WSW-ENE. A faint star is just beyond the SW tip. This galaxy has an absorbtion lane (dust) along the north side, although this feature was not noted.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1956 = h2874 on 22 Jan 1836 and recorded "eF, S, R, gbM, 15"." On a second sweep he noted "eF, little elongated, 40 arcseconds, has a coarse double star n.f., 6' distant." His mean position (2 sweeps) is accurate.
NGC 1559 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as "vF, hazy star involved in nebula"
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05 32 55.1 -14 07 58; Lep
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (12/28/16): at 225x; fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, gradually increases to the center. With direct vision a stellar nucleus pops out. Situated 4.5' SSE of NGC 1954 in a trio (HDCE 361) with IC 2132.
17.5" (12/3/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Located 5' SSE of NGC 1954.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 1957 = LM 1-149 on 11 Dec
1885 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is a good match with
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NGC 1958 = ESO 056-119 = S-L 462
05 25 30.7 -69 50 10; Dor
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; this LMC cluster was
very bright, moderately large, round, 1' diameter. A few extremely faint stars were resolved at the edge with a
non-stellar knot or small clump of stars at the west end. A mag 12 star is 1' NW. Seven clusters lies within 7' of NGC
1958 including
S-L 460, located 3.5' N, appeared fairly faint, round, 30" diameter, even surface brightness.
S-L 469, located 5.5' NNE, appeared fairly faint, irregular, 30" diameter. Slightly brighter of a pair with S-L 460 3' SW.
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this LMC cluster appeared bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter. Increasing the magnification to 346x, the cluster resolved into a couple of dozen very faint, densely packed stars. The 1' halo appeared irregular and mottled as if more stars were just below resolution.
This cluster is situated in a rich section of the central bar and a number of clusters are nearby. NGC 1958 forms the northern vertex of an isosceles triangle with NGC 1959 5.5' S and NGC 1950 6.3' SW. A single brighter mag 11 star sits within this triangle at the vertex of another isosceles triangle with NGC 1959 and NGC 1950. A trio of clusters, NGC 1969, 1971 and 1972, lies 5' to 6' E.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1958 = D 93 = h2864 on 24 Sep
1826. It was logged as "a ill
defined nebula, irregular figure, 30" diameter." His position is 10' SE and closer to
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1958 on 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 523) and commented "The second of the group (fig 7, Pl IV); L; F; vgbM." On 11 Nov. 1836 (sweep 748), he noted "F; R; gbM, 40".
Albert Le Sueur sketched the field on 26 Feb 1870 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. The sketch clearly shows S-L 460 and 469. Joseph Turner's sketch from 21 Dec 1875 was published on plate III, figure 29 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae...", though he misidentified S-L 460 and 469 as previous discoveries by Herschel (NGC 1950 and 1959).
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NGC 1959 = ESO 056-120 = S-L 466
05 25 35.7 -69 55 36; Men
V = 12.2; Size 1.6'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this globular is at the southeast corner of a triangle of clusters with NGC 1958 5.5' NNW and NGC 1950 6' WNW. It appears similar to NGC 1950 -- a moderately bright, fairly large glow of ~2' but with a relatively low surface brightness. Appears slightly smaller than NGC 1958. At 346x, a few faint stars are resolved around the edges. Located along the southeast side of the LMC bar, so the background is bright.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1959 = h2865 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; vL; vgbM; the third of several whose borders join, forming the group in figure 7, pl IV." His position is fairly accurate.
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05 36 18 +34 08 30; Aur
V = 6.0; Size 12'
18" (1/17/09): at 175x roughly 175 stars are resolved in the central 10' but irregular extensions increase the halo to closer to 20' and includes roughly 250 stars. Many of the stars are arranged in long curving strings as well as one very distinctive curving loop on the SE side of the core with a pretty double (STF 737 = 8.5/9.0 at 11") with a fainter third companion at the NW end of the loop. The cluster itself is pretty symmetrical with a dense 10' core and the brighter stars are sprinkled about fairly uniformly.
8": very bright, large, loose, includes two curving star lanes. The double star STF 737 = 8.5/9.0 at 11" is near the center.
Naked-eye (10/24/11): just glimpsed in very dark skies.
Giovanni Hodierna discovered M36 = NGC 1960 = h358 in 1654. He described "In this constellation [Auriga] three nebulous patches can be observed", though only two objects were clearly shown on his map (better matching the orientation of M36 and M38). Guillaume Le Gentil rediscovered the cluster (along with M38) in 1749 and Le Gentil was credited with the discovery in the NGC.
William Herschel, using his 7-ft reflector (6.2" aperture) at 120x on 28 Oct 1794, called it "a pretty rich cluster of small [faint] stars, seems to have many more than are visible, very small [faint]."
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05 42 04.4 +69 22 46; Cam
V = 11.0; Size 4.6'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 85°
48" (10/23/11): at 375x, this distorted spiral appeared very bright, very large oval nearly 2:1 E-W, ~3.6'x2.0', highly asymmetric appearance. Contains a very bright, large oval core that is clearly offset to the north side of the galaxy! A large arm sweeps E-W along the south side of the halo. A broad dust lane runs parallel to the arm on the inside. Surrounding the core are shorter inner spiral arms including an arm just north of the core that sweeps west and bends south. A mag 13.5 star is superimposed just inside the dust lane, 30" SSE of center.
24" (2/18/20): at 375x; fairly bright, very large, elongated 5:3 ~E-W, contains a bright elongated nucleus that is oddly offset towards the north side. The halo has a low, but uneven surface brightness (due to spiral arms and dust) and extends nearly 3.5'x2.0', though it fades imperceptibly into the sky. A mag 13.5 star is superimposed 30" SSE of center. CGCG 329-011, located 8' NE, appeared very faint, small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness. A mag 15.3 star is 20" S.
17.5" (12/7/90): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 E-W, weak concentration, small bright core. A mag 13 star is 30" SSE of center
and a mag 12 star is just off the west edge, 2.4' from center. There appears to be a dark patch
between this star and the core.
Forms a pair with
8" (10/31/81): faint, moderately large, bright core, diffuse, elongated, star involved.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1961 = H. III-747 on 3 Dec 1788 (sweep 889) and recorded "cF, pL, iF, mbM, easily resolvable, 5 or 6 of the stars belonging to it visible in the middle."
Bigourdan found this galaxy independently on 22 Dec 1891,
measured an accurate position, and Dreyer catalogued Big. 385 as
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NGC 1962 = ESO 056-122 = LMC-N144
05 26 18 -68 50 18; Dor
V = 11.5
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC
1962 forms the bright western patch of the NGC 1962-65-66-70 cluster and
emission nebula (stellar association LH 58). At 200x it appeared as a large, fairly bright glow on the
west side of the complex, ~2' in diameter. A few faint stars are peppered across the glow. At the E end is mag 12.3
Adding a UHC filter provided an excellent contrast gain to the bright nebulosity. The entire complex is part of a Superbubble. NGC 1953, an LMC open cluster, lies 4.5' W and a large number of additional clusters that I didn't have time to explore lie to the south and southeast.
James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 1962 = D 136? = h2866 on 25 Sep 1826 with a second observation two nights later. He described the complex as "a pretty large faint nebula, 3' or 4' diameter, irregular figure with 4 bright parts or seats of attraction in it - or 4 small nebulae involved in strong nebulosity common to all them. There is a pretty bright star in the south side." His unpublished position in his handwritten notes (reduced from a drift) is 10' too far E, consistent with his other offsets. He recorded it again on a drift two nights later with description, "a faint confused nebula, irregular figure with with small stars in it." But without a more detailed description it's uncertain which components he actually viewed.
John Herschel reobserved the group on 31 Jan 1835 (sweep
538) and distinguished the various components. He described NGC 1962 as "vF, pL; R; the first of a
group of four nebulae [with
Joseph Turner sketched the entire group in Dec. 1875 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 30 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae..."). The sketch shows NGC 1962 as two connected pieces with a few stars involved. Pietro Baracchi also sketched a patch directly between NGC 1962 and 1965 on 18 Nov 1884.
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05 32 10.8 -36 22 51; Col
17.5" (2/22/03): at 100x, a distinctive looping group
of two dozen mag 10-13 stars which is likely an asterism. Roughly 10' diameter with a string of
stars on the south side trailing to the east (forming the bottom loop of the
figure "3"). Includes
several mag 10-11 stars with two mag 8 stars (oriented N-S) on the north side
of the low power field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1963 = h2861 on 24 Dec 1835 and described "the cusp of a cluster of stars, 8...11m; arranged pretty exactly in a figure of 3 with appendages. *8 in cusp taken." This group of stars stands out fairly well on the DSS although the brightest star is closer to mag 10. This is a random grouping with no correlation in proper motion. The RC3 and PGC misidentify the galaxy IC 2135 (~15' further east) as NGC 1963. RNGC classifies NGC 1963 as nonexistent.
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05 33 22.6 -21 56 49; Lep
V = 10.8; Size 5.6'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 32°
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly large, very
elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, unusually bright stellar nucleus [images reveal there is
a foreground star superposed on the nucleus]. A mag 13.5 star is at the
west edge 0.7' from center and a mag 14 star is at the SSW edge of the major
axis 1.2' from center. Situated
just SE of a thin triangle of mag 9.5-10.5 stars, the closest being mag 9.3 SAO
170546 1.7' NW of center.
Brightest in a group that includes
13.1" (12/18/82): faint, elongated, small bright nucleus, fairly small, faint halo surrounded core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1964 = H. IV-21 = h2860 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 325) and recorded "vS, stellar, the nucleus very brigh; the chevelure vF and not perfectly central; there seems to be a vS star preceding it." His RA is 13 sec too large, but the identification is certain. John Herschel observed this galaxy from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded "F, irregularly round, vsbM, to a star 12th mag, 2 or 3 stars involved, and several bright ones near." His position was accurate.
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NGC 1965 = ESO 056-123 = LMC-N144B = LH 58
05 26 29.5 -68 48 23; Dor
V = 11.7
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
a bright, small knot on the NW side of a large HII complex and cluster
(association LH 58) that includes NGC 1966 (1.5' ESE), NGC 1962 (2.2' SW) and
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1965 = D 136 = h2867 on 25 Sep 1826 with a second observation two nights later. He described the complex as "a pretty large faint nebula, 3' or 4' diameter, irregular figure with 4 seats of attraction in it - or 4 small nebulae in a large large - a pretty bright star in the south side." His unpublished reduced position (in his handwritten notebook) is 10' too far E, consistent with other offsets in the drift including NGC 1953, the previous object logged. He recorded it again on a drift two nights later with description, "a faint confused nebula, irregular figure with with small stars in it."
John Herschel reobserved the group on 31 Jan 1835 (sweep 538) and distinguished the various components. NGC 1965 = h2867 was described as "F, S; the second of a group of four nebulae [with NGC 1962, 1966 and 1970] with stars. The place interpolated from those of the 1st and 3rd by aid of a diagram made at the time. Plate VI, figure 20." Herschel noted that D 136 probably includes this object.
Joseph Turner sketched the entire group in Dec. 1875 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 30 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae...").
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NGC 1966 = LMC-N144A = ESO 056-125 = LH 58
05 26 46 -68 48 49; Dor
V = 11.8; Size 0.7'x0.3'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this number refers to one of the multiple components of a large star cloud and HII complex (LH 58), ~5' in diameter. At 346x this is a small, bright glow on the NE side that surrounds three stars, elongated WNW-ESE, ~40"x15". Fainter nebulosity is attached extending to the west for 1.5' and connecting to the knot NGC 1965. A mag 9.9 star lies 1.2' S. This HII complex is located roughly 12' S of a mag 6.1 star (6.7/7.0 pair at a close 1.4").
At 200x using a UHC filter, this is a fascinating emission complex as the entire 5' region is awash in bright nebulosity and there are faint, irregular extensions beyond the main portion, particularly to the north (the outer portions form a faint bubble on images). A 10th mag star is involved, though the cluster itself (S-L 476) does not stand out significantly.
NGC 1966 is sometimes applied to the entire complex. Shapley listed the complex as the center of the OB-association "Constellation" II (of V).
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1966 = D 136 = h2868 on 25 Sep 1826 with a second observation two nights later. He described "a pretty large faint nebula, 3' or 4' diameter, irregular figure with 4 bright parts or seats of attraction in it - or 4 small nebulae involved in strong nebulosity common to all them. There is a pretty bright star in the south side." His unpublished notebook position is 10' too far E, consistent with other offsets in his drift including NGC 1953, the previous object logged. He recorded it again on a drift two nights later with description, "a faint confused nebula, irregular figure with with small stars in it." Still, without a more detailed description it's uncertain which components he actually viewed.
John Herschel reobserved the group on 31 Jan 1835 (sweep 538) and distinguished the various components. He described NGC 1966 as "the third of a group of four nebulae with stars; pB, R, pslbM. Plate VI, figure 20."
Joseph Turner sketched the entire group in Dec. 1875 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 30 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae...").
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05 26 43 -69 06 06; Dor
V = 10.8; Size 0.9'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): very bright, fairly small
cluster, ~30" diameter. 8 to 10 stars are resolved, many in a string along
the west side. A mag 13 star is at
the east edge. First of 3 clusters
with
John Herschel discovered NGC 1967 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as object #456 in his table of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." His position is 1.8' too far northwest.
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NGC 1968 = LMC-N51C = ESO 056-130 = S-L 483 = LH 60
05 27 39.7 -67 27 48; Dor
Size 1.5'
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): NGC 1968 is the third in a great chain of clusters involved in extensive nebulosity oriented southwest to northeast. The cluster is bright and very elongated 3'x1' E-W with ~20 stars including a number of mag 12-13 stars. The cluster (part of association LH 60) is surrounded by nebulosity (Henize N51C) that brightens on the east end in a large, round knot and extends beyond the cluster on the south side for several arc minutes in the direction of NGC 1955 to the WSW. NGC 1968 is connected to NGC 1974, another nebulous cluster 3' NE and NGC 1955 lies 8' WSW. The entire complex is nicknamed the LMC "Sextant Arc".
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1968 = D 188 = h2870 on 27 Sep
1826. He described "a curved
line of 5 or 6 faint nebulae with a number of small stars mixed. This line is rich in stars and
nebulae." This object
(or group of nebulae) was found during a drift on 27 Sep in which he
misidentified the offset star (Theta Doradus) and all positions were reduced
incorrectly (2.4° to the SE). Once
corrected and checked for consistency with
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1968 = h2870 on 2 Jan 1837 (sweep 760) and described "The third of a great line of rich clusters [with NGC 1955, 1969, 1971, 1972 and 1974] all connected by abundance of irregularly scattered stars."
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NGC 1969 = ESO 056-124 = S-L 479
05 26 33 -69 50 27; Dor
V = 12.5; Size 1.2'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): faintest in a compact trio of clusters with NGC 1971 and 1972. At 397x; appears moderately bright, small, roundish, fairly low surface brightness. A mag 13 star is at the NW end and a couple of fainter stars are involved.
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the first in a compact right triangle of clusters with NGC 1971 1.2' SE and NGC 1972 1.4' E (within stellar association LH 59). At 260x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round. This cluster has a lower surface brightness than NGC 1971 and 1972. A mag 13 star is at the NW edge. NGC 1958 lies 5' W. Located along the southeast side of the LMC bar, with a relatively bright background glow
John Herschel discovered NGC 1969 = h2872 in Dec 1834 and recorded on NGC 1969 "the 4th of several running together (fig 7, Pl IV). F; S; attached to a larger (the 5th)." The 5th refers to NGC 1971 = h2875. His position is accurate. James Dunlop possibly discovered this cluster earlier on 24 Sep 1826 and noted (D 93) "a very faint nebula, about 30" diameter." His position is ~5' SE of the NGC 1969/1971/1972 trio, but visually NGC 1971 is the most prominent of the group. So, my guess is that D 93 refers to NGC 1971.
Albert Le Sueur sketched the field on 25 Feb 1870 (also S-L 460 and S-L 469), as well as by Joseph Turner on 21 Dec 1875 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. Turner's sketch is on plate III, figure 29 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae...".
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NGC 1970 = ESO 056-127 = LMC-N144 = LH 58
05 26 53 -68 50 12; Dor
V = 10.3
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
200x; NGC 1970 is at the SE corner of the NGC 1962-65-66-70 complex (stellar
association LH 58). It consists of
three close collinear stars oriented NNW-SSE with the brightest mag 10.8 star
at the north end. Using a UHC
filter, the stars were surrounded by only very weak nebulosity that was no more
prominent than the general field haze.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1970 = D 136 = h2869 on 25 Sep 1826 with a second observation two nights later. He described "a pretty large faint nebula, 3' or 4' diameter, irregular figure with 4 bright parts or seats of attraction in it - or 4 small nebulae involved in strong nebulosity common to all them. There is a pretty bright star in the south side." His unpublished notebook position (reduced from a drift) is 10' too far E, consistent with other offsets in the drift including NGC 1953, the previous object logged. He recorded it again on a drift two nights later with description, "a faint confused nebula, irregular figure with with small stars in it." Without a more detailed description it's uncertain which components he actually viewed.
John Herschel reobserved the group on 31 Jan 1835 (sweep 538) and distinguished the various components. He described NGC 1970 as "The last nebula in the group of four [with NGC 1962, 1965 and 1966] with stars. Place concluded (with no precision) from the 1st and 3rd by the aid of a diagram." [Plate VI, fig 20]. Despite his uncertainty with the position, it is pretty accurate.
Joseph Turner sketched the entire group in Dec. 1875 with the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 30 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae..."). His sketch shows the three stars oriented NNW-SSE with no nebulosity, but there is a patch of nebulosity surrounded by a ring of stars that is sketched close north. Pietro Baracchi also took this group of four or five stars as GC 1175 = NGC 1970.
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NGC 1971 = ESO 056-128 = S-L 481
05 26 45.6 -69 51 03; Dor
V = 11.9; Size 1.1'x0.95'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; very bright, fairly
small, round, 30"-35" diameter, high surface brightness. Brightest in a small trio with
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this cluster is the furthest south in a small right triangle of clusters with NGC 1969 1.2' NW and NGC 1972 0.9' NNE. At 260x it appeared bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter (largest of trio), gradually increases to the center. At 350x, it contains a sharp stellar core or a mag 14 star is superimposed and a star is also on the SE edge. Located 15' SW of a mag 6.1 star (close double) within the southeast side of the LMC's central bar.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1971 = D 95 = h2875 on 24 Sep 1826. He described D 95 as "a faint nebula, round, 35" or 40" diameter." In the drift it was logged between NGC 1958 and NGC 1986 and his offset in time and declination from NGC 1986 lands with 2' of NGC 1971. It was apparently also recorded in his drift through the same area three nights later and called "very faint, ill defined, 20" diameter."
John Herschel rediscovered this cluster on 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 523) and recorded, "the 5th of several running together (fig 7, Pl IV); attached to a smaller, No. 4". His position is accurate.
Albert Le Sueur sketched the field (with NGC 1958, 1969, 1972, S-L 460 and S-L 469) on 25 Feb 1870, as well as by Joseph Turner on 21 Dec 1875 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. Turner's sketch is on plate III, figure 29 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae...".
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NGC 1972 = ESO 056-129 = S-L 480
05 26 48.8 -69 50 17; Dor
V = 12.6; Size 0.9'x0.8'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x; bright, small, round, high surface brightness glow (cluster), ~25" diameter. Contains a very bright quasi-stellar nucleus (knot of stars). Second brightest in a compact trio of clusters with NGC 1971 50" SSW and NGC 1969 1.4' W.
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): forms the northeast vertex of a small triangle of clusters with NGC 1971 0.9' SSW and NGC 1969 1.4' E (within stellar association LH 59). At 260x this small cluster is bright, round, ~35" diameter (smaller than NGC 1971). There is either a very small knot of stars at the east edge (DSS reveals an apparent close double star). These clusters are buried with the southeast side of the LMC's bar, so the field has a bright background.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1972 (or NGC 1971) = D 93 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a very faint nebula, about 30" diameter." His position is ~5' SE of the trio NGC 1969/1971/1972. Based on my visual observation I suggest that NGC 1971 = D 93, although Steinicke assigns D 93 to NGC 1972. JH independently discovered this cluster (h2876) on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded it as "the 6th of several [including NGC 1950, 1958, 1959, 1969 and 1971] running together (fig 7, Pl IV). This also is a double nebula, having a very small one attached N.p (No 7)." His position is ~40" too far south.
Albert Le Sueur sketched the field (with NGC 1958, 1969, 1972, S-L 460 and S-L 469) on 25 Feb 1870, as well as by Joseph Turner on 21 Dec 1875 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. Turner's sketch is on plate III, figure 29 in "Observations of Southern Neb...".
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05 35 04.8 -04 43 55; Ori
Size 5'x5'
24" (1/22/15): locally bright (reflection?) nebula
surrounding mag 6.9
13.1": bright reflection nebulosity surrounding 7th
magnitude
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1973 on 16 Dec 1862 within NGC 1977. He calls it a nebulous mag 8-9 star and his single position corresponds with HD 36958 = SAO 132302 = KX Ori.
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NGC 1974 = NGC 1991 = LMC-N51A = ESO 085-89 = S-L 494 = LH 63
05 28 00 -67 25 24; Dor
Size 1.7'
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): NGC 1974 is the fourth in a great looping chain of clusters and nebulosity (collectively called the "Sextant Arc") including NGC 1955 and NGC 1968 to the SW. NGC 1974 is virtually attached to NGC 1968, only distinguished by less nebulosity and stars. Roughly three dozen stars were resolved in a 3' circular group (stellar association LH 63) including a number of mag 12-13 stars. The cluster is involved in fairly bright nebulous haze (LMC-N51A). A filament of nebulosity on the NE side is the brightest part of an incomplete superbubble.
Nail and Shapley designated the OB association that includes the "Sextant Arc" as "Constellation III" in a 1953 paper on the Magellanic Clouds.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1974 = D 213 on 6 Nov 1826 and described "a faint elliptical nebula, about 30" diameter. This is the following in a curved line of nebulae." He observed it on three occasions and his (mean) position is 2.8' too far northeast.
John Herschel recorded h2877 on 23 Nov 1834 (sweep 5112) as
"The following part of a large irregular cluster which extends obliquely
across the field." The objects in this grouping include NGC 1955, 1968,
1974 and
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NGC 1975 = Ced 55c = Sh 2-279 = Running Man Nebula
05 35 18 -04 41 06; Ori
Size 10'x5'
24" (1/22/15):
bright 2' reflection nebulosity surrounding
13.1": see description for NGC 1973. This is the faintest portion of the NGC 1977 complex and appears large and elongated, including a mag 11/11 double star.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 1975 on 3 Oct 1864 and called it a "bright double star involved in nebulosity within V. 30 [NGC 1977]." His single position corresponds with the double star ∑746 = 10.4/10.7 at 14" in the northern part of the nebula.
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05 35 17.1 -05 23 27; Ori
V = 4.0; Size 66'x60'
48" (4/1/11): the Trapezium was first object viewed while the sky was still darkening. The "H" star (discovered by Barnard in 1888 with the Lick 36" was easily visible without reference to a chart, though I apparently missed the G star inside the Trapezium and a fainter companion to H at 1.3" separation. The "E" component was seen for the first time with a vivid orange color! In addition, due north of the A-E pair is a faint double star near the edge of the darker central pocket containing the Trapezium. On the opposite side (SE) of the Trapezium (at the edge of the inner pocket) are a wide pair of stars (~20") oriented E-W with possibly a third extremely difficult star between and a bit further east. Although I didn't take notes or try to sketch the main features of M42, there were several faint pink or red stars peppered over the glow of the nebula!
17.5" (10/12/85): best emission nebula in northern sky, fantastic view under all conditions, bright colored wings sweep to the east and south. The remarkable structure is difficult to describe but includes bays, filaments, knots, nebulous stars and a huge outer loop. Definite colors are visible including pale greens and pinks. Highlighted by the Trapezium which contains six stars and appears to reside in a darker hollow. The bright portion surrounding Theta probably has the highest surface brightness of any HII region in the sky with an "electric" appearance. Dark streaks and a dark wedge = "fish's mouth" intrudes on the NE side. Using an H-Beta filter, the nebulosity significantly dims in general but there is one outer wing or loop on the west side (oriented N-S) which obviously increases in contrast with the filter!
8" (numerous dates from 1979 to 1984): exquisite detail difficult to describe. Overall the nebula has a grey-green color but one wing is slightly reddish. Faint, very large outer loop is nearly complete
The following observational history of M42 = NGC 1976 = h360 is largely from Wolfgang Steinicke and http://seds.org/messier/more/m042_dis.html
The Orion Nebula was probably discovered in November 1610 by Nicholas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc (1580-1637), a French lawyer, who turned his telescope (given to him by Galileo) to Orion and reported a "small illuminated cloud" near the middle star of Orion's Sword. This sighting, however, was not published, but only reported in Peiresc's personal documents and mentioned by Bigourdan in 1916. Jesuit astronomer Johann Baptist Cysat (1588-1657) of Lucerne was independently found it the following year. In 1619 he compared it to a comet he had observed in 1618. Cysat's work also did not get widely circulated but was found and reported by Rudolf Wolf in 1854. So, Dreyer included Cysat under the "Other Observers" column in the NGC. The first known (very rough) sketch of the Orion nebula was created by Sicilian astronomer Giovanni Batista Hodierna before 1654 and included three stars, probably Theta1, Theta2A and Theta2B. As he was little-known, his work was lost and not rediscovered until the 1980's.
None of the early discoveries were known when Christian Huygens rediscovered the nebula in 1656 with a 50mm refractor and published the first printed sketch which appeared in his "Systema Saturnium" in 1659, gaining credit for a long time as the discoverer, as reported by Halley and Messier. Huygens's sketch included 3 stars in the trapezium and the general shape of the bright central part of the nebula. Messier's more detailed sketch [made in 1769] showing the wings and the "fish's mouth" near the trapezium was published in 1771 (Mémoires de l'Académie Royale), though soon after William Herschel trained his large mirrors towards M42 (first observations in March 1774) and obtained much more detailed views. He called it "altogether the most wonderful object in the heavens." (16 Oct 1784)
M42 was one of the objects Lord Rosse attempted to "resolve" in 1845 and 1846 using his new 72-inch. After several bouts of poor weather, in February of 1846 he wrote "we are still in doubt as to the resolvability of the Nebula in Orion. The great instrument has shown us an immense number of stars in it, dense groups in the immediate vicinity of the Trapezium, but further evidence is I think wanting." A month later he was more convinced, writing in a letter "...there can be little if any doubt as to the resolvability of the nebulae...we could plainly see that all about the trapezium is a mass of stars; the rest of the nebula also abounding with stars, and exhibiting the characteristics of resolvability strongly marked." Most astronomers accepted these claims, though a few such as Wilhelm Struve challenged the alleged resolution. Clearly the Orion was a poor choice to decide resolvability as there are many stars associated with it, but the Irish observers also claimed resolvability for the Crab Nebula and the Ring Nebula (especially by Romney Robinson). George Bond, son of William Cranch Bond and Director of the Harvard College Observatory, claimed to have confirmed Rosse's resolution using HCO's new 15" refractor. In his first examination on 21-22 Sep 1847, he scrawled in his notebook, "Resolved. Mottled. Abundance of Stars." He reported to Harvard's president that "You will rejoice with me that the great Nebula in Orion has yielded to the powers of our incomparable telescope!"
Ronald Stoyan, in "Sketching the Orion Nebula" (Astronomy, Feb 2013), stated that Bond determined the positions of all stars he could perceive through the 15-inch (HCO refractor) in a 20' radius around the Trapezium. Working through seven winter seasons from 1857 to 1864 and finally reaching a field of 3.36° square, he catalogued 1,101 stars as faint as 15th magnitude, observed numerous various stars, and described M42 in metriculous detail like no one before. But above all, he sketched what he saw at the eyepiece - the first complete and accurate "image" of this region. His eye for detail was so that that the engraver [for the 1867 "Observations upon the Great Nebula in Orion" in http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1867AnHar...5D...3B] had to look through the telescope to adequately reproduce Bond's impressions. The result was the most accurate and elaborate astronomical drawing ever done. Bond's cousin, American astronomer Edward S. Holden, said in 1882 that it was the "most satisfactory representation of any celestial object." [A biography of George Bond, as well as his sketch of the Orion Nebula is at http://ejamison.net/bond.html]
The Orion Nebula was reported early on by various observers as possibly variable, with changes in both shape and brightness. Edward Holden gives a comprehensive history of observations of the Orion Nebula by 44 individuals, from Cysat in 1619 to Draper in 1880. See http://openlibrary.org/books/OL7237514M/. Henry Draper took the first photograph of the Orion Nebula on 30 Sep 1880 with an 11-inch Clark refractor, though the resolution and details were very poor. In 1882-83, Ainslee Common obtained a number of impressive long-exposure photographs using his 36-inch silver-on-glass reflector (first to show details not visible naked-eye) and in 1889 Isaac Roberts produced some excellent wide-field photographs of M42 using a 20-inch Grubb reflector.
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NGC 1977 = Ced 55e = Sh 2-279 = Running Man Nebula
05 35 15.8 -04 50 40; Ori
Size 20'x10'
24" (1/22/15): NGC 1977 is a prominent 20' field of
nebulosity involving 42 Ori (V = 4.6 and a challenging 1.2" pair), 45 Ori
(V = 5.2) and mag 7.3
13.1": extensive bright field of nebulosity including NGC 1973 and NGC 1975, very large, elongated ~E-W. Involves several bright stars including 42 Orionis (V = 4.7) and 45 Orionis (V = 5.3). Irregular and detailed with detached segments. Extends north and south beyond 42 Orionis. Located north of M42 and south of the bright cluster NGC 1981.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1977 = H. V-30 on 18 Jan 1786 (sweep 510) and recorded "I returned to the c's Orionis [1 and 2 c Orionis], and the stars about them; and found them as suspected involved in very visible, and unequally bright milky nebulosity. I am pretty sure this joins to the great nebula [M42]." NGC 1977 is generally taken as the brightest portion around 42 and 45 Orionis, though Herschel's description really applies to the entire nebula and scattered group of stars.
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NGC 1978 = ESO 085-90 = S-L 501
05 28 44.6 -66 14 08; Dor
V = 10.7; Size 3.9'x2.7'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): this impressive LMC
(intermediate age) globular is extremely bright and large, noticeably elongated
NNW-SSE, 2.3'x1.5', contains a large, very bright core (unresolved), and grainy
halo. Only a few mag 15-16 stars were resolved around the edges at 303x. NGC 1978 is situated within the huge
LMC-4 Superbubble that includes the NGC 1848 complex 18' WSW,
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): bright, large, elongated NNW-SSE, 2.4'x1.5' (unusually elongated for a globular), weak even concentration to center, no resolution. This is a blue intermediate-age cluster or "blue globular", roughly 2 billion years old, with a million solar masses. NGC 1948, a combination star cloud/emission complex, lies 18' W.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 1978 = D 238 = h2878 on 6 Nov 1826 and described "a faint round nebula, about 50" diameter, rather ill defined. His position is ~10' SW of the globular, whch is a reasonable match and in agreement with his offset for D 237, assuming it applies to NGC 1948.
John Herschel first observed this bright globular on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) and logged, "vB, vL, E, gbM, 3'." On 3 Jan 1837 (sweep 761), he recorded "vB, vL; oval; vgpmbM; a beautiful nebula; it has very much resemblance to the Nubecula Major itself as seen with the naked eye, but is far brighter and more impressive in its general aspect as if the Nubecula were at least doubled in intensity. (Note - July 29, 1837. I well remember this observation, it was the result of repeated comparisons between the object seen in the telescope and the actual nubecula as seen high in the sky on the meridian, and no vague estimate carelessly set down. And who can say whether in this object, magnified and analysed by telescopes infinitely superior to what we now possess, there may not exist all the complexity of detail that the nubecula itself presents to our examination!)"
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NGC 1979 = ESO 487-024 = AM 0531-232 = PGC 17452
05 34 01.1 -23 18 37; Lep
V = 11.8; Size 2.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 7°
24" (1/1/19): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated, 50"x40", very strong concentration (fairly sharp)
with a small bright core that increases to the center. A mag 12 star is 1.8' E. ARA 1991, a
14" pair of mag 11.7/13.4 stars is 7' W.
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. IC 2138 lies 14' SE and NGC 1964 is 80' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1979 = H. III-240 on 20 Nov
1784 (sweep 325) and noted "vF, vS, stellar." His position is 13 sec of RA east of
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05 35 26.0 -05 54 36; Ori
Size 14'x14'
13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, large nebulosity of low surface brightness surrounding Iota Orionis (V = 2.8). Very difficult to distinguish from glare of Iota. M42 lies 30' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1980 = H. V-31 = h361 on 31 Jan 1786 (sweep 517) and noted "Iota Orionis seems with its neighbouring stars to be involved in milky nebulosity; but it is so faint and the number of stars makes the field so bright, that I cannot assure myself; though I compared this spot with the preceding and following ones." He observed it again on sweep 529 and recorded "Iota certainly affected, but no more that what the tinge of the bottom in this neighbourhood will account for." John Herschel noted on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 218), "Iota Orionis involved in a feeble neb 3' diam."
On 28 Jan 1849, George Johnstone Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) recorded, "Dark space in the nebula containing nearest companion; light nearly equable; sketch made (by Stoney); 3-feet telescope employed. All the stars in the neighbourhood are nebulous, of these two a little sp, last seem to have dark spaces as in [figure 16, 1850 PT paper]."
William Lassell made an observation on 7 Jan 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector and reported, "Surveyed this star for some time without any impression of a nebula about it. At length I began to conceive that the glare around it, which I had attributed to the splendour of the star, might be really nebulous; and on further looking attentively at the stars, I could fancy they were on a black ground in the midst of the nebulae; but, without the suggestion of Lord Rosse's drawing, I think the appearance would have escaped me." Observing with the 48" Melbourne telescope on 3 Jan 1886, Pietro Baracchi commented, "Uncertain - Is it nebulosity or stray diffused light from the stars?"
It is very possible that William Herschel observed just scattered light around Iota, since the very southern end of M42 has a very low surface brightness and would be difficult to distinguish among the several bright stars in the field. Wolfgang Steinicke favors interpreting NGC 1980 as an illusion (personal email on 21 Mar 2015), though Harold Corwin is not convinced (personal email of 23 Mar 2015).
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05 35 10 -04 25 30; Ori
V = 4.6; Size 25'
24" (1/22/15): at 200x;
18" (1/17/09): this very bright, scattered 25' cluster is situated just north of the cluster/emission nebula NGC 1973/75/77 and both appear to be part of the same complex at 73x. Contains 7 stars mag 6-7.5 and a dozen stars mag 9 or brighter. Most of the remaining stars are much fainter and more concentrated on the west side and streaming off the northwest end.
8": bright cluster with about two dozen stars mag 6 and fainter. Very large, scattered. Includes ∑750 = 6/8 at 4". To the south is another group of bright stars surrounded by the emission nebula NGC 1973-1977.
Naked-eye (10/23/11): visible as a hazy glow just north of the three "stars" in the sword. None of the individual mag 6.5 stars are resolved naked-eye as they are two tightly grouped, but the cluster is easily resolved in binoculars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1981 = h362 on 4 Jan 1827 (sweep 41) and described "a coarse and por but very splendid cluster of large stars; a beautiful object." His position corresponds with mag 6.5 HD 37040 = ∑750 = mag 6/8 at 4" on the NE side of the cluster.
But by analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 23 Oct 1780 using his 6.2" reflector.
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05 35 31.3 -05 16 02; Ori
V = 9.0; Size 20'x15'
13.1": large detached piece of M42, mottled outer region, very bright center. Has a large rotated "comma" shape with a dark indentation on the east side. A mag 8 star is embedded.
8": fairly large, irregular, protrudes to the NE, includes a bright star.
French scientist Jean-Jacques d'Ortous de Mairan discovered
In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, found M43 displayed an emission spectrum in an early spectroscopic investigation while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.
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NGC 1983 = ESO 056-133 = LH 61 = S-L 492
05 27 45.3 -68 59 10; Dor
V = 8.8; Size 5'x3'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; this large star cloud/association (LH 61) includes the embedded cluster S-L 492. It appeared as a very bright, small knot of stars, 30" diameter, with a half-dozen resolved. The star cloud is elongated N-S and is rich in bright and faint stars (too many to count). A very striking N-S string (6' length) of 10 bright mag 10.5-12 stars passes just east of the cluster. Just outside the field to the south (9' from S-L 492) is NGC 1984, along with NGCs 1994 and 1967.
Two additional clusters were picked up nearby to the east (nearly collinear with S-L 492). H-S 314, 3.7' E of S-L 492, appeared as a bright, high surface brightness, compact glow, 20" diameter, no resolution. H-S 319, just 2' E of H-S 314, was noted as fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter, no resolution. A mag 11.5 is off the southeast side [35" from center] and a mag 12.3 star is 0.7' E.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1983 = h2881 on 11 Nov 1836 and described "a pretty rich irregular cluster which fills the field; a knot in it taken." S-L 492 is the "knot" he measured, but the object which "fills the field" is the association LH 61.
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NGC 1984 = ESO 056-132 = S-L 488
05 27 40.8 -69 08 05; Dor
V = 10.0; Size 1.2'
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; extremely bright, small, high surface brightness knot of stars, mottled. Several stars are resolved around the edges of the 30" clumpy glow. A nice 4' string of stars begins at the west edge of the cluster and extends to the south-southeast, ending at a mag 11.3 star. No response to a NPB filter, although LMC-N145 is on the southwest edge. NGC 1984 is situated in a very rich region of the LMC with NGC 1994 3.8' ESE and NGC 1967 5.4' NW. NGC 1983, an excellent cluster and star cloud, lies 9' N.
James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 1984 = D 135 = h2882 on 24 Sep 1826. During his second drift of the night he noted a "small faint round nebula". His reduced position is 20' to the SW, but reference to his handwritten drift notes shows it was logged 8 minute 18 sec after recording NGC 1916 and 14' to its north. This offset places it just 2' south of NGC 1984 and 3' SW of NGC 1994. He recorded a second object only 17 seconds of RA separation but a difference of 4' in declination (the two clusters are very close in declination).
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1984 = h2882 on 16 Dec 1835 and described as "a cluster; a double star in it taken." His position is accurate and the double star is HJ 3771 = 11.4/13 at 5".
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05 37 47.8 +31 59 20; Aur
13.1" (1/18/85): faint reflection nebulosity surrounding a mag 13.5 star. This small, circular nebula is visible without a filter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1985 = H. III-865 = h359 on 13 Nov 1790 (sweep 980) and recorded "vF, vS, R, bM. 300 showed it very plainly." His position was 2.5' too far NW, though John Herschel measured on accurate position. R.J. Mitchell, observing on 28 Dec 1856 with Lord Rosse's 72", remarked "Looks like a star enveloped in a vF nebulous atmosphere which is lE nearly preceding-following."
This reflection nebula was misclassified as a PN (PK 176+00.1) in Kohoutek's Catalogue of Galactic Planetary Nebulae and the RNGC repeats this error.
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NGC 1986 = ESO 056-134 = S-L 489
05 27 37.7 -69 58 14; Men
V = 11.1; Size 2.8'x2.4'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 397x very bright, large, roundish, ~2' diameter, contains a relatively large bright core. The cluster is very lively and several extremely faint stars are resolved over the glow. Nine clusters lies within 16' in a 90° arc from the west to the north, the closest is H-S 307 4.8' N (logged as "faint, small, round, ~20" diameter, low surface brightness, no resolution.") Further east of NGC 1986 are numerous additional clusters.
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
260x, this LMC globular appeared very bright, fairly large, round, at least 2'
diameter, with a bright core and several faint stars resolved. At 346x, at least a couple of dozen
stars were resolved in the fainter halo and over the disc. There is a brighter elongated bar in
the central portion (reminiscent of
H-S 307, a very faint cluster, lies 4.8' NNE (logged as
"small, round and grainy, ~25" diameter") and a very small trio
of clusters, NGC 1969, 1971 and 1972 is ~9' NW. NGC 1959 is a bit further away at 11' WNW with NGC 1950
continuing on the same line 16.5' WNW.
All of these clusters are visible in the same 30' field of the 13mm
Ethos at 200x. In addition, a
number of clusters, including H-S 327, S-L 519, S-L 535 and
James Dunlop discovered NGC 1986 = D 96 = D 97 = h2883 on 24
Sep 1826. D 96, found on 24 Sep
1826, was reported in his logbook as "a pretty large faint nebula, fully
1' diameter, slightly bright towards centre, irregular figure" His offsets from
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 1986 on 24 Nov 1834 (sweep 513) and recorded "pF; pL; R; glbM; 2'." His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate.
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05 27 17 -70 44 18; Men
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright and large, roundish with a slightly irregular halo, lively but only a couple of mag 16-16.5 stars are resolved around the edges. Three bright stars in the field to the west: a mag 10.7 star 2.1' SW, a mag 9.5 star 3' W and a mag 10.5 star 5' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1987 = h2885 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; L; irreg R; 3 B st precede." His position and description is accurate.
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05 37 26.5 +21 13 06; Tau
= *, Carlson. =**, Gottlieb.
The following historical summary is based on Wolfgang Steinicke's "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters" as well as Harold Corwin's NGC/IC identification notes. Jean Chacornac discovered NGC 1988 on 19 Oct 1855 with the 25-cm Lerebours refractor of the Paris Observatory, though the note "have found a new nebula very near to Zeta Tauri." was not announced until 1863. When he reobserved the field on 20 Nov 1862, he was surprised to find the "nebula" missing and Heinrich d'Arrest was unsuccessful in seeing it in 1863 and 1865. Tempel reported it was probably a reflection in the eyepiece (and not a variable nebula) based on his negative sighting in 1861. Hind later summarized the discovery and subsequent negative results of this object in a paper titled "Chacornac's Variable Nebula near Zeta Tauri" in 1876. John Herschel, unaware of Tempel's negative result, catalogued it as GC 1911 and Dreyer followed in the NGC with the description "!!!, variable (?)", though he has a long description on this star in the notes section in which he mentions that Tempel found only a false image of a star. Still others tried to find it including Father Hagen who described this object as a ghost image of mag 3 Zeta Tauri. Burnham also unsuccessfully searched for it in 1891 with the 36-inch Lick refractor (Publ of Lick Observatory, II). Burnham agreed with Tempel's assessment and added "Too much time has been wasted in looking for this object.." Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, concluded "*12.5 in Dreyer's place, BD +21 907 f 0.6'." Harold Corwin also suggests this was a "reflection or flare from zeta Tauri which is only 5 arcmin to the southeast." This is the only NGC entry credited to Chacornac, so he didn't discover any non-stellar objects.
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05 34 23.4 -30 48 04; Col
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 106°
17.5" (12/3/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated,
broad concentration. Situated at
the vertex of two converging rows stars including mag 9.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 1989 = h2871 on 28 Jan 1835 and recorded "eeF; S; R; south of several bright stars." On a second sweep he noted "vF; S; R at the apex of a converging parcel of distant stars." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.
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05 36 12.7 -01 12 07; Ori
V = 1.7
= * (Epsilon Orionis = middle belt star). Nebulosity not visible on the POSS-II.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1990 = H. V-34 = h363 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 518) and reported "Epison Orionis passed, and I am pretty sure it is involved in nebulosity, unequally diffused." John Herschel made two observations at Slough and remarked (sweep 107, 23 Nov 1827) "Epsilon Orionis. Place by Catalogue a very brilliant star involved in an immense nebulous atmosphere, whose north and south limits are 91° 7' 29" and 91° 31' 29". Viewed also and shown to Mr. Dunlop in Sweep 110." Guillaume Bigourdan reported "I could not see any trace of nebulosity around this bright star which is epsilon Orion. Nor did d'Arrest or Engelhardt see any nebulosity around this star." The Birr Castle observers reported no nebulosity on several attempts. But on 3 Jan 1886, Pietro Baracchi observed Epsilon Ori with the 48" Melbourne telescope and comments "There is no doubt it is a whitish atmosphere surrounding Epsilon Orionis fading gradually away that the boundaries cannot be ascertained..."
In 1893 Lewis Swift wrote, "Sir William Herschel supposed he had discovered a very large, very faint nebula surrounding Epsilon Orionis. For this I have sought many times with both telescopes, but always in vain, having never been able to detect anything more than the faint glow which surrounds every bright star."
Based on Crossley plates at Lick, Curtis reported in 1913, "It seems that Herschel must have been misled here by the radiance about the very bright star... I find no trace of nebulosity in an exposure of two hours." Dorothy Carlson classified this number as nonexistent in her 1940 paper on NGC/IC corrections based on Curtis' results. Brian Skiff, also found no large nebulosity surrounding Epsilon Orionis and Harold Corwin concludes this object is nonexistent. He notes, though, that images are too burned in, to tell if there is a small, faint nebulosity very close to Epsilon (like IC 349 adjacent to Merope).
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NGC 1991 = NGC 1974 = ESO 085-089
05 28 00 -67 25 24; Dor
Size 1.7'
See observing notes for NGC 1974 with the 30" from Coonabarabran.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1991 = h2884 on 2 Jan 1837 and noted "the 4th of a great line of rich clusters connected by abundant irregularly scattered stars." There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west (same declination) is NGC 1974 and the Hodge-Wright Atlas (1967) notes "probably NGC 1974. RA off by 1m." ESO repeats the identification NGC 1974 = NGC 1991.
Eric Lindsay, in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" [1964IrAJ....6..286L], notes "Not found. This should be 1m due east of NGC 1974 which follows NGC 1955, 1968." RNGC follows Lindsay and classifies NGC 1991 nonexistent instead of equating with NGC 1974.
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NGC 1992 = ESO 423-023 = MCG -05-14-007 = PGC 17466
05 34 31.9 -30 53 49; Col
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 45°
17.5" (12/3/88): extremely faint, small, very low surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 1989 6' NNW in ACO S536.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1992 = h2873 on 19 Nov 1835 and recorded "eeF; vS; certainly not to be seen except in a superbly clear night, as this is." His position is accurate.
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05 35 25.5 -17 48 55; Lep
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 80°
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core. Located 40' E of Alpha Leporis (V = 2.6).
William Herschel discovered NGC 1993 = H. III-269 on 6 Feb 1785 (sweep 367) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar, 240 power it beyond doubt." Auwers reduced position is 1 hr too large in R, but this error was caught by JH when compiling the GC.
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NGC 1994 = ESO 056-136 = S-L 499
05 28 22 -69 08 30; Dor
V = 9.8; Size 1.6'
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): extremely bright, fairly small, high surface brightness knot, 25" diameter, clumpy, irregular. The main patch is too dense to cleanly resolve (a few stars sparkle over the background glow) but a large number of mag 13-15 stars are nearby, forming a larger cluster. Mag 11.5 stars are less than 1' NE and 1.5' ESE. Forms a striking pair with NGC 1984 3.8' W with NGC 1967 9' WNW. In a gorgeous, rich region of the LMC with scattered brighter stars extending 10' N to NGC 1983.
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; very bright, small, very high surface brightness knot, 25" diameter, slightly elongated E-W. A few stars are resolved in the cluster and many are scattered very nearby. In a very rich region of the LMC and third of three clusters with NGC 1984 and 1967.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1994 = h2887 on 16 Dec 1835 and described "a little knot, a triple, perhaps a quadruple star, forming a point of reference in a cluster of the 7th class. The knot looks like a nebula till analysed." On a second sweep he logged "the second knot in a rich cluster of irregular figure of stars 11..16th mag. The knot seems to be a close double or triple star." His position is accurate.
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05 33 03.3 -48 40 34; Pic
V = 15/15.5; Size 13"
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): NGC 1995 is a 13" pair of mag 15/15.5 stars just 2.3' NW of NGC 1995. Through thin clouds, low elevation and only fair seeing, it appeared as a very faint unresolved glow. Under these conditions, I would also have mistaken it for a tiny nebula.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1995 = h2879, along with NGC
1998 = h2880, on 28 Dec 1834 and recorded "eeF; R; bM; exceedingly
difficult and delicate. (Sky perfectly clear.) The preceding of two [with NGC
1998]. Both objects were recorded
on sweep 526, while
Pietro Baracchi observed NGC 1995 with the 48" Melbourne telescope on 15 Feb 1888 and noted "vF; vvS; stellar - easily mistaken for a very minute star." Actually he was mistaken!
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05 38 10.2 +25 49 02; Tau
Size 20'x10'
18" (11/6/04): at 73x (31 Nagler), this is a moderately
rich group of ~60 stars mag 11-14 in a large, elongated group, perhaps 17'x8',
extended N-S. The majority of the
stars are ~12th magnitude. A
string of 10th magnitude stars heads southeast for 15'. Situated in a rich star field ~20' W of
mag 5.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 1996 = H. VIII-42 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 485) and described a "cluster of coarsely scattered stars above 15' dia. The stars nearly of a size and equally scatterered." On 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 627) he noted "a coarsely scattered clu of pL stars, not rich; may be a projecting point of the milky way." Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, describes this group as 17'x12' in PA 10, "Cl, L, E, pP, sc, st 11..." The DSS appearance agrees with this description and the group (status as a cluster is uncertain) is between two mag 5-6 stars at 40' separation E-W. The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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05 30 34 -63 12 18; Dor
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly faint elongated glow, oriented SW-NE, ~45"x30". A mag 14 star is attached at the northeast end and a couple of additional mag 16 stars are on the NW and SW sides. Located 47' SSW of mag 3.8 Beta Dor, well to the north of the main body of the LMC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 1997 = h2886 on 30 Nov 1834 and described as "eF; R; 30"." His position from this single sweep is ~30" SE of the center of the cluster. Robert Innes observed the cluster in 1926 with the 26.5-inch refractor at the Union Observatory. He reported it as "Nebula, 12 mag, touching an 11 mag star on Sp, 20" diameter, looks lie the tail of a comet, star being the head." The direction of the star is at the NE edge of the cluster.
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NGC 1998 = ESO 204-015 = PGC 17434
05 33 15.7 -48 41 46; Pic
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 20°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): faint,
slightly elongated ~N-S, 25"x20", smooth surface brightness. Located within a striking group of mag
9-11 stars; a mag 10 star is 3.5' NE, five mag 9.0-10.8 stars in a N-S string
(6' length) is close south, including
John Herschel discovered NGC 1998 = h2880 on 28 Dec 1834 and
recorded "eeF, R, bM, the following of two [with NGC 1995 = h2879]; in
field to the south is a brilliant group of stars." His position matches
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05 36 25.3 -06 42 57; Ori
Size 2'x2'
48" (10/25/11): stunning view at 375x and 488x. The high surface brightness reflection nebulosity surrounding the mag 10.5-11.0 illuminating star (V380 Ori) was intensely bright. The dark splotch (possibly a Bok globule) that blots out a portion of the nebula just west of center appeared sharply etched into the nebulosity and formed a "keyhole" or "anvil" outline with a thin extension to the east and a thicker north-south flat section on the west. The contrast of this dark nebulosity was extremely high and appeared virtually identical to images.
18" (2/24/06): spectacular view at 565x. The bright mag 10.5 central star appears slightly offset east of center, though this may be an optical affect due to the very dark patch on the west side. The bright, 2' reflection nebula is slightly brighter just following the central star. The irregular dark vacuity is large and detailed at this power and appears anvil-shaped. The base of the anvil is along the western side and oriented N-S. There is a narrow extension to the south that tapers to a wedge. Along the north side, the globule extends to the east and partially wraps around the central star. This was the first time I've seen the dark patch take on an appearance similar to the well-known HST image.
17.5" (2/22/03): remarkable, bright 2' reflection
nebula surrounding mag 10.5 V380 Orionis (emission-line star). At 220x, a prominent, curving dark
patch or globule wraps around the star along the west side. Two of the brightest Herbig-Haro
objects are close south, with
17.5" (2/8/90 and 12/7/90): bright, high surface brightness emission nebula surrounding a mag 10 star, round, about 2' diameter. There is a striking curved irregular dark patch or globule along the west side of the central star that is remarkable at high power. The nebulosity is weakest on the SE side of star. Easily takes 220x-280x.
17.5" (2/22/87): bright, round nebula around a 10th magnitude illuminating star. A eye-catching, curved, irregular dark patch is NW of the central star within the nebulosity.
13.1" (2/25/84): a curving dark lane is visible west of the central star with faint nebulosity west of the gap.
8" (11/28/81): small circular nebulosity surrounds a mag 10 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 1999 = H. IV-33 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 458) and called it "a star with a very strong burr all around." On 1 Nov 1785 (sweep 468) he noted "vB or rather a nucleus with a milky nebulosity chiefly on the preceding side, of no very great extent." In his 1814 PT paper Herschel included NGC 1999 under the section "Of Stars connected with extensive windings of nebulosity" and noted "a star situated upon a ground of extremely faint "milky nebulosity diffused over this part of the heavens, has "a milky chevelure surrounding it, which is brighter than "the nebulosity of the ground; but which loses itself imperceptibly in the extreme faintness of the general diffusion of the nebulous matter." He used this object in his argument that the star was formed by the law of gravitation from the nebular material. His rough sketch shows the off-central star superimposed, though no dark patch. Ralph Copeland, observing with Lord Rosse's 72" on 15 Nov 1873, recorded a "*9m with nebulosity in which there is a vacuity preceding the star. It looks like a comet coiled round into a ring nebula [See Pl I.]. So, clearly the dark patch was quite evident.
Based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt between 1914-16 with the 30" Reynolds reflector, NGC 1999 was described as "!! vB, pL, a dense globe with an absolutely dark triangular hole cutting into it." Although the dark patch is generally assumed to be a dark globule, a 2010 paper "er ist wahrhaftig ein Loch im Himmel. The NGC 1999 dark globule is not a globule" (http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010arXiv1005.2202S), suggests that "the dark patch is in fact a hole or cavity in the material producing the NGC 1999 reflection nebula, excavated by protostellar jets from the V 380 Ori multiple system." See http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMFEAKPO8G_index_0.html for more.
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NGC 2000 = ESO 056-135 = S-L 493
05 27 29 -71 52 48; Men
V = 12.1; Size 1.5'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, moderately large
LMC cluster, slightly elongated, 50" diameter, very mottled, contains a
brighter and denser core. The halo
is resolved into many mag 14.5-16 stars, particularly on the south and west
side. Located on the south end of
the LMC, 25' SW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 2000 = h2889 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "F; R; vlbM; 60"." His position (single sweep) is accurate.
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05 29 02 -68 46 12; Dor
V = 9.5; Size 7.3'x3.6'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): a gorgeous, elongated star cloud/association (LH 64), extending 7'x2.5' NNE-SSW. Roughly 65 stars, including a number of mag 12-13 stars are resolved in this region over a glowing background. A mag 10.7 star is at the southwest end and a non-stellar mag 12 knot (KMHK 955) is north of center. A curving chain of a dozen stars pokes out of the west side and heads south towards S-L 495 (3.4' W of the mag 10.7 star). S-L 495 is a very bright, very small knot, 20" diameter. It was difficult to resolve this clump, but a few stars popped. A mag 12.5 star is just off the west edge. LH 58, a stunning large star cloud and HII complex including NGCs 1962, 1965, 1966 and 1970, lies roughly 13' WSW.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2001 = D 178 = h2888 on 25 Sep 1826. He recorded (copied from handwritten notes) "a small faint nebula with a faint ray proceeding from it, about 6' or 7' long; following a small star south preceding." Dunlop's position is 11' ENE of the cluster, consistent with other previous objects in this drift, including D 136 = NGC 1962-1970 complex.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2001 on 30 Dec 1836 (sweep 759) and recorded "the middle of the most condensed part of a cluster of stars 13th mag which runs off to the south-preceding and joins No. 39 of this sweep." In a separate entry on the same sweep he also mentioned "Here commences a very starry or resolved region of the greater Nubecula."
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05 30 21.0 -66 53 02; Dor
V = 10.1; Size 1.9'x1.7'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x
this cluster is extremely bright but small. It is sharply concentrated with a small, brilliant core
surrounded by a much fainter 30" halo. At 346x, the core diameter is ~15" diameter and three
interior stars are resolved, the brightest on the southeast side. Sharing the same field 8' SE is the
double cluster
NGC 2002 is at the west end of a huge, arcing string of associations (bowed to the south) referred to as LH 77 or the "Quadrant", which extends nearly 40' to the east beyond NGC 2041. The Quadrant, itself, defines the southern rim of the huge LMC-4 Superbubble, a ring of HII regions and clusters spanning 6000 l.y.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2002 = h2890 = D 214 on 24 Sep 1826 and recorded a "a round small nebula, 12" or 15" diameter." He made two observations and his position is 4.7' SW of the cluster. John Herschel credited Dunlop with the discovery.
Herschel made two observations: On 20 Dec 1835 he logged "place of a double star, the chief of a great cluster of small stars loose and filling the field. It is the forerunner of the great cluster-region [OB association LH 77] of the nubecula." On a second sweep he called it "vB, S, R. Here comes on the richest and brightest part of the starry and clustering portion of the nubecula. (Note - From this object being described at one time as a double star, and at another as a nebula, it is probable that it is one of those singular close-knotted groups which especially characterize the nubeculae)." So, it appears he is describing two objects -- one the cluster (containing the double star) and second, the association that contains the cluster.
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NGC 2003 = ESO 086-006 = S-L 526
05 30 54.3 -66 27 59; Dor
V = 11.3; Size 2.1'
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; extremely bright,
extremely high surface brightness core, fairly small, 30" diameter. Surrounded by a thin fainter halo. A
mag 13-13.5 star or quasi-stellar knot [BSDL 2043] is at the west end and a
couple of mag 15 stars are off the east side. Two mag 9 and 10 stars lie 4.7' SSW and 7' SSW and mag 8.0
S-L 553 and the remarkable Eighth-Note Nebula (LHa 120-N55)
lies ~8' E. Even without a filter
the Eighth Note Nebula was a gorgeous object with ~75 stars (S-L 553) in a
7'x3' region elongated NW-SE. A
very large, detailed nebula encompasses these stars. There are four main sections with the largest and brightest
on the SE end (N55A) extending ~2.5' diameter in an uneven, knotty circular
glow. A couple of dozen stars are
involved with N55A including a mag 13 star on the northeast end and a mag 12
star on its northeast side. A
second small, detached 35" glow lies ~2' NW. Unfiltered, 4 or 5 mag 15-15.5 stars are involved. A larger roundish glow, extending 1',
is 2' further NNW. A few mag 15
stars are involved and mag 11.5-12
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this compact cluster in the LMC appeared fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Appears to have a star involved or increases to a sharp stellar nucleus. S-L 553, a 3' star cloud (association LH 72) lies 9' E. S-L 553 appeared as a 3' elongated glow, consisting of a half-dozen resolved stars over an unresolved background glow of stars and nebulosity. The outline is irregular but elongated N-S. S-L 553 cluster is embedded within the HII complex LMC-N55 ("Eighth-Note Nebula"), though I didn't use a UHC filter to examine its extent.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2003 = D 239 = h2891 on 6 Nov 1826. He logged "a pretty large faint nebula with a number o very small stars on the north side. The nebula is about 2' diameter, ill-defined." His position was 10' too far ESE, just SE of the large association S-L 553. But as Herschel missed this object I doubt that Dunlop noticed it.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2003 = h2891 on 23 Nov 1834 and described it as "a B S stellar neb, or very close cluster 15"." His position is accurate. GC and NGC misidentify (typo) this cluster with h2981, instead of h2891.
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NGC 2004 = ESO 086-004 = S-L 523
05 30 40 -67 17 12; Dor
V = 9.6; Size 2.7'
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, superb
cluster, ~3' diameter. Contains a
small, brilliant core and a highly resolved halo that is packed with 50
stars. The surrounding field is
quite rich in both faint and brighter mag 11-12 stars. The NGC 1955/1968/1974 complex lies
~20' SW and the
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2004 = D 215 = D 216 = D 191 = h2893 on 3 Aug 1826. He described D 216 as "a small faint nebula 20" or 25" diameter" and his position was 5' NNE. D 215, found on 24 Sep 1826, was described as a "a round well-defined nebula, about 20" diameter, pretty much condensed at the centre." His position was 5.5' WSW of center. D 191, found on 27 Sep, was described as "a pretty bright round nebula about 30" diameter, faint at the margins." The last observation was during an LMC drift in which he misidentified the offset star (Theta Doradus). As a result, all positions in the drift (off the meridian) were reduced incorrectly and his published position was 2° to the SE. Once corrected his position is a good match with NGC 2004.
John Herschel observed this bright cluster on 6 sweeps: on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) he recorded "B; pretty rich; compressed cluster of stars 12m." On 23 Nov (sweep 512) he recorded, "globular, B; irreg; R; 2'. The stars are easily distinguishable." Then a month later (sweep 522) made another observation: "globular, B; S; R; comp M to a blaze of stars. Many stragglers."
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NGC 2005 = ESO 056-138 = S-L 518
05 30 11 -69 45 12; Dor
V = 11.6; Size 1.8'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): extremely bright, fairly large,
round, 45" diameter, very bright core, mottled halo, high surface
brightness. No resolution except
for a couple of extremely faint star around the periphery. Located 2' NE of mag 9.1
I noticed two nearby faint clusters. H-S 332, just 2.3' S and 50" SE of the mag 9 star, is a faint 20" glow with no resolution. S-L 514 was also picked 3.3' SW. It appeared fairly faint, elongated WSW-ENE, 40"x25", grainy but no resolution. A mag 13 star is off the southwest edge.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2005 = D 138 = D 100 on 24 Sep
1826. On his first drift on this
date, D 138 was logged as a "small round faint nebula north of a small
star, 10" diameter." His
offsets from NGC 1986, the previous cluster in the drift, are a perfect match
although his reduced catalogue position is 12.7' too far ESE. He also recorded it on his second
sweep, just prior to the
John Herschel rediscovered this cluster with a 5-inch refractor between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 and listed it as #509 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major."
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NGC 2006 = ESO 086-008 = S-L 537
05 31 20.0 -66 58 23; Dor
V = 10.9; Size 1.6'x1.4'
24" (4/7/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): forms the southern member of a close pair of small clusters (a genuine binary cluster pair!) with SL-538 less than 1' N. At 346x it appeared fairly bright, fairly small, ~30" diameter, brighter core, with no evident resolution. Forms a small triangle with two stars on the east side. Located 8' SE of NGC 2002. NGC 2006 is near the northwestern side of the huge OB association LH 77, an arcing group of clusters and stars stretching 40' E-W and including NGC 2002, 2027 and 2041 and collectively dubbed the "Quadrant Arc".
Just 0.9' N is S-L 538, a small, moderately bright glow that is sandwiched between a brighter star at the east edge and a fainter star off the west side. At 346x the shape appeared irregular and ~25" diameter. Interestingly, John Herschel's two positions for NGC 2006 on different sweeps correspond closely with each cluster, so he apparently viewed both (they are quite similar in the eyepiece) and NGC 2006 should apply to the pair. Herschel didn't note this object as double, though he commented this object was the central part of the "extremely rich assemblage of stars and clustering groups which fill the field."
John Herschel discovered NGC 2006 = h2895 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "a very small nucleus knot in an extremely rich assemblage of stars and clustering groups which fill the field." On his second sweep he recorded "a small highly condensed knot in an immensely large and very rich cluster, which fills much more than the field, and is like the Milky Way." His positions differ by ~2' in declination and apply to two different close clusters! NGC 2006 is generally assigned to the southern object, with the northern cluster catalogued as S-L 538. The "immensely large and very rich cluster, which fills much more than the field, and is like the Milky Way" is known as the "Quadrant Arc".
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05 34 59.3 -50 55 18; Pic
V = 13.9; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 83°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): very faint,
moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 45"x15", low even
surface brightness. A mag 11.6
star is 4' ENE. Forms a close pair
with
John Herschel discovered NGC 2007 = h2892 (along with NGC 2008 = h2894) on 27 Dec 1834 and logged "eeF; pL; R; 40"." His position is accurate.
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NGC 2008 = ESO 204-020 = PGC 17480
05 35 03.7 -50 58 00; Pic
V = 13.8; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 93°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, ~40"x16", weak concentration, low surface brightness. A mag 11.2 star is 3' E. Forms a close pair with NGC 2007 2.7' N. Coincidentally, both galaxies have mag 11-11.5 stars from 3' to 4' following. The observation was made in poor transparency.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2008 = h289 (along with NGC 2007 = h2892) on 27 Dec 1834 and logged "eF; pL; R; vlbM; 30"." His position is fairly accurate.
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05 30 59 -69 10 54; Dor
V = 11.0; Size 0.9'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; very bright knot,
moderately large, round, 45" diameter, mottled. A dozen mag 13.5-15.5 stars are resolved. Sits in a beautifully rich star field
(association) with numerous mag 12 and fainter stars including an arc of 4 mag
12-13 stars off the southwest side. The
John Herschel discovered NGC 2009 = h2897 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB, R, bM, 40"; in a field rich with clustering stars." On a second sweep of four he logged "pB, R, glbM, 80", in the N.p. part of a cluster." His mean position is accurate.
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05 30 34.6 -70 49 10; Men
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.7'
25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, large, elongated
N-S, 1.5' diameter, brighter elongated core N-S, mottled and clumpy with a few
16th mag stars popping in/out of visibility. Located 1.5' NE of mag 8.9
S-L 566, located 11' ENE, appeared fairly bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, small bright core, no resolution.
S-L 539, located 8' NNE, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, irregular. Unusual appearance as several stars are involved including a bright mag 12 star with a close companion is on the east side, another faint double star is resolved with a third double at the west edge. A mag 14 star and fainter companion is off the south side.
LMC-SMP 73 is just 2.3' NE of S-L 539. This is the first PN (stellar) in the LMC I've observed! It was visible unfiltered as a mag 14.7 "star" forming the south vertex of a small isosceles triangle with a mag 14.4 star 0.6' NW and a mag 14.1 star 0.9' N. Easy to verify as there was a very good contrast gain when I added a NPB filter. Only the brighter star to the north as still faint visible with the filter but the PN appeared much brighter.
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
LMC cluster is located just 1.5' NE of 9th magnitude HD 37181. This star is part of a large, scattered
group of mag 8.5-10.5 stars including a prominent 24' loop with a double star
(h3783 = 8.2/10.7 at 15") at the east end of the loop. This double star is 6' S of NGC
2010.
S-L 539, situated, 7.7' NNE, appeared as a small, elongated glow, 20"x10", with a mag 12.5 star involved on the east end and three additional very faint stars resolved.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2010 = h2898 on 12 Nov 1836 and logged "F; R; vglbM; 3'." His position is 1' south of center of this cluster.
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05 32 19.8 -67 31 17; Dor
V = 10.6; Size 1.0'
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, tight
intense knot of four stars (a couple are quite bright) enveloped in a 1.5'
triangular glow with a few additional stars resolved within the boundaries of
the emission nebula. A 3' line of
brighter stars (part of the stellar association LH 75) oriented E-W passes
through the south end of the glow.
The surrounding fields include a number of fascinating objects with a
cluster and star cloud ~6' E (S-L 567), a bright, compact cluster/nebula 8' NE
(
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2011 = D 192 = h2899 on 27 Sep 1826. He described "a minute cluster of very small stars in a strong nebula, irregular figure." This object was found during a drift in which he misidentified the offset star (Theta Doradus), so all positions were reduced incorrectly (~2.4° to the SE). Once corrected and checked for consistency with other objects in the drift, his offset in sidereal time matches NGC 2011.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2011 on 31 Jan 1835 (sweep 538) and logged "vB; S; R; psmbM; 25"." His single position is accurate.
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05 22 35.4 -79 51 07; Men
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 117°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, contains a very small brighter core. A very faint star lies close following and a close double star lies 4' E. An unequal brighter pair lies 5' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2012 = h2907 on 22 Jan 1836 and reported "vF; S; lE; bM; 2 st 9 mag follow toward the north." His position is accurate.
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05 44 14 +55 46 30; Aur
Size 4'
18" (11/6/04): This unimpressive asterism consists of
two small groups of stars to the NW of mag 8.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 2013 = h364 on 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324) and described "a poor cl of 8 or 10 stars 11 mag." The NGC RA is 30 tsec larger than JH's discovery position and corresponds better with the center of this group of stars. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, adds "10-12 st 11...14; BD+21d907 f 0.6'." RNGC gives the description "No cluster."
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NGC 2014 = LMC-N57A = ESO 056-146 = S-L 560 = LH 76
05 32 20 -67 41 24; Dor
V = 9.0; Size 5'x3.5'
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): very bright, large cluster or star cloud (stellar association LH 76) with nebulosity, ~50 stars resolved in a 5' region (no distinct boundary on the north side), including many in a 2' string, elongated N-S. A mag 10 star (brightest in the cluster) is at the south end of this string. A portion of the cluster is immersed in nebulosity (Henize N57A), most prominently on the southeast side of the cluster. Irregular haze (roughly elongated SW-NE) extends out of the cluster for a couple of arc minutes on the east side, spreading south and north (part of a Superbubble). NGC 2014 forms an interesting contrast with emission nebula NGC 2020 5' ESE. The remarkable Seagull Nebula (NGC 2030, 2032, 2035) lies ~20' NE.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2014 = D 217 = D 218 = h2900 on 3 Aug 1826. D 218 was described as "a pretty bright round nebula about 30" diameter with a minute star slightly involved in the nebula." His position was ~9' too far ENE. He recorded D 217 as "a rather well-defined nebula, 40" or 50" diameter." His published position was ~5' too far SSW, though 2 of his 3 observations were 13' S and 5' SE.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2014 on 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 512) and described the "chief *9 of a very irreg cluster, 4' long, 3' broad." On 30 Dec 1836 (sweep 759) he logged, "a pretty L irreg cluster 7th class; chief *9m taken (at leaving the field); the rest are 10...15m." Herschel didn't credit Dunlop with the discovery.
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NGC 2015 = ESO 056-147 = S-L 557 = LH 74
05 31 47 -69 14 54; Dor
V = 10.4; Size 5.6'
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): this bright star cloud extends
up to 8' diameter, spreading out on the west side and reaching NGC 2009 in the
northwest corner. Near the east
end is open cluster S-L 557, which is often taken for NGC 2015. It appeared fairly bright, fairly
small, very irregular outline, 35" diameter. It contains a brighter mag 13.5 star and at least a
half-dozen mag 14.5-16 stars over haze.
Mag 9.7
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; large star cloud with a few dozen mag 11-15 stars. Not well detached in this rich region of the LMC as the clouds extends to the west and north. On the east end is S-L 557, which includes a single brighter mag 13.5 star and ~6 total, over unresolved glow.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2015 = h2901 on 24 Nov 1834 and reported "the general middle of a cluster of loose stars 11...16m. It is rich and fills the whole field." The "whole field" contains the smaller cluster S-L 557 on its east side, which Shapley-Lindsay and the Hodge-Wright Atlas took as NGC 2015. But based on Herschel's description Brent Archinal says "This is not NGC 2015" in "Star Clusters". Instead he identifies NGC 2015 as the entire association LH 74 at 05 31 48, -69 14.9 with a size of 5.6'.
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NGC 2016 = ESO 056-142 = S-L 547
05 31 39 -69 56 48; Men
Size 1.8'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): fairly bright LMC cluster, large mottled glow, elongated E-W, ~1.5'x0.8'. Two or three mag 14.5-15 stars are resolved on the west end and perhaps a half-dozen additional mag 15.5-16 stars are resolved at 394x. NGC 2016 is situated in a gloriously rich region of the LMC with numerous clusters nearby including NGC 2028 11' E, S-L 674 9' E, BSDL 2212 2.4' SSE, S-L 535 3.6' WSW, S-L 519 8.3' W, H-S 327 12' WNW.
S-L 535: fairly bright, fairly small, roundish haze,
30" diameter, mottled. Two
faint stars were resolved on the west side. Located 1.5' NNE of mag 10.2
S-L 519: fairly bright, fairly small, elongated E-W,
30"x20", a single star was resolved. Picked up less than 2' N of mag 8.2
H-S 327: this is a very close pair of LMC clusters. At 394x the brighter western cluster (H-S 327W) appeared as a fairly faint, hazy 20" knot. H-S 327E = OGLE-CL LMC 520 is a fainter 20" knot just 40" SE. A couple of mag 15-15.5 stars near these two clumps may be members.
BSDL 2212: moderately bright, small, round, hazy glow, ~20" diameter, just preceding a mag 13 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2016 = h2902 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; vL; and diffused; irreg R; gbM." His position is ~40" too far south.
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05 39 16 -17 51 00; Lep
V = 6.4/7.9/8.5/9.2/8.4/8.1
18" (3/13/04): multiple group of six stars mag 7-10 within 3.5'. The stars are generally separated by at least 1' with the widest separation at 2'. The brightest star is mag 6.4 HD 37643. The brightest "star" to the SE is the C+D component, a close 8.5/9.2 pair separated by 1.4", making 7 stars in total. Located 1.6° east of mag 2.6 Alpha Leporis.
8": this is the multiple star h3780. Six stars are visible including mag 7, 8, 8.5, 9 and 10 stars. This group does not appear to be a true cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2017 = h2896 on 11 Dec 1835 and recorded a "fine clustering group of large stars." His position matches the multiple star h3780. Bica et al, in 2001A&A...366..827B, call this object a "possible Open Cluster remnant".
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NGC 2018 = LMC-N206A = ESO 056-141 = S-L 533 = LH 69
05 31 23 -71 04 12; Men
V = 10.2; Size 25'x18'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
a fascinating, showpiece HII complex (N206) with a cluster (S-L 533) and a
large, detailed nebula (N206) appearing like a fainter version of
The brightest region of nebulosity (N206A) is a very
prominent 1' circular patch on the east end of the cluster. Fainter wings extend north and south,
increasing the size to 3'x1' N-S.
A wide pair of stars including mag 11.5 HDE 269676 [a massive, compact
cluster containing several O-type stars]
is at the west edge of this patch.
Three additional elongated patches (each 1' to 1.5' in diameter) along
the SW side of the complex are strung out in a 6' line oriented NW to SE; BSDL
2005 (7' W of NGC 2018), BSDL 2048 (5' WSW) and N206B = BSDL 2120 (5' SW). Another glowing patch of nebulosity
(BSDL 2108), ~45" diameter, is ~3' W of N206A and surrounds a couple of
brighter stars. Finally, an isolated,
elongated patch is on the northwest end of the complex (BSDL 1985, associated
with mag 13.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 2018 = h2904 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; R; pglbM; 2'; a star 10m involved, preceding." His position (single sweep) is on the southeast side of the brightest portion of the nebula. The ESO position is centered on the entire complex described in my notes and not the bright piece described by Herschel.
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NGC 2019 = ESO 056-145 = S-L 554
05 31 57 -70 09 36; Men
V = 10.9; Size 1.5'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; extremely bright, large, 50" diameter, sharply concentrated with a large intense core and smooth halo, no resolution. NGC 2019 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.
S-L 542 (brightest of 3 nearby clusters) is 4.6' SW, BSDL 2196 is 2.7' SW and S-L 544 is 5' NNW. S-L 542 is fairly bright, moderately large, round, 40" diameter, mottled but with no definite resolution. A mag 12.8 star is 0.9' NW. BSDL 2196 (noticed between NGC 2019 and S-L 542) is a very faint, small, round, low surface brightness patch, 20" diameter, no resolution.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2019 = D 98 = D 99 = h2905 on 24
Sep 1826. He logged D 99 as a
"faint nebula, 10" diameter, round, slightly brighter towards the
center." His offset from NGC
2005 (26' in dec), the previous object in the drift, is a perfect match. D 98, recorded on 27 Sep 1826, was
described as "a round, pretty well defined nebula, 15" or 20"
diameter". With respect
to
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2019 on 11 Nov 1836 (sweep 748) and recorded the cluster as "B; R; gbM; 60". He observed it on two sweeps and his position is just off the east side. On the first observation, though, his polar distance was 1° further north, but he rejected that (correctly) in favor of the polar distance in the second sweep.
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NGC 2020 = LMC-N57C = ESO 056-148 = DEM L 231
05 33 10 -67 42 54; Dor
Size 2.5'
25" (4/5/19 - OzSky): at 244x and NPB filter; bright, large, roundish, annular with an easy out-of-round hole. The WR star, Brey 48, was easily visible at 13th magnitude inside the ring, though slightly offset N of center . The rim appeared brighter along the NW side, which seemed a bit flattened, and somewhat irregular in surface brightness in general. Unfiltered, a second fainter star (mag 15.8) was visible at the inner edge of the ring on the SE side.
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
roundish, annular W-R bubble, slightly elongated SW-NE, 3'x2.5'. The inner edge of the annulus is
slightly brighter and sharply defined with a relatively large dark center,
~45" x 30". North of center
in the ring is the 13th magnitude Wolf-Rayet star
John Herschel discovered NGC 2020 = h2903 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded "pB; vL; vglbM; lE; 4'. A fine cluster [NGC 2014] precedes it." On the very next sweep he wrote "vF; vL; R; vglbM; 4' diameter." His position is accurate.
James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2020 = D 218? earlier in 1826 and described "a pretty bright round nebula, 30" diameter, with a minute star slightly involved in the margin." Dunlop claims two observations and his position is 5' too far NE, well within his usual errors. But this nebula is probably too faint to have been picked up by Dunlop with his 9" reflector and his description could apply to NGC 2014, which is 9' west of his position. Wolfgang Steinicke attributes Herschel with the discovery and I agree.
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NGC 2021 = ESO 056-150 = S-L 570
05 33 30.3 -67 27 11; Dor
V = 12.1; Size 0.9'
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, compact knot surrounding two resolved stars, slightly elongated, ~20"x15". This knot is in the northern end of a very large, elongated cluster or star cloud. Extending mostly south of NGC 2021 is a very elongated stream of stars, 5'x1', including a mix of brighter and fainter stars (stellar association LH 78). The densest concentration is a 2' group (S-L 567) on the south end with a number of mag 12-14 stars. Roughly a total of 50-60 stars were resolved. The Seagull Nebula complex (NGC 2030, 2032, 2035) lies 12' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2021 = h2906 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "vS; F; R; 12". In the northern part of a cluster of stars 14m, 8' long, 3' br." His position points to the small clluster S-L 567 within the stellar association LH 79.
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05 42 06.2 +09 05 10; Ori
V = 11.7; Size 29"x28"
48" (2/21/12): at 488x, this bright, double-shell planetary contains a bright oval ring oriented SSW-NNE, ~23"x18". The annulus is fairly thin with a relatively large, darker central hole, though the contrast is fairly low. At the exact center is a faint central star (close to 16th mag?). The ring has an irregular surface brightness; slightly brighter at the ends of the major axis, particularly the SW end (knot or thicker?), and slightly fainter along the minor axis. Surrounding the ring is a fainter and rounder outer shell, ~30" diameter. The outer shell was surprisingly prominent and exhibited a pinkish hue.
24" (1/25/14): at 500x appeared as a fairly bright knotty annulus, slightly elongated SW-NE with fascinating structure. The rim was clearly brighter along an ~200° arc running from the southwest counterclockwise to the northeast. Very small brighter knots were definite at the SW and NE ends and perhaps a slight brightening at the NW edge. In general, though, the rim appeared mottled and sparkling though clearly dimmer along the southeast side, giving a "C" appearance. At 750x, the darker center was also irregular in surface brightness and occasionally, an extremely faint central star sparkled.
18" (2/24/06): at 220x appeared moderately bright,
fairly small, round, ~25" diameter, very slightly elongated, irregularly
lit and brighter along the western half of the rim giving a "C"
appearance. A faint sparkle is
occasionally visible on the WSW edge of the rim and images show this may be a
faint superimposed star or knot in the planetary. 320x provides an excellent view with the planetary weakly
annular and the rim a bit dimmer on the SE side. At 435x, the shape is slightly elongated SW to NE,
~27"x22" with a mottled interior and a brighter rim, particularly
along the western half. The
appearance is quite patchy at 565x and the sparkle on the SW end is still
evident. The central star was not
seen at any power.
17.5" (2/2/02): immediately picked up at 100x as a very small, bluish-gray "egg" of fairly high surface brightness. Good contrast gain with OIII filter. At 380x (unfiltered), it appeared as fairly bright, clearly elongated SSW-NNE, ~27"x20". The surface brightness was irregular or mottled with a slightly brighter rim and darker center giving a weakly annular appearance. The rim seems to have a couple of slightly brighter spots and the ends of the minor axis are slightly dimmer. No sign of a central star.
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly bright, slightly elongated 4:3 ~SSW-NNE, about 30" diameter. Appears slightly annular at 412x with a brighter rim. No central star seen at this power.
13.1": moderately bright, high surface brightness. No internal structure was visible.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2022 = H. IV-34 = h365 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) and described it as "cB, vS, like a star with a large diameter. With 240 it appeared almost like a planetary nebula, but very ill defined, and little elongated. Nearly of equal brightness throughout, except at the edges." John Herschel wrote on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 121), "Planetary neb, a little indistinct at the edges; rather oval and perhaps of a mottled light."
NGC 2022 was observed 5 times with Lord Rosse's 72", often in an attempt to resolve it, and the following notes were recorded:
11 Dec 1850: "It is I am nearly sure resolvable, probably it is a glob Cl. At times I fancied the centre a little darker and a star in the p part."
23 Oct 1851: "I strongly suspect annular, r[esolvable], one star especially seen in the p part.
28 Dec 1853: "...a B patch or a star?, it is near the edge of the neb. Some dark spot or spots certainly seen and at times I had the suspicion of a concentric ring or rings."
5 Jan 1877: "Seems a glob Cl, stars seen sparkling in it, oval sp nf. Edges v diffuse, especially sf, np edge more sharp. Proportion of diameters about 7:10."
William Lassell observed NGC 2022 in Jan. 1853 from Malta with his 24-inch equatorial reflector and commented, "a singular curdled-looking object, slightly and irregularly elliptical, with a sort of cordon [outer shell] running round parallel, but a little outside of its margin." A sketch was included in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 2). Father Secchi sketched a slightly darker center in his 1856 "Osservazioni di Nebulose". In 1862 and 1863, Lassell aos observed the planetary through his 48-inch on Malta and noted "with 1060x some brighter patches or nodules seem to exist in it, but nothing more can be made out.” His sketch showed the central star and a thin outer ring separated by a thin dark gap.
In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, found NGC 2022 displayed a planetary nebula spectrum in an early spectroscopic investigation while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.
Based on a Crossley photograph, Curtis (1918) reported, "Sharp stellar nucleus about mag 13, surrounded by an elliptical ring 22"x17" in outside dimensions in pa 29°. Outside this is an oval disk of fainter matter 28"x27". The brightest parts are the two masses at the ends of the major axis of the inner ring." Deep modern images show a very low surface brightness outer AGB halo with a diameter of 80".
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05 41 38.3 -02 15 33; Ori
Size 10'x10'
24" (1/1/19): at 200x; very bright, very large,
irregular glow surrounding mag 7.8
13.1": fairly prominent nebulosity surrounds mag 7.8
8": moderately bright, surrounds a mag 8 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2023 = H. IV-24 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 352) and described in his 1791 paper "On Nebulous Stars" as "A bright star with a very considerably milky chevelure; a little extended, 4 or 5' in length, and near 4' broad; it loses itself insensibly. I suspected some extensive milky windings in the neighborhood but could not verify them; other stars of equal magnitude are perfectly free from this chevelure." He later noted "The connection between the star and the chevelure cannot be doubted, from the insensible gradation of its luminous appearance, decreasing as it receded from the centre."
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05 41 43 -01 51 30; Ori
Size 30'x30'
17.5" (2/8/86): bright, very large. Consists of two main parallel sections elongated SSW-NNE separated by prominent detailed dark lanes. Excellent structure with ragged edges, gaps, streaks, rifts and various brightness levels. The eastern strip has one or two indentations or a scalloped inner edge. The inner edge of the connecting strip has a sharply defined edge and the gap at the base connecting the brighter western section is obvious. Zeta Orionis lies 15' NE detracts and the best view is unfiltered.
8": fairly easy in very dark skies, the strip along the east side is longer with a possible gap at the base of "U" in the southwest corner. The center is definitely darker than the background sky.
8" (10/4/80 and 11/8/80): fairly bright, large. Consists of two parallel strips separated by a dark lane. Appears possibly broken (gap) at the base of "U". Best view with a Daystar 300 filter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2024 = H. V-28 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and recorded "a wonderful milky nebulosity, divided into 3 or 4 large patches including a dark space, the whole cannot take up less than half a degree; but I suppose it to be much more extensive." A month later (sweep 518) he noted "Wonderful black space inlcuded in nebulosities."
The following information is from Wolfgang Steinicke's book "Observing Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters. NGC 2024 was independently found by Brorsen in 1850 with a small refractor at Senftenberg Observatory and announced in AN that "I have found a very faint, very extended, pretty irregular nebula, located about 15 minutes east of Zeta Orionis, which is listed neither in the catalogue of the younger Herschel nor in Messier's." In 1856 Marth noted that Brorsen's object was William Herschel's H. V-28. This was another case where the observer only checked the Slough catalogue and didn't refer to WH's catalogues, which only had relative offsets and not absolute positions.
Heinrich d'Arrest sketched the nebula in 4 sections. The brightest section (labeled A) is just west of the main dust lane. This object was observed 13 times at Birr Castle from 1873-1878 by Lawrence Parsons (with the 36-inch), Ralph Copeland and Dreyer, and stars "in an about the neb" were sketched and accurately measured.
Garrett Serviss (Pleasures of the Telescope, 1901) wrote "Just to the left of Zeta, and in the same field of view with a very low power, is a remarkable nebula bearing the catalogue number GC 1227. We must use our five-inch on this with a low power, but with Zeta out of the field in order to avoid its glare. The nebula is exceedingly faint, and we can be satisfied if we see it simply as a hazy spot, although with much larger telescopes it has appeared at least half a degree broad. Tempel saw several centers of condensation in it, and traced three or four broad nebulous streams, one of which decidedly suggested spiral motion."
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NGC 2025 = ESO 056-149 = S-L 571
05 32 33.1 -71 43 00; Men
V = 10.9; Size 1.9'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster appeared bright, slightly elongated, moderately large, ~45"x40", weakly concentrated with a slightly brighter core. Three faint stars are resolved around the edges. Two 8th magnitude stars lie 11' ESE and 13' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2025 = h2909 on 8 Feb 1836 and recorded "vB; S; lE; gmbM; resolvable. Almost a globular." His position is less than 1' too far north.
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05 43 06 +20 08; Tau
17.5" (2/14/99): At 220x, ~30 stars in a 6' region
including three mag 9-9.5 stars (mag 8.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 2026 = H. VIII-28 on 5 Dec 1784 (sweep 329) and reported "a cluster of pretty large scattered stars. Not rich." No observations were made by JH or at Birr Castle. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, found "no distinct Cl" and RNGC classifies it as nonexistent (Type 7" with the comment "No cluster".
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05 35 00 -66 54 55; Dor
V = 11.0; Size 1.0'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): NGC 2027 is at the west
end of an interesting, elongated cluster or association (LH 84) extending
~4'x2' E-W in a crescent shape with
NGC 2027 is situated ~10' NW of the compact cluster
James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 2027 = D 193? = h2908
on 27 Sep 1826. He logged "a
small nebula preceding a small star." This observation was made on a drift in which he
misidentified the offset star (Theta Doradus) and all positions were reduced
incorrectly (~2.4° to the SE). His
offsets (2.0 minutes in RA and 35' N) from the previous object in the drift (D
192 = NGC 2011) falls 7' NW of NGC 2027 -- a pretty poor match -- though there
is a mag 12.5 star 1' E, consistent with his description. There is no entry in his catalog at
these offsets from D 192. Glen
Cozens assigns D 193 to NGC 2027, but that number also applies to
John Herschel made three observations of the field. On 2 Nov 1832 (sweep 508) he described "a very large, very rich cluster of separate stars 9..11th mag, which fills the whole field." On 13 Dec 1835 (sweep 653) he recorded "an ill-defined nebuloid group of stars 15th mag (N.B. Clouds very troublesome.) The field full of grouping stars." Finally, on 20 Dec 1835 (sweep 658) he called it "cluster 7th class. The second of two stars 9th mag, which may be considered the leading stars of the very large and fine cluster of the Nubecula Major, which fills many fields, is of all degrees of condensation, and much broken up into groups and patches."
Herschel is clearly describing the large OB association LH 77, which stretches west to NGC 2002. His position from the second sweep ("second of two stars 9th magnitude") and third sweeps is close to the 1' diameter cluster S-L 592 and the position given here. This cluster is also at the west end of a looping association of stars (probably NGC 2027) on the east end of LH 77.
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05 33 49 -69 57 06; Men
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): fairly bright, moderately
large, roundish, high surface brightness, mottled, a couple of stars resolved
at the edges. A small partially
resolved clump is just off the northeast side. In a small trio with similar S-L 574 2.4' W and fainter H-S
353 2.2' NNW. NGC 2028 is within
association LH 80, a stunningly rich region of the LMC with NGC 2016 11' W, S-L
591 6' NE, H-S 362 is 8' NE,
S-L 574 appeared bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 30" diameter, brighter along the major axis, clumpy. A mag 14 star is at the west tip and a mag 11.9 star is 0.9' SSW. H-S 353 is a fairly faint, soft round glow, 30" diameter. S-L 591 appeared fairly bright, fairly small, roundish, 35", mottled. Only a couple of mag 16 stars resolved around the edges. A mag 11.8 star is 1.7' NE. H-S 362, just 2' ENE of S-L 591 is fairly faint, elongated NW-SE, 25" diameter. It forms the eastern vertex of a equilateral triangle with S-L 591 and the mag 11.8 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2028 = h2912 on 12 Nov 1836 and simply noted as "vF". His position is an excellent match (he corrected his RA by 10 sec) with cluster S-L 575, so the identification is certain although I'm surprised he apparently missed nearby S-L 574, which is equally as prominent. JH questioned if his object might be D 100. Dunlop's description reads "a small round nebula, about 2' north of a small star." His position is just 2' NW of S-L 575 and 3.4' NE of a mag 11 star (his small star?). But D 100 is also 10' ENE of NGC 2016, so it could be also be D 100 given his range of positional errors. Neither Steinicke nor Glen Cozens equates D 100 with NGC 2028.
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05 35 40.8 -66 02 06; Dor
V = 12.3; Size 4'
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x, 264x and 429x; large, fairly bright cluster (S-L 595) with ~30 stars resolved in a 3.5' region and includes at least 4 brighter stars from mag 12.3-13.5 and another mag 12.7 star is at the SW edge. Moderately faint nebulous haze (N63) encompasses the cluster. Adding a NPB filter at 264x increases the contrast with the large nebulous glow, which extended 2.5-3' diameter. Note: this object is identified as NGC 2030 in most sources!
N63A, embedded slightly east of center of N63, is a well-known bright, compact supernova remnant and one of the first 3 extragalactic SNRs to be discovered (1966). The SNR appeared as a small round knot, only ~12"-15" in diameter, and was faintly visible even at 202x. It was easy to distinguish at 264x and stood out fairly prominently at 429x. Surprisingly, I didn't notice any contrast gain adding a NPB filter (similar visibility).
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): fairly bright, large, over a dozen mag 13 and fainter stars are resolved in a 3.5' region. A fairly faint, oval emission glow (LMC-N63) is involved with the cluster (S-L 595). Adding an NPB filter, the nebulosity is bright, large, irregular (roughly round), ~2.5' diameter, with several of the brighter stars still visible.
Emission nebula LHa 120-N 62A is 14' SSW. Using an NPB filter, it appeared very bright, very elongated ~E-W, relatively large, ~1.5'x0.4'. The shape is a bit irregular, but it has a sharply defined northern edge, with the southern edge weaker and more ill-defined. Visible unfiltered but excellent response to the NPB. A couple of very faint stars are visible with averted. BSDL 2348, an LMC cluster perhaps associated with the nebula, is ~2' W and contains a half-dozen mag 14-15 stars in a 1.5' knot, along with a mag 12.5 star on the west end. Emission nebula LHa 120-N 64 is 16' further southeast.
Emission nebula LHa 120-N 64 is 20' SSE. Using an NPB filter, it is a bright,
large, irregular nebulous patch, about 3'x2' E-W. The brightest portion (N64A) is on the west side. A mag 11 star is ~2' N of the east
end. Another 2' NNW of this star
is a detached 40" piece (N64C) that was fairly easy with the filter. Unfiltered three mag 13 line in a 1.8'
string are involved in the central portion, along with a couple of mag 14-15
stars. Mag 8.8
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly
large, 3'x1.5', elongated N-S.
This LMC object appears to be a large cluster with nebulosity (stellar
association LH 83). A half-dozen
mag 12-13 stars are resolved over an irregular background haze (unresolved
stars?). Located 32' N of mag 6.2
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2029 = D 240 = h2911 on 27 Sep 1826 and noted a "faint round nebula, 25" or 30" diameter." His position is just 4' SW of center of the nebula. On 30 Nov 1834 (sweep 515), John Herschel called it "a rich, R, pL cluster of stars 12m; little comp; 5' l; one * 11m." On sweep 539 he wrote "pB; R; gbM; 60"; resolved into stars 13...15m."
Jenni Kay notes that GC and NGC positions for NGC 2029 and NGC 2030 are reversed from JH's original CGH positions of h2911 and h2910, respectively. The error must have occurred when JH transfered his positions into the GC. So, NGC 2030 = h2030 is part of the Seagull Nebula and NGC 2029 = h2911 is an isolated nebula. All modern sources such as SIMBAD, ESO and the KMHK catalogue reverse the original identifications and call NGC 2029 part of the Seagull Nebula. See WSQJ #108, 4/97. The identifications given here are based on the CGH positions/identifications.
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NGC 2030 = LMC-N59A = LH 82 = Seagull Nebula = Dragon's Head Nebula
05 35 00.5 -67 33 18; Dor
Size 1.6'x0.9'
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter;
this is the first section in the remarkable Seagull or "Dragon's
Head" Nebula, though the faintest of three connected patches extending
5.5' from NW to SE with
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the NW component of the Seagull Nebula; a bright, highly structured 7'x5' emission nebula. The brightest portion of NGC 2030 is a bright streak elongated E-W that extends west from mag 12.3 HD 269810. A large mass of nebulosity spreads to the north from this streak in a more circular 2' patch. This object is incorrectly identified as NGC 2029 in modern catalogues and atlases.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2030 = h2910 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "B; L; gbM. The first of 3 neb, which run together." On a second sweep, he logged "vF; pL; irreg R. The first of 3, which run together. See Plate III. fig 5." The modern identities for NGC 2029 and 2030 are reversal. See historical notes for NGC 2029.
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NGC 2031 = ESO 056-153 = S-L 577
05 33 41.9 -70 59 16; Men
V = 10.8; Size 3.4'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x
this LMC cluster was very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE,
well concentrated with a 1' core and 2' much fainter halo. The cluster had a mottled texture and
was quite lively around the edges, but was not clearly resolved. Located 12' NW of mag 7.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 2031 = h2915 on 3 Nov 1834 and noted "F (?); R; gbM; 3' (Hazy Sky)". On a later sweep he had a better view and logged "globular, B; R; gbM; 2'. Resolved into stars." His position is just off the south side of this large cluster.
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NGC 2032 = LMC-N59A = LH 82 = Seagull Nebula = Dragon's Head Nebula
05 35 20.6 -67 34 06; Dor
Size 2'x1'
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter;
NGC 2032 and 2035, separated by a dark lane, form a stunning pair of adjacent
emission nebulae of comparable surface brightness, though NGC 2032 is
larger. Using a narrow-band
filter, NGC 2032 was extremely bright, elongated SW-NE, ~2'x1', with a
scalloped but sharply defined border at the brighter edge along the dust lane.
A fairly prominent thin filament extends NE for ~1.5', curling a bit towards
the tip. A thin strip on the SE
end (just beyond the lane) connects to
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
is possibly the brightest section of the "Seagull Nebula" or
"Dragon's Head Nebula" in the LMC (similar to NGC 2035 1.6' SE). It consists of a very bright, elongated
~SSW-NNE patch, 2'x1', with an unusual kidney-bean shape that is indented or
concave on the east side. NGC 2032
is just separated to 2035 by an elongated dark lane (oriented SSW-NNE) on the
east side. A faint, thin streamer
of nebulosity shoots to the north from 2032. Mag 11.4
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2032 = D 219 = D 194 = h2913, along with NGC 2035, on 27 Sep 1826. I assume his description of D219 applies to both numbers: "pretty bright round nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, bright towards the centre." He made two observations and his position is within the Seagull Nebula complex. D 194 was described as "a pretty large faint ill defined nebula, irregular figure. It was found on 27 Sep 1834 during an LMC drift in which he misidentified the offset star (Theta Doradus). As a result, all positions in the drift (off the meridian) were reduced incorrectly. Once corrected his position (and description) is a good match with NGC 2032/2035.
John Herschel first observed the nebula on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) and recorded "vB; vL. A singular figure like 3 nebulae lumped together." On 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 522) he logged "B; L; gbM. The second of 3 which run together." A detailed sketch of the complex was published in plate III, figure 5 in the CGH observations. Herschel gave an uncertain equivalence with D 219 in his Cape catalogue.
The Seagull Nebula contains four separate NGC designations:
NGC 2030 (misidentified as NGC 2029 in GC and NGC), NGC 2032, NGC 2035 and NGC
2040 with NGC 2035 being the brightest and largest of the group. Collectively the area is known as N59A
and is located at the boundary of the supershell LMC4 in the Large Magellanic
Cloud. NGC 2032 and 2035, which form the bright core of the H II region N59A
(
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NGC 2033 = LMC-N154B = ESO 056-157 = S-L 589 = LH 81
05 34 30 -69 46 48; Dor
Size 10'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): large bright star cloud (stellar association LH 81), ~10' diameter with ~50 stars (depending on size taken) mag 11-14.
Adding an NPB filter brings out the associated nebulosity
(LHA 120-N54), which is fairly bright and very large. A curving swath of nebulosity, elongated E-W for ~8' is on
the southwest side of the association.
The cluster itself is also encased in diffuse nebulosity with the
filter.
James Dunlop discovered the NGC 2033/2037 = D 141 on 24 Sep 1826. He described "a faint nebula about 4' long, very faint at the extremities, brightest and broadest in the middle. This (position) is in the north following side of an extended cluster of very minute stars, rich in number." Although his reduced position was ~11' too far SE, his handwritten drift notes recorded it 5 minutes of time after NGC 2005 and 5' N, landing within the NE side (as described) of the LH 81 association.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2033 between Nov 1836 and Mar
1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded it as #579 in his preliminary
catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula
Major." Herschel's position
falls in the large stellar association LH 81. But as there is no listing or description in his CGH
catalogue, it's possible Herschel was recording a small knot or a very large
field of stars + nebulosity. So,
the size and center is unknown.
See NGC 2037 for more. The
large nebulosity on the south side of the association might be
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NGC 2034 = ESO 086-14 = S-L 592 = LH 84
05 35 38 -66 54 06; Dor
V = 9.3; Size 8'x4'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x this is an
interesting, elongated curving cluster or association (LH 84), situated
northwest of the compact cluster NGC 2041. This condensed portion of LH 84 contains a couple of dozen
mag 12-13 stars and a wide pair of mag 10 stars (including
John Herschel discovered NGC 2034 = h2914 on 3 Jan 1837 and described "a more condensed part of the great cluster (sweep 761, 39), of a crescent-like form, occupying one field. Rich and fine." His position corresponds with association LH 84 at the northeast end of the "Quadrant" feature of the LMC. NGC 2034 = h2914 and NGC 2027 = h2908 both described the same field, though NGC 2027 is on the west end of the association. Harold Corwin considers NGC 2027 to refer to the entire region.
James Dunlop probably discovered the large association on 6 Nov 1826 and described D 241 as "a large cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes in strong nebula; irregular extended figure." His position falls at the east end association LH 77 or the west end of LH 84, known as the LMC "Quadrant" (of a circle). Glen Cozens assigned D 241 to NGC 2041, which is only 7' SE. But Dunlop's description doesn't fit this compact cluster.
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NGC 2035 = LMC-N59A = LH 82 = Seagull Nebula = Dragon's Head Nebula
05 35 33 -67 35 06; Dor
Size 1.6'x1.0'
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter; NGC 2032 and 2035, separated by a dark lane, form a stunning pair of adjacent emission nebulae of comparable surface brightness, though NGC 2032 is larger. The two impressive regions are attached or merge at the south end by a thin strip of nebulosity. NGC 2035 was extremely bright, roughly rectangular but irregular with slightly concave eastern side and lots of complex, internal structure with brighter and darker areas. A fairly thin streamer is attached on the northeast end and extends 2' NNE, similar (though slightly fainter) to a filament attached to NGC 2032! LMC-N59C is a detached patch ~2' SE. It appeared moderately large, roundish, at least 1' diameter. A mag 10.4 star is 2' ESE.
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the southeast section of the bright Seagull Nebula in the LMC. At 200x using a UHC filter it appeared very bright, moderately large, with a very irregular shape similar to an anvil. The very knotty, complex structure was elongated N-S, 1.6'x1.0', with the widest part of the anvil on the south end. NGC 2032, another very bright section, is very close preceding (roughly 1.6' between centers) and the two sections are separated by a dark lane oriented SSW-NNE. A very faint streamer attached on the NE side flows to the north (NGC 2032 has a similar but brighter streamer). A fairly small detached patch, ~1.2' in diameter, is close SE (identified as LHA 120-N 59C in SIMBAD).
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2035 = D 219 = D 194 = h2916, along with NGC 2032, on 27 Sep 1826. He described D 219 (both) as a "pretty bright round nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, bright towards the centre". His position falls within the Seagull Nebula complex. D 194 was described as "a pretty large faint ill defined nebula, irregular figure. It was found on 27 Sep 1834 during an LMC drift in which he misidentified the offset star (Theta Doradus). As a result, all positions in the drift (off the meridian) were reduced incorrectly and his published position is 2.4° to the SE. Once corrected his position (and description) is a good match with NGC 2032/2035.
John Herschel first observed NGC 2035 on 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 522) and logged "B, L, bM. The 3rd of three which run together. (Plate III, fig 5)". Herschel gave an uncertain equivalence with D 220 in the CGH.
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NGC 2036 = NGC 2043? = ESO 056-155 = S-L 587
05 34 32 -70 03 54; Men
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): very bright, fairly large, irregular, mottled, brighter core, 50" diameter. A bright, tiny knot of mag 15.5 stars is at the southeast end. A couple of additional mag 16 stars are resolved near the edges. A mag 10.7 star lies 4' NNE. NGC 2028 lies 8' NW.
BSDL 2464 = OGLE-CL LMC 611 was noticed 2.6' NE as a very faint, small glow, 20" diameter. A couple of very faint stars were resolved at the east end. The mag 10.7 star noted above lies 2.7' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2036 = h2917 on 11 Nov 1836 and recorded "vF; R; gbM; 90"." There is nothing at his position, but one degree south is the cluster S-L 587. Herschel's added a note to his description that there was likely an error of 1° in the polar distance and clearly this was the case. Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289) comments "The Decl. seems to be in error. The object is probably the small cluster S/L 587 at 1° south. Herschel found strong ground to suspect an error of a degree in P.D. which should most likely be 160° and not 159°." As this cluster is exactly 1° S of h's position, the identification is virtually certain.
Also, see historical notes for
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NGC 2037 = OGLE-CL LMC 605 = BCDSP 8
05 34 40.4 -69 44 50; Dor
V = 11.6; Size 0.4'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): very small
high surface brightness glow, ~12" diameter. Situated with the large stellar association LH 81, this
cluster is collinear with a 2' string of mag 12, 11 and 13 stars extending
south-southwest.
James Dunlop discovered the NGC 2033/2037 = D 141 on 24 Sep 1826. He described "a faint nebula about 4' long, very faint at the extremities, brightest and broadest in the middle. This (position) is in the north following side of an extended cluster of very minute stars, rich in number." Although his reduced position was ~11' too far SE, his handwritten drift notes recorded it 5 minutes of time after NGC 2005 and 5' N, landing within the NE side (as described). His description applies to the entire LH 81 association.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2037 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as #593 in his preliminary catalogue of"Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." The only information he gave (besides a position) is type "Cl" and Mag 8. There is no listing or description in the main CGH catalogue, so along with nearby NGC 2033, it's unknown if Herschel was describing a small knot or a very large field of stars + nebulosity in association LH 81, though the magnitude implies a bright object. NGC 2037 is taken as the small cluster OGLE-CL LMC 605 at 05 34 40 -69 44.8 (2000) by Archinal and Hynes, Mati Morel and Jenni Kay. But Harold Corwin remarks this cluster is too faint to have been picked up by Herschel with his 5-inch refractor and certainly wouldn't be described as 8th magnitude. So, the standard identification (given here) is almost certainly wrong.
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05 34 42 -70 33 42; Men
V = 11.9; Size 1.6'
25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): at 244x; very bright, moderately large, round, 50" diameter, small intense core and mottled halo but no definite resolution. Mag 9.5 HD 37732 lies 4' NNW.
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very
bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40" diameter, clumpy but no
individual stars resolved. First
of three nearly on a line with
John Herschel discovered NGC 2038 = h2920 on 24 Nov 1834 and logged "B, R, glbM, 25", has a *9 mag 5' north-preceding." His position is accurate.
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05 44 33 +08 39 42; Ori
Size 30'
18" (1/26/09): large, scattered field with a number of
mag 8 to 10 stars, though too dispersed to resemble a cluster. the most distinctive part is a nice 8'
string of 6 collinear stars oriented E-W with mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 2039 = h366 on 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118) and described "A large tract of stars filling many fields. It extends much further in RA." He equated this observation with H. VIII-2 = NGC 2063, so he may have confused these two fields at the time. His father's object is either nonexistent or just an asterism ~40' to the east. On a second sweep, he logged "A large ill-defined tract of loose stars, neither rich nor condensed". He used two numbers in the GC for h366 and H. VIII-2, so both objects received their own NGC designation. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 survey based on Heidelberg plates, states "many st, Cl not well defined." See Corwin's notes for further discussion.
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NGC 2040 = ESO 056-164 = LMC-N59B = LH 88
05 36 05 -67 34 01; Dor
V = 11.5; Size 2'
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 202x and 264x + NPB filter; bright, very large, irregular nebula just east of NGC 2030/2032/2035 (Dragon's Head or Seagull Nebula). The main portion is roughly triangular with one "vertex" on the south side and another on the northeast end. It has a sharp, contrasty edge on the east side to the south tip and some internal, irregular brightness in the interior. Unfiltered a dozen stars mag 14-15 are involved (association LH 88), with several more spreading to the south.
NGC 2040 is merged with a supernova remnant shell (SNR
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a bright, irregularly round glow, ~2' diameter, located ~4' ENE of the Seagull or Dragon's Head Nebula and part of the same emission complex. The nebulosity surrounds a cluster of roughly 15 stars (LH 88). A UHC filter provided an excellent contrast gain at 200x and revealed a very irregular outline. The POSS image shows delicate filaments to the south forming a large loop (SNR shell SNR 0536-67.6) although I don't believe this extension was recorded.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2040 = D 220 = h2918 on 27 Sep 1826, along with NGC 2032/2035. He noted "a round faint nebula, about 40" diameter." and his position is 4' NNW of the center.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2040 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "F; irreg R; glbM; r; 2'. (Pl III, fig 5)." On a later sweep he reported "vF; R; follows 3 vB L nebulae [NGC 2030, NGC 2032 and NGC 2035] which run together." His position (from 5 sweeps) is accurate and an excellent sketch of the complex is on plate III, figure 3.
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NGC 2041 = ESO 086-16 = S-L 605
05 36 28.0 -66 59 29; Dor
V = 10.4; Size 0.7'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, this LMC cluster appears bright, fairly small, round, 1' diameter, high surface brightness. Symmetrical appearance and increases to a very small bright core and a stellar nucleus. This young, massive cluster is located ~7' SE of the elongated cluster NGC 2034 at the east end of the very large, extended collection of associations (the "Quadrant") that includes NGC 2026 and 2002 on the western side.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2041 = D 196 = h2919 on 27 Sep 1826. He described "a small, round pretty well defined slightly condensed nebula about 25" diameter with a small star north following. This object was found in a drift in which he misidentified the offset star (Theta Doradus), so all positions were reduced incorrectly (~2.4° to the SE). Using NGC 2035, the previous object in the drift as a reference, his position is 4' NW of NGC 2041.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2041 on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) and described as "B, S, vgbM, 20"." On 13 Dec 1835 (sweep 653) he noted "a rich clustering part precedes." His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate.
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05 36 09.6 -68 55 24; Dor
V = 9.6; Size 6'x3'
25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): very large group of stars with unresolved haze (association LH 89), extending nearly 10' from north to south and contains a couple of knots of stars, a few dozen mag 12-14 stars, a mag 10.3 star at the west tip and numerous mag 15+ stars.
BRHT 16a, situated near the center, is a very bright knot near the center, ~10" diameter. A very faint star was resolved at the west edge.
KMHK 1122, on the NE side (2' NW of BRHT 16a), resolved into a 10" pair of stars at the center, encased in a very small glow. Several stars (mostly faint) were resolved nearby including two two mag 12.5 and 12.8 stars close east of the central pair and some mag 15 stars around the edges.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly large patch of stars and haze (association LH 89), ~5' in size. At least two dozen stars are resolved in an elongated group oriented SW-NE, including a few mag 10 stars over unresolved stars or outer nebulous haze from the Tarantula complex. Two additional knots are to the northwest and form an obtuse isosceles triangle with NGC 2042. The first knot is KMHK 1122 situated 5' NW and S-L 585 is 10' NW. NGC 2042 is located just 17' NW of the center of the Tarantula Nebula.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2042 = h2922 on 25 Sep 1826. He described (in his handwritten notes) "a pretty large, very faint ill-defined nebula, irregular figure of 5' or 6' diameter with a bright small star near the south side of it." Assuming the next object in the drift is the Tarantula Nebula, his offset in time and declination is a perfect match. There doesn't appear to be a catalog entry, though, matching this description. He apparently ran across it again on his 2nd drift two nights later(before noting the Tarantula Nebula) and logged one or two small knots (possibly D 137 or D 139?).
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2042 on 30 Dec 1836 (sweep 759) and recorded "the chief star (9th mag) of a large, irregular figured, looped or hooked cluster of stars 12..15th mag, rich and various, and filling the field." His description and position applies to the assocation LH 89.
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05 35 33.7 -70 07 27; Men
= N-S string of stars (asterism), Corwin and Gottlieb.
Pietro Baracchi discovered NGC 2043 on 18 Dec 1884 with the 48-inch f/41 Great Melbourne Telescope while examining the field of NGC 2058 and other clusters. Earlier observers Le Sueur and Joseph Turner had previously sketched this field on 7 Feb 1870 and 26 Apr 1876, respectively. Baracchi's new object was confirmed 4 nights later and described as a "small elongated group of minute stars in very thin nebula." Robert Ellery, the observatory director, noted the discovery in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885" and stated an offset "preceding H. 1259 [NGC 2058] by 79.5 sec and 4' 30" north." Eric Lindsay reported "Not found. Star-rich region but no evidence of clustering. Not listed by Herschel. In the Melbourne Catalogue." ("Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud", IAJ, 6, 286-289, 1964).
Harold Corwin suggested NGC 2043 is a N-S string of stars (about 1.7' length) situated 2.5' S of Baracchi's position, which is a good match with his description. I located Baracchi's sketch in his notebook in 2018 (found online at the National Archives of Australia), which confirms Corwin's identification as a N-S string of stars.
ESO and SIMBAD misidentify
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05 36 06.2 -69 11 55; Dor
V = 10.6; Size 4.5'
25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): at 244x; NGC 2044 is a striking
group of stars, tiny clusters and weak nebulosity. The 3 main "knots" are BRHT 17a and 17b (separated
by 1' E-W) and KMK88 87, which is 2' N of 17b. A few dozen stars are resolved in total, mostly in a E-W
stream containing the BRHT pair and fainter stars in a vertical stream at the
west end of the group (association LH 90). At the north end of the vertical
stream is mag 13.9
BRHT 17a: very bright 20" knot, very clumpy, a few individual stars were barely resolved.
BRHT 17b: very bright 15" knot containing a few stars that nearly resolved, but were too closely packed to resolve in the seeing conditions. One of these is the Wolf-Rayet star Brey 65 (listed at mag 13.0).
KMK88 87: fairly bright, elongated SSW-NNE glow, bright center, 25" diameter. With a more critical gaze, it resolved into a quasi-stellar center (probably 2 or more stars) with resolved stars at the SSW and NNE ends.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): group
of about a dozen stars in a 3' diameter at 171x dominated by three brighter
stars in a E-W string. Two of the
"stars" in this line are actually compact clusters (BRHT 17a and
17b). The western "star" (
NGC 2044 is situated in the outer portion of the 30 Doradus complex, 16' SW from the central core, and is the central cluster in a 6' diameter Superbubble. Like NGC 2060, this stellar association (LH 90) also harbors a young SNR! The site of SNR 1987A (05 35 28, -69 16.2) lies only 5.5' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2044 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed as #608 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." His position is ~1' south of the center of this cluster/association (LH 90).
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05 45 01.3 +12 53 18; Tau
V = 6.6
= *6.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 2045 = h367 on 23 Jan 1832
(sweep 393) and recorded "a star 8-9 mag with faint nebulosity." His position coincides precisely with
mag 6.6
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05 35 37.6 -70 14 27; Men
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
the first in a rich field of 8 NGC clusters (with the brightest NGC 2058). At 200x, it appeared bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE in the direction of a mag 13 star just 0.8'
SW. The core seems offset from the
center to the NE end or a compact knot of stars is attached at the following
end.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2046 = h2923 on 11 Nov 1836 and wrote, "vF; R; gbM; the first of a group of six nebulae." His position and sketch (Pl IV, fig 9) is accurate.
Using the 48" GMT, Albert Le Sueur sketched the group on 7 Feb 1870 as well as Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884. Le Sueur's sketch was reproduced on plate IV, figure 32 and Turner's sketch on plate IV, figure 33 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885".
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NGC 2047 = ESO 056-167 = S-L 600
05 35 54.4 -70 11 29; Men
V = 13.2; Size 0.9'
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster is located on the west side of a rich field of 8 NGC clusters in the 13mm Ethos (200x). It appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter. A faint star is at the south edge. Forms a pair with slightly brighter NGC 2046 3.2' SSW. Located 5.8' ESE of mag 8.2 HD 37762 and 5.4' WSW of NGC 2058.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2047 = h2925 on 11 Nov 1836 and described as "the second of a group. Pl IV, fig 9." His position and sketch is accurate.
The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was sketched by Albert Le Sueur on 7 Feb 1870, as well as Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884, all using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. Le Sueur's sketch is plate IV, figure 32 and Turner's is figure 33 in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885". Turns shows the cluster as very elongated N-S and Baracchi sketched it as round.
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NGC 2048 = ESO 056-166 = LMC-N154A = LH 87
05 35 56 -69 38 54; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 2'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x + NPB filter): NGC
2048 is a bright elongated glow, ~1'x0.7' E-W, surrounded by fainter nebulous
haze extending 3'-4' in diameter.
The emission component (LHA 120-N 154A) is cradled around the south and
east side by a large, semicircular chain with mostly mag 12 stars and a total
length of ~15' (association LH 87).
At the west end of this chain is
NGC 2048 is situated in a glorious region of the LMC;
extending to the southwest is NGC 2033 = LH 81, a large stellar association
(the stars on the south side of the semicircular chain are likely members) and
further north is
John Herschel discovered NGC 2048 = h2926 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and described as "a very faint large oval ill-defined nebula; not taken in sweeping, but laid down from a careful drawing. See Notes on Catalogue of Nubecula Major". His position is 3' NE of the center of this nebula. Hodge and Wright describe it as "possibly only 2-3 stars in nebulosity" in their LMC Atlas.
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05 43 15.2 -30 04 42; Col
V = 12.8; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 168°
18" (12/22/11): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.3', low surface brightness, very weak concentration (possibly viewed through thin clouds). IC 2147 lies 25' S.
17.5" (12/7/90): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, bright core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2049 = h2921 on 28 Jan 1835 and
recorded "vF; S; R; pslbM; 25."
His position (measured on two sweeps) matches
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05 36 41.8 -69 22 49; Dor
V = 9.3; Size 3.0'x2.4'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): NGC 2050 was taken
as a 2'-3' patch of stars on the north side of the large stellar association LH
96, a 15'x10' cloud of roughly 120 stars.
At 145x, ~20 stars were resolved including
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 173x, appears as just a locally brighter spot containing perhaps a dozen stars over a hazy background glow (stellar association LH 93), ~2' in diameter. Embedded in the edge of an amazing 15'-20' linear stream of stars (association LH 93/94) which runs through the field from east-northeast to west-southwest. This long chain passes just off the south side of the tendrils of the Tarantula Nebula and heads towards NGC 2050! NGC 2050 is situated 30' SW of the center of the Tarantula.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2050 = h2928 in 1834-1835
(exact date unknown as based on a sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (
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NGC 2051 = ESO 056-169 = S-L 608
05 36 07.5 -71 00 43; Men
V = 11.7; Size 1.7'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this LMC cluster appeared bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter. Located 12' ESE of brighter NGC 2031. Two additional S-L clusters (617 and 624) share the field 8.5' SSE. The cluster is also equidistant from a mag 9 star 8' NW and mag 7.6 HD 37899 a similar distance SW.
S-L 617 is the southwestern member of a pair of S-L clusters. At 200x it appeared faint, moderately large, round, 30" diameter. Overall it was larger but with a lower surface brightness than S-L 624 located 3.5' NE. Located ~5' ESE of a mag 7.6 star.
S-L 624 appeared as a fairly faint, compact knot, ~20" diameter, with a fairly high surface brightness. A mag 11.7 star is 1.9' SW and S-L 617 lies 3.5' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2051 = h2930 on 23 Dec 1834 and reported "pB; S; R; gbM; 30"; insulated." His position from a single sweep is accurate.
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NGC 2052 = ESO 056-176 = LMC-N155
05 37 11 -69 46 30; Dor
Size 1.2'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): without a filter this emission nebula (N155) is a very faint, small patch perhaps 35" diameter, only a couple of faint stars are involved. Situated midway between a mag 12 star 2' W and a mag 12.5 star 2' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2052 = h2929 in 1834-1835 (sweep number and date unknown as based on a sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and described as "vvF, vvL, vglbM." Herschel changed the description in the GC to read "eF, vvS, vglbM" (probably an error) and this was copied by Dreyer into the NGC. His position is 2.5' SW of the faint HII region Henize N155, which the Hodge-Wright Atlas and the ESO identify as NGC 2052. There are no other nearby candidates. Harold Corwin suggests "NGC 2052 may be the large diffuse nebula 2 minutes of time preceding Herschel's position. But it may not be."
Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), notes "Should be 2.3m E of NGC 2033. It may be a small group slightly NE in which is Henize N155. Dreyer and Herschel differ as to size [actually Herschel changed the size]. Position measured by Herschel from a drawing and not during a sweep."
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05 37 40 -67 24 48; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 1.2'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): fairly
bright, relatively large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0' diameter, smooth glow at
145x, slightly mottled at 178x. A
mag 12 star is 1.2' W. Located 23'
W of mag 7.0
S-L 628 lies 7' NE. It was immediately seen as an moderately bright, fairly small glow, round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness, no resolution.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2053 = h2927 on 2 Jan 1837 and noted "F; lE; gbM; 2'." His position from a single sweep is 1' SSE of this cluster.
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05 45 15.4 -10 04 59; Ori
= 4*, HC and Dreyer.
George Bond discovered NGC 2054 = HN 3 on 6 Oct 1850 with a 4-inch comet-seeker at the Harvard College Observatory. He mentioned that it required confirmation and John Herschel didn't include this object in his General Catalogue (GC). Dreyer observed the cluster using the 72" at Birr Castle on 13 Jan 1877 and reported "vF, pS, iR, at times I thought it was a very small cluster, but it is doubtful". Nevertheless, he included it in the GC Supplement (GC 5354). Herbert Howe observed it around 1899 using a 20" refractor and noted "it appears to be simply a small triangle composed of 2 stars of mag 12, and one of mag 13." Bigourdan's position from 26 Dec 1891 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) also corresponds with three mag 14.5, 14.7 and 14.9 stars within 30", along with a couple of fainter stars.
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NGC 2055 = ESO 056-171 = LH 96
05 36 45 -69 29 54; Dor
V = 8.4; Size 15'x10'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): roughly 120 stars
are resolved in a gorgeous 15'x10' SW-NE star cloud (association LH 96)
situated to the south of the Tarantula Nebula. The cloud is rich in faint stars but also includes a mag 9.6
star (
Within this cloud is S-L 610 (often misidentified as NGC
2055), a small knot of four stars in a 1' region. It includes two bright "stars" (R127, V ≈ 10.5 and R128, V ≈ 10.7 ) at 20"
separation, along with two 12th mag stars to the northwest. Both R127 and R128 are very compact
clusters with R127 containing the brightest Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) in the
LMC! NGC 2050 is probably a group
of stars on the north side of the cloud.
Roughly ~20 stars were resolved including a mag 10.6 star at the west
edge and a mag 10.7 star (11" double) at the southwest edge. The central part contains several mag
12 stars and
A long stream of mag 10-12 stars begins about 12' W of the cluster and extends east-northeast for over 20', including NGC 2050 and association LH 97 at the NE corner of the large star cloud, and passing just south of the Tarantula Nebula.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2055 = D 145 = h2931 on 24 Sep
1826. On his second drift he
recorded (handwritten notes) "this is the center of a very large cluster
of very small stars, exceedingly rich with many very small faint nebulae." His reduced position was ~20' too far
SE, close to the
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2055 = h2931 on 24 Nov 1834 (sweep 513) and noted "a vL v rich cluster of sc st 10...15 which more than fills the field." His position is near the center of this large association or star cloud (LH 96), which includes NGC 2050 and S-L 610.
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NGC 2056 = ESO 056-172 = S-L 611
05 36 34 -70 40 17; Men
V = 11.8; Size 1.5'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very
bright, fairly large, 1.2' diameter, very high surface brightness core, mottled
and clumpy halo with a couple of mag 15.5-16 stars resolved around the
edges. Second of three with NGC
2038 11' NW and NGC 2075 9' ESE.
Mag 9.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 2056 = h2932 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB, R, bM, the preceding of 2 [with NGC 2075] on the same parallel; a star 9 mag between." His position is ~30" SE of center of this cluster.
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05 36 56.2 -70 16 10; Men
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
LMC cluster is on the south side of a field filled with 8 NGC clusters. At 260x it appeared bright, fairly
small, round, ~30" diameter, fairly well concentrated with a small bright
core. Situated on a line between
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2057 = D 104 = h2935 on 24 Sep 1826. He described "a very small faint nebula, 8" or 10" diameter." and noted it was part of a triangle (with NGC 2058 and NGC 2065). Although his reduced position was 11' too far SE reference to his handwritten sweep timings confirms the identification. He missed NGC 2057 on a sweep 3 nights later, picking up nly NGC 2058 and 2065.
John Herschel independently discovered NGC 2057 on 11 Nov 1836 (sweep 748) and recorded "pF; S; R; gbM; the 5th (4th properly) of a group of 6, RA only estimated from a rough diagram incorrect (as it would seem) in the order of the objects."
Albert Le Sueur, Joseph Turner and Pietro Baracchi sketched the entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) in 1870, 1876 and 1884, respectively, using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. Le Sueur's sketch was reproduced as plate IV, figure 32 and Turner's sketch in plate IV, figure 33 in in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885". Turner's sketch shows a star or clump bulging out the southeast side, though Baracchi's sketch shows a narrow extension to the north towards a faint star.
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NGC 2058 = ESO 056-173 = S-L 614
05 36 54.5 -70 09 44; Men
V = 11.9; Size 2.1'
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
the brightest cluster in a 15' field of 8 NGC clusters including NGC 2046, 47,
57, 59, 65, 66 and 72. All 8
clusters easily fit in the field of 13mm Ethos at 200x within a 20'
circle. Using 260x, NGC 2058
appeared very bright, large, well concentrated. The outer halo extends up to 2' diameter using averted
vision. At 350x, a few very faint
stars are resolved in the halo and around the edges of the core. Two mag 12.5-13 stars lie 1' WSW and
1.5' WNW. Other nearby clusters
include
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2058 = D 103 = h2933 on 24 Sep 1826. He described (summary of two observations) "a round well-defined nebula, 30" diameter, bright at the centre. The preceding of three nebulae forming a triangle [with NGC 2057 and NGC 2065]." He made a second observation three nights later. His reduced position was 10' too far SE, but reference to his drift data and nearby objects confirms the identification.
On 11 Nov 1836 (sweep 748), John Herschel called this cluster, "B; R; gbM; 90"; the 3rd of a group of 6." Three sweeps later he observed the cluster again as "vB; R; the 3rd of a group of 7. Pl IV, fig 9." His position and sketch is accurate. John Herschel equated Dunlop 102 with h2933.
The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was sketched by Le Sueur on 7 Feb 1870, Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. Le Sueur's and Turner's sketches were published in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885" in plate IV, figure 32 and figure 33.
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NGC 2059 = ESO 056-175 = S-L 613
05 37 01.5 -70 07 37; Men
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster is on the north side of a field of 8 NGC clusters. At 200x it appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter. At 350x it appeared grainy but was still unresolved except for a faint star at the north edge. Located 2.1' NNE of NGC 2058 and just 40" following a mag 12 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2059 = h2936 on 11 Nov 1836 and reported "vF; the 5th (4th in MS) of a group of 6. Pl IV, fig 9." His position and sketch is accurate.
The cluster was sketched using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope by Albert Le Sueur on 7 Feb 1870, Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884 . Le Sueur's and Turner's sketches were published in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885" on plate IV, figure 32 and figure 33. Both observers drew the cluster elongated N-S.
The Hodge-Wright Atlas misidentifies OGLE-CL LMC 632 (too far north) as NGC 2059. Interestingly, Pietro Baracchi's sketch of the field on 18 Dec 1884 with the GMT, shows OGLE-CL LMC 632 as a nebulous object close northwest of NGC 2059, directly south of a star labeled as 15th magnitude
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05 37 46.9 -69 10 18; Dor
V = 9.6; Size 2'
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this fairly small knot of nebulosity is situated just southwest of the Tarantula nebula, approximately 7' from the center. About a half-dozen mag 12-14 stars are involved (association LH 99) in the glow with a total diameter of 2'. A mag 12 "star" at the north edge (Brey 73 = TLD1) is actually a very compact cluster with over a dozen components, including the Wolf-Rayet star.
NGC 2060 harbors a compact x-ray source and a rapidly rotating pulsar, indicating an obscured Crab-like supernova remnant (1998 IAU Circ., 6810, 2). The cluster also contains VFTS 102, the most rapidly rotating massive O-type star known, which is possibly related to the pulsar.
25" (4/3/19 - OzSky): at 244x; Brey 73 appeared as a very high surface brightness knot (V = 12.1), ~12" diameter, with a mag 13.7 star at the SE edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2060 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as #642 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." (not included in his main CGH catalogue). His position corresponds with this SNR on the southwest side of the Tarantula nebula.
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05 42 53.2 -33 57 29; Col
Size 16'
18" (1/15/07): at 115x I was initially attacted by a large, bright trapezoid-shaped asterism of 5 stars with a pair of 9.5-magnitude stars at 35" separation at the NW vertex. The brightest star in the asterism is a mag 7.2 orange star at the NE vertex with an 11th magnitude companion (h3794). But John Herschel was likely referring to an 8' scattering of a couple of dozen mag 13 and fainter stars that lie to the north of the bright star. This group appears to be a random collection at the eyepiece.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2061 = h2924 on 9 Jan 1836 and logged "Cluster, 8th class, course, loose and filling the field; stars 10...13m. Place that of a double star in a vacant part." There is no double star at Herschel's position though exactly 1.0 minute of RA west is the double star HJ 3794 (7.7/11.6 at 20" separation) with a mean position of 05 42 53.2 -33 57 29 (J2000). There is a scattering of stars extending 8' north and five brighter stars to the south. The ESO position is 05 42 42 -34 00.6 (2000), and classified as a group of stars.
The field was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and was "Not seen, scattered stars, but no cluster." Helwan Observatory (1921 list of observations) reported "No cluster here. Exposure 100 minutes." This was repeated by Dorothy Carlson in her NGC correction paper as well as the RNGC.
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05 40 03.8 -66 52 36; Dor
V = 12.7; Size 0.9'
18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): moderately bright,
fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 30" diameter, mottled. Some
extremely faint stars are on the verge of resolution including one at the north
or northeast edge. Two mag 9.8
stars lie 1.6' S and 2.9' SSW. A
small, low surface patch, ~20"x15" NW-SE, was noticed 4.7' W. On the DSS, it appears to be a possible
uncatalogued LMC cluster. S-L 643
lies 10' SSE. It appeared fairly
faint, fairly small, round, smooth surface brightness. Located 4.7' E of mag 8.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 2062 = h2937 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded "vF; E; glbM; 40"; north of 2 stars 10m." His position is 1 tmin too far west, but his declination matches this cluster and two bright stars lie to the south, so the identification is certain. Eric Lindsay first noted this error in "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), "Position should probably be 1.3m E corresponding to S/L 640."
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05 46 48 +08 39 12; Ori
18" (1/26/09): although nothing stands out in the field, near William Herschel's position is a group of 30 stars elongated N-S in a string. Includes mag 10.1 HD 247555 near the north end, though the richest concentration is at the south end (7' S from the bright star).
Other observers have picked brighter groupings in the area as NGC 2063 and WH's description of "a small cluster of very small scattered stars" is not very helpful. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and in any case this number likely applies to an asterism and not a true cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2063 = H. VIII-2 on 26 Dec 1783 (very early sweep 67) and logged "A small Cl of scattered stars." In a second sweep (28 Dec 1785) he reported "A few pretty closely scattered very small stars." John Herschel equated his h366 = NGC 2039 with his father's H. VIII-2, but these are two diferent star fields. Harold Corwin notes there is only a small grouping of faint stars near WH's position although a larger and brighter patch of stars is ~8' south-southeast. In any case, this is likely just a random group of stars. The position given in Archinal and Hynes (Star Clusters) to the west of NGC 2039 is incorrect. See Corwin's notes.
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05 46 18.4 +00 00 21; Ori
Size 12'x2'
17.5" (12/20/95): very faint reflection nebula in the
13.1" (2/25/84): very faint reflection nebula, small. Located 7' WSW of M78 and 4' SE of a mag 10.5 star. This difficult object is near the visual threshold.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2064 near M78 on 11 Jan 1864. He noted a mag 9-10 star was 4' north-preceding and measured an accurate position (2 nights). The visual extent is much smaller than the catalogued dimensions.
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NGC 2065 = ESO 057-002 = S-L 626
05 37 35.9 -70 14 07; Men
V = 11.2; Size 2.6'
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this LMC cluster appeared very bright, fairly large, round, 1.2' diameter, weak concentration. With averted vision, the surface is mottled and the outer halo increases to at least 1.5'. The cluster appeared very lively at 350x with a few stars just on the verge of resolution. At this power the halo appeared up to 1.8' in diameter. A mag 12 star is at the NE edge and two mag 13/13.5 stars lie ~1.5' WNW. Eight NGC clusters reside in this one field with four other clusters within 6': NGC 2057 4' SW, NGC 2066 4.2' N, NGC 2072 4' E and NGC 2058 5.8' NW!
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2065 = D 105 = h2938 on 24 Sep 1826 and described "a round well-defined nebula, 25" diameter." He made a second observation 3 nights later, along with NGC 2058. Although his reduced position is 9' too far SE, reference to his sweep timings confirms the identification on both nights.
On 11 Oct 1836, John Herschel found the cluster and reported h2938 as "pB; R; last of group of 6. Pl IV, fig 9." Three sweeps later he noted "B; the 6th of a group of 7." His position and sketch is accurate. He questioned if this object was D 103, though D 105 seems a better match.
The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was sketched by Albert Le Sueur on 7 Feb 1870, Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. Le Sueur's and Turner's sketches were published in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885" on plate IV, figure 32 and figure 33.
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NGC 2066 = ESO 057-003 = S-L 627
05 37 41.2 -70 09 58; Men
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared moderately bright and large, round, 45" diameter, very weakly concentrated. Located on the eastern end of a rich field of 9 NGC clusters and forms the vertex of an isosceles right triangle with NGC 2065 4.2' due south and NGC 2058 4.1' due west.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2066 = h2939 on 12 Nov 1836 and noted "vF and S; the last of a group of 7; this nebula escaped notice sweep 748. Plate IV, fig 9." The sketch on Plate IV accurately places the 7 clusters (flipped right-left and upside down).
The entire group of clusters (NGC 2046, 2047, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2065, 2066) was sketched by Joseph Turner on 26 Apr 1876 and Pietro Baracchi on 18 Dec 1884 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. Turner's sketch was published in "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885" on plate IV, figure 33. Albert Le Sueur apparently missed this cluster in an earlier observation made on 7 Feb 1870.
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05 46 29 +00 06 24; Ori
Size 8'x3'
13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, suspected reflection nebula 5' WNW of M78. Sighting uncertain as only visible fleetingly. [It's not clear from my description whether I observed the very low surface brightness circular patch NW of M78 or the brightest portion of the streamer pointing towards NGC 2064].
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2067 = T. 1-17 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His position and rough tranlation of his description (in German) points to the very faint nebulosity to the northwest of M78. Harold Corwin lists two possible regions as the intended object - "a large patch of pretty low surface brightness nebulosity about 5 arcmin northwest of M78" and "a knot about 3 arcmin southwest, the brightest part of a long faint streamer pointed toward NGC 2064". It's possible that Tempel's nebula applies to both sections.
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05 46 45 +00 04 42; Ori
V = 8.0; Size 8'x6'
17.5" (12/20/95): very bright reflection nebula
surrounding two mag 10.5 stars (
17.5" (2/1/92):very bright, surprisingly large, 6'x4'. Surrounds two mag 10 stars although the nebulosity extends further to east of these stars. Also a mag 13 star is embedded in the SE end. Brighter and sharper edge gently curves from west to north side. Appears to fan out to the SE where the nebula gradually fades into background. Brightest in a group of reflection nebulae including NGC 2064 7' SW and NGC 2067 6' WNW.
8" (12/6/80): bright reflection nebula, large, NW edge brighter and sharper, elongated, roughly rectangular, wide pair of mag 10 stars involved, striking. Brightest in a group of reflection nebulae.
Pierre Méchain discovered M78 = NGC 2068 = h368 in March 1780. On 19 Dec 1783 William Herschel described M78 as "Two large [bright] stars, well defined, within a nebulous glare of light resembling that in Orion's sword. There are also three very small [faint] stars just visible in the nebulous part which seem to be component particles thereof. I think there is a faint ray near 1/2 deg long towards the east and another towards the south east less extended, but I am not quite so well assured of the reality of these latter phenomena as I could wish, and would rather ascribe them to some deception. At least I shall suspend my judgement till I have seen it again in very fine weather, tho' the night is far from bad." M78 was the first reflection nebula that was discovered.
On 10 Oct 1850, Lord Rosse's assistant Bindon Blood Stoney noted, "Between the 2 bright stars is a darker space not drawn by John Herschel." In 1851 and 1852, he thought it had a spiral shape. On 9 Jan 1856, R.J. Mitchell wrote, "in finder eyepiece a B oval neb with n and nf edges brightest and best defined, and sp edge fading away gradually; with higher power there is seen a decided darkness at and between the stars. I can confirm previous observation as to the curve formed by the brightest part of the neb."
Joseph Turner sketched the nebula in Dec 1876 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope (plate III, figure 31 in Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope...), as well as Pietro Baracchi on 8 Dec 1884.
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05 38 37.7 -69 00 49; Dor
V = 10.1
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
the northern outer loop of the Tarantula Nebula which Dunlop and Herschel
catalogued separately. Several mag
12-13 stars are involved, including mag 13.1 HDE 269926 (Brey 88), a massive
Wolf-Rayet binary (WN4+OB). In
addition, mag 11.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 2069 = h2940 on 24 Nov 1834. He noted it was "the middle of a large extended faint nebulous mass which forms the northern branch of the great looped nebula, and is almost, or entirely, detached from it. See the next object [Tarantula Nebula]."
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NGC 2070 = LMC-N157A = ESO 057-6 = S-L 633 = LH 100 = Tarantula Nebula = 30 Doradus
05 38 42 -69 06 03; Dor
V = 5; Size 40'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x unfiltered, I examined the 30 Doradus cluster = R136 cluster at the heart of the Tarantula Nebula. The cluster is dominated by R136a, a 10th magnitude bloated "star" at the center that would not focus sharply. Surrounding this star was a compact but very rich carpet of dozens of mag 14-15.5 stars packed into a 1' region that were much too numerous to count.
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): The Tarantula nebula was simply unreal at 200x in the 13mm Ethos with a UHC filter -- better than any photo I've seen and convincingly 3-dimensional, even though I viewed it late so the elevation was only 20°. Although this magnification brought out an unbelievable amount of detail in the loops and ribbons, the main complex fit snugly in the eyepiece field (30').
20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): the Tarantula is the largest known emission region (800-1000 light years) and is easily visible to the naked-eye from Australia. The view of the Tarantula early in the morning through a 20" f/5 at 127x (20 Nagler) and OIII filter was jaw-dropping! Near the center are several bright loops and arcs. Extending out are a number of convoluted loops including one heart-shaped arch which is quite large. Running out from the central region of the nebula are streaming lanes of nebulosity. One in particular extends quite a long distance and the outer loops and streamers seem to merge into some of the nearby HII regions forming a mind-boggling complex. There are perhaps 10 different loops and ribbons in the main body giving a 3-dimensional effect.
Near the center lies an extremely compact cluster of superluminous stars (R136) but only a few were visible including what appears to be a single bright star. A large number of additional stars are scattered about the main body. Mag 11.9 HDE 269928 (Wolf-Rayet = Brey 90) is 1.3' E of R136. Additional WR stars are mag 11.6 Brey 87 0.9' N of center and mag 13.5 Brey 80 1.5' NW of center.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 2060 lies 6.5' SW of the central cluster (R136) of the Tarantula. It appeared as a fairly small knot of nebulosity, ~2' diameter, with about a half-dozen mag 12-14 stars involved (association LH 99) in the glow. A mag 12 "star" on the north edge has been resolved into a very compact cluster by the HST. Studies have shown this nebula contains a compact x-ray source and a rapidly rotating pulsar, indicating NGC 2060 is a Crab-like supernova remnant in the LMC (1998 IAU Circ., 6810, 2).
Hodge 301 is the oldest cluster in the Tarantula (age 25-30 million years) and is situated just 3' NW of the central cluster (R136). It appeared as a coompact 30" knot with a half-dozen mag 13-14 stars resolved over haze.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): first view of the Tarantula in Les Dalrymple's 12" was early in the evening, very low in the southern sky (20° elevation) and without a filter. Even under these conditions it was a fascinating sight – fairly bright, detailed, 15' convoluted, mottled nebulosity with several striking loops or ribbons which radiate out from the central region. Sweeping in the nearby fields I ran across numerous small knots of nebulosity and small clusters.
10x30mm (1/21/12): I viewed the Tarantula Nebula in a 19" dobsonian (pointed horizontally) and in my IS binoculars. At a declination of -69.1°, the Tarantula just skimmed the horizon from the 9300' Mauna Kea Visitor Center, culminating 1.1° above the horizon! Still with atmospheric refraction, it was obvious in the binoculars. There was too much extinction and seeing effects for much structure in the 19".
Naked-eye: at 5th magnitude or so, the Tarantula is obvious from a fairly dark site as a small, fuzzy patch on the eastern side of the LMC, north of the central bar.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2070 = Lac I-2 = D 142 = h2941 in 1751-1752 using a half-inch refractor at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He included it in his 1755 catalogue as Class I No. 2 and remarked "like the former [NGC 104: "like the nucleus of a fairly bright comet] but faint." James Dunlop made 8 observations and reported 30 Doradus as "a pretty large ill-defined nebula, of an irregular branched figure, with a pretty bright small star in the south side of the centre, which gives it the appearance of a nucleus. This is resolvable into very minute stars. Figure 4. is a very good representation of the nebula resolved. (N.B. The 30 Doradus is surrounded by a number of nebulae of considerable magnitudes, nine or ten in number, with the 30 Doradus in the centre.)"
On his first observation from the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel noted "the great nebula; an assemblage of loops." He later discussed in detail, "This is one of the most singular and extraordinary objects which the heavens present, and derives no small addition to its intrinsic interest from its situation, which is among the thickest of the nebulae and clustering groups of the greater Nubecula, of whose total area it occupies one-five hundredth part. For these reasons, as well as because its real nature has been completely misunderstood, and its magnified appearance so strangely misrepresented in the only figure which I am aware to have been made of it as to convey an entirely erroneous impression both of its form and structure; I have taken great pains to give as nearly as possible a perfect representation of it as it appeared in the twenty-feet reflector on a great many occasions, but more especially on the 29th November, 1834, when a 'very careful drawing' was made of it by the eye alone, unaided by any micrometrical measures; and on the 21st and 22nd December, 1835, when the nebula was worked in from the telescope on a 'skeleton' previously prepared by an approximate reduction of the micrometrical measures of its principle stars, forming a chart, with a system of triangles, for its reception and for that of minute stars not susceptible of micrometric measurement, or not considered as of sufficient importance to be so measured. This is the only mode in which correct monographs can be executed of nebulae of this kind which consist of complicated windings and ill-defined members obliterated by the smallest illumination of the field of view; and in which the small stars, when very numerous, can be mapped down with tolerable precision. The following catalogue contains all the stars which I have been able distinctly to perceive within the area occupied by the nebula and nearly adjacent to it... [The catalogue contains 105 stars.] The stars thus scattered over the area occupied by this nebula may or may not be systematically connected with it, either as an individual object, or as part of the vast and complex system which constitutes the Nubecula. In respect of their arrangement there is nothing to distinguish them from those which occupy the rest of the area covered by the Nubecula, in which every variety of condensation and mode of distribution is to be met with. The nebula itself (as seen in the 20-feet reflector) is of the milky or irresolvable kind - quite as free from any mottling or incipient stellar appearance as any other nebula which I can remember to have examined with that instrument. Its situation in the Nubecula is immediately adjacent to two large and rich clusters [NGC 2042 and NGC 2055]. Mr Dunlop remarks that 'The 30 Doradus is surrounded by a number of nebulae of considerable magnitudes, nine or ten in number, with the 30 Doradus in the centre.', of which nebulae he gives a figured representation. For what objects these can be intended I am quite at a loss to conjecture, unless they be the brighter portions of the nebulous convolutions seen without their connecting enbranchments. But with this supposition their relative situations, intensities, and magnitudes in the figure alluded to, so far as I am able to judge, appear irreconcilable."
An early study was published in 1937 by by Harlow Shapely and John Paraskevopoulos at the Boyden Station in Bloemfontein, South Africa. A photograph, taken with the 60" Common reflector, was taken by Paraskevopoulos and published in the study.
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05 47 07.2 +00 17 39; Ori
Size 4'x3'
17.5" (12/20/95): fairly bright reflection nebula surounding a mag 9.5 star, 3.5' diameter. Shape appears irregular (although no distinct borders) but extends more to the south side of the star, which has a faint companion close south. A second mag 9.5 star (not involved) lies 3.5' NW. The field is strangely lacking in stars due to obscuration.
17.5" (2/1/92): fairly bright reflection nebula surrounds a mag 10 star although extends farther south. A second mag 13 star is embedded just south of the bright star. The round outline gradually fades into the background. A mag 10 star is 3.5' NW but the field is strangely devoid of stars due to obscuring dust. Located 15' NNE of M78.
8": faint reflection nebula. Located 15' NNE of M78. Surround the southeast member of a mag 10 double star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2071 = H. IV-36 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and recorded "a star affected with vF extensive milky chevelure. The star not quite central." On a second observation on 22 Feb 1786 (sweep 526) he noted again "a star with a milky chevelure. vF and extensive." In his PT paper of 1791 he mentions "As by the word chevelure I always denoted something relating to a center, the connection cannot be doubted." His position is fairly accurate.
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NGC 2072 = ESO 057-004 = S-L 630
05 38 23.8 -70 14 01; Men
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this LMC cluster appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35"-40" diameter, weak concentration. Located 4' E of NGC 2065 at the east end of a group of 8 NGC clusters (and a couple of fainter ones)
Pietro Baracchi discovered NGC 2072 on 20 Dec 1884 with the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope while observing a number of clusters near NGC 2065 in the LMC. He labeled it as "g" on his sketch of the field and called it "vvF, S, indistinct, flat." With respect to NGC 2065, he measured an offset of 47 seconds following and 40" N. This falls only 0.6' NE of center of this small cluster. Dreyer credited "Melbourne Obs" in the NGC (R. L. Ellery's "Observations of Southern Nebulae made with the [48"] Great Melbourne Telescope 1869 - 1885"). See NGC 2043, also discovered the same night.
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05 45 53.9 -21 59 58; Lep
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 35' NE of the wide bright double star Alpha Leporis 3.6/6.3 at 90".
William Herschel discovered NGC 2073 = H. III-241 = h2934 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 325) and recorded "eF, vS, lE nearly in the parallel."
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NGC 2074 = LMC-N158C = ESO 057-8 = S-L 637 = LH 101
05 39 03 -69 29 54; Dor
V = 9.3; Size 3.5'x2.0'
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
prominent HII region (LMC-N158C) and cluster (OB-association LH 101) appeared
as a very bright, very large "C" shaped nebula surrounding a
semi-circular chain or crown of stars open to the SW. Two bright mag 10.4 and 11 stars oriented SW-NE (50"
separation) lie on the northwest end of this crown. The northeastern luminary
consists of a 1.8" pair of OB-stars (TDS 3273 = 11.4/11.8) and a mag 12.5
Wolf-Rayet star just 3" W. The mag 11 star to its southwest (
NGC 2074 is part of a huge Superbubble complex (LMC-N158)
stretching 11' SW-NE with
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2074 = D 146 = D 149 = h2842 on
3 Aug 1826 and 24 Sep 1826. He
simply described D 146 as "a small faint nebula" and his position is
less than 4' E. He recorded it
again near the end of his second drift on 27 Sep 1826 and logged D 149 as a
"faint nebula following 2 small stars, 1' diameter." The two stars are mag 10.4 and 11 on
the W side of the nebula. The next
object recorded in the drift was
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2074 in 1834-1835. The exact sweep or date is unknown as the object was placed on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835. He recorded it as "pL, pB, mE, of irreg rounded and somewhat serpentine figure, much brighter in its foll part; elongated generally in parallel. Involves 5 stars, 2 of which are 10th mag. See Notes in 'First Approximation Towards a Catalogue of Objects in the Magellanic Clouds...'."
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NGC 2075 = LMC-N213 = ESO 057-5 = S-L 631
05 38 21 -70 41 04; Men
V = 11.5; Size 2.2'
24" (11/18/12 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very
bright, irregular, triangular-shaped, ~50" diameter. Near the center is a very bright knot
consisting of a few extremely close stars. A couple of additional stars are resolved within the glow
and a number of stars are near the edges.
The cluster is surrounded by faint nebulosity (LMC-N213) which doubles
the size of the object. Forms the
vertex of an isosceles right triangle with mag 9.4 HD 38174 4.5' W and a mag 10
star 4.5' S. Third of three
clusters with NGC 2056 9' WNW and NGC 2038 20' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2075 = h2943 on 23 Dec 1834 and logged "B, R, bM, resolved; the following of two on the same parallel [with NGC 2056], a star 9 mag intervening." His position is at the east edge of this nebulous cluster.
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05 46 47.1 -16 46 54; Lep
V = 13.0; Size 2.2'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 45°
17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, fairly large, oval
SW-NE, fairly high surface brightness but no distinctive core. Several bright stars are nearby
including mag 7.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 2076 = H. III-267 on 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 365) and recorded "vF, pS, irr E, bM, requires attention to be seen."
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05 39 35.3 -69 39 21; Dor
V = 11.7; Size 1.0'
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the southwest component of a very bright, impressive 2' emission patch with NGC 2080. At 200x and UHC filter, NGC 2077 appeared bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~1.2'x0.6'. Without a filter, three fainter stars are involved in the glow (one is a massive Wolf-Rayet star Brey 93a). Forms a close pair with NGC 2080 (Ghost Head Nebula) 1.1' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2077 = h2947 in Dec 1834 (exact sweep date unknown) and described as "The preceding two forming a double nebula. The place deduced from that of the following and brighter [NGC 2080 = h2950], by Delta RA = 7.1sec, Delta NPD = 20", as they result from the drawing of Dec 4, 1837. Pl III, figure 4."
James Dunlop discovered the entire complex (D 145) on 24 Sep 1826 and recorded (in his notebook), "This is the centre of a very large cluster of very small stars, exceedingly rich - with many very small nebulae in it - it minute stars, with many very small nebulae in it..." His position is just 4' SE of NGC 2080. As NGC 2077 has a high surface brightness, it was likely one of the "very small nebulae in it."
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NGC 2078 = LMC-N159F = ESO 057-10
05 39 39.7 -69 44 37; Dor
V = 10.9; Size 0.8'
25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2078 is the northwest
portion of the multi-sectioned NGC 2078-79-83-84 complex (LMC-N159). At 244x + NPB filter, it appeared as a
bright, elongated N-S patch, ~1.3' in length, with a prominent mag 12.1 star
(blue supergiant R128) involved on the south side and two mag 14/14.5 stars on
the north end. It appears
brightest on the southern end and dims on the northern end.
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
the northwest component of an impressive 4' emission nebula filled with bright
knots (LMC-N159), several of which form a curving "S" shape. At 200x and UHC filter it appeared as a
fairly bright, moderately large glow surrounding a mag 12 star (
R148 forms a 6" pair - not logged in either of the two observations above - with the optical counterpart (V ≈ 14.8) of LMC X-1, a 10 solar-mass black hole and variable X-ray source. Nearby is the impressive LMC-N160 complex with NGC's 2077 and 2080, another very bright patch of nebulosity 6' N, and NGC's 2085 and 2086, a smaller bright pair, a similar distance to the NE. This complex, along with LMC-N159, is within the O-association LH 105.
James Dunlop discovered the NGC 2078-79-83-84 complex = D 152 on 24 Sep 1826. His summary description reads "a cluster of six or seven very small nebulae in a square form 5' or 6' diameter, with several minute stars mixt. This is a very pretty group of nebulae - see Figure 5." Dunlop's sketch shows a group of 6 or 7 patches within a group of stars. He viewed it again at the end of the first of his three drifts on 27 Sep 1826, after logging D 105 = NGC 2065. Although his published position was 15' too far SE, his offsets with respect to nearby objects in the drifts confirm the identification of this nebulous complex. But he didn't provide information to identify which specific NGC numbers he observed.
John Herschel sketched the complex on 23 Dec. 1834. He described NGC 2078 = h2948 as "the north preceding of the four principal nuclei of the nebula of Plate III, figure 4." Herschel's sketch shows 7 condensations or nuclei, involved in nebulosity. The four NGC objects in this grouping are NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and NGC 2084.
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NGC 2079 = LMC-N159A = ESO 057-11
05 39 40 -69 46 20; Dor
V = 11.8; Size 1.0'
25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2079 = Henize N159A is at the SW end of the impressive NGC 2078-79-83-84 complex (N159) and has the highest surface brightness. At 244x + NPB filter it appeared extremely bright, moderately large, with an unusual triangular outline, ~1' diameter, extremely high surface brightness. A thin fainter strip is on the south end, otherwise, the outline is very sharply defined. Contains a slightly darker interior region or perhaps a weak dust lane. Unfiltered a faint star or two is at the center, including the O5-type ionizing source DD 13. NGC 2079 is just detached from NGC 2084 to the northeast.
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest section of an impressive 4' collection of perhaps 8 different emission knots (collectively LMC-N159) that are encased in a diffuse glow and carry four separate NGC designations. NGC 2079 (LMC-N159A) is situated on the southwest end of the complex and appeared extremely bright, ~1' diameter,with a uniform very high surface brightness. The outline has an unusual triangular shape (one vertex at the north end) with a well-defined border and appears detached from the main section. Without a filter, a faint star and ionizing source (DD 13, an unresolved pair of O-stars) is located at the center of the glow.
NGC 2079 is collinear with two mag 12 stars 1.7' N (at the center of 2078) and another mag 12 star 3.5' N. The main section of the complex to the northeast forms a large "S" shaped group of multiple knots with NGC 2078 1.7' N, 2084 to the east and 2083 to the NE.
James Dunlop discovered the NGC 2078-79-83-84 complex = D 152 on 24 Sep 1826. His summary description reads "a cluster of six or seven very small nebulae in a square form 5' or 6' diameter, with several minute stars mixt. This is a very pretty group of nebulae - see Figure 5." Dunlop's sketch shows a group of 6 or 7 patches within a group of stars. He viewed it again at the end of the first of his three drifts on 27 Sep 1826. Although his published position was 15' too far SE, his offsets with respect to nearby objects in the drifts confirm the identification of this nebulous complex. But he didn't provide information to identify which specific NGC numbers he observed.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2079 = h2949 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "The most southern of a group of 4 or 5 nebulae, 5' diameter, mixed with stars. This is the south preceding of the four chief nuclei [NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and 2084] of the complex group of Plate III, figure 4". Herschel's sketch shows a complex object with 7 condensations or nuclei involved in nebulosity with the NGC 2079 at the upper right corner in the detailed sketch.
Annie Jump Canon established the emission spectrum of NGC 2079 in 1897 during her spectroscopic survey at Arequipa for the Henry Draper catalogue. It was independently found by Delisle Stewart around the same time.
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NGC 2080 = LMC-N160A = ESO 057-12 = S-L 641 = Ghost Head Nebula
05 39 44.6 -69 38 45; Dor
V = 10.4; Size 1.5'
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x and UHC filter, this emission nebula is very impressive, appearing as an extremely bright nebulous glow with an irregular shape, ~1.5' diameter, slightly elongated. The brightest section is encased in a larger, fainter nebulous glow that extends mostly to the south. NGC 2077, a bright HII glow, is attached on the SW side with their centers just 1' apart. Located just 30' SSE of the center of the Tarantula Nebula!
Along with NGC 2085 and 2086, another pair of knots ~3' SE, the entire complex is part of the Superbubble LMC-N160. Roughly 6' S is LMC-N159, another stunning group of nebulous glows consisting of NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and 2084. NGC 2080 is the brightest region in the LMC-N159/160 complex and is nicknamed the "Ghost-Head Nebula" from a 2000 HST image.
At 350x the view was fascinating with 3 or 4 embedded "stars" (the brightest one or two appeared to be quasi-stellar knots) and NGC 2080 had a curdled texture. A couple of brighter mag 13/14 stars are off the NW side and a number of stars trail off to the east and NE (part of the O-association LH 103).
The two "eyes" of the Ghost Head (noted as quasi-stellar above) are rare, compact "high excitation blobs" (HEBs) of diameter ~3". They were discovered in 1986 and identified as A1 and A2, separated by ~20".
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2080 = D 150 = h2947 on 24 Aug 1826. His handwritten notes read "a well defined round nebula, rather bright, 20" diameter with a small star following and also a group of 5 or 6 small faint nebulae in a square form following about 37 seconds in RA [time] and 5' south." Although his reduced position was 14' too far SE, the drift timings place it perfectly between the previous object (NGC 2074) and the "5 or 6" nebulae (NGC 2078-2084 complex).
John Herschel observed NGC 2080 = h2947 in Dec 1834 and logged "B; R; double; the other sp [NGC 2077] is F; R; followed by clustering stars." An excellent sketch of the entire complex is on plate III, figure 4.
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NGC 2081 = LMC-N158A = ESO 057-13 = LH 104
05 40 00 -69 24 24; Dor
V = 9.9; Size 6'x3.5'
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At
214x, this is a gorgeous star cloud consisting of two dozen stars in a 5'
region (stellar association LH 104, which is dominated by B-class supergiants),
including many mag 13-14 stars as well as mag 12.2 star
Adding a UHC filter enhances a fairly bright HII glow that
nearly surrounds the entire cluster in a triangular wreath (weak in the
center)! The brightest portion is
a ribbon with a bright region (identified in SIMBAD as BSDL 2722) at one end
just south of the cluster and extending due east. With closer inspection BSDL 2722 actually consists of a
couple of knots and fainter streaks intersecting! Just beyond the east end of this ribbon is
John Herschel discovered NGC 2081 = h2951 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and simply noted in the CGH catalogue as a "Cluster VI of vF stars and nebula. See Catalogue of Nubecula Major." His coordinates and placement on his chart of the LMC matches this association.
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05 41 51.0 -64 18 04; Dor
V = 12.1; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.3' diameter, irregular surface brightness, slightly mottled like a face on spiral. A mag 12 star is 2.5' ESE and two mag 11.5 stars are 8' WNW. Shines through the north edge of the LMC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2082 = h2945 on 30 Nov 1834 and
recorded "pF, L, R, vlbM, 2'."
On a later sweep he added "B, L, R, glbM, 90", has a *10m 2'
dist 25° south-following."
His position and decsription matches
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NGC 2083 = LMC-N159D = ESO 057-14
05 39 58.8 -69 44 10; Dor
V = 10.8; Size 1.5'
25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2083 is the main northern section and the largest piece of the NGC 2078/79/83/84 complex (LMC-N159 and OB-association LH 105). At 244x and NPB filter it appeared bright, large, nearly 2' in diameter, roughly circular. The surface brightness appeared fairly uniform, though lower at the northeast periphery where it merges with NGC 2078. Unfiltered, a half-dozen dozen stars mag 13.5 and fainter are involved in the nebula, along with mag 12.5 RMC 149, an O8.5-type supergiant near the center. At 397x (unfiltered), a mag 14.5 companion is 7" N of RMC 149 and the star seemed slightly "soft".
On the SE side of NGC 2083 [44" SE of the mag 12.5 star] is N159-5, a 15th magnitude "star" known as the LMC "Papillon Nebula". This very compact object is classified as a Young Stellar Object (YSO) and High Excitation Blob (HEB), a rare class of ionized nebulae associated with massive star formation. At 397x it appeared faint (15th mag) and quasi-stellar (though difficult to confirm).
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 214x and UHC filter, NGC 2083 appeared as a bright, large, slightly elongated glow ~1.8' diameter, surrounding a mag 12.5 star (O-class supergiant). A brighter knot is embedded within the glow on the west side (LMC-N159I) on a line with NGC 2078. Removing the filter, the bright central star has a companion at ~7" and several other mag 14 stars are embedded in the periphery of the glow.
NGC 2083 is situated in the northeast section of the curving "S" shaped NGC 2078/79/83/84 complex (LMC-N159 and OB-association LH 105). This complex shares the same field with two additional bright emission regions - NGC 2085/86 4' N and NGC 2077/80 ~5.5' NNW (LMC-N160), and the combined complex forms a superb field of bright HII regions ~35' SSE of the center of the Tarantula Nebula. Although Herschel assigned 4 NGC numbers within LMC-N159, I logged at least 7 different brighter knots (see NGC 2084 for more).
James Dunlop discovered the NGC 2078-79-83-84 complex = D 152 on 24 Sep 1826. His summary description reads "a cluster of six or seven very small nebulae in a square form 5' or 6' diameter, with several minute stars mixt. This is a very pretty group of nebulae - see Figure 5." Dunlop's sketch shows a group of 6 or 7 patches within a group of stars. He viewed it again at the end of the first of his three drifts on 27 Sep 1826. Although his published position was 15' too far SE, his offsets with respect to nearby objects in the drifts confirm the identification of this nebulous complex. But he didn't provide information to identify which specific NGC numbers he observed.
John Herschel sketched the complex of nebulae on 23 Dec. 1834. He described NGC 2083 = h2952 as "the north following nucleus of the complex group of Plate III, figure 4, from drawing." Herschel's sketch shows 7 condensations or nuclei, involved in nebulosity. The four NGC objects in this grouping are NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and NGC 2084.
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NGC 2084 = LMC-N159C = ESO 057-15
05 40 06.9 -69 45 34; Dor
V = 11.3; Size 1.2'
25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 2084 is the second brightest section of the striking Henize N159 complex (NGC 2078/70/83/84) on its SE side and the brightest part of N159C. At 244x + NPB filter, it appeared very bright, fairly large, irregular shape, over 1' diameter (elongated N-S). Unfiltered two stars are involved included a mag 14.0 (O-7 type). Fainter nebulosity extends west for 1' (also part of N159C) with a mag 14.0 O7-type and 14.5 O8-type stars involved unfiltered. The nebulosity curls north on its west side and brightens in a 40" circular patch (N159C-west) that includes two 15th mag stars (unfiltered), one a young stellar object (YSO). Overall, N159C displays a highly irregular curving shape with a patchy surface brightness and includes a half-dozen stars.
N159E, a detached piece ~1.5' S, is a fairly faint to moderately bright patch, irregularly round, 35" diameter, even surface brightness. Unfiltered, a star was seen involved with the nebulosity (ionizing source?). N159G, a slightly brighter detached piece 1.1' ENE of NGC 2084, appeared moderately bright and large, roughly oval, ~45" diameter. Unfiltered, a faint star is centered in N159G.
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This emission knot was noted while making a careful observation of NGC 2084, which is located within the southeast region of a very bright nebular complex NGC 2078-79-83-8 (LMC-N159), located ~40' SSE of the Tarantula Nebula. At the northeast end of the NGC 2084 region I noted a moderately bright, round knot, ~45" diameter. Without a filter a star is involved with this glow. Although John Herschel didn't catalogued this knot, it's shown on his sketch (Plate III, figure 4). NGC 2084, a brighter knot, is close WSW on a direct line with NGC 2079. NGC 2084 appeared very bright, fairly large, elongated, ~1.2'x1.0'. Removing the filter a couple of stars are involved (with one brighter star).
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I returned to this detailed nebula the following night to make a complete observation at 200x using a UHC filter. NGC 2084 forms the SE region of the complex and it's composed of several nearby components. At the NE end of this extended region is a moderately bright, round knot, ~45" diameter (N159G). Without a filter a star is involved with N159G (sketched by John Herschel but not catalogued). A second, brighter embedded "glow" is close WSW on a direct line with NGC 2079. This knot corresponds with John Herschel's position for NGC 2084 and is catalogued as N159C-east. It appeared very bright, fairly large, elongated, ~1.2'x1.0'. Removing the filter a couple of stars are involved (with one brighter star). Finally, N159C-west (also sketched by Herschel but not cataloged) lies 1.5' W of N159C-east in the center of the entire complex and is connected to N159C-west by a faint bridge of nebulosity. N159C-west appeared fairly bright, moderately large, round, 45" diameter.
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the SE component of a fascinating 4' HII complex filled with up to 8 distinguishable knots (4 have NGC numbers) with several of the brighter knots forming an "S" shape (this knot is at SE end of the "S"). At 200x and UHC filter it appeared very bright, round, fairly large glow, 1' diameter and encased within fainter nebulous haze that extends to the west. NGC 2083 lies 1.5' NNW within the background glow that envelopes the entire complex.
James Dunlop discovered the NGC 2078-79-83-84 complex = D 152 on 24 Sep 1826 (first drift). His summary description reads "a cluster of six or seven very small nebulae in a square form 5' or 6' diameter, with several minute stars mixt. This is a very pretty group of nebulae - see Figure 5." Dunlop's sketch shows a group of 6 or 7 patches within a group of stars. He viewed it again at the end of the first of his three drifts on 27 Sep 1826. Although his published position was 15' too far SE, his offsets with respect to nearby objects in the drifts confirm the identification of this nebulous complex. But he didn't provide information to identify which specific NGC numbers he observed. Glen Cozens assigns D 149 to the complex, but reference to his 2nd drift on 24 Sep shows D 149 was placed 9' N of NGC 2080, the following object in the drift and this offset corresponds with NGC 2074, which has two brighter stars on its west side, so is "following two small stars".
John Herschel sketched the complex of nebulae on 23 Dec. 1834. He described NGC 2084 = h2953 as "The south following nucleus of the complex group of Plate III fig 4, from drawing." Herschel's sketch shows 7 condensations or nuclei, involved in nebulosity. The four NGC objects in this grouping are NGC 2078, 2079, 2083 and NGC 2084.
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NGC 2085 = LMC-N160B = ESO 057-16
05 40 09.3 -69 40 23; Dor
V = 12.1; Size 0.7'
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
HII knot is part of an amazing field of nebulous glows located ~35' SSE of the
Tarantula Nebula. At 200x using a
UHC filter, NGC 2085 appears bright, fairly small, ~25" diameter. A mag
10.0 star (supergiant HDE 269953) is just off the NE end (23" from the
center). NGC 2085 forms a close
pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 2085 = h2954 on 23 Dec 1834 and reported "a very faint, nearly round nebula close to a star 10th mag, not observed in sweeping, but laid down Dec 4, 1873 in the drawing fig 4, Plate III whence its place is derived." The identification is certain based on his sketch.
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NGC 2086 = IC 2145 = LMC-N160C = ESO 057-18
05 40 24 -69 40 14; Dor
V = 12.0; Size 0.7'
24" (4/9/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
the eastern component of a close pair of nebulous glows with NGC 2085 just 1.2'
W. This pair is part of a
fascinating group of numerous emission nebulae (LMC-N160 and LMC-N159) just 35'
S of the Tarantula nebula. At 200x
with a UHC filter, this knot appears very bright (slightly brighter than NGC
2085), fairly small, round, ~30" diameter. Without a filter, a faint star is near the center. Mag 10 supergiant
John Herschel discovered NGC 2086 = h2956 in Dec 1834 and recorded "B, pS, R, lbM, follows a star 10m with other S stars about it. Not observed in sweeping, but laid down in the drawing of Dec 4, 1837, whence its place is derived from the drawing fig 4, Pl III. Herschel's position and sketch clearly shows that NGC 2086 follows the mag 10 star and corresponds with a nebulous patch 12 seconds of RA following the bright star.
Williamina Fleming discovered the emission spectrum of this
nebula again on an objective prism plate taken in 1901 at Arequipa. As she
didn't associate it with the NGC number, Dreyer catalogued Fleming 92 (Harvard
discovery number) as
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05 44 16.2 -55 31 57; Pic
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 136°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint,
slightly elongated, 30"x25", weak concentration. Mag 7.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 2087 = h2946 on 6 Dec 1834 and noted "eF, R, vlbM, 40"." His position is accurate.
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05 41 00 -68 27 55; Dor
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly small,
irregular, ~35" diameter.
Includes a bright quasi-stellar knot of stars near the center along with
an individual star close east and a couple of mag 15-16 stars around the edges. A neat 6' curving stream of stars
begins at a mag 11 star 4.5' north and arcs southeast. NGC 2088 is the first in a group of
cluster with
John Herschel discovered NGC 2088 = h2955 on 9 Feb 1836 and
recorded "eF; S; R; insulated."
His mean position (2 sweeps) of 05 40 56.4 -68 27 54 (2000) was used by
Dreyer in the NGC. The declination
given in RNGC, NGC 2000 and
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05 47 51.4 -17 36 08; Lep
V = 11.9; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 39°
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus. Collinear with a mag 11 star 1.6' SSE and a mag 12 star 2.8' SSE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2089 = H. III-270 on 6 Feb
1785 (sweep 367) and recorded "a very faint extremely small stellar
nebula; 240 verified it with difficulty, and considerable attention, the night
being uncommonly clear."
Arthur Auwers' reduced RA was 1 hr too large. John Herschel didn't make an observation but the NGC
position matches
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05 47 01.8 -34 15 02; Col
V = 11.2; Size 4.9'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 13°
13.1" (2/25/84): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, 2.5'x0.8'. A mag 13.5 star is at the north tip 1.5' from center, a mag 14 star is at the west edge, 40" from center and another 14th mag star is 1.2' SE.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2090 = D 594 = h2944 on 29 Oct 1826. He described "a small faint nebula, with a ray shooting out on the north side." Dunlop observed this galaxy only once and his position was only 3' SSW. The "ray" he mentions perhaps consists of 3 mag 13-14 stars. John Herschel recorded the galaxy twice, on 8 Jan 1836 (sweep 662) recording a "globular cluster, B; R; with an appendage to northward; 2.5' diameter." The following night he described it as "B, irreg R, gbM; 3' long; 2' broad with stars appended. This RA to be preferred". Herschel called this galaxy a globular in the GC and Dreyer followed in the NGC.
NGC 2090 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "not a cluster, cE at 10°, stellar nucleus."
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NGC 2091 = ESO 057-021 = S-L 653
05 40 57.7 -69 26 11; Dor
V = 12.0; Size 1.0'
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I accidentally picked up this cluster while examining the beautiful star cloud/nebula NGC 2081 to the NW. A bright E-W ribbon is on the south side of NGC 2081 with its vertex (brighter and larger end of the streamer) closest to NGC 2074 (to the SW) and extending towards the east. Just beyond the east end of this ribbon I picked up this elongated glow that appeared collinear with the streamer. At 214x without a filter, the 35"x25" knot partially resolved into a number of fainter stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2091 = h2957 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and recorded as "vF; S; mE; glbM; 1' l; perhaps a vF double neb. See Catalogue of the Nubecula Major." Since no sweep is given in his LMC catalogue, the discovery date is unknown. His position is ~1' SSW of this cluster.
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05 41 22.0 -69 13 27; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 1.2'
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very faint round knot, ~40" diameter with a brighter core. Located 4' W of NGC 2100 and 17' SE of the center of the Tarantula.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2092 = h2962 in 1834-1835 (exact sweep or date unknown as based on a detailed sketch of the Tarantula Nebula (NGC 2070) region made over several nights in Nov 1834 and Dec 1835) and recorded a "cluster class 6. vF, R, 60", partially resolved. See Catalogue of the Nubecula Major". The CGH position (based on the sketch) is 1.3' east of this cluster (and just west of NGC 2100).
Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), notes "This may be the star-rich region just W of NGC 2100. Position deduced by Herschel from a drawing and not made in a sweep. Listed as N[ebula] in Nubec. Cat and Cl in general Cat. Description does not agree with anything here."
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05 41 50 -68 55 18; Dor
V = 11.6; Size 1.5'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): this stellar association (LH 109) is
located just 20' NE of the center of the Tarantula Nebula and less than 1' SSE
of a mag 7.2 star (
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2093 = D 144 = h2963 on 27 Sep 1826. After noting the Tarantula Nebula on his 2nd drift (called the "Bright Nebula"), he recorded a "an exceedingly small round faint nebula with a brightish point in the center." His rough offset of 2 minutes 20 seconds and 8' N (from the large nebula) is within 5' of NGC 2093. He may have also recorded it three nights earlier (24 Sep).
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2093 on 30 Dec 1836 (sweep 759) and recorded "vF, S, R. This nebula forms an appendage to the skirts of the great looped nebula 30 Doradus, which hang down in visible fringes from the upper (southern) part of the field." Herschel gave a possible equivalence with D 184, which James Dunlop discovered on 27 Sep 1826, but this number is from the drift in which he misidentified the reference star (Theta Dor) and all positions in the drift are systematically in error.
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05 42 07.4 -68 21 47; Dor
V = 12.8; Size 0.4'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, small, high
surface brightness, 20" diameter.
Two close stars are resolved at the north edge. Mag 9.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 2094 = h2959 on 31 Jan 1835 and
noted "vF; S; R; 12"."
Herschel made a single observation and his position is an excellent
match with KMHK 1251. The
Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas misidentifies
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05 42 51 -67 19 18; Dor
V = 13.1; Size 3.0'x1.5'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky)c: Although Herschel described a large "oblong cluster", the brightest subgroup is at the east end (S-L 669). It appeared as a bright, moderately large patch, irregular, 1' diameter, with several mag 13.5-14 stars resolved around the edges. A separate patch lies 1.3' W with a mag 11 star 2.2' W. A group of stars (KMHK 1253) is 1' NW of the brighter star. The entire collection forms the stellar association LH 112, a 3'x1.5' group of resolved stars highlighted by S-L 669. Located 8' NE of mag 7.0 HD 38616.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2095 = D 198? = h2961 on 27 Sep 1826. It was logged during a drift in which
he misidentified the reference star (Theta Dor), so all positions were reduced
incorrectly (~2.4° to the SE). He
described "a pretty strong ray of nebula following a small star; but the
small star is not involved. The
ray is about 2' long and 50" broad, with a bright point or nucleus near
the preceding extremity".
Using his offset from
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2095 on 20 Dec 1835 (sweep 658) and described "a star 9m, chief of a F irreg oblong cluster 3' in extent." His position, measured on 3 sweeps, is fairly accurate.
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NGC 2096 = ESO 057-027 = S-L 664
05 42 18 -68 27 30; Dor
V = 11.4; Size 1.2'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): bright, compact LMC cluster, ~25". A close double star is resolved at the center, along with two other bright mag 13 stars and a couple of additional mag 15+ stars. A mag 11.8 star is off the west side [40" from center]. Mag 9.6 HD 270036 lies 3.5' NE. Nearby is NGC 2088 7' W, NGC 2094 6' N and NGC 2098 11' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2096 = h(725) between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and listed it as#725 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." His position is 1.7' too far south.
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05 44 16 -62 47 06; Dor
V = 13.7; Size 1.8'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; fairly faint
, moderately large, 45" glow with a mag 14 star involved on the south
side. The slightly brighter core
of the cluster is very close northeast of the star, but the cluster was
unresolved. The field includes a
mag 13 star 2' SSE, two mag 11/12.5 stars 3.5' ENE and a group of mag 13-15
stars ~3' NW. Located 17.5' NE of
mag 6.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 2097 = h2960 on 26 Dec 1834 and described as "F, irregularly round, psbM, sf a small group." On a second sweep he called it "eF, S, R; has a star 16th mag in centre." His last observation was recorded as "pF, R, pslbM, 50"."
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NGC 2098 = ESO 057-028 = S-L 667
05 42 30 -68 16 30; Dor
V = 10.7; Size 1.6'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): extremely bright LMC cluster, ~1' diameter. Contains a very bright, nebulous core. The halo is largely resolved and includes two or three bright stars; a mag 13 star is at the east edge, a mag 13-13.5 star is at the north edge and a mag 13.5 star is at the south edge. In addition another 10 stars are resolved in the cluster. Several clusters are to the south: NGC 2094 5.8' SSW, NGC 2096 11' S, NGC 2088 14' SW as well as S-L 666 6' NNW. The S-L cluster surrounds a mag 13 star and a half-dozen mag 15/16 stars are resolved in a 40" halo.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2098 = h2965 on 31 Jan 1835 (sweep 538) and recorded "B; S clustering group or globular cluster; 30", stars visible." On 30 Dec 1836 (sweep 759) he called it as "a small close knot or cluster, 40"." JH gave a very uncertain (??) equivalence with D 185. Dunlop's description reads "a small faint round nebula, preceding a minute double star of the 12th magnitude. Another similar nebula follows, about 20" in RA, and 2' south in a line with the double star." His position is nearly 13' due E of this cluster, though there is no "similar nebula" that follows, so this identification is very suspect.
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05 52 19 +32 33 12; Aur
V = 5.6; Size 24'
8": very large, very rich cluster, over 150 stars, rich
in mag 10-13 stars. A reddish
star,
Giovanni Hodierna probably discovered
On 4 Nov 1782, William Herschel recorded "Is an astonishing number of small stars with 227; they are almost all of the 2nd or 3rd class. I see no kind of nebulosity in the spot. With 460 the whole is resolvable into stars without nebulosity."
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NGC 2100 = ESO 057-025 = S-L 662 = LH 111
05 42 08.0 -69 12 44; Dor
V = 9.6; Size 2'
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
LMC cluster appears as a small, bright (V = 9.6) clump of stars and unresolved
haze with a diameter of ~2'.
Fairly compact and isolated with at least 10 mag 12 and fainter stars
resolved. Located 20' ESE of the
core of the Tarantula nebula within the LMC OB-association LH 111. On the DSS, this appears to be a very
rich open cluster or globular within a larger association. NGC 2092 lies 4' WSW and
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2100 = h2966 = D 151 = D154 = D 147 on 3 Aug 1826. On this date he reported D 151 as "a faint ill-defined small nebula" and his position is 2.5' too far NW. D 154, found on 25 Sep 1826, was recorded as "a pretty bright round or rather elliptical nebula, 25" diameter." Although his position is 5.6' too far ESE, his offset from the center of the Tarantula Nebula (the previous object in the drift) is a perfect match. D 147, recorded at the end of his 2nd sweep of 27 Sep was also called "a pretty bright round or rather oval nebula, 30" diameter." His offset from NGC 2093, the previous object in the drift, matches. Dunlop catalogued each observation individually as his reduced positions varied.
John Herschel made several observations, starting on 3 Nov 1834 (sweep 509). On 9 Feb 1836 (sweep 673), he noted "globular, B, R, 3', all resolved into stars 13..16th mag." Again on 11 Nov 1836 (sweep 748), he called it "B, S, much compressed, not mbM; irregular oval, 3', stars distinct 13th mag." Herschel suggested equivalences with "Dunlop 154, 151? or 154??"
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05 46 22.6 -52 05 24; Pic
V = 13.7; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 85°
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this disturbed,
chaotic galaxy appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter.
The galaxy is collinear with a string of three mag 10-11 stars to the southwest
(closest star is 3.6' SW) and mag 14 stars are close south and ESE. Located 22' SSW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 2101 = h2958 on 9 Jan 1837 and recorded "eF, R, 40", a line of three stars, 10th mag to south, points nearly to it." His position and description is accurate, though the stars are southwest.
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05 42 21 -69 29 12; Dor
V = 11.4; Size 1.0'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, small, mottled glow, 24" diameter. A half-dozen tightly packed stars are resolved including an easy mag 12.9 star at the south edge. Located 17' E of the excellent NGC 2074 nebulous cluster and 15' SE of showpiece NGC 2081, both of which lie ~20' SSE of the Tarantula Nebula!
John Herschel discovered NGC 2102 between Nov 1836 and Mar 1837 with a 5-inch refractor and recorded it as#730 in his preliminary catalogue of "Stars, Nebulae and Clusters in the Nubecula Major." His position is 0.9' SSW of this cluster.
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05 41 40 -71 19 56; Men
V = 10.8; Size 3'x2'
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x unfiltered; fairly bright, very large, roundish glow surrounding a central star (12.7-magnitude O2-type Sk -71°51) with a bright quasi-stellar knot at the north edge (0.9' N of the central star). Increasing the magnification to 397x, ~8 total stars are involved. The nebula was clearly elongated NNW-SSE (tapering on the SSE end) and brighter along a central spine. The addition of a NPB filter at 244x produced an excellent contrast gain; the nebula appeared very bright with an irregular surface brightness and the small knot at the north edge (a high excitation HII blob or HEB) was a prominent feature.
Note: The central "star" was resolved by the HST into a compact cluster of at least 6 components in a 4" region! The HEB is a small dense region ("only" 4 to 9 light-years wide), representing an "early stage of massive stars (O-type) emerging from their embryonic molecular clouds."
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this LMC cluster and emission nebula appeared as a bright, very large oval glow, ~3'x2'. Excellent response to a UHC filter at 200x and with this combination the nebulosity has a very high surface brightness. Five stars down to 15th magnitude are involved unfiltered with mag 12.7-magnitude Sk -71°51, an unusually hot and intrinsically bright star (O2-class), at the center. The cluster is the O-association LH 110.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2103 = h2968 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB; L; pmE; glbM; has a *13m in the middle." His position is accurate.
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NGC 2104 = ESO 205-002 = PGC 17822
05 47 04.7 -51 33 11; Pic
V = 12.7; Size 2.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 160°
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x appears very faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, low even surface brightness, 1.3'x0.8'. A mag 12 star lies 5' SW. Easy to locate 29' S of mag 3.9 Beta Pictoris. NGC 2101 lies 22' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2104 = h2964 on 27 Dec 1834 and
recorded "pB, R, vlbM, 30"." His position matches
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05 44 19.8 -66 55 02; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, large, irregular, mottled, partially resolved, 50"x30" E-W. Slightly brighter stars are at the east and west end, and several additional mag 16 stars are resolved. A mag 11.5 star is 2' SE and cluster H-S 408 was picked up 5.5' SE. It appeared as a moderately to fairly bright glow, elongated NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2', mottled but unresolved. The mag 11.5 star is roughly midway between H-S 408 and NGC 2105. The HII complex LHa 120-N74 lies 15' SSE (western part) and 20' SE (eastern part).
LHa 120-N74 (west): at 152x + NPB filter; excellent HII region! Bright, very large, elongated E-W, very irregular shape, ~7'x4', the main section tapers on the eastern end and spreads out on the western end. Numerous mag 14 stars are involved as well as mag 10.2 HD 270111 on the south side. LHa 120-N74 (East) lies ~9' ESE, with the two regions spanning nearly 15' E-W.
LHa 120-N74 (east): at 152x + NPB filter; bright, very large nebulous region. The main piece is oval 3:2 E-W, ~2'x1.4' and brighter along the rim. A filament is attached on the south side extending to the southeast! Unfiltered a number of stars are involved with the nebulosity. A mag 11.2 star is roughly 3' S. LHa 120-N74 W is ~9' W. Although this is very likely part of the same complex, the two sections did not appear connected.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2105 = h2969 on 2 Jan 1837 and
logged "vF; R; 30". The
obs in RA is marked as uncertain."
On the very next night he observed the cluster again and reported
"F; R; gbM; 80". His
(mean) position matches
James Dunlop possibly made the original discovery in 1826. He has a logbook entry (perhaps D 221) a "large faint nebula, extended and branched(?)", with position 14' SE of the cluster.
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05 50 46.6 -21 34 01; Lep
V = 12.1; Size 2.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 100°
17.5" (12/3/88): fairly faint, small, oval, bright core. A mag 13 star is 1.6' N and a mag 13.5 star lies 2.5' ESE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2106 = h2967 on 21 Nov 1835 and
recorded "vF; S; R or lE; gbM; 15"." His position matches
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NGC 2107 = ESO 057-32 = S-L 679
05 43 12.5 -70 38 28; Men
V = 11.5; Size 2.1'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, large, round, 1' diameter. Contains a very large bright core with only a thin fainter halo, slightly mottled appearance but no clear resolution. Two mag 12 and 13 stars are 3' and 4' WSW and two mag 12.5 and 13 star lie 3.5' and 4' WNW.
NGC 2107 is surrounded by several small clusters (these were all picked up just examining the field): S-L 691 and S-L 692, a close pair of open clusters, is 5' ESE, S-L 676 is 4' N, S-L 684 is 5' NNE and H-S 398 is 9' NNW.
S-L 676: moderately bright and large, round, 35" diameter, smooth glow with no resolution. S-L 684 is 2.4' ENE.
S-L 684: fairly faint to moderately bright, smooth glow, 25" diameter, roundish, no resolution.
S-L 691: faint or fairly faint, small, round, glow, 25" diameter. S-L 691 is the northern of close pair of LMC clusters with S-L 692 just 48" S.
S-L 692: fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated glow, 35" diameter, no resolution.
H-S 398: moderately bright, fairly small, round, soft glow, no resolution.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2107 = h2971 on 9 Feb 1836 and described as "F; R; gvlbM; 60"." On a second sweep he recorded "B; R; gmbM; 40"." His position is accurate.
Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 11 Dec 1884 with the 48" Melbourne telescope. At the same time he discovered two other clusters in the field; S-L 676 and S-L 684. He sketched these clusters with respect to NGC 2107 and measured offsets, though these discoveries were never published. On 10 Feb 1885 he reobserved the field and also discovered S-L 692.
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NGC 2108 = ESO 057-033 = S-L 686
05 43 56.8 -69 10 50; Dor
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): picked up while viewing NGC 2100 located 10' WSW. At 171x NGC 2108 appeared as a fairly faint knot, ~1 diameter with no resolution. A mag 10 star is 5' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2108 = h2970 on 16 Dec 1835 and described as "eF; pL; 1E." His position is accurate.
Herschel gave an uncertain (??) equivalence with D 153, which James Dunlop described on 25 Sep 1826 as "a faint small round nebula, 15" diameter." His position is 7.4' NW of the cluster, so within his typical errors, but I highly doubt Dunlop could have picked up this cluster with his 9" speculum reflector.
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NGC 2109 = ESO 057-034 = S-L 688
05 44 23 -68 32 54; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 1.6'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, large,
high surface brightness glow with a thin halo, mottled but too dense to resolve
the main 40" glow. A couple
of mag 16 stars are visible around the edges of the 1' halo. A mag 9 star is 7' SW. NGC 2096 lies 13' WNW and
John Herschel discovered NGC 2109 = h2972 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; pL; R; vglbM; 80"." On a second sweep he recorded "F; S; R; gbM; 20"." Finally, on his last observation he noted "pF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 35"." His position is accurate.
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05 52 11.4 -07 27 21; Ori
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.3'; PA = 160°
17.5" (1/23/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated 4:3 N-S, evenly increases to bright middle and small bright core with
a stellar nucleus. Located in a
rich star field 6' SSW of mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 2110 = H. III-448 = H. III-450 = h370 (equivalence noted by Albert Marth in AN 995) on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 458) and recorded H. III-450 as "eF, vS, 240 confirmed it." His summary description from three observations reads, "vF, S, R, resolvable, lbM." He also found it on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529) and logged "eF, E, er. Is probably a patch." Because of the differing descriptions, Herschel assumed it was new, and catalogued it again as III-510. On 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), John Herschel logged, "vF; R; psbM." and combined the two H-designations in the GC. The declination given in the RNGC is 10' too far north.
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05 44 33 -70 59 36; Men
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): moderately bright, fairly large
cluster, irregular outline, 45" diameter. The brighter core is elongated E-W and mottled with a couple
of stars occasionally resolved. A
few mag 15+ stars are also visible around the edges. Mag 9.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 2111 = h2973 on 9 Feb 1836 and described as "vF; S; R; gbM". On a second sweep he estimated the size as 40". His position is accurate.
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05 53 46 +00 24 36; Ori
V = 8.4; Size 11'
17.5" (2/8/91): three dozen stars over unresolved haze, roughly 10' diameter. The brightest star (mag 10) is at NW edge. Includes a string of five mag 12-13 stars on the north side but most stars are very faint. This cluster is fairly rich but not dense. Barnard's Loop passes just west of the cluster heading south and NE where it is brightest!
8" (1/1/84): 12 faint stars mag 12/13 in cluster. Also includes one bright mag 10 star at NW edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2112 = H. VII-24 = h371 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and recorded "a cluster of pretty compressed pS scattered stars." The summary description (including a 2nd observation) in his PT catalogue and "with many eS suspected between them. 7' or 8' diameter." On 23 Nov 1827 (sweep 107), John Herschel recorded "the 2nd and brightest star of a poor straggling cl 10 or 12' long."
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05 45 25 -69 46 30; Dor
V = 12.3; Size 2.0'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): bright, fairly large elongated glow, knotty, 1' diameter. This nebulous cluster has an unusual structure; a small bright elongated knot is on the east end (N168A) and a second small, fairly bright, elongated knot is adjacent on the west side (N168B). Strong response to an NPB filter and a much larger nebulous hazy glow extends to the west, increasing the size to 1.5'. The high surface brightness elongated pieces lie on the east end. Located 30' E of the NGC 2078/79/83/84 complex.
Emission nebula LHa 120-N163 lies 12' W and appeared as a bright, large, irregular glow, ~3' diameter. Several stars are involved with the nebulosity, including a mag 13 star on the north side and a couple of additional mag 13.5 stars (H-S 400). Excellent response to the NPB filter at 152x and 303x. The glow is clearly brighter in an arc (opening towards the northwest) on the southeast end.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2113 = D 156 = h2975 on 24 Sep 1826. He described "a very faint ill-defined nebula, 15" or 20" diameter." His reduced published position was 11' too far SE, but his offsets from NGC 2065, encountered previously in the same drift, is a perfect match.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2113 = h2975 on 3 Nov 1834 and recorded (first of 5 observations) "F (?) L, R; thick haze." The next observation was recorded as "a pB cluster nebula 90"." On a third occasion he noted "F cluster, irreg fig; gbM; 2'; resolved." The fourth observation was recorded as "F, irreg fig; resolvable; one star seen; 90"." The final observation was recorded as "irregular oval cluster; vF; 2' diameter; vl compressed to the middle; almost nebulous. Stars = 16th mag." John Herschel noted the equivalence with Dunlop 155, although it is not given by Steinicke.
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05 46 12 -68 02 54; Dor
V = 12.5; Size 1.0'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; this fairly
faint to moderately bright LMC cluster is elongated SW to NE, ~1'
diameter. A mag 14 star is at the
southwest edge and another is near the north edge, 30" from center. In addition, a couple of individual
stars are within the main body of the cluster. A mag 11.3 is 1.4' ESE of the cluster, mag 10
John Herschel discovered NGC 2114 = h2974 on 30 Jan 1835 (sweep 538) and described as "eF; pL; irreg R." His position (single sweep) is accurate.
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05 51 19.8 -50 34 58; Pic
V = 13.1; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 50°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint,
small, round, 20" diameter, occasional faint stellar nucleus. Located just north of a bright asterism
of a half-dozen stars; mag 9.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 2115 = h2976 on 4 Jan 1837. His
position and description ("eeF; vS; nf a triangle of stars 10m which form
part of a bright group") matches
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NGC 2116 = ESO 057-038 = S-L 715
05 47 15 -68 30 30; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 1.0'
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly small, roundish glow, 0.6' diameter, very mottled and lively with a number of extremely faint mag 16+ stars popping in and out of view. Located 2.2' ESE of a mag 11 star. NGC 2109 lies 16' WSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2116 = h2977 on 30 Dec 1836 (sweep 759) and reported "F; S; R. A star 11m precedes." His position from this single sweep is accurate.
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NGC 2117 = ESO 086-033 = S-L 718
05 47 46 -67 27 00; Dor
V = 11.6; Size 1.3'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): bright, moderately large,
irregular shape, 1' diameter. A
mag 13.3 star is at the west edge, a mag 14 star is on the northeast side and a
mag 14.8 star is at the southeast end.
The central region is very mottled and lively with 8 additional mag 15+
stars resolving. Mag 9
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2117 = D 200 = h2978 on 27 Sep 1826. He described "a faint nebula following a pretty bright small star." This object was found in a drift in which he misidentified the offset star (Theta Doradus), so all positions were reduced incorrectly (~2.4° to the SE). Once corrected and checked for consistency with other objects in the drift, his offset matches NGC 2117 and a mag 9 star is 6' WNW, matching his description.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2117 on 23 Nov 1834 (sweep 512) and recorded (first of 5 sweeps) "pB, S, resolved." On 23 Dec 1834 (sweep 522), he logged it as "pB, E; resolved. I see the stars in it; 2' long."
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05 47 40 -69 07 54; Dor
V = 12.0; Size 1.3'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; very bright, moderately large, round, 40" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core, unresolved.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2118 = D 158 = h2979 on 25 Sep 1826. He recorded "a very faint small nebula about 10" diameter, rather well defined". His published (reduced) position was 10' too far ENE but using his offsets from NGC 2100 = D 154 (recorded 5 minutes earlier in the drift), the resulting position is just 3' NE of NGC 2118. Glen Cozens and Wolfgang Steinicke assign D 153 (the previous object in the drift) to NGC 2118, but using the same offsets, its position is 7' too far north.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2118 on 16 Dec 1835 (sweep 657). He described a "globular; vsmbM; 15"." On 22 Nov 1836 (sweep 748) he logged "a vS, B knot, probably 6 or 8 vS stars wedged into a close group." His position matches this cluster.
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05 57 26.9 +11 56 56; Ori
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 145°
17.5" (12/19/87): faint, very small, bright core, elongated 3:2 NW-SE in a rich star field. A mag 11 star is 2' NE. Located just 6° below the galactic equator.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2119 = St. 10-19 on 17 Dec
1870 and logged a rough position 6.5' too far NW (similar offset as two other
galaxies he observed that night).
His published micrometric position was made 10 years later on 9 Jan
1880.
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05 50 35 -63 40 30; Dor
V = 12.7; Size 2.0'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; moderately
bright and large, round, contained a large slightly brighter core, fairly
smooth, ~50" diameter. A mag 15 star is off the southwest side, 0.9' from
center, and a few extremely faint stars sparkled around the edges. Located 5.7' S of mag 8.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 2120 = h2980 on 30 Nov 1834 and described as "vF; pL; R; glbM; 80"." In 1926, Willem van den Bos described it visually as a "Nebula with many stars in it, or a cluster; 11 mag; 1/2' diameter." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).
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05 48 12 -71 28 54; Men
V = 12.4; Size 2.3'x1.5'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; bright, very large,
slightly elongated ~N-S, 2.0'x1.6', only a broad weak concentration. Fairly smooth appearance with only a
slight granularity. A couple of
mag 15.5-16 are resolved around the edges. Mag 9.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 2121 = h2982 on 9 Feb 1836 and described as "vF; vglbM; 3'." His position from one sweep is accurate.
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05 48 53 -70 04 12; Men
V = 10.4; Size 4.5'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): Superb HII region and
cluster! Unfiltered, at least 3
dozen stars are resolved in a 4' region including several fairly bright mag 12
stars. The brightest mag 12.2 star
Open cluster S-L 740 is 10' SSE and S-L 769 is 23' due east. At 394x; S-L 769 appeared large, round, smooth moderate surface brightness, nearly 1' diameter. A mag 13 star is attached at the east end.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2122 = D 106 = D 107 = h1319 on 3 Aug 1826. He recorded D 106 as "A faint elliptical nebula, about 2' diameter; slightly condensed to the centre." D 107, recorded on 24 Sep 1826, was described in his notebook as "a pretty large brightish nebula, irregular figure with a very small star in the center or preceding the brightest part of it - a small nebula detached at the north extremity of this with a small star preceding extemity." His offsets from the previous objects in this drift are a perfect match.
John Herschel observed this cluster/nebula on 5 sweeps. On 24 Nov 1834 (sweep 513) he logged "B, L nebula, 6' l, 5' br; resolved, in part; chief star 11th mag taken." On 9 Feb 1836 (sweep 673) he noted "cluster, irregular figure, consists of 3 or 4 disjoined clusters, the middle one the largest and brightest; of 3 or 4 large stars and nebulosity; chief star taken."
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05 51 43.5 -65 19 18; Dor
V = 12.6; Size 1.2'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, small, round,
30" diameter. This LMC
cluster is located 50' NE of mag 4.3 Delta Doradus. In the 105x field it is 8' SE of mag 8.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 2123 = h2983 on 30 Nov 1834 and reported "pB; vS; R; vglbM; 12"." In 1926, Robert Innes described it visually as a "small globular cluster. = 9mag, with outliers; very condensed." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).
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05 57 52.2 -20 05 05; Lep
V = 12.6; Size 2.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 2°
17.5" (12/3/88): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, broadly concentrated halo. A mag 15 star is at the south edge. Located in a rich star field. S 504, an attractive pair of mag 8.7/8.9 stars at 3.6" separation, is 10' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2124 = H. III-225 on 20 Oct
1784 (sweep 304) and noted "eF, E, resolvable, near 1' long. Verified 240 power." Auwer's reduction places his position
is 2.4' NW of
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05 50 54 -69 28 48; Dor
Size 1.0'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly faint to
moderately bright glow, elongated NW-SE, 35" diameter. A mag 14.7 star (~5" double with a
mag 16 star) is at the northeast end, a mag 15.7 star is at the southwest tip
and a mag 16 star is at the northwest edge.
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): fairly faint, fairly small, 30" diameter, unconcentrated. A couple of very faint stars are resolved as well as a mag 14.5-15 star on the northeast edge. Faintest of 3 clusters with NGC 2127 7.5' NE and NGC 2136/2137 11' ESE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2125 = h2985 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; R; 50"; gbM." His position (single sweep) is 1' too far south.
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06 02 31 +49 52 00; Aur
Size 6'
13.1" (2/25/84): 25-30 stars mag 12-14.5, fairly dense,
small, pretty cluster. The cluster
is dominated by mag 6.1
8" (1/1/84): 20 stars mag 12-13.5. Located close SW of a mag 6 star, appears rich with averted vision.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2126 = H. VIII-68 on 12 Nov
1787 (sweep 781) and recorded "a small cluster of scattered stars, not
rich, one 7th mag towards the northern side, but it does not seem to be
connected with the cluster."
His position is very close to mag 6
Ling notes that position of this cluster should be 06h 02.6m +49d 52' according to Megastar position.
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NGC 2127 = ESO 057-045 = S-L 751
05 51 22 -69 21 39; Dor
V = 11.6; Size 1.2'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): very bright, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 30" diameter, high surface brightness, stellar nucleus. No resolution except for mag 14.5 star at the south tip and a mag 15.5 star at the west edge. NGC 2125 is 7.5' SSW and NGC 2136 is 12' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2127 = h2986 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "B, S, R, 15"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.
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06 04 34.2 +57 37 40; Cam
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 60°
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.
Edward Swift, Lewis' 15 year-old son, discovered NGC 2128 =
Sw. 6-25 on 27 Dec 1886. There is
nothing near the published position but exactly 30' south is
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06 01 07 +23 19 24; Gem
V = 6.7; Size 7'
17.5" (12/20/95): bright, fairly rich group surrounding
two mag 7.5 and 8 stars (
This group is apparently an asterism based on a 1994 study.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2129 = H. VIII-26 = h372 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 317) and described "A Cl of st of various magnitudes, not very rich, 6 or 7' diam." On 24 Feb 1827(sweep 59), John Herschel wrote, "about 40 or 50 st. The brightest 8m taken. The rest are 10...15m." The center (as defined as the midpoint of the two mag 7.5-8 stars) is 06 01 07 +23 19.4 (J2000).
By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), which resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 6 Feb 1782 using his 6.2" reflector.
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05 52 24 -67 20 06; Dor
V = 12.1; Size 1.2'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; bright,
small, round, high surface brightness, 35" diameter. Four or five mag 14.5-15 stars are
resolved in the halo on the NW, SW and E sides.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2130 = D 201? = h3003
on 27 Sep 1826. He described
"a round well defined small nebula, a little brighter in the center, about
15" diameter." This
object was found in a drift in which he misidentified the offset star (Theta
Doradus), so all positions were reduced incorrectly. Using his offset from NGC 2135 (the next object encountered
in the drift), his position lands 5' to the NNW of NGC 2130. As he estimated the N-S offset (±) in
the eyepiece field, the declination is less reliable and this identification
seems reasonable. His published
position, though, is off by over 2°!
Coincidentally, the cluster
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2130 on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) and the cluster was observed on 7 sweeps! His descriptions range from "faint" to "pretty bright" with sizes ranging from 18" to 45". As an example of his consistency, his RA measures vary by a total of 5.4 seconds with a total declination range of 0.8'.
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05 58 47.4 -26 39 10; Lep
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 118°
17.5" (12/7/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is in contact on the north end. A possible companion is about 4' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2131 = h2984 on 20 Jan 1835 and
recorded "eF; S; R; has a *13 m in centre." His position matches
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05 55 58 -59 55 42; Pic
Size 17'x11'
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): 20 stars
(half-dozen bright ones) in a 10'x3' region, roughly arranged in two east-west
strings. This group (asterism or
cluster) includes mag 7.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 2132 = h2988 on 11 Jan 1836 and
described the "chief * of a cluster 8th class of about a dozen bright and
some smaller stars." His position corresponds with mag 8
The field of NGC 2132 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as "only half dozen scattered stars." Eric Lindsay, in the 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289) notes "Not found. Centered on CPD 59°542. This is supposedly the chief star of a cluster of about a dozen stars. Dreyer has a marginal note "1/2 doz. only". Not in the Nubec. Major Catalogue. No sign here of a cluster." RNGC follows Lindsay as classifies NGC 2132 as nonexistent and the number is missing from the ESO catalogue, although it stands out on the DSS.
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05 51 29 -71 10 30; Men
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): moderately bright and large,
round, 45" diameter, relatively large brighter core, unresolved. This cluster is a smaller and paler
version of
John Herschel discovered NGC 2133 = h2989 (along with NGC 2134 = h2991) on 24 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; pL; R; gbM; 60"." His position is accurate.
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NGC 2134 = ESO 057-047 = S-L 760
05 51 57.2 -71 05 52; Men
V = 11.1; Size 2.5'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): bright, fairly large, round, 1.1' diameter, sharply concentrated with a relatively large bright core. No resolution in the halo except for a mag 14.5 star just off the northeast edge and a mag 15.5 star at the south-southwest edge. NGC 2133 lies 5' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2134 = h2991 (along with NGC 2133 = h2989) on 24 Nov 1834 and recorded it in four sweeps. His first observation reads "B; L; R; gbM; 90"." His mean position is 05 51 57.2 -71 06 27 (2000) which is close to the ESO position of 05 51 56.7 -71 05 50 (2000) but RNGC has an incorrect RA of 05 50.1, which is repeated in NGC 2000.0.
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NGC 2135 = ESO 086-039 = S-L 765
05 53 35 -67 25 36; Dor
V = 12.1; Size 1.0'
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; bright, small, roundish, mottled, high surface brightness, 30" diameter. Unresolved (too compact) except for a mag 14.5 star at the west edge. A mag 11 star is 1.9' WSW. NGC 2130 lies 9' NW.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2135 = D 202 = h2990 on 27 Sep 1826. He described "a small faint nebula about 15" diameter, following a very small star." This was the second to last object in a drift in which he misidentified the offset star (Theta Doradus), so all positions in the drift (off the meridian) were reduced incorrectly (~2.4° too far SE). Once corrected, his position matches NGC 2135 and a mag 11 star is 2' W, matching the description.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2135 on 23 Nov 1834 (sweep 512) and recorded it on 5 sweeps. His first observation reads "vF, R, glbM, 1'. Among stars." His position is accurate.
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NGC 2136 = ESO 057-048 = S-L 762
05 52 59 -69 29 36; Dor
V = 10.5; Size 1.9'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; extremely bright LMC
cluster, large, very mottled and lively, relatively large bright core. A mag 13-13.5 star is at the northwest
edge and a mag 14 star is at the south edge. Roughly a dozen stars are resolved in total. A mag 10.8 star is 1.5' NNW and a mag
12 star is 1' SSW. Forms a striking double cluster with
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2136 = D 160 = h2992 in Sep 1826. One notebook description reads, "a small round nebula, pretty well defined. South of a small star - rather following." His position is 8.6' too far SW, but his last comment of the nearby star seems to clinch the identification as a mag 10.8 star is 1.5' NNW. A second (unpublished) position (mentioning the same nearby star) was only off by 2' NNE.
John Herschel recorded the cluster on 4 sweeps. His first observation on 3 Nov 1834 (sweep 509) reads "pB, R, bM, 1'; has a star 10.11th mag N.p. (thick haze)." On 11 Nov 1836 (sweep 748) he wrote, "Globular cluster, pB, R, gmbM, resolved, stars 14..16 mag; has a vvF neb N.f [NGC 2137]."
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NGC 2137 = ESO 057-049 = S-L 764
05 53 13 -69 28 54; Dor
V = 12.7; Size 0.8'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright, small, round, 20" diameter, lively, several extremely faint mag 16+ stars resolved. A mag 13 star is 50" NE. NGC 2137 is the fainter and smaller of a striking double cluster with much brighter NGC 2136 just 1.4' SW!
John Herschel discovered NGC 2137 = h2994 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; R; 30"; the following of 2 [with NGC 2136]." His position (2 sweeps) is accurate.
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05 54 49 -65 50 06; Dor
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): relatively faint,
small, round, 25"-30" diameter, slightly brighter core, low surface
brightness, no resolution. Four
bright field stars lie directly south including mag 7.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 2138 = h2993 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; has 3 B st pretty distinct towards the south." In 1926, Willem van den Bos described it visually as a "nebula; bM, 12 mag, 2 or 3 stars involved." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).
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06 01 07.9 -23 40 25; Lep
V = 11.6; Size 2.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 140°
17.5" (12/7/90): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, broad concentration, core appears offset to the northwest of center. A mag 14 star is at the north edge 1.3' from center and a mag 11 star lies 3.5' SSE.
8" (1/1/84): faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration. A mag 11 star is 4' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2139 = H. II-264 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 322) and called it "F, S." He added "The RA cannot be above 10 or 15 sec out; the roller went off the apparantus which occasions the uncertainty." This was the only nebula found in the sweep.
Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy from
Southern California on 1 Dec 1897 and reported it in discovery list XI-90
(later
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05 54 16.5 -68 36 05; Dor
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright LMC cluster, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 40"x25". A star is located at the WNW tip. Situated between a mag 10.2 star 3.2'
NW and a mag 10.1 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 2140 = h2995 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "pF; irreg R; psbM." His next observation reads "pF; R; bM; 30"." On his last sweep he wrote "F; lE; gbM."
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06 02 56 +10 26 48; Ori
V = 9.4; Size 10'
17.5" (12/7/90): 20-25 faint stars mag 13-15 at 220x over extensive haze. Located within an incomplete circle of several brighter mag 11-12 stars about 8' diameter.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2141 in Jan 1883 with his 5-inch refractor. His announcement note in Sidereal Messenger, Vol 3, p9 titled "A New and Faint Nebulosity" gives an accurate position and describes a "very faint nebulosity. It lies a little over 3/4° north of Mu Orionis, and requires a low power to be seen at all. With my 5-inch refractor and a power of 30, it is quite distinct; but high powers diffuse it greatly. There is a faint star in its center, and several others on its border, about 2' diameter. I have repeatedly seen this nebula since January 1883."
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06 01 50.4 -10 35 53; Mon
V = 5.0
18" (3/9/08): this number refers to 5th magnitude 3 Monoceros. The star itself is an excellent large mag contrast pair (Delta = 3.0) at only 1.9" separation. Nice split at 300x.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2142 = h373 on 6 Jan 1831
(sweep 315) and wrote, "3 Monocerotis. I am sure this star has a F neb atm 2'-3' diam." This is a mag 5 star free from
nebulosity. There are other
similar cases where Herschel made the same error: NGC 771 = 50 Cas, NGC 4530 =
Beta CVn and
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06 03 07.4 +05 43 42; Ori
Size 15'
18" (11/6/04): at 73x this asterism is a large,
scattered rectangular group, roughly 10'x6', and elongated N-S. On the west
side is a N-S string of stars while the east side is dominated by three
brighter mag 9.5-10.5 stars including mag 9.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 2143 = h374 on 2 Feb 1831
(sweep 320) and recorded "L, p rich, very scattered; place of *10m in
M." His position corresponds
with mag 9
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05 40 57.2 -82 07 10; Men
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 93°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.4'x1.1'. Contains a bright core that increases to the center. Located between a mag 10 star 6' E and a mag 11 star 6' WNW. This is the third closest NGC galaxy to the south celestial pole.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2144 = h3009 on 17 Jan 1836 and reported "F; irreg R; pslbM; 40 arcsec." His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.
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05 54 23 -70 54 06; Men
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): bright, fairly small, roundish, 40" diameter, well-defined slightly brighter core. A mag 14 star is at the southeast edge and two mag 15.5-16 stars are just off the north and east side. A bright mag 11.7 star is 50" SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2145 = h2998 on 12 Nov 1836 and described as "F; lE; resolvable." His position from a single sweep is off by 1.7' in dec (too far south).
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06 18 39.0 +78 21 28; Cam
V = 10.6; Size 6.0'x3.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 123°
48" (10/29/16): at 488x, the "Dusty Hand" galaxy has an unusual, highly disrupted appearance. The very bright core is large and elongated NW-SE with a small, intense nucleus. A prominent, fairly wide dust lane slices through the center with the brightest part of the core roughly parallel on the north side. A small portion of the core is on the south side of the lane. These features give rise to the "Dusty Hand" nickname. On the southeast side a fairly prominent "arm" or plume (part of a merged companion?) extends generally east beyond a mag 14.5 star 2' ESE of center. The halo is very diffuse to the north of this arm. At the northwest end of the a galaxy a very faint "arm" curls sharply clockwise and with careful viewing a very low surface brightness plume (detached from the central portion) extends south on the west side. On deep images these arms and plumes seem to be a single tidal structure or stream that wraps around the galaxy.
24" (12/28/13): this highly distorted galaxy was observed at 260x. The galaxy appeared very bright, very large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~5'x2', with a very asymmetric structure. It contains a very bright, elongated core, ~1.2'x0.5' NW-SE, but with no distinct nucleus. A low contrast dust lane cuts through the core unevenly, with the main section on the north side, so the lane initially appears to run parallel to the core on the southwest side. But a fainter, elongated section of the core extending NW-SE is just beyond the dust lane on the southwest side. To the southeast of the core, the outer halo is diffuse, with a low surface brightness and is not aligned with the major axis of the core, extending more towards the east. On the NW side of the core, the halo has a higher and irregular surface brightness with a slightly brighter curving arc (arm) along its eastern side.
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, fairly large, very
elongated 3:1 NW-SE, bright core.
A mag 11 double at 30" separation is just off the SE end. A few brighter mag 10-11 stars are 6'
E.
Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 2146 = T. 1-18 in
1876 using a 6.5-inch comet seeker by Reinfelder & Hertel at the Strasbourg
Observatory. It was independently discovered by Wilhelm Tempel the same year
and by Johann Palisa (AN 2732).
This is one of 3 galaxies discovered by Winnecke, along with
As there is no candidate for a previous interaction (creating the disrupted appearance and nuclear starburst), it has been proposed that NGC 2146 is a far-evolved merger.
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05 55 46 -68 12 06; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 1.0'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, small,
roundish cluster, 25" diameter.
Contains a very small, extremely bright core. Three or four stars are resolved in the small halo on the
west side and south side. Located
3.6' NNW of mag 9.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 2147 = h2997 on 30 Jan 1835 and logged "vF; R; bM; 30"." On a second sweep he also noted "connected with stars, etc." The "stars" probably refers to S-L 785.
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05 58 45.8 -59 07 34; Pic
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 150°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, required averted vision. A mag 12.5 star is 33" E of center and two mag 13 star are within 2' to the south. Observation made in quite hazy conditions through thin clouds or smoke.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2148 = h2996 on 4 Dec 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; 20"; has a *12m, sf very near." The star is 33" E of center.
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06 03 30.8 -09 43 50; Mon
Size 3'x2'
17.5" (1/19/91): this moderately bright reflection nebula is fairly small and has a 12th magnitude (illuminating) star on the west side. Appears prominent with an OIII filter(?) at 140x.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2149 = St. 8b-18 on 13 Jan 1877 and described as very light nebulosity surrounding a 12th mag star. NGC 2149 was misclassified as a galaxy in the 1932 Shapley-Ames Catalog. It was found to be a star + galactic nebulosity by Mayall and communicated privately to Shapley in 1952. It was deleted as a galaxy in the 1964 Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies (de Vaucouleurs). Still it was erroneously plotted as a galaxy on the Skalnate Pleso Atlas of the Heavens.
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NGC 2150 = ESO 057-055 = PGC 18097
05 55 46.4 -69 33 40; Dor
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 143°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly faint to
moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 or 5:4 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.5', smooth halo
then suddenly increases to a bright, very small core. A mag 16.5 star is at the southeast edge. Located 9' SW of mag 8.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 2150 = h3000 on 9 Feb 1836 and
recorded "F; vS; R; vsbM; stellar." His position is ~35" south of
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05 56 21 -69 01 06; Dor
Size 1.0'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright,
small, roundish, 35" diameter.
A mag 15.2 star is resolved on the southwest edge and a mag 14 star is
at the northeast end. The bright
nucleus is nearly stellar, so on first glance it looked like three collinear
stars. A 13" pair of similar
mag 12.6/12.8 stars lies 4.5' ENE and a mag 10.6 star is 3.7' SSW. Located
12.6' NW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 2151 = h3001 on 31 Jan 1835 and
logged "F; R; bM; 45"."
His position is accurate.
The Hodge-Wright Atlas completely misplaces NGC 2151 onto chart 66, near
05 57 50 -63 53 38 (2000), about 20' SW of
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06 00 55.2 -50 44 27; Pic
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 69°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): very faint, small,
slightly elongated, 25"x20", low surface brightness, no noticeable
concentration. A mag 14 star is
just off the northeast edge. A mag
10 star is 4.4' E. Located 29' N
of mag 5.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 2152 = h2999 on 28 Dec 1834 and noted, "eeF; R; attached to a vS star." His position is fairly accurate and the star is off the northeast edge.
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05 57 52 -66 24 06; Dor
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): moderately bright,
fairly small, round, 35"-40" diameter, smooth glow. A mag 14 star is easily resolved
at the southwest edge. Located 8'
SE of mag 8.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 2153 = h3002 on 3 Jan 1837 and recoded "eeF; R or lE; attached to a * 16m." His position, from a single sweep, is accurate and the faint star appears to be at the south end.
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05 57 38 -67 15 42; Dor
V = 11.8; Size 2.3'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): this LMC globular is located 50' SE of mag 5.1 Epsilon Doradus. It appeared bright, large, round, 1.5' diameter, broad concentration, mottled with a couple of mag 15-16 stars resolving. A mag 14 star is close off the north side. S-L 800 lies 10' NNE and NGC 2135 is 25' SW.
S-L 800 was fairly faint, round, 0.6' diameter, low surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star is at the west end and a mag 14.5 star is just off the east side.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2154 = D 203 = h3003 on 27 Sep 1826. He described "a small round nebula 20" diameter, sligthly brighter toward the center." This was the last object in a drift in which he misidentified the offset star (Theta Doradus), so all positions were reduced incorrectly and his position falls 2.4° too far SE. Using his offset from NGC 2135 (the previous object encountered in the drift), his position lands 7' to the NNW of NGC 2154.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2154 on 2 Nov 1834 (sweep 508) and logged "F; L; R; glbM; 100". He made a total of 4 observations.
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05 58 32.3 -65 28 40; Dor
V = 12.6; Size 2.1'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): faint, fairly small, round, 1.1' diameter, weak concentration. Near a scattered group of bright (mag 9-10) Milky Way stars and nearly collinear with two mag 9/9.5 stars 7' NW and 13' NW. This is a well-studied older intermediate-age LMC cluster with an age of 2.5 - 3.5 billion years.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2155 = h3004 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vlbM; 80"; in a rich field." In 1926, Willem van den Bos described the cluster visually as "Nebula, 11 mag, 1' diam; brightest part is Np; some stars involved." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).
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05 57 50 -68 27 36; Dor
V = 11.4; Size 1.1'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
is the first of four bright clusters in a 16' field! At 200x it appeared bright, fairly large, elongated N-S,
~1.2'x0.8', sharply concentrated.
At 350x a couple of stars were resolved in the halo and the central core
was just broken up into several clumps or knots with a couple of very faint
stars resolved. Located 6.9' NW of
the impressive cluster globular
John Herschel discovered NGC 2156 = h3005 on 23 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; S; irreg R; psbM; 25". He observed this cluster on 5 sweeps and other than brightness, the descriptions are similar.
James Dunlop possibly made the first observation (D 197) on
27 Sep 1826 and noted a "small faint round nebula". His position, though, while correct in
declination is nearly 19' too far east and might also apply to
Pietro Barrachi sketched the immediate field on 3 Jan 1886 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and described this cluster as "B; S lE; bM; Resolvable or at the least several stars in it and generally mottled appearance. He drew the cluster lumpy and elongated N-S, with a couple of stars resolved around the edges. In 1926 Robert Innes called NGC 2156 a "fine cluster of stars; 12 to 15 mag" (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).
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NGC 2157 = ESO 057-058 = S-L 794
05 57 35 -69 11 48; Dor
V = 10.2; Size 2.7'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): extremely bright, very large, 1.3' diameter, strong concentration with a very bright, large core, very mottled appearance, showpiece (globular?) cluster. At 394x, several obvious mag 14.8-15.5 stars were resolved in the halo and around the edges. With careful viewing the core broke up into a few dozen extremely packed stars (too tight and faint to count). A mag 11.4 star is 1.4' WNW of center. NGC 2151 lies 13' NNW. These clusters are on the east end of the LMC.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2157 = D 161 = h3006 on 6 Nov 1826 with his 9" speculum reflector and described "a small faint nebula, 15" diameter; a small star near the north preceding edge." Dunlop's position was 7' too far SSW, a very similar offset as NGC 2136, the previous object in logbook) Despite the small size estimate, there is a mag 11 star off the NW edge and this identification is very reasonable.
John Herschel recorded the cluster on 4 nights. In Dec 1834 (sweep 523), he recorded "vB, R, gbM, 30"." On 16 Dec 1835 (sweep 657), he logged "globular cluster, vB, R, vgvmbM, resolvable." He suggested a possible identification with D 161.
Pietro Baracchi logged this object on 3 Jan 1886 with the 48" Melbourne telescope as "Cl; vB; R; gpmbM; Diam 55"." His sketch shows two resolved stars (marked as 17th mag) just off the SE side.
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06 07 26 +24 05 48; Gem
V = 8.6; Size 5'
18" (2/24/06): at 323x, this rich, irregularly shaped cluster is beautifully resolved into 45-50 stars that are peppered over a 5' background glow. Appears like a resolved globular of low concentration class. Includes a couple of dozen mag 13.5-14.5 stars along with a rich carpet of fainter mag 15 stars. There are several close pairs (1"-2" and possibly closer) and the number of stars keep increasing in moments of rock steady seeing as they seem to emerge from the background. A single brighter star is at the east edge.
17.5" (2/8/86): 30-35 stars resolved, unusually rich,
compact, about 5' diameter. The
appearance is similar to a resolved globular cluster. Located 30' SW of
13.1" (2/16/85): at least 20-25 stars resolved at 415x.
13.1" (11/5/83): ~15-20 stars, mottled clump near SE edge.
8" (11/5/83): few stars resolved over haze.
13x80mm (1/20/07): visible in the finder as a very faint, small glow about a half-degree SW of M35.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2158 = H. VI-17 = h375 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 317), immediately after discovering NGC 2129. He called it "a very compressed cluster of vS stars, very rich." On 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59), John Herschel described the cluster as "rich; much compressed almost to nebulosity; stars very small; irregular triangular figure."
NGC 2158 was classified as a globular by Rosino in 1954 (Contr. Padova in Asagio No. 52), Helen Sawyer Hogg, 1959 (Star Clusters) and more recently in the RNGC due to its richness. Nevertheless, it is considered an intermediate age open cluster (~ 1 billion years old). NGC 2158 is also five or six times as distant as M35, as far as 16,000 light years away (5071 parsecs).
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NGC 2159 = ESO 057-060 = S-L 799
05 58 03 -68 37 30; Dor
V = 11.4; Size 0.9'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this cluster appeared bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.9'x0.7'. A brighter star is at the north edge. At 350x, at least three additional faint stars were resolved on the north side and the appearance is asymmetric as the cluster is brighter on the north side. Located 8' SW of NGC 2164 and 10' S of NGC 2156. NGC 2172 lies 11' ESE, NGC 2140 is 20' WNW and S-L 791 is 6' W.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 2159 = D 193 = h3007 on 6 Nov 1826 and recorded "pB; R; well-defined, 12"." He made a single observation and his position is just 3' too far south. Considering his poor positions, though, it's possible this is another observation of NGC 2164, which is 11' NNE of his position and the brightest of 4 clusters in a group.
John Herschel observed the cluster on 4 sweeps, first reporting on 23 Nov 1834 (sweep 512), "pF; S; irreg R; psbM; 25"." On 30 Jan 1835 (sweep 538) he logged "pB; S; R; has a *15m close to the edge, nf". Herschel attributed Dunlop with the discovery.
Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 3 Jan 1886 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote, "pB; S; R; mottled. I believe that there are at the least several stars in it." He indicated two stars on his diagram on the NNW (mag 15) and WNW (mag 16) edge of the object.
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NGC 2160 = ESO 057-061 = S-L 801
05 58 13 -68 17 24; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 1.2'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, small cluster, 25"-30" diameter. Three stars are resolved in the small central clump including a mag 13.5 star on the northwest edge. Two fainter stars are on the east side and just south of center. NGC 2156 lies 10' SSW, NGC 2164 is 14' SSE, NGC 2147/S-L 785 is 15' WNW and S-L 822 is 22' ESE. The last cluster appeared as a moderately bright, small round glow. A mag 13.5 star is involved at the north edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2160 = h3008 on 30 Dec 1836 and recorded as "pF; R; gbM; 30"." His position from a single observation is accurate.
James Dunlop's D 195, placed 10' to the NE, might be an earlier discovery on 3 Aug 1826. But the cluster is too faint to be described as "a small pretty bright round nebula, 10" or 12" diameter, following a small star." and there is no star he might have seen to its west.
Pietro Baracchi observed this cluster on 3 Jan 1886 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote "curious object; a small nebula a little elongated with a star 15m involved or attached to its n.p. (NW) end." He also indicated a 16th mag star barely off the east edge.
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05 55 43 -74 21 12; Men
V = 12.9; Size 2.3'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): this outlying LMC globular appeared moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, nearly 1' diameter, weak concentration, no resolution. It seemed the cluster was slightly brighter along a central spine oriented WSW-ENE (probably due to slightly brighter unresolved stars).
S-L 804 was picked up 13' NE as a faint, relatively large glow, round, ~50" diameter, low even surface brightness. A mag 10.6 star is 6' SW.
S-L 828, located 28' ENE, is fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~35" diameter, smooth surface brightness, no resolution. Two mag 13-14 stars lie 2' SW.
S-L 783, located 16' SSW, is very faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, smooth glow, fairly low surface brightness, no resolution.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2161 = h3013 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "F; pL; R; gpmbM; 2'." His position from a single sweep is about 30" NW of center. Located outside the boundaries of the Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas.
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NGC 2162 = ESO 086-047 = S-L 814
06 00 30 -63 43 18; Dor
V = 12.7; Size 2.1'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, very large, round, contains a relatively large brighter core, mottled. A couple of very faint stars were fairly easily resolved and several more popped in and out with averted vision. Located 4' W of mag 8.5 HD 41515. Three additional mag 11.5-12 stars, forming a distinctive group, extend south-southwest from the bright star. This LMC globular is located in the northeast outer halo of the LMC, well outside the main outline.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2162 = h3010 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vglbM; 80"." On a second sweep he noted "F; R; glbM; 40"; a *9 mag follows in parallel, and 3 more 11 mag near." In 1926, Robert Innes described it as a "preceding a bright star, nebula, 1' diam, 11 mag, with several stars involved, the brightest of which is in the centre." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).
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06 07 49.5 +18 39 27; Ori
Size 3'x2'
17.5" (1/9/99): moderately bright reflection nebula surrounding a young mag 11 star (HBC 193). The brightest portion of the nebula is noticeably elongated N-S from the central star and 2'-3' in length tapering towards the star. The northern extension has a slightly higher surface brightness. Located 3' W of a mag 9 star. Observed at 220x without filtration.
17.5" (12/23/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2
N-S, ~2.5'x1.0', fairly high surface brightness. A mag 11 star is at the south tip of the bright portion and
a small very faint extension appears south of this star. Located 3' W of mag 9
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2163 = St. 9-6 on 31 Jan 1873. He made a second observation on 29 Dec 1877 and reduced the position again a week later (6 Jan 1878). His description reads, "extremely faint, elongated, diffuse, *11 attached south."
In compiling the NGC, Dreyer accidentally copied the declination of NGC 1741 (Stephan's previous entry in list 9, #5). Dreyer later caught and corrected his error in the IC 2 Notes/Corrections section (Dreyer added the comment "my mistake"). The correction was missed by most later cataloguers though Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions gives the accurate position.
In 1922 Edwin Hubble reported it as a new "bright,
uncatalogued nebula similar to
Modern sources generally identify NGC 2163 as Ced(erblad) 62. The RNGC labels NGC 2163 as nonexistent and furthermore reverses the sign of the declination. In addition, a poor RA was given for Ced 62 in Sky Catalogue 2000 and it was misplotted on the Uranometria 2000 (first edition) too far east, though the position was corrected in the second edition. The Millenium Star Atlas labels this object Ced 62, also at the wrong position.
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NGC 2164 = ESO 057-062 = S-L 808
05 58 56.0 -68 30 57; Dor
V = 10.3; Size 2.5'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest of four clusters in a 10' field. At 260x it appeared very bright, large, round, sharply concentrated with an extremely bright core (visually appears to be a globular), the large outer halo extended to 2' diameter. Roughly 15 stars were resolved in the halo - some of these were easily visible 14th mag stars, while others were quite faint. At 350x, two dozen stars were resolved and the core was very grainy. Overall, this is a very impressive cluster. NGC 2156 lies 6.8' NW, NGC 2159 is 8' SW and NGC 2172 is 9.7' SE..
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2164 = D 196 = h3011 on 6 Nov
1826. He described D 196 as
"a small round pretty well defined, slightly condensed nebula about
25" diameter with a small star north following." His position is only 3' NE and the star
would be mag 10.2
John Herschel observed this cluster on 5 sweeps. His first observation was made on 23 Nov 1834 (sweep 512): "vB, R, gmbM; 90", resolvable." Herschel attributed Dunlop with the discovery.
In 1926, Robert Innes described this object as "a very condensed cluster of stars with outliers, 11 to 15 mags." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).
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06 11 05 +51 40 36; Aur
17.5" (3/1/03): Roughly a dozen stars in a 6'x4' group at 100x. Extended E-W except for a few stars which tail off towards the north on the following end. Nine of the stars in the group are fairly evenly distributed and similar in magnitude (10.5-11). No concentration or dense spots and appears to be an asterism. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2165 = h376 on 12 Feb 1831 (sweep 325) and noted "a ppor cl 7' length, 3' broad; about a dozen stars 11m." There is a very scattered group of brighter stars on the DSS at Herschel's position with the fields to the west lacking in stars. Karl Reinmuth, using a Heidelberg plate, described a "Cl, P, 20-25 st 11...". RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent (Type 7).
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05 59 34 -67 56 30; Dor
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, fairly
small, round, 24" diameter, high surface brightness. Contains a relatively large bright core
and smooth halo. A mag 12.5 star
is off the northeast side [42" from center]. Located 6' S of mag 9.3
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2166 = D 223 = D 222? = h3012 on 27 Sep 1826. He described D223 as "a pretty bright and well defined nebula, round, 20" or 25" diameter." and his position is just 1.6' too far north. D 222 may be another observation with description "small round nebula preceding a small star." with position 9' to the west.
John Herschel observed NGC 2166 on 2 Jan 1837 (sweep 760). He recorded "F, S, R, gbM, 15"." and credited "D 223?" as a possible earlier discovery.
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06 06 58.5 -06 12 08; Mon
V = 6.6
= *6.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 2167 = h378 on 8 Jan 1831
(sweep 318) and described "a star 7m with a p strong neb
atmosphere." His position
matches mag 6.6
Several unsuccessful attempts were made to see h378 at Birr Castle. The GC and NGC used Herschel's position and description for h378, so NGC 2167 = h378 = HD 41694, and not H. IV-44.
Dreyer commented that H. IV-44 ≠ h378 in the notes to his
1912 Scientific Papers of WH: "Occurs only in Sw. 640, 2m 0s p, 4' n of
[
Dreyer proposed that H. IV-44 = vdB 68 = Ced 65 (and Wolfgang Steinicke concurs), though Corwin feels H. IV-44 is more likely a duplicate observation of NGC 2170 = H IV-19, which is brighter and 8' due south of WH's position.
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06 08 54 +24 20; Gem
V = 5.1; Size 28'
18" (11/14/09): gorgeous view at 75x, which beautifully
frames the cluster as well as nearby NGC 2158. The densest portion is the central 25' where roughly 250-300
stars are resolved. The cluster is
noticeably lopsided due to a loop of stars that juts out on the SE side of the
cluster. This loop includes mag 7.5
8": very bright string cluster, very large, excellent field but not rich in faint stars. Many of the stars are arrange in rows and loops.
Naked-eye: Visible as a fairly small naked-eye glow in a dark sky.
Swiss astronomer Phillippe Loys De Chéseaux discovered M35 = NGC 2168 = h377 by 1745-46. John Bevis independently discovered the cluster before 1750 (possibly earlier than De Chéseaux). On 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58) John Herschel described "a L, coarse, p rich cl of st 9...16m, which fills 2 or 3 fields, but cheifly one in which are about 100 stars."
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06 08 25 +13 57 54; Ori
V = 5.9; Size 7'
17.5" (1/19/91): 20 stars mag 7.5-13 in bright,
distinctive group. Fairly small,
about 6' diameter, not rich. The
stars are divided into two main subgroups - along the west side is a string of
six stars aligned N-S in a very shallow "V" asterism. The northern two stars in this string
form the wide double STF 844 = 8.8/9.9 at 24" and less than 2' S is mag
8.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 2169 = H. VIII-24 = h379 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 293) and recorded as "a small cluster of pretty large white stars, prettily arranged, not many of them." On 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 662) he noted "a cl of brilliant stars, not many in number, but pretty much compressed; with a vacancy in the middle."
By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), which resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke found that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 12 Oct 1782 using his 6.2" reflector.
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NGC 2170 = LBN 994 = vdB 67 = Ced 63 = RAFGL 877
06 07 31.8 -06 23 57; Mon
Size 2'x2'
18" (1/13/07): fairly bright, moderately large reflection nebula surrounding a mag 9.5 star, ~2.5' diameter. There are two stars bracketing the nebula at the north and south ends with the brighter southern star of 10th magnitude.
Reflection nebula
13.1" (1/28/84): fairly bright nebulosity surrounds mag
9.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 2170 = H. IV-19 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 296) and recorded "a pretty large star, about the 9th magnitude, surrounded by milky nebulosity, not circular; but an irregular ellipsis." He recorded it again on 23 Feb 1786 (sweep 528) and logged "a considerable star with milky nebulosity E in meridian or a little from np to sf. It involves a smaller star which is about 1.5' north of it. Other stars of equal magnitude are perfectly clear from it." It was possibly recorded again on 28 Nov 1786 as IV-44 (sweep 640) as a "star involved in milky chevelure, situated between two stars, with a 3rd star at rectangles to the former two." His position is 8' north of NGC 2170.
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05 58 59 -70 43 09; Men
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): there are no good candidates matching Herschel's description for this number, but Mati Morel suggested NGC 2171 was possibly S-L 691 and 692 with a large error in RA (15 min of RA). Although Corwin has since rejected this possibility as it is out of RA order in the sweep, here are the descriptions of these clusters.
S-L 691: faint or fairly faint, small, round, glow, 25" diameter. S-L 691 is the northern of close pair of LMC clusters with S-L 692 just 48" S. Located 5' ESE of NGC 2107.
S-L 692: fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated glow, 35" diameter, no resolution. Visually, there is no noticeable star cloud surrounding these two clusters.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2171 = h3016 on 16 Dec 1835 and recorded "eeF; vL; R; glbM; 4'." There is nothing at this position though ~5' NW is S-L 809 = KMHK 1571. Eric Lindsay, in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), notes "This may be the small object S/L 809, 0.5 min W, 2' N which may be an unresolved cluster or possibly a galaxy. The size does not agree." SIMBAD also identifies S-L 809 as NGC 2171. But this tiny cluster is roughly 30", so it's not a reasonable match with a 4' object. The Hodge-Wright Atlas misidentifies a faint star as NGC 2171.
Mati Morel has proposed that h3016 is a star cloud at 05 44 14 -70 40 09, which includes S-L 691 and S-L 692. This requires a very large error in RA (over 15 min of RA). Harold Corwin notes that the sweep order argues against such an error (see his identification notes) and this object appears to be lost.
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NGC 2172 = ESO 057-065 = S-L 812
06 00 05.6 -68 38 14; Dor
V = 11.8; Size 1.7'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 200x this LMC cluster appeared moderately bright, fairly small, ~0.8' diameter, irregular, a couple of stars are resolved within the glow. At 350x, the glow is clumpy with four stars resolved with the brightest star at the SE edge. Located 10' SE of NGC 2164 and 11' ESE of NGC 2159. Fourth of four (including NGC 2156) in a 16' circle.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2172 = h3015 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF; L; R; gbM; 2'." On a second sweep he recorded "pF; R; lbM; 50"." His mean position (two sweeps) is at the south edge of the cluster.
James Dunlop's D 197, found on 27 Sep 1826, is possibly an earlier discovery though the cluster may be too faint for him to pick up. He described a "small faint round nebula" and his position was off by 12' to the NE.
Pietro Baracchi picked up this cluster on 3 Jan 1886 while observing the nearby clusters with the 48" Melbourne telescope and called it "a nebulous patch, small, a little elongated and faint, with two stars involved in it." His diagram shows a third star (called 17th mag) just off the SE edge. He labeled this cluster "(A)" and assumed it was a new discovery.
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05 57 58.9 -72 58 46; Men
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x
this outlying LMC cluster (classified as a GC in SIMBAD with an age of ~2
billion years) appears as a fairly bright, round glow, ~2' in diameter, weak
concentration, no resolution. A
wide pair of 12th magnitude stars lies 2.4' ENE and 3.5' ESE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2173 = h3018 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "pF; R; gmbM; 90"." His single position is accurate.
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06 09 23.6 +20 39 34; Ori
Size 40'x30'
17.5" (1/16/02): at 64x and OIII filter, this is a
beautiful, detailed nebula surrounding a mag 8 star (
Without a filter at 64x, I was surprised to immediately
notice a moderately bright 3' round glow, situated ~11' NNW of SAO 78049 near
the NW edge of the main glow.
Interestingly, this patch of nebulosity is more prominent than the main
body without a filter. NGC 2174
probably refers to this patch of the HII complex! It seemed quite strange that this patch had such a different
filter response and dimmed significantly with the OIII (mainly reflection
component?). A curving arc of
stars is situated along the north side of the glow. The entire nebula is situated among a scattered group of
stars, which is often mistaken for
17.5" (2/28/87): very large, irregular nebulosity surrounding mag 8.0 SAO 78049. Dark lanes are evident west of the star, appears very streaky. A bright small unresolved knot is 3.2' ENE of the bright star using an OIII filter [this is NGC 2175].
13.1" (1/18/85): very bright with filter, very large, surrounds a mag 8 star, sky very dark off west side. West of the star the nebula is mottled and streaky with a bright region near the north edge.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2174 = St. 9-7 on 3 Feb 1877. His description doesn't refer to the entire nebula but rather a small patch of nebulosity (without the accents): "excessive., excess. faible (a peine observable); a l'interieur d'un triangle forme par trois petites etoiles."
He gave a 1878 position of 06 02 07.47 +20 40 54.4 which precesses to 06 09 24.0 +20 39 53 (2000), and falls on the northwest side of the nebula. This probably needs a small correction in declination based on his reference star, but is still accurate enough to clearly identify a small brighter patch of nebulosity. His three stars are mag 13-14 and the knot of nebulosity is quite prominent on the DSS just following the middle of these three stars. This star has a position of 06 09 21.9 +20 39 30 (2000) and Stephan's knot appears only 30-40" in diameter.
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NGC 2175 = Ced 67a = LBN 854 = Sh 2-252E = Cr 84 = Monkey Head Nebula
06 09 39.5 +20 29 15; Ori
Size 40'x30'
17.5": See description for NGC 2174. Although the scattered group of stars
(
Carl Christian Bruhns discovered NGC 2175 = Au 21 in 1857
using a comet-seeker at the Berlin Observatory. His position corresponds with mag 7.6
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06 01 19 -66 51 12; Dor
Size 1.3'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, roundish, 30" diameter, low surface brightness, no resolution although a mag 14 star is just off the east side. The compact cluster S-L 824 is 8' SE and large S-L 800 is 23' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2176 = h3017 on 3 Jan 1837 and recorded as "eeF; R; pL; gbM; 2'." His position from a single sweep matches this cluster.
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NGC 2177 = ESO 057-066 = S-L 816
06 01 17 -67 44 00; Dor
V = 12.8; Size 1.2'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): moderately bright,
fairly small, round, 30" diameter, fairly even surface brightness, no
resolution. Located 8' NNW of mag
9.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 2177 = h3020 on 13 Dec 1835 and recorded "F; R; lbM; 15"." On a second sweep he noted "pF; irreg R; resolvable." His mean position matches this cluster.
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06 02 47.6 -63 45 50; Pic
V = 12.6; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright,
moderately large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 50"x40", contains a
very small bright core and stellar nucleus. A mag 15.3 star is close west-northwest [33" from
center]. Located 2.7' WSW of mag
8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 2178 = h3019 on 31 Jan 1835 and
logged "eF, vS, r, 10"."
His position is 35" south of
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06 08 02.2 -21 44 48; Lep
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 170°
13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, fairly small, almost
round, broad concentration.
Located 15' ENE of mag 6.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 2179 = h3014 on 21 Nov 1835 and
noted "F, pmE, glbM, 40"."
His position matches
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06 09 37.6 +04 43 03; Ori
Size 15'
18" (3/5/05): large, scattered group viewed at 115x
with the 31mm Nagler. Most
distinctive is a "candy-cane" loop of a dozen mag 10-11 stars which
closely wrap around to the east of mag 7.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 2180 = H. VIII-6 = h380 on
24 Jan 1784 (sweep 114) and reported "A Cl of scattered stars, about 30
large and many small ones." A
later sweep provided an accurate position. On 2 Feb 1831 (sweep 320), John Herschel called it a "a
fine cluster, coarse, p rich, place of a *9m." His position corresponds with mag 8.4
Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey, lists dimensions of 20'x20' with the description "Cl, L, pR, P, sc, st 8.7..., B* BD+4d1141 nr M." RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent (Type 7), though a recent journal article suggests this is an evolved, disrupted cluster (A&A 427, 485-494 (2004).
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06 02 43.2 -65 15 52; Dor
V = 13.6; Size 1.6'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): extremely faint, fairly
small, irregular, ~1' diameter, very low surface brightness. This LMC cluster is located 2.8' WSW of
a mag 10 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2181 = h3021 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R." His position from this single sweep is 1' too far east.
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NGC 2182 = LBN 998 = vdB 72 = Ced 68
06 09 30.9 -06 19 35; Mon
Size 3'x3'
18" (1/13/07): bright reflection nebula, round, ~2'
diameter, surrounding 9.3
13.1" (1/28/84): faint, small, nebulosity surrounding
mag 9.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 2182 = H. IV-38 = h381 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529) and described "a considerable star very faintly affected with milky chevelure, the milkiness not far from the parallel." A second observation (also with an accurate position), was made on 28 Nov 1786 (sweep 640), although Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II) incorrectly stated the RA should be 1 min larger.
Both Joseph Turner (Jan 1879) and Pietro Baracchi (2 Jan 1886) were unsuccessful finding this bright reflection nebula using the 48-inch Melbourne Telescope, despite the coordinates being accurate in the GC.
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06 10 46.9 -06 12 43; Mon
Size 1'x1'
18" (1/13/07): fairly faint reflection nebula in a
group. Appears ~1' diameter and
notably was *not* surrounding a bright star as are the other nebulae in the
group. There appears to be a faint
star, though, at the south edge which may be the illuminating star. A much larger complex of of nebulosity
including
13.1" (1/28/84): very faint reflection nebula near four faint stars just SE. Forms a pair with NGC 2185 4.8' E. Located 25' ENE of NGC 2182.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 2183 on 11 Dec 1850. This reflection nebula was noted as "about 65' following h378 [NGC 2167} is a small nebula with nucleus or stellar point." On the sketch of 24 Jan 1851, NGC 2183 was labeled Epsilon and NGC 2185 labeled Alpha.
Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this reflection nebula on 11 Jan 1864 and measured an accurate position (as well as NGC 2185). He noted a mag 11-12 star 2.5' south and 1.4 sec of time preceding. Stoney's observation was not included in the GC (because of his rough location) and Dreyer only credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the GC Supplement and NGC.
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06 11 04 -03 31 12; Ori
Size 20'
17.5" (12/23/92): scattered group of 75 stars mag 7.8
to 13 in a 30' diameter. Bright,
very large, includes a mag 7.8 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 2184 = h382 on 19 Feb 1830 (sweep 234) and recorded "A large loose straggling cl of 8th class. The place is that of a double star [HJ 2299]." Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", reported the size as 30'x30' and described a "Cl, vL, P, v sc, iR, st 9..."
RNGC classifies this number as a nonexistent cluster (Type 7) and it is not included in the Lynga catalogue.
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NGC 2185 = LBN 997 = vdB 73 = Ced 70 = GN 06.08.7
06 11 06.1 -06 12 38; Mon
Size 3'x3'
18" (1/13/07): faint, fairly small, 1' reflection nebula surrounding a mag 12-12.5 star. A few arc minutes southwest is a group of 4 mag 12 stars which are also encased in a larger 3' haze of weak nebulosity. Both of these pieces are part of NGC 2185. NGC 2183 lies 5' W.
13.1" (1/28/84): this faint reflection nebula surrounds a mag 12 star. A group of four mag 11.5-12.5 stars is 2' to 3' SW. Forms a close pair with NGC 2183 in the NGC 2182 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2185 = H. IV-20 = h383 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 296) and recorded as "a small star of the 11 or 12 mag, affected in the same manner [as NGC 2170], but very faint. 240 also showed it, other stars of the same magnitude are perfectly free from these appearances." He observed this reflection neb again on 23 Feb 1786 (sweep 528) and logged "5 or 6 pS stars within a space of 3 or 4'; all affected with vF milky nebulosity. It is remarkable that the general milkiness which involves them, seems to be a little stronger about each star; but this last circumstance may be a deception arising from the light of the star."
John Herschel recorded on 20 Feb 1830 (sweep 235), "A *10m with a vF atmosphere. Two others sp are free from such atmosphere. A very F neb suspected south preceding this object". The last object may refer to NGC 2183, which is due west.
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06 12 11 +05 27 30; Ori
V = 8.7; Size 4'
17.5" (1/19/91): at 140x about 30 stars in a 4'
diameter including three mag 10 stars.
A prominent group is on the north side, highlighted by mag 10
William Herschel discovered NGC 2186 = H. VII-25 = h384 on NGC 2186 (sweep 512) and logged "a cluster of pretty compressed stars of several sizes, 4' or 5' diameter wth extensively straggling ones." John Herschel described on 2 Feb 1831 (sweep 320), "a pretty rich, comp cl, one st = 9, 3 or 4 = 11, and many 12...15. Place that of double star h2288."
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06 03 48.3 -69 34 59; Dor
V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x1.1'; PA = 79°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): although described as a "double nebula" by John Herschel, this close pair of galaxies received a single NGC entry. At 260x the fused pair is oriented SW-NE with their outer halos overlapping. The brighter northeast component was fairly bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, strong concentration. The southwest member was between fairly faint and moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 40"x35", weak concentration, with the lower surface brightness of the pair. This duo shines through the eastern portion of the LMC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2187 = h3025 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded a "Double nebula, position 12.5 degrees; larger pB, R, gbM, 40"; smaller vF, R, glbM." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) corresponds with the double system ESO 57-68A. On the other two sweeps he only recorded seeing a single object. He called it double in the General Catalogue, although only a single designation was assigned.
Joseph Turner sketched the pair with the the Great Melbourne Telescope on 13 Dec 1878, as well as Pietro Baracchi on 3 Jan 1886. The brighter NE galaxy was shown with a small bright nucleus and the SW galaxy has a smoother surface brightness. Barrachi assumed the companion was a new discovery, although John Herschel probably deserves credit.
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06 10 09.5 -34 06 22; Col
V = 11.7; Size 4.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 175°
24" (1/25/14): at 200x and 260x; fairly bright, large,
very elongated 5:1 N-S, 4.0'x0.8', broad concentration with a large, slightly
brighter elongated core. Mag 8.5
NGC 2188 is an edge-on Magellanic dwarf irregular with several giant HII regions on the south side and appears to be disrupted, although there are no nearby interacting companions.
13.1" (2/23/85): faint, moderately large, edge-on
streak 6:1 NNW-SSE. A mag 13.5
star is at the NNW end. Located
7.8' NE of mag 8.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 2188 = h3022 on 9 Jan 1836 and described as "pF, vmE, gvlbM, 2' long." His position is accurate.
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06 12 18 +01 08; Ori
= Not found, Carlson.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 2189 = HN 25/26 on Mar 19 1863
using the 15-inch Merz refractor at Harvard College Observatory. In AN #1453, George Bond (then director
of the observatory) noted "two clusters, seen 1863 Mar 19, near two stars
of the 10th, 11th magnitude by J.H. Safford, with the Great
Refractor." The positions for
the two stars are roughly 15' apart E-W although Dreyer used a mean position
and only a single entry in the NGC. In any case, there are no obvious clusters
on the DSS at his positions, just scattered stars. The same night he also found
Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey using Heidelberg places, was unable to identify NGC 2189. Corwin very tentatively identifies a group of stars at 06 14 29 +01 02.2.
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06 01 04 -74 43 30; Men
V = 12.9; Size 2.0'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, relatively large, ~1' diameter, fairly low smooth surface brightness. No resolution, though viewed through thin clouds. NGC 2161 lies 30' NW. Located 36' W of mag 5.1 Alpha Men.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2190 = h3027 on 8 Feb 1836 and described as "vF; R; gbM; 2'." His position from single sweep is accurate (45" NW of center). NGC 2190 is located outside the boundaries of the Hodge-Wright LMC Atlas.
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06 08 23.8 -52 30 44; Car
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 118°
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this Carina
galaxy appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE,
0.7'x0.5'. Sharply concentrated
with a very small brighter core.
Surrounded by several brighter stars including mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 2191 = h3023 on 9 Jan 1837 and reported "pB, vS, E, vsbM; a ruddy star 9th mag precedes about 5 seconds in R.A." His position is accurate. The ruddy star is mag 9 HD 42537.
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06 15 18 +39 51 18; Aur
Size 6'
13.1" (12/22/84): two dozen very faint stars in a 4' diameter over unresolved haze.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2192 = H. VII-57 on 31 Dec 1788 (sweep 901) and recorded "a compressed cluster of vS stars, irregular figure, 6' diameter, considerably rich." His position (Auwer's reduction) is accurate. This older cluster has an age of roughly 2 billion years
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NGC 2193 = ESO 086-057 = S-L 839
06 06 17.5 -65 05 54; Dor
V = 13.4; Size 1.9'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): very faint, fairly small, round, ~1' diameter, low surface brightness. NGC 2181 lies 24' SW. This LMC intermediate-age cluster is the most elliptical of any known with an eccentricity = 0.33. NGC 2193 is located 8' SE of HJ 3838, a mag 10.5/10.5 pair at 10".
John Herschel discovered NGC 2193 = h3026 on 3 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; irreg fig; glbM; has 2 or 3 stars in it." His position from this single sweep is just 30" NNW of center.
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06 13 46 +12 48 24; Ori
V = 8.5; Size 10'
13.1" (1/18/85): at least 50 stars in a 5' region including many mag 14/15 stars, very rich with averted. Includes a few brighter stars on the east edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2194 = H. VI-5 on 11 Feb 1784 and described a "a cluster of very close stars. Rich and of large extent, i.e. about 7 or 8' or more." On 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 662) he recorded "a beautiful cluster of very compressed small stars of several sizes, gradually most compressed in the middle, irr R, 12 or 15' in diameter." In his 1814 PT paper he considered this as an example of a cluster in an advanced state of insulation, "not much differing from a globular figure."
Adolph Petersen independently found the cluster in 1849 but with a poor position. The position was accuratelly measured by d'Arrest on 18 Sep 1862 and by Vogel on 7 Dec 1869. Dreyer missed the equivalence with H. VI 5 and entered d'Arrest's observation as GC 5380 in his Supplement.
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06 14 33.8 +17 38 22; Ori
V = 13/14
17.5" (12/22/97): this close pair of mag 13/14 stars was picked up at 100x just south of a mag 10 star. At 220x and 280x this double star was cleanly resolved [10" separation] although the region between the pair and the bright star (just 30" from the southern star) appeared slightly hazy, probably due to two additional very close faint stars just below resolvability. At 410x, at least one very faint sparkle was occasionally glimpsed close to the mag 10 star. It is not difficult to see why Lohse may have suspected this object to be nebulous. Coincidentally, a very faint reflection nebula (GN 06.11.5) is located 6.7' NNW and it is misidentified as NGC 2195 in RNGC.
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2195 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in England. His position is 17 tsec west of a double star (with two additional very faint stars in a chain). His description of a mag 10 star 30" north pins down this identification. Interestingly, on my first observation of this object, I also thought it was nebulous - either due to glare from the mag 10 star or the closeness of the chain of the stars. Coincidentally, there is a very faint reflection nebula (GM 1-45 = P-P 58) 6.7' NNE in the same field which was also visible in my 17.5" and this object has the same RA as Lohse's original position. The RNGC has misidentified this reflection nebula as NGC 2195. See Corwin's notes.
Wolfgang Steinicke commented "The discoverer was
Gerhard Lohse, a German working at Scarborough using a 15.5 inch refractor. The
object is one of 18 nebulae (from a total of 20) Dreyer put into the NGC. Lohse
is among the observers with the poorest statistics: Only 3 objects are real nebulae (the galaxies
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06 12 09.5 -21 48 27; Lep
V = 11.0; Size 2.8'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 45°
13.1" (1/28/84): fairly bright, fairly small, almost round, increases to a small bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2196 = H. II-265 = h3024 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 325) and logged "pF, pS, iF, bM of an irregular shape, somewhat elongated." His position is 30 sec of RA too large and 3' too far south. John Herschel observed this galaxy from the Cape on 4 sweeps, first recording it as "B, pL, R, pspmbM. Many stars near it." His position is accurate.
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06 06 09 -67 05 54; Dor
V = 13.4; Size 1.7'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint,
round, 35" diameter, even surface brightness, a mag 15 star is resolved at
the north edge and one or two others occasionally pop. The galaxy
John Herschel discovered NGC 2197 = h3028 on 31 Jan 1835 and noted "vF; R; 40"." His mean position from two sweeps matches this LMC cluster.
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06 13 54 +01 00; Ori
24" (1/22/15): at the position given here is a 10' to 12' field with perhaps a half-dozen mag 10-11 stars and a number of fainter stars. The group, though, is totally unimpressive and does not stand out in the general field. On the southwest side is a 20" pair (one of Safford's 10th magnitude reference stars). About 25' south is a scattered group of mag 9-10.5 stars (along with some fainter stars) that is much more distinctive, though doesn't match Safford's position.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 2198 = HN 27 on 19 March 1863, along with the nonexistent cluster NGC 2189, using the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Harvard College Observatory. In AN #1453, George Bond (director of the observatory) reported "A cluster, seen 1863 March 19, by J.H. [sic] Safford, between two stars in the following position. With the Great Refractor." The positions for the two stars are fine (separated by ~8' east-west) but there is no obvious clustering nearby.
Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die
Herschel-Nebel", reported "no CL, many pB st sf Dreyer's
place." RNGC classifies the
number as nonexistent (Type 7).
Harold Corwin suggests Safford's object might be "a scattered group
of 20-30 stars, probably no more than a random field, centered at 06 11 56, +01
03.2 (
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NGC 2199 = ESO 034-003 = PGC 18379
06 04 45.0 -73 24 00; Men
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 37°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6', small bright core, occasional sharp stellar nucleus. NGC 2173 and NGC 2209, both likely LMC clusters, lie 38' NW and 30' SE, respectively.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2199 = h3031 on 8 Feb 1836 and
recorded "F, vS, R, bM."
His position matches
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06 13 17.4 -43 39 48; Pup
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 170°
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; faint, fairly small,
round, 40" diameter, low surface brightness. A mag 15.5 star is at the southwest edge. Located 5' SE of mag 9.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 2200 = h3029, along with NGC
2201, on 1 Jan 1835 and recorded "eF; R; vlbM; 40"." He observed the pair again in Dec 1837,
but his NPD was 1° further south.
His first position was accurate and matches
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NGC 2201 = ESO 254-040 = MCG -07-13-007 = PGC 18658
06 13 31.4 -43 42 18; Pup
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 113°
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 25"x15". Slightly brighter of a pair with NGC 2200 3.5' NW. The two galaxies are nearly collinear with a mag 9.2 star 5' further northwest.
24" (2/22/14): at 260x; very faint, small, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness. Viewed at 9° elevation. Forms a pair with NGC 2200 3.5' NW, but the companion was not seen at this low elevation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2201 = h3030 (along with NGC
2200 = h3029) on 1 Jan 1835 and recorded "eF; vS; pslbM; rather a doubtful
object." He observed the pair
again in Dec 1837, but his NPD was 1° further south. His first position was accurate and matches
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06 16 51 +05 59 48; Ori
17.5" (2/2/02): fairly distinctive asterism at 100x (20
Nagler), consisting of a bulbous mushroom-shaped ring of about a dozen fairly
bright stars with a few others nearby.
Within this irregular ring is a nice, mag 9.1/10.8 double (
Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 2202 = STF 885 = h385 in 1825 with the 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor at the Dorpat Observatory. It was listed as #885 in his main catalogue of double stars, published in 1827. John Herschel observed this cluster (or asterism) on 2 Feb 1831 (sweep 320) and recorded"The chief of a tolerably neat cluster of large stars." The double star is a 9.1/10.8 pair at 10" separation located at 06 16 51.5 +05 59 47. Karl Reinmuth described the photographic appearance as "Cl, S, R, vP, st 8.5..." with dimensions 6.5'x6.5'. RNGC classifies NGC 2202 as a nonexistent cluster.
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06 04 43 -75 26 18; Men
V = 11.3; Size 3.2'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): this LMC cluster (outside the Hodge-Wright Atlas) appeared fairly bright and large, round, ~1.4' diameter, unresolved but slightly patchy or mottled with a weak concentration. A mag 12.4 star is off the NW side [1.6' from center] and a mag 14.5 star is off the south side [1.6' from center]. Located 46' SSW of mag 5.1 Alpha Mensae.
The galaxy
John Herschel discovered NGC 2203 = h3035 on 23 Jan 1836 and recorded "pB; irreg R; vgpmbM; 2'; resolvable. His position from this single sweep is accurate. Joseph Turner observed this cluster on 5 Jan 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and reported "glimpses of a grannular or stippled appearance occasionally obtained, showing it to be resolvable." (p. 158 of logbook). Pietro Baracchi called it "pB; pL; R; vglbM. Soft undefined outline about 70" diameter." (9 Jan 1886, Melbourne).
NGC 2203 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as a "faint cluster, not a nebula."
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06 15 33 -18 40 00; CMa
V = 8.6; Size 13'
13.1" (1/28/84): two dozen stars mag 12-14 in a 10'
diameter. Two mag 9 stars are on
the SW and NW edge and many stars are aligned in strings. Mag 6.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 2204 = H. VII-13 on 6 Feb 1785 (sweep 367) and recorded "a cluster of scattered stars, not very rich, above 15' diameter, south following a star 6-7 mag." Due to a transcrption error by Caroline Herschel while preparing her brother's first catalogue for the printer, she was credited with the discovery instead of H. VII-12 = NGC 2360. Jane Houston Jones mistakenly credited Caroline Herschel for the discovery of NGC 2204 in her Sky & Tel article on Caroline Herschel.
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06 10 33.0 -62 32 19; Pic
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 80°
14" (4/7/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint,
fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20". A mag 11.7 star is 3.3' NNE and a
similar star is 5' SSE. A group of
stars (mag 10.6 and fainter) is ~10' W.
Located 33' SE of a mag 5.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 2205 = h3034 on 9 Dec 1836 and noted "pF, R, bM, 20"." There is nothing at Herschel's position, but Eric Lindsay comments in his 1964 paper "Some NGC objects in the Large Magellanic Cloud" (IAJ, 6, 286-289), this is "Probably the galaxy 3/4 minute West." In 1926, Robert Innes described it as a "nebula, BM, 20", 12 mag, between 2 faint stars, which may account for the note "spindle"." (26-inch refractor, Union Observatory).
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06 15 59.9 -26 45 57; CMa
V = 12.2; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 138°
17.5" (2/8/86): moderately bright, small, almost round, small bright core. A star is superimposed very close east of the core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2206 = h3033 on 20 Jan 1835 and
remarked "vF; R; vlbM; 50"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) matches
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06 16 22.0 -21 22 21; CMa
V = 10.8; Size 4.3'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 112°
48" (2/20/12 and 2/28/19): this beautiful spiral galaxy
forms a stunning pair with
IC 2163 is attached at the east side of NGC 2207. The central region was very bright, round, ~1' diameter, small bright core. A surprisingly prominent spiral arm is attached on the SW side. It sweeps gracefully to the east and bends gently clockwise. This arm was ~1.5' long and significantly increased the overall size to roughly 2'x1'. Just northeast of the tip of the arm is 2MASX J06163579-2122032, which appeared as a faint, very small knot. The 2MASX galaxy is probably a dwarf elliptical at the same distance as the pair.
18" (2/5/11): fairly bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a bright, elongated core (WSW-ENE) ~1' diameter and a large, much lower surface brightness halo ~2.5'x2.0'. A faint star is close WSW of the nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is at the NW edge of the halo.
Forms an interacting pair with IC 2163, which is embedded on the east side of the halo. The fainter companion appears fairly faint, moderately large, oval E-W, 1.0'x0.7', weakly concentrated
13.1" (1/28/84): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, double nuclei. A faint extension is visible to the east. This is an unusual interacting pair and the extension to the east is IC 2163.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2207 = h3032 on 24 Jan 1835 and recorded "pB, pL, mE in pos = +/- 87°, pslbM, 2.5' long, 40" broad, to a tolerably well defined round nucleus." His position and Engelhardt's micrometric measurement are accurate, though I'm surprised that Herschel wasn't able to resolve the IC component of the system.
Joseph Turner observed this interacting pair on 18 Dec 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope. He wrote, "It appears to consist of two nebulae" and his sketch clearly shows IC 2163 elongated E-W as a separate object to the east. He noted "the preceding one [NGC 2207] seems to have [three?] distinct nuclei or perhaps [three?] small stars." Herbert Howe also resolved the pair on on 11 Feb 1898 with the 20" refractor at Denver and was credited with the visual discovery of IC 2163. Holmberg 85b refers to the inner spiral arm (ring) to the west of the core.
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06 22 34.7 +51 54 34; Aur
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 110°
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 1.1' W of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2208 = Sw. 6-26 on 24 Nov 1886 and noted "pF, pS, lE." His position is 6 seconds of time too small and 1.6' too far north. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1893 (published in 1907 catalog).
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NGC 2209 = ESO 034-6 = S-L 849
06 08 35 -73 50 18; Men
V = 13.2; Size 2.8'
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this fairly bright outlying LMC cluster (probable globular cluster) appears as a 2.5'-3' glow with only a weak concentration and no resolution. Surrounded by a number of stars including a mag 11.5 star 3.4' W. NGC 2199 (a galaxy) lies 30' NW and continuing in this direction another 38' is NGC 2173, a slightly smaller LMC cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2209 = h3037 on 8 Feb 1836 and remarked "vF; L; R; gvlbM; 3'." His position from this single sweep is accurate.
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06 11 31.7 -69 07 18; Dor
V = 10.9; Size 1.7'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): bright, relatively large, round, at least 1' diameter, contains a very bright grainy core and a relatively thin halo, no definite resolution. A mag 14 star is off the southeast side [1.3' from center]. Located 9.3' NW of a mag 8.2 star and 22' SE of mag 5.1 Nu Doradus. NGC 2210 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's in the LMC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2210 = h3036 on 31 Jan 1835 and logged "vB; S; R; pgvmbM; 35"; not resolvable." He noted the observation probably had a one degree error in the polar distance as the next two sweeps agreed in position.
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06 18 30.3 -18 32 14; CMa
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 22°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, very small, elongated
2:1 SSW-NNE, small bright core.
Forms a pair with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2211 = LM 1-150, along with NGC 2212, on 11 Dec 1885. His rough position is accurate to the nearest min of RA, though Bigourdan (on 9 Mar 1890), Herbert Howe and Ormond Stone measured an accurate RA (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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NGC 2212 = ESO 556-014 = MCG -03-16-022 = PGC 18796
06 18 35.7 -18 31 10; CMa
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 136°
17.5" (1/20/90): extremely faint, very small, round, very low surface brightness. A line of three equally spaced mag 14 stars begins 1.5' E and ends 1.3' N. Forms a pair with NGC 2211 1.5' SW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2212 = LM 1-151, along with NGC 2211, on 11 Dec 1885. His rough position is accurate to the nearest min of RA, though Bigourdan, Herbert Howe and Ormond Stone measured an accurate RA for nearby NGC 2211 (given in the IC 2 Notes).
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06 10 42 -71 31 42; Men
V = 12.4; Size 2.1'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): moderately bright and large, round, 45" diameter, slightly brighter core, no resolution. A distinctive 1' trio in a slight curve, consisting of a mag 11 star and two mag 12 stars, lies 3' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2213 = h3038 on 9 Feb 1836 and recorded "vF; R; glbM; 30". A triple star precedes." His position from this single sweep is 30" SW of center.
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NGC 2214 = ESO 057-74 = S-L 860
06 12 57 -68 15 36; Dor
V = 10.9; Size 3.6'
18" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): this young massive LMC cluster appeared very bright, fairly large, noticeably elongated E-W, ~1.6'x1.1'. About a half-dozen stars were resolved around the edges and within the main glow. Well concentrated with a bright central region and a slightly mottled halo.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2214 = h3039 = D 201 in 1826. He described "a round well-defined small nebula, 20" diameter, bright at the centre." Dunlop made two observations and his published position is 2' SW of center (unusually accurate).
John Herschel made two observations, first on 30 Jan 1835 (sweep 538) when he recorded "B; S; R; or lE; resolved into stars 14...16m; 50"." On 13 Dec 1835 (sweep 653) he logged it as "B; irreg R; or lE; gbM; 80"; resolvable."
Pietro Baracchi sketched the cluster on 4 Jan 1886 and described it as "B; S; lE; Elliptical, even in density, mottled, resolvable. It seems a double nebula or at the least there is some dark division about the middle of the object." On his diagram the object is elongated SSW-NNE and consists of two tangent clumps with a mag 15 star attached at the northeast end and another mag 15 star close south of the east end.
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06 20 50 -07 17 00; Mon
V = 8.4; Size 11'
17.5" (12/28/94): about 50 stars mag 11-14 in a 12' region, pretty evenly distributed and stands out well in the field at 100x. At the west edge is a faint detached group of 8 stars. Near the center are several wide pairs and one close evenly matched fainter pair (HJ 2315 = 11.5/11.5 at 6"). The cluster is not well defined on the east side and merges into the general field.
17.5" (2/1/92): 30 stars mag 11-14 in 10' diameter, fairly bright, elongated ~E-W, pretty evenly distributed, fairly rich although there no dense areas. Includes about 10 mag 11 stars but there is no single dominant star. The remainder are mag 12-14. Set over background haze. Stands out well in low power field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2215 = H. VII-20 = h386 on 1 Nov 1785 (sweep 468) and recorded "a cl of coarsely but pretty evenly scattered pS stars, of nearly the same magnitude, coarsely round and about 15' diam." His summary description (based on 3 sweeps) reads "a beautiful cluster of pretty compressed and equally scattered stars, 10' or 12' diameter."
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06 21 30.7 -22 05 14; CMa
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 20°
17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is off the SE end 1.7' from center and a mag 14.5 star is superimposed at the SE end. A group of 20 stars are in the field to the west.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2216 = h3040 on 23 Jan 1835 and
noted it as "vF, pL, R, vglbM, 40"." His position (single sweep)
matches
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06 21 39.8 -27 14 04; CMa
V = 10.7; Size 4.5'x4.2'; Surf Br = 13.8
24" (2/5/13): very bright, very large, contains a brighter 1.3' core that is sharply concentrated with an intense nucleus! The round halo extends 3' and has a fairly smooth surface brightness. The outer halo passes through a wide pair of mag 12/13 stars on the west side. UGCA 126, a thin edge-on, lies 60' WSW.
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, small, elongated ~E-W, well concentrated with a bright core surrounded by small faint halo, stellar nucleus at moments.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2217 = h3041 on 20 Jan 1835 and
recorded "vB; R; psmbM; 30", r." His position (measured on two sweeps) matches
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06 24 41.5 +19 20 29; Gem
= 4*, Reinmuth =no cluster, RNGC.
Edward Cooper discovered NGC 2218 on 13 Jan 1853 with the large 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland while compiling the Markree Ecliptic Catalogue. Arthur Auwers couldn't find it using the 6" Heliometer at Konigsberg, though included it as #22 in his 1862 list of new nebulae. Karl Reinmuth, using Heidelberg plates, reported "only 4 st 14...15". There is only a small group of 3-5 stars on the DSS at Cooper's position. The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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06 23 45 -04 40 36; Mon
17.5" (2/2/02): at 100x, 15-20 fairly faint mag 13-14 stars and a few brighter stars are visible just following mag 6.7 SAO 133199. The group is elongated ~WNW-ESE and the stars are fairly evenly distributed. The SE corner is marked by a mag 7.5 star. Visually, this group appears to be a cluster as the star density is reasonably rich and the group is isolated in the field. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC and not in the Lynga catalogue.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2219 = h387 on 19 Feb 1830 and
noted, "The first *6 of a course poor cl; *11...12." His position corresponds with mag 6.7
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06 21 11.0 -44 45 32; Pup
Size 22'
24" (2/22/14): at 125x, this asterism is a scattered
20' field containing several bright stars. There are two groupings with the more prominent southeast
group containing 8 brighter stars including mag 7.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 2220 = h3042 on 29 Dec 1834 and recorded a "A poor, very coarsely scattered, but brilliant cluster of 8th class. Place of a star 8m = B 1222, the chief of cl." His position corresponds with mag 7.7 HD 44737 at 06 21 11.3 -44 45 31 (2000). The asterism also includes HD 44665 = HJ 3852 (8.4/10.7 at 7") and mag 8.8 HD 44764. WEBDA has no listing, and this grouping is probably an asterism. RNGC calls NGC 2220 nonexistent (Type 7).
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06 20 15.7 -57 34 42; Pic
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 0°
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
is the brightest member of a trio of elongated galaxies (
John Herschel discovered NGC 2221 = h3044 (along with NGC 2222 = h3045) on 4 Dec 1834 and recorded "vF; lE; vgbM; the preceding of 2." His position is 1' too far north.
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NGC 2222 = ESO 121-025 = KTS 33B = PGC 18835
06 20 17.0 -57 32 04; Pic
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 150°
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this edge-on galaxy appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', gradually increases to a small bright core. This is the second brightest in a trio of elongated systems with NGC 2221 2.6' S and ESO 161-001 2.9' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2222 = h3045 (along with NGC 2221 = h3044) on 23 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF; lE; vgvlbM; the following of 2." His position is accurate.
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06 24 36.0 -22 50 18; CMa
V = 11.6; Size 3.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 175°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is on the north end 24" from center. Apparently I missed the outer 3' low surface brightness outer halo as the superimposed star is just outside the core.
8" (1/1/84): very faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2223 = h3043 on 23 Jan 1835 and
logged "F; R glbM; has 1 or 2 stars on it and a small close double star
(dist 3", 12 and 12 mag) north." His mean position (measured on 3 sweeps) matches
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06 27 28 +12 35 36; Gem
= no cluster, RNGC.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2224 = H. VII-35 on 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 662) and described "A cluster of small pretty much compressed stars with suspected nebulosity, but the latter may be a deception." His position is close to a mag 9.6 star in a rich field containing some extremely faint nebulosity. Robert Ball, observing with the 72" on 9 Dec 1866, noted "some stars scattered about, but no neby see. Sky not good."
Karl Reinmuth reported "no pC Cl seen", based on Heidelberg plates. The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent and it is not listed in any open cluster catalogue. Harold Corwin there is an elongated group of very faint stars close to Herschel's position and these are embedded in very faint nebulosity, though I haven't checked this field.
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06 26 37 -09 38 30; Mon
17.5" (1/23/93):
Listed as nonexistent in RNGC though shows up well on the DSS.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2225 = H. VII-26 = h388 on 30 Jan 1786 (sweep 516) and described "a cluster of extremely small and pretty much compressed stars, with a few larger ones, but not very rich; in the shape of a hook." His position was off the southeast side of the cluster (or asterism) and the "large ones in the shape of a hook" probably refer to a group of stars off the northeast side of the core of the group. This cluster is not listed in the Lynga catalogue and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent with the comment "NOCL". NGC 2226 is the small core of NGC 2225.
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06 26 37.6 -09 38 34; Mon
Size 2'
17.5" (1/23/93): faint group of six mag 14 stars over unresolved haze giving a fairly rich appearance. Forms an irregular arc 2' length N-S bending west on the south end. Located 1' N of a mag 10 star and a mag 12 star is 4' N. Several more mag 13.5-14 stars are nearby, which together as a 5' group elongated N-S may form NGC 2225.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2226 (discovery date unknown). Harold Corwin notes Barnard was probably using a 5- or 6-inch refractor at Nashville and the discovery was directly communicated to Dreyer. His rough position is nearly identical to this cluster, but the NGC description "small,very difficult,*10 close S" suggests he only noted the core of the larger group (NGC 2225) discovered by WH. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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06 25 57.9 -22 00 18; CMa
V = 12.5; Size 2.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 19°
17.5" (2/8/86): faint, fairly large, fairly diffuse, elongated ~N-S, almost even surface brightness. A mag 10 star is 8' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2227 = h3046 on 27 Jan 1835 and
remarked "eF; R; has coarse double star preceding on same parallel
90" dist." His
description and position (NPD corrected by two degrees in his addendum) matches
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06 21 15.6 -64 27 33; Dor
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, fairly
small, round, 30"-36" diameter, very small bright core. At 397x the core seemed elongated ~E-W,
but this was due to a mag 15.6 star that occasionally resolved at its east
edge. Located 11.6' NW of mag 8.2
NGC 2228 is a member of ACO S585 = AGC 3389, which includes
John Herschel discovered NGC 2228 = h3047 on 31 Jan 1835 and
noted "F; R; glbM; 20"."
His position (single sweep) matches
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NGC 2229 = ESO 087-008 = PGC 18867
06 21 23.7 -64 57 24; Dor
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 133°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly
faint, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.75'x0.25', a mag 14 star is 45" S of
center. In the core of the rich
cluster
John Herschel discovered NGC 2229 = h3048 (along with NGC 2230, 2233 and 2235) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged as "eF; vS; R; the preceding of 3." His position is accurate.
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NGC 2230 = ESO 087-009 = PGC 18873
06 21 27.5 -64 59 35; Dor
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 81°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, round, 0.9' diameter, moderately concentrated with a bright 20" core. Situated in the core of the rich cluster AGC 3389 = ACO S585 with NGC 2229 2.2' N, NGC 2233 2.9' SE, NGC 2235 6.8' NE, 2MASX J06215975-6459181 3.4' E. A total of 7 galaxies were picked up within an 11' circle.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2230 = h3049 (along with NGC 2229, 2233 and 2235) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged "eF, S, lE, the middle of 3." His position is accurate.
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06 20 43 -67 31 06; Dor
V = 13.2; Size 2.0'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): this LMC globular appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round, ~45" diameter, fairly low but irregular surface brightness, increases in size with averted, no resolution. A number of brighter stars in the field including HJ 3862, a mag 9.5/11.5 pair at 8", which lies 5' SE. In addition, a mag 10 star is 6' NNE and two other mag 11 stars are within 4' N. Several more mag 12 stars (some closer) are in the field. S-L 885 lies 3.7' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2231 = h3050 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F, pL, R, gvlbM, precedes a double star [h3862]." On a second sweep he called it "F, L, R, 50", among 10 or 12 stars 10th and 11th mag." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is good.
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06 28 02 -04 50 48; Mon
V = 3.9; Size 30'
17.5" (12/28/94): at 100x appears as a scattered group of bright stars surrounding 10 Monocerotis (V = 5.1) with the remaining stars forming a wedge tapering to the SW. Includes 7 brighter mag 8-10 stars and another two dozen fainter stars. Richest surrounding 10 Mon and five brighter stars form a distinctive box around the bright star. Too large and scattered for higher power.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2232 = H. VIII-25 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 296) and recorded "The 10 Monocerotis surrounded by many bright stars." His position matches the bright star. The position in the Lynga catalogue, RNGC, NGC 2000.0 and Sky Catalogue 2000 is about 20' too far west! Brian Skiff suggests a centroid position of 06 28 02 -04 50.8 based on the star GSC 4793-2505. See my RNGC Corrections #7.
By analyzing William Herschel's earlier "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), which resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke found that Herschel discovered the cluster on 5 Dec 1779 using his 6.2" reflector. This is apparently his earliest non-stellar discovery!
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NGC 2233 = ESO 087-011 = PGC 18882
06 21 40.1 -65 02 00; Dor
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 45°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 36"x9", fairly low surface brightness with little or no concentration. Located 2.8' SE of NGC 2230 in the core of the rich cluster AGC 3389 = ACO S585.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2233 = h3051 (along with NGC 2229, 2230 and 2235) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged "eF; S; the last of 3." His position is accurate.
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06 29 22 +16 43 24; Gem
Size 25'
18" (1/26/09): at 175x only a scattered group of ~75 stars in a non-descript 10' region. Includes a number of mag 12 stars forming the outline of two rough loops or a butterfly shape. This poor grouping is immediately SE of the listed position. The Milky Way is patchy here and the stars are set over unresolved haze. This grouping appears a very weak field enhancement at best and not a cluster.
William Herschel described a larger grouping (nearly 30'), though the entire field is not really distinguishable from the surrouding area.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2234 = H. VIII-9 = h389 on 19 Feb 1784 (sweep 148) and reported as "A cluster of stars very much scattered; takes up near 1/2 degree. It is not very rich; the stars are of various magnitudes." John Herschel described on 25 Jan 1832 (sweep 395), "a p rich v loose cl, fills 2 or 3 fields, not bM, st 10...13m."
Karl Reinmuth noted "no distinct Cl" on Heidelberg plates and the RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7). There is a fairly even scattering of mag 10-13 stars in the vicinity on on the POSS.
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NGC 2235 = ESO 087-013 = PGC 18906
06 22 22.0 -64 56 03; Dor
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 68°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration with a slightly elongated 25" core. A mag 10.8 star is right at the northeast edge of the halo. This is the brightest of 7 galaxies, including NGCs 2229, 2230 and 2233, viewed in the core of ACO S585 = AGC 3389 and the furthest northeast.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2235 = h3052 (along with NGC 2229, 2230 and 2233) on 30 Nov 1834 and logged "vF; S; R; 30"." His position (single sweep) is accurate.
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06 29 40 +06 49 48; Mon
V = 8.5; Size 7'
13.1" (1/18/85): two dozen faint stars in a 5' region over background haze. The brighter stars are in a rich 1' triangular outline with the brightest mag 11 star in the cluster. A long curving arc of fainter stars emanates from the group. Fairly striking cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2236 = H. VII-5 = h390 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 156) and described "a cluster of compressed stars of various magnitudes, pretty rich in small stars; the preceding part contains chiefly large onces, not round." On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118) John Herschel described an "Irreg fig cl like a hollow triangle in a crowded part of the Milky Way; stars vS; 12...15m; one star 10m. The surrounding loose stars are all large."
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06 30 18 +05 03; Mon
Size 80'x60'
17.5" (2/8/86): amazingly detailed view at 73x. The SE section has an interesting structure with an outer extension or brighter part of an outer shell. The SW side has an unusual darker bay with a gap in outer edge of the "wreath". The outer edge of the NE side has a sharp "corner" bending due south on the west side.
13.1" (many dates from 1/23/82 to 11/5/83): the
complete annulus of the Rosette Nebula was clearly visible surrounding the
naked-eye cluster
8" (many dates from 12/6/80 to 1/1/84): complete annulus easy visible in field at 42x or in 8x50 finder with filter as a large, soft ring surrounding the cluster.
Naked-eye (1/8/00): using an OIII filter, the apparent diameter of the cluster (NGC 2244) noticeably increases in size due to the surrounding nebulosity becoming visible. The overall brightness, though, is slightly decreased with the filter as the cluster is significantly dimmed.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2237 = Sw. 2-31 between 1865 and 1874 while comet hunting using his 4.5-inch refractor. The discovery wasn't published, though, until 1884 (Sidereal Messenger, 3, 57-58). Swift reported "Some ten years ago [implying a discovery date around 1874], while searching for comets, I ran across an exceedingly large and fairly bright nebula near 12 Mon which I of course supposed was familiar to every astronomer." In the notes to his second list, Swift wrote "until 1881 I supposed it was a well known nebula. Like the Merope nebula it requires a low power and a large field to see it well, and, like it, it also much obscured by a cluster of bright stars. It slighty precedes and is a little north of the cluster [only one portion of the annulus seen], and at first would naturally be mistaken for a glow from it.
"Through ordinary telescopes it appears to have no visible boundaries, but through my 16-inch refractor it once under excellent conditions presented outlines sharp and distinc of an exact ellipse, with a pretty large easily seen nebula at each foci."
In an 1887 article he states the nebula was found "some fifteen years ago" or roughly 1872, and in an 1890 article (Sidereal Messenger, Volume 9, "A Wonderful Nebulous Ring"), he mentions the nebula was found "in about the year 1865".
E.E. Barnard independently discovered the Rosette on 29 Jan 1883 with his 5-inch refractor while searching for comets (Sidereal Messenger 4, 313). He commented in his logbook "Found a large nebulous object, [near] a scattering cluster of bright stars; it is elongated southwest and northeast. Larger than the field of view." Barnard's announcement prompted Swift to claim an earlier discovery. Swift mentioned (notes to second list) that at his request Barnard reobserved it on 31 Oct 1885 [probably with the Lick 12-inch] and "estimates it to be one degree in length by a half degree in breadth", implying he saw the entire annulus. Barnard showed the nebula to Swift when he visited Lick in January 1889.
Barnard referred to the nebula as "Swift's Nebula", though it was often called "Barnard's Ring" before the "Rosette Nebula" nickname was introduced. The oldest confirmed usage was in JRASC from 1949 (vol 43, 122): "Often referred to as the Rosette Nebula, it is known to astronomers as NGC 2237."
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06 30 40.4 +05 00 47; Mon
13.1": small knot on the west side of the Rosette Nebula. See NGC 2237 for description.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2238 = m 99 on 28 Feb 1864 with Lassell's 48" reflector on Malta. This is a small, nebulous area around a star in the western half of the Rosette Nebula but there was no mention of the entire nebula, which was first recognized by Lewis Swift and E.E. Barnard.
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06 31 55 +04 56 36; Mon
V = 4.8; Size 24'
See observing notes for NGC 2244.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2239 = h392 on 4 March 1830 and
noted "the place of a *8m in most compressed part of a large, poor, but
brilliant cluster." His
position was 1 min of RA west of mag 6.8
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06 33 11 +35 15 00; Aur
18" (1/26/09): at 175x this is a fairly course,
scattered group of three dozen mag 10-13 stars in a 10' region. Located just following mag 6.8 HD
46050. Many of the stars are in
pairs and in conjunction with the nearby bright star probably caught William
Herschel's attention. Also in the
field is mag 7.0
Described by WH (VIII 49) as "A cluster of coursely scattered large stars, not rich" and by JH (h391) as "a v coarse straggling cl 10' diam; 30 or 40 stars 10...15m. A *10m taken, but one of 7m precedes to the north." Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2240 = H. VIII-49 = h391 on 3 Jan 1786 (sweep 509) and reported "A cluster of coursely scattered large stars, not rich." On 17 Feb 1828 (sweep 124), John Herschel described "a v coarse straggling cl 10' diam; 30 or 40 stars 10...15m. A *10m taken, but one of 7m precedes to the N." Karl Reinmuth gives a diameter of 10' and description "Cl, pL, iR, pP, sc, st 10...; bet BD +35 1436 and BD +35 1444.", based on its photographic appearance. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent as this object may be an asterism.
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06 22 53 -68 55 30; Dor
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint or
moderately bright LMC cluster, round, 30"-40" diameter, smooth
surface brightness, no resolution.
A mag 11.9 star is 2.4' SW and a mag 11 star is 2' S. The cluster forms
the northern vertex of a rough right triangle with the two bright field
stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2241 = h3054 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded "F; pL; R; 30"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) matches this LMC cluster.
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06 34 07.4 +44 46 38; Aur
V = 15.2; Size 20"
17.5" (1/31/87): faint, small, almost round. Unusually weak filtration response as appears similar brightness or slightly fainter using filters! Estimate V = 14.5. This object was recently discovered to be a planetary in 1985 (Shaw and Bidelman) and is listed in the CGCG.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2242 = Sw. 6-27 on 24 Nov 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. This is the last planetary nebula, by discovery date, to be included in the NGC. RNGC and CGCG (204-005) misclassify NGC 2242 as a galaxy although the RNGC new description reads "R, HISB, STEL, PLN??", so it questioned if it was perhaps a PN instead.
In 1985, spectroscopic investigations by Richard Shaw and William Bidelman revealed that NGC 2242 is a previously uncatalogued planetary nebula (independently shown to be a planetary by Machara in A&A 178, 221). It was included as a new planetary nebula in Kohoutek's 4th update list (AN 315, 1994). See my RNGC Corrections #2.
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06 29 35 -31 16 54; CMa
V = 9.4; Size 5'
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly small faint cluster located
just 8' SW of mag 7.4
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2243 = D 616 = h3053 on 24 May 1826. His handwritten notes read "a very faint, ill defined nebula south preceding a star of the 7th mag by 20 seconds in RA and ~10' south of the star. I can perceive a bright point or nucleus. There are many small stars scattered in and about the nebula but I do not consider them connected with it..." Although his description clinches the identification, his position was 33' too far ESE.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2243 = h3053 on 19 Oct 1835 (sweep 645) and recorded "pB, R, vglbM, all evidently resolved into stars, not very rich. Something between a cluster and a globular cluster. [This ob makes the RA 24m 8.9s, but it is pretty clear that this is a misreading of the chronometer.]" On 16 Feb 1836 (sweep 678) he logged "pB, R, gbM, 4' diameter, mottled or resolved, amongst bright stars."
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NGC 2244 = NGC 2239 = Cr 99 = Mel 47 = OCL-515 = Ced 76b
06 31 55 +04 56 36; Mon
V = 4.8; Size 24'
17.5" (2/11/96): unusually bright, large cluster of
~15'x5' elongated NW-SE in a rectangular outline and situated in the heart of
the Rosette Nebula! The brightest
8 mag 6/7 stars lie along the sides and vertices of the rectangle with the
brightest member, yellowish 12 Mon (V = 5.9), residing at the SE vertex. There are ~40 stars within the cluster
although the only concentration is fifteen mag 11/12 stars surrounding mag 6.8
8": bright, large cluster in the center of the Rosette Nebula. The six brightest stars form a rectangular outline with the brightest star 12 Monocerotis (V = 5.9) at the SE corner. At the north and NW corners of the rectangle are two bright wide pairs with mag 7/8 stars. Many faint stars are near the center surrounding the wide pairs. Faint naked-eye cluster in dark sky.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2244 = H. VII-2 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 114) and described "the 12th Monocerotis is a beautiful scattered cluster of stars. They are chiefly of two sorts; the first very brilliant, and the 2nd sort arranged in beautiful winding lines; of these there are about 30 or more. There are besides many very small stars." Wolfgang Steinicke reports that Herschel first observed the cluster earlier on 13 Jan 1783 (before starting his sweeps) using his 6.2-inch reflector.
John Flamsteed recorded the 6th magnitude star 12 Monocerotis on his Atlas Coelestis (17 Feb 1690). But Stephen O'Meara notes that Flamsteed didn't mention any of the fainter cluster stars (or general fuzziness), so he doesn't deserve credit for the discovery.
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NGC 2245 = LBN 904 = Ced 80 = PP 62 = P 13
06 32 41.2 +10 09 24; Mon
Size 5'x3'
17.5" (1/19/91): bright, fairly large, about 3'
diameter, elongated SW-NE. Fans
out to the southwest from a fairly bright mag 11 star at the northeast
end. Fades smoothly into
background. Located 2' WSW of mag 8.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 2245 = H. IV-3 = h393 on 16 Jan 1784 (sweep 81) and reported "A nebula. It is fan shaped, and appears like a star with a faint, electric brush at one side of it." On 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), John Herschel called it "a *11 with a milky neb surrounding it, but chiefly on the sp side. The star is not sharp - not stellar, and the neb fades gradually away from the star; 70" or 80" diam; has a * 7m 30° nf."
The account by Lord Rosse's assistant George Johnstone Stoney on 28 Feb 1850 is remarkable: "...this neb is part of an enormous neby, which I traced following and north to a great distance, some degrees. It narrows at times to a band across the finding eyepiece of about 6' or 8'. I fancied the number of bright stars was greater in it than in the neighborhood; I am certain the number of small stars is much less..." His sketch was included in Lord Rosse's 1861 publication (plate XXVII, fig 11).
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NGC 2246 = Sh 2-275 = Rosette Nebula
06 32 33.8 +05 07 42; Mon
13.1" (1/23/82): this is a brighter patch on the inner northeast side of the Rosette Nebula. A slightly darker gap in the annulus is located at the west end of this portion.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2246 = Sw. 3-36 on 27 Feb 1886 and described as "eeF; L; iR; e diff. Probably an offshoot of [NGC 2237] Two or three others suspected." The position is on a brighter patch of the Rosette Nebula in the inner portion of the annulus on the northeast side. Wolfgang Steinicke notes this is the last discovered emission nebula included in the NGC (published in 1888).
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06 33 05.1 +10 19 17; Mon
Size 4'x3'
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval shape. Surrounds a bright mag 8.5 star (Herbig Be star V700 Mon) although extends further to the east side of the star. Reflection nebula NGC 2245 lies 12' SSW.
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint nebulosity surrounds mag 8 star, round, fans out to south in direction of three faint stars.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2247 = Sw. 1-7 on 24 Nov 1883 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and noted a "nebulous star; v diff; B* exactly in center of L, eF nebulosity; follows 1425 [NGC 2245] 28 sec and is 10' N." His position is 2' SE of this reflection nebula.
Dreyer also credited LdR with the co-discovery of NGC 2247. It's possible that Dreyer was referring to Johnstone Stoney's comment on 28 Feb 1850, "...This nebula [NGC 2245] is part of an enormous neby, which I traced f and n to a great dist. some degrees."
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06 34 35.7 +26 18 16; Gem
Size 45"
18" (2/14/10): at 175x a small clump of 4 stars was resolved. The brightest two are a 16" pair of mag 12/13 stars, while the fainter two are probably mag 14.5/15.5.
Edward Cooper discovered NGC 2248 on 23 Dec 1853 with the large 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland. Auwers included it as #23 in his 1862 table of new nebulae and mentioned in the 6" Heliometer at Konigsberg it appeared "extremely faint, just resolvable spot of 2-3' dia. The brightest star 12m." At Cooper's position is a small clump of stars (45" diameter), including a mag 12/13 pair at 16" separation with several fainter stars in a chain to the east. Harold Corwin calls this an "asterism of nine stars". RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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NGC 2249 = ESO 057-82 = S-L 893
06 25 50 -68 55 12; Dor
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly bright,
intermediate age LMC cluster, relatively large, 1.0' diameter, round, gradually
increases to the center, no resolution.
An unequal mag 11/13 pair at ~10" separation lies 3.7' WNW and mag
8.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 2249 = h3055 on 23 Dec 1834 and recorded "F; R; vglbM." On a later sweep he logged "pB; R; gbM; 50"; has a double star preceding." His position is accurate.
On 3 Jan 1886, Pietro Baracchi described the cluster with the 48" Melbourne telescope as "B; S; R; gbM; mottled as if resolvable; soft edged. A star 10 mag precedes nebula by 40s and is 30" north. Diameter of nebula 50" approximately." This object is classified as a globular cluster in SIMBAD.
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06 33 49 -05 05 12; Mon
Size 7'
18" (1/26/09): at 175x about two dozen stars mag 12-14
stars are resolved in an 8'x4' irregular group, elongated E-W. The brightest star is mag 8.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 2250 = h394 on 20 Feb 1830 (sweep 235) and wrote, "place of a *8-9 m in following part of a large pretty rich loose cluster; irreg oblong fig; stars 12...14m." His position matches mag 8.7 HD 46576. The Lynga and RNGC position is 1 tmin too far west.
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06 34 39 +08 22 00; Mon
V = 7.3; Size 10'
18" (3/4/08): at 175x, this is a fairly striking cluster that includes a fairly rich 6' string oriented N-S. The string contains ~20 stars including a mag 10.5/11.5 double at 5" (Barton 2120). The brightest star in near the geometric center and is part of second group of ~20 stars with several in a 2' loop. The bright star is a mag 9.5/11.5 pair at 9". Finally, on the north side is a small string of a half-dozen stars oriented E-W.
17.5" (3/12/94): about 40 stars mag 10.5-14 in an 11'x4' fairly rich string NW-SE. Includes about 10 brighter mag 11 stars. The brightest mag 9.5 star is part of a small, roundish subgroup on the west side and is a pleasing double with components mag 9.5/12 at 10". This subgroup has three brighter stars and 15 faint stars mostly west of the double. The main string is fairly uniform except for an empty 3' gap SE of the mag 9.5 star. Located 5' NW of the cluster is an isolated mag 10 star which appears to be a field star.
17.5" (2/1/92): 35 stars mag 10-14 in 12'x6' string NNW-SSE, bright, moderately large, fairly rich but not dense. Consists of 3 main subgroups. The western group is 2' diameter and includes a close double star 10/12 at 10". The NW group is 3' diameter and includes two mag 11 stars with three mag 13 stars between. The SE group is largest and includes 15 stars in a 6' string very elongated N-S with a close double star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2251 = H. VIII-3 = h395 on 26 Dec 1783 (very early sweep 67) and noted "a small cluster of very close stars, not very remarkable." His summary description (2 observatins) reads "an extended cluster of large scattered stars." His position falls just west of center of this cluster. On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), John Herschel logged, "a large tract full of stars; v rich; place from working list."
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06 34 19.8 +05 19 22; Mon
V = 7.7; Size 18'
18" (3/13/04): at 115x, this fairly rich field is located just 50' NE of the center of the Rosette Nebula! Most distinctive in the field is a very elongated N-S group of roughly 50 stars in a 12'-15' string just 2' wide. The group has a distinctive hook on the north end as it curves sharply towards the SW. A near perfect triangle of mag 9 stars at 30", 34" and 40" separation lies 23' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2252 = H. VIII-50 = h396 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 512) and reported "a cluster of stars arranged in a broad row, 25' long and 6 or 8' broad, not very compressed but pretty rich." His position is on the east side of the cluster. John Herschel logged in Mar 1830 (sweep 237), "L, pretty rich; stars small; place by working list."
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06 42 31 +66 24; Cam
24" (3/22/14): this number might apply to a fairly rich
string of stars about 30' north of William Herschel's position. The surrounding field was examined at
125x (49' field of view) and the only object that caught my attention was a 4'
string containing a dozen mag 13-14 stars oriented SW-NE. In addition, a larger group of mag 14
stars is just south (though detached), with the total size of both groups
roughly 10'. This asterism is penned
in by some brighter stars: mag 9.6 star (
William Herschel discovered NGC 2253 = H. VII-54 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 879) and recorded "A vF patch of eS stars." There is nothing at Harold Corwin's re-reduced position of 06 41 52 +65 50.3 (J2000) -- similar to Auwers -- and Bigourdan failed to recover this object. Corwin suggests NGC 2253 might be "a small group of about 10-15 stars" at 06 42 32 +66 24.3 (2000). This clump is roughly 30' north of WH's position (possibly a digit error) and described above.
RNGC, CGCG and SIMBAD misidentify
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06 35 50 +07 40 24; Mon
V = 9.7; Size 4'
18" (3/4/08): small, dense group of ~25 stars in 3' at 225x and 300x. About a dozen of the stars are arranged in a semi-circular chain or "C" that is open on the east side. Several mag 14+ stars are near this loop, segregated into small clumps.
17.5" (2/8/91): at 220x, about two dozen stars over haze in a 3'-4' diameter. About 6 stars of mag 13 form a "C" shaped asterism open on the east side. The brightest mag 13 star is on the NW side of this arc. The rest of cluster members are 14-15th magnitude.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2254 = H. VII-22 = h397 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) and noted "a small cluster of pretty compressed vS stars." His position is just west of center. On 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), John Herschel described "a pretty rich, small cluster; irreg fig; st 11...15m."
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06 33 58.6 -34 48 45; Col
V = 13.4; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 152°
18" (3/11/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', weakly concentrated.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2255 = h3056 on 2 Feb 1835 and
described as "eF; R; vlbM; 25-30"." His position (measured on two sweeps) matches
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06 47 13.9 +74 14 11; Cam
V = 12.5; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.0
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, moderately large, oval
4:3 E-W, broad but only weak concentration. Located 3.5' NNW of a mag 10 star.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2256 = T. 9-3 (along with NGC
2258) on 1 Aug 1883 with an 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His position and description matches
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06 30 12.6 -64 19 37; Dor
V = 12.6; Size 4'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly large, round, 1.5'-2' diameter, broad weak concentration, no resolution. An elongated group of a half-dozen mag 10-11 stars oriented NW-SE passes just north of the cluster. NGC 2257 is one of 15 bona-fide ancient GC's (over 10 billion years old) in the LMC and is situated at the northeast periphery of the cloud.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2257 = h3057 on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded as "F; vL; R; gvlbM; 3'." On his third sweep he logged "pB; L; R; vgbM; resolvable; diam in RA = 17s of time." His position is accurate. NGC 2257 was identified by Gascoigne and Lynga as the "easternmost object to which membership of the Clouds may certainly be assigned".
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NGC 2258 = UGC 3523 = MCG +12-07-016 = CGCG 330-115 = PGC 19622
06 47 46.1 +74 28 54; Cam
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 150°
24" (2/18/20): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately
large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE,~1.0'x0.8', fairly high surface
brightness. A mag 11.1 star is
close off the NE edge, 0.8' from center and a mag 12 star is 1.2' SSE. A mag 15 star is right at the south edge.
17.5" (1/19/91): moderately bright, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is just 0.8' NE of center and a mag 12 star is 1.2' SSE. NGC 2256 lies 15' SSW and IC 451 is 20' E.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2258 = T. 9-4, along with NGC
2256, with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. Tempel just gives a rough RA, but his
position is about 6' south of
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06 38 33.3 +10 52 57; Mon
Size 5'
18" (3/4/08): at 175x, appears as a 4' rich group of
faint stars over haze. At 300x,
about two dozen stars in total are resolved, mostly in a 2' circular
clump. About 1' N of this dense
patch of stars is the brightest mag 11.5 star which has a 13th magnitude
companion. This cluster is located
5' E of mag 8.8
17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, small, 3'-4' diameter,
rich, irregularly round. Consists
of about 15 faint stars mag 13.5-14.5 sparkling over a layer of background
haze. A double star mag 12/13 at
7" separation is at the north edge.
Mag 8.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 2259 = H. VI-28 on 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 682) and called "a cluster of extremely compressed and exceedintly S stars, considerably rich, irr F, the following and most compressed part of it round." His position (Auwer's reduction) is on the south side of the cluster.
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06 38 03 -01 28 24; Mon
17.5" (2/1/03): roughly 50 stars are visible at 100x
spread out over 15'. The stars are
in two main subgroups, oriented SW and NE. The SW group includes mag 8.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 2260 = H. VIII-48 = h398 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 506) and noted "A Cl of very scattered stars of various sizes, of more than 1/2 degree of extent." On 23 Nov 1827 (sweep 107) John Herschel reported, "very course, v poor, v straggling, the chief *8 taken." His position corresponds with mag 8.2 SAO 133505 at 06 38 05.8 -01 26 40. Karl Reinmuth gave an approximate size of 15' with description "Cl, pL, P, st 8..." based on its photographic appearance on Heidelberg plates. The group is not included in the Lynga cluster catalogue and RNGC classifies it as nonexistent (Type 7).
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06 39 10 +08 44 42; Mon
Size 2'x1'
48" (5/1/19): at 375x; the view through this scope showed a great deal of structure and brightness variations. I was struck by the length of the eastern edge, which dimmed after the bright thin section extending north, but could be traced just beyond two mag 17-17.5 stars, for a total length of 3'.
18" (3/4/08): Hubble's variable nebula is a striking fan-shaped object, with a mag 12 "star" at its south tip with the nebula extending to the north. The fan displays a great deal of variation in brightness and structure at 300x. The brightest portion is on the northwest side of the fan, though it dims a little near the tip on the west side. The eastern rim is bright and sharply defined N-S like a thin finger. The nebulosity dims along the northern end of the fan and a small, wedge-shaped darker area extends into the fan from the north.
13.1" (1/28/84): Hubble's Variable Nebula is bright, small, fan-shaped 2:1 N-S and widest at the north boundary. The nebulosity tapers down towards 12th magnitude R Monocerotis at the south tip which appears to have a very small high surface brightness halo. The western edge (oriented NW-SE) is slightly weaker and more curved than the eastern edge which is sharper and straighter N-S. This is an impressive nebula with high surface brightness and interesting structure.
8" (1/28/84): comet-like nebula extends from R Mon.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2261 = H. IV-2 = h399 on 26 Oct 1783 (very early sweep 67) and recorded "a curious nebula of a fan shape." His summary description (based on 4 observations) reads "cB, fan-shaped, about 2' long from the centre." His placed it in class IV, which includes planetary nebulae. John Herschel reported on 8 Jan 1828 (sweep 118), "*12m with bright cometic branch 60" l whose axis is 60° np. The star is a little ill-defined. The apex of the neb comex exactly up to star, but does not pass it."
Lord Rosse and/or assistant George Johnstone Stoney observed NGC 2261 on 22 Dec 1848 and again on 11 Feb 1849. Stoney likely sketched the nebula on 16 Jan 1850 (figure 10, 1850 publication) and noted "two comparatively dark spaces, one near the vertex and other near the base of the cone." William Lassell observed and sketched NGC 2261 in March 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector from Malta. He noted, "the nucleus not stellar, but like the nucleus of the nebula in Andromeda [M31]." Father Angelo Secchi published a detailed sketch and description in 1856 using the 9.6" refractor in Rome.
Julius Schmidt discovered the variability of R Mon in 1861 with a 6" refractor. While a graduate student at Yerkes Observatory in 1916, Hubble discovered the nebula itself was variable, hence the popular nickname. A series of photographs chronically the changes were taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector between 1916-1920 at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt. This is an unusual bipolar nebula with the second southern jet hidden from view. Hubble's Variable Nebula was the first object photographed through the 200-inch Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory. Hubble sat in the prime focus cage of that instrument and recorded an image on 26 Jan 1949.
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06 39 38.7 +01 08 30; Mon
Size 4'
13.1" (1/18/85): about 10 very faint stars in cluster over unresolved background glow. Incorrect position given in modern catalogues.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2262 = H. VII-37 = h400 on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 668) and described "A Cl of v. com eS st, considerably rich, 3 or 4' dia., most condensed around the middle." His position matches this small cluster. On 5 Feb 1831 (sweep 322), John Herschel recorded "A great many sc st; and a strong suspicion of a more comp part (thick haze)."
The wrong position (06 38.4 +01 11 (2000)) is given in modern sources such as Sky Catalogue 2000, Lynga, NGC 2000.0, RNGC and SIMBAD (now corrected). Brent Archinal notes (e-mail from 3/11/98) the error originated with Per Collinder's list of clusters (1931) and copied into the modern catalogues.
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06 38 28.9 -24 50 55; CMa
V = 12.1; Size 2.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 143°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval
NW-SE, even surface brightness.
Situated between two mag 13.5 stars 1' N and 1' S with a similar star
1.7' ENE. Located 4.2' N of mag
8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 2263 = h3058 on 20 Jan 1835 and
recorded "Not vF, R, or lE, pslbM, E between two vS stars, and has two
stars about 8th mag S.p. pointing to it." His description and coordinates
matches
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06 40 58 +09 53 42; Mon
V = 3.9; Size 60'x30'
17.5" (12/28/00): besides the bright nebulosity extending southwest of mag 4.7 S Monocerotis (15), most of the central region of the cluster was set against a weakly glowing background (part of Sh 2-273). At the southern end of the cluster (tip of the "Christmas Tree"), this low surface brightness glow was more evident and clearly extended beyond the 7th magnitude star at the tip towards the SE. The west edge of this weakly glowing extension forms the eastern border of the dark Cone Nebula (LDN 1613). There is a lack of faint stars within the region of the Cone Nebula but the inclusion itself was not darker than the general background.
17.5" (12/30/99): nebulosity was quite prominent to the SW of south Mon as well as a weaker glow in the vicinity around STF 954 at the south end of the cluster. At 100x (unfiltered) there appeared to be a slightly darker vacuity to the south of this star in the position of the Cone nebula but there is no sharp "edge" with the nearby nebulosity.
13.1" (11/5/83): very bright, very large scattered group, elongated N-S, striking Christmas tree shape. A bright multiple star 15 Monocerotis = south Mon (4.7-7.5 at 2.8" and companions) is at the base of the tree at the north end of the cluster and is surrounded by several stars. Easy nebulosity is visible which extends 10' SW of south Mon and includes a group of three brighter stars. At the south end of the cluster is the double star STF 954 = 7.1/9.6 at 13". The Cone nebula, which extends south of STF 954 and "points" towards the pair, was looked for and not seen.
8" (11/5/83): bright, very large, scattered, Christmas tree outline, fairly rich, includes multiple star south Mon.
Naked-eye (1/8/00): vislble as a 4th magnitude nebulous glow including the mag 5 star (S Mon), but appears much smaller naked-eye than the listed dimensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2264 = H. V-27 = H. VIII-5 = h401 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 81) and recorded VIII-5 as "The 15th Mon is attended by above 30 considerable stars, and is itself a double star of the 3rd class. The star extremely unequal and probably not visible in smaller instruments. There is also another double star of the 3rd class not far from it consisting of equal stars." On 26 Dec 1785 (sweep 494) he logged V-27 as "I observed about 7' or 8' sp 15 Mon, some of the pB stars to be contained within vF milky nebulosity which loses itself imperceptibly; but there remains a doubt of the reality." On the 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) he mentioned "I examined the stars south preceding 15 Mon and believe they contain Milky nebulosity. It is very difficult to ascertain it on account of the glare of the 15th, but I have hardly any doubt. He catalogued the nebulosity as H. V-27. Again on 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 682) he noted "I suspect the sp 2 stars (of which one is Double [15 Mon] to be affected with vF milky nebulosity but may be a deception." WH's descriptions and position apply to the cluster and to the brightest part of the nebulosity southwest of mag 4.7 S Monocerotis. John Herschel also reported on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), "a *5.6 enveloped in a nebulous haze.", although he may have just seen scattered light around the bright star.
According to Wolfgang Steinicke, WH first found NGC 2264 on 15 Feb 1781 during his second star review with a 6.2-inch reflector: "Ear, a whole constellation of scattered stars." The 4.7-mag star 15 Mon lies in the 'Ear' of Hevelius' mythical creature. He recorded it again on 22 Oct 1781 ("Ear tip surrounded by 5 or 6 stars"), the starting date of his third review.
The region around 15 Mon was examined a number of times at Birr Castle, searching for nebulosity. There were 9 negative results before 1861 and Lord Rosse wrote "No neby. Found, and only a few stars arranged in pairs; no cl. Has there been a change here? Heinrich d'Arrest also missed seeing nebulosity in 1862 at Copenhagen with the 9" refractor. But successful observations were made at Birr Castle in 1863 and 1878 (the later by Dreyer). E.E. Barnard and Roberts reported extensive nebulosity in the region based on photographs.
On 10 May 1895 Isaac Roberts showed a three-hour exposure of the NGC 2264 complex taken with his 20-inch reflector on 13 Feb to a meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society. It clearly showed the nebulosity southwest of S Mon (first photographed by Barnard in 1894) but also revealed a “conical dark space bounded by a rim of nebulosity” — this is the famous ‘Cone Nebula’. The moniker "Christmas Tree Cluster" was dubbed by Leland Copeland in March 1957 (Sky & Telescope).
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06 41 42 +11 54 18; Gem
17.5" (2/1/03): this is a Milky Way cloud of ~50 faint stars mag 12-14. There is central "hole" lacking any stars, and there are no rich subgroups. Does not look to be a reasonable cluster and candidate and in fact, doesn't stand out in the field at 100x. There does seem to be some unresolved background or Milky Way glow.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2265 = h402 on 23 Jan 1832 (sweep 393) and described "A poor cluster 30 or 40 small stars 12-13m." Karl Reinmuth called this "a rich region, >1 degree, no distinct Cl.", based on its photographic appearance. There is a scattering of mag 10-13 stars near Herschel's position on the POSS, but nothing that looks like a cluster. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.
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06 43 20 +26 58 12; Gem
Size 7'
13.1" (12/22/84): three dozen stars mag 9-15 in a 4'
diameter. Most members are very
faint and the cluster appears quite rich with averted over unresolved
background haze. The brightest
star, mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 2266 = H. VI-21 = h403 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 486) and recorded "a very rich and very compressed cluster of stars of about 4 1/2 or 5' diameter, 5 or 6 of the largest stars are in a row." His position is on the southeast side of the cluster. John Herschel noted his position from 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) was "the most condensed part of a p rich, p comp cl of stars 11...15m; irreg figure; diam of most compressed part = 3...4'' triangular."
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06 40 51.8 -32 28 57; CMa
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 36°
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, very small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, bright core. Two nearby stars confuse the observation: a mag 13 star just 36" W of center (at the NW edge) and a mag 14 star 0.9' SW of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2267 = h3059 on 16 Feb 1836 and described as "pB, S, R, 20"; has 2 or 3 small stars close to it." DeLisle Stewart, using photographic plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa Station in Peru between 1898 and 1901, described this galaxy as "two nebulae close together."
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07 14 17.6 +84 22 57; Cam
V = 11.5; Size 3.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 63°
17.5" (8/27/87): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is at the SW edge 1.1' from center.
17.5" (2/22/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, faint halo gradually increases to a large brighter core, small bright nucleus, faint stellar nucleus.
Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 2268 = T. 1-19 around 1871
with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseilles Observatory. He noted
"pretty faint, extended, elliptic, no bright point" and his micrometric
position (MNRAS, 32, 248) matches
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06 43 16.8 +04 37 04; Mon
V = 10.0; Size 4'
17.5" (1/1/92): two dozen stars mag 11.5-15 in a 4' diameter. The main portion is a rich, thin 3' string oriented NW-SE with about 15 stars including a mag 11.5 and 12 star over unresolved haze. The scattered outliers to 4' radius increase the total to two dozen stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2269 = H. VI-3 = h404 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 114) and described "a cluster of very compressed; they are eF and I suppose cannot be visible with my 7 ft reflector. It contains a few L ones. It is of an extended figure, and as it were, divided." His position is poor - 37 sec of RA too far east and 4' too far south, but not unusual for his early sweeps. In Mar 1830 (sweep 237), John Herschel described a "close cl of v small st; poor; twilight; preceded by a coarse cl of large ones." Both Herschels' positions are too far east and so the NGC position is ~9' ESE of center.
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06 43 58 +03 27 12; Mon
17.5" (2/1/03): this is a large, scattered field, ~10'
diameter surrounding a kite-shaped asterism of mag 8.5-10 stars. There is no concentration but there are
a couple of denser clumps of faint stars on the east side. A curving string of stars heads NE and
ends at a group of stars surrounding mag 7.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 2270 = H. VII-36 = h405 on
26 Dec 1786 (sweep 667) and noted "A Cl of very scattered stars,
considerably rich, and of great extent." On 2 Feb 1831 (sweep 320) John Herschel logged a
"coarse scattered cluster; not very rich; place of *9m." His position is just 5 tsec east of mag
8.8
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06 42 52.9 -23 28 33; CMa
V = 12.2; Size 2.1'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 71°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, oval E-W, weak
concentration. There is a string
of five stars mag 9-11 on line to north including mag 9.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 2271 = h3060 on 23 Jan 1835 and recorded as "pB, S, R, lbM, 20"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.
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06 42 41.3 -27 27 34; CMa
V = 11.7; Size 2.5'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 123°
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, small, round, small
faint core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2272 = h3061 on 20 Jan 1835 and called "F, E, bM, 20"." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is accurate.
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06 50 08.6 +60 50 45; Lyn
V = 11.7; Size 3.2'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 50°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly bright, moderately large, oval
SW-NE, very bright core, stellar nucleus.
Located 5.2' SSW of mag 8.5
Swedish astronomer Nils Dunér discovered NGC 2273 on 15 Sep 1867 using the 9.6-inch Merz refractor of the Lund Observatory. In AN 78, 251 (1871) he described it as "fairly bright and at least 2' in diameter, with a strong concentration in the middle." and measured an accurate position (using mag 8.6 HD 49039). This was his only NGC discovery. NGC 2273 was also observed by Herman Schultz on 3 and 8 Sep 1872 with the 9.6" refractor at Uppsala and listed as "Dunér's Nova" in his 1874 publication.
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06 47 17.3 +33 34 02; Gem
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 169°
24" (1/4/14): moderately bright to fairly bright,
moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, sharply concentrated with a round
high surface brightness core of 0.4' diameter that gradually increases to the
center. Halo increases with
averted to 0.9'x0.7'. Brighter of
a close pair with
18" (3/4/08): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated N-S, 0.9'x0.8', contains a sharply concentrated, bright 25" core and a much fainter halo. Forms a close pair with NGC 2275 1.9' N.
18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
0.8'-1' diameter, bright core.
This galaxy is slightly brighter than its companion, NGC 2275, located
2' N. The
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core. Forms the brighter of a pair with NGC 2275 2' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2274 = H. II-614 = h406, along with NGC 2275, on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 628). His description reads, "Two, both F, S, R, bM. The southern one [NGC 2274] is the largest." The pair was observed a total of 14 times at Birr Castle! The identifications of NGC 2274 and NGC 2275 are reversed in the MCG.
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NGC 2275 = UGC 3542 = MCG +06-15-007 = CGCG 175-016 = WBL 121-002 = LGG 139-002 = PGC 19605
06 47 17.9 +33 35 57; Gem
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 20°
24" (1/4/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, elongated 5:3 N-S, 50"x30". Sharply concentrated with a small, much brighter core that gradually increases to the center. UGC 3537 lies 6.8' WNW.
18" (3/4/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated N-S, 0.9'x0.6', contains a small bright core ~15" in diameter and a much fainter halo. Slightly fainter of a close pair with NGC 2274 1.9' S.
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', brighter core. Located 2' N of slightly brighter NGC 2274.
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, even surface brightness. Forms the fainter of a pair with NGC 2274 2' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2275 = H. II-615 = h407, along with NGC 2274, on 26 Oct 1786 (sweep 626). He described both as "Two, both F, S, R, bM. The southern one [NGC 2274] is the largest." The identifications of NGC 2274 and NGC 2275 are reversed in the MCG.
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NGC 2276 = Arp 25 = Arp 114 = UGC 3740 = MCG +14-04-028 =
07 27 14.4 +85 45 16; Cep
V = 11.4; Size 2.8'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 20°
48" (4/4/13): at 488x, NGC 2276 appeared fairly bright,
fairly large, irregularly round, 2' diameter. Contains a very small, very bright nucleus, surrounded by a
patchy halo with weak spiral structure.
The most prominent arm winds along the western edge of the galaxy,
curving from west to northwest and creating a very asymmetric appearance. Along this arm segment is a prominent
knotty section with two or three clumps, including [HK83] 69, a bright 6"
knot. On the southwest side of the
halo is [HK83] 63, a faint 6" knot on a line between the nucleus and the
8th-magnitude star (
24" (9/15/12): moderately bright, fairly large, round, 2' diameter. Although spiral arms were not visible, the galaxy has an odd appearance with brighter knots and regions resolved. A non-stellar knot, identified in NED as NGC 2276:[HK83] 69 is visible at the NW edge. The central region contains a faint quasi-stellar nucleus, along with one or two other stellar knots including NGC 2276:[HK83] 24, close east of the nucleus. Another knot (nonstellar) is southwest of the nucleus (perhaps NGC 2276:[HK83] 63). The halo appears weaker on the east side and brighter on the west side. Located 2.3' ENE of a mag 8 star and it helps to move the star just outside the field.
18" (8/2/11): moderately bright, large, round, ~2.0'
diameter, weak concentration, slightly brighter core. The halo has an irregular surface brightness giving a strong
impression of spiral structure with slightly brighter knots on the west
side. Located 2.3' ENE of mag 8.1
HD 51141, which hinders viewing and a mag 11.7 star is squeezed between the
bright star and the galaxy.
Brighter
18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, large, slightly
elongated,~2.0'x1.6', low surface brightness. The halo fades gradually into the background, particularly
on the eastern side, so it was difficult to determine a definite edge. Located 2.2' E of mag 8.4
13.1" (1/18/85): diffuse, slightly elongated. Located 2.2' ENE of mag 8.4 SAO 1148 which interferes with viewing. Three mag 11 stars also in line with the 8.4 star to the south including a mag 11.5 star just 1.4' SW. Forms a pair with NGC 2300 6.4' ESE.
8" (1/1/84): faint, moderately large, low surface brightness, slightly elongated. A mag 9 star is near.
Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 2276 = T. 1-20 on 26 Jun 1876 with the 6.5-inch Reinfelder & Hertel refractor at the Strausberg Observatory. His description reads, "faint, about 60", very little condensed towards the center, diffuse." Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered the galaxy the same year with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and included it in his first list (#20). Winnecke also thought he discovered NGC 2300 but Borrelly found that galaxy earlier (either 1871 or 1872) at Marseilles. NGC 2276 is the 3rd closest to the pole in the NGC or IC.
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06 47 47 +33 27 18; Gem
24" (1/4/14): a 7" pair of mag 13.4/14.1 stars were fairly easy to resolve at 375x even in soft seeing. Located 9' SE of NGC 2274 (2' pair with NGC 2275).
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2277 on 20 Apr 1865, while
reobserving the nearby galaxies in the
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06 48 16.4 +33 23 39; Gem
24" (1/4/14): this 10" pair of fairly evenly
matched mag 14.0/14.4 stars (oriented N-S) was easily split at 375x. This pair was easier to resolve than
nearby NGC 2277 7' NW and
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2278 on 1 Jan 1865. At his exact position is a 10" double star (mag 14/14.5). Nearby NGC 2277 from d'Arrest also refers to some faint stars. RNGC misidentifies NGC 2278 = NGC 2275.
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06 48 24.8 +33 24 55; Gem
24" (1/4/14): this is an unequal pair of mag 14.1/15.7 stars at 14" separation. The faint companion was just visible in soft seeing at 375x. Situated just 2' NE of NGC 2278, an easier 10" pair of mag 14.0/14.4 stars.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2279 = Big. 24 on 8 Jan 1885 and noted 10" diameter with a "stellar aspect". Bigourdan's position is less than 1' S of a triple star (two were resolved in my scope) at 06 48 24.8 +33 24 55. It was found while he was measuring previously discovered nebulae (and asterisms) in the area. RNGC misidentifies NGC 2279 = NGC 2275.
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NGC 2280 = UGCA 131 = ESO 427-002 = MCG -05-16-020 = LGG 138-001 = PGC 19531
06 44 48.9 -27 38 20; CMa
V = 10.3; Size 6.3'x3.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 163°
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core. Located 3.9' SE of a mag 10 star. Almost collinear with a second mag 10 star 5.4' NW. NGC 2272 lies 30' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2280 = h3062 on 1 Feb 1837 and
noted "pF; L; irreg R; or lE; gbM; 2'." His position (single sweep) matches
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06 48 18 +41 04 42; Aur
V = 5.4; Size 15'
18" (3/13/04): ~75 stars in a 30' region to the south
of mag 7.3
13.1": ~40 stars mag 7-13 in cluster, bright, loose. Five double stars are visible including a mag 9.5-11.0 pair at 11" and a mag 11.0-11.5 pair at 15".
William Herschel discovered NGC 2281 = H. VIII-71 on 4 Mar 1788 (sweep 813) and recorded "a cluster of coarsely scattered pretty large stars, pretty rich, the place is that of a double star of the third class." His RA is 1.0 minute too large. The position carried forward to the GC and NGC and modern catalogues including the Lynga Open Clusters Catalog (5th edition) and the RNGC.
By analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars that resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 6 Nov 1782 using his 6.2" reflector.
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06 46 51 +01 18 54; Mon
Size 3'x3'
13.1" (1/18/85): very faint reflection nebula with a mag 10 star involved, fairly small, round.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2282 on 3 Mar 1886 with the
6-inch Cooke refractor at Vanderbilt University (announced in AN 2756 and
Sidereal Messenger, vol. 5, p154). He reported finding "a star of
9.5 or 10 magnitiude, with a faint nebulosity surrounding it. I strongly
suspect that is not a stellar point but an extremely small nebula with faint
nebulosity surrounding. At best with the 6-inch it did not appear like
any of the neighboring stars. A short distance (4' or 5') preceding this
and very slightly north is a faint double star that I suspect is enveloped in
nebulosity." His position matches the central star
Barnard later found this reflection nebula again on 30 Oct
1888 using the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory. He noted a "9 1/2 mag star with faint nebulosity about
it. 1' in diameter, a little
heavier nf. Examined several other
stars near, and no nebulosity seen."
Apparently Barnard didn't connect this with his earlier observation and
notified Dreyer who catalogued it again as
This RN is involved with a sparse open cluster OCL 535.1 =
C0644+013, listed in Lynga 5 as
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06 45 52.7 -18 12 37; CMa
V = 12.2; Size 3.6'x2.8'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 2°
13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, small, diffuse, even surface brightness. Three faint stars are involved including two mag 13 stars at the NE edge and the N edge. Located in a rich star field 90' S of Sirius and just 9° from the galactic equator!
William Herschel discovered NGC 2283 = H. III-271 on 6 Feb
1785 (sweep 367) and reported "3 or 4 small stars with vF nebulosity
between them forming an irregular triangle. 240 power showed the same very plainly." Auwers made an error reducing WH's
position, but JH corrected the error in the GC and his position matches ESO
557-013 = PGC 19562. Herbert Howe, observing in 1898-1899
with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, described
"a small quadrilateral of stars of mag 11, 12, 11, and 13, the interior of
which in nearly filled by an eF nebulosity." Harold Corwin comments that E.E. Barnard's
Dave Riddle notes Sven Cederblad catalogued this galaxy as a
reflection nebula (
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06 49 16.2 +33 09 59; Gem
24" (1/22/15): this number applies to one of two possible triples. At 200x, I found a mag 13.8 star with a mag 14.5 star 19" SW and a mag 15-15.5 star 19" N. The stars were widely split with no hint of appearing nebulous. A fourth mag 16-16.5 star listed in Corwin's table was not seen viewing through thin clouds.
Just 2' SE of these stars is a very nice equilateral triple! The three stars range from mag 12.3-13.5 with sides of 10", 12" and 13". These were also easily resolved.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2284, along with
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06 49 35.9 +33 21 53; Gem
24" (1/22/15): at 200x; a 12" pair of mag 14.6 and 15.8 stars was resolved. The fainter star was difficult in hazy conditions. Just 1.6' southeast is a relatively bright double, consisting of mag 10.8/12 stars at 11" separation. d'Arrest didn't mention this pair, which should have been easily resolved, though it is certainly much more eye-catching.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2285, along with NGC 2284, on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory. About 1' northeast of his single position is a mag 14.6/15.8 pair of stars at 12" separation and he was uncertain if it was nebulous or stellar. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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06 47 40 -03 08 54; Mon
V = 7.5; Size 15'
17.5" (12/20/95): at 100x, ~40 stars within an arbitrary 10' region, elongated N-S. This is a fairly rich group of mostly mag 12 and 13 stars bordered by brighter stars grouped in pairs and trios. There is some concentration with a richer 4' core. A wide pair of mag 9 stars is off the SE side.
17.5" (2/1/92): ~60 stars mag 11-14 in the central 10' diameter. Bright, large, fairly rich though not dense. Richest in a lane running NNW-SSE over haze although the brightest mag 10 stars are outliers to the W, north and SE. There is also a bright lane 15' length oriented N-S located to the east of the main group which includes several wide double stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2286 = H. VIII-31 = h408 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 352) and noted "A larger cluster of scattered stars, not v rich." John Herschel made two observations and noted on 4 Jan 1827 (sweep 41), a "Loose L irreg scattered cl of about 100 st 9...15m."
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06 46 00 -20 45 18; CMa
V = 4.5; Size 38'
18" (2/14/10): this naked-eye cluster was perfectly
framed at 73x with the 31mm Nagler (67' field).
A number of loops and chains appear to spin out from the
central grouping. One long chain
extends NNW to the edge of the cluster and a shorter nearby chain heads WNW and
includes a pretty equal mag pair before bending abruptly SW. Two other chains extend from the center
to the SW and ENE. About 20' SE of
the center of the cluster is mag 6.1
8" (10/4/80): ~60 stars mag 7-11.5, very bright, very large, very rich, includes 10 bright stars mag 7 and 8. Many of the stars are arranged in curving rows and groups, includes several double stars. Located about 20' NW of mag 6.0 12 Canis Majoris. Naked-eye object in dark sky.
Naked-eye (numerous dates): fairly easy naked-eye glow in a dark sky.
Giovanni Hodierna discovered M41 = NGC 2287 = h411 in 1654, using a small refractor at 20x. He simply noted "another near Sirius", but he plotted the position accurately on a diagram. It was independently discovered by John Flamsteed on 16 Feb 1702: "Near this star (12 CMa), there is a cluster." Le Gentil also found it in 1749.
Aristotle may have made a naked-eye observation about 325. He mentioned a star below [south of] Sirius was seen to have a faint tail, and that "if you looked hard at it the light used to become dim, but to less intent glance it was brighter." See http://seds.org/messier/more/m041_ari.html for this possibility.
William Herschel recorded M41 in 1784 as "A large cluster of very coarsely scattered large [bright] stars." and in Mar 1830 John Herschel called M41 "Coarse; fills field. The chief, 8m, is red; a poor cluster." The position in the NGC, RNGC and NGC 2000 is 1 tmin of RA too far east.
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NGC 2288 = MCG +06-15-011 = CGCG 175-017 = WBL 126-001 = PGC 19714
06 50 52.0 +33 27 45; Gem
V = 14.4; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 10.3
18" (3/4/08): very faint, extremely small, round, no more
than 10" diameter. Located
just 1' SSW of
18" (10/21/06): faint, extremely small, elongated 5:3 E-W, 20"x12". In a close trio with NGC 2289 1' NNE and NGC 2288 2' SE.
17.5" (12/19/87): very faint, extremely small, elongated WNW-ESE. First of five in a group and forms a close trio with NGC 2289 1.1' NNE and NGC 2290 1.8' SSE.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2288 and 2294 on 22 Feb 1849. He noted "5 neb. in one field [with NGC 2289, 2290, 2291 and 2294]. It was labeled Beta on an accurate sketch of the quintet. The positions of all 5 galaxies (computed by Dreyer and repeated in the GC and NGC) are offset 4' too far south and ~9 seconds too far west, though the relative positions are correct. Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions in 1898 at Strasbourg. The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 2288 and 2289.
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NGC 2289 = UGC 3560 = MCG +06-15-010 = CGCG 175-018 = WBL 126-002 = PGC 19716
06 50 53.6 +33 28 43; Gem
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 92°
18" (3/4/08): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, ~25"x20". A mag 13.5 star is close off the north side. One of the brightest two galaxies in a compact galaxy group (all within 6') of 5 NGCs including NGC 2290 2.5' SSE and NGC 2288 1' S.
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, very small, round, 25" diameter. A mag 13.5 star is just off the north side [38" from the center]. In a compact quintet with NGC 2288 1' S and NGC 2290 2.5' S.
17.5" (12/19/87): faint, fairly small, diffuse, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is just 0.7' N. Second of five in the NGC 2289/NGC 2290 group with NGC 2288 1.1' SSW and NGC 2290 2.6' SSE.
13.1" (12/22/84): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE. Forms a pair with NGC 2290 2.6' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2289 = H. III-897 = h409, along with NGC 2290, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031). His description reads, "Two, eF and vS. The place is taken between them. They are about 4' asunder and northern one which is the largest precedes the other about 2 sec. 300x shows the same." Assuming Herschel observed the brightest two galaxies with the orientation NNW-SE, then H. III-897 = NGC 2289 and H. III-898 = NGC 2290 (Dreyer was confused on the identifications in the GC and NGC). His RA was 15 sec too large, but the NPD is in between the pair. John Herschel also observed the two galaxies and measured the same orientation and 3 or 4' apart. In the NGC, Dreyer incorrectly assigned H. III-898 to NGC 2289.
The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 2288 and NGC 2289. MCG also misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 2288. See my RNGC Corrections #1 and Malcolm Thomson's article in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal in 1/84.
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NGC 2290 = UGC 3562 = MCG +06-15-012 = CGCG 175-019 = LGG 139-003 = WBL 126-003 = PGC 19718
06 50 56.9 +33 26 15; Gem
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 50°
18" (3/4/08): brightest and furthest south in a compact group of 5 NGC's, along with NGC 2289. Appears moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~45"x22", the halo is weakly concentrated with a sharply concentrated 10" core. NGC 2289 and NGC 2288 lie 2' N. The cluster is 0.6° SW of mag 3.6 Theta Gem. The NGC 2290 quintet is 45' E and may be physically related.
18" (10/21/06): furthest south in a curving chain of 5
galaxies including NGC 2288, NGC 2289,
17.5" (12/19/87): third of five and brightest in the NGC 2289/NGC 2290 group. Fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core. NGC 2289 lies 2.6' NNW and NGC 2288 1.8' NNW.
13.1" (12/22/84): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, similar to NGC 2289 2.6' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2290 = H. III-898 = h410, along with NGC 2289, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031). His description reads, "Two, eF and vS. The place is taken between them. They are about 4' asunder and northern one which is the largest precedes the other about 2 sec. 300x shows the same." His RA is 15 sec too large, but the NPD is in between the pair. John Herschel observed the pair on 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51) and measured reasonably accurate positions.
George Stoney independently found the entire quintet (NGC 2288, 2289, 2290, 2291, 2294) on 19 Apr 1849 and the group was accurately sketched. Dreyer credited LdR and d'Arrest (his single position is 10 seconds of time too large) with the discovery in the GC supplement (GCS 5369) as he was probably unsure of the identities of H. III-897 and H. III-898. All positions in the GC and NGC are offset roughly 4' too far south and 8 seconds to time too far west. In the NGC, Dreyer incorrectly assigned H. III-897 to NGC 2290 or NGC 2291. Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions in 1898 at Strasbourg.
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NGC 2291 = MCG +06-15-013 = CGCG 175-020 = WBL 126-004 = PGC 19719
06 50 58.6 +33 31 30; Gem
V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8
18" (3/4/08): faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration to a very small slightly brighter core. Collinear with a mag 10 star 2.7' NNW and a mag 12 star 0.9' NNW.
18" (10/21/06): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low surface brightness. Located 2.8' SSE of a mag 10 star. In a chain of 5 galaxies with NGC 2294 2.6' E and NGC 2289 3' SSW.
17.5" (12/19/87): very faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness. Fourth of five in a group. On a line with NGC 2288 4.0' SSW and NGC 2289 3.0' SSW. NGC 2294 lies 2.6' ENE.
George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2291 on 22 Feb 1849 using Lord Rosse's 72", noting "5 neb. in one field [with NGC 2288, 2289, 2290 and 2294]. It was labeled Delta on the field sketch. Dreyer assumed this nebula was JH's h409 (described as "eF; the northern of two, 3 or 4' apart") and possibly WH's III-897, but the Herschel designations more likely apply to NGC 2289. The positions of all 5 galaxies (computed by Dreyer and repeated in the GC and NGC) are offset 4' too far south and 8-9 seconds of time too far west. Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions in 1898 at Strasbourg.
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06 47 40 -26 44 48; CMa
V = 10.8; Size 4.1'x3.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 1°
17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, very small, round, low
even surface brightness. Forms a
close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 2292 = h3063 on 2 Feb 1835 and
described "a double nebula [with NGC 2293], the preceding eF; the
following (whose place is here set down) pB; both R gbM; in a field full of
stars, among which is also a third nebula." His description clearly refers to the double system
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NGC 2293 = VV 178a = ESO 490-049 = MCG -04-16-023 = LGG 138-002 = PGC 19619
06 47 43 -26 45 12; CMa
V = 11.2; Size 4.2'x3.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 125°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, very bright core, stellar nucleus. In a tight group with NGC 2292 1' WNW (double system in a common halo) and NGC 2295 4' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2293 = h3063 on 2 Feb 1835 and
described "a double nebula [with NGC 2292], the preceding eF; the
following (whose place is here set down) pB; both R gbM; in a field full of
stars, among which is also a third nebula." His description clearly refers to the double system VV 178 =
ESO 490-048/049, although he reversed the orientation and position with NGC
2295! Herschel listed a single
entry for both galaxies, although Dreyer gave separate designations for
Both Joseph Turner (date?) and Pietro Baracchi (9 Mar 1885) sketched the pair. Turner's sketch was included in the observatory's unpublished plate V, figure 35 lithograph.
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NGC 2294 = MCG +06-15-014 = CGCG 175-021 = WBL 126-005 = PGC 19729
06 51 11.3 +33 31 38; Gem
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 6°
18" (3/4/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.35', weak concentration. Furthest NE in a group of 5 NGCs. A wide double of mag 10.5-11 stars lies 2' SE.
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.3', very weak concentration. NGC 2291 lies 2.6' W and NGC 2288, NGC 2289 and NGC 2290 are all nearby to the SW. A 40" pair of mag 10.5-11.5 stars lies 2' SE.
17.5" (12/19/87): fairly faint, small, oval ~N-S. Follows four stars on a line. Last of five in the NGC 2289/NGC 2290 group with NGC 2291 2.6' W.
13.1" (12/22/84): very faint, extremely small, almost round, no details.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2294 and NGC 2288 on 22 Feb 1849. He noted "5 neb. in one field [with NGC 2288, 2289, 2290 and 2291]. It was labeled Epsilon on the field sketch. The positions of all 5 galaxies (computed by Dreyer and repeated in the GC and NGC) are offset 4' too far south and 9 seconds of time too far west. Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions in 1898 at Strasbourg.
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NGC 2295 = ESO 490-047 = MCG -04-16-021 = PGC 19607
06 47 23.5 -26 44 09; CMa
V = 12.7; Size 2.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 46°
17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, even surface brightness. Located between two mag 13 stars 30" SSW of center and 20" NNE or center. A similar star is also 1.5' N. First of three with the NGC 2292/2293 duo 4' E.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2295 = h3064 on 2 Feb 1835 and
described as "eF; S; R; between stars. A double nebula precedes." His description clearly refers to
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06 48 39.1 -16 54 06; CMa
Size 1.9'x1.4'; PA = 145°
17.5" (1/19/91): moderately bright but very small, round, very small bright core. Sirius is 50' WNW and creates a reflection in the field! This object is probably a galactic diffuse nebula located within an absorption patch.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2296 = Sw. 6-28 on 11 Mar 1887
and recorded "vF; vS; R; in finder field with Dog star." His RA was 38 seconds too large. Bigourdan found this reflection nebula
again on 9 Mar 1890 while searching for NGC 2296, measured an accurate position
and Dreyer recatalogued Big. 147 as
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06 44 24.6 -63 43 03; Pic
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2
18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): fairly faint,
fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 45"x30", contains a faint
quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 9.7
star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 2297 = h3066 on 31 Jan 1835 and called "vF, R, vglbM, 30"." His position (single sweep) is accurate.
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06 48 59.2 -36 00 19; Pup
V = 9.2; Size 5'; Surf Br = 0.4
25" (4/6/19 - OzSky): at 244x; extremely bright, large, highly resolved globular with an intensely bright 1.5' core and a scraggly 4' halo. Due to a fairly loose structure and brighter members, the cluster was well resolved into more than 50 stars. A number of fairly bright stars are plastered across the core and the halo contains a few dozen brighter stragglers. A noticeable chain of stars begins in the core and extends southwest. A brighter star (double) is near the edge of the halo on the NE side.
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 200x, this is a compact, fairly bright globular that is well-concentrated with a bright 1.5' core and a fainter halo of ~3' diameter. Roughly two dozen stars are resolved (brightest cluster members are mag 13.4) including several across the core and a number of stragglers, which are easier to resolve in the outer halo.
17.5" (1/31/87): moderately large globular with no sharp core. A dozen stars are resolved over the mottled disc.
8" (1/1/84): no resolution, fairly small, smooth.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2298 = D 578 = h3065 on 8 May 1826 and described (based on 6
observations) "a pretty bright round nebula, 3' or 4' diameter, moderately
condensed to the centre. This is resolvable into stars." His handwritten notes also mentions the
"nebula is preceding a star of the 6th magnitude 1 minute 40 seconds (of
RA) and 15' north of the star", perfectly matching
John Herschel observed the globular on four sweeps from the Cape of Good Hope, first recording it on 2 Feb 1835 (sweep 541) as "B, R, gpmbM, 3', all resolved into stars 14th mag. In the centre is a star 13th mag."
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06 51 54 -07 05 00; Mon
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 2299 = h412 on 19 Jan 1828 and
described "A coarse cl, not v rich, 30 or 40 st, probably only an outlying
portion of VIII 39 [NGC 2302]".
There is nothing at his position (about 7' W of mag 6.6
Harold Corwin notes that Herschel's positional offset from
NGC 2302 (discovered earlier by WH) is "nearly the same as
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NGC 2300 = Arp 114 = UGC 3798 = MCG +14-04-031 = CGCG 362-043 = CGCG 363-029 = LGG 145-003 = PGC 21231
07 32 20.0 +85 42 32; Cep
V = 11.1; Size 2.8'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 80°
18" (8/2/11): bright, moderately large, slightly
elongated, ~1.5'x1.3' diameter.
Sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases steadily to
the center. The halo fades out and
increases with averted vision.
Forms a striking pair with NGC 2276 just 6' NW. NGC 2300 and 2276 are the brightest in
a group of galaxies near +85° declination which includes IC 455,
18" (3/13/04): fairly bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.2' diameter. Well concentrated with a bright 25" core and a much fainter irregular halo. Forms a trio with NGC 2276 6' W and IC 455 11' SSE.
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, bright core, small fainter halo. Forms a pair with NGC 2276 7' W. IC 455 is 11' SSE.
8" (1/1/84): moderately bright, small, bright core, slightly elongated.
Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 2300 = T. 1-21 in 1871 or 1872 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseilles Observatory. He noted "Nebula pretty bright, moderately extended, round; nucleus of 12-13 magnitude." His micrometric position (MNRAS, 32, 248) was accurate. Friedrich August Winnecke independently found the galaxy on 26 Jun 1876 with a 6.5-inch comet-seeker by Reinfelder & Hertel (described as "First class, bright, 40" long, 25" wide, compact core"). Wilhelm Tempel also found it in 1877 and included it in his 1st discovery paper. NGC 2300 is the 4th closest to the pole in the NGC or IC.
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06 51 45 +00 27 36; Mon
V = 6.0; Size 12'
17.5" (2/28/87): ~60-70 stars in cluster. A bright blue/yellow double star (h740 = 8.6/9.3 at 21") is near the center. Many of the stars are arranged in two strings oriented SW-NE which pass through the center.
13.1" (1/1/84): striking, ~60 stars in cluster, dozens more nearby. A very elongated string passes through the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2301 = H. VI-27 = h413 on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 668) and described "a very beautiful cluster of much compressed small and large stars of many sizes, above 20' diameter." His position is accurate. On 27 Jan 1832 (sweep 397) John Herschel noted, "double star in the chief group of a prety rich coarse cl, not very compressed. Broken into 3 groups. The sp group is the richest."
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NGC 2302 = NGC 2299?? = OCL-554 = Lund 264
06 51 54 -07 05 00; Mon
V = 8.9; Size 3'
17.5" (2/1/03): at 140x, this a fairly small group (~4'
diameter) of roughly two dozen stars embedded in a large, scattered field of
stars. On the west side is a nice
quadruple including three mag 10 stars.
On the east side is a double and a triple star forming a "V"
asterism. Located 7' SE of mag 6.6
17.5": 20 stars resolved at 140X, in fairly small group. Not rich but includes some close doubles. The three brightest mag 10 stars form a shallow arc on the west side with fourth fainter star nearby. On the east side is a V-shaped group of six stars with the vertex at the east side. The central portion includes a few scattered stars with a line of three stars on the south side.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2302 = H. VIII-39 = h414 on 4 Mar 1785 (sweep 377) and recorded "a cluster of scattered large stars, of various sizes, not very rich; but taking up above 20 minutes." His position was ~20 seconds of RA too large, though his description included the surrounding field. NGC 2299 is a duplicate observation (see notes).
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06 56 17.5 +45 29 34; Aur
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2303 = Sw. 6-29 on 24 Nov 1886
with a 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His position is 11 tsec west
and 23" north of
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06 55 12 +17 59 18; Gem
Size 5'
13.1" (12/22/84): ~20 faint stars, unresolved haze, rich, elongated WSW-ENE in a thin wedge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2304 = H. VI-2 = h415 on 30 Dec 1783 (early sweep 68) and recorded "a cluster of extremely small stars, very much compressed, 5 or 6' diameter. The stars of the cluster are of unequal sizes but chiefly of two sorts, vS and eS. I viewed them with a power of 500 and found them very numerous and compressed. The cluster is of an irregular oval or almost round form." Auwer's reduction is 40 sec of RA east of the cluster. On 18 Dec 1830 (sweep 313), John Herschel noted a "pretty rich cl; acutangular, the acute angle precedes; the p side is bounded by a remarkably definite line..."
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06 48 37.8 -64 16 24; Vol
V = 11.7; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 140°
18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): moderately to
fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 50"x40",
sharply concentrated with a very bright small core. Bracketed by two close stars; a mag 12.5 star is 35" S
of center and a mag 11.6 star is less than 30" E of center. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 2305 = h3067, along with NGC 2307 = h3068, on 30 Nov 1834 and recorded, "F; vS; R; makes a small triangle with 2 stars." His position is accurate.
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06 54 30 -07 12 18; Mon
Size 20'x10'
18" (1/26/09): at 175x, ~75 stars are resolved in an
18'x10' Milky Way group or cloud that streams WSW to ENE. The richest portion is on the west side
just south of mag 8.6
WH (VIII 51) noted this object as "a cluster of very scattered stars" and JH, who observed it three times (h416) described as an outlying portion of VIII 39 = NGC 2302 and "has no title to be called a cluster."
William Herschel discovered NGC 2306 = H. VIII-51 = h416 on 23 Feb 1786 (sweep 528) and noted "a very much scattered cluster." John Herschel made 3 observations and described an outlying portion of NGC 2302 = H. VIII-39 that "has no title to be called a cluster." Karl Reimuth also comments "many st, but nothing like a cluster.", based on its photographic appearance. RNGC classifies the number nonexistent (Type 7). See Corwin'sidentification notes.
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NGC 2307 = ESO 087-045 = PGC 19648
06 48 50.8 -64 20 07; Vol
V = 12.0; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 142°
18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): slightly larger and fainter of a pair with NGC 2305 4' NNW. Appeared moderately bright and large, roundish, contains a bright elongated core or "bar" oriented NW-SE [~40" in length] with a diffuse halo ~1.3' diameter.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2307 = h3068 (along with NGC 2305 = h3067) on 30 Nov 1834 and noted "vF; pL; lE; in the parallel." His position is accurate.
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06 58 37.6 +45 12 38; Lyn
V = 13.2; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 170°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 N-S. Overpowered by 16 Lyncis (V = 4.9) located 9' SW in the field.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2308 = St. 6-5 on 12 Jan 1872 with the 31" silvered-glass reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. His uncorrected position is 10' NW. His published position in list 6 (#5) was reduced the next day with description, "eF, vS, vF star involved [probably the nucleus]."
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06 56 04 -07 10 30; Mon
Size 3'
17.5" (1/1/92): three dozen stars mag 11-15, fairly
rich, compact, 4' diameter. Most
stars are located within two streams.
The brighter stars in the southern stream are oriented E-W. A fainter star lane to north is
oriented NW-SE. At the NW end it
hooks NE to mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 2309 = H. VI-18 = h417 on 4 Mar 1785 (sweep 377) and logged "a cluster of considerably compressed small stars, pretty rich, 8 or 9' diameter, irr figure. With a smaller aperture it would probably appear nebulous." On 13 Mar 1828, John Herschel described "a cluster, not v rich; 4' diam' irreg fig' st 12...13m."
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06 53 54.0 -40 51 45; Pup
V = 11.8; Size 4.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 47°
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x appears as a fairly faint, very thin edge-on splinter oriented SW-NE, 1.0'x0.15'. Contains a stellar nuclues. Situated in a fairly rich Puppis starfield. This edge-on galaxy has a "box-peanut" central bulge (similar to NGC 128), which is probably a thick bar viewed edge-on.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2310 = h3069 on 2 Jan 1835 and described "pB; vmE; pos 46.6°; psbM; 90" l; 10" br; in a field very full of small stars. His position and description is accurate.
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 2310 on 12 Dec 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope as a thin streak with a small brighter nucleus (unpublished plate V, figure 37). Pietro Baracchi reobserved and sketched the galaxy on 9 Mar 1885.
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06 57 48 -04 36 42; Mon
Size 7'
18" (3/4/08): at 225x, ~40 stars are resolved in a fairly rich 5'x3' group, elongated NW-SE. The cluster includes a few pairs with a nice equal mag pair on the south side. A weak stream of stars trails off to the east from the SE end of the cluster towards a mag 9.8/10.4/13 triple at 3" and 9" (ADS 5636).
17.5" (1/1/92): three dozen stars mag 11-15 in 5'x2' region elongated ~N-S. Fairly rich though no dense spots. Most stars form a thin isosceles triangle with the vertex star mag 13 at the north end, although the brightest star is a wide double 2' ESE of the vertex. From the base of the triangle a stream heads SE and then east from the cluster mixing with some brighter field stars. The cluster includes a few close faint double stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2311 = H. VIII-60 = h418 on 26 Nov 1786 (sweep 639) and described "a cluster of pL scattered stars, not very rich. The place taken is the most compressed part, but not the middle. May be a projecting point of the milky way." His position was just northeast of center of this cluster.
Wolfgang Steinicke lists Caroline Herschel as the discoverer on 4 Mar 1783, probably with a small refractor. This was before William started his sweeps.
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06 58 48 +10 17 42; Mon
17.5" (2/1/03): stands out reasonably well in the field at 140x with ~16 stars, highlighted by a mag 10 star at the south end. The group is ~4'x1.5' in size, elongated N-S and includes a close, faint double on the NE end, which was noticed at 220x. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2312 = h419 on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120) and recorded a "A poor cluster. The largest *10 taken." His position corresponds with a mag 10 star at 06 58 50.0 +10 15 38 (J2000) with a scattering of mag 12 stars to the north. Karl Reimuth called this group a "loose clustering of pF st.", based on Heidelberg plates. The RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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06 58 02.8 -07 56 42; Mon
Size 1.6'
18" (2/3/05): at 225x this reflection nebula appears as
a very faint, very small, low surface brightness glow surrounding a mag 14
illuminating star (V 565 Mon), ~15"-20" diameter. Situated within a rich Milky Way field
which has a mottled appearance at low power. Located 20' NE of mag 6.3
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2313 on 4 Jan 1862. His position (measured on 3 nights) matches this small reflection nebula. He also measured a mag 15 star that follows by 6 seconds of time and a mag 11 star that follows by 14 seconds. J.L.E. Dreyer, Lawrence Parson's assistant on 15 Feb 1877, recorded "pF, pS, iR, fades away nf, 2 F st f about 1'." The RNGC misclassifies this object as nonexistent and it is not plotted on the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas.
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07 10 32.6 +75 19 37; Cam
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 25°
17.5" (8/27/87): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus.
17.5" (2/27/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. 25' to the west is a nice double ∑973 = 7.1/8.1 at 12". Forms a pair with IC 2174 6' WNW.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2314 = T. 9-5 on 1 Aug 1883 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His description says "follows close on the same parallel against the mag 7 star DM +75 ° 281, the latter is a double star". Although his rough RA is good (nearest min), the galaxy lies 6' N of the double star.
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07 02 33.0 +50 35 27; Lyn
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 116°
17.5" (1/20/90): faint, small, edge-on WNW-ESE, bright core. Located 4' S of mag 8.4 SAO 26113.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2315 = h420 on 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327) and simply noted "eF; doubtful." His RA was roughly 10 seconds of time too large. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 15 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC2 Notes).
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06 59 40.8 -07 46 40; Mon
Size 4'x3'
13.1" (2/25/84): moderately bright nebulosity, small,
possibly surrounds two stars oriented SW [NGC 2316] and NE [
William Herschel discovered NGC 2316 = H. II-304 = h421 on 4 Mar 1785 (sweep 377). His description reads, "3 or 4 stars, containing vF nebulosity. 240 would not resolve it; but showed the same nebulosity." On 20 Feb 1851, Bindon Stoney, William Parsons' assistant, called it a "small close double neb, below 3 stars, 2 stellar points (or nuclei)." The 3 stars in the description are just south. The second nuclei received the designations GC 1478 = NGC 2317. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (#76 in AN 1500). Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions for both stars in 1895 (published in his 1907 catalogue).
Albert Le Sueur sketched this nebula in 1870 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate VII, figure 81), as well as Pietro Baracchi on 16 Mar 1885. Le Sueur was surprised the configuration of the nebula and the nearby stars differed significantly between Stoney's sketch and his (mentioned in an 1870 letter to Professor Stokes).
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06 59 41.5 -07 46 29; Mon
13.1" (2/25/84): moderately bright nebulosity, small, surrounding the northeast of two stars (separation ~11"). An obtuse triangle of mag 12 stars is just 1' S. Enhanced with a Deep Sky filter.
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 2317 on 20 Feb 1851. NGC 2316 was described as a "S close D neb, below 3 st, 2 stellar points (or nuclei)." A sketch made on 23 Nov 1851 was included in Lord Rosse's 1861 publication (Plate 27, Fig. 12). Pietro Baracchi also sketched it as a double star in nebulosity on 16 Mar 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope. Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions for both "nuclei" in 1895 (published in his 1907 catalogue).
The RA was only roughly given in the GC and the NGC (nearest min of RA). The RNGC misclassifies this number as nonexistent although NGC 2317 is part of NGC 2316.
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06 59 27 -13 41 54; CMa
17.5" (2/1/03): this is just a weak enhancement of mag
11-13 stars in a Milky Way field, perhaps only noticed by Herschel because of
the mag 8.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 2318 = H. VII-14 = h422 = h3070 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 370) and logged "a cluster of stars above 20' in dia, the stars much scattered." John Herschel observed this object at both Slough, England and at the Cape of Good Hope. At the Cape he described "A large region full of scattered stars forming a cluster of which the chief (=8 m) taken. It seems, however to be only a clustering part of the milky way which here comes on rather suddenly." His position corresponds with mag 8.6 SAO 152208 at 06 59 28.4 -13 41 49 (J2000). RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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07 00 32 +03 02 48; Mon
17.5" (2/1/03): very nice 15' string of a couple dozen
stars heading west of a mag 8.9
William Herschel possibly discovered NGC 2319 on 18 Dec 1783 (early sweep 48) and noted "a cluster of vS stars not very rich." He states this cluster follows 18 Mon by 11 minutes, but only gave a rough polar distance (75' range). It was assigned the internal discovery #12, but not an H-designation.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 2319 = h423 in March 1830 (sweep 237) and recorded a "Linear cluster of stars 11..13m forming a bent line nearly 15' long, terminating on the following side by a *8 whose place is that here taken." His position corresponds with mag 8.8 SAO 114784 at 07 01 06.5 +03 03 11. The "bent line" of stars preceding is oriented WNW-ESE and is fairly striking. JH equated h423 with his father's #12, but identified it as VIII-1 (the previous class VIII object discovered by his father). In the GC, he referred to it as VIII-1B. In the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, Dreyer gives the details of the sweep. Steinicke suggests VIII-1B = h423. The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (probably an asterism).
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07 05 42.0 +50 34 51; Lyn
V = 11.9; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 140°
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, spindle NW-SE,
weak concentration. Located 1.7'
WSW of mag 9.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 2320 = H. II-861 = h424,
along with NGC 2322, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 990) and noted "pB, pL, irr
figure, gbM." His position is
3 - 4' northwest of
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NGC 2321 = UGC 3663 = MCG +08-13-053 = CGCG 234-051 = PGC 20141
07 05 59.0 +50 45 22; Lyn
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 135°
17.5" (1/20/90): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness. NGC 2320 lies 11' SSW.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2321 on 18 Dec 1849. He labeled it Beta in the field sketch (includes NGC 2320, 2322 and 2326). Although this was an early discovery, it was not included in the 1861 publication so did not receive a GC designation. Dreyer added it in the GC Supplement (GCS 6248). Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 15 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
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NGC 2322 = UGC 3662 = MCG +08-13-054 = CGCG 234-050 = PGC 20142
07 06 00.3 +50 30 37; Lyn
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 136°
17.5" (1/20/90): faint, small, elongated NW-SE, even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 2320 5' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2322 = H. III-874, along with NGC 2320 = H. II-861, on 28 Dec 1790 (sweep 990) and noted "vF, vS, lE." His position (Auwer's reduction) is 2.5' too far northwest, the same offset as NGC 2320. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 15 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC2 Notes).
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07 02 48 -08 22 36; Mon
V = 5.9; Size 16'
18" (3/15/10): very bright, fairly scattered cluster,
though contains a richer subgroup.
About 125-150 stars were resolved at 175x in the central 10'-12'. The cluster has roughly a triangular or
wedge-shaped outline, highlighted by an 8' string of stars oriented ~E-W on the
north side (including mag 9.0
13.1" (3/24/84): ~75 stars including some brighter
stars at the south and northeast borders.
There are a few dense spots and many stragglers. An orange/red mag 8 star is at the
south edge and a nice 16" pair of mag 9/11 stars (HJ 748) is 1' NW. There is an elongated 4'x3' region that
is devoid of stars just north of the colored mag 8 star. Located 42' E of mag 6.0
Giovanni Domenico Cassini possibly discovered
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07 04 08 +01 02 42; Mon
V = 8.4; Size 8'
17.5" (3/20/93: 65 stars mag 10-14 in very irregular 8' diameter. Includes two mag 10 stars at the NE corner and NW side. Includes several mag 12 stars but rich in mag 13-14 stars. Somewhat uneven distribution of very faint stars due to a couple of 2' diameter dark voids; one near the center. The cluster includes several very close, faint double stars.
8": rich in faint stars 12-13, includes two mag 9 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2324 = H. VII-38 = h427 on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 668) and noted "a beautiful cluster of small stars of several sizes, considerably compressed and rich in the middle, 10 or 12' diameter." John Herschel made 3 observations and logged it on 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113) as a "rich L cl; fills field; st 14...16m; not comp towards a centre."
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07 02 40.3 -28 41 50; CMa
V = 11.4; Size 3.3'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 6°
13.1" (3/3/84): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated N-S. A mag 12 star is off the SE edge 1.6' from center. Located in a rich star field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2325 = h3071 on 1 Feb 1837 and
recorded "pB; pL; lE; gbM; r; 2' long." His position (single sweep) matches
Joseph Turner's sketch, made on 5 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate V, figure 38), depicts it very elongated N-S. Baracchi's sketch on 11 March 1885 added a star at the south tip (called 16th mag)
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07 08 11.0 +50 40 55; Lyn
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.3
17.5" (1/20/90): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, bright core. Four mag 12-12.5 stars in a group lie 3' W.
Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2326 = H. II-734 = h426 on 9
Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and recorded "F, pL, iF, mbM, S.f. a triangle of
small stars." His position is
2' north of
The RNGC has a poor position 0.3 tmin of RA too far east and 3' north. NGC 2326A, located just 4.8' SE, is correctly placed in RNGC. Listed in RNGC Corrections #5.
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07 04 07.2 -11 18 51; CMa
18" (2/23/06): moderately bright, 1' reflection nebula surrounding a mag 9.5 star with a mag 12 companion at 7". Viewed unfiltered at 225x.
17.5" (3/8/02): this small but high surface brightness
reflection nebula surrounds an unequal pair of mag 9.5/12.5 stars at 7"
separation. At 280x, the
nebulosity is round and approximately 50" in size although it fades
smoothly into the background and may be a bit larger. This small knot of nebulosity is at the western end of a
striking arc of 6 stars which trail off to the NE. The next star in the arc, 1.5' E, also seems to be encased
in a very small halo. A similar
mag 9.5 comparison star (with no halo) lies 4' ESE and several other mag
9.5-10.5 stars are scattered across the field. The background sky in this vicinity is weakly luminous, as
NGC 2327 is situated midway along the western side of
This bright nebula was discovered by William Herschel (IV 25) in 1785 and reobserved by his son, John. Although their positions and descriptions match this object,there is a great deal of confusion in the literature as to its identification and position and some sources misidentify NGC 2327 with the much larger Sh 2-292 = Gum 1 located 50' to the north (also associated with IC 2177).
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint reflection nebula, fairly small, surrounds a mag 8 star (close unequal double). Located along the faint, extremely large, curving strip of nebulosity = IC 2177.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2327 = H. IV-25 = h428 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and described "A pretty considerable star with vF and vS milky chevelure of an irregular chevelure, other stars of the same size are perfectly free from that appearance." John Herschel reported on 11 Mar 1828 (sweep 130), "a double star whose large star is in the center of a very faint nebula which involves the small star also." His position of 07 04 07.6 -11 19.0 pins down the identification as a compact HII/Reflection nebula on the west side of the Seagull Nebula. In 1886, Engelhardt also published an accurate micrometric position of 07 04 07.77 -11 18 56.6 (J2000). Herbert Howe noted the central star is double with separation 7".
Joseph Turner (date uncertain) and Pietro Baracchi (11 Mar 1885) observed this nebula with the 48" Melbourne telescope. Turner's sketch was included in the unpublished plate V, figure 39).
Despite John Herschel's accurate position and description, there's been a great deal of confusion in the literature as to the identification and position.
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07 02 36.1 -42 04 06; Pup
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 115°
18" (2/19/09): at 175x appeared very faint, small,
round, 20" diameter (probably viewed brighter core region only). Steadily visible with direct vision
though viewed at a very low elevation, so the surface brightness of the core is
moderately high. Starhopped from
mag 5.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 2328 = h3072 on 1 Jan 1835 and recorded "F; vS; R; pslbM; 15"; like a blotted star; in field with many small stars." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.
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07 09 08.0 +48 36 55; Lyn
V = 12.5; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 175°
18" (1/13/07): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', small bright core. Brightest in the core of
18" (11/18/06): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 N-S, 1.2'x0.9', contains a large, brighter core. This galaxy and UGC 3696, located 2.8' NE, are the brightest member of AGC 569. I observed 7 members of the cluster at 280x.
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core. A mag 15 star is 0.7' W of center. Three mag 14 stars lie 1.7' W, 1.3' NE and 2.0' NE. Forms a pair with UGC 3696 3' ENE. Brightest member of AGC 569.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2329 = H. II-735 = h429 on 9
Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and called "F, stellar." His position is 3' east
of
Although usually classified as a Lenticular Galaxy, recent studies have concluded NGC 2329 is a 'cluster dominant' Elliptical Galaxy (cD). It is an x-ray source with a radio jet streaming from its core, like many other cD's. In addition that is also a 'radio tail' extending from this galaxy.
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07 09 28.4 +50 09 08; Lyn
V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.2
24" (2/15/18): at 375x fairly faint, small, nearly
round, 20" diameter, even surface brightness. Located 2' SSW of
17.5" (1/20/90): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 15 star is 1' NE. Located 2' SW of NGC 2332.
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney,
Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2330 on 2 Jan 1851. He noted a small nebula, which was
labeled "b" on the published diagram, and placed SSW of NGC 2332 (the
direction of drift is reversed on the sketch). At this position is
Although 9 nebulae were found at Birr Castle over 3 nights,
the 1861 publication only included the comment "several knots around"
NGC 2332. John Herschel added just
one new entry in the GC (1492), which Dreyer assigned to either NGC 2330 and
Since absolute positions were not computed at Birr Castle,
Dreyer relied on Bigourdan's erroneous position (he measured a faint star) for
NGC 2330. As a result NGC 2330 was
misplaced 2.4' north of NGC 2332 instead of south-southwest (as on the 1851
sketch). In 1893, Hermann Kobold
measured an accurate position and Dreyer catalogued it as
The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 2330 and NGC 2332, making NGC 2330 the brighter northern member of the pair and incorrectly describes NGC 2332 as "almstel" (same error in MCG). UGC and CGCG label NGC 2330 as IC 457. See RNGC Corrections #5 and Corwin's notes for much more on this complicated story!
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07 07 00 +27 15 42; Gem
Size 18'
17.5" (1/20/90): at 82x, very large scattered group of about 40 stars mag 10-14, 15' diameter. There is a small circle of 6 stars at the east end. The classification of this group as a true cluster is doubtful.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2331 = H. VIII-40 = h432 on 11 Mar 1785 (sweep 384) and recorded "some clustering, large scattered stars; many of an equal size." John Herschel noted in on 17 Feb 1827 (sweep 57) as "a small cluster of 10 or a doze st 11...13m in an ellipse."
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NGC 2332 = (R)NGC 2330 = UGC 3699 = MCG +08-13-079 = CGCG 234-075 = WBL 133-002 = PGC 20276
07 09 34.2 +50 10 56; Lyn
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 60°
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large oval 4:3 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a bright core and very small brighter nucleus. A mag 15.1 star is 1' S of center and a mag 15.7 star is barely off the NE end [0.8' NW of center].
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 1' SW. Forms a pair with NGC 2330 = IC 457 2' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2332 = h430 on 8 Mar 1831
(sweep 330) and recorded "F; S; R psbM; 12"." His position matches
The identications of NGC 2330 and NGC 2332 are reversed in the RNGC and MCG.
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07 08 21.3 +35 10 12; Gem
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 35°
17.5" (2/8/91): faint, very small, sharp stellar nucleus surrounded by faint oval halo 3:2 ~N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2333 = H. III-899 = h431 on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031) and noted "vF, S, nearly R, bM."
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NGC 2334 = IC 465 = MCG +08-13-098 = CGCG 234-095 = WBL 133-012 = PGC 20357
07 11 33.6 +50 14 53; Lyn
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 70°
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; moderately bright, moderately large, round, strong concentration with a high surface brightness core that increases to a very small brighter nucleus. Located 5.8' NE of NGC 2340 in a fairly rich group.
18" (12/18/06): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', gradually increases to a very small, brighter core. Furthest NE in a group of 7 galaxies in the field and 5.8' NE of the brightest member, NGC 2340.
17.5" (1/20/90): faint, small, round, bright core. Last of four galaxies in a 20' field and located 5.8' NE of NGC 2340.
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney,
Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2334 on 2 Jan 1851. He noted a small nebula (unlabeled on a
sketch of h433 = NGC 2340) 6' south-following NGC 2340. Unfortunately the direction of drift
was confused as
Although 9 nebulae were found at Birr Castle on 3 nights, the 1861 publication only included the comment "several knots around" NGC 2332. John Herschel added just one new entry in the GC (GC 1492), which Dreyer assigned to either NGC 2330 and NGC 2334 (with question marks) and the additional Rosse nebulae were not included in the NGC.
Since absolute positions weren't computed at Birr Castle,
Dreyer relied on Bigourdan's erroneous position for NGC 2334 (he measured a
faint star 3' ENE of NGC 2332). In
1893, Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position for Stoney's nebula and
Dreyer recatalogued it as
The question remains if IC 465 is the galaxy Dreyer meant as NGC 2334. Dreyer credits both Rosse and Kobold in the IC, so this seems probable, although Malcolm Thomson disagrees. MCG, CGCG, PGC, SIMBAD all label this galaxy as IC 465 and not NGC 2334. NED and HyperLeda give the equivalence. See Corwin's identification notes for more on this complicated situation.
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07 06 49 -10 01 42; Mon
V = 7.2; Size 12'
18" (2/23/06): at 225x, ~75 stars are resolved in a 10'x5' region elongated N-S. The cluster is broken up by a circular void on the south side that extends to the west in a dark (dust) lane. Also an elongated rectangular-shaped void of stars is on the north side of the cluster. The brightest cluster star is on the northeast side and is part of a "keystone" asterism that mimics the shape of the main body of Hercules. A mag 7 star lies 10' ENE outside the borders of the cluster. The Milky Way background is very patchy in this vicinity and appears significantly affected by dust in the region and possible nebulosity. This affect is best seen at 115x (20 Nagler). Located just north of IC 2177 = Seagull Nebul, an extremely long N-S string of nebulosity.
17.5" (3/20/93): 50-60 stars mag 10.5-14 in a 10'
diameter. Mag 6.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 2335 = H. VIII-32 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 356) and reported "a cluster of coarsely scattered stars of many sizes, pretty rich, more than 15' diameter." His position is on the west side of this open cluster.
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07 27 03.8 +80 10 43; Cam
V = 10.4; Size 7.1'x3.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 178°
17.5" (8/27/87): fairly bright, fairly large, bright
core, faint halo elongated N-S. A
mag 15 star is superimposed just east of the core. Located 3.6' SSE of a mag 10 star.
17.5" (2/22/87): fairly bright, small bright core surrounded by a large, diffuse halo elongated 2:1 N-S. Located 26' S of a mag 7.3 star.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2336 = T. 1-22 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and described a "beautiful II class nebula, R, lbM, 2' diameter, forms a triangle with two mag 10-11 stars." Tempel's very rough position (only the hour of RA is given!) is off by 2.5 tmin of RA (west) and 3' dec (north) and the two stars in the description are just north.
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07 10 13.6 +44 27 26; Lyn
V = 12.5; Size 2.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 120°
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ENE, even surface brightness. Bracketed by a mag 14 star 1.1' SW and a mag 13.5 star 1.3' ENE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2337 = St. 8b-19 on 16 Jan
1877 with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. His position matches
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07 07 47 -05 43 12; Mon
17.5" (2/3/03): roughly 3 dozen stars in an elongated N-S group, ~8'x3'. Includes a few mag 11 stars, with the rest of stars mag 12-14. Just stands out at 100x as a weak field enhancement and detached enough in the field that a definite border can be traced out. Still this is probably just an unrelated group of stars and NGC 2338 is listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2338 = h435 on 19 Jan 1828 (sweep 122) and noted a "Very loose and straggling cluster." There is nothing noticeable at JH's (uncertain) position. In 1926, Karl Reinmuth noted (based on Heidelberg plates) "many st, but nothing like a cluster." and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7). Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 2338 is a group of stars ~50 tsec of RA east and 5' south of his position. If a similar offset is applied to NGC 2299 (found by JH on the same sweep), it matches NGC 2302, so this error is quite plausible.
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07 08 20.5 +18 46 49; Gem
V = 11.8; Size 2.7'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 175°
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, nearly round, very weak concentration, low surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is superimposed at the east edge 30" from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2339 = H. II-769 = h434 on 22 Feb 1789 (sweep 906) and recorded it as "pB, pL, iR, easily resolvable, bM.". His RA was 16 seconds too large. On 14 Mar 1831(sweep 333), John Herschel wrote, "pB, pL, R, glbM, 40". In a rich part of the heavens."
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NGC 2340 = UGC 3720 = MCG +08-13-096 = CGCG 234-091 = WBL 133-010 = PGC 20338
07 11 10.8 +50 10 28; Lyn
V = 11.7; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 80°
24" (2/13/18): at 200x and 375x; fairly bright, fairly
large, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, contains a large bright core that is weakly
concentrated to the center. A
couple of 12th magnitude stars are off the northwest side. Brightest in a group of mostly IC
galaxies with
18" (12/18/06): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x1.0', large bright core increases gradually to the center. A mag 12 star lies 1.7' NW. Brightest in a group of 12 galaxies (WBL 133) incuding IC 464 2.5' SSW. Beyond IC 464 a string of stars continues to the SSW.
17.5" (1/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
E-W, bright core. Brightest of
four in the field with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2340 = H. II-736 = h433 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and called "pF, vS, lbM, resolvable." Harold Corwin concludes that H. II-862 (found on sweep 990, 28 Dec 1890), although equated with NGC 2332 = h430, is actually a duplicate observation of this galaxy. John Herschel described it on 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329) as "pB; pL; R; gbM; 25"; two small stars preceding." and measured a more accurate position.
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07 09 12.1 +20 36 10; Gem
V = 13.2; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (1/20/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated
E-W. A mag 13.5 star is 0.7'
N. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2341 = m 100, along with NGC 2342, on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48". Édouard Stephan made observations on 27 and 29 Jan 1878 and another on 2 Feb!
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NGC 2342 = UGC 3709 = MCG +03-19-004 = CGCG 086-007 = Holm 86a = PGC 20265
07 09 18.1 +20 38 11; Gem
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 126°
17.5" (1/20/90): moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, slightly elongated SW-NE, slightly brighter along major axis but no core. Forms a pair with NGC 2341 2.5' WSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2342 = m 101, along with NGC 2341, on 10 Nov 1864 using Lassell's 48".
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07 08 07 -10 37 00; Mon
V = 6.7; Size 7'
18" (2/23/06): at 225x, three dozen stars are resolved
in a fairly scattered, but well-detached 5' group. The brightest star at the southeast end is a wide double
(STF 1028) with a mag 8.8 yellow primary and a mag 11 bluish secondary at
11". The stars are arranged
in long winding strings with a couple of offshoots. There are no dense areas and the strings appear to wrap
around regions devoid of stars.
Located off the northeast end of IC 2177. Two ill-defined groups,
17.5" (3/20/93): two dozen stars mag 8-13 in compact 5' diameter. The cluster has a distinctive boxy shape but is not rich. Includes an unequal double star STF 1028 = 8.8/11.1 at 11" at the east side. Stars are arranged in small subgroups with no central concentration, well detached in field. Located off the NE end of the huge, strip of nebulosity IC 2177.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2343 = H. VIII-33 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 356) and called it "a cluster of scattered large stars, not so extensive as the last [NGC 2335], nor so rich." His position is just off the southeast side of the cluster.
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07 12 28.7 +47 10 00; Lyn
V = 12.0; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad mild concentration, faint stellar nucleus, edges fade smoothly into background.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2344 = Sw. 6-30 on 24 Nov
1886. His position is 16 sec of RA
west and 81" north of
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07 08 19 -13 11 36; CMa
V = 7.7; Size 12'
17.5" (3/20/93): 50 stars mag 9-14 in 10'x8' region
elongated SW-NE. Fairly rich in
faint stars. Includes the pretty
double HJ 3930 = 9.7/10.6 at 15" on the north side. Near the center is a small clump of
about 8 stars including an unequal triple star. Located midway between mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 2345 = h3073 on 14 Feb 1836 and recorded "a pretty rich cluster; irregular fig; 7' diam; gbM; stars 10..14 m; place that of a double star, the chief *." His position corresponds with HJ 3930 = 9.7/10.6 at 15".
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07 09 22.5 -00 48 23; Mon
V = 11.9; Size 60"x50"
17.5" (2/2/02): easily picked up at 100x as a fairly small, round halo surrounding a bright mag 11.5 star. Nice view at 280x and 380x. The halo is irregularly round, ~50"x45" with a slightly uneven surface brightness and it appears a bit thinner or pinched on the NW side. Modest contrast gain with a UHC filter at 100x-280x, although this object does not require a filter.
13.1" (1/11/86): bright mag 11.5 central star surrounded by fairly small, round disc. Located between two mag 13 stars 0.8' E and 1.2' W. View enhanced with Daystar 300 filter. Central star is the variable V651 Mon (mag 11.3-13.5).
William Herschel discovered NGC 2346 = H. IV-65 on 5 Mar 1790 (sweep 935) and recorded "a pretty considerable star, 9 or 10m, visibly affected with vF nebulosity, of very little extent all around. A power of 300 shewed the same, but gave a little more extent to the nebulosity. The 22d Monocerotis was quite free from nebulosity." Caroline's reduced position is 1° too far south, but a note was added on the sweep there may be an error of 1°, due to a confusion on the polar distance.
John Herschel didn't report an observation in either his Slough or Cape catalogues. Dreyer observed the PN on 14 Feb 1877 with the 72" at Birr Castle and reported "*9 mag seems nebulous, especially on the n or np side. At last we agreed that it was nebulous all round. About 4' sp is a reddish *10 with a white-bluish *11 1' south. The nebulous star has a bluish tint."
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07 16 04.0 +64 42 41; Cam
V = 12.5; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 175°
13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, fairly small, bright
core, slightly elongated N-S, diffuse.
Located 4' S of mag 7.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 2347 = H. III-746 on 1 Nov
1788 (sweep 879) and recorded, "vF, S, R lbM." His position, based on Auwers'
reduction, is 3.3' N of
Bigourdan later observed this field in 1894 and 1900. His position for B. 267 = IC 2179 in Comptes Rendus is 07 15 33 +64 57 (2000), which is an excellent match for UGC 3750. CGCG, UGC, MOL, DSFG, RC3, PGC and U2000 all label this galaxy as IC 2179. But, Bigourdan's listing in his complete Observations, etc. for B. 267 corresponds with UGC 3759, the galaxy identified as NGC 2347 in modern catalogues and his listing for NGC 2347 matches UGC 3750 (Corwin notes an error in his identification of the reference star). So, Bigourdan reverses the modern identifications.
The question still remains - which of these two galaxies is WH's III-746? See Corwin's identification notes for more on this story (also analyzed by Malcolm Thomson).
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07 03 03 -67 23 36; Vol
Size 11'
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, distinctive
group of stars appears fully resolved, ~10' diameter, ~35 stars mag 10-14. A bright mag 9.9 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 2348 = h3074 on 31 Jan 1835 and recorded as a "Coarse loose cluster of about 30 stars, many 11m, one 10m taken." His position corresponds with a mag 10 star in the center of an 8' circular cluster or group.
RNGC calls this "an unverified southern cluster" and neither Lynga, ESO or WEBDA has a listing for this object. Bica et al includes NGC 2348 in a 2001 paper on "Dissolving star cluster candidates"
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07 10 48 -08 36; Mon
17.5" (2/3/03): group of ~30 stars, elongated SW-NE, ~8'x3'. Stands out reasonably well in the field an over background haze but is probably just an asterism. Most stars are 12-14th magnitude. This group is ~11' following John Herschel's position, but the star density is richer on this group. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 2349 = H. VII-27 = h436 on 4 Mar 1783. Three years later on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529), William Herschel recorded "An irregular cluster of extremely small stars, considerably compressed, 9 or 10' l, 4 or 5' b with an extending branch towards sp." Close to his position (Auwers' reduction) is the group of stars described in my observation. John Herschel logged on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318), "a poor straggling cl, place of a D*", but his position is 1 min of RA too far west and corresponds with a mag 10/11.5 at 30" separation that is not involved in any clustering. Unfortunately JH used his own position in the GC and it was repeated by Dreyer in the NGC.
Based on Heidelberg plates, Karl Reinmuth noted "many st in a dense region, very little clustering." RNGC classifies the number nonexistent (Type 7). See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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07 13 12.2 +12 15 58; CMi
V = 12.3; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 110°
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core. Several mag 14 stars are near including one 1' SE of core. A nice double star (mag 10/10 at 20" separation) lies 10' NNE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2350 = St. 6-6 on 10 Jan 1872. His published micrometric position (list VI, #6) was made 2 years later on 18 Jan 1874 with description "eF, eS, irr R." It was included in his short 6th discovery list (10 objects), published in 1874. He made a later observation on 4 Feb 1878.
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07 13 29 -11 29 12; CMa
= Not found, Gottlieb. Possibly a scattered group around two stars, wrong dec in NGC, Corwin.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2351 = h437 on 9 Mar 1828
(sweep 129) and noted "A loose straggling cluster, place of double
star." There is nothing at his position and even the double star doesn't
seem to be there. Exactly 1 degree north is a mag 9.4/12 double star at
12" separation with two mag 9/10.9 stars 1' NW and 1' SW. But there is no obvious clustering here
on the POSS. Alister Ling
questions if this object is a duplicate of
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07 13 05 -24 02 48; CMa
17.5" (3/8/97): at 82x there is no obvious cluster at this position, although there are about a dozen mag 12/13 stars in a 7' string ~N-S, roughly centered on a mag 11.5 star at 07 13.1 -24 03. At 220x, several fainter stars are visible increasing the total to ~20 stars and it stands out a little better. The stars in the N-S string are arranged in "seagull wings" concave to the west. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2352 = H. VII-15 on 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) and called "A small cluster of pretty compressed stars, not very rich." There is nothing at his position, but 40 sec of RA west is string of stars oriented N-S. Howe also "saw nothing noteworthy in the place given for this cluster, except that the whole background contains myriads of minute stars, on the limit of vision." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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NGC 2353 = Cr 130 = Mel 62 = OCL-567
07 14 30 -10 16 00; Mon
V = 7.1; Size 20'
17.5" (3/20/93): over 100 stars mag 6-13 in a 20'
diameter, requires 100x (20mm Nagler) for best view. Richest around mag 6
William Herschel discovered NGC 2353 = H. VIII-34 on 10 Jan 1785 (sweep 356) and noted "an extensive scattered cluster contains a very bright star."
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07 14 15 -25 41 36; CMa
V = 6.5; Size 20'
17.5" (3/12/94): ~100 stars in a 20' diameter, circular outline, fairly uniform in magnitudes. There are no prominent subgroups or individual stars but the cluster is fairly detached in the field at 100x. Unconcentrated with a 9'x3' void or dark lane in the center elongated N-S. A double star with components 11.5/12.5 at 14" separation is just following the dark lane towards the south end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2354 = H. VII-16 = h438 on 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) and called it "a large cluster of scattered stars, considerably rich, about 20' in diameter or more." His position matches this cluster. John Herschel recorded on 7 Jan 1831 (sweep 317), "loose straggling cl; the preceding part is rather separated from the following, and more comp. Place that of 3 stars in the following part."
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07 16 59 +13 45 00; Gem
Size 9'
18" (3/15/10): fairly rich group with ~70 stars in an
8'-9' diameter group, with the richest portion in the central 4'. On the north side of the central region
is a 13" pair of mag 11/12 stars with a mag 13 star 16" S forming an
easy triple. The stars are pretty
evenly distributed and many are similar magnitudes, though a number appear to
be arranged in strings that extend out radially from the center. The brightest member is a mag 10 star
on the SE side. The cluster shares
the field with mag 8.3
18" (2/23/06): rich cluster at 257x with ~75 stars in an 8' irregular group. Very rich in a 2.5' central "core" with the brightest mag 10 star just SE of this core. The outline is marked by rows of stars giving a triangular outline. Mag 8 HD 56329 lies 7' NE of the cluster.
13.1" (1/18/85): about 50 stars down to mag 14 in a
8'x5' group elongated N-S including a mag 10 star at the SE edge. Rich, fairly compact, a number of stars
are arranged in lanes. Located
about 7' SW of mag 8.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 2355 = H. VI-6 = h439 on 8 Mar 1784 (sweep 161) and reported "a cluster of stars of various magnitudes, pretty much compressed in the middle, and the cluster is pretty rich. Of an iR form; most of the stars are S and I suppose if it is at all visible in my 7 ft reflector it must assume a nebulous appearance. To the north of it is a pretty considerable star which my field will take in with the cl." There is nothing at his position, but 1 min 40 sec of east of his position is this cluster and it fits his description. Karl Harding independently found the cluster around 1823 and reported it as a new discovery (7 of the 8 objects in his list were previously discovered). John Herschel recorded on 23 Jan 1832 (sweep 393), "a p rich cl of very small stars; irreg; R; 5' diameter; not bM; st 11...16m." He questioned whether this was his father's H. VI-6.
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07 16 59 +13 45 00; Gem
18" (2/23/06): there is no cluster at William Herschel's position or nearby group of stars that match his description "A pretty rich and compressed cluster of stars" other than NGC 2355 10' S of his position. Corwin equates NGC 2356 = NGC 2355 (see description for NGC 2355). Also about 20' W of Herschel's position are 15 stars in a 3' arrowhead outline. This asterism is well detached in the field and though not impressive is also a possible candidate. A nice equilateral triangle of mag 11.5-12.5 stars with sides of 1' form the eastern corner of the group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2356 = H. VII-6 on 16 Mar 1784 (sweep 176) and described "A pretty rich and compressed cluster of stars." There is nothing at his position (reduced using the offsets given in Dreyer's 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH) but ~15' S is NGC 2355 and Harold Corwin concludes this number is probably a duplicate observation of NGC 2355. His position for NGC 2355 is not good either -- it's 100 tsec of RA too far west!
Based on photographic plates taken at the Heidelberg Obseratory, Reinmuth adds "no Cl north of NGC 2355, in 7h 8m.0 +14d 13' (1860) a loose clustering of st 11... in triangle." At Reinmuth's position (about 1 tmin preceding the NGC position) is a triangular group which stands out pretty well. But NGC 2355 is the best fit for NGC 2356. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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07 17 40.9 +23 21 23; Gem
V = 13.3; Size 3.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 122°
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, large, edge-on 6:1 NW-SE. Appears as a very low surface brightness ghostly streak with no central condensation! A mag 13 star is off the NW end 1.3' from center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2357 = St. 13-27 on 5 Feb
1878. His uncorrected position was
just off the SE edge of the galaxy.
His published position in his last discovery list was reduced on 6 Feb
1885 and matches
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07 16 56 -17 07; CMa
Size 20'x15'
18" (3/13/10): gorgeous low power Milky Way field at 72x (63'), though nothing stands out distinctly as cluster-like. At the given position (07 16.9 -17 07 (2000), is a weak enhancement, roughly 20' diameter, with a nice quardruple group of mag 10-11 stars on the south side. This field enhancement is only noticeable as the Milky Way is weaker or dusty to the north and south of the group and the background glow brightens near the position of NGC 2358.
Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC and William Herschel's description ""A course scattered cluster of stars, not rich." is not specific enough to pin down his intended "cluster".
William Herschel discovered NGC 2358 = H. VIII-45 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "A course scattered cluster of stars, not rich., not compressed" JH did not record an observation of this "cluster" and it was not observed at Birr Castle. There is a large (~20') Milky Way field (described in my observation) including a number of mag 10 stars close to WH's position. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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07 18 31 -13 13 30; CMa
Size 8'x6'
48" (4/13/10): the 5' central region of Thor's Helmet was mesmerizing at 267x and 330x (unfiltered). A large, bright knot is at the south end of the rim where the inner portion of the bright wing that heads southwest connects with the central bubble. Along the northern edge of the rim are three collinear mag 11 stars (2.2' length) oriented E-W. The rim of the bubble is noticeably brighter in a thin arc beginning due north of center (between the two western stars) and extending about 90° clockwise to the west (this portion of Thor's Helmet was catalogued separately as NGC 2361). The rim is also brighter along a 45° thicker arc on the southeast side. The rim has a lower surface brightness on the east and NE side and varies in thickness and brightness around the entire bubble.
Three brighter stars (nearly collinear) and several fainter
stars are superimposed within the main bubble. A second, smaller, incomplete bubble just north of center
outlines an inner dark "hole", which includes one of the brighter
stars. The 11.4-magnitude ionizing
Wolf-Rayet star
17.5" (12/28/00): "Thor's Helmet" is a remarkably bright, detailed nebulosity at 100x using an OIII filter. The central region is a 5' bubble (illuminated by a Wolf-Rayet star) with a brighter rim along the west side giving a "C" appearance with irregular knots, filamentary wisps of nebulosity and areas of thinner nebulosity in the interior. A number of fainter stars are superimposed in the central region along with some brighter mag 11 stars on the north portion of the rim.
The southern "horn" of the helmet is attached at the south end of the bubble and a mag 10.5 star is attached to its SE side. The brightest portion is a thick 4' extension angling towards the WSW. As it extends more directly west it thins out into a long 10' streamer. The northern "horn" of Thor's Helmet" is attached at the northwest end of the central bubble and extends towards the northwest. This section is fairly long and thick but brighter along a thin spine. A fainter strip of nebulosity also begins on the northeast end of the central mass and extends 10' due east. Finally, weak nebulosity was also visible to the southeast of the central "helmet". Illuminated by the Wolf-Rayet star HD 56925 = WR 7.
13.1" (1/28/84): unusual emission nebula, fairly bright, fairly large, about 7'x5'. A thinner strip extends west of a mag 10.8 star on the south end. A few fainter stars are superimposed on the north side. A very faint section is also attached at the NW end extending towards the NW.
13x80mm (1/13/07): the circular central region of Thor's Helmet was easily visible at 13x in my 80mm finder using an OIII filter (24mm Panoptic), though the "horns" of the helmet were not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2359 = H. V-21 = h3075 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and recorded "A broad elongated nebulosity, in the form of a parallelogram with a short ray southwards from the south preceding corner. The nebulosity between the milky and resolvable, almost of an equal brightness; but very faint. The parallelogram about 8' long and 5 or 6' broad, but ill-defined." He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 3) as an illustration "of detached Nebulosity".
John Herschel observed this nebula from the Cape and
recorded "a very singular nebula, much like the profile of a bust, (head,
neck and shoulders,) or a silhouette portrait, very large, pretty well defined,
light nearly uniform, about 12' diameter. In a crowded field of milky way
stars, many of which are projected on it." His RA was exactly 1 minute too small (but accurate in NPD)
and this position was copied into the GC and later the NGC. Howe noted this error when he observed
the nebula. Herschel's sketch
(Plate IV, figure 4) shows the silhouette shape well with the shoulders/bust
region the brighter "wing". See notes for
Joseph Turner made a more accurate sketch on 24 Jan 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. The main 5' bubble is depected as annular with some interior nebulosity particularly south of the central star. The main tail was sketched accurately, though it ends before the thin streamer section. The prepared lithograph of the nebula was not published.
I'm surprised NGC 2359 is mentioned in Garrett Serviss' 1901 "Pleasures of the Telescope" written for at most 5-inch telescopes: "In [GC] 1511 we have a faint nebula remarkable for the rows of minute stars in and near it." And in the 1909 book "In Starland with a 3-inch Telescope", William Olcott repeats "Note the nebula [GC] 1511 and the curving row of faint stars near it."
Based on plate taken with the 60-inch at Mt Wilson in 1917, Pease reported: "Sir John Herschel pictured it as resembling a bust, while Lassell drew it like balloon, with a long neck twisted in the Sp direction. The balloon or head is approximately 5' in diameter; the neck is to the south, with nebulosity about 1' wide extending 8' west, concave on the north and gradually narrowing and fading out. From the top (N) of the head a symmetrical streamer concave to the south extends in the western direction...A second streamer about 1' wide extends east from the top of the head to a distance of 9'."
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07 17 43 -15 38 30; CMa
V = 7.2; Size 13'
13.1" (1/28/84): includes about 40 fainter stars in an
elongated, arrowhead shape with mag 9
Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 2360 = H. VII-12 = h440 =
h3076 on 26 Feb 1783 with a small refractor. NGC 2360 was her first deep sky discovery and occurred
before William had begun his sweeps for nebulae. Perhaps this discovery, along with
On 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 366) William recorded "a large cluster of pretty compressed scattered stars, near 1/2° in diam, considerably rich, most of the stars of the same size." On 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) he wrote, "A beautiful cluster of pretty compressed stars, very large." John Herschel recorded it from the Cape of Good Hope on 12 Feb 1836 as the "Middle of a fine large, rich cluster, not compressed to the middle. Stars 9..12th mag; fills field."
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NGC 2361 = Part of NGC 2359 = LBN 1041 = Sh 2-298 = Thor's Helmet = Duck Nebula
07 18 23.4 -13 12 40; CMa
48" (4/15/10): Along the northern edge of the rim of Thor's Helmet are three collinear mag 11 stars (2.2' length) oriented E-W. The rim of the bubble is noticeably brighter in a thin arc beginning due north of center (between the two western stars) and extending about 90° clockwise to the west. Bigourdan's NGC 2361 refers to this brighter portion of the Wolf-Rayet nebula. See observing notes for NGC 2359 for a complete description of the nebula.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2361 = Big. 27 on 25 Feb 1887. Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2361 with a bright knot along the west side of the main bubble of NGC 2359. Wolfgang Steinicke lists Wilhelm Tempel as a co-discoverer (in 1887), though he is not credited in the NGC.
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07 18 42 -24 57 18; CMa
V = 4.1; Size 8'
13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): gorgeous low power field surrounding Tau CMa using the 20 Nagler (75x). Tau was easily resolved into a triple with two mag 10 and 11.2 companions at 8.5" and 14" to the east. At 170x, 75-80 stars were visible and the cluster appears fully resolved. A string of stars passes to the north of Tau oriented NW to SE. Several faint stars and a detached clump lie to the north of Tau beyond the string. A mag 8.5 star marks the south border of the cluster.
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): stunning open cluster at 105x surrounding Tau Canis Majoris which is a very close triple star. Perhaps 75 stars are resolved in a well-detached 6' region.
17.5" (3/2/02): at 100x, this is a gorgeous, uniformly rich cluster surrounding Tau CMa, which is offset north of center. A WNW-ESE string of stars north of Tau gives a flattened border and the rich southern portion tapers to the south giving a triangular appearance. At 220x, ~60 stars are visible in a 6' diameter, many of 10.5-11. Just following the central star to the ESE are two mag 11 companions. Several other fainter stars are in the central core including one fairly close preceding.
17.5" (2/28/87): about 75 stars in 6' diameter surrounding Tau Canis Majoris (V = 4.4) in an unusually rich, impressive cluster! Tau is resolved into several components.
13.1": 50 stars in a triangular-shape surrounding Tau Canis Majoris, very rich, impressive.
Giovanni Hodierna probably discovered NGC 2362 = H. VII-17 = h441 = h3077 around 1654. It was apparently marked on his map ENE of Delta CMa. William Herschel discovered it on 4 Mar 1783 before starting his sweeps, with his 6.2-inch reflector. He found it again on 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) and described it as "a most beautiful cluster of pretty large stars with one of the 7th magnitude in the center, which however I suppose does not belong to it." John Herschel observed the cluster from both Slough and the Cape of Good Hope, where he recorded "a fine cluster of discrete stars, 60 or 70 in number. R, gbM, 8' diameter." It's surprising this bright cluster wasn't found by one of Messier's contemporaries.
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07 28 29.6 +69 11 34; Cam
Size 1.7'x1.1'; PA = 20°
48" (4/15/10): NGC 2363 is either a small satellite
galaxy of
A 2010 study suggests NGC 2363 was very close to the southern tip of NGC 2366 less than 10 Myr ago, and could have triggered the interaction which has led to the strong episodes of star formation in the southern half of NGC 2366 as well as this galaxy.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2363 on 9 Mar 1874 with the
72" while observing NGC 2366.
He noted a "diffused nebulosity preceding, pos. 265.9°, dist
71.4"." Copeland's
offsets were measured with respect to the unusually bright HII knot at the
southwest end of the galaxy, which has always been assumed to be NGC 2363. But Copeland's "diffused
nebulosity preceding" refers to
CGCG misidentifies NGC 2363 as the "bright emission patch at the SW end of NGC 2366" and RNGC misclassifies NGC 2363 as nonexistent with the comment "Patch in NGC 2366, Zwicky". See Harold Corwin's identification notes for the complete story.
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07 20 47 -07 33 00; Mon
18" (3/13/04): pretty neat group of 50-60 stars at 115x arranged in two rows of stars converging towards the north. The eastern group of stars hooks on the SE end, bending back towards the north. Both groups have strings of faint stars extending to the north beyond a mag 9.5 star located ~5' N of the main groups. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC, although the group is fairly distinctive.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2364 = h442 on 8 Jan 1831 (sweep 318) and noted "Two small pretty close groups of pL stars in the milky way, rather a remarkable cl." There are two strings of stars at Herschel's position, matching his description. RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent (Type 7).
William Herchel apparently made the original discovery on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 529) and noted "Clustering stars, in three short parallel lines, the two last whereof are joined to the sp; the placed taken is that of the middle lane." He didn't assign it an internal discovery number, so it wasn't included in his catalogues.
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07 22 22.5 +22 05 00; Gem
V = 12.4; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 170°
24" (2/14/15): at 260x; moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 N-S, ~1.2'x0.6', well concentrated with a bright oval core. A mag 14 star is at the southwest edge [48" from center]. Located 32' ENE of mag 3.5 Delta Geminorum.
Forms a close pair with
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, bright core. A mag 14 star is just off the SW side 0.7' from center and a mag 12.5 star is 1.3' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2365 = m 102 = St. 6-7 on 10 Nov 1864 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, pS, R, psbM." Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 10 Jan 1872 (probably aware of Marth's discovery). He measured an accurate position on 13 Jan 1874 and reported it as new in his 6th discovery list (#7).
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NGC 2366 = UGC 3851 = MCG +12-07-040 = CGCG 330-038 = Mrk 71 = PGC 21102
07 28 55.0 +69 12 57; Cam
V = 11.1; Size 8.1'x3.3'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 25°
48" (4/15/10): The most striking feature of NGC 2366 is
a prominent double knot (giant HII/starburst complex) at the SW end (also known
as
NGC 2363, a low surface brightness companion or detached OB association/HII region, lies 1.2' W of the bright double knot. At 330x it appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 SW-NE, with a low but irregular surface brightness.
18" (3/19/04): at the SW end of the galaxy is a very bright knot (HII region), roughly mag 12.5 and perhaps 15" in size which responds to a UHC filter at 160x! At 323x this knot is irregular in shape (~20"x15", SW-NE) and brightness and at moments resolves into two or three components. The galaxy itself is fairly faint, large, and very elongated SSW-NNE, 3.5'x1.0', with a low surface brightness.
13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, very large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, low almost even surface brightness. An unusually bright HII region is at the SW end of the galaxy (2' from the center) and appears as a "fuzzy" 12th magnitude star. Although very small, it appeared elongated SW-NE and similar to a poorly resolved double star. Definite contrast gain with OIII filter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2366 = H. III-748 on 3 Dec 1788 (sweep 889) and called it "vF, vS, stellar. 300 confirmed it and showed a vF branch to the nf." His description and position matches the prominent HII region at the southwest end of the galaxy. The "vf branch nf" refers to the actual galaxy. So, NGC 2366 applies to the HII region (also known as Mrk 71) as well as the galaxy. Modern sources misidentify the large HII knot as NGC 2363. See historical comments for NGC 2363.
Ralph Copeland described it on 9 Mar 1874 with the 72" as a "diffused neby preceding, pos 265.9°, dist 71.4" Neb * or neb knot post 318°, dist 77.6". The object has a curved tail, pos 30.9°, convex on the following side, traced 9' or 10'. The neb knot preceding is connected with the principal enbulosity. Line of stars spp, curved towards preceding side, nebulous? At least the enbula appears to extend so far on spp side. [See Pl I.]."
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07 20 05 -21 53 06; CMa
V = 7.9; Size 4'
17.5": 25 stars in a distinctive, fairly rich 6' group
which is elongated N-S. The
brightest star
William Herschel discovered NGC 2367 = H. VIII-27 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and recorded "a small cluster of scattered stars, not rich, nor very compressed." His position is ~3' south of the center of this compact cluster.
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07 20 59 -10 22 48; Mon
Size 5'
17.5" (3/20/93): two dozen stars mag 12-14 in 4' diameter, unimpressive although unusual form, no dense spots. Divided into two distinct groupings; a dozen stars in the SW triangular group with a double star 12/13 at 18" separation at the west end; also a dozen stars in the NE group consists of two strings of stars oriented ~N-S forming a thin triangle. The two groups are separated by a dark lane oriented NW-SE. The classification of this group as a true cluster is doubtful.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2368 = h443 on 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129) and described "the preceding star (which is red) of a pretty rich small cluster; fig irreg triangular; stars 15m - in Milky Way." His position is on the southwest side of the group.
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07 16 37.7 -62 20 37; Car
V = 12.3; Size 3.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 177°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
260x appeared bright, large, very elongated 5:2 N-S, 2.4'x0.9', broad
concentration with a slightly bulging middle. A 16th magnitude star is at the north end and a mag 15 star
is just following the core. Nearly
collinear with two mag 12/13 stars 2.5' and 3' NE. Brightest in a group with
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x this Carina galaxy is fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 1.7'x0.6', broad weak concentration but overall has a fairly low surface brightness (viewed at 16° elevation). In a group with NGC 2381 and NGC 2417.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2369 = h3078 on 26 Dec 1834 and recorded "pB, E or irregular figure, glbM." His position (2 sweeps) is accurate.
Joseph Turner sketched this object on 15 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope as a thin streak oriented exactly N-S (unpublished plate V, figure 40) as well as Pietro Baracchi on 16 Mar 1885.
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07 25 01.7 +23 47 01; Gem
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 43°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.4', even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is attached at the NE end 0.4' from center. The galaxy appears to extend from the star like a comet tail!
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2370 = m 103 on 10 Nov 1864 with
Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, vS, E." His position is 1' south of
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07 25 33.8 +29 29 18; Gem
V = 11.2; Size 74"x54"
48" (4/1/11 and 3/1/19): I was stunned by the view of this bipolar nebula. There was so much intricate detail in NGC 2371/72 that there was little resemblance to previous views through my 17.5" and 18" scopes. The most prominent feature is a pair of irregularly round, very bright nodules on the southwest and northeast side of the boxy, elongated central region. Each nodule was distinctive and varied in surface brightness and shape with the southwest lobe brighter. Filamentary streamers or a "hairy tail" extended from the northeast node towards the northwest and similar wisps extended mainly southeast from the southwest node, creating a sense of rotation around the fairly bright central star (mag 14.9). The interior and sides were filled with much fainter nebulosity. A very faint filament connected the main lobes on the northwest edge. Two amazing outer wings (similar in visibility) are detached from the main 1' structure and symmetrically hang 1' NW and 1' SE from the central star. These wings or "polar caps" were easily visible without a filter at 488x and both extended ~40"x10" in a SW-NE orientation, increasing the total diameter of the planetary to 2'. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.5' NW (beyond the NW wing) and a mag 16 star is 50" NE of center.
24" (4/13/18): at 220x and NPB filter; the detached NW outer wing (1' from center) was faint but not difficult as an extended strip of nebulosity ~30"x10", oriented SSW-NNE. A mag 13.8 star is outside the wing to the west [1.5' from center]. The slightly fainter trailing wing required averted vision to glimpse, but is symmetrically placed 1' SE of center and well detached from the central bi-polar body.
17.5" (2/14/99): very unusual appearance at 380x with two bright knots oriented SW-NE about 30" between centers and 0.9' in total length. The southwest knot is 15"-20" in size, slightly elongated and the brighter of the two. The northeast condensation has a slightly lower surface brightness and appears ~20" in diameter. The faint mag 14.9 central star is symmetrically placed between the knots. Weaker nebulosity connects the two knots giving a "dogbone" appearance with a very faint rounder halo encasing the structure!
17.5" (2/13/88): unusual planetary, bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE. Two bright knots are at both ends (with two NGC designations) although the SW end is brighter and concentrated.
13.1" (2/25/84): two condensations in halo. The WSW side is brighter and sharper.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2371 = H. II-316 = h444,
along with
On 17 Feb 1827 (sweep 57), John Herschel called NGC 2371 "the south-preceding of a curious bright double neb or an elongated bicentral neb; nuclei approaching to stars 45° nf or sp - distance of centre 60". See fig 72."
On 19 Dec 1848, Lord Rosse and/or assistant George Johnstone Stoney logged a "bright star between, tails and curved filaments, perhaps an annulus round the two nebulae." A sketch made three nights later was included in Rosse's 1850 publication (fig. 6). William Lassell made an observation in March 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector from Malta. He noted the "preceding one [nebula] is the brightest" and made a sketch (figure IX in his 1854 MRAS paper). Using his 48-inch on 24 Mar 1862 from Malta, he sketched the two ansae as outer symmetrical arcs.
Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) reported the "Brightest portion consists of two lobes which together form an irregular and patchy oval. The brightest part of these lobes are 35" apart in pa 65°; the toal diameter in this direction is 54". Two very faint, curved outliers are each 60" distant in the prolongation of the major axis in pa 126-306°. A narrow vacant lane runs between the lobes, nearly in the major axis, and widens to include the central star." The emission spectrum (PN) was first found by Campbell and Moore).
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NGC 2372 = PK 189+19.1 = PN G189.1+19.8 = Peanut Nebula = Double Bubble Nebula
07 25 35.8 +29 29 30; Gem
V = 11.2; Size 74"x54"
48" (4/1/11): see description for NGC 2371.
17.5": see description for NGC 2371.
13.1": this is the fainter NE component of NGC 2371/NGC 2372. Slightly fainter and more diffuse than NGC 2371.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2372 = H. II-317 = h445, along with NGC 2371, on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385). See NGC 2371 for his description.
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07 26 36.9 +33 49 25; Gem
V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 0°
18" (1/13/07): faint, very small, round, 20". A mag 12.7 star is just off the NE side
24" from the center. Located
6.8' W of
13.1" (2/23/85): faint, elongated, small. A mag 13 star is at the NE edge. Forms a trio with NGC 2375 6.7' E and
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2373 = St. 9-8, along with NGC 2375, on 20 Feb 1849. He recorded "6 nebulae of which epsilon [NGC 2375] is perhaps a double star." NGC 2373 was labeled Zeta on the sketch in the 1861 publication and accurately measured from NGC 2375, although John Herschel didn't assign an GC designation. Dreyer first catalogued NGC 2373 as GCS 5380. Édouard Stephan independently discovered the galaxy on 4 Feb 1878 and reduced an accurate position 4 days later.
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07 23 56 -13 15 48; CMa
V = 8.0; Size 19'
17.5" (3/12/94): ~50-60 stars in 7'x4' region elongated SW-NE. Located in a rich star field so the cluster does not have a distinct border. A detached group with four brighter mag 10-11 stars is off the NE end. The richest portion is 3'-4' diameter at the SW end and consists of three dozen stars over some unresolved haze. At the SW edge is a nice curving U-shaped group of 9 stars mag 13 that is open to the SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2374 = H. VIII-35 = h3080 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and recorded (summary from 3 sweeps) "a cluster of pretty large scattered stars, pretty rich, about 20' long, crooked figure." John Herschel observed it from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded "the most compressed part of a scattered cluster or rather region, more crowded with stars than the rest of the milky way, though hardly entitled to rank as a cluster. The stars run in singular lines and curves on a dark ground."
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NGC 2375 = UGC 3854 = MCG +06-17-005 = CGCG 177-017 = PGC 21035
07 27 09.5 +33 49 54; Gem
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 170°
18" (1/13/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 ~N-S, 0.7'x0.4', broad concentration. Larger but lower surface brightness than NGC 2379 3.6' ESE.
13.1" (2/23/85): second of three in the NGC 2389 group. Faint, low surface brightness, appears larger than nearby NGC 2379 3.7' E. NGC 2375 lies 6.7' W.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2375 = St. IX-9, along with NGC 2373, on 20 Feb 1849. He recorded "6 nebulae of which epsilon [NGC 2375] is perhaps a double star." Although the sketch was included in the Lord Rosse's 1861 publication, John Herschel didn't assign it a GC designation. Dreyer first catalogued NGC 2375 as GCS 5383. Édouard Stephan independently discovered the galaxy on 4 Feb 1878 and reduced an accurate position 4 days later, published in list 9, #9. Both Rosse (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.
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07 26 35.9 +23 04 23; Gem
V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, very small, round. A mag 15.5 star is attached at the west end.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2376 = m 104 on 10 Nov 1864 with
Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, vS." His position matches
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07 24 56.8 -09 39 37; Mon
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 170°
18" (3/4/08): unusual location for a galaxy in a rich Milky Way star field. At 220x appears fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is embedded on the south end and a mag 14.7 stars is on the NE side. Finally, an extremely faint mag 15.5 star is occasionally visible close south of the fainter star.
17.5" (3/7/92): faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, ~1.0'x0.5', low surface brightness, no core. A mag 12 star is attached at the south end and an extremely faint mag 15 star is involved at the north end. Appears diffuse with ill-defined edges and seems similar to a faint nebulosity in a rich Milky Way field! Unusually low galactic latitude for a galaxy. Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in RNGC but plotted on U2000.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2377 = St. 6-8 on 12 Jan 1874 with description "eF, irregular, diffuse, very faint star [ncl?] involved, *11 south edge". His accurate micrometric position (Esmiol's reduction) matches UGCA 132, although RNGC misclassified this galaxy as nonexistent (Type 7).
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07 27 24.1 +33 49 52; Gem
= **, Corwin.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2378 = St. 9-10 on 8 Feb 1878. At Stephan's position is a close pair of stars (mag 14.7/15.2 at 8" separation). The double is cleanly resolved on the DSS. The RNGC incorrectly equates NGC 2378 = NGC 2379.
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NGC 2379 = UGC 3857 = MCG +06-17-006 = CGCG 177-018 = PGC 21036
07 27 26.3 +33 48 40; Gem
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9
18" (1/13/07): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 25" diameter, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. This compact galaxy has a fairly high surface brightenss. A mag 12.5 star lies 1' NW and a mag 11 star 3.6' NE. NGC 2375 lies 3.6' WNW.
13.1" (2/23/85): third of seven in the NGC 2389 group. Faint, extremely small, round. A mag 12.5 star is 1.0' WNW of center. NGC 2375 lies 3.7' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2379 = h446 = St. 9-11 on 6 Mar
1828 (sweep 128) and simply noted "first of four [with
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07 23 54.6 -27 31 43; CMa
V = 11.2; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 99°
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, compact but fairly high surface brightness, appears out of place in very rich Milky Way field. Located only 5.7° below the galactic equator!
John Herschel discovered NGC 2380 = h3079 on 5 Feb 1837 and
called "pF, R, vgmbM, 40", in a rich field." His position matches
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NGC 2381 = ESO 088-010 = LGG 144-003 = PGC 20694
07 19 57.4 -63 04 01; Car
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
260x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with
a very bright 25" core that increases to a stellar nucleus. The core is surrounded by a much
fainter, fairly small halo, ~0.8' diameter. A mag 13 star lies 2' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2381 = h3084 on 26 Dec 1834 and
noted as "vF, vS, R. In a field full of stars." His position is just off the southwest
side of
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NGC 2382 = NGC 2380 = ESO 492-012 = MCG -05-18-005 = PGC 20916
07 23 54.6 -27 31 43; CMa
See observing notes for NGC 2380.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2382 = h3082 on 1 Feb and recorded "pF; R; bM; 30"; nearly on meridian of Eta Canis, or perhaps somewhat preceding." He gave approximate coordinates and his position is 9' north and 18 seconds of time west of NGC 2380 (discovered 4 days later). Herbert Howe couldn't find NGC 2382 at Herschel's position, but gives a corrected position, which corresponds with NGC 2380. ESO equates NGC 2380 = NGC 2382 and Harold Corwin concurs.
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07 24 43 -20 56 54; CMa
V = 8.4; Size 6'
17.5" (3/7/92): about 30 stars mag 10-14 in 5' diameter
and rich in mag 13-14 stars near the center. Includes three mag 10 stars; one at the west end, another
just east of center and the last at the east end. Just SW of the mag 10 star near the center is a rich glowing
knot which is very pretty with averted.
The cluster is set over unresolved background haze.
8" (3/28/81): small, rich cluster of mag 11-13 stars, three mag 10 stars are near, NGC 2384 lies 8' SSE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2383 = h3081 on 15 Feb 1836 (along with NGC 2384 = h3083) and recorded "cluster, irregularly round, pretty much compressed, 6'. Stars of mixed magnitudes." His first position (of two) is accurate.
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NGC 2384 = Cr 143 = ESO 559-009
07 25 12 -21 01 24; CMa
V = 7.4; Size 3'
17.5" (3/7/92): about 20 stars mag 9-14 in an elongated E-W group about 5' length. Includes the close bright double star HJ 3964 = 9.0/9.7 at 5" near the center. A mag 9 star is at the west end and close east are two mag 11/12 stars and a group of six fainter stars. The rest of the cluster mainly consists of a string of six brighter stars oriented SW-NE with h3964 at the SW end of this string and a mag 10 star 30" SSE. In the same field with richer NGC 2383 8' NW.
8": small group, including 9.0/9.6 at 5".
John Herschel discovered NGC 2384 = h3083 on 15 Feb 1836 and described as "a cluster composed to two groups of bright stars separated in RA by a dark interval. Chief star of preceding group taken." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.
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NGC 2385 = MCG +06-17-008 = CGCG 177-020 = WBL 142-001 = PGC 21080
07 28 28.2 +33 50 16; Gem
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 50°
18" (1/13/07): faintest of trio with NGC 2389 7.7' ENE
and
13.1" (2/23/85): extremely faint, very small, possibly elongated. Located 5' W of NGC 2388. Fourth of seven in the NGC 2389 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2385 = H. III-900 = h447, along with NGC 2388, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031). His description reads, "I suspected another a little south preceding [of NGC 2389] and 300 confirmed it; and a third almost directly preceding [NGC 2385], and 300 confirms that also. I saw all the three very plainly."
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07 28 38.1 +33 46 29; Gem
18" (1/13/07): this is an 18" pair of mag 13/14 stars that was misidentified by Rosse as a nebulous object in the field of NGC 2389. There is a fainter mag 15 star a bit further west forming a triangle.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2386 on 1 Jan 1876 while observing the NGC 2374-2391 group. His micrometric offsets from GC 1530 = NGC 2388 (342" in PA 103°) points to a close double (mag ~14.5/15.5 at 3") with a third mag 14.5 star at 18". Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 lists of NGC/IC corrections, identifies NGC 2386 as a triple star, and Harold Corwin concurs with this conclusion.
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07 29 26.1 +36 46 07; Aur
Size 8"
24" (2/22/14): at 125x, this 7" double star generally appeared as an unresolved quasi-stellar glow and it was easy to see how it could be mistaken as a possible nebula. At 200x, it was often cleanly resolved, but still the fainter companion is dim enough to often appear not as a sharp star, but a very faint "appendage" to the brighter component, mimicking a tiny nebula. Also, there are 3 mag 15-16 stars closeby [within 25"] that perhaps contribute to noticing this pair. At 260x and above, the pair was nearly always resolved cleanly.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2387 = H. II-820 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 937) and recorded "pB, S, stellar. The wind too high to verify it." There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin suggests Herschel most likely picked up a faint double only 1.5' north of his position (based on Auwers' reduction). This pair looked like a tiny nebula in my scope at 200x. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey at Heidelberg, describes NGC 2387 as a single mag 13.5 star with "a small group of 5 small stars nnp 3'." Corwin's double is part of these "5 small stars".
Dreyer took CGCG 177-023 as H. II-820 on his 23 Feb 1876 observation with the 72": "Irr R, probably lE pf, looks like a hazy star. Forms a rectangular triangle with a *16 sf and a *17 nff about 2' distant. 3 st 14-15m preceding in a curved line, the nearest one in Pos 279.5°, 161.2"." This galaxy is ~25 sec of RA west and 8' N of WH's position and his description and class (II) does not fit this galaxy. RNGC, CGCG and PGC also misidentify CGCG 177-023 as NGC 2387. So, assuming WH's observation refers to the double star, CGCG 177-023 is left without a NGC designation. Also, see Harold Corwin's comments.
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NGC 2388 = UGC 3870 = MCG +06-17-010 = CGCG 177-022 = WBL 142-002 = PGC 21099
07 28 53.5 +33 49 08; Gem
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 65°
18" (1/13/07): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.4', small brighter core. A mag 13.5 star lies 1' NE of center. Located 3.4' SW of NGC 2389 with NGC 2385 5.4' WNW.
13.1" (2/23/85): fifth of seven in the NGC 2389 group. Faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE. NGC 2389 lies 3.4' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2388 = H. III-901 = h448, along with NGC 2385, on 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031). See description under NGC 2385. John Herschel (in the GC) and Dreyer (in the NGC) assigned H. III-900 to NGC 2388.
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NGC 2389 = UGC 3872 = MCG +06-17-011 = CGCG 177-024 = WBL 142-003 = PGC 21109
07 29 04.7 +33 51 38; Gem
V = 12.9; Size 2.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 83°
18" (1/13/07): brightest galaxy in a group. At 280x appeared moderately bright,
fairly small, oval 5:3 ~E-W, ~1.1'x0.7' though the outer halo fades into the
background gradually so difficult to trace with averted vision. Broad, weak concentration with no
well-defined core althought there is a small brighter nucleus with direct
vision. Trio with NGC 2388 3.4' SW
and NGC 2385 7.7' WSW. Also, an
unusual edge-on
13.1" (2/23/85): this galaxy is the brightest in the NGC 2389 group. Fairly faint, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core. Third of three in a tight subgroup with NGC 2385 and NGC 2388.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2389 = H. III-703 = h449 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807). His description reads, "vF; vS; perhaps a patch of star." On 4 Feb 1793 (sweep 1031) he confirmed it was a nebula and logged "vF, bM, R." Herschel also discovered NGC 2385 and 2388 on this sweep. Dreyer misassigned H. III-901 to NGC 2389.
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07 29 04.2 +33 50 10; Gem
18" (1/13/07): this is a 14th magnitude star located 1.4' S of NGC 2389. Misidentified as a nebulous object by Robert Ball, a Birr Castle assistant.
Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72"
telescope, discovered NGC 2390 and 2391 on 10 Dec 1866. His description mentions "Eta is
faint and perhaps little elongated."
He placed this object 82.1" in PA 181° (south) with respect to NGC
2389 and at this position is a mag 14.7 star. Bigourdan was unable to find Ball's object and Karl
Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel",
states "eeS, *15.5?".
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07 29 07.5 +33 49 33; Gem
= *, Corwin. "Not found", Carlson
Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 2391 on 10 Dec 1866 (along with NGC 2390) and noted "Theta is eF and S and only seen by glimpses." He placed this object 147" in PA 163.5° with respect to NGC 2389 and at this position is a mag 15.6 star. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", describes a "*14.7, nebulous?, 2.2' ssf of N2389." Nearby NGC 2390 is also a faint star.
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07 29 10.8 +20 54 42; Gem
V = 9.2; Size 47"x43"
48" (4/1/11): I just took a quick look at the Eskimo at 488x but the view of the double green shells was stunning. The inner, brilliant annulus is irregularly shaped, with an elongated bulge on the north side. The ring essentially splits into two sections at the north end (the inner "ring" is fainter) with a darker interior forming a small pouch within the ring. This feature could be considered the "chin" at the bottom of the Eskimo's "face" in the eyepiece view. The outer shell is irregularly lit and brighter along the southern rim.
18" (2/24/06): viewed at 807x in good seeing. This remarkable double-shelled planetary has a darker ring around the bright, 9th magnitude central star. The darker ring is surrounded by fairly narrow bright annulus, perhaps 20" in diameter. The rim of the inner annulus appears slightly brighter along the western half and brightest along the northwest section. Moving outwards, a narrow darker ring separates the inner shell from a large, lower surface brightness outer halo that extends to nearly 1' in diameter (listed diameter is only 47").
17.5" (12/19/87): using 410x exhibits a prominent
double shell structure with a very bright inner shell about 20" diameter
with a darker central hole surrounding a very bright mag 9 central star. The Eskimo has a very high surface
brightness with a bluish color and easily takes this magnification. The inner shell is surrounded by a thin
dark ring about 2/3 of the way out from center and a faint, barely detached
outer halo. Located 1.6' S of mag
8.3
13.1" (1/28/84): bright mag 9 central star surrounded by a double shell with a bright inner disk and a dark ring separates the two shells.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2392 = H. IV-45 = h450 on 17 Jan 1787 (sweep 694). He described it as "a star with a pretty strong milky nebulosity equally dispersed all around. The star about 9m. Having but just began I suspected the glass to be covered with damp, or my eye not yet to be in order; however a star 10 or 11m just north of it was free from the same appearance. A very curious phenomenon; like my northern Planetary in its growing state." The next night he added "One of the most remarkable phenomena I ever have seen." In the 1814 PT paper he used this object as an example of an evident connection between an atmosphere and a star.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered the annular shape on 20 Feb 1849. Stoney called the object "most astonishing" and his sketch (figure 15 in the 1850 PT paper) also shows a dark spot just to the right (west?) of the central star. William Lassell reported a similar appearance with his 24-inch in January 1853: "The nebulous star has its envelope evidently fainter on the preceding side. Its circular outline is almost wanting there. About half-way between the centre and circumference there is a narrow, concentric, dark ring, within which the nebula is brighter than the exterior portion." His sketch was published in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 6) on observations from Malta.
Using an 18.2-inch silvered-glass reflector Henry Cooper Key reported, "the present appearance of this object, as seen in my instrument, is that of a bright, but somewhat nebulous star closely surrounded by a dark ring; this again by a luminous ring; then an interval much less luminous, and, finally, at some distance, an exterior luminous ring" (1867MNRAS..28....2A). Father Secchi also sketched the double ring structure with the 9.5" refractor in Rome around 1856 as well as Barnard with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory on 10 Apr 1890. He reported "a condensed point or 2 in the preceding part [of the inner disc], then there seems to be a dark vacuity about this disc and then a fainter nebulous ring. It is a remarkable object."
Heinrich d'Arrest made the first spectroscopic confirmation as a PN in 1872.
The CGCG misidentifies
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07 30 04.7 +34 01 39; Gem
V = 14.0; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 103°
18" (1/13/07): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.6'x0.5', low even surface brightness. Located 16' NE of NGC 2389 in a cluster.
13.1" (2/23/85): extremely faint, similar in size to NGC 2388 but a lower surface brightness. Located 16' NE of NGC 2389. Last of 7 in the cluster.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2393 = St. 13-28 on 5 Feb 1878. His published position was reduced on 7 Feb 1885 and published the same year in his last discovery list.
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07 28 37 +07 05 12; CMi
18" (3/13/04): at 115x, appears as a 15'x5' scattered group of roughly two dozen stars, extended E-W. Includes a about a dozen mag 10-11 stars. The stars appear to be arranged in a zig-zag chain which is fairly distinctive. Additional stars are scattered to the north and south of this string. But NGC 2394 may be just a random grouping. Located just 10' NE of Eta CMi (V = 5.3) in the same field!
William Herschel discovered NGC 2394 = H. VIII-44 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 496) and noted "A cluster of very coarse scattered large stars, they form a cross and extend over a large space; not rich." There were no observations made by JH or at Birr Castle. Based on Heidelberg plates, Karl Reinmuth described NGC 2394 as "a very loose clustering of pB st, bet BD+7d1729 and BD+7d1739." There are about 15 fairly bright mag 10-11 stars in the vicinity. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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07 27 13 +13 36 30; Gem
V = 8.0; Size 12'
13.1" (12/22/84): scattered cluster of roughly 50 stars
mag 10 and fainter in 15' field, not rich. Visible faintly in the 16x80mm finder. The planetary "Medusa Nebula"
(
William Herschel discovered NGC 2395 = H. VIII-11 on 16 Mar 1784 (sweep 176) and noted "a cluster of scattered stars." There is nothing at the Caroline's reduced position (or the GC/NGC position), but 30' southwest is this scattered group of stars. Auwers' reduced position is 1° too far south, so he made a reduction error. Still, this is an unusually large error, though the cluster was found only 3 months after Herschel began his sweeps and his positions are sometimes off quite a bit in his early sweeps. Caroline Herschel also noted a confusion in the sweep record about the offset star -- whether it was 50 or 51 Geminorum, so perhaps there is still an error to be uncovered.
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07 28 06 -11 44; Pup
Size 10'
18" (3/2/08): at 94x, roughly three dozen stars are resolved, mostly mag 11-13.5 with a pale orange mag 8.5 star on the west side. At 175x, roughly 50 stars are resolved in a 10' region. A chain of stars extends a few arcminutes NE from the mag 8.5 star and then abruptly loops due south for the same distance. This chain then curves around making a large oval loop forming the east side of the cluster. Located 10' S of a triple star (ADS 6104) consisting of a mag 8.5 primary with mag 8.5 and 9.5 companions at 20" and 23". The brighter two stars have an orange/blue color contrast. Located in a rich star field so the borders of the cluster are ill-defined.
25x80mm finder (3/2/08): roundish, glowing region just following a mag 8 star.
17.5" (2/8/91): about three dozen stars mostly mag 11-13 are resolved at 82x. Evenly distributed, not rich and does not stand out well in a rich field. The brightest star is mag 8.7 SAO 152910 situated at the west side. Located 10' S of ∑1097 = 6.1/8.5 at 20"!
William Herschel discovered NGC 2396 = H. VIII-36 = h451 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and called it "a coarsely scattered forming cluster about 20 or 30' diam." His position is within this scattered group. John Herschel simply called this object a "straggling portion of the Milky Way."
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07 21 19.7 -69 00 05; Vol
V = 11.8; Size 2.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 123°
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, large,
elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~2'x0.8', small bright core, very small bright nucleus. A
mag 14.5 star is off the SE end, 1' from center. Brightest in a trio with
NGC 2397A: faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~45" diameter, diffuse glow with a low surface brightness. The redshift is 3x higher than NGC 2397A, so a background galaxy.
NGC 2397B: fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, low surface brightness, no core. Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with a mag 9.9 star 2.5' S and a mag 12 star 2.5' SW.
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x
appears very bright, large, elongated nearly 5:2 NW-SE, ~2.4'x1.0', broadly
concentrated to a brighter core and then rising quickly to a tiny brighter
nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is just
off the east end 1' from the center.
Forms a pair with NGC 2397A 7' S.
The companion was very faint, moderately large, very diffuse, elongated
4:3 ~N-S, ~1.2'x0.9'. NGC
2397 is part of the
John Herschel discovered NGC 2397 = h3085 on 21 Feb 1835 and
recorded "B, L, mE, gbM, 2' long, 1' broad." On a second sweep he called it "F,
pL, pmE, pslbM, 90", pos of extension = 117°." His position and description matches
Joseph Turner sketched it on 15 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope as a thin streak oriented NW-SE and slightly brighter in the center (unpublished plate V, figure 41).
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07 30 16.3 +24 29 16; Gem
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.65'; PA = 126°
24" (2/14/15): faint to fairly faint, small, very slightly elongated, 20"x16", nearly even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is off the northwest edge [23" from center].
Forms a very close pair with
17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, broad concentration, stellar nucleus.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2398 = St. 13-29 on 5 Feb 1878 with the 31-inch reflector at Marseilles Observatory. His published position in his 13th and last discovery list was reduced on 10 Feb 1885.
Stephane Javelle resolved it into a double nebula on 7 Feb 1896 and made a footnote in his listing for IC 2191 = J. 3-1000 that "NGC 2398 appears double". Dreyer didn't assign CGCG 117-046 an IC designation, perhaps since Javelle didn't mention an offset or position, though he commented in the IC 2 Notes section "seems to be a double neb (Javelle III.)
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07 29 50.3 -00 12 45; CMi
= **, Gottlieb. =***, Corwin.
George Bond discovered NGC 2399 = HN 9, along with
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07 29 54.9 -00 12 52; CMi
= ***, Corwin.
George Bond discovered NGC 2400 = HN 10, along with NGC 2399, on 26 Feb 1853 at Harvard College observatory. Near Bond's position is a triple star with separations of ~10" and 14". Heinrich d'Arrest's positions for both NGC 2399 and 2340, measured on 30 Jan 1865, is exactly 1 minute of RA too large, though he apparently did not resolve the triple. See NGC 2399.
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07 29 24 -13 58 00; Pup
Size 2'
18" (3/2/08): at 225x appears as a rich, glowing 1.5'
knot with roughly a dozen very faint mag 14-15.5 stars peppered over the
glow. Appears rich with averted
but only partially resolved. A mag
7 star (
13.1" (1/11/86): About 7 very faint mag 13.5-15 stars
resolved over haze, unimpressive.
Located in a very rich field 7' W of mag 7.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 2401 = H. VII-65 = h454 on 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) and recorded "a small cluster of vS stars, considerably rich and compressed." His position is just off the southeast side of the cluster, but close enough to be unambiguous.
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07 30 47.8 +09 38 59; CMi
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7
24" (2/16/15 and 2/14/15): at 322x; faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~25"x20", weak concentration with a very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13.5-14 star is at the east-northeast edge [21" from center]. This star is the last of four in a northwest to southeast string with two mag 13 stars and a mag 11 star at the northwest end. Also, a fainter mag 14.5 star is superimposed on the north edge - just 10" from center!
Forms a double system with
17.5" (11/25/87): faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is at the east edge 22" from center. A chain of four stars begin with a mag 14 star 40" N and forms a line to the NW. Located 3' N of mag 8.8 SAO 115540. This is a double system in contact, though the fainter companion (PGC 200236) at the NE edge was not noticed.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2402 = H. III-19 = h453 on 11
Mar 1784 (sweep 163) and recorded "2 vS and close stars suspected to be
mixed with some nebulosity, but not having a higher power at hand I could not
put them to the trial. However I
rather think it may be a fallacy."
His position is 5' NE of
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07 36 50.6 +65 36 09; Cam
V = 8.5; Size 21.9'x12.3'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 127°
48" (4/15/10): this amazing multi-arm spiral stretched across the entire 15' field at 330x, with the major axis running NW to SE. A striking prominent spiral arm is attached near the NW end and sweeps counter-clockwise 180° along the northern side of the galaxy, tapering as it extends to a point roughly 5' SE of the core. The arm is widest near the NW end, where it begins sweeping east. A second inner arm attaches near the SE end of the main body and tightly hugs the southern side of the galaxy as sweeps to the NW side. A more ill-defined branch heads west from the SE end past a mag 11 star situated 2' WSW of the core. The field was too small to trace out the outer arms. Numerous HII splotches stained the surface and I only had time to quickly sketch the most obvious knots.
The supergiant HII complex
On the SE side of the galaxy is a pair of HII knots separated by 40". The eastern knot is SP-346 = VS 51 = A80 and is situated 1.6' SE of the mag 10.5 star and the western knot includes SPC-318/321/322. At the SE end of the spiral arm that contains NGC 2404 is another 10" knot, which includes SPC-348/351/352 = VS 52 = A81. It can be pinpointed 1.0' NE of the mag 10.5 star. On the SE end of the galaxy a fairly faint, irregular knot (SPC-331/336/343 = VS 48/49 = A73) was noticed 1' W of a mag 14 star.
18" (3/19/04): at 160x, this chaotic spiral displayed a tremendous wealth of detail with two broad, diffuse spiral arms, dark lanes, mottling and a few obvious giant HII regions. A number of stars are superimposed including two mag 11 stars. I focused on observing the HII regions that were best viewed at 323x.
The brightest is the HII complex NGC 2404 (VS 44 = SP 298) on the east side of the core 1.5' from center and 1.5' N of a mag 11 star to the SW of the core. This knot is fairly bright at 323x, perhaps 15" diameter and irregularly round.
On the NW side of the halo is a collinear string of two stars along with a fuzzy knot (VS 3 = SP 44 = A14), oriented from SW to NE. This HII knot forms the SW end of the string and is clearly nonstellar at 323x, ~15" diameter. It can also be pinpointed 2.4' NW of the mag 11 star west of the core (middle of three in a E-W string).
At the NNW edge of the core is a mag 13.5 "star" that does not focus sharply and appears to be another HII knot (VS 24 = SPC-174 = A36). Close following is a fainter, but definite nonstellar knot ~10" diameter (VS 38 = SPC-224 = A45).
Finally, returning to star on the SW edge of the core, a fainter mag 14 star is close south with a weak nebulous glow attached (SPC-221/222/225). This region is also catalogued as A41 in Hodge's 1985 "Stellar Associations in the Galaxy NGC 2403" from PASP, 97, 1065 .
17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, very large, bright core, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 15'x6'. Impressive galaxy with spiral structure clearly visible. Two spiral arms are attached at opposite ends of the central region and both wind almost 180°. The tip of the northern arm ends at the emission nebula NGC 2404. Several stars are superimposed including two mag 11 stars.
17.5" (2/22/87): two spiral arms are visible on attached at the opposite sides of the galaxy and winding a half of revolution. The northern arm ends at the HII knot NGC 2404. The galaxy has a mottled appearance.
13.1" (1/11/86): spiral arm definite on the west side of the galaxy with a dark gap between this arm and the main body (core). This feature is very faint but definite with averted.
13.1" (12/22/84): spiral arm highly suspected attached at the west side winding along the north side to a faint knot = NGC 2404.
13.1" (1/28/84): very bright, large bright core. NGC 2404 is clearly visible as a faint, very small nebulous knot along the east side of the galaxy. Spiral structure (arms) is just suspected. On 3/24/84 the knot was difficult to view at 144x, but on 1/11/86 was fairly easy.
8" (1/1/84): bright, large, bright core, faint star superimposed, mottled?
William Herschel discovered NGC 2403 = H. V-44 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 879) and recorded "cB; R; vgbM; BN; 6 or 7' dia; resembling a star with a misty atmosphere." His summary description, also based on a later observation, states "with a faint branch extending a great way to the np side; not less than 1/2 degree; and to the n or nf the nebulosity diffused over a space, I am pretty sure, not less than a whole degree." Obviously, his size estimate is well off, but his description of a "faint branch extending a great way to the np side" applies to the spiral side on the west side and the comment "to the n or nf the nebulosity is diffused over a space" probably applies to the northern arm that extends to the east (and contains NGC 2404).
Based on photographs taken with the 60-inch reflector at Mt Wilson, Francis Pease (1917) remarked "This fine right-handed spiral nebula resembles M33...Faint knots and arms extend as far as 10' from the center. It does not contains the wealth of detail of M33, but has the same sharp stellar images, the nebulous stars [HII regions], the bunching of these knots and the dark streaks.."
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NGC 2404 = [VS65] 44 = [SPC90] 298 = [H85] A67
07 37 07.1 +65 36 39; Cam
Size 20"
24" (2/24/20): NGC 2404 is the brightest HII complex in NGC 2403. At 375x, it appeared fairly bright, slightly elongated or irregular, ~15" diameter.
48" (4/15/10): The supergiant HII complex NGC 2404 (perhaps 2000 light-years across) is located 1.7' ENE of the core and 1.5' NNW of a superimposed mag 10.5 star. It appeared as a very bright, irregular, 20" knot. At the relatively low power of 330x, I quickly logged 8 HII knots in the galaxy (see description of NGC 2403).
18" (3/19/04): brightest of 3 or 4 HII regions visible in NGC 2403. Fairly bright at 160x, small, round. Located just east of the core, 1.5' from center, and 1.5' N of a prominent mag 11 star to the SW of the core.
17.5" (2/22/87): this is a prominent knot (superassociation) located at the end of the northern spiral arm of NGC 2403. Appears fairly faint, small, round, clearly nonstellar.
13.1": extremely small emission "knot" at the east end of NGC 2403.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2404 = Big. 28, a superassociation/HII region in NGC 2403, on 2 Feb 1886 with the 12.4-inch refractor of Paris Observatory. The NGC position, based on Bigoudan's original published position in list I, is in error but Bigourdan later measured and published an accurate position in his five volume (3000 pages) compilation (Annales de l'Observatoire de Paris). RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7), although Type 35 (diffuse nebula in galaxy) would be more appropriate.
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07 32 14.0 +25 54 23; Gem
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 95°
17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, very low even surface brightness. A mag 15.5 star is just off the north edge.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2405 = m 105 on 7 Nov 1864 with
Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, S, iR." His position is 1' S of
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07 31 47.8 +18 17 17; Gem
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8
24" (3/6/21): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
round, 0.4' diameter, very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13.3 star is 1' NE. Slightly brighter
24" (2/5/21): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small,
round, 25" diameter, small brighter core. Slightly fainter than NGC 2407 3.4' NE.
17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, small, round, faint core, slightly smaller and fainter than NGC 2407 3.4' NNE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2406 = St. 13-30, along with NGC 2407, on 5 Feb 1878. An accurate micrometric position was reduced on 7 Feb 1885 before the publication of his 13th discovery list.
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NGC 2407 = UGC 3896 = MCG +03-20-001 = CGCG 086-042 = CGCG 087-003 = WBL 144-002 = PGC 21220
07 31 56.7 +18 19 59; Gem
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 75°
24" (3/6/21): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, round, 0.5' diameter, small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group. A mag 7.9 star (
24" (2/5/21): at 260x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, round, 0.6' diameter, broad concentration. In a group (WBL 144) with NGC 2406 3.5' SW and CGCG 086-044 2.4' E. Located 7.5' WSW of mag 7.9 HD 59800.
17.5" (1/31/87): faint, small, slightly elongated,
small bright core. Forms a pair
with NGC 2406 3.4' SSW. Located 7'
W of mag 7.8
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2407 = St. 13-31, along with NGC 2406, on 5 Feb 1878. His published micrometric position in his 13th and last discovery list was reduced on 7 Feb 1885.
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07 40 32 +71 40 30; Cam
Size 20'
18" (3/13/04): at 115x, ~50 stars mag 9.5 and fainter are scattered in a 20' triangular group. The group is unconcentrated and there are only a few stars within the interior of the outline. Strings of stars extend off the triangle so there no clear boundaries to the group and it appears to be a chance asterism or an open cluster remnant. A mag 9 star is on the west side of the group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2408 = h452 in Jan 1830 (sweep 230) and noted "A very loose scattered cluster of large stars, or a starry place." His position corresponds with a mag 9 star. Harold Corwin identifies a scattered group of mag 10-12 stars (asterism) with a diameter of ~20'. Bica et al, classify this object as a "possible open cluster remnant" (2001A&A...366..827B).
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07 31 37 -17 11 24; Pup
V = 7.3; Size 2'
18" (3/2/08): at 175x, this is a 2' group of 8 stars with no faint members, so it appears to be an asterism. The two brightest mag 8.5/9 stars are part of a boxy quadrilateral with the other 4 stars grouped into two wide pairs. The three brightest stars are resolved in the 80mm finder at 25x. Sh 2-302, a very faint large HII region is centered ~13' N.
17.5" (2/9/02): small, bright, distinctive group of 8 stars mag 9-11.5 in a 2' knot. Includes two mag 9 stars in a small quadrilateral and two other pairs. Stands out well in the field, though seems too sparse to be a real cluster (Bochum 4).
John Herschel discovered NGC 2409 = h3086 on 12 Feb 1836 and noted "a small but brillliant group of 6 or 8 large stars, 8, 9, 10m, within a very small compass." His position matches this small, bright group of stars. While observing with the 72", Dreyer called this group "only 4 stars 9...11 mag and some fainter ones. I suppose there are millions of such clusters." Herbert Howe noted it "Consists of 10 scattered stars." This knot of stars is plotted on Norton's Star Atlas but RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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07 35 02.4 +32 49 18; Gem
V = 13.0; Size 2.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 31°
17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, bright core. A pair of mag 14 stars are 1.0' SE and 1.5' SSE of center.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 2410 = Sf. 74 on 5 Feb 1867 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. His description reads, "pS, pB, vmb M N = 12-13m." Safford's discovery, though, wasn't published until 1887, too late to be credited in the NGC. Stephan found the galaxy on 26 Jan 1870 (was he notified of Safford's discovery?) and recorded an approximate position 2' to the E. His published micrometric position was made on 2 Feb 1877 and included in list 8b (#20). He made a later observation on 3 Feb 1878. Only Stephan was credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement (5388) and the NGC. NGC 2410 was found again by Stephane Javelle on 11 Feb 1898 at the Nice Observatory and included in his 3rd discovery list (#1005) as "F, E 250 deg, 1' long, gbM, r."
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07 34 36.3 +18 16 53; Gem
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 50°
24" (2/14/15): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 24"x18", well concentrated with a very small bright nucleus. A mag 14 star is just west of the southwest end.
Forms a close pair with
17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, small, almost round, sharp concentration. PGC 1555546, a faint companion off the NE side, was not seen.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2411 = St. 13-32 on 7 Feb
1885 (date the position was reduced).
His position matches
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07 34 21.5 +08 32 44; CMi
= **, Gottlieb. Not found, RNGC.
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2412 in 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England. At his position is a pair of mag 12.2/13.8 stars at 14" separation that match Lohse's description of a nearby bright star. The mean position of these two stars is used. Only 3 of his 16 objects in the NGC are galaxies (two others were earlier discoveries), the rest being stars or missing.
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07 33 18.5 -13 07 09; Pup
Size 10'
18" (3/13/04): appears as two groups of stars
symmetrically placed to the north and south of mag 8.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 2413 = H. VIII-52 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 540) and called it "a cluster of vL coarsely scattered stars, not rich, nearly R." His position is 1.5' north of mag 8.8 HD 60307, on the south side of the group.
JH did not reobserve this object but it was described at Birr Castle on 3 Jan 1873 as a "very loose Cl, scarcely more compressed than the neighborhood." Brian Skiff notes two clumps in a 10' diameter. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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07 33 13 -15 27 12; Pup
V = 7.9; Size 4'
18" (3/2/08): very pretty cluster with ~40 stars mag
12-14 resolved in a 4'x3' group using the 13mm Ethos (175x). A mag 8.2 star (
13.1" (1/11/86): about 20 faint stars surrounding mag
8.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 2414 = H. VIII-37 = h455 on 4 Feb 1785 (sweep 366) and recorded "A small cluster of scattered stars of various sizes, not very rich." John Herschel noted on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111) "a cl with 1 st 9m; not rich." and measured an accurate position.
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07 36 56.6 +35 14 32; Lyn
V = 12.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.0
17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
round, bright core. Located 2.0'
SW of mag 9.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 2415 = H. II-821 = h456 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 937) and called "pB, cS, resolvable, preceding a considerable star." John Herschel wrote on 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51), "a curious, almost planetary neb 10" diam R; light nearly equable; between 2 small stars."
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07 35 41.5 +11 36 43; CMi
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 110°
17.5" (11/25/87): very faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2416 = m 106 on 26 Jan 1865 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted as "eF, S." His position is 9 sec of RA east and 1'
south of
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NGC 2417 = ESO 123-015 = AM 0729-620 = LGG 144-006 = PGC 21155
07 30 12.1 -62 15 10; Car
V = 12.0; Size 2.8'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 81°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x
appears bright, large, oval 4:3 or 3:2 WSW-ENE, ~3'x2', broadly concentrated
with a large, brighter core. A
very faint star is at the south edge of the halo. The galaxy pair
John Herschel discovered NGC 2417 = h3087 on 8 Mar 1836 and
recorded "vF, L, R, gbM, resolvable. Is no doubt a very distant cluster of
6th class." His position matches
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07 36 37.5 +17 53 02; Gem
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (1/31/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, broadly concentrated halo, bright stellar nucleus.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2418 = St. 8b-21 on 10 Jan 1872 with a second observation 5 years later on 3 Feb 1877. He included the discovery in list 8b in 1877 with description "vF, eS, bM."
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07 38 08.5 +38 52 55; Lyn
V = 10.3; Size 4.6'; Surf Br = 0.3
17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, round, 2' diameter,
gradually brighter core but no well-defined nucleus, mottled appearance
although no resolution into stars.
Framed by a quadrilateral of four mag 13-14 stars and a few other faint
stars. Collinear with mag 7.0 SAO
60232 4' W and mag 7.9
8": very faint, small, round, no resolution. Collinear with two mag 8 stars to the west and a mag 9 star in the field W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2419 = H. I-218 = h457 on 31 Dec 1788 (sweep 901) and wrote "cB, R, vgmbM, about 3' diameter." John Herschel described the globular on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335) as "not vB; L; pmE in parallel; 2' l and 75" br." This is an interesting observation as the globular is generally described as round. NGC 2419 was first logged by Lord Rosse on 9 Mar 1850. His description reads, "I think clearly resolved, several points, at least 3 seen plainly in edge which I suspect to be filamentous; no nucl., more round than [John Herschel] describes it." The 13 Feb 1852 observation notes "Lord Rosse thought it like a cluster at a great distance."
NGC 2419 was shown to be globular cluster in 1922 on a plate taken at Lowell Observatory. Shapley estimated a distance of 160,000 l.y. (current estimate ~275,000 l.y., nearly twice the distance of the LMC) and along with Sawyer, assigned it concentration class II. He may have been the first to use the nickname "Intergalactic Tramp" in the 1944 paper "Revision of the Distances of 30 high-latitude Globular Clusters."
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07 38 24 +21 34 30; Gem
V = 8.3; Size 10'
18" (3/15/10): this is a rich, pretty group at low power with roughly 80-100 stars in a 10' region at 175x. Higher power brings out the fainter members. The brightest mag 9.4 star is at the west end of the cluster and forms a large mag contrast pair with a 13th companion 12" south. On the north end of the cluster is an equally spaced, collinear trio with separations of 14". The brighter stars in the cluster are pretty evenly distributed. Many of the fainter stars are in a 2'-3' patch that follows the mag 9.4 star and which includes some unresolved haze. A couple of brighter mag 8-9 stars are in the field to the south of the cluster and also to the north.
17.5" (1/23/93): excellent cluster of at least 50 stars
mag 11-15 within a 6' diameter.
Good spread of magnitudes, includes 15 stars mag 11-13 over a rich
background of numerous mag 14-15 stars and unresolved haze. The brightest mag 10 star is on the
west side and has a mag 13 companion 12" S. Located between mag 9.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 2420 = H. VI-1 = h458 on 19 Nov 1783 (very early sweep and 4th object discovered) and recorded "a beautiful cluster of many large and compressed small stars, about 12' diameter." On 10 Feb 1787 (sweep 697) he noted "A brilliant rich cluster of stars." On 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59), John Herschel called it "a p rich cl; irreg fig; 50...100 stars; 11...18m; 5..7' diam."
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07 36 12 -20 36 42; Pup
V = 8.3; Size 10'
18" (3/2/08): ~80 stars mag 10-15 stars are resolved at 175x within a 10' region. Includes a large number of mag 11-12 stars. The group is well-detached in the field, particularly on the west, north and southeast sides. One concentration of stars is on the soiuthwest side. Just to the northeast, a number of the cluster's stars form the outline of a large, equilateral triangle. A rich clump of stars is the center of this triangle including a mag 11/11.5 pair at 18". At 225x, ~100 stars are visible, although the cluster spreads out too much to be pleasing at this power.
25x80mm (3/2/08): appears as a fairly large, richly glowing region with a few brighter stars resolved.
17.5" (3/7/92): about 60 mag 10-14 stars in a 10' field. Many stars are similar magnitudes and the cluster is pretty evenly distributed. Brighter stars at the borders give a triangular outline including mag 10.5 stars at the SW, SE and NE edges. A wide brighter double star (ARA 962 = 10.9/11.5 at 18") oriented N-S lies NE of center and two faint companions are also near.
8" (1/1/84): almost three dozen faint stars, triangular-shape, rich field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2421 = H. VII-67 = h3089 on 30 Jan 1799 (sweep 1089) and described "a cluster of compressed stars, considerably rich." John Herschel recorded it from the Cape of Good Hope as "a large fine rich cluster, not much compressed, but nearly filling the field. Stars 11..13th mag, no conspicuous star, place that of a coarse double stars 11th mag."
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07 36 35 -14 29 00; Pup
V = 4.4; Size 30'
18" (3/2/08): this naked-eye cluster was stunning at 73x (31 Nagler), though at 30' diameter it was too spread out for higher powers. The stars are arranged in beautiful chains and groups. The brightest half-dozen stars are in a 10' subgroup in the center including a striking white double star (STF 1121 = 7.0/7.3 at 7") that is is surrounded by many stars in chains and loops. The brightest star on the west side is a wide, unequal double (5.7/9.7 at 20"). Perhaps 200 stars are scattered around at low power.
13.1" (11/5/83): very bright, very large, fairly rich, impressive. Includes double stars STF 1121 = 7.9/7.9 at 7" in the center and STF 1120 = 5.7/9.6 at 20" on the west side. Easy naked-eye object in a dark sky.
8" (11/5/83): very bright, large but scattered, includes STF 1121 = 8/8 at 7" near core and STF 1120 on west side, many colored stars.
Caroline Herschel independently discovered
Giovanni Hodierna probably was the first to discover M47
before 1654 and simply recorded "a Nebulosa between the two
dogs". Charles Messier
rediscovered it 117 years later on 19 Feb 1771, though he clearly made an error
as there is nothing at his position.
Messier's missing object was assigned GC 1594 and
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07 37 07 -13 52 18; Pup
V = 6.7; Size 19'
18" (3/2/08): at 175x, ~100 stars are resolved in a 18' region with an excellent double at the center (h3983 = 9.1/9.7 at 8"). The stars are pretty evenly distributed with no rich subgroups though with several doubles and small groupings.
13.1" (1/28/84): about 50 stars in 15' field. Fairly rich in faint stars. A mag 9 double star is near the center. The primary, itself, is a very close pair (RST 3532 = 9.6/10.2 at 0.5"). Located 37' N of M47.
25x80mm finder (3/2/08): A chain of stars extends north from M47 to this obvious glow with a few resolved stars superimposed.
15x50 IS binoculars (1/15/07): visible about 40' N of M47 in binoculars as a faint glow with the brighter mag 9 and 10 stars resolved.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2423 = H. VII-28 = h3090 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 540) and noted "a cluster of pS stars, pretty rich, 15' diameter." His position is accurate. John Herschel observed the cluster from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded "a very large, rich fine cluster of small stars which nearly fills the field. Place that of a double star, class II."
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07 40 39.3 +39 13 58; Lyn
V = 12.6; Size 3.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 81°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, very small bright core, faint stellar nucleus, very thin extensions from core. Located 7' WNW of mag 7.8 SAO 60267. The distant globular cluster NGC 2419 lies 37' SW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2424 = St. 13-33 on 5 Feb 1878. His published position in his 13th and last discovery list was reduced on 6 Feb 1885 with description "vF; pS; lbM; mE WSW-ENE; length ~1'."
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07 38 18 -14 52 42; Pup
Size 3'
18" (3/2/08): at 175x, ~18 stars are resolved over haze in a small 4'x2' group elongated WSW-ENE. At 225x, perhaps two dozen stars are visible. On the east end is a distinctive line of 5 stars oriented SW-NE, though the richest clump of stars is at the west end of the cluster.
13.1" (1/11/86): 15 stars mag 13.5-15.0 over haze in a 4'x2' region elongated ~E-W. Four collinear mag 13 stars are on the east end. Lies SE of M47.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2425 = H. VIII-87 on 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) and noted "a small cluster of small stars, not very rich." His position is 2' too far south.
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07 43 18.5 +52 19 06; Lyn
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, round, small
bright core, stellar nucleus.
Located 2.7' NNW of a mag 10 star.
Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2426 = H. II-822 = h460 on
17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and wrote, "pF, R, resolvable, vgbM." His position (based on Auwers
reduction) is less than 1' SW of
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07 36 27.8 -47 38 08; Pup
V = 11.5; Size 5.2'x2.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 122°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
large, unusual galaxy is set in a very rich Milky Way field and appears as a
diffuse, very large, elongated glow with a low surface brightness and a size of
~4.5'x2.0'. A star is superimposed
and mimics an offset stellar nucleus, but otherwise there is little
concentration. Situated nearly at
the midpoint of two mag 10 stars 5.5' SW and 5.5' NE. The cometary globular CG 4 and
John Herschel discovered NGC 2427 = h3091 on 1 Mar 1835 and
recorded "eF, L, pmE, vlbM, involves two stars." His position is 1.5' NE of the center
of
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07 39 18 -16 32; Pup
Size 10'
18" (2/4/08): at 175x, roughly 40 stars in 10' barely
stand out as a group within a rich Milky Way field. Most eye-catching is a small trapezoidal group with a double
star at the NW vertex and a wide pair at the SE vertex. A string of 3 stars oriented SW-NE is
within the trapezoid. Off the SE
vertex an oval chain of stars extends south and west before looping back
towards the trapezoid. There are
no dense regions and this appears to be an asterism. An even weaker concentration of stars about 10' NNE may be
William Herschel discovered NGC 2428 = H. VIII-47, along with NGC 2430, on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503), and noted "A very much scattered and vL cl or stars; or rather the milky way very much crowded with stars not differing much in size and colour." His position is 10' south of H. VIII-46 = NGC 2430 and corresponds with a fairly rich star field on the DSS. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.
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NGC 2429 = VV 284 = UGC 3983 = MCG +09-13-039 = CGCG 262-023 = PGC 21664
07 43 47.6 +52 21 27; Lyn
V = 13.8; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 145°
17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is involved at the SE end 0.3' from center and a mag 11 star is 0.8' SE. Forms a pair with NGC 2426 5.0' SW.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2429 on 10 Mar 1874 with the
72". and recorded "pF,
pS, vmE 146.4°, att to a *12 at sf end." Copeland's description and micrometric offset from a mag 10
star matches the double system
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07 39 30 -16 20 24; Pup
Size 8'
18" (2/4/08): scattered, undistinguished group with
three brighter stars (separations of 3'-4') including mag 8.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 2430 = H. VIII-46, along with NGC 2428, on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and reported "a very large but coarsely scattered cluster of stars." There is nothing that stands out significantly visually at his position as noted in my observation, so this identification is very uncertain. See Corwin's identification notes for more.
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07 45 13.4 +53 04 30; Lyn
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 35°
17.5" (3/20/93): faint, small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11.5 star is 1.7' SE and a fainter mag 13 star is 2.2' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2431 = H. III-829 on 17 Mar
1790 (sweep 945) and noted "eF, vS, R, bM." Auwers' reduced position is 2.8' north of
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07 40 54 -19 05 12; Pup
Size 8'
18" (3/2/08): at 175x, appears a very distinctive 5' N-S string with a total of ~60 stars resolved in a 5'x3' area. The richest part is along the string with numerous mag 13-14.5 stars packed tightly. The north side of the string bifurcates into two prongs.
13.1" (1/11/86): three dozen faint stars mag 12-15 in a very elongated string oriented N-S with dimensions 5'x1.5'. This is a rich, pretty group with several pairs.
13.1" (1/18/85): ~35 faint stars in an elongated string along one side of bright trapezoid of stars.
8" (3/28/81): rich in faint stars or haze, small, elongated.
80mm (3/2/08): faintly visible in the finder at 25x as a thin, elongated glow N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2432 = H. VI-36 = h3092 on 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and described a "very compressed cluster of small, and some large stars; extended nearly in the meridian; the most compressed part is about 8' long and 2' broad, with many stars scattered around it to a considerable distance." In his 1814 PT paper, Herschel speculated "the construction of this cluster may have arisen from the situation of many stars in the same plane, drawn towards a centre by the clustering power, for any plane seen obliquely will have the appearance of an extended form." From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel called this "a rather irregular cluster of 8th class, pretty much compressed. The most compressed part forms a ridge or body of stars elongated in the meridian. Stars 12..15th mag with larger outliers."
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07 42 43.5 +09 15 33; CMi
Size 6"
24" (1/28/17): at 375x; two of the components of this faint, close triple star were resolved. The brightest (mag ~14.8) is at the north end, with a mag 15 component just 5" SE. At 450x, the third component (mag 15.6) was occasionally resolved 5" south of the northern star. So, the three stars formed a tiny equilateral triangle of sides 5"!
John Herschel discovered NGC 2433 = h462 on 19 Jan 1828
(sweep 123) and logged "eF, has a *15 90" dist 30 deg
[north-preceding]." At
Herschel's position (07 42 43.5 +09 15 33) is a close triple star (separations
~5"-6") that Corwin identifies as NGC 2433. The star Herschel mentions north-preceding is at 50"
separation. RNGC and PGC
misidentify
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07 34 51.3 -69 17 03; Vol
V = 11.3; Size 2.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy is located 16' NW of the remarkable barred spiral, NGC 2442. At 260x it appeared bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 5:4, ~1.0'x0.8' in diameter. Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core. Four mag 12 stars are nearby; three to the north and one to the southeast. Mag 6.9 Delta Vol lies 15' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2434 = h3096 on 23 Dec 1834 and
measured it on 5 sweeps. His
original description reads "pB, R, gpmbM, 35"." and his position
matches
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07 44 13.5 +31 39 03; Gem
V = 12.9; Size 2.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 36°
17.5" (2/1/92 and 12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE. The halo is evenly concentrated down to a small bright core containing a stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.2' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2435 = H. II-616 on 26 Oct
1786 (sweep 628) and noted "F, S, lbM." His position is 2' northwest of
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07 45 48.3 +52 02 17; Lyn
= **, Gottlieb. = NGC 2431:, Corwin. =*, RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2436 = h461 on 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327) and recorded "vF, S, R, bM, diam 8"." About 3' west of his position is a faint pair of mag 14.4/15.4 stars with a separation of 8" that could be his object. The mean position of these two stars given here. But Harold Corwin notes that Herschel's position is exactly 1.0 min of RA east and 1 degree south of NGC 2431 and the description matches the bright core. As the errors are just single digits, he feels NGC 2436 is more likely a duplicate of NGC 2431, though I feel the faint pair of stars is also a possibility.
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07 41 47 -14 48 36; Pup
V = 6.1; Size 27'
17.5" (3/16/96): at 100x,
8": bright, very rich, large, includes a couple of mag 9 stars but most stars are mag 10-13 and fairly uniform in magnitude and distribution except for a gap near the center. Contains the striking pn NGC 2438 at the NE edge. Faint naked-eye object in a dark sky.
Charles Messier discovered M46 = NGC 2437 = h463 on 19 Feb 1771. Caroline Herschel found it again on 4 Mar 1783 and assumed it was new, realizing her mistake on 19 Nov. William Herschel described the cluster (unpublished) on 19 Mar 1786 as "a beautiful, very rich, compressed cluster of stars of various magnitudes." On 17 Dec 1827 (sweep 111), John Herschel logged, "the brightest part of a v fine rich cl; stars = 10m; which fills the field. Within the cluster at its n edge is a fine planetary nebula [NGC 2438]."
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NGC 2438 = PK 231+4.2 = PN G231.8+04.1
07 41 50.6 -14 44 07; Pup
V = 11.5; Size 73"x68"
48" (2/20/12): at 488x, much of the same detail described in the 4/15/10 observation was seen, although the ring itself was less structured. Besides the slightly off-center bright star (the ionizing star is a mag 17.5-18 companion) and a mag 14.5 star ~15" SW, a 16th mag star is at the edge of the rim on the SW side. A mag 16 star on the SE side appears just inside the bright ring. Finally another 16th mag star is near the north edge of the annulus, but clearly within the planetary, for a total of 5 interior stars. The outer rim brightens at this point in a 90° arc to the east and is slightly flattened. The challenging Calabash Nebula (protoplanetary) lies 6.5' ENE.
48" (4/15/10): at 700x, NGC 2438 was a beautiful "cheerio" ring with a sharply defined rim of 1.2' diameter and a fairly large, dark central hole of 25-30". The mag 12.8 star in the center was prominent with a second mag 14.5 star ~15" SW of center. A third mag 16 star was just inside the annulus on the SE side, ~20" from center. The rim had a very uneven surface brightness with an impression of some radial streaks and one or two additional faint, embedded stars. The rim was noticeably brighter along the NE quadrant and to a slightly lesser extent along the opposite SW portion of the rim, creating a bipolar appearance. A bright mag 11 star is just off the SE side and the planetary floats in the beautifully rich star field of M46.
18" (2/24/06): beautiful view of this 70" planetary within M46 at 323x. The annulus is quite prominent and relatively thick with a weakly glowing interior. The rim is irregularly lit and a bit weaker on the NW side and brighter along the eastern edge. A mag 12.8 star is just NW of the center of the annulus (this is not the central star, though) and a fainter interior star (mag 14?) on the SW side (half-way to the rim) was also visible. A mag 11 star is just off the SE edge. At 807x, the rim is noticeably brighter and thicker on the eastern half compared to a weaker section along the NW side and an extremely faint star intermittently pops out on the NNE side on inner edge of the annulus (confirmed on 3/4/08 at Lake Sonoma).
17.5" (3/2/02): at 280x this is a beautiful, 1'
diameter PN with a darker central hole at 280x situated on the NE side of the
rich oc M46. A mag 13 star (not
the central star) is within the central hole slightly offset NW of center. The rim is fairly uniform but slightly
brighter along the NE side. The
20" central hole is clearly darker although there is not a dramatic
contrast. A brighter mag 11 star
is just off the SE edge (about 15"-20" SW of the mag 11 star, a faint
mag 14-15 star was also intermittently visible) and a string of faint stars
oriented WNW-ESE is just over 1' S.
13.1" (1/18/85): star near center very easy and second interior star definite.
13.1" (1/28/84 and 3/3/84): annular planetary on the NE side of M46! Fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter. A mag 11 star is just off the SE edge and a mag 13 star is just NW of the geometric center (this is not the central star). A third extremely faint star lies on the SW side.
13.1" (1/23/82 and 11/5/83): clearly annular at 166x.
8" (1/1/84): slightly darker center, fairly small, round.
80mm (1/15/07): visible continuously in the finder using an OIII filter and a 13mm Nagler (25x) as a very faint, very small disc on the NE side of M46.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2438 = H. IV-39 = h464 = h3093 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 540) and recorded "pB, R, resolvable, within the 46th of [Messier], almost of an equal light throughout, about 2' diameter, no connection with the cluster, which is everywhere free from nebulosity." On 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) he noted "A round, pretty well defined nebula; almost of a planetary nebula aspect." From South Africa, John Herschel wrote, "a very fine planetary nebula, oval, uniform in light, and of a very flat appearance; rather faint; diam in RA = 4 seconds; has a star 15th mag on it, and one 13th mag close to its border. This object is excentrically situated in a superb cluster of stars 12..16th mag. (46 Messier)"
Lord Rosse or assistant George Johnstone Stoney sketched NGC 2438 as annular on 22 Dec 1848 (fig. 12 in the 1850 PT paper). It was observed a total of 21 times at Birr Castle including with a visual spectroscope on 15 Feb 1876. William Lassell also noted the annularity using his 24" equatorial reflector on 11 Jan 1853: "The star is not in the centre, and the nebula seems to retreat from the star, leaving it on a much darker ground than the external parts of the nebula. With slight attention another star is seen; and two or three points or bright spots in the nebula occasionally catch the eye." His sketch was published in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 5) on observations from Malta. Perhaps following Lassell's lead, Secchi sketched in 1856 the "central star" slightly eccentric, along with a second interior star using the 9.5" refractor in Rome.
In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, found NGC 2438 displayed a planetary nebula spectrum in an early spectroscopic investigation while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.
Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) reported "the nebula is a very irregular, broad, patchy ring 68" in diameter. The star at SW lies in a gap in the ring."
Based on differing radial velocities and GAIA measurements, NGC 2438 lies in the foreground of M46.
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07 40 45 -31 41 36; Pup
V = 6.9; Size 10'
17.5" (1/19/91): at 220x, 70 stars visible in a 10' diameter. Bright, fairly large, elongated N-S. This is a rich, pleasing cluster and includes mag 6.7 R Puppis on the northeast edge. About 1' SW and 2' SSE of R Puppis are two easy but prominent double stars equally spaced with similar magnitudes but with perpendicular orientations (N-S and E-W). The pair 1.7' SSE is PRO 41 (9.2/10.3 at 12"). These wide double stars form a striking group and are part of an elliptical outline of stars with a void in center. Very unusual appearance!
John Herschel discovered NGC 2439 = h3094 on 28 Jan 1835 and recorded "a cluster of about 150 stars, B, pL, p rich, not much more compressed to the middle, 8' diameter, has one star 8th mag (place taken), one red one 9th mag, the rest 12..14th mag."
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07 41 55.4 -18 12 31; Pup
V = 9.3; Size 74"x42"
48" (2/20/12): the view of this explosive appearing planetary was remarkably detailed at 488x and 814x. The very high surface brightness central region was irregularly shaped with a very ragged periphery, giving the impression that the central region was erupting or bursting. Within the east side of the central portion are two intense condensations or knots, oriented ~N-S, with the southern knot brighter. A third, smaller elongated knot is just west and sits close to the center. The main body is elongated nearly 2:1 SW-NE, roughly 1.1'x0.6', but with an irregular outline. The southwest end of the planetary dims and protrudes out, creating a cup-shaped hollow with a very small brighter knot at its southwest tip. A prominent partial loop or outer wing is attached on the northwest edge of the central section, like a spiral arm, and swings clockwise to the west and slightly south. The eastern portion of the planetary consists of a large complete, irregular loop (darker in the interior), giving the strong appearance of being blown out from the central region.
17.5" (2/14/99): this bi-polar planetary reveals fascinating detail at 380x! The compact high surface brightness inner region is elongated NNW-SSE. Two bright knots comprise both ends and the surface brightness is irregular. The nebulosity is much weaker SW of the main body with a cup-shaped dark "notch" protruding into this central bar. The outer halo is oriented SW-NE with a brighter wing similar to a spiral arm attached at the west edge which swings back towards the south. The outer nebulosity is weaker and less well-defined on the north and NE sides.
13.1" (2/23/85): very bright and small with a very high
surface brightness. This planetary
has a double shell structure with an elongated box-shape oriented NW-SE and a
fainter shell oriented SW-NE. One
or two condensations are visible in the central part. Located 3.0' W of mag 8.4 orange
William Herschel discovered NGC 2440 = H. IV-64 = h3095 on 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and described a "beautiful planetary nebula of a considerable degree of brightness, but not very well defined. About 12 or 15" in diameter."
William Lassell observed NGC 2440 in Jan 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector on Malta. He commented, "no description can do justice to this singular object. With 150 it just attracts the eye in sweeping, as a a bluish-white spot, a few seconds in diameter. A most extraordinary object [at 650x], not beautiful, for it has no symmetry – but wonderful." His sketch, showing 4 or 5 knots, was included in his 1854 MRAS paper (figure 7). Father Angelo Secchi published a detailed sketch and description in 1856 using the 9.6" refractor in Rome. He noted, "It seems to consist of two twin nebulae joined to a third transverse elliptical nebula…but it is very difficult to recognize the true structure."
In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, reported NGC 2440 displayed an emission line in an early spectroscopic investigation of southern nebulae while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.
Ralph Copeland made a careful observation at Birr Castle on 20 Jan 1874: "vB, pL, very blue. An eB nucleus which is E or bi-central in pos 151.4° in vF outer nebulosity, vmE 33.1° and 2' or 3' long. 35 stars in field (diam 11'), the nearest of which is *16m pos 200.8°, dist 54.8"..." A sketch was prepared by Joseph Turner (unpublished plate V, figure 43) with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and Pietro Baracchi made a careful observation on 17 Mar 1885.
Based on Crossley photographs, Heber Curtis (1918) reported NGC 2440 has "no central star; the strong central masses are nebulous in the shortest exposures. A very irregular and patchy oval; main portion 54"x20" in pa 37°, with a faint extension at east, north of the middle."
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07 51 54.8 +73 00 55; Cam
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (2/22/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, diffuse. Only a very weak concentration.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2441 = T. 6-1 on 8 Aug 1882 with the 9.4-inch "Amici II" refractor (this was his only discovery with the smaller refractor). He reported a "Weak Neb III class but 1' dia. Found on the terrace with Amici II and seen again on 9 Aug with Amici I [11-inch]; bright III class." His position is off by a few arc minutes too far southeast, but this is the only nearby candidate.
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NGC 2442 = NGC 2443 = ESO 059-008 = AM 0736-692 = LGG 147-003 = PGC 21373 = Meat-hook Galaxy
07 36 23.9 -69 31 48; Vol
V = 10.4; Size 5.5'x4.9'; Surf Br = 13.9
25" (4/1/19 and 4/2/19 - OzSky): at 244x; the prominent northern spiral arm appeared slightly brighter at a crook where it bends dramatically to the west. This knot is catalogued in NED as [SD93] 38 and 39, from a 1993 paper by Sérsic and Donzelli, "The southern barred spiral NGC 2442". A faint star is situated right at the eastern edge of this glow. The SW end of the galaxy appeared patchy with a couple of subtly brighter knots, probably [SD93] 16 and 18. Overall, NGC 2442 is quite an impressive and unusual galaxy!
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
260x, I was amazed how prominent the sweeping spiral arms appeared, giving a
stunning "S" appearance.
The main bar of the galaxy is fairly bright and extended ~2:1 SW to NE
with a length of ~3'. The bar has
just a weak, broad concentration with no real core but rises sharply at the
center to a very small, brighter nucleus.
The main arm is attached at the NE end of the bar and extends a short
distance in that direction before dramatically bending sharply to the west
(turning nearly 150°) and continuing ~3.5' in length towards a mag 12.9
star. At the NW end this
well-defined arm fades and broadens a little, terminating just SE of the 13th
magnitude star. At the SW end of
the bar, a thick arm emerges towards the SW where it more gently curves around
towards the E while fanning out.
This arm is not as sharply defined as the inside (east) portion of the
curve blends with a diffuse glow extending from the bar. The total distance between the tips of
the arms spans nearly 5'. In the
same field 10' ENE lies
At 260x ESO 059-011 appeared moderately bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 NNW-SSE. Contains a sharp stellar nucleus or possibly a star is superimposed. A mag 13.5 star is at the SW edge of the halo [there are two stars 0.4' and 0.7' SW of center].
20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 127x (20mm Nagler), the main body of this unusual galaxy appeared as a fairly faint, large, thick "bar" with just a weak concentration except for an extremely small bright core. On the NE end of the bar, a faint "arm" emerged at a sharp angle towards the NW. The contrast was improved at 212x and the brighter arm was easier to view, extending at nearly a right angle to the main body and curving towards the west on the north side. On the SW end a broad but short low surface brightness extension was visible bending towards the SE. The main bar was elongated 2:1 SW-NE, roughly 3'x1.5', but the thick outer arm significantly increased the size to ~4.5'x2'.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2442 = h3097 on 23 Dec 1834 and
recorded "A double nebula; very large; very faint; position of centres =
40°; diameter 4' and 3' running together, and having a star 13th magnitude at
their junction." In his 2nd (of 4 sweeps) he called it "faint, very
large, much elongated, very suddenly a little brighter to the middle, to a star
13th mag, like a very faint atmosphere, about a nucleus 3.5' long, 1.5' broad;
pos of its extension = 39.8. I think it has some sort of hooked
appendage." The "hooked
appendage" (
NGC 2442 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as "Double, very faint, very large, 2 star involved in very large spiral neb. 2443, included."
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NGC 2443 = NGC 2442 = ESO 059-008 = PGC 21373 = Meat-hook Galaxy
07 36 23.9 -69 31 48; Vol
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This number refers to the prominent arm attached at the NE end of the bar. This arm extends a short distance in that direction before dramatically bending sharply to the west (turning nearly 150°) and extending ~3.5' in length towards a mag 12.9 star. At the NW end this well-defined arm fades and broadens a little, terminating just SE of the mag 13 star. See NGC 2442 for full description of the galaxy.
20" f/5 (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This is the NE portion or NE spiral arm of NGC 2442. At 127x (20 Nagler), on the NE end of the bar, a faint "arm" emerged at a sharp angle towards the NW. The contrast was improved at 212x and the brighter arm was easier to view, extending at nearly a right angle to the main body and curving towards the east on the north side.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2443 = h3097 on 23 Dec 1834. In sweep 523, he described a "double nebula, vL, vF, position of centres = 40 deg, diameters 4' and 3' running together and having a star 13m at their junction." Herschel assigned two designations in the General Catalogue for the double nebula (GC 1568 and 1569) so the galaxy has two NGC designations, NGC 2442 and NGC 2443, although the latter number refers to the massive spiral arm on the northeast side of NGC 2442.
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07 46 53.0 +39 01 55; Lyn
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
48" (4/5/13): NGC 2444 is the northwest component of a
remarkable interacting system with the multi-component ring galaxy NGC
2445. At 488x it appeared bright,
small, slightly elongated, 30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very
high surface brightness nucleus ~12"-15" diameter.
13.1" (1/18/85): forms an interacting double ring system with NGC 2445. Both appear as two nearly stellar knots oriented NNW (NGC 2444) and SSE (NGC 2445) with a separation of 1.0', surrounded by faint halo which may merge.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2444 = St. 8b-22, along with NGC 2445, on 12 Jan 1872. His published micrometric position (list 8b, #22) was made 5 years later on 18 Jan 1877.
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NGC 2445 = Arp 143 NED2 = VV 117e = UGC 4017 = MCG +07-16-017 = CGCG 206-024 = PGC 21776
07 46 55.1 +39 00 54; Lyn
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 15°
48" (4/5/13): this remarkable ring galaxy forms an interacting pair with NGC 2444, just 1' N. At 488x, it was resolved into six components -- the bright ring nucleus and five very small HII regions which are roughly equally spaced around the nucleus (separations between 25" and 42"). The four closest (VV 117b, 117e, 117f, 117g) form a very small square with the nucleus at the center! The nucleus appears moderately bright to fairly bright, small, round, high surface brightness, 15" diameter. The five HII regions are within an irregular, triangular glow, ~1.5' diameter.
VV 117b is at the northern end of NGC 2445, just 27" N
of the nucleus and 36" SSE of NGC 2444. It appeared very faint, very small, round, 8"
diameter.
Finally,
13.1" (1/18/85): this is the SE component of a double galaxy with NGC 2444. Both appear as two nearly stellar knots oriented NNW (NGC 2444) and SSE (NGC 2445) with a separation of 1.0', surrounded by faint halo which may merge.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2445 = St. 8b-23, along with NGC 2444, on 12 Jan 1872. His published micrometric position (list 8b, #23) was made 5 years later on 18 Jan 1877.
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07 48 39.2 +54 36 42; Lyn
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 130°
17.5" (2/8/91): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE. Unusual appearance as cradled by several stars including a mag 12 star at the west end, two mag 13 stars at the east end and close NW and a mag 15 star is superimposed.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2446 = h465 on 10 Feb 1831
(sweep 324) and recorded "four small stars in a semicircle, within whose
concavity there is a F nebulosity, which I am pretty sure is real." His position and description matches
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07 44 29 -23 51 12; Pup
V = 6.2; Size 22'
18" (3/2/08): very easy with any optical aid (at the threshold of naked-eye visibility) with a few of the brighter stars resolved in 15x50 IS binoculars. The cluster is fairly well resolved at 25x in the 80mm finder. The central region is superb in the 18" at 175x (13mm Ethos) with ~100 stars resolved in the 10' region and richest in the core. Appears fully resolved into mag 10-14 stars. A small, near parallelogram of 4 stars (sides ~40"x20") stands out near the center with numerous fainter stars nearby. The brightest star on the SW side of the cluster is a nice, unequal double (ARA 2066 = 8.3/11.3 at 10").
13.1" (3/24/84): about 60 stars, bright, large, pretty rich. Contains a tight quadrilateral near the center with three faint companions.
8" (3/24/84): bright, very rich, triangular-shape, pretty compact, excellent field.
Charles Messier discovered M93 = NGC 2447 = h3098 on 20 Mar 1781. Caroline Herschel independently discovered the cluster on 26 Feb 1783 and recorded "Nebula, about 1 1/4 deg north preceding the bright star in the Ship [or more exactly] preceding the 1st Navis [Puppis] towards 23 Canis Majoris. My Brother examined it with [magnification] 460 and found not less than 20 stars, with 227 above 40. with a compound eyepiece perhaps 100 and 150 very beautiful, nothing nebulous among them. Messier has it not." Owen Gingerich determined that the reference to 1 (Rho) Navis, should read 7 (Zeta) Navis. Observing from the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel noted "A fine cluster, scarcely scattered, pretty rich, not much more comp[ressed]. M [toward the middle]. Nearly fills field. Stars 8....13 m."
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07 44 57 -24 40 30; Pup
18" (3/13/04): at 115x, this is a fairly distinctive
15' elongated group with mag 5.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 2448 = h466 on 7 Jan 1831 (sweep 317) and reported "a *8m followed by a poor cl of 18-20 st, 11...13m." His position is less than 1' S of mag 5.6 HD 62747. This bright star is surrounded by a several brighter stars, mostly on the following side (at the position given by Harold Corwin). RNGC classifies this asterism (not a true cluster) as nonexistent.
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07 47 20.4 +26 55 49; Gem
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 137°
24" (2/16/15): at 300x and 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE. Contains low surface brightness extensions (arms) extending ~40"x20" and a sharply defined oval core 25"x12". A mag 14.7 star is just off the west side [34" from center] and a mag 15.5 is off the southwest side [35" from center].
NGC 2449 is the brightest member of a small group (WBL 152)
with
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2450 6.0' NNE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2449 = St. 6-9 on 12 Jan 1874 with description "eF, eS, R, bright core, seems resolvable". He included the discovery in his short (10 objects) 6th discovery list, though he reduced a later observation made on 2 Feb 1878.
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NGC 2450 = MCG +05-19-008 = CGCG 148-022 = WBL 152-004 = PGC 21807
07 47 32.3 +27 01 09; Gem
V = 14.6; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 156°
24" (2/14/15): at 300x and 375x; faint to fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.2'. Brighter along a thin strip of the major axis. A mag 14.6 star is close off the northwest edge. Last of a 12' quartet (WBL 152) with IC 2205, NGC 2449 and IC 476.
17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, very elongated NNW-SSE. A mag 14.5 star is just off the NW edge 0.5' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 2449 6.0' SSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2450 = St. 9-12 on 26 Feb
1878 (date position reduced). His
position matches
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07 45 15 -37 58 06; Pup
V = 2.8; Size 45'
13.1" (2/25/84): very bright scattered group of stars
including yellow mag 3.6 c Puppis and about 10 bright stars. This naked-eye cluster appears very
large but lacking in faint stars. A 2009 study shows there are two young
clusters -
8" (3/28/81): very bright, very large, very scattered, includes mag 4 c Puppis. Resolved in 8x50 finder.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2451 = h3099 on 1 Feb 1835 and
recorded "The chief star (4th mag) of an orange colour, of a very large
and very diffused cluster of large stars, too loose to be a fit object for the
ordinary magnifying power."
His position matches mag 3.6
NGC 2451 consists of NGC 2451A and B, two young open clusters (50-80 million years) projected on each other along the same line of sight at distances of ~600 and 1200 light years, respectively.
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07 47 26.2 -27 20 08; Pup
V = 11.9; Size 31"x24"
18" (3/2/08): very interesting bipolar appearance at
450x. Appears elongated N-S,
~30"x22", with brighter lobes and rims on the north and south
ends. The center appears slightly
darker and pinched in. The small
open cluster
17.5" (3/2/02): at 380x this is a moderately bright, fairly small but interesting planetary. Appears elongated N-S, ~30"x20" with an irregular surface brightness and a slightly darker center or a darker spot. The halo appears brighter at the north and south ends giving a slightly bipolar appearance with the impression of two lobes diminishing in brightness in the center. A faint mag 14.5 star is just off the north edge. Located 8' S of open cluster NGC 2453.
13.1" (3/24/84): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, no interior star visible. Located 6' S of open cluster NGC 2453.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2452 = h3100 on 1 Feb 1837 and described as "An object whose nature I cannot make out. It is certainly not a star, nor a close double star; but it is not round, and I should call it an oblong planetary nebula, by reason of its decidedly marked though somewhat dim outline, were there not some suspicion of its being double, as if a very close and highly condensed double nebula. It is very small and rather faint, 8" long, 5" broad, and equals a star of 10th mag. In a field with at least 60 or 80 stars [NGC 2453], all sharp and well defined but this. Four nights later he recorded "Planetary nebula. In a field with, and south of a cluster, and on a rich ground is the undefined object of Sweep 769. It is no doubt a very faint, small, round planetary nebula..."
A lithograph was prepared based on a sketch by Joseph Turner using the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate V, figure 44) but his drawing was never published.
Based on a Crossley photograph at Lick Observatory, Curtis (1918) reported "there is probably a faint central star, not brighter than mag 19. Extreme length about 22" in pa 85° the centers of the bright lateral lobes are 11" apart. In this exposure time the object has much the appearance of a reversed letter Z." Based on radial velocity, NGC 2452 is in the foreground of open cluster NGC 2453.
******************************
NGC 2453 = Cr 162 = ESO 493-012
07 47 34 -27 11 42; Pup
V = 8.3; Size 5'
18" (3/2/08): at 220x appears as a fairly rich group of
two dozen stars in a 3' clump, just SE of a mag 9.5 star (
17.5" (3/2/02): at 220x, this is a small but dense open cluster with about two dozen stars resolved in a 3' region with a mag 9.5 star (HD 63360) at the NW edge. A very rich 1' clump of mag 12-13 stars is on the SE side with a mag 11.5 star at the south tip of this clump. Two mag 10 stars are 3' S and 3' SE of the central group. Planetary nebula NGC 2452 is in the field 8' SSW making for an interesting pair.
13.1" (3/24/84): about a dozen stars resolved in a compact 2.5' cluster including three mag 9.5-10 stars. The brightest mag 9.5 star is at the NW edge. There is one dense, partially resolved clump. Planetary nebula NGC 2452 lies 6' SSW. Clouds may have interfered with the observation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2453 = h3101 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "a small but condensed cluster, Class VII. Pretty rich. Dia 3'. [This is the cluster referred to, as in the field with the Planetary Nebula (NGC 2452).]"
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07 50 35.0 +16 22 07; Gem
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 101°
17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, small bright core. A mag 14.5 star is 40" S.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2454 = St. 6-10 on 10 Jan 1872 with a second observation 5 years later on 3 Feb 1877. The discovery was published in list 6 (#10) with description "vF, eS, R, bM."
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07 48 59 -21 18 00; Pup
Size 8'
18" (3/2/08): at 175x, this is a fairly rich group of
~45 stars, mostly mag 12.5-13.5, situated ~7' W of mag 8
17.5" (1/19/91): about two dozen stars in a fairly large scattered group. Consists mostly of brighter mag 10-12 which are aligned in two perpendicular rows oriented E-W and N-S. Although the stars are fairly bright the cluster does not stand out as located in very rich field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2455 = h3102 on 15 Feb 1836 and recorded "Irregular cluster, p Rich, not much compressed middle, 10', stars 12m nearly equal. General middle taken." His position corresponds with the group at my position.
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07 54 10.6 +55 29 43; Lyn
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 30°
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, small, slightly elongated,
broad mild concentration. A mag 14
star is 1.2' SSE. Forms a pair
with
John Herschel discovered NGC 2456 = h467 on 10 Feb 1831
(sweep 324) and recorded "vF; R; vgbM; and losing itself
imperceptibly." His position
is at the south edge of
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NGC 2457 = MCG +09-13-086 = CGCG 262-046 = PGC 22161
07 54 45.7 +55 32 48; Lyn
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 131°
17.5" (1/19/91): extremely faint, very small, round, very low surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 2456 5' WSW. Two extremely faint companions 1.2' E and 3' NNE were not seen.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2457 on 10 Mar 1874 with the
72" at Birr Castle during an observation of NGC 2456. He described (with respect to NGC 2456)
"F, pL, R, Pos 54.8°, dist 339" [or 32.9s f, 195.4" n]. About 3' n of the nova there seemed to
be another vF neb. Telescope now
at the limit of its range."
Copeland's micrometric offset matches
MCG and PGC (as well as Megastar, etc) misidentify MCG +09-13-087 = PGC 22171 as NGC 2457. This galaxy is just 1.2' following the NGC 2457, though it was not seen by Copeland. See Corwin's identification comments.
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07 55 51.4 +56 42 38; Lyn
V = 14.5; Size 0.15'x0.15'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 158°
24" (1/25/14): faint, very small, round, 10"
diameter, quasi-stellar nucleus. A
mag 13.5 star lies 35" SW.
Located 4.8' ENE of a mag 10.5 star and second in a string of 6 faint
galaxies (several of which have identification problems). This galaxy is identified as
17.5" (1/19/91): not found.
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney,
Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2458 = Big. 29 on 20 Feb 1851. The number was assigned to one of a
"Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at
Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch
produced. John Herschel added 8
additional entries in the GC, as h469 (later
Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in
assigning positions and descriptions ("vF,*12 close"). Bigourdan's position is 23 sec of RA
west of
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07 52 02.8 +09 33 27; CMi
17.5" (2/22/03): this very small group of 5 faint mag 14-15 stars within 30" was just resolved at 220x . At low power it appeared like a nebulous spot. Although this may be a multiple star, it's likely just a compact asterism.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2459 = H. III-479 = h468 on 26 Dec 1785 (sweep 494) and noted "suspected. eF, vS, lE, but may be a deception." John Herschel observed it on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120) as "a large group of small stars which has a nebulous look, and perhaps there may be neb among them. No other near." On a later sweep he wrote "a small group of stars; with attention counted 5 with power 320; form a neb group 20" diameter.
This asterism was observed 6 times at Birr Castle and last noted by Dreyer as a "vs Cl of 5 st, no neby seen." Dreyer also added a note in the IC 1 that "No nebulosity, only a couple of faint stars seen by Spitaler." Karl Reinmuth described the photographic appearance in "Die Herschel-Nebel" as "a small group of 5 stars 13.7...15.5" and Harold Corwin agrees with this description.
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07 56 52.4 +60 20 58; Cam
V = 11.8; Size 2.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 40°
13.1" (1/11/86): moderately bright, fairly small,
bright core, diffuse halo, slightly elongated SW-NE. Forms a (probably interacting) pair with
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2460 = T. 6-3 on 11 Aug 1882 and recorded a "small nebula II-III class, round, with star in the middle; repeatedly seen." His position was 7 seconds of RA too large and 1.5' too far N.
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07 56 26.4 +56 40 24; Lyn
= *, Corwin.
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2461 = Big. 30 on 20 Feb 1851. The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced. John Herschel added an entry to the GC (1582) but without specific coordinates. So, Stoney's specific object is unknown.
In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's later observation on
9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("*13 slightly
nebulous"). His relative
position from
******************************
NGC 2462 = MCG +10-12-024 = CGCG 287-009 = Holm 88a = PGC 22259
07 56 32.1 +56 41 14; Lyn
V = 14.5; Size 0.5'x0.3'; PA = 155°
24" (1/25/14): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
NNW-SSE, 20"x15", weak concentration to the center. NGC 2463 lies 5.5' ESE. Located 11' N of mag 6.7
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, very small, round, very weak
concentration. Located 10' N of
mag 6.5
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2462 = Big. 31 on 20 Feb 1851. The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced. John Herschel added an entry to the GC (1583) to represent this "knot" but without specific coordinates.
In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar
1886 in assigning a position and description ("vF, vS, vlbM"). Bigourdan's position is 21 sec of RA east and 1' S of MCG
+10-12-024 = PGC 22259. His
position actually falls closer to NGC 2463 = h469, but since that galaxy was
also seen by Bigourdan,
******************************
NGC 2463 = MCG +10-12-031 = CGCG 287-013 = PGC 22291
07 57 12.5 +56 40 36; Lyn
V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.1
24" (1/25/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, small,
round, small bright core increases to a faint stellar nucleus. Located 7' W of
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, very small, round, broad concentration. In a group with NGC 2462 5.6' W and NGC 2469 8' E.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2463 = h469 on 10 Feb 1831
(sweep 324) and recorded "eF; R; the preceding of two [with NGC
2469]." His position is an
exact match with
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07 57 32 +56 41 24; Lyn
= ***, Corwin. = Not found, RNGC.
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2464 = Big. 32 on 20 Feb 1851. The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced. John Herschel added 8 additional entries in the GC (besides h469 (later NGC 2463) and H. III-836 (later NGC 2469)), but was unable to provide any specific coordinates.
In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("pS Cl, st eF, nebulous"). There is nothing at Bigourdan's published position and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2464 with a string of three mag 15 stars (within 50" separation) about 2.5' northeast of his position. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.
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07 57 26.1 +56 49 18; Lyn
= *, Corwin. = Not found, RNGC.
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2465 = Big. 33 on 20 Feb 1851. The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced. Harold Corwin notes that Stoney likely only observed the 6 brightest galaxies in this region, so 4 of his objects are probably single stars or asterisms.
In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("*, nebulous?"). There is nothing at Bigourdan's published position and Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2464 with a mag 15 star situated ~5' NNW of the NGC position (perhaps based on a later observation?). RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.
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07 45 16.2 -71 24 38; Vol
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.9'x0.8'. Broad, weak concentration to a very small, brighter core. The outer halo appeared to change orientation or extent using averted vision (this is a face-on spiral). Located 1.2° NNE of mag 3.9 Zeta Volantis.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2466 = h3104 on 20 Feb 1835 and reported "vF; R; lbM; 25"." His position is accurate.
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07 52 29 -26 25 48; Pup
Size 8'x7'
24" (3/6/21): large, fascinating emission complex
involving several sections of nebulosity and three clusters (NGC 2467, Haffner
18, Haffner 19). The main region
of NGC 2467 extends 6' to 7' and contains the 8th magnitude ionizing (multiple)
star
Haffner 18: bright, irregular group of stars to the NE of the main region of NGC 2467/Sh 2-311. Roughly 25 stars are involved in a bright triangular patch of nebulosity. Contains a distinctive 3' line of stars oriented NW-SE, that forms the western facing side of the triangle. A mag 10 star (CD-26 5119) is at the NW vertex and a mag 11.5 star is at the E vertex. The nebulosity has a fairly high surface brightness with a NPB filter.
Haffner 19: small group of stars, ~3' diameter involved in faint nebulosity. Situated 7' N of Haffner 18. Contains 4 brighter stars including V = 11.1 (CD-25 5202). A mag 12.3 companion is 11" NW. A number of faint to very faint stars brings the total to nearly 20, several of which pop in and out over the nebulous hazy background.
13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): bright, large nebulosity at 75x using an OIII filter, ~4-5' diameter, surrounding a mag 8 star (O6-O7V star HD 64315, the ionization source). The main section is roughly mushroom shaped, extending generally south of the bright star. The southern border is locally brighter along a strip oriented NW to SE. There is a sharp light cut-off (apparently due to dust) passing to the north of the central star and oriented E-W. Faint haze extends ~15' to the east. To the north, fainter nebulosity extends 12' E-W, and brightens towards the east end at an elongated group of brighter stars (Haffner 18), oriented NW-SE. Removing the filter, NGC 2467 resides in a gorgeous low power Milky Way field with numerous faint stars peppering the region.
17.5" (3/2/02): Using a 31 Nagler at 64x and an OIII filter, this is a prominent 7' nebulosity surrounding a mag 8 star. A dark lane appears to cut through the nebula from west to east starting NW of the central star. Fainter nebulosity extends beyond the dark lane but then fades out to the north. The south and southeast border of the main mass has a bright, distinct edge and the southern border has a small extension on the west edge which hooks towards the NW.
A finger of nebulosity extends north from the main body and involves a scattered group of brighter stars. This strip dims but nearly merges with a much larger, elongated mass of fairly faint nebulosity extending NW to SE at a roughly right angle. This section is ~15' in size with an irregular border that is bounded on the NE side by a string of brighter stars (Haffner 18). This is a fascinating HII complex to explore in a rich star field!
17.5" (1/23/88): at 82x with OIII filter appears as a large, bright, circular nebulosity about 10' diameter. A mag 7.8 star is involved north of center and several fainter stars are involved. The nebulosity is brightest along the south side in a strip oriented NW-SE. A group of brighter stars is NE (Haffner 18). A separate larger (~15') but fainter section is 10'-15' NE and appears elongated.
8" (3/24/84): fairly bright, moderately large, roughly circular. A mag 8 star is north of center. This is a prominent nebulosity even with this aperture.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2467 = H. IV-22 = h472 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 333) and recorded (two observations combined) "L, pB, almost R, easily resolvable, 6 to 10' diameter, a faint red colour visible. A star 8 mag not far from the center, but they evidently have no connection together. By second observation, 9 or 10' diameter." John Herschel observed it on 7 Jan 1831 (sweep 317) and wrote, "a * 9th mag with a W of stars and nebulosity, or ? is not a vF neb about the stars - no red colour seen."
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 2467 on 13 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (p. 129 on his logbook, unpublished Plate V, figure 45) as an oval shaped nebula to the south of the bright star and brightest along the western side. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.
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07 58 02.4 +56 21 35; Lyn
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 45°
24" (2/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~50"x25", very small brighter core and
occasional stellar nucleus. A mag
11.4 star is 1.2' WNW. NGC 2468
forms a close pair with
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, very small, oval 2:1
SW-NE. A mag 12 star is off the NW
edge 1.2' from center. Located 15'
SE of mag 6.5
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2468 on 1 Jan 1865 and
recorded "F, R, lbM. Without doubt one of the LdR nebulae." See NGC 2458 for some background on the
Lord Rosse observations on 20 Feb 1851.
His single position matches
******************************
NGC 2469 = UGC 4111 = MCG +10-12-035 = CGCG 287-017 = WBL 161-003 = PGC 22327
07 58 03.4 +56 40 50; Lyn
V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 160°
24" (1/25/14): at 375x appeared moderately bright to fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 36"x28", slightly brighter core, appears mottled. Located 2.3' SSW of a mag 9.5 star. 5th of 6 galaxies in a 25' E-W string.
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2
NNW-SSE. A mag 14.5 star is off
the NW end 0.8' from center. Third
of three on a line with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2469 = H. III-836 = h470 on
18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and recorded "vF, vS, may be a patch of
stars." His position is 12
seconds of time west of
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07 54 20.7 +04 27 35; CMi
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 128°
17.5" (12/19/87): moderately bright, fairly small, pretty edge-on NW-SE, bright core. A mag 13 star is 0.8' N of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2470 = Sw. 5-68 on 24 Oct 1886
and recorded "eF; S; eE; betw 2 stars; 2 other stars preceding form
trapezoid." His position is 6
tsec of RA west of
******************************
07 58 33.0 +56 46 34; Lyn
= **, Corwin. =*, Carlson.
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2471 = Big. 34 on 20 Feb 1851. The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced.
In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's observation on 9 Mar 1886 in assigning a position and description ("*13 slightly nebulous?"). There is nothing at Bigourdan's published position but Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2464 with a faint double star (~16" separation) about 2.5' NW of the NGC position. Perhaps this is based on a later observation by Bigourdan. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.
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NGC 2472 = NGC 2473? = MCG +10-12-039 = CGCG 287-019 = PGC 22364
07 58 41.9 +56 42 04; Lyn
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (1/31/14): at 375x appeared faint, small, round, 12"-15" diameter, visible continuously but low surface brightness and no concentration. This is the last of 6 galaxies in a 25' E-W string with NGC 2469 5.5' WSW. The identification of this galaxy with NGC 2472 is just an educated guess.
17.5" (1/19/91): extremely faint, very small, very low even surface brightness. Fourth of four on a line with NGC 2469 6' W.
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2472 on 20 Feb 1851. The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced but there are 6 galaxies here in shallow arc oriented east-west.
In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's positions and descriptions for six of these 8 entries, but Bigourdan didn't record an observation for NGC 2472 or 2473, so their coordinates are approximate in the NGC. As a result any assignment is somewhat arbitrary and this number could be considered lost.
The CGCG and RNGC identify
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07 55 34.8 +56 44 10; Lyn
V = 15.1; Size 0.3'x0.2'; PA = 80°
24" (1/25/14): extremely faint to very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x12", low even surface brightness. Located at the west end of a 25' string of 6 galaxies (4 found at Birr Castle), several of which have identification problems).
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 2473 on 20 Feb 1851. The number was assigned to one of a "Great many knots, reckoned 10 nearly in a line p f." This was the only observation made at Birr Castle and no positions were measured or even a rough sketch produced, but there are 6 galaxies here in shallow arc oriented east-west.
In the NGC, Dreyer followed Bigourdan's positions and descriptions for six of these 8 entries, but he did not record NGC 2472 or 2473 so the NGC coordinates are approximate. As a result any assignment is somewhat arbitrary and this number could be considered lost.
RNGC, CGCG, PGC (and software such as Megastar) identify CGCG 287-019 as NGC 2472 = NGC 2473. Assuming Stoney saw all 6 of the brightest galaxies in this string, Harold Corwin suggests assigning PGC 22191 (which does not have a NGC number) to NGC 2473. This seems reasonable although the westernmost galaxy in the string then receives the highest NGC number (out of RA order). PGC 22191 is identified as NGC 2458 in RNGC, PGC and NED and as NGC 2458: = NGC 2473 in LEDA. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for NGC 2469.
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07 57 58.9 +52 51 26; Lyn
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, very small, round, very small
bright core. Forms a double galaxy
with
13.1" (12/7/85): this is the SW member of a double galaxy with NGC 2475. Almost stellar, round, faint, NGC 2475 very close NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2474 = H. III-830 = h471 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and called it "cF, pS, bM." His observation probably refers to the brighter northeast component or both were seen but unresolved. On 16 Feb 1831 (sweep 327), John Herschel logged "pF; E; or has a vS star sp and a large [bright] star nf. Also query if not vS star in centre." The comment "vS star sp" refers to the fainter southwest component."
John Herschel's position (used in the NGC) matches the
double system
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NGC 2475 = UGC 4114ne = MCG +09-13-097 = CGCG 262-052ne =
07 58 00.4 +52 51 42; Lyn
V = 13.1; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (1/19/91): brighter of a double system with NGC 2474 just 21" SW between centers. Moderately bright, small, round, very small bright core. Forms a striking pair with NGC 2474. Located 2.3' SW of mag 8.8 SAO 26594.
13.1" (12/7/85): brightest of double galaxy, moderately bright, small, round. A mag 9 star is 3' NE.
R.J. Mitchell resolved the double system NGC 2474/2475 on 9 Jan 1856 using Lord Rosse's 72". He recorded "may be a double neb. I see no star between (as suspected by [JH], but the two almost touch." JH appears to have resolved the fainter southwest component, but thought it was a star: "vS star sp." Dreyer assigned the discovery of NGC 2475 to LdR, but NGC 2474 is clearly the fainter component seen by Mitchell.
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07 56 45.2 +39 55 40; Lyn
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 135°
17.5" (2/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, sharp
concentration, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated halo. The
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2476 = St. 9-13 on 29 Jan 1878, with a second observation a few nights later. He reduced the position the following month (23 Feb 1878) and published the discovery in his 9th list (#13).
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07 52 10 -38 32 00; Pup
V = 5.8; Size 27'
25" (4/6/19 - OzSky): at 244x; this amazing cluster filled the 25' field from edge to edge! The central 7' was extremely dense and still very rich all the way out. There are a couple of dozen 11th mag stars and over 500 stars from mag 12-15.5. It really looked superb - like an extremely large, loose concentration class, highly resolved globular cluster.
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): remarkably rich carpet of
mag 11-13 stars at 105x with perhaps 250-300 stars resolved in a 25'
field. The appearance is very
similar to a highly resolved globular without a sharply concentrated core. There are no distinct boundaries as
stars loop outside the main group and many stars are arranged in long
streamers. Located roughly 20' N
of a mag 4.5 star (
13.1" (12/22/84): superb cluster, over 200 stars
resolved in a 25' diameter, very rich in mag 11-14 stars. Appears similar to
8" (3/28/81): beautiful, large cluster, very rich in faint stars mag 11-13 over unresolved haze. A mag 4 star is at the south edge.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2477 = Lac I-3 = D 535 = h3103 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He recorded a "large nebula 15' to 20' diameter." James Dunlop made 5 observations (first on 7 May 1826) and described the cluster as "a pretty large faint nebula, easily resolvable into small stars, or rather a cluster of very small stars, with a small faint nebula near the north preceding side, which is rather difficult to resolve into exceedingly small stars. This is probably two clusters or nebula in the same line; the small nebula is probably three times the distance of the large nebula." His position was ~12' too far NW.
John Herschel lists 3 observations in his Cape catalogue: on 1 Feb 1835 he recorded "Cluster 6th class, bright, large, rich, not very highly condensed in the middle. Stars very remarkably equal. All 12 or 13th mag. Very few 14th mag; none 11th mag. A fine object." On a second sweep he described it as "a very beautiful large cluster, very rich; stars nearly equal, and 12th mag, gbm, not much compressed in the middle; more than fills the field. (N.B. It is visible in the finder of the equatorial, and in the telescope of that instrument appears as a fine cluster." Finally on his last sweep he described it as a "Superb cluster, gbM, 20' diameter, much more than fills the whole field. Stars 10 and 11th mag all nearly equal."
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07 36 35 -14 29 00; Pup
See observing notes for M47 = NGC 2422.
Charles Messier discovered M47 = NGC 2478 on 19 Feb 1771 and recorded a "Cluster of stars a short distance from the preceding [M46]; the stars are brighter; the middle of the cluster was compared with the same star, 2 Navis. The cluster contains no nebulosity." There is nothing at his position, but it was assigned GC 1594 and NGC 2478 as placeholders for the missing cluster. Giovanni Hodierna probably made the first observation of M47 before 1654, though he gave the simple description"a Nebulosa between the two dogs". His map position is a good match.
In the October 1960 issue of Sky & Tel, Owen Gingrich claims in "The Missing Messier Objects" that Messier apparently switched the signs of his offsets from his comparison star, 2 Navis (now 2 Puppis), and cites articles or notes by Oswald Thomas in 1934 and T. F. Morris in 1959. Harold Corwin doesn't fully accept this explanation (see his identification notes) as reversing the offset sign doesn't yield a very good match positional match. In any case, the cluster now taken as M47 was independently discovered by Caroline Herschel on 26 Feb 1783 and observed by William Herschel on 4 Feb 1785. Herschel catalogued it as H. VIII-38 (later NGC 2422), so it is assumed M47 = NGC 2478 = NGC 2422. See Corwin's notes for the full story.
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07 55 07 -17 42 48; Pup
Size 7'
18" (3/2/08): at 175x, over 80 stars mag 12-14 are resolved in a 9' region with the cluster extended WSW-ENE. A semi-circular loop of stars is near the center and is open on the east side. The cluster is ~10' NE of a fairly well matched, bright wide pair (h4015 = 9.1/9.5 at 20").
25x80mm (3/2/08): in the finder this cluster appears as a hazy 8' cloud with no resolution
13.1" (12/7/85): about 50 faint stars spread out in a 10' diameter over some haze. Several stars near the center are arranged in a semi-circle open on the east side. A string of stars trail off to the SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2479 = H. VII-58 on 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and reported "a pretty compressed and rich cluster of small stars, iR, about 7 or 8' diameter." His position is on the southwest side oft his cluster.
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07 57 10.5 +23 46 46; Gem
V = 14.1; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 160°
17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, very elongated
~N-S, even surface brightness.
Forms a pair with
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2480 on 1 Feb 1856. He described a "F ray with pB nucleus. There is np this a companion neb vvF, elongated as in diagram. star at Alpha, suspected another at Beta." The sketch clearly identifies NGC 2480 = UGC 4116, although no coordinates or offsets were given by Mitchell. UGC misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 2481.
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NGC 2481 = UGC 4118 = MCG +04-19-010 = CGCG 118-027 = Holm 89a = PGC 22292
07 57 13.7 +23 46 04; Gem
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 18°
17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a close pair with NGC 2480 1' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2481 = H. II-302 = h473 on
28 Feb 1785 (sweep 374) and called it "pF, vS, bM, easily
resolvable." On 20 Feb 1787
(sweep 697) he noted "F, pL, irr elongated." UGC has a typo and calls this galaxy
******************************
NGC 2482 = Cr 166 = ESO 494-003
07 55 09 -24 15 00; Pup
V = 7.3; Size 12'
18" (3/2/08): distinctive group of 80-100 stars at 175x
in a 10'-12' field. A long, rich
string of stars oriented NW-SE passes through the middle of the cluster with
arms or sprays of stars extending outwards from this string. The stars are fairly evenly distributed
and similar in magnitude with several close doubles. A mag 8 star (
13.1" (12/7/85): about 50 stars mag 10-14 in cluster. The bright stars from a "Y" asterism. Located 1.5° ENE of Xi Puppis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2482 = H. VII-10 = h474 = h3106 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and recorded "a cluster of scattered stars, the stars nearly of a size, more than 15' diam, but not compressed." On 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) he noted "a L cluster of scattered stars, considerably rich and compressed; my field is too small to determine the extent of it." Observing from the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel reported "a very rich milky way cluster, or mass of stars, 10, 11 and 12th mag, diameter 20'. The neighbourhood is rich, but much less so than this cluster." His position is a couple of arcmin south of center.
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07 55 39 -27 53 12; Pup
V = 7.6; Size 10'
18" (3/2/08): at 175x, ~60 stars are resolved, many in a long WNW to ESE chain extending to the NW of the central core of the cluster. Near the SE end of the string is a trio of stars and a wide, equal mag pair. Extending from this pair are two additional strings to the SW and towards the east.
17.5" (3/7/92): scattered group of 30 stars mag 9-14 in 10' diameter. Contains mag 8.9 SAO 174829 and a mag 10 star at the east end with 2.5' separation NW-SE. Most of the member stars are arranged in two well-defined intersecting lanes oriented SW-NE and NW-SE. There are no dense areas or prominent double stars.
25x80mm (3/2/08): easily visible as a hazy cloud with several faint stars superimposed.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2483 = h3105 on 22 Jan 1835 and recorded "Cluster 8th class. Large; loose and straggling. A milky way cluster." His position is about 1 min of RA west of this cluster.
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07 58 28.1 +37 47 11; Lyn
V = 13.1; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 145°
17.5" (3/20/93): faint, small, round, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is just 40" off the SW edge and 0.8' from the center. The distance of this galaxy is ~600 million l.y.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2484 = St. 13-34 on 2 Feb 1878. His reduced position was computed on 21 Jan 1885 and entered into his large 13th discovery list (#34). His position matches UGC 4125.
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07 56 48.7 +07 28 40; CMi
V = 12.2; Size 1.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (11/25/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus, diffuse halo. A mag 13 star is 0.6' S of center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2485 = m 107 on 25 Mar 1864 with
Lassell's 48" and recorded "neb *12." His position matches
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07 57 56.5 +25 09 39; Gem
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 100°
17.5" (2/20/88): faint, fairly small, oval E-W, broad
concentration, faint stellar nucleus.
Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2486 = m 108, along with NGC 2487, on 25 Mar 1864 and recorded "vF, S, psbM." His position was 2' too far N (same offset as NGC 2487).
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NGC 2487 = UGC 4126 = MCG +04-19-012 = CGCG 118-030 = Holm 90a = LGG 152-003 = PGC 22343
07 58 20.4 +25 08 57; Gem
V = 12.5; Size 2.6'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 115°
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, moderately large, 2' diameter oval, broad concentration. A mag 10.5 is 20" off the south edge and 1.3' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 2486 5' WNW and member of a small group (LGG 152) with NGC 2498.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2487 = m 109, along with NGC 2486, on 25 Mar 1864 and recorded "vF, S, gbM." His position was 2' too far N (same offset as NGC 2487).
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08 01 45.8 +56 33 13; Lyn
V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 100°
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
WNW-ESE, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2488 = H. III-837 = h475 on
18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and called "eF, vS." His position was 1' SSW of
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07 56 16 -30 03 54; Pup
V = 7.9; Size 8'
13.1" (1/18/85): about 50 stars in a 8' diameter. Rich in mag 11-14 stars. A richer group of stars is at the center surrounded by a larger incomplete ring of stars. Located 13' N of mag 6.3 PX Puppis (6.3-6.7).
William Herschel discovered NGC 2489 = H. VII-23 = D 626 = h479 = h3107 on 30 Dec 1785 (sweep 501). Herschel reported "a compressed cluster of pretty large stars, considerably rich."
James Dunlop observed it next on 28 May 1826. He logged D 626 as (handwritten notes)
"a pretty large faint nebula with a multitude of smal stars in it - or a
cluster of smalll stars - with faint nebule of an irregular round figure. Easily resolved. This precedes a bright star 6th mag
about 1 minute [time] AR and 20' North of the star." His position was off
by 30' to the WNW but his description is perfect match. The star is mag 4.8
John Herschel observed the cluster from England and the Cape of Good Hope. On 22 Jan 1835 (sweep 531) he recorded "A round, pretty compressed cluster of stars 11..13th mag; 6th or 7th class; gradually brighter in the middle, pretty rich, 7' diameter."
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07 59 17.9 +27 04 40; Gem
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, round, even
surface brightness. A mag 13.5
star is just 0.7' E. Located 4.0'
NW of brighter
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 14 Feb 1857, discovered NGC 2490 and recorded "I suspect Alpha to be h477 [NGC 2492], F, S, R, lbM. Beta is a vS, F patch, a star following closely." The sketch and description clearly establishes Beta as NGC 2490 = CGCG 148-080 = PGC 22382. On 14 Feb 1877, Dreyer recorded "vF, vS, R, *13m 1' foll. Pos 320.6°, Dist 243.7" [from NGC 2492].
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07 58 27.4 +07 59 02; CMi
V = 15.1; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.7; PA = 78°
24" (1/31/14): at 375x appeared faint, very small,
round, 12" diameter, low even surface brightness. Located 3.7' SW
24" (1/25/14): at 375x appeared very faint to faint,
small, elongated 4:3, 20"x15", low even surface brightness. Located 3.7' SW of much brighter NGC
2491.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2491 = Sw. 3-37 on 15 Nov 1885
(along with NGC 2496) with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and
recorded "eeeF; pS; iR; B* nr W; sp of 2 [with NGC 2496]; e
diff.". His position is ~1.5'
NW of
Harold Corwin notes there are two brighter galaxies 10' N
(
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NGC 2492 = UGC 4138 = MCG +05-19-028 = CGCG 148-080 = PGC 22397
07 59 29.7 +27 01 35; Gem
V = 12.7; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 95°
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2490 4.0' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2492 = h477 on 24 Dec 1827
(sweep 115) and logged "vF; S; R; bM." His position matches
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NGC 2493 = UGC 4150 = MCG +07-17-007 = CGCG 207-014 = Holm 91a = PGC 22447
08 00 23.7 +39 49 49; Lyn
V = 12.0; Size 1.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, round, halo gradually increases to a small bright core. Located 9' SW of mag 7.6 SAO 42123. Forms a close pair with a dim galaxy NGC 2495 1.8' ENE. This galaxy forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 9.5 star 5' WNW and a mag 10 star 4.5' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2493 = H. III-750 = h476 on
31 Dec 1788 (sweep 901) and noted "vF, S, R, lbM." His position matches
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07 59 07.0 -00 38 17; Mon
V = 13.1; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 95°
17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, oval ~E-W, fairly small, bright core. A nice triple star lies 4' ESE; the closer components are mag 11/12 with separation 19".
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2494 = m 110 on 6 Feb 1864 and noted
"F, S, lE." There is
nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 min of RA east is
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NGC 2495 = MCG +07-17-008 = CGCG 207-016 = Holm 91b = Mrk 383 = PGC 22457
08 00 33.2 +39 50 23; Lyn
V = 15.5; Size 0.4'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (2/24/90): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 14.5 is off the east edge 24" from center. Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 2493 1.8' WSW.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2495 on 14 Feb 1855 as the
assistant on Lord Rosse's 72".
While observing NGC 2493, he noted "a faint star precedes, a
nebulous knot follows 2' or 3' dist." Just 2.0' ENE of the center of NGC 2493 is
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NGC 2496 = UGC 4127 = MCG +01-21-002 = CGCG 031-009 = PGC 22359
07 58 37.4 +08 01 45; CMi
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 2°
24" (1/31/14): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, fairly high surface brightness, gradually increases to the center but no distinct nucleus or zones. A mag 14 star is 35" W of center. NGC 2491 lies 3.7' SW.
24" (1/25/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~25"x18", weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 33" W of center and a mag 11 star is 2' S.
17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 30" W. Forms a pair with NGC 2491 4' SW (not seen).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2496 = Sw. 3-38 on 15 Nov 1885
(along NGC 2491) using the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and
recorded "vF, pS, R, lbM, * close foll, nf of 2". His position matches
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08 02 11.0 +56 56 32; Lyn
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, extremely small, round, stellar
nucleus stands out with direct vision.
Located 6' E of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 2497 = H. III-838 on 18 Mar
1790 (sweep 949) and called "eF, vS." According to Caroline's offset, his position is just 12 sec
of RA too small. MCG does not
label this galaxy (
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NGC 2498 = UGC 4142 = MCG +04-19-015 = CGCG 118-034 = LGG 152-004 = PGC 22403
07 59 38.8 +24 58 56; Gem
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 113°
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, small bright core, elongated NW-SE, faint stellar nucleus. NGC 2486 lies 20' NW. Member of a small group (LGG 152).
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2498 = St. 13-35 on 1 Feb
1878. His reduced position was
recorded on 19 Jan 1885 and matches
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07 58 51.7 +07 29 36; CMi
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 175°
17.5" (3/7/92): very faint, very small, round. Located 2' N of mag 8.9 SAO 26621. Two mag 10/11 stars are 1.8' S and 2.8' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2499 = m 111 on 25 Mar 1864 with
Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, pS, iR." His position matches
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08 01 53.1 +50 44 15; Lyn
V = 11.6; Size 2.9'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.7
13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, fairly large, almost round, mottled, weak concentration. Situated midway between a mag 12 star 1.9' NE and a mag 10.5 star 1.7' SW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2500 = H. III-709 = h478 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and recorded "vF, R, vgbM; about 2 1/2 minutes in diameter." A later observation says "I can perceive some of the stars." This is a mottled face-on spiral, so this created the impression of resolving some stars.
On 1 Feb 1851, Lord Rosse "saw stars in it and suspected at one time a curvilinear arrangement. On later observations spiral structure was suspected and sketches (by R.J. Mitchell and Samuel Hunter) reasonably capture the spiral structure, although they were not certain. In addition a couple of HII knots on the preceding side were apparently noticed.
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07 58 30.0 -14 21 16; Pup
V = 13.7; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 120°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core, stands out well in rich Milky Way field. Situated only 8° from the galactic equator.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2501 = h3108 on 14 Feb 1836 and recorded "F, R, gbM, 30", in a field full of stars." On a later sweep he called it "pF, lE, in parallel; glbM, 25"." His position is accurate.
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07 55 51.5 -52 18 25; Car
V = 12.0; Size 2.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 126°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE. Well concentrated with a very bright 30" core that dominates the galaxy. The outer halo or arms are much fainter and could be easily missed but extend to 1.2'x0.8'. Forms the NW vertex of a triangle with two mag 11 star 4.3' E and a mag 11.5 star 3' SSE. Located 41' NNW mag 3.5 Chi Carinae.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2502 = h3109 on 5 Jan 1837 and
reported "pF; R; vgpmbM; 25"." His single position matches
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08 00 36.7 +22 24 00; Cnc
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, small, round, 0.8' diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is at the NW edge and a mag 11 star lies 2.0' SE of center. Located on the Cancer/Gemini border.
17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, round, diffuse, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is just off the NW edge and a mag 11 star is 2.0' SE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2503 = m 112 on 17 Feb 1865 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "eF, S, glbM." His position is 8 sec of RA east of UGC 4158.
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07 59 52.3 +05 36 29; CMi
V = 14.1; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (11/25/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W, fairly low even surface brightness.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2504 = m 113 on 25 Mar 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and recorded "vF, S, R." His position is accurate.
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NGC 2505 = UGC 4193 = MCG +09-13-115 = CGCG 262-066 = PGC 22644
08 04 06.8 +53 32 57; Lyn
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 0°
17.5" (1/19/91): faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 N-S,
very small brighter nucleus.
Located 10' SW of mag 7.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 2505 = H. III-839 on 18 Mar
1790 (sweep 949) and called it "eF, vS." His position (Caroline's reduction) is just 1.8'
south-southwest of
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08 00 02 -10 46 12; Mon
V = 7.6; Size 7'
18" (3/15/10): at 175x, this is a beautifully rich 8' group of stars, roughly circular, with 80-100 stars mag 11-14 over unresolved background haze. The brightest two stars are at the west side and form a wide, 27" double. The richest portion roughly forms a "U" outline, open to the south, as if a chunk of the cluster was missing. The north side of the "U" consists of a string of stars oriented WNW-ESE (north of the two brightest stars) with a pair at the WNW end. At the ESE end of this string a few brighter stars form a right angle heading SSW and forming another side of the "U". A faint string of stars extends out of the cluster to the SE and another string extends out the WNW.
17.5" (3/12/94): 75 stars in 10' diameter at 220x. The brightest members are a wide pair of mag 11/12 stars at the west end with a separation of 27" oriented SW-NE and a mag 11.5 star at the east end. Rich in mag 13-14 stars with a roughly circular outline except for a "bite" on the south side. The richest subgroup is following the two brighter stars at the west end and is 3' diameter forming a "C" shaped asterism opening to the south over haze and is quite striking.
13.1" (2/23/85): at 220x, ~35 stars visible, many in a winding row. A number of brighter mag 11 stars surround the group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2506 = H. VI-37 = h480 on 23 Feb 1791 (sweep 995) and recorded "a very compressed and very rich cluster of stars. The stars are of 2 sizes, some considerably large and the rest next to invisible. The compressed part 5' or 6' in diameter." His position (Auwers' reduction) is 7' NNE of center of this cluster. It was independently found by Karl Ludwig Harding around 1823 and reported it as a new discovery.
John Herschel's described the cluster on 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129) as "the first *11m in the p part of a rich resolved p comp cl irreg fig; *s 11...20m, so as to be nebulous. The most comp part = 4' or 5' diam. His Slough position is accurate, but he subtracted 10' in North Polar Disatance in the GC (General Catalog) assuming he made an error, as his position didn't match his father's or Harding's. See GC and NGC notes.
Lord Rosse, or his observing assistant George Stoney, commented on 27 Jan 1849 "More approach towards spiral appearance than I have seen in any other cluster [obvious spiral shapes were a primary focus]. Very curious black spaces with power 700x."
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08 01 37.2 +15 42 35; Cnc
V = 12.2; Size 2.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.7
24" (2/14/15): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 0.6'x0.5'. Moderately concentrated to a small brighter nucleus. A very low surface brightness halo increases the size to 0.8'x0.7'. A mag 12 star is off the SW side [1.3' from center]. A mag 15.5 star is at the SW edge at 300-375x and a slightly fainter star is embedded on the N edge [just 18" from center!]. An HII region (or galaxy?) at the NE edge was not resolved.
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, gradually brighter halo, stellar nucleus within slightly brighter core. A mag 11.5 star is 1.3' SW. NGC 2514 lies 18' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2507 = H. II-554 = h481 on 18 Mar 1786 (sweep 538) and logged "pB, pL, easily resolvable, gbM." John Herschel described it on 25 Jan 1832 (sweep 395) as "F; R; 15". Pos of a *12m = 225.5°, dist = 60"."
A couple of faint stars, as well as a faint galaxy, are superimposed on NGC 2507. On 22 Feb 1867, Birr Castle observer Robert Ball reported three "knots" were "well seen", though these are probably stars and the nucleus. "The middle knot [nucleus], alpha, is much the largest. Alpha to knot sp, Pos = 223.0° [this is a star], alpha to knot np 338.0° [this is also a star]."
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08 01 57.2 +08 33 07; CMi
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130°
17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core. Collinear with two mag 13.5 stars 0.8' WSW and 1.3' WSW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2508 = H. III-7 = h484 on 23
Jan 1784 (sweep 100) and recorded "a nebulous star, but doubtful of the
nebulosity. Yet with 240 the same
doubtful appearance continues."
There is nothing near his position, but 1 min 42 sec of RA west and 3'
south is
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08 00 48 -19 03 00; Pup
Size 8'
18" (3/2/08): beautiful cluster of 80-100 stars at
175x, highlighted by a dense 2-2.5' clump of fainter stars resolved over some
remaining haze. Double or multiple
stars are at the NE and NW corners of this central knot. At 220x the SE corner of the clump is
very rich in faint stars with averted!
The brightest star is at the SW side with a string of mag 10-11 stars
extending outside of the cluster to the SE from of this star. The cluster is situated ~6' NW of mag
8.8
17.5" (3/12/94): 50 stars resolved in a 6'x5' region
outlined by a perfect parallelogram.
The majority of the stars, though, lie in a prominent dense clump along the
NW side of the parallelogram and includes a nice double star. The NE vertex of the parallelogram is a
double star with components mag 13/13.5 at 12". The parallelogram has no concentration and the interior
southern portion has only a couple of faint stars. Mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 2509 = H. VIII-1 on 3 Dec 1783 (very early sweep, internal discovery #7) and recorded "a cl of coarsely scattered stars. The place is that of the most comp part, which is not M[iddle]" On 4 Mar 1790 (sweep 934) and logged "a considerably compressed and very rich cl of small star, irr F." and on 15 Mar 1801 (sweep 1095) he noted "a beautiful cl of stars, arranced in a circular order."
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08 02 10.6 +09 29 09; CMi
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 115°
24" (3/22/14): faint to fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~40"x25", fairly low even surface
brightness. First of 5 with NGC
2511 5.6' SSE,
17.5" (2/13/88): faint, fairly small, irregularly
round, even surface brightness.
Similar size to NGC 2513 5.6' SE but lower surface brightness. In a group of five with
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2510 and 2511 on 31 Jan 1851. The group was sketched on 26 Feb 1851 with NGC 2510 is labeled Gamma and precise offsets were measured from NGC 2513.
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NGC 2511 = MCG +02-21-008 = CGCG 059-024 = Mrk 1207 = WBL 169-006 = PGC 22549
08 02 15.0 +09 23 40; CMi
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 125°
24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 40"x20", weak concentation. Located 2.7' SW of NGC 2513.
17.5" (2/13/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness. In a group with NGC 2513 3' NE and NGC 2510 5.6' SSW. Located on the Canis Minor-Cancer border.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2511 and 2510 on 31 Jan 1851. The group was sketched on 26 Feb 1851 with NGC 2511 labelled Beta and precise offsets measured from NGC 2513. Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy in 1862 (#77 in AN 1500) and called it a "Doppelnebel" with h483 [NGC 2513]. John Herschel mistakenly credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the GC but Dreyer included both observers in the NGC.
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08 03 07.8 +23 23 30; Cnc
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 113°
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Not identified as NGC 2512 in the UGC or CGCG.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2512 = H. III-605 = h482 on 10 Feb 1787 (sweep 697) and noted "F, S, iF." His position (Auwers' reduction) was 1.4' too far north. CGCG and UGC fail to label their catalogue entries as NGC 2512.
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NGC 2513 = UGC 4184 = MCG +02-21-009 = CGCG 059-025 = WBL 169-007 = PGC 22555
08 02 24.7 +09 24 49; Cnc
V = 11.6; Size 2.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170°
24" (3/22/14): bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core. The halo extends ~1.25'x0.9' N-S and has a fairly low surface brightness. Brightest in a group with NGC 2511 2.7' SW, NGC 2510 5.6' NW, LEDA 1364011 4.7' SW, CGCG 59-27 6' NE.
17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
irregularly round, well concentrated to a very bright core, small faint
halo. Brightest in a group
including NGC 2510 5.6' NW, NGC 2511 3' SW,
William Herschel discovered NGC 2513 = H. III-512 = h483 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 534) and recorded "vF, S, R, mbM, 240 showed it very well." His position is accurate. John Herschel called the nebula "pB; R; psbM." on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120). The two fainter companions (NGC 2510 and 2511) were discovered at Birr Castle.
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NGC 2514 = UGC 4189 = MCG +03-21-011 = CGCG 088-022 = PGC 22581
08 02 49.7 +15 48 30; Cnc
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8
24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.9' diameter, no core but irregular surface brightness (strong impression of a face-on spiral).
17.5" (2/8/91): faint, fairly small, round, low almost even surface brightness. NGC 2507 lies 18' WSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2514 = St. 13-36 on 1 Feb 1878. His reduced position was recorded on 19 Jan 1885 with description "milky patch; excessively faint; irregularly round; diameter = about 1'; traces of central condensation; mottling suspected."
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08 03 21.3 +20 11 17; Cnc
Size 9"
= **, Reinmuth.
George Bond discovered NGC 2515 = HN 5 on 11 Sep 1852 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Harvard College Observatory. At his position is a 9" pair of mag 13 stars oreinted ~E-W. Most of Bond's discoveries in the early 1850's at HCO turned out to be close pairs or even single stars. NGC 2515 is correctly classified as a double star in the RNGC (from Carlson's list), but the position is wildly off at 09 47.3 +13 02 (2000).
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07 58 00 -60 45; Car
V = 3.8; Size 30'
13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): very bright naked-eye
cluster located 3° SW of Epsilon Car (southern star in the False Cross). Appears partially resolved in the 9x50
finder and my 15x50 IS binoculars provided an excellent view. In the 13.1", the cluster filled
over half of the 20mm Nagler field, ~30'-35' diameter with over 100 stars
resolved. The outline is quite
irregular though well-detached at low power. A mag 5.2 M-type giant orange star (V460 = HD 66342) lies at
the NE edge of the cluster. The
central region is more concentrated and uniform and includes a number of tinted
yellow or orange stars. A nice
triple star (HJ 4027 = 7.1/7.8/9.3 at 9" and 20") is on the W edge of
the cluster and an excellent double (HJ 4031 = 7.2/8.0 at 5") lies on the
E side of the cluster. A long
curving string starts in the center and heads NE to the mag 5.2 orange star. This string includes a 9" evenly
matched pair of mag 9 stars (Innes 1104) that was resolved at low power. Mag 5.7 K-type orange subgiant
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): this bright naked-eye cluster is located SW of the "False Cross" (3 degrees SW of 2nd-magnitude Epsilon Carinae) and is the only open cluster in western Carina. It was well resolved in the 9x50 finder. At 105x, the main group is 25'-30' with outliers increasing the size and roughly 100 stars are resolved including a number of mag 6-8 stars. Many of the stars are arranged in loops and strings and overall the cluster is quite irregular in magnitudes and star distributions. There is a close, fairly bright double on the SE side (7.2/8.0 at 5.5") and a neat 13' chain of stars near the west side running N-S.
10x30 Canon IS (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a prominent naked-eye cluster below the "False Cross" (formed by Epsilon and Iota Car as well as Delta and Kappa Vel), on a line with the longer axis (Epsilon Car and Kappa Vel) of the cross. In binoculars, it appeared well-resolved, ~50' diameter including outliers with 5 bright stars (mag 6.5-7.5) with a couple of dozen stars resolved overall. Appears fairly rich towards the center with a number of mag 8-10 stars.
10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): very bright naked-eye cluster, gorgeous even at 10x with a couple of dozen stars resolved, 40'-50' diameter, many brighter stars around the periphery, but richer towards the center.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2516 = Lac II-3 = h3111 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He noted a "Group of 10 to 12 stars, very compressed." NGC 2516 was not included in Dunlop's main catalogue but his handwritten notes call it a "Very fine cluster about 35' diameter, many of the stars of the 6th and 7th magnitude, mixed magnitudes. Figure irregular - branched."
John Herschel observed the cluster a number of times with his 18-inch f/13 speculum telescope at the Cape of Good Hope. His first record reads: "An orange-coloured star 8th magnitude, in middle of a large and magnificent cluster of perhaps 200 to 250 stars 8..16th mag. Many of the larger magnitudes, and really a superb object. Very visible to the naked eye, etc."
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08 02 47.0 -12 19 04; Pup
V = 11.8; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 70°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, round, strong
concentration with small bright core.
Located in a rich star field between a mag 13 double star 1.1' S at
20" oriented E-W and a mag 11.5 star 1.0' NW. Mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 2517 = h3110 on 16 Mar 1836 and
noted "F; vS; R; between 3 stars 13 and 14 m." His position is 5 sec of RA east and 1'
north of
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NGC 2518 = UGC 4221 = MCG +09-14-006 = CGCG 263-009 = PGC 22800
08 07 20.1 +51 07 53; Lyn
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 35°
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2518, along with
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08 07 58.9 +51 07 42; Lyn
= *?, Corwin. Not found, Sulentic
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2519, along with NGC 2518, in 1886 at the private Wiggleworth Observatory in Scarborough, England and described "Two nebulae, F, L, R, gbM, delta RA = 42 seconds". There is only a single galaxy at his position (UGC 4221) identified as NGC 2518. Corwin notes that 39 tsec following this galaxy is a 14th magnitude star (with three much fainter stars within an arcmin northwest) which might be the NGC 2519. There is an obvious error in the position given in RNGC (both RA and Dec) although NGC 2518 is correctly described as "Not found".
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08 04 58 -28 08 48; Pup
V = 6.5; Size 22'
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 2520 = h3112 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded a "Cluster 7th class, distinguished among milky way clusters, pretty rich, bright. The star taken is the chief of a condensed hook in the following part." In the Cape Observations, Herschel identified h3112 = H. VIII-30 = h488 but his position for h3112 is 3.0 min of RA too far west. Although his description matches H. VIII-30 = h488, JH still listed separate entries in the GC for h3112 and h488, which later received the designations NGC 2520 and NGC 2527. So, NGC 2520 = NGC 2527, with NGC 2527 the earlier observation.
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08 08 49.3 +57 46 10; Lyn
V = 12.8; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 45°
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, very small, round,
bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
Located 3.6' SSE of a mag 9 star (Z Lyncis). This is the brightest of four in a group including
John Herschel discovered NGC 2521 = h485 on 9 Feb 1831
(sweep 323). His position and
description ("pF; R; psbM; sf a *9 dist 3'.") matches
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08 06 13.4 +17 42 24; Cnc
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 32°
17.5" (11/2/91): fairly faint, small, very elongated
3:1 SW-NE, well concentrated with a small high surface brightness core which
dominates view, very thin fainter extensions.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2522 = m 114 on 26 Jan 1865 and
recorded "vF, vS, E, psbM."
His position matches
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08 15 00.2 +73 34 44; Cam
V = 11.9; Size 3.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 57°
24" (3/6/21): at 260x; fairly bright, moderately large, roundish central region ~1' diameter with a diffuse outer halo 2'x1' SW-NE. A prominent bar runs through the center in a WNW-ESE orientation. At the center is a small brighter nucleus. A mag 11.7 star is off the SSW end [1.7' from center].
48" (4/21/17 and 5/1/19): at 488x; bright, very large,
showpiece barred spiral! Superb
view with a strong bar running ~5:1 WNW-ESE, highlighted by an intensely
brighter nucleus. Inner spiral
arms are attached at the ends of the bar and form a gorgeous 360° inner
circular ring! The region inside
the ring is darker on both sides (southwest and northeast) of the bar. With averted vision a fainter outer
halo extended mostly SW and NE, though I couldn't trace arm structure in the
halo. A mag 11.7 star is 1.7' SW
of center. Brightest in a group
with
NGC 2523B: moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 40"x15", very faint outer extensions. A mag 14 star is at the southwest edge of the core. A mag 12.4 star is 1.2' SW.
UGC 4279: extremely to very faint, thin ghostly streak
0.4'x0.1'. This is the brighter
central bar and the extremely low surface brightness arms or halo was not
seen. Situated 7' NE of NGC 2523
and 2.5' S of mag 8.2
NGC 2523C: fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated
3:1 E-W, ~60"x20", well concentrated with an elongated bright core
and small brighter nucleus.
Located 20' SE of NGC 2523 and 10' WSW of mag 8.4
17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, fairly small. A center contains a bright central bar with a small bright core. A mag 11.5 is off the SW edge 1.5' from the center. Forms a pair with NGC 2523B = UGC 4271 9' W and NGC 2523C = UGC 4290 lies 20' SE.
Edward Swift discovered NGC 2523 = Sw. 2-32 on 7 Sep 1885
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. Lewis Swift's son was 14 years old at
the time. The Swifts' position and description ("pB, pL, lE, lbM, *
nr") is a good match with
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08 08 09.6 +39 09 26; Lyn
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 125°
17.5" (2/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, bright
core, almost stellar nucleus, oval NW-SE.
Forms a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2524 = St. 8b-24, along with
NGC 2528, on 7 Mar 1874 with the 31" reflector at Marseilles
Observatory. He published an
accurate micrometric position matching
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08 05 38.0 -11 25 41; Pup
V = 11.6; Size 2.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 75°
24" (2/8/18 and 2/13/18): at 200x and 375x; fairly bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 ~E-W, broad concentration, no distinct core at 200x but the halo appeared patchy or uneven (brighter and darker regions), strongly hinting at spiral structure. At 375x, a short low contrast central bar (elongated roughly 3:1 E-W) was visible with a slightly brighter nucleus.
13th magnitude SN 2018gv, discovered on Jan 15th, was easily visible at the SW edge of the galaxy [50" W and 39" S of center]. A mag 14.5 star was easily seen close SW of the supernova and a very faint and close pair is an additional 20" SW.
13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, large, slightly
elongated E-W, diffuse, weak concentration. Located 3.8' NNE of mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 2525 = H. III-877 = h486 on 23 Feb 1791 (sweep 995) and recorded "vF, iR, resolvable, about 2' in diameter, almost of equal light throughout." On 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129), John Herschel wrote, "F; L; R; vgbM; 90"; among stars of the Milky Way."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 30 Jan 1856, sketched NGC 2525 as a spiral. He wrote, "vF, L, oval. Several F stars on edge, suspect others in the neb., also dark spaces. Nucl or * in centre? Spiral as in diagram. A year later he saw additional details: "light very unequal, suspect nucleus and a star close foll nucleus, also star in p edge? Again I though I saw a darkness across np centre [gap in spiral arms] and knots in np edge, but it is very uncertain."
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08 06 58.6 +08 00 14; Cnc
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 140°
17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, broad concentration. There is a pretty pair of double stars in the field including a mag 11/12 pair at 10" located 3.5' ENE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2526 = m 115 on 25 Mar 1864 and
recorded "vF, S, mE." His position matches
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NGC 2527 = NGC 2520 = ESO 430-15 = Cr 174
08 04 58 -28 08 48; Pup
V = 6.5; Size 22'
17.5" (3/7/92): 75-100 stars mag 10-14 in very large 30' loose group. This cluster is fairly bright with two fairly rich subgroups. The central 10' core includes about two dozen stars with a mag 10 star at the NW corner which has three fainter companions within 35". A rich string of faint stars oriented SSW-NNE of length 4' has two mag 10-11 stars at the endpoints. Outliers extend east and west and include a rich elongated group at the NE edge of the cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2527 = H. VIII-30 = h488 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 333) and noted "a very large cluster of many coarsely scattered large stars." From Sloughon 7 Jan 1831 (sweep 317), John Herschel wrote "p rich; v coarsely scattered; fills field; st 10...15m. RA by working list [marked as uncertain]. He also observed the cluster while in South Africa but his RA was 3 minutes too far west. As a result it inherited two NGC numbers, so NGC 2527 = NGC 2520.
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NGC 2528 = UGC 4227 = MCG +07-17-015 = CGCG 207-032 = PGC 22805
08 07 24.9 +39 11 39; Lyn
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (2/24/90): faint, fairly small, round, almost even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 2524 10' ESE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2528 = St. 8b-25, along with NGC 2524, on 7 Mar 1874. Through a mix-up in measuring the offset on 22 Jan 1877, Stephan placed NGC 2528 11' SE of NGC 2524, instead of 9' NW. Emmanuel Esmiol corrected the position in his 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions. His new position (identified as an "Anon"[ymous] nebula), establishes NGC 2528 = UGC 4227. Corwin also sorted out the situation (see his notes for NGC 2528).
In several galaxy catalogs (CGCG, UGC, MCG), the designation NGC 2528 isn't applied, but RNGC, PGC and RC3 identify this galaxy as NGC 2528.
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08 07 48 +17 49; Cnc
= Not found, Corwin. Incorrect identification in the RNGC.
Bigourdan discovered NGC 2529 = Big. 35, along with NGC 2531, on 29 Jan 1887. These were noted while examining the NGC 2530 field and placed 1' SW and 1' SE. There is nothing at either of these offsets. RNGC misidentifies NGC 2530 as NGC 2529 and UGC and CGCG misidentify NGC 2530 as NGC 2529 = NGC 2531. See RNGC Corrections #5.
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NGC 2530 = (R)NGC 2529 = UGC 4237 = MCG +03-21-020 = CGCG 088-038 = PGC 22827
08 07 55.6 +17 49 06; Cnc
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 170°
17.5" (11/2/91): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S. Unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is attached at the north end 0.8' from center and the galaxy appears to fan out to the south. The edges are difficult to define. NGC 2522 lies 25' WSW. Incorrectly identified as NGC 2529 in the RNGC, UGC, CGCG.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2530 = H. III-752 = h487 on
22 Feb 1789 (sweep 906) and noted "eF, lE, south of a vS star." His position and description matches
RNGC misclassifies NGC 2530 as nonexistent (Type 7), though
the correct data for NGC 2530 is listed under the entry for NGC 2529. NGC 2530 is misidentified as NGC 2529 =
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08 08 01 +17 49; Cnc
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC. Incorrect position in the RNGC.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2531 = Big. 36 on 29 Jan 1887, along with NGC 2529. These two supposedly nebulous objects were noted while examining NGC 2530. NGC 2531 was placed 1' SE, but there is nothing at this offset. See my comments on NGC 2529 and 2530 as well as Corwin's identification notes.
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08 10 15.4 +33 57 26; Lyn
V = 12.4; Size 2.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 10°
17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, moderately large, 1.5', slightly elongated NW-SE, gradually brightens towards the center, faint stellar nucleus, slightly mottled appearance. A mag 12 star 1.6' NNE is within a collinear string of six mag 11/12 stars oriented WNW-ESE running through the 20' field and a mag 11.5 star is 2.6' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2532 = H. II-726 = h489 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807). His description reads, "pF, pL, iR, lbM, resolvable, south of 2 stars that are nearly in the parallel." This galaxy was observed 13 times at Birr Castle and an arm was suspected several times on the south side. Also a companion close north was sketched (not mentioned in the GC or NGC), but this is probably a very faint star.
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08 07 04 -29 53 06; Pup
V = 7.6; Size 4'
17.5" (2/8/91): about 20 stars surrounding mag 8.8 SAO 175203. Also includes a mag 10.5 star but the remainder are 13th and 14th magnitude. Fairly small, 4' diameter, does not stand out well in rich field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2533 = h3113 on 22 Jan 1835 and recorded "place (RA doubtful) of a *9 m; cheif of cl p rich; irreg R; glbM; 5'; stars 13m. Belong to milky way, but is a much more compressed part of it."
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NGC 2534 = UGC 4268 = MCG +09-14-014 = CGCG 263-014 = Mrk 85 = PGC 23024
08 12 54.1 +55 40 19; Lyn
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly faint, small, round, broadly
concentrated halo, faint stellar nucleus.
A mag 15 star is 1' N.
Located 2' N of mag 8.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 2534 = H. III-840 = h490 on
18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and noted "cF, cS." His position, based on Caroline's reduction was just 1.6'
too far northwest (typical error), though Auwers' reduced position is 9' S of
R.J. Mitchell, observing on 7 Mar 1885 with Lord Rosse's 72" described "Has r[esolved] look, * plain at north end. Alpha [from sketch] is a knot or star. Neb is bM and probably spiral. Certainly a dark space from south-preceding to north." Spiral structure is not evident on the DSS.
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08 11 13.5 +25 12 23; Cnc
V = 12.8; Size 2.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 0°
48" (4/2/11): this is the prominent member of a
striking interacting pair (
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, weak concentration. Forms a close pair with NGC 2536 1.8' SSE (Arp 82). Located just following a line of three mag 12 stars 1.6' WSW, 1.2' W and 0.9' NW of center.
13.1" (1/18/85): faint, small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness. Located 22' SSE of a mag 6 star.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2535 = St. 8b-26 on 7 Mar 1874. His notebook entry on that night doesn't specify two objects (NGC 2536). His published micrometric position (list 8b, #26) was made on 22 Jan 1877.
Karl Reinmuth discovered SN 1901A in NGC 2535 (one of the first found) in 1923 on a Heidelberg plate taken on 10 Jan 1901. The announcement was made in 1924AN....221...47R.
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NGC 2536 = Arp 82 NED2 = VV 9b = Holm 94b = MCG +04-20-005 =
08 11 16.0 +25 10 46; Cnc
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 112°
48" (4/2/11): fainter and smaller member of an interacting pair (Arp 82) with NGC 2535. At 375x appeared fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~30"x20", high surface brightness, moderate concentration with a very small, very bright core. Located 1.8' SSE of NGC 2535. A spiral arm hooks from the west side of NGC 2535, appearing to be tidally stretched SE in the direction of NGC 2536, though not reaching the companion.
17.5" (2/20/88): faint, very small, oval ~SW-NE, small bright core. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 2535 1.8' NW.
13.1" (1/18/85): very faint, very small, diffuse. Located 2' SE of NGC 2535.
Édouard Stephan probably discovered NGC 2536 = St. 8b-27, along with brighter NGC 2535, on 7 Mar 1874, although he didn't specify 2 objects in his notebook. His published micrometric position (list 8b, #27) was made on 22 Jan 1877 and matches the fainter southeastern galaxy.
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08 13 14.5 +45 59 31; Lyn
V = 11.7; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.6
48" (4/15/10): At 624x, the view of the highly
irregular "Bear-paw" galaxy (
17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, fairly small,
round. The "Bear-paw"
galaxy has an unusual appearance with a dark lane or vacuity in the
center. A small slightly brighter
knot is visible along the NW edge.
A mag 11 star is 2' SE.
Located 6.5' E of mag 8.4
13.1" (2/25/84): fairly faint, small, round, no structure.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2537 = H. IV-55 = h491 on 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 809) and recorded "pB; R; pL; preceding a star about 1'." On 10 Mar 1788 (sweep 817) he logged "pB, R, almost of an even light througout, approaching to a planetary [he placed it in the category of planetary nebulae] but very ill defined, and a little fainter on the edges, about 3/4 or 1' dia." John Herschel observed the galaxy on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and remarked, "It is a globular cluster. Being a remarkable fine night, I see the stars."
NGC 2537 was observed 20 times at Birr Castle. George Johnstone Stoney noted "dark spaces" on 22 Feb 1849. and thought it was "probably spiral" in Jan 1852, although photographs show no significant spirality. Other observations refer to its resolvability and the GC and NGC description call it a globular cluster! When it was photographed at Lick Observatory with the Crossley reflector, Curtis noted (1918), "This is not a cluster, as described in the NGC, but a bright, irregular spiral." Francis Pease called it "horseshoe" shaped based on a photograph with the 60" at Mt. Wilson, and mentions a "faint spot" nearby to the east, which is the companion galaxy NGC 2537A.
Wolfgang Steinicke reports the nickname is from Ron Buta, based on an observation through a 36" telescope at McDonald (Webb Society Galaxy Handbook, 1981): "Small and of relatively high surface brightness; shaped like a bear-paw, the structure consisting of a single spiral arm winding from W to E around the N side; this ring-tail includes 3 knots, one of about 15 mag; a bar-like feature shows in the interior region of the arm and extends to the S edge of the galaxy; there is a faint glow between the arm and the bar feature".
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08 11 23.0 +03 37 59; CMi
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 25°
17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core. Located between a mag 14 star 0.9' NW and a mag 12 star 1.7' SE. A faint double star mag 14/15 is just 1.2' E.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2538 = St. 8b-28 on 7 Mar 1874. His pubished position (list 8b, #28) was made 3 years later on 2 Feb 1877 with description "very faint, very small, round, much brighter core."
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08 10 37 -12 49 12; Pup
V = 6.5; Size 22'
18" (3/2/08): this cluster is situated 10' NW of 4.7-magnitude 19 Pup. Roughly 125 stars are spread out over a 20' region. At the NW end is a roughly equal mag pair, an 11" pair is on the east side and a brighter mag 10/11 pair at 20" is on the NE side.
13.1" (2/25/84): about 85 stars in a 20' diameter. Fairly rich with uniform magnitudes. A brighter mag 10/11 pair at 21" is on the north side. Located about 10' NW of 19 Puppis (V = 4.7).
William Herschel discovered NGC 2539 = H. VII-11 = h3114 on 31 Jan 1785 (sweep 363) and called it "a cluster of stars, coarsely scattered, but considerably rich, above 20' diam." JH, observing from the Cape of Good Hope, recorded "a large, extended, rich cluster. Fills field; stars 12th mag approx. A bright star (6th mag) S.f."
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08 12 46.5 +26 21 41; Cnc
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 125°
17.5" (3/20/93): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2
NW-SE, fairly low surface brightness halo, weak concentration. Situated within a triangle of mag 14
stars the closest being 1.3' W.
Located 8' NNE of mag 8.5
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2540 = St. 13-37 on 7 Feb 1878. His rough position was just off the SW side. He reduced an accurate position on 10 Feb 1885 and included it in his last discovery list 13 (#37) with an estimated diameter of 1.5'.
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08 14 40.2 +49 03 43; Lyn
V = 11.8; Size 6.3'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.9; PA = 165°
13.1" (2/23/85): faint, fairly large, very diffuse halo, elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration to an elongated core. A mag 10 star lies 4.5' NNE. In a group with NGC 2500 and NGC 2522.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2541 = H. III-710 = h492 on
9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and called it "vF, iF, 2.5' long, 1.75'
broad." His position is 20
sec of RA west of center. John
Herschel recorded it on 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329) as "not vF; L; lE; vgbM;
90"." His position is
just north of the core of
******************************
NGC 2542 = 19 Puppis = SAO 153942 = ADS 6647
08 11 16.3 -12 55 37; Pup
V = 4.7
= * 4.7 = 19 Pup. No nebulosity, Corwin and Carlson.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2542 = h3115 on 11 Dec 1836 and noted "a fine nebulous star 6 mag [19 Pup], in the following part of the cluster VII II [NGC 2539] and almost connected to it. The nebula is faint, but I feel confident that it is not the nebulous haze. [Notandum -Nothing more difficult than to prove a nebulous star of the 6th mag and above." In this case, the star is free of nebulosity. This is the 3rd brightest star with an entry in the NGC (after NGC 771 and 4530).
There are several similar cases of bright stars which Herschel assumed had a nebulous halo (see notes on NGC 4530). Harold Corwin mentions that he may have been misled by the faint companion of 19 Puppis, though I think it's more likely he was misled by scattered light/dew. Interestingly, three observations were made with the 72" and all described the star as being nebulous! Pietro Baracchi, observing with the 48" Melbourne telescope on 9 Jan 1886, wrote in his logbook that it was necessary to hide the star to see the nebulosity and if he had not known of the description he would not had noticed anything. In addition, Howe reported "I examined it one night, and saw a faint halo about 2' in diameter encircling it. It looked like a telescopic flare."
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08 12 57.9 +36 15 13; Lyn
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 45°
17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.5', very small brighter core. Two mag 11.5 stars are 2.4' NW and 3.9' NW on a line with NGC 2543.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2543 = H. II-719 = h493 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 803) and recorded "F, pL, iR, bM." His RA was 10 seconds too small and dec 5' too far S. A second observation from 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 937) reads "In a line with a N.p. star, pB, cL, iR, vgbM." The second observation was even further off in dec.
John Herschel noted on 7 Feb 1834 (sweep 401), "vF; R;
a course double * precedes points to it.
Deta RA = 1 m 2 sec."
There is nothing at his position but two minutes of RA west is
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08 21 40.3 +73 59 16; Cam
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 70°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 WSW-ENE, brighter core.
Located 5.5' SW of a mag 9.5 star.
Forms a close pair with
CGCG 331-037 appeared extremely faint and small, round, just visible with averted. A mag 15 star is close NE confuses the observation.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2544 = Sw. 2-33 on 7 Sep 1885
(along with NGC 2550) with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory.
His description reads "eeF; pS; R; sev B stars nearly surround
it." His position is 16 sec
of RA west and 1.4' south of
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08 14 14.2 +21 21 20; Cnc
V = 12.4; Size 2.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 170°
13.1" (1/11/86): moderately bright, fairly small, almost round, gradually increases to a small brighter core. A mag 14.5 star at the NNW edge 1.0' from center is similar to the substellar nucleus. Located 3.9' ESE of a mag 9.5 star at the west edge of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2545 = H. II-627 = h494 on
11 Jan 1787 (sweep 683) and noted "eF, pS, E." The same sweep he observed Uranus and
discovered the moons Titania and Oberon.
On 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) he recorded "F, S, irr F, lE sp to
nf." There is nothing at his
position but 30 seconds of RA preceding and 4' north is
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08 12 16 -37 35 42; Pup
V = 6.3; Size 41'
13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): this very large, bright scattered cluster was just visible to the naked eye close south of a brighter, hazy naked-eye patch of unresolved stars. The field is beautifully rich, at least 45' diameter though there was no distinct border. The star field looks impressive beyond the edges of the 66' field of the 20 Nagler. On the northwest side is a rich, elongated strip of ~20 stars that is quite eye-catching. Includes a few pairs and a neat triple with a fairly close unequal mag pair at the SSW end of the elongated strip.
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this cluster is a very
bright, scattered field of stars that completely fills the nearly 40' field at
105x. Partially resolved in the
9x50 finder. At the NW edge is a
rich elongated strip of two dozen stars including a couple of close, unequal
pairs and tight fainter triple.
John Herschel's description applies to this denser group of stars. A mag
6.4 star (HJ 4051 = HD 68450) with two mag 13.5 companions is off the NW side
of the larger group but does not appear to be part of the cluster and a similar
star lies to the SE (
13.1" (1/18/85): ~75 stars, bright, very large, scattered, overfills 30' field.
8" (3/28/81): ~25 stars, rich, elongated. At the edge of a large, scattered field of stars.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2546 = Lac II-4 = D 563 = h3116 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch refractor at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He recorded II-4 as follows: "One sees with the naked eye two neighboring confused groups of stars; but with the telescope they are faint, distinct stars, very numerous & very close together."
James Dunlop observed the cluster on 8 May and 28 May 1826 and recorded, "a large cluster of stars of mixt magnitude, rather extended figure, not rich in very small stars." His position was 17' too far north (typical error). John Herschel made 3 observations from the Cape of Good Hope, reporting on 1 Feb 1835 "a cluster 8th class of about 20 bright stars in an oblong, 8' long, 3' broad."
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08 10 11 -49 13 30; Vel
V = 4.7; Size 20'
13.1" (1/30/06 - Costa Rica): this easy naked-eye
cluster to the south of Gamma Velorum (bright binocular double) is roughly
30'x20' in size. There is a very
distinctive, gently curving arc of stars bowed out to the east that defines the
eastern side of the central region and the brightest mag 6.5 star (
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this is a very bright naked-eye cluster that includes a number of mag 7-8 stars. It appears at least 20'-25' in diameter, though the outer boundaries are pretty arbitrary. Very unusual arrangement as a number of the brighter stars form a curving arc which is bowed out towards the east and which defines the eastern border of the cluster! The brightest mag 6.5 star is within this arc on the south side of the cluster. The cluster is encased in faint reflection nebulosity, though this was not visible.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 2547 = Lac III-2 = D 410 = h3117 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He described "five faint stars like the letter T in nebulosity."
Dunlop observed the cluster twice (first 28 May 1826) with summary description, "A curiously arranged group of pretty bright small stars of mixt magnitudes. This answers to the place of 310 Argus (Bode) and is described by Lacaille as nebula with five small stars forming the letter T in it. There is no nebulosity in this place. The diameter of the cluster may be about 12'. Figure 16 [in his publication] is a very good representation of the group."
John Herschel first logged the cluster on 28 Dec 1834 (sweep 526) and recorded "chief star 7th mag about, of a vL, loose, brilliant cluster of very scattered stars, 1 of 7th mag, 2 of 8th mag, rest 9...16th mag. Fills more than field; 100...150 stars." JH inadvertently equated this cluster with D 411 instead of D 410 and this error was copied into the NGC.
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08 13 43 -05 45 00; Hya
V = 5.8; Size 54'
18" (3/15/10): large, sprawling cluster that nearly fills the 67' field of the 31mm Nagler. The most distinctive portion, though, is a 20'x15' group near the center which contains roughly 75 stars, many arranged in strings. Most prominent is a fairly dense SW-NE string of brighter stars that cuts through the cluster with a nice double star in the center (h 2435 = 9.6/9.7 at 7"). A short chain of a few stars branches off to the south of h2435. Another stream of stars branches off this string to the SSW. A third elongated group of stars extends SW-NE on the south side, roughly parallel to main string, and is separated by a mostly starless lane. The cluster includes a number of mag 8-9 stars, with the brightest mag 8.2. At 73x, the main cluster is wedged between two very long streams of stars, roughly oriented NW to SE off both the north and south sides of the main group. These two strings of stars extend the total diameter to over 50'. On the NW side of the central group, a number of stars are scattered between these two streams including a few very wide pairs, but the SE end the two streams are well separated with a very few stars in between.
13.1" (2/16/85): about 125 stars in a large 40' field with no distinct borders. A rich chain of stars oriented SSW-NNE passes through the center. Includes a number of brighter mag 10 stars and many double stars. Partially resolved in 16x80 finder.
Charles Messier discovered
Yann Pothier recently uncovered (DeepSky Observer, Fall
2020) that James Bradley made an earlier discovery of M48 on 16 Feb 1727,
probably with a non-achromatic refractor of 15-foot focal length and 2" to
3" aperture. Mixed in with
Bradley's comments on Jupiter's satellites (in the 1832 publication
"Miscellaneous Works and Correspondence of the Rev. James Bradley"),
he mentions seeing M41 and another cluster halfway between Procyon and Alpha
Hydrae. He described it
specifically at the center of a large isosceles triangle of stars (longest
sides ~5.5°) with the brightest northern star having two nearby collinear
stars. This pattern matches Zeta
Mon,
Caroline Herschel rediscovered NGC 2548 on 8 Mar 1783, possibly with a small refractor, and William found it on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 519). He recorded H. VI-22 (later NGC 2548) as "a beautiful cluster of stars, considerably rich, and pretty much compressed, 10 or 12' dia. The stars are nearly of a size, white and pretty large." He later noted "C.H. [Caroline Herschel] discovered it in 1783."
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08 18 58.2 +57 48 11; Lyn
V = 11.2; Size 3.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 177°
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 N-S, 2.0'x0.5', very bright core, stellar or almost stellar nucleus. Located 10' WNW of mag 5.9 30 Lyncis.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2549 = h495 on 9 Feb 1831
(sweep 323) and recorded "pB; S; mE; pos in merid; psmbM; 15" l,
6" br. A *7m
follows." His position and
description matches
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NGC 2550 = UGC 4359 = MCG +12-08-037 = CGCG 331-039 = PGC 23604
08 24 34.4 +74 00 44; Cam
V = 12.8; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 103°
17.5" (12/23/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 3:1 ~E-W, even surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is at the west tip 0.8' from center. A nice unequal double star
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2550 = Sw. 2-34 on 7 Sep 1885
(along with NGC 2544) and recorded "eeF; pS; cE; bet an eF *, and an
unequal double star." His
position and description matches
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08 24 50.2 +73 24 44; Cam
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 55°
17.5" (2/9/02): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.3'x0.7'. A mag 12 star (with a mag 14.5-15 companion 30" N) lies 2' NE. The halo suddenly rises to a very small, bright core and stellar nucleus.
13.1" (1/11/86): faint, diffuse, slightly elongated, brighter star off NE side. Observation made through thin clouds.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2551 = T. 6-2 = Sw. 2-35 on 9
Aug 1882 (while searching for Comet Pons (1812)) with the 11" refractor at
Arcetri Observatory in Venice. He
measured an approximate position and noted "Class III nebula, stellar
center; on 11 August observed them again.
Lewis Swift rediscovered NGC 2551 on 7 Sep 1885 and recorded it as new
in his second discovery paper.
Swift's RA was 17 seconds too small. MCG misidentifies
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08 19 20.2 +50 00 26; Lyn
V = 12.1; Size 3.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 45°
13.1" (2/23/85): faint, moderately large, elongated. A mag 11 star is off the NE side 3.1' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2552 = H. III-711 on 9 Mar
1788 (sweep 815) and logged "eF, E from sp to nf, about 3.5' long, 2.5'
broad." His position (Auwers'
reduction) is 2.4' NW of
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08 17 35.0 +20 54 11; Cnc
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, round, gradually
increases to small bright core, occasional faint stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 2' ENE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2553 = m 116 on 17 Feb 1865 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, S, glbM." His position is 2' north of CGCG 119-031 = PGC 23240 (same offset as NGC 2556).
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08 17 53.6 +23 28 20; Cnc
V = 12.0; Size 3.2'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 142°
24" (2/16/15): at 322x; moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.9'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a very small, intense nucleus. A mag 13.5-14 star is barely off the southeast end, 1.2' from center and a comparable star is off the north side, 1.4' from center.
17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, strongly concentrated with an abrupt well-defined very bright core, sharp stellar nucleus, faint halo with ill-defined edge. Two mag 14 stars are 1.2' SSE and 1.4' NNE of center. Located at the north edge of the Cancer I galaxy cluster. CGCG 119-032 is just 1.5' W but was not noticed.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2554 = H. II-303 = h497 on 28 Feb 1785 (sweep 374) and recorded "F, S, mbM, r." On 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 683) he noted "eF, vS, near some vF stars; may be a patch of a few extr small stars." On 10 Feb 1787 (sweep 697), he logged "pF, S, mbM, irr R." On 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59), John Herschel logged "pB, R, bM" but his position was 1.0 minute of time too far east. His error was repeated in the GC and finally the NGC. Édouard Stephan recorded an unpublished position only 0.9' off on 14 Feb 1868 with another measure on 4 Feb 1878. Dreyer corrected the RA in the IC 2 notes.
Five observations of the galaxy were made by Lord Rosse's assistants. Bindon Stoney recorded on 9 Mar 1852: "R, bMNucl, 2 st 14m nf and sf, a vS * preceding about the same dist." Interestingly, the "vS * preceding" is CGCG 119-032, a faint compact galaxy. At V = 15.6, this is one of the fainter galaxies discovered with the 72" (though of course it was seen as virtually stellar) and took some effort in my 24", knowing the exact position.
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08 17 56.3 +00 44 45; Hya
V = 12.2; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 115°
17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, moderately large, oval NW-SE. Several stars are near including a mag 12 star at the SE edge 1.1' from the center, a mag 13 star 1.7' NNE and a mag 14.5 star is at the NW edge 0.9' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2555 = H. III-256 = h498 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 346) and remarked "vF, vS, diffused about the middlemost of 3 small stars in a row; but seems not connected to them; they being too large and like the rest of the scattered stars. Verified with 240 power." John Herschel described the galaxy on 27 Jan 1832 (sweep 397) as "vF; between a *12m sf and one 16m, north. The former dist about 1 diam, the latter about 1/2 diam from edge. His position is accurate. In 1857, R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, noted two stars were at the NW edge.
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NGC 2556 = CGCG 119-045 = LGG 158-006 = WBL 178-002 = PGC 23325
08 19 00.9 +20 56 13; Cnc
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.3'; PA = 138°
18" (2/26/11): very faint, very small, round, very
small brighter core, sharp stellar nucleus. A wide pair of mag 13.14 stars are within 2' SSW and a mag
10.5 star is 3.5' SE. Located 24'
WSW of
17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, very small, round. A pair of mag 13/14 stars are 1.3' S
and 1.7' S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2556 = m 117 on 17 Feb 1865 and
noted "vF, vS." His position is 2' north of
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08 19 10.8 +21 26 09; Cnc
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 55°
18" (2/26/11): fairly faint to moderately bright,
fairly small, round, 30" diameter, gradually increases to a small brighter
core. Forms the eastern vertex of
a small isosceles triangle with two mag 13.5 stars 2.5' NW and 2.7' SW. Also forms a larger isosceles triangle
with mag 7.8
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, round, gradually
brighter core. Located 5' SE of
mag 8.2
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2557 = St. 8b-29 on 14 Feb
1868 with the 31" reflector at Marseilles Observatory and recorded a rough
unpublished position (3' too far SW) in his logbook. He published an accurate micrometric position made on 2 Feb
1877. Esmiol's re-reduced position
is an exact match with
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08 19 12.8 +20 30 38; Cnc
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 160°
18" (2/26/11): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 NNW-SSE, 32"x24", sharply concentrated with a 15" bright core. Located south of the central region of the Cancer I cluster.
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, gradually brighter halo, small bright core. Member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2558 = H. III-606 = h499 on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) and recorded "vF, S." John Herschel logged it on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334) as "pF; R; psbM; and then a feeble atmosphere 25"."
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08 17 06.3 -27 27 33; Pup
V = 10.9; Size 3.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 6°
17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright and large, oval 3:2
N-S. Unusual appearance as nestled
between four stars in a rich Milky Way field! Slight concentration but no distinct core. The brightest of four nearby stars is
mag 9.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 2559 = h3118 on 5 Feb 1837 and
recorded "pL, F, glbM, in a field of about 60 stars; one of which = 9th
mag, and some others also of less magnitudes are involved." His position is just off the east side
of
Pietro Baracchi, observing with the 48" Melbourne telescope in Jan 1886, called it "vF; S; R; vg vvlbM; irregular. Amidst a multitude of stars."
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NGC 2560 = UGC 4337 = MCG +04-20-027 = CGCG 119-058 = LGG 158-009 = WBL 178-006 = PGC 23367
08 19 51.9 +20 59 06; Cnc
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 93°
18" (2/26/11): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 E-W, 0.8'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a small bright core and fainter extensions. Located 1.5' E of a mag 10.4 star and 11' SW of NGC 2563, the brightest galaxy in the core of the Cancer I cluster.
17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 E-W,
small bright core. Located 4.5' NE
of mag 7.9
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2560 on 17 Mar 1862 with
the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory (recorded as #78 in AN
1500). His position (based on 4
measurements) matches
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08 19 36.9 +04 39 26; Hya
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 138°
17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus. Located 7' SW of mag 8.6 SAO 116633.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2561 = Sw. 6-31 on 23 Mar 1887 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory. His description reads, "vF, S, R, right angles with 2 stars." His position was 8 seconds of time too small and the two stars lie southwest and southeast. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1896 at the Strasbourg Observatory (published in 1907).
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08 20 23.7 +21 07 53; Cnc
V = 12.9; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 3°
18" (2/26/11): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 4:3 N-S, 30"x24", contains a small bright core that
gradually increases to the center.
Forms a nice pair with brighter NGC 2563 4.7' SE. NGC 2560 lies 11' SW and
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 N-S, halo brightens to a small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2563 4.7' SE. Member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2562 = H. III-607 = h500, along with NGC 2563, on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) and noted "F, S, bM." His position was less than 2' WNW of NGC 2562 (similar offset as nearby NGC 2558 = H. III-606).
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NGC 2563 = UGC 4347 = MCG +04-20-033 = CGCG 119-065 = LGG 158-005 = WBL 178-011 = PGC 23404
08 20 35.7 +21 04 04; Cnc
V = 12.2; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 80°
18" (2/26/11): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, pretty sharply concentrated with a bright, 20" core. With direct vision, the core increases to a brighter stellar nucleus. Slightly brighter and larger than NGC 2562 4.7' NW. Located 20' NNE of mag 5.8 HD 69994. This is the brightest galaxy in the core region of the loose Cancer I cluster (called the Cancer II group in NED).
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, halo brightens evenly to a small bright core. Appears similar to NGC 2562 4.7' NW but slightly larger. Member of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2563 = H. II-634 = h501, along with NGC 2562, on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698) and noted "vF, vS." His RA was 6 seconds of time too large.
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08 18 30.0 -21 48 58; Pup
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 60°
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A very faint larger halo is visible at moments. A wide pair of mag 12/13 stars at 35" separation lies 2' NNW and two mag 14/15 stars are 1' NNW. Located in a rich star field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2564 = h3119 on 28 Jan 1837 and recorded "vF; vS; R; gbM; at least 60 stars in field." His position is 7 sec of RA west of ESO 562-001. This galaxy is situated 8 degrees from the galactic equator.
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08 19 48.4 +22 01 51; Cnc
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 167°
24" (4/28/14): at low power appears as close
"double" consisting of a mag ~14 star and the fuzzy nucleus (similar
or slightly brighter) of the galaxy!
At 260x the bright core is elongated 2:1 N-S, 20"x10" and
surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo, extending ~1.0'x0.6'
NNW-SSE. The superimposed star is
at the SSE edge of the core. At
375x, the galaxy is seen to be very sharply concentrated with a very bright
core and low surface brightness halo.
Forms a physical pair with
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, very small, small bright
core, very faint halo elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE. Unusual appearance as the core of the galaxy forms a very
close double with a similar star at the SE end. The outer halo appears to touch or encompass the star. Located 6.5' NW of mag 8.9
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 2565 around 1886 with the
15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in
Scarborough, England. His position
is 0.9 min of RA east and 1.5' N of
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08 18 45.5 -25 29 59; Pup
V = 11.0; Size 3.4'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 50°
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly large, elongated 3:2
~ENE-WSW, 2.5'x1.8', diffuse, edges fade into background. Unconcentrated except for a nearly
stellar bright core. Unusual
appearance (similar to a Milky Way nebula) as it is located in a dense field
among a rich group of faint stars including a mag 13 star just following the
nucleus. A 10' semicircle of stars
heads to the north and west. Forms
a pair with
17.5" (3/7/92): faint, fairly large, elongated 3:2 E-W, ~2.0'x1.5', very low even surface brightness. There was no noticeable core and the outer halo was not well defined. Several stars are superimposed including a mag 13.5 star 22" ESE of center. Situated in a rich Milky Way field. Brightest in a group including IC 2311 7.6' N. Located just 6° above the galactic equator.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2566 = H. III-288 on 6 Mar 1785 (sweep 381) and recorded "vF, considerably large, easily resolvable or rather some of the stars visible besides those of the milky way scattered over it." His position is off the north side of the galaxy. Herbert Howe described the galaxy as a "vS neb or neb *11 w/*12 close". Pietro Baracchi described this object as "vF; pL; 2 stars 14m involved. A multititude of stars in the field." (9 Jan 1886, 48" Melbourne). Visually, nearby IC 2311 has a higher surface brightness and is more identifiable as a galaxy!
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08 18 29 -30 38 42; Pup
V = 7.4; Size 10'
13.1" (3/24/84): about two dozen stars mostly mag 11-13
in 10' diameter elongated N-S.
Includes a long string oriented N-S on the east side. On the SW wide is a "U"
shaped group of brighter stars open to the north. Mag 9.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 2567 = H. VII-64 = h503 = h3120 on 4 Mar 1793 (sweep 1033) and recorded "a large cluster of stars of a middling size, irregularly extended and considerably rich. The stars are chiefly in rows." In his 1814 publication, Herschel speculated that each row of stars may have a different preponderating attraction, but every row will attract all the other rows..." John Herschel logged it on 6 Jan 1831 (sweep 316) as "a fine, p rich cl; stars 11m pretty uniform 5..6' diam. The chief stars make a zigzag line, the outliers extending 20'."
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08 18 18 -37 06 18; Pup
V = 10.7; Size 5'
13.1" (1/18/85): small, faint group of about 6 stars over haze, unimpressive.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 2568 in 1881 with his 5-inch refractor in Nashville while sweeping for comets. In Sidereal Messenger, Vol 3, p60, he described a "very faint nebulosity of moderate extension; pretty even in light. A small star involved." In The Observatory, 8, p123 (1885), he wrote "Faint, close to, and south preceding a small star; the star is partly involved in the nebula." The latter observation was probably made with the 6-inch Cook refractor. So, with the 5- and 6-inch scope he didn't resolve the cluster. His discovery list in AN 2588 (1884) mentions Oliver Wendell, using the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory, described it as "rather diffuse and faint, but gradually a little brighter in the middle." I'm surprised the large refractor didn't provide some resolution. Paris Pismis reported the cluster as new (= Pismis 1) in her 1959 list of clusters found on Schmidt plates at the Tonantzintla Observatory.
Cederblad catalogued the cluster
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08 21 21.1 +20 52 03; Cnc
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 119°
18" (2/26/11): faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter, very small bright core in a fainter halo. A thin, distinctive triangle of mag 13 stars (separations
roughly 12", 30", 30") is 1.5' following. Forms a pair with
17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, very small, round, small bright core in low surface brightness halo. A group of three mag 13 stars lie between 1.5'-2.0' E. Forms a pair with NGC 2570 2.6' N. Member of the Cancer I galaxy cluster.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2569 on 19 Feb 1862 with
the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory (recorded as #79 in AN
1500). His position and
description ("a miniature 'Triangulum' is not much more than 1'
distant") matches
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NGC 2570 = UGC 4354 = MCG +04-20-036 = CGCG 119-068 = PGC 23443
08 21 22.6 +20 54 37; Cnc
V = 14.5; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 70°
18" (2/26/11): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.4'x0.3', very low even surface brightness, no noticeable core or zones. Appears larger than NGC 2569, located 2.6' S, but more difficult due to a lower surface brightness. Located 14.5' SE of NGC 2563 (brightest galaxy in the region) and 17' NE of mag 5.8 HD 69994.
17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, small, very low surface brightness. Slightly larger than NGC 2569 2.6' S but has a lower surface brightness. Member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 2570 on 20 Feb 1873 in his observation of GC 1650 = NGC 2569 (discovered by d'Arrest) with the 72". He recorded, with respect to NGC 2569, "eeF, L, R, pos 3.9°, dist 174.1". His micrometric offsets matches UGC 4354. This member of Cancer I has a redshift of z = .022.
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NGC 2571 = ESO 431-005 = Cr 181
08 18 56 -29 45 00; Pup
V = 7.0; Size 13'
24" (3/21/20): at 200x; very interesting cluster with
~30 stars in the core of the cluster, including two 9th mag stars,
13.1"
(3/24/84): 18 stars mag 8.8-12 in 10' diameter. Includes a wide bright pair (mag 8.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 2571 = H. VI-39 = h502 on 3 Mar 1793 (sweep 1032) and noted "a cluster of large stars, considerably rich, iR, above 15' diameter." John Herschel logged it on 6 Jan 1831 (sweep 316) as "a v loose straggling but p rich cl which fills the field, st 9m and under; vl comp middle. Some large st preced it."
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08 21 24.6 +19 08 52; Cnc
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 133°
17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is just off the SSW end 0.5' from the center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2572 = St 8b-30 on 14 Feb 1868 and recorded a rough position (4' too far W) in his logbook. He observed it again on 12 Jan 1872 and published an accurate micrometric position (list 8b, #30) made on 2 Feb 1877.
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01 41 37.3 -89 20 04; Oct
V = 13.5; Size 2.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 70°
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x "Polarissima
Australis" appeared moderately bright and large, very elongated at least
3:1, ~1.5'x0.5'. Contains a small
bright core and a sharp stellar nucleus (possibly a star?). Mag 10.3
NGC 2573 is the brightest of three galaxies close to the
south celestial pole with
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 2573 is known as "Polarissima Australis" and is located only 40' from the south celestial pole. At 260x it appeared fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2, ~1.6'x0.45'. Contains a very small, bright nucleus with much fainter extensions. A mag 10.6/11.2 pair at 7" separation was picked up 13' NNE. This galaxy was brighter than I expected based on descriptions I've read.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2573 = h3176 on 29 Mar 1837 and recorded "Neb Polarissima Australis. Faint, round, gradually a little brighter in the middle, 25" across. Situated nearly halfway between a star of 10th magnitude south of it, and a small triangle of stars 11th, 13th and 13th mag. north." This is the closest galaxy to the south celestial pole.
In 1919 Robert Innes reported he made several unsucessful searches for it using the 9-inch Grubb refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg, even under the best conditions. He noted, "if it exists it is too faint to be seen in the 9-inch telescope with normal vision."
The RNGC positions are in error for NGC 2573, 2573A and 2573B.
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08 20 48.1 -08 55 08; Hya
V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 150°
17.5" (2/1/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
NNW-SSE, low even surface brightness, no core. A trio of stars are at the south edge; a mag 11 star 1.4'
SSE, a mag 13.5 star 1.3' S and a mag 13 star 1.2' SSW. Located 5' SW of mag 7.7
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2574 = LM 2-401 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 7 sec of RA west and 2.8' south of MCG -01-22-003 and his description "mag 15.8, 1.0' dia, rr; *7.5 at 5' in PA 50°" matches this galaxy.
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08 22 44.9 +24 17 49; Cnc
V = 12.7; Size 2.3'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 145°
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, round, no core though uneven surface brightness. A mag 15 star is at the west end and an extremely faint mag 16 star is involved at the east end. This is an outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2575 = St. 9-14 on 29 Jan 1878, with a second observation on 7 Feb 1878. He reduced the position on 23 Feb 1878 and included it in his 9th discovery list with description "eeF, iR, 1' dia, envelops sev vF stars." A late observation was made on 23 Feb 1886.
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08 22 57.7 +25 44 20; Cnc
V = 14.2; Size 1.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 41°
17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 SW-NE, weak concentration with thin extensions. Located 3.2' E of mag 8.2
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2576 on 29 Mar 1865 with Lassell's 48" and recorded "eF, eS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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08 22 43.4 +22 33 11; Cnc
V = 12.4; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 105°
17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 ~E-W, ~0.8'x0.4', dominated by a prominent core, faint stellar
nucleus. Forms a pair with UGC
4375 9' NE. I recorded
William Herschel discovered NGC 2577 = H. II-259 on 16 Nov
1784 (sweep 318) and logged "F, S, iF, resolvable." His position (Auwers' reduction) is
3.7' NW of
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08 21 24.3 -13 19 04; Pup
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80°
24" (2/16/15): at 322x; moderately bright and large, oval E-W, 1.0'x0.7', fairly strong concentration with a well-defined bright core and much fainter halo. A mag 15 star is superimposed on the northeast side [24" from center]. Situated in a rich star field with a mag 10.5 star 2.5' SE.
Forms a pair with
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus at moments, in a fairly rich star field. Located 2.5' NNW of a mag 11 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2578 = H. III-902 = h3121 on 8 Mar 1793 (sweep 1034) and logged "vF, lE, bM, resolvable." JH, observing from the Cape of Good Hope, recorded "vF, R, gbM, in a field full of Milky Way stars." Both Herschels' positions are accurate. JH missed the companion described in my observation.
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08 20 54.8 -36 13 00; Pup
Size 2'
17.5" (2/1/92): small, bright compact nebula involving a mag 10.5 star. Visible without filter as a small bright knot forming a close double with the mag 10.5 star just west. Using an OIII filter at 140x the size increases to 2' diameter and encompasses the mag 10.5 star. With this combination the nebula is quite prominent as the surface brightness is quite high! Located within a large scattered group of about 20 stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2579 = h3122 on 1 Feb 1835 and recorded "A double star (h4083) involved in pB nebulosity, which seems to belong to both stars; but of the two the smaller is more nebulous; diameter 50"; in a pretty rich patch of the milky way." The next night he logged "a double star, or a star and a nebula, very close and involving the star ... the field contains about 70 stars, of which 8 are about 9th mag. I cannot be quite positive that the neb extends beyond the large star, or that the small one is not a mere condensation of it. However, I remain pretty well satisfied of its investing both." His mean position (4 sweeps) corresponds with this compact HII region.
Joseph Turner described NGC 2579 as two pairs of double stars on 14 Feb 1882 with the 48" Melbourne telescope. Both pairs are oriented ~N-S on his sketch with the brightest star at the west end.
The Lynga catalogue includes NGC 2579 as an open cluster at
08 20.3 -36 15 (1950), placing the object 20' too far SE! At the Lynga position is a scattered
group of stars. This error is
repeated in amateur sky-plotting software such as MegaStar. The nebulosity was also misclassified
as a possible planetary nebula
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NGC 2580 = ESO 431-006 = Cr 183
08 21 29 -30 17 48; Pup
Size 8'
13.1" (3/24/84): 15-20 stars mag 10-13 within a rectangle of stars. A brighter double star is close north. Located 44' NE of NGC 2567 and 47' SE of NGC 2571 in a group of 4 open clusters along with NGC 2587 53' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2580 = h3123 on 5 Feb 1837 and described a "cluster 7th class; R; p rich; insulated; 10' diam; stars 12m, nearly uniform." His position is ~1.0' SE of center of this cluster.
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08 24 30.9 +18 35 49; Cnc
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 10°
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, round, fairly low even
surface brightness. A mag 13 star
is 2.0' N and a mag 14 star is 1.5' NE of center. Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster. Incorrectly identified in the UGC, CGCG
and MCG as
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2581 = St. 13-38 on 7 Feb 1878. His published position in his 13th discovery list was reduced on 7 Mar 1885 and he mentioned a faint star was at the SW edge. Max Wolf's IC 2351, found on Heidelberg plates, refers to this 16th magnitude star at the southwest edge (30" SSW of center). UGC, CGCG and MCG mislabel the galaxy as IC 2351 instead of NGC 2581.
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08 25 12.0 +20 20 05; Cnc
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, very symmetrical appearance. A bright double star O∑191 = 7.2/9.2 at 38" lies at the edge of the 220x field 11' SW. Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2582 = H. III-753 = h504 on
22 Feb 1789 (sweep 907) and logged it as "vF, S, R, vlbM." There is nothing at his position
(Auwers' reduction), but 10' southeast is
Max Wolf catalogued this galaxy from a Heidelberg plate and
noted the entry was identical to NGC 2582, but Dreyer mistakenly recatalogued
it as
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08 23 07.9 -05 00 09; Hya
V = 13.5; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9
24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter,
well concentration with a very small bright nucleus. Forms east vertex of a thin, isosceles triangle with two mag
14 stars 1.5' W [20" separation].
17.5" (1/12/02): faint, small, round, 40"
diameter, bright core, crisp-edge to halo. A 20" pair of mag 14.5/15 star is just 1.5' W. First of three on a SW-NE line with NGC
2584 2.7' NE and
17.5" (4/6/91): very faint, very small, round, strong
concentration with very small bright core, stellar nucleus. A faint mag 14/14 double star with
separation 20" oriented N-S lies 1.5' W. First of three on a line with
Frank Muller discovered NGC 2583 = LM 2-402 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
13.5, 0.4' dia, R, sbMN, 1st of 4 [with NGC 2584, 2585, 2586]." There is nothing at his position, but
1.0 min of RA west is
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NGC 2584 = MCG -01-22-009 = PGC 23523
08 23 15.4 -04 58 13; Hya
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 0°
24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', very weak concentration. Second in a string with NGC 2583 2.7' SW and NGC 2585 4.3' NE. Also MCG -01-22-007 and -006 are nearly in a line 2.9' and 4.1' NW.
17.5" (1/12/02): very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, low surface brightness. Second of three with NGC 2583 2.7' SW and NGC 2585 4.3' NE.
17.5" (4/6/91): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, very low surface brightness. Collinear with NGC 2583 2.5' SW and NGC 2585 5' NE.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 2584 = LM 2-403 in 1886 and
recorded "mag 14.0, 0.5' dia, R, 2nd of 4 [with NGC 2583, 2585,
2586]." There is nothing at
his position, but 1.0 min of RA west is
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NGC 2585 = MCG -01-22-010 = PGC 23537
08 23 26.2 -04 54 56; Hya
V = 13.8; Size 1.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 85°
24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly
round, 0.7'x0.6', weak broad concentration with no distinct zones but surface
appears mottled. In a group with
NGC 2585 4.3' SW and NGC 2583 7.0' SW (on a line) as well as
In addition, a close pair,
17.5" (1/12/02): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weak concentration, 0.9' diameter. Third of three on a SW-NE line with NGC 2584 and NGC 2583 to the SW. This is a challenging trio and I missed two nearby MCG galaxies.
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, round, very weak concentration. Third of three on a line with NGC 2584 5' SW and NGC 2583 7' SW. Viewed core only (the arms are very low surface brightness on the DSS).
Frank Muller discovered NGC 2585 = LM 2-404 in 1886 and
recorded "mag 14.0, 0.5' dia, R, 3rd of 4 [with NGC 2583, 2584,
2586]." There is nothing at
his position, but 1.0 minute of RA west (same offset as NGC 2583 and 2584) is
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08 23 31.4 -04 57 07; Hya
Size 18"/16"/11"
24" (2/16/15): at 322x; this faint triple star (components all roughly mag V = 16) appeared as a very faint, very small glow, 0.3' diameter with a mag 16 star often resolving. It was easy to see how this object could be assumed to be a nebula (galaxy). At 450x, 2 or all 3 stars sparkled, but I couldn't hold them simultaneously.
The RNGC and PGC identifies MCG -01-22-012 as NGC 2585. At 322x, this galaxy appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 21"x15", low surface even surface brightness. Note: my description applies to the central region and I missed the very low surface brightness spiral arms.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 2586 = LM 2-405, along with NGCs 2583, 2584 and 2585, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He noted "mag 16.2, 0.8' dia, R, 4th of 4; neb?".
Near his published position is MCG -01-22-012, but Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2586 with a triple star at 08 23 31.4 -04 57 07 (2000). This triple is 1.0 minute of time west of Muller's position, agreeing with his offsets for NGC 2583, 2584 and 2585. RNGC and PGC are probably incorrect in identifying MCG -01-22-012 as NGC 2586, though this still seems a plausible identification as it is certainly bright enough to be picked up Muller.
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NGC 2587 = Cr 184 = ESO 431-007
08 23 24 -29 30 30; Pup
Size 9'
13.1" (3/24/84): 15 faint stars over haze in a 5'
diameter extended N-S with mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 2587 = h3124 on 22 Jan 1835 and described "a milky way cluster 7th class; irreg fig; pretty much compressed in middle. Stars 10...13m; one 9 m."
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08 23 10 -32 58 30; Pup
Size 2'
17.5" (3/25/95): small faint cluster consisting of 15 stars in a 2' diameter with a few additional out to 3' diameter. The stars are pretty uniform (mag 13/14) and most are arranged in a perfect "U" asterism open towards the south. Only a few stars are inside this "U".
John Herschel discovered NGC 2588 = h3125 on 16 Feb 1836 and recorded "a small F cluster of st 15m; 3' diam; R; gbM; not very rich. His position and description matches this faint cluster.
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08 24 30 -08 46; Hya
= Not found, Corwin and Dreyer.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2589 = Sw. 6-32 on 13 Feb 1887 and logged "pF, pS, lE in meridian." There is nothing near his position except faint stars and Howe was not able to visually recover this object on 3 nights with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory around 1900. Harold Corwin was also unsuccessful searching for viable candidates - noting NGC 2574 as a possibility - so this number is lost.
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08 25 01.9 -00 35 31; Hya
V = 13.1; Size 2.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 77°
17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on
WSW-ENE, weak concentration. A
bright wide double star lies 15' NE (7.3/10 at 43"). Located 4.3' N of mag 9.6
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2590 = St. 9-15 on 29 Jan
1878. He made a second observation
on 4 Feb 1878 and reduced an accurate position 3 weeks later. The galaxy was included in his 9th
discovery list, published the same year.
Lewis Swift may have rediscovered this galaxy on 3 Feb 1888 and listed
it as new in his list 8, #47 (later
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08 37 25.9 +78 01 34; Cam
V = 12.3; Size 3.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 32°
17.5" (2/1/92): faint, narrow edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, 2.4'x0.4', brighter middle, very thin faint extensions. A mag 14 star is just off the SW tip 1.4' from center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2591 on 12 Aug 1866 and
noted "F, S, E, 45"-55" dia, lbM." His position from 2 observations (#80
in his discovery list in AN 1500) is an exact match with
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08 27 08.1 +25 58 13; Cnc
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 45°
17.5" (1/1/92): moderately bright, small, round, sharp
concentration with an unusually bright core for a small galaxy, stellar
nucleus, small fainter halo. A mag
15 star is 1.0' W. Forms a pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2592 = H. II-315 = h505 on 11 Mar 1785 (sweep 384) and recorded "F, S, R, bM, cometic or having a seeming nucleus." John Herschel logged it on 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58) as "pB; R; vsbM to a *; 20"." and measured an accurate position. This galaxy was observed 14 times at Birr Castle and LdR (or assistants) thought it was a tight, unresolved cluster on several occasions!
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08 26 47.8 +17 22 29; Cnc
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 172°
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S,
0.8'x0.4', weak concentration.
Located in the same field with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2593 on 26 Jan 1865 and noted
"eF, vS." His position
matches
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NGC 2594 = MCG +04-20-056 = CGCG 119-106 = PGC 23704
08 27 17.3 +25 52 43; Cnc
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.7'
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, very small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is just 0.6' S of center. Forms a pair with NGC 2592 5' NNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2594 on 29 Mar 1865 and simply
noted "eF". His position
matches
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08 27 42.0 +21 28 44; Cnc
V = 12.3; Size 3.2'x2.4'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 45°
24" (2/24/20): at 260x; fairly bright, large, well concentrated with a small bright core that hints of detail, A low surface brightness halo fades into the background but extends ~2'x1.5'. A mag 14 star is superimposed [40" NNE of center]. A mag 9.0 star (HD 71324) is 2.2' SW.
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, moderately large, irregularly round. Unusual appearance with a very compact bright core displaced towards the NE end. Also a mag 14 star is superimposed close northeast of the core. The halo appears more extensive to the southwest. Located 2.2' NE of double star HJ 448 = 8.9/10.7 at 31". Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2595 = H. III-599 = h506 on 11 Jan 1787 (sweep 683) and noted "eF, pL, resolvable." He made this observation after he viewed Uranus and discovered the moons Titania and Oberon! John Herschel logged it on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) as "vF; irreg fig; has a coarse double star 30° s p, 2' dist [HJ 448]." Five observations were made at Birr Castle as well as a sketch and the note from 14 Feb 1857 "Query: some vF neby reaches to np side" probably refers to the northern spiral arm.
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NGC 2596 = UGC 4419 = MCG +03-22-013 = CGCG 089-030 = PGC 23714
08 27 26.5 +17 17 02; Cnc
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65°
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, weak concentration. A small group of five stars lies about 2' E including a close unequal double star (11.5/13.5 at 9" in PA 90°). NGC 2593 lies 11' SE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2596 = m 121 on 26 Jan 1865 with Lassell's 48" and noted "vF, S, lE." His position was 9 seconds of RA too large.
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08 29 57.4 +21 30 07; Cnc
= 1 or 2 *'s?, Gottlieb. =2*, Corwin. "Not found", Carlson. =NGC 2598, UGC.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2597 = m 122 on 1 Jan 1864,
along with
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NGC 2598 = UGC 4443 = MCG +04-20-065 = CGCG 119-116 = PGC 23855
08 30 02.6 +21 29 18; Cnc
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 3°
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, small, round, broad concentration. Located just west of the vertex of a "V" asterism consisting of five mag 11-12 stars; the asterism appears to point towards this galaxy with the vertex being a mag 12 star 1.7' E. Outlying member of Cancer I galaxy cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2598 = m 123 on 1 Jan 1864,
along with NGC 2597 = m 122. His
position matches
******************************
NGC 2599 = UGC 4458 = MCG +04-20-067 = CGCG 119-122 = Mrk 389 = PGC 23941
08 32 11.3 +22 33 37; Cnc
V = 12.2; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, round, small high surface brightness core, stellar nucleus embedded, only a small halo visible.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2599 = H. III-234 = h507 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and noted "vF, stellar." His position was 8 seconds of RA too small and 3.5' too far N, a similar offset as NGC 2577, the previous discovery in the sweep.
******************************
08 34 45.1 +52 42 57; UMa
V = 14.2; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 78°
18" (3/13/10): first in a group of 5 NGC galaxies. At 280x appeared very faint, small,
elongated 2:1 E-W, 30"x15", low even surface brightness. Located 2' ENE of a 50" pair of
mag 12 stars. First in a group
with
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 25"x15". Brightens slightly to a near stellar nucleus. Forms the vertex of a thin isosceles triangle with two mag 12 stars 2' SW. Also forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 14 stars closer to the north. Located 8.6' WSW of NGC 2606. In a trio with NGC 2602 7.5' NE.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 2600 = Big. 37 on 7 Mar
1886. His position is 6 sec of RA west of
******************************
08 25 30.6 -68 07 03; Vol
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 120°
25" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 ~WNW-ESE, ~1.2'x0.8', small brighter core. A mag 13 star is at the east edge, 44" from center. Situated in a very starry region including mag 11-11.5 stars 4' SE, 3' E and 2' NE, along with a mag 12 star 1.4' NW and other fainter stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2601 = h3126 on 4 Mar 1835 and noted "F; R; gbM; 30"." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 2602 = MCG +09-14-069 = CGCG 263-056 = PGC 24099
08 35 04.2 +52 49 54; UMa
V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.2'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 26°
18" (3/13/10): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 20"x14", low even surface brightness. Located 2.5' WSW of a mag 10.7 star and 5.2' NW of NGC 2606 in a group of faint NGC galaxies.
17.5" (3/12/94): extremely faint and small, 15" diameter, possibly elongated. Located 2.6' WSW of a mag 10.5 star. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 2606 5.2' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2602 = h508 on 16 Feb 1831
(sweep 327). His mean position
from two observations is 08 35 01.4 +52 50 10 (2000), an excellent match with
The field was observed three times at Birr Castle. On the first observation (9 Feb 1850), the three brightest galaxies -- NGC 2600, 2602 and 2606 -- were likely observed. On a second observation by R.J. Mitchell on 11 Mar 1858, 4 nebulae were described and sketched. Harold Corwin suggests the following identifications: "4 neb. found, alpha [NGC 2603] is F, S, bM; beta [NGC 2605] is vvF, gamma [NGC 2602] F, S, lbM; delta [NGC 2606] is E and has a Nucl, a F * sf. alpha and gamma are about 5 arcmin dist. from one another, and beta and delta about the same dist. apart."
In compiling the GC, it appears that JH assumed alpha was
h508 = NGC 2602, the preceding nebula in the sketch. So, he misplaced the two LdR novae -- NGC 2603 and NGC 2605
-- following, instead of preceding NGC 2602. In addition, on the third observation (5 Mar 1867), Sir
Robert Ball noted "2 neb seen nearly p f, p one eeF, f one [NGC 2606] eF. Measures extremely difficult. Pos 92°, Dist 118°." The preceding nebula is
******************************
NGC 2603 = 2MASX J08343121+5250247 = PGC 3133653
08 34 31.2 +52 50 25; UMa
V = 16.2; Size 0.3'x0.3'
24" (3/13/10): at 320x appeared extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter. Required averted vision to momentarily view, but reaquired several times to confirm. Located 5.0' W of NGC 2602 and 10' WNW of NGC 2606. Faintest of 5 galaxies in a group with brightest member NGC 2606. At B = 16.9, this is one of the faintest, if not the faintest NGC galaxy.
18" (3/13/10): not found at 275x.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2603 and 2605 on 11 Mar 1858. Although he made a sketch of 4 galaxies (out of 6 total in the group), the identifications have been confused (seen notes for NGC 2602). NGC 2602 (discovered by John Herschel) is labeled Gamma and NGC 2606 is labeled Delta. Of the two remaining galaxies, the logical assignment is NGC 2603 = Alpha = LEDA 3133653 and NGC 2605 = Beta = LEDA 2424112. Alpha was noted as "F, S, bM." JH assumed Alpha = NGC 2602 when compiling the GC, so he placed NGC 2603, as well as NGC 2605, following NGC 2602 instead of preceding.
RNGC misidentifies
******************************
08 33 22.9 +29 32 17; Cnc
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.8
24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly large, round, 1.6'
diameter, broad weak concentration but there was no core or zones. The halo gradually fades out. A pair of faint mag 15.5 stars at
~20" separation lies 1.3' NW (outside the halo). A bright 30" pair of mag 10.3/10.8 stars lies 5'
SSE. Forms a pair (probably
interacting) with
17.5" (3/28/92): faint, moderately large, 2.0' diameter, low even surface brightness, slightly elongated but irregular or ill-defined outline. A mag 14 star is 1' off the south edge and 1.8' from center. A very faint close mag 15/15.5 double is at or just off the WNW edge. Almost collinear with a double star 5' SSE with components mag 10/10.5 at 32".
William Herschel discovered NGC 2604 = H. III-292 = h509 on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385). His description reads, "vF, pL, R, lbM, resolvable. 2 or 3 pB stars about it." His RA was ~10 seconds too large and declination 2' S. John Herschel observed this galaxy on 27 Jan 1827 (sweep 56) and wrote, "eF; doubtful obs, as at first the neb was hardly seen. Verified, but too late for a good RA. In field with a double star which points rather s of it." The 10 Dec 1866 observation by Robert Ball (assistant to Lord Rosse) reads "eF, vL, center not uniformly bright, but the luminous portion lE and curved, convex preceding (this was little more than a suspicion); vF double star close north."
******************************
08 34 53.4 +52 48 15; UMa
V = 15.8; Size 0.3'x0.3'; PA = 25°
24" (3/13/10): at 320x appeared very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. Located 2.4' SW of NGC 2602 and 4th brightest of 5 galaxies. NGC 2606, the brightest member, lies 6.3' E.
18" (3/13/10): not found at 275x.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2605 on 11 Mar 1858 (along with
NGC 2603) using Lord Rosse's 72".
It is labeled on the sketch as Beta (
******************************
NGC 2606 = MCG +09-14-072 = CGCG 263-059 = PGC 24117
08 35 34.7 +52 47 20; UMa
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 39°
18" (3/13/10): faint or fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE , 35"x25". Located 4' SE of a mag 10.8 star. NGC 2602, a much fainter galaxy, lies 5.3' NW and NGC 2600 lies 9' SW. A very faint galaxy (2MASX J08352151+5247337) which lies 2' W was not seen.
17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, very small brighter core with a low surface brightness halo. Located 3.9' SE of a mag 10.5 star. A small group of stars forming a square with a fifth star near the center lies about 6' NNE. Forms a pair with NGC 2602 5.2' NW. This galaxy is identified as NGC 2603 in the MCG and DSFG to the Uranometria.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2606 = h510 on 16 Feb 1831
(sweep 327) and recorded "vF; S; R; 12." The following and brighter of 2." His mean position (two sweeps) matches
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08 33 56.6 +26 58 21; Cnc
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, very small, round, very small brighter core. A mag 14 star is close off the west edge 1.1' from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2607 = h511 on 24 Dec 1827
(sweep 115) and wrote "eF; a doubt remained; windy." His position matches
******************************
08 35 17.2 +28 28 23; Cnc
V = 12.3; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 60°
17.5" (5/19/01): Supernova 2001 bg (discovered May 8, 2001) was visible as a mag 14 star at the southeast edge of the galaxy [22" E and 19" S of center].
13.1" (1/19/85): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, small bright core. Two mag 11 and 12.5 stars are 5' S
with separation 1.3'.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2608 = H. II-318 = h512 on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and noted "F, pL, lE, mbM, r." The galaxy was observed 8 times Lord Rosse's assistants and spiral structure was highly suspected. On 14 Feb 1857, the observer noted "..twist [spiral arms] in the nebulosity p and f the nucleus, most apparent preceding." and the 1 Feb 1856 observation reads "E nearly p f, the p half is much the brighter and I think has curve in it [in a sketch there appears a dark space p the Nucl]." Édouard Stephan made an observation on 23 Feb 1886 and called it elongated SW-NE.
Two supernovae have been discovered: SN 1920A (considered anomalous) discovered by Max Wolf and Type Ia SN 2001bg.
******************************
08 29 30 -61 06 36; Car
14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x): fairly faint and
sparcely populated cluster of 12-15 stars in a 6' circle. Most of the stars are arranged in a
5'x2' region elongated N-S.
Contains a nice double HJ 4108 = 9.6/10.6 at 20" with a wider and
fainter pair (10.9/11.6 at 26") about 2' SE. A mag 9.0 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 2609 = h3130 on 8 Mar 1836 and
observed on 2 sweeps. His
discovery description reads "A double star, chief of a cluster 8th class
of scattered stars, 6' diam; not very rich or compression. His position matches a bright double
star (
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08 33 23.4 -16 08 57; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 50"x47"
48" (2/28/19 and 3/1/19): at 488x and 813x; bright,
fairly large, roundish, 50" diameter. Contains a thick brighter rim (about half the diameter) with
a darker central hole. The rim is
slightly brighter in a 90° arc centered on the NW side and appears slightly
irregular or ragged around the periphery. The rim was slightly weaker just
south of a prominent 12th magnitude star on the NE edge. The faint central star was easily
visible. With a NPB filter there
was a thin outer halo. Located
3.5' SW of a mag 6.6
17.5" (3/25/00): at 280x using a UHC filter appears moderately bright, ~45"x40", elongated SSW-NNE. A mag 12 star is embedded on the NE edge of the rim. The planetary appears to taper near the star although this may be a contrast effect. The rim is sharp-edged and the surface brightness pretty smooth. Located 3.5' SW of a mag 6.5 star.
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright PN, fairly small,
slightly elongated ~N-S, about 40" diameter. No annularity or central star seen. A mag 13 star is at the NE edge. Located 3.5' SW of mag 6.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 2610 = H. IV-35 = h513 = 3127 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and recorded "a small star with an electrical brush sp; F; S. About 1 1/2' after follows a star of the 8th magnitude. It resembles fig 7, Phil. Trans. Vol LXXIV.Tab.17. [Plate VII]". Herschel commented in his 1814 PT paper that "a small star has a small, faint, fan-shaped nebulosity joining to it on the north preceding side." He used this example to (incorrectly) demonstrate the union or mutual attraction between the objects. On 16 Nov 1827 (sweep 111), John Herschel wrote, "A * 14m with a fan-shaped brush 15" l to the sp side; the brush however judged by both Mr. [James?] Dunlop (who saw it) and myself not to be in contact." The 1 Feb 1851 observation by Lord Rosse reads "Dark space foll star, bet neb and star stronlgly suspected like the "snow-drop nebula" [NGC 2261]. Lord Rosse suspected a star in it also."
In 1915, Harold Knox-Shaw reported this object was annular and the spectrum probably gaseous based on a photograph with the Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory. The spectrum was confirmed by Campbell and Paddock at Lick. Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "the ring is slightly irregular, hazy and without structural detail; is 38"x31" in pa 75°. Relatively vacant around the central. The matter in the ring is rather faint."
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08 35 29.2 +25 01 39; Cnc
V = 14.5; Size 0.75'x0.25'; PA = 50°
17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Located 0.9' NW of a mag 14 star. A nice wide pair of mag 10 stars (35" separation) lies 10' WNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2611 = m 124 on 29 Mar 1865 and
noted "vF, S, pmE, gbM."
His position matches
******************************
08 33 50.1 -13 10 29; Hya
V = 12.7; Size 2.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 115°
17.5" (2/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, small bright core, almost stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 30" N of center and a mag 12 star is 1.2' S. Appears to have a sharper light cutoff on the north side.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2612 = h3128 on 14 Feb 1836 and
recorded "B, S, psbM, E, between two stars." His position and
description matches
******************************
08 33 22.6 -22 58 21; Pyx
V = 10.3; Size 7.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 113°
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, fairly large, very pretty edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 4.0'x1.0', broadly concentrated. Several stars are nearby as the galaxy is located in a rich star field including a mag 12 star 1.5' N, a mag 13 star 2.0' S of center and another mag 12 star at the west edge of the halo. NGC 2613 is the brightest galaxy in Pyxis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2613 = H. II-266 = h3129 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and logged "F, E, bM, r, pS that is about 1.5' diameter." On 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 663) he noted "cB, cL, irr F, E nearly in the parallel." John Herschel made 3 observations from the Cape of Good Hope, describing it on one sweep as "B, L, vmE in position 110.3°, pslbM, 3' long, 20" broad." Joseph Turner made a sketch on 18 Jan 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. The galaxy is shown as a thin edge-on with a small bright nucleus.
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08 42 48.2 +72 58 35; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 2.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 150°
17.5" (2/1/92 and 12/23/92): very faint, fairly large,
2.5' diameter, round, very low surface brightness, very weak concentration but
no core. Better view at 140x than
220x due to low surface brightness.
A mag 14.5 star is at the west edge. First in a group of four including
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2614 on 1 Dec 1863 while
recording NGC 2629. His single
position matches
******************************
08 34 33.2 -02 32 48; Hya
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 40°
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, small bright core, faint halo. A mag 12.5 lies 1.8' SSW of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2615 = St. 13-39 on 3 Feb 1878. He reduced the position on 6 Feb 1885 and included it in his final 13th discovery list (#39) with description, "F; oval; 1' diam; lbM; seems resolvable; faint star involved."
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08 35 34.0 -01 51 00; Hya
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 145°
24" (2/5/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness. A larger halo of extremely low surface brightness was not noticed. A mag 15 star is superimposed just north of center and a mag 13.5 star is off the NE side, 50" from center.
Brightest of 8 in a group (WBL 188) with
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, very small, round. A mag 13.5 star is 0.8' NE of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2616 = Sw. 3-39 on 9 Mar 1886 and
noted "vF; S; R; * nr north-following; a more distant * in line with
both." His position is 6 sec
of RA east of
******************************
08 35 38.7 -04 05 16; Hya
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (4/6/91): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness. Unusual appearance as a mag 14 star is involved on the north edge 22" from center and a second mag 14 star is 30" S of center.
Forms a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2617 = St. 13-40 on 5 Feb 1878. The position was reduced on 12 Feb 1885 and included in his final 13th discovery list.
MCG and RC3 misidentify the fainter companion close east
(MCG -01-22-027) as NGC 2617. The
RNGC entry is confused: the position and magnitude refers to MCG -01-22-027 but
the comment "companion 1' following" refers to
******************************
08 35 53.5 +00 42 26; Hya
V = 12.1; Size 2.4'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 140°
17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weak concentration. Located along the south side of a trapezoid of mag 13-14 stars; closest is a mag 13 star 1' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2618 = H. III-257 = h515 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 346) and noted "eF, pL, iF, requires long attention; the night remarkably fine." Caroline Herschel's reduced position is 16 seconds of RA too far west. John Herschel made a single observation on sweep 397 and wrote "Extremely doubtful, as I could not recover the object." His reported position (marked as very uncertain) is 7.5 seconds of RA too far east. Bigourdan measured an accurate position.
******************************
NGC 2619 = UGC 4503 = MCG +05-21-002 = CGCG 150-008 = PGC 24235
08 37 32.7 +28 42 18; Cnc
V = 12.4; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 35°
24" (2/16/15): moderately bright and large, oval ~3:2 SW-NE. Sharply concentrated with a bright, elongated oval core 0.5'x0.3', embedded in a low surface brightness halo ~1.2'x0.7'.
13.1" (1/19/85): faint version of NGC 2608, slightly elongated SW-NE, weak concentration, fairly even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2619 = H. II-319 = h514 on 12 Mar 1785 (sweep 385) and noted "F, S, bM, r." John Herschel logged on 26 Mar 1827 (sweep 57} as "pB; S; R; bM."
Lord Rosse's assistants made a total of 26 observations. On 19 Dec 1849, George Johnstone Stoney wrote "Suspicion of a black spot to the left of [southwest] brightest part." This appears to be a dusty region between spiral arms. The galaxy was included in a list of nebulae with dark spaces in the 1850 publication.
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08 37 28.3 +24 56 48; Cnc
V = 13.6; Size 2.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 93°
17.5" (1/1/92): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W,
low even surface brightness. A mag
15 star is 30" N of center.
Forms a close pair with
William Lassell discovered NGC 2620 = m 124 on 5 May 1863
with his 48" on Malta (about a month before Marth started his systematic
search). It was included in the
1867 Malta catalogue. Lassell's
position matches
******************************
NGC 2621 = MCG +04-21-003 = CGCG 120-007 = PGC 24241
08 37 36.9 +24 59 59; Cnc
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.8'
17.5" (1/1/92): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 13.5 star is 1.4' E and a faint mag 15 star is 1.7' WNW. Forms a pair with NGC 2620 4.0' SW. Verified on the POSS.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2621 = m 126 on 29 Mar 1865
(along with nearby NGC 2622) with Lassell's 48" and noted "vF, S,
R." His position is 1' south
of
******************************
NGC 2622 = MCG +04-21-008 = CGCG 120-013 = Mrk 1218 = PGC 24269
08 38 11.0 +24 53 43; Cnc
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 45°
24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 or 5:3 SW-NE, 30"x18", contains a very small brighter
nucleus. Brightest in a small
triplet and interacting with
17.5" (1/1/92): faint, fairly small, small bright core, very faint halo slightly elongated SW-NE. Third of three with NGC 2620 10' WNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2622 = m 127 on 29 Mar 1865 (along with nearby NGC 2621) with Lassell's 48" and noted "F, S, R." His position matches CGCG 120-013.
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08 38 24.1 +25 45 15; Cnc
V = 13.4; Size 2.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 60°
48" (2/28/19): this system is a late-stage galactic merger and contains two relatively prominent tidal tails. At 488x and 610x it appeared bright, moderately large, sharply concentrated with a very bright bar-like core ~E-W. The core was slightly brighter at the west end. Both tidal tails were visible without much difficulty. The eastern tail was slightly brighter and curved north and then east (bending counter-clockwise) from the central region. This arm was visible with direct vision and perhaps 0.9' in length. The southern tidal tail was pretty straight and more diffuse, extending southwest, ~0.7'. Both tails were fairly even in surface brightness and faded only towards the tips. A mag 17.5 star (not difficult) is 0.9' NW of center.
13.1" (1/11/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2623 = St. 13-41 on 1 Feb 1878. His reduced position wasn't measured until 19 Jan 1885 with description "faint, very small, round, central condensation, several small points; appearance of a tiny cluster." There are no superimposed stars, though.
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08 38 09.6 +19 43 32; Cnc
V = 13.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5
18" (1/13/07): fairly faint, small, round, 25"
diameter, weak concentration. A
mag 15.5 star is close southwest.
Brighter of a pair with
17.5" (12/19/87): faint, very small, round, bright
core. Forms a pair with NGC 2625
3.3' ESE. Located 7.6' E of mag
8.3
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2624 = m 128 on 30 Oct 1864
(along with nearby NGC 2625) with Lassell's 48" and noted
"eF." His position
matches
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NGC 2625 = CGCG 089-057 = Mrk 625 = PGC 24285
08 38 23.1 +19 42 59; Cnc
V = 15.0; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9
18" (1/13/07): faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter. Smaller and fainter of a
pair with NGC 2624 3.2' WNW, though the difference in brightness appears less
than the 1.4 magnitudes listed in catalogues. At the west edge of the Beehive cluster.
17.5" (12/19/87): faint, extremely small, round. Appears similar to NGC 2624 3.3' WNW but slightly smaller and fainter. Located at the west edge of M44 = Beehive cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2625 = m 129 on 30 Oct 1864
(along with nearby NGC 2624) with Lassell's 48" and noted "eF,
vS." His position
matches
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08 35 31 -40 40 18; Vel
Size 5'
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, diffuse circular reflection nebula surrounding a mag 10 central star. The surrouding, low surface brightness emission nebulosity was not seen, observing at a very low elevation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2626 = h3131 on 2 Jan 1835 and recorded "A star 9th mag involved in nebulosity, 3' diameter. In the milky way with multitudes of equal stars all round the neighbourhood, none of which are so affected. Sky quite pure, not the slightest nebulous haze. No doubt. The nebula loses itself imperceptibly, the star being (though excentric) yet in the most condensed part." His sketch was published on Plate VI, figure 12.
Joseph Turner observed and sketched this object on 26 Jan 1876 (unpublished plate V, figure 48) and earlier by Albert Le Sueur (figure 49). The nebulosity is shown as mostly fanning out to the north of the illuminating star but weak directly north, so it made a thick "U" shape around the star. A lithograph of the sketches was completed but not published.
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08 37 15 -29 57 00; Pyx
Size 11'
13.1" (1/18/85): about 45 stars mag 11-14 in a 10' region elongated E-W. This is a rich and pretty cluster set over an unresolved background haze. Located 40' SW of a mag 5 star. Visible in a 16x80 finder.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2627 = H. VII-63 = h516 = h3132 on 3 Mar 1793 (sweep 1032) and described "a large cluster of scattered small stars, irr F, considerably rich." John Herschel observed the cluster from both England and the Cape of Good Hope, where he recorded "a fine, L, rich, pretty much compressed cluster; irregularly E, 10' l, 7' br; stars 12 and 13th mag nearly equal."
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08 40 22.7 +23 32 22; Cnc
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (1/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 30" off the north edge and 1.2' N of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2628 = H. III-235 on 16 Nov
1784 (sweep 318) and recorded "eF, S, verified with 240 power." His
position is ~15 sec of RA west and 1' north of
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NGC 2629 = UGC 4569 = MCG +12-09-010 = CGCG 331-062 = CGCG 332-009 = PGC 24682
08 47 15.8 +72 59 08; UMa
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 105°
17.5" (2/1/92 and 12/23/92): fairly faint, small,
slightly elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus,
fairly high surface brightness. A
mag 12 star is 40" SSE.
Brightest of three with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2629 = H. III-982, along with NGC 2641, on 30 Sep 1802 on his last sweep 1112. He recorded "Two [NGC 2629 & NGC 2641], the place is that of the last [NGC 2641]. That of which the place is taken [NGC 2641] is vF, S. The other [NGC 2629] precedes it RA = 42 seconds and is 6' more north. The preceding one stellar. It is within 1' of a small star which follows it, and which is free from the burs which affect the stellar."
This nebula was not included in WH's third catalogue as it
was discovered after his 500 discovery threshold was reached on 26 Sept
1802. It was added as one of the 8
"HON" objects ("William Herschel omitted nebulae") by JH in
the Appendix to his Cape Observations and then included in the GC as III 982.
Caroline Herschel's reduced position (for 1800) is 5' due south of
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08 47 06 +73 00; UMa
= Not found, Corwin.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2630 and 2631 in July 1883 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence. In his 9th discovery paper, Tempel refers to "two new fine nebula very close to NGC 2629" (after the main table) and mentions that "my two new nebulae are much brighter than those found by D’Arrest [NGC 2614] and William Herschel [NGC 2629/2641]." Dreyer was only able to provide an approximate position near NGC 2629 when compiling the NGC, but no pair of bright nebulae exists near NGC 2629 that might be Tempel's objects. Nevertheless, a confusing array of identifications have been made by various galaxy catalogues.
RNGC selects
I discussed the identifications in several letters with
Harold Corwin. He suggests that Tempel may have confused
******************************
08 47 06 +73 00; UMa
= Not found, Gottlieb.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2630 and 2631 in Jul 1883 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence. See the story of their identifications under NGC 2630.
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08 40 22 +19 40 12; Cnc
V = 3.1; Size 95'
16x80mm: extremely large, 1.5° diameter, very bright, brightest stars are mag 6-6.5, includes many double stars, well resolved. The cluster is really too large and spread out for a decent view in either my 13" or larger scopes.
Naked-eye: fairly bright fuzzy glow in dark skies. Granular with a few resolved stars in excellent conditions.
Aratos of Soli made the first written mention of M44 = Beehive cluster about 260 BC in his work Phainomeina (called a "little mist") and it was probably noted 100 years earlier by Eudoxis. It was later recorded by Hipparchus around 130 BC as a "little cloud" and by Ptolemy as "The Nebulous Mass in the Breast (of Cancer)". Galileo made the first known telescopic observation that clearly resolved M44 into a star cluster, although a few stars may be glimpsed naked eye under excellent conditions. His observation of 1610 in Siderius Nuncius ("Starry Messenger") reads "The nebula called Praesepe, which is not one star only, but a mass of more than 40 small stars, I have noticed 36 stars besides the Aselli [Gamma and Delta Cancri]." Hodierna (by 1650) also reported 38 stars in the cluster.
As far as the nickname "Bee-hive cluster", In his 1833 "Outlines of Astronomy" John Herschel wrote "In the constellation Cancer, there is a ..luminous spot, called Praesepe, or the bee-hive, which a very moderate telescope - an ordinary night-glass for instance - resolves entirely into stars. Admiral Smyth's Bedford Catalogue of 1844 notes "The Praesepe, metaphorically rendered Bee-hive, is an aggregation of small stars which has long borne the name of a nebula, its components not being separately distinguishable by the naked eye…"
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NGC 2633 = Arp 80 = VV 519 = UGC 4574 = MCG +12-09-013 =
08 48 04.6 +74 05 55; Cam
V = 12.2; Size 2.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 175°
48" (3/1/19): Excellent, fairly large, two-armed barred spiral! The central part of the galaxy consists of a very prominent bar oriented ~3:1 NNW-SSE, with a very bright core. A striking spiral arm is attached at the south end of the bar. It bends sharply clockwise and extends north, on the east side of bar, arcing gently with a length of ~1.5'. This arm has a well defined inner and outer edge and is separated from the bar by a dark gap. As the arm extends north it fades but at the northern end bends sharply west [1.0' N of center] and noticeably brightens in an elongated piece [consisting of multiple HII regions on images]. At the north end of the bar a second arm emerges towards the west and starts to curl south, but fades and dims, reaching no further south than the center of the bar.
13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, small bright core with faint extensions slightly elongated N-S. Forms a pair with NGC 2634 8.2' S.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2633 = T. 6-5 = T. 9-6 on 11 Aug 1882, along with NGC 2634. His position (corrected in his 9th discovery paper) is accurate.
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NGC 2634 = UGC 4581 = MCG +12-09-015 = CGCG 331-066 = CGCG 332-013 = LGG 160-003 = PGC 24749
08 48 24.9 +73 58 01; Cam
V = 12.0; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.1
48" (3/1/19): at 488x; very bright, fairly large, round, very sharply concentrated with an extremely bright core that increases to an intensely bright stellar nucleus. A mag 15.9 star is near the edge of the halo, 0.7' W of center. A mag 17.4 star is in the halo on the SW side, 0.5' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 2634A 1.9' SSE. In a group (LGG 160) with NGC 2633 8' N.
NGC 2634A, 2' SSE, appeared moderately bright, fairly large, thin edge-on 7:2 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.5', only a very weak central brightening. A mag 15.6 star is in line with the galaxy just off the ENE end [44" from center].
17.5" (3/20/93): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated SW-NE, prominent small bright core, bright stellar
nucleus. Forms a close pair with
NGC 2634A 2' SSE. The companion is
faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE. NGC 2633 is in the field 8.2' N.
13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core, slightly fainter and smaller than NGC 2633 8' N.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2634 = T. 6-4 = T. 9-7, along with NGC 2633, on 11 Aug 1882. His position (corrected in his 9th discovery paper) is accurate. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 2630 (listed as "not found") might be a duplicate observation.
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08 38 26 -34 46 18; Pyx
V = 11.2; Size 3'
13.1" (2/25/84): small, very mottled cluster at 166x but only a few stars are resolved on the west side. Located 38' NW of Beta Pyxis (V = 4.0).
John Herschel discovered NGC 2635 = h3133 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "a pretty compressed cluster of st; irregular triangular fig; much more compressed than milky way around it; stars 13 mag." His position is north of the most richest section of the cluster.
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NGC 2636 = UGC 4583 = CGCG 331-067 = CGCG 332-014 = PGC 24747
08 48 24.5 +73 40 16; Cam
V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, very small, round, small
bright core, well-defined halo. Located
5' W of a pair of mag 10/11 with a separation 1.2'. Also located 12' SW of mag 7.7
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2636 = T. 9-8 on 27 Jul 1883,
along with NGC 2646, with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory
near Florence. His description
reads "small, followed by two stars 11-12m close to the same
parallel." Tempel's position
is 1 degree north of
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08 41 13.5 +19 41 28; Cnc
V = 15.4; Size 0.5'x0.4'; PA = 51°
18" (1/13/07): extremely faint, small, round, 24"
diameter, very low surface brightness and only visible with averted
vision. Located 7' E of mag 6.8 42
Cancri within the Beehive cluster.
Also mag 6.8
17.5" (2/8/97): extremely faint and small, round. Appears as 10" nebulous star which
required averted vision to glimpse at moments. Appears fainter than 15.4z. Located 7' ESE of mag 6.7
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2637 = m 130, along with NGC
2643, on 30 Oct 1864. He simply noted "eeF, vS." There is nothing at his position except
brighter stars, but 8' N and 6 sec of RA west is CGCG 089-065 = PGC 24409,
which is identified as NGC 2637 in RNGC, but not CGCG. Although Marth's declination is poor,
this is a similar declination offset as nearby
This galaxy was also reported as #154 in a catalog of new nebulae and clusters found on photographs taken by Keeler between 1898-1900 and published in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.
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08 42 25.8 +37 13 15; Lyn
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 72°
17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, small bright core, faint extensions. The major axis is almost collinear with a mag 12 star 1.6' ENE of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2638 = St. 13-42 on 2 Feb 1878. His published micrometric position was reduced on 21 Jan 1885 and included in his final 13th discovery list published in 1885. He made a later observation on 4 Mar 1886.
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08 43 38.0 +50 12 20; UMa
V = 11.6; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 140°
17.5" (3/28/92): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.6'x0.9', halo gradually increases to a small brighter core. A mag 13 star is 2.5' SE. There are several fairly bright stars in the field including two mag 10.5 stars 4.6' E and 5.2' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2639 = H. I-204 = h518 on 9
Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and remarked "cB, vS, lE, milky." His position (Caroline Herschel's
reduction) is 2' NW of
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08 37 24.6 -55 07 26; Car
V = 11.1; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 104°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
bright, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, sharply concentrated with a
very bright 40" core. A group
of 5 faint stars is snuggled up against the west side of the galaxy in two N-S
parallel rows! Another very faint
star is just off the SE side.
Located 4.8' NW mag 9.3
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this Carina galaxy has an
unusual appearance. At 166x, it
appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.9'. A trio of mag 14 stars is superimposed
on the west side of the halo (4 total).
The galaxy appears to have a brighter knot or star on the following
end. Situated between a mag 10
star 2.2' NW of center and mag 9.3 HD 73851 4.8' SE. Starhopped over from mag 1.9 Delta Velorum located 67'
ENE. Also, the galaxy is 2.2° SSW
of the naked-eye cluster
John Herschel, observing with Thomas Maclear (the Astronomer Royal at the Cape Observatory), discovered NGC 2640 = h3134 on 26 Feb 1835. He recorded, "pF; S; R; has 3 or 4 vS stars near it, preceding. Observation taken by Mr. Maclear." Herschel mentioned in his diary that he invited Maclear that night to repeat his "Great Sweep" (#551), which he made on three weeks earlier. He called that experience "the subline of Astronome - a sort of 'ne plus ultra'." Fortunately, the night of the 25th "turned out glorious! Clear as crystal and pure as aether. A finer night for definition was never seen."
Pietro Baracchi recorded "pB; S; R; gbM. 5 small stars from 15 to 16 mag precede closely to the nebula." (10 Jan 1886, Melbourne).
RNGC classified this galaxy as an "unverified southern object", so despite being relatively bright it was not included in the first edition of Uranometria Deep Sky Field Guide nor the Uranometria 2000 Atlas.
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NGC 2641 = UGC 4577 = MCG +12-09-012 = CGCG 331-065 = CGCG 332-012 = PGC 24722
08 47 57.5 +72 53 45; UMa
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 5°
17.5" (2/1/92 and 12/23/92): faint, small, round, broad mild concentration, almost stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 2629 6.3' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2641 = H. III-983, along with NGC 2629, on 30 Sep 1802 (his last sweep 1112). He recorded "Two [NGC 2629 & NGC 2641], the place is that of the last [NGC 2641]. That of which the place is taken [NGC 2641] is vF, S. The other [NGC 2629] precedes it RA = 42 seconds and is 6' more north. The preceding one stellar. It is within 1' of a small star which follows it, and which is free from the burs which affect the stellar."
This nebula was not included in Herschel's third catalogue
as it was discovered after his 500 discovery limit was reached on 26 Sept
1802. It was added as one of the 8
"HON" objects ("William Herschel omitted nebulae") by JH in
the Appendix to his Cape Observations and then included in the GC as III 983.
Caroline Herschel's reduced position (for 1800) is 6' due south of
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08 40 44.4 -04 07 18; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.9
24" (2/16/15): fairly bright, fairly large, dominated by an elongated bar oriented NW-SE with a mag 14 star superimposed at the southeast end of the bar. Two additional stars are superimposed nearly in a string to the north [mag 15 star 24" N and a mag 14 star 42" N]. Surrounding the bar is a low surface brightness glow encompassing these stars, perhaps 1.25' diameter. The spiral arms were not evident. Located just north of a bright, equilateral triangle of stars (mag 8.3/9.2/9.5) with sides ~4'.
13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, moderately large, almost
round, diffuse, even surface brightness.
Unusual appearance as a two mag 13/14 stars are superimposed at the
north and SE ends of the halo.
Three bright stars form an equilateral triangle just south; mag 8.9 SAO
136172 4.2' SE, mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 2642 = h519 on 19 Feb 1830 (sweep 234). His description reads, "A vF cl or r neb; gbM; 80", one * 17m distinct; stars and nebulosity; has 2 pB stars south and one following." John Louis Dreyer, Lord Rosse's assistant on 7 Mar 1877, recorded "Neby very distinct, though vF. I strongly suspect an eF branch following the 4 [involved] stars, involving some vF stars." The "eF branch" probably refers to the southern spiral arm.
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NGC 2643 = IC 2390: = CGCG 089-067 = PGC 24434
08 41 51.7 +19 42 08; Cnc
V = 14.9; Size 0.7'x0.4'; PA = 21°
18" (1/13/07): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Forms the western vertex of a small triangle with a mag 11.5 star 1' SE and a mag 14.5 star 1' NE. Located 10' S of a mag 7 star on the east side of the Beehive cluster with several bright stars in the field including a wide pair of mag 8.5/9.5 stars 4' SW.
17.5" (2/8/97): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Located 1.2' NW of a mag 11.5 star on the eastern side of M44. Several brighter stars in the 22' field at 220x.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2643 = m 131, along with NGC 2637, on 30 Oct 1864 and simply noted "eF neb*". There is nothing at his position, but 11' N and 18 sec of RA west is IC 2359. Although Marth's declination is quite poor, nearby NGC 2637 which was discovered on the same night appears to have a similar declination error, so this identification seems reasonable.
This galaxy was independently discovered by E.E. Barnard
(discovery communicated directly to Dreyer) and placed accurately. So, NGC 2643 is likely a duplicate of
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08 41 31.9 +04 58 50; Hya
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 14°
17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, weak concentration. A pretty double star mag 13.5/14 at 17" separation lies 3.0' S of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2644 = St. 9-16 on 26 Feb 1868 and recorded a rough unpublished position (7' too far S) in his logbook. Additional observations were made on 7 Mar 1874 (2' too far W), 2 and 3 Feb 1878. He published an accurate micrometric position in his 9th discovery list (in 1878) with description "eF, pL, irr oval, several small points [involved]."
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08 39 03 -46 13 36; Vel
V = 7.0; Size 1.5'
14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): bright
compact group with a dozen stars packed into a 2' region. Contains 4 very bright stars forming a
right angle, including a striking pair of mag 9 stars (HJ 4122) at 11"
separation. A third mag 9 star is
1' W of the pair and another mag 9.5 star is 1' SSE. The latter star is also a double with a mag 10.5 companion at
16" separation. This knot of
bright stars is situated 15' ENE of mag 6.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 2645 = h3136 on 29 Dec 1834 and
described a "close group or small cluster of 12 or 13 large and small
stars; place of a double star, the chief one." This cluster is equivalent to Pismis 6 with the nearly
central pair
RNGC classifies NGC 2645 as nonexistent (Type 7) and Lynga labels the cluster Pismis 6 without reference to NGC 2645.
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NGC 2646 = IC 511 = UGC 4604 = MCG +12-09-019 = CGCG 331-069 = CGCG 332-019 = LGG 162-003 = PGC 24838
08 50 22.0 +73 27 46; Cam
V = 12.1; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.6'. Weak, even
concentration to center. Located
2.5' NNW of a wide 40" pair of mag 11/12.5 stars. In a group with IC 2389 11' NW,
13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, small, round, faint star close south.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2646 = T. 9-9, along with NGC
2636, on 27 Jul 1883 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory
near Florence. His description
reads "Nebula [Herschel class] III, small, south-following by 2 1/2' are
two stars 12-13m." There is
nothilng at Tempel's position, but 1 degree south is
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08 42 43.1 +19 39 01; Cnc
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2
18" (1/13/07): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter core. Located at the eastern edge of the Beehive Cluster and 1' NW of a mag 13 star. An elongated 6' string of stars heads to the south and includes two mag 10 stars 4' S and 6.5' S.
17.5" (2/8/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, even surface brightness. Located 0.9' NW of a mag 13 star at the east edge of M44!
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2647 = m 132 on 30 Oct 1864 and
simply noted a "neb *".
His position is 1' south of
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08 42 39.9 +14 17 09; Cnc
V = 11.9; Size 3.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 148°
48" (2/21/12): very bright large spiral, elongated ~5:2
NNW-SSE, ~2.4'x0.9'. Contains a
large, very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. Forms an interacting pair (
The companion appeared moderately bright, edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.2', sharply concentrated with a very small, bright nucleus. The system was classified by Arp under "spiral with a large high surface-brightness companion on arms".
24" (4/28/14): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core, 1.5'x0.6'. A mag 11 star lies 1.9' E of center. Forms a pair (Arp 89) with edge-on MCG +02-22-006 2.4' SE. The companion appeared very faint, small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, ~25"x10", low even surface brightness.
17.5" (2/1/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, small very bright core. Located 1.9' W of a mag 10.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2648 = H. III-49 = h521 = h3135 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177). His description reads, "F, S, with a nucleus. I had some doubts but 240 confirmed the reality." On 18 Mar 1786 (sweep 538) Herschel logged "F, lE from np to sf, cS. Almost like two joined together." John Herschel reported from South Africa as "pB; lE; psmbM; precedes a star 10m."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 23 Feb 1857,
described NGC 2648 as "E np sf, mbM." In addition he noted and sketched a second nebula, "I
think Alpha is a very faint ray though likely to be taken at first for a
star." The diagram clearly
reveals that Alpha -- drawn as a small nebula extending WNW-ESE -- is CGCG
060-036 = PGC 24469. The full
description and sketch was not included in Lord Rosse's 1861 monograph, so John
Herschel was unaware when he compiled the GC and Dreyer skipped
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08 44 08.3 +34 43 02; Lyn
V = 12.3; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, round, 1.0'
diameter, almost even surface brightness.
A mag 14 star is at the north edge 30" from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2649 = H. II-727 = h522 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807) and called "pF, pL, iR, resolvable." His position was 2' too far NW. On 9 Mar 1852, the Lord Rosse assistant wrote, "Almost planetary, star in north edge, second star much smaller preceding it."
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08 49 58.4 +70 17 58; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 82°
17.5" (2/2/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3
~E-W, 0.6'x0.4', even surface brightness.
A mag 14 star is at the east end [23" from center] and a fainter
mag 14.5 star is just off the north edge [33" from center]. Located 7.6' W of mag 7.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 2650 = H. II-908 on 30 Sep
1802 (his last sweep 1112) and recorded "pB, pL, easily resolvable. I
believe I see some of the stars. Irregular figure." His position (Caroline's reduction) and
description matches
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08 43 55.2 +11 46 16; Cnc
V = 15.2; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7
18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very low even surface brightness and requires averted vision. Located 48' SW of 5.9-magnitude 50 Cancri.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2651 = m 133 on 10 Mar 1864 and
noted "eF, S, E." His
position is 1' south of
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09 42 33.0 -03 41 59; Sex
V = 10.9; Size 3.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 42°
See observing notes for
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2652 = LM 2-406 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 12.0, 0.7'x0.3', E 50°, gbM, stellar ncl, *9 at 0.8' in PA 240°." There is nothing near his published position. But Harold Corwin uncovered that Stone made a 1 hour clerical error in RA. Once corrected, the position is a reasonable math with NGC 2974 and his detailed description is a perfect match. So, NGC 2652 = NGC 2974 with NGC 2974 the primary designation (Herschel discovery).
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08 54 55.6 +78 23 37; Cam
Size 17"
24" (3/21/20): NGC 2653 is a 17" pair of mag 13/14 stars that was easily resolved at 124x. At 260x, the pair was widely split and well seen. Located 10' N of NGC 2655.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2653 = T. 6-7 on 18 Aug 1882
and reported a tiny nebula 12' north of
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08 49 11.9 +60 13 16; UMa
V = 11.8; Size 4.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 63°
13.1" (1/11/86): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, bright elongated core. A mag 11 star is 4.5' N.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2654 = T. 6-6 on 18 Aug 1882
and recorded "S, B, II-III class; stellar ncl; a star 10m is 4'-5'
north." His position is 0.9
minutes of RA to the west and 3' north of
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NGC 2655 = Arp 225 = UGC 4637 = MCG +13-07-010 = CGCG 349-033 = CGCG 350-007 = PGC 25069
08 55 38.5 +78 13 25; Cam
V = 10.1; Size 4.9'x4.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 85°
14.5" (4/1/21): at 226x; bright, very large, oval 4:3 E-W, at least 3' diameter, very bright core increases to an intense, very small nucleus.
24" (3/21/20): at 260x; very bright, very large, slightly elongated 5:4 E-W, at least 4' x 3.2' and perhaps larger (outer periphery very diffuse), very strong concentration with an unusually bright core and an intense nucleus. At 375x, the nucleus increases to a a confused stellar peak. Two stars are superimposed on the southwest side; one near the edge of the core region and the second inside the fainter outer halo.
17.5" (2/1/92): very bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 E-W, 3'x2', even concentration to an unusually bright core and
almost stellar nucleus. There
appears to be a sharper light cut-off along the north side. Forms an equilateral triangle with mag
9.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 2655 = H. I-288 = h520 on 26
Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and recorded "vB, cL, lE,
suddenly mbM. I suspect it to be a
cl of star." Caroline's
reduced position is 5' north of
According to Michael Hoskin's "Unfinished Business:
William Herschel’s Sweeps for Nebulae", NGC 2655 = H. I-288,
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08 47 53.1 +53 52 34; UMa
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (1/12/02): faint, small, round, 35"
diameter, even surface brightness.
A mag 12 star lies 3.5' W.
This is a double system with a compact companion (not seen) at the west
edge. Forms a pair with much
fainter
John Herschel discovered NGC 2656 = h523 on 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324) and simply noted "eF; psbM." His position from this single observation matches CGCG 264-015 = PGC 24707.
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08 45 15.8 +09 38 43; Cnc
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration. Forms the vertex of a right triangle with a mag 12 star 2' SSW and a mag 13 star 3' SE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2657 = St. 13-43 on 7 Feb 1878. His published position in his 13th discovery list was reduced on 7 Mar 1885 and he mentioned a faint star was attached on the east end.
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08 43 27 -32 39 24; Pyx
Size 12'
13.1" (2/25/84): 10 stars mag 11-14 resolved over haze in a 7' diameter. A knot or double star is at the north edge. Three mag 11 stars are off the south, southeast and east side but the remaining stars are mag 13-14. Alpha Pyxidis (V = 3.7) lies 35' SSE.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2658 = D 609 = h4017 on 28 May 1826 and described a "small round faint nebula. North of Alpha Pyxidis". His handwritten notes also mention it is about 30' N of star, matching perfectly.
John Herschel recorded the cluster on 16 Feb 1836 (sweep 678) and noted a "Cl class 8; not m comp; not v rich; v irreg fig; 5' diam; st 12.13m." He added the cluster in a supplementary list at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021). Dreyer identified these objects as "h o n" (John Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC.
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08 42 39 -44 57 30; Vel
V = 8.6; Size 12'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): bright, compact group with 15-20 stars in a 4' group including five mag 10-10.5 stars and a distinctive brighter pair. This cluster is in the same field as the Vela Supernova Remnant, though I didn't search for filaments in this region.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2659 = h3137 on 3 Feb 1835. His second more detailed description reads "Cluster VII class; p rich, pL, 12' l, 8' br; fig irreg; rather branching stars 11..14th mag, not compressed in middle." Both descriptions give a much larger size than I noted in my observation.
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08 42 38 -47 12 02; Vel
V = 8.8; Size 4'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this distant cluster
appeared relatively faint, small, and was only partially resolved. It appeared ~2' in diameter and
comparable to a faint globular cluster.
A few faint stars were resolved on the west side and an unresolved
brighter knot of stars resides on the south side. The cluster is wedged between a yellow/orange mag 8.4 star
2.5' S and a mag 10 star to the north.
Located 16' ENE of mag 4.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 2660 = h3138 on 29 Dec 1834 and recorded a "Cl VI cluster; irreg R; gbM; 4'; resolved into distinct stars 14m." His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.
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08 45 59.5 +12 37 15; Cnc
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration. A mag 11 star 1.0' W of center and 30" of the edge of the halo detracts from viewing.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2661 = H. III-50 = Big. 38
on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177). His
description reads, "eF, near a pB star, I had only a distant suspicion of
its existence, but 240 confirmed it beyond a doubt and showed it of some
considerable extent. It is
circular and without a nucleus."
There is nothing at his position, but 28 seconds of RA west and 1' north
is
In the General Catalogue, John Herschel remarked "I find a memorandum to the effect that this neb is lost and was probably a comet, but I cannot recover my authority for the statement. It is described by H. as "of the last degree of faintness," and it is therefore no way surprising that it should not have been again pereceived without some time and trouple bestowed, and in clear weather." Biguordan found this galaxy on 8 Mar 1886 and measured an accurate position. In the remarks section of his second Comptes Rendus list, Bigourdan noted B. 38 was identical to GC 1696 [NGC 2661], which has an error of 28 seconds in RA. Dreyer repeated in the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that the "RA is 28s too great (Ann. Harv. Coll., xiii, and Bigourdan.)"
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08 45 32.0 -15 07 17; Hya
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, very small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, sharp concentration with a very small high surface brightness core surrounded by a very faint halo. A mag 14 star is 43" WNW of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2662 = h3139 on 16 Mar 1836 and remarked "vF; vS; R; bM; near a * 15m." His position is exactly 10' S of M-02-23-002 = NPM1G -14.0271. Herbert Howe recovered the galaxy after 3 failed attempts at Herschel's position and finally measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.
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08 45 08.1 -33 47 41; Pyx
V = 10.9; Size 3.5'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 110°
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 2.2'x1.5', contains a prominent core which is evenly concentrated down to a non-stellar nucleus. Located in rich star field. Several stars are within 5' including a mag 14 star 1.2' N of center and a mag 11.5 star 3.8' NW of center. Located 5.7' NE of a mag 10.5 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2663 = Sw. 3-40 on 8 Feb 1886 with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory in New York. His position is 2.6' south of ESO 371-014. This is probably the brightest galaxydiscovered by Swift at V = 10.9 and the most southerly!
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08 47 07 +12 36 24; Cnc
Size 5'
17.5" (2/8/97): poor scattered asterism of 10 stars in a 5' region dominated by four mag 10-11 stars in a "kite" asterism with pairs of sides 2' and 3'. Only noticeable at low power and does not resemble a cluster, although the fainter stars are nicely spaced around the bright stars. A fainter group with 4-5 mag 13 stars lies 5' NW. Located ~16' E of NGC 2661.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2664 = h524 on 20 Mar 1830 (sweep 241) and recorded, "A neat cl of stars 9 and 10m regularly arranged about a central one (N.B. This is nearly the place of III 50, but no neb was noticed.)" At Herschel's position are four mag 10/11 stars with several mag 13/14 stars nearby (his position nearly coincides with a mag 10 star at 08 47 13.8 +12 36 14).
Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates, adds "pS Cl of a few st 10...15." Harold Corwin notes that Villanova (2004, A&A, 428, 67) concludes this is a random enhancement of field stars and not a cluster. The position given here corresponds with the center of this asterism. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in RNGC.
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08 46 00.9 -19 18 11; Hya
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 144°
17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, small bright core contains a faint stellar nucleus. A very faint star is superimposed. Two mag 11 stars lie 3.5' N and 3.7' ESE.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 2665 = LM 2-407 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag
11.0, 0.6' dia, R, gbMN." His
position matched
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08 49 49 +44 42 12; UMa
Size 11'
18" (2/14/10): The
18" (2/23/06): the only possible candidate near John Herschel's original position is a mag 11.7 star and a group of five mag 13.5-14.5 stars close south. Four of the stars are strung along a 5' gently curving arc. To the northeast is a much brighter 10' string of a half dozen stars that extends towards the northeast. Neither of these asterisms, though, are probably eye-catching enough to be mentioned as a "course cluster". Note: Based on more recent historical investigation, this identification is incorrect.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2666 = h525 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and simply noted "The chief * of a coarse cluster." He made no mention of size, but there are no other objects matching his description nearby. Karl Reinmuth remarked "nothing like a cluster" in his NGC photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates.
In Jun 2016 Harold Corwin checked JH's sweep record again and found "JH accidentally copied the reduced NPD of the preceding object in the sweep (a double star) into the column for the reduced NPD of this cluster. The difference in the NPD index between the two objects is 2d 21' 18", leading to a corrected position for JH's "chief *" of 08 38 14.8, 44 40 27 (NPD, 1830) or 08 49 49, +44 42.3 (J2000), very close to the position of the SAO star. The identity of JH's object with the sparce group is no longer in any doubt."
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08 48 27.3 +19 01 09; Cnc
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 80°
24" (2/16/15): at 322x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 5:2 E-W, 35"x14", low even surface brightness. Forms a pair with
17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, small, elongated E-W.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2667 on 18 Feb 1862 while
observing and measuring
Interestingly, Ralph Copeland, observing NGC 2667 with the 72" on 26 Dec 1873 noted "cF, pS, lE p f, was thought to have an eF companion about 2' nf." The companion is clearly IC 2411. Dreyer later reobserved the field in 1876 and apparently was not convinced: "eF; I think it is only a *16 m +/- nf." Due to Dreyer's uncertainty, IC 2411 missed receiving a NGC designation.
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08 49 22.5 +36 42 37; Lyn
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 155°
17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, low even surface brightness.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2668 = St. 9-17 on 24 Jan 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 4' to the E. His accurate, micrometric position (Esmiol's reduction) was made on 7 Feb 1877.
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08 46 22 -52 56 54; Vel
V = 6.1; Size 12'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): fairly
rich group of ~60 stars in a 6' or 7' region, elongated N-S. Includes a mix of
brighter mag 9.5-11 stars, along with a number of faint mag 14-15 stars. A mag 9.5 star and five mag 11-12 in a
1.5' N-S string, is on the northeast side. The cluster is bounded by a striking number of very bright
stars including mag 7.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 2669 = h3140 on 11 Apr 1834 and recorded "Cluster VIII class. A L, poor, loose cl of stars, 10...13m." The position was noted as very uncertain, with the RA to the nearest (+/-) minute. There is nothing resembling even a poor cluster near his position. Dreyer credited Persian astronomer Al-Sûfi with the discovery of NGC 2669, but Al-Sûfi mentioned IC 2391 instead.
According to Archinal and Hynes in "Star
Clusters", in 1930 Robert Trumpler found the most likely candidate for Herschel's
missing cluster. He noted
"NGC 2669 - Declination of NGC corrected by +1°.", which corresponds
with
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08 45 30 -48 47 30; Vel
V = 7.8; Size 7'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, this fairly bright open cluster has an unusual appearance. Roughly two dozen stars mag 10-12 are arranged in a "wishbone" arrangement with a distinctive string of stars running SW-NE with the brightest mag 9 star on the SW end, with another string running E-W and a third side running N-S. The group is ~6' in diameter.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2670 = h3142 on 18 Feb 1836 and recorded "a cluster 8th class, not rich, nor much compressed; 8' in diameter, irr round, stars 13 mag." His position is accurate.
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08 46 12 -41 52 36; Vel
Size 4'
17.5" (12/19/87): faint, small cluster. Between 15-20 stars mag 11-13 are resolved over haze. This cluster is far south for viewing from Northern California.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2671 = D 489 = h3141 on 1 May 1826 and recorded "a very faint nebula, about 6' diameter, with small stars scattered in it - in the milky way." Dunlop made a second observation a week later and his position is just 2' SSE of center.
John Herschel made a single observation on 2 Mar 1835 (sweep
554) and logged "a pretty rich, irregularly round cluster, not mbM, stars
12..13th mag, place that of the general middle." He suggested D 489 and D 490 as possible equivalences,
though D 490 applies
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NGC 2672 = Arp 167 NED1 = UGC 4619 = MCG +03-23-010 = CGCG 090-019w = Holm 99a = PGC 24790
08 49 21.9 +19 04 29; Cnc
V = 11.7; Size 3.0'x2.8'; Surf Br = 14.0
24" (2/16/15): bright, fairly large, sharply
concentrated with a very bright core.
The large halo (~1.6' dia) has a low surface brightness and appears to
encompass
17.5" (1/28/89): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, sharp concentration. Forms a contact pair with NGC 2673 at the east edge 40" separation between centers. A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' NNE and a fainter mag 14 star is 1.1' SE.
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core.
13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, small, round.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2672 = H. II-48 = H. II-80 = h526 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 169). His description reads, "a nebula r[esolvable], pL, lbM then towards the extremes and contains one star following the brightness and very near to it." The position was off by nearly 15' (the reference star was a large distance away) and the nearby star he mentions is the close companion NGC 2673. Dreyer noted in his 1912 publication of WH's catalogues, that "there was some doubt about the contraction of the rope in Sw. 169, hence in the error in the P.D. of II.48." One week later he recorded II-80 on sweep 181 as "pB, pL, E, r. I can see 2 or 3 stars in it." In this sweep his position was accurate to within 2', so the identification is certain. Another observation of II-80 was on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 698): "pB, E from a few degrees sp to nf. The greatest brightness lays to the preceding side, it resembles a small one with another much smaller close to it nf [NGC 2673] with resolvable nebulosity around it." In this sweep he mentioned he looked for II-48, but couldn't find it.
Coincidentally, John Herschel discovered a very faint galaxy
(h527 = NGC 2677 = CGCG 090-021) on 17 Mar 1831 that he assumed was his
father's H. II-48. On 19 Dec 1848,
George Stoney discovered NGC 2673, a close companion to NGC 2672 -- noted as a
star by both Herschels -- with LdR's 72", but he thought it was h527. In the GC, Herschel listed H. II-48
under the entry for
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NGC 2673 = Arp 167 NED2 = UGC 4620 = MCG +03-23-011 = CGCG 090-019e = Holm 99b = PGC 24792
08 49 24.1 +19 04 27; Cnc
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.2'
24" (2/16/15): at 322x; fairly faint, small, round, ~18" diameter. Easily visible glow just 35" E of the center of NGC 2672 and embedded in its low surface brightness halo. At 450x, the tiny nucleus occasionally brightens to a stellar point. A mag 14 star is just 50" SE. The pair is generally considered an interacting pair, resulting in a faint plume (not seen) extending to the southeast of NGC 2673.
17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, extremely small, round. NGC 2673 appears as a small "knot" attached at the east end of NGC 2672 40" between centers. A mag 14 star is 1.0' SE and a mag 13.5 star lies 1.0' NNE.
13.1" (1/19/85): very faint, appears as an extremely small "knot" 20" diameter in the halo of NGC 2672 just 0.6' E of the core. Two stars are near NNE and SE.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2673 (eastern component of the double system with NGC 2672) on 19 Dec 1849. He noted a "close double nebula, small star preceding." On 9 Feb 1855, R.J. Mitchell gave a more detailed description but incorrectly assumed NGC 2673 was h527 = NGC 2677: "very close, almost touching; h526 [NGC 2672] is mbM, h527 is smaller and lbM." Dreyer later added the note "the latter is not h527, but the close companion to [NGC 2673], viz [GC] 1705." Interestingly, it's possible that both Herschels noted NGC 2673 in their observations, but thought it was a very faint star.
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08 49 13.2 -14 17 39; Hya
V = 14.9; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 65°
24" (1/25/14): very faint, small, slightly elongated, 15"x12", weak concentration. A number of mag 12-13 stars are in the field including a mag 12.5 star 1.3' NW.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2674 = LM 1-152 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.0, 0.4' dia, neb?" There is nothing at or near his rough position (nearest min of RA) and Herbert Howe was unable to find it on two nights at Stone's position using the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory around 1900.
Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 2674 probably refers to PGC 24785, a faint galaxy located 1.2 min of RA due east of Stone's position. As the Leander McCormick positions in the first list are often off in RA, this identification is fairly certain. RNGC classifes NGC 2674 as nonexistent and NGC 2674 was not included in the first edition of the "Deep Sky Field Guide" to the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas.
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08 52 05.0 +53 37 02; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 80°
17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.7', just a weak broad concentration with no well-defined core. A small trio of mag 14 stars precedes by 2'-3'.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2675 on 2 Dec 1861 with the
11" refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory. This object is #81 in AN 1500, but was added to a short
appendix of omitted observations in his Siderum Nebulosorum. His position is
poor -- 7 sec of RA east and 7' south of
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08 51 35.6 +47 33 27; UMa
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (2/9/02): faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter, faint stellar nucleus. A
mag 13 star lies 1.5' NE. A
distinctive rectangle of stars is ~4' NE including mag 8.2
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2676 = Sw. 6-33 on 24 Nov 1886
and described "eeF; pS; R; trapezoid of 4 pB stars near nf." His position is 7 tsec E and 1' N of
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NGC 2677 = MCG +03-23-012 = CGCG 090-021 = PGC 24821
08 50 01.3 +19 00 35; Cnc
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.3'; PA = 175°
17.5" (1/28/89): extremely faint and small, round, low even surface brightness. In a group with NGC 2667, NGC 2672, NGC 2673.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2677 = h527 on 17 Mar 1831
(sweep 334) and noted "The faintest object imaginable, and discerned with
the utmost difficulty. Sky
perfectly clear." His
position is an excellent match with
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08 50 03 +11 20 18; Cnc
Size 10'
18" (3/5/05): this asterism contains two groupings of
stars to the south of
William Herschel discovered NGC 2678 = H. VIII-10 = h528 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172), noting a "a cluster of very coarse scattered stars, not rich." John Herschel made four observations and reported on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), "A poor cluster of 4 or 5 large and a few scattered small stars." Both of the Herschel's positions point to 4 or 5 mag 9/10 stars with a few fainter stars -- an unimpressive asterism. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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08 51 32.8 +30 51 52; Cnc
V = 13.3; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.4
17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, very small, round,
compact appearance. Has a fairly
high surface brightness with a very small bright core. A nice mag 12/13 double star at
12" separation lies 7' W.
Forms a double system with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2679 = H. III-294 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and recorded "vF, vS, R, bM, large stellar neb." His position was 1.6' too far south. On 27 Jan 1827 (sweep 56), John Herschel wrote "pB, R, vgmbM, 15"." Lord Rosse and his assistants found a very close double nebula, with the eastern nucleus catalogued by Dreyer as NGC 2680. But the SDSS reveals there are only two stars on the following side of NGC 2679. See notes on NGC 2680.
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NGC 2680 = UGC 4632b = MCG +05-21-014b = CGCG 150-041b = PGC 24884
08 51 33.6 +30 51 57; Cnc
V = 15.1/16.2; Size 5"
17.5" (3/25/95): appears as a very faint quasi-stellar object attached on the following side of NGC 2679 within a common halo. This object (a 5" pair of mag 15.1/16.2 stars) is smaller and fainter than NGC 2679 and appears nearly stellar with just 0.2' separation between the pair and the center of NGC 2679.
Bindon Blood Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2680 on 26 Feb 1851. He recorded an "exceeding close double nebula [with NGC 2679]." A total of 9 observations were made at Birr Castle, generally describing a very close double nebula within a common envelope or a nebula with a double nucleus. For example, Sir Robert Ball's description on 12 Jan 1867 reads "Double nebula in Pos 85.5°, preceding on cB, R, mbM, following one F, R, perhaps with a * in the middle."
UGC (4632) calls this a double system (NGC 2679 + 2680) with a "companion superimposed at 0.2' following center, 0.20'x0.15'." The DSS reveals two, very close stellar objects (northern component brighter) at the east edge of NGC 2679. These are individually catalogued in NED as NGC 2680 NED01 ("Southern of two compacts (or stars?) superposed on NGC 2679") and NGC 2680 NED02 ("Northern of two compacts (or stars?) superposed on NGC 2679"). NED also has a single entry for NGC 2680 = KPG 176B (from the Karachentsev Isolated Pairs of Galaxies catalogue) at their mean position. LEDA has a single entry for NGC 2679 = NGC 2680, but no individual entry(s) for NGC 2680. On the SDSS DR8, two stellar objects just east of the nucleus of NGC 2679 are superimposed. The northern "star" is classified as a galaxy and the southern component as a star.
After a query from Ivan Maly, I sent an email to Brian Skiff on 3/10/14 asking about the classification of these two objects and he quickly responded, "These are both stars. I just examined numerous available images using the Goddard SkyView utility (GALEX, DSS, SDSS DR7 and DR8, 2MASS; no UKIDSS coverage unfortunately). Simply doing a blink-comparison of the POSS-I and -II blue plates (POSS-I red has less-good resolution), it is obvious that the northern star of the pair has modest proper motion, while the southern one is essentially fixed. (I used 'SAOimage ds9' for this.) Large-scale cut-outs of the Sloan images show no indication that they are other than stars, and the relative motion shows they are unrelated to each other. Using the SDSS DR7 catalogue, I get V magnitudes 15.1 and 16.2, and separation of 4".66 in pa 192.2 deg for the two stars (epoch 2003.967). At the epoch of POSS-I the position-angle is close to 180 deg, so presumably in Lord Rosse's time the fainter star would have been to the southeast."
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08 53 32.8 +51 18 50; UMa
V = 10.3; Size 3.6'x3.3'; Surf Br = 12.8
14.5" (4/1/21): at 226x; fairly bright and large, ~3' diameter, slightly elongated ~5:4 E-W in direction of two mag 13 stars close off the WNW side and nearly reaching the closer star. The outer halo has a very low surface brightness, but there is a very sharp and strong central concentration with a small intense core and a stellar nucleus.
17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, slightly
elongated E-W, about 2' diameter.
Contains a small unusually bright core and stellar nucleus. A pair of mag 12 stars are 2.1' W with
separation 30" oriented NW-SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2681 = H. I-242 = h530 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and recorded "vB, large bright resolvable nucleus with vF chevelure." John Herschel gave a similar description on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328): "B; L; vsmbM to a * 10-11m, but sharply defined. It is a nebulous star with a vF extensive nebulosity." Eleven observations were made at Birr Castle, though no additional details were clearly recorded.
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08 51 24 +11 49; Cnc
V = 6.9; Size 30'
17.5": at 140x about 200 stars mag 10-14 in a 15'
diameter. Includes several rich
subgroups including one on the south edge near three brighter mag 10
stars. The brightest star mag 7.8
13.1" (12/22/84): about 100 stars mag 10-15 in 15' diameter, very rich and impressive cluster.
13.1" (3/24/84): beautiful at 88x with over 75 stars resolved at this magnification.
German observer Johann Gottfried Koehler (discoverer of
M67 is an old open cluster with age 3-4 billion years (Sue French states 2.6 billion years in March 2009 S&T while Astronomy mentions 3.2 billion in the Apr 2012 issue. The position given in Lynga #5, Sky Catalogue 2000, NGC 2000 and Deep Sky Field Guide (first version) is about 1.0 min of RA too far west.
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08 52 41.4 +33 25 14; Lyn
V = 9.8; Size 9.3'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 44°
18" (3/13/10): gorgeous view at 280x! This detailed, edge-on spiral extends 9'x1.5' SW-NE. The central region is well concentrated with a very bright, elongated core, roughly 3'x1.5' and noticeably mottled or dusty with brighter knots or spots near the core. The southwest extension is more prominent and was easily traced to the outer tip. It broadly increased in brightness to the core. In contrast, the northeast extension faded rapidly after the core. The northeast arm had a low surface brightness as it extended past a mag 13 star (close double) off the north flank. Overall, the galaxy presents an unusual warped appearance with the southwest and northeast extensions not aligned in position angle.
14.5" (4/1/21): at 182x and 226x; very bright and large, excellent edge-on with structure. Contains a bright, elongated, very mottled core (dust) but no distinct nucleus. Extends ~6'x1.5' SW-NE, with the southern part of the NE extension having a lower surface brightness. As a result the brighter portions of the two wings appear slightly misaligned. A mag 13 star is embedded near the NE end, with the halo extending about 1/2' beyond.
13.1" (1/18/85): very bright, very large, nearly edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 8.0'x2.0', halo is broadly concentrated. Mottled or dusty near the core but no distinguishable nucleus.
13.1" (2/25/84): bright and impressive, brigter core, thin fainter extensions oriented SW-NE.
16x80 (1/18/85): visible in finder as a faint, edge-on steak.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2683 = H. I-200 = h532 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 807). His description reads, "very brilliant, mE from sp to nf but nearer the meridian, about 7 or 8' l and 2 1/2 or 3' br. The brightness also much elongated and going off pretty suddently; a beautiful object." A total of 16 observations were made at Birr Castle and several times it was described as slightly concave and sharper on the preceding side. On 2 Jan 1868, the observer wrote, "vF streaks and lanes on each side parallel to ray [were suspected]."
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08 54 54.1 +49 09 38; UMa
V = 13.1; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 40°
18" (4/26/08): at 220x, NGC 2684 appeared fairly faint,
fairly small, oval 4:3 SW-NE. This
is the brightest in a compact group (similar to a HCG) with four additional
nearby NGC galaxies:
17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', just a broad weak concentration. Two mag 12-13 stars lie 2' N and 1.5' ESE. Brightest of three in a close group. The faintest members NGC 2688 and NGC 2689 were not visible.
17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.8', weak concetration. A mag 13 star is 1.5' ESE and a mag 12.5 star lies 1.9' N. Brightest in a group of extremely faint galaxies including NGC 2687 and NGC 2686 close following.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2684 = H. III-712 = h533 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and reported "eF, cS, resolvable, preceding some faint stars." His position is just 1' too far northwest. John Herschel recorded on 8 Mar 1831 (sweep 330) "vF; pL; R; 30"; a *12 m s f and on 13 m, n p." The two stars are 1.4' ESE and 1.9' N. Three extremely faint companions to NGC 2684 were discovered by LdR.
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08 55 34.6 +58 44 03; UMa
V = 11.3; Size 4.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 38°
48" (4/6/13): this famous polar-ring galaxy (nearest and brightest) was viewed at 488x. It appeared very bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.5', slightly bulging center (spindle shape), high surface brightness and brighter along the central axis. Well concentrated with an intense core and surrounded by a much larger, low surface brightness halo that increases the size to 2.5'x1.2'. The polar-ring was seen on the northwest side as a faint, low surface brightness outer loop attached to the spindle and bulging out ~20". Periodically the outer edge of the loop popped as a distinct arc and appeared as a semi-ring. A mag 11 star lies 2.4' N.
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, fairly small edge-on 4:1 SW-NE. Contains an elongated bright core. A mag 11 star is 2.4' N of center. The well-known polar ring was not seen.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2685 = T. 6-8 on 18 Aug 1882 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His position is ~30 sec of RA too far east and 3' too far north, but the identification is certain.
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NGC 2686 = MCG +08-16-036 = MCG +08-16-037 = VV 765 = PGC 25026
08 54 59.8 +49 08 33; UMa
V = 14.7; Size 0.8'x0.45'; Surf Br = 12.6
18" (4/26/08): this member of the compact NGC 2684 group appeared very faint, very small, either elongated or double oriented E-W. I had a strong impression this was a very close pair; sometimes a single round galaxy was visible but at other moments it was elongated E-W or the fainter companion momentarily popped into view. The DSS shows a double galaxy just 16" between centers with the eastern component fainter. Located 1.4' SE of NGC 2684 and 0.9' SW of a mag 12.5 star. NGC 2687 is just 1.4' NE
17.5" (3/8/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Located 1' SW of a mag 12.5 star and 1.5' SE of NGC 2684. Second brightest of three in NGC 2684 group.
17.5" (3/16/96): picked up while viewing NGC 2684.
Extremely faint, very small, appears elongated 2:1 E-W. Located 1.3' SE of NGC 2684 and
requires concentration to view. The mag 13 star mentioned in the observation of
NGC 2684 is 0.9' NE. This is an
(unresolved) double system with the components oriented E-W. The fainter
eastern member is designated
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2686 on 11 Mar 1858 using Lord
Rosse's 72" (along with NGC 2687, 2688 and 2689), while observing the
field of NGC 2684. He described it
as "double or is a neb with hazy * close f" and labeled it on the
sketch as Beta.
******************************
NGC 2687 = NGC 2687B = MCG +08-16-038+039 = VV 765 = PGC 25030+31
08 55 06.0 +49 09 22; UMa
V = 14.8; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 28°
18" (4/26/08): this member of the NGC 2684 compact group appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated, low surface brightness, 15"x12". Located 1.9' E of NGC 2684 and just 35" E of a mag 12.5 star. NGC 2686 lies 1.4' SW.
17.5" (3/8/97): faintest of close trio with NGC 2684
and NGC 2686. Appears extremely
faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W with concentration. Requires averted vision to clearly
view. Located just 30"
following a mag 12.5 star and 2' E of NGC 2684. Looked for
17.5" (3/16/96): picked up 1.9' E of NGC 2684 and 30" E of a mag 13 star. Extremely faint, very small, requires averted vision but repeatedly glimpsed. This unresolved double system appeared elongated WNW-ESE, matching the orientation of the members.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2687 on 11 Mar 1858 using Lord Rosse's 72" (along with NGC 2686, 2688 and 2689), while observing the field of NGC 2684. There was no description given (or approximate offsets from NGC 2684), so JH gave a single position in the GC for NGC 2686, 2687 and 2688. The sketch, though, shows NGC 2687 east or slightly ESE of NGC 2684, with a star just preceding NGC 2687. The SDSS reveals this a very close pair of galaxies (MCG +08-16-038 and -039) with the following component much brighter.
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NGC 2688 = MCG +08-16-040 = PGC 25048
08 55 11.7 +49 07 21; UMa
V = 15.4; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 87°
18" (4/26/08): this very difficult member of the NGC 2684 group appeared extremely faint and small, ~5" diameter (quasi-stellar). Only popped into view with averted vision and concentration but sketched in the correct position on a line between a mag 10.7 star 2.8' SSE and NGC 2687.
17.5" (3/8/97): not found
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2688 on 11 Mar 1858 using Lord
Rosse's 72" (along with NGC 2686, 2687 and 2689), while observing the
field of NGC 2684. He simply noted
"vvF" but the sketch can be matched up well with
******************************
08 55 25.4 +49 06 55; UMa
V = 16.1; Size 0.35'x0.25'; PA = 40°
18" (4/26/08): this is the faintest of 6 galaxies viewed in the compact NGC 2684 group. It was a marginal observation (barely glimpsed several times) with averted vision 2.7' NE of a mag 10.7 star. It was necessary to keep this distracting star out of the field. Slightly easier NGC 2688 lies 2.3' WNW
17.5" (3/8/97): not found.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2689 on 11 Mar 1858 at Birr Castle. It was indicated on the sketch of the NGC 2684 field published in the 1880 Monograph, along with NGC 2686, NGC 2687 and NGC 2688. Dreyer reobserved the field in 1878, but he noted the "sky is very bad" and the novae were not seen.
John Herschel only included three of the four novae in the GC (1715/1716/1717), so one was left out, but Dreyer assigned NGC 2689 to the 4th nebula in the NGC. Based on the sketch, NGC 2689 can be matched with LEDA 2333935. This is the faintest known galaxy (V = 16.3-16.4) discovered at Birr Castle, according to Wolfgang Steinicke.
RNGC and PGC misidentify
******************************
08 52 38.0 -02 36 12; Hya
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 19°
17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated ~N-S, weak concentration.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2690 = Sw. 3-41 on 10 Mar 1886 with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His RA is 20 seconds too large. Herbert Howe corrected Swift's sloppy RA around the turn of the 20th century with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory and Kobold also measured an accurate position with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg in 1897.
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08 54 46.3 +39 32 19; Lyn
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165°
17.5" (2/9/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
~3:2 N-S, 0.7'x0.4', weak concentration to a very small brighter core. Bracketed by a mag 13 star 0.9' N and a
mag 12 star 2.5' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2691 = H. II-658 on 20 Mar
1787 (sweep 721) and noted "pF, vS, mbM." His position (Caroline Herschel's reduction) is about 2' NW
of
******************************
08 56 58.0 +52 03 57; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 165°
24" (2/13/18): at 200x and 375x; moderately bright, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~50"x25", small bright core.
17.5" (2/8/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S. A mag 13 star is 2.1' NW of center. Forms a pair with UGC 4671 3.4' NW. NGC 2693 lies 43' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2692 = H. III-831 = h534 on
17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and simply noted as "vF, vS." His position is less than 2' southeast
of
******************************
NGC 2693 = UGC 4674 = MCG +09-15-055 = CGCG 264-035 = PGC 25144
08 56 59.3 +51 20 51; UMa
V = 11.9; Size 2.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 160°
14.5" (4/1/21): at 226x; moderately bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated, 1' diameter, small bright core increases somewhat to
a stellar peak. Forms the vertex
of a near right triangle with two mag 12 stars 2' NNE and 3.7' WNW.
17.5" (2/8/86): fairly bright, fairly small, bright core encased in much fainter halo, slightly elongated ~N-S. Forms a close pair with NGC 2694 1' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2693 = H. II-823 = h535 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and recorded "pB, S, R, mbM." His position is within the northwest side of the halo. John Herschel's observation on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) reads, "pB; mE nearly in meridian [north-south]; psbM." This double system was resolved with the 72" at Birr Castle. The CGCG declination is 30' too far south.
******************************
NGC 2694 = MCG +09-15-056 = CGCG 264-034 = PGC 25143
08 56 59.3 +51 19 55; UMa
V = 14.5; Size 0.3'x0.3'
14.5" (4/1/21): faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter. Forms a very close pair (similar redshift) just south of much brighter NGC 2693 [55" between centers].
17.5" (2/8/86): faint, very small, almost round. Forms a close double system with brighter and larger NGC 2693 1' N.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2694 (double system with NGC 2693) on 9 Mar 1850. Multiple observations were made in the next couple of years (13 total) but John Herschel didn't include this nebula in the General Catalog, presumably as no details were given in the 1861 monograph. So, Dreyer added it in the GC supplement (GC 5435).
The CGCG declination is 30' too far south (same error with NGC 2693). RC3 gives the dimensions as 1.2x1.2, but this much too large.
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08 54 27.0 -03 04 01; Hya
V = 11.9; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 175°
17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, small, round,
bright core. Situated between a
mag 13 star is 0.8' W of center and a mag 14 star at the east edge 0.4' from
center. Brightest in a group along
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2695 = H. II-280 = h536 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353) and logged "F, vS, lE, just following an obscure star, verified with 240 power." John Herschel made a more detailed observation on 13 Mar 1826 (sweep 21): "pB; S; E nearly in parallel between 2 st of 12 and 15m, each half the length of the neb from the adjacent extremity." On 9 Jan 1886, Pietro Baracchi wrote, "pB; vS; R; glbM; a star 16m following by 1 1/2 seconds nearly in the same declination a little south of neb. Another star 13m preceding by 3 sec and nearly the same declination, just a little north of neb." (48" Great Melbourne Telescope)
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08 50 42.0 -05 00 35; Hya
Size 1.2'x1.1'
17.5" (2/1/03): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7'
diameter, weak even concentration to center. Located 6' SSW of mag 8.7
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2696 = LM 1-153 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded as "mag 15.8, 0.2' dia, stellar nucleus." There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of RA). Harold Corwin suggests this may be MCG -01-23-004, in which case Stone's RA would be 4 minutes too large (as often the case with L M observations, the dec is fairly accurate but the RA is very poor). So, this is an uncertain but very plausible identification. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
******************************
NGC 2697 = MCG +00-23-011 = CGCG 005-027 = PGC 25029
08 54 59.2 -02 59 14; Hya
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 120°
17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, weak concentration. Located 9.4' NE of brighter NGC 2695 in the same field.
Lord Rosse, along with observing assistant George Johnstone Stoney, discovered NGC 2697 on 24 Jan 1851. While observing NGC 2695, Stoney noted "another neb, S, oval, about 10' following and 4' north." d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 22 Feb 1865.
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NGC 2698 = MCG +00-23-012 = CGCG 005-030 = LGG 164-002 = PGC 25067
08 55 36.4 -03 11 02; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 96°
17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, small, oval ~E-W,
bright core, stellar nucleus.
Located 4.0' SE of mag 7.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 2698 = h538 on 11 Mar 1826 (sweep 20). His description reads, "vF; R; resolvable; 30"; stars suspected in it. A *9 m precedes. This may possibly be II. 281 [NGC 2708] with an error of 10' in PD, but I have no reason for believing my obs erroneous."
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NGC 2699 = MCG +00-23-014 = CGCG 005-033 = PGC 25075
08 55 48.7 -03 07 39; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, very small, round,
bright core. A mag 14.5-15.0 star
is 0.9' NE of center (
Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2699 on 27 Jan 1852. He noted "about 20' sf [of NGC 2695] are 2 B, S neb, about 5' asunder." At this position are NGC 2698 (discovered earlier by John Herschel) and NGC 2699. Heinrich d'Arrest rediscovered NGC 2699 on 4 Jan 1862 (called a "Doppelnebel" in AN 57, 337). d'Arrest noted in a later observation that he had no doubt it was one of LdR's "6 knots", but he was credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC.
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08 55 50.6 -03 06 59; Hya
17.5" (2/13/88): this is a mag 14.5-15.0 star situated just 0.9' NE of the center of NGC 2699 (see observation).
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2700, along with NGC 2702/2703/2705/2707, around 1876. The discoveries were communicated directly to Dreyer. All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group! The North Polar Distance in the NGC is two degrees too far south since NGC 2700 was placed just 1' N of NGC 2699. There is only a mag 14.5-15 star at his position, recorded in my observation of NGC 2699.
******************************
08 59 05.4 +53 46 13; UMa
V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 23°
13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, almost even surface brightness. A mag 12 star on the northwest edge interferes with viewing the halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2701 = H. IV-66 = h537 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and recorded "a small star with a fan-shaped nebula. The star is on the preceding side of the diverging chevelure, and seems to be connected with it." His position (Auwers' reduction) was 4' too far south. On 10 Feb 1831 John Herschel logged, "A *11-12m with a pB fan-shaped neb appendage in which there seems to one vF*. A curious object. See fig 65." His position is accurate.
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08 55 54.6 -03 03 55; Hya
= *?, Corwin. Misidentified in the RNGC with 2MASX J08553714-0303149.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2702 around 1876, along with NGC 2700/2703/2705/2707. All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group! He placed this object 4' NE of NGC 2699 and a mag ~15.5 star is at this position. As the assistant to the 4th Earl of Rosse, J.L.E. Dreyer recorded on 4 Mar 1877: "an eF, vS, neb nf GC 1727 [NGC 2699] in PA 18.0° and dist. 238.8". But his offset points exactly to the same mag 15.5 star.
RNGC and PGC (as well as other sources based on these
catalogues such as Megastar) misidentify
******************************
08 55 47.1 -03 18 25; Hya
V = 14/14; Size 14"
= **, Corwin. = Not found, Carlson.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2703, along with NGC 2700/2702/2705/2707 around 1876. It was found in the NGC 2695/2698 group and described (in the NGC) as "eF,lE,doubtful". There is no nebula near his position, but 2' SW is a double star. As the observing assistant to the 4th Earl of Rosse, J.L.E. Dreyer looked for Tempel's "nova" on 4 Mar 1877. He reported "looked carefully for nova Tempel [NGC 2703] between [[NGC 2698] and [NGC 2708], saw none, only about midways vF double star, which I first mistook for a nebula." Ironically, the double star was probably Tempel's "nova"! Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel" called it a "? Neb *14 [not nebulous], *14.5 sp vnr." Harold Corwin also identifies this double star as NGC 2703.
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NGC 2704 = IC 2424 = UGC 4678 = MCG +07-19-005 = CGCG 209-009 = Holm 103a = PGC 25134
08 56 47.7 +39 22 56; Lyn
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (2/16/15): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.9' diameter, broad weak concentration. Several galaxies are within 30'.
17.5" (3/20/93): faint, fairly small, round, broad mild concentration. UGC 4699 lies 24' ENE and NGC 2691 is 25' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2704 = H. III-625 on 18 Mar
1787 (sweep 716) and noted "vF, vS.
The same with 300 power."
There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west and 2' north is
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08 56 00.0 -03 00 54; Hya
= *?, Corwin. = Not found, Carlson.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2705 around 1876, along with NGC 2700/2702/2703/2707 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri observatory. All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group! There are no nebulae near his positions, but 1' south is a mag 16 star. As the assistant to the 4th Earl of Rosse, J.L.E. Dreyer also confused this star with a nebula on 7 Mar 1877, "eF, eS, is nf GC 1727 [NGC 2699] in PA 22.3° and dist. 440.4", it forms a quadrilateral with 3 st 14m f and nf. Other eF neb susp here." In 1915, Knox-Shaw reported NGC 2705 was not found on Helwan plates.
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08 56 12.3 -02 33 48; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 1.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 167°
17.5" (2/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.25'. A mag 12 star is close following the SSE tip 1.3' from center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2706 = Sw. 3-42 on 27 Feb 1886
and wrote, "vF; pS; vE; * nr following." His position and description matches
******************************
08 56 05.5 -03 04 00; Hya
V = 13.1
= *?, Corwin. = Not found, Carlson.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2707 around 1876, along with NGC 2700/2702/2703/2705. All of these numbers probably apply to faint stars he found while observing the NGC 2695-2698 Group with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri observatory! A mag 15 star (GSC 4869-855) is close to the NGC position, though this identification is uncertain. In 1915, Knox-Shaw reported NGC 2705 was not found on Helwan photographs.
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NGC 2708 = NGC 2727 = MCG +00-23-015 = CGCG 005-034 = LGG 164-003 = PGC 25097
08 56 07.9 -03 21 37; Hya
V = 12.0; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 20°
17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, moderately large,
very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, bright core.
A mag 13.5 star is 0.9' NE of center. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2708 = H. II-281 on 6 Jan
1785 (sweep 353) and noted "vF, vS, irr F." His position was less than 2' too far south. John Herschel made no observations, but
his position for h546 (later
******************************
NGC 2709 = MCG +00-23-016 = CGCG 005-035 = PGC 25103
08 56 12.8 -03 14 36; Hya
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 90°
17.5" (2/13/88): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 2708 7.1' SSW.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2709 on 27 Jan 1852. He had returned to Parsontown from his studies at Trinity to observe with his brother Bindon Blood. His sketch places it 11' SE of NGC 2699 (the actual separation is 9'). On 7 Mar 1877, Dreyer made a more detailed micrometric observation, noting "vF, pL, lE sp nf, north of [NGC 2708]. Pos 9.5°, Dist 434.4"."
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08 59 48.4 +55 42 23; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 125°
17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE. A mag 14 star is at the NE edge 1.0' from center. A bright wide pair mag 10.5/11 at 37" separation lies 4' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2710 = H. III-841 on 18 Mar
1790 (sweep 949) and called it "vF, S." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 1' south of
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08 57 23.6 +17 17 17; Cnc
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 170°
17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, very small, round. Located between a mag 12 star 1.5' SSW and a mag 11.5 star 1.1' NNE of center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2711 = m 134 on 28 Mar 1864 and
noted "vF, S, R." His
position matches
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08 59 30.5 +44 54 50; Lyn
V = 12.1; Size 2.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 178°
13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 N-S, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2712 = h540 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and remarked "pB; L; E; vgbM; 2' l; 1.5' br' with attention a central point is seen = a * 18m." Romney Robinson, Lord Rosse's friend, described it on 5 Mar 1848 as a "fine globular cluster, well resolved, no trace of * in centre." Robinson was adamant that all nebulae could be resolved so this bias certainly affected the observation.
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08 57 20.4 +02 55 14; Hya
V = 11.8; Size 3.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 107°
24" (2/13/18): bright, large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE,
strongly concentration with a large, bright, roundish core, ~45" diameter,
and a faint stellar nucleus. The
halo or arms are much fainter and gradually fade out but extend roughly
2.5'x1'. Mag 9.5
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, fairly small, large brighter core. Forms a pair with NGC 2716 11' NNE. Located 4.5' ENE of mag 9 SAO 117289.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2713 = m 135, along with NGC 2716, on 3 Mar 1864 and logged "pB, iR, mbM." Heinrich d'Arrest discovered the pair again on 15 Mar 1866. He noted a mag 10 star (SAO 117289) preceded by 18 seconds of time and 46" south and measured an accurate position (2 nights). Édouard Stephan also made an observation on 3 Feb 1877 and identified it as Lassell [Marth] 135.
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08 53 29.8 -59 13 02; Car
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly
bright, moderately large, round, 1' diameter, moderate even concentration to
the center, symmetric appearance.
Set in a rich Carina star field 27' W of mag 4.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 2714 = h3143 on 4 Feb 1835
(sweep 543) and recorded "eF; S; R; pslbM; difficult, but
certain." His position
matches
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09 08 06.4 +78 05 07; Cam
V = 11.2; Size 4.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 22°
17.5" (2/1/92): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 4'x2', broad weak concentration, fairly low but irregular surface brightness. The major axis is collinear with a mag 11 star 4.0' SSW of center.
Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 2715 around 1871 with a
7.2-inch comet-seeker at Marseilles Observatory. He noted "pretty bright,
3' in extent, elliptic; no nucleus." and his micrometric position (MNRAS,
32, 248) matches
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NGC 2716 = UGC 4692 = MCG +01-23-007 = CGCG 033-029 = Holm 104a = PGC 25172
08 57 35.9 +03 05 25; Hya
V = 11.8; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 30°
24" (2/13/18): at 200x and 375x; moderately bright,
round, 0.8'-0.9' diameter, bright round core and stellar nucleus. A mag 12.8 star is 1.5' ESE. NGC 2713 is 11' SSW and
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, small, round, brighter core. A mag 12 star lies 1.4' ESE of center. Forms a pair with NGC 2713 11' SSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2716 = m 136, along with NGC 2713, on 3 Mar 1864 and recorded "F, S, R, mbM." Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the pair on 15 Mar 1866 and measured accurate positions. Édouard Stephan made additional observation on 7 Feb 1878 and 24 Feb 1886. Both Marth (1) and d'Arrest (2) were credited in the GC Supplement and the NGC.
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08 57 01.1 -24 40 26; Pyx
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 10°
24" (2/8/18): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly
elongated N-S. Sharply
concentrated with a relatively large 30" core and a very small bright
nucleus and a thin low surface brightness halo. Located 13' NW of mag 7.1 HD
76799.
17.5" (3/25/95): moderately bright, fairly small,
50" diameter, oval SSW-NNE, high surface brightness. Contains a prominent 30" bright
core and a stellar nucleus.
Difficult to judge extent of outer halo as gradually fades into
background. A mag 11 star lies
2.1' ENE of center. Located 13' NW
of mag 7.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 2717 = h3144 on 20 Mar 1835 and
noted "F, S, R, gpmbM, 20"." His mean position (two
observations) matches
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08 58 50.4 +06 17 35; Hya
V = 11.8; Size 2.1'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (4/13/18): at 375x; bright, large, overall roundish, contains a bright elongated "bar" oriented NW-SE (face-on barred spiral), small bright core with a stellar nucleus. The halo is quite a bit fainter and seems slightly elongated or oval. Surrounded by three similar stars; a mag 14.8 star lies 1.4' N, a mag 14.4 star 1.7' E and a mag 14.6 star 1.9' W. Located 55' NE of mag 3.1 Zeta (16) Hydrae.
17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, moderately large, oval NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus. Surrounded by three mag 14.5 stars 1.6' ENE, 1.4' N and 1.9' W of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2718 = H. II-557 = h542 on 24 Mar 1786 (sweep 543) and recorded "F, mE, unequally bright, 3' long, 1' broad." John Herschel only gave a very rough NPD on 25 Dec 1827 (sweep 116) and noted "F; pL; R." In the General Catalogue, he included h542 and his father's H. II-557 as separate entries with the comment, "The descriptions are irreconcileable, and they must be two distinct nebulae..." Dreyer, as the assistant on the 72" on 18 Mar 1876 "looked carefully for other nebulase near it and found none." He combined the two GC entries into NGC 2718.
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09 00 15.5 +35 43 39; Lyn
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 133°
24" (2/24/20): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 30"x12".
17.5" (3/20/93): faint, fairly small, very elongated
3:1 NW-SE. Forms a double system
with NGC 2719A, which appears as a small knot at the south end, just 26"
between centers.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2719 = H. III-540 = h541 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and recorded "vF, S, lE, seems to contain 2 vF stars." On a second sweep he apparently added "E 20 degrees np-sf." and this implies the south-following star is certainly NGC 2719A. John Herschel made a single observation (interrupted by clouds) on 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331).
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08 59 08.0 +11 08 57; Cnc
V = 12.8; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~NW-SE, very small bright core.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2720 = m 137 = T. 1-23 on 10 Mar
1864 and noted "F, S, R, bM."
His position matches
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08 58 56.5 -04 54 07; Hya
V = 11.7; Size 2.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 160°
17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
irregularly round, large brighter core.
Located 15' E of mag 6.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 2721 = H. II-529 = h543 on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 520) and simply noted "F, S". His position was 10 seconds of RA too small, though John measured a more accurate position on two sweeps.
The RNGC declination is off by 18' too far north. This mistake was noticed while using the Uranometria 2000 Atlas to star hop to this galaxy and later was verified on the DSS. Coincidentally, the MCG declination is also 9' too far N (all the M-01-23-XXX galaxies must be shifted 9' south). I included this error in RNGC Corrections #3 (on the NGC/IC Project site).
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08 58 46.1 -03 42 37; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 90°
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.8', brighter along major axis, fairly weak even concentration down to a brighter core, no well-defined nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 2.0' WNW. The NGC position is 10' too far east.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2722 = H. III-264 on 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353). His description reads, "eF, stellar, 240 verified it. I should have overlooked it, but in gaging the field perceived it." He recorded an accurate position on 1 Feb 1786 (sweep 520) but the RA in the NGC was 45 seconds too large. Édouard Stephan measured a more accurate position on 23 Feb 1886, as well as Jermain Porter in 1907 at the Cincinnati Observatory. MCG doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 2722.
See
******************************
09 00 14.3 +03 10 40; Hya
V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star just 0.6' ENE of center is brighter than the core. Also an extremely faint 15th mag star is just off the NW edge 20" from center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2723 = m 138 on 3 Mar 1864 with
Lassell's 48" and noted "F, S, R." His position is 1.6' NE of
******************************
NGC 2724 = UGC 4726 = MCG +06-20-019 = CGCG 180-027 = PGC 25331
09 01 01.8 +35 45 45; Lyn
V = 13.6; Size 1.8'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 2°
24" (2/24/20): at 260x; between faint and fairly faint,
relatively large oval, ~1.0'x0.7' N-S, low nearly even surface brightness with
a slightly brighter nucleus. NGC
2719 pair (
17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, moderately large, round,
low even surface brightness.
Located 2.8' NE of a mag 10 star which detracts from viewing. At the edge of the 220x field is mag
7.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 2724 = h544 on 7 Feb 1832
(sweep 401) and noted "eF; S; R." There is nothing at his position, but John noted an
uncertain RA and 0.9 minutes of time west is
******************************
09 01 03.2 +11 05 51; Cnc
V = 13.4; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, round, weak
concentration. A mag 11 star is
2.5' N of center. Forms a pair
with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2725 = m 139 on 10 Mar 1864
(along with NGC 2728) and noted "F, pL". Marth's position is at the south edge of
******************************
09 04 56.8 +59 55 58; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 87°
17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', bright bulging core. A mag 15 star is just south of the core [23" SSW of center].
William Herschel discovered NGC 2726 = H. II-834 = h545 on
19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and recorded "pF, pS, iF, easily
resolvable." His position is
3' NE of
******************************
NGC 2727 = NGC 2708 = MCG +00-23-015 = CGCG 005-034 =LGG
164-003 =
08 56 07.9 -03 21 37; Hya
V = 12.0; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 20°
See observing notes for NGC 2708.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2727 = h546 on 12 Mar 1826 (sweep 21) and recorded "vF; L; R; bM." There is nothing at his position. It was not found by Lord Rosse or by Bigourdan. Harold Corwin suggests that if Herschel made a 5 minute error in RA, then NGC 2727 would be a duplicate observation of NGC 2708. His description for h546 is "round", while NGC 2708 is very elongated, so this identification is very uncertain, but NGC 2733 = h547 discovered next in the same sweep also has a large error in RA, making the identification more likely. RNGC classified NGC 2727 as nonexistent (Type 7).
******************************
NGC 2728 = UGC 4738 = MCG +02-23-020 = CGCG 061-042 = PGC 25360
09 01 40.9 +11 04 58; Cnc
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 60°
17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, fairly small, round, very small bright core, low surface brightness. Located along the south side of a very thin triangle formed by three mag 11-12 stars including a mag 12 star 2' W and pair of mag 11 stars 2' NE. Located 10' E of NGC 2725.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2728 = m 140 on 10 Mar 1864
(along with NGC 2725) and noted "vF, L, R, bM". His position matches
******************************
09 01 28.6 +03 43 14; Hya
V = 13.5; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 0°
17.5" (3/12/94): faint, very small, round, initially appeared elongated E-W due to a mag 15 star attached at the east end which is not cleanly resolved (16" ESE of center). Faint halo 30" diameter is weakly concentrated, very small brighter core. A pleasing bright double star mag 9.9/11 at 24" lies 3' S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2729 = m 141 on 3 Mar 1864 and
noted "vF, vS, R". His
position is 6 sec of RA west of
******************************
09 02 15.8 +16 50 18; Cnc
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 80°
17.5" (1/28/89): faint, moderately large, almost round,
low surface brightness. A mag 14.5
star is just off the south edge 0.7' from center. Two mag 12.5 stars lie 2.0' SSE and 2.5' S. Forms a wide pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2730 = m 142 on 28 Mar 1864 and
noted "vF, L, R." His
position is 1.8' due north of
******************************
09 02 08.4 +08 18 05; Cnc
V = 13.5; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 70°
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, oval WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.4'. Has an unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is nearly attached at the ENE edge 0.4' from center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2731 = m 143 on 3 Mar 1864 and
noted "F, vS, R." His
position is 1.3' NW of
******************************
09 13 24.8 +79 11 14; Cam
V = 11.9; Size 2.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 67°
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, small, elongated 5:2
SW-NE, 1.6'x0.7, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is at the NE tip 0.8' from center. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 2732 = h539 on 2 Sep 1828
(sweep 171) and recorded "pB; S; E from nf to sp. Has a star nf." There is nothing at his position (marked
as uncertain), but ~3 minutes of time east is
******************************
NGC 2733 = NGC 2722 = MCG -01-23-014 = PGC 25221
08 58 46.1 -03 42 37; Hya
See observing notes for NGC 2722.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2733 = h547 on 12 Mar 1826 (sweep 21) and noted "eF; R. RA between 52m 31s and 54m 41s." There is nothing at his position, but he gave a wide range for the RA, and Harold Corwin suggests this number is a duplicate of NGC 2722, which is 2.8 minutes of RA west. NGC 2727, the previous object JH found in the sweep, may also have a large error in RA too far east. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.
******************************
09 03 01.6 +16 51 48; Cnc
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.4'
17.5" (1/28/89): extremely faint and small, round, just non-stellar. Three mag 14/15 stars are on a line about 2' NW. Located 12' E of NGC 2730.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2734 = m 144 on 28 Mar 1864 and
noted "eF, vS, R." His
position is 2' north of
******************************
09 02 38.7 +25 56 05; Cnc
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 94°
24" (3/22/14): moderately bright and large, very
elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.3', contains a bright elongated core. Forms a close pair (
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 E-W. There are four bright
stars to the south. Three of these
stars oriented WSW-ENE form a shallow arc; mag 10 star 1.6' S, mag 9.1 SAO
80591 3.2' SW, mag 9.0
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2735 = St. 9-18 on 7 Feb 1878 and recorded a rough position just 1.5' to the SW. His published position in his 9th discovery list was reduced on 26 Feb 1878 with description "small star enveloped in a vF, vS neby, little elongated E-W." Due to a clerical error, his RA was 1.0 minute of time too large, although his offset star was correctly identified. The error was caught and corrected by Emmanuel Esmiol in his 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's position.
******************************
09 00 17 -45 56 54; Vel
Size 30'x7'; PA = 20°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
Herschel's Ray was a striking, bright filament at 130x and a UHC or OIII
filter, extending SSW-NNE for at least 20' in length. Herschel's Ray is brightest along a 5' stretch at the NNE
end as it passes to the west of mag 8.3
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): Herschel's Ray was easily picked up at 105x using a UHC filter. It extended well over 1/2 of the 38' field, at least 20'x2', oriented SSW-NNE. This prominent Vela Supernova filament is brightest towards the NNE end near a mag 8.3 star which is just following the NNE edge. It appears like a thin splinter of light through the field with a weak filamentary structure and variations in brightness, similar to one of the fainter filaments in the Veil nebula. Several stars are very close to the edge including a mag 11 star near the middle. I was impressed the appearance was very comparable to the view I had through the 18-inch in Australia.
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is an isolated bright eastern filament in the Vela Supernova remnant which is centered over 4° to the west. At 128x and UHC filter (38 arcmin field), it appears as a fairly faint, thin, nebulous streak extending SSW-NNE over half the field, ~20'x1'! The surface brightness is roughly uniform, though the northern portion is brighter near a mag 8.3 star off the NE end. The nebulosity continues past this star and ends with a mag 9.5 star due east of the NNE tip. On the SSW end the nebulosity gradually dims out. A few mag 11 stars border the filament, one just off the west edge near the center and a couple further south.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2736 = h3145 on 1 Mar 1835 and
recorded "eeF, L, vvmE; an extraordinary long narrow ray of excessively
feeble light; position 19 deg±. At
least 20' long, extending much beyond the limits of the field...". His position and sketch (Plate V,
figure 12) agrees perfectly with
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 2736 on 26 Jan 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV, figure 34 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope..."). Besides a thin ray, he also saw nebulosity spreading out from the southern end towards the west. Turner commented, though, "As I cannot see it with the sketching eye-piece, the above drawing is rather a random sketch; still it is a fair representation of present aspect. I feel certain that H. could not have seen this object had it been as faint when he observed it as it is at present." In Jan 1885, Barachi commented, "Extremely faint, a long streak across the field, straight, very narrow, with a peculiar group of stars in the n.f. quadrant, forming almost a semicircle, of which the north portion of the streak is the diameter. Streak spreads out at its s.p. end, and becomes a large irregular-shaped whitishness, without distinct contour, which the eye cannot see except by moving the telescope up and down, and only when the back ground is perfectly black and free from haze; even then it requires a little time before it can be seen."
RNGC and NGC 2000.0 misclassify this filament as a galaxy and I mentioned this error in RNGC Corrections #5. The first reported connection of NGC 2736 with the Vela SNR was in 2000: http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/ApJ/journal/issues/ApJL/v543n2/005648/005648.html, two years after the discovery of the SNR itself in 1998. Estimated age of the supernova is 9-11,000 years.
******************************
09 03 59.7 +21 54 23; Cnc
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 61°
17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated WSW-ENE, small bright core.
Forms a close pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2737, along with NGC 2738, on 23 Feb 1863. His micrometric position (measured on 3 nights) was accurate. Engelhardt also measured an accurate position.
******************************
NGC 2738 = UGC 4752 = VV 481 = MCG +04-22-006 = CGCG 121-010 = LGG 166-008 =PGC 25454
09 04 00.5 +21 58 04; Cnc
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 55°
17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, elongated SW-NE, small bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 2737 3.7' S.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2738, along with NGC 2737, on 23 Feb 1863. His micrometric position (measured on 3 nights) was accurate and he noted a mag 14 star that precedes by 8 seconds of RA and 30" north.
******************************
09 06 02.8 +51 44 41; UMa
V = 14.8; Size 0.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 95°
17.5" (4/5/97): very faint, small, round, 20"
diameter. Forms a close double
system with
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2739 on 18 Feb 1855 while observing h549 = NGC 2740 with Lord Rosse's 72". He noted a "Double nebula, vF, south one the larger, both S, R." A sketch clearly shows both galaxies as well as two nearby stars (John Herschel logged "four small stars with a strong suspicion of nebula among them").
******************************
NGC 2740 = MCG +09-15-086 = CGCG 264-060 = PGC 25531
09 06 05.0 +51 44 07; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (4/5/97): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter. A mag 14 star is 35" SE of center. Forms a double system with NGC 2739 40" NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2740 = h549 on 17 Feb 1831
(sweep 328) and recorded "four small stars with a strong suspician of
nebula among them." This
observation probably refers to both NGC 2739 and NGC 2740 (one or two of
Herschel's "stars" are probably the nuclei or cores of these
galaxies), but LdR is credited with the discovery of NGC 2740 in the GC and
NGC. His position is 1.3' north of
******************************
09 03 16.5 +18 15 40; Cnc
V = 15.0; Size 0.5'x0.2'; PA = 80°
17.5" (4/6/02): very faint, small, slightly elongated
0.5'x0.3', ver weak concentration.
Located 3' N of a mag 10 star.
A mag 13 star follows by 1'.
This galaxy is the westernmost in the
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2741 = m145 on 28 Mar 1864 and
simply noted "vF". There
is nothing at his position and Bigourdan, Carlson and RNGC all concluded this
object doesn't exist. But Harold
Corwin notes that 1.0 min of RA west of Marth's position (and matching in
declination) is
******************************
09 07 33.2 +60 28 46; UMa
V = 11.4; Size 3.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 87°
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated ~E-W, even moderate surface brightness. Located 4.6' SE of mag 7.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 2742 = H. I-249 = h550 on 19
Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and described "a considerably bright extended nebula
about 4' long and 2' broad; it is easily resolvable, and I suppose with a
higher power and longer attention the stars would become visible. It is brighter about the
middle." His position is 2.3'
northeast of the center of
******************************
09 04 54.3 +25 00 14; Cnc
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 105°
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.8', low surface brightness halo, sharp concentration with prominent 15" core and stellar nucleus. Forms the east vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 10.5 star 4.1' NW, a mag 12 star 4.1' WSW and mag 9.0 SAO 80621 9' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2743 = H. III-608 on 22 Feb
1787 (sweep 703) and noted "eF, S, R, vlbM." His position (Auwers' reduction) is
within 1' of
******************************
NGC 2744 = UGC 4757 = MCG +03-23-031 = CGCG 090-065 = VV 612 = LGG 166-001 = PGC 25480
09 04 39.1 +18 27 53; Cnc
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 120°
17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small. Elongated 4:3 ~WNW-ESE, although the
appearance is asymmetric with an irregular outline and faint extensions visible
with averted vision only. Weak concentration
to an ill-defined core. A mag
13.5-14 star is at the east edge, 53" from center. Located 13' NW of
The DSS image reveals a distorted, (possibly) interacting system with a very faint tidal plume to the north.
13.1" (12/22/84): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, diffuse, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is just 0.9' E of center. NGC 2749 lies 14' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2744 = H. III-60 = h551 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and noted "vF, S, r. I saw it better with 240 than 157, very near it is a small star." John Herschel recorded on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334), "vF; R; is south of a coarse double star." R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 9 Feb 1855, recorded "Neb is vlbM, perhaps lE np sf. It is closely followed by a small star; a few minutes north are 4 stars."
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NGC 2745 = CGCG 090-064 = WBL 202-001 = PGC 25478
09 04 39.3 +18 15 26; Cnc
V = 14.8; Size 0.4'x0.2'; PA = 0°
17.5" (4/6/02): extremely faint and small, round,
15" diameter. A similar (in
brightness) mag 15 star lies ~30" S and initially drew my attention. Located 4.3' ESE of mag 9.2
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2745 = m 146 on 28 Mar 1864 and
noted "eF, vS, stellar."
His position matches
******************************
09 05 59.5 +35 22 38; Lyn
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, very weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core. A mag 12 star is close north [52" from center].
William Herschel discovered NGC 2746 = H. III-825 = h552 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 938) and recorded "vF, S, R, bM, south of a small star." Édouard Stephan made an observation on 3 Feb 1877.
******************************
09 05 18.3 +18 26 32; Cnc
V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.2'; PA = 170°
17.5" (4/6/02): very faint, small, round, 0.4'
diameter. Low, even surface
brightness and even with concentration could not hold steadily. Collinear with a trio of mag 11 stars
which trail to the east. Just
beyond the south-eastern star in the chain lies
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2747 = m 147 on 29 Mar 1865 and
recorded "vF, vS, stellar."
His position matches
******************************
09 13 42.9 +76 28 33; Cam
V = 11.7; Size 3.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 38°
17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3.0'x1.0' SW-NE, broad concentration but no nucleus.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2748 = h548 on 2 Sep 1828
(sweep 171) and recorded "pB; pL; E; vglbM; 90" l; 40"
br." The position is marked
as approximate, but is less than 2' northwest of the center of
******************************
NGC 2749 = UGC 4763 = MCG +03-23-036 = CGCG 090-069 = LGG 166-005 = WBL 202-002 = PGC 25508
09 05 21.4 +18 18 49; Cnc
V = 11.8; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 69°
17.5" (4/6/02): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.7', small bright core. Brightest in a group with NGC 2741 30' W, NGC 2744 13' NW,
NGC 2745 10' WSW,
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, small, almost round, bright core, small faint nucleus. Brightest in a group with NGC 2751 4' SE and NGC 2752 5' NE. Also NGC 2744 lies 14' NW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2749 on 5 Mar 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen observatory. His position (measured on 6 nights!) is accurate, though he missed nearby NGC 2751 and 2752. Édouard Stephan observed NGC 2749 with the 31-inch reflector at Marseilles on 27 Jan 1873, 2 Feb 1878 (and probably NGC 2751and 2752), 23 Feb 1886 and 8 Mar 1886.
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09 05 48.0 +25 26 13; Cnc
V = 11.9; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (3/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright,
moderately large, strong concentration with a very small bright core and
quasi-stellar nucleus, fairly large slightly elongated halo 1.2'x1.0'. A very faint, elongated brightening was
visible at the west edge. This
object is catalogued as
17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter. Moderately concentrated to a small bright core and a stellar nucleus. Forms the NE vertex of a right triangle with mag 9.7 SAO 80618 4' WSW and a mag 11.5 star 3.5' SSW. A superimposed companion on the west side was not seen.
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, even
concentration to a small bright core, halo gradually fades into
background. Located 3.9' NE of mag
9.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 2750 = H. III-291 on 11 Mar 1785 (sweep 384) and remarked "vF, pL, R, bM." Auwer's reduction placed this object 1° too far north, but John Herschel caught this error when he compiled the General Catalogue (GC). Heinrich d'Arrest made 4 observations, first on 21 Feb 1863.
******************************
NGC 2751 = MCG +03-23-037 = CGCG 090-071 = WBL 202-004 = PGC 25517
09 05 32.4 +18 15 44; Cnc
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 141°
17.5" (4/6/02): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (viewed core only). Located 40" S of a mag 13 star and 4' SE of NGC 2749 in a group of a half-dozen galaxies. Brighter NGC 2752 lies 5' NE.
13.1" (12/22/84): extremely faint, small, almost round. In a group with brightest member NGC 2749 4.0' NW, also NGC 2752 lies 5.7' NNE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2751 = m 148, along with NGC 2752, on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "eF, eS, stellar." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 2752 = UGC 4772 = MCG +03-23-038 = CGCG 090-072 = WBL 202-005 = PGC 25523
09 05 43.0 +18 20 23; Cnc
V = 13.7; Size 1.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 58°
17.5" (4/6/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.3', low surface brightness with no noticeable central brightening. A mag 11 star is 1.0' NW and a close double star (brighter component is 10.5 mag) with a wider third component is 1.9' NE. Located 5.3' ENE of NGC 2749 at the eastern end of a group of 6 galaxies.
13.1" (12/22/84): extremely faint, small. Three stars are close NE including a fairly bright mag 10/13 double at 20" separation located 2' NE and a mag 10.5 star lies 1.0' NW. Located at the east edge of a galaxy group and 5.3' ENE of NGC 2749.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2752 = m 149, along with NGC
2751, on 28 Mar 1864 and remarked "pF, pL, vmE, gbM." His position matches
******************************
09 07 08.3 +25 20 32; Cnc
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 15°
17.5" (4/6/02): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' NW. NGC 2750 lies 19' WNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2753 on 21 Feb 1863 with
the 11-inch Merz-refractor at the Copenhagen observatory. There is nothing at his position (#87
in AN 1500), though he noted a mag 13-14 star was 40" northwest. Exactly 1 min of time east of his
position is
******************************
09 05 11.2 -19 05 05; Hya
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130°
17.5" (2/8/97): very faint, small, elongated 4:3
WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness.
Faintest of three in field and located 5.3' SW of
Frank Muller discovered NGC 2754 = LM 2-408 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted as "mag
15.0, 0.4' dia, R; 1st of 3 [with
******************************
09 07 58.3 +41 42 32; Lyn
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 130°
17.5" (4/5/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8'. Even surface brightness with no discernable core. Collinear with a nice well-matched double 12' ENE [mag 11-12 stars at 21" separation].
William Herschel discovered NGC 2755 = H. III-626 on 18 Mar
1787 (sweep 716) and recorded "vF, S, iF, lbM, resolvable." Caroline's reduced position is within
1' of
******************************
09 09 01.1 +53 50 58; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 0°
17.5" (2/9/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
nearly 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.6'.
Contains a brighter, roundish core. There is an extremely faint clump of stars (triple on the
DSS) about 1' SW which was near the limit of visibility and appeared nebulous.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2756 = H. II-828 = h553 on
18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and noted "pB, S, vgmbM." His position (Auwers' reduction) is
1.5' south of
******************************
09 05 25.7 -19 02 52; Hya
17.5" (2/8/97): this is a faint, close triple star (components mag 15) located 1.3' W of NGC 2758. In my observation of NGC 2758, this triple appeared nebulous and I sketched it as a probably nonstellar companion (slightly elongated with a nearly stellar core)! Howe identifies a wider pair close NW as NGC 2757.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 2757 = LM 2-409 in 1886 with the 26" and recorded "mag 15.0, 2nd of 3 [with NGC 2754 and 2758]; *?". His position is just 0.1 min of RA west of NGC 2758. There is no galaxy near this offset and Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor at Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, found only an extremely faint double star, dist 12". Harold Corwin proposes a closer triple star (Muller would have easily resolved the coarser double) at 09 05 25.7 -19 02 52. I also thought this triple was a nonstellar object in my observation of NGC 2758! See Corwin's identifications notes for more.
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NGC 2758 = ESO 564-020 = MCG -03-23-019 = PGC 25515
09 05 31.2 -19 02 33; Hya
V = 13.2; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 19°
17.5" (2/8/97): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration (viewed core only). A very close trio of mag 15 stars is 1.3' W. This triple is probably NGC 2757, and I mistakenly took it for a small nebulous object also. Situated between two mag 13 stars 2' N and 3' S. Second brightest of three in field with NGC 2754 5.3' SW. On 3/25/95, I picked up brighter IC 2437 10' N but missed the pair of NGC galaxies.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 2758 = LM 2-410 in 1886 and
recorded "mag 15.2, 0.5'x0.4', E 180° [N-S], 3d of 3 [with NGC 2754 and 2757]. His position is just 9 sec of RA east
of
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09 08 37.3 +37 37 17; Lyn
V = 13.0; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 50°
17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0'
diameter, moderately high surface brightness, broad concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2759 = H. III-647 = h554 on
20 Mar 1787 (sweep 721) and noted "vF, vS, verified 300 power." His position (Caroline's reduction) is
less than 2' northeast of
******************************
09 15 42 +76 23; Cam
= Not found, Gottlieb and RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2760 = Sw. 6-34 on 26 Mar 1887. There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan came up empty. His description mentioned "nearly between an 8 and 9 mag star". About 10' NW of his position is a wide pair of mag 13.6/15.5 stars at 35" separation which are at the midpoint of two mag 9/10 stars matching Swift's description - but the pair seems too wide to be confused as nebulous.
Harold Corwin suggests
******************************
09 07 30.9 +18 26 04; Cnc
V = 13.9; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2
17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak even concentration but no distinct nucleus. Forms the vertex of an obtuse angle with two mag 13 stars 2.3' WNW and 1.9' S. Located at the east end of a group including NGC 2744, NGC 2745, NGC 2747, NGC 2749, NGC 2751 and NGC 2752 viewed previously with the 13".
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2761 = m 150 on 29 Mar 1865 and
simply noted as "vF, S".
Marth's position matches
******************************
NGC 2762 = MCG +08-17-045 = CGCG 264-072 = WBL 206-001 = PGC 25828
09 09 54.5 +50 25 06; UMa
V = 15.1; Size 0.5'x0.35'; PA = 0°
18" (2/14/10): at 280x this difficult galaxy appeared
extremely faint, very small, possibly elongated though too faint to determine
an orientation, 20" diameter.
Required averted and concentration to just briefly glimpse (repeated a
few times) this object 2.9' WNW of
17.5" (4/5/97): not found but I appeared to be observing partially in a tree and 5 hrs past the meridian! Located 2.9' NW of NGC 2767.
Bindon Blood Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 2762 on 26 Feb 1851. It was shown 3' NW of NGC 2767 (Gamma) on the sketch. The sketch is accurate enough to clearly identify NGC 2767, 2769, 2771 (all discovered by JH), as well as NGC 2762 = MCG +08-17-045. The first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide lists V = 16.9 and the second edition lists V = 14.0 (should refer to NGC 2767). The SDSS derived mag is V = 15.1.
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09 06 49.1 -15 30 00; Hya
V = 12.0; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 120°
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly bright, large, slightly elongated 5:4,~2.0'x1.6', brighter core gradually increases to the center, faint stellar nucleus, diffuse outer halo (face-on spiral). A mag 13.0 star is at the north edge with a fainter star right at the north edge.
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak concentration, diffuse outer halo. A mag 12.5 star is close off the north edge 1.2' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2763 = H. III-275 = h560 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and reported "vF, vS, bM, about 1/2' south of a small star." On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111), John Herschel logged, "eF; pL; has a small star just north, and four more preceding." His Slough Catalogue has a typo; read H. III-275 for H. II-275 but he corrected the error in the General Catalogue.
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09 08 17.5 +21 26 37; Cnc
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 16°
17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, weak concentration. Located between a mag 11.5 star 2.2' N and a mag 10.5 star 2.3' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2764 = H. III-236 = h557 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and logged "eF, lE, between 2 pretty bright stars, verified with 240 power." His position was just off the southwest edge of the galaxy. Lord Rosse's assistant on 23 Feb 1857 noted a faint double star 1' SE.
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09 07 36.6 +03 23 34; Hya
V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 107°
17.5" (2/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, gradually brighter core but no sharp nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2765 = H. II-520 = h558 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 512). His description reads, "vF, mE, easily resolvable. May be a patch of stars; the weather being too hazy to observe it well." On 15 Mar 1830 (sweep 238), John Herschel wrote, "vF; pL gbM, but not to a nucleus".
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09 08 47.6 +29 51 53; Cnc
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 132°
17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.4', slightly brighter roundish core. A wide pair of mag 13 stars follows (closer one is 1.6' E of center). Located 16' NE of mag 5.4 Tau Cancri.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2766 = St. 13-44 on 7 Mar 1874, though his initial position was 25' too far south. His published accurate position (list 13, #44) was made 10 years later on 22 Mar 1884.
******************************
NGC 2767 = UGC 4813 = MCG +08-17-048 = CGCG 264-075 = WBL 206-002 = PGC 25852
09 10 11.9 +50 24 05; UMa
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 0°
18" (2/14/10): this galaxy forms the west vertex of a
near equilateral triangle with NGC 2769 3.8' NE and
17.5" (4/5/97): first and smallest of trio with NGC 2769 and NGC 2771. Faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, even surface brightness. NGC 2762 3' NW not seen.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2767 = h556 on 8 Mar 1831 (sweep 330) and recorded "eF; sbM to a * 15m; the first of 3 [with NGC 2769 and NGC 2771]." His position is 6 seconds of RA too large, a similar offset as his positions for other two.
******************************
NGC 2768 = UGC 4821 = MCG +10-13-065 = CGCG 288-026 = PGC 25915
09 11 37.6 +60 02 15; UMa
V = 9.9; Size 8.1'x4.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 95°
14.5" (4/1/21): at 182x; bright, large, oval 2:1 E-W, ~4'x2', contains a very bright large core with an very small intense nucleus and an occasional stellar peak. A mag 10.5 star is 3.7' NW of center.
17.5" (3/28/92): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 E-W, faint halo extends to 3.0'x1.5' with averted. The halo increases to a very bright core with a high surface brightness and a stellar nucleus. Several bright stars are in the field including two mag 10 stars 3.5' WNW and 4.7' N of center.
8": fairly bright, elongated, bright core. Located 15' SE of a wide mag 8/9 pair.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2768 = H. I-250 = h555 on 19
Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and logged "vB, cL, lE, large bright nucleus in the
middle." Caroline's reduced
position was on the eastern side of the halo of
******************************
NGC 2769 = UGC 4816 = MCG +08-17-050 = CGCG 264-076 = WBL 206-003 = PGC 25870
09 10 32.2 +50 26 01; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 146°
18" (2/14/10): at 280x, the northern member of a small group (WBL 206) with NGC 2771, NGC 2767 and NGC 2762. It appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.5'. Gradually increases to a bright core and small, brighter nucleus though there are no well defined zones.
17.5" (4/5/97): brightest of small trio with NGC 2771 3.4' SSE and NGC 2767 3.8' SW. Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.5', brighter core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2769 = h559, along with NGC
2771, on 7 Mar 1831 (sweeo 329)) and noted "not vF; lE; S; pslbM; 15"
[diameter]." The next night
he added nearby NGC 2767. His mean position from two sweeps is 8 sec of RA east
of
******************************
09 09 33.6 +33 07 26; Lyn
V = 12.2; Size 3.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 148°
17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint but surprisingly large, nearly edge-on 7:2 NW-SE, 3.0'x0.9', weak broad concentration. The surface brightness is fairly low but uneven, with an impression of mottling. A mag 12 star is 2' N and a mag 13 star 1.7' NE of center.
NGC 2770 hosted four supernovae in a 16-year period: SN 1999eh, SN 2007uy and SN 2008D (all Type 1b ) and SN 2015by
William Herschel discovered NGC 2770 = H. II-490 = h562 on 7
Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and logged "pF, pmE, resolvable, 3' long, 1.5' broad.
South of 2 equals stars nearly in the meridian, and about 2' from each
other." His position matches
Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 20 Jan 1852, noted "F, L ray, 2 stars nearly parallel to it on n f side; suspect a bright streak down the middle." This galaxy has hosted 3 Type Ib supernovae over a 10 year period: SN 1999eh, SN 2007uy and SN 2008D.
******************************
NGC 2771 = UGC 4817 = MCG +08-17-051 = CGCG 264-077 = WBL 206-004 = PGC 25875
09 10 39.8 +50 22 47; UMa
V = 12.7; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.1
18" (2/14/10): moderately bright, elonated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6' (this is the brighter bar and I missed the lower surface brightness halo). Contains a well defined, small bright nucleus. This galaxy is slightly fainter than NGC 2769 3.4' NNW with a roughly perpendicular orientation.
17.5" (4/5/97): the largest member of a small trio with
NGC 2767 4.6' WNW and NGC 2769 3.4' NNW appears faint, round, 1.5' diameter
with a fairly low surface brightness.
Broad concentration with a very faint stellar nucleus with direct
vision. Located 13' SW of mag 6.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 2771 = h561, along with NGC
2769, on 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329) and logged, "vF; S; lE;
10"." The next night he
also recorded NGC 2767. His mean
position (2 sweeps) is 8 sec of RA east and 1' south of
******************************
09 07 41.9 -23 37 17; Pyx
V = 13.4; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 163°
24" (2/13/18): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 5:2 ~N-S, ~40"x15". The tips have a very low surface surface brightness so it was difficult to estimate the total
length. The galaxy is nearly on
line with an equally space string (length of 4') consisting of three mag
11.4/12/10.7 stars that extends NNE.
A mag 15.2 star is very close NE of the N end and a mag 15.6 star is
close SW of the south end.
Occasionally, an extremely faint and small glow (
17.5" (2/8/97): fairly faint, moderately bright, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, broad concentration with a bulging core and much fainter extensions. A mag 11.5 star lies 2.1' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2772 = h3146 on 23 Jan 1835 and
reported "eF, lE, lbM, rather a doubtful object." His position is 1.8' south of
******************************
09 09 44.2 +07 10 25; Cnc
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 83°
17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, elongated
E-W. Located just 1.2' W of a
shallow arc of three stars mag 12.5/14/14 with 30" separation between the
pairs.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2773 = m 151 and noted "vF,
S, lE." His position matches
******************************
09 10 40.0 +18 41 47; Cnc
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, appears elongated E-W but probably due to mag 15 star just off the west edge 24" from center, very weak concentration. Collinear with a mag 14 star 2.1' S and a mag 13.5 star 3.8' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2774 = H. III-61 = h565 = St. 9-19 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181). He described it as a "suspected a nebula with 157; 240 shewed 5 small stars with a little seeming nebulosity, of which however I still have some doubts; most probably a higher power would have shown them free from it." There is nothing at his position but on 25 Mar 1827 (sweep 63), John Herschel recovered it 1° north of his father's position. Nevertheless, he reported his father's incorrect declination in the General Catalogue (GC), published in 1864.
Ralph Copeland, Lawrence Parsons' (4th Earl of Rosse) assistant, confirmed the northern position on 20 Feb 1873. He described it as "eF, R, glbM *15m in Pos 266.8°, Dist 25.5". Finally, Édouard Stephan found the galaxy on 7 Mar 1874. He measured an accurate micrometric position on 7 Feb 1877 and reported it as new in his 9th discovery list (#19). The NGC is based on Stephan's and d'Arrest's measures and is accurate.
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NGC 2775 = UGC 4820 = MCG +01-24-005 = CGCG 034-006 = LGG 169-002 = PGC 25861
09 10 20.2 +07 02 16; Cnc
V = 10.1; Size 4.3'x3.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 155°
14.5" (4/12/21): bright, large oval ~4:3 NNW-SSE,
nearly 3' diameter, very strong concentration with a very bright core that
increases to a nearly stellar peak.
The halo is much fainter and nearly even in surface brightness, only
fading out at the edges.
17.5" (3/29/89): bright, very large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, small very bright core, stellar nucleus, large faint halo. Near the edge of the field is NGC 2777 11' NNE (physical companion) and NGC 2773 13' NW (background galaxy).
13.1" (2/23/85): bright, fairly large, elongated NNW-SSE, bright core, stellar nucleus.
8": fairly bright, bright core, elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2775 = H. I-2 = h564 on 19 Dec 1783 (internal discovery #16 on sweep 57). His summary description from 5 sweeps reads "cB, cL, R, vgbM, with nucleus." On 23 Dec 1827 (sweep 116), John Herschel wrote, "vB; R; psbM; 2' diam; the hazy border perhaps extends further; resolvable??" Samuel Hunter, Lord Rosse's assistant, also thought he could resolve this galaxy, and reported on on 28 Mar 1861, "R, vgbM like a glob. Cl, I see stars plainly at times."
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09 12 14.5 +44 57 19; Lyn
V = 11.6; Size 3.0'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (3/16/96): moderately bright, moderately large,
1.5' diameter, round. Fairly even
concentration with a large 1' core increasing to a 20" nucleus. A mag 11 star is 4' SSE. Located 9' NE of mag 7.6
8": faint, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, slightly elongated ~N-S, weak concentration. Located 8' NE of mag 7.5 SAO 42735.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2776 = h563 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and described "pB; vL; R; vgbM; resolvable; 3' diam." His position is accurate. R.J. Mitchell, the 72" observer on 16 Feb 1858, noted "pL, mottled and suspect spiral.".
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NGC 2777 = UGC 4823 = MCG +01-24-006 = CGCG 034-008 = LGG 169-003 = PGC 25876
09 10 41.8 +07 12 23; Cnc
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4
14.5" (4/12/21): at 226x; faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, very small slightly brighter core, ~25"x18". A mag 12.0 star is 2' NNE. Located 11' NNE of NGC 2775.
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus suspected. A mag 12 star is 2.0' NNE. NGC 2775, a physical companion, lies 11.4' SSW.
13.1" (2/23/85): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, bright core. Situated 11' NNE of NGC 2775.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2777 = m 152 on 6 Mar 1864 and
noted "F, S". His
position matches
******************************
09 12 24.3 +35 01 39; Lyn
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 40°
17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, irregularly
round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus with direct vision. Forms a close pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2778 = H. II-564 = h566 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and noted "pB, S, R, mbM." John Herschel logged 4 observations and estimated the size as between 20"-30". Brightest in a group.
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NGC 2779 = MCG +06-20-044 = CGCG 180-055 = Holm 112b = PGC 25958
09 12 28.2 +35 03 12; Lyn
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.7'
17.5" (3/28/92): extremely faint, very small, round, can almost hold steadily with averted. Forms a close pair with NGC 2778 1.7' SSW. Faintest of three including NGC 2780. A wide evenly matched mag 10 pair at 38" separation is just 3.5' NE.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2779 on 13 Mar 1850 and noted "a third neb [with NGC 2778 and NGC 2780], eF, found." The sketch clearly shows the three galaxies correctly positioned and a micrometric offset from NGC 2778 was measured in 1867.
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NGC 2780 = UGC 4843 = MCG +06-20-047 = CGCG 180-057 = PGC 25967
09 12 44.3 +34 55 32; Lyn
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 150°
17.5" (3/28/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~E-W, even surface brightness. A mag 12/13.5 double star at 15" separation in PA 90° is 1.8' WNW. Appears slightly larger than NGC 2778 7.3' NNW but has an lower surface brightness. This galaxy is the second brightest of three with NGC 2778 and NGC 2779.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2780 = H. III-826 = h567 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 938) and called it "vF, S, resolvable." The previous nebula observed in the sweep was brighter NGC 2778, which was discovered on 28 Mar 1786. John Herschel made a single observation on 3 Apr 1831 (sweep 337).
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09 11 27.4 -14 49 01; Hya
V = 11.6; Size 3.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 75°
17.5" (2/8/97): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 E-W, 2.5'x1.4', sharp concentration with a prominent
40"x20" core. A mag 13 star lies 2' N. Located 8' NNE of mag 8.7
8": very faint, small, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration. Located within a group of stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2781 = H. I-66 = h569 = h3147 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and recorded "B, vS, iF, mbM." John Herschel's description is "pB; E in parallel; psbM; 60" length." From the Cape of Good Hope, he recorded "B, E, psmbM, 40" l, 30" br." Joseph Turner, observing the Great Melbourne Telescope on 17 Jan 1877, sketched the galaxy as a sharply concentrated edge-on with a small nucleus.
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09 14 05.2 +40 06 48; Lyn
V = 11.6; Size 3.5'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.9
18" (2/14/10): at 280x, appears fairly bright and sharply concentrated with a very bright round core, 40" diameter. The core is surrounded by a fairly large 2'-2.5' diameter halo. A faint star is situated 1.6' ENE of the core and an extremely low surface brightness hazy patch is just following. This patch is likely a detached outer section of a spiral arm or plume, caused by a earlier merger event.
17.5": moderately bright, fairly small, slightly
elongated, sharp concentration, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated fainter
halo. A pair of mag 13 stars are
3' S and mag 9
8": faint, bright core, two mag 13 stars to the S, mag 9 star 5' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2782 = H. I-167 = h568 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and recorded, "cB, R, BN, about 1.5' dia." Ralph Copeland, Lawrence Parsons' assistant at Birr Castle, described the galaxy as "B, pL, R, irregular, pgsmbMN."
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09 13 39.5 +29 59 34; Cnc
V = 12.6; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 168°
24" (2/9/13): dominant member of the
17.5" (2/8/97): brightest of three galaxies visible in HCG 37. Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, bright core. Two mag 9.5-10 stars lie 1.4' SW and 2.2' SSW. IC 2449 = UGC 4856 = HCG 37B is 1.5' WNW and just off the NW side is a marginal member HCG 37C, 36" from center.
17.5" (3/28/92): this is the brightest galaxy in the
HCG 37 group. Moderately bright,
fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, bright core. Two bright stars are close south; a mag 9.5 star is 1.5' SW
and a mag 10 star 2.3' SSW. The multiple system
William Herschel discovered NGC 2783 = H. III-295 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and reported "vF, vS, R, just North-following 2 pretty bright stars." The description of the nearby stars is correct. Bigourdan measured an accurate position (first reporting it as Big. 274). Member of the NGC 2789 group and brightest in HCG 37.
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09 12 19.2 -24 10 18; Hya
V = 10.2; Size 5.5'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 73°
17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, moderately large, very bright core with much fainter extensions, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, possibly a sharper edge along the north side. A mag 10.5 star is 3.7' E of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2784 = H. I-59 = h571 = h3148 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and noted, "S, cBM but vF at the side, a very little E; the chevelure of the milky kind." On 7 Jan 1831 (sweep 317), John Herschel noted, "pB; R; gbM; 25"." On 23 Jan 1835 (sweep 532) at the Cape of Good Hope, he called it "B, L, mE, pgmbM, 4' l, 90" br, position = 63.7°."
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09 15 15.2 +40 55 04; Lyn
V = 14.2; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 120°
17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.3'x0.5'. Exhibits a weak, broad concentration and fades at the tips. A mag 14.5 star is close NNE [0.8' from center].
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2785 = St. 13-45 on 16 Mar 1882. His published position in the 13th (and last) discovery list was reduced two years later with description,"quite small, irregularly oval; elongated ESE-WNW; two very distinct points of condensation."
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09 13 35.6 +12 26 27; Cnc
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 77°
17.5" (1/12/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated nearly 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.4', very small brighter core. There are a group of mag 11/12 stars at the NW edge of the 220x field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2786 = m 153 on 5 Apr 1864 and
noted "vF, vS, mbM".
There is nothing near his position. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die
Herschel Nebel" states "in Dreyer's place not found" but he
proposes NGC 2786 = UGC 4861, which is located 18' north and 20 sec of RA west
of Marth's position. There are no
other nearby candidates, but with the large positional discrepancy, this
identification is uncertain.
Dorothy Carlson simply states "not found" based on Reinmuth's
comment and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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09 19 18.5 +69 12 11; UMa
V = 10.8; Size 3.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 117°
17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 2.0'x1.5', even concentration to a small very bright core. A mag 14 star is at the SE edge of the halo 0.9' from the center.
8": fairly faint, small, bright core. A mag 7 star is 25' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2787 = H. I-216 = h570 on 3
Dec 1788 (sweep 890) and recorded "p or cB, pL, iF." On 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100) he noted,
"vB, R, mbB, seems to be resolvable. Towards the sf, within the nebulosity,
is a vS star." His position
is ~10' southeast of
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09 09 03.5 -67 55 57; Car
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 114°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): excellent fairly bright edge-on, fairly large, elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.35', very weak cocnentration. A faint star is just off the south side, 19" from the center. I had the impression there was a sharper light cut-off on the south side, but was not convinced.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2788 = h3150 on 29 Jan 1835 and recorded "vF; vS; mE in pos 105°." His position is 30 sec west of ESO 061-002 but the description matches perfectly.
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NGC 2789 = NGC 3167 = UGC 4875 = MCG +05-22-026 = CGCG 151-035 = PGC 26089
09 14 59.7 +29 43 48; Cnc
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x1.9'
17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration, fairly faint stellar nucleus. Slightly fainter than NGC 2783 22' NW, although the listed magnitude is brighter.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2789 = St. 13-45 on 17 Mar 1882. The position was reduced on 13 Mar 1883 and incuded in his last discovery list.
NGC 3167, found earlier by d'Arrest on 1 May 1862, is probably a duplicate observation. See that number.
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09 15 02.8 +19 41 49; Cnc
V = 14.4; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.2
17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, very small, round, only 15"-20" diameter, weakly concentrated to a very small brighter core. Located 1.3' SE of a mag 10.5 star which forms a wide unequal double with a 14th magnitude companion 24" N.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2790 on 17 Feb 1865 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, S, R, lbM." His position
matches
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09 15 02.0 +17 35 32; Cnc
V = 14.7; Size 0.8'x0.3'; PA = 160°
17.5" (1/28/89): extremely faint and small, round. Forms a close "double" with a
mag 15 star just 21" E of center.
First in a group with the
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2791 on 21 Dec 1863 and noted
"F, R". His position
matches
******************************
09 12 26.6 -42 25 41; Vel
V = 11.8; Size 18"
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 350x
this high surface brightness planetary appeared very bright, small, round,
15"-20" in diameter. It
appeared annular with a brighter rim, although the the inner edge of the
annulus was not well defined. A
wide pair of mag 11 stars lies 4' SE.
Located 13' SW of mag 6.3
13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright planetary, small, round, no central star. A pair of mag 11 stars at 36" separation is located 4' SE. This PN is very far south (-42.4°) for for observation from Northern California, so the altitude was very low.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2792 = h3149 on 2 Mar 1835 while observing with Thomas Maclear and another guest. He recorded, "pF, exactly round, equal to a star 9th mag, but of a dull light. At first I was inclined to think it double, but with 320 it exhibited a uniform round disc; nor did a friend to whom I showed it see any division. Stars to-night perfectly well defined. In a field with leading stars, or which a diagram was made." On 7 Feb 1837 (his third observation of the planetary), he noted "Viewed past meridian. It occurs in a field with about 40 stars. Diameter 4" or 5" at the utmost; 10" is too large certainly. Very like that of sweep 771 [NGC 2452]. But now the night is good and it bears magnifying. With 320 power the disc is dilated into a dim hazy round nebula; yet there is a peculiarity in its appearance which completely separates it from all nebulae of the same size. A very remarkable object."
Robert Innes, observing on 16 Mar 1917 with the 9-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg, described NGC 2792 as "an 11th magnitude planetary about 20" in diameter. Is north preceding a pair of 10.5 mag stars. No stars within 3'."
******************************
09 16 47.2 +34 25 47; Lyn
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
48" (4/4/11): 375x and 488x provided a fascinating view of NGC 2793, a collisional ring galaxy. It appeared as a fairly faint, moderately large roundish glow, ~0.8' diameter, with a well defined edge. The rim was slightly brighter along the north side, giving a partial annular or ring-like appearance [the SDSS image resolves this brighter rim into a series of small HII knots or star-forming regions. The likely companion galaxy or intruder is visible along the east side of the rim as a fairly bright small glow of high surface brightness, elongated 2:1 N-S, ~15"x8", mottled appearance. The actual nucleus of the ring galaxy is perhaps situated at the north end of the disrupting galaxy. A 15" pair of mag 10 stars (h2491) lies 5' N. NGC 2793 is located 8' WNW of mag 9.7 PPM 74387.
13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, low even surface brightness. Located 53' W of Alpha Lyncis (V = 3.1).
John Herschel discovered NGC 2793 = h572 on 6 Mar 1828
(sweep 128) and reported, "vF; R; has a double star 5' north; 1 sec
preceding." His position and
description matches the ring galaxy
******************************
NGC 2794 = UGC 4885 = MCG +03-24-018 = CGCG 091-037 = PGC 26140
09 16 01.8 +17 35 23; Cnc
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration. Forms a close pair with NGC 2795 2.4' NNE. NGC 2791 lies 14' W.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2794, along with
******************************
NGC 2795 = UGC 4887 = MCG +03-24-020 = CGCG 091-039 = PGC 26143
09 16 03.9 +17 37 42; Cnc
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 170°
17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2794 2.4' SSW and NGC 2797 lies 6' NNE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2795 = m 156 on 21 Dec 1863 with Lassell's 48" on Malta. Heinrich d'Arrest also discovered it on 15 Mar 1866, along with nearby NGC 2794 and 2797. Édouard Stephan observed the pair on 26 Jan 1870, 14 Mar 1874 and 4 Mar 1886.
******************************
09 16 41.8 +30 54 57; Cnc
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 80°
17.5" (4/6/02): fairly faint, slightly elongated,
0.8'x0.6', slightly brighter core, occasional stellar nucleus. A close pair of mag 15
"stars" are 1' WSW of center - one of these is actually the compact
galaxy
William Herschel discovered NGC 2796 = H. III-296 = h573 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and noted "vF, S, R, lbM." John Herschel called this galaxy "the faintest conceivable."
******************************
NGC 2797 = UGC 4891 = MCG +03-24-023 = CGCG 091-042 = PGC 26160
09 16 21.7 +17 43 38; Cnc
V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.4'
17.5" (1/28/89): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. Forms the east vertex of an isosceles triangle with a pair of mag 12 stars 3' WSW and 3' WNW. Forms a pair with NGC 2795 6' SSW in a group.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2797, along with NGC 2794
and an independent discovery of NGC 2795, on 15 Mar 1866. His single position is 5 seconds of
time west of
******************************
09 17 22.8 +42 00 00; Lyn
V = 12.3; Size 2.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 160°
48" (4/6/13): very bright, large, elongated 2:1
NNW-SSE, 2.0'x1.0'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, large core
increasing to a small, intense nucleus.
A very large spiral arm extends to the NNW from the core and curves back
sharply at the end counterclockwise to the SSE, fading rapidly to a very low
surface brightness and dimmng out before reaching the core. The SSE extension has an extremely low
surface brightness and no arm structure was visible. Forms an interacting pair with
24" (3/9/13): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated
5:2 NW-SE, 1.7'x0.7', fairly sharply concentrated with a very bright core that
increases to a small, intense nucleus.
The extension (spiral arm) to the northwest is brighter. Forms a striking double system (Arp
283) with NGC 2799 1.5' ESE. UGC
4904 lies 5' S and appears as a fairly faint glow, slightly elongated NW-SE,
25"x20", weak concentration.
The trio forms
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 1.6' NNE of center. Forms a double system (interacting) with NGC 2799 1.5' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2798 = H. II-708 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 797) and noted "pB, S, stellar." His position is 3.5' too far southeast. Nearby NGC 2799 was first seen at Birr Castle.
******************************
NGC 2799 = Arp 283 NED2 = VV 50b = UGC 4909 = MCG +07-19-056 = CGCG 209-046 = Holm 117b = PGC 26238
09 17 31.0 +41 59 38; Lyn
V = 13.8; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 125°
48" (4/6/13): fairly bright, very thin edge-on, 6:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.25'. The disc is slightly warped, bending south slightly near the tips of both extensions. The galaxy is also asymmetric, with the NW end stretched out towards the core of NGC 2798. With careful viewing, an extremely faint tidal tail appears pulled out in the direction of the companion and it fades out just east of the core.
24" (3/9/13): moderately bright and large, very elongated
4:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.25', brighter along a very thin streak of the major
axis. Forms a 1.5' interacting
pair (
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness. Forms a very close (interacting) pair with NGC 2798 1.5' WNW.
Ralph Copeland, observing on the 72", discovered NGC 2799 on 9 Mar 1874. While observing NGC 2798 he recorded "F, cL, vmE 125.9°, pos 102.7°, dist 97.9" from [NGC 2798] or 8.7s f, 21.5" s. The offsets and description are a perfect match with UGC 4909. The NGC position is offset to the southeast as Dreyer used WH's poor position for NGC 2798.
******************************
09 18 35.2 +52 30 52; UMa
V = 12.8; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15°
17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, 40"x30".
Contains a very small, slightly brighter core. A mag 12 star is attached
on the NW flank, 15" from the center, giving an unusual appearance. Located 3.7' NW of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 2800 = H. III-832 = h574 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 945) and noted "vF, S, lE." John Herschel described it on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) as "a star with vF neb attached, in which is involved another star 10" dist." The other "star" is probably the nucleus of NGC 2800 with the superimposed star at the northwest side just 15" separation.
******************************
09 16 44.1 +19 56 00; Cnc
V = 14.7; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.0
18" (3/4/08): very faint, fairly small, round, 25"
diameter, very low surface brightness glow with little or no
concentration. Located 4' SW of a
mag 9.9 star in the
18" (2/9/08): extremely faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low surface brightness and required averted. Located 4.4' SW of a mag 10 star in the NGC 2804 group.
18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.45', low even surface brightness, requires averted to
glimpse. Member of the
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2801 = m 157 on 17 Feb 1865 and
noted "eF, pL". His
position is 1' south of
******************************
09 16 41.4 +18 57 48; Cnc
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.1
17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. Almost in contact
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2802 = H. III-62 = h575 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "Two [with NGC 2803]; vF, pS, R, r, both rather bright middle. 240 shewed them of a considerable diameter; both are nearly in the same meridian." His position was ~30 seconds of RA west of this pair. Henrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position that was used in the NGC position.
******************************
NGC 2803 = UGC 4898 = MCG +03-24-027 = CGCG 091-044 NED2 =
09 16 43.9 +18 57 16; Cnc
V = 14.1; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.7
17.5" (1/28/89): very faint, small, round, weak concentration. Slightly larger than NGC 2802, which forms a double system just 30" NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2803 = H. III-63 = h575 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "Two [with NGC 2802]; vF, pS, R, r, both rather bright middle. 240 shewed them of a considerable diameter; both are nearly in the same meridian."
******************************
NGC 2804 = UGC 4901 = MCG +03-24-028 = CGCG 091-047 = IC 2455: = WBL 213-003 = PGC 26196
09 16 50.0 +20 11 55; Cnc
V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 60°
18" (3/4/08): moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.9', weak concentration with a very small brighter core. This galaxy and NGC 2809 are the brightest in a group of 6 NGC galaxies and several fainter members (AWM 1).
18" (2/9/08): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, bright core, very faint ill-defined halo, 1.2'x0.9'. Brightest in a poor group along with NGC 2804 located 8.7' SE. The additional NGC members are NGC 2790, 2801, 2807, 2809, 2812 and 2813.
17.5" (3/12/94): moderately bright, fairly small, round, halo is weakly concentrated, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located between two mag 13 stars 1.6' N and 2.4' S. Brightest in a group with NGC 2809 8.6' SSE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2804 = h577, along with NGC
2809, on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and recorded, "vF; S; R; the np of two
[with NGC 2809]. His position
matches
Stephane Javelle probably found this galaxy again on on 9
Apr 1896, but his position for J. 3-1087 (later
******************************
09 20 20.4 +64 06 10; UMa
V = 11.0; Size 6.3'x4.8'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 125°
24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, very large, contains
a 30" brighter core and a huge halo extending up to 4'x3' NW-SE. The halo has a fairly low surface
brightness but is slightly mottled, hinting of HII regions [SDSS shows a string
of HII knots along the outer southern arm]. A mag 12.5 star is just off the NW edge of the halo and a
mag 14 star is on the NE side.
Largest in a group (LGG 173) including the trio
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, large, irregularly round, very
low surface brightness, weak concentration but no nucleus. Located at the west end of a string of
7 mag 13-14 stars. Several
brighter stars are in the field including mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 2805 = H. III-878 on 2 Apr
1791 (sweep 1000) and recorded "vF, cL, R, vF, mbM. I suppose it to be near 5' in diam but
is so faint on the outside that it is difficult to determine its
extent." His position and
description matches
******************************
09 16 56.7 +20 04 14; Cnc
18" (2/9/08): this mag 14.5 star was mistakenly thought
to be possibly nebulous by Dreyer.
At 225x it appeared clearly as a faint star 2.4' W of NGC 2809 and a
similar distance NNW of
18" (3/4/08): very faint, very small, round, 15". Located 50" WSW of NGC 2807 and about a half-magnitude fainter.
18" (2/9/08): extremely faint, very small, round, 15". Forms a very close pair with NGC 2807 (just 50" between centers) with NGC 2809 just 3.2' NE.
17.5" (3/12/94): extremely faint and small. Just visible at moments with averted vision just west of the south edge of NGC 2807 forming a close double system (separation 49"). NGC 2809 lies 3.3' NE. This galaxy is incorrectly identified as NGC 2806 in the RNGC, MCG and DSFG and NGC 2807 in the second version of the DSFG.
Dreyer discovered NGC 2806 using Lord Rosse's 72" on 22 March 1876 and recorded "A vF * or cS, eF neb p [NGC 2809] (sky bad), forming an equilateral triangle with [2807] and [2809] (susp as neb by d'A, = [NGC 2806])." At his position is a mag 14.5 star at 09 16 56.7 +20 04 14 (2000). This star forms an equilateral triangle with NGC 2807 and NGC 2809 and lies due west of NGC 2809. Since his descriptions and offsets for other objects in the field are exact, there is no mistaking the identity of NGC 2806 as a single star. Dreyer noted that d'Arrest also suspected this star to be nebulous on 17 Feb 1862.
RNGC, MCG, Deep Sky Field Guide and Uranometria 2000 Atlas
misidentify
******************************
NGC 2807 = MCG +03-24-031 = CGCG 091-051ne = WBL 213-004 =
09 17 00.6 +20 02 10; Cnc
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.55'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 165°
18" (3/4/08): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE,
24"x20", weak concentration.
Located 2.4' SW of NGC 2809 in a group. Forms a close pair with
18" (2/9/08): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 25"x18", weak concentration. Second faintest of a close trio with brighter NGC 2809 2.4' NNE and fainter NGC 2807A 50" SW. Member of the NGC 2804 group.
17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, very small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, weakly concentrated. Located 2.5' SSW of NGC 2809 in a group with a mag 10 star 3.3' S. At moments, an extremely faint companion possibly elongated E-W is barely visible just west of the south edge (separation 49"). This fainter component of the double system NGC 2807 is incorrectly identified as NGC 2806 in the RNGC, MCG, U2000.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2807 on 17 Feb 1863 while
observing NGC 2809. He noted h578
[NGC 2809] follows by 7 seconds in time and 115" north. His position (measured on 4 nights) and
description matches
******************************
09 12 02.6 -64 51 46; Car
V = 6.1; Size 13.8'; Surf Br = 0.7
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this was a stunning showpiece globular in the 24"! The central region displayed an unusually strong concentration with a super-intense 2' core that was unresolved. A very bright, small halo surrounded the core, which was mottled but mostly unresolved. The outer halo resolved into perhaps 150-200 mag 14.5 and fainter stars. The halo gradually thinned out in resolved stars out to 10' diameter. The core was smaller but still unresolved at 350x. The overall appearance of the three brightness levels mentioned above is unusually symmetrical.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this bright globular (ranked 10th brightest at V = 6.1) is fairly large, ~10' diameter and very compressed with a blazing 2' core. The halo was noticeably elongated, nearly 3:2. A dense swarm of mag 14 and fainter stars were resolved in the halo and around the edges of the core but the inner central core was unresolved. At 228x, there appeared to be some very faint stars lanes streaming into the halo, which were barely unresolved but looked like small tentacles. A mag 10/10.6 double at 16" is outside the cluster ~10' ESE. This is by far the brightest concentration class I globular and the only one easily resolved.
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this very bright globular was large and elongated, ~8'x6' SW-NE increasing to 2' bright core and a blazing 40" nucleus. At 144x, this cluster was mottled but with no obvious resolution. At 166x a large number of extremely faint stars (mag 14-15) popped in and out of view over the entire disc, though the resolved stars could not be held steadily. Located 1.8° NNE of mag 4.0 Alpha Volantis.
10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): fairly bright but fairly small at 10x. Contains a very bright small core. I wasn't confident of a naked-eye sighting.
Naked-eye (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): faintly visible naked-eye.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2808 = D 265 = h3152 on 7 May 1826 and recorded "a very bright round nebula, about 3' or 4' diameter, very gradually bright to the centre. This has a fine globular appearance." His handwritten notes also mention "preceding a small star", which probaby applies to the mag 10.6 star off the east side. His single position was 20' too far NW.
John Herschel recorded 4 detailed observations from the Cape of Good Hope: On 8 Mar 1834 (sweep 430) he logged a "globular cluster, extremely compressed pretty gradually very much brighter to the middle; up to a perfect blaze; diam. in RA = 26.8 seconds; stars of 16th magnitude." On 9 Feb 1837 (sweep 773) he called it "a truly beautiful and delicate globular cluster; diameter in RA = 45 seconds, that of the most compressed part 15 seconds; gradually very bright in the middle; all finely resolved into perfectly equal stars like the finest dust, which are seen with the left eye without effort, but the right requires to be somewhat strained to discern them. Runs up to a blaze in the centre."
******************************
NGC 2809 = UGC 4910 = MCG +03-24-033 = CGCG 091-054 = WBL 213-005 = PGC 26220
09 17 06.9 +20 04 11; Cnc
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3
18" (3/4/08): moderately bright and large, slightly
elongated ~N-S, 0.9'x0.7', gradually increases to a small bright core and faint
stellar nucleus. Brightest in a
group (AWM 1) containing NGC 2801, NGC 2804, NGC 2807,
18" (2/9/08): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.8'x0.65', weak even concentration to a small brighter core and faint stellar nucleus. NGC 2807 lies 2.4' SW and NGC 2807A is 3.2' SW. Located 4.5' W of a 26" pair of mag 11 stars and 3' SSE of a mag 10.5 star. Brightest in a poor cluster along with NGC 2804.
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1' diameter, even moderate concentration down to very small bright core, faint stellar nucleus at moments. Located 2.9' SSE of a mag 10 star. A wide double star lies 4.5' W (mag 11/12 at 26"). Brightest in a group with NGC 2807 2.5' SSW and NGC 2804 8.6' NNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2809 = h578, along with NGC
2804, on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and noted, "vF; S; R; the s f of two,
distant 8'." His position was
marked as uncertain, but is a good match with
******************************
09 22 04.5 +71 50 38; UMa
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2810 = H. III-749 on 3 Dec
1788 (sweep 890) and noted as "cF, vS." His position is 2.7' S of
******************************
09 16 11.1 -16 18 46; Hya
V = 11.3; Size 2.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 20°
18" (3/30/05): the first object I took a look at was SN 2005am in NGC 2811, discovered on 22 Feb 2005. The SN peaked at mag 13.6, but appeared significantly fainter. Coincidentally, the SN makes a very close pair with a brighter mag 14.5 star (less than 10"). Generally only this star was visible, but occasionally I could see the supernova close NE.
13.1" (12/22/84): moderately bright, edge-on streak 4:1 SSW-NNE, brighter core, stellar nucleus. A faint mag 14.5 star is embedded in the NE tip 0.6' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2811 = H. II-505 = h580 = h3151 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and recorded "pB, S, lE from sp to nf, suddenly mbM." John Herschel called it (from Slough) "pB; E to n f; psbM; 60"." Observing at the Cape, he wrote "pB; mE; psvmbM; 40" l." In the LdR observations, the star at the northeast edge was mentioned twice.
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NGC 2812 = CGCG 091-060 = PGC 26242
09 17 40.8 +19 55 08; Cnc
V = 15.2; Size 0.55'x0.15'; Surf Br = 11.5; PA = 154°
18" (3/4/08): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 0.3'x0.2'. This difficult galaxy is located just 1.3' NW of NGC 2813 in the NGC 2804/2809 group.
18" (2/9/08): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1
NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.15'. Located 2'
NNE of mag 9
18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4x0.2. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 2813 and situated just 1.3' NW. A mag 9 star lies 2' SSW and greatly detracts from viewing.
17.5" (3/12/94): not seen.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2812 = m 158 on 17 Feb 1865,
along with NGC 2813, and simply noted "eF". His position is 1' north of
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NGC 2813 = UGC 4916 = MCG +03-24-037 = CGCG 091-061 = WBL 213-010 = PGC 26252
09 17 45.4 +19 54 24; Cnc
V = 14.0; Size 1.3'x1.1'; PA = 145°
18" (3/4/08): faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration, very small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located 2' NE mag 9.2 star that detracts from viewing. Close pair with fainter NGC 2812.
18" (2/9/08): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, very weak concentration to a small brighter core. Located 2' NE of mag 9 SAO 80743 and brighter of a close pair with NGC 2812 1.3' NW. Member of the NGC 2809 Group.
18" (3/11/07): faint, fairly small, round, small bright core, 0.6' diameter. Forms a pair with NGC 2812 just 1.3' NW (see observing notes). Located 2' NE of mag 9.2 that detracts from the observations.
17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, round, very low surface brightness halo difficult to view. At first glance, only the core was noticed with a tiny quasi-stellar nucleus. Overpowered by mag 9.0 SAO 80743 2.0' SW. Forms a pair with NGC 2812 at 1.3' NW (not seen). Located 13' SE of NGC 2809 in a group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2813 = m 159 on 17 Feb 1865, along with NGC 2812, and simply noted "F". His position is 1.5' north of CGCG 091-060.
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NGC 2814 = UGC 4952 = MCG +11-12-004 = CGCG 312-003 = KTG 23A = Holm 124c = LGG 173-2 = PGC 26469
09 21 11.5 +64 15 06; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 179°
24" (2/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, thin edge-on 3:1 or 4:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.25', bright core bulges slightly, tapers at the tips (spindle-shaped). A mag 11.4 star is 1.1' SSW of center, just off the southern tip. Forms a striking pair with edge-on NGC 2820 4' E, along with IC 2458. NGC 2805 lies 10' SW.
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, almost even surface brightness. A mag 11 star is 20" off the south tip and 1.1' SSW of center. This galaxy is smaller but has a higher surface brightness than NGC 2820 4' E. Located 11' NE of NGC 2805 in a group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2814 = H. II-868 = h576 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and recorded both as "Two nebulae. The first [NGC 2814] F, S, iF, the second [NGC 2820] F, pL, E. The place is that of the second [NGC 2820], the other precedes it about 30 seconds and is nearly in the same parallel." Dreyer commented in the notes section "Not seen by d'Arrest, and [John Herschel] only observed the following one (H. II-869)." Dreyer assigned h576 to NGC 2820 but John Herschel's position on 30 Mar 1832 (sweep 410) corresponds with NGC 2814, and h579 = NGC 2816 is identical to H. II-869 = NGC 2820 (see notes on NGC 2816).
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09 16 19.6 -23 38 00; Hya
V = 11.9; Size 3.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 10°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, fairly large, broadly concentrated halo, faint extensions SSW-NNE, fairly low surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2815 = H. III-242 = h3153 on 20 Nov 1784 (sweep 326) and recorded "vF, lE, S, that is about 1' diameter." From the Cape of Good Hope on 21 Mar 1835 (sweep 559), John Herschel noted, "F, R, or vlE, glbM, 25"."
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NGC 2816 = NGC 2820 = UGC 4961 = MCG +11-12-006 = CGCG 312-005 = KTG 23C = FGC 877 = Holm 124A = LGG 173-3 = PGC 26498
09 21 45.6 +64 15 29; UMa
V = 12.8; Size 4.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 59°
See observing notes for NGC 2820.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2816 = h579 on 30 Mar 1832 (sweep 410) and noted, "F, pmE". There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan was unable to find a suitable candidate. Karl Reinmuth reported "not found at Dreyer's place" based on Heidelberg plates and this is repeated by Dorothy Carlson in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections.
Harold Corwin originally suggested this number might be a duplicate observation of NGC 2742 with a 13 minute error in RA (identical declination). But Wolfgang Steinicke found (based on my questioning about h576) that JH made a large error (of 3 3/4 degrees) in reducing his declination for h579, and once corrected, h579 = NGC 2816 is a duplicate observation of NGC 2820 (discovered earlier by WH). In addition, h576 refers to nearby NGC 2814 = UGC 4952 (also discovered by WH). See Corwin's note for the full story.
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09 17 10.5 -04 45 09; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, moderately large, 1.4' diameter. Low surface brightness with a very weak concentration.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2817 = Sw. 6-35 on 5 Feb 1878. His rough position was 3' WNW, but he never published a precise micrometric position.
Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 26 Mar 1887 and reported it as new in his 6th discovery list (#35). His RA was 10 seconds of time too large. Swift was credited with the discovery in the NGC.
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09 16 01.5 -36 37 37; Pyx
V = 11.5; Size 85"x47"
14.5" (4/10/21): at 140x, the open cluster appeared as a sprinkling of mostly fainter mag 13-14 stars spread over a 7' region, along with a few brighter mag 12 stars. Increasing to 226x, the cluster appeared fairly rich, with close to 50 stars resolved, including many in the mag 14-14.5 range that popped in an out of view.
The planetary nebula is situated along the west side of the cluster and displayed an excellent response to an NPB filter at 140x. It appeared relative bright and large, ~50" diameter, with an irregular shape (elongated ~N-S) that was hard to pin down, and an uneven surface brightness.
17.5" (3/25/00): NGC 2818 refers to both an open
cluster and a superimposed planetary nebula (identified as
13.1" (4/10/86): the cluster appears as a faint group of 25-30 stars mag 12 to 15, over unresolved haze, though good seeing might resolve more. Includes a fairly faint planetary (NGC 2818A) on the west side. At 166x using a Daystar 300 filter, the planetary appeared moderately bright and large, elongated ~N-S. Also responds well to an OIII filter at 79x.
13.1 (1/28/84): the cluster is a faint group of two dozen stars mag 12 and fainter. The planetary on the west side of the cluster is a pretty sight using a UHC filter at 79x. It appeared fairly faint, moderately large, 1.0'x0.8', elongated N-S or SSW-NNE.
The planetary had been assumed to be the only one to be physically associated with an open cluster, although recent research firmly places the planetary in the foreground.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2818 = D 564 = h3154 on 28 May 1826. His summary description (based on two observations) reads "a pretty large faint nebula [star cluster] of a round figure, 6' or 8' diameter; the nebulosity is faintly diffused to a considerable extent. There is a small nebula [PN] in the north preceding edge, which is probably a condensation of the faint diffused nebulous matter; The large nebula is resolvable into stars with small nebula remaining." He clearly described both the PN and the cluster.
John Herschel recorded on 7 Aug 1837 (sweep 787): "A very curious object which reminds me strongly of M46 and IV. 39 [NGC 2438]. It is a rich cluster of the VI class, stars 12..14m; about 8' dia, gpmbM; all but a sort of vacuity, in which is situated a pB, R, neb; 40" diam; of a character approaching to planetary, having its edges shading off very rapidly, and being but very little brighter in the middle." His sketch is reproduced on plate V, figure 8 of the CGH Observations. A second observation on 22 Jan 1838 (sweep 809) describes the planetary first and the NGC summary refers to the planetary (in a large cluster).
Joseph Turner (date uncertain) and Pietro Baracchi (15 Jan 1885) sketched NGC 2818 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished Plate VI, figure 65). RNGC lists the cluster as NGC 2818 and the planetary as NGC 2818A although the NGC designation applies to both objects.
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09 18 09.3 +16 11 53; Cnc
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, round, small bright core, fairly faint stellar nucleus.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2819 = m160 on 21 Dec 1863 and noted "pB, vS, R." Édouard Stephan made an observation on 14 Mar 1874 and noted it as "160 Lassell" [NGC 2819] in his notebook. He made a later observation on 4 Mar 1886. Johann Palisa rediscovered NGC 2819 on 2 Apr 1886 with the 27-inch Grubb refractor at the Vienna University Observatory. Palisa's micrometric position in AN 2783 is accurate. Both Marth and Palisa are credited in the NGC.
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NGC 2820 = NGC 2816 = UGC 4961 = MCG +11-12-006 = CGCG 312-005 = KTG 23C = FGC 877 = Holm 124a = LGG 173-003 = PGC 26498
09 21 45.6 +64 15 29; UMa
V = 12.8; Size 4.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 59°
24" (2/22/14): fairly bright, very large, very thin
edge-on 7:1 WSW-ENE, ~2.8'x0.4', very weak concentration, mottled appearance
though the surface brightness is not high.
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, very thin edge-on 6:1 SW-NE with tapered ends, fairly low surface brightness, no noticeable core. Forms a contact pair with NGC 2820A 20" off the southwest tip. The companion is very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, very small brighter core. NGC 2820 is in a group with NGC 2814 4' W and NGC 2805 13' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2820 = H. II-869 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and recorded both as "Two nebulae. The first [NGC 2814] F, S, iF, the second [NGC 2820] F, pL, E. The place is that of the second, the other precedes it about 30 seconds and is nearly in the same parallel." Dreyer equated John Herschel's observation of h576 with H. II-869 = NGC 2820, but his sweep data (checked by Wolfgang Steinicke) reveals h 576 = H. II-868 = NGC 2814. In addition, h579 = NGC 2816 is identical to NGC 2820, with John Herschel making an error in reducing the position for h579. IC 2458, found by Guillaume Bigourdan on 14 Mar 1899, refers to the northeastern end of this galaxy and not the close companion NGC 2820A off the southwest end that is generally identified as IC 2458.
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09 16 48 -26 49 00; Pyx
V = 13.0; Size 2.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 100°
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, broad weak concentration. A mag 13 star is attached just NW of the center. A faint very close double star lies 1.8' W and a brighter mag 12 star is 2.0' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2821 = h3155 on 26 Mar 1835 and
recorded "eF, attached to a star 11th mag; somewhat doubtful." His position and description matches
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09 13 50 -69 38 42; Car
V = 10.7; Size 3.3'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 90°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy is located just 5.4' NE of mag 1.7 Beta Carinae (Miaplacidus)! The view is significantly hampered by the overwhelming glare of the bright star in the 24". At 260x it appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, ~1.0'x0.6', with a fairly high surface brightness. Planetary Nebula IC 2448 lies 39' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2822 = h3156 on 29 Jan 1835 and called "pF, vS, R, glbM." His RA is marked as approximate and is 1.5 min too far west. He may have reversed the offset from nearby Beta as the galaxy is east.
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09 19 17.4 +34 00 29; Lyn
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30°
24" (3/9/13): faint to fairly faint, small, elongated
2:1 SSW-NNE, 24"x12", weak concentration. Elongated in the direction of a mag 10.4 star 1.2' SSW. Member of
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 2823 on 13 Mar 1850 though a sketch of the cluster was constructed the
following year (by George or Bindon).
NGC 2823 was unlabeled but placed at the north end of the cluster with a
star close west, so the identification is certain. The NGC declination is 5'
too far north (
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09 19 02.3 +26 16 11; Cnc
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 160°
17.5" (3/28/92): faint, small, round, very small bright core. Overpowered by mag 6.5 SAO 80757 just 3' ESE! The galaxy is located at the west vertex of a rhombus formed by three stars including the mag 6.5 star, a mag 11 star 2.7' S and a mag 12 star 2.9' NE with sides about 3' length. Described by d'Arrest as a cluster in the NGC.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2824 on 30 Apr 1864 with
the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.
His position matches
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09 19 22.4 +33 44 34; Lyn
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 88°
17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, small, weak
concentration. Located in the core
of AGC 779 and preceding the triple system;
17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, small, slightly brighter core, slightly elongated. Located 5' WSW of NGC 2832
13.1" (1/28/84): very faint, very small. Located 5' W of NGC 2832 in AGC 779.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2825 = h581 on 22 Jan 1827
(sweep 51) and noted, "vF; it is the s p of two. The other is I. 113 [NGC 2832]." His mean position (measured on sweep
337) matches
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09 19 24.2 +33 37 26; Lyn
V = 13.7; Size 1.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 143°
17.5" (1/31/87): second brightest in the core of AGC 779 rich cluster. Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, brighter core. Located 8.9' SW of NGC 2832.
13.1" (1/28/84): faint, fairly small, very diffuse. Located 9' SW of NGC 2832 in AGC 779.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2826 on 13 Mar 1850. On a diagram of 12 nebulae in the cluster constructed the following year, NGC 2826 is shown 9' southwest of Alpha (later NGC 2832). Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy on 30 Apr 1862 (#89 in AN 1500) and measured an accurate position (given in the NGC), though he acknowledged it was probably one of LdR's. Joihn Herschel listed separate entries in the GC (1807 and 1809) for LdR and d'Arrest, assuming they might be different objects, but Dreyer combined them in the NGC.
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NGC 2827 = IC 2460 = MCG +06-21-009 = CGCG 181-015 = PGC 26342
09 19 19.0 +33 52 51; Lyn
V = 14.6; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (3/12/94): extremely faint, small, elongated 3:2
N-S, low surface brightness, no central concentration. A mag 14 star is 1.3' NNW. Forms a pair with
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 2827 on 13 Mar 1850. It was
included on a sketch from 8 Jan 1851 showing 12 nebulae, on a line with NGC
2828 and 2833. The NGC position is
8 seconds of RA east and 3' north of
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NGC 2828 = CGCG 181-021 = PGC 26365
09 19 34.8 +33 53 17; Lyn
V = 15.0; Size 0.5'x0.25'; PA = 45°
17.5" (3/12/94): extremely faint, requires averted vision, very small, round. A mag 14.5 star is 1.4' N. Forms a pair with NGC 2827 3.3' WSW. Located at the north edge of AGC 779.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 2828 on 13 Mar 1850. It was
included on the sketch of 8 Jan 1851 on a line between NGC 2827 and NGC
2833. The NGC position is 3' too
far north (same offset as nearby NGC 2827) of
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09 19 52.3 +33 38 58; Lyn
V = 15.3; Size 0.5'x0.5'
24" (1/31/14): at 375x;
The identification of this galaxy with NGC 2829 is very
questionable and based on the discovery sketch, the best match is a mag 14.5
star 2.9' due west.
24" (3/9/13): at 375x; extremely faint (B = 16.8), very small, round, 12" diameter. Nearly on a line between NGC 2826 1.9' SE and a mag 12.3 star 1.2' NE.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2829 on 13 Mar 1850, one of "15 knots in all". It was included on the sketch of 8 Jan 1851, which showed only a dozen nebulae, east of line connecting NGC 2832 and NGC 2826. The nearest galaxy to the NGC position is PGC 26356, an extremely faint, double galaxy (brighter western component) situated 2' NE of NGC 2826. RNGC and PGC identify this galaxy as NGC 2829 (as well as secondary sources based on the PGC). But, PGC 26356 is directly on a line with NGC 2832 and 2826, contradicting Stoney's sketch. Karl Reinmuth description (based on Heidelberg plates) was "identification doubtful, vF, vS, R, vgvlbM, triangle with 2 st nf and f, NGC 2826 sp 2.1'."
Harold Corwin suggests NGC 2829 might apply to LEDA 2036350,
a brighter galaxy 4.6' due E of PGC 26356, though this galaxy is only a fair
match with Stoney's sketch. The
best fit to Stoney's sketch is a mag 14.5 star at 09 19 38.4 +33 39 12 (2000). So, the identification of NGC 2829 is
uncertain - it may apply to
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NGC 2830 = UGC 4941 = MCG +06-21-014 = CGCG 181-023 = Holm 123b = PGC 26371
09 19 41.4 +33 44 17; Lyn
V = 14.3; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 112°
17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, low surface brightness, edge-on WNW-ESE. First of three in a triple system with NGC 2831 0.9' ENE and NGC 2832 1.4' NE of center in the core of AGC 779. Also nearby is NGC 2825 3.9' W.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2830 on 13 Mar 1850. It was one of "15 knots in all". A sketch made in March 1851 NGC 2831 is labeled Gamma and measured at 1.2' southwest (PA = 237°) of NGC 2832. John Herschel incorrectly equated this galaxy with H. I-113 = h582 in the General Catalogue, and Dreyer repeated the error in the NGC. But the Herschel numbers apply to brighter NGC 2832. The NGC RA is 6 seconds too large.
MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 2830 and NGC 2831. According to the "New Description", RNGC has also reversed these identifications. This error was included in my RNGC Corrections #1 and was discussed in detail by Malcolm Thomson in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal for Jan 1978.
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NGC 2831 = Arp 315 NED1 = UGC 4942sw = Holm 123c = MCG +06-21-013 = CGCG 181-024sw = PGC 26376
09 19 45.5 +33 44 42; Lyn
V = 13.6; Size 0.5'x0.5'
17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, extremely small. Appears as a round knot at the southwest edge of halo of NGC 2832 just 0.4' from center in the core of AGC 779. Forms a trio with NGC 2830 0.9' WSW.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, probably discovered NGC 2831 on 13 Mar 1850, though it was just one of "15 knots in all." A diagram was made in March 1851, which shows NGC 2831 labeled "Beta" and measured as 25" SW (PA = 226°) of NGC 2832. The NGC declination is 1' too large.
The identifications of NGC 2830 and NGC 2831 are reversed in MCG and RNGC. This was caused by a mixup in the descriptions in the NGC. See notes for NGC 2830.
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NGC 2832 = Arp 315 NED2 = UGC 4942ne = Holm 123a = MCG +06-21-015 = CGCG 181-024ne = PGC 26377
09 19 46.8 +33 44 59; Lyn
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 160°
17.5" (1/31/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round bright core, slightly elongated halo. This is the brightest galaxy in AGC 779 and forms a double system with NGC 2831 at the SW edge of halo 22" between centers. Also nearby is NGC 2830 1.3' SW. A double star h2493 = 10.1/11.7 is 2.5' SSE and a wide mag 11/12.5 pair is 3.0' ESE.
13.1" (1/28/84): fairly faint, fairly small, round. This object is the central galaxy in AGC 779.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2832 = H. I-113 = h582 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, much brighter following the middle, pL. North of 3 stars in a row at very unequal distances, iF." On 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51), John Herschel wrote, "B; R; bM." Due to a confusion with the sketch of the cluster made in 1851 at Birr Castle, Dreyer assigned H. I-113 to nearby NGC 2830, a much fainter galaxy. See Corwin's notes for full story.
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09 19 57.9 +33 55 38; Lyn
V = 14.6; Size 0.7'x0.3'; PA = 165°
17.5" (1/31/87): very faint, small, elongated N-S. A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' E. Located at the north edge of AGC 779 10.9' NNE of NGC 2832.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 2833 on 13 Mar 1850 and was one of "15 knots in all". A sketch made the following year only
showed a dozen nebulae and NGC 2833 is placed 12' north of NGC 2832 (actual
separation is 11'). The NGC position
is 6 sec of RA west and 1.5' north of
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09 20 02.5 +33 42 37; Lyn
V = 14.5; Size 0.3'x0.3'
17.5" (1/31/87): extremely faint and small, round. Located 4.1' SE of NGC 2832 in the core
of AGC 779. A double star h2493 = 10.1/11.7 is 2.3' W and a mag 11 star is 1.4'
N.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2834 on 13 Mar 1850 (one of "15 knots in all.") On a sketch made in March 1851 NGC 2834 is labeled Epsilon and measured 4.2' southeast (PA = 125°) of NGC 2832. The NGC position is 4 sec of RA too large. Hermann Kobold measured a very accurate position in 1897 at the Strasbourg Observatory (published in his 1907 catalog).
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09 17 52.8 -22 21 17; Hya
V = 10.5; Size 6.6'x4.4'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 8°
17.5" (2/28/87): very large, low surface brightness, slightly elongated, weak concentration. Bracketed by two mag 10 stars 2.8' W and 3.4' SE of center. Brightest in a small group (LGG 172), which includes NGC 2784, located 2.2° to the southwest.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2835 on 13 Apr 1884. E.E. Barnard made an independent discovery in early 1885 while comet-seeking with his 5-inch refractor. In The Observatory 8, p123, he wrote "very faint, close between two bright stars, the n.p. of which is about 8 mag, the s.f. is about 9 mag. A 10th mag star is involved in the following edge of the nebula." His position (determined with the 6-inch equatorial) was accurate. After the discovery was announced in The Observatory, Wilhelm Tempel claimed an earlier discovery on 13 Apr 1884 in a note to his "New Nebulae" in AN 2660. Barnard was credited with the discovery in the NGC, as Dreyer apparently missed Tempel's comment.
NGC 2835 was perhaps first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and described as "!! Very faint, 2-branch open spiral." It was also photographed with the Reynolds reflectors at the Helwan Observatory in 1919-20 and described as "pF, 7'x4', E10°; beautiful 4-branched spiral with faint almost stellar nucleus and many almost stellar condensations along the arms."
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09 13 45.0 -69 20 00; Car
V = 11.8; Size 2.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 118°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, moderately large, ~1.0'x0.7'. Located 23' N of mag 1.7 Beta Carinae (Miaplacidus) and 18' N of NGC 2822 in a rich Milky Way star field. Unusual appearance with many nearby stars including at least one superimposed mag 16 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2836 = h3157 on 29 Jan 1835 and
recorded "F, R, glbM, 40". Nearly on meridian with Beta Argus
[Carinae]." His position is
2' southwest of
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09 18 23.3 -16 28 53; Hya
V = 14.7/14.8; Size 14"
= **, Corwin. = Not found, Carlson.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2837 = h585 on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111) and recorded "eF, R, bM, precedes a star [by] 8.5 sec". Exactly at this offset from a mag 12 star is a pair of mag 14.7/14.8 stars at 14" separation with a mean position of 09 18 23.3 -16 28 53 (2000). Harold Corwin also identifies this double star as NGC 2837.
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09 20 43.0 +39 18 56; Lyn
V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, very small, round,
30" diameter, even concentration down to small bright core and occasional
stellar nucleus. Forms the
southern vertex of an acute triangle with two mag 14 stars 50" N and 63"
NNE. Also located almost at
midpoint of a mag 10.5 star 3.2' NE and a mag 11.5 star 2.8' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2838 = H. III-627 = h583 on
18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and logged "vF, vS, stellar, 300 power." Caroline's reduced position is 2' SSW
of
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NGC 2839 = MCG +06-21-023 = CGCG 181-031 = PGC 26425
09 20 36.3 +33 39 02; Lyn
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.5'
17.5" (1/31/87): faint, small, round, diffuse. Located in the core of AGC 779 12' SE of NGC 2832. NGC 2834 lies 8' WNW.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 2839 on 13 Mar 1850 and was one of "15 knots in all". This galaxy was labeled Zeta on a sketch made in March 1851. It was measured 8' 08" southeast (PA = 120°) of NGC 2834. The NGC position is 1' too far south.
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09 20 52.7 +35 22 06; Lyn
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, appears elongated in direction of a mag 11 star 1.0' NW although the catalogued dimensions are nearly circular, almost even surface brightness. Located 1° north of Alpha Lyncis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2840 = H. III-827 = h586 on
10 Mar 1790 (sweep 938) and noted "eF, vS, south-following a vS
star." His position
(Caroline's reduction) is 3' south of
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09 22 02.3 +50 58 35; UMa
V = 9.2; Size 8.1'x3.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 147°
14.5" (4/1/21): at 182x; very bright and large,
elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~5'x2'.
Strong concentration with a very bright core and an intense nucleus that
sometimes reaches a stellar peak.
The east side of the galaxy (just beyond the core) is strongly affected
by dust as the surface brightness is noticeably lower than the west side. A mag 13.7 star is superposed on the
north side of the halo and a mag 11 star is just off the NW edge. Mag 8.5
13.1" (1/18/85): bright, large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE,
6'x3'. Contains a very small, very
bright nucleus. There is a sharp
light cut-off on the east side due to dust. A mag 10 star is at the NW edge 2.8' from center and mag 8.6
17.5" (5/15/99): observed supernova SN 1999by in NGC 2841, which was easy to identify with a finder chart . Using reference stars, it appeared slightly brighter than mag 14.0 and is superimposed on the face of the galaxy, about 1.6' W and 1.5' N of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2841 = H. I-205 = h584 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815) and recorded "a very brilliant nebula, 5' or 6' long and 3 or 4' broad; it has a small bright nucleus with a faint chevelure about it, and two opposite very extensive branches." He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 23) as an illlustration of "extended nebulae that show the progress of condensation [core and nucleus]." John Herschel described it on 17 Feb 1831 (sweep 328) as "vB; vmE; vsmbM; pos 150.8°; comes up to a nucleus, a star 10-11m; has 2 st not involved 11 & 12 m, and a 3rd 10 m perp to axis of neb."
This galaxy has hosted 4 supernovae; the earliest known is SN 1912A, which was discovered by Francis Pease in 1917 on a photograph taken with the 60-inch at Mt. Wilson on 19 Feb 1912. It was independently found by Curtis.
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09 15 36.3 -63 04 09; Car
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 120°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly
bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8', sharply concentrated
with a small, very bright core. A
mag 12 star is at the west edge of the halo and a mag 14 star is at the SE
edge. Located 3.7' SSW of a mag
9.7 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2842 = h3158 on 8 Mar 1836 and
reported "F, vS, between two stars, in a field full of milky way stars. No
doubt of the nature of the object."
His position and description matches
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09 20 28.7 +18 55 34; Cnc
V = 15.6; Size 0.4'x0.2'; Surf Br = 57; PA = 57°
18" (3/17/07): this marginal galaxy was just glimpsed
for moments at 323x as an extremely small, hazy spot perhaps 8" diameter
situated close south of a mag 12.5 star.
Located 2.6' NNW of a mag 10.3 star and 10' SSW of mag 7.2
18" (3/11/07): not found at 220x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2843 = H. III-64 on 21 Mar
1784 (sweep 181) and recorded a "suspected neb, but 240 shewed some small
stars with suspected nebulosity, probably a deception from want of light and
power." Caroline's reduced position
is just 6 seconds of RA east of
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09 21 48.0 +40 09 05; Lyn
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 13°
13.1" (1/18/85): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S,
small brighter core. Located 9'
SSW of mag 7.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 2844 = H. III-628 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and described it as "cF, cS."
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09 18 36.7 -38 00 36; Vel
V = 11.7; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 67°
18" (12/30/08): faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 0.4'x0.25', even surface brightness. The galaxy is nestled right against a mag 13 star that is attached on the east side, 20" from the center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2845 = h3159 on 1 Feb 1835 and
recorded "vF, S, R, attached to a star 12th mag, south
following." His position and
description matches
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09 19 40.4 -14 40 35; Hya
V = 14/14.5; Size 8"
= **, Corwin. = Not found, RNGC.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2846 on 4 Apr 1874 and described as a "*11 in a vS, pB, R neby." Several micrometric offsets were also made to nearby stars. At his position is a pair of mag 14 stars at ~8" separation -- in fact, one of the measured stars is the fainter companion. Dreyer reobserved the star(s) on 25 Mar 1878 and noted "I think it only a vS cluster. I do not see any star as bright as 11m in it." Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
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09 20 08.6 -16 31 06; Hya
Size 0.3'
48" (2/20/12): at 375x, a mag 16.5 star is superimposed
on the northwest side (0.6' from center) of spiral
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2847 one 15 Mar 1855 with LdR's 72", and noted a "F knot np [NGC 2848]". Harold Corwin identifies NGC 2847 as a star and HII region 0.6' NW of the nucleus of NGC 2848. This is the most southerly deep sky object discovered at Birr Castle. Still, I found it very inconspicuous in the 48", so I have reservations of this identification.
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NGC 2848 = MCG -03-24-007 = UGCA 160 = Holm 128a = PGC 26404
09 20 09.8 -16 31 34; Hya
V = 11.8; Size 2.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 30°
48" (2/20/12): bright, large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, contains
a relatively large, bright core that increases to the center. A spiral arm is attached on the west
side of the core and it sweeps around the galaxy clockwise, heading south and then
sharply bending east before dimming out on the southeast side of the halo. But an apparently detached section of
the arm reappears on the east side heading north towards two mag 14/15 star at
the NE edge. A mag 16.5 star is
superimposed on the NW side (0.6' from center) and attached to this star is an
extremely faint HII knot. The combination of star + knot was likely recorded by
Mitchell using Rosse's 72" as a "faint knot north-preceding" and
it received the designation NGC 2847.
A mag 12 star lies 2.7' NE and
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, faint halo 3:2 SW-NE. A mag 12 star lies 2.8' NE of center. Forms a pair with NGC 2851 5.5' ENE.
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly faint, moderately large, very diffuse, slightly elongated SW-NE, very weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2848 = H. III-488 = h587 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "vF, cL, gvlbM, near 3' long and above 2' broad, preceding a pB star." His position was 16 tsec too far west and 1' north. On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111), John Herschel recorded, "vF; L; E nf to sp; lbM. It is 9.5 sec preceding a * 11m and south of the star."
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09 19 23 -40 31 12; Vel
Size 2'
24" (2/22/14): at 200x appeared as a mottled 2' glow
with only a few stars resolved. At
260x, roughly 20 stars pop in and out of view, some in small knots, in only a
2.5' region. Several resolved
stars are along an E-W string on the north side. A number of bright stars are in the field including mag 9.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 2849 = h3160 on 22 Jan 1838
(his last sweep at the Cape of Good Hope) and noted a "globular cluster,
eF, R, vglbM; resolved into vS, but not very numerous stars; 2.5' diameter. It
is rather a cluster of the 6th class than a globular cluster." His
position is just off the southwest side of the small cluster. NGC 2849
and
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09 20 57.0 -04 56 24; Hya
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 30°
17.5" (2/1/03): faint, small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter, nearly even surface brightness with a well-defined halo.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2850 = St. 12-36 on 14 Feb
1877. His published micrometric
(list 12, #36) was measured on 22 Mar 1882 and
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NGC 2851 = MCG -03-24-008 = PGC 26422
09 20 30.2 -16 29 43; Hya
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE. Forms a pair with NGC 2848 5.5' WSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2851 = Sw. 3-43 on 27 Feb 1886
and recorded "eF; pS; vE; 1829 [NGC 2848], R. nova [NGC 2846] and 1828
[NGC 2847] in field west. Did not
see 1819 [NGC 2837] east of 1829."
His position is 1' south of
******************************
NGC 2852 = UGC 4986 = MCG +07-19-065 = CGCG 209-059 = PGC 26571
09 23 14.6 +40 09 49; Lyn
V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6
13.1" (1/18/85): extremely small, appears as a barely non-stellar "knot" forming a close pair with NGC 2853 2.5' NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2852 = H. III-629 = h588, along with NGC 2853, on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716). His description reads, "Two, both vF, vS, 300 shewed them both very well, nearly in the same meridian, and about 3' distance." His position was between the two galaxies, but close to NGC 2852. John Herschel wrote on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335), "vF; S; R: has a * 10m 2' dist preceding. The first of 2 [with NGC 2853]."
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NGC 2853 = UGC 4987 = MCG +07-19-066 = CGCG 209-060 = PGC 26580
09 23 17.3 +40 12 00; Lyn
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 25°
13.1" (1/18/85: faint, elongated ~N-S, fairly small. Forms a close pair with NGC 2852 2' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2853 = H. III-630 = h590, along with NGC 2852, on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716). He described both as "Two, both vF, vS, 300 shewed them both very well, nearly in the same meridian, and about 3' distance." His position is between the two galaxies, but closer to NGC 2852. John Herschel reported on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335), "eF; pL; vgbM; the following of 2."
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09 24 03.1 +49 12 15; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 50°
24" (3/6/21): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.6', large brighter central region, brighter thin "bar" extends along the major axis through the center.
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 SW-NE, weak broad concentration.
Located 2.1' SSE of a mag 10 star.
Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2854 = H. III-714 = h589, along with NGC 2856, on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815). He recorded, "cF, cS, lE." On 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329), John Herschel wrote, "pF; R; pslbM; 20". The sp of 2 [with NGC 2856], making an isosceles triangle with a * 9m."
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09 21 27.5 -11 54 37; Hya
V = 11.6; Size 2.5'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
13.1" (4/10/86): moderately large, diffuse halo rising to a sharp, bright core with a brighter nucleus.
13.1" (12/22/84): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly
elongated NW-SE, small bright core.
Located 4' S of mag 8.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 2855 = H. I-132 = h592 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 541) and logged "F, S, vgbM, R, 1.5' dia." On 23 Feb 1791 (sweep 995), he noted "pB, R, mbM like a nucleus, about 1' dia." John Herschel recorded on 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129), "pB; R; 45"; pgmbM; almost to nucleus."
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NGC 2856 = Arp 285 NED2 = UGC 4997 = MCG +08-17-093 = CGCG 238-047 = WBL 221-002 = PGC 26648
09 24 16.0 +49 14 57; UMa
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 134°
24" (3/6/21): at 375x; moderately bright and large, broad concentration, slightly brighter along major axis like a bar, irregular surface brightness. NGC 2854 is 3.5' SW and NGC 2857 is 11' NNE. A mag 10.3 star 3.5' W forms the western vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 2856 and 2854.
17.5" (3/12/94): forms an interesting similar pair of elongated systems with NGC 2854 3.5' SW. Fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', broadly concentrated. Located 3.5' E of a mag 10 star. NGC 2857 lies 7.3' NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2856 = H. III-713 = h591, along with NGC 2854, on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 815). He recorded "cF, cS, lE." On 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329), John Herschel wrote, "Not vF; R; psbM; 20"; the nf of 2, making an isosceles triangle with a * 9m."
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NGC 2857 = Arp 1 = UGC 5000 = MCG +08-17-095 = CGCG 238-049 = PGC 26666
09 24 37.8 +49 21 25; UMa
V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.7
24" (3/6/21): at 375x; fairly faint, large, round but
very diffuse with a slightly brighter core region. The halo appeared a bit uneven but spiral structure wasn't
seen. The galaxy follows a
distinctive quadrilateral of mag 12.4-14.4 stars. NGC 2854 and 2856 (
17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, round, very diffuse, 2.0' diameter. This face-on spiral appears as a low surface brightness glow with no concentration. The appearance is unusual, though, as four stars cradle the galaxy on the west side including a mag 13 star 1.6' NW, a mag 12 star 1.8' W and two mag 14 stars close SW. In the same field with NGC 2856 7.3' SSW and NGC 2854 10.8' SSW (Arp 285). CGCG 238-051 lies 3.9' ENE, but was not recorded.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2857 on 9 Jan 1856 and recorded "Both oval [NGC 2854 and 2856], their larger axes at right angles to one another, p one [NGC 2854] suspected patchy." About 7' nf the n one is another, pL, slightly oval, follows 4 small stars, mottled, * susp in centre. Is there about 5' f this latter another vS knot with 2 stars p and n?" The last object noted is CGCG 238-051, which Dreyer failed to assign an NGC designation. Although Mitchell's offset from NGC 2856 is accurate, the NGC position is off a bit.
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09 22 55.0 +03 09 25; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 117°
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.5' diameter. Sharp concentration with a fairly bright stellar nucleus surrounded by a small faint halo.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2858 = m 161 on 3 Mar 1864 and noted "vF, S, mbM."
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09 24 18.6 +34 30 48; LMi
V = 10.9; Size 4.3'x3.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 85°
13.1" (1/28/84): moderately bright, moderately large, strong concentration to a bright core, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, fainter halo. Located 40' ENE of Alpha Lyncis (V = 3.1).
8" (12/6/80): faint, fairly small, round, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2859 = H. I-137 = h593 on 28
Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and logged "vB, R, vsmbM, chevelure extending to
about 3' diameter". John
Herschel made 3 observations, recording on 1 Apr 1831 (sweep 336), "vB; R;
vsmbM to a star; follows a * 7m and is 3' S of it." A total of 11 observations were made by
Lord Rosse and assistants and a couple of superimposed stars were noted in the
outer halo [on the north side]. On
28 Mar 1861, Sir Robert Ball wrote, "Dull Nucl, I susp a dark ring around
it [there is!]. A vF neb nf. I strongly suspect st in h593 [=NGC
2859]." The "vF neb
nf" is probably
Edwin Hubble classified NGC 2859 as a SBa. de Vaucouleurs (1975) lists it as one
of the 5 brightest galaxies in the
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09 24 53.2 +41 03 36; Lyn
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 108°
17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3
~E-W, 0.8'x0.6'. Exhibits just a
weak concentration and brightens gently to center but no noticeable core. Located 5.9' SSW of mag 8.5
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2860 = St. 13-47 on 14 Feb
1877. His published position (list
13, #47) was measured on 17 Mar 1884 and matches
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09 23 36.5 +02 08 12; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.4'
24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, moderately large,
small bright core, irregular surface brightness, ~1' diameter. Seems to have a brighter knot of region
just SSE of the core. [On the DSS, this is the brightest portion of the
southern spiral arm]. Increases in
size as well as orientation with averted vision, as my eye catches faint portions
of the halo. Strong impression of
viewing a face-on spiral. A mag
13.6 star is 1' E of center.
Brightest in a trio (
17.5" (3/7/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, halo brightens gradually. A mag 13.5 star is at the east edge 1.1' from center and several other faint stars are near. Forms the east vertex of a right triangle with a wide mag 10/12 double star at 28" separation located 4' W and a wide mag 10/11 double star at 43" separation which lies 6' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2861 = m 162 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "pB, R." His position was 1' too far north. Heinrich d'Arrest discovered the galaxy again on 8 Feb 1866. His single position, copied into the NGC, is 3' too far south (accurate in RA), though he mentioned a mag 14 star follows by 43" separation, so his rediscovery is certain. The NGC description ("pF, S, irR, *14 following") is also from d'Arrest. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate postion at Strasbourg in 1895 (published in 1907).
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09 24 55.0 +26 46 30; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 2.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 114°
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 5:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.4', brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. Located 6' NNE of mag 8.4
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2862 on 21 Feb 1863 with
the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on 2 nights) matches
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09 23 36.5 -10 26 00; Hya
V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (3/7/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S
(appears roundish on the POSS). A
mag 12 star is at the NW tip and a very faint mag 15 star is just beyond the
south edge. Contains an offset
very small brighter core or a bright knot is on the north side just south of
the mag 12 star. Forms a close
pair with difficult
William Herschel discovered NGC 2863 = H. III-520 = h594 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 544) and logged "vF, S, E." On 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129), John Herschel wrote, "F; extended between 2 stars 12 and 16 m."
Frank Muller independently found this galaxy (and discovered
nearby NGC 2868) in 1886 at Leander-McCormick Observatory, and recorded LM 412
as "mag 14.5, 1.2'x0.6', E 170°, gbM, bet 2 st 12 and 14." His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is about 1 min too far east.
Dreyer assumed this was a different 'nebula' and catalogued it again as
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09 24 15.4 +05 56 28; Hya
V = 14.6; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 12°
17.5" (2/1/03): very faint, small, slightly elongated 0.6'x0.5'. Low, even surface brightness and requires averted vision for a positive identification. Situated near the Hydra-Leo-Cancer border.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2864 = m 163 on 6 Mar 1864 and
recorded "vF, pL, lE."
His position matches
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09 23 30.2 -23 09 40; Hya
V = 11.7; Size 2.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 146°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, small, very bright core, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated halo.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2865 = h3161 on 23 Jan 1835 and
logged "pB; S; R; vlbM; 15"." His position (2 sweeps) matches
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09 22 06 -51 06 12; Vel
V = 10.2; Size 1.5'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): the central region (Pismis 13) contains a dozen stars mag 12-15 over a glowing 1.5' circular patch. Includes a close double at the east side. The brightest mag 12 star (also a double) is at the north end of the cluster. The surrounding field is rich and includes several mag 10 stars. Specifically, a bright scattered 10' field centered 10' SSW stands out at low power.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2866 = h3162 on 31 Mar 1835 and
noted a "Cluster class VIII.
Place of a small compact knot of st". His position is an exact match with the small group of stars
The RNGC description incorrectly states "NOCL" and Lynga 5 and Sky Catalogue 2000 identify the cluster as Pismis 13 only. ESO gives the correct identification with a question mark.
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09 21 25.4 -58 18 41; Car
V = 9.7; Size 18"x16"
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): beautiful, very high surface brightness blue planetary at 200x, set in a rich star field. Stunning view at 520x. The thick, oval rim is clearly brighter with a relatively small darker hole in the center! I didn't notice this structure in the 18" several years back from Australia.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x (unfiltered) this striking planetary is bright (V = 9.7), small, very high surface brightness oval with a pale blue color. With a UHC filter, it appeared ~15"x10" and appeared like a cosmic easter egg set in a beautiful star field! Located 1.1° NE of mag 2.3 Iota Carinae (southeast star of the "False Cross").
John Herschel discovered NGC 2867 = h3163 on 1 Apr 1834 (sweep 435) and called it "The finest planetary nebula I ever remember to have seen for sharpness of termination; 3" diameter; exactly R; no more haziness about them than would be about a star of the same magnitude to-night (which is a favourable one) Light, a pale white = * of 9th +/- mag. Position of companion star = 58.6° (mean) ; * = 15th mag. A very remarkable object. Showed to [assistant John] Stone, who distinctly perceived the total difference of appearance between it and a star 9th mag very near it. A second companion * suspected (at about half the distance of the 1st by diagram, and at an estimated position of 330°) among multitude of large and small stars." The next night he observed it again with Thomas Maclear, astronomer at the Royal Observatory, while it was out of the meridian, to check if it might be a planet. He remarked it was "Quite round, well defined, and about 3" or perhaps 4" diam. Much better seen (between clouds) than last night. The small star is still 1.5 diam. from edge. It has therefore not moved perceptibly, and is therefore not a planet."
Joseph Turner, observing with the 48-inch Melbourne Telescope on 26 Feb 1878, noted the color was a pale bluish, instead of the "pale white" noted by Herschel.
NGC 2867 was probably first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "planetary nebula, 0.3' [diameter]." In the 1950 paper "A photographic survey of bright southern planetary nebulae" using the 74" Radcliffe reflector, Evans and Thackeray described NGC 2867 as "... a bean-shaped ring nebula, the ring being broken up into spots of brightness, brightest in the Sp sector. The central star is faint. About 13''x 11"."
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09 23 27.2 -10 25 46; Hya
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65°
17.5" (2/1/03): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.4'x0.25, low even surface brightness. Located just 2.3' W of much brighter NGC 2863!
Frank Muller discovered NGC 2868 = LM 2-411 = Big. 39 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He recorded "mag 15.3, 0.4' dia, R, 10s preceding [NGC 2869 = NGC 2863]." According to Harold Corwin, Guillaume Bigourdan independently discovered NGC 2868 on 15 Jan 1887, but was not credited in the NGC. Herbert Howe measured an accurate RA with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in 1899-00 and the correction was repeated by Dreyer in the IC 2. RNGC misclassified this number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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NGC 2869 = NGC 2863 = MCG -02-24-018 = PGC 26609
09 23 36.5 -10 26 00; Hya
V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4
See observing notes for NGC 2863.
Frank Muller found NGC 2869 = LM 2-412 in 1886 and recorded ""mag 14.5, 1.2'x0.6', E 170°, gbM, bet 2 st 12 and 14." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is about 1 min too far east, but the note on the nearby stars clinches the identification. Dreyer assumed this was new object and catalogued it again as NGC 2869. The equivalence was first noted by Howe in his list of NGC observations and corrections in 1900. So, NGC 2863 = NGC 2869, with NGC 2863 the primary designation. See that entry.
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09 27 53.5 +57 22 33; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 2.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 123°
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.5', brighter core. Located 4.5' NE of a mag 10 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2870 = H. III-846 = h595 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and logged "cF, S, mE, very narrow." John Herschel described this galaxy on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) as "vF; pL; lE; vglbM; 35" l, 30" br."
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09 25 39.5 +11 26 40; Leo
V = 15.9
24" (2/8/18): this is a 16th mag star located just 1.1'
NW of the center of
48" (2/21/12): mag 15.9 star situated 1.1' NW of NGC 2872.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2871 on 7 Mar 1874. It was labeled as Epsilon on his field sketch. The micrometric offset of 65.3" in PA 315.7° from NGC 2872 = Delta points directly to a mag 16 star 1' NW of NGC 2872. Spitaler reported "not seen" with the 27" refractor at Vienna (mentioned in the IC 1 notes).
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NGC 2872 = Arp 307 NED1 = UGC 5018 = MCG +02-24-008 = CGCG 062-033 = Holm 130a = PGC 26733
09 25 42.5 +11 25 55; Leo
V = 11.9; Size 2.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 22°
48" (2/21/12): very bright, moderately large,
irregularly round, 1.2'x1.0', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright
20" core. A mag 15.8 star =
NGC 2871 is 1.1' NW. Forms a
striking trio with
24" (2/8/18): at 375x; bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated, 60"x50", strong concentration with an intense
core and very small brighter nucleus.
Forms a striking pair with NGC 2874 1.3' S. Much fainter
17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, small, round, sharp concentration with a very bright core. Brightest of three with NGC 2874 1.3' ESE and NGC 2873 2.0' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2872 = H. II-57 = H. II-546 = h597 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172) and recorded, "Two neb. [with NGC 2874] about 3/4' or a little more from each other; Of the resolvable kind. The position of the first [NGC 2872] is about 15° or 20° np the second; they are pS and rather brighter towards the middle, but not much. The neby of the f one is rather more diluted than than of the p one, and it also somewhat larger." His position was exactly 1.0 min of RA too far west and 11' too far north. Herschel recorded the pair again two years later (H II-546 and II-547) on sweep 534, this time at the correct position, but assumed they were new. John Herschel included separate entries for the two H-designations in the 1864 General Catalogue, but Dreyer realized the equivalence and combined them in the NGC.
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NGC 2873 = MCG +02-24-009 = Holm 130d = PGC 26742
09 25 48.5 +11 27 15; Leo
V = 15.8; Size 0.7'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 125°
24" (2/8/18): at 375x; extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE?, ~20"x10". Required averted vision to pick up and could not hold continuously.
48" (2/21/12): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 5:2 or 3:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2', very small slightly brighter
nucleus. Faintest member of a
striking trio with NGC 2874 and NGC 2872 (
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2873 on 22 Feb 1857 while observing NGC 2872 and 2874. He sketched a trio and noted "Is Beta a vF neb?" A month later, NGC 2873 = Beta was confirmed. In the 1874 observation, Copeland measured an exact micrometric offset from NGC 2872. This galaxy is not included in CGCG, UGC or RC3 but appears to be mentioned as an anonymous galaxy in the UGC notes.
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NGC 2874 = Arp 307 NED2 = UGC 5021 = MCG +02-24-010 = CGCG 062-034 = Holm 130b = PGC 26740
09 25 47.3 +11 25 28; Leo
V = 12.5; Size 2.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 43°
48" (2/21/12): at 375x, the largest member of this striking trio appeared very bright, large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.5', sharply concentrated with an intense core. The northeast extension is slightly brighter, particularly along the eastern side (knotty spiral arm = NGC 2875). NGC 2872 is 1.3' WNW and NGC 2873 is 1.7' NNE.
24" (2/8/18): at 375x fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.5', strong concentration with a bright elongated core. A short central bar is misaligned with the major axis, angling N-S (verified on the DSS). Largest in a trio with NGC 2872 1.3' NW.
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, halo gradually increases to a bright core. A mag 15 star is 1.3' S of center. In a close trio with NGC 2872 1.3' WNW and NGC 2873 1.8' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2874 = H. II-58 = H. II-547 = h598 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172). See NGC 2872 for the story on the duplicate entries.
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09 25 48.8 +11 25 54; Leo
48" (2/21/12): at 375x, the northeast extension (arm) of NGC 2874 is slightly brighter, particularly along the eastern side.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2875 on 7 Mar 1874 and labeled it as Gamma on the same sketch with NGC 2871, 2872, and 2873. His offset from NGC 2874 (42" in PA 37°) falls on a slightly brighter section of the northeastern spiral arm of NGC 2874. RNGC equates the number with NGC 2874, though a more appropriate classification would be part of NGC 2874.
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09 25 13.8 -06 43 00; Hya
V = 13.7; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 95°
24" (2/8/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
slightly elongated E-W, ~30"x24".
Images reveal a diffuse plume to the west-northwest of NGC 2876, but I didn't notice this low contrast feature. The galaxy also appears to be a post-merger with an extremely fant plume extending 5' to the E.
17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core. Pair with IC 2471 7' S.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2876 = St. 10-20 = LM 2-413 on 25 Mar 1879 and recorded "F, S, halo contains sev vF *. He reduced the position on 5 Mar 1880 and included it in his 10th discovery list (#20), though Dreyer mistakenly referenced Stephan's 9th list in the NGC. Ormond Stone independently discovered NGC 2876 in 1886 at the Leander-McCormick Observatory and his position in the second observatory list (#413) is fairly accurate.
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09 25 47.0 +02 13 45; Hya
V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (3/8/97): faint, small, round, 25" diameter,
very weak concentration. Located
6' following a group of four mag 13 stars in a small "kite" asterism. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2877 = m 164 on 28 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2878 = m 165) and recorded "vF, S, vlE." His position is accurate.
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NGC 2878 = UGC 5022 = MCG +00-24-014 = CGCG 006-042 = PGC 26739
09 25 47.4 +02 05 22; Hya
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 174°
17.5" (3/8/97): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, unconcentrated. Slightly lower surface brightness than NGC 2877 located 8.5' N.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2878 = m 165 on 28 Mar 1864 (along with NGC 2877 = m 164) and recorded "vF, S, vlE." His position is accurate.
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09 25 22.2 -11 39 03; Hya
= ***, Corwin. "Not found", Carlson.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2879 on 27 Feb 1865. He noted a "neb with some vF *" and measured a mag 14-15 star as preceding by 11 seconds of time. At his position is a triple star with the mag 14 star at this exact offset. The two brighter components are mag 14.4/14.5 at 10" separation. In 1924, Knox-Shaw reported "nothing shown here except a double star", based on a photograph taken at the Helwan observatory in 1921-22 with the 30" reflector.
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09 29 34.5 +62 29 27; UMa
V = 11.5; Size 2.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 140°
17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, round, 1' diameter,
strong concentration, very small bright core. A mag 11.5 star is 1.9' ENE. Nearby to the north is a string of mag 13-14 stars including
a mag 13 star 2.1' N. Forms a pair
with
8": faint, small, bright core. Located 40' SW of a mag 4 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2880 = H. I-260 = h596 on 2
Apr 1791 (sweep 1000) and logged, "vB, vL, mbM; iR." His position matches
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09 25 54.4 -11 59 40; Hya
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
48" (5/9/21): NGC 2881 = Arp 275 = VV 293 is an
interacting contact pair of two spirals (possible merger) oriented NW-SE. At 488x, the SE galaxy (
The NW galaxy (
24" (2/24/20): at 200x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 3:2 N-S, low surface brightness but irregular shape. A mag 15 star is at the S end. An extension (interacting companion VV
293b) occasionally bulged out on the NW side [24" between centers], though
I wasn't sure if it was detached.
17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, small, round, very low even surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is at the northeast edge 0.7' from center. An easy mag 10/11 double star at 26" separation lies 4.5' ESE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2881 = Sw. 3-44 on 9 Feb 1886 and
recorded "eF; pS; preceding a coarse double star 17 sec; in field with
1854 [
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09 26 36.2 +07 57 15; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 80°
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:2 E-W, almost even surface brightness.
A mag 13.5 star is 2.0' SE.
Located 16' N of mag 8.4
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2882 = m 166 on 6 Mar 1864 and
noted "F, pL, E." His
position and description matches
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09 25 17.5 -34 06 12; Pyx
V = 13.1; Size 2.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 176°
18" (3/11/07): faint, moderately large, elongated at least 2:1 ~N-S, 1.1'x0.5'. Unusual appearance as the galaxy has an irregular, mottled appearance and perhaps three faint stars are superimposed (with several others nearby).
John Herschel discovered NGC 2883 = h3164 on 7 Apr 1837 and
recorded "a vF, S, cluster, class VI; vglbM; resolved so as to see the
stars which are 15th mag; almost to be called a vF, large nebula." His position matches
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09 26 24.4 -11 33 20; Hya
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 175°
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, possible faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' W of center. NGC 2889 lies 13' ESE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2884 on 27 Feb 1865. His position (measured on 5 nights)
matches
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09 27 18.5 +23 01 12; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80°
17.5" (4/13/91): faint, very small, round, stellar
nucleus. A mag 15 star is 40"
E of center and a mag 14 star is 2' NW.
Located 8' NW of mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 2885 = h599 on 24 Feb 1827
(sweep 59) and recorded, "eF; vS; E in parallel; RA very
uncertain." There is nothing
at his position (1.7' NNW of a mag 8 star not mentioned in his description),
but 25 seconds of RA west is
Sir Robert Ball, an observing assistant on LdR's 72",
recorded on 10 Jan 1867, "3 objects seen close together, of which one is
probably a nebula, the other possibly also, and third a star? All these are eF, and would perhaps not
be seen unless on so good a night as this is." From the description, Ball picked up NGC 2885 and probably
nearby IC 2474 and
RNGC misidentifies
******************************
09 26 38.7 -21 44 16; Hya
= ***, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2886 = h3165 on 1 Feb 1837 and simply noted "eeF; 50"." There is nothing at his position, but four faint stars about 1.5' ENE of his position are likely Herschel's object (the separation is ~25"). Corwin also identifies this multiple star as NGC 2886.
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NGC 2887 = ESO 091-009 = PGC 26592
09 23 24.2 -63 48 45; Car
V = 11.7; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 78°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 1.2'x1.0', sharply concentrated with a very bright 25" core. Forms the SE vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 12/12.5 stars 1.3' WNW and 1.4' NNW. A couple of arc minutes SE is a short string of very faint stars. NGC 2842 lies 1.1° NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2887 = h3168 on 8 Mar 1834 and logged "F; S; R; gbM; near a bright star." This is the first deep sky object he discovered at the Cape, with his first sweep recorded 3 nights earlier. His position (measured on 3 different sweeps) matches ESO 091-009.
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09 26 19.5 -28 02 08; Pyx
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 158°
17.5" (2/28/87): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, brighter core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2888 = h3166 on 30 Mar 1835 and logged "pF R; smbM; very dilute at edges; 30"." His position (on 2 sweeps) matches ESO 434-002 = PGC 26768.
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NGC 2889 = MCG -02-24-026 = PGC 26806
09 27 12.5 -11 38 37; Hya
V = 11.7; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65°
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, diffuse halo, irregular bright core. A mag 11.5 star is off the south edge 1.4' from the center. NGC 2884 lies 13' WNW and NGC 2881 is 28' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2889 = H. II-555 = h600 on 19 Mar 1786 (sweep 541) and recorded "vF; pL; R; bM." On 9 Mar 1828 (sweep 129), John Herschel logged, "pB; pL; R; vglbM; 80"." Using the 72" on 30 Jan 1856, R.J. Mitchell mentioned a very faint star at the east edge and "darkness all round the nucleus."
******************************
09 26 29.8 -14 31 44; Hya
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 55°
17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter. Overpowered by mag 7.8
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2890 = LM 1-154 on 11 Jan
1886 and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.3' dia, R, bMN, envelope 15.5." His
rough position (nearest min of RA) is 45 sec of RA east of
******************************
09 26 56.6 -24 46 59; Pyx
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (3/7/92): fairly faint, small, round, sharp concentration with very small prominent core, stellar nucleus. Located in rich Milky Way field close to the Antlia and Hydra border.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2891 = h3167 on 23 Jan 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; bM; 15"." His position is 1' south of ESO 498-008 = PGC 26794.
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09 32 53.0 +67 37 02; UMa
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
gradually brighter halo, faint stellar nucleus. A wide bright double star ∑1349 = 7.5/8.7 at 24" is 11'
WSW at the edge of the 220x field.
Brightest in a group with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2892 = Sw. 1-8 on 11 May 1885 and
recorded "pF, pS, R, lbM."
His position is 0.2 min of RA east of
******************************
09 30 17.0 +29 32 24; Leo
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 3.2' SW of a mag 9 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2893 = H. III-297 = h602 on
13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and logged "Suspected eF, eS. 240x showed the same appearance but
left a doubt." There is
nothing at his position, but 8.5' north is
******************************
09 29 30.4 +07 43 06; Leo
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 27°
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 SSW-NNE, prominent core with faint extensions. Unusual appearance as a mag 13.5 star is at the east end and
a mag 14.5 star (Holmberg 133b) at the west end. Located 3.0' NNE of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 2894 = H. III-8 = h603 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 101) and recorded "Nebula. I see 3 stars in it, & I believe it may all be resolved; yet my 240 power does not clear it quite of nebulosity. [Higher] power gives me 3 very obscure nebulous stars, but leaves it undetermined whether there are more stars in it or whether these are only nebulous for want of light." John Herschel's observation from 25 Dec 1827 (sweep 116) simply states, "2 or 3 st and nebulosity".
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09 32 25.1 +57 28 58; UMa
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (4/4/92): faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, broad concentration in halo to brighter core. Collinear with a wide double star 6' SSW (10.5/12.5 at 50" oriented SSW-NNE).
John Herschel discovered NGC 2895 = h601 on 9 Feb 1831
(sweep 323) and logged "vF; R; vgbM; 15"; has a coarse double star 7'
south." His position and
description matches
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09 30 16.9 +23 39 47; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (4/13/91): very faint, extremely small, round, small bright core. A mag 15 star is attached at the west end.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2896 on 1 May 1864 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and recorded "F, S, R, *17m very near, *13
follows by 24.3 seconds of time and 30" north." His position and description matches
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09 29 45.7 +02 12 25; Hya
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 170°
17.5" (3/7/92): very faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter, low surface brightness.
Located just 1.8' WNW of mag 8.0
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2897 = m 167 on 6 Feb 1864
(along with
******************************
NGC 2898 = MCG +00-24-018 = CGCG 006-048 = PGC 26950
09 29 46.3 +02 03 51; Hya
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 125°
17.5" (3/7/92): faint, very small, round, faint substellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 2897 8' N.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2898 = m 168 on 6 Feb 1864 and
noted "vF, vS, lE." His
position is 6 sec of RA east of
******************************
09 27 03.0 -56 06 22; Vel
V = 12.2; Size 120"x68"
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
fascinating bipolar planetary at 260x using a UHC filter. A very bright knot is situated on the
SW end with fainter extensions along the rim to the SE. A matching knot with a lower surface
brightness is on the north side.
This knot is also elongated, making another short arc. Overall, NGC 2899 is noticeably
elongated with dimensions of ~1.6'x1.0', oriented NW-SE. At 520x both knots or arcs gradually
increase in brightness to their centers and occasionally show very faint
stellar nuclei. The overall
surface is noticeably mottled at this power, though darker in the center. The open cluster
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x this interesting
Vela planetary appeared fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated
~E-W, 1.3'x1.0'. Good contrast
gain with a UHC filter. The surface brightness appears very irregular or
mottled with a brighter knot on the SW end that is nearly detached and an irregular
darker center. Also a less-defined
knot appears to be situated on the north end. Four mag 7.5-9 stars are in the field to the west and north
and the PN is situated 9' E of mag 7.3
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this moderately bright planetary is fairly large, ~1.5'x1.0', with an irregular shape and surface brightness. Adding a UHC filter improved the contrast and the PN is clearly elongated with an annular or bi-polar appearance with a darker, irregular center. There are two brighter knots or arcs on on the SW and NE sides of the central section (minor axis?) with the SW knot more obvious. Situated in a fairly rich star field with four mag 7-9 stars including a mag 7.3 star 9' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2899 = h3169 on 27 Feb 1835 and recorded "F; pL; R; glbM; 80". At least 80 stars in field." His position is accurate.
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09 30 15.1 +04 08 39; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, very low surface brightness, very weak concentration, ill-defined halo. A mag 14.5 star is 1.0' SW of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2900 = Sw. 3-45 on 10 Mar 1886
and logged "eeF, pL, R, in vacancy." His position is 5 sec of RA east and 1' south of
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09 32 24 +31 07; Leo
= Not found, RNGC.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2901 = LM 1-155 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory "while looking for Winnecke's comet [7P/Pons-Winnecke]." No additional notes are given and the position is marked as very rough (approximate even to the nearest min of RA).
This number is not listed in any modern catalogue (even the
RNGC didn't pick a candidate).
Brian Skiff identifies this object as a double star with brightest
component GSC 2494-0616 at 09 32 19 +31 07.1 (2000). Harold Corwin suggest this number may refer to one of the
galaxies (
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09 30 52.8 -14 44 07; Hya
V = 12.2; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 35°
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, very small, 30" diameter, stellar nucleus. A faint star is off the NW edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2902 = H. III-276 on 8 Feb
1785 (sweep 371) and logged "vF; vS; stellar; with 240 the
same." Caroline's reduction
is less than 2' northwest of
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09 32 10.0 +21 30 02; Leo
V = 9.0; Size 12.6'x6.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 17°
48" (4/18/15): this superb spiral was observed at
375x. Several luminous patches
were visible along the central bar, which trends SSW-NNE, including a patch
(
24" (2/22/14): excellent view at 200x and 375x. This beautiful barred spiral is sharply concentrated with an extremely bright, mottled core. A prominent central bar runs along the major axis, extending ~2'x0.4' SSW-NNE. The central bar is the brightest portion of a more oval, brighter central region, ~2.0'x1.0'. Just beyond the northeast end of the central bar is a bright, irregular "knot" (NGC 2905) where the northern spiral arm attaches. This arm bends sharply to the west (clockwise), but only curves for ~1' and quickly fades, as if it was angled towards us. A prominent arm (more cleanly separated from the central region) is attached at the south-southwest end of the bar where there is another brighter, irregular "knot". The southern arm bends east and then north, paralleling the orientation of the bar and extending as far north as the core, perhaps just beyond a mag 13.7 star 2' ESE of center. A darker dust lane separates this arm from the central region.
18" (2/14/10): beautiful view of this barred spiral at 175x. The galaxy extends 2:1 SSW-NNE, roughly 8'x4', with a slightly brighter bar running through the major axis. The center is sharply concentrated with a very bright clumpy core. At the SSW end of the main body a faint arm emerges and sweeps around to the east. Near the NNE end of the central bar is a brighter knot (NGC 2905) and beyond the knot is a fainter and less defined arm that curves around a short distance to the west.
17.5" (1/31/87): this is one of the brightest non-Messier galaxies. Very bright and large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 10'x4'. A very faint knot is involved on the NNE side 1.2' from center = NGC 2905. An extremely faint knot is also symmetrically placed opposite the core on the SW end 1.2' from center. The galaxy has a dusty, mottled appearance with knots and arcs easily visible with averted vision.
17.5" (3/23/85): a second knotty region is definitely visible on the SW edge. Lord Rosse mentions these two knots as "thickened regions".
13.1" (1/28/84 and 12/22/84): very bright, elongated bright core. Contains a very faint knot at the north end = NGC 2905. Simiilar knot seen through a 16" scope.
8": bright, large, elongated, bright mottled core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2903 = H. I-56 = h604.I on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318). His description reads, "cB, cL, a small bright spot in the middle; at first sight appears very much elongated, but by careful attention it appears to consist of two; the nf of which less bright than the sp, though nearly of the same size and shape with the former, it has also a brightish spot in the middle but not nearly so brilliant as the other; dist of the center about a minute." John Herschel recorded on sweep 244, "I. 56 is vB; E; gbM; r[esolvable]. Long attentions shows a vF, L, R, neb attached n f." NGC 2905 = h604.II is the "neb attached n f" and refers to the northeast spiral arm (or a brighter region in the spiral arm).
Lord Rosse first observed this galaxy on 24 Mar 1846 and
noted "a tendency to an annular or spiral arrangement
discovered." He commented the
night was bad, though. NGC 2903
was probably the second galaxy (after
William Lassell published three different sketches of NGC 2903 made in 1862 with his 48-inch on Malta. (plate II, Fig. 12). They all showed a "wavy" or curved body with "hooks" at the ends of the spiral arms.
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09 30 17.0 -30 23 05; Ant
V = 12.4; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 90°
17.5" (2/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, 3:2 oval
E-W, 0.8'x0.5'. Contains a
brighter core with a very thin outer envelope. Located 4' W of mag 8.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 2904 = h3170 on 11 Apr 1834 and
logged "F; S; vlE; psbM; 15".
Very dilute at the edges."
His position matches
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09 32 11.9 +21 31 10; Leo
48" (4/18/15): NGC 2905 is the brightest of several luminous patches along the central bar. This irregular knot is located very near the north-northeast end of the central bar at the point where two spiral arms (extending west) emerge from the arm.
24" (2/22/14): just beyond the northeast end of the central bar is a fairly bright, irregular "knot" (NGC 2905) where the northern spiral arm attaches to the bar. This arm bends sharply to the west (clockwise), but only curves for ~1' and quickly fades.
17.5" (5/10/86): very large knot or arc at the NNE edge of a spiral arm in NGC 2903. Easily visible with averted vision.
13.1" (12/22/84): very faint knot or arc at NE edge of arm of NGC 2903.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2905 = H. I-57 = h604.II on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and recorded (together with NGC 2903) "cB, cL, a small bright spot in the middle; at first sight appears very much elongated, but by careful attention it appears to consist of two; the nf of which less bright than the sp, though nearly of the same size and shape with the former, it has also a brightish spot in the middle but not nearly so brilliant as the other; dist of the center about a minute."
On 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 244), John Herschel recorded, "[NGC 2903] is vB; E; gbM; r[esolvable]. Long attentions shows a vF, L, R, neb attached n f." NGC 2905 is the "neb attached n[orth] f[ollowing]" and refers to a brighter starcloud of large HII region in the northeast spiral arm. George Stoney's sketch at Birr Castle on 5 Mar 1848 shows multiple spiral arms, along with a distinct embedded knot on the northeast side. RNGC classified this number as nonexistent (Type 7), although Type 35 = nebulous region in a galaxy, would probably be more appropriate.
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09 32 06.3 +08 26 30; Leo
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 75°
17.5" (4/13/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, broadly concentrated halo, brighter along the major axis. A mag 12 star is 2.9' SW and a mag 11 star 3.6' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2906 = H. II-495 = h606 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 497) and logged "F, pL, E, iF." On 25 Dec 1827 (sweep 116) John Herschel wrote, "F; not vS; R; glbM."
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09 31 36.6 -16 44 07; Hya
V = 11.6; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 115°
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, large, slightly elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 2.4'x1.6', strong concentration with a bright, elongated core and an intense nucleus. A number of stars are nearby including a half-dozen stars to the southwest. The galaxy is elongated in the direction of two mag 14 stars 2.5' SE.
UGCA 167, located 24' E, appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated SW-NE. Contains a very small bright nucleus and a diffuse outer halo.
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 1.4'x0.7, bright core, stellar nucleus. A small group of four mag 11-13 stars lies roughly 4' SW.
Brightest in a small group including UGCA 167 24' E. The following observation was made on 13 Apr 2018 with my 24".
At 200x and 375x; moderately bright and large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, well defined small bright core increasing to a stellar nucleus. Several 9-10th magnitude stars are in the field including a mag 9.3 star 7' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2907 = H. II-506 = h607 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "pB, S, lE, mb towards the sf side." On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111) John Herschel recorded "F; bM; lE s f; 30" [diameter]."
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NGC 2908 = UGC 5152 = MCG +13-07-034 = CGCG 350-029 = PGC 27831
09 43 31.6 +79 42 05; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (4/6/02): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, low but uneven surface brightness. A mag 10 star is 6' ENE. Located 35' NNW of a mag 6.1 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2908 = H. III-977 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and logged "eF, vS, iF. I also saw it with 300x." Caroline Herschel's reduced position is 3' north of UGC 5152. This was one of 6 galaxies found by Herschel that evening after Caroline discovered that the third list of nebulae submitted to the Royal Society included only 497 nebulae, instead of the intended 500. A few nights later (30 Sep 1802) he made his last sweep for new nebulae and the last three nebulae were found. Not observed by JH or LdR.
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09 36 59.9 +65 56 26; UMa
= **?, Gottlieb. Not found, Thomson.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2909 = h605 on 3 Apr 1832
(sweep 412) and logged "eF; S; psbM; 12" [diameter]." There is
nothing near his position and this object was not recorded on any other sweeps
to verify the position. RNGC and
CGCG misidentify
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09 30 29 -52 54 48; Vel
V = 7.2; Size 5'
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): ~50 stars are resolved in an oval or "racetrack" outline oriented NW-SE, perhaps 6'x4', with outliers making the group rounder. Includes a half-dozen stars brighter than mag 11. The SE end of the oval has a rich subgroup over unresolved haze. No concentration, in fact the center of the "racetrack" is nearly devoid of stars!
10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): faint, small, roundish, no obvious resolution. Not difficult to identify just northeast of the "False Cross".
John Herschel discovered NGC 2910 = h3171 on 10 Apr 1834 and recorded "Cluster of loose stars; p rich; stars 11...15m; has rather a vacancy in the middle; fills about 2/3 of field." On a later sweep (763) he measured an accurate position on a bright star at the southeast side of the cluster.
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09 33 46.1 +10 09 09; Leo
V = 11.5; Size 4.1'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 140°
17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group with
13.1" (4/28/84): fairly bright, fairly small, round, distinctive small bright nucleus.
8" (4/24/82) : faint, small, diffuse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2911 = H. II-40 = h608 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 163). His description reads, "A nebula between two pretty considerable stars. Brightest in the middle, but not cometic. Faint and perhaps 30" dia, almost R and the extremities of it lose themselves gradually." He swept the field again on 3 Mar 1786 and discovered nearby NGC 2914.
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09 33 56.9 +10 11 33; Leo
V = 16.1
17.5" (2/20/88): mag 14.3 star situated 3.6' NE of NGC 2911. Misidentified as a "nova" by Schultz.
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 2912 on 3 Apr 1870 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory and recorded "eF; follows h608 [NGC 2911] some seconds about 2' N; but not observable". I'm not sure of the meaning of his last comment but 1.3' ENE of NGC 2911 is PGC 27167, an extremely faint and small, low surface brightness galaxy, which the RNGC identifies as NGC 2912.
But this galaxy is too faint to be included in the CGCG and MCG and is extremely unlikely to have been seen by Schultz with a 9.6" scope. I missed detecting this galaxy in my 17.5" and it was not found by Bigourdan, though of course it was not difficult in Lowrey's 48". Instead, Corwin suggests NGC 2912 more likely refers to a mag 14.3 star 3.6' NE of NGC 2911.
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09 34 02.7 +09 28 45; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 140°
17.5" (2/20/88): extremely faint, fairly small, even surface brightness.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2913 on 10 Mar 1864 with
Lassell's 48" and recorded "vF, pL, iR." His position matches
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NGC 2914 = Arp 137 = UGC 5096 = MCG +02-25-006 = CGCG 063-010 = PGC 27185
09 34 02.8 +10 06 31; Leo
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 15°
17.5" (2/20/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated. A mag 15 star is off the east edge 36" from the center. A mag 11 star lies 1.6' NW. Forms a trio with NGC 2911 4.8' NW and UGC 5093 4.8' S.
13.1" (4/28/84): faint, very small, faint stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2914 = H. III-513 = h609 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 534) and recorded "eF; vS; stellar; 240 verified it." John Louis Dreyer, the 4th Earl of Rosse's assistant in March 1877, wrote "F, S, R, bM, vF star 3/4' following."
******************************
09 26 13.0 -76 37 35; Cha
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 129°
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appears moderately bright and large, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~1.0'x0.6'. Appears slightly brighter at the NW end. An easy pair of mag 12-13 stars (25" separation) lies 4.5' NW. Located 8.4' NE of a mag 8 star.
NGC 2915 is classified as an unusual Blue Compact Dwarf. A significant percentage of its mass is within an extended neutral hydrogen halo that extends to nearly 20'x12' and within a massive halo of dark matter.
A very faint globular, E3, lies 43' SSW. At 200x, three faint stars were resolved over a 1' low surface brightness hazy glow with no concentration. In addition two brighter field stars are situated at the outside edge of the glow. At 260x, a fourth superimposed star was glimpsed, though these are possibly line of sight stars and perhaps the cluster, itself, was unresolved. Although situated 43' SSW of NGC 2915 the precise position was pinned down moving 13' W of a mag 7.7 star using a 16" pair of mag 12/14 stars (situated at the midpoint of this line) as a reference.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2915 = h3174 on 31 Mar 1837 and
logged "pF; pL; R; gbM; 45"." His position matches
******************************
09 34 57.7 +21 42 19; Leo
V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 20°
17.5" (1/31/87): fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated SSW-NNE. A mag 12.5 star is 1.7' SSW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2916 = H. II-260 = h610 on 16 Nov 1784 (sweep 318) and recorded "F, pS, lE." George Stoney, using the 72" on 9 Mar 1850, logged "D Nucl or D * in it, light unequal, another * susp. preceding the brighter of the D one." His description matches a (single) star superimposed just north of the nucleus.
******************************
09 34 26.9 -02 30 16; Hya
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 169°
17.5" (2/13/88): faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE, brighter
core. A mag 10 star (
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2917 = m 170 on 6 Feb 1864 and
logged "pF, S, mbM." His
position matches
******************************
09 35 44.1 +31 42 20; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 65°
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.8', bright core has a slight even concentration down to an occasional faint stellar nucleus. Located at midpoint of two mag 13.5 stars 2.5' S and 2.5' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2918 = H. III-298 = h611 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and logged "vF, vS, iR, lbM." John Herschel recorded on 27 Jan 1827 (sweep 56), "F; R; vsbM almost to a *."
******************************
09 34 47.5 +10 17 01; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 159°
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, halo gradually brightens. Flanked by two mag 13.5 stars 2.0' E and 2.0' N of center. Two mag 9.5 stars are about 5' SE. NGC 2911 lies 18' WSW.
13.1" (4/28/84): faint, very elongated NNW-SSE. Located 17' ENE of NGC 2911.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2919 = T. 1-24 = T. 5-4 on 7 Mar 1874 and logged an approximate position 2' to the NW. Apparently his target was NGC 2911 and/or NGC 2914 (about 16' SW) and he assumed his object was probably one of these. Stephan didn't publish this discovery, so he didn't receive credit in the NGC.
Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered this galaxy again on
1 Feb 1877 and reported it as new in his first list (#24). He measured a micrometric position matching
******************************
09 34 12.1 -20 51 33; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 129°
17.5" (3/8/97): faint, small, slightly elongated,
30"x25" (NW-SE?). A mag
15 star is just off the following end about 20" from the center. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 2920 = h3172 on 1 Feb 1837 and
logged "eF; S; R: the preceding of two [with NGC 2921]." His position is ~1' E of
******************************
NGC 2921 = ESO 565-017 = MCG -03-25-006 = PGC 27214
09 34 31.3 -20 55 13; Hya
V = 12.0; Size 2.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 83°
17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 1.4'x0.8', broad concentration to a 15" core. A mag 14 star is just off the NW side
[53" from the center]. Forms
a pair with NGC 2920 5.8' NW.
Located 33' NW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 2921 = H. III-597 = h3173 on 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 663) and logged "vF, S, R, vglbM. His position is within 1' of ESO 565-017 = PGC 27214. John Herschel made two observations and on sweep 770 discovered NGC 2920.
******************************
09 36 52.4 +37 41 41; LMi
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 103°
17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2
WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.4', appears brighter on the western half. A string of mag 11.5-13.5 stars runs
E-W through the 20' field including a mag 13.5 star 39" SW of center. The western end of this unusual string
begins at a mag 11.5 star which is 2.7' W of NGC 2922 and ends at an 11th
magnitude star which is 18' E of NGC 2922.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2922 = St. 13-48 on 22 Mar
1878. His published position (list
13, #48) was reduced on 18 Mar 1884 and matches
******************************
09 36 03.8 +16 45 37; Leo
V = 15.3; Size 0.5'x0.3'; PA = 28°
24" (3/21/20): at 260x, very faint, very small, round, 24" diameter, low even surface brightness. The CGCG blue photographic mag of 15.2 is too bright -- this galaxy is quite faint.
17.5" (4/6/02): extremely faint, very small, round,
20" diameter. Required
averted to glimpse intermittently once exact position identified. Located at the western edge of a faint
group of galaxies (brightest member
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2923 = m 171 on 1 Apr 1864 and
simply noted "vF". His
position is 2' N of
******************************
09 35 10.8 -16 23 54; Hya
V = 12.0; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 150°
24" (2/13/18): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
35" diameter, consists of mainly a large bright core and only a small
halo. A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' SE
and a mag 15 star is at the SW edge, ~20" from center. Mag 9.7
Forms a pair with
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus. A faint mag 14 star (similar in brightness to the nucleus) is off the SE edge, 1.0' from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2924 = h3175 on 12 Feb 1836 and
logged "pB; R; 20"."
His position matches
******************************
09 33 11 -53 23 48; Vel
V = 8.3; Size 12'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): scattered
cluster with 60+ stars mag 8.5 and fainter in a 10' region. The brightest stars roughly define the
outline, including mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 2925 = h3177 on 5 Jan 1837 and recorded "a pretty rich cluster, 8th class; a double star (one of the chief) taken." His position is at the southeast edge of the cluster and the double is HJ 4221.
******************************
09 37 31.0 +32 50 30; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 120°
17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, round, 45"
diameter, unconcentrated. A mag
14.7 star is 1.5' SW. Located 4.3'
S of mag 9.2
Johann Palisa discovered NGC 2926 on 27 Mar 1886 with the
12-inch refractor at the Vienna University Observatory. His description simply states
"very faint" and his micrometric position matches
******************************
09 37 15.2 +23 35 26; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8', even concentration in halo down to a very small brighter
core, halo fades into background.
Located 14' WNW of mag 8.0
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2927, along with
******************************
09 37 10.1 +16 58 38; Leo
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.6'; PA = 40°
24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration.
Located 3.7' NW of a mag 10.4 star. On a line with
17.5" (2/1/03): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.5', low surface brightness, weak concentration. Located 3.7' NW of a mag 10.4 star. First in the NGC 2943 group which extends about 40' to the east.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2928 = m 172 on 1 Apr 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, S, R, bM." His position is 1' NW of
******************************
NGC 2929 = UGC 5126 = MCG +04-23-017 = CGCG 122-034 = Holm 134b = WBL 227-001 = PGC 27398
09 37 29.9 +23 09 39; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 144°
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; first in a nice string of an
equally spaced and collinear triplet.
fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 NW-SE,
0.9'x0.3', slightly brighter bulging core. Located 11' NE of mag 7.1
PGC 27435, located 5.6' E of NGC 2929, was extremely faint (V = 15.6), fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, ~25"x12". It was often visible at 225x (10mm ZAO) and 375x (6mm ZAO), but I couldn't hold steadily for a significant length of time.
PGC 27434, located 7' ESE of NGC 2929, was marginally glimpsed 1.2' ESE of PGC 27435. I probably only noticed the slightly brighter central region (~10") but too ephemeral (V = 16.1) to notice a shape. It only popped a few definite times but was verified in the same position.
17.5" (4/15/93): first and largest of a close trio in a
line. Faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.3'. A
mag 13 star is 1.7' NW. Located
10' NE of mag 7.1
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2929, along with NGC 2930
and 2931, on 21 Feb 1863. His
position, measured on 3 nights, matches
******************************
NGC 2930 = MCG +04-23-018 = CGCG 122-035 = Holm 134a = WAS 1 = WBL 229-002 = PGC 27404
09 37 32.7 +23 12 12; Leo
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 135°
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; faint to fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness. Faintest in a triplet at the midpoint of NGC 2929 2.6' SSW and NGC 2931 2.5' NNE. NGC 2930 is a blue emission-line galaxy (WAS 1) and the site of a recent supernova (SN 2005M)
17.5" (4/15/93): second and faintest of three. Very faint, small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE. A mag 13 star is 1.7' SW. In a tight trio with NGC 2929 2.8' SSW and NGC 2931 2.5' NNE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2930, along with NGC 2929
and 2931, on 21 Feb 1863. His
position, measured on 3 nights, matches
******************************
NGC 2931 = MCG +04-23-019 = CGCG 122-036 = Holm 134c = WBL 227-003 = PGC 27415
09 37 37.7 +23 14 26; Leo
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.6'; PA = 69°
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 40"x30". Third in a collinear trio with slightly fainter NGC 2930 2.5' SSW.
17.5" (4/15/93): third of three with NGC 2930 2.5' SSW and NGC 2929 5' SSW. Faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 2.6' E.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 2931, along with NGC 2929
and 2930 on 21 Feb 1863. His
position, measured on 3 nights, matches
******************************
09 35 54 -46 55; Vel
Size 60'
18" (10/17/17 - OzSky): This observation, made at 2:30 AM with the object at an
elevation of ~15°, completed the entire NGC! At 91x it took a few minutes to identify the field with
certainty as the general region is fairly uniformly rich and no detached Milky
Way patches stood out. Using a printed finder chart, I identified a few
distinct asterisms within this Milky Way star field. John Herschel referred to a very large field, 1 to 1.5
degrees, but my eye caught a brighter, more condensed region centered about 09
35 15 -46 52 that was noticeably elongated SW-NE and extended ~15'x6'. At the southwest end was mag 8.6 HD
83152 and at the northeast was mag 9.4
To the east of this grouping is a much smaller 6' string
oriented WSW-ENE (centered about 09 36.4
-46 58) with a mag 9.9 star at the WSW tip. Close east is
mag 8.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 2932 = h3179 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "This is about the middle of an enormous cluster of 1 deg or 1.5 deg, very rich in stars of all magnitudes, from 8m downwards, which merits registry as a sort of telescope Praesape. It may be regarded as a detached portion of the milky way." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
******************************
NGC 2933 = UGC 5132 = MCG +03-25-008 = CGCG 092-015 = VV 808 = WBL 229-001 = PGC 27436
09 37 55.0 +17 00 52; Leo
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.3'; PA = 30°
24" (2/22/14): at 375x appeared faint, fairly small,
very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 24"x8", even surface brightness. Situated 1.6' NNE of a mag 10 star and
9' W of NGC 2943, the brightest member of the group (WBL 229).
17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, small, round, very diffuse. A mag 11 star is 1.5' SSW. Located 11' N of mag 7.9 SAO 98681. Forms a pair with NGC 2943 9' E.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2933 = m 173 on 1 Apr 1864 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "F, vS, lE, sp of 2 [with NGC
2943]." His position is
1' N of
******************************
09 37 55.2 +17 03 16; Leo
V = 15.8; Size 0.4'x0.3'
24" (2/22/14): at 375x appeared extremely to very faint, extremely small, round, just 6" diameter. It took some effort to initially identify and is comparable to a mag 15.9 star just 0.8' E. Situated 2.4' N of NGC 2933. This is the faintest of 7 NGC galaxies in the NGC 2943 group (WBL 229).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2934 = m 174 on 2 Apr 1865 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and only noted "eF". Dreyer added "nf of 2 [with m173 =
NGC 2933], but NGC 2933 was discovered a year earlier. His position is 3 tsec of RA east and
2' N of NGC 2933. An extremely
faint edge-on is at the NE tip of NGC 2933 and UGC misidentifies this galaxy as
NGC 2934. Assuming Marth went back
to verify the group in 1865 and picked a nebula near NGC 2933, the most likely
candidate is
******************************
NGC 2935 = ESO 565-023 = UGCA 169 = MCG -03-25-011 = PGC 27351
09 36 44.8 -21 07 41; Hya
V = 11.4; Size 3.6'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 165°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, high surface brightness. A couple of mag 14 stars are superimposed and a mag 12.5 star is just off the SE end 2.1' from center. Appears brighter at the SW end. NGC 2921 lies 33' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2935 = H. II-556 = h3178 on 20 Mar 1786 (sweep 542) and logged "pB; cL; iR; vgbM." On 24 Dec 1786 (sweep 663) he noted "pB; vS; R; mbM." John Herschel made two observations, recording on sweep 561: "pB; vS; gmbM; lE; 25" l, 20" br."
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09 37 44.2 +02 45 39; Hya
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 35°
48" (2/20/12): bright disrupted galaxy with a highly
irregular surface brightness and a curving shape with a faint tail. At 375x and
488x, the central region is extended E-W, roughly 30"x20", with a
very small bright nucleus. A low surface
brightness "tail" is attached on the west side of the bright central
region. The relatively broad tail sweeps south-southwest for ~45",
gradually dimming out due west of the center of
Forms a close pair with NGC 2937 to the south with the cores
of the galaxies separated by less than 1'. A mag 13 star is 1' NW and just beyond is
17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6'. A mag 13/14 double star at 18" separation is 1' NNW and two mag 13.5/14 stars at 36" separation are 2' NNE. Forms a very close pair with NGC 2937 0.8' S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2936 = m 175 on 3 Mar 1864,
along with NGC 2927, and simply noted "vF, iR." His position is 1' S of
******************************
NGC 2937 = Arp 142 NED3 = Arp 142:C1 = VV 316b = Holm 135b =
09 37 45.0 +02 44 50; Hya
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.4'; PA = 15°
48" (2/20/12): bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.25', high surface brightness, very small intense nucleus. Forms a close pair with highly disrupted NGC 2936 with the cores of the galaxies separated by less than 1'.
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, very small, round. Appears as a fairly high surface brightness "knot" located just off the south edge of NGC 2936. No outer halo visible.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2937 = m 176 on 3 Mar 1864, along with NGC 2926, and noted "F, S, like a neb*." His position matches UGC 5131. The dimensions of NGC 2936 and 2937 appear reversed in the RC3 and MCG.
******************************
09 38 24.0 +76 19 10; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 105°
17.5" (1/28/89): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2938 = H. III-963 on 2 Apr
1801 (sweep 1096) and logged "eF, S, iF." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large
systematic errors. A corrected
position matching
By examining the original sweep records, Wolfgang Steinicke found that the irregular errors were a result of the northern sweep not being aligned with the meridian (off in azimuth by 7°). The reduced positions found by Caroline Herschel, were made of course, assuming a meridian sweep. Once corrected the identifications of these 15 galaxies is revealed.
John Herschel observed what he assumed was his father's III-963, and recorded h612 as "eF; has a coarse double star 3' following." His position and description is very close to a mag 15 star. He used his father's description and added "D * f 3'." in the GC description. The MN article equates h612 with a faint star preceding the double star. So, NGC 2938 (= UGC 5115) is only equated with H. III-963, and not h612.
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09 38 08.1 +09 31 23; Leo
V = 12.5; Size 2.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 154°
24" (2/8/18): at 375x; moderately bright and large,
very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, ~1.4'x0.4'. Contains a brighter core with a mag ~14
star attached at its southeast edge!
The extensions fade out at the tips. In a trio with
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2940 5.6' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2939 = H. III-4 = h614 on 18
Jan 1784 (sweep 82) and recorded (full text) "A nebula. About 2/3 degree prec. & about 10'
foll of 14 Leonis, a very faint nebula or cl of suspected stars. A triangle is situated just north of
it, but the nebula is so faint that is best to be seen when the stars are drawn
out of the field. These 3 or 4
stars are visible in the finder in the shape of a small nebula." His position (from sweep 534 on 3 Mar
1786) is 3' northwest of
******************************
NGC 2940 = MCG +02-25-012 = CGCG 063-023 = WBL 228-002 = PGC 27448
09 38 05.2 +09 37 00; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 91°
24" (2/8/18): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated E-W, 25"x20", low nearly even surface brightness with a
very small brighter nucleus. First
of three with NGC 2939 5.5' S and IC 548 11' SSE. A mag 10.5 star is 4.5' E and a mag 9.0 star (
17.5" (2/20/88): faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 2939 5' S.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 2940 = T. 1-25 in 1877 with the 11" refractor at Arcetri and placed 5' N of NGC 2939 (the actual separation is 5.6'). He mentioned that d'Arrest missed this object.
******************************
09 38 24.2 +17 02 40; Leo
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 167°
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; faint, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15", low even surface brightness. Located 2.3' WNW of NGC 2943 in a group.
24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, small, elongated ~2:1 N-S, 20"x12", a mag 15 star is 1' NW. NGC 2943 (brightest in the group WBL 229) is 2.2' ESE.
17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated. A mag 14 star is 1.2' NW. Located 2.2' WNW of NGC 2943 in a group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2941 = m 177 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "eF, vS, lE." Dreyer added "p of 2 [with NGC 2943]" in the NGC description. This is the 3rd of 6 members of the NGC 2943 group he discovered this night. Édouard Stephan made an observation on 14 Feb 1877.
******************************
09 39 08.0 +34 00 23; LMi
V = 12.6; Size 2.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 165°
17.5" (3/12/94): faint, round, moderately large, 2.0' diameter, very weakly concentrated, halo reaches 2/3 of the way to a mag 14 star just 1.4' W of center. A mag 11.5 star is 3.0' ESE and a mag 12 star lies 4.6' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2942 = h613 on 6 Mar 1828
(sweep 128) and logged "vF; vL; lE parallel to meridian; vgbM; has a * 10m
following." His position and
description matches
******************************
NGC 2943 = UGC 5136 = MCG +03-25-011 = CGCG 092-019 = Holm 136a = WBL 229-003 = PGC 27482
09 38 32.9 +17 01 52; Leo
V = 12.5; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 130°
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; moderately bright and large,
oval 5:3 NW-SE, ~40"x24", well concentrated with a small bright
core. A mag 15.5 star is 40"
SW of center and a mag 15.2 star is 50" SE. A 10" pair of mag 13.5 stars is 3' NE. NGC 2943 is
brightest in a group (WBL 229) including nearby NGC 2941 2.3' WNW and
24" (2/22/14): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~40"x27", very weak concentration in then halo the increases suddenly to a small bright core. A mag 15 star is 0.9' SE of center and a mag 15.5 star is 0.7' SW of center. Brightest in a group (WBL 229) with NGC 2941 2.2' WNW.
17.5" (3/29/89): brightest in a group with NGC 2941
2.2' WNW and a faint companion (
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2943 = m 178 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "F, S ,iR, bM." Dreyer added "f of 2 [with NGC 2941]" in the NGC description. This is the 4th of 6 galaxies discovered in the cluster on this night (NGC 2944 was picked up a year later). Édouard Stephan observed the cluster on 14 Feb 1877.
******************************
NGC 2944 = Arp 63 = VV 82a = UGC 5144 = MCG +06-21-067 =
09 39 18.0 +32 18 38; Leo
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 95°
48" (5/9/21): at 488x and 610x; the main galaxy (NGC
2944) of this apparent triple merger was moderately bright, very elongated 3:1
E-W, 0.6'x0.2', contains a very small bright core. The eastern end of the galaxy is fainter. This appearance may be due to a
brighter "knot" or core of an interacting companion only 15" W
of center. This knot occasionally
flashed a stellar nucleus. The
third galaxy,
48" (4/18/15): at 697x, this double (or possibly triple) system appeared moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, ~36"x12", weak concentration. A small roundish knot attached at the west end has a moderately high surface brightness and a diameter of 8"-10". On the SDSS this "knot" appears to be the core of a merged interacting companion! VV 82b is another interacting companion, just 27" SE of center. It appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10" diameter. It was only visible with averted for short periods. PGC lists a photographic mag of 18.6.
The double system
18" (4/14/12): faint to fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 5:3 E-W, ~30"x18", slightly brighter core.
The double system Arp 129 lies just 3.8' NE. The eastern component (
17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, very small, elongated
2:1 ~E-W, slightly brighter core but overall low surface brightness. Collinear with two mag 13 stars 3.4'
and 4.4' NE. This double system
was not resolved under noticeably hazy sky conditions and soft seeing.
Johann Palisa discovered NGC 2944 on 27 Mar 1886 with the 12-inch refractor at the Vienna University Observatory. His description reads "faint, somewhat compressed, 1/4' diameter" and is micrometric position is accurate. This is a disrupted double or triple system in contact. The listed dimensions (from UGC) are for the combined system. The same night Palisa also discovered NGC 2926 and Samuel Oppenheim discovered NGC 2981. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
NGC 2944 is in the Arp category of Spiral Galaxies with
small, high surface-brightness companions on arms. Vorontsov-Velyaminov also considered this a pair of
galaxies, although
******************************
09 37 41.1 -22 02 06; Hya
V = 12.2; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 168°
17.5" (3/8/97): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, broad concentration with no nucleus. A mag 14 star follows 1.1' E of center and a mag 15 star is off the west end 0.8' from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2945 = h3180 on 23 Jan 1835 and
recorded "F, S; R; glbM; 2 or 3 small stars near." His position and description (two observations)
matches
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NGC 2946 = UGC 5143 = MCG +03-25-013 = CGCG 092-020 = WBL 229-004 = PGC 27521
09 39 01.6 +17 01 31; Leo
V = 14.0; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 13°
24" (2/15/18): at 375x; faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.2', low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 2' SSE. Located 6.8' E of NGC 2943 in a group.
24" (2/22/14): at 375x; appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 25"x10", weak concentration. Located 6.9' due east of NGC 2943 (brightest in the group WBL 229-004).
17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, very small, elongated N-S. Located 6.7' E of NGC 2943 in a group. On a line with three mag 14 stars just SE oriented NNW-SSE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2946 = m 179 on 1 Apr 1864 with Lassell's 48" on Malta and reported "vF, S, E." This is the 5th of 6 galaxies in the NGC 2943 group that he discovered. Édouard Stephan made an observation on 14 Feb 1877.
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09 36 05.8 -12 26 13; Hya
V = 12.4; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 25°
17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, round, 1.2' diameter, almost even surface brightness, well-defined outer edge to halo. Two mag 11 stars are off the SE edge 1.6' and 2.1' from the center. Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 2947 = LM 1-156 on 6 May
1886 and reported "mag 15.0, 1.1' dia, iR, gbM." There is nothing at his rough position
(nearest min of RA), but 2.2 minutes o RA west is
Stephane Javelle independently discovered NGC 2947 on 20 Apr
1892 with the 30-inch refractor at Nice and measured an accurate micrometric
position. Dreyer assumed J. 1-165
was new so it was recatalogued it as
******************************
09 38 59.2 +06 57 19; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 7°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.7', weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is just off the east edge of the south extension 0.9' from center. Located between a mag 9.5 star 4.0' SW and wide pair of mag 11/13 stars 3' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2948 = H. III-519 = h615 on
24 Mar 1786 (sweep 543) and logged "vF, pL, vgvlbM; between two groups of
stars in a directions from np to sf." His position matches
******************************
NGC 2949 = CGCG 092-025 = PGC 27579
09 39 56.3 +16 47 09; Leo
V = 14.7; Size 0.8'x0.45'
24" (2/15/18): this double system was resolved at
375x. The brighter western galaxy
(
17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, very small, very low surface brightness, visible with averted only. Located at the east end of the NGC 2943 group. This observation refers to the brighter western component.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2949 = m 180 on 1 Apr 1864 and
recorded "vF, query: double?"
His position maches the double system
******************************
09 42 35.1 +58 51 04; UMa
V = 10.9; Size 2.7'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 145°
17.5" (3/12/88): bright, very small, almost round, sharp concentration with a very small and very bright core surrounded by a small faint halo. A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' WSW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2950 = H. IV-68 = h616 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and recorded "vB, S, exactly R, BMN, vF cheveulure very gradually joining to the north. Possibly in a lower situation the chevelure might be invisible, and this nebula put on the appearance of a a very ill defined planetary, one of 6-8 or 10" diam." On 8 Mar 1832 (sweep 404) John Herschel logged, "pB; R; smbM; almost to a star. Has a * 11m 20s p and 15" or 20" N."
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09 39 40.4 -00 14 07; Hya
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 90°
17.5" (2/13/88): very faint, very small, round. Located 2' S of the line joining two
mag 9.5 stars 3.1' NE (
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2951 = m 181 on 6 Feb 1864 and
recorded "pF, S, E." His
position matches
******************************
09 37 37.0 -10 11 00; Hya
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 9°
18" (4/14/12): very faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter. Just visible
continuously with averted at 283x.
Located 40' NW of mag 6.3
Frank Muller discovered NGC 2952 = LM 2-414 in 1886 with the
26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick observatory and recorded "mag
15.5, 0.6' dia, iR, sbM, *9.5 f 30s." There is nothing at his position but 2.0 tmin west and 3'
south is
******************************
09 40 27.7 +14 50 37; Leo
= *? Corwin, Not found, RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2953 = h3182 on 18 Mar 1836
(along with
******************************
NGC 2954 = UGC 5155 = MCG +03-25-019 = CGCG 092-026 = PGC 27600
09 40 24.1 +14 55 22; Leo
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 160°
17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, bright core, fairly high surface brightness. Located on a line with two mag 12 stars 1.8' NNW and 2.5' NNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2954 = h3181 on 18 Mar 1836 and recorded "vF; R; 20". Another suspected [NGC 2953] 6' south, nearly on the same parallel." Although his position for NGC 2954 was accurate, there is nothing near his position for NGC 2953 and it likely refers to a faint star.
******************************
09 41 16.6 +35 52 56; LMi
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 162°
17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, elongated 5:3 NNW-SSE, broad concentration to a slightly brighter core. The core contains a slightly brighter nucleus with direct vision. A mag 15 star is at the west edge 32" from the center. Located 2.2' N of a mag 12 star. There is a faint "star" 2' N which seemed slightly nebulous in appearance, but the DSS reveals this to be a close pair of mag 15 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2955 = H. III-541 = h620 on
28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and recorded "cF; S; iF; resolvable."
Caroline's reduced position is 2' north of
******************************
09 39 17.0 -19 06 04; Hya
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 55°
18" (2/23/06): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Forms the western vertex of an equilateral triangle with sides of length 3' with a mag 10 star to the ENE and a mag 11 star to the SE. I couldn't hold this galaxy steadily using averted vision. The DSS reveals faint extensions to the SW and NE that were not visible.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 2956 = LM 2-415 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 12.0, 0.4' dia, R, *9.5 at 3.8' in PA 130° [SE]." His position is 3.8' south of ESO 565-034 = PGC 27531 and the description of the nearby star matches.
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09 47 18.2 +72 59 02; Dra
V = 14.5; Size 1.0'x0.4'
24" (3/6/21): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~35"x15", very small brighter core. A mag 13.7 star is nearly aligned with the major axis [42" from center]. Forms a close double system with MCG +12-10-001 off the NW side [14" between centers].
17.5" (4/4/92): at 222x; faint, very small, round,
broad concentration. A mag 14 star
is 25" off the SW edge and 40" from the center. This is a double system with a very
compact companion (not seen) just off the NW edge. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 2957 = h617 on 4 Nov 1831
(sweep 382) and recorded "eF; has a *13m near." There is nothing at his position but
exactly 1 min of RA east is
Looking over the RNGC data, it is clear the entry for NGC 2957 is simply a duplicate of NGC 2963. This error was included in my RNGC Corrections #4.
******************************
09 40 41.7 +11 53 18; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 10°
17.5" (4/13/96): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE. Broad and weak concentration with a fairly low surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star lies 4' WSW. "Frosty Leo" nebula lies 13' NW. Observation made through thin clouds.
17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, 40" diameter, round, very weak concentration. A mag 12 star lies 4.3' WSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2958 = St. 9-20 on 7 Mar 1877 (or earlier) with the 31" reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. The first observation may have been on 17 Feb 1868 if he made a 3° error in recording the declination.
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09 45 08.9 +68 35 41; UMa
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0'
diameter, halo brightens to a small bright core. A mag 14 star is 1.3' W of center. Forms a close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 2959 = h618 on 28 Oct 1831
(sweep 377) and logged, "F; R; pL; vglbM; 40"; is south of a small
group of stars." His position
matches
******************************
09 40 36.4 +03 34 37; Hya
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 40°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 2.7' WNW of a mag 10.5 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2960 = h621 on 4 Mar 1826
(sweep 18) and logged "vF; R; gbM." His position is 6 sec of RA east and 1.4' north of
******************************
NGC 2961 = NGC 2959A = MCG +12-09-063 = CGCG 332-063 = PGC 27958
09 45 22.4 +68 36 30; UMa
V = 14.7; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 136°
17.5" (4/4/92): extremely faint, very small, round, brighter core, averted only. Forms a close pair with NGC 2959 1.5' WSW.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 2961
on 26 Dec 1873 during the observation of GC 1893 = NGC 2959. He noted it as "cF, S, lE 152.6°,
gbM. Several stars
near." His micrometric offset
is 77.3" in PA 57.4° from NGC 2959.
This is a good match with
Philip Keenan rediscovered this galaxy on a Yerkes
Observatory plate by 1935 and called it
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09 40 53.9 +05 09 57; Hya
V = 11.9; Size 2.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 3°
17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, small, oval N-S, small bright core. Collinear with a mag 11.5/14 double star at 24" separation just 1.5' NNE. A line of three mag 11/12 stars of 1.0' length lies 5' SSE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 2962 = m 182 on 10 Dec 1864 and noted "F, vS, vlE, psbM." This galaxy hosted SN 1995D, which was discovered on 10 Feb 1995, 11 seconds of RA east and 90" south of the nucleus.
******************************
NGC 2963 = UGC 5222 = MCG +12-10-003 = CGCG 332-065 = CGCG 333-003 = Mrk 122 = PGC 28155
09 47 50.4 +72 57 52; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165°
24" (3/6/21): at 375x; nearly moderately bright, oval ~ 5:3 NW-SE, broad concentration, ~0.8'x0.5'. Located 5' NNW of a mag 9.8 star. A very wide pair of mag 12/13.5 stars lie 2' S. NGC 2957 is 2.6' WNW.
17.5" (4/4/92): at 222x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, broadly concentrated halo, faint extensions. A wide double star mag 11/13 is 1.8' S of center (30" separation in PA 45°). Forms a pair with NGC 2957 3' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2963 = H. III-315 = h619 on
3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "eF, vS, 240x confirmed it." Caroline's reduced position is 2.4'
northwest of
******************************
NGC 2964 = UGC 5183 = MCG +05-23-027 = CGCG 152-056 = Mrk 404 = KTG 25A = WBL 235-001 = PGC 27777
09 42 54.2 +31 50 50; Leo
V = 11.3; Size 2.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 97°
24" (2/22/14): at 260x appeared bright, fairly large,
oval 5:3 E-W, 1.8'x1.1'. Sharply
concentrated with a very bright, very small nucleus. Slightly brighter through the major axis like a bar. Outside the nucleus the surface
brightness is irregular, with a slight dip in brightness just north and south
of the nucleus [dust or dust lanes].
A brighter arm extends E-W along the south side of the halo and a weak
arm runs parallel along the north side.
Brightest in a linear trio (
13.1" (2/23/85): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 E-W, brighter core. Brightest in a group with NGC 2968 5.8' NE and NGC 2970 11' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2964 = H. I-114 = h622, along with NGC 2968, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487). He recorded, "cB, cL, iF, mbM." John Herschel made 4 observations, logging on 5 Mar 1828 (sweep 127), "B; vL; vglbM; E; 2.5' by 1.5'."
Fourteen observations were made at Birr Castle and interesting structure was noted. On 1 Feb 1856, R.J. Mitchell described "h622 [NGC 2968] has nucleus and is mE, its light is very unequal, and I suspect one dark lane running throughout its length south of nucleus; * in preceding edge?" The dark lane probably refers to a dip in brightness between the nucleus and the southern spiral arm.
******************************
09 43 19.1 +36 14 52; LMi
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 85°
17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, elongated 4:3 ~E-W,
1.2'x0.8', gradually increases to a brighter and nucleus with direct
vision. Located 3.5' NNE of a mag
11.5 star. Brightest in a group
including
William Herschel discovered NGC 2965 = H. III-751 = h623 on
31 Dec 1788 (sweep 902) and logged "eF, S, doubtful, not having been out
long enough." On a second
sweep in Feb 1789 he recorded "eF, vS, 300x confirmed it." John Herschel gave an unusual
description from 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331): "vF, R, bM, filamentous (i.e. as
if filaments hung round it; an effect probably of diverging lines of small
stars, as in
******************************
09 42 11.5 +04 40 23; Sex
V = 12.6; Size 2.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 72°
17.5" 1/31/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated WSW-ENE, unusual appearance. A mag 13 star is attached at the NW end 30" from center and a faint star is west of the core.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2966 = St. 13-49 on 22 Mar
1878 and recorded "vF star in vF, little elongated nebulosity east-west,
mag 13 star precedes 2 sec of RA."
His published position (list 13, #49) was reduced on 16 Mar 1884 and
matches
******************************
09 42 03.3 +00 20 11; Sex
V = 11.6; Size 3.0'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 65°
17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, moderately large, almost round, very gradual central brightening.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2967 = H. II-275 = h626 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 348) and recorded "pF, S, R, bM, near 1' dia." On a later sweep he logged "pB, cL, iR." On 20 Dec 1827 (sweep 113) John Herschel logged, "pB; L; R; vglbM; 75"; r; well observed (and correctly reduced)." His position was accurate.
******************************
NGC 2968 = UGC 5190 = MCG +05-23-029 = CGCG 152-058 = KTG 25B = WBL 235-002 = PGC 27800
09 43 12.0 +31 55 43; Leo
V = 11.7; Size 2.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 45°
24" (2/22/14): at 260x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a very bright, small elongated core. There appears to be a mottled or knotty section just northeast of the core.
13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration. Second of three on a line with NGC 2970 5.1' NE and NGC 2964 5.8' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2968 = H. II-491 = h624, along with NGC 2964, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and logged "pB, pL, iF, lbM." John Herschel observed the galaxy on 4 sweeps and 14 observations were made at Birr Castle.
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09 41 54.5 -08 36 11; Sex
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (3/11/07): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, very weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2969 = H. III-527 = h628 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 547) and logged "cF, pL, iR, vgbM." His position was 1.2' NW of MCG -01-25-021 = PGC 27714 and two later measures were taken as well.
******************************
NGC 2970 = MCG +05-23-030 = CGCG 152-059 = Mrk 405 = KTG 25C = WBL 235-003 = PGC 27827
09 43 31.0 +31 58 37; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4
24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~24"x20", sharp concentration with a very small bright nucleus. Faintest in a nearly collinear triplet with NGC 2968 5' SW and NGC 2964 11' SW.
13.1" (2/23/85): very faint, very small, even surface brightness. Third and faintest of three on a line with NGC 2968 5.1' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2970 = h627 on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128) and reported, "F; the foll and most northern of 3 [with NGC 2964 and 2968]." On 18 Mar 1857, Lord Rosse's assistant R.J. Mitchell described it as "F, R?, bM, * in centre." Dreyer added the comment in the NGC, "Not seen by d'Arrest, but often observed at Birr Castle."
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NGC 2971 = UGC 5197 = MCG +06-22-005 = CGCG 181-087 = CGCG 182-005 = PGC 27843
09 43 46.1 +36 10 46; LMi
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 135°
17.5" (4/18/98): very faint, small, irregularly round, 30" diameter, weakly concentrated. A mag 11 star lies 7' W. Located 6.8' SE of NGC 2965 in a group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2971 = St. 13-50 on 14 Feb
1877. His published micrometric
position was reduced on 26 Mar 1884 and matches
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09 40 13 -50 19 18; Vel
V = 9.9; Size 4'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, three dozen stars are resolved in a 4' group. Most of the stars are arranged in two intersecting rows forming an "X" shape. One part of the "X" is a 2' E-W string through the center of the group. A few brighter stars are south of this string and these form another string that intersects and continues to the NW. Also a 15" pair is less than 2' N of the E-W string. Located about 2.5' W of a brighter mag 9.4 star.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2972 = D 397 = h3183 on 9 May 1826. He recorded "a very small faint round nebula, about 15" diameter, with two or three exceedingly small stars slightly involved in it, and another small star [following] about 1' south of it." His position is 6.6' too far ESE, within his usual errors, and the description matches.
On 18 Feb 1836 (sweep 680), John Herschel measured an
accurate position and described "a small pretty compressed cluster;
irregular figure; 4' in extent. Not rich stars, 13th mag."
******************************
09 41 32.4 -30 05 22; Ant
= ** or ***, Corwin.
RNGC, ESO, LEDA and SIMBAD misidentify
ESO 434-016 = MCG -05-23-007 = PGC 27439
09 37 59.6 -30 08 55
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x0.9'; PA = 36°
24" (2/13/18): at 200x and 282x; fairly faint, oval 3:2
or 4:3 SW-NE, broad concentration with a slightly brighter core, no visible
nucles. Located 10' ENE of mag 7.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 2973 = h4018 on 5 Feb 1837 and recorded "eF, pS, *8 f[ollowing]." It was included in a "supplementary nebulae" list at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021) that Dreyer identified as "h o n" (Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC. There is no nebula at his position, but nearby is a double star at 09 41 32.4 -30 05 22 (J2000). In addition, an 8th magnitude star is 4' due east, matching Herschel's description. There is also a wider triple star at 09 41 34.7 -30 02 54, which is another candidate.
RNGC, ESO, LEDA and SIMBAD misidentify ESO 434-016 as NGC 2973, although this galaxy is 3.5 minutes of RA preceding and 6' south of Herschel's position. Furthermore there is no matching bright star. The Uranometria 2000.0 atlas (first edition) plots NGC 2973 at the position of ESO 434-016. Reported in my RNGC Corrections #5.
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NGC 2974 = NGC 2652 = UGCA 172 = MCG +00-25-008 = CGCG 007-022 = LGG 179-004 = PGC 27762
09 42 33.0 -03 41 59; Sex
V = 10.9; Size 3.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 42°
13.1" (4/28/84): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.4'x0.7', diffuse, even surface brightness. A mag 10 star is superimposed at the
southwest end 0.7' from the center. Brightest in a group (LGG 179), though the
other members (which include the double system
William Herschel discovered NGC 2974 = H. I-61 on 6 Jan 1785
(sweep 353) and logged "pB, vS, just following a star of about
9m." His position (5 sec of
RA too large) and description matches
Ormond Stone found the galaxy in 1886 at Leander McCormick Observatory (LM II-406) but made a 1 hour mistake in RA and Dreyer recatalogued it as NGC 2652.
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09 41 16.1 -16 40 28; Hya
V = 14.6; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5
18" (4/14/12): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter. Required averted vision and could only hold for brief periods. There is a mag 15.5 star 35" NE that also occasionally popped and it was a bit confusing to disguish the two objects at 250x as they were about the same magnitude. A couple of times the galaxy and star both popped simultaneously.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 2975 = LM 1-157 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.0 tmin following
and 1' north of
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09 47 15.3 +67 55 00; UMa
V = 10.2; Size 5.9'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 143°
14.5" (4/1/21): at 182x and 226x, bright, large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 4.5'x1.8'. Unusual appearance with a highly uneven, very patchy surface due to dust and star forming complexes. Very weak central concentration with no core or nucleus! A mag 13 star is just at the western edge.
17.5" (2/8/91): bright, large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 4.5'x2.0', large brighter center but no core, mottled with an irregular patchy surface brightness. A mag 13 star is at the west edge 1.0' from the center and a mag 14 star is just off the NW edge 2.6' from center.
8": moderately bright, fairly large, elongated, even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2976 = H. I-285 = h625 on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100) and recorded "vB, vL, E from np to sf, about 6' l and 2' br." John Herschel made a single observation on 2 Apr 1832 (sweep 411): "B; vL; mE in pos = 332.4°; vgvlbM, 3' l, 1' br; has several S stars in in, and one 12m nearly at right angles to the axis of extension." Several involved stars or nearby stars were micrometrically measured at Birr Castle.
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09 43 46.7 +74 51 35; Dra
V = 12.5; Size 1.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 145°
17.5" (1/28/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval NW-SE, large bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2977 = H. I-282 on 2 Apr
1801 (sweep 1096) and logged "cB, pL, iF." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large
systematic errors. This is one of
15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors. A corrected position matching
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09 43 16.8 -09 44 45; Sex
V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 85°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
even surface brightness. Situated
among a group of 10 mag 13-14 stars and just west of a line connecting a mag
12.5 star 1.2' SSE and a mag 13 star 1.4' NE which have a separation of 2.1'
N-S. Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 2978 = Sw. 3-46 on 10 Mar 1886 to the south of NGC 2980. His RA was 16 seconds too large. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898 (repeated in the IC 2 notes). It seems odd that both William and John Herschel missed this galaxy while observing NGC 2980.
The Helwan observatory photographic description from 1935 reads "spiral with a pB almost stellar ncl and fairly distinct [arms]"
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09 43 08.6 -10 23 01; Sex
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 30°
17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.8', weak concentration. Located 5.5' SSW of a mag 10.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2979 = H. III-521 = h631 on
25 Mar 1786 (sweep 544) and recorded "cF, pS, lE." His position was just off the northwest
edge of
Frank Muller independently found this galaxy in 1886 at the
Leander McCormick Observatory and described it as "mag 14.0, 0.6' dia, vlE
200°, gbMN." Dreyer
assumed Muller's object was new so catalogued it again as
******************************
NGC 2980 = MCG -01-25-028 = PGC 27799
09 43 12.0 -09 36 47; Sex
V = 13.0; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 160°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, broad weak concentration. Pair with NGC 2978 8' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2980 = H. III-528 = h632 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 547) and logged "vF; L; E nearly in the meridian." His position was 6 seconds of RA too far east. John Herschel made two observations, though only one good position.
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NGC 2981 = UGC 5208 = MCG +05-23-032 = CGCG 152-062 = PGC 27925
09 44 56.6 +31 05 52; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 95°
17.5" (4/18/98): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration. A mag 12 star lies 1.0' SE of center. Observation through thin clouds.
Samuel Oppenheim discovered NGC 2981 on 27 Mar 1886 with the 12-inch Clark refractor at the Vienna University Observatory. His micrometric position is 1.3' too far north (probably an error in the offset star). Dreyer credited Palisa in the NGC, but Oppenheim was mentioned in the discovery note by Weiss in 1887. This galaxy is Oppenheim's only NGC discovery. The same night, though, Palisa discovered NGC 2926 and NGC 2944.
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09 42 00 -44 00 30; Vel
Size 12'x6'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): bright, distinctive group of stars, roughly 10' x 6' E-W. About three dozen stars are resolved with many of the brighter mag 10.5-11.5 stars in a zig-zag pattern extending west to east. The brightest mag 10 star on the southeast end forms a wide 30" pair with an 11th mag companion. Another mag 12.5/13.5 pair at 15" is less than 2' NE. A 4' line of four mag 11-11.5 stars oriented NW-SE passes through the center and the remaining brighter stars are scattered within the outline.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 2982 = D 468 = h3184 on 24 Jun 1826 and recorded "a very faint easily resolvable nebula, extended about 10' long, and 4' or 5' broad: no central condensation." His position (single observation) is 8.5' west of the center of the cluster.
John Herschel probably found the cluster on 28 Feb 1837 and logged "a cluster of about 20* 11m, and 2 of 10m, forming an oblong nearly in parallel; place of preceding *10m". But no bright star is near his position. He modified the declination 30' further north when he recorded this object as GC 1910 (repeated by Dreyer in NGC) but this position does not correspond with a cluster either. But an additional 10' north of the GC/NGC position is this group of brighter stars and his RA matches the southwest member of a wide pair of mag 10 stars at the southeast side of the group. JH did not list an equivalence with D 468, so he may have felt it was a different object due to the discrepancy in position.
Lynga does not list NGC 2982. MCG misidentifies
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09 43 41.1 -20 28 38; Hya
V = 11.8; Size 2.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 95°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, bright substellar
nucleus, faint halo 3:2 WSW-ENE. A
very faint anonymous galaxy is 5.0' SSW.
Located 7.1 SSE of mag 6.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 2983 = H. III-289 = h3185 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 382) and logged "vF; S; lbM. The (offset) star being at such a distance the PD is marked uncertain." Still, his position on this sweep was just 2' southeast of ESO 566-003. On 20 Mar 1786, he logged "F; vS; large stellar." John Herschel called this galaxy "pB; R; bM; r." and measured a more accurate position.
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09 43 40.4 +11 03 39; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (4/1/00): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. The halo, which fades at the edges, increases to ~0.6' with averted vision. A mag 14.5 star is close SSW (33" from center) and a slightly brighter star lies 0.9' NE.
NGC 2984 forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2984 = H. III-34 = h633 on
15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172) and recorded "vS, the faintest imaginable. I was a great while before I could
verify its being a nebula; however after having convinced myself with 240x, I
saw it also very well with 157.
The evening is uncommonly beautiful." There is nothing at his position (except stars), but 1 min
19 sec of RA west and 3.5' south is
Stephane Javelle independently found the galaxy on 22 Apr
1892 and placed J. 1-168 (later
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09 50 22.1 +72 16 44; UMa
V = 10.4; Size 4.6'x3.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 0°
14.5" (4/1/21): at 182x and 226x; bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~2.4'x2.0', large low surface brightness halo, sharply concentrated with a very bright relatively small core and an intensely bright tiny nucleus. A mag 12 star is at the E edge [1.0' from center].
17.5" (4/4/92): bright, moderately large, irregularly
round, gradually increases to a very bright well-defined core, stellar
nucleus. The faint outer halo
extends to 2.0' diameter reaching a mag 12.5 star at the east edge of the halo
1.0' from center.
8": moderately bright, bright core, fairly large.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2985 = H. I-78 = h629 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and recorded "vB, cL, mbM and the brightness confined to a pretty small space." His position was 35 sec of RA too far east (equivalent to 2.7'). On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382) John Herschel wrote, "vB; R; pgmbM; 50"; has a *13 m following 1' distant, exactly in the parallel." His position was 50 sec of RA too far west (only 4' at this declination).
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09 44 15.9 -21 16 41; Hya
V = 10.8; Size 3.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 105°
17.5" (2/28/87): bright, small, round, bright core,
faint halo. A mag 14 star is 2.0'
WSW. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 2986 = H. II-311 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 382) and logged "F, pL, mbM. I partly suspect a very small, faint one preceding it about a minute or two, but it may be only a few close very small stars." The comment about a "faint one preceding it about a minute or two" appears to refer to ESO 566-004 (Steinicke concurs), which was also picked up in my 17.5". Herschel observed NGC 2986 again during sweeps 542 ("cB; S; mbM; irr R") and 660, but did not mention the companion, so it did not receive a H-designation of NGC number. Engelhardt measured an accurate micrometric position.
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09 45 41.4 +04 56 30; Sex
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 160°
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, weak even concentration to a small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 1.4' SE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 2987 = St. 13-51 on 14 Feb 1877. His published position was reduced on 25 Mar 1884 and matches UGC 5220. His description incorrectly states that several very faint stars are involved.
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09 46 47.8 +22 00 42; Leo
V = 14.8; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 35°
24" (4/13/18): at 375x; NGC 2988 appears as a small
"spike" attached to the west side of the halo of
17.5" (4/15/93): extremely faint, very small, round, cannot hold with averted but definitely seen, possibly elongated ~N-S. Located just off the west side of NGC 2991.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 2988 on 19 Feb 1855 with LdR's 72" and recorded "The preceding one [NGC 2991] is double, its companion [NGC 2988] being close preceding; lE sp nf?"
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09 45 25.3 -18 22 27; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 38°
13.1" (4/10/86): faint, small, round, weak concentration. Collinear with a wide pair of mag 10/11 stars 3' SE with a separation of 56".
John Herschel discovered NGC 2989 = h3186 on 12 Feb 1836 and
logged "F; R; gbM; precedes a coarse D star." His position is just off the southeast
side of
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09 46 17.2 +05 42 31; Sex
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 85°
17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, oval 3:2 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration to a brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2990 = H. II-624 on 29 Dec 1786 (sweep 672) and recorded "F, lE, about 1.5' l, not far from the parallel." His position is 15 sec of RA too far west and 2.5' too far south. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 3 nights and noted the difference with WH's position.
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NGC 2991 = UGC 5233 = MCG +04-23-033 = CGCG 122-078 = PGC 28079
09 46 50.1 +22 00 50; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0
24" (4/13/18): at 375x fairly faint, fairly small,
sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus. The halo is a fairly low surface
brightness and ~45" diameter.
A mag 13 star is 1.0' SSE.
NGC 2988 appears as a small "spike" attached to the west side
and extending to the southwest [30" between centers].
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, even concentration to a small bright core. A mag 12.5 star is 1.1' SSE. Forms a contact pair with NGC 2988 (discovered by Rosse) just off the west edge. NGC 2994 lies 7.5' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2991 = h634 on 24 Feb 1827
(sweep 59) and recorded "F; vS; bM.
The south-preceding of two [with NGC 2994]." His position is less than 30"
north of the center of
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09 45 41.9 -14 19 37; Hya
V = 12.2; Size 3.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 15°
48" (2/19/12): this disrupted galaxy is sharply concentrated with a very bright central region that is elongated ~5:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.0'x0.4'. The central region is well concentrated with an intense core that brightens to a brilliant nucleus.
I initially noted a faint arm extending 30" SSW of the
central region but on a second eyepiece look I noticed this arm is twice that
length, though the surface brightness is quite low in the outer portion. A long, brighter tidal arm stretches 2'
NNE, placing the central region off-center along the 3.5' major axis. This arm or tail has a low surface
brightness though brightens in a patch at the NNE end (2.2' NNE of
center). A 2000 multi-wavelength
study in AJ,120, 1238 concludes this patch (identified as Arp 245N in NED) is a
tidal dwarf galaxy still in the process of formation. The western edge of the
arm has a subtle curvature. With
averted vision, extremely low surface brightness haze forms a bridge extending
southeast from the core of NGC 2992 towards
13.1" (3/24/84): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, bright core. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 2993 2.9' SE.
13.1" (3/3/84): fairly faint, small, roundish, small brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2992 = H. III-277 = h635, along with NGC 2993, on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371). He described both as "Two [along with NGC 2993], vF, stellar, the most north and preceding [NGC 2992] is the largest. 240x showed the same. Distance 3 or 4'. The place is that of the preceding." John Herschel measured an accurate position on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111) and noted "Not vF; R; bM; 30"." Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, noted a mottled appearance in 1852.
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NGC 2993 = Arp 245 NED 2 = MCG -02-25-015 = PGC 27991
09 45 48.3 -14 22 07; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 95°
48" (2/19/12): this is the smaller member of an
excellent interacting pair (
13.1" (3/3/84): moderately bright, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 2' SSE. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 2993 2.9' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2993 = H. III-278 = h637, along with NGC 2992, on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and recorded both as "Two, vF, stellar, the most north and preceding [NGC 2992] is the largest..." On 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111), John Herschel wrote "pF; R; bM; 25" [diameter]."
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NGC 2994 = UGC 5239 = MCG +04-23-035 = CGCG 122-082 = PGC 28122
09 47 16.1 +22 05 23; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 126°
24" (4/13/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 NW-SE, ~45"x30, gradual weak concentration to the center. Surrounded by mag 12.0 stars 3' SE and 4' SW, along with mag 13 stars 3' E and 4' W. Forms a small group (USGC U259 at z = .025) with the close pair NGC 2991/2998 7.6' SW.
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, weak concentration. Forms the western vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 12.5 star 2.9' ENE and a mag 12 star 3.1' SE. In a trio with NGC 2991 and NGC 2988 7.5' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2994 = h636 on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and recorded "F; vS; R; bM. The north-following of two [with NGC 2991]; pos 40° north-following."
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09 44 03 -54 36 18; Vel
= Not found, ESO.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2995 = h3189 on 5 Apr 1837 and noted a "Cluster VIII class; at least 20* 11m and upwards, and many smaller." There is no clustering at his position and the ESO and RNGC list the number as "not found" and "nonexistent", respectively. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 2995 may refer to a "clump of stars roughly 20-25 min across centered about 10' north of Herschel's position." This scattered group (likely not a cluster) seems to fit his description, though its been low on my priority to confirm from the southern hemisphere.
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09 46 30.1 -21 34 17; Hya
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 115°
17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter. Gradually increases to a brighter core and occasional faint stellar nucleus. View hampered somewhat by a mag 10.5 star just 1.1' NE of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2996 = h3187 on 23 Mar 1835 and
logged "vF; S; has a * 20 m 1' following. There is nothing at his position but 33 sec of RA east is
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09 45 38.6 -31 11 25; Ant
V = 9.4; Size 8.9'x6.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 110°
48" (4/22/17): Gorgeous grand-design spiral at 375x! Appeared very bright and large, with the arms stretching roughly 7' E-W. The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a round, intensely bright nucleus ~30" diameter. The spiral arms were sharply etched by intra-arm dust and appeared similar to a photograph of the galaxy. One thick arm is attached to the core on the west or southwest side. It curls counterclockwise on the north side towards the east (fairly flat curvature) and includes a slightly bright patch on the northeast portion [1.6' from center]. This arm continues and bends south, passing just inside a mag 14.5 star [2.5' E of center], and then quickly fading out to the south of this star. The second prominent arm is attached to the core on its northeast side. It curls counterclockwise to the east on the south and contains a brighter knotty section (numerous HII regions are embedded) nearly 1' in length that's just inside a mag 12 star 2.2' SW of center. This arm turns abruptly to the north as it curls around the west side and ends on the northwest side of the halo.
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 215x, this beautiful, asymmetric face-on spiral extended ~7'x4.5' and was sharply concentrated with a very bright 40" core. The spiral structure is unusual with a very long, relatively thick arm that curves from west to east on the north side of the core. This arm then bends south on the east side and contains a very faint 20" HII knot situated northeast of the core [1.6' from center] and symmetrically placed opposite a mag 12 star in the outer halo on the southwest side. This HII region is identified in NED as NGC 2997:[MM 81] 306. A mag 14.5 star is near the end of this arm and due east of the core. To the west of the end of this arm the light level noticeably dips (this is a gap between the arms) as well as on the southeast side of the halo, giving an asymmetric appearance.
A second fainter outer arm running roughly SW to NE also wraps around the galaxy on the west and north side but at further distance from the core. This outer arm nearly reaches a mag 12 star on the southwest side (the one opposite the knot mentioned above) and then can be followed with more difficulty to the east where it attaches on the south side of the core.
NGC 2997 is the brightest in a group (LGG 180) including IC 2507 and UGCA 180 situtated ~30' SSW.
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly bright, very large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 4.5'x3.0', sharply concentrated with a bright core, no nucleus. A mag 13 star is at the SW edge of the halo 2.0' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 2997 = H. V-50 = D 622 = h3188 on 4 Mar 1793 (sweep 1033) and recorded "vF, vS, lbM, lE about 8' long and 5 or 6' broad, a little from sp to nf about 10 or 15°." NGC 2997 is the 4th most southerly object he discovered.
James Dunlop observed the galaxy on 7 May 1826 and recorded "a faint elliptical nebula, 2.5' long and 1.5' broad, with a small star involved in the western margin." His handwritten notes also mention "north preceding two stars of the 7th magnitude.", confirming the identification despite a poor position.
John Herschel made two detailed observations (h3188): on 28 Jan 1835 he logged "pB, vL, R, very suddenly a little brighter in the middle, to a pretty distinct round nucleus 4" in diameter. Diameter of nebula = 15 sec of time. The nebulous atmosphere extremely dilute. A very remarkable object." On a later sweep he recorded "F, vL, first very gradually then very suddenly much brighter in the middle, to a nucleus (exactly like Halley's comet) as now (Feb. 16, 1836) seen in the [5-inch f/17] equatorial [refractor]; round; diam. in RA = 24 seconds. Has a 11th mag star S.p. just at the edge."
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09 48 43.6 +44 04 52; UMa
V = 12.5; Size 2.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 53°
48" (5/14/12): at 488x appeared bright, fairly large,
elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~2.4'x1.2', well concentrated with a large bright core
that gradually increases to the center.
Weak spiral structure was evident at the SW and NE ends. Brightest in a quartet with NGCs 3005,
3006 and 3008. In addition, MCG
+07-20-052 (misidentified as
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 SW-NE, weak even concentration.
A mag 11 star is 3.0' SW and a mag 13 star 1.9' NNW of center. Brightest in a group including
William Herschel discovered NGC 2998 = H. II-717 = h638 on 15 Jan 1788 (sweep 800) and logged "F, pL, iF, lbM." On 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139), John Herschel recorded "pB; irreg R; bM; resolvable." His position was 12 seconds of RA too far east and 1' too far north. Brightest in a group of faint galaxies which were later discovered with the 72".
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NGC 2999 = NGC 2972 = ESO 212-15
09 40 13 -50 19 18; Vel
V = 9.9; Size 4'
See observing notes for NGC 2972.
John Herschel discovered NGC 2999 = h3192 on 13 Apr 1834 and described "a small irreg cl of a long triangular diverging figure; contains perhaps 50 stars 12...15m. Observed for Δ397, and place only rough. Possibly the same object with sweep 680, No. 27, which see above (No. 3183 [= NGC 2972])." There is nothing near his position. Brent Archinal suggests NGC 2972 = NGC 2999 (the description applies), although JH's "rough" position is 5 tmin too large and Harold Corwin concurs.
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09 48 51.3 +44 07 49; UMa
= **, Carlson.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3000 on 25 Jan 1851 (Sat. night). On a sketch of the NGC 2998 group he labeled it Beta. The offset given in the 1 Apr 1878 observation (203.1" in PA 23.6° from NGC 2998) points precisely to a 9" pair of very faint stars (mag 16-16.5).
Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel", described a "D neb not cont, dist 0.1' 35°; sp one eF, eS, R, bM; nf one perhaps *16." This refers to the double star above. Dorothy Carlson calls this a double star in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections.
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09 46 18.6 -30 26 12; Ant
V = 11.9; Size 2.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 6°
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration, diffuse. An 11th magnitude star at the NW edge interferes with viewing.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3001 = h3190 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; R; 30"; attached or contiguous to a * 12; pos = 320° +/- by estimation from diagram." His position and description is accurate.
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09 48 57.4 +44 03 26; UMa
V = 16.5
48" (5/14/12): near the position of NGC 3002 is a faint
trio of stars, mag 16.5/16.5/16.9 as well as
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 3002 on 25 Jan 1851. On a sketch of the NGC 2998 group he labeled it
Epsilon. The MCG, along with the
RNGC, PGC, HyperLeda and other sources, misidentify
More likely, Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 3002 applies to one of two nearby mag 16.5 stars (the third is mag 17.0) with the more likely star at 09 48 57.3 +44 03 26 (2000).
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09 48 36.0 +33 25 17; LMi
V = 11.9; Size 5.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 79°
24" (4/20/14): bright, large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 4.0'x1.0', mottled appearance, slightly bulging brighter core and nucleus, brighter and patchy along the major axis with a couple of very small knots. Nearly detached at the west end is a very low surface brightness patch that seems angled or extends beyond the major axis. A mag 15.7 star is ~1' N of center. NGC 3003 and NGC 3021, located 30' ENE, are the two brightest members in the USGC U268 group (z ~.005).
13.1" (3/3/84): moderately bright, very elongated 7:2 WSW-ENE, 3.5'x1.0', almost even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3003 = H. V-26 = h639 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, mE nearly in the parallel, 8' long, 3' broad." John Herschel described this galaxy on 22 Jan 1828 (sweep 51) as "a singular curved wisp of nebula, It curls up and tapers off at the s p side, and is clubbed at the n f extremity."
Lord Rosse's assistants made a total of 13 observations at Birr Castle. On 8 Mar 1858, R.J. Mitchell commented "of unequal brightness throughout its length, p part is F but contains a B patch with a star in it; the foll part is comparatively much brighter and is mottled."
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09 49 02.4 +44 06 40; UMa
V = 16.7
= *, Corwin.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3004 on 25 Jan 1851. It was placed on the diagram of the NGC 2998 field about midway between NGC 2998 and NGC 3005 and mentioned as "suspected". Dreyer missed it on his 1 April 1878 observation, though he later added "the place for 1926 [NGC 3004] is evidently wrong, it must be about 9 40 15 +45 14 [based on the sketch]."
The closest object to the position on the sketch is an extremely faint star with SDSS mag(V) = 16.7. Reinmuth calls it nonstellar (based on a Heidelberg plate):"vF, vS, R, bM, N3000 np 2.4', N3005 nf 2.7'." Dorothy Carlson identifies it as a double star (based on Mount Wilson photograph) and this is repeated in RNGC, though it is clearly a single star on the SDSS.
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NGC 3005 = MCG +07-20-054 = Holm 144c = PGC 28232
09 49 14.9 +44 07 53; UMa
V = 15.0; Size 1.0'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 150°
48" (5/14/12): moderately bright and large, elongated
3:1 NNW-SSE, ~0.6'x0.2', broad concentration. Forms the north vertex of a quartet with NGC 2998, 3006 and
3008. Located 3.7' SSE of mag 8.9
17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint and small, round. Located 3.7' SSE of mag 8.4 SAO 43053. This member of the NGC 2998 group lies just north of a line connecting NGC 2998 6.4' SW and NGC 3008.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 3005 on 25 Jan 1851. He
labeled it "Gamma" on a sketch of the NGC 2998 group. Dreyer gave a more complete description
on 1 Apr 1878, "vF, pS, E nnp ssf." His offset from NGC 2998 (388.5" in PA 62.5°) points
exactly to
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NGC 3006 = MCG +07-20-055 = CGCG 210-037 = Holm 144d = PGC 28235
09 49 17.3 +44 01 33; UMa
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 82°
48" (5/14/12): moderately bright, very elongated 7:2 E-W, ~40"x12", broad concentration with a brighter core. Forms the south vertex of a quartet with NGC 2998, 3005 and 3008. MCG +07-20-052, a very low surface brightness interacting pair (misidentified as NGC 3002 in most catalogues), lies 2.2' NW.
17.5" (2/8/91): extremely faint, small, edge-on 4:1 E-W, very low surface brightness. Located 6.9' SE of NGC 2298 and 6.3' S of NGC 3005. MCG +07-20-052 (misidentified as NGC 3002) 3' NW was not seen.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 3006 on 25 Jan 1851. On a sketch of the NGC 2998 group he labeled it Delta.
Dreyer logged it on 1 Apr 1878, "vF, S, stellar." His offset from NGC 2998 (417.9"
in PA 117.2°) points exactly to
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09 47 45.5 -06 26 22; Sex
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 90°
17.5" (3/29/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5', just a weak broad central brightening. A mag 13 star lies 1.0' S.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3007 = St. 13-52 = LM 1-158 on 14 Feb 1877. His published position in his 13th discovery list was made on 16 Mar 1885 and is the last object (by date) that he reduced. Francis Leavenworth independently discovered the galaxy on 23 Feb 1886, though his rough position (nearest min of RA) in the first discovery paper of the Leander McCormick Observatory (#158) was 11' too far east-southeast.
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NGC 3008 = MCG +07-20-059 = CGCG 210-039 = Holm 144b = PGC 28252
09 49 34.3 +44 06 10; UMa
V = 14.5; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 135°
48" (5/14/12): fairly bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core that increases to a bright stellar nucleus. A mag 16.7 star is at the east edge. Forms the east vertex of a quartet with NGC 2998 (brightest), NGC 3005 and NGC 3006.
17.5" (2/8/91): very faint, very small, slightly elongated. A mag 15 star is 45" off the west edge and 1.1' from center. Located 9.2' E of NGC 2998 in a group.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 3008 on 25 Jan 1851. On a sketch of the NGC 2998 group he labeled it
Eta. Dreyer logged it on 1 Apr
1878 as "pF, S, E, *13-14 1' p[receding]." His offset from NGC 2998 (552" in PA 88°) is close to
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09 50 11.1 +44 17 41; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (3/21/20): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 5:4 NNW-SSE, ~40" along major axis, broad weak concentration.
17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, round, even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 3010 5' ENE.
Alternative identification: NGC 3009 = NGC 3010sw = MCG +07-20-065
17.5" (2/8/91): this is the southwest member of the NGC
3010 triple system and noted as very faint, small, round.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3009 = h640, along with NGC
3010, on 17 Mar 1828 (sweep 138). He described it as "Not vF; R; bM;
r. The first of 2 [with NGC
3010]." His position was 17
sec of RA west and 1.5' north of
******************************
NGC 3010 = UGC 5273 NED1 = MCG +07-20-065 = CGCG 239-035 NED1 = Holm 146A = PGC 28335
09 50 33.2 +44 18 52; UMa
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.45'; PA = 45°
24" (3/21/20): at 375x; triple system oriented SW to
NE, with the NE member (
17.5" (2/8/91): triple system consisting of two very
faint, small, round "knots" (identified as
John Herschel discovered NGC 3010 = h641, along with NGC
3009, on 17 Mar 1828 (sweep 138).
He reported it as "F; psbM; r; stars seen. The second of 2 [with NGC
3009]." There is nothing at
his position, but 35 sec of RA east and 1.4' south is
The observations at Birr Castle are interesting. The 1861 publication only includes the note "Several knots near [NGC 3009 and 3010]. The full account is given in the 1880 monograph. On 1 Mar 1854 R.J. Mitchell recorded, "one pB [NGC 3009], 6' f and a little n are two others vF, about 3' apart pf; several others round about". His separations are poor but probably the second part refers to NGC 3010 and one of its companions. Thirty-five years later in 1878, Dreyer made another observation and wrote, "the f one [NGC 3010] is smaller and in a rectangular triangle of 3 stars." At least one of these "stars" is likely a galaxy. Hermann Kobold measured accurate positions of the two southern components of NGC 3010 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.
******************************
09 49 41.2 +32 13 16; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (4/15/99): faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, 0.8' diameter. Located 2.5' WSW of a mag 10 star. A nice 10' string of 8 mag 10-12 stars oriented N-S is just a few arcminutes preceding. Picked up at 100x and observation at 220x. Member of the USGC U268 group (z ~.005) with brightest member NGC 3003 1.2° N.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3011 = Sw. 3-47 on 21 Apr 1886
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and remarked "eeF; eS;
stel; a row of 8 or 10 pB stars nr preceding." His position is 9 sec of RA west and 1' south of
******************************
09 49 52.1 +34 42 51; LMi
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (4/15/99): faint, small, round, weak concentration, 0.6' diameter. A mag 15 star is 1.5' W and a mag 12 star 3.5' SSE. Picked up at 100x and views at 220x and 280x.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3012 on 30 Apr 1862 and
described "vF, pL, R, Cometary.
A mag 11 star is 3 1/2' south-southeast." His single position and description matches
******************************
09 50 09.4 +33 34 09; LMi
V = 14.6; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 64°
24" (4/20/14): faint, small, slightly elongated,
18"x15". Situated 2.7'
SE of mag 7.9
17.5" (4/6/02): extremely faint and small, round,
10" diameter. Located 3' SE
of mag 7.9
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3013
on 18 Mar 1874. While viewing the
field of NGC 3021 he found a nebula at 164.8" in PA 137.2° from a mag 8
star. His offsets point directly to
******************************
09 49 07.7 -04 44 35; Sex
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.1
24" (4/14/18): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~32"x24", broad concentration with a slightly
brighter core, no nucleus. A mag
14.7 star is close off the W side [0.7' WSW of center]. A pair of mag 13.5/14 stars at
~20" separation lies 2.5' N.
Two mag 8 and 9 stars lie 8' S and 9.5' SSE, respectively. The 8th mag star (
17.5" (3/29/97): very faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8' diameter, low even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is very close WSW [38" from the center]. A pair of mag 14 stars [19" separation] lie 3' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3014 = h644 on 19 Feb 1830
(sweep 234) and noted "eF; L; 60". The preceding of two [with NGC 3022]. There is nothing at his position (the
dec is marked as uncertain or approximate) though the NGC position is 30'
further north (no reason given in the notes) and 2' south of this corrected
position is
******************************
09 49 22.9 +01 08 43; Sex
V = 13.8; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 95°
17.5" (3/29/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. No brighter stars in field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3015 = m 183 on 23 Apr
1864. His position is just 1'
north of
******************************
09 49 50.6 +12 41 43; Leo
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 70°
24" (4/20/14): moderately to fairly bright, oval 4:3
WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.6', contains a relatively large, very bright core that
increases to the center.
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, weak concentration.
Second brightest of five in the
13.1" (4/28/84): fairly faint, small, round, almost even surface brightness.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3016,
along with NGC 3019, on 21 Mar 1854.
There was no sketch or positions taken but the description reads "4
neb. Two p and f [NGC 3016 and
3019] about 4' apart; the 3rd is north about 3' [
Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 31
Dec 1864 with the 11" refractor at Copenhangen. His position, measured on 4 nights, matches
******************************
09 49 03.0 -02 49 19; Sex
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration. Forms the east vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 12.5 and 14.5 stars 2.4' NW and 2.7' SW, respectively.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3017 = LM 2-416 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His position is 20 sec of RA east and 2' south of MCG +00-25-019 and his note of "*11 at 3' in PA 300°" clinches this identification.
******************************
09 49 41.5 +00 37 20; Sex
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 27°
48" (4/7/13): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1
SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.3', small bright core.
A mag 9.7 star is just 0.8' NW of center. Forms a striking pair with
48" (4/2/11): bright, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, fairly
large, ~60"x15", very small bright core. Located just 50" SE of mag 9.7
17.5" (2/8/91): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE. Dominated by a mag 10 star 48" NW of center. Forms a close pair with NGC 3023 3' E.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3018 = St. 10-21 = Sw. 3-48 on 10 Mar 1880, along with NGC 3023 = St. 10-22. His position is accurate. Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy exactly 6 years later. The RA in his 3rd discovery list was 0.4 minutes too small but his comment "* near north, preceding of 2 [with NGC 3023]" clinches the equivalence.
******************************
NGC 3019 = MCG +02-25-044 = CGCG 063-081 = Holm 147d = PGC 28295
09 50 07.2 +12 44 46; Leo
V = 15.0; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 30°
24" (4/20/14): at 280x appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.4'x0.2'. A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' NE.
17.5" (3/23/85): very faint, small, almost round. A mag 14 star is off the NE edge 48" from the center. Fourth brightest of five in the NGC 3020. Located 3.0' S of NGC 3020.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3019 on 21 Mar 1854 with Lord
Rosse's 72", along with NGC 3016.
There is no published sketch but the description reads "4 neb. Two p and f [NGC 3016 and 3019] about
4' apart; the 3rd is north about 3' [NGC 3024] forming the vertex of an obtuse
triangle, the 4th is about 4' further north and lenticular [NGC 3020]." The described orientations are poor and
no positions were given, but they certainly refer to the four brightest
galaxies. Only a rough position is
given in the GC and the NGC position is 3' south of
******************************
NGC 3020 = UGC 5271 = MCG +02-25-045 = CGCG 063-082 = Holm 147a = KTG 27B = PGC 28296
09 50 06.6 +12 48 49; Leo
V = 11.9; Size 3.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 105°
24" (4/20/14): at 280x appeared fairly bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 WNW-ESE, 1.7'x1.0', large elongated core appears to be a bar, mottled appearance. Spiral structure was highly suspected in the halo. Largest and brightest in a quintet with NGC 3019 4' S, NGC 3024 5.5' SE, NGC 3016 8' SSW and CGCG 063-075 11' SW. NGC 3020 and 3024 are a physical pair (z = .004), while the other three galaxies are in the backgroud at z = .03.
17.5" (3/23/85): brightest and largest in the NGC 3020 group, elongated WNW-ESE, brighter core but no nucleus, diffuse halo. Nearby are NGC 3019 4.0' S, NGC 3024 5.4' SE.
13.1" (4/28/84): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated ~E-W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3020 = H. III-51 = h646 = h642, along with NGC 3024, on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177). He described both as "Two [along with NGC 3024], both resolvable and eF. The preceding is the largest and they are about 6 or 7' distant from each other. Position about 20° np-sf 6 or 7' distant. I saw them better with 240 than 157. They require some attention before they are well seen." His single position is ~1.0 minute of RA too far east.
John Herschel made three observations under h646 and measured an accurate position, but on a 4th sweep he made an error recording the RA 1.0 minute too small and claimed a "nova" under h642. Dreyer correctly equated the WH and JH designations in the NGC.
******************************
NGC 3021 = UGC 5280 = MCG +06-22-019 = CGCG 182-025 = KTG 26B = PGC 28357
09 50 57.1 +33 33 13; LMi
V = 12.1; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 110°
24" (4/20/14): bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.6', small bright core, stellar nucleus, the halo has an irregular surface brightness. A mag 11 star is 1' SE and a mag 14 star is at the north edge. NGC 3013 lies 10' W and NGC 3003 is 20' WSW. Member of the USGC U268 group.
13.1" (3/3/84): fairly bright, elongated WNW-ESE. A mag 10 star is 1.1' SE of center. Located 30' NE of NGC 3003.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3021 = H. I-115 = h645 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, pL, lE, iF, mbM." On 22 Jan 1827 (sweep 51). John Herschel called this galaxy "pB; R; bM; has a * 10m 20° sf, dist 30"." Samuel Hunter's (Lord Rosse's assistant) sketch in 1863 shows a spiral arm of the east side, curling around towards the west.
******************************
NGC 3022 = MCG -01-25-046 = PGC 28257
09 49 39.2 -05 09 59; Sex
V = 12.2; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, round, gradually
increases to a small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 5.2' SW of a mag 10 star. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3022 = h647 on 19 Feb 1830 (swweep
234) and recorded "F; R; vglbM; r. The following of 2 [with NGC
3014]." His position matches
******************************
NGC 3023 = UGC 5269 = MCG +00-25-022 = CGCG 007-043 = VV 620 = LGG 182-006 = PGC 28272
09 49 52.5 +00 37 07; Sex
V = 13.0; Size 2.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 70°
48" (4/7/13): at 375x appeared very bright, large,
irregular, asymmetric with a bright, slightly elongated central region,
~40"x30". Extending to
the west of the core is large, faint halo or loop, most evident on the north
side of the loop, which is brighter and more sharply defined as it sweeps to
the west towards companion NGC 3018.
The loop extends the diameter to ~1.7'. Mrk 1236, is a very small, but very high surface brightness
companion attached on the east side of the core.
48" (4/2/11): at 375x this bright, interacting galaxy has a very unusual, asymmetric appearance. The central region is bright, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 40"x30", increases evenly to a very small, very bright nucleus. A larger, outer halo extends mainly to the west. The halo extends from the central region ~1' in a loop and is brightest along the rim, particularly looping from the north side of the core counterclockwise to the west [the DSS reveals this feature is a spiral arm]. This arm gives the visual impression of a partial ring extending the west of the core.
A bright companion, Mrk 1236, is attached within the small halo on the east side of the core, just 25" ESE of center. This Wolf-Rayet galaxy appeared moderately bright, very small, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~16"x8", very high surface brightness. On the SDSS image this object is resolved into several clumps or knots. NGC 3018 lies 2.8' W of center. Located 3.4' ESE of mag 9.7 HD 85095.
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3, broad concentration in halo but no nucleus. A faint star or knot is visible on the east end. Forms a pair with NGC 3018 3' W and also 3.4' ESE of a mag 10 star. This is a double system which was probably resolved in the observation as a faint star or knot on the east end (Mrk 1236)!
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3023 = St. 10-20 = Sw. 3-49, along with NGC 3018 on 25 Mar 1879. His published position was reduced on 10 Mar 1880 and included in his 10th discovery list. Lewis Swift rediscovered the galaxy exactly 6 years later and included it in his 3rd discovery list (#49). Both Stephan (1) and Swift (2) were credited in the NGC.
******************************
NGC 3024 = UGC 5275 = MCG +02-25-046 = CGCG 063-084 = Holm 147b = KTG 27C = PGC 28324
09 50 27.4 +12 45 56; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 2.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 125°
24" (4/20/14): moderately bright and large, thin edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, bright very elongated core, 1.3'x0.3'. A mag 14 star is off the SE end (aligned with the major axis).
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, thin edge-on NW-SE, 1.4'x0.3', brighter core. A mag 13.5 star is off the SE edge 1.4' from center. This galaxy is the third brightest of five in the NGC 3020 group. NGC 3020 lies 5.7' NW and NGC 3019 is 5' ESE.
13.1" (4/28/84): faint, fairly small, edge-on NW-SE. A mag 13.5 star is off the east edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3024 = H. III-52 = h648, along with NGC 3020, on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177). He described both as "Two, both resolvable and eF. The preceding [NGC 3020] is the largest and they are about 6 or 7' distant from each other. Position about 20° np-sf 6 or 7' distant. I saw them better with 240 than 157. They require some attention before they are well seen." His single position was ~1.0 minute of RA too large. John Herschel made a single observation on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242): "vF; pL; E. PD estimated from III.51 [NGC 3020] which precedes." His "estimated dec" was 1.2' too far south.
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09 49 29.1 -21 44 32; Hya
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 110°
17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, roundish, 0.8' diameter,
weak concentration, halo fades into background. With averted vision, the halo increases to over 1' in
diameter. Located 2.6' NW of mag
9.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 3025 = h3192 on 21 Mar 1835 and
recorded "eF, vS, R, north of a * 9 m." His position and description is an exact match with
******************************
09 50 55.4 +28 33 05; Leo
V = 13.0; Size 2.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 82°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, even fairly low surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3026 = Sw. 3-50 on 22 May 1886
and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; e diff; in vacancy, found searching for
Winnecke's comet [7P/Pons-Winnecke]." His position is 10 sec of RA east and 1' south of
******************************
NGC 3027 = UGC 5316 = VV 358 = MCG +12-10-009 = CGCG 332-068 = CGCG 333-006 = PGC 28636
09 55 40.5 +72 12 13; UMa
V = 11.8; Size 4.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 130°
17.5" (4/4/92): faint, fairly large, elongated NW-SE, 3'x2', weak concentration, low surface brightness. Two mag 15 stars are superimposed at the NW end of the major axis and at the south edge. NGC 2985 lies 25' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3027 = H. V-23 = h643 on 3
Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and logged "F, L, lE, resolvable, 6' or 7' l, 5' or
6' br." His position was just
off the east side of
******************************
09 49 54.1 -19 11 05; Hya
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 48°
17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, small, round, 35" diameter, weak concentration. A mag 12 star lies 3.2' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3028 = h3193 on 23 Mar 1835 and
recorded "F; S; R; lbM; 15"." His position is an exact match with
******************************
09 48 54.0 -08 03 04; Sex
V = 14.0; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 46°
17.5" (2/1/03): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', very low surface brightness. Located 4.5' E of a mag 11 star. Collinear with two mag 13 star to the NE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3029 = Sw. 3-51 on 8 Feb 1886
with the 16" refractor at the Warner Observatory. His description simply reads "pF;
pS; R." His position is 1.5
tmin E and 6.5' N of
******************************
09 50 10.5 -12 13 35; Hya
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, round, broad
concentration. A mag 12 star is 1'
NNW. Located 2.5' NNW of mag 8.5
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3030 = LM 2-417 in 1886
and recorded "mag 15.7, 0.2' dia, R, gbsbMN." His position is only 10 sec of RA east
and 1' south of
******************************
09 55 33.2 +69 03 55; UMa
V = 6.9; Size 26.9'x14.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 157°
48" (4/15/10): dazzling view of
Holmberg IX was visible 10.5' E of the center of M81. With this dwarf galaxy centered in the eyepiece, the outer halo of M81 was visible near the edge of the field. At 330x it appeared very faint, fairly large, 2' diameter, round, low even surface brightness with no noticeable concentration. The galaxy is nestled within a kite asterism including a mag 13 star 1.3' S.
17.5" (4/15/93): Type II SN 1993J was very prominent at 11th magnitude (2.8' SSW of nucleus). This supernova was followed for a number of nights, even in light-polluted skies in my 10" at home. This supernova was one the brightest SNe of the 20th century, reaching mag 10.7-10.8.
17.5" (many dates starting 3/23/85): very bright, very
large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, about 16'x8', large oval bright middle, bright
core, nearly stellar nucleus. Two
mag 11.5 and 11.9 stars are superimposed in the halo at the south edge of the
core. An easily visible spiral arm
is attached near these two stars at the south end of the core. This arm curves due north along the
east side and is well separated from the main body. A second arm was suspected on 10/12/85 as a short extension
curving around the NNW end towards a mag 12 star at the WNW edge of the halo
and was described as "shorter and much less prominent. The second arm was definitely seen on
1/31/87. Mag 8.7
13.1" (1/18/85): extremely faint arm attached at the southeast end near two stars and curves to the east.
8": very bright, bright core, large oval halo, elongated NW-SE, two faint stars involved.
Johann Bode discovered M81 = NGC 3031 = h649, along with M82, on 31 Dec 1774. Pierre Méchain independently discovered M81 in Aug 1779.
According to Wolfgang Steinicke, William Herschel's first observation of M81 and M82 was on 6 Aug 1783 using a 12". On 30 Sep 1802 (the last recorded sweep 1112 with his 18.7"), he wrote "vB, eL; it very nearly fills all the field, it loses itself imperceptibly, mE np sf; I can trace it nearly 1/2° in extent beyond the brightest part."
On 28 Oct 1831 (sweep 377) John Herschel wrote, "eB; eL; E, pos = 156°, gb and svmbM, with faint rays of light nearly to extremities of field (15'). The most condensed part is 4' l and 3' br." He mistakenly called this galaxy M82 in the Slough Catalogue.
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09 52 08.2 +29 14 10; Leo
V = 12.5; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 95°
17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, very small, almost
round, very small bright core, bright stellar nucleus, surrounded by small very
faint halo. Located midway between
mag 8.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 3032 = h650 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and logged "a *12 with an eF atmos about 10-12". It is between a *8-9m n p and one = 10m, s f, neither of which are so affected. A curious object." His position and description applies, although the two stars are more nearly north and south.
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09 48 39 -56 24 42; Vel
V = 8.8; Size 5'
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
200x, this is a small 4' group of ~30 stars situated just SW of mag 6.1 HD
85250. Many of the stars are
arranged in a loop or oval on the SW side of the star, so the combination with
the bright star appears similar to a diamond ring. The cluster members are fairly uniform in brightness with a
number of mag 11 stars. A wide
double star 5' SE (9.5/11.5 at 26") is collinear with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3033 = h3194 on 27 Feb 1835 and logged "irregularly round cluster, 8' diameter, of 50 or 60 stars, 11 and 12 mag. In the milky way, but sufficiently rich and distinct to be registered as a cluster."
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09 55 52.7 +69 40 46; UMa
V = 8.4; Size 11.2'x4.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 65°
48" (4/15/10): stunning view at 330x with numerous irregular dark rifts slicing up the mottled, clumpy surface. Several very small, bright knots or condensations (Super Star Clusters - SSCs) are just west of a dark wedge that pierces the galaxy on the south side and tapers as it cuts across the center at an oblique angle. The very bright section of the galaxy to the northeast of the dark absorption wedge also displays mottled structure. Another prominent dark inclusion cuts into the galaxy from the north on the northeast side of the galaxy. A very faint extension of low surface brightness haze (the superwind outflow) bulges out from the main portion of the galaxy on the south side. This glow is west of the dark wedge and east of a mag 10.5 star located 5.8' SW of center. On images this large bulge appears to explode out from the galaxy with filamentary structure. Overall, there was too much visible structure to describe from a couple of minutes at the eyepiece.
24" (1/25/14): viewed type-Ia SN 2014J (discovered 4 days earlier), which was close to 11th magnitude and apparently still brightening. It appeared a pale orange or red color! I don't know if this was due to intervening dust in M82, but I hadn't seen this effect before in a supernova. This is the closest type-Ia discovered in the past 42 years.
17.5" (10/12/85): very bright, large, edge-on 4:1 WSW-ENE, 10' x 2.5', large bright irregular core. Very mottled with an unusually high surface brightness. Unique appearance with several dark cuts oblique to the major axis including a prominent wedge or cut nearly through the center. A mag 10 star is just south of the SW end 5.8' from the center
13.1" (4/24/82 and 11/5/83): highly mottled with two obvious dark lanes.
8": bright, spindle, mottled. A dark wedge cuts into the galaxy near the center from the south side.
10x50 binoculars: faintly visible though easier in 15x50's.
Johann Bode discovered M82 = NGC 3034 = H. IV-79, along with M81, on 31 Dec 1774. Pierre Méchain independently discovered M82 in Aug 1779.
M82 is not in William Herschel's published catalogues, though on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100) he noted "eB, mE sp-nf, about 10' long" and on 30 Sep 1802 (sweep 1112) he logged "a vB, beautiful ray of light, brightest in the middle of all the length, about 8' long and 2 or 3' broad." John Herschel added it as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("Herschel omitted nebulae") in the Appendix to his Cape Observations (and in the GC as IV-79), as William assumed it was a new discovery on his last sweep on 30 Sep 1802!
Ralph Copeland made the first published comment about dark lanes on 21 May 1871 as the observing assistant on the 72". He noted "A most extraordinary object, at least 10' in length, and crossed by several dark bands."
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09 51 55.0 -06 49 23; Sex
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 25°
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, round, gradually brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3035 = St. 10-23 on 25 Mar
1879. His published position was
reduced on 5 Mar 1880 and is an exact match with
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09 49 20 -62 40 30; Car
Size 10'
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 123x and 160x): nice
cluster consisting of two main groups with offshoots. Overall fairly rich with roughly 30 stars in the southern
group and 15 in the northern. The
larger southern group forms an elongated looping chain and extends
~6'x1.5'. It includes a mag 9.9
star near the west end and a 11.5/12.5 pair at 15" on the southwest
end. Two mag 10 stars are at the
east end. The distinct northern
chain also includes a 14" pair.
This cluster is situated 12' WNW of mag 5.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 3036 = h3197 on 7 Mar and recorded "The chief star 10m of a cluster class VIII of sc st 10' dia. It is one the borders of the milky way." His position corresponds with a mag 10 star on the west side of a scattered group that is well-defined on the DSS. JH's original Cape position was 20' too far north but he corrected it on the errata page, so the GC and NGC position is accurate. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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09 51 24.2 -27 00 40; Hya
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, roundish, 1.0' diameter,
very little concentration. A
30" pair of mag 14 stars close SE (~1.5') is collinear with the center of
the galaxy. Located 5.4' SSW of
mag 9.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 3037 = h3195 on 26 Mar 1835 and
recorded "F; R; lbM; 30"."
His position is an exact match with
******************************
09 51 15.4 -32 45 09; Ant
V = 11.6; Size 2.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 130°
18" (3/17/07): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2
NW-SE, ~1.8'x1.2', large bright core, very faint halo, brighter quasi-stellar
nucleus. Three IC galaxies lie to
the west with
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, slightly elongated oval WSW-ENE, fairly small, bright core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3038 = Sw. 3-52 on 27 Feb 1886
and noted "pB; pS; R."
His position is just 40" north of
******************************
09 52 29.6 +02 09 15; Sex
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 12°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 3.9' WSW and two mag 12.5 stars lie 3.0' W and 1.5' N.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3039 = m 184 on 22 Jan 1865 and
logged "vF, S, iR." His
position matches
******************************
09 53 05.1 +19 25 56; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 170°
17.5" (4/9/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4'. Fairly well concentrated with a bright, round 20" core and faint extensions. A mag 14 star lies 1.8' SSE. Brightest in a triple system, including Ho 148b at the northeast edge (companions not seen).
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3040 = St. 13-53 on 16 Mar
1882. His published position in
list 13 was reduced on 25 Mar 1884 and matches
******************************
09 53 07.2 +16 40 40; Leo
V = 11.5; Size 3.7'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 95°
17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, large, diffuse, slightly elongated. A mag 13 is just off the SW end 1.5' from the center and two mag 14.5 stars are at the NW edge 1.2' from center and at the north edge 1' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3041 = H. II-98 = h3196 on 23 Mar 1784 (sweep 184). His description reads, "L, not vF, resolvable, R, not much bM. North following the most south of 2 bright stars and not far from it; the nebulosity reaches up the bright star." Interestingly, John Herschel called this galaxy a globular cluster and noted "F; L; R; vglbm; 2.5' dia; resolved with left eye." Dreyer noted it was not a globular in 1876 observation at Birr Castle.
******************************
09 53 20.1 +00 41 51; Sex
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 111°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, very small bright core, very faint extensions from core. A mag 13 star is 1.3' SW of core.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3042 = m 185 on 30 Apr 1864 and recorded "pB, S, vlE, gbM." His position is accurate.
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09 56 14.6 +59 18 25; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 84°
17.5" (3/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small, very
elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.5', small bright core. Located 8' S of mag 7.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 3043 = H. II-835 = h651 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 952) and noted "cF; S; E." His position is within 1' of UGC 5327. John Herschel described it on 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) as "eF; pL; 35"; vgbM; has a *10 m 7' n."
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09 53 40.8 +01 34 46; Sex
V = 11.9; Size 4.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 113°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly bright, large, edge-on 6:1 WNW-ESE, dimensions 3.5'x0.5', broadly concentration but does not contain a well-defined core.
13.1" (4/10/86): very pretty, very thin edge-on streak at 166x-214x, moderately large, brighter middle.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3044 = H. III-254 = h652 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 342) and recorded "eF, mE, 3 or 5' long and near 1' br from np to sf; but not far from the parallel." One week later (sweep 348) he logged "vF; about 5' long but extremely narrow, less than 1/4' broad; from np to sf." He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 7) as an example of "very narrow long nebulae." John Herschel measured an accurate position on 27 Jan 1832 (sweep 397) and recorded, "vF; mE, pos = 111.5°; 80" l, 15" br. Aurora in sky, even at this polar distance." The UGC, RC3 list the PA = 13°, but it should read 113°.
******************************
09 53 17.7 -18 38 43; Hya
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 110°
13.1" (4/10/86): faint, small, round, no details. Located 17' W of
John Herschel discovered NGC 3045 = h3198 on 23 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; lbM; 30"." His position is accurate.
******************************
09 53 22.0 -27 19 19; Ant
= *?, RNGC and ESO.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3046 = h3199 on 24 Mar 1835 and
noted "pF; R. RA precarious;
a hurried observation." His position is 30" south of a mag 14.6 star
and RNGC and ESO identify NGC 3046 as a star. I would think it likely this was a duplicate observation of
******************************
09 54 32.0 -01 17 27; Sex
V = 13.6; Size 0.5'x0.5'
17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, very small, round,
15" diameter, faint stellar nucleus.
Located 1.3' SSE of mag 8.6
George Hough discovered NGC 3047 on 24 Apr 1883 with the
18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and described as
"small and round, very faint."
Both Hough and Sherburne Burnham reobserved the galaxy on 5 May and
Dreyer credited the pair. The
discovery position in AN 2524 is 8 tsec W (only given to the nearest tenth of a
tmin) of
******************************
09 54 56.5 +16 27 23; Leo
V = 15.4; Size 0.7'x0.4'; PA = 110°
17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, very small,
round. A mag 14 star is 1.3'
SE. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3048 = m186 on 27 Apr 1864 and
simply noted "eF". His
position matches
******************************
09 54 49.6 +09 16 17; Leo
V = 12.1; Size 2.2'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 25°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, weak concentration. A mag 11 star is 3.4' NE of center and a mag 14 star lies 1.9' SW of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3049 = St. 12-37 on 13 Mar 1874 and described it as "very faint, very small, faint star very near.". His published position (list 12, #37) was measured 8 years later on 20 Mar 1882
******************************
NGC 3050 = NGC 2979 = MCG -02-25-012
09 43 08.6 -10 23 01; Sex
See observing notes for NGC 2979.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 3050 = LM 2-418 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His notes inlcude "mag 14.0, 0.6' dia, vlE 200°, gbMN." There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of time).
Harold Corwin suggests, NGC 3050 is a duplicate of NGC 2979 (discovered by WH), which is located is over 11 tmin of RA west of Muller's position! But the declination matches and the description and position angle is a good fit, so if a 10 min recording error in RA was made, this identification is likely.
******************************
NGC 3051 = NGC 3046: = ESO 499-016 = MCG -04-24-004 = LGG 185-001 = PGC 28536
09 53 58.6 -27 17 11; Ant
V = 11.8; Size 2.1'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (3/25/00): fairly faint, moderately large, round,
1.2' diameter. Broadly
concentrated halo containing a very small bright core. Located 14' ENE of mag 6.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 3051 = h3201 on 24 Mar 1835 and
recorded ""pF, S, R, gbM; 20 arcseconds." His position matches
******************************
NGC 3052 = ESO 566-026 = MCG -03-25-030 = PGC 28570
09 54 28.0 -18 38 21; Hya
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 102°
13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, slightly elongated,
diffuse, weak concentration.
Located 23' NNW of mag 4.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 3052 = H. III-272 = h3202 on
7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and noted "vF, pS, irr. A lttle brighter towards the middle." Caroline's reduced position is 1.5'
southeast of
******************************
NGC 3053 = UGC 5329 = MCG +03-25-040 = CGCG 092-074 = CGCG 093-001 = PGC 28631
09 55 33.6 +16 25 58; Leo
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 140°
17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, oval NW-SE, bright core. A mag 14.5 star is 0.9' NE. Forms a pair with NGC 3048 8.7' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3053 = H. III-600 = h3200 on
14 Jan 1787 (sweep 690) and noted "vF, S, iR." Caroline's reduced position is 1.5'
north of
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09 54 28.6 -25 42 13; Hya
V = 11.8; Size 3.8'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 123°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, diffuse halo, elongated WNW-ESE. Brightest in a group (LGG 185) including NGC 3051, 3078, 3084 and 3089.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 3054 on 3 Apr 1859, perhaps while asteroid hunting, with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory. His RA was 6 seconds of time too small.
Ormond Stone found this galaxy again on 14 Jan 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded it as #60 in the first LM first discovery list. His rough RA was ~1.5 minutes of time too large but his description (PA = 120°, 2.7'x0.8') matches this galaxy.
Based on photographs taken in 1919-20 at the Helwan Observatory, the galaxy was described as "F, 3'x2', E 110°, spiral with pF almost stellar nucleus and faint well defined whorls [arms]."
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09 55 18.1 +04 16 11; Sex
V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 63°
13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, moderately large. There is a sharper light cut-off on the east side due to dust. Located 5.7' SSE of a mag 10.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3055 = H. VI-4 = h656 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 116) and noted "a nebula or cluster of very close and small stars." His RA was 38 seconds too large. Herschel included this galaxy in class VI (Very condensed and rich clusters of stars). John Herschel made 3 observations and noted on 10 Apr 1828 (sweep 143), "pB, gbM; r; lE; 60" l, 40" br; twilight. No other cluster or neb near."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 15 Mar 1855, recorded the following detail: "E sp nf, has a B nucl and a knot in sp end, or rather a twist towards then." The following January he remarked "I see it as last year with appendage or curved branch at sp end."
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09 54 32.9 -28 17 53; Ant
V = 11.7; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 16°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, very small, bright core, very slightly elongated halo N-S. A mag 12.5 star is off the NE end.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3056 = h3203 on 30 Mar 1835 and
recorded "pB; S; R; vsmbM; has a * 10m almost contiguous; pos from neb =
203.8°. His position and
description matches
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NGC 3057 = UGC 5404 = MCG +14-05-010 = PGC 29296
10 05 39.5 +80 17 09; Dra
V = 13.0; Size 2.2'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 5°
17.5" (1/28/89): faint, moderately large, elongated. Two mag 13-14 stars are off the south edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3057 = H. III-978 on 26 Sep
1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and recorded "eF, pL vlbM. Just north of 2 small stars are are
hearly in parallel [E-W]."
Caroline's reduced position is within 1' of
******************************
09 53 35.7 -12 28 55; Hya
V = 12.5; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 35°
28" (4/12/18): at 366x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated ~3:2 SW-NE, ~40"x25", very small slightly brighter nucleus. A mag 13.6 star is 1.1' W. A very close, faint pair (~6" separation) is 1.1' SSE.
NGC 3058 is interacting with NGC 3058 NED1 = LEDA 3442467, only 18" NW of center. The companion was very faint, extremely small, ~10" diameter, virtually attached to NGC 3058.
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, round, low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 1.0' W. A wide mag 12/13 pair at 45" separation lies 2' SSW and a mag 12/13.5 pair at 30" separation E-W lies 3.5' W.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3058 = LM 1-159 on 6 May
1886 and recorded "mag 15.5, size 1.2', double or binuclear,
tri-nuclear?". There is nothing at his rough position (nearest minute of
RA) but about 2 min of RA west is the double system
Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy on 20
Apr 1892 and measured a fairly accurate position for J. 1-171 (later
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09 50 08.5 -73 55 18; Car
V = 11.0; Size 3.6'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 71°
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appears fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated. Appears to have a central bar or an elongated core (barred spiral). At moments I caught a glimpse of a faint stellar nucleus. The halo is large, ~2.5'x2.0' and seems mottled. Surrounded by a number of stars in a rich star field and situated 5' ESE of a mag 9 star. I accidentally forgot to check this object off from the previous night so it was still on my observing list, though I suspected it had been seen earlier.
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
260x appears fairly bright, large, slightly elongated, ~3.0'x2.5', weak
concentration except for a small elongated core or bar (this is a face-on
barred spiral). Overall the surface
brightness is fairly low, but fairly impressive due to its large size and
central bar. The galaxy is
surrounded by a number of mag 13 stars.
A mag 8.9 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 3059 = h3205 on 23 Mar 1835 and
recorded "F; L; irreg R; glbM; 3'; many vS stars near and in
it." His position (corrected
in a list of errata at the end of the CGH) matches
NGC 2867 was probably first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "eF * involved in circular nebula, possible ring neb."
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09 56 19.2 +16 49 52; Leo
V = 13.0; Size 2.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 78°
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, bright core, no well-defined nucleus, faint extensions taper to points.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3060 = H. III-601 = h3204 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 690) and recorded "vF, cS, lE, easily resolvable."
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09 56 11.9 +75 51 59; Dra
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (1/28/89): faint, fairly large, slightly elongated, low surface brightness. There are two faint stars at the edges; a mag 14.5 star 1.8' NW of center and a faint 15 star 0.9' SSE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3061 = H. II-903 on 2 Apr
1801 (sweep 1096) and logged "F, pL, r." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large
systematic errors. A corrected
position matching
John Herschel observed what he assumed was his father's II-903, and recorded h653 as "very doubtful. Moonlight and haze." There is nothing at or near his poisition (noted in the MN paper). JH used his position, though, and basically his father's description (changing "F" to "vF") in the GC and Dreyer repeated this in the NGC. So, NGC 3061 = H. II-903 and not h653.
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09 56 35.7 +01 25 43; Sex
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 65°
17.5" (4/15/99): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Weak concentration to a slightly brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus. Not noticed at 100x but easy at 220x. Based on description, I probably viewed the brighter core only and missed the fainter extensions. Located 45' ESE of NGC 3044.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3062 = m 187 with Lassell's
48" and noted "vF, vS, alm stellar." His position matches Marth's position matches
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10 01 41.6 +72 07 05; UMa
= **, Carlson.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3063 = H. II-909 on 30 Sep 1802 (his last sweep 1112) in the field of II-333 = NGC 3065 and II-334 = NGC 3066, "The sp one eF, vS, about 1' more south and 20 sec preceding." This probably refers to a pair of mag 14.9 stars at 11" separation that was also found by d'Arrest (GCS 5512) when he observed the pair of galaxies and d'Arrest's position was used in the NGC.
Herschel didn't include this object in his third catalogue as he had already reached his 500 object threshold, but JH added it in an appendix to the Cape Catalogue (HON = [William] Herschel omitted nebulae") and in the GC as II-909 = GC 1972. There was confusion, though, which objects were the two nebulae previously discovered. John Herschel called it was the third of three, instead of the the first of three. This confusion carried into the NGC and even Dreyer's 1912 notes on WH's third catalogue. See Corwin's notes for the full history.
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09 55 41.5 -06 21 50; Sex
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 35°
17.5" (3/25/00): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, low even surface brightness. A distinctive group of mag 11-13 stars is roughly 5' NE. The brighter mag 11 stars form a rectangle with a 13th magnitude star in the center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3064 = LM 1-161 on 6 May
1886 and noted "mag 16.0, vS, E45°." A second listing LM I-162, has the note "same as
161?" and was not included in the NGC. It may refer to a different observation of NGC 3064 or
Harold Corwin suggests it may be
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10 01 55.3 +72 10 13; UMa
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
1.0' diameter, bright core, stellar nucleus, fairly high surface
brightness. A mag 11 star is 1.4'
NW. Forms a close striking pair
with slightly fainter
William Herschel discovered NGC 3065 = H. II-333 = h654 on 3
Apr 1785 (sweep 390). His
description reads, "Two [along with II-334 = NGC 3066], pF, S, bM. The most north [NGC 3065] a little
larger and brighter than the southern one; otherwise much alike; not far from
being in the same meridian."
Caroline's reduced position is ~30 sec of RA east of
This pair was also the very last object Herschel observed on his last sweep 1112 on 30 Sep 1802 and he also noted a third object (H. II-909), which turns out to be a double star. John Herschel made a single observation on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), noting "vF; S; R; 10"; near a * 11-12m." The NGC position (from d'Arrest) matches UGC 5375.
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NGC 3066 = UGC 5379 = MCG +12-10-015 = CGCG 333-011 = Mrk 133 = PGC 29059
10 02 11.0 +72 07 31; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, gradual moderate concentration but no sharp core. Only slightly fainter than NGC 3065 3' NNW but has a smoother surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3066 = H. II-334 = h655 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and recorded "Two [along with II-333 = NGC 3065], pF, S, bM. The most north a little larger and brighter than the southern one; otherwise much alike; not far from being in the same merian." Caroline's reduced position is 30 sec of RA east of UGC 5375 and UGC 5379.
This pair was also the very last objects Herschel observed
on his last sweep 1112 on 30 Sep 1802 and he also noted a third object
(II-909), which turns out to be a double star. John Herschel made a single observation on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep
382), noting "F; R; 20"; vglbM." The NGC position (from
d'Arrest) matches
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09 58 21.1 +32 22 12; Leo
V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 105°
24" (3/28/17): at 260x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, brighter elongated central section is mottled and appears to have a sharp light cut-off (dust lane) on the northern flank, the eastern end of the galaxy has a lower surface brightness, probably due to dust. Member of the USGC U268 group.
3C 232 = Ton 469, a distant quasar with a redshift of z = .531 (light-travel time of 5.3 billion years), lies 1.9' due north. It was easily visible at 375x as a very faint mag 16 star. A brighter mag 15 star is 1.4' WSW of the quasar. This QSR was central to another Arp controversy as a “HI finger” or bridge appears to connect the quasar and NGC 3067.
24" (4/20/14): fairly bright, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.3'x0.5', contains a large bright core that is very mottled with several very small knots (HII regions and dust on the SDSS). The southeast side of the halo is weaker with an irregular surface brightness. A mag 9.8 star is 3.9' ENE.
17.5" (4/13/91): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, brighter core bulges but no nucleus, extensions taper towards ends. Located 3.8' WSW of a mag 9.5 star.
8": faint, very elongated ~E-W. A mag 9 star is 4' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3067 = H. II-492 = h657 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and noted "pB, pL, lE nearly in the parallel." John Herschel made 3 observations and wrote on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128), "pB; pL; E in parallel; gbM; 60" l, 40" br; has a * 10th mag n f."
A total of 15 observations were made at Birr Castle. On 13 Mar 1850, LdR (or assistant George Stoney) noted the following detail: "Longitudinal split visible occasionally, at least in following 2/3. A bright streak seemed to run transversely across neb."
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09 58 40.1 +28 52 39; Leo
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.1
24" (3/28/17): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, contains a small bright core, ~15" diameter. The oval halo has a very low surface brightness and appears to extend ~25"x18" E-W.
NGC 3068 is the brighter of a close, interacting pair with NGC 3068 NED1 = PGC 87670 just 36" SE (between centers). The companion was extremely to very faint, round, only 10" diameter at most. Although I couldn't hold this compact galaxy continuously (V = 15.6), it was often visible. There was no sign of a connection between the pair or the long, diffuse tidal tail to the southwest.
17.5" (4/18/98): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (much smaller than listed dimensions). A mag 12.5 star is 2.8' N. No details were visible (viewed through thin clouds) and the fainter companion 35" SW was not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3068 = H. III-293 on 12 Mar
1785 (sweep 385) and recorded"suspected, eF, eS, stellar. 240 left it
doubtful, but showed the same suspicious nebulous which other stars of equal
size were free from." His
position is 6' N of
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09 57 56.7 +10 25 57; Leo
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6
13.1" (4/10/86): very faint, very small. Located on a line with
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 3069 on 15 Mar 1877 as LdR's assistant. While observing NGC 3070 he noted
"5' nnp is an object which I have little doubt is a vF, vS, neb, perhaps
lE. Clouds." At his
separation and direction is
Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy on 22 Mar 1892 and recorded J. 1-175 as "pF, vS, iF". His position is very close north of NGC 3069. CGCG labels this galaxy IC 580, but it is clear NGC 3069 = IC 580. See Harold Corwin's notes.
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NGC 3070 = UGC 5350 = MCG +02-26-006 = CGCG 064-011 = PGC 28796
09 58 06.9 +10 21 35; Leo
V = 12.3; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, small, round, prominent
core, stellar nucleus. Located 13'
WSW of mag 7.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 3070 = H. II-59 = h659 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 172) and recorded "vS, cometic; There is a vB star in the fiedl with it and the nebula is the 4th in a row from the bright star both included; the two stars between are small." John Herschel noted in Jan 1828 (sweep 123), "pB; pL; R; gbM; 40"."
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09 58 53.1 +31 37 12; Leo
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 176°
18" (3/11/07): very faint, extremely small, round, 0.2'
diameter (core region?), very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located 33' SW of 5.4-magnitude 20
Leonis Majoris. Forms a pair with
very compact
Johann Palisa discovered NGC 3071 on 10 Mar 1886 with the
12-inch refractor at Vienna University Observatory. His micrometric position in
AN 2782 matches
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09 57 23.9 -19 21 18; Hya
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 71°
17.5" (3/16/96): faint, very elongated WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.4', very small brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3072 = H. III-273 = h3206 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and noted "eF, vS, irr." His position is within 1' of ESO 566-033 = PGC 28749. John Herschel made two observations at the Cape, logging on sweep 561 "vF; E; glbM; 60" l; 50" br."
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10 00 52.0 +55 37 07; UMa
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, round. Located 10' WSW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 3073 = H. III-853, along
with NGC 3079, on 1 Apr 1790 (sweep 955) and logged "vF, S,
vglbM." Caroline's reduced
position is 8 seconds of RA west of
******************************
09 59 41.2 +35 23 34; LMi
V = 12.7; Size 2.3'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 145°
17.5" (4/18/98): faint, moderately large, round. Appears as a diffuse, low surface brightness glow, ~1.5' diameter with only a weak concentration to a slightly brighter core. A mag 14.5 star lies 1.9' NE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3074 = H. III-542 = h660 on
28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and recorded "cF, L, iF. Part of it 5' long and 4' br." Caroline's reduced position is 8 sec of
RA preceding
******************************
09 58 56.2 +14 25 07; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 135°
17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE. A mag 14 star is involved at the NNW end 0.6' from center and a mag 15 star is close off the east side 1.5' ESE of center. Located 2.9' NW of a mag 10 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3075 = h3207 on 18 Mar 1836 and recorded "vvF; forms an appendage to a star 14 mag; a star 11 mag follows." His position is accurate. This is one of 3 galaxies he discovered that night in Leo.
******************************
09 57 37.6 -18 10 43; Hya
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (3/16/96): faint, small, round, 35" diameter, even surface brightness. Located 50" S of a mag 13 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3076 = h3208 on 12 Feb 1836 and logged "eF, S, R, 15"." His RA is 33 tsec too large.
******************************
10 03 19.1 +68 44 02; UMa
V = 9.9; Size 5.4'x4.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 45°
24" (4/20/14): at 260x appeared very bright, very large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, large bright core, gradually increases to a small brighter inner core and occasionally a faint stellar nucleus. The outer halo seems brighter or more extensive on the north-following side and gradually fades, so the periphery has a very low surface brightness. Two similar unequal doubles are in the field: ∑1400 = 8.0/9.8 at 3.4" lies 3.8' NW and ∑1398 = 8.1/11.4 at 3.6" lies 10".
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly bright, fairly large outer halo
elongated SW-NE, increases to brighter core. Mag 7.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 3077 = H. I-286 = h658 on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1100) and remarked "vB, cL, R, vgmbM. On the north-following side there is a faint ray interrupting the roundness." Caroline's reduced position is 8' too far south. Wilhelm Struve independently found the galaxy in 1825 or 1826 and included in his list of 9 "Nebulae dectae" in an appendix to his main catalogue of double stars (∑ 3). John Herschel's position, measured on 28 Oct 1831 (sweep 377) was accurate in declination, but 1 min of RA too far west. Ralph Copeland, observing with LdR's 72" on 26 Dec 1873, noted "vB, L, R, comet like with 2 streams of neby towards the south."
******************************
09 58 24.5 -26 55 36; Hya
V = 11.1; Size 2.5'x2.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 177°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, very
bright core, slightly elongated halo, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3078 = H. II-268 = h3209 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 676) and recorded "F, S, R, a bright point in the middle or cometic." JH loigged "B, R, gmbM, 30"."
******************************
NGC 3079 = UGC 5387 = MCG +09-17-010 = CGCG 266-008 = Holm 156a = PGC 29050
10 01 57.3 +55 40 54; UMa
V = 10.9; Size 7.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 165°
48" (4/18/15): I made another short observation of this
remarkable asymmetric edge-on at 375x and 488x before observing the Twin
Quasars, which lie 14' NNW. The
brightest portions of this 6:1 edge-on NNW-SSE is warped and bowed out towards
the east in the very bright central section. An intense nucleus is within this
central section, though offset to the east of center. The west side of the central section is irregular in surface
brightness due to dust. The
northern extention thins and has a slight bend on the north end, beyond a mag
14 star. On the south side is a
bright streak, but to the east of this streak and further south the galaxy is
dusty and sections of the galaxy appear to be highly obscured. Two mag 14 stars are off the west side
of the galaxy and mag 9.6
Both components of the Twin Quasars at mag 16.7 and 16.9 were easily visible nearly continuously at 697x. The southern component was clearly slightly brighter, although the delta mag is only 0.2. At 6" separation, the pair was relatively widely split.
48" (4/6/13): I only took a quick look at this gorgeous
showpiece edge-on at 375x. The
entire length of the galaxy appeared very mottled, clumpy and dusty, although
there was no distinct dust lane.
The shape is irregular and sharply rises to an intense, very elongated 4:1
core that bulges and appears offset from the geometric center. A mag 14 star is superimposed on the
north side and
18" (3/13/10): fascinating view at 280x. NGC 3079 appeared very bright, edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE, 7'x1.4'. The galaxy extends a little bit beyond a mag 13 star near the north tip of the galaxy and on the south end the galaxy extends beyond a line drawn between mag 9.6 HD 237858 off the SE end and a mag 13.5 star to the west of the southern extension. Contains a bright elongated 4:1 core, which appears clumpy and mottled with a noticeable irregular surface brightness. The NNW extension is tilted further towards the west than the core, so appears misaligned. In addition, the south extension appears warped or has a missing portion on the eastern side probably due to dust, so the entire galaxy has a bent, very striking asymmetric appearance.
14.5" (4/12/21): at 226x; bright, very elongated up to 5:1 NNW-SSE, ~6'x1.2' with unusual structure. Contains a large, bright central region with a very elongated bright core offset to the east side. The eastern flank of the galaxy is also better defined and noticeably bowed outwards, while the western side is nearly flat, creating an asymmetric appearance. The galaxy tapers on the north end and extends just beyond a mag 13.8 star pinned against the W edge. The southern extension doesn't taper and has a lower surface brightness as if affected by dust.
17.5" (3/12/88): very bright, large, edge-on 6:1
NNW-SSE, bright core. Forms a trio
with NGC 3073 10' WSW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 3079 = H. V-47, along with NGC 3073, on 1 Apr 1790 (sweep 955) and recorded "cB or vB, mE from np to sf, about 8' l and 2' br, vgmbM." His position is accurate.
******************************
09 59 55.9 +13 02 37; Leo
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (3/29/97): faint, small, round, 40"
diameter, weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core. A mag 13.5 star lies 2.1' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3080 = H. III-934 on 1 Apr
1794 while observing Uranus, the "Georgian Planet". It is not recorded in Caroline's
"fair copy" of WH's sweeps and found while the telescope was out of
the meridian. His offset from
Uranus (I used sky-simulation software for the 1794 position of Uranus) is
within 1.5' of
******************************
09 59 29.5 -22 49 35; Hya
V = 12.0; Size 2.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 158°
48" (4/18/15): this beautiful resonance ring galaxy was viewed at 488x and 610x. It was very sharply concentrated with a very bright, roundish core (slightly oval at 610x) core that gradually increased to a stellar nucleus. The surface brightness dropped significantly in the inner halo, but then brightened at the edge to a well defined oval ring, extending 5:3 WSW-ENE, 1.3'x0.8'. The ring was fairly narrow and brightened slightly at the ends of the major axis (southwest and northeast ends). This was a very distinctive object! The core itself contains a barred ring, but this feature was not seen.
48" (5/3/19): at 488x; NGC 3081 is one of the most distinctive resonant ring galaxies; it was sharply concentrated with an extremely bright core that appeared roundish, moderately large, gradually intensified further towards the center. The slightly elongated elongated halo displayed a noticeable edge brightening forming a fairly low contrast ring.
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, very bright compact core, possible stellar nucleus. The fainter oval halo is extended E-W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3081 = H. III-596 on 21 Dec
1786 (sweep 660) and recorded "vF, S, lbM. South of a triangle of unequal small stars." Caroline's
reduced position is 7 seconds of time west of
Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 11 Apr
1898 and recorded it in list XI-103 (later
******************************
09 58 53.0 -30 21 27; Ant
V = 12.5; Size 1.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 26°
17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4'. A pleasing pair of mag 13 stars (oriented N-S) is just off the NE end.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3082 = h3210 on 30 Mar 1835 and
recorded "vF, S, R, close to a double star. Requires verifying." His position and description matches
******************************
09 59 49.6 -02 52 40; Sex
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 50°
17.5" (3/16/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2
SW-NE, 0.8'x0.3'. A group of ~10
stars mag 12-14 lies a few arcmin NE.
Located at NW end of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3083 = m 188 on 22 Jan 1865 and
noted "eF, S, E." His
position matches
******************************
NGC 3084 = ESO 499-029 = MCG -04-24-010 = IC 2528? = LGG 185-004 = PGC 28841
09 59 06.4 -27 07 44; Ant
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 2°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core. A mag 13 star is off the SE end 25" from center. Member of the NGC 3054 group (LGG 185).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3084 = h3211 on 26 Mar 1835 and
recorded "vF, S, R, attached to a star 13m sf." His position and
description matches
Lewis Swift's possibly found this galaxy on 28 Dec 1897 and
recorded Sw. 11-102 as "eeeF; eeS; R; double star south; 3078 in field; ee
diff." His position is 30 sec
of RA west and 3.5' south of NGC 3084 and his description doesn't help (a
single star is attached to the galaxy and a 5" faint unequal pair is 2.5'
SE), so the identification of
******************************
09 59 29.2 -19 29 32; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 119°
13.1" (4/10/86): faint, very small, elongated
WNW-ESE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3085 = h3212 on 23 Mar 1835 and
recorded "vF; vS; R. PD
liable to some uncertainty."
His position is 1.5' south of
******************************
10 00 10.9 -02 58 34; Sex
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 145°
17.5" (3/16/96): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, low even surface brightness. Located 4.8' WSW of NGC 3090 at the west side of the NGC 3090 group.
17.5" (4/4/92): extremely faint, small, round, averted only. Located 5' WSW of NGC 3090 in a group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3086 = m 189 on 22 Jan 1865 and
recorded "eF, S, iR." His position matches
******************************
09 59 08.7 -34 13 31; Ant
V = 11.6; Size 2.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 42°
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, very small, small bright core, fainter halo. Bracketed by two mag 12/13 stars. Member of a poor group (LGG 184).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3087 = h3213 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "pB; S; R; pmbM; between 2 st 13m." His position is accurate.
Joseph Turner, observing with the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 8 Mar 1878, noted the star directly north [by 1.4' from center] was double. Pietro Baracchi described it as "B; S; R: gbM; sparkling; resolvable? A star 13m precedes by 5 1/2 sec and is on the same declination."
******************************
10 01 08.4 +22 24 20; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.0
28" (4/12/18): at 285x;
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, very small, high surface brightness, possibly elongated ~E-W, either a stellar nucleus or a very faint star superimposed. A string of four collinear stars mag 11.5-13.3 is SW; the closest is a mag 12 star 4.8' WSW and the farther two forms a nice wide double (12.4/13.3 at 35"). There is an impression of faint haze off the SE end of galaxy which creates a sense of elongation. On the POSS, this is a double system – the "faint haze" off the SE end is an edge-on galaxy (MCG +04-24-010 = NGC 3088B).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3088 = H. III-24 = h661 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "I suspect a vS nebula. [Higher power] rather confirmed it, but still left a doubt." His position is 8 sec of RA east of this double system. On 16 Feb 1860 from Birr Castle, Samuel Hunter wrote, "I think there are two wings, spp and sff." These probably refer to the two components.
The components
have dimensions a) 0.9'x0.8' and b) 0.7'x0.2' and are listed separately
as
******************************
09 59 36.5 -28 19 53; Ant
V = 12.4; Size 1.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 139°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, small, round,
diffuse. Unusual appearance as
four or five faint stars involved, most near the east end. Located 2.2' W of mag 7.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 3089 = h3214 on 5 Feb 1837 and
recorded "pF; R; 60" has 2 or 3 vS stars involved, and a *8 m; 2'
dist, foll[owing." His
position is 1' N of
******************************
NGC 3090 = MCG +00-26-005 = CGCG 008-016 = WBL 248-003 = PGC 28945
10 00 30.2 -02 58 06; Sex
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 90°
17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4' NW-SE, small bright core. Located 34" S of a mag 11 star.
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, small, round, bright core. A mag 10.5 star is at the north edge 33" from center which detracts from viewing. Brightest in a group of six NGC galaxies (MKW 1 = WBL 248) with NGC 3086 5' WSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3090 = m 190 on 22 Jan 1865 and
noted "vF, vS." His
position matches
******************************
NGC 3091 = HCG 42A = ESO 566-041 = MCG -03-26-007 = PGC 28927
10 00 14.1 -19 38 11; Hya
V = 11.1; Size 3.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 149°
48" (4/1/11): extremely bright, large, oval 4:3
NNW-SSE, ~2.2'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a brilliant core that increases
to the center. Brightest of four
in HCG 42 with two additional fainter galaxies noted in the group (
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; very bright,
fairly large, slightly elongated
NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core and a 2'
halo. HCG 42, just of the NW edge,
appeared nearly moderately bright, small, round, 18" diameter,
quasi-stellar nucleus..
24" (2/9/13): very bright, fairly large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and a very large fainter halo, extending ~2'x1.5'. HCG 42C, just off NW edge of the halo, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, high surface brightness, brightens to the center.
17.5" (3/28/87): bright, moderately large, very small
bright core, slightly elongated halo NW-SE. A 14th magnitude "star" 1.3' NW is actually the
compact galaxy
13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, small, round, very bright core, substellar nucleus, very faint star close NW. Brightest in HCG 42.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3091 = H. II-293 = h3215 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "pB, S, bM, iR." John Herschel called this galaxy "pB; pS; the preceding of two [with NGC 3096].
******************************
10 00 47.4 -03 00 45; Sex
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 30°
17.5" (3/16/96): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', very low surface brightness. A mag 13 star lies 1.7' SE and a mag 12 star 2' N. Located 5' SE of NGC 3090 in a group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3092 = m 191 on 22 Jan 1865 and
noted "eF, S". His
position is 2.5' south of
******************************
NGC 3093 = MCG +00-26-007 = CGCG 008-021 = WBL 248-006 = PGC 28977
10 00 53.5 -02 58 20; Sex
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 50°
17.5" (3/16/96): faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter with a hint of a small halo. Located in the NGC 3090 group 5.8' due east of NGC 3090 among a small group of stars. A mag 10.5 star is 2.8' NW, a mag 13 star 2' SE and a mag 12 star 2.2' WSW. NGC 3092 lies 2.9' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3093 = m 192 on 22 Jan 1865 and
noted "eF, vS". His
position matches
******************************
10 01 26.0 +15 46 13; Leo
V = 12.3; Size 2.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 75°
17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated SW-NE, brighter core.
A mag 10 star is attached at the SE end 0.6' from center. Located 6.2' NNE of mag 7.8
Johann Palisa discovered NGC 3094 on 31 Dec 1885 with the
12-inch refractor at Vienna University Observatory. His micrometric position in AN 2732 matches
******************************
10 00 05.6 -31 33 08; Ant
V = 11.7; Size 3.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 126°
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE. A mag 12
star is off the preceding side 1.0' from the center. Appears brighter on the west end or an extremely faint star
is involved.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3095 = h3216 on 16 Feb 1836,
along with NGC 3100 = h3218, and recorded "F; L; E; vglbM; 3' l; 2'
br." His position and
description applies to
******************************
NGC 3096 = HCG 42B = ESO 566-042 = MCG -03-26-008 = PGC 28950
10 00 33.1 -19 39 43; Hya
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 170°
48" (4/1/11): this member of HCG 42 appeared fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3, 0.9'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 1.5' NE and a mag 10.6 star is 1.8' NW. Forms a pair with fainter PGC 852084 1.3' SW (not included by Hickson). The mag 12 star, NGC 3096, PGC 852084 and a mag 13.8 star are collinear and nearly equally spaced on a 3.7' line oriented NE to SW.
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 25"x16", fairly high surface brightness, small bright core. Forms the vertex of a right triangle with a mag 11.5 star 1.5' NE and a mag 10.6 star 1.8' NW.
24" (2/9/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 24"x12" (central bar), very small brighter nucleus. The larger, low surface brightness halo was not seen. Located 1.5' SW of a mag 11.5 star and 1.8' SE of a mag 10.6 star.
17.5" (3/28/87): faint, weak concentration, visible with direct vision. Located 4.7' ESE of NGC 3091 in HCG 42.
13.1" (4/10/86): extremely faint, small, round, requires averted. Located 5' ESE of NGC 3091.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3096 = h3217 on 23 Mar 1835 and
recorded "eF; R; lbM; follows II 293 [NGC 3091]. (Place somewhat uncertain.)" His position is 7 sec of RA east 1.5' north of
******************************
10 04 18 +60 08; UMa
= Not found, Corwin.
Edward P. Austin discovered NGC 3097 = HN 39 in 1870 at the
Harvard College Observatory with the 15" f/18 Merz refractor (Annals of
Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, 177)
Austin recorded both
RNGC misidentifies NGC 3097 as a duplicate of NGC 3102.
******************************
10 02 16.7 +24 42 40; Leo
V = 12.0; Size 2.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 90°
13.1": moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, brighter core.
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, very elongated E-W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3098 = h663 on 19 Feb 1827
(sweep 58) and logged "pB; S; mE in parallel; 30" l, 10" br; bM
to nucleus." His position and
description matches
******************************
10 02 36.5 +32 42 25; LMi
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.55'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 146°
17.5" (4/9/94): very faint, small, round, easily held
with direct vision, very weak even concentration down to a slightly brighter
nucleus. A mag 15 star is 2.7'
N. Located 17' WNW of mag 7.6 SAO
61840. Forms a double system with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3099 = H. III-478 = h664 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and noted "eF, S, left doubtful." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 3100 = NGC 3103 = ESO 435-030 = MCG -05-24-018 = AM 0958-312 = PGC 28960
10 00 40.8 -31 39 52; Ant
V = 11.1; Size 3.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 154°
48" (5/12/12): very bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 NNW-SSE, ~2.0'x1.2', sharply concentrated with a very bright oval core that gradually increases to the center. Three stars are close following; two mag 10.5/12 stars lie 1.3' E and 1.5' SE, with a closer mag 14 star 0.9' SE of center. We took a look at NGC 3100 because an uncatalogued companion (not found in NED or HyperLeda) is just 0.9' SE. At 488x the companion was easily visible and appeared fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, ~21"x7", situated just north of the mag 14 star mentioned above.
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, small, round, bright core. Two mag 10/11.5 stars are 1.3' E and 1.5' SE (30" separation N-S). Brightest in a group with NGC 3095 11' NW and NGC 3108 23' E.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3100 = h3218, along with NGC 3095 = h3216, on 16 Feb 1836 and recorded "pB, R, 30", gpmbM." His position is accurate.
Lewis Swift probably found
******************************
10 01 35.4 -02 59 40; Sex
V = 14.4; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 150°
18" (3/11/07): very faint, small, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.2', very weak concentration. A small group of 4 NGC galaxies with brightest member NGC 3090 lies 10' to 20' W.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3101 = m 193 on 22 Jan 1865 and
noted "eF". His position
matches
******************************
NGC 3102 = UGC 5418 = MCG +10-15-007 = CGCG 289-030 = CGCG 290-004 = PGC 29220
10 04 31.7 +60 06 29; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 7.0' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3102 = H. III-916 = h662 on
9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar neb. Near a small star. I wished to see it with a higher power,
but it was too far advanced."
Caroline's reduced position is 2.4' southwest of
******************************
NGC 3103 = NGC 3100 = ESO 435-030 = MCG -05-24-018 = PGC 28960
10 00 40.8 -31 39 52; Ant
See observing notes for NGC 3100
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3103 = Sw. 3-53 on 27 Feb 1886 and recorded "eF; pL; R; coarse D * nr p; [NGC 3108] in field. There is nothing at his position, but 50 seconds of time preceding and 1' north is NGC 3100. The coarse double star he mentions, though, follows the galaxy. Herbert Howe examined the field in 1899-00 and reported that Swift "saw 3100, but did not take its place with sufficient accuracy." So, NGC 3100 = NGC 3103, with NGC 3100 the primary designation.
******************************
10 03 57.3 +40 45 25; LMi
V = 13.1; Size 3.3'x2.2'; Surf Br = 15.1; PA = 35°
17.5" (4/18/98): faint, moderately large, ~1.5'-2' diameter although seems irregular in shape. Appears as a low but irregular surface brightness glow with a mag 13 star embedded at the south edge. Unusual appearance and could be mistaken for a reflection nebula around the star. With averted vision a fainter outer halo "grows" at times to 2.5' diameter nearly to a mag 14 star off the NE edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3104 = H. IV-48 = h665 on 18
Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and logged "a vF star affected with vF
nebulosity. E from sp to nf about
1' long. With 300 the same."
Caroline's reduced position is 14 sec east of
******************************
10 00 40 -54 47 18; Vel
V = 9.7; Size 2'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright compact cluster of just 2.5' diameter with 15 stars resolved at 200x. Using 350x the total increases to ~20 stars in a 2.5' region. A close unequal double is close west of center. A 25" pair of mag 11.5 stars lies 3' NE. Located 3' NW of a mag 9.6 star and 36' ESE of mag 3.5 Phi Velorum.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3105 = h3219 on 10 Apr 1834 and recorded "a small close clustering knot of stars 13-16 mag; oval; a great train of stars 12..13 mag on the S.p. side." HIs position is an exact match with this small cluster. Trumpler (Lick Obs Bul, Vol 14, No. 420) gives the diameter as 2.5' and the class as 2 2 p.
******************************
10 04 05.2 +31 11 07; LMi
V = 12.4; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter, sharply concentrated with faint halo and abrupt bright nucleus. A mag 13.7 star is 2.7' N of center. Situated almost at the midpoint of a mag 11.5 star 5.3' WNW and a mag 12 star 4.9' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3106 = H. II-320 = h666 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and logged "F, pS, R, lbM." John Herschel noted on 27 Jan 1827 (sweep 56), "F; S; R; smbM; is equal to a * 12m."
******************************
10 04 22.4 +13 37 17; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 140°
17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated NW-SE. Located
1.8' NW of mag 8.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 3107 = H. II-898 on 22 Mar 1794 while observing Uranus, which was used as a reference star. His description in his 3rd catalogue reads "By coarse estimation. F. 3' north of a pL red star. This nebula was seen at 8h 49m, sidereal time, the telescope being out of the meridian [observing Uranus]." The observation is not in Caroline's fair copy of the sweep records.
Three observations were made at Birr Castle. The RA is very close in the GC to UGC 5425 (6 tsec too far west), although the dec is ~7' too far south. In the 17 Mar 1876 observation at Birr Castle, the position is discussed and it states the RA is 54 seconds too large in the GC (due to a misidentification of a red star close south of the galaxy). So, the RA in the NGC is 48 seconds too large!
UGC, CGCG and MCG don't label their entries as NGC 3107. See Corwin's notes for a complete discussion.
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NGC 3108 = ESO 435-032 = MCG -05-24-019 = AM 1000-312 = LGG 187-002 = PGC 29076
10 02 29.1 -31 40 36; Ant
V = 11.8; Size 2.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 110°
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, weakly concentrated. Located 1.5' NE of a mag 10.5 star. Two mag 14 stars are 0.9' NE and 1.1' NW. NGC 3100 lies 23' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3108 = h3220 on 28 Jan 1835 and
noted "F; S; R; lbM; 15"."
His position (measured on two sweeps) matches
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10 03 07 -26 09 30; Hya
V = 9.9; Size 19.1'x3.7'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 93°
48" (5/4/16): fairly bright, very large, very elongated 6:1 E-W, ~15'x2.5'. Contains a large brighter irregular core region but no nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is superimposed near the center and a number of fainter stars are superimposed. Overall the surface brightness is fairly low but patchy with several very small knots.
Near the southwest edge of the galaxy, 3.9' WSW of the mag 12.5 star, is a faint 12" knot, identified in SIMBAD as [BCP93] F3 H2 from the 1993 paper "The dwarf galaxy NGC 3109. I - The data". A faint 10" knot, listed as [BCP93] F1 H3, is 1.1' NW of the same star and another quasi-stellar knot (perhaps a faint star) is close northwest of the star. Finally, on the southeast flank of the galaxy is a faint larger patch, perhaps 15"-20", catalogued as [BCP93] F5 H1.
14.5" (4/12/21): fairly faint, huge low surface brightness irregular glow, very elongated ~5:1 E-W, ~10'x2'. Very patchy appearance with a slightly brighter central region with no core or nucleus. A mag 13 star is superimposed near the center. Several faint mag 14 stars are either superimposed or nearby and confuse tracing the ragged outline.
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, very large, very elongated 4:1 E-W, diffuse. Appears as a low surface brightness streak with very weak concentration.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3109 = h3221 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; vL; 12' l; 2' br; lbM; pos of axis 82.3°. See pl. V. fig 9." His position and description and sketch (Plate V, figure 9) matches this large edge-on.
Joseph Turner sketch NGC 3109 in Feb 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope, though his sketch shows the galaxy extending between the four stars off the north edge (which are not involved). A lithograph based on the sketch was never published. While searching for NGC 3109 on 9 Apr 1885 with the GMT, Pietro Baracchi discovered nearby ESO 499-023.
Sidney van den Bergh concluded in his 2000 book "The Galaxies of the Local Group" that NGC 3109 was just outside the Local Group, but recent papers assume this galaxy (along with Sextans A, Sextans B and the Antlia dwarf) is at a distance of 4.2-4.4 million light, on the outskirts of the Local Group.
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10 04 02.0 -06 28 29; Sex
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2
NNW-SSE, broad weak concentration.
A mag 13.5 star is 40" NW of center and a mag 14 star lies 1.7'
S. Forms a close (interacting)
pair with
Édouard Stephan independently discovered NGC 3110 = St. 13-54 on 13 Mar 1874, recording a rough position 4' too far W. His published position (list 13, #54) was made 10 years later on 17 Mar 1884, with Emmanuel Esmiol's re-reduced position accurate to within a few arcseconds.
William Herschel made the original discovery (H. II-305 = NGC 3122) on 5 Mar
1785. The GC and NGC positions are
incorrect, though, as Herschel's position was reduced using the wrong offset
star. When corrected, H. II-305 is
an exact match with NGC 3110.
Based on historical precedence,
This galaxy was found again by Ormond Stone (list I, #182)
on 31 Dec 1885. But Stone made a 1
hour error in RA (confirmed by Corwin on Stone's discovery sketch). Dreyer assumed this was a new object,
so it was also catalogued as
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10 06 07.4 +47 15 45; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (4/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. Weak concentration to center, very faint stellar nucleus at moments. Forms eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 11/11.5 stars 4.3' SW and 4.0' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3111 = h667 on 17 Mar 1828
(sweep 138) and noted "pB; R; smbM; 20"." His mean position from 3 sweeps matches
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10 03 59.0 -20 46 56; Hya
V = 15.1; Size 1.1'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 47°
24" (2/22/14): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter. Although only visible part of the time, the observation was confirmed. Confusing the observation is a mag 16 star 40" NW that was slightly easier to view than the galaxy and it was difficult to view both objects simultaneously.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3112 = LM 1-163 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is only 2.7' east
of
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10 04 26.2 -28 26 36; Ant
V = 12.7; Size 3.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 87°
17.5" (4/15/99): this galaxy was surprisingly difficult
due to clouds low in the south obscuring the view. Appeared extremely faint, small, round, required averted
vision. Viewed only the core of
this galaxy as appeared no more than 40" in size [described as 3' diameter
by John Herschel]. Forms an obtuse
angle with mag 7.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 3113 = h3222 on 5 Feb 1837 and
recorded "eF, L, 3'; makes an obtuse angled triangle, with 2 stars 8 mag;
one nearly on the parallel, the other nearly north." His position and description matches
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10 02 30 -60 07 48; Car
V = 4.2; Size 35'
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
very bright naked-eye cluster measured some 35'-40' and was beautifully framed
in a 50' field with the 27mm Panoptic.
The cluster contains a couple of long curving chains of brighter stars,
one forming a huge "U" shaped arc. There are several pretty smaller groupings and star chains
including a striking equilateral triangle of nearly equal mag stars just north
of center, consisting of mag 9.2/9.4/10 stars at
20"/22"/27". Two
mag 6-7 stars (brightest mag 6.2
Naked-eye and 10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): very bright naked-eye cluster only 5° W of Eta Carinae. At least 3 dozen stars were resolved at only 10x in the 30mm binoculars!
James Dunlop discovered NGC 3114 = D 297 = h3224 on 8 May 1826. He described (single observation) "a beautiful cluster of stars, arranged in curvilinear lines intersecting each other, about 40' diameter, extended S.p., and N.f." This is the brightest cluster that Dunlop discovered - surprising that Lacaille missed it during his observations at the Cape of Good Hope.
On 4 Feb 1835 (sweep 543), John Herschel noted "an enormous congeries or clustering region of stars 2 or 3 fields in diameter, constituting a decided cluster. Stars 9..14th mag, the larger magnitudes predominating. There must be many hundreds." He wrote in his diary that "the night being most superb - the mirror billiant and the zone swept the richest perhaps in the heavens - attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra".
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10 05 14.1 -07 43 07; Sex
V = 8.9; Size 7.2'x2.5'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 43°
48" (2/19/12): this showpiece galaxy was stunning at 287x and 375x, with a very high surface brightness halo, ~5.5'x2', which is punctuated by a brilliant, nearly stellar nucleus. The nucleus is centered within an extremely bright, very flattened core extending 1'-1.5'. This dazzling streak dims slightly outside the central region but stretches at least 2.5' along the major axis with no breaks or significant drops in surface brightness. The view of this thin, super-luminous central disc bisecting most of the outer, elongated halo was a unique sight.
UGCA 200, a faint dwarf galaxy, lies 5.7' SE. At 375x it appeared as a faint low surface brightness patch with averted vision, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, with no central concentration. The galaxy is situated within a triangle formed by a mag 11.2 star 1.7' SE, a mag 15.3 star 1.5' NW and a mag 13.8 star 2' ENE.
18" (2/23/06): at 257x the Spindle galaxy is a gorgeous high surface brightness edge-on, ~5'x1'. Contains a small, very intense elongated core that increases to a dramatic quasi-stellar nucleus.
17.5" (1/31/87): very bright, fairly large, edge-on
spindle 3:1 SW-NE, 5.5'x1.8'.
Unusually high surface brightness, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is 3.2' S of center and
a mag 10.5 star is 8' E.
13.1" (3/24/84): stunning edge-on, very bright, small very bright core.
8" (3/24/84): very bright, high surface brightness, very bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3115 = H. I-163 = h668 = h3223 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 704). His description reads, "eB, cL, mE 45° sp to nf. The bright part about 2' long with vF branches extending in all, to 4 or 5'." On 14 Mar 1828 (sweep 136), John Herschel wrote, "vB; L; mE; vsmbM; almost to a nucl; 3' l, 30" br. With 12-inches aperture, its nucleus is rather speckled; with 6-inch it is barely discernible as a neb."
Lord Rosse observed NGC 3115 on 11 Mar 1848 (one of the earliest observations) and in 1861, Lord Rosse's assistant questioned if "Is Nucl. resolvable and oblong?"
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10 06 45.1 +31 05 51; LMi
V = 14.4; Size 0.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.6
18" (1/20/07): faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter, compact appearance with a well-defined halo, brightens slightly to a
faint stellar nucleus. A triangle
of mag 12 stars lies 5' SE (one star is 14" double with a mag 13.5
companion). Located 10' SE of mag
8.2
Johann Palisa discovered NGC 3116 on 10 Mar 1886 with the 12-inch refractor at Vienna University Observatory and reported it in AN 2782. His micrometric position is accurate.
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10 06 10.5 +02 54 46; Sex
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 30"
diameter, weak concentration to a very small brighter core. A pretty mag 9.5/11 double star at
18" separation lies 8' NNW.
Located 6' NW of mag 8.8
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3117 = St. 9-21 on 9 Feb 1877 and logged "eF, eS, R, stellar nucleus." His published position (measured on 15 Mar) is accurate.
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10 07 11.6 +33 01 39; LMi
V = 13.5; Size 2.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 41°
17.5" (4/25/92): very faint, fairly small, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.3', very low almost even surface brightness. Member of the USGC U268 group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3118 = St. 13-55 on 16 Mar 1882 and recorded a "small group of very faint stars in very faint nebulosity."
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10 06 47.9 +14 18 51; Leo
V = 14.5; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 15.1
17.5" (1/23/88): extremely faint, very small,
round. Located 4' SSW of NGC
3121. Forms the SE vertex of an
equilateral triangle with
The identification of NGC 3119 is uncertain and it may be a duplicate observation of brighter NGC 3121 instead.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3119 = m 194 on 14 Dec 1863 and
simply noted "vF". His
position is 2.3' north of
RNGC identifies CGCG 093-045 as NGC 3119 but MCG identifies
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NGC 3120 = ESO 374-029 = MCG -06-22-017 = LGG 184-005 = PGC 29278
10 05 22.9 -34 13 13; Ant
V = 12.8; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 1°
17.5" (4/1/00): fairly faint, moderately large, 1.0'
diameter, slightly elongated, weakly concentrated. A 20" pair of mag 12.5/13.5 stars are off the NW side
2' from center. A brighter pair of
stars is ~4' SW and the galaxy is nearly collinear with both pairs. A mag 9.5 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 3120 = h3225 on 22 Jan 1838
(his last sweep at the Cape of Good Hope) and noted "F, R, gbM,
40"." His position is an exact match with
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NGC 3121 = UGC 5450 = MCG +03-26-027 = CGCG 093-046 = PGC 29387
10 06 51.9 +14 22 26; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 20°
17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE. A mag 13.5 star is 3.6' W and a mag 10 star 5.5' NW. Forms a pair with NGC 3119 4' SSW.
William Lassell discovered NGC 3121 on 31 Mar 1848 with his 24" reflector at Starfield Observatory near Liverpool, England. He found this galaxy while observing Comet Mauvais 1847 IV ("almost in the field at the same time as the Comet") and reported the discovery in AN 27 [635], 171 (1848). Using the 6" Heliometer at Königsberg, Auwers described it as "faint, 1.5' diam, * 9-10m 4' north, 14-15 seconds preceding" and included it as #26 in his 1862 list of new nebulae. MCG labels this galaxy NGC 3119, though that number may also apply to this galaxy.
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NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3518 = MCG -01-26-014 = PGC 29361
10 04 02.0 -06 28 29; Sex
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
See observing notes for NGC 3110.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3122 = H. II-305 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 379) and logged "F, S, lE, easily resolvable." He failed to find it again on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 704) as he had confused the offset star on the first observation. As a result the GC and NGC position are about 36' too far ESE.
Édouard Stephan independently found this galaxy on 13 Mar 1874. His published position (list 13, #54), made on 16 Mar 1884, was 1' too far north. Dreyer assumed it was new and catalogued it again as NGC 3110 though he corrected the position in his 1912 revision of William Herschel's catalogues and stated NGC 3122 = NGC 3110. This galaxy was also found by Ormond Stone at Leander McCormick Observatory on 31 Dec 1885 (reported in list LM 1-182) and later catalogued as NGC 3518. Harold Corwin discovered that Stone's position was off by 1 hr in RA. So, NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3518.
RNGC and PGC misidentify
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10 18 11.9 +00 02 25; Sex
= *, Gottlieb. =Not found, Corwin and Carlson.
Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 3123 = HN 15 on 31 Mar 1859 and simply noted as a "nebulous object" by Bond (director of the Harvard Observatory) in AN #1453. There are no nonstellar objects in the vicinity of the listed position, given roughly as 9 59 48 +/- 4s, +0 45' +/- 2' for 1859. That's not unusual as all 8 of Coolidge's other nebulous objects are single or multiple stars. Bigourdan, Reinmuth or Carlson were unable to find his object and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. Harold Corwin lists a few possible candidates (stars) near Coolidge's position.
But in March 2015 I took a look at the Zone Catalogue (volume 6 from HCO, page 4-5) and found the number derived from star #47 (preceding #57 = NGC 3229), in which Coolidge noted "has a perceptible disc?" Furthermore, #47 was measured in Zone 117 but not Zone 118, so the position was not confirmed. The only problem is the dec for entry #47 fits the range given by Bond but not the RA, though perhaps he made a copying mistake. Assuming Coolidge's single position is Zone 117 is accurate, then NGC 3123 refers to a single star at 10 18 11.9 +00 02 25 (J2000).
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10 06 40.0 -19 13 21; Hya
V = 12.1; Size 3.0'x2.5'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 165°
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly large, round, 2.5' diameter, diffuse, very weak broad concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 2.4' N of center. A pleasing double star, South 607 = 8.8/10.0 at 9.5" lies 5' S.
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, very large, diffuse, broad concentration, no nucleus.
13.1" (4/10/86): faint, large, very diffuse, weak concentration, no nucleus, lies 4' N of double star S607 8.5/9.5 at 9".
John Herschel discovered NGC 3124 = h3226 on 23 Mar 1835 and
recorded "F, L, R, lbM, has a fine double star exactly south." His description and position clearly
apply to
NGC 3124 was probably first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "possibly a ring nebula.". It was photographed a couple of times at the Helwan Observatory with the 30" Reynolds reflector and an image taken between 1914-16 revealed an "open spiral" of size 2' x 2'.
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10 06 33.1 -29 56 08; Ant
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 114°
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, roundish, brighter core. NGC 3125 is a nearby blue compact dwarf galaxy. Member of the NGC 3125 group (LGG 189).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3125 = h3227 on 30 Mar 1835 and
noted "F; R: gbM; 20"."
His mean position from two observations matches
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10 08 20.8 +31 51 47; LMi
V = 12.8; Size 2.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 123°
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on
5:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.4', faint thin arms, fairly well-defined round core. A mag 11 star is 4.7' N of center. Located 15' N of mag 6.2
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3126 on 30 Apr 1864 and
recorded "F, S, not lE, mag 15 nucleus. Confirmation still needed." This was his only observation,
but his position matches
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10 06 24.8 -16 07 34; Hya
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 55°
18" (4/10/04): very faint, very small, very elongated
3:1 SW-NE, 24"x8", weak concentration. The extensions appear to fade at the tips. Situated near the
midpoint of a mag 10 star 1.6' SE and a mag 12.5 star 1.1' NW. Forms a pair with brighter
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3127 = LM 1-164, along
with NGC 3128, on 1 Jan 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 1.6'x0.7', vE
45°." His rough position
(nearest min of RA) is ~1 tmin east of
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NGC 3128 = MCG -03-26-020 = KTS 38A = PGC 29330
10 06 01.4 -16 07 19; Hya
V = 13.5; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 174°
18" (4/10/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.8'x0.5'. The surface brightness appears irregular with a broadly concentrated core. The extensions are more difficult and require averted vision and seem patchy or knotty. Forms a pair with NGC 3127 5.6' E.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3128 = LM 1-165, along
with NGC 3127, on 1 Jan 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 1.3'x0.7', vE
170°." His rough RA (nearest
minute of time) is 1.3 minutes east of
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10 08 19.2 +18 25 51; Leo
= **, Corwin
William Herschel discovered NGC 3129 = H. III-35 = h669 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "vS, E, r. 240 showed it better than 157." There is nothing near his position besides stars. John Herschel made an observation on 13 Mar 1831 (sweep 332) and noted, "eF; S; R. Forms a triangle with 2 stars." He only gave a very rough position (from his working list).
It was searched for unsuccessfully at Birr Castle on 3 attempts and was not found by Reinmuth on Heidelberg plate in his photographic survey. No modern catalogue has a listing for NGC 3129. Harold Corwin identifies NGC 3129 as a double star (13" pair of mag 14 stars) at WH's position. There are two stars to the east, which form the vertex of a triangle (as in JH's description). See Corwin's identification notes.
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10 08 12.3 +09 58 37; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 30°
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration. The visibility of this galaxy is hindered by by the glare of 31 Leonis (V = 4.6) just 4.7' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3130 = h670 on 19 Jan 1828
(sweep 123) and recorded "eF; S; psbM; follows 31 Leonis 16.5s, and is 1'
40" south of it." His
position and description clearly applies to
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10 08 36.5 +18 13 52; Leo
V = 13.0; Size 2.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 54°
17.5" (3/29/97): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 2.0'x0.6', broad concentration. The major axis is bracketed by two mag 13.5 stars 1.7' SSE and 3.1' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3131 = h671 on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334) and recorded "pB; pmE; gbM; 40" l and 20" br. Found in looking for III. 65 by working list." R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 10 Jan 1856, suspected a knot in the preceding end.
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10 07 01.8 -40 26 11; Vel
V = 9.7; Size 62"x43"
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 40° elevation in Costa Rica along the Gulf of Nicoya , NGC 3132 was quite beautiful at 200x and 260x. The 10th magnitude "central star" (an unseen 16th mag companion at 1.65" separation is the true ionizing star) is embedded in the center of a very bright, elongated annulus with a darker center and interesting outer ring elongated NW-SE. The oval ring is relatively narrow with a brighter outer rim. Surrounding the ring is a faint, thin outer shell. The ring is slightly offset in orientation to the major axis of the planetary giving a complex multi-ring appearance.
17.5" (3/28/87): very bright, moderately large, oval. A dark ring surrounds the bright mag 10 central star. Viewed at only 10°-11° elevation.
13.1" (2/23/85): darker around the central star at high power.
8" (3/28/81): mag 9 central star surrounded by a fairly bright, moderately large disc, striking.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3132 = h3228 on 2 Mar 1835 and recorded "Planetary nebula, very large, very bright, elliptic; has in it a 9th mag star somewhat excentric. Its light is exactly equable, ie. not increasing towards the middle; yet I cannot help imagining it to be closely dotted. It is just like a star out of focus in certain states of the mirror and atmosphere. Three stars near, a = 9th mag; b = 9th mag; c = 14th mag; A very extraordinary object." On a later observation he logged, "Planetary nebula with a 10th mag star in centre; very bright; very well defined, and perfectly equable all over in light, there being no condensation up to the centre. The star is sharp, the nebula velvety, or like infinitely fine dust; a star 14th mag at a distance rather more than a radius of neb from edge (by diagram); has its position from centre = 333.8°." Sketch on Plate VI, figure 9.
Herschel sketched NGC 3132 and other planetary nebulae from the Cape of Good Hope, commenting: "[these] represent planetary nebulae, a class of special interest, and of which, considering their general rarity, the southern heavens have afforded a rather unexpectedly large harvest. Those only are here delineated which have either accompanying stars, or which are distinguished by some peculiarity, as ... [NGC 3132] which has a star or a small disc near its centre". He was clearly impressed as the next night he showed to Thomas Maclear, Astronomer Royal at the Cape, and observed it on his very last sweep at the Cape on 22 Jan 1838.
Father Angelo Secchi published a sketch (fig. 16) and
description in 1856 using the 9.6" refractor in Rome. He called it a "beautiful and
large ring nebula similar to that of the Hydra [
In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, reported NGC 3132 displayed an emission line in an early spectroscopic investigation while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.
The first photograph was probably taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1909-1911 with the 30" Reynolds reflector. Knox-Shaw described it as "annular rather than planetary, but the inside of the ring is almost filled by the image of the central star. Lassell's drawings are good." On a later photograph he reported "vB, pS, lE 150° ±, annular, ring fainter on up side. B star not quite central, and thus probably unconnected."
In "Southern Gems", Stephen O'Meara states James Dunlop discovered NGC 3132 while making observations for the 1826 Brisbane Star Catalogue (published in 1835). In a footnote to #3085 he noted "Dusky Yellow - a fine Planetary disk." John Herschel recognized Dunlop's observation in a letter to Thomas Maclear in 1835.
A star (
The nickname "Eight Burst Nebula" was coined by Harlow Shapley and John S. Paraskevopoulos in "Photographs of Thirty Southern Nebula and Clusters" (1940PNAS...26...31S). Based on a series of photographs of NGC 3132 taken with the 60" reflector (mirror from Andrew Ainslie Common) at the Boyden station in Bloemfontein, South Africa, they wrote: "A series of photographs of varying exposures would be necessary to bring out the intricate details…. It could well be named the "8-burst" planetary from the number of distinct arcs on the boundary of the main disk or shell".
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10 07 12.8 -11 57 55; Hya
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 25°
18" (4/10/04): extremely faint, small, 0.4'x0.3'. Visible less than 50% of the time with averted vision so orientation difficult to determine but I was certain of the sighting. Located 5' NE of a mag 10.4 star.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3133 = LM 2-419 in
1886. He noted "mag 16.2,
0.2' dia, R." There is
nothing at his position but 1 min 18 sec of RA west is
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10 12 29.2 +12 22 37; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 51°
17.5" (3/29/97): faint, very small, consists of a 15" core with a faint very thin extension to the SW. The corresponding arm to the NE was not seen, so the appearance is asymmetric. This galaxy (discovered by David Todd) is listed as nonexistent in RNGC and not identified as NGC 3134 in the MCG or CGCG. Leo I lies 1° W.
David Todd discovered NGC 3134 = Todd 21 on 6 Feb 1878
during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet. Based on Todd's sketch Corwin identified
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10 10 54.4 +45 57 01; UMa
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 90°
17.5" (4/15/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.5', little or no concentration. Bracketed by two mag 12.5 stars 2.2' E and 2.1' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3135 = h672 on 19 Mar 1828
(sweep 139) and noted "F; R: gbM; 25"." His position matches
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10 05 48.0 -67 22 41; Car
V = 10.7; Size 3.1'x2.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 30°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
260x; bright, moderately large, eloongated 3:2 SW-NE. Sharp concentration with a small, intense core that
brightens to the center. The
fainter extensions from the core appear irregular.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x this Carina galaxy appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.75'. Sharply concentrated with a small, bright, roundish core increasing to an occasional stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is close north.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3136 = h3229 = h3231 on 30 Jan
1835 and noted "B; R; bM; place only a very rude approximation." In an errata list and the end of the
Cape Catalogue, JH corrected the NPD by 2° so it nearly matches h3231, whose
position was accurately measured twice and matches
******************************
10 09 07.5 -29 03 52; Ant
V = 11.5; Size 6.3'x2.2'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 1°
18" (3/5/05): faint, large, elongated at least 5:2 N-S,
3.0'x1.2', fairly low surface brightness.
Broad, weak concentration in poor seeing. A mag 12 star is on the west side (0.3' from the geometric
center). Located 7' SE of mag 9.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 3137 = h3230 on 5 Feb 1837 NGC
3137 and recorded "vF; lE; 25"." His position is 16 sec of RA west of
******************************
NGC 3138 = MCG -02-26-032 = PGC 29532
10 09 16.7 -11 57 24; Hya
V = 14.8; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 80°
18" (4/14/12): at 225x appeared extremely faint, very
small, slightly elongated, 15" diameter. Required averted vision to just momentarily pop occasionally
but held for a few seconds a couple of times. I did not notice an elongated shape, so probably just viewed
the core though the object was well past the meridian. Located 6.4' SW of mag 7.4
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3138 = LM 2-420 and noted
"mag 16.0, 0.1', R, 1st of 2 [with
******************************
NGC 3139 = MCG -02-26-034 = PGC 29583
10 10 05.2 -11 46 42; Hya
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 75°
18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2, 0.8'x0.5'. Broad concentration to a small, round 15" core and an occasional faint, stellar nucleus with direct vision.
17.5" (2/22/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
~4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.5', broadly concentrated. Located 10' NE of mag 7.4
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3139 = LM 2-421 and noted
"mag 15.60, 0.1', R, 2nd of 2 [with NGC 3138]." His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is 0.7 min of RA west of
******************************
10 09 27.7 -16 37 41; Hya
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (2/22/03): slightly brighter and larger of a
close pair with NGC 3140 2.4' SW.
Faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4', stellar nucleus with direct
vision. Although following NGC
3141, Leavenworth listed this object first (identical coordinates) and his
description indicates it is the brighter of the pair, so the NGC numbers are
reversed in right ascension.
Located at the east edge of the rich cluster
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3140 = LM 1-166 (along
with I-167 = NGC 3141) on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at the
Leander-McCormick Observatory. Although
he gave a single rough position for both objects, LM 1-166 is mag 15.5 and
0.5', while LM 1-167 is mag 16.0 and 0.3' dia. His position falls very close to
the pair
According to Harold Corwin, Leavenworth's sketch clearly
shows that NGC 3140 = PGC 29548 is the brighter galaxy to the northeast and the
fainter galaxy to the southwest is
******************************
10 09 19.8 -16 39 12; Hya
V = 15.4; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 26°
17.5" (2/22/03): smaller and slightly fainter of a pair of galaxies with NGC 3140 2.4' NE. Very faint, small, slightly elongated 0.4'x0.3', faint stellar nucleus. Incorrectly equated with NGC 3140 in the RNGC.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3140 = LM 1-167 (along with I-166 = NGC 3140) on 1 Jan 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory. Although he gave a single rough position for both objects, LM 1-166 is mag 15.5 and 0.5', while LM 1-167 is mag 16.0 and 0.3' dia. His position falls very close to the pair PGC 29548 and PGC 29544 (separation 2.5' SW to NE).
Based on the discovery sketch (examined by Harold Corwin), Dreyer incorrectly assumed that the brighter galaxy to the northeast was NGC 3140 and added "first of two" (listed first in the discovery paper) so the order of RA was reversed in the NGC. The RNGC erroneously states NGC 3141 = NGC 3140. See Corwin's identification summaries for more.
******************************
10 10 06.4 -08 28 48; Sex
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (4/9/94): faint, very small, round, brighter core. Overpowered by 17 Sextantis (V = 5.9) 4.3' N. A second bright star 18 Sextantis (V = 5.6) lies 12.8' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3142 = h3232 on 5 May 1836 and
recorded "F; vsbM to a * 16m; diam 1' or 1 1/2'; sp the star g Sextantis,
which occasioned its being taken by mistake for Halley's Comet, and the
consequent loss of that comet."
His position matches
******************************
10 10 04.0 -12 34 53; Hya
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 105°
18" (4/10/04): very faint, very small, irregularly
round, 25"x20", weak concentration. Can just hold steadily. Fors the vertex of an obtuse isosceles triangle with two mag
11.5 stars 5.7' N and a similar distance SE. Also situated 9' S of
Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3143 in 1880 with the 36-inch
f/5.9 reflector at Ealing, UK. He
noted "S, F, just S of GC 2023 [NGC 3145]. Herbert Howe's corrected position in the IC 2 notes matches
******************************
10 15 32.0 +74 13 14; Dra
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
17.5" (1/28/89): faint, very small, oval N-S. A mag 13 star is attached at the east
end. Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 3144 on 25 Sep 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured on 2 nights) is fairly close to UGC 5519 and his description "vF, S, R, *13 appended on the following side." clinches the identification.
WH discovered this galaxy on the problematic sweep of 15
northern galaxies on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096), and recorded as III-964 (later
******************************
NGC 3145 = MCG -02-26-036 = PGC 29591
10 10 10.0 -12 26 02; Hya
V = 11.7; Size 3.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 20°
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly faint, fairly small, nearly round, weak concentration. Overpowered by the glare of Lambda Hydrae (V = 3.6) 8' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3145 = H. III-518 = h673 on
19 Mar 1786 (sweep 541) and noted "vF, S, R, 7 or 8' sp Lambda
Hydra." On 7 Mar 1791 (sweep
997) he called it "F, pL, iR, vbmbM, in the field with Lambda
Hyae." His position and
description matches
******************************
10 11 09.9 -20 52 14; Hya
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 100°
18" (4/10/04): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
0.8' diameter, increases to a 15" bright core and a quasi-stellar nucleus. The edge of the halo is
well-defined. Located 3.9' S of
mag 8.9
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3146 = LM 1-168 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is coincidentally a
near match with
******************************
10 16 53.5 +73 24 02; Dra
V = 10.6; Size 3.9'x3.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 155°
17.5" (2/8/91): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE. Contains a very bright core with a stellar nucleus. There is an impression of a dust lane to the west of the core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3147 = H. I-79 = h674 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "cB, pL, R, mbM. The brightness decreasing very gradually." John Herschel reported on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), "vB; L; R; at first vg, then vs, vsbM."
******************************
10 13 43.8 +50 29 47; UMa
V = 6.6
= *6.6 = SAO 27566.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3148 = h675 on 17 Feb 1831
(sweep 328) and noted "a star 7m has a photosphere 2 or 3' diam. Sky perfectly clear; glass quite clear;
windy. Another star of same
magnitude viewed presently after has no photosphere." Herschel's description applies to mag
6.6
RNGC and MCG misidentify
******************************
10 03 44.5 -80 25 19; Cha
V = 12.5; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.8
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
galaxy is located just 30' NNW of the bright planetary
John Herschel discovered NGC 3149 = h3234 on 24 Feb 1835
(along with planetary nebula NGC 3195) and recorded "F; lE; vlbM;
25"; has a * 15m in it."
Although position is an exact match with
******************************
10 13 26.3 +38 39 27; LMi
V = 14.6; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8
18" (2/19/09): very faint, small, round, 24"
diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration. Located 2.3' NNW of
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, slightly lower surface brightness than NGC 3151 2.3' S. A mag 12 star is 2.0' WSW and a mag 14 star is 1.8' NNW. Located within the NGC 3158 group.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3150 = Big. 40, along
with NGCs 3151, 3159 and 3161, on 1 Feb 1886 in the NGC 3158 group. His position matches
******************************
NGC 3151 = MCG +07-21-018 = CGCG 211-020 = Holm 170a = WBL 258-003 = PGC 29796
10 13 29.1 +38 37 11; LMi
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 170°
18" (2/19/09): faint, small, slightly elongated,
20"x15", very small brighter core. Located 2' SW of a mag 12 star with four NGC galaxies close
north including NGC 3150 2.3' N and
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, very small, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 2.0' NE. Forms a pair with NGC 3150 2.3' N. An extremely faint galaxy is 55" E of center (LEDA 2131950). Member of the NGC 3158 group.
13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small. Located just west of a star.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3151 = Big. 41, along
with nearby NGCs 3150, 3159 and 3161, on 1 Feb 1886 in the NGC 3158 group. His position matches
******************************
10 13 34.1 +38 50 35; LMi
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 80°
18" (2/19/09): very faint, small, ~20"-22"
diameter, weak concentration. A
mag 15 star lies 44" NE.
Located 4' W of brighter
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, round. A mag 15 star is off the NE edge 0.8' from center. NGC 3158 lies 5.5' SE and NGC 3160 4.1' E. Member of the NGC 3158 group.
13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, very small, round. Located 4' W of NGC 3160 and 5.5' NW of NGC 3158.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3152 (along with NGC 3160) on 27
Mar 1854 using LdR's 72". He
noted "3 nebula, preceding one [NGC 3152] vS, about 4' following is a
small lenticular ray [NGC 3160], E sp-nf..." Observing on 27 Feb 1876 Dreyer measured an accurate
micrometric offset from NGC 3158 at Birr Castle, which matches
******************************
10 12 50.5 +12 39 59; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 2.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170°
28" (4/12/18): at 285x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 ~N-S, ~1.5'x0.6', brighter along the major axis (central bar), slightly brighter nucleus.
17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, moderately large, oval ~N-S, broad concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3153 = H. III-53 = h677 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and noted "vF, not S, r[esolvable]." On 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), John Herschel called it "eF; pL; R."
David Todd independently discovered this galaxy on 5 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and recorded it as object #20b in his published results. It was found again by Christian Peters around 1880. He was unsure if this was a new object as Herschel's RA in the General Catalog was 12 seconds off. The NGC position -- from Peters' first list of positions -- is accurate.
******************************
10 13 01.3 +17 02 03; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 124°
17.5" (1/23/88): faint, very small, elongated NW-SE. A mag 14 star is 1.1' N. Located 2.2' WNW of mag 8.7 SAO 99006.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3154 = St. 10-24 on 8 Mar 1869, though did not publish his rough position (2' too far SE). He published an accurate micrometric position from 12 Mar 1880 and noted "F, S, R, lbM."
******************************
NGC 3155 = NGC 3194 = UGC 5538 = MCG +12-10-026 = CGCG 351-012 = LGG 193-002 = PGC 30064
10 17 39.9 +74 20 51; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 35°
17.5" (1/28/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 3144 11.6' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3155 = h676 on 2 Sep 1828
(sweep 171) and recorded "vF; S; R.
RA extremely precarious."
His rough position is 4' northeast of
William Herschel made the original discovery (III. 965,
later
******************************
10 12 41.2 +03 07 45; Sex
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 47°
17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, small, small bright
core. A triangle of bright stars
follows; mag 9.0
13.1" (4/16/83): fairly faint, small, elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3156 = H. III-255 = h680 on 13 Dec 1784 (sweep 342) and noted "vF, vS, preceding a triangle of bright stars." On 10 Apr 1828 (sweep 143) John Herschel called the galaxy, "pB; S; R: psbM; 15"."
******************************
10 11 42.4 -31 38 34; Ant
V = 13.2; Size 2.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 38°
18" (4/10/04): very faint, thin edge-on 4:1 SW-NE,
0.8'x0.2', low even surface brightness.
Requires averted to glimpse once position pinpointed. A mag 14.5-15 star is just off the east
side of the center. Located 4.5' N
of a mag 9.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 3157 = h3233 on 28 Jan 1835 and
noted "vF; E; 30" has a * 8m sp." His Cape position is an exact match with
DeLisle Stewart later rediscovered this galaxy on plates
taken at Harvard's Arequipa station, recorded the correct position as D.S. 336
(later
******************************
NGC 3158 = UGC 5511 = MCG +07-21-020 = CGCG 211-022 = WBL 258-004 = PGC 29822
10 13 50.5 +38 45 53; LMi
V = 11.9; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 0°
18" (2/19/09): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, well concentrated with a very bright core and relatively large, fainter halo, ~0.8'x0.7'. Brightest of 12 galaxies (WBL 258 group at a distance of roughly 300 million l.y.) viewed that are packed into a 14' circle!
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly bright, irregular round or slightly elongated, small bright core. Brightest in the NGC 3158 group with NGC 3159 6.7' SSE, NGC 3160 4.7' N and NGC 3152 5.5' NW.
13.1" (2/25/84): fairly bright, round, weakly concentrated, largest and brightest in a group.
8" (3/28/81): faint, small, requires averted.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3158 = H. II-639 = h678,
along with
******************************
NGC 3159 = MCG +07-21-021 = CGCG 211-023 = Holm 172c = WBL 258-005 = PGC 29825
10 13 52.8 +38 39 16; LMi
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8
18" (2/19/09): faint to fairly taint, small, irregulaly
round, 25"x20", very small bright core. First of three in a 2.8' E-W string with
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core. This member of the NGC 3158 group is the first of three with NGC 3161 1.2' E and NGC 3163 2.7' E. NGC 3158 lies 6.7' NNW.
13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round. Third brightest in NGC 3158 group.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3159 = Big. 42 on 1 Feb 1886, along with NGC 3150, 3151 and 3161. His position is accurate. Édouard Stephan observed NGC 3158 the following month on 4 Mar 1886 and independently discovered NGC 3159 and NGC 3161, though after the publication of his last discovery paper.
******************************
NGC 3160 = UGC 5513 = MCG +07-21-023 = CGCG 211-024 = WBL 258-006 = PGC 29830
10 13 55.1 +38 50 34; LMi
V = 14.1; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 140°
18" (2/19/09): faint, edge-on 7:2 NW-SE, ~40"x12". Located 4.9' N of NGC 3158 in a rich group and directly between a mag 12.5 star 1.5' SSW and a mag 11.5 star 2.2' NNE. NGC 3152 lies 4' W.
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, edge-on NW-SE. Member of NGC 3158 group with NGC 3158 4.7' S.
13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, small. Located 5' N of NGC 3158.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3160 (along with NGC 3152) on
27 Mar 1854 using LdR's 72".
He noted "about 4' following [NGC 3152] is a small lenticular ray,
elongated sp nf." His offset
and description matches
******************************
NGC 3161 = MCG +07-21-022 = CGCG 211-025 = Holm 172a = WBL 258-007 = PGC 29837
10 13 59.2 +38 39 26; LMi
V = 13.5; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 14.8; PA = 10°
18" (2/19/09): very faint, very small, slightly elongated 20"x16", very small or stellar core. Sandwiched between NGC 3159 1.2' W and NGC 3163 1.6' E in the NGC 3158 cluster.
17.5" (3/23/85): this member in the NGC 3158 group is small and the faintest of three with close companions NGC 3159 1.2' W and NGC 3163 1.5' E. Even surface brightness and visible with direct vision.
13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, very small, round. Located between NGC 3159 and NGC 3163.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3161 = Big. 43 on 1 Feb 1886, along with NGC 3151, 3159 and 3161. His position was accurate. Édouard Stephan observed NGC 3158 the following month on 4 Mar 1886 and independently discovered NGC 3159 and NGC 3161. Only Bigourdan was credited in the NGC.
******************************
10 13 31.6 +22 44 15; Leo
V = 11.6; Size 3.0'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.7
48" (3/1/19): at 488x; bright, large, roundish, ~1.8' diameter. A very strong, well defined spiral arm is attached at the southeast side of the core. It curled ~90° counterclockwise to the south and west. The arm dimmed significantly at the apparent end, but looking carefully I could detect very faint haze further SW in the outer fringes of the galaxy. Further south of this arm, the outer edge of the galaxy was barely visible as the surface brightness was very low. The spiral arm on the north side of the galaxy was poorly seen, but a relatively large knot [several HII knots on the SDSS] was visible 25" N of center. A short section of the spiral arm was also visible extending east from this knot. A mag 15.4 star is east of the core [40" from center] and very faint haze from the ragged outer halo was detected beyond this star, along with a very dim knot (HII region in the outermost spiral arm) 1' E of center. A mag 13.9 star is 1.1' SE of center, just beyond the halo. A mag 10.9 star is 3.4' W.
17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, fairly small, pretty diffuse, weak broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' SE, a mag 10.5 star 3.4' W and a mag 11.5 star 3.7' NE. Located 1° SE of Zeta Leonis (V = 3.6).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3162 = H. II-43 = h682 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "vF, pL, r. It seemed to consist of two nebula joined together having two places rather brighter than the ousides of the nebula; but with [higher power] the following of them appeared very plainly to be a star. The star seemed to have no connection with the nebula, for, though within the nebulosity there was no kind of gradation of light from the star to the nebula as there generally is from the brighter to the more faint part of nebula." His position was 20 seconds of RA too far west.
On 20 Mar 1854, R.J. Mitchell described it as a "spiral left-handed, spirality very faintly seen, night bad." In 1857, he "suspected a knot in the northwest end." Based on my observation with a 48", this is probably a knot on the north side. NGC 3575 is a duplicate observation made by d'Arrest in 1863. See that number for more.
******************************
NGC 3163 = UGC 5517 = MCG +07-21-026 = CGCG 211-027 = Holm 172b = WBL 258-008 = PGC 29846
10 14 07.1 +38 39 09; LMi
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5
18" (2/19/09): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, very small bright core. Third of three in a 2.8' string with NGC 3163 1.5' W and NGC 3159 2.8' W. Also MCG +07-21-019 is close NW of the string. Located 7.4' SE of NGC 3158 in a rich group.
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, small, round, bright core. Brightest and third of three with NGC 3161 1.5' W and NGC 3159 2.7' W.
13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round. Third of three in a string and the second brightest in a group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3163 = H. II-640 = h681, along with NGC 3158, on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and logged "F, vS, r. 300x showed the same."
******************************
10 15 11.4 +56 40 19; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 0°
18" (4/10/04): very faint, fairly small, elongated ~3:2
N-S, 0.7'x0.5'. Low surface
brightness with very little concentration. Located 11' SW of mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 3164 = h679 on 9 Feb 1831
(sweep 323) and noted "eF; R: vglbM; 15 arc seconds." His single position matches
******************************
10 13 31.4 +03 22 32; Sex
V = 13.9; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 177°
17.5" (3/23/85): very faint, elongated 2:1 N-S. Forms the western vertex of a triangle
with two mag 12.5 stars 1.9' SE and 1.7' NE. First and faintest of three located 4.6' SW of
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3165 on 30 Jan 1856. While observing NGC 3166 and 3169 he noted "about 5' sp 684 [NGC 3166] is a vvF ray extending N-S." The NGC RA is 15 sec too small. Probably based on the poor NGC position, NGC 3165 was included as #212 in a catalog of new nebulae and clusters found on a photographic survey of bright galaxies by James Keeler between 1898-1900 and published in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.
******************************
NGC 3166 = UGC 5516 = MCG +01-26-024 = CGCG 063-064 = Holm 173a = LGG 192-003 = PGC 29814
10 13 44.9 +03 25 31; Sex
V = 10.4; Size 4.8'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 87°
17.5" (3/23/85): bright, almost round, even concentration to a brighter core and stellar nucleus (the large, low surface brightness arms were not seen). The core appears brighter than NGC 3169 7.8' ENE but the duo is pretty similar. Second of three with NGC 3165 4.6' SW. Two mag 12.5 stars lie 2.6' NW and 2.8' SW of center.
13.1" (4/16/83): fairly bright, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 3169.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3166 = H. I-3 = h684 = St. 13-56, along with NGC 3169, on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 58). His summary description from 4 sweeps reads "cB, pL, cometic, mbM." John Herschel's first of four observations was on 13 Feb 1826 (sweep 18): "B; R; gbM; 60". The preceding of 2 [with NGC 3169]."
Édouard Stephan made an observation on 17 Mar 1882. His reduced position on 18 Mar 1884 was published in list 13 (#56), is within a few arcseconds of NGC 3166 though Dreyer and Esmiol (who later re-reduced all of Stephan's positions) misidentified the entry as NGC 3165. Also Stephan's 13-57 refers to NGC 3169, though he calls it NGC 3166 in the notes section to list XIII.
******************************
NGC 3167 = NGC 2789 = UGC 4875 = MCG +05-22-026 = CGCG 151-035 = PGC 26089
09 14 59.7 +29 43 48; Cnc
See observing notes for NGC 2789
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3167 on 1 May 1862 and recorded a "Small and faint nebula. * 11 preceding 9.5 sec, a little farther north. Whether it is just a nebula, or perhaps a confused group of faint stars is still undetermined, for this evening the air is turbulent." There is nothing at or near his single position matching his description and RNGC classifies NGC 3167 as nonexistent.
Harold Corwin originally listed this object as lost as there were no candidates nearby, but recently (email from 16 Jun 2014) he found that if d'Arrest made a 1 hr transcription error in his RA (too large), then his position matches NGC 2789 and the mag 11 star is just where he placed it to the northwest of the galaxy! Corwin notes that d'Arrest made a similar 1 hr recording error on a few other discoveries (NGC 3575, 3760 and 5008), so this is not a unique situation.
******************************
10 16 23.0 +60 14 06; UMa
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small
bright core. Located 5.6' NE of
mag 6.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 3168 = h683 on 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406) and recorded "F; psbM; like a star rubbed out. A * 7-8m in field np - dist 5'." His position matches UGC 5536, although the bright star is south-southwest.
******************************
NGC 3169 = UGC 5525 = MCG +01-26-026 = CGCG 036-066 = Holm 173b = LGG 192-004 = PGC 29855
10 14 14.8 +03 28 00; Sex
V = 10.2; Size 4.4'x2.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 45°
17.5" (3/23/85): bright, slightly elongated SW-NE, moderate concentration, pretty faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is just off the east side, 1.6' from the center. Third of three with NGC 3166 7.8' WSW and NGC 3165 12' SW.
13.1" (4/16/83): bright, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3169 = H. I-4 = h684, along with NGC 3166, on 19 Dec 1783 (early sweep 58). His summary description from 4 sweeps reads "cB, pL, cometic, mbM." He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 22) as an illlustration of "nebulae that have a cometic appearance." John Herschel also made 4 observations and wrote on 13 Feb 1826 (sweep 18): "B; R; gmbM; 60"; the foll of 2."
Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 17 Mar 1882 and measured an accurate micrometric position that was published in his 13th list (#57), though he misidentified the galaxy as NGC 3166. R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, observed NGC 3169 on 15 Mar 1855 and commented "sharp at sf edge [dust lane?] and fades of np, spreading out in that direction." The following January he also noted "perhaps vF neby beyond the well defined sf edge?"
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10 16 14.5 +46 36 43; UMa
= **, Gottlieb and Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3170 = h686 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep 139) and noted "F; S; R." Just 1' north of his position (single observation) is a 7" pair of mag 13.8/15.2 stars at 10 16 14.5 +46 36 44 (J2000). RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
******************************
10 15 36.7 -20 38 51; Hya
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 176°
17.5" (3/22/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 1.1'x0.8'. Forms the west vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 13.5-14 stars 2.3' NE and 2.5' E. Located 16' W of mag 6.6 SAO 178610.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3171 = LM 1-169 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is 1.4 tmin west of
******************************
11 47 14.0 +89 05 32; UMi
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.95'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 39°
48" (10/26/16): at 375x and 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, round. Sharply concentrated with a very bright round core that increases to the center and a low surface brightness 45" halo. A mag 12.5 star is 1.5' separation (NW) and a mag 16-16.5 star is within 1' (50" S).
24" (9/6/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, very small brighter core that occasionally sharpens up to a quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is 1.5' (NW). MCG +15-01-010, situated just 1.5' (WSW), appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.
24" (9/15/12): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, well defined halo, broad weak concentration with a very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.5' distant (NW) and a very faint mag 16.5 star is 50" S.
18" (8/1/11): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, brighter core. A mag 13 star lies 1.5' NW. MCG +15-01-010, an extremely faint companion just 1.6' W, was marginally glimpsed though difficult to confirm.
17.5" (7/16/93) : faint, very small, round, 0.5' diameter, very small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.5' NW. This is the closest NGC galaxy to the North Celestial Pole and is known as "Polarissima Borealis".
17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, small, round, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus, can hold steadily with averted. A mag 12.5 star is 1.5' distant.
17.5" (8/1/86): faint, brighter core, fairly small, round. A mag 13 star is within 2'.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3172 = h250 on 4 Oct 1831 and recorded "vF; R; gbM; 25"; has a * 11m 2' S. This nebula is remarkable for its proximity to the pole. Owing to this the RA cannot be determined exactly, and the PD is open to correction." In the synonym column he called it "Polarissima" but later it was called "Polarissima Borealis" to distinguish it from "Polarissima Australis". Heinrich d'Arrest observed it with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen on 12 Aug 1866. He noted the mag 12 star is 75" distant to the north. At the time of discovery in 1831 this galaxy was only 4.5' from the north celestial pole!
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10 14 34.9 -27 41 34; Ant
V = 12.8; Size 2.1'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 7°
18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, moderately large,
round. Sharply concentrated with a
moderately bright 15" core surrounded by a very faint, low surface
brightness halo requiring averted vision.
The galaxy is very close preceding mag 10
John Herschel discovered NGC 3173 = h3235 on 24 Mar 1835 and
noted "F; R: gbM; 40"."
His position and description matches
******************************
NGC 3174 = NGC 3144 = UGC 5519 = MCG +12-10-023 = CGCG 333-020 = CGCG 351-011 = PGC 29949
10 15 32.0 +74 13 14; Dra
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
See observing notes for NGC 3144
William Herschel discovered NGC 3174 = H. III-964 on 2 Apr
1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "vF, vS." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large
systematic errors. A corrected
position matching
Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 25 Sep 1865, measured a fairly accurate position (within 1' of UGC 5519), and it was catalogued as NGC 3144. By discovery priority, this galaxy should be identified as NGC 3174, though the common identification is NGC 3144.
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NGC 3175 = ESO 436-003 = MCG -05-24-028 = UGCA 207 = VV 796 = LGG 189-005 = PGC 29892
10 14 42.2 -28 52 18; Ant
V = 11.2; Size 5.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 56°
17.5" (3/28/87): bright, fairly large, bright core, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 2.5'x0.8'. Located 38' ESE of mag 6.3 HR 2003. NGC 3175 is the brightest in a group (LGG 189) that includes UGCA 196, NGC 3113, 3125 and 3137.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3175 = h3236 on 30 Mar 1835 and
recorded "B; L; mE; gvlbM; 2' l; pos 50.3°." His position and description matches
******************************
10 15 18 -19 01; Hya
= Not found, Corwin and Carlson. Possibly = ESO 567-029, Corwin. Possibly = ESO 568-011, Gottlieb
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3176 = LM 1-170 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 16.0,
0.8' dia, iR, neb?" There is
nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA) and both Harold Corwin and
Dorothy Carlson (in her 1940 NGC correction list) conclude this object is
lost. Corwin suggests
******************************
10 16 34.1 +21 07 23; Leo
V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 135°
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, small, increases to a
brighter core, stellar nucleus, small faint halo. Member of the
William Herschel discovered NGC 3177 = H. III-25 = h687 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and noted "vF, S." His RA was 43 seconds too small.
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10 16 09.1 -15 47 28; Hya
V = 13.9; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 70°
17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.9', even surface brightness. A mag 12-13 star lies 2.9' ESE. There are several mag 10-11 stars in
the 20' field and mag 9.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 3178 = h3237 on 16 Mar 1836 and
noted "pB; pL; gpmbM; seen through haze." His position matches
******************************
10 17 57.2 +41 06 51; UMa
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 48°
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', very small bright core appears mottled. Almost collinear with two mag 13.5 stars 1.0' SW and 1.9' SW. NGC 3184 lies 19' NNE.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 3179 on 25 Jan 1851. He
recorded "25' south and a little preceding [
******************************
10 18 10.8 +41 26 55; UMa
48" (4/4/11): A small HII knot with a stellar core was visible 1.8' NW of the nucleus of NGC 3184. This small knot is within a larger, slightly brighter portion of the long, sweeping arm (shown on the sketch at Birr Castle) that wraps around the core of NGC 3184 on the south side before winding north on the west side and ending near NGC 3180.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3180 on 25 Jan 1851. His description of NGC 3184 states "is triple, neby perhaps extends round them all as far as the * north." The 1 Feb 1856 description states: "The neby connecting the 3 principal knots is vvF but I have no doubt of its existence." R.J. Mitchell sketched the the spiral structure on 1 Feb 1856 (fig 13, Plate XXVII in the 1861 publication) and highlighted two brighter knots or sections of the western spiral arm.
******************************
10 18 11.5 +41 24 45; UMa
48" (4/4/11): NGC 3181 is a bright, 15" knot in one of the spiral arms of NGC 3184. It resides 1.2' SW of the nucleus in a long sweeping arm that wraps around around south side of the core and then heads north on the west side of the galaxy. This is the brightest of a couple of knots resolved in the arms.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3181 on 25 Jan 1851 in an observation of NGC 3184. R.J. Mitchell sketched the the spiral structure on 1 Feb 1856 (fig 13, Plate XXVII in the 1861 publication) and highlighted two brighter knots or sections of the western spiral arm. The elongated knot embedded in the spiral arm on the southwest side is NGC 3181. This HII region is catalogued as [H69] 41 in Hodge's "HII Regions in 20 Nearby Galaxies".
******************************
10 19 33.0 +58 12 21; UMa
V = 12.1; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/29/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.7'. Bright
core, occasional stellar nucleus.
Collinear with two mag 13 stars 2.4' NE and 3.5' NE.
17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, bright core, fairly high surface brightness. A mag 14 star is 1.5' SW followed by a mag 12 star 2.4' NE and a mag 13 star 4' NE on a line.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3182 = H. I-265 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "cB, S, vgmbM, iR." Caroline's reduction matches UGC 5568. The NGC position (copied correctly from the GC) is 19 seconds of RA too small.
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10 21 49.4 +74 10 37; Dra
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 170°
17.5" (4/6/02): moderately bright, fairly large,
elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.8', broad concentration but no well defined
core. Several stars are nearby including
two mag 13.5 stars at the north edge and a couple more stars within 1'. Very possibly one of these is a stellar
companion 1.0' NNE of center (
Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 3183 on 28
Sep 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen. His position matches
William Herschel first discovered this galaxy on 2 Apr 1801, the problematic northern sweep 1096 with large systematic errors. His revised position, using Greenwich plates (MN, 71, 509), reveals H. I-283 = NGC 3218 = NGC 3183. The modern designation is NGC 3183, despite Herschel's earlier discovery.
******************************
NGC 3184 = NGC 3180 = UGC 5557 = MCG +07-21-037 = CGCG 211-038 = PGC 30087
10 18 17.0 +41 25 27; UMa
V = 9.8; Size 7.4'x6.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 135°
48" (4/4/11): NGC 3184 is a beautiful face-on spiral
with two main long arms and branches, along with several HII knots (two with
NGC designations) in the arms.
Contains a relatively small, very bright core, ~1' diameter with a sharp
stellar nucleus. A mag 15-16 star
is visible about 40" NE of the center near the edge of the core. One arm is attached on the east side of
the core and winds counterclockwise around the south side of the core towards
the west. The outer halo of the
galaxy to the south of this arm has a much lower surface brightness. NGC 3181 is a bright, 15" knot
(HII region/massive star cluster) embedded in this arm, 1.2' SW of the
nucleus. The arm then continues spiraling
outward as it heads north and contains NGC 3180, very small knot with a stellar
core at 1.8' NW of the nucleus.
This small knot is within a larger, slightly brighter portion of the
arm. A second prominent arm is
attached on the west side of the core and rotates counterclockwise around the
north side towards the east. The
surface brightness lowers on the east side and the arm splits into two
branches. A mag 11.7 star is
superimposed near the outer edge on the north side beyond the arm. Located 11' ESE of mag 6.6
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, large, slightly elongated ~N-S, large 4' halo has a fairly low surface brightness, very weak concentration, small brighter elongated core. There is an impression of spiral structure though it wasn't distinct. A mag 11.5 star is at the north edge of the halo 1.8' from the center. Located 40' W of Mu Ursa Majoris (V = 3.1).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3184 = H. I-168 = h688 = h689 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and recorded "cB, R, near 8' dia, vgbM. A considerable star in the northern part of it but unconnected." John Herschel assigned two entries for this galaxy, h688 = H. I-168 and h689, with the second entry a poor position for this face-on spiral.
Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 25 Jan 1851, logged "Is triple, neby perhaps extends round them all as far as the star north. h689 not seen." The following month, he commented "preceding part probably a portion of a ring." R.J. Mitchell sketched spiral structure on 1 Feb 1856 (fig 13, Plate XXVII in the 1861 publication). The sketch shows two brighter, elongated knots in the western arm and Dreyer catalogued these as NGC 3180 and 3181.
MCG mislabels the galaxy as NGC 3180.
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10 17 38.5 +21 41 18; Leo
V = 12.2; Size 2.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 130°
48" (4/18/15): at 610x; very bright, fairly large, oval halo 5:3 NW-SE, ~1.8'x1.1'. Strongly concentrated with a very bright roundish core which increases to a slightly brighter stellar nucleus. The halo has a brighter arcs at the ends of the major axis (northwest and southeast ends) and is slightly weaker inside, creating a weak ring. A very weak bar is highly suspected connecting the ends of the major axis and the core (very subtle barred ring). A mag 14.5 star is just off the west side [42" from center].
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, increases to a brighter core, diffuse halo elongated NW-SE. A mag 14 star is just off the west edge 0.7' from center and a similar star is 1.4' SW of center. Member of the NGC 3190 group = HCG 44.
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly faint, moderately large, gradually brighter core.
8" (4/24/82): faint, fairly small, elongated.
George Johnstone Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) discovered
NGC 3185, along with
Eduard Schönfeld found it at the Mannhein Observatory on 15 Jan 1861, Julius Schmidt at the Athens Observatory on 8 Feb 1861 and Heinrich d'Arrest on 1 Jan 1862 (position measured on 5 nights). Schultz referred to it as "Nova Schonfeld", unaware of the Birr Castle observation. John Herschel credited both Lord Rosse and d'Arrest in the GC.
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10 17 37.9 +06 58 16; Leo
V = 14.8; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (3/25/00): very faint, extremely small, round, ~15" diameter (probably viewed core only), faint stellar nucleus. Located 1.2' SE of a mag 12.5 star. This galaxy is identified as NGC 3186 in the RNGC and PGC but the identification is uncertain due to a poor position from Albert Marth.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3186 = m 195 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "pF, vS, gbM." In
the GC Supplement and NGC, Dreyer added the comment "several faint stars
near", though Corwin notes the source is unknown (not in the published
Lord Rosse observations). There is nothing at Marth's position, but a couple of
candidates are nearby. The RNGC
and PGC identify
In my observation of the field, I picked up
******************************
NGC 3187 = HCG 44D = Arp 316 NED1 = VV 307b = UGC 5556 = MCG +04-24-025 = CGCG 123-036 = PGC 30068
10 17 47.8 +21 52 25; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 3.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.7
48" (4/1/11): moderately bright, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.6', weak concentration with no well defined core. At both the NW and SE ends of the bar are faint spiral arms. The arm at the NW end bends sharply towards the south in the direction of a mag 13.8 star 1.0' SW of center, though doesn't reach this star. On the SW end of the bar a second faint arm hooks at a right angle to the NE. Both arms extend ~45" and give the galaxy a distinctive zig-zag shape. Located on a line 4.9' NW of the showpiece edge-on NGC 3190.
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, edge-on NW-SE. A mag 14 star is off the SW side 1.1'
from center and a similar star is 1.3' SSE. Unusual as the major axis is exactly collinear with the
brighter edge-on NGC 3190 4.9' SE.
Located 6.3' SSW of mag 7.8
13.1" (4/24/82 and 3/24/84) very faint, elongated NW-SE. Located 5' NW NGC 3190. A mag 8 star 6' NNE detracts.
8" (4/24/82): not seen (suspected).
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3187 in January 1850. This object was found while observing NGC 3190 and 3193, and labeled "Gamma" on the sketch. The description mentioned "[NGC 3190] and [NGC 3187] proibably connected. In [NGC 3187], several minute stars seen by Lord R." R.J. Mitchell's sketch (in the 1861 publication) shows the galaxy tapering at the southeast end and broader at the northwest end.
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10 19 42.9 +57 25 24; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (4/9/94): surprisingly faint, small, round,
diffuse, unconcentrated except for extremely faint star superimposed at center
or a very faint stellar nucleus, appears to have an irregular surface
brightness. Two faint stars just
off edges; a mag 14.5 star 0.6' NW of center and a mag 15 star 0.6' E of center
also confuse the observation.
Forms a close double with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3188 = H. III-910 = h690 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and recorded "vF, pL, r, iF, some of the stars visible." John Herschel logged, "eF; pL; 30 arcseconds." (9 Feb 1831, sweep 323).
Ralph Copeland, LdR's observing assistant, logged on 5 Apr 1874 "vF, cL, R, gbM, * 15 m near the middle and several small stars near (within 2 or 3' foll), but does seem resolvable." One of these "stars" may be a very companion (NGC 3188A) just off the southwest side.
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10 18 04.3 +21 49 54; Leo
48" (4/1/11): this number refers to the thin strip of NGC 3190 that parallels the prominent dust lane on the outer southwest edge of the galaxy. This strip has a well-defined southern edge and dims at the southeast end of the galaxy.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 3189 in January 1850, He recorded "F neby probably extended to the right of [NGC 3190]." The sketch produced by R.J. Mitchell (fig 14, Plate XXVII in the 1861 William Parsons' publication) shows NGC 3189 is the strip of NGC 3190 on the southwest side of the dust lane. None of the subsequent observations at Birr Castle mention this feature, although d'Arrest claimed an observation with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen on 23 Mar 1865.
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NGC 3190 = HCG 44A = Arp 316 NED2 = VV 307a = NGC 3189 = UGC 5559 = MCG +04-24-026 = CGCG 123-037 = Holm 175a = LGG 194-003 = PGC 30083
10 18 05.7 +21 49 57; Leo
V = 11.1; Size 4.4'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 125°
48" (4/1/11): extremely bright, large, nearly edge-on 7:2 WNW-ESE, 3.7'x1.0', very bright core with a dazzling stellar nucleus embedded. A sharp, contrasty dust lane that is relatively wide runs along the full length of the galaxy, passing just south of the core. A thin strip of the galaxy parallels the dust lane on the outer southwest side of the galaxy. This strip has a well-defined southern edge and dims at the southeast end of the galaxy. Dreyer catalogued the strip as NGC 3189 based on the 1850 sketch using Lord Rosse's 72-inch scope.
17.5" (4/6/02): viewed SN 2002bo (Type Ia), discovered on March 9th, and situated just 12" E and 14" S of center as a 14th magnitude "star".
17.5" (3/23/85): bright, edge-on NW-SE, stellar
nucleus, fairly large. Brightest
in
13.1" (3/24/84): bright, small bright nucleus, elongated NW-SE, brightest in a group. Two mag 8 stars are in the field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3190 = H. II-44 = h692, along with NGC 3193, on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166). His description reads, "Two small nebulae; very like each other; both E and both lbM; than towards the ends, but of the resolvable kind." His single position is closer to NGC 3187, but must refer to the brighter galaxies though NGC 3193 is not noticeably elongated.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 15 Mar 1850, sketched two parallel strips separated by a lane. Lord Rosse included the galaxy in a list of objects with "dark spaces" in his 1850 publications. R.J. Mitchell sketched the galaxy on 22 Mar 1857, which was published in 1861 (plate XXVII, fig 14) as two strips separated by a dark lane with the brighter strip dented in towards the center.
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10 19 05.1 +46 27 15; UMa
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 5°
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, round, 0.7'
diameter, weak broad concentration.
Located 4.1' SSW of a mag 10 star.
Pair with
John Herschel found NGC 3191 = h691 on 19 Mar 1828 (sweep
139) and recorded, "F; S; R; bM; 15-20". If this be III. 704 [
William Herschel discovered this galaxy on 5 Feb 1788 and recorded it as H. III-704 (later GC 2060 = NGC 3192). His position, though, was 7' too far north. All major catalogues identify this galaxy as NGC 3191, instead of NGC 3192. References: Malcolm Thomson's article in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal Apr 1980 and Betelgeuse Nov 1979.
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NGC 3192 = NGC 3191 = UGC 5565 = MCG +08-19-018 = CGCG 240-026 = PGC 30128
10 19 05.1 +46 27 15; UMa
See observing notes for NGC 3191.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3192 = H. III-704 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "eF, vS, may be a patch of small stars." There is nothing at his position, but 8' due south is h691 = NGC 3191. John Herschel recorded this galaxy as h691 (and later NGC 3191), noting "F; S; R; bM; 15-20". If this be III. 704, there must exist a great error in PD on one side or the other." Dreyer also commented "perhaps = h.691" in the notes to his Scientific Papers of WH.
RNGC misidentifies MCG +08-19-017 as NGC 3192. This galaxy is located 1.3' W of NGC 3191. See my RNGC Corrections #1, WSQJ Apr 1980 and Betelgeuse Nov 1979 (by Malcolm Thomson).
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NGC 3193 = HCG 44B = Arp 316 NED3 = UGC 5562 = MCG +04-24-027 = CGCG 123-038 = VV 307 = Holm 175b = WBL 262-003 = PGC 30099
10 18 25.0 +21 53 37; Leo
V = 10.9; Size 3.0'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (3/23/85): bright, small, round, stellar nucleus, second brightest in the NGC 3190 group. Located just 1.3' S of mag 9.0 SAO 81279. Third of three with NGC 3190 5.8' SW and NGC 3187 8.8' WSW.
13.1" (3/24/84): bright, small bright nucleus, small, round. A mag 9 star is just 1' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3193 = H. II-45 = h693, along with NGC 3190, on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166). See notes on NGC 3190.
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NGC 3194 = NGC 3155 = UGC 5538 = MCG +12-10-026 = CGCG 351-012 = PGC 30064
10 17 39.9 +74 20 51; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 35°
See observing notes for NGC 3155.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3194 = H. III-965 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "vF, vS." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors. A corrected position matching UGC 5538 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector. Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues. See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.
John Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on 2 Sep 1828 and recorded h676 as "vF; S; R. RA extremely precarious." His rough position is 4' northeast of UGC 5538. Dreyer also assumed this was a new discovery and catalogued it as NGC 3155 (with an accurate position from d'Arrest). So, NGC 3194 = NGC 3155. The primary designation should be NGC 3194, but the common name is NGC 3155.
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NGC 3195 = PK 296-20.1 = ESO 019-2 = PN G296.6-20.0
10 09 21.1 -80 51 31; Cha
V = 11.5; Size 43"x36"
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 350x, appeared fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, ~40"x35". The planetary was clearly annular at this magnification with the rim brightest along the E and W sides, giving a bipolar appearance. The S end of the rim dimmed, making the rim appear U-shaped, open to the south (though also somewhat weaker on the north end). The central hole was irregularly shaped with careful examination. Two mag 12 stars to the W at 45" and 1.6' are collinear with the planetary and a brighter mag 11.5 lies 2' SE. The surrounding field was lacking in bright stars but rich in faint stars. NGC 3149 lies 30' NNW.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is an interesting planetary at 171x with a UHC filter or at 228x. It appeared moderately bright and large, ~40"x35", slightly elongated ~N-S. This disc had a noticeably irregular surface brightness with a slightly brighter knot on the following side and a hint of annularity. Good response to UHC and OIII filters. Located in southern Chamaeleon between Zeta and Delta Chamaeleontis.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3195 = h3241 on 24 Feb 1835 and recorded "planetary nebula, pB, not quite uniform in its light, having two brighter patches, lE towards a * (a); slightly hazy; diameter = 15 or 18" (in RA 13 seconds of time). Pos of star a = 265.7 , dist = 0.7 diam from edge, 11th mag.; of star c, pos = 210.7 , dist = 1 3/4 diam from edge." On a later sweep he described "Planetary nebula, R or vlE; a very little hazy at the edges but still pretty well defined with 240 power. Viewed long and with much attention, being a very remarkable object. I am positive of the existence of two brighter portions near the edges." Sketched Plate VI, figure 2.
Joseph Turner sketched the planetary in July 1874 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished Plate V, figure 54). His sketch shows it clearly as annular with brighter arcs on the east and west side. Pietro Baracchi (10 Apr 1885) thought the annular rim was slightly brighter on the E and W sides.
The planetary was found in 1900 on a plate taken at Harvard's Arequipa station and described as "extremely faint, extremely small, D neb (Dumb-bel), 2 nuclei, extremely faint star 0.6' preceding."
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10 18 49.1 +27 40 08; Leo
V = 15.3; Size 0.4'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 120°
18" (2/23/06): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter. Located 0.5' W of a mag 15-15.5 star that confuses the observation. This galaxy is unusually faint for a William Herschel discovery. Located 13' NE of striking double star ∑1421 = 8.2/9.3 at 4.5".
William Herschel discovered NGC 3196 = H. III-348 = h694 on
11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and remarked "suspected, eF, pS, lE. I do not much doubt it; but there is
too much light to verify it."
Caroline's reduction is 30 sec of time following
******************************
10 14 27.7 +77 49 13; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 155°
17.5" (1/28/89): faint, small, round, even surface brightness. Located almost at midpoint of two mag 11 stars 3.7' NE and 3.5' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3197 = H. III-966 on 2 Apr
1801 (sweep 1096) and logged "F, S, stellar neb. It is very near and preceding a small star. 300 confirmed it." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies
with large systematic errors. A
corrected position matching
******************************
10 19 54.8 +45 32 59; UMa
V = 10.3; Size 8.5'x3.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 35°
48" (5/4/16): at 375x; NGC 3198 is a showpiece, large spiral extending 7:2 SW-NE, ~8.0'x2.5'. Contains a bright, elongated central "bar", punctuated by a very small bright core that rises to a stellar nucleus. Slightly brighter patches are visible at the ends of the central region, where the spiral arms emerge. A tight inner arm is attached on the northeast end; it bends back sharply and closely parallels the central region, extending southwest for a length of ~3.5'. An outer low surface brightness arm sweeps clockwise on the southwest end. A symmetric outer arm on the northeast end (of slightly higher surface brightness) curls clockwise towards the west. The outer tip to tip diameter is nearly 8'. An uncatalogued fairly bright double star [separation ~3.7"] is 3.5' NNE of center, just beyond the halo and a mag 14 star is 2.2' SSE of center.
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 7.0'x2.5', broadly concentrated, brighter core has an indistinct elongated nucleus and an irregular surface brightness. Two mag 14 stars are close south (nearest is 2.0' from the center) and a mag 11 star is just off the NNE edge 3.5' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3198 = H. I-199 = h695 on 15 Jan 1788 (sweep 800) and remarked "cB, mE, gbM, about 5' long and 2' broad from sp to nf." John Herschel wrote on 20 Mar 1828 (sweep 140), "F; vL; bM; mE; 6' large, 2.5' br; r[esolvable]."
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 3 Mar 1850, noted "probably a faint spiral." It was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in LdR's 1850 PT paper. In later observations, a "dark vacuity ssp Nucl" was noted as well as "dark spaces throughout its length".
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10 17 06 -57 55; Car
Size 22'x22'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x and UHC filter this Wolf-Rayet bubble appeared as an amazing 180° crescent, open on the east side and forming a thick "C" shape. The rim of the bubble is widest on the western portion, although it is slightly brighter on the southwest side. The main portion of the crescent spans ~13' from the north to south end and appears ~3.5' thick in the middle, though fainter nebulosity spreads out to the southeast. A double star (h4302 = 10.4/11.6 at 23") is embedded near the south end. The surface brightness is fairly high overall, though irregular with slightly brighter patches, knots and streaks. A faint 5' linear streak or filament running NNW-SSE is superimposed along the outer western edge, though it separates or resolves from the Crescent at its north and south ends. The illuminating mag 10.6 Wolf-Rayet star (WR 18 = HD 89358) is located about 4' E of the center of the "C", and is asymetrically positioned with respect to the center of the entire shell. This W-R bubble is situated four degrees NW of the Eta Carina nebula in a rich Milky Way star field.
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x and UHC filter, this HII region appears as a remarkable, huge crescent, roughly 11'x7' (the main region extends nearly 1/3 of the 39' field). Opens up towards the east in a huge "C" shape. The SW portion of the crescent is brightest, although the overall surface brightness is irregular with a mottled or curdled appearance. A few stars are superimposed even with the filter with the brightest stars at the SW end. Fainter nebulosity sprouts out of the SW end, increasing the total size by several arcminutes.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is
an amazing HII region with a 20mm Nagler and UHC filter at 103x. It appears as a fairly bright, thick
crescent opening towards the east, roughly 10'x6'! The surface brightness was quite irregular with a UHC filter
and the nebulosity was noticeably brighter on the south end where a couple of
brighter stars are embedded. Off
the bright portion of the south end, much lower surface brightness haze extends
the curve further SE for several arcmin and spreads out somewhat increasing the
length to ~15'. The main mass has a curdled, mottled
appearance and dark lanes appear to intrude into the nebulosity. The illuminating star
9x50mm finder (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): surprisingly, NGC 3199 was visible in the 50mm finder at just 9x by blinking with the OIII filter. An elongated bar of nebulosity was seen!
James Dunlop discovered NGC 3199 = D 332 = h3239 on 1 May 1826. He described (on a 2nd observation 8 nights later) a "very faint ray of nebula, about 2' broad, and 6' or 7' long, joining two small stars at the south following extremity, which are very slightly involved, but their lustre is not diminished from that of similar small stars in the field. The north extremity also joins a group of small stars, but they are not involved. Figure 15 [very basic sketch]." Unfortunately he made a one degree error in reducing the declination (too far north) and a result he wasn't credited for the discovery.
John Herschel rediscovered this Wolf-Rayet nebula on 1 Apr 1834, unaware of Dunlop's earlier observation. He recorded, "A very large and very remarkable nebula, which is brighter to the S.f. part, and dies off to the N.p., having a curved form and forked tail. In the head of it is a double star. The nebula is pretty bright, very large, figure irregular, 8' long, 4' broad. Among a vast number of milky way stars." On 5 Feb 1835 (sweep 543, the night described in his diary as "most superb" and "having attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra") he wrote, "very bright, very large, 10' long, of a concave or crescent form, sharply terminated inwards, fading away outwards. In a field of about 80 stars. The place is that of a 13th mag star, about the middle of the crescent, or rather nearer the head." His sketch from that night is reproduced on plate IV, figure 3. Later that month (sweep 552) he wrote: "pretty bright, very gradually brighter in the middle, of a falcated or semilunar shape, extending over three-quarters of the field. The place is that of a double star in its vertex or southern extremity."
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 3199 carefully on 28 Apr 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished lithograph plate VII, figure 67). The SE end is tapered and brightest and the wide northwest end is forked with the eastern fork slightly brighter. A lithograph was completed but not published. Albert Le Sueur earlier made a similar sketch with the 48", as well as Pietro Baracchi on 16 Jan 1885.
Williamina Fleming included the central (Wolf-Rayet) star in one of her 1893 lists of "Stars having peculiar spectra" based on Draper photographs taken at Harvard's Arequipa station.
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10 18 36.5 -17 58 57; Hya
V = 12.0; Size 4.2'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 169°
17.5" (1/31/87): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, moderately large. A mag 14 star is at the north end. Either contains a stellar nucleus or a star is superimposed on the center. A mag 12 star lies 2.0' WNW of center.
Edward Holden discovered NGC 3200 on 10 Apr 1882 with the
15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Wisconsin and noted
"pB, E 160, bMN." His position in Publ. of the Washburn Observatory,
Vol I, p 73, matches
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10 17 36.7 -46 24 40; Vel
V = 6.7; Size 18.2'; Surf Br = 0.7
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this beautiful, loose globular was well resolved with approximately two hundred mag 12 to 16 stars visible within a 10' region. An unusual feature is the large number of brighter cluster stars that appear to be superimposed right on top of a fainter layer of stars in the central core. The core seemed displaced towards the north side as if part of the northern half of the cluster was obscured and flattened. This apparent affect may also be due to a larger number of brighter resolved stars that are superimposed on the northern half of the core. A number of stars in the outer halo are arranged in strings and chains and the outer extent of the halo is irregular.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): beautifully resolved globular at 171x and 228x. The cluster is fairly large, ~8'-10' diameter with more careful viewing. Roughly 150 stars were resolved, though the number grew with magnification and averted vision. A fairly dense layer of brighter mag 11.5-12 stars were resolved right over the bright core. The halo, which has a large number of mag 13 stars, had a scraggly, irregular edge and seemed elongated - possibly partially obscured by intervening dust. This concentration class X cluster is 7th in ranking of brightest stars (mag 11.7) and 10th in horizontal-branch mag stars (mag 14.8).
13.1" (2/23/85): this fairly bright globular cluster appears fairly large and mottled. But only a few stars were resolved due to the view being compromised by the very low elevation (~5° altitude) from northern California.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 3201 = D 445 = h3238 on 1 May 1826. He took detailed notes on 5 nights with a summary description "pretty large, pretty bright round nebula, 4' or 5' diameter, very gradually condensed towards the centre, easily resolved into stars; the figure is rather irregular, and the stars are considerably scattered on the south preceding side: the stars are also of slightly mixed magnitudes."
John Herschel first observed NGC 3201 on 20 Apr 1836 and recorded a "globular cluster, irregularly round, gbM, not v m comp, 6', resolved into stars 13...15th mag." On a second sweep he called it "irregularly round, 7' diameter, but the outliers extend to at least 10' or 12'; gpmbM, but not very much compressed; all resolved into stars 13..16th mag."
NGC 3201 is 7th in ranking of brightest member stars (mag 11.7) and 10th in ranking of horizontal-branch mag (mag 14.8). The distance is ~20,000 light years.
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10 20 31.7 +43 01 18; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 20°
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2
SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', only a weak concentration with a small brighter core. A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' W of
center. First of three with very
similar
William Herschel discovered NGC 3202 = H. II-720 = h696 on 3
Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and noted "F, vS." Caroline's reduction is 3.5' southwest of
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10 19 34.5 -26 41 53; Hya
V = 12.1; Size 2.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 58°
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, very small bright core is possibly stellar, very thin extensions.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3203 = h3240 on 24 Mar 1835 and
recorded "pB; E; gbM; 25"." His RA was 1.0 minute too small. But he measured an accurate RA on the next sweep (563). Unfortunately he rejected the second
(accurate) RA, so the position in the NGC is in error. Clearly his observations, though, refer
to
******************************
10 20 11.2 +27 49 02; Leo
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 110°
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5'. Located 4.1' NE
of a mag 11 star. A mag 7.7 star
(
John Herschel discovered NGC 3204 = h698 on 24 Dec 1827
(sweep 115) and logged "F; L; 40" - 60"; gbM." His position matches
******************************
NGC 3205 = UGC 5585 = MCG +07-21-042 = CGCG 211-046 = Holm 179a = WBL 264-002 = PGC 30254
10 20 50.0 +42 58 19; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (4/9/94): second of three in a group. Very similar appearance to NGC 3202 4.4' NW. Fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE. A mag 13 star is 1.0' WSW. Appears to have a slightly higher surface brightness than NGC 3202 and brighter along the major axis. A threshold star is superimposed NE of the core (GSC shows a mag 15 star 15" NE of center). NGC 3207 lies 2.1' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3205 = H. II-721 = h699 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and noted "F, vS, stellar." On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248) John Herschel recorded, "vF; R; vgbM; 30"; the second of 3 [with NGC 3202 and 3207] in a triangle."
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10 21 47.6 +56 55 50; UMa
V = 11.9; Size 3.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 0°
17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly large, elongated 3:2 N-S,
2.5'x1.5', broad concentration. A
mag 13 star is just off the NNE end 2.1' from the center. A pair of galaxies
William Herschel discovered NGC 3206 = H. I-266 = h697 on 8
Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and recorded "cB, pL, gbM, iF." His position is just off the east side
of
******************************
NGC 3207 = UGC 5587 = MCG +07-21-043 = CGCG 211-047 = Holm 179b = WBL 264-003 = PGC 30267
10 21 00.6 +42 59 07; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 73°
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, almost round, even concentration down to very small core. A mag 13.5 star is 2.0' S. Third of three in a close trio with NGC 3205 2.1' WSW and NGC 3202 5.7' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3207 = H. II-722 = h700 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and logged "F, vS, stellar." On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248) John Herschel recorded, "vF; R; vgbM; 30"; the last of 3 in a triangle [with NGC 3202 and 3205]."
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10 19 41.3 -25 48 53; Hya
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 20°
18" (4/10/04): faint, moderately large, round. At 220x, appears as a low surface
brightness glow with a very weak concentration, ~1.2' diameter. Situated between two mag 10.5 stars -
the closer is 1.6' due west and the second star is 3.0' due E! Outlying member of
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3208 = LM 1-171 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is a reasonable match
with
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10 20 38.5 +25 30 18; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 80°
17.5" (3/25/95): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. Sharp concentration with a very small prominent core and stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 3.0' W of center.
Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3209 = h701 on 19 Feb 1827
(sweep 58) and recorded "F; R; 30"; has a star." His position matches
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10 27 58.9 +79 49 57; Dra
Size 24"
17.5" (1/28/89): NGC 3210 is a pair of mag 13.5/14.5
stars at 24" separation located just 1' WNW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 3210 = H. III-979 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and recorded "The preceding [with III-980 = NGC 3212 and III-981 = NGC 3215] stellar; they are all in line and about 1' distance from each other. The preceding is the most north, about 2' more than the last." A pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars at 24" separation is the only object matching his description with respect to the two nearby galaxies.
In the 1912 notes to WH's third catalogue, Dreyer states the RA for NGC 3210 requires a correction of +1.0 tmin in RA (probably based on an observation by Bigourdan) and this would match one or both of the stars. In 1892 William Denning reported "there are two or three faint stars in the place assigned for it [NGC 3210], but, like D'Arrest, I see no nebulosity [in a 10-inch reflector]." Dorothy Carlson identifies this object as a star in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections.
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10 17 50.3 -62 40 14; Car
V = 10.7; Size 17"
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): Picked up unfiltered at 105x as a moderately bright, 15" disc. Good contrast gain with UHC filter. Appears bright, evenly illuminated with a well-defined bluish halo. Appears to float in a beautifully rich Carina star field and centered within a parallelogram of mag 10.5 stars (sides ~9'x7'). Located 1.3° south of the mag 3.4 q Velorum.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x and UHC filter this fine planetary appeared as a very bright, round disc, ~15" diameter, crisp-edged with a bluish hue. Good filter response to UHC. The surface brightness was very high and there was a hint of a slightly brighter rim. Set in a rich Carina star field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3211 = h3242 on 7 Mar 1837 and recorded "planetary nebula, delicate, exactly round, = * 10 mag, a little dim at edges; white; with 320x considerably hazy. In field with at least 150 stars." The next sweep he recorded "perfectly round; very well defined, with a perfectly uniform light, not at all mottled; = a star 10th mag, of which brightness there are 5 or 6 more in the field, and not less than 150 others less bright. Examined by both Mr Maclear and myself with 240x which shows it proportionally magnified; quite round and planetary; a little hazy at the edges, but not more so than is due to the decidedly bad definition of the night, and the imperfect figure of the mirror, which has been injured by careless polishing on too soft a polisher."
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NGC 3212 = Arp 181 NED1 = VV 319b = UGC 5643 = MCG +13-08-021 = CGCG 351-023 = PGC 30813
10 28 16.1 +79 49 23; Dra
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 107°
17.5" (1/28/89): faint, very small, round. A pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars at
24" separation is 1' WNW (= NGC 3210). Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3212 = H. III-980 on 26 Sep 1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and recorded "Three, the place is that of the last [III-981]. The two last [NGC 3212 and 3215] vF and vS."
None of these 3 objects were included in WH's third catalogue as they were discovered just after his 500 discovery limit was reached on the previous object (NGC 3057). JH added III-980 as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("[William] Herschel omitted nebulae") in the Appendix to his Cape Observations. There are only two galaxies here that were measured accurately by d'Arrest and Bigourdan with III-979 = NGC 3210 a single or double star.
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10 21 17.3 +19 39 07; Leo
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 133°
17.5" (4/25/92): very faint, small, round, low almost
even surface brightness. Located
10' NE of mag 8.1
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3213 = St. 13-58 on 16 Mar 1882. His published position in his 13th list was reduced the following March with description "faint, round, 20" diameter, very little concentration, seems resolvable."
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NGC 3214 = MCG +10-15-071 = CGCG 290-032 = Holm 182a = WBL 265-003 = PGC 30419
10 23 08.9 +57 02 20; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.3'; PA = 30°
17.5" (4/9/94): first of two with
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3214 on 9 Mar 1874 using LdR's
72" while observing GC 2082 = NGC 3220. He recorded "cB, vS, R, sbMN
= * 11m, pos 277.3°, dist 288.7"
It is in a line, Pos about 100°, between 2 st, about 11m each, dist
about 1.5'." Copeland's
offset from NGC 3220 matches
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NGC 3215 = Arp 181 NED2 = VV 319a = UGC 5659 = MCG +13-08-022 = CGCG 350-055 = CGCG 351-024 = PGC 30840
10 28 40.4 +79 48 46; Dra
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 130°
17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated. Forms a close pair with NGC 3212 1.2' NW. Collinear with NGC 3212 and pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars 2.2' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3215 = H. III-981 on 26 Sep
1802 (sweep 1111, his second to last sweep) and recorded "Three, the place
is that of the last [III-981]. The
two last [NGC 3212 and 3215] vF and vS." Caroline Herschel's reduced
position is ~4' north of
None of these three objects were included in WH's third catalogue as they were discovered just after his 500 discovery limit was reached on the previous object (NGC 3057). JH added III-981 as one of the 8 "HON" objects ("[William] Herschel omitted nebulae") in the Appendix to his Cape Observations. There are only two galaxies here, that were measured accurately by d'Arrest and Bigourdan and NGC 3210 is either a star or wide double star.
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10 21 41.2 +23 55 23; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 0°
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3
N-S, 0.9'x0.7', weak concentration.
Located 4.7' ENE of a mag 10.5 star. Brightest in a group with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3216 = H. III-330 = h702 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, pS, vlbM." On 28 Mar 1832 (sweep 407) John Herschel logged, "eF; R; 20" diameter."
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10 23 32.6 +10 57 35; Leo
V = 14.5; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 30°
18" (3/11/07): faint, small, slightly elongated,
0.4'x0.3', weak concentration.
Situated in a small group of mag 13-14 stars and a mag 11.6 star 2.6'
SE. Discovered by David Todd in
his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and equivalent to
David Todd discovered NGC 3217 = Todd 29 on 4 Mar 1878 using the 26-inch Clark refractor at the US Naval Observatory during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet. Todd's RA was only given to the nearest minute but Harold Corwin was able to identify CGCG 065-017 = PGC 30448 as NGC 3217. This galaxy is 2.1 tmin east of Todd's rough position and 4' north but his sketch shows two nearby stars that match this galaxy.
Stephane Javelle independently found NGC 3217 on 18 Apr 1893 and reported it in list 2-676 (later IC 606). PGC, MCG, CGCG and SIMBAD (and amateur software such as Megastar) use the IC designation only and RNGC misclassifies NGC 3217 as nonexistent. NED and HyperLeda equate the two identities.
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10 21 49.4 +74 10 37; Dra
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 170°
See observing notes for NGC 3183.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3218 = H. I-283 on 2 Apr 180 (sweep 1096) and recorded "cB, cL, er." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors. A corrected position matching UGC 5582 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector. See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.
Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 28 Sep 1865, measured an accurate position, and Dreyer catalogued it as NGC 3183, assuming it was new. The primary designation of this galaxy is NGC 3183, despite the earlier discovery by WH.
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10 22 37.4 +38 34 45; LMi
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.5'; PA = 60°
18" (4/10/04): very faint, small, slightly elongated
0.5'x0.4', weak concentration.
Situated in the middle of a thin triangle of mag 11-12 stars with a 1.6'
pair of mag 11.5/12 stars ~2.5' W and a mag 11 star 3' E. Forms a close pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3219 = St. 12-38 on 8 Apr
1882. His position, reduced three
days later, matches
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NGC 3220 = IC 604 = UGC 5614 = MCG +10-15-073 = CGCG 290-034 = Holm 182b = WBL 265-004 = PGC 30462
10 23 45.2 +57 01 38; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 97°
17.5" (4/9/94): brighter of a pair with NGC 3214 5.0' W. Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.5', weak concentration. Forms the west vertex of a near isosceles triangle with a mag 11 star 5.5' NE and a mag 10 star 6.5' ESE. The mag 10 star is an unequal triple with two 14th magnitude companions at 18" and 27".
William Herschel discovered NGC 3220 = H. III-911 on 8 Apr
1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "vF, cL, iF." Caroline's reduction matches
Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 8 Aug 1890, and
reported it as new in his list IX-22 (later
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10 22 20.2 +21 34 07; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 3.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 167°
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x0.7', brighter middle but no nucleus. A mag 11 star is 4.6' S of center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3221 on 1 Jan 1862. His description reads, "eF, incredibly thin, 90" length, mag 10 star 4' south."
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10 22 34.5 +19 53 13; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 50°
17.5" (4/25/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, small bright core, faint halo. A mag 14.5 star is just south of the west edge 0.6' from center. A mag 11.5 star lies 2.9' S. FIrst of three with the NGC 3226/3227 duo 13' E in field.
Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 3222 = Au 27 in
March 1855 with a 9.6-in Fraunhofer refractor at the Berlin Observatory. It was found "while observing the
double nebula [
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10 21 35.1 -34 16 01; Ant
V = 11.0; Size 4.1'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 135°
18" (4/10/04): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 2.0'x1.2'.
Increases to a moderately bright 30" core. A mag 11 star is just off the SE end
and one or two faint stars are superimposed in the halo. This was a surprisingly easy galaxy and
bright for a low elevation (~15 degrees).
NGC 3223 is an outlyting member of the Antlia cluster (ACO S636),
situated about 1.5° NW of the center of the cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3223 = h3243 on 2 Feb 1835 and
recorded "pB; vL; vlE; pslbM; to a centre; diam 2'." His position is on the northeast side
of
Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 30 Dec 1897, assumed
it was new and reported Sw. 11-107 (later
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NGC 3224 = ESO 375-013 = MCG -06-23-024 = LGG 196-006 = PGC 30314
10 21 41.2 -34 41 49; Ant
V = 12.0; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 133°
18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, failry small, slightly
elongated, 0.8'x0.7'. Well concentrated with a small, bright core. Outlying member of the Antlia Cluster
(ACO S636). Found by starhopping
from brighter
John Herschel discovered NGC 3224 = h3244 on 18 Apr 1835 and
recorded "vF; R; pgmbM; 40"." His position matches
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NGC 3225 = UGC 5631 = MCG +10-15-077 = CGCG 290-037 = PGC 30569
10 25 10.0 +58 09 00; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, very weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 1.2' NNE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3225 = H. II-882 = h703 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "pB, pL, lE, bM." Caroline's reduced position is 15 seconds of RA west of this galaxy. On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) John Herschel logged, "pF; L; E; vgbM; 30" to 40" [diameter]."
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NGC 3226 = Arp 94 NED1 = VV 209b = Holm 187b = UGC 5617 =
10 23 27.0 +19 53 54; Leo
V = 11.4; Size 3.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 15°
48" (4/22/17): at 375x and 488x; very bright,
moderately large, slightly elongated, ~1.8'x 1.5'. Sharply concentrated with an intensely bright non-stellar
nucleus. The halo has only a weak
concentration and with averted vision appears to merge with the halo of NGC
3227. A low surface brightness
spiral arm on the west side of
17.5" (4/25/92): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, smoothly increases from halo to a bright core and an almost stellar nucleus. The halo extends to almost 2' diameter with averted vision and fades into background. Forms a striking pair with NGC 3227 at the south side with 2.3' separation between centers. The outer halo is just in contact with NGC 3227 at the SSE edge. NGC 3222 lies 13' W.
13.1" (4/16/83): fairly faint, broad concentration to a brighter middle.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3226 = H. II-28, along with NGC 3227, on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146). He described both as "Two nebula almost close together. Perhaps 1 1/2 or 2' asunder, they are pretty considerable in size and of a roundish form; but not cometic; they are vF." His position was 17' too far north, but d'Arrest and Schultz measured accurate positions used in the GC and NGC. Stephan also measured a good position on 4 Mar 1886 with additional observations on 8 Mar and 27 Mar 1886 (after the last of published lists).
Father Secchi found NGC 3226 and 3227 on 6 Mar 1853 with the 9.5-inch Merz refractor at the Roman College observatory and announced the pair as new in Astronomische Nachrichten 36, p. 243 (1853). He mentioned the nebulae were "not listed in Herschel's Observations of nebulae and clusters of stars [Slough catalogue]." Like a number of observers, Secchi missed the prior discovery as he only checked the Slough catalogue or was misled by Herschel's poor positions. In 1855, d'Arrest reported these nebulae were discovered previously.
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NGC 3227 = Arp 94 NED2 = VV 209a = Holm 187a = UGC 5620 =
10 23 30.6 +19 51 55; Leo
V = 10.3; Size 5.4'x3.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 155°
48" (4/22/17): at 375x and 488x; very bright, large, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE. ~3'x 1.5'. Contains a very sharp, intensely bright stellar nucleus within a very bright elongated core. The large, elongated halo displays two subtle spiral arms. A broad, low surface brightness arm is attached on the NNW end and sweeps south on the east side, ending just west of a mag 14.7 star, which is 2.3' SE of center. A second broad arm emerges roughly on the southwest side and shoots north on the west side, extending to the halo of NGC 3226 [centers of the two galaxies separated by 2.2'].
17.5" (4/25/92): fairly bright, fairly bright, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.0', prominent very small high surface brightness core, striking stellar nucleus. Just in contact with NGC 3226 at the NW tip 2.3' separation between cores. Brightest of three with NGC 3222 13' W.
13.1" (4/16/83): fairly bright, elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus. This Seyfert galaxy forms a contact system with NGC 3226 2' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3227 = H. II-29, along with NGC 3226, on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146). See notes for NGC 3226.
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10 21 22 -51 43 24; Vel
V = 6.0; Size 18'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): bright, 15' open cluster in Vela. Prominent in 9x50 finder and easy in 10x30 IS binoculars. The main portion consists of 9 mag 8-10 stars. Scattered about are a few additional mag 9 and 10 stars in a 15' field. Perhaps 3 dozen stars total are within the boundary, though besides the bright stars the remaining are mostly mag 13-14 and appear to be a random background scattering of stars in a rich Milky Way field.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3228 = Lac II-7 = D 386 = h3245 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x. He called it a "heap of four or five stars, very small and compressed."
James Dunlop observed the cluster twice outside Sydney, Australia (first on 9 May 1826) and reported "11 Roboris Caroli. A group of 8 or 10 pretty bright small stars, with very small stars, about 6' diameter." On 6 Apr 1834 (sweep 438), John Herschel called this "a group of 9 large, and a few scattered small stars."
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10 23 24.3 +00 03 54; Sex
V = 13.6/15.8; Size 9"
= **, Corwin. Incorrect identification in the RNGC.
Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 3229 = HN 16 on 31 Mar 1850
with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone
Survey of equatorial stars. He
simply noted a "faint nebulous object", but at his exact position is
a double star at 10 23 24.3 +00 03 54.
The RNGC misidentifies
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10 23 44.0 +12 33 59; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 2.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 115°
48" (5/8/21): at 375x; bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.6'. Strong concentration with a bright core and stellar nucleus. The beginning root of a curving spiral arm is on the WNW end and a less defined counterpart on the ESE end. A mag 11.3 star is attached on the south side, just 0.3' from center.
17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.7'. Fairly sharp concentration with a small bright core and occasional stellar nucleus. Unusual appearance with a mag 10 star superimposed at the south edge.
UGC 5625, situated 4' NNE, appeared very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3', low even surface brightness. A mag 12 star lies 1.1' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3230 = h705 on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242) and wrote, "a triple star in nebula, a fourth star suspected." The next night he logged, "A very close D* of the first class involved in a nebulous wisp. 'A most curious, delicate and interesting object'."
In 1885, Herbert Sadler of England claimed to detect a change in the position (proper motion) relative to a nearby double star. Dreyer replied that there was no evidence of motion.
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10 26 58 +66 48 42; UMa
Size 2.5'
18" (3/5/05): 16 stars are visible in an 8'
region. The stars are distributed
into two groups oriented NW-SE.
The northwest group stands out more distinctly as it is a bit richer and
more compact (~2.5' diameter) and contains a mag 11.5/13 pair at 18". The sparser SE group also contains a
mag 13 pair at 17". At the SE
edge of the 225x field (9' SE of the NW grouping) is mag 7.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 3231 = h704 on 3 Apr 1832 (sweep 412) and recorded "A cluster of 20 stars more or less, 10,11, and 12m, scattered over a space of 10' dia. A star 7m south." Heinrich d'Arrest noted the principal star was double. This group is apparently an asterism although it stands out well on the DSS, being detached from the surrounding field.
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10 24 24.3 +28 01 40; LMi
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, very small, round,
25" diameter, low even surface brightness. Located 2.5' NE of a mag 10 star. Forms a pair with brighter
On the SDSS, this is a superposed (merging?) pair of galaxies, though it was not seen as double.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3232, along with NGC 3235,
on 29 Dec 1861. His single
position and description (he mentions a mag 11-12 star is 150" southwest)
matches
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10 21 57.5 -22 16 04; Hya
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 140°
17.5" (4/13/02): faint, small, elongated nearly 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6', irregular surface brightness. There is possibly a very faint envelope surrounding the main bar. Located 16' NNE of mag 6.5 HD 89828.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3233 = LM 1-172 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 min of time west of ESO 568-001. Herbert Howe's corrected position (given in the IC 2 Notes section) is accurate.
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10 24 59.3 +28 01 26; LMi
See observing notes for NGC 3235.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3234 = h706 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and noted "pB; R: psbM; 30"." There is nothing at his position, though his brightness estimate of "pB" implies a duplicate observation (with a bad position) of a reasonably bright galaxy. In the GC, JH mentioned it might be a comet.
This object was not found in six attempts at Birr Castle (1852-56), and Reinmuth and Carlson also reported it as not found, based on photographic searches. In the NGC Notes section, Dreyer states that NGC 3234 is probably identical to NGC 3235 with a 1 degree error in declination. In the IC 1 notes, though, Dreyer states that NGC 3234 ≠ NGC 3235, as both were seen by William Frederick Denning. Nevertheless, Corwin concludes "NGC 3234 is almost certainly = NGC 3235."
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NGC 3235 = NGC 3234? = UGC 5635 = MCG +05-25-007 = CGCG 154-010 = PGC 30553
10 24 59.3 +28 01 26; LMi
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 85°
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 40"
diameter, slightly brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 3.1' NNW. Brightest in a group with NGC 3232 7.7'
W and
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3235, along with NGC 3232,
on 29 Dec 1861. His position,
measured on 3 nights, matches
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10 26 48.5 +61 16 23; UMa
V = 14.4; Size 0.75'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 52°
17.5" (4/9/94): faint, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 1.5' ESE and a mag 12 star 2.8' SE. Located 4.0' NE of a mag 10.5 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3236 = h707 on 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406) and recorded "eF; S; psbM; 8"; 2 st 11 and 12m follow."
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10 25 43.3 +39 38 47; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (4/13/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, brighter core. An uneven mag 12/14 double is 3' N and trailing from this pair is a string of three mag 10.5-11.5 (total length including double of 10').
William Herschel discovered NGC 3237 = H. III-631 = h709 on
18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and noted "vF, vS. With 300 the same." Caroline's reduced position is 6' SSE of
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10 26 43.0 +57 13 35; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, even concentration with brighter core and faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with MCG +10-15-079 5.4' NW. NGC 3220 lies 27' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3238 = H. II-883 = h708 on 8
Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "F, S, R, bM." Caroline's reduced position is just 1'
NE of
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10 25 05.5 +17 09 35; Leo
V = 11.3; Size 5.0'x3.3'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 80°
48" (5/4/16): NGC 3239 was examined at 488x,
specifically looking for the two tidal tails not seen in the previous
observation with Lowrey's 48".
A very faint curving tail or hook (identified as "Tail A" in
Krienke & Hodge's 1990 paper "The structure of the irregular galaxy,
NGC 3239") was seen extending from the very bright HII knot (
Beyond the west end of the main glow is a fairly wide, very low surface brightness glow (the start of "Tail B") in the direction of a mag 12.5 star (2.4' due W of the bright star); it then sweeps broadly towards the south. A narrow extension heading southwest ends at a faint HII knot, perhaps 6" diameter, which is identified in NED as NGC 3239:[HK83] 75 and 80.
48" (2/19/12): NGC 3239 = Arp 263 is a large, disrupted irregular, dominated by numerous HII regions. It was a fascinating sight at 488x. A mag 10 star is superimposed on the southwest side of the galaxy with the patchy, highly irregular surface brightness glow of the galaxy extending mainly north and east of the star.
A very bright, round knot of ~15" diameter is prominent on the southeast side of the galaxy. This HII complex is catalogued as VV 95b in NED and as region #6 and #10 in Hodge-Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of HII Regions in 125 Galaxies". A faint star or knot is attached on the N side. A "star" recorded just off the W side of this knot turned out to be supernova SN 2012A, discovered on 7 Jan 2012, still currently around 14th magnitude. Very faint haze extends southeast of VV 95b, but the "tail" structure was not seen.
Along the N side of the galaxy (elongated E-W) are several
additional knots. About 30"
due N of
18" (3/28/09): moderately bright and large, irregular
shape and mottled appearance, elongated ~2:1 E-W, ~1.0'x0.5'. A mag 9.5 star is superimposed on the
SW side with the brighter portion of the galaxy extending to the east. On the SW end of the galaxy is a bright
HII knot (VV 95B = Hodge-Kennicutt #10) of ~20" diameter. The galaxy has a patchy surface
brightness with an ill-defined, irregular halo. A number of fainter galaxies are in the field (background
cluster) including
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, very unusual appearance as a mag 9 star (BD+17 2217) is superimposed on the south side. An unusually bright knot is following the bright star by 51" on the SE side of the galaxy. This is possibly an offset nucleus or more likely an HII knot. The galaxy appears to extend to the west from this knot. The galaxy exhibits an irregular surface brightness with edges difficult to define as it fades into the background. The halo is more extensive to the north with averted vision. About 2' NW and 2' W are two mag 11 and 12 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3239 = H. IV-10 = h710 =
h3246 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181)and recorded "A pretty considerable star,
with a milky vF brush after it.
The position of the brush is about 15 or 20° nf. With 240 I saw 2 vF stars towards the
confines of the brush; but they seemed to have no connection with it. The bright star is the following one of
a triangle, the preceding stars of which are a little smaller. It precedes a large star 3 1/2 min of
time and is 2' more north."
His description and position applies to
10 observations were made at Birr Castle, with knots in NGC
3239 mentioned several times. On
10 Jan 1856, R.J. Mitchell commented "A knot north of the star and another
nff, the space between them and the star is filled with faint mottled
nebulosity. A star suspected in np
end of the following knot. A very
faint nebula suspected following?".
The last comment probably refers to
On the POSS, the bright knot on the southeast end seems like it could be an interacting galaxy but on the SDSS it looks like a large, blue HII region. Also the area immediately north seems dusty. Contains unusual asymmetric arcs to the south as if very disturbed. This galaxy has a listed redshift of only 0.0025, while the surrounding galaxies (6 viewed on 3/28/09) have a redshift of z = .044.
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10 24 30.6 -21 47 28; Hya
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 78°
17.5" (2/22/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 0.8' SSE of center just outside the halo.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3240 = h3247 on 20 Mar 1835 and
reported "eF; S; R; near a star." His position from two sweeps matches
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10 24 16.9 -32 28 58; Ant
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 123°
18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 1.3'x1.0'. Weak concentration with no distinguishable core. A mag 11 star is close off the NW edge, 1.4' from center and the galaxy is elongated in the direction of the star. Scattered groups of mag 10 stars lie ~20' E and a similar distance west. Outlying member of the Antlia cluster (ACO S636).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3241 = h3249 on 16 Feb 1836 and
logged "F pmE glbM; has a *11m north preceding." His position is 1' N of
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NGC 3242 = PK 261+32.1 = ESO 568-5 = PN G261.0+32.0 = Eye Nebula = The Ghost of Jupiter = The CBS Eye
10 24 46.1 -18 38 32; Hya
V = 7.3; Size 40"x35"
82" (5/4/19): at 400x; fairly prominent wings or handles were visible on both ends of the major axis of the inner lens. Both "handles" extended well into the halo and greatly increased the length of the bright lens, which showed a couple of brighter interior knots. The halo was surrounded by an obvious outer shell.
48" (4/18/15 and 5/1/19): In addition to the structure previously noted, the sharply defined inner ring clearly has lower surface brightness extensions at the northwest and southeast end, creating an inner lens. The bulge on the northwest end is a bit larger and brighter, though the southeast end of the ring has a slightly brighter knot.
Two galaxies are nearby.
48" (2/18/12 and 5/14/12): at 814x, the multiple ring structure was remarkable. The small, dark central hole and bright central star was surrounded by a beautiful inner lens, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~25"x15". This vivid turquoise lens was brighter at the ends of the major axis and bulges out with an extension on the northwest end. Surrounding the lens was a broader halo or shell with a rounder outline, ~45"x35" NW-SE. This shell had a distinctive light pink or salmon color. Highlighting the very edge of this shell is an extremely thin, slightly brighter greenish ring. A low surface brightness outer halo surrounds the planetary.
48" (4/1/11): stunning view at 488x with a high contrast, high surface brightness double ring structure and an outer third shell. The small inner lens has an electric turquoise color and is elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~25"x15". At the southeast end of the major axis of the inner ring is a well-defined, bright knot. The irregular inner ring is also brighter and thicker along the northwest end, though not as bright or sharply defined as the southeast knot. The dim central portion is punctuated by the bright central star. The outer ring is rounder and extends ~45"x35" NW-SE, with the limb unevenly lit. The greenish color is not as intense in the outer ring. Between the two main rings the nebulosity has a pinkish hue. The main structure was surrounded by a low surface brightness outer halo, at least 1.5' diameter, which significantly increased the total size!
18" (4/9/05): at 435x, the double shell structure was prominent and exhibited filametary structure outside the inner ring.
17.5" (3/25/00): this beautiful PN has a very high surface brightness and a bluish color at 100x. The view at 280x-380x was stunning with a well-defined double shell structure. The bright, narrow inner ring is surrounded by a second fainter oval envelope. Inside the bright lens is a dark, 10" donut-hole with a faint central star marking the center. In moments of steady seeing, the inner ring has a hard-edge and the central star is easier.
17.5" (1/31/87): at 415x appears very bright, fairly small, bluish color, central star is visible. Prominent double lens structure with a bright inner lens surrounded by a second fainter elliptical shell. Stunning at high power with a striking "eye" appearance with a darker center.
13.1" (many dates 3/24/84 to 4/10/86): very bright, bright inner lens surrounded by a second fainter elliptical shell. At 350x there is a darker center to the inner lens and the central star is visible almost continuously. Superb view at 535x in excellent seeing.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3242 = H. IV-27 = h3248 on 7
Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and described this bright planetary as "a beautiful,
very brilliant globe of light; a little hazy on the edges, but the haziness
goes off very suddenly, so as not to exceed the 20th part of the diameter,
which I suppose to be from 30 to 40" in diameter. It is round, or perhaps
a very little elliptical, and all over of an uniform brightness: I suppose the
intensity of its light to be equal to that of a star of the 9th
magnitude." This was the same night he discovered the PN
William Lassell observed NGC 3242 on 12 Mar 1853 with his 24-inch equatorial reflector on Malta and noted "a brilliant light blue colour with slight green tinge." The double ring structure was described at Birr Castle, as well as the northwest extension of the inner ring. On 6 Apr 1863 Samuel Hunter logged,"Outer ring is brightest north and south and fainter preceding, but vF on sf side, it does not appear so blue as the inner and brighter one....The little projection of np end of the bright ring is very marked." E.E. Barnard and Sherburne Burnham observed the planetary with the 36-inch at Lick Observatory on 25 Feb 1889. Barnard described in his logbook "a glowing star in center of dark space, this in in parallelogram or diamond shape () of beautiful bluish green. This in an elliptical rose colored disc." James Keeler's sketch on 30 Mar 1891 with the 36-inch shows both extensions of the inner ring along the major axis.
Sir William Huggins observed an emission line spectrum in 1865 and it was confirmed by Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, in 1868 while stationed in Bangalore, India. Huggins also examined it with his 8" refractor and reported "Powers of 600 and 920 diameters showed that the nebula is annular. It appears to consist of an oval ring of brighter matter surrounded by a broad margin of faint nebulosity. The area enclosed by the ring is filled with faintly luminous matter. The faint nebuosity surrounding the ring appears circular, or nearly so, suggesting the ring, seen obliquely from our system, extists with a globular mass of faint nebuous material."
Admiral Smyth noted the planetary "resembles Jupiter" in his "Cycle of Celestial Objects" (1844), following Herschel’s comment. But the nickname "Ghost of Jupiter" was apparently first used by Captain William Noble. In the 1882 issue of Knowledge, he wrote "It will be a seen as a pale-blue disc, looking just like the ghost of Jupiter." He repeated this description in his book "Hours with a Three-Inch Telescope" (London and New York, 1886). In his 1909 book "In Starland with a Three-Inch telescope” William Tyler Olcott also stated "It will be seen like a pale blue disk, like a ghost of jupiter"
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "the inner, roughly elliptical ring with its slightly fainter extensions is about 26"x16" in pa 145°. The outer and considerably fainter oval disk is 40"x35", and shows faint ring or shell effects at its edges.
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10 26 21.4 -02 37 20; Sex
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 125°
17.5" (3/29/97): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
40" diameter, moderate concentration to a very small brighter core and
occasional stellar nucleus (possibly offset from center). Located 1.5' SE of a mag 10.5 star and
a similar star is 4' NNE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3243 = Sw. 3-54 on 2 Apr 1886 and
noted "vF; S; lE; between a pB and a vF *." His position is 10 tsec west and 1' south of
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10 25 28.9 -39 49 41; Ant
V = 12.3; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 170°
17.5" (3/28/87): faint, very diffuse, almost
round. A mag 11 star is 1.9'
N. Located 14' NW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 3244 = h4019 on 22 Apr 1835 and
recorded "vF; above a * 11m, dist 1.5'." It was included in a "supplementary nebulae" list
at the end of the Cape catalogue (h4016 to h4021) which Dreyer identified as
"h o n" ([John] Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC. His position and description matches
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10 27 18.4 +28 30 26; LMi
V = 10.8; Size 3.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 177°
17.5" (3/29/97): bright, fairly large, elongated ~3:2
N-S, 2.2'x1.3'. Unusually bright
30" core, increases to a very small but nonstellar nucleus. The faint edge-on
NGC 3345A appeared extremely faint, thin edge-on 7:1 NNW-SSE, ~2.0'x0.3'. Requires averted vision and concentration to glimpse, no noticeable concentration. Surprisingly low surface brightness and might not have been noticed unless aware of position. The major axis points just north of a mag 11.5 star 2.1' NW of center. Also a mag 12 star is 2.4' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3245 = H. I-86 = h711 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "cB, pL, mbM, the greatest brightness lE." John Herschel made 5 observations calling the galaxy "very bright" on 4 of his sweeps.
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10 26 41.8 +03 51 43; Sex
V = 12.7; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 100°
17.5" (3/25/00): faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 E-W,
broad weak concentration, 1.5'x1.0'.
Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag
11.5-12.5 stars 2.8' SW and 3.0' SSW of center. Located 9' SW of mag 6.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 3246 = h712 on 9 Apr 1828 and
recorded "eF; S; R: two stars, 10 and 11m sp, dist 90"." HIs position and description matches
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10 24 13 -57 45 48; Car
Size 6'x4'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 230x): NGC 3247
consists of a compact cluster (often referred to as Westerlund 2), one of the
most massive young star clusters known in the Milky Way, and a large, irregular
H II region (RCW 49) with star-forming pillars similar to the Eagle
Nebula. At 230x, the cluster
extended ~1.5', but the richest part was a dense, elongated clump only 45"
long with a half-dozen tightly packed mag 13.5-14 stars resolved in an WNW-ESE
string. Off the SW side is mag
13.5 WR 20a, one of the most massive binary systems (both superluminous O3-type
stars). The cluster is situated
12' N of mag 5.8
At 145x, fairly faint emission haze was easily visible in an irregular 2.5' region just to the east of Westerlund 2. A mag 12 star is embedded near the center of the nebula, a mag 11.5 star is just off the north edge and a few additional stars are involved. Adding a NPB filter, RCW 49 is a fairly bright, irregular nebula! The brightest part (centered on the star) was roughly circular with a well-defined northern boundary, but it spread further south and southwest to a ~4'x3' region.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3247 = h3250 on 1 Apr 1834 and described "a curious object. Stars involved in evident nebula." The next sweep he logged, "there is a nebulous appearance, which merits re-examination. Observed much past meridian, and no reliance on the PD [polar distance]." A third observation only has a very approximate polar distance. His rough (mean) position is 10 24.8 -57 51 (2000). Joseph Turner unsuccessfully searched for this object using the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 12 Feb 1879, as well as Pietro Baracchi on three different occasions, perhaps due to Herschel's poor position.
Using a Harvard plate, DeLisle Stewart identified NGC 3247
at 10 23 58 -57 48.5 (2000), and Dreyer repeated this position in the IC 2
notes. Brian Skiff places NGC 3247
more accurately at 10 24 01 -57 45.6, corresponding with
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10 27 45.4 +22 50 49; Leo
V = 12.4; Size 2.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 135°
17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 NW-SE, 0.8x0.4, sharp concentration with a bright prominent core and
stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star
lies 1.7' S of center. Located
6.5' S of mag 9.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 3248 = H. II-347 = h713 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "pB, S, bM, r." His position is a good match with UGC 5669. John Herschel observed it on 3 sweeps, calling it "F" on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59) and "pB" on 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 244). The Slough Catalogue has a typo; read H. II-347 for H. II-374. He corrected the error in the General Catalogue.
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10 26 22.1 -34 57 50; Ant
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 139°
18" (4/10/04): extremely faint, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter. Requires averted vision and concentration to glimpse a very low surface brightness circular patch with no details. Located 4.3' SE of a mag 10.5 star. Member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3249 = h3251 on 2 Feb 1835 and
recorded "eF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 60"." His position matches
******************************
NGC 3250 = ESO 317-026 = MCG -07-22-007 = LGG 199-005 = PGC 30671
10 26 32.3 -39 56 39; Ant
V = 11.1; Size 2.8'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 148°
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated, bright core. A
mag 12 star is 3.8' NE. Forms a
pair with NGC 3244 14' NW.
Brightest in a group (LGG 199) including
John Herschel discovered NGC 3250 = h3252 on 1 Feb 1835 and
recorded "pB; R; psbM; 30"; has a * 13m nf." His position (measured accurately on 4
other sweeps) and description matches
******************************
10 29 16.8 +26 05 57; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 2.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 55°
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 4:1 SW-NE, weak concentration.
Located 7' SW of mag 8.8
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3251 on 19 Feb 1862 and
recorded "vF, pL, 3 bright star precede to the south." There is
nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 min of time following is
Stephane Javelle found the galaxy again on 2 Apr 1900 and assumed
it was new. His position for J.
3-1158 (later
******************************
10 34 22.6 +73 45 51; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 2.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 35°
17.5" (1/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE. A double star ∑1437 = 7.6/10.1 at 32" lies 5' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3252 = H. III-316 on 3 Apr
1785 (sweep 390) and noted "eF, mE, pL, r." Caroline's reduced position is 6.5' northwest of
An accurate position was given in MN, 71, 509 (based on the Greenwich plate to determine positions on the sweep of 2 Apr 1801). UGC does not label its entry (UGC 5732) as NGC 3252. See Corwin's identification notes.
******************************
10 28 27.4 +12 42 14; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (3/25/00): very faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration. Located 3' S of a mag 10.8 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3253 = Sw. 3-55 on 27 Apr 1886
and noted "vF, pS, R."
His position is 6 tsec west and 1' south of
******************************
10 29 19.9 +29 29 30; LMi
V = 11.7; Size 5.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 46°
17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 3.0'x0.8', sharp concentration with small oval core surrounded by faint unconcentrated extensions, occasional very faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 2.9' W and a pair of mag 10 stars at 1.2' separation follows by 6'. Member of the NGC 3245 group (LGG 197)
William Herschel discovered NGC 3254 = H. I-72 = h714 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 386) and recorded "cB, cL, E, mbM. The brightness [core] also extended." John Herschel made a total of 3 observations. Lord Rosse assistant R.J. Mitchell noted, "dark spaces suspected", in his 20 Mar 1854 observation at Birr Castle.
******************************
10 26 31 -60 40 42; Car
V = 11.0; Size 2'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): small, glowing spot only 1' diameter at 145x. A half-dozen stars are resolved over haze at 178x. A mag 12.5-13 star is at the southeast edge and a mag 13.5 star is on the south side of the main clump. Most of the others are mag 14-14.5.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3255 = h3253 on 4 Feb 1835 (sweep 543) and described "a very compressed knot or cluster of milky way stars, 4' in diameter, somewhat insulated from the rest. Stars .. 15th mag." Pietro Baracchi wrote "a knot of stars 15m amidst the multitude of stars of the Milky Way - no properly a cluster. Rather a group hardly more conspicuous than many other groups of stars hereabout." (28 Jan 1886, Melbourne telescope). This small cluster shows up fairly well on the DSS.
******************************
10 27 51.1 -43 54 19; Vel
V = 11.5; Size 3.8'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 100°
25" (4/1/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, very large, oval 4:3 NW-SE, ~1.6'x1.2', pretty sharply concentrated with a very bright relatively large core that appears off-center. The halo is irregular in brightness. The tidal plumes extending east from the north end and stretching west were not seen in dewy conditions.
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this disturbed galaxy
appeared as a moderately bright and large oval, extended 3:2 NW-SE with
dimensions 1.6'x1.2'. It contained
a fairly bright 1' round core embedded in a very faint halo. NGC 3256 is the furthest north and the
brightest in a group of Vela galaxies stretching south to
NGC 3256 is a member of the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster and possible outlying member of the Antlia Cluster (9 degrees north). This cluster was first catalogued as Klemola 12. On photographs NGC 3256 is a chaotic system that appears to be undergoing a spectacular merger with long tidal tails. This starburst galaxy is a superluminous infrared source with X-ray emission.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3256 = h3254 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "B, R, gmbM, 25"." His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 263-038. Joseph Turner observed it on 24 Feb 1879 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and noted "it is considerably elongated, the densest section being towards the north-following extremlty, the faint section extending in the south-preceding direction."
******************************
10 28 47.1 -35 39 29; Ant
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9
18" (3/17/07): faint, fairly small, round, 0.4'
diameter, weak concentration with no definite core. Faintest of trio with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3257 = h3255 on 2 May 1834 and
recorded "vF; vS; R; sbM; 10".
The preceding of a group [with NGC 3258 and 3260]." His mean position (3 observations)
matches
******************************
NGC 3258 = ESO 375-037 = MCG -06-23-032 = LGG 196-008 = PGC 30859
10 28 53.6 -35 36 20; Ant
V = 11.5; Size 2.9'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 75°
18" (3/17/07): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~1.7'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a very bright core which increases to the center, very faint outer halo. A mag 13 star is at the NW side of the halo (50" from center). Brightest in trio with NGC 3260 2.6' ENE and NGC 3257 3.4' SSW
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core. A pair of stars are near north. Forms a pair with NGC 3260 2.6' E in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3258 = h3256 on 2 May 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; sbM; 12"." He observed this galaxy (along with NGC 3257 and 3258) on 4 nights.
******************************
10 32 34.8 +65 02 28; UMa
V = 12.1; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 20°
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, oval elongated SSW-NNE,
broad moderate concentration.
Located 10' WNW of mag 8.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 3259 = H. II-870 = h715 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and logged "F, S, iR, almost of equal light throughout." On 2 Apr 1832 (sweep 411), John Herschel noted "F; R; gbM; 18"."
******************************
NGC 3260 = ESO 375-040 = MCG -06-23-033 = LGG 200-001 = PGC 30875
10 29 06.4 -35 35 43; Ant
V = 12.6; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 2°
18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 N-S, 0.5'x0.3', slightly brighter core. A mag 12.5 star is attached at the south end. In a small triio with NGC 3258 2.6' WSW and NGC 3257 5.4' SW.
17.5" (3/28/87): very faint, small, oval. A mag 12 star is attached at the south end 0.4' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 3258 2.6' W. Member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3260 = h3257, along with NGC 3257 and 3258 on 2 May 1834 (sweep 447) and recorded "eF; vS; R; slbM; 6"." He recorded 4 observations.
Lewis Swift likely found this galaxy on 30 Dec 1897 and reported Sw. 11-108 as "eeeF; eeS; R; eF * in contact; [south-preceding] of 3267." Herbert Howe examined Swift's position in 1900 and found "[NGC] 3257, 3258 and 3260 are in the same field, and I measured them all on the same night, but could not see Swift 108, which is supposed to be close by. 3260 has a star of mag 11.5 about 20" south, and Swift 108 is said to have an "eF * in contact." Since the position and description of Swift 108 agree closely with those of 3260, I judge them to be identical." As a result Dreyer didn't assign Swift's 11-108 an IC designation. Harold Corwin comments on inconsistencies in Swift's earlier discovery lists. Swift wrote "p[receding] of 2" in his 6th discovery list from Lowe in MNRAS and "f[ollowing] of 2" in Popular Astronomy. Then he included it again in his 7th discovery in MNRAS as the "sp of 2"! Assuming he found NGC 3260, it closely follows NGC 3258, though technically "sp of 3267" is correct.
******************************
NGC 3261 = ESO 263-040 = MCG -07-22-015 = LGG 198-003 = PGC 30868
10 29 01.4 -44 39 25; Vel
V = 11.2; Size 3.7'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 85°
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~WSW-ENE, 1.4'x0.7', weak concentration. Bracketed between two mag 12 stars at the SW and NE ends (separation 2.6'). Located 4' SE of a mag 10 star in a rich Vela starfield. NGC 3261 is in a subgroup of the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster (brightest member NGC 3256) and is 9° south of the rich Antlia Cluster (but has the same redshift).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3261 = h3258 on 15 Mar 1836 and
recorded "F; S; R: 15"; entangled among 2 or 3 stars, but is
certainly a nebula." His
position matches
******************************
10 29 06.2 -44 09 35; Vel
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 108°
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): faint, small, slightly
elongated WNW-ENE, 30"x25", low even surface brightness. Forms a pair with brighter
John Herschel discovered NGC 3262 = h3260 on 2 Feb 1835 (along with NGC 3263) and recorded "eF; S; R." His position is 2.4' too far south.
******************************
NGC 3263 = ESO 263-043 = AM 1027-435 = MCG -07-22-018 = LGG 204-002 = PGC 30887
10 29 13.4 -44 07 22; Vel
V = 11.9; Size 5.1'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 103°
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, broad weak concentration. A faint star is at the WNW tip. Forms aa distorted, interacting pair (a faint plume extends E) with NGC 3262 2.6' SSW. Brightest member of the Klemola 12 group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3263 = h3260 on 3 Feb 1835 (along with NGC 3262) and recorded "F; mE in pos = 280° +/- [WNW-ESE]; psbM; 20"."
******************************
10 32 19.7 +56 05 00; UMa
V = 12.0; Size 2.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 177°
17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.6'x1.0'. Appears as a diffuse glow with no concentration. Bracketed by a mag 13.5 star at the SW end 0.8' from the center and a mag 13 star just off the ENE side 1.0' from center. A brighter mag 11 star lies 3.8' N. Located 16' ENE of 36 Ursa Majoris (V = 4.8).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3264 = h716 on 9 Feb 1831
(sweep 323) and noted "eF; between 2 small stars." His position and description matches
******************************
10 31 06.8 +28 47 48; LMi
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 73°
17.5" (4/25/92): faint, small, round, weak even concentration, bright core. Forms a close "double" with a mag 14.5 star just off the ESE edge and 0.6' from center. Member of the NGC 3245 Group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3265 = H. III-349 = h718 on
11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). His
description reads, "Suspected, 240 showed a few small stars with seeming
nebulosity, and I rather suppose it to be a patch." His position was 8 seconds of time
preceding and 2' north of
******************************
NGC 3266 = UGC 5725 = MCG +11-13-030 = CGCG 313-022 = PGC 31198
10 33 17.6 +64 44 57; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 105°
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated small bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 3259 lies 20' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3266 = H. II-871 = h717 on 3
Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and noted "F, vS, mbM." His position matches
******************************
10 29 48.5 -35 19 21; Ant
V = 12.5; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 148°
17.5" (3/28/87): faint, small, slightly elongated
NW-SE, brighter core. Forms a pair
with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3267 = h3262 on 18 Apr 1835
(along with NGC 3268) and recorded "eF; vS; R. By a diagram made out of the meridian in which 4 nebulae are
delineated, two of them being those determined in sweep 446, Nos. 6 and
7." His position is 1.7'
south of
******************************
NGC 3268 = ESO 375-045 = MCG -06-23-041 = LGG 196-009 = PGC 30949
10 30 00.7 -35 19 32; Ant
V = 11.5; Size 3.5'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 71°
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
brighter core. Fourth of five in
the field within the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636) with NGC 3267 2' W,
John Herschel discovered NGC 3268 = h3263 on 18 Apr 1835 (along with NGC 3267) and noted "F; S; R. By a diagram made out of meridian..." His position is 2.7' south of ESO 375-045. The position was corrected by de Vaucouleurs in Mem. Commonwealth Obs., (Mt. Stromlo), No. 13, 1956.
******************************
NGC 3269 = ESO 375-044 = MCG -06-23-040 = LGG 202-002 = PGC 30945
10 29 56.9 -35 13 29; Ant
V = 12.2; Size 2.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 8°
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S. Bracketed by a mag 13.5 star at the SE end 0.7' from center and a mag 14.5 star at the NW end 0.5' from center. Located 6' N of NGC 3268. A mag 10.5 star is 2.5' NNW. Third of five in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3269 = h3264 on 1 May 1834 and
reported "F; S; R: bM; 15"; one of a group of 3 or more. His position matches
******************************
10 31 30.0 +24 52 10; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 3.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 10°
17.5" (4/13/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 N-S, bright core, faint stellar nucleus, extremely faint thin extensions with averted vision.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3270 = H. III-331 = h719 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF; vS; vlbM." On 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58), John Herschel logged, "F; E; gbM" and measured an accurate position.
******************************
NGC 3271 = IC 2585 = ESO 375-048 = MCG -06-23-044 = LGG 202-003 = PGC 30988
10 30 26.3 -35 21 35; Ant
V = 11.8; Size 3.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 106°
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, oval NW-SE, small bright core. Appears similar to NGC 3268 5.7' WNW which is the brightest in the group. Fifth of five in the field in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3271 = h3265 on 1 May 1834 and
recorded "F; S; lE; bM; 15"; one of a group of 3 or more." His position is 23 sec of RA west of
DeLisle Stewart found this galaxy again on an Arequipa plate
and assumed it was new, so it also acquired the designation
******************************
10 31 48.1 +28 28 07; LMi
Size 4"
= **, Gottlieb. Misidentified in RNGC.
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 3272 = Nova VI on 9 Mar 1866
with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory. His micrometric position is a perfect match with a close
double star (mag 12.7/13.7 at 4").
In the notes section of his monograph "Micrometrical Observations
of 500 Nebulae" Schultz describes "an insignificant object; preceding
[
A mag 11 star is exactly 135" north of the double star
and the offset with NGC 3277 also matches, so there is no doubt of this
identification. On the night this
double star was found, Schultz recorded the sky conditions as
"Aurora. Images
dull." This probably
contributed to the close double star appearing nebulous, although a number of
Schultz' objects are single or double stars. RNGC misidentifies
******************************
10 30 29.1 -35 36 39; Ant
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 97°
18" (3/17/07): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.1'x0.5', bright core. Located 15' S of NGC 3271 in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, bright core. Member of the Antlia Cluster (NGC 3257-3281) with NGC 3271 15' N. Located 19' E of NGC 3258.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3273 = h3259 on 3 May 1834 and recorded "F; R; pslbM; 12". The 4th and last of a group." He was uncertain of the minute of time, which should be 10 22 48.7 (for 1830).
******************************
10 32 17.1 +27 40 07; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 2.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 100°
17.5" (4/25/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, brighter core appears slightly offset. Forms the east vertex of an obtuse isosceles triangle with two mag 12 stars 2' NNW and 2' SW. A double star mag 11.5/13.5 at 13" lies 4' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3274 = H. II-358 = h720 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL". John Herschel made 4 observations and noted the double star HJ 484 to the southeast.
******************************
10 30 51.6 -36 44 14; Ant
V = 11.8; Size 2.8'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, oval ~E-W, bright core. Located 2.9' N of a mag 10 star within the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3275 = h3266 on 1 Feb 1835 and
recorded "F; lE; psbM; 20 arcsec." His position matches
******************************
10 31 09.1 -39 56 41; Ant
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 74°
18" (2/19/09): very faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2
WSW-ENE. A mag 9.3 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 3276 = h3267 on 3 Mar 1835 and
noted "F; S; has a * 8m, np."
His position and description matches
******************************
NGC 3277 = UGC 5731 = MCG +05-25-022 = CGCG 154-026 = LGG 197-005 = PGC 31166
10 32 55.4 +28 30 42; LMi
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter, even moderate concentration, bright core increases to a faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 5.1' WSW and a mag 10 star 6.9' SW. Member of the NGC 3245 group (LGG 197).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3277 = H. II-359 = h721 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "pB, pS, almost R, bM." John Herschel made three observations and d'Arrest recorded 5 accurate positions and measured a mag 12 star that precedes by 23 seconds of RA and 1' south.
******************************
10 31 35.3 -39 57 20; Ant
V = 12.3; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 62°
18" (2/19/09): brighter of a pair with NGC 3276 located 5' W. At 175x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', contains a slightly brighter core. Located just SW of a wide, bright pair (h4326 = 9.8/10.6 at 39").
John Herschel discovered NGC 3278 = h3268 on 2 Mar 1835 and
recorded "F; S; R; sp a coarse double star." His position and description matches
******************************
10 34 42.8 +11 11 50; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 2.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 152°
17.5" (4/13/91): faint, moderately large, edge-on 6:1
NW-SE, low even surface brightness.
David Todd discovered NGC 3279 = Todd 30 on 5 Mar 1878 using
the 26-inch Clark refractor at the USNO during his search for a trans-Neptunian
planet. There is nothing at his
postion, but roughly 2 minutes of RA east is
Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 29 Jan 1890 and
reported it as new in list IX-23 (later
******************************
10 32 43.7 -12 38 15; Hya
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8
18" (3/29/03): this is a triple system listed as NGC
3280A/3280B/3280C in NED and NGC 3280/3280A/3280B in the second edition of the
Uranometria DSFG. At 262x there
was a confused glow, ~1' diameter. Within the glow, two small knots (
Andrew Ainsley Common discovered NGC 3280 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered glass reflector and described a "F double neb with 2 stellar centres". Common's position is poor, but the description clearly refers to the triple system MCG -02-27-006, -007 and -008. Common probably observed -006 and -008, the two brightest of the trio.
Six years later (26 Feb 1886), Francis Leavenworth made an
independent discovery with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick
Observatory, though his rough position for LM 1-173 (later
Finally, Stephane Javelle found this trio again on 19 Apr
1892 with the 30-inch refractor at Nice, assumed J. 1-179 (later
******************************
10 31 52.4 -34 51 19; Ant
V = 11.7; Size 3.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 140°
18" (4/25/09): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 5:2 or 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.6', bright core, fainter extensions.
16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, large bright core gradually brightens to the center. A mag 13-14 star is off the NW extension and a mag 11.5-12 star is 2.8' S of center.
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated NW-SE, weak concentration. Largest in the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3281 = h3269 on 2 May 1834 and
recorded "eF; E; glbM; 60" l; 40" br." His position and description matches
******************************
10 32 21.9 -22 18 08; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 82°
18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.4', weak concnetration. A mag 13-14 star is at the tip of the eastern
extension. Located 9' SE mag 8.2
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3282 = Sw. 3-56 on 5 Mar 1886 and recorded "eF; vS; middle one of 3 eF stars involved in neby. Two B stars point to it.". His position is 7 sec of RA west of ESO 568-016 and the description applies, thoiugh only 1 star is attached (1 other mentioned by Swift is the nucleus).
******************************
10 31 11.6 -46 15 05; Vel
V = 11.5; Size 2.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 168°
18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): fairly bright,
moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8'. Contains a relatively large, bright core surrounded by a low
surface brightness halo, elongated N-S.
Located 6.9' SE of mag 8.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 3283 = h3271 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "pF, S, R, gbM, 25". RA coarsely taken by an auxiliary star". The given position (updated to 2000 coordinates) is 10 32 47 (approximate), -46 15 14. JH also made a 10' error in declination (too far north) in the GC, which was copied into NGC.
ESO couldn't find a suitable candidate and RNGC classifies
the number as nonexistent. But
assuming the RA was rough, I looked at ESO galaxies and found a likely
candidate
******************************
10 36 21.3 +58 37 13; UMa
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 3284 = H. III-912 on 8 Apr
1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "eF, vS, 300 confirmed it and showed it very
plainly." His position is 2'
southwest of
Dreyer comments in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of
William Herschel" that "it precedes III-913 (
Karl Reinmuth equated NGC 3284 with a "*14 npp 1.5' of NGC 3288; no neb seen; nothing sp of NGC 3288." This conclusion was repeated by Dorothy Carlson in her NGC correction paper and it is repeated by the RNGC. It's more likely WH picked up one of the nearby galaxies.
******************************
10 33 35.8 -27 27 19; Hya
V = 12.0; Size 2.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 108°
24" (3/28/17): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 or 5:3 WNW-ESE, sharply concentrated with a bright elongated core and stellar nucleus, much fainter halo, ~1.6'x1.0'.
13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated WNW-ESE, small bright nucleus.
Located 7' SSW of mag 7.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 3285 = h3270 on 24 Mar 1835 NGC 3285 and noted "pB; E; gbM." He measured the position four times (including the next two sweeps), so it was well determined.
******************************
NGC 3286 = NGC 3284 = MCG +10-15-112 = CGCG 290-056 = PGC 31433
10 36 21.3 +58 37 13; UMa
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, small, round, moderate even concentration with a bright core and nonstellar nucleus. Located 4.9' NW of a mag 10.5 star. Forms a pair with NGC 3288 3.9' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3286 = H. III-917 = h722 on
9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and recorded "Two [along with III-918 = NGC 3288],
both vF, pS, R, lbM." On 9
Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel noted "vF; pS; R; pslbM; 15"
[diameter]." His position is within 1' of
******************************
10 34 47.3 +21 38 54; Leo
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 20°
48" (5/9/21): excellent, very elongated, dusty barred spiral in the field with the beautiful colored (gold/blue) double STF 1448 6.5' SW. At 375x, NGC 3287 appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, at least 1.5'x0.5'. A bright irregular bar runs along the major axis. Appeared mottled with a sharp light cut-off (due to dust) on the east side of the bar. A fairly large, slightly brighter patch was noticed on the NNE end of the galaxy.
13.1" (4/16/83): faint, diffuse, moderately large,
elongated N-S, even surface brightness.
A bright double star STF 1448 = 7.6/9.0 at 11" is 7' WSW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3287 on 1 Jan 1862 and made observations on 3 different nights. He noted the bright double star STF 1448 was 24 seconds of time preceding and 3 3/4' south. Édouard Stephan made observations on 4 Mar 1878 and 25 Mar 1879.
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NGC 3288 = UGC 5752 = MCG +10-15-114 = CGCG 290-057 = PGC 31446
10 36 25.8 +58 33 23; UMa
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 5°
17.5" (4/9/94): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness. Located 3.7' WSW of a mag 10.5 star. Forms a pair with NGC 3286 3.9' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3288 = H. III-918 = h723 on
9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and recorded "Two [along with III-917 = NGC 3286],
both vF, pS, R, lbM." On 9
Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel noted "eF; S; R; vglbM;
12"." His position is within 1' of
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10 34 07.4 -35 19 24; Ant
V = 12.5; Size 2.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 153°
18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', weak concentration. A mag 12 star is off the SW side, 50" from the center and two mag 14.5 stars flank the galaxy on the NNW end. Member of the Antlia Cluster (ACO S636) and situated at the eastern end of the cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3289 = h3272 on 20 Apr 1835 and
noted "eF: R; 15"."
His position is 1.6' north of
Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on a couple of occasions in 1886 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote, "It is pF, S, R, gbM, a little mottled. Once star 16m precedes nebula by 5s and in the same declination. Also a star 13mag precedes nebula by 3s and is 40" south of it. Another minute star 16m follows neb by 2s and is 20" north of it - this star, the nebula and the star 13 mag are in a straight line, bearing about 40°."
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10 35 17.4 -17 16 36; Hya
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 60°
18" (3/29/03): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2
SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', low surface brightness, very weak concentration. In field with mag 8.4
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3290 = LM 2-422 in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.7, 0.4' dia, lE 180°, gbM, * 7.5 n 6'." His position is 0.5 min west of MCG -03-27-020 = PGC 31346 and a mag 8 staris 5' north, so the identification is certain.
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10 36 06.4 +37 16 28; LMi
= * 3.5' SSW of
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3291 = Big. 44 on 5 Apr 1885. His position is 5' southwest of NGC 3294, and falls between two mag 12.6 and 14.9 stars with a separation of 1.3'.
Harold Corwin identifies NGC 3291 with the mag 14.9 star 3.5' SSW of NGC 3294 based on Bigourdan's offsets. Dorothy Carlson also arrived the same conclusion in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections.
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10 35 34.4 -06 10 46; Sex
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 175°
18" (3/29/03): at 260x, very faint, very small,
slightly elongated N-S, 0.6'x0.4'.
Either has a faint stellar nucleus or there is a faint star
superimposed. Forms a close double
system with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3292 = Sw. 6-36 on 16 Apr 1887 and noted "vF; vS; lE." His RA was 28 seconds of RA too small. Herbert Howe provided an accurate position with the 20" refractor in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).
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10 35 49 -58 13 30; Car
V = 4.7; Size 10'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): stunningly rich and
bright open cluster, situated 2° northwest of the Eta Carina nebula. At 105x, 60-70 stars are packed into 7'
with many of the stars seemingly arranged in concentric circles! Appears compact and well-detached, even
in a rich Carina star field. A
striking linear trio of mag 6.5-7.5 stars (total length 1.5') runs SW-NE to the
center including an orange star (mag 7.2 supergiant V361 Car) on the SW end, a
blue star and a white star at the center (mag 6.5 B0-type supergiant HD
91969). A mag 6.7 star (
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this very rich, young cluster is situated just NW of the Eta Carina complex and is one of the top open clusters in the southern sky. It is bright, compact and very rich with a half-dozen mag 6-8 stars over a rich background of dozens of mag 10-13 star in a 10' diameter. Appears somewhat similar to the Jewel Box including a mag 7 reddish supergiant, but with even a more compact appearance. The listed 40' diameter is much larger than the visual impression.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3293 = Lac II-8 = D 321 = h3276 in early 1752, using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He described a "Small heap of 4 small stars forming a lozenge."
James Dunlop observed the cluster 4 times (first on 29 Apr 1826) and described "a very small cluster of very small bright stars; round figure, about 4' diameter; rich in extremely small stars resembling faint nebula". His published position was poor -- 17' WSW of the cluster.
John Herschel only has a rough position in the Cape catalogue using his small refractor (surprisingly he made no published observations with his 18-inch!) and he noted "a fine, bright, rich, not very L cluster. (Equatorial zone review)." A corrected RA was given in the IC 2 notes (Harv. Ann., xxvi, p207). Neither Lacaille nor Dunlop are listed as discoverers in the Cape catalogue, GC or NGC!
Henry Chamberlain Russell coined the nickname the "Gem" Cluster in an 1879 paper published in volume 13 of the Journal and proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales. Russell wrote, "..the beauty and symmetry of form in which the brightest stars are arranged - a double curve fairly representing the letter M, with a miniature Southern Cross in the centre and a bright red star at the foot - combine to make this a little "Gem," which, in the estimation of many observers, is quite equal to the well-known Kappa Crucis ("Jewel Box" cluster)." Russell compiled a catalogue of stars in "Gem" Cluster, as well as a map.
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NGC 3294 = UGC 5753 = MCG +06-23-021 = CGCG 183-030 = Holm 202a = PGC 31428
10 36 16.1 +37 19 30; LMi
V = 11.8; Size 3.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 122°
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated
5:2 NW-SE, large brighter core but no nucleus. A mag 14 star is 2.5' W and a mag 11 star 4.8' SSW. Located 5.5' WSW of mag 9 SAO
62151.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3294 = H. I-164 = h724 on 17
Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and recorded "cB, E from 30° np to sf, 3 or 4' long
and 1 1/2' br, easily resolvable, almost uniformly bright." Caroline's reduced position is 20 sec
of RA east of
On 5 Mar 1851, LdR and Bindon Stoney recorded "an appendage at south side. LdR thought at times the nebula extended beyond this." The sketch shows a single spiral arm on the west side, curling clockwise to the south.
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NGC 3295 = NGC 3280 = IC 617 = MCG -02-27-006
10 32 43.7 -12 38 15; Hya
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8
See observing notes for NGC 3280.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3295 = LM 1-173 on 26 Feb 1886 and described a "D nebula or several stars involved in nebula". His rough position (nearest min of RA) is ~2 1/2 min of RA following NGC 3280 (discovered in 1880 by Andrew Ainslie Common and also a poor position!). Leavenworth's description clearly applies to this triple system. So, NGC 3295 = NGC 3280 and IC 617 is a third identity.
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10 32 45.4 -12 43 03; Hya
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2
18" (3/29/03): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration to a starry center. Forms a trio with NGC 3280 5' N and NGC 3297 7' ENE. Located 4.7' ESE of a mag 9.5 star.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3296 = LM 1-174, along
with I-173 = NGC 3295 and I-175 = NGC 3297, on 26 Feb 1886. All 3 were given same rough position to
the nearest min of RA. His
position for LM 1-174 is 2.7 min of RA following
Stephane Javelle found this galaxy again on 19 Apr 1892 and
naturally assumed J. 1-180 (later
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10 33 11.8 -12 40 18; Hya
V = 14.5; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 160°
18" (3/29/03): very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 20"x10", situated between two mag 13.5-14 stars SSW and NE (4.3' separation). In a group with NGC 3280 (triple system) 7' WNW and NGC 3296 7' WSW. This galaxy is listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3297 = LM 1-175, along with NGC 3295 and NGC 3296. His single rough position (nearest min of RA) is 2.3 min of RA following PGC 31189. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position for NGC 3296 with the 20" refractor in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) and he added "I could only suspect NGC 3297." RNGC misclassifies NGC 3297 as nonexistent.
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10 37 12.3 +50 07 15; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 138°
18" (3/11/07): faint, small, round (core only viewed), 0.4' diameter, contains a very small brighter nucleus. A very faint star lies 1' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3298 = H. III-767 = h725 on
12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "vF, pS, iE. May be a patch, or a few stars too
small to be perceived. His position is 6' south of
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10 36 23.8 +12 42 27; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 2.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 3°
24" (4/20/14): faint, fairly large, very low surface
brightness, very weak concentration, elongated 4:3 N-S, ~1.6'x1.2'. No noticeable core or zones. First in the
17.5" (3/1/03): very faint, fairly large, unusually large low surface brightness galaxy with a very weak concentration making detection difficult. Appears at least 1.5' in diameter and roughly circular. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3306 12' ESE. Required averted but once identified I could hold it most of the time with concentration and averted vision.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3299 = H. III-54 = h726 on
19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and logged "eF, cL, R, r, without
nucleus." There is nothing at
his position but 42 sec of RA east and 3' south (10' ESE) is
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10 36 38.5 +14 10 15; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 173°
17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, bright core,
stellar nucleus, fairly small diffuse halo slightly elongated ~N-S. Surrounded by several brighter stars
including a mag 10 star 4.2' NNW, a mag 9.5 star 6.4' E and mag 8.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 3300 = H. III-55 = h727 = h3273 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177). His description reads, "vS, r, lE and unequally bright. It is surrounded with brilliant stars at the same time in the field with it." John Herschel made observations both at Slough and the Cape of Good Hope and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 3301 = NGC 3760 = UGC 5767 = MCG +04-25-035 = CGCG 124-045 = PGC 31497
10 36 56.0 +21 52 55; Leo
V = 11.4; Size 3.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 52°
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 3.5'x0.7', good concentration with a small very bright core and bright stellar nucleus, halo is brighter on the ENE side. Off the north side is a thin isosceles triangle of mag 10-11 stars consisting of two mag 10 stars 2.9' N and 5.7' NNW, and a mag 11 star 4.2' N.
8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, very elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3301 = H. II-46 = h728 on 12
Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "not very faint, small. North of it is a small triangle of pB
stars." Caroline's reduced
position is 8' north of
John Herschel made three observations under h728 (first on 24 Feb1827), though apparently was uncertain if this was the same as his father's H. II-46, so assigned two different GC designations. The NGC position is accurate and Dreyer comments in the Notes section that JH's and d'Arrest's positions agree.
Heinrich d'Arrest also found the galaxy on 21 Feb 1863, but made a 1 hour error in RA (uncovered by Harold Corwin). Once corrected, the position of NGC 3760 matches NGC 3301 (the same error was made with NGC 3575).
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10 35 47.4 -32 21 31; Ant
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 118°
18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3
NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration.
A mag 14 star is off the NW edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3302 = h3274 = h3275 on 28 Jan 1835 and reported it again on 16 Feb 1865. His first observation reads "vF; S; R; 15"." and the later observation "eF; S; R." The two positions are very similar (after a typo was corrected for h3274 in his errata list), so I'm surprised he didn't combine the entries in the GC. But Dreyer combined the two GC numbers into NGC 3302.
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10 37 00.0 +18 08 09; Leo
V = 13.5; Size 3.5'x2.4'; Surf Br = 15.6
48" (2/19/12):
17.5" (3/1/03): faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration to a slightly brighter core but no nucleus. Overall fairly low surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3303 = H. III-66 = h730 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded "vF, S, E, r. 240 showed it no better than 157, though larger." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 3304 = UGC 5777 = MCG +06-23-026 = CGCG 183-032 = CGCG 184-001 = PGC 31572
10 37 37.9 +37 27 20; LMi
V = 13.4; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 158°
17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with small bright core surrounded by faint extensions. A mag 14 star is 2.1' E. NGC 3294 lies 18' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3304 = H. III-615 = h729 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and noted "eF, vS, er." On 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331), John Herschel noted, "vF; S; psbM; 12"."
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10 36 11.8 -27 09 44; Hya
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0
24" (3/28/17): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.6'
diameter, small brighter core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12/12.5 double star at ~7" separation is 1.6'
W. Located 17' N of
13.1" (2/23/85): faint, very small, round, no details. Located ~15' N of NGC 3308 in AGC 1060.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3305 = h3277 on 24 Mar 1835 and
logged "vF; S; R. The 2nd of
a group scattered over more than one field." HIs position matches
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NGC 3306 = UGC 5774 = MCG +02-27-032 = CGCG 065-068 = KTG 30C = LGG 207-005 = PGC 31528
10 37 10.2 +12 39 09; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 138°
24" (4/20/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4', relatively large brighter core. Brightest in a trio (KTG 30) with CGCG 065-069 7.2' SSE and NGC 3299 11.8' WNW.
17.5" (3/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.3, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core. A mag 11 star lies 1.9' NE. NGC 3299, a very low surface brightness galaxy, lies 12' WNW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3306 = Sw. 3-57 on 27 Apr 1886 and recorded "F; S; R; sf of [NGC 3299]." His position is 1.5' too far south. Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position in 1891 at Vienna.
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10 36 17.2 -27 31 47; Hya
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 28°
24" (3/28/17): at 260x; faint, small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, 24"x18", very low even surface brightness. Easily the faintest of the 6 NGCs in
the core of AGC 1060. Situated
4.2' W of
24" (2/22/14): at 260x, this member of AGC 1060 (Hydra I) appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 24"x12", low even surface brightness. Located in the core of the cluster, ~5' W of the NGC 3309/3311 pair and 9.5' NW of mag 6.6 HD 91964.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3307 = h3278 on 22 Mar 1836 and
"eeF. The 3rd of a group
[with NGC 3285 and NGC 3270]."
He only recorded this object once in 4 different sweeps of the cluster
and his position falls in a blank region, 5' south of
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NGC 3308 = ESO 501-034 = MCG -04-25-032 = LGG 206-004 = PGC 31438
10 36 22.3 -27 26 17; Hya
V = 11.9; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 32°
24" (3/28/17): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, well concentrated with a small, very bright core, ~1.0'x50". Slightly fainter than NGC 3309.
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration to a brighter core. Furthest NW in the core of AGC 1060 and 11.5' WSW of the mag 5 star in the core.
13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, small, round, small weak concentration. First of five in a 20' field in the core of AGC 1060.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3308 = h3279 on 24 Mar 1835 and simply noted "F". Less than a week later he added "One of a group; 7 of which were seen and laid down in a careful diagram."
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NGC 3309 = ESO 501-036 = AM 1034-271 = MCG -04-25-034 = LGG 211-005 = PGC 31466
10 36 35.7 -27 31 06; Hya
V = 11.6; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 94°
24" (3/28/17): fairly bright, moderately bright,
slightly elongated, ~1.2'x1.0', contains a bright core that increases to a
stellar nucleus. Highest surface
brightness core of the main galaxies in the central region of the Hydra I
cluster and noticeably higher than
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, moderately large, well-concentrated with a bright 40" core, halo increases with averted from 1.2'x1.0' to 1.5'x1.2' oriented SW-NE. Forms a pair with NGC 3311 1.7' ESE in the core of AGC 1060.
13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, small, round. A mag 13.5 star is at the east edge. Forms a close pair with NGC 3311 1.7' E. Second of five in the core of AGC 1060.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3309 = h3280 on 24 Mar 1835 and noted "B: L; double [with NGC 3311]." Less than a week later he added "A double nebula, or rather two distinct nebulae near together. By diagram, both pL, R, pos about 10° np or sf, and nearly equal."
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10 38 45.8 +53 30 10; UMa
V = 10.8; Size 3.1'x2.4'; Surf Br = 12.8
48" (5/16/12): extremely bright, fairly large, sharply concentrated with a large, very bright, slightly elongated N-S core, ~1' diameter. The core appears mottled with a couple of "stellarings" or small knots. The core is surrounded by a larger, much lower surface brightness irregular halo, extending the central portion to nearly 2'. An outer spiral arm is attached on the north side of the halo and was most evident near the halo. Occasionally, a very large, very low surface brightness looping arm was glimpsed, rotating 180° clockwise and ending west of the core, ~1.7' from center.
14.5" (4/12/21): bright, moderately large, roundish, sharply concentrated with a relatively large, very bright core that dominates the galaxy and a smaller, much fainter halo. The core has a slightly elongated uneven surface brightness. A nag 12 star is 3' N and mag 5.5 HD 92095 is 10' NNE.
17.5" (1/19/91): very bright, moderately large. Unusual appearance as contains a very bright, very large central core with uniform high surface brightness with only a very faint, fairly small halo, elongated NW-SE. Located 10.4' SSW of mag 5.5 HR 4165 at the edge of the 220x field. A mag 12 star lies 3.0' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3310 = H. IV-60 = h731 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "vB, R, planetary, but very ill-defined. About 1' dia of it is equally bright, and 1/4 of a minute hazy or ill-defined round the margin." His position is accurate. On 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324), John Herschel wrote, "B; R; vsmbM, so as to for almost a disc 15" diam. Surrounded by a very feeble atmosphere."
On 5 Mar 1848, Lord Rosse and William Rambaut observed NGC 3310 (the earliest observation in LdR's 1861 monograph) and reported, "See minute points in it at intervals, also spiral arrangement well seen." Six nights later they wrote, "Nebula well resolved into little stellar points. Saw a broad band across the bottom distinctly and two at the top." NGC 3310 was included in the list of nebulae having dark regions. Later observations mentioned the possibility of this object being a cluster. A detailed observation was made on 20 Feb 1868: "Three principal branches f, nf and np towards a * np [probably a HII region]. Dark cavity on nf side. Mr De la Rue, who was with me, saw it as a bay between 2 horns, and much neby surrounding it, with many stars exterior and involved.”
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NGC 3311 = ESO 501-038 = AM 1034-271 NED02 = MCG -04-25-036 = PGC 31478
10 36 42.9 -27 31 41; Hya
V = 11.6; Size 3.5'x2.9'; Surf Br = 14.1
24" (3/28/17): fairly bright, fairly large, roundish core but slightly elongated halo, the brighter central region is relatively large, the outer halo extends ~1.5' (second largest in the central region). Forms a striking pair with NGC 3309 1.7' WNW. A mag 13.4 is 1.2' WNW (at the edge of NGC 3309's halo).
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly
large, broad concentration, slightly elongated SSW-NNE. Outer halo increases to 2.0'x1.5' but
has a slightly lower surface brightness than NGC 3309 as the core is not as
concentrated.
13.1" (2/23/85): third of five in the core of AGC 1060
= Hydra I. Fairly faint, small,
even surface brightness. Appears
larger than NGC 3309 1.7' W but with a lower surface brightness. NGC 3312 lies 4.8' SE. Located 7.7' N of mag 6.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 3311 = h3281 on 30 Mar 1835 and noted as "The following neb of a double one [with NGC 3309]." He actually noted both objects in his observation on 24 March, but didn't list the objects separately for that sweep.
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NGC 3312 = IC 629 = ESO 501-043 = AM 1034-271 NED3 = MCG -04-25-039 = LGG 210-002 = PGC 31513
10 37 02.5 -27 33 54; Hya
V = 11.9; Size 3.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 175°
24" (3/28/17): moderately to fairly bright, fairly
large, elongated 5:2 N-S. Sharply
concentrated with a reasonably large oval core (N-S). The diffuse halo extends roughly 2.0'x0.8' (largest in the
cluster) with averted vision. A faint
star, perhaps 15th magnitude, is superimposed just southeast of the core. The NGC 3309/3307 pair is 5' to 6' NW
and
18" (4/9/05): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE. Contains a fairly bright, roundish core ~20" diameter with fainter extensions 1.2'x0.6'. The core steadily increases to a stellar nucleus. A small isosceles triangle of stars is close SE.
13.1" (2/18/04) - Costa Rica: moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.5'x0.5', weak concentration. Possible a brighter knot is at the north end or a star may be near the edge of the halo. Three stars are close SE including two mag 11/12 stars 2' SE and 3' ESE of center. In the core of AGC 1060 with NGC 3311/3309 5' NW.
13.1" (2/23/85): fourth of five in the core of AGC 1060. Moderately bright, small, stellar nucleus, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE. NGC 3311 lies 4.8' NW. Located 7.0' NE of mag 6.8 SAO 179027.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3312 = h3282 on 26 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; pmE; the last of 4 in the field at once with two stars 6m near them, one above and one below them (which serves to identify the object beyond doubt)." His declination, only measured on one of two sweeps, was 3.4' too far south.
Guillaume Bigourdan found this galaxy on 26 Feb 1887,
assumed it was new, and recorded it as Big. 158. Apparently neither Bigourdan nor Dreyer questioned the
equivalence of
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10 37 25.5 -25 19 10; Hya
V = 11.4; Size 3.9'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 55°
48" (5/9/21): at 488x; bright, large, roundish spiral. At first, I thought there was an intensely stellar nucleus, but realized a very bright star was superimposed on the N edge of a small, bright nucleus! A low contrast bar extends WNW through the center. The halo is large, between 2' and 3' diameter, with a low surface brightness. A mag 13.5 pair at ~8" separation is 3.5' WSW.
18" (4/10/04): fairly bright, large, round. Sharply concentrated with a small very bright core surrounded by a large, low surface brightness halo, ~1.5'-2' in diameter, which fades into the background.
Outlying member of the Hydra I cluster and member of the
group LGG 209, along with
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3313 = LM 1-176 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is a good match with
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10 37 12.8 -27 41 01; Hya
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 143°
48" (4/21/17): at 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.4', brighter core. Roughly spindle shaped but tapers more on the northwest end. Irregular surface brightness (slightly brighter along the south side), but the foreground galaxy could not be distinguished. A mag 13.5 star is just north of the NW tip.
24" (3/28/17): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 4:1 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.35' spindle. Modest concentration with a slightly brighter bulging central region. A mag 13.5 star is situated at the northwest tip [36" from center].
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, moderately large, spindle-shaped, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.5'. A mag 13 star is at the NW tip. Located 7' ESE of a mag 6.7 star which detracts from viewing. Similar to NGC 3312 in the core of AGC 1060, but slightly smaller.
13.1" (2/23/85): fifth of five in the core of AGC 1060. Fairly faint, small, elongated ~NW-SE. Located 6.8' ESE of mag 6.8 SAO 179027. NGC 3312 lies 7.6' NNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3314 = h3283 on 24 Mar 1835 and
simply noted "the 8th of a group." His position is an exact match with
NGC 3314 consists of a face-on galaxy (
******************************
10 37 19.2 -27 11 30; Hya
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (3/28/17): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 25" diameter, high surface brightness, gradually increases to the center. A mag 11 star is off the west side [42" from center]. Similar to NGC 3305. Located 13' N of mag 4.9 HD 92036.
18" (3/17/07): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE,
0.3'x0.2'. Located 40" SE of
a mag 11 star and 13' N of mag 4.9 HD 92036.
Edward Austin discovered NGC 3315 = HN 40, along with NGC
3097 and 3317, on 24 Mar 1870 with the 15" Merz refractor at the Harvard
College Observatory (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #207). There is nothing at his position. RNGC
(as well as Laubert's 1981 ESO list) identifies
However, 30' N of Austin's position is
******************************
NGC 3316 = ESO 501-054 = AM 1035-271B = MCG -04-25-046 = LGG 211-006 = PGC 31571
10 37 37.3 -27 35 39; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8
24" (3/28/17): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, high surface brightness with a thin low surface brightness halo, contains a very small bright nucleus that increases to a stellar pip. Fifth and smallest of 5 brighter galaxies nearly on a line in the core of AGC 1060.
18" (4/9/05): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, increases to a small, brighter core. On a line with NGC 3312 8' WNW and a mag 11 star 4.8' WNW.
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak even concentration, no well-defined core. A mag 11.5 star lies 3' SSE and two mag 13.5 stars are 1.2' S and 1.7' SE of center. Situated in the core of AGC 1060 and forms the eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with much brighter NGC 3314 7.5' SW and NGC 3312 8' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3316 = h3284 on 26 Mar 1835 and noted "vF; R." In a later note he mentions "This numerous and very interesting group has been made out by a careful collation of diagrams made in sweep 564 and 689, for the purpose of identification, from which if appears that though in each diagram only 7 were seen and laid down, yet there are in reality at least 9 in the whole group." Harold Corwin notes there are only 7 galaxies he likely picked up, and the remaining two are unknown or may not exist.
******************************
10 37 43 -27 31 12; Hya
24" (2/22/14): this ~9" pair of stars (in the AGC 1060 field) was difficult to resolve at 260x (partially due to the low elevation) and seems more like a small nebulous glow. It was resolved at 375x, though the (single) companion on the south side was quite faint (mag 15.5-15.8) and sometimes not distinctly seen as a star but as an indistinct glow. The northern component (very close pair) was not resolved.
Edward Austin discovered NGC 3317 = HN 41, along with NGC 3097 and 3315, on 24 Mar 1870 with the 15" f/18 Merz refractor at Harvard College Observatory (Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol 13, #210). The description reads "nebulous star 5' N of [NGC 3316]". Very close to Austin's position is a close double star, with the northern component an overlapping pair on the DSS. RNGC classifies NGC 3317 as a double star (from Dorothy Carlson's paper) and a triple star in ESO/Uppsala (2+1). NGC 2000 misidentifies ESO 501-047 (located just 3.5' S of a mag 4.9 HD 92036) as NGC 3317.
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10 37 15.5 -41 37 40; Vel
V = 11.6; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 78°
18" (2/19/09): faint, fairly small, irregularly round,
30" (probably the core only due to the low elevation), very weak
concentration. A very faint star or stellar nucleus was glimpsed. Located 18' S of mag 7.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 3318 = h3285 on 2 Mar 1835 and
noted "vF; pL; pmE; gvlbM; 2'."
His mean position (2 observations) matches
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10 39 09.3 +41 41 14; UMa
V = 11.1; Size 6.2'x3.4'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 37°
48" (5/1/19): at 488x; very large barred spiral, extending 2:1 SW-NE and ~5.5' along the major axis! The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a very bright, very elongated high contrast bar, extending 1' SSW-NNE! A fairly easy section of a spiral arm parallels the bar on the south side of the galaxy. A couple of easy knots, ~6" and 10" in size, along with a faint star, are at the SW end of this arm [1.9' SSW of center]. The arm vaguely bends at a right angle to the NW and contains a bright, 12" knot [V = 16.6] . A low contrast arm is west of the bar, also running parallel (SSW-NNE). Another low surface brightness arm is NE of the bar. It curls sharply counterclockwise to the east and occasionally contained an extremely faint HII knot. An ill-defined, diffuse glow (part of this arm) extends further northeast to the outer edge of the halo. SQM 21.85.
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very elongated 5:2 SW-NE. The brightest portion is a large bar with a knotty extension attached at the SW end and extending on a right angle to the south. At this position on the POSS are several bright knots.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3319 = H. III-700 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and recorded "cF, L, irr E, about 4' long and 2 1/2' br, much brighter south of the middle."
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10 39 36.6 +47 23 53; UMa
V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 20°
17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, broad concentration. A mag 13.5 star is at the SSW end 40" from center and a mag 11 star is off the NNE end 2.1' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3320 = H. II-745 = h732 on 1
Apr 1788 (sweep 822) and recorded "cF, pS, E. Mixed with some stars visible, but probably not belonging to
it. A pL star north and a little following the nebula." His position is 5' north of
******************************
10 38 50.6 -11 38 55; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 2.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 36°
18" (3/29/03): faint, fairly small, diffuse, elongated nearly 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', low surface brightness halo, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is at the NW edge. Located 2.9' N of a mag 11 star on the Hydra-Sextans border.
Francis Leavenworth found NGC 3321 = LM 2-423 on 3 Jan 1887
and recorded "mag 15.7, 1.0' dia, vE 160°, * np end." His position is ~35 sec of RA preceding
This galaxy was originally discovered by Andrew Ainslie
Common in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered glass reflector, but his position for
******************************
NGC 3322 = NGC 3321 = MCG -02-27-010 = UGCA 214 = PGC 31653
10 38 50.7 -11 38 55; Hya
See observing notes for NGC 3321, Howe and HC.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3322 in 1880 with his
36-inch silvered-glass reflector and recorded "F, irregular shape, f star." There is nothing at his position, but
16' S is
Francis Leavenworth independently discovered the galaxy on 3 Jan 1887 and reported it in the Leander McCormick observatory's second paper. Leavenworth's RA for NGC 3321 was 35 seconds too small. Howe was unsuccessful in searching for Common's object on two nights though he notes "Probably = NGC 3321 as their descriptions are fairly similar and their RA's agree fairly." So, NGC 3322 = NGC 3321, with discovery priority to Common. See Corwin's notes for more.
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10 39 39.0 +25 19 21; LMi
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 145°
17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, even surface brightness. Located just east of the midpoint of a mag 11 star 2.2' WNW and a close double star 2.3' SE (mag 13/14 at 10" in PA 40°).
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3323 = St. 9-22 on 9 Feb 1877. His published micrometric position (which he measured on 15 Mar) is accurate.
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NGC 3324 = ESO 128-006 = Gum 31 = Ced 108 = IC 2599 = Cr 225 = Gabriela Mistral Nebula
10 37 19 -58 39 36; Car
V = 6.7; Size 16'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I only took a quick look at the "Gabriela Mistral" Nebula at 200x and a UHC filter, but the brightest portion appeared like a cartoon drawing of a whale with a huge, very bright bulbous "head" forming the northern end of the nebula. The brightest portion is perhaps 15'x6' in size, but quite an extensive amount of fainter nebulosity spreads out the east and southeast of the main body, significantly increasing the size to ~15'x11', elongated N-S. Some faint nebulosity also spreads to the west of the main portion. At the south end is the mag 5.5 star HD 92207.
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): striking HII region and
cluster 30' SE of NGC 3293 and 90' NW of the center of the Eta Carina nebula!
(this is an outlying piece of the Eta Carina complex) At 105x and UHC filter this huge, elongated, irregular
nebula is quite bright, perhaps 15'x6' in size and tapers towards the south end
where mag 5.5
James Dunlop discovered NGC 3324 = D 322 = h3286 on 1 May 1826 and described a "star of the 7th magnitude, involved in faint nebula." His position was roughly 6' too far NW.
John Herschel credited Dunlop with the discovery and reported on 1 Apr 1834 (sweep 435), "A double star involved in nebula, which is one of the outliers of the great nebula about Eta Argus. It extends to a star 6.7 mag half a field distant southwards, and almost as far north; pretty bright; irregular figure; fine object."
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10 39 20.4 -00 12 01; Sex
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 55°
17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', brighter core. A mag 13 star is 1.3' W of center. Located 11' WSW of mag 8.6
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3325 = St. 10-25 on 13 Mar 1874. He misidentified it as "Lassell 198" [= NGC 3339], but this a single faint star discovered by Marth. He made a second observation on 25 Mar 1879 and reduced an accurate position (list 10, #25) on 19 Mar 1880.
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10 39 31.9 +05 06 27; Sex
V = 13.7; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 2.4' W of center. Located 5.5' SSW of a mag 9.5 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3326 = m 196 on 22 Mar 1865 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, eS, stellar." His position matches
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10 39 58.1 +24 05 29; LMi
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 85°
17.5" (3/25/95): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, moderate even concentration to a very small bright core. A faint star is almost attached at the west side 25" from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3327 = H. II-348 = h734 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, S, lE." On 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58), John Herschel noted, "vF: S; has either a star which gives it an apparent elongation in parallel, or is a double nebula." The star is at the west edge.
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10 39 54.2 +09 18 01; Leo
= *, Gottlieb. Not found, RNGC.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 3328 on 27 Mar 1880 while
making observations for a star catalog with the 13.5" refractor at the
Litchfield observatory in New York.
At his position is a mag 14.8 star with a fainter companion 20"
west and there are no nearby objects he might have picked up. Corwin equates NGC 3328 with this pair
of stars. On 21 May 1879 Wilhelm
Tempel found an object ~30 seconds of RA preceding
******************************
10 44 39.4 +76 48 35; Dra
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 140°
17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, broad concentration but no sharp nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.4' NW.
John Herschel found NGC 3329 = h733 on 2 Sep 1828 (sweep
171) and recorded on 5 Apr 1832 (sweep 414), "pB; lE; gbM; 25"."
His position matches
William Herschel discovered this galaxy on the problematic
northern sweep 1096 on 2 Apr 1801, with large systematic errors. His revised position, using Greenwich
plates (MN, 71, 509), reveals NGC 3329 is identical to H. I-284 = NGC
3397. The modern designation is
NGC 3329, despite the earlier discovery of
******************************
10 38 48 -54 06 54; Vel
V = 7.4; Size 7'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, ~30 stars mag 10-13 in a 6'x3' group elongated N-S. Three brighter mag 10 stars are on the south side but the main group of stars is on the north side including another mag 10 star. This was an easy object in my 10x30 IS bincoculars and was partially resolved in the 9x50 finder.
10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): fairly faint but easily seen, a couple of stars were resolved at the edges.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 3330 = D 355 = h3287 on 29 Apr 1826. His summary description (based on 4 observations) is "a triangular group of small stars resembling faint nebula, with several stars in it of some considerable magnitude." NGC 3330 was one of his first few discovered. John Herschel recorded on 6 Apr 1834 (sweep 438) as "The chief star (9th mag) of a poor cluster of 20 or 30 stars."
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NGC 3331 = ESO 501-072 = MCG -04-25-056 = PGC 31743
10 40 09.0 -23 49 13; Hya
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 10°
17.5" (4/21/01): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3
~N-S, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration, no distinct core. The NGC position is 24 tsec too far
west and this galaxy follows NGC 3335 situated 10' SW. Member of nearby group LGG 209 (6
galaxies).
Frank Muller discovered NGC 3331 = LM 2-424 in 1886 and
noted "mag 14.0, 0.8' dia, vlE 180°." His position is 0.4 min of RA west of
A "corrected" position by Ormond Stone (repeated in the IC I Notes section) is 1.1 min of RA too far west! Herbert Howe's measured an accurate position in 1899-00 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).
******************************
NGC 3332 = NGC 3342 = UGC 5807 = MCG +02-27-038 = CGCG 065-080 = Todd 24 = PGC 31768
10 40 28.4 +09 10 57; Leo
V = 12.3; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. Even concentration to a brighter core and a nearly stellar nucleus. A mag 11.5-12 star is 1.2' SE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3332 = H. I-272 on 4 Mar
1796 while observing the satellites of Uranus (not in Caroline's fair copy of
the sweeps). This discovery was
made after he abandoned his sweeps in 1794, although even by 1790 and married
for two years they had become much less frequent. He used Uranus as the reference for the offset and recorded
"cB, S, iR, mbM, BN." In
the NGC notes, Dreyer states the nebula observed by Schönfeld on 26 Apr 1862
and by Vogel in 1867 differ a good deal in place from H. I-272, while the vF
neb found by Tempel in Arcetri on 21 May 1879 and by Peters (AN 3328) is nearly
in Herschel's place. The NGC
position (also measured by Engelhardt) matches
This galaxy was probably first discovered on 18 Jan 1784 (early
sweep 83) and catalogued as H. III-5 (later
******************************
10 39 49.8 -36 02 12; Ant
V = 13.2; Size 2.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 160°
18" (3/17/07): faint, thin edge-on NNW-SSE,
0.6'x0.15'. A mag 15 star appears
to be superimposed at the SSE end.
Occasionally, there is a strong impresssion that a second very faint
star is superimposed, though the second point is probably a faint stellar
nucleus. Member of a group
(Klemola 16 = LGG 213) along with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3333 = h3288 on 2 Feb 1835 and
noted "eF; vS; mE; appended like a tail to a * 15m." His position and description match the
edge-on galaxy
Swift probably found this galaxy again on 30 Dec 1897 and reported Sw. 11-115 as "eeeF; eeS; R; eF * in contact; sf of 2." His position was only 1' SW of NGC 3333. Herbert Howe has a note in his reexamination of NGC/IC objects around 1900 that "Swift says in a letter that these [Sw. 11-115 and 116] are to be dropped. The former is evidently identical with the h nebula 3333. The '* 15 att' is of mag. 13, and directly south of the nebula." As a result, Dreyer didn't assign an IC designation. Finally, Swift called NGC 3333 the "sf of 2" in the large AN table and "f of 2" in his earlier lists, though its unclear what the other object he had in mind. See Corwin's comments on NGC 3260 for more on Swift's objects.
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10 41 31.2 +37 18 46; LMi
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (3/25/95): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, almost even surface brightness. A nice evenly matched mag 11.5 pair at 28" lies 3' ENE. Situated in an interesting field consisting of several fairly bright stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3334 = H. II-641 = h735 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 713) and noted "F, vS." His RA was 34 seconds too large. John Herschel's position on 7 Feb 132 (sweep 401) is fairly close.
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NGC 3335 = ESO 501-071 = MCG -04-25-055 = PGC 31706
10 39 34.1 -23 55 21; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 130°
17.5" (4/21/01): fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter, weak even concentration to a small, brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with slightly fainter and smaller NGC 3331 10' NE. Member of nearby group LGG 209.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 3335 = LM 2-425 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He noted "mag 13.5, 0.4' dia, iR,
gbM" and his position is 0.7 min east of
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10 40 17.0 -27 46 36; Hya
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 123°
18" (3/13/04): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.2'x1.0', very weak concentration but no core or nucleus. This member of AGC 1060 (Hydra I) is located ~45' ESE of the core of the cluster. Observation made through thin clouds.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3336 = h3289 on 24 Mar 1835 and noted "vF; pL; lE; glbM."
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10 41 47.6 +04 59 18; Sex
V = 14.5; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 45°
17.5" (3/22/96): very faint, small, round, 30"
diameter. Two mag 11.5 stars lie
1.8' and 3.1' SW. Located 11.4'
WSW of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3337 = m 197 on 22 Mar 1865 and
noted "eF, vS, alm stellar."
His position matches
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10 42 07.5 +13 44 49; Leo
V = 11.1; Size 5.9'x3.6'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 100°
18" (4/14/12): at 280x appeared fairly bright, large,
elongated E-W, ~2.8'x1.6'. Broad
concentration to a round brighter core but no distinct nucleus. The halo fades out gradually (nearly
face-on spiral) and there is a hint of mottling, though no clear spiral
structure. Mag 8.9
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, fairly large, broad
concentration to an elongated brighter core with a brighter nucleus embedded,
hints of internal structure. The
fainter outer halo is elongated 3:2 E-W in the direction of mag 8.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 3338 = H. II-77 = h737 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and recorded "a considerable, pB, E, resolvable nebula, brightest about the middle." On 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), John Herschel logged, "F; E; pL; vgbM; follows a * 7m 10s."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 22 Mar 1854, noted "B Nucl, R, about 2' dia, light irr, has a second minute Nucl preceding the L one? Spiral?" There is no second nucleus, but he was correct about the spiral structure.
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10 42 10.0 -00 22 08; Sex
= * 2.1' WNW of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3339 = m 198, along with NGC 3340, on 30 Jan 1865 and noted "eF, stellar." A single mag 15.4 star is very near his position. This star was also measured at Birr Castle on 4 Mar 1877 and called "eF, S."
The data in the RNGC listed under NGC 3339 applies to NGC
3340, MCG misidentifies
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NGC 3340 = UGC 5827 = MCG +00-27-042 = CGCG 009-101 = Holm 210a = PGC 31892
10 42 18.0 -00 22 37; Sex
V = 13.0; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 145°
17.5" (4/29/00): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, very weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core. The halo fades into the background. Located 12' SW of uneven double ∑1464 = 8.2/10.9 at 5". This galaxy is incorrectly identified as NGC 3339 in the RNGC.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3340 = m 199 on 30 Jan 1865 and
noted "F, S, R." His
position matches
******************************
NGC 3341 = UGC 5831 = MCG +01-27-031 = CGCG 037-124 = PGC 31915
10 42 31.5 +05 02 38; Sex
V = 14.0; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 24°
48" (5/9/21): NGC 3341 is an advanced triple merger
with a Seyfert 2 AGN in
17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.4', smooth surface brightness. A mag 11.5 star is 1.0' NW and a mag 14 star is at the WSW edge 25" from center. Located 21' NW of mag 5.8 35 Sex. NGC 3337 lies 11.4' WSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3341 = m 200 on 22 Mar 1865 and
noted "vF, vS." His
position corresponds with
******************************
NGC 3342 = NGC 3332: = UGC 5807 = MCG +02-27-038 = CGCG 065-080
10 40 28.4 +09 10 57; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3332.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3342 = H. III-5 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 83) and gives the following long description: "The faintest and smallest nebula imaginable. I viewed it a long while and with a higher power than the sweeper. Having no person at the clock, I went in to write down the time and found it impossible to recover the nebula. It appeared like a vS nebulous star, and is probably of the cometic sort; there was another vS star south-following (I think, or rather, am pretty sure), and it preceded a pB *. It should have been secured before I went into the light. Its place must be about 2 1/2 deg following rho Leonis and about 10 arcmin more north than that star.''
His position falls on a blank part of the sky, but Harold Corwin notes that WH's description matches NGC 3332 = H. I-272, discovered on 4 Mar 1796 while observing the satellites of Uranus (not actively pursuing sweeps). This implies his RA for III-5 was off by over 2 tmin of RA and 15' in dec, not an unusual error for his early sweeps. This galaxy was independently found later by David Todd (#24) on 26 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet. Because of WH's poor position, this galaxy was not recovered by Spitaler or Bigourdan and Reinmuth equated the number with a mag 15 star.
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10 46 10.4 +73 21 10; Dra
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 55°
18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5'. Fairly sharp
concentration with a very small 15" bright core which increases to a
stellar nucleus. Forms the vertex
of a right angle with a 23" pair of mag 10.5/11.5 stars situated 4.5' NE
and a mag 10.5 star 4' WNW. NGC
3348 lies 30' S and
William Herschel discovered NGC 3343 = H. III-317 = h736 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "vF, vS, requires attention to be seen." On 4 Nov 1831, John Herschel noted, "not vF; R; gbM."
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10 43 31.0 +24 55 20; LMi
V = 9.9; Size 7.1'x6.5'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (1/19/91): fairly bright, large, about 4'x3' extended ~E-W. Unusual appearance as two bright stars are involved on the east side. Sharply concentrated with a faint outer halo and a well-defined much brighter core. A mag 10.5 star is on the east side 52" from the center and a mag 10 star is at the east edge of the halo 1.6' from the center. Also a mag 13.5 star is superimposed about 30" SSE of the core.
8" (3/28/81): faint, large, low surface brightness. Two mag 10 stars are at the east edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3344 = H. I-81 = h739 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "cB, cL, milky, very near and preceding 2 stars; a small part of the nebula is considerably brighter than the rest; the 2 stars and the brightest part of the nebula are all within 2' and nearly in one parallel. The greatest part of the milkiness is preceding the bright part, and the termination of it is imperceptible." He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 2) as an illustration of "Nebulosities joined to Nebulae."
On 19 Feb 1827 (sweep 58), John Herschel logged, "pB; L; gbM; has (?) a star excentric within it and a double star closely following it." Bindon Stoney, observing on 3 Mar 1851, called it a "spiral, vF, has a branch from p edge round to n and f."
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10 43 31.9 +11 59 07; Leo
= **, Carlson. =M95 = NGC 3351, WS.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3345 = h740 on 24 Mar 1830, while searching for his father's H. I-26 (see below). He simply noted "eF, hardly visible." At his position is a pair of mag 14 stars at 18" separation. Peters also reported the same position. Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections, identifies NGC 3345 as a double star. As John's description was so disparate from his father's, Dreyer added two question marks to the equivalence of h740 with H. I-26.
William Herschel found H. I-26 on 19 Mar 1784 and recorded
"cB, pL, not R, and much brighter about the middle than towards the
ends." There is nothing at
his position, but ~10' south is
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10 43 39.0 +14 52 19; Leo
V = 11.7; Size 2.9'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated E-W, 3.0'x2.5', fairly low almost even surface brightness, just a weak broad concentration. A pair of mag 11-12 stars are 2.6' WSW and 3.5' due west.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3346 = H. V-7 = h3290 on 8
Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "F, vL, almost R, resolvable." From the Cape of Good Hope, John
Herschel recorded "vF; L; R; vgvlbM; 3' or 4' diam. A soft globe of light, resolvable with
the left eye." His position
matches
******************************
NGC 3347 = ESO 376-013 = MCG -06-24-007 = LGG 213-004 = PGC 31926
10 42 46.6 -36 21 12; Ant
V = 11.3; Size 3.6'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 173°
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright and large, elongated ~N-S, bright nucleus. First of three with NGC 3354 3.4' E and NGC 3358 10' ESE. Member of the Klemola 16 group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3347 = h3291, along with NGC 3354, on 1 May 1834 (sweep 446) and recorded, "pF; S; R; vsmbM to a * 12m." He observed this group on four nights.
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10 47 10.1 +72 50 22; UMa
V = 11.1; Size 2.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright but small, 1' diameter, slightly elongated E-W. Unusual appearance because at first glance there appears to be a double nucleus. Instead a mag 13.5 star is superimposed at the east side of the halo. The core of the galaxy is close west and a small halo surrounds the star with averted vision. Using direct vision the star is slightly brighter than the core. A mag 11 star lies 1.7' WNW. Straddles the UMa/Dra border.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3348 = H. I-80 = h738 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "cB, S, irregularly elliptical." On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 383), John Herschel noted, "B; R; psbM; 40"; has a * 11m pos 22.8°, Delta RA = 20 seconds." Sherburne Burnham measured the separation of the star and the nebula as 22" in 1910. Karl Reinmuth called this was a double galaxy (based on Heidelberg plates).
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10 43 50.6 +06 45 47; Leo
V = 14.4; Size 1.0'x0.7'
17.5" (4/9/94): very faint, very small, round, low
surface brightness. Located 5.3' W
of brighter
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3349 = m 201 on 22 Mar 1865 and
noted "eF, vS." His
position matches the triple system
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10 44 22.9 +30 43 29; LMi
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.5'
18" (3/11/07): faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter, occasional very faint stellar nucleus. Located just north of a wide pair of mag 9.5 and 10 stars
(
John Herschel discovered NGC 3350 = h742 on 10 Apr 1831
(sweep 342) and recorded "eF; vS; very difficult, but a certain
observation; is n of 2 st 9 or 10m."
His position matches
******************************
10 43 57.8 +11 42 14; Leo
V = 9.7; Size 7.4'x5.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 13°
48" (4/21/17): at 375x; extremely bright, very large, dominated by an intensely bright, round nucleus/core and a prominent central bar running nearly E-W. A strong, round ring is attached at the ends of the bar, forming a striking "Theta" shape. A well defined darker region is inside the ring to the north and south of the bar though the contrast is higher on the north side of the bar. Surrounding the ring is a very large, low surface brightness outer halo extending SSW-NNE, perhaps 5.5'-6' by 4'. With averted vision, low contrast spiral arm structure was noticed in the outer halo, particularly on the southwest side.
17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, very bright core. The outer halo is 4.5'x3.0' oriented SSW-NNE. A bar is highly suspected extending WNW-ESE of the central core with inner ring structure suspected extending from this bar. M96 (brightest in the group) lies 40' ENE.
13.1" (2/25/84): very bright, small bright nucleus.
8": bright, fairly large, round.
Pierre Méchain discovered M95 = H. I-26 = h743 on 20 Mar 1781. William Herschel observed M95 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded a "fine, bright nebula, much brighter in the middle than at the extremes, of a pretty considerable extent, perhaps 3 or 4' or more. The middle seems to be of the magnitude of 3 or 4 stars joined together, but not exactly round; from the brightest part of it there is a sudden transition to the nebulous part, so that I should call it cometic."
Just a week later (19 Mar 1784) Herschel found H. I-26 and wrote, "cB, pL, not R, and much brighter about the middle than towards the ends." There is nothing at his position, but ~20' south and 1 minute of RA east is M95, which was not observed in the sweep, and Dreyer concludes in his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogoues that H. I-26 is probably a duplicate of M95.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 16 Feb 1858, noted "I sev times thought it had two spiral arms, p and f." Sir Robert Ball commented on 10 Feb 1867, "The central bright section seems rather more complex than usual. It may be divided into two ellipses, the inner one is uniform in light and brighter than the other one." This appears to describe the core and the surrounding inner ring.
******************************
10 44 15.0 +22 22 16; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
17.5" (3/28/92): faint, very small, round, brighter
core. A mag 14 star is 1.8'
WNW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3352 = St. 10-26 on 8 Mar 1869. His unpublished position was off by 2' SE. He published an accurate micrometric position made on 19 Mar 1880.
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10 45 22.4 +55 57 37; UMa
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 45°
24" (7/11/18): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.6'x0.45', very small bright nucleus, occasionally a brighter spot was seen on the west side.
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, increases to an irregular brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.6' S of center.
8": faint, small, round. A mag 13 star is 1' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3353 = H. III-842 = h741 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 949) and noted "vF, vS, R." His RA is 30 sec too large. On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel recorded, "pB; S; R; pgbM; 15"; a small star 90" S."
******************************
NGC 3354 = ESO 376-014 = MCG -06-24-008 = LGG 213-005 = PGC 31941
10 43 02.8 -36 21 46; Ant
V = 13.2; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S. Second of three with NGC 3347 3.5' W and NGC 3358 7' ESE. Member of the Klemola 16 group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3354 = h3292 on 1 May 1834 and recorded (two sweeps later) "vF; S; lbM; 8". The 2nd of 3 [with NGC 3347 and NGC 3358]." Pietro Baracchi wrote, "pB; S; R: vlbM almost flat. A star 14m close north." (3 Feb 1886, Melbourne).
******************************
10 43 30 -23 12; Hya
= Not found, RNGC. =MCG -04-25-058 = ESO 501-G79?, ESO.
Samuel Langley found NGC 3355 = HN 29 on 12 Apr 1866 using
the 15-inch Merz Refractor at Harvard Observatory (Annals of Harvard
Observatory, Vol 13, #215). He
simply noted "found in search for Biela's comet; place
approximate." There is
nothing near his position (the only NGC credited to Langley). NGC 3355 is not listed in any modern
catalogue except ESO, which lists
Harold Corwin suggests a more likely candidate is IC 625 = ESO 501-G80, a "normal'' early-type object with a surface brightness two magnitudes brighter than ESO 501-G79. Either of these identifications are pretty speculative as IC 625 is 45' S of Langley's position. So, I've listed this number as lost.
******************************
NGC 3356 = UGC 5852 = MCG +01-28-004 = CGCG 038-005 = VV 529 = PGC 32021
10 44 12.3 +06 45 32; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 102°
17.5" (4/9/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2
WNW-ESE. A mag 11 star is 2.9'
S. Forms a pair with NGC 3349 5.3'
W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3356 = H. III-107 = h744 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 196) and recorded "A suspected, eF, pL. Too much daylight remaining to verify it; but I do much doubt it." There is nothing near his position but on a later sweep (12 Apr 1801) his position was just 2' too far northeast. On 27 Dec 1827 (sweep 117), John Herschel wrote, "eF; R; bM; 30"; a * 9m south dist 2' or 3'."
******************************
10 44 20.7 +14 05 03; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 90°
17.5" (3/22/96): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, broad concentration to an ill-defined brighter 15" core. A mag 12 star is 2.3' W of center. A wide pair of evenly matched mag 9.5 stars lies 8.5' NE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3357 = m 202 = T. 5-5 on 5 Apr 1864 and noted "F, S, mbM." His position is 1' north of UGC 5206. Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 22 Feb 1865, noted the mag 13-14 star 10 seconds of time due west and measured a very accurate position. Wilhelm Tempel made another discovery on 18 Nov 1881 while looking for Denning's Comet and included it in his 5th discovery paper.
UGC incorrectly gives the RA as 9h instead of 10h, although
identifies this
******************************
NGC 3358 = ESO 376-017 = MCG -06-24-009 = LGG 213-006 = PGC 31974
10 43 32.9 -36 24 37; Ant
V = 11.4; Size 3.3'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 141°
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, prominent core, fainter elongated halo. Several stars are near. Third of three with NGC 3354 7' WNW and NGC 3350 10' WNW. Member of the Klemola 16 group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3358 = h3293 on 2 Feb 1835 and recorded "F; vS; R: close to a vS star; the last of 3 [with NGC 3347 and 3354]."
******************************
10 46 36.7 +63 13 28; UMa
V = 10.6; Size 7.2'x4.4'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 170°
48" (2/21/12): at 375x, this beautiful barred spiral contains a prominent central bar extending ~1.3' N-S, with a bright, elongated core. A spiral arm is attached at the south end of the bar. It quickly rotates and sweeps northeast (clockwise) for 1.5', dimming out 1' E of center. A longer, beautiful arm is attached on the north end of the bar and sweeps south along the west side of the galaxy. This arm is brightest where it attaches to the bar. The western arm passes well south of the central bar and includes a couple of HII knots towards the end. The brightest is a faint 10" knot, situated 1.4' SW of center. This HII region is catalogued as [H69] 42 in Hodge's 1969 paper "HII Regions in 20 Nearby Galaxies". Just south of this knot the arm fades out, but brightens slightly again at the tip (2' S of center), where there is a very faint, low surface brightness knot, ~12" diameter.
14.5" (4/12/21): at 158x and 226x; moderately bright, large, oval ~3:2 N-S, ~4.5'x3' with averted vision. Contains a large, brighter central region. Although there wasn't a well defined core, a brighter N-S bar was occasionally noticed. The halo has a moderately low, fairly even surface brightness, except at the periphery. No brighter stars are nearby.
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE. A brighter bar is visible through the center along the major axis! Has a large, diffuse halo about 5'x3' which fades into the background. The brighter core has an irregular surface brightness. Two mag 14 stars are 3.4' WNW and 2.8' ESE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3359 = H. V-52 = h745 on 28 Nov 1801 (sweep 1102) and recorded "cB, L, lE in the meridian, vgbM, about 5' long and 3' broad. The nebulosity seems to be of the milky kind [unresolvable], it loses itself imperceptibly all around. The whole breadth of the sweeps seems to be affected with vF nebulosity." His position was 3.5' too far north. On 2 Apr 1832 (sweep 411), John Herschel logged, "pF; L; E in merid; glbM; 2.5' l, 2' br."
Ralph Copeland, observing on 21 Feb 1874 at Birr Castle, made two sketches showing both a striking "S" shaped spiral and a "figure 8". No description accompanied the diagrams.
******************************
10 44 16.1 -11 14 33; Sex
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 55°
17.5" (4/21/01): faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.6'. Low, nearly even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 3360 3.8' NE.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3360 in 1880 with his
36-inch silvered-glass reflector.
His description reads "A F[aint] pair, f one brighter." There is nothing at his position, but
10' north is
Herbert Howe's published position in his series of MN articles matches MCG -02-28-003, although it is incorrect in the IC Notes.
******************************
NGC 3361 = MCG -02-28-004 = PGC 32044
10 44 29.1 -11 12 27; Sex
V = 12.8; Size 2.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/21/01): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration. A mag 15 star is close preceding. Forms a pair with NGC 3360 3.8' SW.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3361 in 1880 with his
36-inch silvered-glass reflector.
His description reads "A F[aint] pair, f one brighter." There is nothing at his position, but
10' north is
******************************
NGC 3362 = UGC 5857 = MCG +01-28-005 = CGCG 038-007 = PGC 32078
10 44 51.8 +06 35 48; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 90°
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.0', broad concentration. Located 3.8' WNW of mag 8.7
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3362 = m 203 on 22 Mar 1865 and
noted "vF, S, R." His
position is within 1' of
******************************
NGC 3363 = UGC 5866 = MCG +04-26-002 = CGCG 125-003 = PGC 32089
10 45 09.5 +22 04 42; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 0°
17.5" (3/28/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7', even surface brightness. A mag 12 star is 1.5' E of center and 1.0' off the edge. NGC 3353 lies 21' NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3363 = St. 12-40 on 4 Mar 1878. His published position (list 12, #40) was reduced on 22 Mar 1882 with description, "F, pS, iR, lbM, r."
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10 48 29.7 +72 25 30; UMa
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (3/28/92): faint, small, round, low even surface brightness. Collinear with a mag 13/13.5 double star at 29" separation located 4' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3364 = H. III-318 = h746 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "vF, pL, r." His position was ~2.5' east of UGC 5890. On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 482), John Herschel wrote, "eF; L; R; vgbM; 60"; a coarse double star sf [about 5'] points back directly to it."
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10 46 12.6 +01 48 48; Sex
V = 12.6; Size 4.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 159°
17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, fairly large, edge-on 6:1 NNW-SSE, 4.0'x0.6'. Appears as a low surface brightness streak, very weak concentration with a small slightly brighter core. Surprisingly faint for the listed magnitude.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3365 = h747 on 13 Apr 1828 (sweep 144) and recorded, "eF; L; 2' long, 20" broad; vgvlbM; a ray nebula." His position was 1.4' too far south. The NGC has a typo in the RA hour (19).
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10 35 08.4 -43 41 30; Vel
V = 11.3; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 37°
18" (2/19/09): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
SW-NE, ~0.6'x0.4'. NGC 3366 is
located just 1.7' S of mag 6.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 3366 = h3294 on 15 Mar 1836 and
recorded ""F; E; gbM; close to a * 6.7m. The minute of RA is doubtful. The written record makes it 47; but as this is impossible
from the context, 37 is assumed."
Corwin proproses that his assumed RA is still 10 minutes too large. Once
corrected it matches
DeLisle Stewart found this galaxy on an Arequipa plate
around 1899 and Dreyer catalogued it again as
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10 46 34.8 +13 45 02; Leo
V = 11.5; Size 2.5'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.2
13.1" (2/25/84): fairly bright, fairly large, almost
even surface brightness, slightly elongated ~E-W.
8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, slightly elongated, slightly brighter core. Located about 25' SSE of 5th magnitude 52 Leonis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3367 = H. II-78 = h748 on 19
Mar 1784 (sweep 177) and simply noted "pB". His position was off by 15' (too far northwest), but he
measured a more accurate position on a later sweep. On 4 Apr 1831 (sweep 338), John Herschel noted, "pB;
vL; irreg R; vgbM; 2' diam" and measured an accurate position in sweep
338. The description under h748 on
23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242) also probably refers to
On 23 Mar 1851, Bindon Stoney noted "probably spiral, dark spaces in it and * suspected in preceding edge."
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10 46 45.5 +11 49 18; Leo
V = 9.3; Size 7.6'x5.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, fairly large, elongated
NW-SE, 5'x3.5', small bright core, stellar nucleus. Brightest in the Leo group (M96 Group) with M95 40' WSW and
17.5" (5/23/98): observed SN 1998bu in M96, which was very close to maximum brightness of 12th magnitude. It was located 4" E and 55" N of center.
13.1" (2/25/84): very bright, small bright nucleus.
8" (3/28/81): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated.
Pierre Méchain discovered M96 = NGC 3368 = h749 on 20 Mar 1781. Four nights later it was confirmed by Messier. William Herschel observed M96 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "A fine, bright nebula, much like the former [M95], but the brightest part in the middle is more joined to the nebulosity than in the former, and the bright part is rather longer, though not quite so vivid as in the former. It may still be called cometic, though it begins to depart a little from that kind."
George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, noted "Is, I think, certainly a spiral." (3 Mar 1850). A year later, Bindon Stoney added "vBM, perhaps shaped like an S reversed." A sketch clearly shows a spiral arm curving counterclockwise on the east side towards the south. It also shows a darker strip just west of the central region between the western arm. M96 was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in LdR's 1850 PT paper.
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10 46 44.6 -25 14 39; Hya
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 117°
18" (3/17/07): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration, 0.5'x0.4'. Outlying member of the Hydra I (AGC 1060) cluster to the NE of the main group.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3369 = LM 1-177 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position
(nearest min of RA) matches
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10 47 04.0 +17 16 24; Leo
V = 11.6; Size 3.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 148°
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, fairly weak concentration, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE. The nucleus is displaced to the west.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3370 = H. II-81 = h750 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and noted "pB, pL, not R, r." John Herschel made two observations, recording on 25 Mar 1827 (sweep 63), "pB; R; bM; r."
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10 48 16.9 +12 37 45; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3384.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3371 = h751 on 23 Mar 1830
(sweep 282) and recorded "F, R. The second of 3 [with h748 and h753 = NGC
3373] in a triangle." NGC
3367, situated ~7' WSW of Herschel's position, is the only galaxy in the
vicinty. Christian Peters claimed
that "[N3371] was distinctly seen by me 1880, Mar. 2; but [GC]2198, the
third of the 'triple nebula,' could not be found." Most likely he saw a faint star hear
Herschel's position. But if the
positions for all 3 objects are offset 73 seconds in RA east and 70' south,
they match up perfectly with NGC 3379, NGC 3384 and
NGC 3371 and 3373 were reported as not found by Pease on plates taken with the 60" reflector in 1917 and 1919.
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10 45 09 -59 52 00; Car
V = 4.8; Size 120'x120'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this observation of the Homunculus was made at 350x in good seeing with the 24". Eta Carinae appeared an iridescent electric-orange color surrounded by the bipolar blowouts of the Homunculus. The brighter and larger lobe, which is expanding in our direction, extends to the southeast and was pretty circular (a bit flattened on the end), but punctured by a small, elongated hole that splits the lobe near Eta, creating a small 6" loop (connected on the SE end). The NW blowout is fainter and smaller with an unusual "fountain" or "fan" appearance (also referred to as the "paddle" in schematics of the Homunculus), tapering in and dimming to an extremely narrow bridge at Eta and then spreading out to the NW. The NW edge of this lobe is rounder, creating a "fan" appearance. The two lobes create empty notches near Eta and extending into the NE notch between the two lobes is a very thin, short spike (referred to as equatorial debris or "skirt) that was not difficult to view but the SW "spike" was only intermittently visible. Just west of Eta is the fairly prominent, dark "Keyhole Nebula".
18" (7/4/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): spectacular detail within the Homunculus nebula at 293x. The bright 6" lobe to the SE of Eta is split by a dark lane (forming the two "legs" of the Homunculus). This lane actually consists of two darker "holes" with the outer dark hole more prominent. In moments of good seeing the outer periphery of the lobe has a slightly tattered or scalloped structure and it is flattened on the SE end. Jutting out a few arcseconds to the NE is a small, thin spike that was visible continuously with averted vision. On the opposite SW side, only a small, brighter extension or oval nodule bulges out slightly from the SE lobe. The fainter NW lobe has a more translucent appearance with a pinched "key" or "bust" outline as the nebulosity is very weak or absent in the middle of the sides (this lobe forms the "head" of the Homunculus). At the center of this remarkable sight is the bright, quasi-stellar, reddish-orange Eta Carinae.
Bochum 10 is located 40' NW of Eta Carinae and just north of
the huge wedge of nebulosity that extends north of Eta. About two dozen stars,
including 7 of 9th magnitude, were resolved in the main group, which extends
~5'x2'. The cluster is fairly
scattered and distributed in the two subgroups oriented NW and SE, with the SE
group containing most of the stars.
Visually it was much smaller than the listed diameter of 20'. Situated just 5' NW of mag 5.4
This huge Wolf-Rayet bubble was surprisingly easy at 76x with an H-beta filter, although without prior knowledge I would have assumed it was an outer extension of the Eta Car nebula. A huge, 35' semicircular annulus of nebulosity was easily traced. The south side of the rim is bright, well defined and oriented roughly E-W as it passes north of Bochum 10. With careful viewing, very faint nebulosity continues to spread out from the east end. On the west side of this E-W strip, there is a short break and then it continues as a large, fairly prominent arc that curves northward. This arc is sharply defined on both the interior and exterior edge and widens and fades at the north end, although a small locally brighter patch is at the NW tip. The nebulosity curves back east on the north side but this section is quite faint and simply appears as low surface brightness haze. A relatively prominent 4'x3' oval patch of nebulosity is isolated on the SE side, just within the interior. Very faint haze also spreads out within the interior but the eastern half of the rim is completely missing. The OIII filter significantly dims the curving NW quadrant of the loop.
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): I spent quite a bit of time on the Eta Carina complex, particularly examining the remarkable Homunculus Nebula. This is easily the largest bright emission nebula in the sky and a very prominent naked-eye object within the amazingly rich Carina Milky Way. Dark lanes or rift separate bright islands of billowing nebulosity and the entire complex overfilled the 105x field at the eyepiece.
The surface brightness of the various sections is fairly
uniform and pretty high, though it lowers in the outskirts. No section is comparable in intensity
to the central heart of the Orion Nebula, but the large wedge that contains Eta
Car is quite prominent. A UHC
filter enhances the nebulosity without significantly dimming the stars. Just west of Eta (within the central
wedge) is the fairly prominent, dark "Keyhole Nebula" that extends
~5' length, elongated N-S (not as contrasty as when John Herschel named it in
the 1830's). Eta Carina's orange
color and the small bipolar blowouts are quite stunning at high power. Several clusters are involved with the
nebula. The most prominent is
Tr 16 is the most massive cluster in the Carina nebula complex and contains the majority of the O-type stars. Visually, Tr 16 is a rich group of stars trailing immediately south of Eta Carinae itself and close southeast of the dark Keyhole Nebula, all within the same bright triangular wedge. At 166x, about three dozen stars mag 9-13 were resolved within 4'. A number of the stars are arranged in chains and groups. Eta Car itself is considered part of the cluster. Mag 8.8 WR 25 = HD 93162 is about 7' W of center of the cluster. The primary is considered the most luminous known star in our galaxy.
At 200x, the Homunculus Nebula surrounding Eta Carina was remarkable in excellent seeing on the last evening of observing. Both Eta and the nebula were a uniquely vivid color - an amazing fluorescent orange-tangerine. Extending to the SE of Eta is the brighter lobe, perhaps 6" in diameter with a sharp outline that was flattened along the southern edge in a mushroom shape. There appeared to be a partial darker lane in the interior. Extending to the NW was a smaller (4"-5") and much fainter lobe that faded with increased magnification. A tiny spike of nebulosity jutted out along to the NE between the two lobes. A couple of very close and faint companions lie just NE of Eta. This bi-polar reflection nebula resulted from the most recent outburst of supermassive Eta Car in 1841.
20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): Using a 20 Nagler (127x) and UHC filter, the field of Eta Carina was a breathtaking sight. The outer wings and streamers extended well outside the 39' field. The turbulent nebulosity had a curdled, electric appearance with a strong 3-dimensional effect as brighter streaks, wings, fainter masses and dark lanes were mixed together throughout the field.
The best overall view of the nebula in the 20" was at 80x (32 mm) using a UHC filter. Even at this low power, the Eta Carina nebula still overfilled the field with contrasty dark lanes and amazingly structured islands of nebulosity. I stared into the eyepiece quietly, somewhat stunned by its beauty. With this aperture at 282x, the 12"x8" bipolar Homunculus nebula was an astounding sight. The orange central star appeared quasi-stellar with the unequal blowouts fairly prominent. They had an eerie, translucent appearance with the western lobe somewhat smaller, fainter and more pinched with the eastern lobe more circular. A possible dark lane is near the center and punctures the lobes.
Tr 14 is a rich group of stars mag 7 and fainter stars in a
5' region, situated ~12' NW of Eta within one of the sections of nebulosity.
Contains the binary h4356 (7.2/8.9 at 2.8"). The brighter spectroscopic member of the mag 7.2 star (HD
93129Aa) is one of the most massive stars known and rivals Eta Car in mass and
luminosity. A triple system h4360
just 2' SE includes a 2" pair.
Bochum 10 is a group of two dozen stars in a ~5'x2' region. It includes 7 mag 9 stars that dominate the group. Fairly scattered and distributed in the two subgroups NW and SE with the SE group containing most of the stars. Located just 5' NW of mag 5.4 HD 92964 and just south of the southern arc of the HD 92809 Wolf-Rayet ring. Situated just north of the huge wedge that extends north of Eta, ~40' NW of the star. Visually the cluster appears much smaller than the listed diameter of 20'.
At 282x, the 12"x8" bipolar Homunculus nebula surrounding Eta Carina was an astounding sight. The orange central star appeared quasi-stellar with the unequal blowouts fairly prominent. They had an eerie, translucent appearance with the NW lobe somewhat smaller, fainter and more pinched with the SE lobe more circular. A possible dark lane is near the center and punctures the lobes.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): My first views of the Eta Carina nebula through Les Dalrymple's 12.5" and Gary's 20" were truly breathtaking and dwarfed the Orion Nebula in size and detail. The nebula is broken into 4 or 5 main separate masses of varying sizes, shapes and surface brightness by three wide, dark obscuring dust lanes. The mottled nebulosity has an amazing 3-dimensional curdled appearance and is riddled with dark bays and rifts. Outer loops and brighter streaks complete an amazing vista.
The brightest section forms a triangular wedge isolated by prominent dark lane that cuts at a striking right angle. This wedge contains the centerpiece Eta Carina which has an amazing orange color. Extending from Eta are the two small lobes (one is brighter), referred to as the "Homunculus nebula" and appearing as an explosive event from the early 19th century in a HST image. Just preceding Eta is an elongated N-S, curving dark lane nicknamed the "Keyhole Nebula" by John Herschel, as well as the open cluster Tr 16 just south of Eta.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered (telescopically) NGC 3372 = Lac III-6 = D 309 = h3295 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He recorded a "Large group of a great number of small stars, little compressed, and filling out the space of a kind of a semi-circle of 15 to 20 minutes in diameter; with a slight nebulosity spreading in that space." Of course, the nebula and embedded clusters is a prominent naked-eye object, so was certainly known by southern sky watchers.
James Dunlop observed it at least 13 times beginning on 30 Mar 1826. His summary description reads "(Eta Roboris Caroli, Bode) is a bright star of the 3rd magnitude, surrounded by a multitude of small stars, and pretty strong nebulosity; very similar in its nature to that in Orion, but not so bright... I can count twelve or fourteen extremely minute stars surrounding Eta in the space of about 1'; several of them appear close to the disk: there is a pretty bright small star about the 10th magnitude N.f. the Eta, and distant about 1'. The nebulosity is pretty strongly marked; that on the south side is very unequal in brightness, and the different portions of the nebulosity are completely detached, as represented in the figure [plate III, figure 14]. There is much nebulosity in this place, and very much extensive nebulosity throughout the Robur Caroli, which is also very rich in small stars."
John Herschel commented "It is not easy for language to convey a full impression of the beauty and sublimity of the spectacle which this nebula offers, as it enters the field of the telescope fixed in R. A., by the diurnal motion, ushered in as it is by so glorious and innumerable a procession of stars, to which it forms a sort of climax, and in a part of the heavens otherwise full of interest."
During a 5-year period in the 1840's and '50s Eta Car brightened from 1.5 to -1 (chronicled by John Herschel) and was temporarily the second brightest star in the sky, nearly rivaling Sirius. This outburst later created the double-lobed Homunculus Nebula, discovered in 1944. In 1863, Francis Abbott, using a 4-inch refractor at his private observatory in Hobart, Tasmania, claimed a decrease in the size and brightness of the main nebula and a displacement relative to Eta Carinae. A number critical responses followed that strongly refuted any significant changes, including Lt. John Herschel (son of JH), and both Airy and Lassell in 1871. But Abbott persisted in his position, publishing 6 different papers in 1871. Interestingly, the dark "Keyhole Nebula" does appear to have lost contrast based on JH's sketches and descriptions. David Frew made a detailed analysis of the historical light curve of Eta Car at http://adsabs.harvard.edu/pdf/2004JAD....10....6F.
In Nov. 1874, Charles Burton (former assistant at Birr Castle) sketched the nebula with a 12" silver-on-glass reflector while at the island of Rodriquez on a transit of Venus expedition. He reported that he detected some changes (differences) with Herschel's sketch, though doubted if there was any significant changes.
As far as the origin of the nickname "Keyhole Nebula" it's generally assumed that JH coined the phrase and his sketch of the elongated dark patch near Eta certainly appears like a perfect classic "keyhole". But a search through his Cape Observations and articles about the brightening of Eta Car and the possible variability of the nebula reveals he used the term "lemniscate" to describe the shape (must have been his early mathematical training), and that's the term that Burton used in 1874..
In an 1873 issue of Appletons' Journal, Emma Converse, who reported on astronomical topics for the popular press, summarizes the dispute about changes in the nebula in an article titled "Eta Argus". She mentions "In the middle of the brightest part of the nebulous light there was a dark vacancy, of a form resembling a keyhole, or the geometrical figure called a lemniscate, around which the light of the nebula was not uniform." Later she mentions "The southern loop of Herschel's lemniscate, or keyhole-shaped cavity had bulged out into the vacuity, forming an isthmus that trended north-south." Agnes Mary Clerke refers to the "Key-Hole Nebula" in her "The System of the Stars" (second edition, 1905), plate XVII taken with the Bruce 24-inch at Arequipa in 1896.
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NGC 3373 = NGC 3389 = UGC 5914 = MCG +02-28-013 = CGCG 066-022 = PGC 32306
10 48 27.9 +12 31 59; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3389.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3373 = h753 on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 282) and recorded "F, R, the last of 3 [with h748 and h751 = NGC 3371] in a triangle." NGC 3367, situated ~7' WSW of Herschel's position, is the only galaxy in the vicinty. But if his 3 positions are offset 73 seconds in RA east and 70' south, they match up perfectly with NGC 3379, NGC 3384 and NGC 3389. Perhaps while observing NGC 3379, he used the position of NGC 3367 and measured offsets to obtain positions for the other two galaxies. So, h748 (sweep 282) = NGC 3379, NGC 3371 = NGC 3384 and NGC 3373 = NGC 3389. His position angles (given under h748) also match these 3 galaxies. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.
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10 48 01.1 +43 11 11; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 142°
18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly
round though difficult to pin down an orientation, 0.7'x0.6'. Broad, weak concentration with no
noticeable core. Located 16' NE of
mag 7.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 3374 = H. III-701 = h752 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) and recorded "vF, vS, iF." On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), John Herschel called this galaxy "vF; S; R; 12"."
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10 47 00.8 -09 56 29; Sex
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 153°
18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', bright 15" core, stellar nucleus. No brighter stars in the 20' field at 220x.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3375 = T. 1-26 = T. V-6 = St. 11-9 on 14 Mar 1874. His position was 1.5' NW of center. He didn't publish the discovery until his 11th discovery list (#9) in 1881, based on a more precise position taken in April. In the meantime, Wilhelm Tempel made an independent discovery on 21 Feb 1878 and called it class II-III with a stellar nucleus. He reported the discovery in his first discovery list (#26), as well as his 5th list (#6). Tempel was credited first in the NGC, although Stephan's initial observation was earlier. MCG doesn't label MCG -01-28-008 as NGC 3375.
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10 47 26.5 +06 02 53; Sex
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 167°
17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, slightly elongated, 25" diameter, moderate surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 1.3' N which has a very faint companion close west.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3376 on 19 Feb 1863. His position, measured on 2 nights, is
an exact match with
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NGC 3377 = UGC 5899 = MCG +02-28-009 = CGCG 066-016 = LGG 217-006 = PGC 32249
10 47 42.3 +13 59 08; Leo
V = 10.4; Size 5.2'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 35°
13.1" (2/25/84): bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, well concentrated to a small bright nucleus. Member of the Leo I Group (also called the M96 Group).
8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, slightly elongated SW-NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3377 = H. II-99 = h754 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "pB, S, r." John Herschel made three observations and called it "first Class". Auwers and d'Arrest also measured precise positions.
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10 46 43.3 -40 00 59; Ant
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (3/28/09): faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3378 = h3296 on 1 Feb 1835 and noted "pB; R; bM. Out of limit of sweep. Place rough. He measured a more accurate position on 3 later sweeps.
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NGC 3379 = M105 = UGC 5902 = MCG +02-28-011 = CGCG 066-018 = Holm 212a = KTG 33A = LGG 217-004 = PGC 32256
10 47 49.6 +12 34 54; Leo
V = 9.3; Size 5.4'x4.8'; Surf Br = 12.8
24" (4/20/14): very bright, large, slightly elongated ~SW-NE, ~3.0'x2.5'. Sharply concentrated with a large, brilliant core containing to an intense nucleus, which increases towards the center. First in a prominent trio with NGC 3384 7.3' NW and NGC 3389 9.8' ESE. M105 is a member of the M96 or Leo I Group (LGG 217), along with NGC 3384.
13.1" (2/25/84): bright, very small bright core, slightly elongated. First of three bright galaxies in the field with NGC 3384 7.3' NW and NGC 3389 9.7' ESE.
8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, round.
Pierre Méchain discovered M105 = H. I-17 = h757 on 24 Mar 1781, four days after he discovered M95 and M96. It was discovered after Messier's final catalogue was sent to publication (in the 1784 Connaissance des temps) but was included in a letter dated 6 May 1783 to Johann Bernoulli, the editor of the Berliner Astronomisches Jahrbuch and published in the 1786 Jarbuch volume. Méchain wrote, "Mr. Messier reports in the Connoissance des temps 1784, p. 264 & 265 two nebulous stars, which I have discovered in the Leo [M95 and M96]; I find nothing to change for my positions which I have established by comparing these nebulae to Regulus; but there is also a third one to the north; it is a bit more beautiful [brighter] than the 2 others; I have discovered it on March 24, 1781, 4 or 5 days after the other two. On April 10, I compared it to Gamma Leonis & I have concluded the right ascension 159d 3' 45"; the declination 13d 43' 58" north."
William Herschel independently found M105 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "Three nebula in the field together [with NGC 3384 and 3389]. The two preceding ones [M105 and NGC 3384] cometic and much like the two former bright ones [M95 and M96], but considerably less." John Herschel's earliest observation was on 10 Apr 1825 (sweep 2). The NGC position is accurate (measured by Auwers and d'Arrest).
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10 48 12.2 +28 36 06; LMi
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 1.3'x0.8'. Gradually increases to a brighter core which rises suddenly to a quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star lies 2.1' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3380 = H. II-360 = h755 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL, irregular.". John Herschel made 5 observations – once calling NGC 3380 "faint" and twice calling it "bright". Four observations were made by Lord Rosse's assistants, though other than the elongation, no structural details were mentioned.
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10 48 24.8 +34 42 41; LMi
V = 11.7; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, moderately large, round,
1.6' diameter, broad weak concentration, no distinct core. Located near midpoint of two mag 13
stars 5.5' NNW and 5.2' SSE. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3381 = H. II-565 = h756 on
28 Mar 1786 (sweep 549) and logged "pB, cL, lbM, iF." Caroline's reduced position is 10
seconds of RA west of
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10 48 24.9 +36 43 46; LMi
= **, Gottlieb. Not found, RNGC.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3382
on 5 Apr 1874 and described "About 4 min p [
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10 47 19.2 -24 26 18; Hya
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 24°
18" (3/17/07): fairly faint/moderately bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.9', weak concentration. A mag 15-15.5 star is at the SW edge of
the halo. Located 7' NNE of mag 8
18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 1.0'x0.8'. Low, even surface brightness with just a weak concentration. Observation made through thin clouds.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3383 = h3297 on 20 Mar 1835 and
noted "F; pL; irreg R; glbM; 40"; moonlight." He also recorded it on the next sweep
and his mean position matches
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NGC 3384 = NGC 3371 = UGC 5911 = MCG +02-28-012 = CGCG 066-021 = Holm 212b = KTG 33B = LGG 217-005 = PGC 32292
10 48 16.9 +12 37 45; Leo
V = 9.9; Size 5.5'x2.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 53°
24" (4/20/14): very bright, large, elongated at least 2:1 SW-NE, ~3.2'x1.5' though the outer halo increases in size with averted vision. Sharply concentrated with a large, brilliant, rounder core that gradually increases to the center. Forms a prominent trio with M105 7.4' SW and NGC 3389 6.4' SSE. NGC 3384 is a member of the M96 or Leo I Group, along with M105.
13.1" (2/25/84): bright, bright stellar nucleus, elongated 5:2 SW-NE. Second of three with M105 7.3' SW and NGC 3389 6.4' SSE.
8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, round, moderately large.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3384 = H. I-18 = h758, along with NGC 3379 = M105 and NGC 3389, on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164). He recorded, "Three nebula in the field together. The two preceding ones [NGC 3379 and 3384] cometic and much like the two former bright ones [M95 and M96] but considerable less. The following [NGC 3389] r[esolvable] and of a longish form, elongated. These three together form a beautiful sight." John Herschel made three observations, each time calling it "vB".
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10 48 11.6 +04 55 40; Sex
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 97°
24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 E-W, 30"x15", weak concentration, irregular surface
brightness. A mag 14.8 star is
just off the south side [20" from center].
17.5" (3/28/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration, diffuse ill-defined halo. A mag 10.5 star lies 5' NE. Forms a pair with NGC 3386 4.3' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3385 = h760, along with NGC 3386, on 9 Apr 1828 and recorded "pB; R; bM; 15"." On 15 Mar 1830 (sweep 238), he called it "eF, E[longated.", so the conditions or transparency were likely worse.
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NGC 3386 = MCG +01-28-010 = CGCG 038-016 = PGC 32284
10 48 11.9 +04 59 55; Sex
V = 13.8; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.1
24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 20"x16", weak concentration. NGC 3385 lies 4.3' S. A mag 11 star lies 3.0' SE.
17.5" (3/28/92): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 3385 4.3' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3386 = h759, along with NGC
3385 = h760, on 9 Apr 1828 and noted, "vF; R." His position matches
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10 48 16.5 +04 58 03; Sex
V = 14.2/15.7; Size 7"
24" (3/22/14): at 375x a faint unequal double star at 7" separation was resolved. The brighter component on the SW side is mag 14.2 and the fainter component is mag ~15.5. Although sometimes the pair was cleanly resolved into two sharp points, when the seeing was softer the fainter component appeared as a vague, dim spot so I can see how John Herschel might have called this pair a "suspected nebula". Located 2.1' SE of NGC 3386 and 2.7' NNE of NGC 3385.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3387 = h762 on on 15 Mar 1830 and noted a "suspected nebula. Has a bright star near." Just 30" northwest of his position is a 7" pair of mag ~14/15.5 stars and a mag 11 star (probably Herschel's "B* near") is 1.3' ENE. There is a very faint galaxy less than 1' SW of pair, but it's almost certainly too faint to have been picked up by Herschel.
Harold Corwin notes that the NGC position is from Heinrich d'Arrest (single observation), who placed the nebula just off the southeast side of NGC 3386. He noted the observation was uncertain and there is nothing there.
The RNGC misidentified a mag 17.5 galaxy on the northwest edge of the halo of NGC 3386 as NGC 3387. MCG and CGCG also misclassify NGC 3386/3387 as double nebula. Corwin originally classified this 7" pair as a "star (SE) + compact galaxy (NW)?", but Brian Skiff confirms the northwest component is a star. The brighter star is itself a 4" double with the fainter component 18th mag.
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10 51 25.5 +08 34 01; Leo
See observing notes for
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3388 in 1880 with his 36-inch reflector. He mentions his RA was roughly taken (estimate to the nearest minute of RA), and there is nothing near his position. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 3388 may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3425 = III 108, discovered by WH on 17 Apr 1784. This galaxy has a similar declination but located 3 min of RA east.
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NGC 3389 = NGC 3373 = UGC 5914 = MCG +02-28-013 = CGCG 066-022 = Holm 212c = KTG 33C = PGC 32306
10 48 27.9 +12 31 59; Leo
V = 11.9; Size 2.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 112°
24" (4/20/14): moderately or fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.6'x0.7', brighter core. The surface brightness is irregular with a very mottled appearance. A knot is embedded on the SW side. A mag 15.8 star is 50" south of center (outside the halo). Faintest in a striking trio with M105 and NGC 3384. The two apparent companions are member of the M96 or Leo I Group, but NGC 3389 lies in the background Leo II Group at 70 million l.y.
13.1" (2/25/84): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, diffuse. Third and faintest of three with bright galaxies NGC 3384 6.4' NNW and M105 9.7' WNW.
8" (3/28/81): faint, small.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3389 = H. II-41 = h761, along with NGC 3379 = M105 and NGC 3384, on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164). He recorded "Three nebula in the field together. The two preceding ones [NGC 3379 and 3384] cometic and much like the two former bright ones [M95 and M96] but considerable less. The following [NGC 3389] r[esolvable] and of a longish form, elongated. These three together form a beautiful sight." John Herschel made four observations, calling it "faint", "very faint" and "barely visible" on different sweeps.
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10 48 04.4 -31 32 00; Hya
V = 11.9; Size 3.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 177°
18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on,
at least 7:2 N-S, ~2'x0.5', broad weak concentration. A faint star is at the north tip and a similar star is just
beyond the southern extension.
Located 9.4' NNW of mag 5.9 SAO
John Herschel discovered NGC 3390 = h3298 on 29 Apr 1834 and
recorded "pF; S; pmE in merdian [N-S]. His description matches the edge-on galaxy
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10 48 56.4 +14 13 11; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 35°
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 SW-NE although appears irregular, broad weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is at the NE tip (about
15" from center) and an extremely faint mag 15.6 star is attached at the
west end. Lies 2.7' NW of a mag 10
star. Member of a triplet (USGC
U327) with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3391 = m 204 on 1 Apr 1864 and
noted "triple star in nebulosity." His position matches
Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the galaxy on 1 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch at Copenhagen and noted it was between two stars. His two positions are very accurate. The RNGC questions if a star or knot is involved, but the two superimposed objects are single stars.
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10 51 03.0 +65 46 53; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 105°
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, very small, round, bright
core. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3392 = H. III-88I = h763 on
3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004) and noted "vF, S". His offset from II-872 = NGC 3394, the previous object in
the sweep is accurate. John
Herschel measured an accurate position for h763 on 3 Apr 1832 (sweep 412) and
called it "eF; S; psbM; near some stars." But he placed h764 = NGC 3394 24 seconds of RA east, instead
of 24 seconds west.
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10 48 23.5 -25 09 43; Hya
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.6
18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4'. Contains a small, round, bright nucleus. The galaxy precedes two mag 9 (HD 93674) and 11 stars 2.9' E and 1.6' E (nearly equally spaced with galaxy). This observation (made through thin clouds) refers to the brighter core region and I probably missed the large, low surface brightness halo. Outlying member of AGC 1060 (Hydra I), located 3.5 degrees northeast of the core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3393 = h3299 on 24 Mar 1835 and
recorded "F; S; R; precedes
two bright stars." His
position (3 sweeps) matches
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NGC 3394 = UGC 5937 = MCG +11-13-041 = CGCG 313-036 = PGC 32495
10 50 39.9 +65 43 38; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 35°
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, slightly elongated, low surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 3392 4' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3394 = H. II-872 = h764 on 3 Apr 1791 (sweep 1004), along with III-881 = NGC 3392. He recorded "F, cL, iR" and his relative offsets (21 sec in RA and 2' in dec) matches the pair.
John Herschel placed h764 = NGC 3394 24 seconds of RA east of h763 = NGC 3392, instead of 24 seconds of RA west. This caused the NGC RA to be 44 seconds east of the true position of NGC 3394.
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10 49 50.1 +32 58 58; LMi
V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 50°
48" (5/4/16): this very bright, two-armed disrupted
spiral forms an interacting, contact pair (
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly bright, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.8', fairly high surface brightness, broadly concentrated halo, core appears rounder, no nucleus, mottled texture. This galaxy is slightly larger and brighter of a striking interacting pair, almost in contact with NGC 3396 at the NNE end 1.6' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3395 = H. I-116 = h765, along with NGC 3396, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487). He recorded, "Two, the 1st [NGC 3395] cB, the 2nd [NGC 3396] pB. The 1st cL, the 2nd pL. Both a little and irr E. Their extent makes an angle, the vertex of which is towards the north about 1' from each other at the vertex."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, sketched the pair on 9 Feb 1855 (plate XXVII, figure 15, 1861 publication). His description reads "[NGC 3395] is, I think, a spiral with a left-handed twist; immediately foll it is [NGC 3396], which is B and well defined, E pf. I suspect F neby extending from 3395 and running up throiugh 3396." The sketch showes a spiral arm wrapping 270° counterclockwise from the north, east and south side, ending west of the core.
Stephane Javelle found the galaxy on 13 May 1896 but made a
sign error in the RA offset from his comparison star. So, Dreyer assumed it was new and NGC 3395 was catalogued
again as
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NGC 3396 = Arp 270 NED2 = VV 246a = Holm 215b = UGC 5935 =
10 49 55.2 +32 59 27; LMi
V = 12.1; Size 3.1'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 100°
48" (5/4/16): NGC 3396 is the eastern member of a striking interacting double system (Arp 270 = VV 246) with NGC 3395 1.2' SW. At 375x, it appeared bright, very elongated ~3:1 E-W, ~1.5'x0.5', contains a very bright small core and quasi-stellar nucleus that's offset to the west side of the galaxy. A much lower surface brightness glow extends east from the main body and appears slightly offset or bent in orientation to the main part of the galaxy. The galaxy is virtually merged with NGC 3395 on the west end.
17.5" (3/12/94): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.3', brighter along the major axis, sharply concentrated with a high surface brightness core. Forms a prominent double system with NGC 3395 almost attached just south of the west end!
William Herschel discovered NGC 3396 = H. I-117 = h766, along with NGC 3395, on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487). See notes on NGC 3395.
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NGC 3397 = NGC 3329 = UGC 5837 = MCG +13-08-033 = CGCG 351-034 = PGC 32059
10 44 39.4 +76 48 35; Dra
See observing notes for NGC 3329.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3397 = H. I-284 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "cB, vS, iF." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors. A corrected position matching UGC 5837 was published in 1911 using plates taken at the Greenwich Observatory with the 30-inch reflector. Dreyer repeated this position in the notes to his 1912 edition of WH's catalogues. See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.
John Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on on 2 Sep 1828 and described h733 as "pB; irreg R; psmbM; 15"." His position (measured 3 times) clearly shows NGC 3397 (H I-284) = NGC 3329 (h733). The primary designation for this galaxy is NGC 3329, despite the earlier discovery by WH.
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10 51 31.5 +55 23 27; UMa
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 78°
17.5" (4/22/95): brighter of a pair of galaxies
oriented N-S. NGC 3398 is a faint,
narrow edge-on streak 4:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.25'.
Some catalogues refer to this galaxy as
William Herschel discovered NGC 3398 = H. III-792 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 922) and logged "vF, S, E 20 deg sp nf, easily
resolvable". His re-reduced
position with respect to 44 UMa is 10 51 27 +55 25.2 (2000), which is 5 tsec
west and 1.5' north of
Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 8 May 1890 and reported it in list Sw. 9-24 (later IC 644). UGC, CGCG and RC3 label this galaxy IC 644.
CGCG and UGC misidentify
******************************
10 49 27.6 +16 13 06; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.5'x1.5'
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small, round, very small
bright core. Forms a pair with
double system
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3399 = m 205 on 1 Apr 1864 and
noted "F, vS". There is
nothing at his position, but 1.0 minute of RA west is
******************************
10 50 45.5 +28 28 09; LMi
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 100°
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE,
1.2'x0.7'. Fairly even
concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. Located 6.2' WSW of mag 9.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 3400 = H. II-361 = h768 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). John Herschel made 3 observations, calling it both "faint" (17 Feb 1827) and "pretty bright" (13 Apr 1831).
******************************
10 50 24 +05 48; Sex
= Not found, RNGC.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3401 = H. III-88 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "Suspected but did not verify it, as I would lose no time in this place." Dreyer commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH" that H. III-88 was "only seen in Sweep 191; place in NGC is that of Auwers from 56 Leonis. In the sweep it is 1m 9 sec p, 3' n of II 131 = NGC 3423.” See Harold Corwin’s identification notes..
******************************
10 50 26.1 -12 50 43; Hya
See observing notes for
Andrew Ainslie Common found NGC 3402 in 1880 with his 36-inch reflector. There is nothing at his position, but 10 sec of RA east and 10' south is NGC 3411. This galaxy was discovered by WH on 25 Mar 1786. RNGC misidentifies PGC 32444 (a much fainter galaxy) as NGC 3402. See Corwin's identification notes.
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NGC 3403 = UGC 5997 = MCG +12-10-089 = CGCG 333-062 = CGCG 334-004 = PGC 32719
10 53 55.1 +73 41 24; Dra
V = 12.2; Size 3.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 73°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, weakly concentrated. A mag 12.5 star is 3.1' SE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3403 = H. II-335 = h767 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "pF, cL, iE." On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), John Herschel reported, "pF; L; E; vgbM; 60" l, 40" br."
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10 50 18.0 -12 06 31; Hya
V = 13.1; Size 2.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 84°
18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 ~E-W,
1.4'x0.3', bright core.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3404 in 1880 with his
36-inch silvered-glass reflector.
There is nothing at his position but 15' south is
Guillaume Bigourdan rediscovered this galaxy on 19 Apr 1898
while searching at Common's position, placed it correctly, and assumed it as
new (Big. 403 = IC 2609). MCG
labels the galaxy
******************************
NGC 3405 = UGC 5933 = MCG +03-28-014 = CGCG 095-033 = PGC 32414
10 49 43.3 +16 14 19; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x1.0'
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small. At first glance appeared elongated 3:2
SW-NE but on closer inspection resolves into a very close pair of small faint
galaxies with a 20" separation between centers. The brighter component (NGC 3405) is at the SW end and is
very small and round. The fainter
member (
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3405 = m 206 on 1 Apr 1864 and noted "F, eS, alm stell, close to S*." Marth's RA is 1.0 minute too large. The same offet error was made with NGC 3399. This is a double system; 0.7' x 0.7' + 0.2' x 0.2', with a separation of 0.35' SW-NE.
******************************
10 51 44.2 +51 01 26; UMa
V = 12.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.0
17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE. Visually this appeared as a double system with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus that was offset at the SW end and a faint extension to the NE of this core [SDSS reveals a strongly interacting double system, with nuclei separated by only 12"].
Located in a field with several mag 11 stars and situated
between mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 3406 = h771 on 17 Feb 1831
(sweep 328) and recorded "pB; 2nd class; R; pgbM; among many stars. His position matches
C.E. Burton, LdR's observer on 17 Mar 1868, recorded
"Suspected to be triple, principal Nucl being double in direction sp nf, B
point in p edge of sp part. Neby
susp from this p with a 3rd knot in it." On 1 Apr 1878 Dreyer observed the field again, discovered
nearby NGC 3410, and noted "preceding one [NGC 3406] pB, pL irr R
gmbM. 2 points of condensation,
brighter one sp centre..."
The fainter northeast nucleus is the merged companion
******************************
10 52 17.9 +61 22 46; UMa
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 15°
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core. A mag 14 star just 1.1' NNE is collinear with the major axis of the galaxy.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3407 = H. III-919 = h769 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and recorded "vF, vS, near a vS star. On 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406), John Herschel noted "eF; S; R; 6"[diameter]."
******************************
NGC 3408 = UGC 5977 = MCG +10-16-016 = CGCG 291-006 = PGC 32616
10 52 11.7 +58 26 18; UMa
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 175°
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, round, broad
concentration, diffuse, no sharp edges or nucleus. A mag 15 star is 1.6' NE. Located 4.2' NNE of mag 8.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 3408 = H. III-913 = h770 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "vF, vS." His RA, which I rereduced, is 15 seconds too small. On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel recorded "vF; S; R: is north of 2 pB stars forming an isosceles triangle."
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10 50 20.3 -17 02 37; Hya
V = 15.0; Size 1.1'x0.25'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 9°
18" (3/11/07): extremely faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 ~N-S, 0.5'x0.15'. A
faint star is just west of the south end of the galaxy. Located 12' NNE of
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3409 = LM 2-426 (along with NGC 3420 and NGC 3431) in 1886 and recorded "mag 16.0, 0.3' dia, E 200°, 2 vF st inv in eF neb ". His position and PA of 20° matches MCG -03-28-012 = PGC 32470.
******************************
NGC 3410 = MCG +09-18-042 = CGCG 267-021 = Holm 217b = PGC 32594
10 51 53.5 +51 00 23; UMa
V = 14.1; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.9
17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness, no concentration. A mag 14 star is 2' SSE. Located 1.8' SE of double system NGC 3406.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3410
on 1 Apr 1878 while observing GC 2222 = NGC 3406. He reported "2 neb, pos 121.6°, dist 115.2". The actual separation is ~110" and
the identification with
******************************
NGC 3411 = NGC 3402? = MCG -02-28-012 = PGC 32479
10 50 26.1 -12 50 43; Hya
V = 11.9; Size 2.1'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.5
18" (3/29/03): at 257x, moderately bright, moderately
large, round, small brighter core, 1.0' diameter. A line of 3 mag 14 stars is close west. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3411 = H. III-522 = h776 on
25 Mar 1786 (sweep 545) and recorded "cF, S, lbM, iR." His position matches
******************************
10 50 53.3 +13 24 43; Leo
V = 10.5; Size 3.6'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/9/94): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x1.5', smooth halo, sharply concentrated with a striking bright core. The core is evenly concentrated to an almost stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is at the NE edge of the halo 1.4' N of center. Member of the Leo Group (also called the M96 Group).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3412 = H. I-27 = h774 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "pB, S, lE. It seems to have a nucleus or very bright place in the middle." John Herschel made two observations and described it on 20 Mar 1830 (sweep 241) as "B; R; vsmbM almost to a *; 30" dia."
******************************
10 51 20.8 +32 45 58; LMi
V = 12.1; Size 2.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 178°
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 N-S, 1.4'x0.7', broad concentration, no nucleus. First of three in the field with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3413 = H. II-493 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and noted "F, S." Although his RA was 20 seconds too large, the NGC position (measured by d'Arrest) is accurate. Still, Francis Pease listed it as a new nebula in his 1920 paper based on Mt Wilson 60" plates.
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10 51 16.3 +27 58 30; LMi
V = 11.0; Size 3.5'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 20°
13.1" (3/24/84): bright, slightly elongated ~N-S, small
bright nucleus, fairly small.
Forms a pair with
8" (3/24/84): faint, slightly elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3414 = H. II-362 = h773 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and note "pB, pL." John Herschel made four observations (h773) while 8 observations were made at Birr Castle.
Bindon Stoney, using LdR's 72" on 6 Mar 1851, noted "Another neb eF, S. 2' np." Again on 23 Feb 1857 as well as 22 Mar 1857, R.J. Mitchell mentioned "about 1' np is vvF neb? lE." and "about 1.5' np [NGC 3414] there is a vvF patch of neby." These observations clearly refer to 2MASX J10511304+2800221 = PGC 93597, although it was not assigned a GC or NGC designation!
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10 51 42.7 +43 42 44; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 2.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 10°
17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright but fairly small,
elongated 2:1 N-S, small bright core, fairly high surface brightness
overall. Three mag 12 stars to the
south form an equilateral triangle with the nearest star 56" S. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3415 = H. II-718 = h772 on
15 Jan 1788 (sweep 800) and logged "F, S, stellar; the np corner of a
small trapezium." His
position and description matches
******************************
NGC 3416 = MCG +07-22-073 = CGCG 212-063 = CGCG 213-002 =
10 51 48.3 +43 45 51; UMa
V = 15.3; Size 0.6'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 30°
17.5" (4/6/91): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE. Forms a close pair with NGC 3415 3' SSW.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3416 on 30 Mar 1854 using LdR's
72", while observing NGC 3415.
He noted "[NGC 3415 is] elongated N-S, another neb [NGC 3416] north
of it, about 3' dist." At this position is
******************************
10 51 01.7 +08 28 25; Leo
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.4'; PA = 85°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.4'x0.25', slightly brighter core. Located 8' SW of NGC 3425.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3417 = m 207 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "eF, vS, alm stell."
His position matches
******************************
NGC 3418 = UGC 5963 = MCG +05-26-023 = CGCG 155-030 = PGC 32549
10 51 24.0 +28 06 43; LMi
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 75°
13.1" (3/24/84): faint, slightly elongated, diffuse, even surface brightness, held steadily with averted. Located 8.5' NNE of NGC 3414.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3418 = H. II-363 = h775 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S." John Herschel made four observations, while the LdR assistants recorded this galaxy on 5 nights.
******************************
NGC 3419 = UGC 5964 = MCG +02-28-018 = CGCG 066-041 = Ark 259 = LGG 216-003 = PGC 32535
10 51 17.7 +13 56 46; Leo
V = 12.5; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 115°
28" (4/12/18): at 285x; moderately bright, fairly small, ~40 diameter, very sharp bright stellar nucleus. A fainter star is superimposed on the east side of the halo [9" NE of the stellar nucleus]. Brightest in a trio (USGC U327 at z = .01) with NGC 3419A and NGC 3391.
NGC 3419A = UGC 5965, located 4.6' N, appeared faint, extremely thin edge-on, at least 6:1 NW-SE, ~60"x10". Contains a slightly brighter core (very elongated) with low surface brightness extensions using averted vision. A mag 11.7 star is 1.6' SW.
17.5" (4/9/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, brighter core. Forms the southwest vertex of a triangle with two mag 14 stars 1.5' N and 1.3' ESE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3419 = m 208 = T. 1-27 = T. 5-7
on 1 Apr 1864 and recorded "F, vS, R, alm stell, close to a small
star." Wilhelm Tempel rediscovered the galaxy on 15 Mar 1876 and noted in
his first discovery list, "F, S, class III, forms an obtuse triangle with
the stars." A micrometric
position was published in his 5th discovery paper. The NGC position matches
The original discovery, though, was made by William Herschel on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and noted as "vF, vS, most likely a small patch." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 2.7' southwest of the galaxy. As the observation was uncertain, it was never published and he was not credited in the NGC.
******************************
NGC 3420 = MCG -03-28-011 = PGC 32453
10 50 09.7 -17 14 33; Hya
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 30°
18" (3/11/07): faint, small, round, very low surface brightness halo is difficult. Contains a 15"-20" core that is weakly concentrated surrounded by a hint of an larger halo. NGC 3431 is 21' NE and NGC 3409 lies 12' NNE. This group is located about 0.9 degrees SSE of 3.1-magnitude Nu Hydrae.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3420 = LM 2-427 (along
with NGC 3409 and NGC 3431) in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.4, 0.2' dia, R,
*8.5 6' S.". His position is
30 sec of RA west of
******************************
NGC 3421 = IC 652 = MCG -02-28-013 = PGC 32514
10 50 57.6 -12 26 55; Hya
V = 13.7; Size 2.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.8; PA = 175°
18" (3/29/03): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter. Possibly viewed the core only. Forms a pair with NGC 3422 5.5' NE. NGC 3422 lies 23' NW and NGC 3411/IC 647 is 25' SSW.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3421 in 1880 with his 36-inch silvered glass reflector and noted "Two, F, R". His (rough) position is 13' N of MCG -02-28-013 and this galaxy has a companion (NGC 3422 = MCG -02-28-015) at 5.5' NE. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position (given in the IC 2 Notes section).
Stephane Javelle independently discovered the galaxy on 19
Apr 1892 and recorded it in list 1-187 (
******************************
NGC 3422 = MCG -02-28-015 = PGC 32534
10 51 17.3 -12 24 09; Hya
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 54°
18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (viewed core only). A mag 10.3 star is 42" SSW of center, just off the SW end. Forms a pair with NGC 3421 5.5' SW. NGC 3404 lies 23' NW and NGC 3411 29' SSW.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3422 in 1880 with his
36-inch silvered glass reflector, along with NGC 3421. The pair were simply noted as
"Two, F, R". There is
nothing at his position, but 13' south is the pair
******************************
10 51 14.3 +05 50 24; Sex
V = 11.1; Size 3.8'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 10°
48" (4/16/15): very bright, large, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~3'x2.5', large bright core. A mag 15.8 star is superimposed on the SSW side, 1.2' from center. Spiral structure is evident at 488x, particularly along a curving outer arm running from clockwise from east to north. This arm contains three HII knots.
An obvious faint knot, 8"-10" diameter, is at the north end 1.1' from center. The brightest knot is at the northeast end of the halo 1.1' from center, and it appeared fairly faint/faint, round, 12" diameter. The faintest knot (SDSS J105118.10+055024.7) is directly east of center by 1.0' and noted as very faint, round, 6" diameter. In addition to these three, a 4th knot is due south of center by 0.6'. This HII region was very faint, round, 8" diameter.
Two additional objects were seen just off the south side of NGC 3423, but these are separate galaxies. 2MASX J10511769+0548323, situated 2.0' SE of the center, is fairly faint to moderately bright (V = 15.7), small, round, moderate surface brightness, 15" diameter. 2MASX J10511769+0548323, 2.0' S of center, is very faint (V = 17.1), very small, ~9"x6" SW-NE. This latter galaxy has a redshift of z = .069 and lies far in the background at a light-travel time of ~920 million years.
17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 3'x2', fairly low surface brightness, elongated bright core appears offset to the west. The faint halo seems more extensive to the east of the core. Two mag 12/13 stars are off the NE edge with the mag 12 star 2.4' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3423 = H. IV-6 = H. II-131 = h777 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 157) and recorded IV-6 as "F, L, cometic with a bright point in the center. The nebulous part is eF." His RA was 30 seconds too large. He found the nebula again on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged H. II-131 as "pB, vL, almost R, lbM, r." The RA on this sweep was 1 min too large and 5' too far south. Another observation was made on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521): "pB, vL, R, vgbM, about 5' dia."
John Herschel made 3 observations under h777 and equated his father's two entries, though he mistakenly also equated H. III-88 (NGC 3401). While compiling the NGC, Dreyer sorted out the identities IV-6 = II-131 = h777 = NGC 3423.
Bindon Stoney, observing on 7 Mar 1851 at Birr Castle, noted "2 knots [HII regions] on n side." On the 29 Mar 1856 observation, R.J. Mitchell noted a "star in the south edge, another fainter in f edge, 2 knots in n edge. I think it is resolvable."
******************************
NGC 3424 = UGC 5972 = MCG +06-24-025 = CGCG 184-028 = Holm 218a = LGG 218-004 = PGC 32584
10 51 46.7 +32 53 59; LMi
V = 12.4; Size 2.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 112°
17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, moderately large,
very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 2.1'x0.7'.
A mag 13.5 is superimposed at the east edge and a brighter mag 11.5 star
is 1.4' SE of center. Forms a
striking pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3424 = H. II-494 = h778 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "pB, pL, iR." On 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128), John Herschel noted "B; E in a wisp; the sp of 2 [with NGC 3420].
******************************
NGC 3425 = NGC 3388? = UGC 5967 = MCG +02-28-021 = CGCG 066-044 = PGC 32555
10 51 25.5 +08 34 01; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0
16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, stellar nucleus. Forms an equilateral triangle with a mag 10 star 2.3' SE and a mag 11 star 2.7' SSW. NGC 3417 lies 8' SW.
17.5" (4/15/99): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak concentration. View hampered by a mag 10 star 2.2' SE. This star is collinear with two mag 11/13 stars to the WSW. A faint companion off the south side was not noticed.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3425 = H. III-108 = T. 1-28
on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 197) and noted "eF, eS, r." There is nothing at his position, but
30 sec of RA west and 3' north is
Wilhelm Tempel couldn't find H. III-108 at H's position in 1877, but instead found two nebulae and assumed one was Herschel's III-108. Dreyer chose the slightly brighter northern nebula as III-108 and catalogued T. 1-29 as NGC 3427. Andrew Common's NGC 3388 (found in 1880) may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3425 (equivalence suggested by Harold Corwin).
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10 51 41.8 +18 28 50; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 105°
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small, round, sharply defined 30" halo, well concentrated to a small bright core. A wide pair of mag 11.5-12 stars (1.0' separation) are 2.2' and 2.8' N.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3426 = Sw. 6-37 on 23 Mar 1887
and recorded "pF; S; R: coarse double star near north." His position is 7 sec of RA preceding
******************************
NGC 3427 = UGC 5966 = MCG +02-28-020 = CGCG 066-043 = Todd 4 = PGC 32559
10 51 26.3 +08 17 55; Leo
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 77°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, small brighter core. Situated just south of the line connecting a mag 11.9 star 1.7' ENE and a mag 12.5 star 2.3' W. NGC 3417 lies 12' NW.
17.5" (4/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 40"x20", slightly brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. With averted vision the halo increases to nearly 1.0'x0.5'. Nestled in a 10' stream of stars oriented NW-SE between a mag 12 star 1.7' NE and a mag 12.5 star 2.3' W. NGC 3425 lies 16' due north.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3427 = T. 1-29 in 1877, while searching for NGC 3425 (H. III-108). He ran across two nebulae, one of which was NGC 3425 and the other was new. His position is 2' too far south.
David Todd independently discovered this galaxy on 11 Nov 1877 and listed it as object #4 in AN 2698 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet. The surrounding field stars match this galaxy. Tempel didn't give a specific date in list I, so either Tempel or Todd could be the discoverer.
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10 51 29.5 +09 16 46; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 170°
18" (3/29/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S,
0.6'x0.4', weak concentration.
Located 5' NE of mag 7.9
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3428 = m 209 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "vF, S, lE, glbM."
His position matches
Ainslie Common probably found this galaxy again in 1880 with
his 36" reflector. See
******************************
NGC 3429 = NGC 3428? = UGC 5968 = MCG +02-28-022 = CGCG 066-045 = PGC 32552
10 51 29.5 +09 16 46; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3428. Identification uncertain.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3429 in 1880 using his 36-inch silvered glass reflector. His position is just 3 sec of RA east and 1' south of NGC 3428, which was discoverd by Marth on 25 Mar 1865. So, likely NGC 3429 is a duplicate observation of this galaxy.
RNGC misidentifies
******************************
NGC 3430 = UGC 5982 = MCG +06-24-026 = CGCG 184-029 = Holm 218b = LGG 218-005 = PGC 32614
10 52 11.7 +32 56 59; LMi
V = 11.6; Size 4.0'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 30°
17.5" (4/9/94): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 3.0'x1.5', only a weak broad concentration. A mag 14.5 star is off the south side
1.4' SE from the center. Three
bright stars are in the field; mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 3430 = H. I-118 = h779 = 782 on 7 Dec 1785 (sweep 487) and recorded "cB, cL, iR, mbB." There was apparently an error of 1 degree with his offset from 46 UMa as NGC 3424 was the previous object in the sweep, so both would have been picked up together.
John Herschel found NGC 3430 = h779 on 6 Mar 1828 (sweep 128), logged it as a "Nova" (new nebula) with description "B; L; E; gbM; the nf of 2 [with NGC 3424]." Still looking for his father's H. I-118, he recorded it again as h782 on 3 Apr 1831 as a "Nova or I. 118" and described "B; L; the nf of 3 on a line [with NGC 3413 and NGC 3424]. The neb may possibly be I. II8 as none exists in the place indicated by my Father." He added designations for both of his observations in the General Catalogue (GC), as well as one for his Father's I-118. Herschel has a long note in the GC that there was probaby a one degree error in his father's sweep. By the time of the NGC, Dreyer sorted things out and equated NGC 3430 = H. I-118 with GC 2236 and 2239, though 2233 is also an alias.
In Feb. and Apr. of 1855, R.J. Mitchell (Lord Rosse's assistant), reported seeing a possible "dark bay" south or southwest of the nucleus. Photographs shows this is a darker gap between the core region and the southern spiral arm.
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NGC 3431 = MCG -03-28-014 = PGC 32531
10 51 15.0 -17 00 29; Crt
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 130°
18" (3/11/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.25', weak concentration. A mag 13 star lies 1' NE and a similar star 2.8' SSW. NGC 3409 lies 13' WSW while NGC 3420 is 21' SW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3431 = LM 2-428 on 5 Jan
1887 with the 26" refractor at the Leander-McCormick Observatory. His position and description (mag 15.0,
0.6'x0.2', E 130°, gbsbMN) matches
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NGC 3432 = Arp 206 = VV 11 = UGC 5986 = MCG +06-24-028 =
10 52 31.0 +36 37 09; LMi
V = 11.3; Size 6.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 38°
17.5" (3/25/95): fairly bright, large, edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, 3'x0.5. Irregular surface brightness and fainter on the southwest end. Appears to have a sharper light cut-off on the north side (due to dust?). A mag 12.5 star is 48" E of center and two mag 12/13 star are very close to the southwest tip 1.4' from center. The galaxy appeared asymmetric and brightest just north of the mag 12.5 star near the core [this corresponds to an HII complex]. A very weak enhancement [this is the core] is close west-southwest of this star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3432 = H. I-172 = h780 on 19
Mar 1787 (sweep 719) and recorded "cB, about 2' long and 1/2' broad from
sp to nf. In the preceding part a
few stars pretty close together, and in the following part one, but
unconnected." His position matches
On 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331), John Herschel recorded, "pB; vmE; 90" l, 12" br; pos = 44.2° It southern extremity touches the large star of a double star [at the south end]. Can this nebula have moved?" On 7 Feb 1832 (sweep 401), he logged "vF; a long ray pos = 40.8°; has a double star class 4 in middle, and one more." But the star at the east edge of the middle is only single. Rudolph Spitaler measured the position of a knot or HII region at the northeast end in an observation at Vienna in 1891.
Friedrich Bidschof measured two micrometric positions at the Vienna Observatory in Feb 1892 - one for the center or core and a second at a knot (HII complex) I mentioned in my notes.
******************************
10 52 03.9 +10 08 54; Leo
V = 11.6; Size 3.5'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 50°
24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, large, irregularly
round, 2.5'x2.0', fairly low surface brightness, weak even concentration to
small, slightly bright core and a faint stellar nucleus. Appears to be a face-on spiral, though
too faint to resolve the arms. A
mag 9.6 star is 8.5' E and 6' further NE of this star is
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large,
diffuse, weak concentration, slightly elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3433 = H. III-20 = h783 on
11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and noted as "vF, r[esolvable]". There is nothing at his position, but 1
minute of RA east and 2' N is
******************************
10 51 58.1 +03 47 31; Leo
V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 5°
17.5" (3/25/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 N-S, ~1.3'x1.0'. Located 4.6'
NW of mag 9
Brightest in close trio with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3434 = H. III-497 = h784 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 513) and recorded "cF, S, R, vlbM." On 9 Apr 1828 (sweep 142), John Herschel logged "pB; R; vglbM; 30"."
******************************
10 54 48.4 +61 17 23; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 35°
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3435 = H. II-887 = h781 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "F, pL, bM, iF." His position is 3.8' southwest of UGC 6025 (similar offset as NGC 3407, the previous object in the sweep). John Herschel's RA was 1 minute too small and this error was copied into GC and NGC.
******************************
10 52 27.5 +08 05 38; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.5'
17.5" (4/15/99): very faint, very small, irregular. Sometimes I had the impression that a
very faint star was superimposed.
Located 7' S of mag 8.5
David Todd discovered NGC 3436 = Todd 6 on 30 Nov 1877 (AN
2698) using the 26-inch Clark refractor at the USNO during his search of a
trans-Neptunian planet. There is
nothing at his very rough position, but based on Todd's sketch, Corwin was able
to identify NGC 3436 as
RNGC places NGC 3426 at 10 42.4 +07 56 (2000) or 8.9 min west of Todd's position. There is nothing at this location in CGCG, MCG or RC3 and I couldn't identify any object at this position on the DSS! I mentioned this error in RNGC Corrections #6.
******************************
10 52 35.7 +22 56 04; Leo
V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 122°
17.5" (2/8/91): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 2.4'x0.8'. Two mag 14 stars are near the NW end collinear with the major axis and a mag 13.5 star is off the SW side 3.0' from center. Slightly brighter at the SE end and also just west of the weak core. Appears slightly bowed out on the north side and flatter on the south side. There is a sharp light cutoff along the north side with a strong impression of a dust lane.
8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, small, very elongated NW-SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3437 = H. II-47 = h786 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 166) and recorded "pL, E, resolvable." I think I can distinguish 3 or 4 stars in it, towards the middle, and in a row." His position was 11 seconds of RA too large and 1' too far north. John Herschel made three observations and measured an accurate RA.
******************************
NGC 3438 = UGC 5988 = MCG +02-28-025 = CGCG 066-052 = PGC 32638
10 52 26.0 +10 32 50; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core. A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' SE. NGC 3433 lies 25' SSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3438 = m 210 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "vF, eS, alm stell."
His position corresponds with
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10 52 25.7 +08 33 27; Leo
V = 14.2; Size 0.4'x0.3'
17.5" (4/15/99): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20" diameter. This galaxy was surprisingly faint and required averted and could not hold steadily. A mag 12 star lies 2.8' S. Located 15' E of NGC 3425.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3439 = m 211 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "eeF, vS, alm stell."
His position corresponds with
******************************
10 53 49.6 +57 07 08; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 2.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 48°
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated
SW-NE, small bright core. Forms a
pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3440 = H. III-914 = h785 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "vF, S, lE."
******************************
10 52 31.1 +07 13 30; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 5°
18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', very weak concentration. A mag 14 star lies 1.2' NE. Located 4.9' W of mag 8.7
Edward Holden discovered NGC 3441 on 6 Apr 1882 with the
15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Madison,
Wisconsin. He simply noted
"pB", but his position is fairly accurate (1' south of
******************************
10 53 08.1 +33 54 36; LMi
V = 13.4; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 30°
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small round, 25"
diameter, fairly high surface brightness.
Even concentration but no well-defined core or nucleus. A mag 14 star is 1.9' SE. Forms a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3442 = St. 13-59 on 15 Mar
1882 and described as "F, vS, R, mbM, r? His published position was reduced on 25 Mar 1884 and
matches
******************************
10 53 00.4 +17 34 30; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 2.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 145°
24" (2/22/14): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5', low surface brightness halo with a small
brighter core. A mag 13-13.5 star is 1.6' E.
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, small very bright core, substellar nucleus.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3443 = Sw. 6-38 on 24 Apr 1887
with the 16" refractor at Warner Observatory and noted "eeF; vS;
R." His RA is just 8 sec west
of
******************************
NGC 3444 = UGC 6004 = CGCG 066-055 = FGC 1148 = PGC 32670
10 53 00.1 +10 12 32; Leo
V = 14.7; Size 1.1'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 19°
24" (2/22/14): at 260x appeared faint, small, edge-on 3:1 SSW-NNE, 21"x7", low even surface brightness, not difficult. Located 6' NE of a mag 9.6 star and 14' ENE of NGC 3433.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3444 = m 212 on 25 Mar 1865 with
Lassell's 48" on Malta and commented "eF, vS, pmE". His position is 1' south of
******************************
NGC 3445 = Arp 24 = VV 14a = UGC 6021 = MCG +10-16-023 =
10 54 35.9 +56 59 24; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4
48" (5/16/12): bright, moderately large, very irregular
shape, roughly 1.2' diameter. The
brightest portion of the galaxy is on the north and east side and is very
mottled with slightly brighter knots (a couple are on the east end). Attached on the west side and spreading
further south is a spiral arm, appearing more like a diffuse extension. This "arm" fades out on the
southeast side of the galaxy and just beyond is
MCG +10-16-24, an interacting companion, appeared faint to fairly faint, elongated 5:2 E-W, 20"x8". 2MASX J10544552+5659588 lies 1.5' ENE, between the main galaxy and a mag 10.3 star just 2.2' NE of NGC 3445. It appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. The bright star detracted somewhat from viewing the fainter companions.
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated WNW-ESE, broad concentration, bright core. Located 2.2' SW of a mag 10 star. Brightest in a group with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3445 = H. I-267 = h787 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and recorded "cB, pL, iR, about 1 1/4' dia. The greatest part of it almost equally bright." On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel wrote, "pB; L; R; vglbM; has a star 10m 2' nf." His position is accurate.
R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 30 Mar 1856, recorded "[NGC 3445] is very curious, it is round with bright nucleus excentric and a dark curved passage sp this nucleus as in sketch. [See Plate III, fig 6]. The neby outside this dark curve runs up perhaps to a streak sf which is vF, but of the existence of which I have doubt." The "streak south-following", which was displayed on the sketch, is certainly MCG +10-16-024 = PGC 32784. It was mentioned again in the 3 Apr 1858 observation as "a vF, S patch of neby sf."
******************************
10 52 07 -45 08 24; Vel
Size 7'
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 123x and 160x): ~30 stars visible in a 6' group with a mag 8.7 star at the northeast corner. The richest part is a 3'x1' group elongated NW-SE on the northeast side of the cluster. This subgroup includes a mag 10.6 star. An unequal mag 10.2/13 pair at 19" is on the south side with another mag 10.5 star ~45" SW. The brightest star in the field is mag 8.4 at ~10' NW.
The galaxy
24" (2/22/14): viewed on the meridian at an elevation
of 8°, but not an optimal view. At
200x, mag 8.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 3446 = h3301 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "The chief * (9m) of a cluster class VIII, 7' dia, not rich or comp. Stars 10...13."
Brian Skiff gives a position of 10 52 07 -45 08.3 centered
on CoD-44 6866 (mv 9.0) and suggests a diameter of 15' if a few bright stars to
the west are included, though Herschel's "chief *" is part of a 7'
group. The galaxy
******************************
10 53 23.9 +16 46 25; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 3.7'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.7; PA = 0°
18" (3/29/03): very faint, fairly large, very diffuse
glow. Located 3' NE of mag 9.9 SAO
99342 and nearly collinear with mag 9.1
17.5" (4/18/87): very faint, moderately large, very
diffuse. Three bright stars form
an isosceles triangle to the SW; the closest is mag 9.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 3447 = h3300 on 18 Mar 1836 and
recorded "eF; vL; vgvlbM; 3' or 4' diam. Has a bright coarse double star (9m) sp." This galaxy is the most northerly
discovery JH made from the Cape of Good Hope (four galaxies in Leo were
discovered on that date) His
position and description matches
******************************
10 54 39.0 +54 18 19; UMa
V = 12.1; Size 5.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 65°
48" (5/16/12): this interacting starburst galaxy appeared very bright, large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, high surface brightness, irregular shape, mottled appearance. At the northeast end of the galaxy is a large, bright knot, ~25"x12", which is possibly the disrupted core of the galaxy. Occasionally an extremely faint tidal tail could be glimpsed, extending perhaps 1.5' ENE. The beginning of the tail near the bright knot was easily seen. At the very tip was a marginally visible galaxy, perhaps glimpsed a couple of times. The dim tail extends the length from 2.4' to 3.6'.
NGC 3448 is interacting with
24" (1/31/14): viewed supernova 2014G, which was discovered on Jan. 14th. This SN is located at the SW tip (44" west and 20" south of center) and was quite easy. It was immediately noticed at 125x, but 200x provided a better view. It was listed at mag 14.0, but I thought it might be a bit brighter.
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, halo increases to a small bright core. A mag 13.5 star follows 3.1' from center. An extremely faint knot is visible east of the core along the major axis about 35" from the center. Located 19' SE of 44 Ursa Majoris (V = 5.1).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3448 = H. I-233 = h788 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 922) and logged "vF, L, E 20° sp to nf, r." On 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324), John Herschel wrote,"B; mE; gbM; no nucl; 1 3/4' l, 20" br; pos = 67°."
NGC 3448 was observed 7 times at Birr Castle. On 1 Feb 1851 and 3 Mar 1851, darker divisions (dust) were noted by one of the Stoney brothers on both sides of the core. The one on the northeast side was more obvious. R.J. Mitchell, observing on 8 Mar 1856, recorded "mE, certainly dark spaces on each side of the nucleus, but not well seen; the following one rather more distinct. A sketch or diagram matches the photographic appearance with brighter knots at each ends of the extensions.
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10 52 53.7 -32 55 39; Ant
V = 12.2; Size 3.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 148°
18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3
NW-SE, 0.7'x0.5'. Moderate, even
concentration to a stellar nucleus with direct vision. Situated 6' NW of mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 3449 = h3302 on 29 Apr 1834 and
recorded "F; S; R; 15".
Has a * 6.7m sf." His
position and description matches
******************************
10 48 03.4 -20 50 57; Hya
V = 11.9; Size 2.5'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 128°
18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, moderately large, nearly round, 1.8'x1.5'. Situated between two mag 12/13 stars 3.4' N and 3.4' S. DSS reveals a face-on symmetric barred spiral.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3450 = h3303 on 22 Mar 1835 and
logged "vF; L; R; vglbM; r; 90"." There is nothing near his position, though
******************************
10 54 21.0 +27 14 22; LMi
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 50°
17.5" (2/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weakly concentrated but no core. A mag 11.5 star is 4.2' NW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3451 = H. II-364 = h789 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pF, pL, lE, brightest towards the sf part." John Herschel made 4 observations; on one occasion calling it "eF" and on another "pB".
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10 54 13.9 -11 24 18; Crt
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 65°
18" (3/29/03): faint, very small streak, 20"x6", elongated ENE-WSW in the direction of a mag 12.5 star 1' ENE of center.
Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3452 in 1880 with his
silvered-glass 36" reflector and logged "eF, R, n of small
star". His position is 30 sec
of RA west and 3' north of
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10 53 40.4 -21 47 35; Hya
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 4°
18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.9'x0.7', slightly elongated N-S, very weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star lies 1' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3453 = h3304 on 21 Mar 1835 and
logged "F; S; R; bM; 15"."
His position matches
******************************
NGC 3454 = UGC 6026 = MCG +03-28-030 = CGCG 095-060 = FGC 1155 = Holm 221b = LGG 219-004 = PGC 32763
10 54 29.4 +17 20 38; Leo
V = 13.5; Size 2.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 116°
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright and
large, very thin edge-on ~6:1 WNW-ESE, ~1.5'x0.25', low nearly even surface
brightness with only a very weak central concentration. Forms a nice pair with
24" (2/22/14): moderately bright and large, thin edge-on 5:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.3', weak concentration, tapers at the tips. Forms a striking pair with NGC 3455 3.6' S, with a mag 10.5-11 star directly between the pair.
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint edge-on streak 5:1 WNW-ESE, fairly small, slightly brighter along the major axis. Forms a pair with NGC 3455 3.6' S. Located 1.7' NNW of a mag 10.5 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3454 = h790 on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334) and recorded "pF; lE; the np of two [with NGC 3455]. His position is accurate, so there's no question of the identification, but I'm surprised he didn't describe this galaxy as very elongated.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 28 Mar 1856, called it "the n one is a long narrow ray np-sf."
******************************
NGC 3455 = UGC 6028 = MCG +03-28-031 = CGCG 095-062 = Holm 221a = LGG 219-005 = PGC 32767
10 54 31.0 +17 17 04; Leo
V = 12.0; Size 2.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 80°
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.5', slightly brighter nucleus, slightly brighter along the major axis. Forms an excellent pair with NGC 3454 3.6' N with a mag 11.0 star midway.
24" (2/22/14): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration, no distinct core but an irregular surface brightness. Forms a striking pair with NGC 3454 3.6' N. A mag 10.5-11 star is directly between the two galaxies.
17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, fairly small, broad concentration, oval elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE. A mag 10.5 star is 2.0' N of center. Forms a pair with NGC 3454 3.6' N. The bright star is symmetrically placed between the galaxies.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3455 = H. II-82 = h791 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and recorded ""F, S, lE, r. It's situation is south of a pB star." On 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334), John Herschel wrote, "pB; E; gbM; The south-following of 3 [with NGC 3454]; a *9-10m between them."
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10 54 03.2 -16 01 39; Crt
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 85°
18" (3/29/03): moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.9', brighter core. A mag 13 star is at the NE edge. Located just over one degree ENE of mag 3.1 Nu Hydrae.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3456 = H. IV-29 = h792 on 8
Feb 1785 (sweep 371) and recorded "a small star with an eF brush towards
the preceding side, or a vF nebula close to and preceding the star. I perceived it in stopping to gage,
otherwise should certainly have overlooked it. 240 shewed the the same." There is nothing at his position, but 40 sec of RA east and
4' further south is
On 16 Dec 1828 (sweep 111), John Herschel wrote, "a *12m with an extremely F neb appendage. At first it seemed to envelope the *; but Mr Dunlop, to whom I showed it, considered it be detached." Based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1919-20, it was described as "F, 1.75' x 0.75', E 80°; spiral with sharp nucleus."
******************************
NGC 3457 = NGC 3460 = UGC 6030 = MCG +03-28-032 = CGCG 095-065 = PGC 32787
10 54 48.6 +17 37 16; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.2
24" (2/22/14): bright, fairly small, round, 30"
diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a
bright stellar nucleus.
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, small, round, compact, high surface brightness, bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 3455 lies 20' SSW.
Francis Baily discovered NGC 3457 = h793 on 25 Mar 1827
using John Herschel's 18.7-inch reflector. John Herschel wrote, "Stellar. 2 or 3 stars with a
nebulous blur observed by Mr. Baily." Baily was the President of the Astronomical Society of
London at the time and a regular guest of Herschel. The position is an excellent match (0.9' SE) with
R.J. Mitchell, assistant to Lord Rosse, also observed UGC 6030 on 27 Mar 1854. He described a "A S neb [NGC 3461] north of a bright one [UGC 6030], distance about 5' or 6'."
Lewis Swift also recorded this galaxy on 24 Aug 1883, though
his RA in his first discovery paper (#9) was 25 seconds too large. Swift's and Mitchel's observations were
combined by Dreyer into
******************************
NGC 3458 = UGC 6037 = MCG +10-16-026 = CGCG 291-014 = PGC 32854
10 56 01.5 +57 07 01; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 5°
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly bright, very small, round, very bright stellar nucleus, very faint small halo. Forms a wide galaxy pair with NGC 3445 13.9' SW in the field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3458 = H. I-268 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and recorded a "vB, vS, R, stellar nebula." In his 1811 PT paper, he noted "this may be a former planetary in a higher state of condensation.
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10 54 44.2 -17 02 31; Crt
V = 13.4; Size 1.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 156°
18" (3/29/03): appeared as a ghostly streak 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.3', slightly brighter center but no well-defined core. Collinear with a mag 14 star 2' NNW of center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3459 = LM 2-429 on 5 Jan
1887 and recorded "mag 14.0, 1.0'x0.3', gbsbMN." His position is ~20 sec of RA west of
******************************
NGC 3460 = NGC 3457 = UGC 6030 = MCG +03-28-032 = CGCG 095-065 = PGC 32787
10 54 48.6 +17 37 16; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.2
See observing notes for NGC 3457.
R.J. Mitchell, assistant to Lord Rosse, discovered NGC 3460 = Sw. 1-9 on 27 Mar 1854. His description reads, "A small neb [NGC 3461 = PGC 32793] north of a bright one [NGC 3460 = PGC 32787]. distance about 5' or 6'." Lewis Swift also recorded this galaxy on 24 Aug 1883, though the RA in his first discovery paper is 25 seconds too large. These two observations were combined into NGC 3460.
Most likely John Herschel or observing guest Francis Baily first discovered this galaxy on 25 Mar 1827, and it was catalogued as h793 = NGC 3457. The Slough Catalogue position is accurate, though the description "Stellar. 2 or 3 stars with a nebulous blur observed by Mr. Baily", appears to describe IC 656, a small clump consisting of three faint stars and a dim galaxy just 4' east.
Mitchell's observation clearly refers to NGC 3460 = UGC 6030
and NGC 3461. Later, on 22 Mar
1878, Dreyer mentions finding an "eS cl , with a *12 in Pos 175 deg, dist
305 arcsec". It's most likely
that this observation is not related to the galaxy but may refer to the 3 faint
stars + galaxy 4.5' following NGC 3457 (mentioned above). RNGC has a typo and equates
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10 54 55.3 +17 42 29; Leo
V = 15.4; Size 0.5'x0.4'
24" (2/22/14): very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. Can just hold steadily with averted vision at 260x. Located 5.4' NNE of NGC 3457 = NGC 3460.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3461 on 27 Mar 1854 using LdR's
72" and recorded "A small neb [NGC 3461] north of a bright one [NGC
3460]. distance about 5' or 6'."
On 4 Apr 1878, Dreyer also logged this faint galaxy, "..I found a
neb [NGC 3457 = NGC 3460] pB, pL, R, gbM with a vF, diffused nebula [NGC 3461]
in position 17°, distance 326".
At this offset is
NGC 3461 is not included in the CGCG, MCG or RC3. RNGC misidentifies
******************************
10 55 21.1 +07 41 48; Leo
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 60°
18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, nearly round, 0.8'x0.7', very small bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3462 = H. II-16 = h794 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 102) and recorded "a small cometic nebula. I am not sure whether it is cometic or not." On 17 Apr 1830 (sweep 250), John Herschel wrote, "vF; S; R: psbM; 12"."
David Todd also picked up this galaxy on 13 Nov 1877 and recorded it as #5 in his search for a trans-Neptunian planet (AN 2698). The surrounding field stars are an exact match.
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10 55 13.4 -26 09 26; Hya
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 77°
18" (4/29/06): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.4', weakly concentrated. Nearly collinear with a pair of mag 13/14 stars ~5' N (at 17" separation). An identical distance to the south is a mag 10.5 star with the galaxy at the midpoint of these stars. Located ~4.5° ESE of Hydra I cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3463 = h3305 on 26 Mar 1835 and
logged "F; R; glbM; 20"."
His position matches
******************************
10 54 39.9 -21 04 00; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 2.6'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 112°
18" (3/29/03): fairly faint but moderately large, roughly oval, 1.7'x1.2' WNW-ESE, broad concentration with a hint of mottled structure.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3464 = LM 1-178 on 14 Jan 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded
"mag 15.0, 1.3'x0.4', E 125°."
His very rough position (nearest min of RA) is less than 1 min of RA
east of
******************************
10 59 31.3 +75 11 29; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 171°
24" (5/25/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly
small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 30"x22", contains a very small brighter
core and occasional stellar nucleus.
A mag 14-14.5 star is just 40" SE. First in the
18" (3/30/05): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~NW-SE, ~0.7'x0.5', contains a small, brighter core. A mag 13.5 star is off the SE side and a 29" pair of mag 12 stars lies 3.5' NE. First in a trio with NGC 3500 9' E.
17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, fairly small, round. First of three in trio with NGC 3500 9' E and NGC 3523 14.5' ESE. Appears as a low surface brightness spot of 25" diameter (probably viewed core) with little or no concentration. Observation of the group was severely affected by hazy skies.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3465 = H. III-967 = h795,
along with H. III-968, on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096). He only recorded a single position and noted "Two, the
1st [NGC 3465] vF, vS. The 2nd eF
and smaller than the first. It is
a little more north and following, but very near to it." This is one of 15
far northern galaxies with large systematic errors. A corrected position matching
John Herschel independently discovered NGC 3465 on 4 Apr 1832 and logged h795 as "eF; pL; R; vglbM; 30", a double star nf points to it." His position and description clearly applies to UGC 6056. JH was credited with the discovery of NGC 3465 in the GC and NGC, though his father should probably receive credit. See NGC 2938 for more on this sweep.
******************************
10 56 15.5 +09 45 16; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 55°
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, 0.9'x0.7', weak even concentration. A mag 11 star is 3.0' due west. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3466 = h796 on 18 Jan 1828
(sweep 120) and recorded "vF; has another [NGC 3467] still fainter
following; has also a * 9m preceding the same parallel." His position and description matches
******************************
NGC 3467 = UGC 6045 = MCG +02-28-030 = CGCG 066-067 = PGC 32903
10 56 44.1 +09 45 32; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter. Appears slightly smaller than NGC 3466 located 7.0' W but has a sharper concentration with a small bright core. A mag 11 star lies 3.5' NW (similar brightness to the mag 11 star preceding NGC 3466).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3467 = h798 on 18 Jan 1828
(sweep 120), along with NGC 3466.
His position matches
******************************
10 57 31.2 +40 56 46; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 8°
17.5" (4/22/95): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.6' diameter. Sharp concentration with a small bright core and stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is 1.7' ENE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3468 = H. III-632 = h797 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 716) and noted "cF, vS, R, gmbM." On 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 804) he added "lE in the meridian [north-south]." On 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), John Herschel wrote, "not vF; S; R; psbM; 12"; a *13m near."
******************************
10 56 57.7 -14 18 03; Crt
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 115°
18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, weak concentratin with a very small slightly brighter core. Located 6' SSE of a mag 9 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3469 = h3306 on 7 May 1836 and
simply noted "eeF; S."
His position matches
******************************
10 58 44.9 +59 30 39; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 170°
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration, diffuse outer halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3470 = H. II-888 = h799 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "F, S, R, bM."
******************************
10 59 09.1 +61 31 51; UMa
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 14°
17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, broad concentration, faint elongated halo. Located 35' WSW of Alpha Ursa Majoris.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3471 = H. III-972 on 28 Nov
1801 (sweep 1102) and recorded "vF, vS, R, bM." His position is 4' north of
******************************
10 57 18 -19 38; Crt
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3472 = LM 1-179 in 1886 and
recorded "mag 15.5, 0.4' dia, R, gbM." with the 26" refractor at
Leander McCormick Observatory.
There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of RA). Harold Corwin was not able to identify
a likely candidate, but lists
******************************
10 58 05.2 +17 07 27; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 40°
17.5" (4/22/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1
SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5'. Unusual
appearance due to nearby foreground stars. A mag 12.5 star is attached at the NNE tip 0.5' from the
center and the galaxy extends to the SW almost to a fainter mag 14 star
45" from center. Appears unconcentrated with a low surface
brightness. Forms a close pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3473 = H. III-67 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 181) and noted "a suspected nebulosity reaching from one star to a smaller which is about 2' south of it; 240 confirmed it." He missed nearby NGC 3474. He used III-67 in his 1814 PT paper to argue that this was too unusual to be a pure line of sight arrangement and the stars had formed within the nebula. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position and noted " bet 2 st 14 and 15m, the brighter one attached to the north limb."
******************************
NGC 3474 = MCG +03-28-042 = CGCG 095-081 = PGC 32989
10 58 08.8 +17 05 44; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (4/22/95): faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, very small brighter core. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 3473 1.9' NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3474 = Sw. 6-39 on 24 Apr 1887 and noted "vF; pS; R; 2267 [NGC 3473] near north." His position is 8 sec of RA east of MCG +03-28-042 and the description applies.
******************************
10 58 25.3 +24 13 34; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 65°
17.5" (4/9/99): easily picked up at 100x while scanning
the field. Fairly faint, fairly
small, elongated 3:2 ~WSW-ENE.
Well concentrated with a bright, round core and an ill-defined diffuse
halo at least 1' along the major axis.
A mag 13 star is 1.4' N. A
couple of nearby faint companions were not seen but
William Herschel discovered NGC 3475 = H. III-332 = h800 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, about 1' north aof a small
star." Caroline's reduced
position falls nearly 4' south of
******************************
10 58 07.6 +09 16 34; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 0.5'x0.5'
17.5" (3/22/96): very faint, very small, round,
20" diameter. A mag 14 star
is 1.2' E of center. Forms a pair
with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3476 = m 213, along with NGC
3477, on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, alm stell." His position is
4' N of
******************************
NGC 3477 = CGCG 066-074 = PGC 32997
10 58 12.6 +09 13 03; Leo
V = 14.8; Size 0.7'x0.3'; PA = 70°
17.5" (3/22/96): extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE (difficult to determine PA as requires averted vision to glimpse). A faint pair of mag 15 stars lies 2.3' N. At the SE edge of the 220x field is a matched pair of mag 9.5 stars at 16" separation. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3476 3.7' NNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3477 = m 214 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "eeF, eS, stell."
His position is 4' north of
******************************
10 59 27.3 +46 07 21; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 2.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 132°
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.75', large brighter middle but no defined nucleus. A pair of mag 11 stars are 3.9' S and 5.5' SSW with a separation of 2.0'.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3478 = H. III-705 = h801 on
5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and simply noted "vF". His position was 1.5' too far north
(similar offset as
******************************
10 58 55.5 -14 57 41; Crt
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 175°
18" (3/5/05): faint, moderately large, slightly
elongated N-S, 1.1'x0.8'. Broad,
weak concentration to a relatively large, slightly brighter core.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3479 = LM 1-180 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is about 30 tsec west
of
NGC 3502 = LM 1-181, found by Leavenworth, is probably an independent observation with an error of 2.5 minutes in RA.
******************************
NGC 3480 = NGC 3476? = MCG +02-28-032 = CGCG 066-073 = PGC 32987
10 58 07.6 +09 16 34; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3476. Identification uncertain.
Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3480 in 1880 with his 36" silvered glass reflector and simply noted "S, stellar." There is nothing at his position, though 12' southwest is NGC 3476. Bigourdan was unsuccessful in finding NGC 3480. Because of the scant description, the identification NGC 3476 = NGC 3480 is uncertain. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
10 59 26.6 -07 32 40; Crt
V = 13.0; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 136°
18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.6'
diameter, smooth surface brightness.
Located 5' NW of mag 8.8
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3481 = LM 2-430 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.5, 0.3' dia, rr; prob vF Cl; *9 in PA 120° [east-southeast] at
5'." His position is 0.3 min
of RA west and 2' south of
******************************
10 58 34.3 -46 35 03; Vel
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 14°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 123x and 160x): fairly
faint to moderately bright, elongated 5:3 ~N-S, ~50"x30", broad
concentration to a small brighter core.
Situated in a rich Vela star field 8.8' WNW of mag 8.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 3482 = h3308 on 1 Mar 1835 and
recorded "eF; S; R; gbM; 30"." His position is within 1' of
******************************
10 59 00.2 -28 28 37; Hya
V = 12.1; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 105°
18" (3/17/07): fairly bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated, 1.2'x1.0', fairly high surface brightness. Well concentrated with a small bright
core that brightens to the center.
Forms the southern vertex of a small triangle with mag 9
18" (4/29/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6', irregular halo. Increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. Located 1.8' SW of mag 9 HD 95183. Completing a triangle with the galaxy is a mag 12 star 1.3' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3483 = h3307 on 10 May 1834 and
recorded "pF, S, R, bM, 15". Among stars." His position matches
******************************
11 03 00 +75 49; Dra
= Not found, Carlson.
John Herschel found NGC 3484 = h802 on 5 Apr 1832 (sweep 414) but noted it was "A very doubtful object." He apparently was looking for H. III-967 as he queried if this was his father's object.
In the 1911 Monthly Notices paper on William Herschel's 15 objects discovered on 2 Apr 1810, it was noted "Nothing shown [for NGC 3484] on the photographic [Greenwich plate]" and Dreyer repeats this in his 1912 NGC Correction list.
******************************
11 00 02.4 +14 50 28; Leo
V = 11.8; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, moderately large, fairly diffuse, oval slightly elongated WSW-ENE, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 1.7' W of center. Possible member of the Leo group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3485 = H. II-100 = h804 = h3309 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "F, pL r." John Herschel made three observations at Slough and one at the Cape of Good Hope.
Bindon Stoney, observing on 9 Apr 1852 at Birr Castle "suspected a dark curved passage sp centre." Also on 15 Mar 1855, R.J. Mitchell "suspect[ed] a knot in p and one in f edge. Query, a ring with a Nucl in centre?"
******************************
11 00 23.8 +28 58 30; LMi
V = 10.5; Size 7.1'x5.2'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 80°
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, large, slightly
elongated E-W, 4'x3', diffuse outer halo with a brighter core. Located 15' SW of mag 7.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 3486 = H. I-87 = h805 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "vB, vL, the brightness decreasing very gradually." John Herschel logged a total of 10 observations of this galaxy!
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 7 Mar 1856, wrote "pB, R, B central Nucl, light mottled about Nucl?
******************************
11 00 46.6 +17 35 15; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 153°
24" (3/28/17): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, ~45"x18". Appears brighter along a thin spine of the major axis.
18" (5/31/03): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.25', nearly even surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3487 = Sw. 3-58 on 5 Mar 1886 and
logged "eeF; pS; R; e diff; in vacancy." His position is 35 sec of RA west of
******************************
11 01 23.6 +57 40 39; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 175°
17.5" (3/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~N-S, gradually brighter core.
A mag 13.5 star is at the SSE edge 1.0' from center. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3488 = H. I-269 = h803 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and logged "cB, R, about 1' dia, just north of a small star." His position is accurate. On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323), John Herschel noted "It is north of a *13, just at the edge of the nebula."
******************************
11 00 18.6 +13 54 04; Leo
V = 10.3; Size 3.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 70°
18" (5/14/07): very bright, large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x1.25'. Sharply concentrated with a round, intense core (relatively small) highlighted by a very bright quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star lies 1.5' WSW of center, just outside the halo. Member of the Leo Group (also called the M96 Group).
17.5" (4/1/95): very bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x1.5'. Unusually bright, round core dominates view with an almost stellar nucleus with direct vision. The halo nearly reaches to a mag 13 star 1.5' SW of center.
8" (12/6/80): fairly bright, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3489 = H. II-101 = h806 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "pB, S, mbM than at the extremes." John Herschel made two observations at Slough, while four were made at Birr Castle. JH and d'Arrest commented this galaxy should have been placed in William's 1st class.
******************************
10 59 54.4 +09 21 42; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 0.5'x0.5'
18" (5/15/10): at 220x appeared as a faint, very small, round glow, just 15" diameter. The surface brightness was fairly low and occasionally a very faint stellar nucleus was glimpsed. Located 1.5' NW of a mag 12 star.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3490 in 1880 with his
36" silvered-glass reflector.
His approximate position is 0.4 min of RA west of
******************************
11 00 35.4 +12 09 42; Leo
V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (3/22/96): faint, very small, round, 30"
diameter, very small bright core.
Located in a blank region bordered by brighter stars forming a circular
pattern 16'-18' diameter. The
brightest of these are mag 8
William Herschel discovered NGC 3491 = H. III-21 = h807 on
11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and noted "vF, S. I could not be sure till I put on 240x." His position was ~50 seconds of RA
preceding
******************************
11 00 57.3 +10 30 21; Leo
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 100°
17.5" (4/25/98): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~E-W, 1.0'x0.8'. Weak,
even concentration to a slightly brighter core and nucleus. This galaxy is the brightest in AGC
1142 with
This system is a post-merger with two main nuclei separated by 10" SW-NE and two fainter nuclei involved.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 3492 around 1880 with the 13.5" refractor at the Litchfield observatory in New York. The discovery, probably made while making observations for a star catalog and atlas, wasn't published in either of his two lists in 1881 and 1882, so the discovery must have been communicated directly to Dreyer. The NGC position is accurate.
******************************
11 01 27.8 +27 43 10; LMi
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 84°
18" (5/31/03): faint, small, edge-on 7:2 ~E-W,
0.6'x0.15', even surface brightness.
A mag 14 star lies 0.7' SW of center. Located 27' SW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 3493 = h808 on 24 Dec 1827
(sweep 343) and noted "eF; has a small star sp." His position (two sweeps) and
description matches
******************************
11 01 10.9 +03 46 28; Leo
= **?, Corwin. "Not found", Carlson.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3494 in 1882 and described in
his 5th paper "6' north from the middle knot [of
Dorothy Carlson listed NGC 3494 as nonexistent in her 1940 NGC Correction paper and RNGC repeats this classification. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
NGC 3495 = UGC 6098 = MCG +01-28-027 = CGCG 038-088 = PGC 33234
11 01 16.3 +03 37 40; Leo
V = 11.8; Size 4.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 20°
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, fairly large, edge-on oriented SSW-NNE, 4'x1', broad concentration, mottled or uneven surface brightness (probably caused by a dark lane). Located 10.5' E of 58 Leonis (V = 4.8).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3495 = H. III-498 = h809 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 513) and noted "vF, mE." His position is accurate (very close to the offset star 58 Leo). John Herschel made three observations on consecutive sweeps, first recording on 7 Apr 1828 (sweep 141) as "F; mE; 60° with meridian; 60" length; 15-20" broad."
******************************
10 59 34 -60 20 12; Car
V = 8.2; Size 9'
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): this cluster is
situated in a glorious Milky Way field!
The cluster is beautifully rich with mag 12 and fainter stars, roughly
60-75 stars in a 5'-6' circular region (this is the richest section) and
100-125 stars within a 9' region elongated E-W. On the east side is HJ 4395 = 11.5/12.0 pair at 9" and
a small knot of stars is on the northwest side. A mag 9.3 star is off the east
side and a mag 9.2 star is off the south side. Located 34' ENE of 6th magnitude
T Carinae and 80' WNW of
Sher 1, a very small cluster, is 13' NE of NGC 3496. Using an 18" f/4.5 at 182x it appeared as a small 1' knot of ~10 stars including a few bright mag 9.5-11 stars, but several are very faint.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3496 = h3310 on 14 Mar 1834 and recorded the "Place of a small double star in the following part of a loose, rich, pretty large cluster of stars 13m. 8 or 10' in diameter; a fine object; a very much condensed milky way group." His position is on h4395, a mag 12 pair at 9".
******************************
11 07 18.1 -19 28 19; Crt
V = 11.9; Size 2.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 3497 = H. III-824 on 8 Mar
1790 (sweep 936) and logged "vF, vS, iR, glbM." His position is within 2' (typical
error) of
JH independently discovered this galaxy on 22 Mar 1835 and
logged h3316 as "F; S; R; pslbM; 20". The preceding of two [with
So, there are four aliases in the NGC/IC! Namely, NGC 3497 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = IC 2624. NGC 3528 is the primary designation in modern catalogues.
******************************
11 01 41.5 +14 21 04; Leo
= ***, Carlson.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3498 = H. III-75 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "eF, not S. I had some doubts and therefore put on 240, but as there was not a star very near I could not adjust the focus, which cannot be done on a nebula. Therefore as it would have taken too much time to verify it, I went on."
There is nothing near his position and neither d'Arrest nor Bigourdan were able to find this nebula. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel" reported "In Dreyer's place is a vF triple star, *14.7, *14.7, *16, a *14.7 f 1.8' of *16." The DSS shows a triple star with a brighter pair of mag 14.2/14.6 stars at 10" separation. Harold Corwin also identifies this number with this triple.
******************************
11 03 11.0 +56 13 18; UMa
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 14.8' SE of Beta Ursa Majoris (V = 2.4).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3499 = H. III-793 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 922) and logged "vF, vS, stellar neb. The brightness of Beta UMa is so
considerable that it requires much attention to perceive this
nebula." His position matches
******************************
NGC 3500 = UGC 6090 = MCG +13-08-052 = CGCG 351-052 = KTG 34B = PGC 33277
11 01 51.5 +75 12 05; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 45°
24" (5/25/14): at 280x appeared faint or fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', very small brighter core. Second of three in the KTG 34 triplet, with NGC 3465 9.0' W and NGC 3523 7.0' SE. This galaxy's redshift-based distance is ~150 million l.y., while the other two lie at 325 million l.y.
18" (3/30/05): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', low surface brightness. Smallest and faintest of a trio with NGC 3523 7.2' SE and NGC 3465 9' W. This galaxy is incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC and it is not identified as NGC 3500 in UGC, MCG or CGCG.
17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 30"x20". Faintest of trio with NGC 3465 9' W and NGC 3523 7' SE. A pair of mag 12 stars [30" separation] is 6' preceding. Observation difficult due to very poor transparency.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3500 = H. III-968, along
with H. III-967, on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096). He noted "Two, the 1st [NGC 3465] vF, vS. The 2nd [NGC 3500] eF and smaller than
the first. It is a little more
north and following, but very near to it." This is one of 15 far northern
galaxies with large systematic errors
A corrected position matching
UGC 6090 is not labeled as NGC 3500 in any modern catalogue including RC3. RNGC classifies NGC 3500 nonexistent. CGCG, UGC and PGC equate "NGC 3465 = NGC 3500" (following Karl Reinmuth and Dorothy Carlson). See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
******************************
11 02 47.3 +17 59 21; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 3.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 27°
17.5" (4/1/95): faint, edge-on 7:1 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x0.4',
low surface brightness, very slightly brighter elongated core. A mag 14 star is 2.3' SE of
center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3501= St. 11-10 on 14 Mar 1874 during an observation of NGC 3507. His published position (list 11, #10) was made on 23 Apr 1881 with description "very faint spindle, small, very thin, gradually condensed towards the center; length about 3 '; inclined 30° [NNE]" He made a later observation on 11 Mar 1886.
******************************
NGC 3502 = NGC 3479: = MCG -02-28-027 = PGC 33053
10 58 55.4 -14 57 41; Crt
See observing notes for NGC 3479.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3502 = LM 1-181 in 1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 1.2' dia, iR." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 2.5 tmin east of MCG -02-28-027 = PGC 33053.
Ormond Stone also found this galaxy at Leander-McCormic
Observatory the same year (discovery priority unknown) and recorded LM 1-180 =
NGC 3479 as "mag 15.5, 0.6' dia, E 90°." His rough position is essential correct -- 30 tsec west of
RNGC misidentifies
******************************
11 01 17 -59 50 42; Car
Size 3'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): The brightest section of this nebulosity surrounds a group of 5 stars, consisting of a brighter mag 10.5 star with a faint, close companion (h4397 = 10.6/13.3 at 8") and three additional stars in a string. Several additional faint stars spiral out from the grouping. The haze that surrounds these 5 stars is ~3' in diameter. There was little or no contrast gain using a UHC filter, so the nebulosity does not have a significant emission component. Situated in a rich star field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3503 = h3311 on 1 Apr 1834 and described "3 very close stars, 10m, in a nearly straight line, and a double star north of them, the whole involved in a very faint nebula." Paris Pismis reported it as new in her 1959 list of 24 new clusters found with the Schmidt camera at the Tonantzila observatory and noted "Quadruple star in nebulosity plus five faint stars; is the center of arcs that extend up 15'. Similar to NGC 2467." Interestingly, Joseph Turner found no nebulosity using the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 14 Feb 1879 (p.202 in logbook).
******************************
NGC 3504 = UGC 6118 = MCG +05-26-039 = CGCG 155-049 = LGG 227-005 = PGC 33371
11 03 11.2 +27 58 20; LMi
V = 11.0; Size 2.7'x2.1'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (3/25/95): bright, large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE,
2.5'x1.2'. The [inner] halo has a
fairly high irregular surface brightness.
Sharp concentration with a very small well-defined core dominating. The bright core appears offset to the
south side with the halo more extensive to the north. Two mag 14 stars lie 1.7' NNW (45" separation). First of three with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3504 = H. I-88 = h810, along with NGC 3512, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). His description reads, "cB, cL, iR, bM." John Herschel made a total of 7 observations. R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 22 Feb 1857, recorded "mE, B nucl, arms faint, patchy,suspect dark space all around the nucleus." A month later he described "pL, Nucl vB and has a sensible disc, arms vF and patchy. I think I see a knot or patch in np end of neb."
The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 minute too large and the galaxy is
misplotted on the first version of Uranometria 2000 (later fixed). Also see
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11 02 59.7 -16 17 22; Crt
Size 1.0'x0.9'
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 3505 = h3312 on 7 May 1836 and logged "pF; S; R; glbM. Has a star 14m near." There are two mag 14.5-15 stars about 1' northest and 1' southeast of Herschel's position, but no nearby galaxy.
Harold Corwin suggests this may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3508, which has a mag 13 star attached on the north-northeast tip of the galaxy. If this identification is correct, his declination is off by over 45'.
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NGC 3506 = UGC 6120 = MCG +02-28-047 = CGCG 066-105 = PGC 33379
11 03 12.9 +11 04 37; Leo
V = 12.5; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter. Just a weak central brightening with no distinct core or nucleus. Preceded by a trio of mag 13.5 stars within 4'.
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, slightly brighter core. A triangle of mag 13 stars is just west.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3506 = H. III-22 = h811 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "vF, vS. 240x made it considerably larger, but I saw it well enough with the common power not to doubt of the reality." John Herschel made three additional observations, writing on 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), "F; S; R; vgvlbM."
The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 minute too large and the galaxy was misplotted in the first printing of Uranometria 2000 Atlas. Also see notes for NGC 3504.
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NGC 3507 = UGC 6123 = MCG +03-28-053 = CGCG 095-100 = Holm 224a = LGG 288-002 = PGC 33390
11 03 25.6 +18 08 08; Leo
V = 10.9; Size 3.4'x2.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 110°
17.5" (4/1/95): unusual appearance as a bright mag 10.5 star is superimposed very close to the center! Fairly faint, moderately large, 2.5' diameter, irregularly round. The core is difficult to view but is located just 30" SW of the superimposed star and the galaxy is slightly offset to the west side of the star. NGC 3501 lies 12.7' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3507 = H. IV-7 = h812 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170). He described it as "F, pL. The nebulosity is of the milky kind. It situated between 2 bright stars but near the most north of them and to the south of that star. At first sight the nebula appears like an electric brush to the great star, but on examination I find it to have no connection with it. There is in the nebula, and pretty near the center of it, a vF star. The milky nebulosity is of a circular form." On 25 Mar 1827 (sweep 63), John Herschel called this object "a * 9m with vF neb attached; pos 70° sp = 200° +/- dist 30".
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NGC 3508 = IC 2622 = NGC 3505? = MCG -03-28-031 = PGC 33362
11 02 59.7 -16 17 22; Crt
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 15°
18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is attached on the NNE tip of the galaxy. At times the galaxy appears slightly elongated N-S, ~1.0'x0.7' and the DSS image confirms this impression. Observation made through thin clouds. This is a starburst and luminous infrared galaxy with an active nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3508 = H. II-507 = h814 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "F, S, E." John Herschel made a single observation on 16 Dec1827 (sweep 111) and wrote, "F; lE; bM; vL; involved a * 45°nf from the nucleus."
Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 14 Jan 1898 and claimed it
as new in list XI-117 (later
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11 04 23.6 +04 49 43; Leo
V = 12.7; Size 2.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 40°
48" (2/20/12): NGC 3509 = Arp 335 displayed a fascinating amount of structure at 375x, though conditions were subpar in terms of transparency and seeing. The appearance is very asymmetric with the brighter "central" portion elongated SW-NE and containing a very small, round, bright core. A small knot is just 15" S of the core. Attached on the northeast side of the central body is a well defined, easily visible tidal arm that gracefully sweeps to the northeast and then hooks sharply counterclockwise towards the south. The total length of the arm is perhaps 1.5', though it ends about 45" E of the core. The southwest side of the galaxy has no corresponding arm, but is slightly brighter along the south edge. A mag 16.5-17 star is 30" SW of the core on the west edge.
17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.6'x0.7'. Low surface brightness with a very weak concentration (no visible core). It was difficult to determine the outer extent of the halo but appears to have an asymmetric shape (slightly curved?).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3509 = H. III-598 on 30 Dec
1786 (sweep 675) and recorded "Suspected, eF, S, lE. I could not verify it." There is nothing at his position, but
1.0 min of RA east and 3' north is
Dreyer commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of
WH" that this number should probably be rejected since WH noted there was
fog "which indeed was so strong as to make everything swim about
me." Still, this identification
is reasonable as
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11 03 43.6 +28 53 06; LMi
V = 12.2; Size 4.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 163°
13.1" (3/24/84): faint, edge-on streak 4:1
NNW-SSE. Located 7.6' ESE of mag
7.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 3510 = H. II-365 = h813 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, mE, about 1 1/2' long but very narrow. On 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115), John Herschel wrote, "pB; mE; nearly in meridian; bM." The assistants at Birr Castle made a total of 5 observations. For example, on 1 Mar 1865 R.J. Mitchell noted, "Query, an oval shaped spiral; major axis n-s."
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11 03 23.7 -23 05 11; Crt
V = 11.0; Size 5.8'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 76°
48" (4/18/15): at 488x; very bright, very large,
elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 5'x1.5'.
Well concentrated with a large bright oval core that gradually increases
to a small bright nucleus and stellar pip. The region surrounding the core is mottled, due to slightly
brighter regions and dust patches.
An ill defined broad spiral arm is on the west side of galaxy and curved
from north to south. A mag 14
star, 2.0' SW of center, was barely off the southwest end of this arm. A bright patch is 1' SW of center (not
part of the arm), and just to its north was a relatively large darker (dust)
region. A second broad arm arc was
visible at the east end of the galaxy.
It made a sharp curve clockwise, passing just inside a mag 13 star at
the eastern tip.
17.5" (4/1/95): fairly bright, large, very elongated
3:1 WSW-ENE, 4.0'x1.4'. Broad
concentration to a larger brighter core.
The galaxy is bracketed by a mag 13 star at the ENE end and a mag 14
star at the WSW tip. Forms a pair
with NGC 3513 10.8' SE. A mag 9.5
star (
William Herschel discovered NGC 3511 = H. V-39, along with NGC 3513, on 21 Dec 1786 (sweep 660), and recorded "vF, mE, vgbM, about 8' long and 3' br, near the parallel but about 10° sp to nf."
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NGC 3512 = UGC 6128 = MCG +05-26-041 = CGCG 155-051 = PGC 33432
11 04 02.9 +28 02 12; LMi
V = 12.3; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (3/25/95): moderately bright, fairly small, 1.2' diameter, round, weak concentration with an irregular surface brightness. Second of trio with NGC 3504 12' WSW and NGC 3515 14' NNE. Surrounded by three mag 12-13 stars 2.9' N, 3.7' E and 2.1' SW.
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, round. Forms a pair with NGC 3504 12' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3512 = H. II-366 = h815, along with NGC 3504, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pF, pL, goes into the field with [NGC 3504]." He made an offset error as his position is southeast of NGC 3504, instead of northeast. John Herschel measured an accurate position, though he thought it was a new object. He incorrectly equated h815 with H. II-366 in the General Catalogue.
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NGC 3513 = ESO 502-014 = MCG -04-26-021 = UGCA 224 = PGC 33410
11 03 46.0 -23 14 38; Crt
V = 11.5; Size 2.8'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 95°
48" (4/18/15): at 488x and 610x; this superb barred spiral has a strong bright bar oriented northwest to southeast. It is brighter along a narrow spine and contains a slightly brighter stellar nucleus. A prominent spiral arm is attached to the bar at the southeast end and sweeps sharply to the north. This well defined arm is relatively narrow and contains a small bright knot near the north end of the arm. A second arm is attached at the northwest end of the bar. This narrow arm shoots due south and rotates nearly 180° clockwise to the east on the south side of galaxy. It is slightly more separated from the central region than the northern arm and is patchy or knotty near the eastern end. Overall, the size is roughly 2.5'x2.0', extending northwest to southeast. A mag 15 star is 1.2' W of center, a mag 13 star is 1.7' E of center and a mag 17 star is just off the north side of the galaxy.
17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, moderately large, 2.5'x2.0', irregular surface brightness, only a slight central brightening. A mag 13.5 star is 1.7' E of center. A line of three equally spaced mag 11 stars lies about 4' S. Forms a pair with NGC 3511 10.8' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3513 = H. V-40 on 21 Dec
1786 (sweep 660) and recorded "vF, mE, vlbM, about 7' l and 3 or 4' br in
the middle, about 10 or 15° from sp to nf near the parallel. His position matches
Based on a photograph taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector between 1912-14, Harold Knox-Shaw stated it was a "S-Shaped spiral".
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NGC 3514 = ESO 570-001 = MCG -03-28-035 = PGC 33430
11 03 59.9 -18 46 51; Crt
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 115°
18" (3/5/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.7'. Broadly concentrated with a slightly brighter middle. Located 1.1° SE of mag 4.1 Alpha Crateris.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3514 = h3313 on 22 Mar 1835 and
noted "vF; pL; R; vgvlbM."
His position is 15 tsec west of
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NGC 3515 = UGC 6139 = MCG +05-26-044 = CGCG 155-055 = PGC 33467
11 04 37.3 +28 13 40; LMi
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 55°
17.5" (3/25/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.5', weak concentration. Located 13.7' NE of NGC 3512.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3515 = St. 12-41 on 16 Mar 1882. He reduced an accurate position on 20 April and included it in his 12th discovery list, published the following year.
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11 06 47.5 +72 34 07; UMa
V = 11.7; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 45°
17.5" (3/28/92): moderately bright but small, slightly elongated SW-NE, sharp small bright core dominates, fairly small halo. A mag 14 star is 1.2' SE. Two mag 10 stars lie 2.3' NE and 4.1' W. This is a Seyfert galaxy with an large, active black hole.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3516 = H. II-336 = h816 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "pB, vS, iR." On 4 Nov 1831 (sweep382) John Herschel called this "a singular object. A burred star 11m diam 12"; vsmbM; a double stars follows."
NGC 3516 is a strong X-ray Seyfert galaxy and one of the 6 original galaxies studied by Seyfert in his seminal 1943 paper "Nuclear Emission in Spiral Nebulae".
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11 05 36.8 +56 31 30; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 91°
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, diffuse edges, broad concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3517 = H. II-884 = h817 on 8
Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "F, S, R, bM." On 9 Feb 1831 (sweep 323) John Herschel
called it "eF; R; 12"; vglbM." His position matches
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NGC 3518 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3122 = MCG -01-26-014 = PGC 33442
10 04 02.0 -06 28 29; Sex
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
See observing notes for NGC 3110. One hour error in RA in Stone's position.
Ormond Stone found NGC 3518 = LM 1-182 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.1', lE 110°, in same field with neb disc by Stephan." There is nothing near his position.
Harold Corwin examined his discovery sketch and found a double nebula with four stars nearby. Corwin found that Stone made a 1 hr error in RA (too large) and his sketch matches NGC 3110 = NGC 3122. This galaxy was discovered by WH (II-305 = NGC 3122), but he misidentified his offset star. Once all positions are corrected, NGC 3122 = NGC 3110 = NGC 3518 (in order of discovery). The RNGC and misidentify PGC 29361 as NGC 3518. See Corwin's notes for the full story.
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11 04 09 -61 22 30; Car
V = 7.7; Size 8'
14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): roughly 80
stars resolved in an irregular 6' region (boundary pretty arbitrary), many of
these arranged in chains or curving streamers of stars. On the west side is the brightest mag
9.7 star (mag 12.5 companion at 8" = HJ 4400) with a linear chain of mag
13 stars just west (oriented SW-NE).
Another chain of mag 12-13 stars (oriented NW-SE) is on the northeast
side. A mag 7.4 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 3519 = h3314 on 14 Mar 1834 and reported, "Chief star of a pretty rich cluster, class VII." His position match the unequal double star HJ 4400 within a small cluster.
According to Brian Skiff, Ru 93 appears to be a string of stars on the northeast side of the cluster or may simply be a duplicate of NGC 3519. In a visual observation with a C-8, Jenni Kay observed about two dozen stars in a single cluster of 5' diameter with two brighter stars at the southwest edge. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent, though the group was confirmed as a star cluster by Bica and Bonatto in 2011A&A...530A..32B ("Star clusters or asterisms? 2MASS CMD and structural analyses of 15 challenging targets.")
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11 07 09.2 -18 01 25; Crt
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 165°
24" (2/22/14): at 260x appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, 20"x15", fairly low surface brightness. An extremely low surface brightness halo was not seen. This is a close double system [9" between centers] but was not resolved at 260x. The NGC identification is uncertain due to a poor position.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3520 = LM 2-431 in 1886
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick and reported "mag 15.3,
0.4' dia, iR, gpmbM, sev vF st inv."
Just 2' north of his position is a 1' group of four stars (brightest two
are mag 13 and 14.5) and originally Harold Corwin identified this group as NGC
3520. He now feels a more likely
match based on the description is
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11 05 49.2 -00 02 02; Leo
V = 9.0; Size 11.0'x5.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 163°
14.5" (4/12/21): at 158x and 226x; very bright and large, elongated ~5:2 NNW-SSE, extends nearly 6.5'x2.5' with averted vision. Very strong and fairy sharp concentration with a prominent elongated core and an intense stellar nucleus. The western portion of the halo has a lower surface brightness and with careful viewing a dust lane creates a sharp light cut off along the preceding edge of the central region.
48" (3/1/19): at 488x; showpiece spiral with a prominent dust lane and an outer spiral arm! The galaxy appeared extremely bright, very large, elongated ~5:2 NNW-SSE, at least 8'x3.2', sharply concentrated with a very bright, elongated core. The core itself was sharply concentrated with a brilliant quasi-stellar nucleus! A high contrast, fairly wide dust lane runs in the direction of the major axis along the entire west side of the core! The principal spiral arm was easily visible emerging NNW from the NE side of the central region. This arm displayed a hard outer edge (high contrast) and curved sharply clockwise on the north end. The arm dimmed or lost contrast but could be traced to the west of the dust lane, extending south. The galaxy was slightly brighter at the south end (along the major axis), where the opposite arm curled east and north.
18" (5/14/07): very bright spiral with impressive structure, elongated at least 5:2 NNW-SSE, ~7.5'x3'. Contains a bright, elongated core highlighted by an intense, stellar nucleus. The halo is noticeably mottled at first glance and a low contrast dust lane runs NNW-SSE along the west side of the core. There is a strong impression of spiral structure with an arm attached on the east side that extends to the north and appears to curve towards the west in the outer halo. The halo appears more extensive or slightly brighter on the northern end. A more difficult arm appears to sweep to the south on the west side of the core.
17.5" (1/19/91): very bright, very large, elongated 5'x2' NNW-SSE. This is an impressive galaxy! Contains a well-defined small bright oval core NNW-SSE and a stellar nucleus. Appears mottled near the core and on the west side. Along the west side is a dust lane evident as a sharp light cut-off. The west side is somewhat fainter due to dust but extends beyond the dust lane.
8": fairly bright, fairly large, elongated, bright core. Located 33' E of a mag 6 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3521 = H. I-13 = h818 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "a fine B nebula, with a bright star or nucleus in the middle; it sends out a milky ray towards the north, and another more F towards the south, the extent of the whole, faint rays included, may be about 7 or 8'. On 13 Aprl 1828 (sweep144) John Herschel described NGC 3521 as "vB; L; mE in PA 140° +/-, 4' l, 1' br; vsvmbM; a double star follows. The NGC position (measured by Auwers, d'Arrest, Peters) is accurate.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 29 Mar 1856, recorded "The nucleus projects into the dark space along the p edge. Outside this dark space there is faint nebulosity, which I see joining the nebula at the north end."
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11 06 40.4 +20 05 08; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 117°
18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.4'. Fairly sharply concentrated with a brighter 15" round core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3522 = Sw. 3-59 on 26 Apr 1883
and described "pF; vS; lE; in starless field." His RA was 18 seconds too small. This was one of his first two
discoveries (along with
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NGC 3523 = UGC 6105 = MCG +13-08-053 = CGCG 351-054 = KTG 34C = PGC 33367
11 03 06.3 +75 06 57; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (5/25/14): at 280x appeared fairly faint or moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1' diameter, weak concentration to a slightly brighter core that seems offset center within the halo. Third in the KTG 34 triplet with NGC 3500 = UGC 6090 7' NW.
18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter. Symmetrical appearance with a weak even concentration to the center but no defined core. NGC 3500 lies 7.2' NW.
17.5" (4/25/98): extremely faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, low even surface brightness. Collinear with two mag 11 stars 5' ESE and 9' ESE. Brightest in trio with NGC 3465 14.5' WNW and NGC 3500 7' NW. Observation severely hampered by poor transparency.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3523 = H. II-904 on 2 Apr
1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "F, pL, lbM." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large
systematic errors. A corrected
position matching
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11 06 32.1 +11 23 08; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 14°
17.5" (4/1/95): moderately bright, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.6'. Fairly sharp concentration with a well-defined 15" bright core and an occasional stellar nucleus. A mag 11.5 star lies 0.9' NNW and a mag 13 star 2.0' NNW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3524 = H. III-23 = h819 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "vF, vS. I was not quite assured of it till I put on 240x. Very near it to the north are two smalls stars in a line with it." John Herschel made three observations, recording on 23 Mar 1830 (sweep 242), "vF; R; bM; has 2 stars exactly in a line with centre, on 11-12 m, the other 13-14 m."
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11 07 18.1 -19 28 19; Crt
V = 11.9; Size 2.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2
See observing notes for NGC 3528
Ormond Stone independently discovered NGC 3525 = LM 1-183 in 1886 and recorded "mag 12.0, 0.8' dia, gbMN." His rough (nearest min of RA) is ~1.0 tmin west of ESO 570-006 (matches in dec).
This galaxy was discovered by WH on 8 Mar 1790 and recorded as III-824 (later GC 2281 = NGC 3497). His position is within 2' (typical error) of ESO 570-006, but the position in the GC, which was copied into the NGC, is 6 min too far west (reduction or copying error). JH and Lewis Swift also independently discovered the same galaxy, so there are four aliases in the NGC/IC! Namely, NGC 3497 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = IC 2624. NGC 3528 is the primary designation in modern catalogues. See notes on NGC 3497 for more on the story.
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11 06 56.8 +07 10 27; Leo
V = 13.2; Size 1.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 55°
17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, nearly edge-on 5:1 SW-NE,
2.0'x0.4', very weak concentration.
A mag 13 star is just off the SW end 1.3' from center. Located 12' ENE of mag 8.3
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3526 = m 215 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "eF, perhaps 2' long, vm E ray, pos about 50°." His position and description matches
Edward Holden found this galaxy again on 27 Apr 1881 with
the 15.6-inch refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Wisconsin, and assumed
it was new. His description for
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11 07 18.2 +28 31 39; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5
13.1" (3/24/84): very faint, very small, round, smooth surface brightness. A mag 12 star is 2.1' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3527 = H. III-350 = h820 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, S." John Herschel made four observations and mentioned the mag 10-11 star that is 1' preceding.
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NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = NGC 3497 = IC 2624 = ESO 570-006 = MCG -03-28-037 = PGC 33667
11 07 18.1 -19 28 17; Crt
V = 11.9; Size 2.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 59°
17.5" (5/4/02): moderately bright, fairly large contains a bright core ~45" diameter increasing to a stellar nucleus. Surrounding the core is a fairly large ill-defined halo elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~2.5'x1.5' with a low surface brightness. A couple of faint stars are superimposed on the south side. This galaxy may hold the record for the most NGC/IC aliases as NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = NGC 3497 = IC 2624. Forms a pair with NGC 3529 5' S.
John Herschel independently discovered NGC 3528 = h3316 on 22 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; pslbM; 20". The preceding of 2 [with NGC 3529]." His position is just 6 tsec west of ESO 570-006 = MCG -03-28-037.
WH discovered this galaxy on 8 Mar 1790 (sweep 936) and recorded it as H. III-824 (later GC 2281 and NGC 3497). His position is within 2' (typical error) of ESO 570-006, but the position in the GC, which was copied into the NGC, is 6 min too far west (reduction or copying error). Ormond Stone and Lewis Swift also independently discovered the same galaxy, so there are four aliases in the NGC/IC! Namely, NGC 3497 = NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = IC 2624. NGC 3528 is the primary designation in modern catalogues, despite the earlier discovery of NGC 3497. See notes on NGC 3497 for more on the identities.
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NGC 3529 = IC 2625 = ESO 570-007 = MCG -03-28-038 = PGC 33671
11 07 19.1 -19 33 20; Crt
V = 14.2; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 55°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated with very faint extensions suspected at moments, ~45"x35", very weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 3528 = NGC 3525 = NGC 3497 just 5' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3529 = h3317 on 22 Mar 1835 and
logged "eF; S; R; vlbM; 15".
The following of 2 [with NGC 3528]." His position is just 0.1 tmin west of
Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 11 Apr
1898 and recorded Sw. 11-119 (later
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11 08 40.4 +57 13 48; UMa
V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.7; PA = 99°
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, bright core, probable stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3530 = H. III-915 = h821 on
8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "vF, S." His position is within 1' of
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NGC 3531 = NGC 3526 = UGC 6167 = MCG +01-28-039 = CGCG 038-129 = PGC 33635
11 06 56.3 +07 10 23; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3526.
Edward Holden found NGC 3531 on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Wisconsin. His description from a second observation on 20 Apr 1882 reads "Nebula is elongated 50° +/-, and at its sp end is a star 11m. * 11 at sp end" He added the comment "This may be Marth 215 (GC 5546 = NGC 3526). If so, Marth's position appears to be a wrong. " It was Holden who was wrong, though -- his position is 30' too far south. Rudolph Spitaler equated the two identities NGC 3526 = NGC 3531 (IC 1 Notes section). See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.
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NGC 3532 = ESO 128-31 = Cr 238 = Pin Cushion Cluster = Wishing Well Cluster = Football Cluster
11 05 48 -58 46 12; Car
V = 3.0; Size 55'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): this amazing naked-eye
cluster packs several hundred stars, filling the 20mm Nagler field (74x and 65'
field of view) with wall-to-wall stars in a 55'x35' region! The central region is condensed and
quite rich with several dense knots consisting of pairs, triples, chains, etc. The brighter stars are extended ~E-W
and includes 6th magnitude K2-type star (
The cluster is quite prominent naked-eye as a 45' cloud just 3° ENE of Eta Carina in the NE corner of the rich Carina starcloud and was densely packed with dozens of resolved stars in the 9x50mm finder. Mag 3.9 V382 Carinae (a Delta Cepheid variable not considered a cluster member) is just off the SE side.
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This spectacular naked-eye and binocular cluster (3° ENE of Eta Carina) filled the entire 51' field of the 27mm Panoptic (76x) with several hundred stars mag 7 and fainter resolved. The cluster is unusually elongated ~E-W, perhaps 55'x30' and widening on the following side. The stars are irregularly distributed with many in pairs, small groups, chains and loops. A group of about a dozen stars forms a perfect "S" asterism. Interestingly, there is a lack of dense knots although the entire central region is rich. Many of the stars appear to have a blue or yellowish tint. This is one of the very top open clusters in the sky although it is probably best in a wider field view.
10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): absolutely stunning cluster - very prominent naked-eye, rivals nearby Eta Carina though smaller. A couple of dozen stars were resolved in 10x30mm binoculars including a few very bright stars. Some additional faint stars scintillated in and out of view.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3532 = Lac II-10 = D 323 = h3315 in 1751-1752. Using a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope, he described a "prodigious number of faint stars forming a semi-circle of 20 to 25 minutes diameter."
James Dunlop observed the cluster 3 times, including 27 Apr 1826, his first night recording clusters and nebulae. He described "a very large cluster of stars about the 9th magnitude, with a red star of the 7-8th magnitude, north following the centre of the cluster. Elliptical figure: the stars are pretty regularly scattered."
John Herschel was very impressed with the cluster, including
it in a list of 'greatest hits': "Among the nebulae which occur from 9h to
12h we have .. the beautiful planetary nebula [NGC 2867], a perfect planet in
appearance, with an attendant satellite; the falcated nebula [NGC 3199]; Eta
Argus with its nebula; the superb cluster [NGC 3532]; the blue [Herschel's italics]
planetary nebula [
His first sweep on 31 Mar 1834 reported "Chief star of a very large, round, loosely scattered cluster of stars 8..12th magnitude, which fills 2 or 3 fields. A fine bright object." His next observation recorded "The chief star of a superb cluster, which has several elegant double stars, and many orange-coloured ones." On 5 Feb 1835 (sweep 543, the night described in his diary as "most superb" and "having attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra") he wrote,"A glorious cluster of immense magnitude, being at least 2 fields in extent every way. The stars are 8, 9, 10 and 11 mag, but chiefly 10th magnitude, of which there must be at least 200. It is the most brilliant object of the kind I have ever seen."
The HST "first light" image in May 1990, was of a
very small field within NGC 3532, includng
******************************
11 07 07.5 -37 10 22; Cen
V = 12.9; Size 2.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 65°
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 WSW-ENE, low fairly even surface brightness with just a weak, broad concentration. A mag 14 star is just north of the ENE tip. First in the NGC 3557 group (40' NW of NGC 3557).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3533 = h3318 on 22 Apr 1835 and
simply noted "eeF; attached to a vS star." His position is 14 sec of RA east of
Gerard de Vaucouleurs labeled this galaxy as
******************************
11 08 55.6 +26 36 38; Leo
V = 14.1; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 88°
24" (4/20/14): faint to fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.8'x0.4', low even surface brightness. Largest in a trio (
17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5', broad weak concentration. A mag 9.5 star is 4.3' NW. This is a double system with separation 0.9' between centers (unresolved) and forms a triplet with MCG +05-26-064 2.9' ENE.
Otto Struve discovered NGC 3534 on 18 Mar 1869 with the
15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. While
searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) he recorded a "Very faint
nebua of uniform light, located 3' southeast (PA 145°) from a mag 9 star. His position is 12 sec of RA west of
******************************
11 08 34.0 +04 49 55; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 178°
17.5" (3/22/96): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, brighter core. A mag 15 star is just 43" E of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3535 = H. III-111 = h823 on
18 Apr 1784 (sweep 201) and recorded "vF, vS, r, 240x confirmed
it." There is nothing at his
position, but 33 seconds of RA west and 1.5' north is
******************************
11 08 51.2 +28 28 32; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, round, 40" diameter,
low even surface brightness. The
20' field has only a half dozen stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3536 = h822 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and noted "F; S; R; bM; 15 to 20" dia." His declination was 1.2' too small.
******************************
11 08 26.6 -10 15 25; Crt
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly
round, ~1.0'x0.8', moderate surface brightness, weak concentration to an
irregular nucleus. This is a
double system with a superimposed companion on the south side. Located 8' W of
mag 8.7
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3537 = T. 1-30 = T. 5-8 on 7
Feb 1878. He resolved and
accurately measured the two components of this double galaxy (
Andrew Ainslie Common made a rediscovery in 1880 and described object #13 in his discovery list as "2 stars inv in haze, Pos. 160 deg." RNGC and MCG both misidentify MCG -02-29-003 as NGC 3537. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
11 11 33.1 +75 34 15; Dra
Size 9"
= **, Corwin. = Not found, RNGC.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3538 on 15 Sep 1866 and noted "vF, pL, *17 near." Just 20" north of his single position is a pair of mag 14.9/15.1 stars at 9" separation oriented NW-SE at this position.
In the 1911 Monthly Notices correction paper on William Herschel's sweep of 2 Apr 1801, NGC 3538 was noted (based on a Greenwich plate) as "Doubtful. Appears as a double star on the photographs. P 310°, d 12", mags 17, 17." Based on Heidelberg plates, Reinmuth noted "vS, = neb *14.0, *16 np 0.1', *14.5 f 0.7'. This description applies to the brighter component of the double star, which is cleanly resolved on the DSS. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
NGC 3539 = MCG +05-26-065 = CGCG 155-077 = PGC 33799
11 09 08.9 +28 40 20; UMa
V = 14.4; Size 1.2'x0.25'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 3°
17.5" (4/22/95): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.2'. Contains a small bright core with very faint extensions. NGC 3536 lies 12.3' SSW. Member of AGC 1185.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3539 = h825 on 13 Apr 1831 (sweep 343) and simply noted "eF". Based on a plate taken with the 24-inch Yerkes reflector, Hubble described NGC 3539 as "F, E 5°, 60"x20"." (1917 PhD thesis).
******************************
11 09 16.1 +36 01 15; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
small bright core. Located 8' E of
mag 7.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 3540 = h824 on 11 Mar 1831
(sweep 331) and recorded, "pF; R; psbM; 20"; a * 7m preceding,
distance 7' - 8'." His
position and description matches
******************************
11 08 32.2 -10 29 30; Crt
V = 14.5; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.8
17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.5'
diameter. Has a much lower surface
brightenss than NGC 3537 14' N.
The NGC identification is very uncertain due to an imprecise position by
Common and NGC 3541 may apply to
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3541 with his 36-inch silvered-glass reflector in 1880 and described a "Nebulous star, B centre." His rough discovery position is 12' north of MCG -02-29-004 and 15' south of MCG -02-29-003. Both of these galaxies are possible candidates. Harold Corwin feels that based on Common's description, MCG -02-29-003 = PGC 33759 is more likely.
Wolfgang Steinicke credits Wilhelm Tempel with the discovery on 7 Feb 1878, but the position and description in list I-31 appears to apply to a couple of very faint stars.
MCG -02-29-003 is misidentified as NGC 3537 in MCG and RNGC (see notes for NGC 3537). RNGC misclassifies NGC 3541 as nonexistent. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
11 09 55.5 +36 56 47; UMa
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 45°
17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, low
surface brightness, no concentration.
Forms a trio with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3542 = St. 13-60, along with
NGC 3545, on 15 Mar 1882. His
published position was reduced on 26 Mar 1884 and matches
******************************
11 10 56.5 +61 20 49; UMa
V = 14.2; Size 1.3'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 8°
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 ~N-S. A wide pair of mag 14 stars at 51" separation lie 2' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3543 = H. III-920 = h826 on
9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "eF, vS, E nearly in the meridian
[north-south]." Caroline's
reduced position is 3.5' southwest of
******************************
11 11 30.3 -18 17 23; Crt
See observing notes for
Ormond Stone found NGC 3544 = LM 1-184 on 7 Jan 1886 at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his rough position (nearest minute of RA) but 2 minutes of RA east (same dec) is NGC 3571 = ESO 570-011 and Stone's position angle (95°) and dimensions (2.5'x0.4') are a perfect match with NGC 3571.
This galaxy was discovered by William Herschel on 8 Mar 1790 and catalogued as II-819 (later NGC 3571). So, NGC 3544 = NGC 3571. Harold Knox-Shaw noted the equivalence in 1915, based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1912-14 with the 30" Reynolds reflector. The primary designation should be NGC 3571, although RC3 labels this galaxy NGC 3544. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
NGC 3545 = VV 182 = MCG +06-25-016 = MCG +06-25-017 = CGCG 185-015 = PGC 33893
11 10 12.3 +36 57 53; UMa
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.3'
17.5" (3/12/94): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, slight even concentration. Forms a trio with NGC 3542 3.5' WSW and MCG +06-25-014 4.7' NW. MCG +06-25-015 lies 10.5' NNW. This is a double system with components separated by just 13" (oriented SW-NE).
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3545 = St. 13-61, along with NGC 3542, on 15 Mar 1882. His published position was reduced on 26 Mar 1884 and matches this double system. The individual components appear to be at most 0.3'x0.3' and in contact SW-NE.
******************************
11 09 46.8 -13 22 50; Crt
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 100°
17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, slightly elongated, 25"x 20", stellar nucleus. Apparently I picked up the core region only as the arms have a much lower surface brightness.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 3546 = LM 2-432 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "* 12m in PA 40° at 2.1'." His position is 0.3' of RA west of MCG -02-29-007 = PGC 33846 and his description matches.
******************************
11 09 55.9 +10 43 14; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 7°
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated N-S, bright core. Possible member of the Leo group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3547 = H. II-42 = h828 on 11 Mar 1784 (sweep 164) and recorded "F, S. Does not require 240x to see it." On 18 Jan 1828 (sweep 120), John Herschel wrote "F; S; lE; of nearly uniform brightness."
******************************
NGC 3548 = NGC 3540 = UGC 6196 = MCG +06-25-011 = CGCG 185-011 = PGC 33806
11 09 16.1 +36 01 15; UMa
See observing notes for NGC 3540.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3548 = h827 on 7 Feb 1832 (sweep 401) and noted "eF; R; a * 8m precedes." There is nothing at his position buyt 1.0 min of RA west is NGC 3540, which he discovered the previous year on 11 Mar 1831, and the two descriptions are very similar. RNGC equates NGC 3548 with NGC 3540. See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes for more on this number.
******************************
11 10 56.8 +53 23 17; UMa
V = 12.1; Size 3.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 38°
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 2.6'x1.0', broad concentration. The ends fade into the background but do not taper giving a boxy impression. Three collinear mag 13.5 stars nearly parallel the galaxy off the SE side. The nearest is 1.7' ESE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3549 = H. I-220 on 12 Apr
1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "cB, E, 70° np to sf, 3 or 4' long, about 2'
br." His position is within
1.5' (typical error) of
A sketch made on 29 Feb 1868 at Birr Castle shows a curving shape with the comments "Lord R. remarks; - south end much spread out. We were almost certain of the branches given in diagram, n one most decided."
******************************
11 10 38.5 +28 46 04; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2
13.1" (3/24/84): brightest in the AGC 1185
cluster. Faint, small, round. A mag 11 star is 1.5' E and a mag 12
star 1.5' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3550 = H. III-351 = h829, along with NGC 3552, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). He recorded "Two [along with III-352 = NGC 3552], both vF and vS. The most south [NGC 3552] is the faintest and but for the other could not have been observed." John Herschel made 6 disparate descriptions in terms of brightness - ranging from eF to B - and in the notes to the General Catalogue suggested this was possibly a variable nebula.
******************************
11 09 41.2 +21 44 25; Leo
V = 14.9; Size 0.35'x0.35'
17.5" (4/15/99): extremely faint, very small, possibly
elongated but difficult to confirm, 20" in diameter. Could not resolve this double system
with certainty (or only viewed the brighter component). Located 1.4' SSW of
17.5" (3/12/94): very faint, very small, round, fairly
low even surface brightness. Forms
a close pair with NGC 3555 1.4' NNE.
This is a double system [29" between centers] which was not
resolved or only one component visible.
Member of
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3551 = Sw. 1-10, along with NGC
3555, on 24 Aug 1883. His brief
description reads, "eeF; vS; R; diff; s of 2." His RA is 50 seconds east of CGCG
125-032 (close pair) but similar in declination. His relative separation with NGC 3555 is 10 sec of RA and 0.5'
north. This suggests NGC 3555 =
As an alternative identification, Corwin suggests that NGC 3551 = UGC 6203 and NGC 3555 = CGCG 125-034, but the declination separation of 3' is much larger than Swift's 0.5'. I feel this solution is less likely.
******************************
NGC 3552 = MCG +05-27-004 = CGCG 155-085nf = CGCG 156-006nf = PGC 33932
11 10 42.9 +28 41 35; UMa
V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1
13.1" (3/24/84): very faint glow that is slightly
brighter than
William Herschel discovered NGC 3552 = H. III-352 = h832, along with NGC 3550, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). He recorded "Two [along with NGC 3550], both vF and vS. The most south [NGC 3552] is the faintest and but for the other could not have been observed." John Herschel made 3 observations, describing this object on sweep 65 as "so excessively faint as hardly to be discerned on long attention. The second of a group of 3 [with NGC 3561]."
Hermann Kobold measured micrometric positions of the cluster in 1902 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg, but nothing is at his position for NGC 3552, so he likely misidentified the offset star. Also see notes on NGC 3553.
******************************
NGC 3553 = MCG +05-27-004 = CGCG 155-085sw = CGCG 156-006sw = LEDA 1842970
11 10 40.3 +28 41 08; UMa
V = 15.3; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7
13.1" (3/24/84): very faint, extremely small. Located very close SW of NGC 3552 (44" between centers). The pair is just resolved at 220x. Located in the core of rich cluster AGC 1185. A faint star (not recorded) is at the south edge -- perhaps I noticed the star or a combination of the star and the galaxy?
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3553 = Big. 45 on 13 Mar
1885 and recorded "20" diam; forms a double nebula with GC 2320 [NGC
3552]." His position, though,
matches NGC 3552, as he assumed the galaxy 0.7' southwest (
******************************
11 10 47.9 +28 39 36; UMa
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 57°
13.1" (3/24/84): extremely faint and small. Located in the core of AGC 1185 close SSE of the NGC 3552/NGC 3553 pair. Appears just non-stellar and near the visual threshold.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3554 = h833 on 24 Dec 1827 (sweep 115) and noted "F; R; bM; not vS; PD mistaken 10'; corrected." His declination was 1.5' too large.
******************************
NGC 3555 = UGC 6203 = MCG +04-26-035 = CGCG 125-033 = Holm 230a = PGC 33836
11 09 44.4 +21 45 32; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 30°
17.5" (4/15/99): brightest of trio with CGCG 125-032 (=
NGC 3551) 1.4' SSW and
17.5" (3/12/94): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0'
diameter, weak even concentration to brighter core and very small nucleus. A trio of mag 9 stars are in the field
8'-9' S including mag 8.9
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3555 = Sw. 1-11, along with NGC
3551 = Sw. 1-10, on 24 Aug 1883.
There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 min west is
******************************
11 11 31.8 +55 40 14; UMa
V = 10.0; Size 8.7'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 80°
48" (5/12/12): extremely bright and large, very
elongated at least 4:1 WSW-ESE, ~8'x2'.
18" (5/14/07): very bright, very large, elongated 4:1
WSW-ENE, ~8'x2'. This striking
galaxy has a very mottled, patchy appearance with the main body appearing
twisted or distorted. A few
brighter patches or knots are visible along the major axis with a prominent
knot along the west side. The core
region is streaked with dust. The
brightest portions of the two extensions have slightly different orientations
or central axes! The galaxy bulges
out a bit on the east end and the galaxy appears to bend a bit towards the
north on the west end adding to the asymmetry. A couple of faint stars are superimposed on the eastern
extension and close to the center is a prominent mag 12.5 star masquerading as
a bright, stellar nucleus. The Owl
Nebula,
17.5" (2/25/84 and 2/28/87): very bright, very large, edge-on 4:1 WSW-ENE, 8.0'x2.0'. A mag 12 star is superimposed just west of center (V = 12.5) appearing similar to a bright stellar nucleus. Two fainter stars are also superimposed east of the core. A bright knot is visible west of the core (1.3' W of the star) and the region near the core appears dusty. A mag 12 star is just south of the west end, 4.9' from the center.
17.5" (3/12/88): very bright, very large, a bright star is superimposed near the center, knot visible west of the core.
13.1" (2/25/84): fairly bright, very elongated, stellar nucleus.
Pierre Méchain discovered
William Herschel independently discovered the galaxy on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 922) and recorded H. V-46 as "vB, 10' long and 2' br, resolvable. An unconnected pB star in the middle." Herschel was credited with the discovery in the NGC. John Herschel made a single observation on 10 Feb 1831 (sweep 324) and wrote, "B; vL; p b r; vmE; pos 79°. Has a distinct star in centre and 1 or 2 vS stars elsewhere." At Birr Castle, M108 was observed 7 times, first on 13 Apr 1850. It was described in various observations as "twisted", "mottled", "patched and irregular", "knots".
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NGC 3557 = ESO 377-016 = MCG -06-25-005 = AM 1107-371 = LGG 229-003 = PGC 33871
11 09 57.6 -37 32 21; Cen
V = 10.4; Size 4.1'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 30°
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly
large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x1.5'.
Sharply concentrated with a prominent 40" core. With averted vision the diffuse outer
halo extends to 3'x2' in size. A
mag 10.5 star lies 3.3' SE.
Brightest in a group (Klemola 18) including
John Herschel discovered NGC 3557 = h3319 on 21 Apr 1835 and
noted "pB; S; R; bM."
His position (2 observations) matches
******************************
11 10 55.9 +28 32 37; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1
13.1" (3/24/84): this is the second brightest galaxy in the rich cluster AGC 1185. Faint, very small, round. There is a string of four faint stars preceding.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3558 on 15 Apr 1866 and viewed at 123x, 148x and 226x. His declination was 1.3' too large.
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11 10 45.2 +12 00 58; Leo
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 55°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8', fairly low surface brightness, brighter
core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3559 = H. III-79 on 12 Apr
1784 (sweep 188) and noted "eF, not L, lE, r." His position (Caroline's reduction)
is 6' too far south. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate
position (twice) and noted the 6' error in WH's position.
******************************
NGC 3560 = NGC 3559 = UGC 6217 = MCG +02-29-008 = CGCG 067-025
11 10 45.2 +12 00 58; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3559.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3560 = h834 on 6 Apr 1831 (sweep 340) and recorded "F; R; gbM; 20" (conspicuous). The PD of the working list [for H. III-79] is 6' out, owing to which I have often looked for it in vain." Although he was correct about the error in the polar distance of H. III-79, Herschel's polar distance was off by 50'.
Ignoring his previous equivalence with his father's H. III-79 (NGC 3559), JH gave h834 a separate GC designation (2324) at his erroneous position. Dreyer followed JH, and added the duplicate designation NGC 3560. Harold Corwin (private correspondence on 10 Aug 1995) identifies NGC 3560 = h834 = H. III 79 = NGC 3559 as Herschel originally stated. See Corwin's notes for full discussion.
******************************
11 11 13.3 +28 41 46; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
48" (5/12/12): bright, fairly small, round, 0.6'
diameter, small bright core. Forms
a close pair with
At 488x, a very low surface extension or plume reaches
30" S. The dwarf galaxy
"Ambartsumian's Knot" was occasionally visible near its southern end
as an extremely faint stellar spot.
A number of galaxies within AGC 1185 are nearby including
MCG +05-27-012, 1.6' SE of NGC 3561, is fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.3'x0.2'. 2MASX J11112084+2840183, 2.2' SE of NGC 3561 and 39" SE of MCG +05-27-012, appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 16"x8".
13.1" (3/24/84): very faint, very diffuse spot with averted. This member of AGC 1185 is slightly larger than most members.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3561 = h835 on 30 Mar 1827 (sweep 65) and simply noted "vF. The last of a group of 4 [with NGC 3550, 3552 and 3554]." The next night he called it "F; pL; 8' dist from another [NGC 3550] and 30° south-following it." He likely picked up the brighter southern component of this multiple system.
RC2 lists the components as NGC 3561A = MCG +05-27-011
(northern) and
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11 12 58.7 +72 52 45; Dra
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.3'; PA = 165°
17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, gradually brighter halo, small bright core. A mag 14.5 star is 1.2' NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3562 = H. II-337 = h830 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 390) and noted "pF, pS, bM." John Herschel recorded on 4 Nov 1831 (sweep 382), "pF; lE; gbM; 20"; a * 15m dist 70"; pos from neb 22.1°."
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11 11 25.3 +26 57 49; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 15°
18" (5/31/03): faint, very small, round, 0.4'
diameter. This is a double galaxy
and a very small companion was just resolved on the west edge.
Otto Struve discovered NGC 3563 on 18 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch
Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. He found this galaxy while searching
for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) and noted it was 2' south of a mag 8 star
in PA 169°. RC 3 and the first
edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide label this galaxy
******************************
NGC 3564 = ESO 377-018 = MCG -06-25-006 = AM 1108-371 = LGG 229-004 = PGC 33923
11 10 36.4 -37 32 51; Cen
V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 15°
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.4'x0.6', weak concentration and tapers at the ends (spindle-shaped). Follows NGC 3557 by 7.7' in a group (Klemola 18) and bracketed by two mag 13 stars 2' NW and 2' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3564 = h3320 on 21 Apr 1835 and
logged "F; S; R; bM. On the
same parallel with [NGC 3557]."
His position matches
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11 07 47.8 -20 01 18; Crt
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 126°
18" (3/17/07): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated, 20"x15".
Located 13' WNW a mag 8.3
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3565 = LM 1-185, along with NGC 3566, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. Both objects were given the same rough position (nearest min of RA and marked as +/-). There is nothing near his position.
ESO, RC3 and PGC identify NGC 3565 = NGC 3566 = ESO 570-008, an interacting double galaxy roughly 2.5 min of RA east of Stone's position (typical error in the first discovery list). On the POSS, the images of these two small galaxies are merged and difficult to resolve. So, it's possible that Stone observed this galaxy and a nearby faint star for his second object. RNGC classifies NGC 3565 and 3566 as nonexistent. Also, see my RNGC Corrections #6 and Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.
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NGC 3566 = NGC 3565: = ESO 570-008 = PGC 33701
11 07 47.8 -20 01 20; Crt
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 126°
See observing notes for NGC 3565.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3566 = LM 1-186, along with NGC 3565, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. See NGC 3565.
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11 11 18.7 +05 50 10; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 132°
18" (3/5/05): fairly faint, round, contains a
relatively bright stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus surrounded by a round, faint
halo. Forms a double system with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3567 = H. III-89 = h836 on
13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "eF. I am a little doubtful of the reality. His position is 30 seconds of RA west
and 3' north of
******************************
NGC 3568 = ESO 377-020 = MCG -06-25-009 = LGG 229-008 = PGC 33952
11 10 48.5 -37 26 52; Cen
V = 12.3; Size 2.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 7°
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, very elongated 7:2 N-S, 1.5'x0.4', fairly low even surface brightness. Cradled by a trio of mag 10-11 stars just following (the 2 stars off the north and south ends are parallel to the major axis). NGC 3564 lies 6.7' SSW and NGC 3557, the brightest member of the Klemola 18 group, is 11.5' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3568 = h3321 on 21 Apr 1835 and
recorded "eF; pL; involving several stars. The last of 3 [with with NGC 3557 and 3564]. The next night he noted "F; R;
near 3 bright stars.", apparently recognizing the stars were not involved
with the object. His position is 1' south of
******************************
11 12 08.1 +35 27 08; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
18" (5/31/03): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, very weak concentration with no visible core.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3569 on 27 Apr 1864 and mentioned a mag 12 star to the west-northwest by 3.5'. Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 14 Mar 1874, as well as 30 Mar 1886.
In 1899 Hermann Kobold discovered a faint companion (called Kobold 14) 1.8' SW of NGC 3569 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg. The discovery was published, though, in 1909 - too late for inclusion in the IC2.
******************************
11 12 03.3 +27 35 23; Leo
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter. Forms a pair with NGC 3574 at 2.9' NE. Brightest in a faint group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3570 = St. 9-23, along with
In Emmanuel Esmiol re-reduction of Stephan's positions (published in 1916), removed NGC 3570 and replaced it with an anonymous galaxy as if the NGC position was in error. But his new position matches the NGC position!
******************************
NGC 3571 = NGC 3544 = ESO 570-011 = MCG -03-29-001 = PGC 34028
11 11 30.3 -18 17 23; Crt
V = 12.1; Size 3.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 94°
17.5" (1/31/87): fairly faint, moderately large. Contains a small bright core surrounded by a faint halo elongated 2:1 ~E-W. Located 19' NW of mag 6.1 Psi Crateris.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3571 = H. II-819 on 8 Mar
1790 (sweep 936) and reported "pF, pL, bM, iF." His position matches
Ormond Stone independently discovered the galaxy on 7 Jan 1886 at the Leander-McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) for NGC 3544 = LM 1-184 is two tmin too far west, but his description matches. So, NGC 3571 = NGC 3544. The primary designation should be NGC 3571, although RC3 labels this galaxy NGC 3544.
******************************
11 10 19 -60 14 54; Car
V = 6.6; Size 20
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
228x, this is an 8' irregular group of 80-100 stars including a mag 7.9 star on
the west side and about a dozen mag 10 stars. A mag 6.7 star lies 11' SE of center outside of the apparent
cluster (but part of
John Herschel discovered NGC 3572 = h3323 on 14 Mar 1834 and noted "Middle of a tolerably rich cluster, class VIII." His position is good.
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11 11 18.3 -36 52 33; Cen
V = 12.3; Size 3.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 4°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, bright core, very small bright nucleus, faint extensions. A string of three mag 11.5-12.5 stars oriented E-W follow with the closest star 2.3' E and a mag 14.5 star is at the east edge. Located on the north side of the NGC 3557 group (part of the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster) in the NW corner of Centaurus near the Antlia border.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3573 = h3322 on 20 Apr 1835 and recorded "eF; R; glbM; 20"; precedes 3 stars 11 and 12 mag, nearly on the same parallel. His position is 1.3' north o fESO 377-022 = PGC 34005 and the description matches.
******************************
NGC 3574 = MCG +05-27-022 = CGCG 156-020 = PGC 34080
11 12 12.1 +27 37 29; Leo
V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (4/14/01): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, no details and requires averted vision. Located 2.9' NE of NGC 3570 and second brightest in a group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3574 = St. 9-24, along with NGC 3570, on 15 Mar 1877.
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NGC 3575 = NGC 3162 = UGC 5510 = MCG +04-24-019 = CGCG 123-026
10 13 31.6 +22 44 15; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3162.
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 3575 on 21 Feb 1863. He noted it was "moderately bright, R, 45" diam. A mag 11 stars precedes at 3' separation and a mag 16 star is 1' southeast. There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan and Reinmuth (Heidelberg plate) both reported negative results.
But Harold Corwin discovered that d'Arrest's RA was exactly one hour too large, and once corrected his position as well as description is a perfect match with NGC 3162, discovered by WH in 1784. d'Arrest made the same error with NGC 3760 that evening and with NGC 3167 on 1 May 1862.
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11 11 31.7 -61 21 48; Car
Size 1.1'x0.7'; PA = 90°
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC
3576 is the first of six sections in a small, but very interesting nebulous
complex consisting of NGC 3576,
NGC 3576 is a somewhat isolated patch on the southwest side,
about 5' from the main sections.
At 128x and a UHC filter it appeared as a faint, circular hazy patch of
low surface brightness with a mag 12.5 star at the west side and ~1.5' in
diameter. NGC 3579 is a small, fan
or wedge-shaped section located just to the west of larger NGC 3584. It appears 2' in size with a 12th
magnitude star at the south tip and spreads to the north and west from this
star. NGC 3581 is the brightest
section of this complex and has sharply defined borders running SW-NE and
NW-SE, meeting at a right angle about 1' WNW of mag 9.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 3576 = h3324 on 16 Mar 1834 and recorded "F, oval. The first of a group of 6. Place by collation of diagrams." His (rough) position is too far southwest. His sketch was included in the CGH Observations, plate IV, figure 10.
Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope..."). He sketched it noticeably elongated E-W.
******************************
11 13 44.9 +48 16 22; UMa
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.0
17.5" (4/6/91): very faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE. A mag 11.5 star is 30" SE of the outer halo and 1.2' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 3583 5.2' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3577 = H. III-723 on 1 Apr
1788 (sweep 822) and noted "eF, vS.
It is south preceding the foregoing nebula [NGC 3583]." His position is 4.5' north of
******************************
11 12 48 -15 57; Crt
= **?, Corwin. = "Not found", Carlson.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3578 = h837 on 16 Dec 1827 (sweep 111) and recorded an uncertain "Nova" as "A doubtful object, but probably a nebula." There is nothing near his position he might have picked up. Dorothy Carlson reports "not found" in her 1940 NGC errata list. Harold Corwin lists a couple of single or double stars that JH might have noted.
******************************
NGC 3579 = ESO 129-008 = RCW 57 = Ced 113b
11 11 58 -61 14 41; Car
Size 1.6'x0.8'; PA = 45°
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3579 is a small, fan or wedge-shaped section located just to the west of larger NGC 3584 within the RCW 57 complex. It appears 2' in size with a 12th magnitude star at the south tip and spreading to the north and west from this star. This is the second of 6 separate pieces catalogued by John Herschel.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3579 = h3325, in a group of nebulae, on 14 Mar 1834 and noted "R, sbM, by diagram. Place by collation of diagrams." Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope...")
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11 13 15.9 +03 39 26; Leo
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 178°
17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, 20" diameter (core), quasi-stellar nucleus. At moments there are faint extensions N-S. A mag 13 star lies 1.3' ESE of center.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3580 = T. 1-32 in 1876. His position and description (a mag 14
star follows by 3 - 4 sec of time) matches
******************************
NGC 3581 = ESO 129-009 = Gum 38a = RCW 57 = Ced 113c
11 12 01 -61 18 00; Car
Size 1.6'x1.3'; PA = 45°
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3581 is the brightest section of this complex and has sharply defined borders running SW-NE and NW-SE, meeting at a right angle about 1' WNW of mag 9.2 SAO 251313. The overall size is ~2'x1.5' with an irregular surface brightness. NGC 3581 is just disconnected from NGC 3582, which is close NE.
A very young, infrared cluster (identified in SIMBAD as
"
John Herschel discovered NGC 3581 = h3326 on 14 Mar 1834 in an HII complex and noted "a * 12m, with a fan nebula attached. Place by direct observation." Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the GMT (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope..."). He shows the nebula tapering at the southwest end to a brighter star or knot.
******************************
NGC 3582 = ESO 129-010 = RCW 57 = Ced 113d
11 12 10 -61 16 30; Car
Size 1.8'
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3582 is another fan-shaped section which wraps around a mag 10.6 star. It has a well-defined edge running SW to NE with the northern border running E-W. The brighter star is embedded roughly in the center and several mag 13 stars are near the border. The diameter is ~2' (similar in size to NGC 3581 just SW).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3582 = h3327 on 14 Mar 1834 in a complex of emission nebulae. He noted "R; has a * in middle. Place by collation of diagrams." Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the GMT (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope...").
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NGC 3583 = UGC 6263 = MCG +08-21-008 = CGCG 242-012 = PGC 34232
11 14 10.8 +48 19 06; UMa
V = 11.1; Size 2.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 125°
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0', bright core, stellar nucleus at moments. A mag 14 star is just off the south side 1.5' from the center. Forms a pair with NGC 3577 5.2' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3583 = H. II-728 on 5 Feb
1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "pB, pL, R, vgmbM." His position on sweep is 4' north of
******************************
NGC 3584 = ESO 129-012 = RCW 57 = Ced 113e
11 12 19.2 -61 13 12; Car
Size 3.6'x0.8'
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3584 is the furthest northeast and the largest section of nebulosity. It appears as a looping arc about 3.5'x1', bowed out towards the east and extending mostly N-S and narrowing at the north end. A few mag 12 stars are off the edges. NGC 3579 appears as nearly a continuation of this loop towards the west.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3584 = h3329 on 16 Mar 1834 in a complex of emission nebulae and recorded "L, bM, E in meridian. Place by collation of diagram."
Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the GMT (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope..."). NGC 3584 is shown as a looping nebulosity, narrowing on the north end and matching my description and the photographic appearance.
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11 13 17.1 -26 45 18; Hya
V = 09.9; Size 4.7'x2.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 107°
17.5" (4/6/91): very bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, very high surface brightness, very bright core, stellar nucleus. Two mag 13.5 stars are 2.5' NE and 3.3 ' NNW. Forms the western vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 8.5 stars (SAO 179663 and 179667) 8.4' E and 8.4' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3585 = H. II-269 = h3328 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 676) and noted "pB, pL, lE, mbB." His position at the south edge of the galaxy. John Herschel made two observations from the CGH and first logged "vB, pL, pmE; forms equilateral triangle with two stars 8th and 8-9 mag following, distant 6' or 7'." Joseph Turner made a sketch on 13 Apr 1877 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope showing it as nearly edge-on WNW-ESE with a small bright nucleus.
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NGC 3586 = ESO 129-013 = RCW 57 = Ced 113f
11 12 29.5 -61 20 57; Car
Size 2'x0.4'; PA = 0°
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC 3586 is the last in the complex of nebulae and is situated ~4' SE of the center. It appears as a faint, elongated steak of 2' length oriented N-S with an 11th magnitude star about 40" NE of the north tip.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3586 = h3330 on 14 Mar 1834 in a complex of emission nebulae and recorded "S, oval, E in pos 160° +/- by diagram. Place by collation of diagrams; the last of a group of 6."
Joseph Turner sketched this group of nebulae on 19 May 1876 using the GMT (plate IV, figure 35 in "Observations of the Southern Nebulae made with the Great Melbourne Telescope..."). A star is close to the north tip. This matches the photographic appearance.
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11 14 47.7 +55 01 08; UMa
V = 9.8; Size 202"x196"
48" (4/19/15): at 375x and 488x w/NPB filter; although the unfiltered view was excellent, adding a NPB filter at 488x ramped up the contrast! The two famous holes were very high contrast with the NW "eye" slightly larger with a irregular outline. The slightly darker SE "eye" has an easily visible star at its S edge [40" SSE of the central star]. In addition, a third very faint star (best seen unfiltered) is close west of this hole [37" SSW of center]. Overall the surface brightness of the planetary is irregular or mottled. It fades around the periphery creating a dimmer ragged circular rim of uneven brightness. The main bright portion of the planetary is slightly elongated NNW-SSE.
48" (4/15/10): the Owl Nebula was quite impressive at
330x (unfiltered) and exhibited a fascinating amount of detail. The mag 16 central star was easily
visible at the center of the 3.4' disc.
To the northwest and southeast of the central star are two large, darker
"holes" (Owl's "eyes"), each roughly 45" in
diameter. The southeast eye has a
little more contrast and a very faint star is close to its SE edge. The NW "eye" is a little
larger, though not quite as dark in the center. A mag 12 star lies 2.6' NE of center and a mag 14 star lies
3' S of center.
24" (2/9/13): although I didn't take notes on the structure of M97, the mag 16 central was readily visible using magnifications of 200x and higher.
17.5" (3/12/88): both holes definitely visible at 280x using a UHC filter.
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly bright, very large, round. Two low contrast darker "holes" are visible with averted vision which form the "eyes" of the "Owl Nebula". The southeast hole is darker but the northwest hole appears larger. Central star not visible.
13.1" (4/28/84): moderately bright, large, round. A single hole west of center is highly suspected.
13.1" (2/25/84): the darker "holes" visible were near the threshold. No central star seen at 166x-220x.
Pierre Méchain discovered M97 = NGC 3587 = h838 on 16 Feb 1781. In 1789 William Herschel described (with his 18.7") it as "considerably bright, globular, of equal light throughout, with a diminishing border of no great extent. About 3' diameter."
A total of 45 observations were made at Birr Castle. The dark holes were first recorded by assistant William Rambaut on 5 Mar 1848: "Saw two dark and very large spots in middle; Lord Rosse remarked that all round its edge the sky appeared darker than the average." On 11 March, Rosse wrote, "Brilliant star in the centre. After 5 min observation, detected the star to the right, which Dr. Robinson immediately saw. Round each star seems a black space." Rosse's or Rambaut's sketch, made in 1848, suggested some spiral structure ("a double perforation appears to partake of the structure both of the annular and spiral nebulae."). He was clearly influenced by the focus on resolving spiral structure in a variety of objects.
Between 1848 and early 1850 Lord Rosse and Johnstone Stoney made additional detailed sketches (Rosse, Fig. 11, 1850 publication) that vaguely resembled the face of an owl with two large dark holes or "eyes" punctuated by stars (one is the misplaced central star), additional darker streaks and patches, and fuzzy filaments extending out of the sides (perhaps to indicate an irregular fringe). On 13 Apr 1850, Stoney noted that only one star was visible. Wilhelm Tempel was highly critical, though, of Rosse's fanciful sketch when he drew the planetary in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory in Florence. William Huggins first observed the two brighter emission lines in the spectrum in 1865.
The nickname "Owl Nebula" was never used by Lord Rosse in a published paper but in 1864 William Darby wrote that M97 was "familiarly known in the Parsontown Observatory as 'the owl nebula' from its resemblance to an owl." For an unusual interpretation of the appearance, Romney Robinson described the planetary on 11 Mar 1848 as "A most intricate group of spiral arcs disposed around two starry centers, looking like the visage of a monkey."
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NGC 3588 = UGC 6264 = MCG +04-27-009 = CGCG 126-011 = PGC 34219
11 14 02.5 +20 23 15; Leo
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (5/31/03): very faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter. Weak, even concentration to center. Located just 8' S of mag 2.6 Delta Leonis! (Zosma). Not difficult at 320x with Delta just outside of field.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3588 = Sw. 1-12 on 26 Apr 1883
and recorded "cS; vF; follows Delta Leonis 4 sec. Easily overlooked." His position, 8' south of Delta Leonis,
matches
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11 15 13.4 +60 42 02; UMa
V = 13.8; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 48°
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, moderately large, oval ~SW-NE,
diffuse. Located just west of the
line connecting mag 7.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 3589 = H. III-921 = h839 on 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "eF, pL, E." John Herschel recorded on 25 Mar 1832 (sweep 406), "vF; L; vglbM; 45"; situated in the centre of gravity of a triangle of 3 large stars 5' distance." His position was accurate.
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11 12 59 -60 47 18; Car
V = 8.2; Size 4'
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this is a small, fairly bright 2' knot of ~20 stars mag 10 and fainter. At 76x this diminutive cluster is set in a remarkable field, forming a triangle with NGC 3603 and the NGC 3579-86 complex (RCW 57) to the south.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3590 = h3332 on 4 Feb 1835 (sweep 543) and recorded "a close, p rich, compressed, oval cluster, somewhat insulated." His position is good.
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11 14 03.3 -14 05 14; Crt
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 150°
18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.7'. Contains a very small brighter nucleus, ~10" diameter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3591 = H. III-529 = h3331 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "eF, S." John Herschel recorded "vF; R; 30"; vlbM" and measured an accurate position.
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11 14 27.5 +17 15 34; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 1.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 120°
17.5" (4/9/99): surprisingly faint for listed
magnitude, required averted and appeared as a 15" "knot" just
45" following a mag 14.5 star.
Elongation not seen so I only viewed the brighter inner core of this
edge-on system. Located 11' W of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3592 = m 216 on 4 Mar 1865 and
noted "eF, S, pmE, pos 60°."
Marth's position matches
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11 14 37.0 +12 49 03; Leo
V = 10.9; Size 5.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 92°
17.5" (4/1/95): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 3.2'x1.2'. Strong concentration from a faint outer halo to a prominent elongated core and a very small rounder nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3593 = H. I-29 = h840 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 188) and recorded "B, cL, lE, mbM, r." John Herschel made 4 observations, the first on 10 Apr 1825 (sweep 2) while still developing his technique. On 13 Mar 1826 (sweep 22) he noted, "B; E; psmbM; 40" l, 30" br."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 27 Mar 1856, logged "suspect as before a dark lane along the n side of the nucleus and neby outside this again, but far from being certain."
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11 16 14.0 +55 42 15; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 10°
17.5" (3/12/88): faint, very small, round, bright core. A mag 11 star is 2.7' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3594 = H. III-770 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 920) and noted "vF, vS, stellar neb." His position is 0.6 tmin of RA west and
2.5' north of
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11 15 25.5 +47 26 49; UMa
V = 12.1; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 176°
17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 N-S. Sharp
concentration with a very small bright core and much fainter extensions. Located 2.0' S of mag 7.4 SAO
43659!
William Herschel discovered NGC 3595 = H. III-706 on 5 Feb
1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "vF, vS, stellar, south of a cB
star." His position is 2' too
far north (very close to mag 7.6
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11 15 06.2 +14 47 13; Leo
V = 11.3; Size 4.0'x3.8'; Surf Br = 14.1
24" (5/27/17): bright, large, broad fairly weak concentration in halo to a slightly brighter core, small brighter nucleus. The galaxy is bracketed by a mag 13.5 star 3.7' SSW and a similar star 3.4' N. A third 13th mag star is 4.7' due E forming a near equilateral triangle with sides 7'.
13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright, fairly large, diffuse, slightly elongated NW-SE, sharp stellar nucleus is possibly offset to the west of the geometric center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3596 = H. II-102 = h841 on 8
Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Faintish, pS, R, rather bM,
resolvable." His position is
2'-3' north-northwest of
R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 22 Mar 1857, wrote that he "strongly suspect either a vF nebulous ring round nucleus, or a branch joining centre at the following side. Difficult object." Suprisingly, E.E. Barnard announced in 1906 (AN 172, 123) the discovery of a new large planetary found on a photographic plate and observed visually with the Yerkes 40" refractor. But his position and description (about 2.5' in diameter) applies to this galaxy!
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11 14 42.0 -23 43 39; Crt
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 65°
18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
0.8' diameter. Moderate even
concentration to a very small bright core and stellar nucleus. A pair of mag 13 stars lie less than 2'
NE of center. Located 5' SSW of
mag 9.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 3597 = h3333 on 21 Mar 1835 and
recorded "vF; R; bM; much diluted at the borders, 30"." His
position matches
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NGC 3598 = UGC 6278 = MCG +03-29-014 = CGCG 096-014 = PGC 34306
11 15 11.6 +17 15 45; Leo
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 35°
17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, well-concentrated with a bright core steadily increasing to a faint stellar nucleus. The outer halo is ill-defined and much weaker. A mag 14 star is just off the north edge 0.6' from center and a pair of mag 13.5 stars is 4' ENE. NGC 3592 lies 11' W.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3598 = m 217 = T. 1-33 on 4 Mar 1865 and noted "F, vS, stell." His position is accurate.
Wilhelm Tempel found this galaxy in 1876 and recorded it as new in his first discovery paper. He mentioned a star was close north.
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11 15 27.0 +18 06 37; Leo
V = 12.0; Size 2.7'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 99°
17.5" (4/13/02): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated ~4:3, 2.0'x1.5'. Contains a small, fairly bright round core which is
concentrated to the center with a much lower surface brightness halo. Located 21' WNW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 3599 = H. II-49 = h843 = St.
12-43 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and logged "resolvable, brightest in the
middle & the brightness going off imperceptibly." On 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334) John
Herschel wrote , "B; R: psmbM; 35"." Édouard Stephan observed NGC 3599, as well as
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11 15 52.0 +41 35 28; UMa
V = 11.7; Size 4.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 3°
17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.8'x0.6', small bright core, faint extensions. Two mag 12 stars lie 2.4' and 3.2' NNW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3600 = H. II-709 = h842 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "vF; S; E in the meridian [N-S]." John Herschel's description from 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248) reads "pB; S; lE; vgbM; 20"."
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11 15 33.3 +05 06 56; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.1
17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, irregularly round, 25"x20" diameter, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star lies 2.9' SSE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3601 = m 218 on 22 Mar 1865 and
noted " vF, pS, alm stell."
His position matches
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11 15 48.3 +17 24 57; Leo
V = 14.8; Size 0.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 45°
18" (5/15/10): extremely faint, very small, required averted vision to initially pick up at 175x although visible ~75% of the time at 260x. Appears roughly as a tiny, thin streak, ~15"x5", although sometimes the extensions were not seen, only a 5" core. . Located 3.4' NE of a mag 10 star.
17.5" (4/9/99): not found.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3602 = m 219 on 4 Mar 1865 and
noted "eeF, vS, alm stell."
His position matches
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NGC 3603 = ESO 129-16 = Cr 244 = Gum 38b = RCW 57
11 15 07 -61 15 42; Car
V = 9.1; Size 12'
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
distant (20,000 light years) superluminous HII region and cluster was
mesmerizing at 200x using a UHC filter.
The nebulosity was generally elongated E-W, ~5'x3', but with bays and
extensions and dark lanes. The
surface brightness was highest to the south of the embedded cluster with a dark
lane slashing through the nebulosity just west of the bright core. At 350x, 15-20 stars were resolved in
the glow, though the tiny, brilliant "core" cluster (
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x a bright irregular nebula surrounds a mag 9 "star". At 200x, a half-dozen very faint stars are packed very close to the central star. This very compact knot is actually a distant, very dense, super star cluster (SSC) of extremely luminous stars! Adding a UHC filter, the nebulosity is irregular at 105x, extending mostly south of the star and fading out into two or three sections that are possibly divided by a dark lane. The brightest section is to the southwest of the central star.
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x this distant but superluminous HII region is a fascinating clump of stars of and nebulosity surrounding a bright 9th magnitude knot. The bright central region was extremely dense and contained 10-12 stars crammed into 2', yet it seemed only partially resolved at the very center into a couple of stars. At 128x and UHC filter, the surrounding "haze" is clearly gaseous in nature with the brightest portion offset to the SW side from the core with a roughly broad fan with a total size of approximately 5'x3'. A dark lane appears to cut through the nebulosity towards the core and there is a strong impression that the field is riddled with dust lanes and patches. This is a well-studied highly reddened, luminous cluster (~20,000 light years) and HII region with similarities to the Tarantula nebula in the LMC!
John Herschel discovered NGC 3603 = h3334 on 14 Mar 1834 NGC 3603 and recorded "a red star 10m, the centre of an excessively condensed group of stars 15...18m, with a nebulosity extending over 2' diameter. On the next sweep, he noted "the center, when examined with powers 240 and 320, decidedly not a star, and the nebula about it all resolved. Perhaps it is a globular clusters, vs vvmbM."
In 1928, Willem van den Bos examined the central
"star" with the 26.5-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg
and found "the central star to be a close double,
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NGC 3604 = NGC 3611 = UGC 6305 = MCG +01-29-026 = CGCG 039-103 = PGC 34478
11 17 30.1 +04 33 19; Leo
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 3604 = H. II-626 on 30 Dec 1786 (short sweep 675) and recorded "pB, S, lE, mbM." There is nothing at Herschel's position and this object was not recovered by Bigourdan. In the "Scientific Papers of WH", Dreyer states "should probably be rejected as there was fog "which indeed was so strong as to make everything swim about me." But, WH's position is 1.0 tmin preceding NGC 3611 (similar offset as NGC 3509 on the same sweep) and Dorothy Carlson (1940 NGC correction paper) and Harold Corwin equate NGC 3604 and 3611. See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 3605 = UGC 6295 = MCG +03-29-019 = CGCG 096-019 = Holm 240c = WBL 319-001 = PGC 34415
11 16 46.6 +18 01 01; Leo
V = 12.3; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 17°
24" (5/27/17): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a small very bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. Close pair with brighter NGC 3607 3' NE. Member of the large group USGC U376.
13.1" (2/16/85): fairly faint, small, round, small bright nucleus. In a group with brigtest member NGC 3607 3.0' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3605 = H. III-27 = h844 =
St. 12-43, along with NGC 3607 and 3608, on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170). He described these as, "Three
nebula of different sizes; all brightest in the middle & R. The largest is that in the middle [NGC
3607] & is of a considerable size; that on the north [
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11 16 15.6 -33 49 40; Hya
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1
18" (3/17/07): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
0.6' diameter, small bright core, relatively bright stellar nucleus. Two mag 10 and 11 stars lie 4.5' and
5.5' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3606 = h3335 on 20 Apr 1835 NGC
3606 and logged "eF; R; S; gbM; 15"." His single observation matches
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NGC 3607 = UGC 6297 = MCG +03-29-020 = CGCG 096-021 = Holm 240a = WBL 319-002 = PGC 34426
11 16 54.7 +18 03 06; Leo
V = 9.9; Size 4.9'x2.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 120°
24" (5/27/17): very bright, large, oval 4:3 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to an extremely bright nucleus. A nice group of 5 stars is roughly 4' SE with one a wide pair [17"]. In a small group of bright galaxies (part of the larger group USGC U376) with NGC 3605 2.9' SW and NGC 3608 5.8' N.
13.1" (2/16/85): bright, slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group with NGC 3608 5.7' N, NGC 3605 3.0' SW and NGC 3599 21' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3607 = H. II-50 = h845 = St. 12-44, along with NGC 3605 and 3608, on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170). See NGC 3605 for description.
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NGC 3608 = UGC 6299 = MCG +03-29-022 = CGCG 096-022 = Holm 240b = WBL 319-003 = PGC 34433
11 16 59.0 +18 08 55; Leo
V = 10.8; Size 3.2'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 75°
24" (5/27/17): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 1.5' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core and an intense nucleus. In a prominent trio with NGC 3607 5.9' S and NGC 3605 8.5' SS W and part of the larger group USGC U376. Two mag 12.3 and 12.8 stars are 1.4' NW and 1.9' NE.
13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, small, stellar nucleus. Appears slightly fainter than NGC 3607 5.7' S. In a trio with NGC 3605 and NGC 3607.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3608 = H. II-51 = h846 = St. 12-45, along with NGC 3605 and 3607, on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170). See NGC 3605 for description.
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11 17 50.6 +26 37 33; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 50°
17.5" (4/22/95): faint, moderately large, round, 1.2'
diameter. Weak concentration to a
slightly brighter core. A mag 14
star is just off the south edge 50" from center and a second mag 14 star
is 1.8' NW. A brighter mag 11 star
lies 3.3' NE. Forms a pair with
Otto Struve found NGC 3609 on 18 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. It was found while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) but he made the original discovery just 2 nights earlier. As a result it carries two NGC designations; 3609 and 3612. Modern sources mistakenly identify UGC 6321 as NGC 3612. See NGC 3612 for the story.
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11 18 25.3 +58 47 10; UMa
V = 10.8; Size 2.7'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (3/19/88): bright, small, slightly elongated
NW-SE. Sharp concentration with a
very small bright core and a faint halo!
About 15' NNW is a small group of 7 stars including mag 9.0
NGC 3610 is the brightest member of a 5 member group (LGG 234), along with NGC 3610, 3619, 3642, 3674 and 3683.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3610 = H. I-270 = h847 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and noted "vB, cL." John Herschel made 3 observations, on sweep 344 logging "B; R; vsvmbM to a * 11m." His position is accurate.
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NGC 3611 = NGC 3604 = UGC 6305 = MCG +01-29-026 = CGCG 039-103 = Todd 1 = PGC 34478
11 17 30.1 +04 33 19; Leo
V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (3/22/96): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.8'. Fairly sharp concentration with a rounder 30" core and a bright nearly stellar nucleus offset to the north side of the core. A mag 11 star is 3.2' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3611 = H. II-521 = h849 on 27 Jan 1786 (sweep 514) and recorded "F, vS, iF, er." A second observation on 15 Apr 1786 (sweep 552) noted "vF, iF, smbM." WH found this galaxy again on the short sweep 675 on 30 Dec 1786 and recorded II-626 = NGC 3604 as "pB, S, lE, mbM." His position is 1.0 tmin too far west. So, NGC 3611 = NGC 3604. John Herschel made two observations, first recording "B; S; R smbM; has a * 10m, 60° np, dist 3'."
Finally, David Todd found NGC 3611 = Todd 1 on 3 Nov 1877 in his search for trans-Neptunian planet. Todd's offsets for nearby stars match this galaxy.
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NGC 3612 = NGC 3609 = UGC 6310 = MCG +05-27-043 = CGCG 156-050 = PGC 34511
11 17 50.5 +26 37 32; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 50°
See observing notes for NGC 3609. Modern sources misidentify UGC 6321, located 5.4' E, as NGC 3612.
Otto Struve discovered NGC 3612 on 16 Mar 1869 with the
15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. It was found while searching for Comet
Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke). His
description (translately roughly from German using GoogleTranslate) reads
"pretty faint, 30"-40" diameter. A mag 10-11 star is
approximately 2' north following, with the nebula in position angle
225°." His position is within
1' of
Two nights later (18 Mar) Struve reported finding another nebula, described as 20" diameter and situated in PA 226° from a 10th magnitude star. His position was 14 seconds of time too far west, but his PA is a perfect match with UGC 6310. So, although there are two galaxies here, both of Struve's entries point to the same brighter galaxy. I notified Corwin and Steinicke of the situation in April 2015 and Wolfgang agreed NGC 3612 = NGC 3615 = UGC 6310. He mentioned that this leaves UGC 6321 without a NGC designation as Bigourdan, Kobold and Hagen only observed the brighter galaxy. Kobold called the brighter galaxy NGC 3612, but modern sources identify it as NGC 3609.
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11 18 36.0 +58 00 00; UMa
V = 10.9; Size 3.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 102°
17.5" (3/19/88): bright, moderately large, very
elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, very bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3613 = H. I-271 = h848 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and logged "vB, cL, E, mbM." His RA and Dec is too large (noted by Dreyer in Scientific Papers). John Herschel recorded "vB; mE; pos 305°, a nucl and F branches." and measured an accurate position.
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11 18 21.3 +45 44 53; UMa
V = 11.6; Size 4.6'x2.6'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 80°
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, moderately large, weak concentration, slightly elongated 4:3 E-W with dimensions 2.5'x2.0', low surface brightness, edges fade gradually into background. Located on a line with a mag 13 star 3.5' E and a mag 12 star 5.1' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3614 = H. II-729 = h850 on 5
Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "vF, cL, lbM, lE in the
parallel." John Herschel
noted "F; pL; glbM; r."
His position matches
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11 18 06.7 +23 23 50; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 40°
17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6'. The
prominent 20" core steadily increases to a stellar nucleus. First and brightest of a trio with NGC
3618 7' NE and extremely faint
William Herschel discovered NGC 3615 = H. III-333 = h851 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, vS. 240x verified it." Caroline's reduction is 3.4' northwest of
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11 18 08.9 +14 45 53; Leo
= Not found, Harold Corwin and Dorothy Carlson.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3616 = H. III-76 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "eF, pL. Some doubts were removed by putting on 240." There is noithing near his position and Dreyer notes in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that it was not found by Bigourdan (visually) nor by Max Wolf (on a Heidelberg plate).
Harold Corwin initially identified this number with a star near WH's position but more recently he feels a single or even close double star would not fit Herschel's description of "pL". So, this object is not found. See Corwin's notes.
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11 17 50.9 -26 08 04; Hya
V = 12.8; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 147°
18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, small, round , 30" diameter. Increases to a very small brighter nucleus. I probably only viewed the brighter core and missed the dim halo.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3617 = h3336 on 22 Mar 1836 and
recorded "F; S; R: gbM; 20"." His position matches
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11 18 32.6 +23 28 08; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 175°
17.5" (4/9/99): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration. Third of three on a line with CGCG 126-022 and NGC 3615 7' SW. At low power collinear with two mag 10 stars equally spaced 8' and 17' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3618 = H. III-334 on 10 Apr
1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, S, goes into the field with the foregoing
[NGC 3615]." Caroline's
reduction is 3.6' northwest of
NGC 3618 was assumed to be a new on the 23 Mar 1857 observation by R.J. Mitchell at Birr Castle: "about 6' or 7' nf [NGC 3615] is a S, vvF patch, lbM." JH included this observation in the GC (2365) as well as GC 2368 = III-334. In the 1880 compilation of LdR observations, Dreyer added the note "the latter [GC 2365] is not a "nova" but = III 334, as pointed out by d'Arrest. GC 2365 is to be struck out."
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NGC 3619 = UGC 6330 = MCG +10-16-115 = CGCG 291-054 = PGC 34641
11 19 21.6 +57 45 29; UMa
V = 11.5; Size 2.7'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with
8" (3/28/81): faint, small, round.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3619 = H. I-244 = h852 on 18
Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "cB, R, vgmbM, 1 1/2' dia." Caroline's reduced position is just off
the nortwest edge of
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11 16 04 -76 12 54; Cha
V = 13.9; Size 2.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 15.0; PA = 78°
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly
faint, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is pinned against the
south side, a little west of the center.
I reobserved this galaxy not realizing it was logged the previous
night. Located 32' NE of the
bright reflection nebula
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.5', small brighter core. A mag 14 star is barely off the south side (west of center). The large reflection nebula, IC 2631, lies 32' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3620 = h3338 on 31 Mar 1837 and logged "F; pmE; gbM; 50". His position and description matches ESO 038-010. This galaxy is not included in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 star atlas or it companion Deep Sky Field Guide.
NGC 3620 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "eF, S, cE at 80°, 12 mag star 0.5' south."
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11 18 16.0 -32 48 42; Hya
V = 9.7; Size 12.3'x7.1'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 159°
48" (5/9/18): at 488x; this prominent galaxy is extremely large, irregular but elongated at least 2:1 NNW-SSE. The main disk extends ~7'x3' and is noticeably mottled and dappled with slightly brighter and darker areas. Around the periphery is a a very low surface brightness outer halo that dissolved into the background sky, but could be traced ~5' SE of center. The galaxy contains a very large, brighter central region, which appeared somewhat offset within the main disk, though it was less defined than a typical core or nucleus. The most noticeable features are a couple of large dust lanes that border or outline spiral arms and arcs. A long, thin dust lane extends in a SSE to NNW orientation, just east of the central region. This dark lane cuts off or borders a relatively narrow spiral arm that is adjacent to the east. It contains a brighter 10" knot (stellar association/HII complex [KWB2013] 104), that was easily visible 1.1' ESE of center and 1.1' due west of mag 12.7 star. A broader dusty lane extends SSE to NNW along the west side. A very low surface brightness arm running parallel is just west of this darker lane or gap. The galaxy is outlined by several brighter stars; two mag 10.3/10.6 stars are near the southern edge of the halo, 2.8' SSW of center and 3.9' SSE of center, and a mag 12.7 star is placed ~2.5' ESE of center. A number of stars cradle the north end of the galaxy; the brightest is a mag 11.6 star [2.6 NW of center], which forms a kite asterism outlining the galaxy, along with the previous three stars. In additional a couple of stars are superimposed on the north side of the main glow and a number of additional mag 13 and 14 stars are at the northern edge of the halo.
17.5" (4/6/91): bright, large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 6' diameter, weak central concentration and along the major axis but no sharp nucleus. Several stars are nearby; three mag 11-13 stars are off the north tip and two mag 10 stars are 2.7' SW and 3.7' SSE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3621 = H. I-241 = D 617 = D 610 = h3337 on 17 Feb 1790 (sweep 808) and recorded "cB, vgbM, E from about 70° np to sf, about 6 or 7' long and near 4' broad. Within a parallelogram of stars." This is the most southerly object he discovered! From the latitude of Slough, NGC 3621 culminated at an elevation of only 6.8°!
James Dunlop observed NGC 3621 on 30 Apr 1826 and recorded D 617 as "a faint nebula, irregular figure, extended 6' in length, position north preceding and south following - 2 small stars follow the nebula. He made additional observations in May and August: "a very faint pretty large nebula, about 2' broad and 4' long, very faint at the edges. The brightest and most condensed part is near the south following extremity; a small star is involved in the north preceding extremity, and there are two small stars near the south extremity, but not involved." D 610, described as "a faint nebula of an irregular figure, extended about 6' in length", is a duplicate entry but his declination was 1° too far north.
John Herschel observed the galaxy on 29 Apr 1834 from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded, "pB, vL, oval, vgvlbM, resolvable [mottled], 5' long, 3' broad."
NGC 3621 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as a "large, close, spiral." It was photographed again in the 1930s at the Boyden Observatory in Bloemfontein, South Africa with the 60-inch Common reflector and described by John Paraskevopoulos as a "peculiar spiral with a wide faint extension to the southward that nearly doubles the length of the object over the portion that can be clearly seen in the reproduction"
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11 20 12.5 +67 14 29; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 7°
17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 N-S,
1.2'x0.6', elongated bright core.
A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' SE of center. Located 9.3' NNW of mag 6.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 3622 = H. II-879 = h853 on 6
Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and noted "pB, R, S, bM." Caroline's reduced position is 1.8 tmin
following
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11 18 55.3 +13 05 35; Leo
V = 9.3; Size 9.8'x2.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 174°
48" (5/1/19): at 375x; beautiful, extremely large, showpiece spiral extending 7:2 N-S. The galaxy displayed a strong concentration with a very bright, round core and an intensely bright, prominent nucleus. There was a slight enhancement along the major axis but no impression of a bar. A long, low contrast dust lane runs N-S along the length of the galaxy on the east side. The edge was a bit ragged and the glow of the galaxy on its east side had a low surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is at the W edge of the dust lane, due E of the core. Also a mag 16 star is at the W edge of the galaxy, slightly S of the nucleus [1.2' WSW of the mag 14.5 star]. A mag 12.3 star is 2.3' SSW of center, just off the W side.
17.5" (1/31/87): very bright, very large, very elongated
N-S, 7.5'x2.0', bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is west of the south end 2.1' from the
center. Forms a remarkable trio
with
13.1" (4/10/86): very bright, elongated N-S, elongated bright core, possible stellar nucleus.
Charles Messier discovered
Lord Rosse observed M65 on 31 Mar 1848 and described it as a "Curious nebula with bright nucleus at left a little above and towards the right is a streak spiral; resolved very well about the nucleus, but no other part. From the right, and apparently springing from the nucleus, a very faint portion of nebulosity extends for about 15', gradually melting away. William Rambaut's (LdR's assistant) sketch on this night was published in the 1850 PT paper (fig. 7). On 25 Feb 1854, "Lord Rosse suspected dark spaces on either side of the nucleus.", though this suspicion wasn't confirmed the following year. William Lassell also sketched M65 using the 48" from Malta.
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11 18 50.9 +07 31 16; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 175°
17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, diffuse glow with a
brighter center. Halo fades into
background, ~40" diameter. A
mag 13 star lies 2.5' N. Forms a
close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3624 = h855 on 27 Dec 1827 and
simply noted as "eF." His position matches
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NGC 3625 = UGC 6348 = MCG +10-16-120 = CGCG 291-057 = PGC 34718
11 20 31.2 +57 46 53; UMa
V = 13.1; Size 2.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 148°
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration. Third of three with NGC 3613 20' NW and NGC 3619 9.4' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3625 = H. II-885 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and logged "F, E from np to sf, about 1 1/2' long." The NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate.
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11 20 03.9 +18 21 24; Leo
V = 11.0; Size 2.7'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 157°
24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x1.4', broadly concentrated halo with a larger brighter core and very low surface brightness outer halo. The core, though, is sharply concentrated with a very intense, quasi-stellar nucleus. Member of a group (LGG 237) that extends from NGC 3607/08 to NGC 3681/84/86.
16" LX200 (4/14/07): bright, fairly large, elongated
2:1 ~NNW-SSE. Sharply concentrated
with a small, very bright core that increases to a bright, stellar nucleus.
17.5" (3/22/96): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.8'x1.2'. Strong, sharp concentration with a very small elongated core and a bright stellar nucleus. Located roughly 50' ENE of the NGC 3607 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3626 = H. II-52 = h856 on 14
Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "a nebula like the northern one [II-51 =
NGC 3608], but a little longish."
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11 20 15.0 +12 59 22; Leo
V = 8.9; Size 9.1'x4.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 173°
48" (4/13/10): this showpiece galaxy stretches 7'x3' N-S. The central region is dominated by a prominent, 3'x1.2' central bar that is elongated NNW-SSE. The central region has a mottled, irregular surface brightness and increases gradually towards the center and then suddenly to a very bright, stellar nucleus. A very faint star or HII knot was seen at the very north tip of the bar [confirmed as #44 in Hodge's "Second Survey of HII regions in Galaxies", ApJS, 27, 113 (1974)]. The longer, better defined arm is attached at the north end and sweeps directly south along the western flank of the galaxy for a total length of ~5'. The western edge of this arm is very well defined as it fades to the southern tip, though the inner edge merges with the glow within the central region. The arm and bar are brightest where they join at the north end of the central region. The second spiral arm is attached at the south end of the bar and shoots north on the eastern side of the galaxy. This arm fades after a shorter distance, so is not as prominent, but is brightest at the root where it emerges from the bar. A mag 9.8 star lies 3' NW of center at the outer edge of the halo.
17.5" (1/31/87): very bright, large, elongated N-S, 5'x3', bright elongated core contains a stellar nucleus. Two spiral arms are visible although the western arm is more prominent.
13.1" (many dates from 4/24/82 and 2/25/84): bright elongated core, stellar nucleus. A diffuse spiral arm extends south and a second short arm extends to the east. A dark patch is visible just east of the nucleus.
Charles Messier discovered M66 = NGC 3627 = h857 = h875, along with M65, on 1 Mar 1780. On 12 Apr 1784, William Herschel recorded "vB, mE, iF. The extension is chiefly in the direction of the meridian, and the greatest brightness near the middle. John Herschel made 4 observations, once claiming it as a new (h875), with his RA 3 minutes too large. On sweep 22 he logged "vB; vL; sbM; 3' l, 2' br; E 60° np to sf in direction of 2 stars 10m, preceding."
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, sketched the galaxy on 17 Apr 1849 (Plate XXVII, fig. 16 in the 1861 publication). Features included a well defined spiral arm along the western side and arcs within the main body that correspond with brighter sections of spiral arms. The 31 Mar 1848 observation by Rosse or assistant Rambaut mentions "a little above towards the right [nf] is a dark streak; spiral, resolved well about the Nucl, but no other part. From the right, and apparently springing from the nucleus, a vF portion of nebulosity extends for nearly 15', gradually melting away." A schematic in the 1880 publication shows the beginning of two arms on the eastern side and a long, thick arm on the western side.
William Lassell also sketched M66 using his 48-inch from Malta on 21 Apr 1862, though misidentified it as M65. The galaxy was drawn as more irregular than spiral, though the primary arm on the west side is clearly sketched, along with a dark gap between it and the core. Also a loop was sketched on the north side corresponding with part of the eastern arm as well as a continuation of the western arm as it curls towards the core.
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NGC 3628 = Arp 317 NED3 = VV 308b = UGC 6350 = MCG +02-29-020 = CGCG 067-058 = Holm 246c = LGG 231-004 = PGC 34697 = Leo Triplet
11 20 16.2 +13 35 22; Leo
V = 9.5; Size 14.8'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 104°
48" (5/12/18): at 375x; very prominent, stunning dust lane extending along most of the length of the galaxy [for roughly 8']. The lane widens on both the WNW and ESE end. On the ESE end, the outer halo has a fairly low surface brightness and spreads or flares out in width. At the WNW end, the outer halo was easily visible and sprayed out noticeably in a wide cone, more extensively towards the north, creating an asymmetric appearance. A mag 16.5 star is along the N edge, at the brightest section, and a mag 15.5 star is 40" further NE. A brighter mag 14.8 star is along the ESE flank, 2.5' from center.
17.5" (1/31/87): bright, unusually large edge-on WNW-ESE, 11'x2.5'. A broad irregular dust lane is prominent bisecting the galaxy along the entire length. Appears brighter to the north of the dark lane and fainter on the south side.
13.1" (4/24/82 and 2/25/84): the dust lane was clearly visible along the entire length and divided the galaxy into two asymmetric halves with the south slice much fainter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3628 = H. V-8 = h859 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "B, vmE, lbM than towards the ends. It seems to extend 9 or 10' if not more." John Herschel called it "a v long narrow ray, vgbM; 15' long, a most curious object. E by diag in pos 105°.
Lord Rosse first observed NGC 3628 on 31 Mar or 1 Apr 1848. Samuel Hunter, observing on 10 Feb 1861, noted "split into two parallel rays." A month later he added "split extends its whole length, the f part being partially filled with faint nebulosity." Robert Ball, observing on 18 Mar 1866 also noted "there seems to be a dark channel on south side in direction of elongation."
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11 20 31.7 +26 57 49; Leo
V = 12.1; Size 2.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 30°
18" (3/29/03): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.2'x0.9', diffuse, low surface brightness, weak broad concentration. A mag 14 star is 1.1' SE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3629 = H. II-338 = h860 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "vF, pL, r, nearly R, gvlbM." John Herschel made a total of 7 observations with a composite description "F; L; R; vgbM; 2' dia; *14 m s f 60"."
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11 20 17.0 +02 57 52; Leo
V = 11.9; Size 4.6'x3.0'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 37°
24" (5/20/20): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core and a much fainter disc, ~1.2'x0.4'
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 SW-NE, small but very bright core, stellar nucleus, thin
extensions. Located 10' NW of mag
8.3
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, very small bright core. Located ~20' SW of NGC 3640.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3630 = h861 on 7 Apr 1828 and recorded "B; R smbM to nucl: 25". His two positions are very similar. In the Slough Catalogue, he equated h861 with his father's H. II-32 but listed this object as a nova in the General Catalogue (GC).
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11 21 02.9 +53 10 10; UMa
V = 10.4; Size 5.0'x4.8'; Surf Br = 13.7
48" (4/4/11): beautiful face-on spiral of 4' diameter with two long, winding arms and branching extensions! This very bright galaxy appeared sharply concentrated with an intensely bright small core that increased to an extremely bright stellar nucleus. A prominent patchy arm was attached on the west side of the core and rotated counterclockwise to the north, then bent sharply back in a straight line to the east end of the galaxy. What appeared to be an offshoot arm turned counterclockwise on the east side and continued all the way to the south end of the galaxy. The second arm was attached on the southeast end of the core and swept around the south side towards the west and then continued to the northwest end of the galaxy. An offshoot or another patchy arm continued east near the edge of the northern halo. The two main arms are nearly connected by a slightly brighter region on the south side. Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 Group.
17.5" (4/1/95): bright, large, round, 3.5' diameter. Sharp concentration with a prominent core which brightens to a nearly stellar nucleus. The outer halo fades into the background and shows a hint of the spiral arm structure. Two mag 12-13 stars are 3.4' NE and 3.3' WNW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3631 = I-226 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "cB, R, small br nucl and vF halo of considerable extent, 3' or 4' dia."
Four observations describing spiral arms were made at Birr Castle. On 30 Mar 1856, R.J. Mitchell recorded "Spiral, with I think, two arms thus (thumbnail sketch). The arms are broken and of unequal light. There are bright patches at alpha (preceding the nucleus), beta (south preceding arm) and gamma (end of bright north following arm)." A week later he logged "Spirality seen as in last observation. The following branch comes down past the other, doubling over it and seems to originate from the preceeding side of nucleus. Very patchy."
The1880 publication has a thumbnail sketch and the 1861 publication has a drawing (Plate XXVII, fig 20). Both show the main features that can be confirmed on the DSS.
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NGC 3632 = NGC 3626 = UGC 6343 = MCG +03-29-032 = CGCG 096-029 = PGC 34684
11 20 03.9 +18 21 24; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3626.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3632 = H. II-30 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146) and described a "pB neb, it seems to contain stars; it is of some extent." There is nothing at his position (objects found in his early sweeps often have fairly large offset errors), but 24 sec of RA west and 12' N is NGC 3626. Dreyer, in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, states "not seen by d'A (5 times), is no doubt =II 52 = NGC 3626 only 24s p and 12' N. The latter was observed 14 Mar 1784, a neb like II 51 but a little longish." This conclusion is repeated by Karl Reinmuth in his photographic survey. So, NGC 3632 = NGC 3626.
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11 20 26.2 +03 35 08; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 72°
17.5" (4/4/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1
WSW-ENE, weak concentration. A mag
14 star is off the west edge.
Located 3.5' WSW of mag 8.9
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3633 = Sw. 6-40 on 23 Mar 1887
and reported "vF; S; R; nearly between a pB star and a faint
star." His position and
description matches
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11 20 30.3 -09 00 51; Crt
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.7
24" (3/9/13): faint, extremely small, round,
8"-10" diameter.
Situated at the west edge of brighter
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3634 = LM 2-433, along
with NGC 3635, on 24 Jan 1887. His
(single) position is very close to the double system
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NGC 3635 = VV 724 = MCG -01-29-009 = PGC 34717
11 20 31.4 -09 00 49; Crt
V = 13.4; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 18°
24" (3/9/13): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 30"x20", very small brighter nucleus. NGC 3634, a very compact interacting companion, is attached on the west edge. A mag 13.5 star lies 0.9' W.
17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.4', weak concentration. NGC 3634 was not seen. A mag 14.5 star lies 1' W.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3635 = LM 2-434, along with NGC 3634, on 24 Jan 1887. His (single) position is very close to the double system MCG -01-29-008 and -009.
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11 20 25.1 -10 16 55; Crt
V = 12.4; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (3/29/89): moderately bright, very small, bright
core, round. Located just 1.8' NW
of mag 6.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 3636 = H. II-550 = h862, along with NGC 3637, on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597) and recorded "Two, stellar, vF, vS. A considerable bright star is situated between them, but about 1' south of the line that connects them."
Andrew Ainslie Common found the pair in 1880 and reported them as "2 planetary nebulae, B star between" in his Copernicus discovery list.
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NGC 3637 = MCG -02-29-020 = LGG 235-002 = PGC 34731
11 20 39.5 -10 15 27; Crt
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (3/29/89): moderately bright, very small, bright core, round. Located 3.0' NE of mag 6.6 SAO 156618. Forms a pair with NGC 3636 3.8' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3637 = H. II-551 = h863, along with NGC 3636, on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597) and recorded "Two, stellar, vF, vS. A considerable bright star is situated between them, but about 1' south of the line that connects them." Andrew Ainslie Common found the pair in 1880 and reported them as "2 planetary nebulae, B star between" in his Copernicus discovery list.
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11 20 10.0 -08 06 21; Crt
V = 13.4; Size 2.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 141°
17.5" (5/4/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', brighter along the major axis. With averted vision, there are hints of longer extensions. Forms the western vertex of a right triangle with two mag 12 stars 3.4' E and 4.3' NE.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3638 = L II-435 in 1886 and
logged "mag 15.8, 0.4' dia, 2 star 10m following." His position is 0.6 min of RA east of
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NGC 3639 = UGC 6374 = MCG +03-29-036 = CGCG 096-032 = PGC 34819
11 21 35.7 +18 27 30; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 27°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, occasional very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located 2' N of a mag 12 star.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3639 on 21 Jan 1855 with LdR's
72" and logged "about 15' following [NGC 3626] and a little north is
a neb. S, R, pF, vlbM." Dreyer added the comment "d'Arrest
could not see [NGC 3639], perhaps the observation from 1855 was of some other
neb. in this neighborhood." But
the position matches
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NGC 3640 = UGC 6368 = MCG +01-29-033 = CGCG 039-130 = PGC 34778
11 21 06.8 +03 14 05; Leo
V = 10.4; Size 4.0'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 100°
24" (5/20/20): at 375x; very bright, fairly large,
slightly elongated, 2' diameter, strong concentration with an intense oval
core. The nucleus is small, round
and very bright. Forms a very
close pair with
17.5" (2/8/91): bright, moderately large, small very bright core, oval halo 3:2 E-W, 15" substellar mottled nucleus. A mag 14 star is 2.3' N. Brightest in a group and forms a close pair with NGC 3641 2.5' SSE.
14.5" (4/12/21): at 182x and 226x; fairly bright, moderately large, oval halo ~5:4 E-W of low surface brightness, ~2.0'x1.6'. Strongly and sharply concentrated with an unusually bright core that increases steadily to a nearly stellar nucleus.
8" (4/24/82): bright, moderately large, bright core, slightly elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3640 = H. II-33 = h864 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and logged "a nebula like the former [pB, bM, vS], but a good deal larger and more regular; almost cometic." His position is poor (not uncommon in early sweeps) -- 50 sec of RA too large -- but there are no other bright nearby galaxies. John Herschel logged "B; R; psbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 3641 = UGC 6370 = MCG +01-29-034 = PGC 34780
11 21 08.8 +03 11 40; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (5/20/20): at 375x; between pretty faint and moderately bright, round, 40" diameter, sharp concentration with a small bright nucleus. The halo seems more extensive to the south of the nucleus. Located 2.6' SSE of the center of much brighter and larger NGC 3640.
17.5" (2/8/91): faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a close pair with bright NGC 3640 2.6' NNW.
14.5" (4/12/21): at 226x; nearly fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, small brighter nucleus. A mag 12 star is 3' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3641 = m 220 = T. 1-34 on 22 Mar
1865 and noted "F, vS, alm stell." His position matches
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11 22 17.9 +59 04 28; UMa
V = 11.2; Size 5.4'x4.5'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 105°
17.5" (3/19/88): bright, fairly large, round, even concentration down to a very bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Appears mottled (knot?) on the west side of the core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3642 = H. I-245 = h865 on 18
Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "p or cB, pS, R, vgbM." His position is within 1' of the center
of
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11 21 25.0 +03 00 50; Leo
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4
24" (5/20/20 and 5/24/20): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, brighter core, 40"x20", overall fairly low surface brightness. A mag 13.2 star is 1' SE of center.
SN 2020hvf, a Type Ia supernova in NGC 3643, was discovered about a month ago (Apr 21) at 22" E of center (at the east edge of the galaxy). At 13th magnitude, the SN was similar in brightness to the mag 13.2 star just 45" to its SSE, and was bright enough to detract from viewing the galaxy!
17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1
NW-SE. A mag 13 star is at the SE
edge 1.0' from center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3643 = m 221, along with NGC
3644, on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS". His position matches
The RNGC misidentifies
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NGC 3644 = IC 684 = UGC 6373 = MCG +01-29-037 = CGCG 039-139 = PGC 34814
11 21 32.9 +02 48 37; Leo
V = 14.0; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 63°
24" (5/20/20): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
oval 2:1 SW-NE, broad weak concentration.
A mag 12.5 star is just off the SW edge.
IC 683: faint, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.
CGCG 039-134: extremely faint, round, 15" diameter, only occasionally popped
48" (4/4/11): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 40"x16", contains a bright core. A mag 12.5 star is 40" SSW of center. Shkh 352, a rich group of faint galaxies, lies 5' N in the field.
17.5" (4/4/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE. A mag 13 star is at the SW edge 0.6' from center. Located 12' ESE of mag 8.3 SAO 118800 in the NGC 3640 group with NGC 3643 12' N. A very faint quartet of galaxies is midway between NGC 3644 and NGC 3643.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3644 = m 222 on 22 Mar 1865 and
noted "vF, vS." His
position matches
Guillaume Bigourdan found this galaxy on 14 Apr 1888 and
assumed it was new, and recorded #163 as a "small nebula with a mag 12.8
situated in PA 214° at 0.5'." His position is a bit off to the north and
Dreyer recatalogued this galaxy as
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11 20 17.0 +02 57 52; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3630.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3645 = H. II-32 = h867 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "pB, vS, bM so that it resembles an irregular nebulous star." His position, reduced correctly by Caroline, falls 3' south of NGC 3643 (much too faint to fit his description), in a group of very faint galaxies. But it is also 70 seconds of RA due east of NGC 3630, a bright galaxy that fits the description. John Herschel has a single observation, giving a very rough position (near his father's) but the description of h867 ("pB; S; E; bM") applies to NGC 3630. In fact, JH suggested the equivalence in the GC, though Dreyer rejected this in the NGC Notes section because Tempel claimed an observation of NGC 3645 (h867).
The identification of H. II-32 was analyzed by Malcolm Thomson in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal #73, Alister Ling in issue #87 and Harold Corwin in his NGC/IC identification notes. They all conclude that NGC 3645 is likely a duplicate observation of NGC 3630. RNGC and CGCG misidentify CGCG 039-143 as NGC 3645.
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11 21 43.1 +20 10 10; Leo
V = 11.1; Size 3.9'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 50°
48" (5/16/12 and 4/6/13): this showpiece spiral appeared bright, large, oval ~2:1 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core. The visual treat was a prominent lens or eye-shaped ring surrounding the core! The ring was slightly brighter in an arc along the north side. At the west edge of this arc was a very faint quasi-stellar knot (SDSS J112141.34+201039.0, V = 17.2). Another section of the ring that stands out is along the southwest edge, with a brighter linear piece about 40" long that has several SDSS designations. The interior of the ring is fairly dark near this section, as well as other sections, providing a good contrast between the core and ring. A very small, weak brightening was also noted on the northeast end of the ring. A mag 14 star lies 1.4' NW of center and a mag 16 star is 1' SSE of center.
17.5" (4/14/01): moderately bright, fairly large,
elongated 3'x2' SW-NE. Gradually
increases to a brighter 30" oval core. A quasi-stellar nucleus is occasionally visible with direct
vision. Forms a pair with
13.1": moderately bright and large, elongated, broad concentration with no nucleus. An extremely faint star or knot is involved.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3646 = H. III-15 = h866 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146) and recorded "Two, a Large nebula [NGC 3646] followed by a small one [NGC 3649], in the same field of view with it. The large one is extremely and small one still fainter, so that I did not perceive it immediately. I suppose the large one cannot be less than 5 or 6' of extent." John Herschel logged "F; L; E; 2' long. The sp of two [with NGC 3649]."
Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 13 Apr 1852, remarked "L neb [NGC 3646] is bM. It has a knot in sp end and a dark curved passage on p and n sides of centre; Spiral." This description is similar to the view in Jimi Lowrey's 48".
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11 21 32.6 +02 53 14; Leo
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.45'; PA = 73°
24" (5/20/20): at 375x; faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated E-W, 20"x15", low surface brightness. Brightest in a quartet with
48" (4/4/11): fairly faint, small, round, 18"
diameter, small bright nucleus.
First in the dense Shkh 352 cluster (7 members within 2') with 6
galaxies close following including Shkh 352-6 0.8' SE,
Shkh 352-2: fairly faint, very small, round, 14"
diameter, very small bright nucleus.
Located 0.8' NE of NGC 3647 (Shkh 352-1) in a dense group of compact
galaxies.
Shkh 352-3:
faint, very small, round, 14" diameter. In a very rich, group of faint, compact ellipticals with
Shkh 352-4: fairly faint, very small, round, 12", very small bright nucleus. Located 0.9' NE of CGCG 39-140 = Shkh 352-2 and 0.7' N of Shkh 352-3 in the core of this compact cluster. Shkh 352-7 lies 45" ESE.
Shkh 352-5: extremely faint and small, 6" diameter. Furthest north in tight group of 7
members of Shkh 352, packed into a 2' circle. Located 42" N of
Shkh 352-6: very faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter. This member of Shkh 352 forms the southern vertex of a tiny quadrilateral with NGC 3647 = CGCG 39-135 0.8' NW, CGCG 39-140 0.7' N and CGCG 39-141 1' NE!
Shkh 352-7: faint, extremely small, round, 6" diameter, bright stellar nucleus. Located 40" NE of Shkh 352-3 and 45" ESE of CGCG 039-142 = Shkh 352-4.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3647 = m 223 on 22 Mar 1865 and
noted an "eF neb. star."
His position falls in a tight quartet including
Various modern sources pick all four of these compact galaxies as NGC 3647! NED, HyperLeda and NGC/IC Project (Corwin) identifies CGCG 039-141 as NGC 3647, CGCG identifies CGCG 039-142 as NGC 3647, and the RNGC position falls on CGCG 039-140. But CGCG 039-135 is the brightest visually in the quartet! So, although the identification is uncertain with 4 close candidates, the 2014 version of Harold Corwin's NGC positions file also identifies CGCG 039-135 as NGC 3647.
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11 22 31.5 +39 52 37; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 75°
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6'. Contains a
small, round, bright core with a quasi-stellar nucleus. Located 18' S of mag 6.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 3648 = h868 on 18 Mar 1831 and noted "pB; pmE; S; has a suspicious nucleus, as if a vF close double star." The coordinates are marked uncertain, but his position is just 1' S.
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NGC 3649 = UGC 6386 = MCG +03-29-038 = CGCG 096-036 = IC 682 = PGC 34883
11 22 14.8 +20 12 30; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 140°
17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4' (viewed oval core only). A mag 14.5 star is just off the south edge [23" from center]. Forms a pair with NGC 3646 7.8' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3649 = H. III-16 = h869, along with NGC 3646 (see notes), on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146). John Herschel made two observations of the pair and his mean position is fairly accurate.
Lewis Swift possibly found the galaxy on 22 Apr 1889. He assumed it was new and recorded it in his 8th discovery list, #56 (later IC 682) with description "eF; eS; R; vF * close np." There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA east is NGC 3649 and the description applies.
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11 22 35.4 +20 42 15; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 1.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 54°
17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.2', irregular surface brightness, small brighter core. Situated 2.7' SE of a mag 11 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3650 = Sw. 3-60 on 5 Mar 1886 and
noted "eF; S; R; between 2 stars." His position is 16 sec of RA west of
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11 22 26.3 +24 17 56; Leo
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4
48" (4/18/15): NGC 3651 is the brightest member of the
17.5" (5/11/96): this is the brightest member of the
HCG 51 quintet. Fairly faint,
fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0'x0.8', small brighter core. Forms a small isosceles triangle with
NGC 3653 (51C) 1.4' SE and
MCG +04-27-026 is very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.9'x0.6', very weak concentration. Larger of close pair with IC 2759 1.0' N but has a significantly lower surface brightness. Modern catalogues misidentify this galaxy as IC 2759. IC 2759 is faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, moderate surface brightness. Finally MCG +04-27-030 is extremely faint and small, 12" diameter. It's the faintest of five in HCG 51.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3651 = H. III-335 = h870, along with NGC 3653, on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394). His description reads, "Two, both vF and vS. The most south [NGC 3653] is the faintest. I saw them both very well with 240. About 2 or 3' from each other." John Herschel noted "F; R; gbM; the np of 2."
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11 22 39.0 +37 45 54; UMa
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 150°
18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5'. Contains a bulging core and much fainter extensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3652 = H. II-775 = h871 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915) and logged "pB, cL, lE, vgmbM." NGC 3652 was discovered by WH (II 775). John Herschel noted (single observation) "F; pL; wires visible in twilight."
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NGC 3653 = HCG 51C = MCG +04-27-029 = CGCG 126-044 = Holm 249b = PGC 34905
11 22 30.1 +24 16 45; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 85°
48" (4/18/15): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.6'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core. NGC 3653 is the second brightest member of HCG 51 with slightly brighter NGC 3651 (and companions) 1.5' NW.
17.5" (5/11/96): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 30" diameter, stellar nucleus. Second brightest in HCG 51 quintet with brightest member NGC 3651 1.4' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3653 = H. III-336 = h872, along with NGC 3651, on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394). His description reads, "Two, both vF and vS. The most south [NGC 3653] is the faintest. I saw them both very well with 240. About 2 or 3' from each other." John Herschel noted "vF; the sf of 2." His position is 45" too far southeast.
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11 24 10.9 +69 24 47; UMa
V = 12.7; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 27°
17.5" (4/22/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, brighter along the major axis, very small bright core. Situated midway betwen a mag 12 star 3.1' NE and a mag 13 star 3.4' SW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3654 = H. II-880 on 6 Apr
1793 (sweep 1036) and recorded "F, S, lE from sp to nf, bM." His position matches
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11 22 54.7 +16 35 24; Leo
V = 11.6; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 30°
24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, large, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, very well concentrated with a relatively large bright core and an intensely bright small nucleus. Member of a group (LGG 237) that includes NGC 3681, 3684 and 3686.
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, prominent core, stellar nucleus, fainter extensions, high surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star is 2.5' ENE.
8" (4/24/82): fairly bright, bright core, slightly elongated. Located 45' WNW of a mag 6 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3655 = H. I-5 = h873 on 30 Dec 1783 (early sweep 71) and recorded "A nebula. F, not of the cometic kind, but seem to be resolvable. It is of a roundish shape, but not regular." John Herschel made three observations and measured an accurate position.
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11 23 38.5 +53 50 32; UMa
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 7°
48" (4/6/13): bright, moderately large, irregularly round, ~1.3'x1.0', large very bright core but no distinct nucleus. A mag 12.7 star is just off the west edge of a large, diffuse halo. A dust lane or absorption patch is evident on the north side as a region of lower surface brightness.
18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, round, fairly small, 0.8' diameter, fairly weak concentration with a brighter core. A mag 12 star is just off the west side, 45" from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3656 = H. II-782 = h874 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "pB, S, R, vgmbM, just following a small star." John Herschel logged "pB; R; vglbM; 20"; a * 12m preceding." and measured a very accurate position.
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11 23 55.6 +52 55 15; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1
18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, small bright core. Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 Group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3657 = H. III-768 = h876 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and noted "vF, vS, stellar, left doubtful." His declination was 3' too far south but John Herschel measured accurate position (used in the NGC).
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11 23 58.3 +38 33 45; UMa
V = 12.2; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, moderately large,
round, 1.0' diameter, small bright core, symmetrical appearance. Located 15' SW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 3658 = H. IV-59 = h877 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915). His description reads, "cB, S, R, BN, the nucleus considerably well defined, and the chevelure vF." John Herschel made two observations and noted, "Nothing remarkable in its character to place it in the 4th class."
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11 23 45.3 +17 49 04; Leo
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 60°
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, weak concentration, elongated WSW-ENE. Member of the LGG 237 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3659 = H. II-53 = h878 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "F, S, r." John Herschel measured an accurate position.
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11 23 32.2 -08 39 31; Crt
V = 11.9; Size 2.9'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 110°
48" (4/21/17): at 697x and 813x; this multi-armed barred spiral appeared bright, large, oval 4:3 WNW-ESE, ~2.8'x2.1'. The core consists of fairly narrow bar oriented NNW-SSE with a bright quasi-stellar nucleus at the center. Subtle spiral structure was evident in the halo with a couple of long spiral arcs, though the contrast was too low to distinguish complete arms. A mag 11.5 star is 2' NE of center and three mag 10-12.5 star are ~5' E.
48" (5/12/12): fairly bright, large, oval 5:4 WNW-ESE,
~2.5'x2.0', well concentrated with a bright, elongated core that seems to
contains a brighter bar. The outer
halo fades out gradually and increases in size with averted vision. LEDA 1000714 (Ring Galaxy) lies 4' W
and
18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly large, round, ~2'
diameter with averted vision, broad concentration but then suddenly increases
to a small nucleus. A faint star
is off the west edge 1' from center.
A trio of mag 10-12 stars follows by ~5'. Located 19' NE of mag 6.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 3660 = H. II-635 on 22 Feb
1787 (sweep 705) and noted "F, pL, iR, vgbM." His position matches
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11 23 38.4 -13 49 51; Crt
V = 14.0; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 137°
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very elongated NW-SE. A string of three mag 11 stars begins
1.6' S and continues to the SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3661 = H. III-530 = h3339,
along with NGC 3667, on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "vF,
stellar." His position is 2'
due south of
Ormond Stone found the galaxy again on 1 Jan 1889 with the
26-inch at the Leander-McCormick Observatory and assumed it was new. His micrometric position (#421 in the
LM Southern Nebulae list) matches
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11 23 45.6 -01 06 12; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 25°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7'. There is a fairly bright star ~mag 13.5 which is superimposed about 10" NE from the geometric center and appears similar to a bright stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3662 = H. IV-4 = h879 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "an excessively faint nebula, consisting of a nucleus with a vF, S, brush sp. The brush is not regularly fan shapes." Herschel commented in his 1814 PT paper that "a very small star has an extremely faint and very small nebula attached to it in the shape of a puff.". He gave this example as evidence of a union of attraction between the nebula and the star. John Herschel called this object a "star 13-14 m with a F, S, nebulous brush."
Wolfgang Steinicke, in "Observing and Cataloguing Nebulae and Star Clusters" states Julius Schmidt found NGC 3662 on 29 Mar 1862 with a 15.7-cm refractor and described an "exceedingly faint, object with slight central condensation." There was a controversy involving a number of observers whether this was a "variable nebula" (like NGC 1555) as either this galaxy or a nearby star appeared in the BD catalogue (BD -1° 2436) and marked as a nebula. Involved in the controversy were Julius Schmidt, d'Arrest, Hermann Goldschmidt, C.H.F. Peters and Argelander. The end result is that Argelander found a mistake occurred in the BD entry and the star should not have been marked as nebulous.
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11 23 59.8 -12 17 47; Crt
V = 12.5; Size 2.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 85°
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, fairly small, oval E-W, low even surface brightness. Two mag 13 and 15 stars are at the NE edge 39" and 57" from the center, respectively.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3663 in 1880 with his
36" silvered-glass reflector and recorded "eF, fan-shaped, star
close". There is nothing at
his position but 15' north is
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11 24 24.8 +03 19 39; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.1
48" (5/12/12): This disrupted spiral was a fascinating sight in Jimi Lowrey's 48-inch. The brightest feature is a very knotty 1' irregular bar oriented SW-NE, containing at least three brighter knots. The brightest knot is at the northeast end with at least two very close knots on the southwest side. A very short offshoot extends just north of the northeast end. Fainter haze surrounds the bar on the NW and SE sides.
The second brightest feature is a detached, mottled "arm segment" on the southwest side that's oddly cocked (NW-SE) perpendicular to the bar. As it appeared detached from the bar, it didn't seem like it was part of a spiral feature. But this arm segment dims significantly and continues curving clockwise around the south and east side, making a low surface brightness outer loop or ring, reaching around to the other side of the bar! Then I realized the bar was noticeably offset towards the northwest side within a rounder 1.6' outline.
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly large, low surface brightness glow with just a weak concentration, ~2' diameter. Nearly collinear with a wide pair of mag 10.5/12.5 stars 3' SE with a mag 10.5 star 7' NW also on this line. In addition, three mag 13 stars to the east are collinear! Located 20' W of a mag 6.7 star. This Arp galaxy has an unusual extension that juts at a 90° angle from the main body.
13.1" (4/10/86): very faint, slightly elongated ~N-S. Two stars lie SE and a bright star (82 Leo) is ~20' E.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3664 on 14 Mar 1879 with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory in Italy. He called it a double nebula with the two nuclei separated by 15"-20", so he resolved the two brightest "knots" along the central bar. The discovery was reported in a short note in AN 94, p. 335.
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NGC 3665 = UGC 6426 = MCG +07-24-003 = CGCG 214-004 = LGG 236-004 = PGC 35064
11 24 43.7 +38 45 47; UMa
V = 10.8; Size 2.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 30°
18" (5/30/03): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 2.4'x1.6', strong concentration with a very bright core which increases to the center. A mag 14.5 star lies 1.6' N of center, outside the halo. NGC 3658 lies 15' SW.
17.5" (5/2/92): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x1.3', increases to very bright core, stellar nucleus, fainter elongated halo. A mag 15 star is off the north edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3665 = H. I-219 = h881 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915) and recorded "vB, cL, vgmbM, iF." John Herschel made two observations, first logging it on 18 Mar 1831 (sweep 335) as "vB; R; pgmbM; 50"; r."
The RNGC has a typo in the declination, which is listed as 2 deg 54' instead of 38 deg 54'.
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11 24 26.2 +11 20 31; Leo
V = 12.0; Size 4.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 100°
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, elongated ~E-W, bright
core, sharper light cut off on the east side. A mag 14 star is 1.5' NNE of center. Located 9' SW of mag 5.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 3666 = H. I-20 = h882 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "E, r. A vB star may be taken into the field with it." John Herschel observed it on 3 sweeps, first noting on sweep 242 "eF; 2nd or 3rd class. The bright star 1341 A.S.C. follows it. This neb must have changed greatly if it ever belonged really to the 1st class."
Winnecke wrote a paper in 1879 (AN 2293) claiming this nebula displayed "periodic variability". As "proof" Winnecke mentioned that William Herschel placed this nebula in his first class of "Bright Nebula", but John Herschel called it "eF, 2nd or 3rd class." Winnecke described it as "pretty bright", while d'Arrest in 1863 termed it "subobscura". Dreyer found it barely visible in 1887 with the 10-inch Grubb refractor at Armagh but in 1891 he it appeared bright.
Dreyer was critical of reports of variability of nebulae in general and commented in a 1891 paper that "this is a diffused nebula with a very slight central condensation" and "the appearance of objects of this kind is far more influenced by the state of our atmosphere than that of nebulae with a distinct condensation." Wolfgang Steinicke discusses this cases on page 519 of his book on the history of the NGC.
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NGC 3667 = (R)
11 24 17.0 -13 51 26; Crt
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 85°
17.5" (3/29/89): moderately bright, very small, round, small bright nucleus. Forms a close pair with NGC 3667A = MCG -02-29-026 1.1' E. The companion appeared faint, very small, round, low surface brightness. NGC 3661 lies 10' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3667 = H. III-531 = h3340, along with NGC 3661, on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "cF, vlbM, stellar." John Herschel recorded "pF; R; 20"; has 3 stars 10 mag near it, with the two following of which it makes an equilateral triangle.
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11 25 30.4 +63 26 46; UMa
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 137°
17.5" (4/22/95): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.5'x1.0', mottled appearance. Well concentrated with an elongated core and a bright nucleus. A mag 15 star is superimposed at the northwest end 0.6' from center. Located 2.6' NE of a mag 10 star.
Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3668 = H. II-845 = h880 on
20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and noted "vF, pS." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 14 sec of RA west of
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11 25 26.7 +57 43 17; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 2.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 153°
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3669 = H. II-829 = h883 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "vF, E, easily resolvable." His position is accurate. John Herschel made a single observation and logged "vF; mE; vlbM; 60" length."
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11 24 49.7 +23 56 43; Leo
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 35°
18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5'. Moderate concentration with faint extensions and a small, brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3670 = H. III-337 = h884 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, S." His single position (Caroline's reduction) is 4' northwest
of
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11 25 52.5 +60 28 46; UMa
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 10°
17.5" (3/19/88): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 14.5 star is close east.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3671 = H. III-922 = h885 on
9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) and noted "vF, vS, 2 very small stars in
it." One of these "small
stars" is probably the nucleus.
John Herschel's position matches
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11 25 02.5 -09 47 40; Crt
V = 11.4; Size 4.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 8°
17.5" (3/29/89): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 2:1 N-S, weakly concentrated to the center. Brightest in a small group that includes NGC 3636 and 3637 (LGG 235 = USGC S165).
8" (5/21/82): faint, diffuse. Located 20' W of a mag 7.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3672 = H. I-131 = h886 on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597) and reocorded "cB, E, 4 or 5' long and near 4' broad, gbM."
Andrew Ainslie Common probably found this galaxy in 1880 with his 36" reflector, assumed it was new, and reported #17 as "pB, L, bM, E 180°" in his Copernicus discovery list. On 15 Feb 1868, C.E. Burton (observer at Birr Castle) recorded, "Sharper faint than p, curved horn towards sf? Deep concavity on faint side, poiints of light suspected on nucleus." This detailed description appears to confuse the E-W directions.
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11 25 12.8 -26 44 12; Hya
V = 11.5; Size 3.6'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 70°
18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 2.0'x1.4', broad concentration to halo. Appears brighter along the major axis
like a bar (verified on the DSS) with a very small brighter core. Two mag 11.5 and 13 stars following
closely, 2' and 1.5' from the center.
Located 8' N of mag 8.7
18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 2:1 WSW-ENE. Contains a bright 45" elongated core embedded in a much faint halo, ~2.5'x1.5'. Within the halo is the strong impression of a bar and the galaxy is locally brighter immediately following the bar.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3673 = h3341 on 22 Mar 1836 and
recorded "F; vL; vglbM.
Several small stars near, and one = 7m nearly south, at 6' distance. HIs
position and description matches
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11 26 26.6 +57 02 54; UMa
V = 12.2; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 33°
17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, small, very
elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3674 = H. II-886 on 8 Apr 1793 (sweep 1038) and logged "pB, iF." The NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate.
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11 26 07.8 +43 35 06; UMa
V = 10.2; Size 5.9'x3.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 178°
17.5" (4/6/91): very bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 4'x1.5', very bright sharply defined elongated core, substellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is at the SSW edge 2.0' from the center. A dust lane is evident by a sharper light cut-off along the east side of the core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3675 = H. I-194 = h887 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "vB, mE in the meridian, BN." John Herschel made two observations, first noting on 12 Apr 1830 (sweep 248), "vB; L; mE; vsmbM; 2' long, 40" broad. Many stars 14 and 15 mag precede." On 17 Mar 1849, George Johnstone Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) wrote, "Dark space [dust lane] following centre strongly suspected." As a result, the galaxy was included in the list of objects with "dark spaces" in Lord Rosse's 1850 publication.
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11 25 37.5 -11 08 23; Crt
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 151°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, occasional very faint stellar nucleus. Located in an asterims of 5 mag 11.5-12.5 stars with two mag 11.5 stars just 1' NNE and 1' SE. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 3676 = LM 2-436 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position, but
30' south is
RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and MCG -02-29-029 is not labeled as NGC 3676 in the MCG, Deep Sky Field Guide, Megastar, etc.
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11 26 17.7 +46 58 26; UMa
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 130°
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6'. Weak, even concentration to a small, brighter core. Collinear with two mag 11 stars 4' and 6' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3677 = h888 on 19 Mar 1828 and
noted "S; R; vsbM to a * 16m."
His mean position from 2 observations is 1' north of
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11 26 15.7 +27 52 01; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (3/29/03): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, fairly even surface brightness.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3678 = h889 on 13 Apr 1831 and
recorded "vF; R; psbM; 25".
Is 2' sp a * 12m." His
position and description matches
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11 26 08.6 -05 35 09; Leo
Size 1.0'x0.5'; PA = 178°
18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:2 N-S,
0.7'x0.3', fairly even surface brightness. Three mag 14 stars are within 2'. Located 4.6' SSE of a mag 10 star. The NGC identification is
very uncertain and NGC 3679 may apply to
William Herschel discovered NGC 3679 = H. III-112 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "cL, eF, R, r. Just preceding, and very near a B star. The nebulosity touches the star. There is so much moonlight that I do not see it satifactory, and am, even not without some doubts as to the reality, but must defer the verification till a darker night." There is nothing near his position.
Dreyer notes that WH could not find this nebula again on 29
Dec 1786 (sweep 673). He reported
"Looked for the Nebula III. 112 and though the night is apparently not a
bad one, I could not find it. I
examined a great part of the heavens in this neighborhood but saw nothing of
it." He searched again
unsuccessfully on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 912), but found another nebula - probably
See Harold Corwin's discussion of these identities. He suggests that NGC 3679 might be MCG
-01-29-012, located 2.4' south of of mag 7.8
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11 25 37 -43 15 00; Cen
V = 7.6; Size 12'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): scattered group of a dozen stars at 105x in 7' but with an interesting arrangement as many of the stars form two intersecting lanes crossing at a right angle. Includes a few mag 10-10.5 stars.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 3680 = D 481 = h3342 on 7 May 1826 and recorded (based on 4 observations), "a cluster of stars, about 10' diameter, mixt magnitude. This precedes 25 Centauri."
On 3 Feb 1835 (sweep 542) John Herschel logged "cluster VIII class, 60 or 70 stars 11..13th mag in a compact round space, 10' diameter." On 24 Feb 1837 (sweep 774) he wrote, "not very rich but a good cluster; gradually compressed in the middle, large, rich, very scattered, almost fills field, stars 10..14th mag."
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NGC 3681 = UGC 6445 = MCG +03-29-048 = CGCG 096-045 = LGG 237-005 = PGC 35193
11 26 29.8 +16 51 48; Leo
V = 11.2; Size 2.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 170°
24" (5/27/17): bright, fairly large, roundish, contains
a relatively large brighter core which is sharply concentrated with an
intensely bright nucleus. A string
of 3 stars extends to the ENE of the galaxy, the last is an uneven double
[~7" separation]. First in a
bright quartet (part of the LGG 237 group) with
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, round, brighter core, stellar nucleus. On a line with two stars mag 11 and 12 3.0' NE and 4.7' NE. First of four in the NGC 3686 group with NGC 3684 14' NNE, NGC 3691 24' ENE and NGC 3686 28' NE.
8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, round.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3681 = H. II-159 = h891 =
h3343 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198) and recorded "pB, S, bM, rather too large
to be called stellar." His
position is 18 sec of RA west of
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11 27 41.2 +66 35 23; Dra
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 95°
18" (3/30/05): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated E-W, ~0.6'x0.45'. Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright, 20" core and a much fainter halo. Located on the Draco-Ursa Major border.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3682 = H. I-262 = h890 on 6
Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and recorded "cB, vS, iF. A sort of a nucleus with a vF nebulosity about
it." His RA was 92 tsec too
large and dec 3' too large. John
Herschel logged "pB; R' vsmbM almost to a *; 30" dia." and his
position matches
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NGC 3683 = UGC 6458 = MCG +10-16-143 = CGCG 291-072 = PGC 35249
11 27 32.0 +56 52 37; UMa
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 128°
17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated NW-SE, small bright core. In a low power field with NGC 3674 14' NW and NGC 3683A 21' NE. NGC 3683A was noted as moderately bright and large, oval ~SW-NE, broad concentration. A mag 13 star is off the northeast edge, 1.7' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3683 = H. I-246 = h892 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and logged "F, pL, iR." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 17 sec of RA too small. John Herschel noted "E. haze so that I can barely be certain that a nebula exists.", but his position is very accurate!
Sir Robert Ball observed NGC 3683 on 1 Mar 1867 as an assistant to the Earl of Rosse. He reported finding another nebula described as "pF, pL, round, lbM, following half a field of finder and about the same amount north of [NGC 3683]. Unless there is
some mistake (f for p) this must be a nova, otherwise it must be 2415 [= NGC 3674]. A * near." Ball's description points to NGC 3683A = UGC 6484, which is 14' E and 15' N of NGC 3683, matching about half a finder field (~30'). Dreyer didn't assign this object a NGC designation as he didn't confirm it in a later observation on 1 Apr 1878. Corwin suggests he perhaps didn't look far enough northeast of NGC 3683 to pick up NGC 3683A.
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NGC 3684 = UGC 6453 = MCG +03-29-050 = CGCG 096-047 = LGG 237-006 = PGC 35224
11 27 11.2 +17 01 48; Leo
V = 11.4; Size 3.1'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
24" (5/27/17): bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, irregular halo increases in size with averted, ~1.6'x 1.2'. Contains a relatively large brighter core that is nearly round and is very weakly concentrated to the center. Middle of three bright galaxies that are nearly collinear with NGC 3681 14' SW and NGC 3686 14' NE. NGC 3691 lies 15' ESE. These galaxies are part of the LGG 237 group.
13.1" (1/18/85): moderately bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration. Second of three on a line with NGC 3681 14' SW and NGC 3686 14' NE. Also, NGC 3691 lies 15' SE.
8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, round.
John Herschel found NGC 3684 = h893 on 17 Mar 1831 and logged "cB; L; E; vgbM; 100" diameter." JH made a total of three observations and d'Arrest measured the position on 5 nights. JH is credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC.
But Wolfgang Steinicke found that WH probably discovered this galaxy on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198). After discovering NGC 3681, he turned north and found another new object, H. II-160, which he described as "cL, R, brightest in the middle but the brightness goes off very gradually." His position is poor -- 35 sec of RA west and 10' north of NGC 3684 and also 68 sec of RA west and 2' south of NGC 3686. Both JH and Dreyer assumed II-160 applied to NGC 3686 but Wolfgang states that WH didn't move his telescope that far north in the sweep and discovered NGC 3684 instead.
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11 28 16.2 +04 19 39; Leo
V = 14.1; Size 0.5'x0.2'; PA = 140°
18" (4/30/11): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Forms the western vertex of a triangle
with two mag 13 stars 2' NE and 2' E.
Forms a close pair with
David Todd discovered NGC 3685 = Todd 9 on 11 Dec 1877 in
his search for a trans-Neptunian planet (AN 2698). I was unable to identify this object but Corwin found a
match with
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NGC 3686 = UGC 6460 = MCG +03-29-051 = CGCG 096-049 = LGG 237-007 = PGC 35268
11 27 44.1 +17 13 26; Leo
V = 11.3; Size 3.2'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 15°
24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, very large, slightly elongated ~N-S, broad mild concentration with a relatively large slightly brighter core and a small brighter nucleus. A 14th magnitude star is on the south edge of the halo, 1.2' from center. The halo extends ~2.5'x2.0' and encompasses this star.
13.1" (1/18/85): brightest and largest in a group (LGG 237) with NGC 3681, NGC 3684 and NGC 3691. Elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 3.0'x2.4', brighter core. An extremely faint star or knot is involved. A mag 11 star lies 2.6' N of center. NGC 3684 is 14' SSW and NGC 3691 19' SSE.
8" (4/24/82): brightest of trio, moderately bright and large.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3686 = H. III-28 = h894 on
14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and logged "vF, L, r." His position is 15 sec of RA due east
of
JH observed h894 on 3 sweeps recording "pB; pL. (N.B. II 160 and III 28 are probably identical". On a second sweep he noted "B; L; R; bM; has a L star north and a smaller one south". Finally he logged "B; vL; E; vgbM; 2' diam. Near a *." Dreyer followed JH's comment in his first sweep and commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that the transit for II 160 must have been recorded 1 tmin too late.
******************************
11 28 00.6 +29 30 39; UMa
V = 12.0; Size 1.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
18" (3/29/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round. Seems to have an irregular surface brightness with a very small, slightly brighter condensation in the halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3687 = H. II-770 = h895 on 22 Feb 1789 (sweep 909) and noted "pB, pL, R, lbM." John Herschel made 5 observations of this galaxy.
******************************
11 27 44.4 -09 09 56; Crt
V = 14.3; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 10°
18" (3/17/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.35', low even surface brightness. Located 7.6' SSW of a mag 10.5 star.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3688 = LM 2-437 in 1886
and noted "lE in PA 0°."
His position is an unusually good match with
******************************
11 28 11.0 +25 39 41; Leo
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 97°
17.5" (4/9/99): moderately bright, oval 5:3 ~E-W, ~1.3'x0.8', broadly concentration to a brighter core. The core brightens but no distinct nucleus.
8" (4/24/82): faint, round.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3689 = H. II-339 = h897 on 6
Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "pF, pS, irr." John Herschel logged "B; pL; gbM;
lE". His position is just of
the south side of
On 22 Feb 1857, R.J. Mitchell (Lord Rosse's assistant) recorded, "Slightly E sp/nf, gbM, faint nucleus. I have a faint suspicion that it has a curve to it, like a right-handed spiral."
******************************
11 28 32.3 +58 33 43; UMa
V = 11.5; Size 2.9'x2.1'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 50°
48" (5/12/12): at 488x, the southwest component (VV
118b) of NGC 3690 appeared as a very bright, elongated, irregular knot of high
surface brightness. Contains a
very bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.
The northeast component (
17.5" (4/1/95): NGC 3690 is a disrupted, interacting double
system (
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated ~E-W, irregular, mottled appearance. A mag 14 star is superimposed on the west side and an extremely faint mag 15.5 star or knot is involved. This is a disrupted interacting system which includes IC 694.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3690 = H. I-247 = h896 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, lE, mbM." On 9 Apr 1793 (sweep 1039) he logged "vB, pL, lE near the parallel, but a little from nf to sp." John Herschel reported "B; R; pgbM. Query whether there be not a * excentric towards the south-following side." The "star" may refer to the companion on the south side. On 27 Jan 1852, LdR's assistant Bindon Stoney described the system as "Neb div into two parts, faint appendage np about one dia distant."
Swift also noticed it was double in 1883, writing in Sidereal Messenger IV (p39), "mentioned to all observers as very little elongated. Chancing to run across it with a power of 132, I immediately suspected it to be a close double, which suspicion a power of 200 confirmed. It is probably the closest double nebula known." Swift reobserved the galaxy on 18 Apr 1892 (list X) and noted "vs, close D with [NGC] 3690, suspected with 132, ver with 200". This is nearly identical to his 1883 comments. Dreyer entered Stoney's and Swift's second component as IC 694 -- but did they apply to the same object?
Usually, IC 694 is identified as the southwest component of
the interacting double system NGC 3690 and this is likely what Swift resolved
in his first observation. But
Stoney's earlier observation clearly resolved NGC 3690 into two components as
well as picking up the extremely faint 16th mag galaxy (
******************************
NGC 3691 = UGC 6464 = MCG +03-29-053 = CGCG 096-050 = LGG 237-008 = PGC 35292
11 28 09.4 +16 55 11; Leo
V = 11.8; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 15°
24" (5/27/17): at 200x; fairly bright, moderately large, sightly elongated, 1.0'x0.8', broad weak concentration but no core or nucleus. Last in a group (LGG 237 = USGC U376) and a prominent quartet with NGC 3681, 3684 and 3686.
13.1" (1/18/85): fairly faint, slightly elongated, moderately large, even surface brightness. Last of four in the NGC 3686 group. Located 19' SSE of NGC 3686 and 15' SE of NGC 3684.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3691 = H. II-54 = h898 on 14
Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "vF, S, r." His position is 35 sec of RA east of
******************************
11 28 24.0 +09 24 27; Leo
V = 12.1; Size 3.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 95°
18" (5/3/11): fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1
E-W, 2.4'x0.4'. Extends at least
80% of the separation (2.9') of two mag 13/13.5 stars to the NE. Well concentrated with a bright core
that gradually increases to very small nucleus. The halo fades at the tips and only extends the estimated
diameter with averted vision.
Located 10' SE of mag 9.6
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, thin edge-on 5:1 E-W,
2.0'x0.4', very small bright core.
A mag 13 star is off the NE edge 2.3' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3692 = H. II-152 on 15 Apr
1784 (sweep 194) and noted "F, mE, r." His position (Caroline's
reduction) is 7' N of
******************************
11 28 11.5 -13 11 41; Crt
V = 12.3; Size 3.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 85°
17.5" (5/2/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1
E-W, very small bright core. A mag
12 star is 3.3' WSW. Located 10'
SE of mag 8.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 3693 = H. III-532 = h3344 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "vF, lE, vlbM." John Herschel logged "F; pmE in parallel; gpmbM; 20"." The NGC misidentifies h3334 as NGC 3693 (typo).
******************************
11 28 54.1 +35 24 50; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 120°
17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, small, irregularly
round, 30"-40" diameter, bright core, stellar nucleus at
moments. Brightest in a pretty
similar trio of
John Herschel discovered NGC 3694 = h899 on 11 Mar 1831 and
logged "Not vF; R; sbM almost to a star; 20"." His position matches
******************************
NGC 3695 = NGC 3698 = UGC 6490 = MCG +06-25-078 = CGCG 185-071 = PGC 35389
11 29 17.3 +35 34 31; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 165°
17.5" (4/18/98): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7'. Weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus with direct vision at 280x. A mag 14 star lies 1.7' SE. In a trio with NGC 3694 11' SSW and NGC 3700 5.7' SE.
Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 3695 on 31 Mar 1867 in his observation of NGC 3694. He described "3 faint nebula forming a triangle certainly seen here and one or more susp in the neighborhood. There being no great difference in brightness, it is not easy to see which is h899 [NGC 3694]. The 2 nf ones, pos 310°, dist 339" [5564 and 5566]." The relative position for the latter two exactly match NGC 3695 = GC 5564 = UGC 6490 and NGC 3700 = GC 5566 = UGC 6494.
But on 18 Mar 1876 Dreyer reobserved NGC 3694 and stated
"nnp is a pS, eeF neb [=5564] in PA 357.2°, Dist 256.7"." This was the position Dreyer used in
NGC for NGC 3695 and it corresponds with mag 14.8 star at 11 28 53.1 +35 29 00
(2000). In the same observation,
Dreyer notes "about 15' n and a few minutes f is another eF, vS neb [5565]
with an ef* 2' sf."
Apparently he felt this object was not observed on 31 Mar 1867 so he
assigned it separate designations GCS 5565 = NGC 3698, but his rough
description applies to
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11 28 43.9 -11 16 58; Crt
Size 1.2'x1.0'; PA = 90°
18" (5/12/07): very faint, very small, elongated 4:3 E-W, ~16"x12". There appeared to be a mag 15.5 star superimposed NE of center. Located 3.2' NW of a mag 10 star.
16" LX200 (4/14/07): extremely faint, very small, round. Only glimpsed with averted, though the observation was likely made through clouds that I noticed afterwards.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3696 = LM 2-438. There are no pertinent notes (simply
described as round) or sketch found for this object and nothing at his
position. But 10 sec if RA east
and 10' north is the faint galaxy
******************************
11 28 50.4 +20 47 43; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 2.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 93°
48" (3/1/19): at 488x; the brightest of four in
17.5" (4/1/95): brightest of three in the HCG 53. Fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 3:1 E-W, weak even concentration. A mag 11.5 star is 3.6' W and a mag 13 star 1.8' SE. The mag 13 star is on a line midway to
a pair of close companions
John Herschel discovered NGC 3697 = h900 on 24 Feb 1827 and
noted "eF; vS; E in parallel."
His position and description matches
******************************
11 29 17.3 +35 34 31; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 165°
See observing notes for NGC 3695.
J.L.E. Dreyer found NGC 3698 on 18 Mar 1876 while an assistant at Birr Castle. He noted that "about 15' north and a few minutes following [NGC 3694] is another eF, vS neb with an eF* 2' sf." This description appears to match NGC 3695 = UGC 6490, which was discovered 9 years earlier by Sir Robert Ball on 31 Mar 1867 (see notes on N3695). The actual separation is 11' but there is a faint star 2' SE. So NGC 3698 = NGC 3695.
******************************
11 27 58.4 -59 57 37; Cen
V = 11.0; Size 71"
24" (4/5/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this showpiece planetary appeared very bright, fairly large, ~70" in diameter. It displayed an excellent contrast response using an UHC filter at 200x. The planetary is bisected by a prominent, broad dark rift that slashes through the planetary from WSW to ENE (like Centaurus A!). The northern lobe is the more prominent: both larger and brighter. The shape of this lobe is semicircular with a round, outer periphery but with a fairly straight edge SW-NE in the interior due to the dark rift. The center of the dust lane is south of the geometric center of the planetary, giving an asymmetric distribution to the lobes. The rift itself is widest at the ENE end and tapers down towards the WSW end. Superb view at 350x as the extra magnification increases the contrast and confirms that the south lobe is fully detached by the dust lane at the WSW end. The compact planetary He 2-67 lies in the same field 11' SE.
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 100x, this planetary appeared moderately bright and large, ~60"-65" in size. There was a good contrast gain with a UHC filter at 105x and 166x and it appeared brightest on the north side of the planetary. A dark rift running WSW-ENE appears to nearly detach the smaller and fainter southern section.
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this interesting planetary is moderately bright, fairly large, ~70" in diameter with some faint stars superimposed. With the UHC filter the appearance is very unusual with a dark rift bisecting it in a WSW-ENE orientation just below the geometric center. At 228x, the northern "hemisphere" is both larger and brighter with an irregular surface brightness. A mag 13 star is ~1' NW. This is a fascinating planetary set in a beautiful Centaurus star field with an appearance similar to faint HII region or a small version of Cen A!
John Herschel discovered NGC 3699 = h3345 on 1 Apr 1834 and recorded "B; pL; irr R; pgpmbM; 90"; r. Almost resolved. It is, however, by no means a mere knot of the Milky Way." Joseph Turner sketched this planetary on 8 Apr 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope. It accurately showed two segments cut by a "dark channel on the following side". The dark lane is oriented NE-SW with the cut off section to the east much smaller and the dark lane slightly wider at the NE end. Robert Innes observed it with the 9-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg in 1914 and called it "a faint nearly round nebula 60" in diameter, mag = 14th."
******************************
NGC 3700 = UGC 6494 = MCG +06-25-079 = CGCG 185-073 = PGC 35413
11 29 38.6 +35 30 53; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 130°
17.5" (4/18/98): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration. Similar to NGC 3695 5.7' NW and third in trio with NGC 3694. The orientation given matches the main bar - a fainter outer ring oriented NW-SE was not seen.
Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on the Lord Rosse's 72"
telescope, discovered NGC 3700 on 31 Mar 1867 while observing NGC 3694. Ball mentions "the 2 nf ones, Pos
310, Dist 339" which precisely matches the separation and position angle
of UGC 6480 and
******************************
11 29 28.9 +24 05 36; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 145°
18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', weak concentration with a central bulge. A mag 14 star lies 0.9' N of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3701 = H. II-349 = h901 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "F, pL, of an irregular triangular
form." Caroline's reduction
is 4.4' northwest of
******************************
11 30 13.4 -08 51 47; Crt
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 158°
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3702 = LM 2-439 and
recorded "mag 15.2, 0.1' dia, R, gbM, *10 precedes 30s; *10 follows 30s." There is nothing at his position but 1
min of RA east and 8' north is
******************************
11 29 36 -08 37; Crt
= Not found, RNGC. = PGC 170146 at 11 29 09.2 -08 26 47?, Corwin
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3703 = LM 1-187 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA) but Corwin suggests a possible identification with PGC 170146 at 11 29 09.2 -08 26 47. He notes, though, the sketch "only vaguely matches the galaxy (and its surrounding stars)" so this identification is uncertain. The RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.
******************************
11 30 04.6 -11 32 47; Crt
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 150°
17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, very small, round,
bright core. A mag 15 star is
42" E of center. Forms a
close pair with
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3704 = T. 1-35 = T. 5-10 on 23
Feb 1878 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and recorded
"Class III; a star 15m (nebulous?) follows 2 sec; near the comparison star
is another fainter nebula [NGC 3707]." His micrometric position matches
Andrew Ainslie Common independently discovered this galaxy in 1880 with his 36" silvered-glass reflector and described "2 [along with NGC 3707], F, R, on the parallel, star symmetrically placed between." Common's single position is 13' north of MCG -02-29-037 but his description is a perfect match with the pair. The NGC description for NGC 3704 mentions a mag 9-10 star 2' SSE of NGC 3704, although the bright star is actually 2.6' WNW. The RNGC and MCG position is 2' too far north.
Harold Corwin suggests that Swift's
******************************
NGC 3705 = UGC 6498 = MCG +02-29-039 = CGCG 067-093 = Holm 259a = PGC 35440
11 30 07.4 +09 16 37; Leo
V = 11.1; Size 4.9'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 122°
18" (5/3/11): very bright, very large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 NW-SE (with averted vision), 3.5'x1.5'. Contains a large, brighter core that increases to a very bright stellar nucleus. Outside the central region, the outer halo fades rapidly but doesn't have a distinct boundary.
17.5" (2/28/87): bright, fairly large, small bright core, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 4.0'x1.6'. NGC 3692 lies 26' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3705 = H. II-13 = h902 = h903 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 84) and recorded "a pL nebula. It is probably a faint cluster of stars, not being of the cometic kind." John Herschel made two observations, but his PD differed by 5' and his descriptions were sufficiently different he assumed h902 and h903 were perhaps different objects. But Dreyer notes that "only one nebula seen by William Herschel, John Herschel, d'Arrest, Vogel, Tempel and Lord Rosse", so h902 = h903 = H. II 13 = NGC 3705.
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11 29 44.4 -36 23 29; Cen
V = 11.3; Size 3.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 78°
13.1" (2/17/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x1.0'. Contains a bright, sharply defined 40" core and much fainter extensions.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3706 = h3346 on 1 May 1834 and
noted "pB; R; psbM; 20"."
His mean position (from 3 observations) matches
******************************
11 30 11.5 -11 32 37; Crt
V = 15.4; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint and small, round. Picked up 2.6' E of NGC 3704.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3707 = T. 5-10b on 23 Feb 1878. He noted NGC 3704 as "Class III; a star 15m (nebulous?) follows 2 sec; near the comparison star is another fainter nebula [NGC 3707]."
Andrew Common made an independent discovery in 1880 with his
36" silvered-glass reflector (along with NGC 3704) and described "2,
F, R, on the parallel, star symmetrically placed between." Common's single position (obtained
roughly using his setting circles)
is 13' north of the pair MCG -02-29-037 = NGC 3704 and
The NGC summary descriptions (from Tempel?) for both NGC 3704 and NGC 3707 has errors. The description for NGC 3707 mentions a "*15 (neb?) 2s following", which actually describes the mag 15 star 2.8 tsec following NGC 3704. See RNGC Corrections #4.
For some reason, the RNGC ignores the second fainter galaxy of the pair and lists NGC 3707 as nonexistent.
******************************
11 30 42 -03 13; Leo
= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3708 = LM 1-188 on 31 Dec 1885 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position and this object could not be recovered by Harold Corwin, even with Stone's field sketch.
******************************
11 30 42 -03 15; Leo
= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3709 = LM 1-189 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. There is nothing at his position and this object could not be recovered by Harold Corwin.
******************************
11 31 07.0 +22 46 05; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 105°
17.5" (4/9/99): faint, small, round, well-defined 30" halo is weakly concentrated but no noticeable core. Located 4.5' SW of mag 7.8 SAO 81865. A mag 15 star lies 1.3' SE and a pair of similar stars 2' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3710 = H. II-350 = h904 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, S." Caroline's reduction is 5' north of
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11 29 25.5 -11 04 46; Crt
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 165°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3'. Located 2.4' N of a mag 11 star. The observation may have been made through some clouds.
17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, very small, round. A mag 11 star is 2.4' S of center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3711 = LM 2-440 in
1886. His position is 1.5 min of
RA following
******************************
11 31 09.2 +28 34 05; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 160°
18" (3/17/07):
More likely NGC 3712 is a duplicate observation of NGC 3714. See observing notes for that number.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3712 = h905 on 26 Mar 1827 and
recorded "vF; R; smbM."
The following month he noted "F; vS; R; bM." Neither description is helpful in
identifying this number and his one good position (first observation) falls on
a blank patch of sky, roughly 8' from both
Harold Corwin suggests NGC 3712 is more likely a duplicate observation of NGC 3714 as he observed these objects on different sweeps and his position for NGC 3712 was far enough off that he assumed it was new. See his identification notes for more.
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11 31 42.0 +28 09 13; Leo
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 125°
18" (5/30/03): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.7', small bright core. Collinear with a mag 11.5 star 5' WNW and a mag 13 star 8.5' WNW.
17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', bright core increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus, halo is
ill-defined. Brightest of 4 in
region with NGC 3714 13' NNE,
William Herschel discovered NGC 3713 = H. II-367 = h906 on
11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, vS." John Herschel made three observations and his mean position
matches
******************************
NGC 3714 = UGC 6516 = MCG +05-27-085 = CGCG 156-095 = PGC 35556
11 31 53.6 +28 21 31; UMa
V = 14.1; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 68°
18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, fairly high surface brightness (like the core of a larger galaxy), moderate concentration though no nucleus.
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration. Appears similar to the core of a larger galaxy. NGC 3713 lies 13' SSW.
17.5" (4/9/99): very faint, very compact galaxy ~20" in diameter, brightens somewhat to center. Picked up at 100x along with brighter NGC 3713 located 13' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3714 = H. III-353 = h907 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "eF but doubtful. I tried to verify it, but could not succeed." His re-reduced RA is 38 seconds too large, but matches in declination and John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position on 3 sweeps (given in the GC and NGC). There was a misprint in the PT catalogue of 10 tmin from the offset star, so Auwers questioned the identity of III-353.
******************************
11 31 32.3 -14 13 53; Crt
V = 11.1; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 11.4; PA = 145°
17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, even concentration, bright core, smoothly increases to core. A mag 10.5 star is 5.0' NNW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3715 = H. II-562 = h3347 on
27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "F, S, bM, iF." There is nothing at his position, but
35 sec of RA west and 2' north is
******************************
11 31 41.2 +03 29 16; Leo
V = 13.5; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 150°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak even concentration. Located just west of the midpoint of a line connecting two mag 10 stars oriented N-S and separated by 8'.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3716 on 6 Apr 1866 and
recorded "faint, small. West
of a line connecting two mag 11/12 stars." His position and description matches
******************************
11 31 32.0 -30 18 28; Hya
V = 11.2; Size 6.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 33°
48" (4/21/17): at 488x; very bright, large, nearly
edge-on ~5:1 SSW-NNE, slightly bulges at the center. Contains a large, very bright central section with a mag
12.5 star attached near the NNE end.
A sharp dust lane cuts off part of the central section along the
northwest flank, partially hiding the core. Only a very faint, thin strip of the galaxy on the northwest
side of the dust lane was occasionally visible. With averted vision the low surface brightness outer
extensions (beyond the mag 12.5 star) were visible out to roughly 3.5'
diameter. Forms a pair with
18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, moderately large,
very elongated SSW-NNE, 2.5'x0.5', small brighter core, fades at the ends of
the thin extensions. A mag 13 star
is attached near the NNE end and this galaxy appears like a dagger attached to
the brighter star. Located 7' ESE
of mag 9
8" (5/21/82): faint, small, very elongated ~N-S, thin, moderately large. Located 10' SE of mag 8.5 SAO 179951 and 1° SSW of north Crateris (V = 5.8). Forms a pair with IC 2913 7.3' SE (not seen).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3717 = h3348 on 29 Apr 1834 and
recorded "pB; S; mE; attached to a star." His position matches
******************************
11 32 35.0 +53 04 05; UMa
V = 10.8; Size 8.1'x4.0'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 15°
48" (4/4/11): NGC 3718 is a very striking, distorted
system with sweeping arms emanating from an oval main body crossed by a curving
dust lane (reminiscent of Centaurus A).
At 375x it appeared very bright, very large, elongated ~5:2 N-S
(including arms), ~6.5'x2.5', contains a bright round core. A star is at the east edge of the
core. The main body is nearly
split by a dust lane or gap oriented NW to SE, which is particularly evident on
the NW side as a lane. A spiral
arm (perhaps 0.4' wide) is attached at the NW end and gently curves
counterclockwise towards the NE.
The surface brightness is fairly low and the arm or wing dims as it
extends nearly to the west of a mag 11 star located 4' NNE of center. The dust
on the south side of the core covers a larger region and is concentrated just
west of where the southern arm begins to emerge on the southeast end. A fairly low surface brightness arm
spreads south (wider than the northern arm), passing east of a wide mag 11 pair
at 33" separation. The
overall visual impression is that the "arms" are really tidal tails
being drawn out from a past interaction as the central body looks more like the
merger of two galaxies resulting in the warped dust lane and "S"
shaped body. All five members of
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, fairly large, broad
concentration, almost round.
Double star h2574 = mag 11/11 at 35" separation is 2.2' SSW of
center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3718 = H. I-221 = h908 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "pB or cB, R, vgmbM, about 3' dia." His position is accurate.
Bindon Stoney, observing on 27 Jan 1852 with LdR's 72", commented "found a neb strongly mottled, with stars inv." A later observation in 1868 questioned if it was a double nebula.
******************************
11 32 13.4 +00 49 09; Leo
V = 13.0; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 15°
17.5" (5/10/86): moderately large, fairly diffuse,
almost round, broad weak concentration.
Forms a close pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3719, along with NGC 3720, on 15 Mar 1866 and noted a faint, difficult double nebula, with a difference in RA of 9 sec and 1' in declination. His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 3720 = UGC 6523 = MCG +00-30-006 = CGCG 12-010 = Holm 260a = PGC 35594
11 32 21.6 +00 48 15; Leo
V = 13.0; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 85°
17.5" (5/10/86): moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharp concentration. Appears smaller but slightly brighter than NGC 3719 2.2' WNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3720, along with NGC 3719, on 15 Mar 1866 and noted a faint double nebula, with a difference in RA of 9 sec and 1' in declination. His position is accurate.
******************************
11 34 07.8 -09 28 01; Crt
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.5'; PA = 141°
24" (3/9/13): fairly faint, small, oval 5:3 NW-SE,
24"x15", lens-shaped.
Two mag 15/15.5 stars lie 2' SE.
The identification of this galaxy with NGC 3721 is uncertain. Member of a large group (USGC S171) at
z = .021 with brightest members
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3721= LM 2-441 in 1886
and simply recorded "mag 15.5, 0.1' dia, R, gbM." There is nothing at his position but
Harold Corwin lists
******************************
11 34 23.3 -09 40 48; Crt
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.4
24" (3/9/13): faint to fairly faint, small, round,
18" diameter, fairly low even surface brightness. Brightest of four in a 4' string,
including extremely faint
18" (5/12/07): very faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter, low even surface brightness.
First of three in a 4' string with
17.5" (4/5/97): extremely faint, very small, round,
15" diameter. First of close
trio with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3722 = LM 2-442, along with NGC 3724, in 1886 and noted "mag 15.0, round, 0.2', sbMN, 1st of 2 [with N3724]." There is nothing at his position, but this number is generally equated with MCG -01-30-005, which lies 1.8 min of RA east (good match in dec). The error in RA is fairly common in the Leander McCormick observatory discoveries, though there is no galaxy southeast to match NGC 3724 (a companion is northeast).
Corwin proposes
******************************
11 32 30.6 -09 58 11; Crt
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, small round, 25" diameter, weak concentration to a very small brighter nucleus. In a group (USGC S171 at z = .021) of mostly faint galaxies with several uncertain designations (NGC 3721, NGC 3722, NGC 3724) ~35' NE, as well as NGC 3732 (z = .006), which is 26' ENE.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3723 in 1880 with his
36-inch reflector. His position is
just 8 sec of RA following and 1.5' north of
******************************
NGC 3724 = MCG -01-30-007 = PGC 35757
11 34 28.7 -09 39 37; Crt
V = 14.2; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 55°
24" (3/9/13): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE,
24"x12", contains a small bright core with fainter extensions. Middle galaxy in a 4' string with NGC
3722 1.8' SW and MCG -01-30-008 = PGC 35771 2.4' ENE. Both of these companions are comparable in brightness. Also
much fainter MCG -01-30-006 is 1.1' SW.
18" (5/12/07): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 or 2:1 SW-NE, ~20"x12". Second of three in a 4' string with NGC 3722 1.8' SW and MCG -01-30-008 2.3' ENE.
17.5" (4/5/97): extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1
SW-NE. Brightest in close trio
with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3724 = LM 2-443 in 1886 and noted "mag 15.0, 0.4' dia, R, sbMN, 2nd of of 2 [with NGC 3722]." There is nothing at his exact position, though a number of candidates are in the area. MCG -01-30-007 = PGC 35757 is often taken (RNGC, PGC, NED, HyperLeda) as NGC 3724 and MCG -01-30-005 = PGC 35746 is taken as NGC 3722. The MCG does not label MCG -01-30-007 as NGC 3724. This pair is between ~1.7 min of RA east of Leavenworth's positions (not an uncommon error) though the relative orientation (southwest-northeast) is wrong. Corwin proposes the identification NGC 3722 = PGC 170153 and NGC 3724 = IC 2910. These two galaxies are less than 1 min of RA west of Leavenworth's position and match the correct orientation.
MCG -01-30-007 was possibly discovered by Andrew Common 6 years earlier with his 36-inch reflector. In his description for NGC 3732 (#20), he mentions "a cluster of 3 similar ones 15' N", which appears to refer to MCG -01-30-005, -007 and -008, though Dreyer did not assign NGC designations to Common's trio.
******************************
11 33 40.6 +61 53 16; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 145°
17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration to a small, slightly brighter
coire. A mag 14 star is 1' SE of
center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3725 = H. II-836 = h909 on
19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and logged "F, S, R, r, almost of equal light
throughout." Caroline's
reduced position is 1' south of
******************************
11 33 21.1 +47 01 45; UMa
V = 10.4; Size 6.2'x4.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 10°
48" (4/19/17): at 375x and 488x; very bright, very large spiral, extending 3:2 N-S, 4.5' or 5' x 3'. Contains a brighter, mottled central core that is sharply concentrated with an intensely bright roundish nucleus. Two obvious spiral arms are attached on the north and south end of the central region. The northern arm is brightest at its root near the northeast side of the core. It rotates clockwise and sharply curls west and southwest, then dims and ends west of the nucleus. This arm appeared a bit thicker than the DSS2 image. The southern arm is shoots straight southeast, and curls a bit east. The arm contains a couple of slightly brighter HII patches including NGC 3726:[BKB2006] 2, situated 1.4' south of center. The outer halo has a low surface brightness but extends to a mag 12.5 star 2.4' N of center.
17.5" (4/6/91): bright, large, oval 2:1 N-S, 5.0'x2.5', patchy mottled appearance, very small or stellar nucleus but no core. A mag 12 star is at the north tip 2.4' from the center. Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup with the NGC 3992 (M109) group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3726 = H. II-730 = h910 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "pB, bM, 4' long and 3' broad, r." His position is at the north edge of the galaxy. John Herschel made two observations, first recording "pB; vL; E in meridian; vgbM; 4' l, 2' br; has a * at its northern extremity."
William Rambaut, observing with LdR on 26 Mar 1848, recorded "Before nebula came into the field of the large finding eyepiece Lord Rosse observed a vF neb p it about 2m nearly in the parallel [likely CGCG 242-042, which was ignored in the GC and NGC]. [NGC 3726] is tolerably bright nucleus almost in centre; Lord Rosse at intervals perceived traces of spiral arrangement; dark black elliptical stripe a little above the nucleus." R.J. Mitchell on 30 Mar 1856 wrote, "it appears of the shape annexed [sketch shows a dramatic "S" shaped (barred) spiral], which exaggerates. There can be no doubt of the bend upwards at Alpha [shows the southeast arm] and of the darkness about the nucleus." NGC 3726 was included in the list of spiral nebulae in the 1850 PT paper.
******************************
11 33 40.9 -13 52 44; Crt
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 78°
18" (4/29/06): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. A mag 11.5 star lies 1.3' SE. NGC 3734 lies 19' SE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3727 = LM 2-444 in 1886
and recorded "mag 15.2, 0.1' dia, R, gbMN, *11, 1' SE." His position is 0.8 min of RA east of
******************************
11 33 15.8 +24 26 49; Leo
V = 13.0; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 25°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small. Contains a bright core and stellar nucleus surrounded by faint extensions SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.6'. A nice mag 9/10 pair at 12" lies 11' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3728 = H. II-351 = h912 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, S." Caroline's reduction was 3.8' northwest of
******************************
NGC 3729 = UGC 6547 = KUG 1131+534 = MCG +09-19-117 = CGCG 268-051 = LGG 241-004 = PGC 35711
11 33 49.3 +53 07 33; UMa
V = 11.4; Size 2.8'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15°
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated ~N-S. A mag 11 star is on the SSW edge 57" from the center. NGC 3718 lies 12' WSW. Member of the LGG 241 or UMa NED1 group, a subgroup of the M109 Group
William Herschel discovered NGC 3729 = H. I-222 = h911 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "pB, iE, gbM, nearly in the meridian, about 2' long. John Herschel called this galaxy "Not B; L; lE; a *12 mag south-preceding very near the edge." His position is accurate.
Bindon Stoney, observing on 27 Jan 1852 with LdR's 72", commented "12' following [NGC 3718] is another neb, irr, with a bright star in south edge and having dark lanes through it."
******************************
NGC 3730 = MCG -01-30-003 = PGC 35743
11 34 16.8 -09 34 34; Crt
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 18°
24" (3/9/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated ~30"x24". Sharply concentrated with a bright round core and a much
fainter halo. Forms a close pair
with
NGC 3730 is the brightest member of a group of galaxies USGC S171 at z = .021 (several with uncertain identifications) including MCG -01-30-005 (NGC 3722), -006, -007 (NGC 3724) and -008 roughly 6' SE. Another trio of faint galaxies (LEDA 156711, 156714 and 156715) is ~6' NE. Finally PGC 35727 (possibly NGC 3721) lies 7' NNW.
18" (5/12/07): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S,
0.4'x0.3', broad weak concentration with an occasional sparkle at the center
(slightly brighter nucleus). A
group of 4 or 5 mag 14-15 stars follows.
Located 16' N of NGC 3732 and 10' NNW of a string of three galaxies
(including NGC 3722 and NGC 3724).
17.5" (4/5/97): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration to center but no well-defined core. Several fainter galaxies in field including the trio of NGC 3722, NGC 3724 and MCG -01-30-008 ~6' SE and a very faint pair of anonymous galaxies 4.5' NE and 7.0' NE. The NGC identification is very uncertain as Leavenworth's position is a very poor match.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3730 = LM 2-445 in 1886 and logged "mag 15.6, 0.5' dia, lE 140°, glbM." There is nothing at this position, though a number of galaxies to the east are possibilities. In addition, Andrew Common, in his observation of NGC 3732, noted "a cluster of 3 similar ones 15' n." Dreyer assumed one of these was Leavenworth's NGC 3730 (mentioned in the NGC notes section).
The brightest and largest of the galaxies to the north of
NGC 3732 is MCG -01-30-003 = PGC 35734, though this is not necessarily one of
Common's "cluster of 3".
This galaxy is 0.9 min of RA east of Leavenworth's position and 2'
north. The RNGC likely
misidentifies MCG -01-30-008 as NGC 3730.
Another possibility is NGC 3730 refers to one of the trio of extremely
faint galaxies that are situated ~6' northeast of
******************************
11 34 11.7 +12 30 44; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 45°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration. A wide mag 10/14 pair lies 7' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3731 = H. III-80 on 12 Apr
1784 (sweep 188) and noted "vF, vS, R, stellar; brightest in the
middle. 240x confirmed
it." His position is The NGC
position is 10 sec of RA east and 1' south of
******************************
NGC 3732 = MCG -02-30-005 = LGG 248-005 = PGC 35734
11 34 13.9 -09 50 44; Crt
V = 12.5; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 85°
18" (5/12/07): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated nearly 3:2 E-W, ~1.0'x0.7'.
Contains a bright core which gradually increases to the center. A mag 12 star lies 1' SW. Brightest in a group with a string of
three very faint galaxies 10'-12' NNE and an additional 4 very faint galaxies
5'-8' further north. Physically,
NGC 3732 is part of the much nearer
17.5" (4/5/97): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, broad concentration with a bright core. A mag 12 star lies 1.0' SW. A group of at least six very faint galaxies lies between 10'-20' N and NGC 3723 lies 26' WSW.
17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated but irregular outline, fairly bright elongated core. A faint stellar nucleus is visible at moments. A mag 13 star lies 1.0' SW. Located 35' W of Theta Crateris (V = 4.7).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3732 = H. II-552 = h913 on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597) and noted "F, pS, iR. Following a very small star." His position is accurate. John Herschel recorded (sweep 129) "S; R; psbM; has a * 14m, 45° sp."
Andrew Ainslie Common found it in 1880 with his 36-inch and included it as #20 in his Copernicus discovery list: "F, R, a cluster of 3 similar ones 15' N." The "3 similar ones" might refer to MCG -01-30-005 = NGC 3722, MCG -01-30-007 = NGC 3724 and MCG -01-30-008. Unfortunately, there are a number of faint galaxies in in this area so these identifications are uncertain.
******************************
11 35 01.7 +54 51 02; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 4.8'x2.2'; Surf Br = 14.8; PA = 170°
17.5" (3/19/88): very faint, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 ~N-S, very diffuse.
Located 4' N of mag 5.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 3733 = H. III-771 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "eF, S, irr E. On account of the brightness of the foregoing star which was
in the field of view with it; I had nearly overlooked it. His position matches
******************************
NGC 3734 = MCG -02-30-006 = PGC 35773
11 34 40.7 -14 04 54; Crt
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 19°
18" (4/29/06): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak concentration with a very small slightly brighter core. Located 7' ESE of mag 9.4 HD 100552. NGC 3727 lies 19' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3734 = H. III-935 = h3349 on 19 Apr 1794 (sweep 1058) and noted "vF or eF, S, bM." Caroline's reduction is 4' south of MCG -02-30-006 = PGC 35773. John Herschel recorded "eeF, R, gbM, difficult but a good obs." from the Cape of Good Hope and measured an accurate position.
******************************
11 35 57.3 +70 32 09; Dra
V = 11.8; Size 4.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 131°
17.5" (4/1/95): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 3.0'x0.6', small bright core, stellar nucleus at moments. A mag 14 star lies 1.1' NE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3735 = H. I-287 = h914 on 7
Dec 1801 (sweep 1105) and recorded "cB, mE, mbM, from np to sf, about 3'
long and 1' broad."
Caroline's reduction is within 1' of
******************************
11 35 41.7 +73 27 07; Dra
V = 14.4; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 155°
18" (3/30/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3
~NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5'. A faint star is
superimposed on the SE side.
Located 4.7' NE of mag 8.3
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3736. Although the discovery was not
published in Lord Rosse observations, Wolfgang Steinicke says it was probably
found around between 1885 and 1887 with his 6.1-inch Simms refractor. The NGC
position is 0.6 tmin east of
******************************
NGC 3737 = UGC 6563 = MCG +09-19-128 = CGCG 268-058 = Holm 266a = PGC 35840
11 35 36.4 +54 56 55; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, very small, round. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3737 = H. III-772 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "vF, stellar neb." His position is accurate (discovered immediately after NGC 3733). d'Arrest also measured two accurate positions.
******************************
NGC 3738 = Arp 234 = UGC 6565 = MCG +09-19-130 = CGCG 268-060 = PGC 35856
11 35 48.5 +54 31 28; UMa
V = 11.7; Size 2.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 155°
24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, large, elongated 3:2
NNW-SSE, ~2.0'x1.3', noticeably mottled or knotty appearance. Broad
concentration but no defined core or nucleus. A brighter knot (HII complex?) is on the northwest
side. A chain of bright stars
begins at a mag 10.5 star 2.5' NE of center and extends southeast.
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE although has an irregular appearance. Sharper edge on the west side and more curved on the east side. Two mag 10/11 stars are 2.4' NE and 4.0' ENE of center. NGC 3756 lies 15' SE.
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, almost even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3738 = H. II-783 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "pB, pL, bM." His position matches
******************************
11 35 37.6 +25 05 19; Leo
V = 14.5; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 17°
17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE,
0.6'x0.2', very low even surface brightness. Located 12' W of mag 7.0
Otto Struve discovered NGC 3739 on 16 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz & Mahler refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. He recorded "Very faint nebula, situated in the middle between several small stars. Almost on a straight line between two stars (mag 11-12), little closer to the south one, from which the PA is 327 °. From the more northern star it is 160 °. Distance between the two stars from each other is about 4'." He found this object (along with 7 others) while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) in Mar-Apr 1869.
******************************
11 36 12.3 +59 58 35; UMa
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 110°
18" (3/30/05): faint, small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.5'x0.2'. Situated on a line between a mag 14 star 2' SE and a mag 13 star 3' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3740 = H. III-847 = h915 on
19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "eF, vS, iF." Caroline's reduced position is 2' south
of
******************************
11 36 06.2 +45 17 02; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 2.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.8; PA = 5°
18" (3/17/07): faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration, a faint star is just off the west side. Collinear with a 13" pair of mag 12 stars located ~10' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3741 = h916 on 19 Mar 1828 and
recorded "vF; R; vgbM; 20"." His position (single observation) matches
******************************
11 35 32.5 -37 57 23; Cen
V = 12.1; Size 2.4'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 116°
18" (4/25/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 WNW-ESE, ~45"x30".
Contains a small, brighter, round core. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3742 = h3350 on 21 Apr 1835 and
recorded "pB, pL, R, glbM, 40"." His mean position from 2 sweeps matches
******************************
11 35 57.4 +21 43 21; Leo
V = 14.5; Size 0.4'x0.4'
18" (5/12/07): very faint, extremely small, round, 12" diameter. Located 1.4' NW of a mag 10 star. Discovered on the same night as Copeland's Septet (13 April 1876) and located 30'-35' SW of the Septet.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3743 on 18 Mar 1876, just west
of "Copeland's Septet", and recorded "F, S, R, from *9 [offset
of] 78" in PA 322.5°. This
offset points exactly to
******************************
11 35 57.9 +23 00 42; Leo
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.2'; PA = 10°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S,
0.6'x0.3', brighter core.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3744 = St. 12-46 on 20 Mar
1882. His published position was
reduced on 11 Apr 1882 and matches
******************************
11 37 44.4 +22 01 16; Leo
V = 15.2; Size 0.4'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 100°
48" (4/16/15): fairly faint to moderately bright,
small, round, 15" diameter.
Squeezed between slightly brighter and larger
17.5" (5/11/96): this member of Copeland's Septet
appears extremely faint and small, round. Located between brighter NGC 3748
1.1' E and
17.5" (3/19/88): second of 7 member of Copeland's
Septet. Extremely faint and small,
round. Second in a very tight trio
with NGC 3746 43" SSW and NGC
3748 1.1' ENE. Located 3.2' NW of
Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3745 and other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874. He noted "pB; pL; R" and labeled it Beta on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876. See NGC 3753.
******************************
NGC 3746 = HCG 57B = Arp 320 NED2 = UGC 6597 = MCG +04-28-005 = CGCG 127-006 = VV 282 = PGC 35997 = Copeland's Septet
11 37 43.6 +22 00 35; Leo
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 127°
48" (4/16/15): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core. The 0.6'x0.4' halo has a low surface brightness. NGC 3745 is 40" N with NGC 3748 1.6' NE.
The 9th member of the group, 2MASX J11373896+2202269, lies
2.1' NW. It appeared fairly faint,
small, round, 15" diameter.
This galaxy is not a member of
17.5" (5/11/96): this member of Copeland's Septet appears very faint, very small, round. Brightest of close trio with similar NGC 3748 1.6' NE and NGC 3745 just 0.7' N.
17.5" (3/19/88): first of 7 in Copeland's Septet and second brightest in the group. Very faint, very small, round. Brightest of a close trio with NGC 3745 43" NNE and NGC 3748 1.6' NE.
Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3746 and 2 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 9 Feb 1874. He noted "pB; cL; glbM; E 90° +/-" and labeled it Gamma on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876. See NGC 3753.
******************************
11 32 31.0 +74 22 42; Dra
V = 15.3; Size 0.3'x0.1'
17.5" (4/18/98): extremely faint, very small, round. Only visible with averted vision for moments although repeatedly glimpsed. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3747 = H. III-969 on 2 Apr
1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "eF, S." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large
systematic errors. A corrected
position matching
This galaxy is too faint to be included in CGCG or MCG. If this is the galaxy seen by Herschel it is certainly one of the faintest that he ever recorded (B = 16.2). RNGC classifies NGC 3747 as nonexistent.
******************************
NGC 3748 = HCG 57E = Arp 320 NED3 = MCG +04-28-007 = CGCG 127-007 = VV 282 = PGC 36007 = Copeland's Septet
11 37 49.1 +22 01 34; Leo
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 66°
48" (4/16/15): at 488x; moderately bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.4'x0.3', small brighter core.
48" (2/20/12): at 488x, HCG 57H = PGC 36010 was easily seen 0.9' SSE of NGC 3748. It appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter.
17.5" (5/11/96): very faint, very small, round. Third of three in a tight trio within Copeland's Septet with extremely faint NGC 3745 1.1' W and NGC 3746 1.6' SW.
17.5" (3/19/88): third of 7 in Copeland's Septet. Extremely faint and small, round. This galaxy is the third in a close trio with NGC 3745 1.1' WSW and NGC 3746 1.6' SW. Located 2.9' NNW of NGC 3753.
Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3748 and 3 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874. He noted "pB; pS; R" and labeled it Delta on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876. See NGC 3753.
******************************
NGC 3749 = ESO 320-008 = MCG -06-26-002 = PGC 35861
11 35 53.2 -37 59 50; Cen
V = 12.3; Size 3.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 107°
18" (4/25/09): faint, moderately large, elongated. At times only the brighter 30" core was visible but with concentration, long low surface brightness arms extend WNW-ESE and increased the size to ~1.4'x0.5'. The eastern side of the galaxy nearly reaches a line connecting two mag 12/13 stars with a separation of 3'. Located 4.8' SE of NGC 3742 and on images appears to be tidally disrupted.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3749 = h3351 on 21 Apr 1835 and logged "pB; lE; glbM; 40"." His mean position from 2 consecutive sweeps matches ESO 320-008.
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11 37 51.7 +21 58 27; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 160°
48" (4/16/15): moderately bright, small, round, very small bright core, high surface brightness, 18" diameter. First in a striking trio with spirals NGC 3753 40" NE and 3754 1.0' NE.
17.5" (5/11/96): faint, very small, round, very small bright core. First of three in Copeland's Septet in a tight trio with NGC 3753 just 40" NE and NGC 3754 1.0' NE.
17.5" (3/19/88): fourth of 7 in Copeland's Septet. Very faint, very small, round. Located just 39" SW of brighter NGC 3753.
Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3750 and 2 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 9 Feb 1874. He noted "pB; lbM; * in Pos 23.8°, distance 109.3"." and labeled it Epsilon on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876. See NGC 3753.
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11 37 53.9 +21 56 11; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 5°
48" (4/16/15): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, 22"x16", very small bright nucleus, fairly high surface brightness. Southernmost member of Copeland's Septet.
17.5" (5/11/96): extremely faint and small, round, 20" diameter. Requires averted vision although easier to view than NGC 3754. Furthest southern member of Copeland's Septet. Located 2.0' WSW of a mag 13 star and 2.7' S of brightest member NGC 3753.
Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3751 and 3 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874. He noted "F; L; E 45° +/-". This galaxy is labeled Zeta on the constructed sketch in the 1880 publication. See NGC 3753.
Although NGC 3751 = UGC 6601, the UGC copied the coordinates
and magnitude for
******************************
NGC 3752 = UGC 6515 = MCG +13-08-064 = CGCG 351-063 = PGC 35608
11 32 32.3 +74 37 39; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/18/98): fairly faint, moderately large. At first this galaxy appeared roundish (probably viewing the core only), but then fainter extensions were seen NW-SE, increasing the dimensions to 1.2'x0.6'. Forms a triangle with two mag 11/13 stars 2.4' ENE and 1.4' NNE, respectively, and several other stars trail off towards the SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3752 = H. II-905 on 2 Apr 1801 (sweep 1096) and noted "pB, pL." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large systematic errors. John Herschel has a listing (h917) for what he assumed was H. II-905 in the Slough Catalogue, but his position falls on a 14th magnitude star, which he simply called "eF". Dreyer used JH's erroneous position for NGC 3752 in the NGC (personal email from Wolfgang Steinicke on 25 Dec 2013).
A corrected position using plates taken at Greenwich with
the 30-inch reflector (MN, 71, 509, 1911) matches
******************************
NGC 3753 = HCG 57A = Arp 320 NED6 = VV 282a = UGC 6602 = MCG +04-28-010 = CGCG 127-012s = PGC 36016 = Copeland's Septet
11 37 53.8 +21 58 53; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 120°
48" (4/16/15): moderately to fairly bright, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 45"x15", contains a small bright core. Tightly paired with NGC 3754 21" NE of center and NGC 3750 40" SW. A mag 12 star is 1.3' N.
17.5" (5/11/96): the brightest member of Copeland's Septet appears very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE. Closely bracketed by NGC 3750 40" SW and virtually in contact with NGC 3754 just 20" NE of center. A mag 12 star lies 1.3' N.
17.5" (3/19/88): this galaxy is the brightest member of Copeland's Septet. Very faint, fairly small, elongated WNW-ESE, bright core. This is the central galaxy in a very tight trio with NGC 3750 39" SW and NGC 3754 22" NE of center. Other members include NGC 3745 3.2' NW, NGC 3746 2.9' NW and NGC 3748 2.9' NNW.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3753, while an assistant at Birr Castle, on 9 Feb 1874 and noted "pF, star in PA 5.5°, Dist 71.7"." This galaxy was labeled Eta in the constructed sketch of 13 Apr 1876. Copeland found this group while searching in vain for d'Arrest's GC 2464 = NGC 3760, which he assumed was in the general location. But d'Arrest had made a 1-hour error in RA, so his object was not to be found and the Septet happened to be just west of d'Arrest's erroneous position.
Due to a mixup in the reference star, though, Dreyer's computed positions for Copeland's Septet were offset 1.5 min of RA too far west and 16' too far south. The error was caught by Hermann Kobold while observing with the 19-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory in 1894 (see AN 3241). Dreyer acknowledged the correction in AN 3246 and the correction was given in the IC 1 Notes section. Still, the RNGC did not catch the correction and listed the entire Septet as nonexistent! See RNGC Corrections #2 and Deep Sky 1983. The nickname "Copeland Septet" appears in the RC2 notes section.
******************************
NGC 3754 = HCG 57D = Arp 320 NED7 = VV 282b = MCG +04-28-011 = CGCG 127-012ne = PGC 36018 = Copeland's Septet
11 37 55.0 +21 59 07; Leo
V = 14.3; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0
48" (4/16/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.3', small bright core. Situated just off the northeast side of NGC 3753.
17.5" (5/11/96): one of the three most difficult members of Copeland's Septet appears extremely faint and small, round. Difficult to resolve from brighter NGC 3753 just 40" SW of center. A mag 12 star is 1.0' N.
Ralph Copeland, while an assistant at Birr Castle, discovered NGC 3754 and 3 other members of "Copeland's Septet" on 5 Apr 1874. He noted "vF; R" and labeled it Theta on the constructed sketch made on 13 Apr 1876. See NGC 3753.
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11 36 33.4 +36 24 37; UMa
V = 12.8; Size 3.2'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 133°
17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2'x1'. Broad, weak concentration to a slightly brighter oval core. A couple of very faint stars are nearby.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3755 = h920 on 11 Mar 1831 and
noted "eF; pmE; pL; gbM."
His position and desciption matches
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NGC 3756 = UGC 6579 = MCG +09-19-134 = CGCG 268-063 = LGG 250-002 = PGC 35931
11 36 47.9 +54 17 39; UMa
V = 11.5; Size 4.2'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 177°
24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, large, elongated ~2:1
N-S, ~3.5'x1.7'. Uneven, moderate
surface brightness (except low surface brighterness outer halo) but no distinct
core or nucleus. The halo (arms)
is not symmetric and change shape with different brighter patches (parts of
spiral arms) using averted vision.
Often the north half of the galaxy appeared brighter. NGC 3738 is 16' NW. Member of the
17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, large, oval 2:1 N-S, even surface brightness. A mag 10 star is 4.0' NNW of center.
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly large, diffuse, elongated N-S.
8" (3/28/81): very faint, low surface brightness. Located 15' SE of NGC 3738.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3756 = H. II-784 = h918 on
14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "pB, cL, lE, 3' long." His position matches
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11 37 02.9 +58 24 56; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (4/14/01): compact, high surface brightness glow, round, 25" diameter, very small bright core. A mag 13 star lies 1' E of center. Several galaxies are within 30' in a group (LGG 246).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3757 = H. III-843 = h919 on
18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "vF, stellar neb. North-preceding a small
star." Caroline's reduced
position is 1' northwest of
******************************
11 36 29.2 +21 35 46; Leo
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6
48" (4/20/17): at 697x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter. Two stellar nuclei were resolved, separated by only 6" E-W. The eastern nucleus seemed slighter brighter or perhaps more stellar. The western nucleus was quasi-stellar (perhaps a few arseconds diameter).
NGC 3758 is a post-merger pair and the twin nuclei
(separated by ~11,000 light-years) both house super-massive black holes! The seeing was fairly poor at the time
of the observation but the twin nuclei were still easily resolved. Located 2.6' ESE of a bright mag 9.7
star (
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5' diameter. Following by 2.5' is mag 9.7 SAO 81899 which is the first of three on a line to the NE. Also in the field is a 43" pair of mag 9.5 stars ~8' SSE. Copeland discovered NGC 3758 and this galaxy is situated 30' SW of Copeland's Septet.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 3758 south of "Copeland's
Septet on 18 Mar 1874 and logged "pB; S; R; smbM; Nucl not
stellar." His offsets to
nearby stars is a perfect match with
Bill Keel dubbed this the "Owl" galaxy (because of twin nuclei) in a 1993 article in Mercury magazine article "The real astrophysical zoo - Colliding galaxies", though there are no Google hits on that nickname.
******************************
11 36 54.1 +54 49 23; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. Located 2.1' N of a
mag 11 star and 16' E of mag 5.6 SAO 28064. Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3759 on 19 Aug 1866 with
the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured twice, matches
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NGC 3760 = NGC 3301 = UGC 5767 = MCG +04-25-035 = CGCG 124-045 = PGC 31497
10 36 56.0 +21 52 55; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3301. There is a one hour error in RA in the NGC.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3760 on 21 Feb 1863 and recorded "B, pS, mbMN = *13, a mag 11 star precedes 4 seconds of time and south 175"." There is nothing at his position and he searched in vain for it again in Jan 1865. Dreyer mentions in the NGC notes that nothing was found at Birr Castle, though "a large group of novae preceding it [Copeland's Septet!] was found."
In the IC 1 notes, Dreyer comments "Delenda. It is = [NGC] 3301 with an error of 1 hour in RA [too large]." This identity was first suggest by Kobold in 1894. d'Arrest also mistakenly placed the nearby mag 11 star to the south, instead of north (same offset) and also made the same 1 hour transcription error the same night with NGC 3375, which is identical to NGC 3162.
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NGC 3761 = CGCG 127-001 = PGC 35933
11 36 44.1 +22 59 31; Leo
V = 14.1; Size 0.5'x0.5'
17.5" (5/4/02): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Contains a faint stellar nucleus at moments. Located 1° NNW of Copeland's Septet.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3761 = St. 12-47 on 17 Feb 1868 and recorded a rough unpublished position (4' too far NNW) in his logbook. His measured an accurate micrometric position on 11 Apr 1882.
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NGC 3762 = UGC 6591 = MCG +10-17-027 = CGCG 292-011 = PGC 35979
11 37 23.9 +61 45 33; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 167°
17.5" (4/14/01): this attractive spindle appeared fairly faint/moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.35', sharp bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 3725 lies 27' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3762 = H. II-837 = h921 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "pB, lE."
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11 36 30.3 -09 50 48; Crt
V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (5/2/92): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated. Overpowered by Theta Crateris (V = 4.7) just 3.7' NE. Member of a large group at z = .021 (USGC S171) with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3763 in 1880 and recorded "F, diffused, sp 7 stars." His position is within 0.2 minutes of RA and 1' south of MCG -02-30-009 = PGC 35907, the only nearby galaxy he might have picked up. I'm surprised, though, he didn't mention mag 4.7 Theta Crateris, only 3.7' northeast.
Francis Leavenworth independently found this galaxy on 25
Feb 1887 and gave an accurate micrometric position. It's listed as #430 (later
******************************
11 36 54.6 +17 53 18; Leo
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.0
17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, round, 0.7' diameter,
very small brighter core with direct vision. This is a close interacting system (unresolved). Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3764 on 20 Apr 1862, in the
field of NGC 3768. His position,
from two observations, matches
NGC 3764 was probably discovered earlier by R.J. Mitchell at Birr Castle on 22 Mar 1857. While observing h923 = NGC 3768 he noted "npp is another of the same character, but fainter." Dreyer, while preparing the 1880 publication added the note "= GC 2466, nova d'Arrest", though only d'Arrest is credited in the NGC.
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11 37 04.2 +24 05 46; Leo
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 61°
17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 40"x30", even surface brightness. About 5' following is a perfect equilateral triangle of mag 11 stars with sides 4'.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3765 = h922 on 28 Mar 1832 and
noted "vF; R; 30"."
His position (single observation) matches
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11 36 14 -61 36 36; Cen
V = 5.3; Size 15'
13.1" (2/18/04 - Costa Rica): superb naked-eye open
cluster in Centaurus with several hundred stars resolved in a 15' field. It contains a very dense mass of stars
in the central 5' region that are seemingly arranged in a spiral configuration,
as well as a beautiful string of stars running SW-NE on the S side of the
cluster. A mag 7.2 M-type reddish
star (
10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): easy naked-eye cluster in a gorgeous wide-angle binocular field! Situated within a superb string of bright stars. Very bright, high surface brightness cluster with a few resolved stars, moderately large and well defined. A few additional stars popped on and off.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 3766 = Lac III-7 = D 289 = h3352 in 1751-1752 from the Cape of Good Hope. Using his 1/2-inch telescope at 8x, he noted "three faint stars in nebulosity".
James Dunlop observed the cluster on 27 Apr 1826, his first night logging nebulae and clusters. He described a "A pretty large cluster of stars of mixt magnitudes, about 10' diameter. The greater number of the stars are of a pale white colour. There is a red star near the preceding side; another of the same size and colour near the following side; another small red star near the centre; and a yellow star near the south following extremity, all in the cluster."
John Herschel first observed the cluster on 14 Mar 1834 (sweep 432) and noted "the preceding of two chief stars of a fine, large, loose, round cluster of stars 8..12th mag; gradually pretty much brighter in the middle, fills field; 150..200 stars." Two sweeps later he recorded, "A very fine cluster class VII; nearly round, 8' diameter, slightly compressed in the middle, stars of 9..15th magnitude; place that of an orange star 9..10th mag following the centre."
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11 37 15.5 +16 52 37; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20" diameter, fairly high surface brightness (core only viewed?). A mag 14 star lies 2.3' SW of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3767 = h924 on 17 Mar 1831 and
simply noted "vF; S; bM."
His position matches
******************************
NGC 3768 = UGC 6589 = MCG +03-30-024 = CGCG 097-030 = PGC 35968
11 37 14.4 +17 50 23; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 1.0' diameter, moderately concentrated. Forms a pair with NGC 3764 5.5' NW. Member of a large group (LGG 246).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3768 = H. III-29 = h923 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and described a "very faint, extremely small nebula, or rather nebulous star. The sweeping power left me rather doubtful but 240x verified it." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 28 sec of RA too large (recorded on a very windy night and the RA could not be determined well). JH also called this galaxy "stellar; a burred star.", though he measured a fairly accurate position. It seems odd that both missed nearby NGC 3764 (discovered by d'Arrest).
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11 37 44.2 +47 53 34; UMa
V = 11.8; Size 3.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 152°
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, moderately large, very
elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 2.5x0.8', weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 2.2' NE of center. A very close companion
William Herschel discovered NGC 3769 = H. II-731 = h925 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and reported "F, S, E from sp to np." John Herschel made two observations, recording on sweep 330 "'B; mE; gbM; 60" l, 30" br."
Neither Herschel noticed the faint companion NGC 3769A at the southeast end, which was observed at Birr Castle. On 9 Apr 1852, Bindon Stoney recorded "gbM, a F appendage of 2nd neb." On 17 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell logged "The appendage looks like an independent nebula. Lord Rosse thought the B ray resolvable." On 12 Apr 1861, Samuel Hunter also noted "Two, probably connected." A sketch shows the companion at the correct orientation. But surprisingly, neither JH nor Dreyer added this second galaxy to the GC or NGC. Kobold measured an accurate position in 1902 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.
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11 37 58.7 +59 37 01; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 107°
18" (3/5/05): fairly faint, small, round, fairly high surface brightness, only 20" diameter. I probably viewed only the core as the catalalogued dimensions are much larger).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3770 = H. II-838 = h926 on
19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "pB, S." Caroline's reduced
position is 10 seconds of RA west of
******************************
11 39 06.0 -09 20 53; Crt
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/2/92): faint, fairly small, round, increases
to a bright core, appears to have a very faint larger halo. Appears similar to
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3771 = LM 2-446 in 1886
and logged "mag 14.5, 0.1' dia, R, *10 p 15 seconds." There is nothing near his position, but
1.7 min of RA east is
******************************
11 37 48.5 +22 41 28; Leo
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 16°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.5', slightly brighter core. Located 40' N of Copeland's Septet!
William Herschel discovered NGC 3772 = H. II-352 = h927 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, vS." Caroline's reduction is 5' north of
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11 38 13.0 +12 06 44; Leo
V = 12.0; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 165°
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus, small faint halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3773 = H. III-81 = h928 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 188) and recorded "eF, vS; it contains more nebulosity than the preceding [NGC 3731]; 240x showed it better than 157."
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11 38 30.3 -08 58 35; Crt
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 56°
24" (3/9/13): very faint to faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", low but irregular surface brightness. A mag 12 star is 2.9' SW. Member of a large group (USGC S171) with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3774 = LM 2-447 on 24 Jan
1887 and noted mag 15.8, 0.2'x0.1', E 75°. Another neb or eF star p 0.5'; *9 np 3'." His position is 6 sec of RA west and 1'
north of
******************************
11 38 26.8 -10 38 19; Crt
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 27°
17.5" (4/9/99): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1
SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.3', low even surface brightness. A mag 12 star lies 3.0' NNW. Forms a pair with
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3775 in 1880 and
described "pB to a Nucl; another 5' nf, eeF." The second object was catalogued as NGC
3779. Common's position is 1.2'
south of
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11 38 17.9 -03 21 15; Vir
V = 15.4; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.6
18" (4/30/11): extremely faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, required averted and could not hold steadily. Collinear with two stars mag 12.7/13.8 at 3.2' S and 5.6' S. Only faint stars in the field.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3776 = LM 1-190 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His very rough position (nearest min of RA) is about 3'
south of
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11 36 06.8 -12 34 08; Crt
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 35°
18" (3/19/04): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated
SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', very weak concentration. Located 13' SE of mag 7.2
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3777 = LM 1-191 on 26 Feb
1886 and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.8' dia, iR, small star or neb
following." There is nothing
near his very rough position (near min of RA). But 2.5 min of RA west is
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11 38 22 -50 43 00; Cen
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 40°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~40"x32", contains a small bright core. A mag 14.5-15 star is barely off the northwest edge [17" from center].
John Herschel discovered NGC 3778 = h3353 on 31 Mar 1835 and
recorded "eF; R; 20"; in a field with 50 or 60 small
stars." His position matches
******************************
NGC 3779 = IC 717 = MCG -02-30-013 = LGG 248-001 = PGC 36084
11 38 51.3 -10 35 01; Crt
V = 13.7; Size 2.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 85°
17.5" (4/9/99): extremely faint, fairly small, round, 0.5'. Was not able to locate initially at 220x but once picked up with averted a dim glow was visible <50% of the time. Located 6.8' NE of brighter NGC 3775. Member of the NGC 3892 group (LGG 248) at z = .006.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3779 in 1860 with his
36" reflector. With respect
to NGC 3775, he noted "another 5' nf ". Close to this offset is
Frank Muller found
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11 39 22.3 +56 16 15; UMa
V = 11.5; Size 3.1'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 90°
17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration, uneven surface brightness [images
reveal a face-on multiarmed spiral].
A mag 13 star is off the ENE side 2.1' from center. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3780 = H. I-227 = h929 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "pB, cL, iF, r, 3' by 2'. John Herschel made two observations, noting on sweep 345, "F; L; R; vglbM; 60". Twilight."
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11 39 03.8 +26 21 43; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.45'; PA = 23°
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, very small, round, very small
brighter core. A mag 14.5 star is
50" E. First of three with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3781 = St. 11-11, along with
NGC 3784 and 3785, on 28 Apr 1881. His position matches
******************************
11 39 20.7 +46 30 48; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 0°
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5', almost even surface brightness. A mag 12 star is at the SSW tip 0.6' from center and a mag 15 star is off the NNE tip 1.3' from center. Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258, though another paper list it a member of the NGC 3769 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3782 = H. II-732 = h930 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "F, S. Almost between 2 stars, the cheveulure touches them both; the are sp the nebula." John Herschel reported "a * 15m with a nebulous tail nf which touches another star."
******************************
NGC 3783 = ESO 378-014 = MCG -06-26-004 = PGC 36101
11 39 02 -37 44 18; Cen
V = 11.9; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 162°
18" (4/25/09): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.6', bright quasi-stellar nucleus. Located just NW of a mag 9.2 that detracts from viewing. This well-studied face-on galaxy contains a very bright, highly variable, Seyfert 1 nucleus (one of the closest) and my observation describes the core of the galaxy. NGC 3742/3749 lies ~40' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3783 = h3354 on 21 Apr 1835 and
recorded "pB; R; vsbM; precedes (to n) a * 9m." His position and description matches
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NGC 3784 = MCG +05-28-006 = CGCG 157-006 = Holm 271a = WBL 344-002 = PGC 36147
11 39 29.8 +26 18 33; Leo
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 135°
17.5" (4/15/93): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, weak concentration, low surface brightness. Located just 0.9' NE of a mag 10.5 star. Forms a close pair with NGC 3785 0.8' SE with NGC 3781 7' NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3784 = St. 11-12, along with
NGC 3785, on 13 Mar 1874. His
position was 2' to the west of this pair.
His published position (list 11, #12) was made on 28 Apr 1881and matches
******************************
NGC 3785 = UGC 6620 = MCG +05-28-007 = CGCG 157-008 = Holm 271b = WBL 344-003 = PGC 36148
11 39 32.9 +26 18 08; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 25°
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core, very faint extensions. Located 1.5' E of a mag 10.5 star. This galaxy is the slightly brighter of a close pair with NGC 3784 just 0.8' NW. NGC 3781 lies 7' NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3785 = St. 11-13, along with NGC 3784, on 13 Mar 1874. His published position (list 11, #13) was made on 28 Apr 1881 and is an excellent match. He described both galaxies as having faint stellar nuclei.
******************************
11 39 42.4 +31 54 32; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 2.2'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 77°
24" (6/16/20): moderately to fairly bright, moderately
large, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.5', bright core, small bright nucleus. Forms a
striking pair (
18" (4/10/04): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, brighter core. I observed SN 2004bd, discovered less than a week earlier on 4/4/04 and situated just 4.7" W and 1.2" S of center. When the seeing steadied, the supernova was clearly resolved as a mag 14.5 "star" close WSW of center (along the major axis) and very close to the brighter (Markarian) core. Forms a pair with NGC 3788 1.4' NE of center. A mag 10.8 star lies 2.0' SE.
17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, bright core. Forms a pleasing close pair with NGC 3788 (separation of 1.4' NE). The galaxies are elongated at nearly right angles and almost attached at the ENE end of NGC 3786. A mag 10.5 star is 2' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3786 = h931, along with NGC 3788, on 29 Apr 1827. His description reads, "the sp of 2 [with NGC 3788]; less bright and smaller than the nf." He made 3 observations of both galaxies.
******************************
11 39 37.9 +20 27 17; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 0.7'x0.55'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 29°
17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, elongated 4:3,
SW-NE, 0.4'x0.3'. Moderate
concentration to a quasi-stellar nucleus.
Forms the NE vertex of a small triangle with a mag 13 star 1' W and a
mag 12 star 1.7' S.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3787 on 10 May 1864. His
position is within 30" of
******************************
NGC 3788 = Arp 294 NED2 = VV 228a = UGC 6623 = MCG +05-28-009 = CGCG 157-010 = Holm 272a = WBL 345-003 = PGC 36160
11 39 44.7 +31 55 51; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 2.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 178°
24" (6/16/20): at 260x and 375x; bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 N-S. Contains a relatively large, bright elongated core. A small bright nucleus is embedded on the north side of the central core. A quite noticeable bright arc (outer curve of the northern spiral arm) is at the northern end of the disc. The disc is relatively dark (due to a dust lane) just on the inside (south) of the arc, so it appears partially detached.
17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, brighter core. Forms a striking pair of elongated spirals with NGC 3786 1.4' SW (Arp 294), which is almost attached at the south end of NGC 3788. A mag 10.5 star lies 2.7' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3788 = h932, along with NGC 3786, on 29 Apr 1827. His description reads, "pB, E in merid [N-S]; gbM; 40-50" long; the nf of 2 [with NGC 3786]."
Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 24 Feb 1852, reported "2 rays, forming an angle of about 100°, the south one has a nucleus, and there is a knot at the north extremity of the north one." Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position in 1891 at the Vienna Observatory.
******************************
11 38 09.1 -09 36 26; Crt
V = 13.4; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 179°
18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.4'. Contains a small brighter core and stellar nucleus with extremely faint extensions. Forms the western vertex of a near equilateral triangle with two mag 13.5 stars ~2.5' SSE and east. Located 25' NE of mag 4.7 Theta Crateris. Member of a large group at z = .021 (USGC S171) with brightest members NGC 3730 and 3771.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3789 = LM 2-448 in 1886
and noted "mag 14.8, 0.3'x0.2', E 180°. RNGC and MCG misidentify
******************************
11 39 47.2 +17 42 44; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 154°
48" (4/2/11): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1
NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very bright small core. First of six in the
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, contains a brighter elongated core. Collinear with two stars 2.3' and 4.7' SE.
18" (5/12/07): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.3', nearly collinear with two mag 11.5 and 13 stars to the SE. First in a group with brightest member NGC 3801.
17.5" (4/1/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, very small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus at moments. Collinear with two mag 11.5 and 13 stars 2.3' and 4.7' SE, respectively. First in the NGC 3801 group and located 7.0' WSW of NGC 3801.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3790 = H. III-109 = h933 on
17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198) and recorded "I suspect a vS stellar nebula in the
same field with the preceding one [NGC 3801], about 8 or 10' distant and
south-preceding it. The suspected nebula is in a row with two small stars and
preceding them." His
description fits
******************************
NGC 3791 = MCG -01-30-020 = PGC 36156
11 39 41.7 -09 22 02; Crt
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 164°
17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, gradually brighter halo, small bright core. Located 6.0' N of mag 7.4 SAO 138326. Forms a pair with NGC 3771 8' W. Member of a large group (USGC S171).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3791 = H. III-609 = h935 on
22 Feb 1787 (sweep 705) and recorded "vF, vS, R, gbM. 240 showed it very plainly." His RA is 30 seconds too small and
falls very close to NGC 3771!.
John Herschel's position and description ("vF; R; gbM; 20";
has a * 8m 6' south, on the same meridian") matches
******************************
11 39 38.1 +05 06 00; Vir
= **?, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
Edward Holden discovered NGC 3792 on 27 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory in Madison, WI. He noted "vF, diffused. Neb makes an isosceles triangle with D.M. 2523 and 2525. There is nothing at his position and there is no entry for NGC 3792 in any modern catalogue.
Harold Corwin noticed that a double star (~16" separation) ~6' north of the NGC position matches his description of making an isosceles triangle with DM 2523 and 2525. This double star is listed here.
******************************
11 40 02.0 +31 52 39; UMa
= *?, Gottlieb and Corwin. = Not found, Thomson.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3793, along with
RNGC misidentifies
******************************
11 40 54.1 +56 12 10; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 120°
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is at the WNW edge. Forms a wide pair with NGC 3780 13' WNW. Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3794 = H. III-773 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 920) and logged "cF, pS, just following a vS star." His position (Caroline's reduction) is
20 tsec preceding and 1' north of
He found the galaxy again on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, E. I saw it too late to describe it properly." His position here is even cloer to UGC 6640, but he catalogued it as II-830 assuming it was new and Dreyer added it as NGC 3804. Dreyer noted the equivalence in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues and mentioned in Malcolm Thomson's and Harold Corwin's correction lists.
RNGC misidentifes
******************************
11 40 06.7 +58 36 47; UMa
V = 13.1; Size 2.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 53°
17.5" (4/14/01): spindle-shaped galaxy, fairly faint, elongated 7:2 SW-NE in the direction of a mag 12 star 5' SW, 1.4'x0.4'. In a galaxy group (LGG 246) with NGC 3757 27' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3795 = H. III-844 on 18 Mar
1790 (sweep 951) and noted "vF, mE, S." Caroline's reduced position
is 1.5' southeast of
******************************
11 40 31.1 +60 17 56; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 127°
18" (3/5/05): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.6'x0.5', increases to a very small bright core and a stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3796 = H. II-839 = h937 on
19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "pF, cS, R, mbM." Caroline's reduced RA is 27 tsec too
large. John Herschel made two
observations, noting on sweep 406 "pB; R; 35"; pgbM." His position is within 1' of
******************************
11 40 13.3 +31 54 24; UMa
= *, Corwin. Not found, Thomson but ≠ NGC 3788.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3797, along with NGC 3793, on 12 Feb 1882. At his offset from NGC 3786 is a single mag 15 star (see NGC 3793). Dorothy Carlson incorrectly equates NGC 3797 = NGC 3788 in her 1940 NGC Correction list and this is repeated in RNGC.
******************************
11 40 14.0 +24 41 49; Leo
V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 60°
17.5" (4/14/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7', moderate concentration with a small brighter core
visible with direct vision. In a
small group (LGG 245) with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3798 = H. II-340 = h938 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F, vS, lbM." Herschel observed it again on the next sweep (4 nights later) and recorded "vF, vS, stellar with a vF and very short ray towards the preceding side." John Herschel measured an accurate position.
******************************
11 40 09.4 +15 19 38; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 115°
48" (3/1/19): NGC 3799 is the small and fainter
southwest member of an interacting pair (
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, round. Forms a striking pair located just off the southwest end of NGC 3800 1.4' from center. A mag 12 star is 1.1' directly south, and a brighter mag 10.5 star is 2.9' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3799 = h934 = h3355 on 21 Apr 1832. While observing NGC 3800 he noted, "F; E nf to sp; has another F neb [NGC 3799] attached to its preceding extremity." In a later sweep, he called it "an appendage to II 103 [NGC 3800], which it precedes." WH, in his observation of NGC 3800, noted "2 or 3 stars visible in it." One of these "stars" may refer to NGC 3799.
******************************
NGC 3800 = Arp 83 NED2 = VV 350a = UGC 6634 = MCG +03-30-039 = CGCG 097-049 = PGC 36197
11 40 13.4 +15 20 32; Leo
V = 12.7; Size 2.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 52°
48" (3/1/19): at 488x; bright, large, elongated nearly 3:1 SW-NE, 1.7'x0.55', large bright core, very irregular appearance. It appeared the SW portion of the galaxy extended further or was stretched in the direction of the companion NGC 3799 (the pair is Arp 83). The SW outer fringes had a lower surface brightness than the rest of the galaxy as it neared NGC 3799. The galaxy brightened slightly at the NE end of a spiral arm. NGC 3799 is centered 1.3' SW.
17.5" (3/29/89): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.5'. Forms a close pair with NGC 3799 just off the SW end 1.4' from the center. A mag 10.5 star is 3.2' SSE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3800 = H. II-103 = h936 = h3356 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "F, S, E, r. 2 or 3 star visible in it. The nebula is near some small stars." John Herschel made 5 observations at Slough and one at the Cape of Good Hope. His first observation (21 Apr 1832) reads "F; E nf to sp; has another F neb [NGC 3799] attached to its preceding extremity."
Lord Rosse first observed NGC 3800 on 1 Apr 1848 (when the 72" started use after the potatoe blight) and noted "a tolerably bright nebula with a smaller one following."
******************************
NGC 3801 = UGC 6635 = MCG +03-30-040 = CGCG 097-051 = Holm 273a = WBL 347-003 = LGG 246-002 = PGC 36200
11 40 16.8 +17 43 41; Leo
V = 12.0; Size 3.5'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 120°
48" (4/2/11): the brightest of 6 galaxies in a 15'
group that is stretched out in a SW to NE orientation. At 375x appeared very bright, very
large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~2.5'x1.7', sharply concentrated with a very
bright core and much fainter outer halo.
There is some ill-defined structure in the halo, either due to dust,
spiral arms or both. NGC 3802 is
2.3' N,
18" (5/12/07): moderately bright, fairly large but moderately low surface brightness, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, broad concentration with a brighter core that increases to a small, brighter nucleus. Brightest in a group including NGC 3790 7' W and NGC 3802 2.3' N.
17.5" (4/1/95): brightest in a group. Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration to a brighter core. Forms a close pair with NGC 3802 2.3'
NNE. Also in the field are NGC
3790 7.0' WSW and NGC 3806 8.1' NE.
Located 7' WNW of mag 8.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 3801 = H. III-30 = H. II-161
= h939 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded III-30 as "vF, pS, r,
preceded by two vB stars."
His position is only 8 sec of RA following NGC 3801 = UGC 6635, although
John Herschel (in the GC) and Dreyer (in the NGC) assumed it applied to NGC
3802, 2.3' north of NGC 3801. A
month later, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 198), he returned to the field and recorded
II-161 as "F, not S, R, bM."
His position on this sweep is 4' too far south. John Herschel made 3 observations and
his mean position matches
Since WH observed only one object near this position on both sweep 170 and 198, we can assume he picked up the brighter galaxy NGC 3801 both times, and missed NGC 3802. In fact, he was uncertain if H. II-161 was new or identical to H. III-30, though decided to assign it a new internal number. So, H. II-161 = H. III-30 = NGC 3801 and JH should be credited with the discovery of NGC 3802. Wolfgang Steinicke confirmed these conclusions (email on 7/15/14).
******************************
NGC 3802 = UGC 6636 = MCG +03-30-041 = CGCG 097-052 = Holm 273b = WBL 347-004 = LGG 246-003 = PGC 36203
11 40 18.8 +17 45 57; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 85°
48" (4/2/11): this bright edge-on is located 2.3' N of NGC 3801 in a group of 6 galaxies. It appeared edge-on 5:1 E-W, 1.4'x0.3'. Contains a brighter, slightly bulging core. A mag 13.5 star is just off the following end, 1.0' from center. NGC 3803 lies 2.2' N.
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 E-W, ~1.1'x0.3', brighter core, slightly brighter along the major axis. A mag 13.5 star is close to the east end. Forms a striking pair with NGC 3801.
18" (5/12/07): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.3'. A mag 13 star is just off the following end. Located 2' N of NGC 3801 in a group.
17.5" (4/1/95): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', very weak concentration. Almost reaches to a mag 13.5 star just off the east end 1.0' from center. Located 2.3' NNE of NGC 3801 in a group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3802 = h940 on 14 Mar 1784 and simply noted "last of 3 [with NGC 3790 and 3801]." He made 3 observations, though real description. WH is credited with the discovery (III-30) in the GC and NGC, although that number most likely applies to NGC 3801 (see that number).
******************************
11 40 17.3 +17 48 05; Leo
V = 15.7; Size 0.3'x0.2'
48" (4/2/11): this galaxy is the faintest of 5 NGC galaxies (and one MCG) in the NGC 3801 group. At 375x it appeared fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, slightly brighter core. Located 4.5' N of NGC 3801 and 2.2' N of NGC 3802.
17.5" (4/1/95): not seen with confidence.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3803 on 27 Mar 1856 with LdR's
72" and noted "A [on the diagram] is a vvF knot." The sketch
clearly matches
******************************
NGC 3804 = NGC 3794 = UGC 6640 = MCG +09-19-153 = CGCG 268-070 = CGCG 292-019 = LGG 250-003 = PGC 36238
11 40 54.1 +56 12 10; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 120°
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is at the WNW edge. Forms a wide pair with NGC 3780 13' WNW. Member of the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (UMa NED2 Group).
William Herschel rediscovered NGC 3804 = H. II-830 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, E. I saw it too late to describe it properly." Caroline's reduced position is within 2' of UGC 6640. He originally discovered this galaxy on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and logged "cF, pS, just following a vS star." It was catalogued as III-773 and later as NGC 3794. There was probably just enough difference in position and description for both Herschel and Dreyer to assume the objects were different, but there is only one galaxy here. So, NGC 3804 = NGC 3794. The primary designation should be NGC 3794 (earlier discovery), but it is known as NGC 3804 because of the more accurate position.
******************************
NGC 3805 = UGC 6642 = MCG +04-28-019 = CGCG 127-024 = PGC 36224
11 40 41.6 +20 20 35; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 60°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, small bright core dominates a small halo. A mag 13 star is 2.2' WSW. NGC 3787 lies 16' NW. Located at the western edge of AGC 1367.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3805 = H. III-375 = h941 on 25 Apr 1785 (sweep 401) and logged "eF, S, but strong twilight and moonlight make it impossible to describe it properly." John Herschel reported "Not vF; S; R; bM." and measured a fairly accurate position.
******************************
NGC 3806 = UGC 6641 = MCG +03-30-042 = CGCG 097-054 = WBL 347-005 = PGC 36231
11 40 46.6 +17 47 47; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.2
48" (4/2/11): last of 6 in the NGC 3801 group. At 375x appeared fairly bright, large,
slightly elongated N-S, 1.4'x1.2', broad weak concentration but no core. Located 8' NE of NGC 3801 and 5' N of mag 9.2
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated N-S, ~45" diameter, weak concentration with only a slightly brighter middle.
17.5" (4/1/95): very faint, fairly small, round, low surface brightness glow with no concentration. Collinear with two mag 12.5-13 stars to the SSW by 2.5' and 4.5'. Located 5' N of mag 8.7 SAO 99729 and 8' NE of NGC 3801 in a group.
Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 3806 on 3 Apr
1851. While observing NGC 3802 he
noted "another vF neb, about 6' nf." On 6 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell logged it as "vvF, R,
lbM."
Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 21 Apr 1862 and noted a mag 9-10 star is 5' south. His position is accurate and both John Herschel (in the GC) and Dreyer (in the NGC) credited d'Arrest with the discovery, although d'Arrest commented his object might be identical to one of the two LdR novae mentioned in the 1861 publication.
******************************
11 40 54.7 +17 49 07; Leo
= *, Corwin. "Not found", Carlson. = NGC 3806, UGC.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3807 on 27 Mar 1856 and noted "C [on the sketch] is a vvF knot or possibly a star." The diagram shows object "C" to the northeast of NGC 3807 ("B"). There is nothing in this position and Bigourdan and Reinmuth reported negative findings. UGC, PGC (and other secondary sources such as Megastar) equate NGC 3806 = NGC 3807, but Mitchell's object is very likely the mag 16.5 star identified by Harold Corwin.
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11 40 44.2 +22 25 46; Leo
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 123°
48" (4/20/17): NGC 3808 is the brighter member of a
remarkable interacting pair with
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3
NW-SE, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus. Located 3.5' NNE of mag 9.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 3808 = H. III-338 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, vS." Caroline's reduction is 10 seconds of RA east and 3.8' north of this interacting system.
******************************
11 41 16.1 +59 53 09; UMa
V = 12.7; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 123°
18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, well-concentrated with a small, prominent core and stellar nucleus. Very symmetrical appearance.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3809 on 20 Aug 1866 with the
11" refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured twice) matches
******************************
11 40 58.7 +11 28 17; Leo
V = 10.8; Size 4.3'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 15°
17.5" (5/2/92): bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, broad concentration, increases to brighter core but no nucleus, large very faint halo of dimensions 3.0'x2.0'. A group of three mag 11-12 stars mag is located between 9'-11' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3810 = H. I-21 = h943 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "pB, L, lE, r." His position was 50 seconds of RA too far east. John Herschel made 5 observations, the earliest on 10 Apr 1823 (sweep 2), while still developing his sweeping technique: "vF; R; vgbM; a *9m 15' dist in parallel."
Several interesting observations were made at Birr Castle. On 18 Mar 1851, Bindon Stoney recorded "BM, F neby all round of a mottled charachter, knot or appendage in the p part. On 10 Apr 1852, he queried "Spriral? glbM." Dreyer, though, observing in 1878, comments "Beyond doubt a glob cl, outlying F branches on a F background which fades away gradually."
******************************
11 41 16.6 +47 41 27; UMa
V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 160°
18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, moderately large, oval elongated nearly 3:2 N-S, 1.5'x1.1', broadly concentrated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3811 = H. II-737 = h942 on 9
Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "pF, S, lbM, iR." Caroline's reduction is 8 sec of RA
east of
******************************
NGC 3812 = UGC 6648 = MCG +04-28-023 = CGCG 127-027 = WBL 348-001 = PGC 36256
11 41 07.8 +24 49 18; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, small, round,
prominent core, fairly high surface brightness. Located 1.7' WNW of mag 8.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 3812 = H. III-320 = h944 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and simply noted "stellar", probably rushed in the observation. John Herschel recorded "F; R; has a * 6.7 m sf, dist 3'.
******************************
11 41 18.7 +36 32 47; UMa
V = 11.6; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 87°
17.5" (4/1/95): fairly bright, fairly large, very
elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 2.4'x0.8'.
Broad concentration to a large brighter core which brightens to a small
nucleus. Mottled appearance with
an irregular surface brightness. A
mag 14 star is at the east end 1.3' from center. Two mag 14 stars just off the west end 2.1' and 2.8' from
center are collinear with the major axis.
A mag 15 star is close SW of the core by 1.2'. Located 13' ENE of mag 7.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 3813 = H. I-94 = h945 on 28
Apr 1785 (sweep 404) and recorded "cB, pL, mE nearly in the meridian. His position is 10 sec of RA west of
******************************
11 41 27.7 +24 48 19; Leo
V = 14.8; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 175°
17.5" (4/15/93): second and faintest of three with NGC 3812 5' W and NGC 3815 2.5' E. Very faint, very small, round. Located 3.1' E of mag 8.4 SAO 81942.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3814 = St. 11-14 on 14 Mar 1874, during an observation of NGC 3812 and 3815. His published position (list 11, #14) was determined 7 years later on 25 Apr 1881.
******************************
NGC 3815 = UGC 6654 = MCG +04-28-025 = CGCG 127-030 = Holm 276a = WBL 348-003 = PGC 36288
11 41 39.3 +24 48 01; Leo
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 72°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, broad concentration. Last in a small group (LGG 245) with NGC 3814 2.5' W, NGC 3812 6.7' WNW and NGC 3798 20' WSW. Located 5.8' ESE of mag 8.4 SAO 81942.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3815 = H. III-339 = h946 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, vS, goes into the field with the foregoing [NGC 3812]. He discovered NGC 3812 4 nights earlier, but missed NGC 3815. John Herschel called this galaxy "Not vF; pL; 30"." and measured an accurate position.
******************************
11 41 48.0 +20 06 14; Leo
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 70°
17.5" (3/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, stellar nucleus. Member of AGC 1367.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3816 on 9 May 1864. His position, measured on two nights, is accurate.
******************************
11 41 53.0 +10 18 16; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 140°
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~E-W,
brighter core. A mag 11 star is
2.7' NNW of center. First of five
in the field in
John Herschel discovered NGC 3817 = h947 on 18 Jan 1828 and noted "F. The first of 4 [with NGC 3819, 3822 and 3825]." His position is at the south edge of NGC 3817.
******************************
11 41 57.3 -06 09 21; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 2.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 103°
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly bright, fairly small, oval, very bright core containing a stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3818 = H. III-284 = h948 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 379) and recorded "vF, S, iE, lbM." His RA is 33 sec too large. John Herschel logged "B; R; psbM; 30". At least 2nd class." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 3819 = HCG 58D = MCG +02-30-013 = CGCG 068-030 = WBL 350-002 = PGC 36311
11 42 05.9 +10 21 04; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 160°
17.5" (4/25/87): very faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Second of five in HCG 58, located 4.2' NE of NGC 3817. Forms a close pair with NGC 3820 2.0' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3819 = h950 on 18 Jan 1828 and noted "vF; the second of 4 [with NGC 3817, 3822 and 3825]; place estimated from the others."
******************************
NGC 3820 = HCG 58E = MCG +02-30-014 = CGCG 068-031 = WBL 350-003 = PGC 36308
11 42 04.9 +10 23 02; Leo
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 20°
17.5" (4/25/87): extremely faint, small, almost round, diffuse, even surface brightness. Located 2.0' N of NGC 3819 and 5.5' NNE of NGC 3817. Third of five (and faintest) in HCG 58.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3820 on 29 Apr 1865 and accurately placed it 2' north of h950 = NGC 3819.
******************************
11 42 09.0 +20 18 56; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core. A mag 14 star is at the SW edge and a mag 10 star lies 2.9' W. Member of AGC 1367 cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3821 = H. III-376 = h949 on
26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and noted "suspected, vF, vS. I am pretty sure of it; but twilight is
too strong." There is nothing
at his position, but 18 sec of RA west is
******************************
NGC 3822 = HCG 58A = NGC 3848? = UGC 6661 = MCG +02-30-015 =
11 42 11.1 +10 16 40; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 178°
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, small, oval N-S, brighter core. Brightest in HCG 58 and the fourth of five in the field within the NGC 3817-3869 group. Forms a close pair with NGC 3825 3.2' ESE on the Leo-Virgo border.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3822 = H. II-153 = h951, along with NGC 3825, on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded both as "Two F, pS, cometic nebula." His single position is just 1'-2' too far south. He probably found this pair a month ealrier (15 Mar 1784, sweep 174), but his position was 2.0 tmin too far east and they were recorded as III-35 = NGC 3848 and III-36 = NGC 3852. If so, NGC 3822 = NGC 3848.
******************************
11 42 15.1 -13 52 01; Crt
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 90°
18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated E-W, weak concentration, 0.7'x0.6'. Situated directly between two mag 13-14 stars 2' N and 2'
S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3823 = h3357 on 7 May 1836 and
logged "F; lE; pslbM; 40"." His position is just off the north side of
******************************
11 42 44.9 +52 46 47; UMa
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 118°
18" (5/31/03): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE,
0.7'x0.35', pretty even surface brightness. A mag 13 star lies 2.0' SW. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3824 = H. III-774 = h952 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "vF, vS." His position (Caroline's reduction) -- 1.0 tmin too large and 3' south of UGC 6676, but his relative position with nearby NGC 3829 (recorded next in the sweep) is reasonably accurate. A more accurate position was measured on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946). John Herschel logged "vF, mE" and measured a good position.
******************************
NGC 3825 = HCG 58B = NGC 3852? = UGC 6668 = MCG +02-30-018 =
11 42 23.7 +10 15 51; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 160°
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Fifth of five (second brightest) in HCG 58 with NGC 3822 3.2' WNW. Also located within the larger NGC 3817-3869 group on the Leo-Virgo border.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3825 = H. II-154 = h953, along with NGC 3822, on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded both as "Two F, pS, cometic nebula." His single position is just 1'-2' too far south. He probably found this pair a month earlier (15 Mar 1784, sweep 174), but his position was 2.0 tmin too far east and the pair was recorded as III-35 = NGC 3848 and III-36 = NGC 3852. If so, NGC 3825 = NGC 3852.
******************************
11 42 32.8 +26 29 20; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 65°
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, very small, round, bright core,
stellar nucleus. A close trio of
mag 14 stars is 8' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3826 = H. II-341 = h954 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F, stellar." John Herschel made 3 observations, calling it "pB; R; psbM; 15"."
******************************
11 42 36.3 +18 50 44; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 65°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6', very weak concentration. Located midway between mag 9.1
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3827 on 29 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is accurate and his description mentions a mag 16 star is 21 seconds of time preceding and a bit south. The star is at his offset, though only 14th magnitude.
******************************
11 42 58.4 +16 29 15; Leo
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, very small, round. A mag 11 star is 1.7' SE. Forms a pair with edge-on
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3828 = Big. 46 on 28 Mar 1886. His position matches CGCG 097-075, though CGCG (and the UGC notes to UGC 6686) fail to label this galaxy as NGC 3828. MCG labels it correctly. Mentioned by Malcolm Thomson in his "CGCG Corrections" and in Harld Corwin's identification notes.
******************************
NGC 3829 = UGC 6690 = MCG +09-19-164 = CGCG 268-074 = PGC 36439
11 43 27.3 +52 42 40; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 95°
18" (5/31/03): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.5'x0.35', weak concentration. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 3824 8' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3829 = H. III-775 = h955 on
14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "suspected; vF, vS." His position is poor -- 37 tsec too
large and 2' south of
******************************
NGC 3830 = MCG +05-28-024 = MCG +05-28-025 = CGCG 157-023 =
11 43 11.8 +26 33 32; Leo
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 9°
17.5" (4/15/93): very faint, very small, round. Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 13 stars 1.5' W and 1.5' SW. NGC 2826 lies 10' SW. This is an unresolved double system.
The identification of NGC 3830 is uncertain and the number may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3826.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3830 = h956 on 19 Apr 1832 and
simply logged "Cloudy; hardly discernible." His position is 3.7'
south of
Corwin suggests that NGC 3830 is probably a duplicate of NGC 3826, which is located 43 sec of RA west but with the same declination. NGC 3826 was observed on three sweeps but NGC 3830 was recorded on a different sweep. Both NED and LEDA equate NGC 3830 = NGC 3826. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
NGC 3831 = MCG -02-30-023 = PGC 36417
11 43 18.6 -12 52 42; Crt
V = 12.7; Size 2.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 23°
18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.4'. Contains a small, bright core and very faint extensions which fades at the tip. Surrounded by several MCG galaxies, though these were not searched for. A mag 9 star lies 6' N. NGC 3823 lies 1° south.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3831 = h957 on 9 Mar 1828 and
logged "F; vS; R; bM. Well
observed." His position is
within 1' of
******************************
11 43 31.4 +22 43 31; Leo
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.1
18" (5/30/03): faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, low surface brightness, very weak concentration. A mag 11 star is 2.2' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3832 = H. III-340 on 10 Apr
1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, pL. I suspected two stellar near it, but could not ascertain
with 240 whether they were stars or nebula as I could not stop long enough to
view them sufficiently."
Caroline's reduction is 5' due north of
******************************
11 43 28.8 +10 09 43; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 27°
17.5" (4/25/87): very faint, fairly small, very diffuse,
elongated SSW-NNE. A very faint
mag 15.5 star is off the SW end 0.9' from center. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3833 = H. III-102 on 15 Apr
1784 (sweep 194) and noted "eF, pL." Caroline's reduction is 3' south of
******************************
11 43 37.7 +19 05 26; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 132°
17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, round, 0.8' diameter
(viewed core only?). Located 9' SW
of mag 9.2
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3834 on 29 Dec 1861 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position is 30" north of
******************************
11 44 04.9 +60 07 11; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 60°
18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 SW-NE. Broad
concentration with a large, slightly brighter middle and slightly fainter
extensions. Extended in the
direction of a mag 12 star 3.6' NE.
Located 7' NW of mag 7.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 3835 = h958 on 14 Apr 1831 and recorded "pF; lE; gbM; preceds * 8m, 5' distant. His position (measured twice) is good, though the star is 7' southeast.
******************************
11 43 29.7 -16 47 40; Crt
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 or 2:1 NW-SE, ~0.9'x0.6'. Appears brighter along a major axis NW-SE, surrounded by a rounder, faint halo. A mag 12-13 star is just off the north flank, perhaps 45" from the center.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3836 = T. 1-36 = T. 4-8 on 29 Apr 1877. On the SDSS, the foreground star happens to lie at the exact tip of the northern spiral arm.
******************************
11 43 56.4 +19 53 41; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.2
17.5" (2/20/88): faint, small, slightly elongated,
brighter core. This is the second
brightest galaxy in the core of the galaxy cluster AGC 1367 and lies 3.6' SSW
of
13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round. Second brightest in the core of the cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3837 = H. III-377 = h961, along with NGC 3842, on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402). He described both as "two [with III-378 = NGC 3842], the time and NPD is that of the most north [NGC 3842], which is the largest and brightest; and is vF, pS. The most south [NGC 3837] eF; vS, but twilight is too strong to determine them properly." His RA was 10 seconds too small. John Herschel made two observations, measured an accurate position, and assumed it was new. Dreyer concluded in the his revision of William Herschel's catalogues that h961 = H. III-377 = NGC 3837.
******************************
11 44 13.8 +57 56 53; UMa
V = 12.3; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 141°
24" (5/20/20): at 375x; very pretty edge-on at 375x, bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.35', very strong concentration with a very bright core and an intensely bright nucleus. A mag 12.1 star is 3' S. Brightest member of the LGG 246 group.
18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.3', spindle-shaped. Sharp concentration with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 3.2' S. Member of the LGG 246 group along with NGC 3757 and NGC 3795.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3838 = H. II-831 = h959 on
18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and logged "pB, vS, lE." Caroline's reduced position is within
1' of
******************************
11 43 54.3 +10 47 06; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 87°
24" (5/20/20): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint,
moderately large, ~50"x30", relatively large slightly elongated
central region, low surface brightness outer halo extended E-W. Located 6' NNW of mag 8.1
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, weak concentration,
elongated WSW-ENE. Forms the north
vertex of near equilateral triangle with mag 8.5
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3839 = St. 12-48 on 17 Mar 1882. He reduced the position the following month (19 Apr 1882) and included it in his 12th discovery list (#48).
******************************
11 43 58.9 +20 04 37; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 67°
17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, irregularly
round, broad concentration.
Located 2.9' NNW of
13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small, round. This is the farthest northern galaxy in
the core of AGC 1367. Appears
similar to NGC 3844 and
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3840 on 8 May 1864 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on two nights, matches
******************************
11 44 02.2 +19 58 19; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, extremely small, small bright core. Located 1.3' N of NGC 3842 in the central core of AGC 1367. Nearby are NGC 3845 1.7' NNW, and UGC 6697 3.0' W.
13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, very small, in central core of AGC 1367.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3841 = h960 = Big. 48 on 25 Mar
1827 and simply noted "F; R."
On a later sweep (334) he recorded "vF; S; the first of 4 [with NGC
3837, 3842 and 3845." All
modern catalogues equate NGC 3841 with
Heinrich d'Arrest's #118 in his AN 1500 discovery list matches CGCG 097-096, so he clearly observed this galaxy. In his main monograph "Siderum Nebulosorum" he gives an uncertain equivalence with h960. Harold Corwin's equates Big. 48 with NGC 3841. The MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 3841 and 3842.
******************************
NGC 3842 = UGC 6704 = MCG +03-30-072 = CGCG 097-095 = PGC 36487
11 44 02.1 +19 57 00; Leo
V = 11.8; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 5°
17.5" (2/20/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
round, small bright core. A mag 15
star is 0.8' SE of core. Brightest
and largest in core of the rich cluster AGC 1367 with NGC 3841 1.3' N, UGC 6697
3.2' WNW, NGC 3845 2.9' NNE, NGC 3837 3.6' SSW and
13.1" (2/25/84): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, many companions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3842 = H. III-378 = h962 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402). His description reads, "Two [with III-377 = NGC 3837], the time and NPD is that of the most north [NGC 3842], which is the largest and brightest; and is vF, pS. The most south [NGC 3837] eF; vS, but twilight is too strong to determine them properly."
John Herschel misassigned H. III-377 to h962 and H. III-378
to h966 = NGC 3851 in the GC and Dreyer repeated this in the NGC. Édouard Stephan observed NGC 3842 on 16
Mar 1882 and also discovered (but didn't publish) UGC 6697. According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan
discovered nearby
******************************
11 43 54.7 +07 55 33; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 42°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, small bright core.
Edward Holden discovered NGC 3843 on 27 Apr 1881 with the
15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. and recorded "F;
elongated 225° [SW-NE]. Follows a
star 11m by 14s [of time]."
His position and description matches
******************************
NGC 3844 = UGC 6705 = MCG +03-30-069 = CGCG 097-097 = PGC 36481
11 44 00.8 +20 01 46; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 1.2'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 28°
17.5" (3/12/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Located in the core of AGC 1367 4.8' N of NGC 3842. Nearby are NGC 3845 2.3' SE, NGC 3841 3.4' S, NGC 3840 2.9' N.
13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small, round, brighter core, similar to NGC 3840 and NGC 3845.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3844 (#119 in his AN 1500
list) on 8 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position, measured on two nights,
matches
******************************
NGC 3845 = MCG +03-30-074 = CGCG 097-100 = PGC 36470
11 44 05.5 +19 59 45; Leo
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 135°
17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core. Located 1.6' NNE of NGC 3841 in the core of AGC 1367.
13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3845 = h963 on 17 Mar 1831 and
recorded "vF; pS; the last of 4 [with NGC 3841, 3837 and 3842]. There are however 3 or 4 more nebulae
in this neighbourhood." His
position is 0.8' southwest of
******************************
11 44 29.1 +55 39 08; UMa
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 135°
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE. First in a group of five galaxies with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3846 = h964 on 10 Feb 1831 and
recorded "F; pL; R; vgbM."
His single position is barely off the southwest edge of
******************************
11 44 14.0 +33 30 52; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, round, slightly brighter
core. A close pair (
John Herschel discovered NGC 3847 = h965 on 3 Apr 1831 and
recorded "not vF; S; R psbM."
His position matches
******************************
NGC 3848 = HCG 58A = NGC 3822 = UGC 6661 = MCG +02-30-015 = CGCG 068-033 = WBL 350-004 = PGC 36319
11 42 11.1 +10 16 40; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 3822.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3848 = H. III-35 on 15 Mar
1784 (sweep 174), along with
The RNGC identifies MCG +02-30-023 = CGCG 068-046 as NGC
3848 (the closest galaxy to his position) though there is only a single object
here "in the same parallel of declination". Malcolm Thomson feels that
Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 3848 and NGC 3852 are probably duplicate observations of NGC 3822 and NGC 3825 (found again by WH a month later!). This pair is 2.0 min of RA west of WH's position and 1-2' south. The separation of this pair is 3.2' (roughly east-west), agreeing with WH's description, so this identification seems more liekly likely.
******************************
11 45 35.2 +03 13 54; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 35°
48" (4/16/15): at 488x; moderately bright, fairly
small, oval 3:2 or 5:3 SW-NE, 0.5'x0.3', small bright core, fairly high surface
brightness. A mag 16.3 star is off
the southeast side [27" from center]. An extremely faint "star" was noted off the
northwest side [25" from center].
After later checking the SDSS, I discovered this is a compact galaxy
(
17.5" (4/9/99): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 25" diameter, no concentration. Visible steadily with direct vision. A mag 15 star lies 1.6' SSW. This is a Todd discovery and due to a poor position is listed as nonexistent in RNGC. This galaxy is listed as IC 730 (good position from Javelle) in modern catalogues.
David Todd discovered NGC 3849 = Todd 10 on 11 Feb 1878 in his search for trans-Neptunian planets with the 26-inch refractor at the Naval Observatory. He noted a "large and nebulous" object with a star 2' in PA ~210° (SSW). There is nothing at his rough position, but using Todd's discovery sketch, Harold Corwin identifies NGC 3849 =CGCG 040-040.
Javelle found this galaxy on 22 Mar 1893 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory and measured an accurate position. Javelle and Dreyer assumed J. 2–728 was new, so it acquired the designation IC 730. All modern catalogues label this galaxy as IC 730 only. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
******************************
NGC 3850 = UGC 6733 = MCG +09-19-174 = CGCG 268-079 = LGG 250-004 = PGC 36660
11 45 35.6 +55 53 12; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 130°
18" (2/14/10): fairly faint, fairly large oval 3:2 NW-SE,
1.6'x1.1', low surface brightness, very weak concentration. Located 17' WSW of
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, diffuse oval NW-SE. Second of five in a group with NGC 3846 17' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3850 = H. III-776 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "eF, pL, lE. Time inaccurate, left doubtful." There is nothing at his position but
exactly 1.0 min of RA east is
******************************
NGC 3851 = MCG +03-30-077 = CGCG 097-106 = PGC 36516
11 44 20.4 +19 58 51; Leo
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.45'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 83°
17.5" (2/20/88): very faint, extremely small, round, just non-stellar. Forms a faint "pair" with a mag 14.5 star 37" W of center. Located 4.7' ENE of NGC 3842 in the core of AGC 1367.
13.1" (2/25/84): extremely faint, stellar. Located east of a faint star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3851 = h966 on 24 Feb 1827 and logged "vF; R; the nf of 2." He mistakenly equated H. III-378 with this galaxy, instead of h962 = NGC 3842 and this error was repeated in the NGC. WH did not record this object.
******************************
NGC 3852 = HCG 58B = NGC 3825? = UGC 6668 = MCG +02-30-018 = CGCG 068-037 = WBL 350-005 = PGC 36348
11 42 23.7 +10 15 51; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 3825.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3852 = H. III-36, along with NGC 3848, on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174), and described both as "Two, very small, and eF. Their situation is in the same parallel of declination, and distance perhaps 3 or 4 minutes. It took up some time to see them well." There are no pair of galaxies fitting this description near his position and both numbers were equated by Dreyer in his 1912 NGC Correction list (repeated by Reinmuth).
In his 1912 update of WH's catalogues, Dreyer notes that NGC 3852 was not found by Bigourdan but possibly there was a 1 tmin error in RA in reducing the position. Corwin suggests NGC 3848 and NGC 3852 may be duplicate observations of NGC 3822 and NGC 3825. These galaxies have the same declination and 3.2' separation but lie 2.0 tmin west of H's position. So, NGC 3852 = NGC 3825 and NGC 3848 = NGC 3822 seems the most likely scenario, although this identification is uncertain.
******************************
11 44 28.3 +16 33 29; Leo
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 140°
17.5" (3/29/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, halo increases to a small bright core.
Alphonse Borrelly found NGC 3853 around 1871 with a 7.2-inch
comet-seeker at the Marseilles Observatory. His description reads "R, lE, small
ncl at center" and his micrometric position in AN 1885 (4th object)
matches
WH probably discovered this galaxy on 30 Dec 1783 (sweep 72) and logged "Some minutes after 32, I saw a small nebula, but in looking a good while at the finder to determine its place, lost is again. I suspect partly that is consists of a few vS stars, but shall look for it another night." Although he was completely uncertain on the minute of RA, his polar distance is an exact match with NGC 3853.
******************************
11 44 52.1 -09 13 58; Crt
V = 12.0; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 49°
See observing notes for
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3854 = LM 2-449 in 1886 and reported "mag 14.5, 0.3' dia, lE 70°, gbsbMN." There is nothing close to his position. The brightest galaxy in the vicinity is NGC 3865 = PGC 36581, 28 seconds of RA east and 9' north. Harold Corwin lists this galaxy as the most likely candidate. Due to the unusually large discrepancy in declination and only a fair match in PA (70°), this identification is very uncertain. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
NGC 3855 = IC 2953 = UGC 6709 = MCG +06-26-025 = CGCG 186-033 = WAS 31 = PGC 36508
11 44 25.8 +33 21 18; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 65°
17.5" (4/14/01): faint, small, round, 0.8', low even surface brightness
17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, very small, round, low
surface brightness. On a line with
two mag 14 stars located 6'-7' SE.
In a group with NGC 3847 10' NNW,
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3855 on 8 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single observation gives a rough declination (marked to the nearest arcmin and very uncertain) and mentions a companion to the north [NGC 3856], though without a position or even offset. There are a number of galaxies in the vicinity, but none exactly matching in RA.
When Rudolph Spitaler looked for the pair in 1891 with
27-inch refractor at the Wien Observatory, he identified
UGC, MCG and CGCG label these galaxies using the IC
designations. RNGC, MCG and CGCG
identify
If we accept Spitaler's corrected positions in the IC 2 notes, then NGC 3855 = IC 2952 and NGC 3856 = IC 2953. Malcolm Thomson proposes NGC 3855 = IC 2953 and NGC 3856 = CGCG 186-036, though the fainter galaxy would be located southeast, instead of north as d'Arrest mentions. Harold Corwin argues d'Arrest most likely picked up the two brightest galaxies in the vicinity. So, he proposes NGC 3855 = IC 2953 and NGC 3856 = NGC 3847, though the latter galaxy is nearly 10' to the north. So, although NGC 3855 is most likely IC 2953 (brightest galaxy nearest d'Arrest's position), the identification of NGC 3856 is very uncertain.
******************************
NGC 3856 = MCG +06-26-028 = CGCG 186-036 = WBL 354-006 = PGC 36569
11 44 44.9 +33 19 16; UMa
V = 14.8; Size 0.7'x0.6'
17.5" (4/14/01): extremely faint, small, round. Requires averted vision and cannot hold steadily. Located 4.5' ESE of IC 2953 = NGC 3855.
The identification of NGC 3856 = CGCG 186-036 is very uncertain and this number may be a duplicate observation of NGC 3847.
See notes for NGC 3855.
******************************
11 44 50.1 +19 31 58; Leo
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 40°
17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, slightly elongated
SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus.
Located 3.3' NW of mag 8.1
13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small, round. A fairly bright star is 3.5' SE. Appears similar to
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3857 = St. 13-63 = Sw. 1-13,
along with NGC 3859 and 3864, and reduced the position on 23 Mar 1884. The original discovery date is
uncertain, though Stephan discovered
******************************
11 45 11.7 -09 18 51; Crt
See observing notes for
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3858 = LM 2-450 in 1886 and reported "mag 15.6, 0.1' dia, R, gbM, *9.5 preceding 3 sec [of time]." His position is 30 sec of RA west of NGC 3866 = PGC 36621 (discovered by Andrew Common in 1880). A star is 3 sec of RA west, so the identification NGC 3858 = NGC 3865 is nearly certain. Because of the poor position NGC 3865 was not found by Bigourdan or on Helwan Observatory plates in 1919-20 and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
******************************
NGC 3859 = UGC 6721 = MCG +03-30-091 = CGCG 097-122 = PGC 36582
11 44 52.3 +19 27 16; Leo
V = 14.1; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 58°
17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, very elongated WSW-ENE,
weak concentration. Member of AGC
1367 with NGC 3857 4.7' NNW and
13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small. Located 3.4' SW of a bright star.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3859 = St. 13-64 = Sw. 1-14, along with NGC 3857 and 3864, and reduced the position on 23 Mar 1884. Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 13 Apr 1885 and reported it in his first discovery list. His position was 10 sec of RA too far west and 2' too far south.
******************************
11 44 49.1 +19 47 43; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 38°
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval
SW-NE, broad concentration. Member
of galaxy cluster AGC 1367 with NGC 3862 13' SSE, NGC 3842 14' NW,
13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, small, diffuse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3860 = H. III-386 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "vF, vS, r." His position was 2' too far south. The RNGC position is 0.2 minutes of RA too small and 1' too far north. Édouard Stephan made an observation on 27 Mar 1886.
******************************
11 45 03.8 +19 58 25; Leo
V = 12.7; Size 2.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 77°
48" (5/15/12): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated
5:3 WSW-ENE, 1.7'x1.0', well concentrated with a large, bright core and very
small brighter nucleus. A very
faint spiral arm emerges on the north or northeast side of the core and winds
counterclockwise, merging with
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, fairly sharp concentration with a very bright core and stellar
nucleus, faint oval halo. This
member of AGC 1367 is located 6.5' NW of mag 7.4
13.1" (2/25/84): faint, moderately large, small bright core, diffuse.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3861 = h970 on 23 Mar 1827 and noted "F; S; R; bM. Doubtful." His position was just off the northwest side of the galaxy.
******************************
NGC 3862 = UGC 6723 = MCG +03-30-095 = CGCG 097-127 = 3C 264 = PGC 36606
11 45 05.0 +19 36 23; Leo
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core, stellar nucleus. Forms a
close trio with
13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round, bright core, IC 2955 0.9' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3862 = H. III-385 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS, r." He missed nearby IC 2955.
******************************
11 45 05.6 +08 28 11; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 2.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 75°
17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, thin edge-on WSW-ENE,
moderately large, bright core.
This pretty galaxy is located 15' N of XI Virginis (V = 4.9) within the
Albert Marth discovered NGC 3863 = m 224 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "vF, perhaps 2' l, mE, almost ray, pos 70°, glbM." His position is less than 1' south of
******************************
11 45 15.6 +19 23 32; Leo
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 90°
17.5" (3/12/88): very faint, small, round, even surface brightness. Located 3.3' W of NGC 3867 in AGC 1367.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3864 = St. 13-65 = Sw. 1-15, along with NGC 3857 and 3859, and reduced the position on 23 Mar 1884. The original discovery date is uncertain, though he discovered NGC 3867 and 3868 on 16 Mar 1882. Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 13 Apr 1885 and reported it in his first discovery list (#15). His RA was 8 seconds too small and the dec was 1.5' too far south.
******************************
NGC 3865 = NGC 3854 = MCG -01-30-028 = PGC 36581
11 44 52.1 -09 13 58; Crt
V = 12.0; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 49°
17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 SW-NE, very small brighter core appears offset from the geometric
center. Located 4.5' SE of mag 9
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3865 in 1880 with his 36-inch reflector and reported "F, pL, dif, another sf [NGC 3866] not so L". Common's RA (single position) was 20 seconds too large . Leavenworth probably found this galaxy again in 1886 and reported it as new, though his RA for NGC 3854 was 28 seconds too small and 9' too far south. In 1921, it was reported again as a possible new nebula at the Helwan Observatory with an interesting description: "F, pS, double nebula [probably an a bright section of a spiral arm] separation 20" in p.a. 40. ? = NGC 3865" MCG misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 3858. See Corwin's notes for NGC 3854.
******************************
NGC 3866 = NGC 3858 = MCG -01-30-029 = PGC 36621
11 45 11.7 -09 18 51; Crt
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 56°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration. A mag 11.5 star is close off the west edge 0.8' from center. Forms a physical pair with NGC 3865 6' NW.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3866 in 1880 and noted
"another sf [of NGC 3865] not so L". The only logical candidate is
******************************
NGC 3867 = UGC 6731 = MCG +03-30-103 = CGCG 097-134 = PGC 36649
11 45 29.6 +19 24 01; Leo
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 173°
17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, oval ~N-S, bright core. Member of the galaxy cluster AGC 1367 with NGC 3868 2.7' N.
13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, brighter than NGC 3857 and 3859 to the NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3867 = St. 13-66 = Sw. 1-16, along with NGC 3868, on 16 Mar 1882. His published position in his 13th and last discovery list was reduced on 23 Mar 1884. He made a later observation on 27 Mar 1886, after his 13th list. The 16th entry in Swift's first discovery list may be a reobservation on 13 Apr 1885.
******************************
NGC 3868 = MCG +03-30-104 = CGCG 097-135 = Holm 288a = WBL 353-062 = PGC 36638
11 45 29.9 +19 26 41; Leo
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 85°
17.5" (3/12/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration. Located in a trio within AGC 1367 with NGC 3867 2.7' S and NGC 3864 4.5' SW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 3868 = St. 13-67, along with NGC 3867, on 16 Mar 1882. His published position in his 13th and last discovery list was reduced on 23 Mar 1884. This was the 29th (and last) galaxy recorded that night with detailed notes.
******************************
11 45 45.6 +10 49 29; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 135°
24" (5/20/20): at 375x; bright, fairly large, very elongated spindle 5:1 NW-SE, ~1.5'x0.3', sharply concentrated with an intense, round core that gradually brightens inward. The disc is relatively thin. IC 727 is 19' WSW.
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus, pretty galaxy. Member of the NGC 3817-3869 group (USGC U412), which includes HCG 58.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3869 = h971 on 10 Mar 1826 and
noted "F; S; sbM; irreg fig; r." His mean position (2 sweeps) is just off the west side of
******************************
11 45 56.6 +50 11 59; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 25°
18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', weak concentration. Situated near the intersection of a string of stars to the SE and a couple of stars nearly collinear to the ENE. Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3870 = H. III-833 = h972 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946) and noted "vF, vS." John Herschel made three observations and and measured an accurate position.
******************************
11 46 10.2 +33 06 31; UMa
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 105°
17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, very small, elongated
E-W. First of four and forms the
west vertex of an equilateral triangle with sides 4' length with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3871 = h967 on 3 Apr 1831 and
noted "eF; R; gbM. The preceding
of 3 [with NGC 3880 and 3881] forming an equilateral triangle. Place very rough." There is nothing at his position (given
only to the nearest min of RA and min of Dec; both marked as +/-), but 1 min 15
sec of RA due east is
Stephane Javelle found this galaxy again when he went through the region on 11 Jun 1896 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory and because of JH's poor position assumed it was new. So, NGC 3871 = IC 2959.
******************************
11 45 49.1 +13 46 00; Leo
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 20°
17.5" (1/23/88): fairly bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core. Located 1° SW of Denebola = Beta Leonis (V = 2.1).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3872 = H. II-104 = h973 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "pB, R, vS, cometic (or rather close resolvable). The kind of nucleus visible is pretty large and seems not to consist of a single star or point, but looks as if it were resolvable." John Herschel made three observations, describing it on sweep 242 as "B; R: vsmbM, to a * 11m; 40"."
******************************
11 45 46.1 +19 46 26; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 95°
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated NNW-SSE, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a close double with
13.1" (2/25/84): faint, small, round, bright core, close pair with NGC 3875.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3873 = H. III-387 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS, R." His position matches the double system NGC 3873/3875, so H. III-387 could apply to either component. But it's reasonable to assume he picked up NGC 3873, which is slightly brighter and larger visually.
When Heinrich d'Arrest observed H. III-387 on 8 May 1864, he discovered it was double and measured both components. He applied H. III-387 to the northwest component and wrote "Double Nebula, seen [by WH] as single in 1785. Estimated distance = 52", PA = 119°. The north-preceding [NGC 3873] is a little brighter and the view is the fainter [NGC 3873] is extremely difficult. Both are only 2'." But when Dreyer added d'Arrest's "nova" to the GC Supplement (5582), he mistakenly wrote "III-387 sf", instead of "III-387 np". Assuming III-387 applies to NGC 3873, then d'Arrest should be credited with the discovery of NGC 3875.
******************************
11 45 37.7 +08 34 26; Vir
= **, Reinmuth and Corwin.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3874 = H. III-104 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded "I suspect a vF, vS nebula; but there is too much twilight to verify it." There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan was unable to find this nebula on two occasions.
Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel", notes "F double star in Dreyer's place." Harold Corwin agrees with this identification. The only galaxy near his position is NGC 3863, but this galaxy is 45 sec of RA west and 5' south of WH's offsets.
******************************
NGC 3875 = UGC 6739 = MCG +03-30-105 = CGCG 097-139 = Holm 289b = WBL 353-067 = PGC 36675
11 45 49.4 +19 46 03; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 87°
17.5" (3/12/88): faint, very small, very elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. Forms a close double system with brighter NGC 3873 0.9' NW within AGC 1367.
17.5" (2/20/88): faint, small, oval ~E-W, small brighter core.
13.1" (2/25/84): very faint, very small. Forms a pair with NGC 3873.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3875 on 8 May 1864. He noted a double nebula with H. III-387 = NGC 3873 at 52" separation in PA 119° (east-southeast). d'Arrest noted the north-preceding nebula was slightly brighter and the south-following nebula extremely difficult. He attached the designation H. III-387 to the north-preceding object. Dreyer added d'Arrest's "nova" to the GC Supplement (5582), using d'Arrest's mean position (two observations) but mistakenly noted "III-387 sf", instead of "III-387 np". He repeated this error in the NGC, incorrectly crediting d'Arrest with the discovery of NGC 3873, instead of NGC 3875.
******************************
11 45 26.7 +09 09 39; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 105°
17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, brighter core. A mag
13.5 star is 1.2' NE. Located 5.7'
E of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 3876 = H. III-103 on 15 Apr
1784 (sweep 194) and noted "vF, r." His position is 4' northeast of UGC 6730 and 4.5'
north-northeast of
The major catalogues UGC, CGCG and MCG do not label UGC 6730 as NGC 3876, but it is identified correctly in the RNGC.
******************************
11 46 07.6 +47 29 41; UMa
V = 11.0; Size 5.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 35°
24" (5/27/17): at 200x; very bright, very large, excellent edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, ~4.5' length and 1' wide. The central region appears mottled and contains a fairly small brighter core with a sharp, intense stellar nucleus. The ends of the SW and NE extensions are irregular in brightness (brighter streaks) and don't narrow at the ends. At times they seemed warped, perhaps due to the patchy brightness. NGC 3738 is 16' NW. Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258 and brightest in the NGC 3877 subgroup.
17.5" (4/18/98): Viewed 13.5 magnitude supernova SN 1998S (type IIn) as an easy object on the south side of the core.
17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 4.5'x1.1', bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 10.5 star is 3.8' NNW of center. Located 16' S of Chi Ursa Majoris (V = 3.7).
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly bright, large, very elongated, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3877 = H. I-201 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "pB, mE nearly in the meridian, 4 or 5' long, 1' broad." His RA (Caroline's reduction) is 10 sec too large.
******************************
11 46 17.8 +33 12 16; UMa
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.6'
17.5" (2/24/90): extremely faint and small, round, very low surface brightness. Faintest and smallest of four with NGC 3880 2.5' SE and part of a larger group (USGC U418) with NGC 3855 25' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3878 = h974 on 29 Apr 1827 and
logged "vF; R; the first in an unequally divided line of 3 [with NGC 3880
and 3881]. His position matches
******************************
11 46 49.8 +69 22 59; Dra
V = 13.1; Size 2.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130°
18" (5/31/03): faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.3'. This galaxy appeared as a low surface brightness phantom streak with no concentration. The galaxy is close following a group of five stars including two to the south and three to the west with a mag 10.5 star 2.5' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3879 = H. II-881 on 7 Apr
1793 (sweep 1037) and logged "F, mE, about 1 1/2' long, from np to sf, but
near the parallel." His
position matches
******************************
NGC 3880 = MCG +06-26-033 = CGCG 186-043 = PGC 36712
11 46 22.3 +33 09 42; UMa
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, small, round, very diffuse, very low surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is off the north end 0.8' from center. Third of four with NGC 3878 2.5' NW and NGC 3881 4' SE. Part of a larger group (USGC U418) with NGC 3855 27' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3880 = h968 = h975 on 29 Apr 1827 and noted (sweep 74) "vF; R; bM; the second of an unequally divided line of 3 [with NGC 3881 and NGC 3878]." On sweep 337 he only has a rough position for h968 which he assumed was different and logged "eF; R; gbM. The second of 3 [with NGC 3871 and NGC 3881]." So, on both sweeps he missed one of the 4 brighter galaxies here.
******************************
NGC 3881 = MCG +06-26-034 = CGCG 186-046 = PGC 36722
11 46 34.4 +33 06 23; UMa
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.75'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 15°
17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 4' SW. Last of four in a faint quartet with NGC 3880 4.2' NW and part of a larger group (USGC U418) with NGC 3855 30' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3881 = h969 = h976 on 29 Apr 1827 and recorded h976 as "vF; R; the third of an unequally divided line of 3 [with NGC 3878 and 3880]. His position is accurate. He found the galaxy again on 3 Apr 1831 and logged "eF; R; gbM. The last of 3 [forming an equilateral triangle with NGC 3871 and 3880]." His positions for these three galaxies were very poorly determined but the identifications are obvious from the description. In the first sweep he missed NGC 3871 and in the later sweep he missed NGC 3878. Rudolph Spitaler measured a position in 1891 at the Vienna Observatory, though his position is 2' too far south (same error with NGC 3871).
******************************
11 46 06.6 -56 23 17; Cen
V = 12.5; Size 2.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 126°
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC
3882 is buried in a rich Centaurus Milky Way star field only 5.3° from the
Galactic planevery, a very unusual setting for a galaxy. At 200x, it appeared fairly bright,
fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2'x1', weak concentration. A mag 12 star sits at the SSE edge and
a mag 13.5 star is close off the SE end.
A faint star barely off the NW end appears to be a very close double. In addition, 4 or 5 fainter stars are
superimposed on the unconcentrated glow!
Located 2.4' WSW of mag 8.8
This galaxy was misclassified as a diffuse nebula in the RNGC and as a reflection nebula in the Sky Atlas 2000.0, probably because it is embedded in the Milky Way.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3882 = h3358 on 3 Apr 1834 and
recorded "vF; lE; has two stars in it." His position is just off the north side of
******************************
11 46 47.1 +20 40 31; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 3.0'x2.4'; Surf Br = 14.6
17.5" (2/20/88): faint, fairly small, very slightly
elongated, weak concentration.
Located 17' N of
17.5" (2/13/88): faint, small, round, broad concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3883 = H. III-372 on 13 Apr
1785 (sweep 398) and recorded "vF, cL, but moonlight is too strong to see
it well." His position was 13
seconds of RA west and 3' south of
******************************
NGC 3884 = UGC 6746 = MCG +04-28-051 = CGCG 127-052 = PGC 36706
11 46 12.1 +20 23 30; Leo
V = 12.6; Size 2.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 10°
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~N-S, broad concentration, small faint core. Located 4.5' NNE of mag 7.7
NGC 3884 forms a pair with
17.5" (2/13/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, brighter middle increases to a small brighter core, very faint halo extended ~N-S.
13.1" (2/25/84): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, broad concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3884 = H. III-388 = h977 on
27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS, r." John Herschel recorded "pF; nf a *
7m; Delta RA = 4.5 sec, dist 5'.
His offset from mag 7
******************************
11 46 46.4 -27 55 19; Hya
V = 11.9; Size 2.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 123°
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2
NW-SE, bright core. A mag 12 star
is 1.4' ESE and a fainter mag 13.5 star is 1.4' SSE of center. Located 6' NE of mag 7.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 3885 = H. III-828 = h3359 on 10 Mar 1790 (sweep 939) and logged "eF, stellar. Just preceding a very small star. With 300x, R, vgbM." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position,
******************************
NGC 3886 = UGC 6760 = MCG +03-30-111 = CGCG 097-147 = PGC 36756
11 47 05.6 +19 50 14; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 132°
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration. Member of AGC 1367.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3886 on 9 May 1864 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position matches
******************************
11 47 04.7 -16 51 16; Crt
V = 10.6; Size 3.3'x2.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 20°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly bright, large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 3.0'x2.0', broadly concentrated halo, no well-defined nucleus. A mag 12 star is at the NE edge of the halo 1.2' from the center and a mag 13 star is off the SE edge 2.0' from center.
8" (5/21/82): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, diffuse. Located 90' NE of mag 5 Zeta Crateris.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3887 = H. I-120 = h979 =
h3360 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and recorded "cB, L, bM, iR, 4 or 5' l
and 3 or 4' br." His position
matches
******************************
NGC 3888 = UGC 6765 = VV 455 = MCG +09-19-189 = CGCG 268-085 = Mrk 188 = PGC 36789
11 47 34.5 +55 58 01; UMa
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 120°
18" (2/14/10): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2
WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0'. The galaxy is
extended in the direction of a mag 12.5 star 1.9' WNW of center. Appears brighter along the major axis
and increases mildly to a nucleus that seems offset to the SE side. Located south of a group of 5 mag
9-10.5 stars and 21' NNE of mag 5.3 HD 102328. Several galaxy are in the vicinity including NGC 3898 16'
NE, NGC 3889 3.7' NE and
17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, moderately large,
oval WNW-ESE, bright core. A mag
12.5 star is 1' W. There are five
fairly bright mag 9-10 stars to the NE and NW (including mag 8.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 3888 = H. II-785 = h978 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "pB, S, lE." His RA is 30 tsec too small. John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position (used in the NGC).
******************************
NGC 3889 = MCG +09-19-191 = PGC 36819
11 47 48.2 +56 01 06; UMa
V = 14.8; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 126°
18" (2/14/10): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 24"x12", low even surface brightness. Located just 3.7' NE of NGC 3888. The redshift (z = .054) implies this is an outlying member of AGC 1377.
17.5" (3/19/88): very faint, very small, elongated WNW-ESE. Located 3.7' NE of NGC 3888.
Bindon Blood Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant), discovered NGC
3889 on 13 Mar 1852 (Sat. night).
While observing NGC 3888 he noted "another F, S, 5' nf." The faint galaxy
In an attempt to identify NGC 3889, the RNGC assigns it the same coordinates and new description as NGC 3850 which is located 17' WSW of NGC 3888! Listed in my RNGC Corrections #1, WSQJ January 1985. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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11 49 19.9 +74 18 08; Dra
V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8
18" (5/31/03): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak concentration, no noticeable core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3890 = H. III-940 on 12 Dec
1797 (sweep 1068) and recorded "vF, S, R, bM." Caroline's reduced position (used in
the GC) is 2.8' northwest of
WH later rediscovered this galaxy on the sweep of 2 Apr 1801
with large systematic errors in position and catalogued it again as III-971 =
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11 48 03.3 +30 21 34; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 70°
18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7'. Contains a very small, brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3891 = H. II-723 = h980 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 805) and noted "pB, S, lE." John Herschel observed it on 30 Mar 1827 (sweep 65) with description,"B; R; sbM; 20-30"."
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NGC 3892 = MCG -02-30-030 = LGG 248-004 = PGC 36827
11 48 00.9 -10 57 43; Crt
V = 11.5; Size 3.0'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 95°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 E-W, 2.0'x1.5', prominent core, very small brighter nucleus, large faint halo. A mag 13.2 star is 2' NW and a mag 13.7 star is off the SW edge of the halo [1.1' from center]. Located 5' WSW of a mag 10.5 star. Brightest in a small, but spread out group (LGG 248 at z = .006) including NGC 3732 and 3779.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3892 = H. II-553 = h981 = h3361 on 4 Mar 1786 (sweep 597). His description reads, "pB, pL, bM, irregular figure. To the south and a little preceding is a vS star inclosed in the nebulosity, which at first had the appearance of a small, stellar nebula." His position is accurate. John Herschel logged this galaxy from Slough, England as "L; R; gbM; 60"; r" and from the Cape of Good Hope as "pB; R; pL; 45"; first gradually the psbM." Joseph Turner, observing on 5 Apr 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope, noted it this object was suddenly brighter to a nucleus.
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11 48 38.2 +48 42 39; UMa
V = 10.5; Size 4.5'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165°
48" (5/9/18): I was quite impressed with this gorgeous
asymmetric spiral. At 488x and
610x it appeared very bright, very large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, slightly over
3'x2'. The slightly elongated core
contains a bright, circular nucleus that rises to a very bright non-stellar
peak. A prominent spiral arm is
rooted at the southwest side of the core.
It emerges to the south with a 15th mag star superimposed, and unfurls
fairly sharply clockwise to the southeast as it separates from the core. The
arm shoots nearly straight north on the east end of the halo, ending nearly
1.5' NNE of center. The arm is
relatively thin and has a high contrast with the much darker interarm gap to
the west. An easy HII knot is
within the arm, 50" ESE of center, and a second bright knot with a stellar
center is just 15" S. The
northern section of the arm is mottled but I didn't notice any specific
knots. A second thin arm is
attached on the east or northeast side of the core. It curls around the north side of the core to the west and
ends at a mag 13.4 star [0.9' NW of center]. This arm has a sharply defined, hard outer edge at
610x. Forms a pair (similar
redshift) with
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 2.4'x1.6', broad moderate concentration, small bright core. There esd a hint of spiral structure with an impression of an arm attached at the SW end trailing to the east. A mag 13.5 star is involved at the NW side 1.0' from the center and a mag 10.5 star is 3.1' SW. Forms a pair with NGC 3896 3.7' SE. NGC 3893 is a member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3893 = H. II-738 = h982 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and recorded "pB, pL, R, mbM." His position is accurate. John Herschel logged "B; pL; R; gb and psmbM; 60"."
Bindon Stoney, observing on 15 Apr 1852 with LdR's 72", logged "Spiral probably, knot in south edge and a * outside preceding edge." The next night he also noted the "spiral branch seems to start from the south edge and go round the following and n sides as far as the preceding star." Further observations of the spiral structure were made in 1857 and 1861.
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11 48 50.3 +59 24 56; UMa
V = 11.6; Size 2.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 20°
17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, brighter along the major axis, small bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3894 = H. I-248 = h983 on 18
Mar 1790 (sweep 951), along with
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NGC 3895 = UGC 6785 = MCG +10-17-080 = CGCG 292-035 = Holm 294b = LGG 251-005 = PGC 36907
11 49 04.0 +59 25 57; UMa
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 125°
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 3894 2.2' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3895 = H. II-832 = h984 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951), along with NGC 3894, and logged "pB, pL, R." John Herschel made a single observation, "F; pL; E; gbM. The foll of 2."
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NGC 3896 = UGC 6781 = MCG +08-22-008 = CGCG 243-009 = Holm 293b = LGG 258-017 = PGC 36897
11 48 56.4 +48 40 28; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 125°
48" (5/9/18): at 488x and 610x; bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~0.9'x0.6', sharply concentrated with a very bright core. A mag 13.5 star is at the north edge [25" from center], and a mag 16.8 star is just off the west side [33" from center]. Fainter of pair with showpiece (in this aperture) NGC 3893 3.7' NW.
17.5" (4/7/89): faint, small, oval NW-SE, small bright core. A mag 13.5 star is at the north edge 26" from the center. Forms a pair with NGC 3893 3.7' NW. Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3896 = H. II-739, along with NGC 3893, on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "F, vS." His position is 2' too far north. d'Arrest found it on 4 Dec 1861 and assumed it was new, though he made a transcription error and his position is 36 minutes of time too small.
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11 48 59.5 +35 00 58; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.2
18" (4/5/03): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7'
diameter, weak concentration to center but no core. A mag 13.5 star lies 2.5' NW. Located 10' NW of mag 5.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 3897 = H. II-408 = h986 on
28 Apr 1785 (sweep 404) and noted "vF, vS, R." Caroline's reduction is NGC 3897 is 12
sec of RA west of
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NGC 3898 = UGC 6787 = MCG +09-19-204 = CGCG 268-088 = CGCG 269-002 = LGG 250-005 = PGC 36921
11 49 15.3 +56 05 04; UMa
V = 10.7; Size 4.4'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 107°
17.5" (3/19/88): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, very bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 3888 lies 15' SW. Brightest in the NGC 3898 Group = LGG 250 (also UMa NED2 Group).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3898 = H. I-228 = h985 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "cB, vB irr Ncl with F branches, 1 1/2' l, 3/4' br." John Herschel made 4 observation calling it (sweep 345) "B; pL; R; psmbM; 60"."
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11 50 04.5 +26 28 47; Leo
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 3899 = h987 on 26 Mar 1827 and noted "pB, R, smbM". There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of RA east and 2' north is NGC 3912 = h992 which was observed on three different sweeps, but not on the sweep in which he found h987. Reinmuth noted the equivalence NGC 3899 = NGC 3912 and Corwin agrees with this equivalence.
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11 49 09.4 +27 01 19; Leo
V = 11.4; Size 3.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 2°
17.5" (5/2/92): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 2'x1', brighter core, very small prominent round core, faint stellar nucleus. Surrounded by a mag 11.5 star 3.3' S, a mag 10.5 star 4.6' NNE and a mag 12 star 5.0' ESE.
8" (4/24/82): fairly bright, elongated, bright core, NGC 3912 30' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3900 = H. I-82 = h988 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "pB, pS." John Herschel made 6 observations, recording on 27 Feb 1827 (sweep 57), "B; pL; R; sbM to nucleus; 40"."
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11 42 49.7 +77 22 22; Cam
V = 13.7; Size 1.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 165°
18" (3/5/05): very faint, moderately large, low surface brightness, very weak concentration, elongated roughly 4:3 though it was difficult to pin down an orientation as the halo increased with averted vision.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3901 = H. III-970 on 2 Apr
1801 (sweep 1096) and logged ""vF, pL, r." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies
with large systematic errors. A
corrected position matching
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11 49 18.9 +26 07 18; Leo
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 85°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8', weak concentration. Member of the nearby group LGG 254 and located ~2 degrees NW
of the
William Herschel discovered NGC 3902 = H. III-321 = h989 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "vF, pS." Caroline's reduction is 10 sec of time preceding UGC 6790. John Herschel made two observations and measured a more accurate RA.
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11 49 03.9 -37 31 02; Cen
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7
18" (5/15/10): at 175x and 220x; between faint and fairly faint, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~30"x25", just a broad weak concentration wit no core or zones. Situated in a E-W line of stars with a mag 14 star 50" W and a mag 12 star 2.6' E. A pair of mag 14/15 stars also lies 1.5' E. Member of a loose, poor group (LGG 256).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3903 = h3362 on 21 Apr 1835 and
logged "pF; R or lE; gvlbM; among stars." His position (measured twice) matches
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11 49 13.2 -29 16 37; Hya
V = 10.9; Size 2.7'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 8°
18" (4/29/06): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE. Sharply
concentrated with a very bright 20" core and a much fainter halo of
uniform surface brightness. NGC
3923 lies 40' NE. Member of a
group with
8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core. Located 40' SW of NGC 3923.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3904 = H. II-864 = h3363 on 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 998) and logged "pB, S, R, vgmbM, almost resembling a nucleus." Caroline's reduction is 2' southwest the center of this galaxy. John Herschel made a single observation, noting "pB, R, psmbM, 15 arcseconds."
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11 49 04.9 -09 43 48; Crt
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 40°
17.5" (5/2/92): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness. Forms the vertex of a right triangle with a mag 12 star 3' N and a mag 13 star 2' E. The halo fades into the background so it is difficult to determine the elongation.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 3905 in 1880 with his
36" reflector. He recorded
#24 in his Copenicus discovery list as "F, L, diffused". His (rough) position is 0.3 min of RA
east and 2' south of
Ormond Stone found this galaxy again in 1886 at the Leander-McCormick and reported I-192 as "mag 15.5, 1.8' dia, iR, gbM." His rough position (nearest min of RA) was essentially correct (30 sec of RA east). Dreyer credited both Common and Stone in the NGC.
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11 49 40.4 +48 25 33; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.0
17.5" (4/7/89): faint, fairly large, round, low surface brightness, broad mild concentration. Bracketed by a mag 12.5 star 2.0' S and a mag 13.5 star 2.6' NNE of center. Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3906 = H. III-715 on 9 Mar
1788 (sweep 816) and noted "eF, pS." Caroline's reduction is at the west edge of
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11 49 30.1 -01 05 12; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 40°
18" (4/9/05): This is a close pair of galaxies (NGC
3907A/B) although John Herschel only recorded a single object. The eastern component has a fairly high
surface brightness and appears fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated
SW-NE, 0.4'x0.3' (viewed core only and missed the much fainter
extensions). Forms a close 1.7'
pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3907 = h990 on 15 Apr 1828 and
noted "eF; S; psbM." His
position is just off the south side of
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11 49 52.7 +12 11 09; Leo
V = 15.0; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
24" (3/9/13): very faint to faint, small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness. Located 3.3' SE of a mag 10.6 star and 12' E of mag 8.6 HD 102633.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3908 = Sw. 1-17 on 10 Apr 1885 and noted "F; vS; R; mbM." There is nothing at his position, but 7' north is PGC 36967. This galaxy is not catalogued in the MCG or CGCG and may be too faint for Swift to have noticed visually. He called the galaxy "F[aint]", although he described difficult galaxies as "eF" or "eeF". Even though there are no other nearby candidates, this identification is very uncertain.
The light-travel time for PGC 36967 is 1.1 billion years, and if seen by Swift is the second most distant galaxy in the NGC (after NGC 5609).
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11 50 07 -48 14 42; Cen
Size 18'
14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x and 145x): at 73x, this very large, scattered cluster contained ~75 stars mag 10-14 in a 20'x14' field, elongated E-W. Many of the stars are arranged in a roughly circular (somewhat boxy) annulus, with relatively few stars in the interior. Stands out reasonable well at low power, but unimpressive at 145x. On the west side is HJ 4476, a 10.1/11.0 pair at 20". A couple of doubles are on the east side, including a 13th mag pair at 14", and near the center is a mag 10.2/11.8 pair at 25".
John Herschel discovered NGC 3909 = h3364 on 1 Mar 1835 and logged "a fine, large, but coarse cl class VII; stars 9, 10, 11m; two double stars are in it." On a later sweep he recorded "Place of a double star in a vL, no v comp cl, class VII, well defined and insulated, has about 50 or 60 st 9...12 m". His position corresponds with a pair of mag 10-11 stars at 18" separation in a scattered group. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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11 49 59.3 +21 20 01; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 150°
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, oval ~NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is 30" off the NW edge and 1.0' NNW of center.
Otto Struve found NGC 3910 on 3 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. He recorded "a round nebula, 20" diameter, strong concentratin to center. A star 10-11 is 48" north." This object was found (along with 7 others) while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) in Mar-Apr 1869.
Although Struve is credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement and the NGC, William Herschel made the original discovery on 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 671) though was not convinced it was a nebula. He recorded "eF, eS. Suspected, but may be a deception." His position (Caroline's reduction) is less than 3' southwest of NGC 3910. He never went back in a later sweep to confirm this object and the discovery was not published in his catalogues or assigned an internal discovery number.
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11 50 06.0 +24 55 13; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. NGC 3920 lies 10' W. The identifications of NGC 3911 and NGC 3920 are reversed in all modern catalogues.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3911 = H. III-341 = h991 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "vF, vS, but little exceeding the
stellar. 240 showed it very
plainly." His position is 3'
southwest of
But when John Herschel reobserved this field, he assumed UGC
6803 was new and took
The identifications given by Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin place the NGC labels on the historically correct galaxies, but this leaves the numbering out of order in RA (NGC 3920 precedes NGC 3911). Instead, Courtney Seligman favors the NGC numbers in RA order with NGC 3911 on the western galaxy and NGC 3920 on the eastern. He also assigns "H. III-314" on NGC 3920, the brighter galaxy. This is consistent with modern catalogues.
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NGC 3912 = NGC 3899 = UGC 6801 = MCG +05-28-037 = CGCG 157-041 = PGC 36979
11 50 04.5 +26 28 47; Leo
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 5°
17.5" (4/25/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.2'x0.6'. Broad concentration with a brighter core but no well-defined nucleus. The surface brightness is irregular at 280x. Sky transparency and seeing conditions poor.
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, elongated N-S. NGC 3902 lies 23' SSW and NGC 3900 30' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3912 = H. II-342 = h992 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F, pL." John Herschel made three observations, describing it on 13 APr 1831 (sweep 343) as "pB; pL; R; gbM; 60"." h987 = NGC 3899 is a fourth observation on 26 Mar 1827 with a similar description, but his position was 1 minute of RA too small. So, NGC 3912 = NGC 3899, with NGC 3912 the principal designation.
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11 50 38.9 +55 21 13; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 2.6'x2.6'; Surf Br = 14.5
18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, fairly large, 2'
diameter. The halo has a very low
surface brightness with a weak, broad concentration to a small brighter
core.
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
broad concentration. NGC 3916 and
William Herschel discovered NGC 3913 = H. II-786 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 920), along with nearby NGC 3916 and 3921, and noted "F,
E." His position (Caroline's
reduction) is 2' southwest of
Lewis Swift "rediscovered" this galaxy on 8 May
1890 and described "eeF; pL; iR; 3916-3921 in field." Dreyer recatalogued it
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11 50 32.7 +06 34 05; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 40°
17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core. Either a knot or more likely a faint star is superimposed.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3914 = H. III-90 = h995 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191)and noted "vF, vS, not mbM. Near some bright stars and very near a faint star." John Herschel logged (sweep 253) "F; R: 15"; has a * 13m, 70" dist np."
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11 50 30 -05 09; Vir
= Not found, RNGC.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3915 = H. III-113 on 24 Apr
1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "eF, eS. 240x showed 2 vS close stars with nebulosity between them;
but probably a more favorable evening will prove it a deception." There is nothing at his position (nor
for NGC 3679 = H. III-112, the previous object in the sweep), though 1.0 min of
RA preceding is
Harold Corwin notes that the NGC position is from Christian
Peters (in his Copernicus lists).
There is nothing near Peters' position (a bit further east than WH's),
but perhaps he measured a poor position for IC 2963, which is 1.1 minutes of RA
west of his position, or refers to
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NGC 3916 = UGC 6819 = MCG +09-20-005 = CGCG 269-005 = CGCG 268-093 = PGC 37047
11 50 51.0 +55 08 36; UMa
V = 13.8; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 45°
48" (5/12/12): at 488x appeared bright, fairly large,
elongated nearly 4:1 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.3'.
18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.2'. NGC 3921 lies 4.5' SE.
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, thin edge-on SW-NE, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 3921 4.5' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3916 = H. II-787 = h993 on
14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "Two, the south-following [NGC 3921],
which is that of which the place is taken, is pB, S [with another [NGC 3916]
north-preceding about 5', it precedes the other about 5 sec in
time.)" John Herschel logged
"eF; R; gbM" and his position is within 1' of
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11 50 45.4 +51 49 28; UMa
V = 11.8; Size 5.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 77°
17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, large, very
elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, broad concentration without a distinct nucleus. Two stars are off the south edge; a mag
13.5 star 1.3' S and a mag 14 star 1.3' SE of center. I missed the 16th magnitude flat galaxy
William Herschel discovered NGC 3917 = H. II-824 = h994 on
17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946) and recorded "'B, mE, about 6' l and 2'
br." Caroline's reduced
position is 5' north of
The RA in the RNGC is 0.7 min of RA too far east. There is a similar offset for NGC 3921 located 3° north. Listed in my RNGC Corrections #3.
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NGC 3918 = PK 294+4.1 = ESO 170-13 = PN G294.6+04.7 = Blue Planetary
11 50 17.8 -57 10 56; Cen
V = 8.2; Size 19"
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x the "Blue Planetary" has an even, extremely high surface brightness disc of 15" and a saturated, vivid blue color. The edge is crisply defined and the disc has a uniform surface brightness. At 350x, the planetary is oval or irregular, perhaps 18"x15". There was no sign of the central star, though I didn't try high powers.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 76x appears as a bright, beautiful blue cosmic egg floating in a rich star field, ~15" diameter. The surface brightness is extremely high and uniformly lit, with a sharply defined edge to the disc. At 228x, the planetary appears to be set in the middle of an absorption hole in the Milky Way as there are very few faint stars in a 4' to 5' circular region surrounding the planetary. Outside this hole, the Milky Way background is very evident and fairly bright.
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 195x, this 8th
magnitude planetary appears as a beautiful 10"-12" blue disc with a
very crisp edge. No central star
was glimpsed or other structural details at this magnification though the
surface brightness is unusually high.
Situated in a rich star field but set near the middle of a oval 12'-13'
ring of mag 11 and 12 stars which are near the periphery of the 17' field at
195x! Located 8.4' SSW of mag 8.1
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, the "Blue Planetary" appears as a bright, round disc, ~15" diameter with a vivid blue color (V = 8.2). The surface brightness is very high and the edge of the halo is crisply defined, but no structural details or central star were noted. Good response to UHC filter, although it was unnecessary for a good view. The Milky Way is quite rich here in faint stars but the planetary seems to be set a darker, circular hole without the faint background glow - a contrast affect with the PN?
John Herschel discovered NGC 3918 = h3365 on 3 Apr 1834 and described this planetary as "perfectly round; very planetary; color fine blue;...very like Uranus, only about half as large again and blue." In a letter to Francis Baily from the Cape of Good Hope dated 22 Oct 1834, he added "On the 3d of April I discovered another fine planetary nebula, having a perfectly sharp disc, without the least haziness, of about 6" diameter. The most remarkable feature about this is its evident blue colour, which needs not the presence of lamp light, or that of any red star, to be very conspicuous, as it appears when the nebula stands alone in a dark field." On 5 Feb 1835 (sweep 543, the night described in his diary as "most superb" and "having attained the sublime of Astronomy - a sort of ne plus ultra") he wrote, he noted the color as "a beautiful rich blue, between prussian blue and verditter green...its outline is sharp and clean, and perhaps a very little elliptic. A feeble lamp light gives a deep indigo contrasted color."
James Dunlop first recorded this planetary in the Brisbane Star Catalogue of 1826 as a "fine blue star” (#3807) but apparently didn't notice its non-stellar appearance.
In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, reported NGC 3918 displayed an emission line in an early spectroscopic investigation of southern nebulae while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.
Joseph Turner and Pietro Baracchi (1885) sketched the planetary with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate V, figure 57).
The term "planetary", of course, had been used by
William Herschel but he never made an analogy to Uranus. John Herschel
wrote in his "A Treatise on Astronomy”, "They [planetary nebulae]
have, as their name, exactly the appearance of planets." He also
reported the colors of several as shades of blue (
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11 50 41.5 +20 00 54; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (5/4/02): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter. A mag 13 star is 1.0' ENE of center. A mag 15.7z galaxy 3' NE was not noticed. Located 80' E of the core of AGC 1367. With a similar redshift, this galaxy seems likely to be an outlying member.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3919 on 6 Apr 1864 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position matches
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NGC 3920 = (R)NGC 3911 = UGC 6795 = VV 367 = MCG +04-28-056 = CGCG 127-061 = LGG 254-005 = PGC 36926
11 49 22.2 +24 56 19; Leo
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 110°
17.5" (4/15/93): very faint, small, round, ~30" diameter. A mag 10.5 star is just off the west edge (40" W of center) which hinders observation. NGC 3911 lies 10.5' E. The identifications of NGC 3911 and NGC 3920 are reversed in all catalogues.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3920 = h996 on 28 Mar 1832. Although he gives no visual description, he mentioned "Follows III 341 [NGC 3911] on same parallel." He was confused on the identification of H. III 341 and assigned the nova to the wrong object. Because of this confusion, the identifications of NGC 3911 and NGC 3920 are reversed in all modern catalogues. This error is discussed in Malcolm Thomson's Catalogue Corrections, WSQJ April 1989 and CGCG Corrections. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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NGC 3921 = Arp 224 = VV 31 = UGC 6823 = MCG +09-20-009 =
11 51 06.8 +55 04 43; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 2.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 20°
48" (5/12/12): at 488x; the "core" of this disrupted galaxy is very bright, oval 4:3 N-3, ~25"x20", fairly sharply concentrated with a small intense nucleus that brightens to a blazing stellar center. A large, faint tear-drop shaped plume extends from the core 1' due south. The plume forms an elongated loop or ring with a brighter rim. The offset, brilliant core sits at the north edge of the loop.
18" (4/30/11): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~1.0'x0.7'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to the center and a much fainter outer halo. NGC 3916 lies 4.4' WNW. This is a disrupted galaxy with an off-set nucleus and long filamentary arms.
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, round, small very bright core. Brightest of three with NGC 3916 4.5' NNW and MCG +09-19-213 5' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3921 = H. II-788 = h997 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "Two, the south-following [NGC 3921], which is that of which the place is taken, is pB, S [with another [NGC 3916] north-preceding about 5', it precedes the other about 5 sec in time.)" John Herschel logged "pB; R; psbM" and measured an accurate position. The RA in the RNGC is 0.5 min too large.
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11 51 13.4 +50 09 25; UMa
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 38°
18" (5/31/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.4', fairly low surface brightness, slightly brighter middle. A 20" pair of mag 12/13 stars lies 4' SE. NGC 3922 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3922 = H. III-716 on 9 Mar
1788 (sweep 816) and noted "vF, vS." His position is 3' north of
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NGC 3923 = ESO 440-017 = MCG -05-28-012 = AM 1148-283 = LGG 255-003 = PGC 37061
11 51 01.8 -28 48 21; Hya
V = 9.8; Size 5.9'x3.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 50°
24" (4/13/18): at 200x; very bright, large, oval ~2:1 SW-NE. Sharply concentrated with a very bright and very small core that seems mottled, highlighted by a stellar nucleus. A very faint star is situated at the southwest edge of the core. The core is surrounded by a large, much fainter oval halo that increases in size with averted vision and extends at least 4'x2'. Brightest member of the LGG 255 group, which includes NGC 3904 and UGCA 250.
Supernova 2018aoz, discovered on April 2 (11 days ago) was surprisingly bright at mag ~13.0 and very easy to identify 3.7' N of center. It was clearly brighter than a mag 13.5 star superimposed at the southwest edge of the halo.
18" (4/29/06): very bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~2.5'x1.5'. Well-concentrated with a very bright elongated core that increases to a stellar nucleus. The relatively fainter halo increases in size with averted vision. This well-studied galaxy is surrounded by concentric gaseous shells of material.
8" (5/21/82): bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, small bright nucleus. NGC 3904 lies 40' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3923 = H. I-259 = h3366 on 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 998) and logged "cB, pL, gbM, lE, the brightness takes up a large space of it." His position is at the southwest edge of the galaxy. John Herschel made two observations, first logging "B, pL, lE, glbM, 80" long, 50" broad, resolvable."
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NGC 3924 = NGC 3922 = UGC 6824 = MCG +08-22-017 = CGCG 269-008 = CGCG 243-017 = PGC 37072
11 51 13.4 +50 09 26; UMa
See observing notes for NGC 3922. This number is incorrectly applied to
William Herschel discovered NGC 3924 = H. II-825 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 946) and recorded "pB, L, bM, iF." His position is just far enough off (3' north-northeast of UGC 6824) that WH didn't equate it with III-716 = NGC 3922, which he previously discovered on 9 Mar 1788. Dreyer later realized the equivalence and noted in his 1912 Monthly Notices paper on NGC corrections "to be struck out (= 3922)". CGCG, UGC, RNGC and RC3 misidentify UGC 6849 as NGC 3924. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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11 51 21.0 +21 53 20; Leo
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 10°
17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE,
0.7'x0.4'. Located 4.5' NE of a
mag 10.5 star. A mag 11.5 star
lies 4' ESE and a nice equal mag 13 pair [12" separation] is 4' ENE. The double system
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3925 on 19 Feb 1863 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured twice, matches
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NGC 3926 = VV 218a/b = UGC 6829 = MCG +04-28-074 = CGCG 127-076 = PGC 37079 = PGC 37080
11 51 28.2 +22 01 33; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.8'
24" (5/20/20): NGC 3926 is an overlapping pair with the nuclei separated by 24" and the halos overlapping. The eastern component is the larger and brighter and appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a quasi-stellar nucleus at most 10" diameter. The nucleus of the western galaxy was also easily visible at 225x and 375x and similar in brightness. But only a 10" core could be distinguished as the halos are merged. Overall, the dimensions were ~40"x20" in an E-W orientation.
17.5" (5/4/02): this is a double system in a common
envelope. The combined glow was
elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.3'.
In moments of better seeing, the system resolved into a contact pair
with the brighter component (
William Herschel discovered NGC 3926 = H. III-379 = h998 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and noted "eF, lE, easily resolvable, may be a patch of stars, the night not being dark enough." John Herschel made a single observation, logging "eF; R; S; near a star." Perhaps his comment about near a star refers to the western component!
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11 31 42.0 +28 09 13; Leo
See observing notes for NGC 3713. = Not found, Carlson.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3927 on 27 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. There are no stellar or nonstellar objects near his single position. He mentioned the observation was beyond doubt, but the sky conditions were poor. No one has suggested or found a plausible candidate. Harold Corwin concludes "NGC 3927 is probably lost for good."
But in April 2015, after checking possible digit errors in d'Arrest's postion I found that if he made a 20 minute error in time (too large) then his position is a very close match with NGC 3713. After notifying Harold Corwin, he concurs this is the only reasonable identification though still leaves a bit of uncertainty as d'Arrest failed to mention any nearby stars.
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11 51 47.6 +48 40 59; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 0°
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Bracketed between a mag 13.5 star 1.3' SE and a mag 14 star 1.9' NNW of center. Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3928 = H. II-740 = h999 on 9
Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "pF, pS, stellar." Caroline Herschel's reduction is 1.7'
northeast of
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11 51 42.5 +21 00 09; Leo
V = 14.1; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 80°
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, very small, elongated
WNW-ESE, bright core. A mag 14.5
star is at the SE end 0.5' from center.
Located at the center of triangle formed by a mag 11 star 1.7' SE and
two mag 13.5 stars 1.8' N and 2.0' W.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3929 on 4 Dec 1861 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on 2 nights, matches
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11 51 45.8 +38 00 54; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 3.2'x2.4'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 30°
18" (4/5/03): very faint, moderately large, round. Appears as a very diffuse ill-defined glow with just a weak concentration. It was not initially noticed initially in the field. Located 2.5' E of a mag 13 star, the southernmost of three collinear mag 13/13.5 stars. John Herschel mentioned a 7th magnitude star which followed due east by 3'. This is Groombridge 1830, which has the third fastest known proper motion (7.04"/yr) and this star is now roughly 23' SE!
William Herschel discovered NGC 3930 = H. III-616 = h1000 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "vF, cS, just south of a star 6th mag. I suspected at first that my glass had been affect with damp." On 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 915) he logged "eF, irr figure, 3 or 4' dia, resolvable. About 5' south of a star 6th mag." In his 1814 PT paper, WH mentions that on one observation he logged "A star of the 6th magnitude, about 5' north of a very faint nebula, or an irregular figure." But on a observation two years before, the two objects were then so near each other, as, at first sight, it caused a suspicion that some damp had settled upon the eye-glass and affected the star. He commented this might suggest that the nebula had a considerable proper motion, though differences in observing conditions might account for the difference. Coincidentally, this star is Groombridge 1830, which has the third fastest known proper motion of 7.04"/yr and this star is now roughly 23' SE! But in a two-year period there was not a significant proper motion of the star.
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11 51 13.4 +52 00 02; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 160°
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core. Located 4.9' W of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 3931 = H. III-769 on 12 Apr
1789 (sweep 919) and noted "cF, S." There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of RA preceding,
and 2' north is
Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey, identified
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11 52 10.8 +48 37 13; UMa
= * 5.5' SE NGC 3928, RC1 and Thomson. Incorrect identification in the
RNGC. See
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3932 on 4 Dec 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position in AN 1500 corresponds with a mag 13 star 5.5' southeast of NGC 3928. d'Arrest didn't include this object in his compilation of observations "Siderum Nebulosorum" (1867). RNGC, CGCG and MCG misidentify CGCG 243-022 = PGC 37194 as NGC 3932. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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11 52 02.0 +16 48 35; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 83°
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, fairly small, oval WSW-ENE,
almost even surface brightness.
Forms a pair with
Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 3933, along with NGC 3934,
around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseilles Observatory. His description (5) reads "pF, E,
elliptic, no bright point" and his micrometric position in AN 1885 matches
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NGC 3934 = UGC 6841 = MCG +03-30-123 = CGCG 097-171 = PGC 37170
11 52 12.6 +16 51 06; Leo
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 2.0' N. Forms a pair with NGC 3933 3.6' SW.
Alphonse Borrelly discovered NGC 3934, along with NGC 3933, around 1871 with a 7.2-inch comet-seeker at the Marseilles Observatory. His description (6) reads "eF, nearly round, almost undiscernable" and his micrometric position in AN 1885 matches UGC 6839. Dreyer included the discovery in the GC Supplement (5589). The pair was independently found by Carl Frederick Pechüle in 1884 in Copenhagen.
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11 52 24.1 +32 24 15; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 114°
17.5" (2/24/90): faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3935 = h1001 on 29 Apr 1827 and
noted "pB; R; psbM." His
mean position (from 3 sweeps) is an excellent match with
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11 52 20.5 -26 54 21; Hya
V = 12.0; Size 3.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 63°
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 3.0'x0.6', fairly even surface brightness. A mag 10.5 star is 4.8' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3936 = h3367 on 24 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; vmE; 2' l; 15" br; pos of extension = 59.3°." His position and description match ESO 504-020. Based on photos taken at the Helwan Observatory in 1919-20, it was described as "F, 3' x 0.25', E 75°; spiral seen edge-wise; no nucleus."
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NGC 3937 = UGC 6851 = MCG +04-28-081 = CGCG 127-088 = PGC 37219
11 52 42.6 +20 37 52; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 15°
17.5" (4/7/89): moderately bright, very small, slightly
elongated, small very bright core.
Brightest in the NGC 3937 group with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3937 = H. III-389 = h1003 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS." John Herschel made a single observation and measured an accurate position.
The RNGC equates NGC 3937 with IC 2968, but IC 2968 is a separate galaxy located 3' west (see that number).
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11 52 49.4 +44 07 15; UMa
V = 10.4; Size 5.4'x4.9'; Surf Br = 13.8
48" (5/10/18): at 375x; I was very impressed with this gorgeous face-on spiral! Very bright, roundish, over 4' diameter, strongly concentrated with a well defined, very bright round core and bright stellar nucleus. Three principal spiral arms were easily visible. A thin inner arm can be traced 180°; it originates just south of the core and curls counterclockwise towards the west. It dims out as it extends north along the west side [~0.6' from center] but brightens noticeably as it spirals out and detaches from the central region on the northwest side, ending nearly due north [1.3' from center]. A shorter outer arm on the west side was easily visible [at a radius of 1.5'], curving 90° from the southwest to the northwest. These two western arms are separated by a darker interarm gap
The eastern arms have a noticeably lower contrast. The inner eastern arm can be traced with the help of a wide, darker dust lane immediately to its east. The arm disappears into the halo on the south side but just further west two small HII knots, ~6" diameter each, were visible. The knots are separated by 20" E-W, and isolated on the southwest edge of the halo. The 1983 Hodge-Kennicutt "Atlas of HII regions in 125 galaxies" includes multiple designations including #120 [1.4' SSW of center] and #140 [1.5' SW of center]. A 15th magnitude star is ~1' W, just beyond the halo on the SW end.
The outer arm on the eastern edge of the halo could mostly be traced by three HII knots within the arm. The largest is an easily visible 12"-15" patch (#23) on the NE edge of the halo [2.2' from center]. Also 2' ENE of center are a pair of faint knots only ~5" diameter. These are separated by 12" in a N-S orientation, with the northern knot (#3) slightly brighter than the southern (#4).
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, fairly large, large
round halo, 3'x3', fairly weak concentration, core appears elongated E-W, faint
stellar nucleus embedded. This
galaxy, along with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3938 = H. I-203 = h1002 on 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 810) and recorded "cB, cL, R pBNM." John Herschel made two observations, logging on sweep 248 "a superb nebula; B; vL; R; 3' diam; vgbM; r; is probably a globular cluster."
On 17 Mar 1849, George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, logged "Suspect it to be a spiral. Lord Rosse and I independently thought at moments that were saw a ring around the nucleus. Two years later, Bindon Stoney wrote "Spiral of the faintest class. The middle is pB, but branches vF. Conjectured form as in diagram [which shows a 3-armed spiral]." Listed as "Spiral or curvilinear" in LdR's 1850 PT paper. Two possible spiral shapes (by Stoney in 1851 and by R.J. Mitchell on 17 Apr 1855) were shown in the 1861 and 1880 publications.
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NGC 3939 = NGC 3890 = UGC 6788 = MCG +13-09-003 = CGCG 352-008 = PGC 36925
11 49 19.9 +74 18 08; Dra
See observing notes for NGC 3890.
William Herschel found NGC 3939 = H. III-971 on 2 Apr 1801
(sweep 1096) and noted "eF, vS, R." This is one of 15 far northern galaxies with large
systematic errors. A corrected position matching
Interestingly, Herschel had already discovered this galaxy on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and it was catalogued as H. III-940 (later NGC 3890). So, NGC 3939 is a duplicate of NGC 3890.
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NGC 3940 = UGC 6852 = MCG +04-28-082 = CGCG 127-089 = PGC 37224
11 52 46.5 +20 59 21; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (5/20/20): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, slightly brighter core that is sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus, ~40" diameter with suggestions of a larger very low surface brightness halo.
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
WNW-ESE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2.4' SE. Member of the NGC 3937 group with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3940 = H. III-380 = h1004 on
26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and noted "F, S." His position is 10 sec of RA following
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11 52 55.3 +36 59 10; UMa
V = 10.3; Size 3.6'x2.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 10°
24" (2/15/18): at 200x; bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~2.5'x1.8'. Sharply concentrated with an intense core. At 375x the core increases to a very small, quasi-stellar nucleus. Type Ia SN 2018pv (discovered on 3 Feb at the pre-max stage) was easily visible at 13th magnitude, but located only 4" E of center, right up against the edge of the bright nucleus.
17.5" (4/6/91): bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 2.5'x1.2', high surface brightness, small very bright mottled core, substellar nucleus, fairly small halo. A mag 13.5 star is 1.6' ENE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3941 = H. I-173 = h1005 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 719) and recorded "vB, R, NM but very gradually diminishing about 2 1/2' diam." John Herschel made three observation and measured a more accurate position. Samuel Hunter, Lord Rosse's assistant on 17 Apr 1862, questioned if it was a "right-handed spiral?"
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11 51 30.1 -11 25 29; Crt
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 127°
18" (3/19/04): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8'x0.6'. Low, even surface brightness with no discernable core.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3942 = LM 2-451 and
reported "mag 16.0, 0.8'x0.5', E 160°, gvlbM." There is nothing near
his position, but 1.3 min of RA due west is
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NGC 3943 = MCG +04-28-084 = CGCG 127-090 = PGC 37237
11 52 56.6 +20 28 44; Leo
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (4/7/89): faint, small, oval, small bright core. Located 6' NE of mag 7.3 SAO 82020. Located in a group with NGC 3937 9' NNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3943 on 27 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on 2 nights, matches
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11 53 05.1 +26 12 25; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 25°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', brighter core. Situated between two mag 10.5-11 stars 2.5' W and 3.5' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3944 = H. III-322 = h1007 on
6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and simply noted "vF, stellar." Caroline's reduction is 3.7' southwest
of
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11 53 13.6 +60 40 32; UMa
V = 10.8; Size 5.8'x3.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 15°
17.5" (4/13/91): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 2.0'x1.5'. The small, very bright core has sharp edges and appears mottled with bright spots. The slightly elongated halo is much fainter. Three stars are near; a mag 12 star is 1.3' SW and two mag 13.5 star lie 1.7' NW and 1.3' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3945 = H. I-251 = h1006 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "vB, perfectly R, BN with F chevelure joining to it by imperceptible degrees; the whole about 1 1/2' dia. Caroline's reduced position is 16 tsec of RA too small. John Herschel made two observations and logged on sweep 344 "B; R; psbM; 60"; a star precedes 8 sec of time from neb in PA 215.9°."
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NGC 3946 = MCG +04-28-089 = CGCG 127-096 = PGC 37268
11 53 20.6 +21 01 17; Leo
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, extremely small,
round. Located 3.0' ENE of a mag
10.5 star. Member of the NGC 3937
group with
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3946 = Big. 49, along
with
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11 53 20.3 +20 45 06; Leo
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (4/7/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval
E-W. A mag 15.5 star is at the
east edge 0.9' from center.
Located 3.2' SE of a mag 10 star.
Member of the NGC 3937 group with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3947 = H. II-403 = h1008 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and recorded "F, S, irr F." His position is 17 sec too far west. He measured a more accurate position on two later observations, including 27 Dec 1785 (sweep 671). John Herschel recorded "F; mE; bM; a coarse D * precedes."
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11 53 36.7 +20 57 03; Leo
= *, Corwin
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 3948 = Big. 50 on 23 Jun 1886. There are no galaxies at his position, which is 14 sec of RA east and 4' south of NGC 3946, which he also discovered. At this offset, though is a mag 13.4 star. RNGC misidentifies NGC 3954 as NGC 3948.
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11 53 41.6 +47 51 31; UMa
V = 11.1; Size 2.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 120°
17.5" (4/7/89): bright, fairly large, oval NW-SE, broad
concentration, substellar nucleus.
Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3949 = H. I-202 = h1009 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and logged "pB or cB, pS, lE." John Herschel made two observations, first logging "B; mE; vgbM." Nearby NGC 3950 was found at Birr Castle.
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NGC 3950 = MCG +08-22-030: = Holm 301b = PGC 37294
11 53 41.3 +47 53 05; UMa
V = 15.6; Size 0.4'x0.35'
17.5" (4/7/89): seen as an extremely faint mag 15.5-16.0 stellar object located 1.8' N of NGC 3949. The redshift-based light travel time is 1 billion years!
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Lord Rosse, discovered NGC 3950 on
31 Mar 1872. While observing NGC
3949 = GC 2604 he noted a "companion nebula north about 2.5'." On 27 Apr 1875, Dreyer's micrometric
measurement placed the nova in position angle 356.5° (north), distance
154.6". There is a very faint
galaxy,
The RNGC position is 4' north of NGC 3949. Dorothy Carlson misidentifies NGC 3950 as a star.
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11 53 41.2 +23 22 56; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 172°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 ~N-S, 0.9'x0.5', weak concentration.
Brightest in a string of five galaxies including
William Herschel discovered NGC 3951 = H. III-342 = h1010 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, vS, lE." John Herschel noted "vF; S; R" and measured a fairly accurate position.
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11 53 40.6 -03 59 46; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 85°
24" (5/20/20): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, elongated 5:2 E-W, broad weak concentration, ~50"x20". Mag 8.2
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, thin edge-on, faint arms
~E-W, brighter core. Located 7.5'
SSE of mag 8.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 3952 = H. III-612 = h1012 on 11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709) and noted "vF, cS, E." Caroline's reduction is 2' north of MCG -01-30-044 = PGC 37285. John Herschel made 3 observations and on sweep 147 called it "F; lE; nearly in parallel; resolvable??"
Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 23 Mar 1895 and reported
Sw. 11-127 (later
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11 53 48.8 +52 19 35; UMa
V = 10.1; Size 6.9'x3.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 13°
48" (5/2/19): at 375x and 545x; very bright, large spiral with 3 visible arms, extending .nearly 6'x2.5' SSW-NNE The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a very bright, round nucleus. A moderate contrast bar extends through the nucleus in a SW-NE orientation. A long, gently curving spiral arm extends north into the outer halo and curves counterclockwise to the NE. A low contrast, long spiral arm (~2.5' in length) drapes due south on the east side of the core/bar. A mag 14.5 star is just within this arm [0.9' NE of center]. An extremely faint HII patch is east of this arm at the edge of the halo [1.4' E of center]. Finally, an outer section of the southern spiral arm was easily seen and brightest in a patch at the south tip [2' from center]. The arms bends sharply from SW to NE at the outer end. A mag 14 star is close to the W edge [51" from center].
17.5" (3/19/88): very bright, very large, elongated ~N-S, 5'x2', very bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is at the west edge, 0.9' from the center, and a brighter mag 11 star is off the NE side, 2.7' from center. NGC 3953 is a member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group = LGG 258.
16x80 finder (3/19/88): visible as a fairly large, elongated patch.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3953 = H. V-45 = h1011 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "cB, Br N with F branches, 6 or 7' l, 3 or 4' br." John Herschel reported "B; L; vsbM; r; 3' diam. Fine object."
It has been proposed that NGC 3953, and not NGC 3992, is the object discovered by Pierre Méchain, and associated with M109. See http://www.astrobril.nl/FortinOther.html#M109
Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 3 Mar 1851,
reported "S neb, vF, 6' npp."
Although this object was not mentioned again in 3 later observations at
Birr Castle, it probably refers to 16th magnitude
******************************
NGC 3954 = UGC 6866 = MCG +04-28-091 = CGCG 127-098 = PGC 37291
11 53 41.7 +20 52 57; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Forms the northern vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag 10 star 4.4' SSE and a mag 11 star 4.2' SSW. Member of the NGC 3937 group with NGC 3947 10' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3954 = H. III-381 = h1013 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and noted "vF, R." His re-reduced position is 10 sec of RA following UGC 6866. Caroline made a 2° 25' error in reducing the declination, so John Herschel assumed h1013 was new. His position is just 40" southeast of center. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1891 at the Stasbourg Observatory (published in 1907).
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11 53 57.1 -23 09 50; Crt
V = 11.9; Size 2.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 165°
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly bright, moderately large, very
elongated 4:1 NNW-SSE, 2.3'x0.6', broad concentration to a 1.5' diameter
core. A mag 14.5 star is just
preceding the NNW tip 1.1' from center.
Located 4.7' SW of mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 3955 = H. II-623 on 21 Dec
1786 (sweep 660) and recorded "vF, S, E. Near the meridian but a few deg. from np to sf., a little
brighter south of the middle."
His position and description matches
******************************
11 54 00.9 -20 34 01; Crt
V = 12.1; Size 3.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 58°
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE. Broad concentration with no well-defined core. Halo gradually fades into background, so difficult to estimate size but roughly 3.2'x1.0' (slightly larger than similar NGC 3955). Located 4.5' SE of mag 8.6 SAO 180275. Member of the NGC 4038/39 (Antennae) group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3956 = H. III-290 = h3368 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 709) and logged "eF, pL, broadly elongated from a few degrees sp to nf." John Herschel made a single observation and recorded "F; pL; mE; glbM; 60"; pos 236.8°." Both Herschels measured accurate positions.
******************************
11 54 01.5 -19 34 09; Crt
V = 11.8; Size 3.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 173°
13.1" (2/23/85): moderately bright, edge-on spindle 4:1
N-S.
8" (5/21/82): very faint, small, spindle-shape.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3957 = H. II-294 = Sw. 11-124 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "F, S, E, r." His position is just 1' too far east.
Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 20 Feb 1898 and reported "B, S, eE, a ray." Dreyer assumed this was a new nebula, which he catalogued as IC 2965. There is nothing at Swift's position, but 3.5 tmin of time east (same declination) is NGC 3957 and the description fits. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 3957 = IC 2965, the only plausible candidate he could find.
******************************
11 54 33.6 +58 22 01; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 28°
18" (5/31/03): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, slightly brighter core. A mag 14 star lies ~30" N. Located 8.2' SSW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 3958 = H. II-833 = h1014 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and noted "F, S." John Herschel made two similar observations and measured a more accurate position.
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11 54 37.7 -07 45 24; Crt
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, round, small bright
core. Located midway between a mag
13 star 30" off the SE edge and a mag 13.5 star 30" off the NW
edge. Forms a pair with
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3959 = T. 5-11, along with NGC
3967, on 19 May 1881 and noted "between two star mag 14 and
16.". His micrometric
position (measured twice) matches
******************************
NGC 3960 = ESO 170-14 = Cr 250 = Mel 108
11 50 33 -55 40 36; Cen
V = 8.3; Size 7'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): roughly 30 fainter stars are resolved in a 6' group over unresolved background haze. The cluster is moderately bright, weakly compressed and rich in faint stars although it does not contain any stars brighter than 12th magnitude! Located 1.5 degrees due north of the "Blue Planetary", NGC 3918. NGC 3882 lies 56' SW. This is an old open cluster with an age of roughly one billion years.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 3960 = D 349 = h3369 on 30 Apr 1826. He made 4 observations with a summary description, "a pretty large, faint nebula, 6' or 7' diameter, easily resolvable with slight compression of the stars to the centre, or rather towards the following side of the centre." His position is just 5' SSE of center (relatively small error for him).
John Herschel only observed this cluster on one sweep (5 Apr 1837) and noted "cluster, VI class, pretty rich, irregular figure, round with long appendages, gradually pretty much brighter to the middle, 9', stars 13th magnitude."
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11 54 57.6 +69 19 48; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9
18" (3/5/05): faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, slightly brighter core. With averted vision the faint halo grows to 40". Situated between a mag 14 star 1' SW and a mag 14.5 star 1.5' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3961 = H. III-905 on 7 Apr
1793 (sweep 1037) and noted "eF, vS, 300x confirmed it." His position
matches
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11 54 40.1 -13 58 30; Crt
V = 10.7; Size 2.6'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 15°
17.5" (5/11/96): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 5:4 N-S, 2.0'x1.7'. Sharply concentrated with a bright 25" core and increasing to a nonstellar nucleus. Forms a right triangle with two mag 10.5 stars 2.2' S and 3.1' SSE.
8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3962 = H. I-67 = h3370 on 8
Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and logged "cB, pL, mbM, iF." John Herschel made two observations
from the Cape of Good Hope and first logged "vB; R; psmbM; 40"; forms
a triangle with 2 stars 10-11m."
His position matches
******************************
NGC 3963 = UGC 6884 = MCG +10-17-100 = CGCG 292-044 = LGG 251-007 = PGC 37386
11 54 58.7 +58 29 37; UMa
V = 11.9; Size 2.8'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.9
18" (5/31/03): moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, 2.5'x2.0', fairly low irregular surface brightness. Asymmetric appearance with the slightly brighter core offset from center and one or two faint stars or knots embedded near the edge of the halo (breezy conditions with fairly poor seeing made confirmation difficult). Forms a pair with NGC 3958 8.2' SSW.
17.5" (5/2/92): moderately bright, moderately large, round, 2' diameter, irregular surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is at the SSW edge of the halo 0.5' from the center. The very small core of the galaxy appears to be just NE of this star. A non-stellar knot is clearly visible with averted vision at the NE edge of the halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3963 = H. IV-67 = h1015 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "pB, vL, R. The greatest part of it equally bright, then fading away pretty suddenly. Between 2 and 3' dia." His re-reduced position (with respect to 66 UMa) is 20 seconds of RA too large, but John Herschel measured a more accurate position.
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11 54 53.4 +28 15 45; Leo
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 76°
17.5" (5/4/02): faint, small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, starry center. A mag 11.5 star lies 0.9' NNE of center. Very close to the Leo-Ursa Major border.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3964 = h1016 on 30 Mar 1827 and recorded "A * 10m with eF neb 45° sp; 30". The neb by a diagram made at the time is oval, and forms a kind of appendage to the star." His positions on 3 sweeps and descriptions point directly to CGCG 157-050 = PGC 37375.
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11 54 23.1 -10 52 01; Crt
Size 0.6'x0.4'; PA = 123°
24" (3/22/14): very faint, small, round,
12"-15" diameter.
Immediately picked up once the position was centered at 375x. Located 11.8' NNW of mag 8.2
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 3965 = LM 2-452 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His notes mention "mag 16.0, 0.1' dia, R, bMN, *9.5 np 4'." There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin identifies LEDA 157086 = 2MASX J11542315-1052003 as NGC 3965. This faint galaxy is located 43 tsec west of Leavenworth's position (a typical error with the LM discoveries) and a mag 11 star 4.4' NW matches Leavenworth's description. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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11 56 44.1 +32 01 17; UMa
See observing notes for
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3966 on 8 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted a mag 12-13 star that precedes by 4.1 seconds of time and 22" south (separation of 49" from the nebula) but there is nothing at his single position. Max Wolf suggested in list VIII that d'Arrest's RA was off by 30 seconds and Dreyer copied this "correction" into the IC 2 notes. The corrected position matches CGCG 157-056 = IC 2981 (see that number) and RNGC, MCG, CGCG and PGC identify CGCG 157-056 as NGC 3966.
But Harold Corwin (e-mail from 6 Mar 1998) notes that NGC 3986 has a star at the exact separation given by d'Arrest, although this galaxy is over 20' southeast of d'Arrest's position (one of his few very poor positions). Curiously, d'Arrest mentions he was searching for h1027 = NGC 3986! So, NGC 3966 = NGC 3986. See Corwin's identification notes.
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NGC 3967 = MCG -01-30-047 = PGC 37398
11 55 10.4 -07 50 37; Crt
V = 10.7; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 11.1; PA = 118°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, small bright core. A mag 13.5 star is 1' ENE. A semicircle of five stars with a 4' diameter is about 5' SE. NGC 3959 lies 10' NW. This galaxy does not appear as bright as listed magnitude V = 10.7.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 3967 = T. 5-13, along with NGC
3959, on 19 May 1881. His
micrometric position (measured twice) matches
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11 55 28.8 +11 58 07; Leo
V = 11.8; Size 2.7'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 10°
17.5" (5/11/02): moderately bright and large, elongated
5:3 SSW-NNE, 2'x1.3'. The halo is
pretty diffuse but brightens fairly suddenly to a distinct core and occasional
stellar nucleus. Located 2.6' WSW
of mag 9.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 3968 = H. II-162 = h1018 on
17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "not vF, pL, iR, r, vlb towards the
following part." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 2.3' southeast of
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11 55 09.2 -18 55 38; Crt
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 64°
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8'. Weak, even concentration to an ill-defined brighter core. Located 3.7' S of a mag 10 star. A mag 12 star is 1.8' ENE.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3969 = LM 2-453 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported "mag
15.0, 0.2' dia, gbMN, *10 in PA 340° at 4' distance." There is nothing at
his position, but 10' south is
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11 55 28.1 -12 03 41; Crt
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 98°
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.5'. Contains a
round, very small, bright core with faint extensions. A mag 11 star is 2.3' SSE. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3970 = h1020, along with NGC 3974, on 9 Mar 1828 and noted "F; S; R; psbM; 15". The p of 2."
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11 55 36.4 +29 59 45; UMa
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, moderate surface brightness. Collinear with a 3' string of three equal mag 12.5 stars to the SSE (closest 3' S).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3971 = H. II-724 = h1019 on
3 Feb 1788 (sweep 805) and noted "F, vS." John Herschel recorded "pB; R; bM. An exact obs." See comments for
******************************
11 55 45.2 +55 19 13; UMa
V = 12.3; Size 3.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 120°
18" (4/30/11): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.6', weak concentration. Two mag 13.4 stars to the southwest are nearly collinear with the core of the galaxy. NGC 3972 is listed as a member of the UMa NED1 (LGG 241) subgroup of the M109 or UMa cloud.
I observed Supernova 2011by, situated 19" N and 5" E of the nucleus and discovered just a few days previously on April 26. It was easily visible even in darkening twilight. The magnitude was pretty similar to the two stars on the southwest side.
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 4:1 NW-SE, almost even surface brightness. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 3972 = H. II-789 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 920) and noted "Two, the first [NGC 3972] pB, E. The second [NGC 3977], F, S." His
single position is 3' west of
******************************
NGC 3973 = MCG +02-31-001 = CGCG 068-093 = CGCG 069-005 =
11 55 37.0 +11 59 51; Leo
V = 14.9; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (5/11/02): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3'. Nearly lost in the glare of mag 9.8 SAO 99868 just 45" SSE. This galaxy is the faint companion of NGC 3968 2.7' SW.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3973 with LdR's 72" on 15 Mar 1855, while observing NGC 3968. He simply noted "[NGC 3968] is pF, R, sbM. Nova nf." It was seen again by Dreyer on 16 Apr 1876 as "an eeF object, most probably an eS neb" at 56" separation in PA 318.6° from a mag 10 star.
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NGC 3974 = MCG -02-31-001 = PGC 37452
11 55 40.2 -12 01 39; Crt
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 10°
17.5" (5/11/96): faint, fairly small, irregularly
round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 1.4' preceding. Fainter of pair with NGC 3970 3.6' SW. Located 20' WNW of mag 7
John Herschel discovered NGC 3974 = h1021, along with NGC 3964, on 9 Mar 1828 and recorded "vF; S; R; bM; 15". The f of 2."
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11 55 53.7 +60 31 46; UMa
V = 15.5; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 95°
17.5" (4/13/91): extremely faint, small, round, very
low even surface brightness, requires averted vision. Forms a pair with
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Lord Rosse, discovered NGC 3975 on
21 Feb 1874 and recorded as a "vF, vS knot" 17.2 sec preceding and
32" north of [NGC 3978].
"It was quite certainly and repeatedly seen by Lord Rosse and Copeland." This offset points to
This galaxy is mentioned in the UGC notes to NGC 3978,
though questioned if it is NGC 3975.
See Harold Corwin's identification notes on Lewis Swift's
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11 55 57.3 +06 44 56; Vir
V = 11.5; Size 3.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 53°
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, thin edge-on WSW-ENE, small bright core is possibly stellar.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3976 = H. II-132 = h1022 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "pL, E, pBM, r." John Herschel recorded (sweep 117) "B; E 30° nf to sp; vsmbM to nearly a star. The arms very faint."
Johann Palisa found this galaxy on 26 Mar 1886 with the 26" Clark refractor at the Vienna Observatory and thought it was new. His micrometric position in AN 2782 is accurate.
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NGC 3977 = NGC 3980 = UGC 6909 = MCG +09-20-034 = CGCG 269-017 = Holm 304b = PGC 37497
11 56 07.2 +55 23 26; UMa
V = 13.4; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.3
18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 40"x35", weak even concentration to a small brighter core. Located 5.4' NE of NGC 3972 in a group.
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 3972 5.4' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3977 = H. II-790 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "Two, the first [NGC 3972] pB, E. The second [NGC 3977], F, S." His single position is 3' west of NGC 3972 and no offset was given for II-790. But Dreyer reobserved this galaxy on 31 May 1878 at Birr Castle and noted "nf one F, R, Pos 37.7°, Dist 323.3" [from NGC 3972].
Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 16 Apr
1885 and described
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NGC 3978 = UGC 6910 = MCG +10-17-105 = CGCG 292-047 = Holm 306a = PGC 37502
11 56 10.3 +60 31 21; UMa
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
broad concentration. Located just
4' W of mag 8.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 3978 = H. II-840 = h1023 on
19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "F, S, bM." Caroline's reduced position is 3' south
of
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11 56 01.1 -02 43 15; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 112°
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.5', even concentration to a very small brighter core. A mag 12.5 star lies 1.0' NNE of center.
Edward Holden discovered NGC 3979 = Sw. 3-61 on 23 Apr 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory and recorded "pF, the nebula precedes DM 2593, 42s [of time]. A star 11.5 north and following 30"." His position and description matches UGC 6907.
Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy on 27 Apr 1886
and reported it in his 3rd discovery list (#61). Both Holden (1) and Swift (2)
are credited in the NGC. Swift found the galaxy again 11 years later on 23 May
1897, while observing at Echo Mountain in southern California. His last
observation (Sw. 11-129) was off by 1.5 min in RA too far west so Dreyer catalogued
it again as
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NGC 3980 = NGC 3977 = UGC 6909 = MCG +09-20-034 = CGCG 269-017 = PGC 37497
11 56 07.2 +55 23 26; UMa
See observing notes for NGC 3977.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 3980 = Sw. 1-18 on 16 Apr 1885 and noted eF; pL; pE; v diff; D neb nr." His position is just 7 sec of RA east of NGC 3977 (discovered by WH in 1789). Both Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC correction paper, and Harold Corwin equate NGC 3980 with NGC 3977. The "D[ouble] neb nr" might apply to NGC 3990 and 3998, though the NGC description reads "D star nr", which would then apply to a mag 12/13 double star 2.5' east-southeast. Another possibility is that NGC 3980 refers to NGC 3972. This galaxy is a better fit with Swift's description "pL; pE", but it is further off in position (6' southwest).
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NGC 3981 = Arp 289 = VV 8a = ESO 572-020 = MCG -03-31-001 = UGCA 255 = LGG 263-003 = PGC 37496
11 56 07.1 -19 53 49; Crt
V = 11.3; Size 5.2'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 15°
48" (4/20/17): at 488x; bright, large, very elongated
4:1 SSW-NNE, ~2.5'x0.6'. The
central region consists of a bright very elongated bar-like core that condenses
to a small brighter nucleus. A
fairly thin, straight arm is evident extending north by over 1' on the east
side of the galaxy. The
counterpart extending south on the west side was more difficult to distinguish
from the halo on the south side. A
low contrast knot (
13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is off the east edge 1.0' from the center. The galaxy forms the east vertex of a rough isosceles triangle with two mag 10 stars 4.2' NW and 5.0' SSW. Member of the NGC 4038/39 (Antennae) group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3981 = H. III-274 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and noted "vF, pL, iF." His position is just 1' too far east.
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NGC 3982 = UGC 6918 = KUG 1153+554 = MCG +09-20-036 = CGCG 269-019 = LGG 250-007 = PGC 37520
11 56 28.1 +55 07 29; UMa
V = 11.0; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.5
18" (4/30/11): fairly bright, moderately large, round,
1.5' diameter. Broad concentration
but no real zones, though the center is slightly brighter. Two mag 12/13 stars lie 3.5' S. Located 23' SW of
17.5" (5/2/92): bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, 2.0'x1.5', broad concentration but does not have a well-defined core except for a faint stellar nucleus or very faint star superimposed at center. A wide pair (1.0' separation) of mag 11 and 12 stars lie 3.5' S. Forms a wide pair with NGC 3972 13' NW.
17.5" (4/18/98): 13th magnitude supernova SN 1998aq (type Ia) was an easy object within the outer halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3982 = H. IV-62 = h1017 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded "cB, quite R. A large place in the middle of nearly an equal brightness; towards the margin suddenly less bright." John Herschel called this object "B; pL; R; nearly uniform, but hazy; diam 25"." His RA is exactly 1.0 tmin too large, but Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (on 5 nights). Ralph Copeland, observing with LdR's 72" in 1878, noted "definition not good, but feel sure that is a globular cluster."
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11 56 23.7 +23 52 05; Leo
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 114°
17.5" (5/4/02): faint, elongated 3-1 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.3', very faint stellar nucleus. Appears to have a brighter bar along the major axis. Located 80' SSW of the NGC 4005 group (possible member?).
William Herschel discovered NGC 3983 = H. III-343 = h1024 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, vS." John Herschel logged "F; S; R; psbM" and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 3984 = NGC 3971: = UGC 6899 = MCG +05-28-047 = CGCG 157-054 = PGC 37443
11 55 36.4 +29 59 45; UMa
See observing notes for NGC 3971 and
UGC 6943 is mistakenly identified as NGC 3984 in modern catalogues including RC3 and the Uranometria 2000 atlas (first edition). It was not noticed in the field initially as two mag 12/13.5 stars (separation 15") are superimposed on the SW side and the galaxy is just a weak glow mostly following the pair. Appears round, although the halo is ill-defined, and perhaps 0.8' in diameter.
John Herschel discovered NGC 3984 = h1026 on 10 Apr 1831 and recorded "eF; R: bM; 25"." He later added "Supposed at the time to be II.724 [NGC 3971], but on reducing the obs, it differs 1 min in RA and 1 deg in PD, BOTH which can hardly be mistakes." There is nothing at his position.
Modern catalogues (including RC3) label UGC 6943, an extremely low surface brightness face-on spiral with two stars nearly superimposed, as NGC 3984. This galaxy is 1 min 15 sec of RA following Herschel's position as well as 2.5' north. This identification seems very unlikely due to the faintness of the galaxy and the fact that the bright nearby stars were not mentioned. Malcolm Thomson concludes that NGC 3984 is nonexistent.
Harold Corwin agrees that the NGC 3984 ≠ UGC 6943 but feels that despite errors in both RA and Dec, NGC 3984 is most likely a reobservation of NGC 3971. These entries were recorded on different sweeps and although NGC 3971 was described as "pB, R, bM", there are many situations where Herschel made very discordant estimates of brightness. See his identification notes.
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11 56 42.0 +48 20 02; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 73°
17.5" (4/7/89): moderately bright, moderately large, oval WSW-ENE, broad moderate concentration, small bright core. Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3985 = H. III-707 = h1025 on 5 Feb 1788 (sweep 808) and recorded "vF, vS. Another still fainter and smaller suspected sf." The latter object is either a faint star or nonexistent as there is only a single galaxy here. Soon after "A thick fog came up at once; it has been below all the evening."
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NGC 3986 = NGC 3966 = UGC 6920 = MCG +05-28-053 = CGCG 157-058 = PGC 37544
11 56 44.1 +32 01 17; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 3.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 110°
48" (5/9/21): at 375x; moderately bright, large edge-on
with very thin arms extending nearly 10:1 WNW (excluding the central
region). Sharply concentrated with
a small bright bulge that concentrates towards the center. Overall ~2.5'x0.4', with thinner extensions. A strong impression of a thin dust lane
slices though the center. A well
matched pair of mag 13 stars at 9" separation (DAM 653) is S of the
western arm [50" from center].
17.5" (2/24/90): faint, small, edge-on E-W, bulging
core. A close double star is
located just 0.8' SW of the center consisting of mag 13 and 14 stars with
separation 9" oriented N-S.
Member of the
John Herschel discovered NGC 3986 = h1027 on 29 Apr 1827 and
logged "E nearly in parallel [east-west]; a * 11m near." His mean
position (3 observations) matches
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11 57 20.9 +25 11 42; Leo
V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 58°
24" (3/22/14): moderately bright, fairly large, very
elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.4', large bright core, irregular surface
brightness. First of 4 in a string
with
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on WSW-ENE, weak concentration. Located 2.5' S of a mag 10.5 star. Member of the NGC 3987/4005 group with NGC 3989 2.6' NE, NGC 3993 4.6' NE and NGC 3997 7.5' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3987 = H. III-323, along with III-324 (either NGC 3993 or 3997) on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "vF, lE. Suspected another eF, about 5' or 6' nef. I was pretty sure of it." His single position is 2' west of UGC 6928.
In the NGC, Dreyer mistakenly assigned H. III-323 (with a
question mark) to
******************************
11 57 24.2 +27 52 39; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 0.4'x0.4'
17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, very small, round,
20" diameter. Weak even
concentration to center but no core.
First of three on a line with
John Herschel discovered NGC 3988 = h1028 on 13 Apr 1831
recorded "vF; R; gbM. The
first of 2 [with NGC 4004]."
On a later sweep he logged "vF; S; R; sbM like a *. The p of 2 with several stars between
them." His position matches
******************************
NGC 3989 = MCG +04-28-100 = CGCG 127-111 = WBL 368-002 = LGG 260-005 = Holm 308d = PGC 37599
11 57 26.7 +25 13 58; Leo
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 135°
24" (3/22/14): very faint, small, round, 15" diameter. Located 1.2' E of a mag 10.5 star and 2.6' NNE of NGC 3987. NGC 3993 is 2.6' E.
17.5" (3/19/88): extremely faint, very small,
round. Located 1.2' E of a mag 10
star. Member of the
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3989 at Birr Castle on 27 Apr
1854 and was labeled "Xi" on the later constructed sketch. Although a micrometric position was not
measured, the identification with
******************************
NGC 3990 = UGC 6938 = MCG +09-20-043 = CGCG 269-024 = Holm 310b = PGC 37618
11 57 35.6 +55 27 31; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 40°
18" (4/30/11): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 0.4'x0.3'. Located 2.9' W of brighter NGC 3998. Member of the NGC 3992 (M109) group.
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, small bright core.
Forms a pair with NGC 3998 2.9' E.
Located 4.4' S of mag 9.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 3990 = H. II-791 = h1029, along with NGC 3998, on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and recorded both as "Two, the last [NGC 3998] cB or vB, R, vgbM. The preceding [NGC 3990] pB, E, S."
******************************
11 57 31.1 +32 20 16; UMa
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 33°
48" (5/9/21): at 610x; fairly bright, moderately large,
very thin edge-on ~6:1 ~SSW-NNE, slightly brighter elongated core region. At the NNE end is an unusually bright
stellar or quasi-stellar knot (an exceptionally bright star forming region),
that could easily be mistaken as a bright superposed star. Just to its south is
a a small brighter patch (separate fainter star-forming region?). The prominent NNE end extends at least
12" and is tilted (N-S orientation) with respect to the major axis of the
rest of the galaxy. NGC 3991
galaxy is interacting with NGC 3995 (forming Arp 313 = VV 249) 4' SE. NGC 3994, just 2' SW, completes the
trio
24" (5/25/14): moderately to fairly bright, very elongated 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.25'. At 375x, this irregular galaxy has a striking, asymmetric appearance with a very bright, elongated knot (site of very active star formation), 15"x8", at the NNE end. At 375x the knot is slightly skewed to the major axis of the longer (but fainter) portion of the galaxy. There is no central brightening, in fact, the galaxy dims just south-southwest of the knot (though not completely detaching the knot) and then brightens along the southern half. At best, there was a very small, inconspicuous core. First in an excellent trio (KTG 39) with NGC 3994 3.8' SSE and the remarkable NGC 3995 3.8' SE.
17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.3'. This object has a bright stellar knot at the NNE end (about 25" from the center) giving an unusual asymmetric appearance! First of three striking elongated systems with NGC 3994 3.7' SSE and NGC 3995 3.9' SE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3991, along with NGC 3995, on 5 Feb 1864 with the 11" refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory. His position (measured on 3 nights) is accurate.
******************************
NGC 3992 = M109 = UGC 6937 = MCG +09-20-044 = CGCG 269-023 =
11 57 35.9 +53 22 29; UMa
V = 9.8; Size 7.6'x4.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 68°
48" (4/20/17): stunning showpiece barred spiral! The central bar extends 1.5' in length SW-NE and is highlighted by an extremely bright, rounder nucleus. Striking spiral arms wrap around the bar/nucleus forming an oval ring, with brighter "handles" at the ends of the bar. A pair of outer spiral arms, ~6'x4', extend west on the north side and east on the south side. A mag 13 star is superimposed [50" NNW of center].
18" (5/14/07): bright, large, elongated 3:2 or 5:3 SW-NE, ~6.5'x4'. The galaxy lies between a mag 9.5 star 5' SW and a mag 12 star 3.4' NE of center, just beyond the edge of the halo. The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a fainter halo and a bright, oval core that increases slightly to a faint stellar nucleus. With averted vision, the halo is quite extensive and reaches to the mag 12 star to the northeast. The halo appears mottled or dusty with an impression of spiral structure. A mag 12.5 star is superimposed less than 1' N of the center and another mag 12 star is near the SW end. Brightest in a galaxy group (LGG 258) with 41 members at z ~.003.
17.5" (3/19/88): bright, large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, at
least 6.0'x3.5', broadly concentrated halo, large faint halo. A mag 13 star is superimposed on the
halo 50" NNW of center. A mag
13 star is at the NE edge of the halo 3.4' from center. Located 5.1' NE of mag 9.3
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, diffuse halo. A star is superimposed NW of the core.
Charles Messier probably discovered M109 = NGC 3992 = H. IV-61 = h1030 in March or April 1781 and added a position by hand in his personal copy of the catalog. Méchain has been given credit for discovery of this object, but according to the SEDS page, his position corresponds well with NGC 3953, not NGC 3992. See http://www.astrobril.nl/FortinOther.html#M109
William Herschel independently discovered NGC 3992 = H. IV-61 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "pB, cB Ncl with vF extended branches about 30° np to sf, 5 or 6' long, 3 or 4' br." He recorded it again on the next sweep as "cB, vL, Br Ncl with vF elongated branches 7 or 8' long"
******************************
NGC 3993 = UGC 6935 = MCG +04-28-101 = CGCG 127-112 = Holm 308A = LGG 260-002 = WBL 368-003 = PGC 37619
11 57 37.8 +25 14 25; Leo
V = 13.9; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 141°
24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.35', weak concentration. Two mag 11.5-12 stars are off the NW end. Sandwiched between NGC 3997 3.0' NE and NGC 3987 4.7' SE. Also NGC 3989 is 2.5' W.
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, broad concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 3989 2.7' WSW. Member of the NGC 4007 group.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 3993 on 25 Apr 1854 and it was labeled "Eta" on the constructed sketch of the group made at Birr Castle. In a later observation, a very faint star was noted close south-following and two mag 11-12 stars north-preceding. The micrometric position is very accurate.
Harold Corwin notes that WH's III-324 refers to NGC 3997 and not NGC 3993 as Dreyer assigned in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH". But Wolfgang Steinicke lists WH as the discoverer of NGC 3993 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393), probably due to the better match in position.
******************************
NGC 3994 = Arp 313 NED1 = VV 249b = KTG 39B = UGC 6936 = MCG +06-26-059 = CGCG 186-074 = Holm 309b = PGC 37616
11 57 36.9 +32 16 39; UMa
V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 10°
48" (5/9/21): at 610x; bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.0'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very intense core and a brilliant nucleus.
24" (5/25/14): at 375x appeared fairly bright, elongated oval 5:2 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x35', well concentrated with a very bright core. Second in a striking trio (KTG 39) with NGC 3995 1.9' NE and NGC 3991 3.8' NNW.
17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, small, elongated
2:1 SSW-NNE, prominent core.
Second of three elongated systems with NGC 3991 3.8' NNW and NGC 3995
1.8' NE. Located 5' WNW of mag 6.4
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3994 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11" refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory. His position, measured on 3 nights, is accurate and he accurately placed a mag 15 star (called 17th magnitude), which is 4 seconds of time due west.
******************************
NGC 3995 = Arp 313 NED2 = VV 249a = KTG 39C = UGC 6944 = MCG +06-26-061 = CGCG 186-075 = Holm 309a = PGC 37624
11 57 44.1 +32 17 39; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 2.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 33°
48" (5/9/21): this bright, large distorted blue spiral
is interacting (Arp 313 = VV 249) with NGC 3991 4' NW and a normal spiral NGC
3994 is 2' SW. At 610x, the core
was prominent and a fairly faint bulge extended NE [on the SDSS this is a loop
or spiral arm with multiple knots].
A narrow, faint spiral arm is attached on the east side of the core and
extends NE. On the SW side of the
core, a more obvious, thin spiral arm extends south on the western side of the
galaxy. Beyond the arm to the south
is a diffuse region [blue knotty region on the SDSS]. Overall, the galaxy extends ~3 in length in a nearly 3:1
ratio. Forms a pair
(non-interacting) with NGC 3994 2' SW, with interacting NGC 3991 4' NW. Mag 6.4
24" (5/25/14): fairly bright striking galaxy with unusual asymmetric structure, fairly large, elongated roughly 5:2 SSW-NNE, well concentrated with a very bright core containing a short bar oriented E-W. A long linear arm is attached at the west side of the core and extends south ~40". The outer western edge of this arm has a sharply defined edge and the inner (eastern) side has a low, irregular surface brightness. A short extension (arm) heads northeast from the east side of the core. As a result the core appears offset towards the north, because of the longer southern arm. Mag 6.4 HD 103928 lies 5' ESE and was placed outside the field.
17.5" (2/24/90): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, large bright core. Third and largest of an excellent trio with NGC 3994 1.8' SW and NGC 3991 3.8' NW. Located 6.6' W of mag 6.4 SAO 62774.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 3995, along with NGC 3991, on 5 Feb 1864. His position, measured on 3 nights, is accurate.
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11 57 46.0 +14 17 50; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 50°
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', nearly even surface brightness. A line of stars oriented SSW-NNE precedes the galaxy and two mag 13.5-14 stars follow. Located 20' ENE of a mag 6.7 star and 2.1° ESE of Beta Leonis (Denebola).
John Herschel discovered NGC 3996 = h1032 on 23 Apr 1832 and logged "vF; pL; R; has two stars sf." This was one of the last two objects discovered by Herschel at Slough (the following year he set sail for the Cape of Good Hope), though he measured the position again on the 26th and 28th of April.
******************************
NGC 3997 = UGC 6942 = MCG +04-28-102 = CGCG 127-114 = WAS 38 = Holm 308B = LGG 260-003 = WBL 368-004 = PGC 37629
11 57 48.3 +25 16 15; Leo
V = 13.4; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
24" (3/22/14): moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, irregular, ~1.0'x0.7'. Contains a small brighter core embedded in a curving bar oriented ~E-W. There was an impression of weak spiral arms in the halo. Bracketed by two mag 12.5-13 stars just off the east and southwest side. Brightest and fourth in a string with NGC 3993 3' SW and NGC 3987 7.7' SW.
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, elongated ~E-W (central bar), small bright core. Bracketed by two mag 12 stars 0.9' E and 0.9' SW of center. Member of the NGC 4007 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3997 = H. III-324 = h1033, along with NGC 3987 = H. III-323, on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "vF, lE. Suspected another eF, about 5' or 6' nef. I was pretty sure of it." NGC 3997 is 7.8' NE of NGC 3987, while NGC 3993 is 4.7' NE, so either could apply but NGC 3997 is slightly brighter. John Herschel measured an accurate position and described "F; vS; E pos 25° Between 2 stars, 80" dist."
The two WH numbers have been applied to different galaxies.
JH equated NGC 3997 = H. III-323 in the Slough catalogue. Dreyer gave a possible equivalence of
NGC 4015 = H. III-323 and
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NGC 3998 = UGC 6946 = MCG +09-20-046 = CGCG 269-025 = Holm 310a = LGG 241-007 = PGC 37642
11 57 56.1 +55 27 13; UMa
V = 10.7; Size 2.7'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 140°
18" (4/30/11): very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 5:4 NNW-SSE, 1.8' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a small, blazing core that increases to a very bright stellar nucleus. NGC 3990 lies 3' due W. Brightest in a group of 6 galaxies in a 30' field. NGC 3998 is a member of the UMa NED1 (LGG 241) subgroup of the M109 group or UMa cloud.
17.5" (4/6/91): very bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a round very bright well-defined core, increases to stellar nucleus. Located 5.6' SSE of mag 9.2 SAO 28204. Forms a pair with NGC 3990 3.0' W. Brightest in a group including NGC 3982, NGC 3972 and NGC 3977.
William Herschel discovered NGC 3998 = H. I-229 = h1031 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920), along with NGC 3990, and recorded both as "Two, the last [NGC 3998] cB or vB, R, vgbM. The preceding [NGC 3990] pB, E, S." His offset from NGC 3990 (22 sec of RA) is accurate.
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11 57 56.5 +25 04 05; Leo
V = 15.4; Size 0.4'x0.2'; PA = 88°
24" (3/22/14): very faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter, even surface brightness.
Situated 1.4' E of a mag 12 star and 4.5' SSW of mag 8
17.5" (4/18/98): extremely faint, very small, round,
15" diameter. Requires
averted vision and can only hold steadily 2/3 of the time. A mag 12 star is 1.5' preceding. Located 4.6' SSW of mag 7.4
Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 3999 on
25 Apr 1878 in one of the six Birr Castle observations of the NGC 4005
cluster. Parsons placed this
nebula at 277" separation in PA 201.3° (SSW) with respect to mag 8 HD
103913 and it was labeled as Mu on the composite sketch of the cluster. At this exact offset is
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NGC 4000 = UGC 6949 = MCG +04-28-103 = CGCG 127-118 = WBL 368-006 = LGG 261-005 = PGC 37643
11 57 57.0 +25 08 39; Leo
V = 14.5; Size 1.0'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 3°
24" (3/22/14): faint, fairly small, very thin edge-on, 0.5'x0.1', even surface brightness. Situated 1.7' WNW of mag 8 HD 103913. NGC 4005 is symmetrically placed on the opposite side of the star.
17.5" (3/19/88): very faint, fairly small, very elongated N-S. Located 1.6' WNW of mag 7.8 SAO 82077. Located in the center of the NGC 4007 group with NGC 4007 3.2' ESE.
Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 4000 on 25 Apr 1878 during
one of the six Birr Castle observations of the cluster. Parsons placed this nebula at
100.5" separation in PA 283.9° (WNW) with respect to mag 8 star HD 103913
and described it as "vF, vS, lE ns, gbM." The micrometric offset
points directly to
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11 58 06.8 +47 20 05; UMa
V = 14.8; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 160°
17.5" (4/7/89): extremely faint, very small but
elongation visible NNW-SSE, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 2.1' N and a mag 11.5 star 4.2' NE of
center. Located 6' NW of
George Johnstone Stoney or his brother Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 4001 on 13 Apr 1852. While observing NGC 4010 with the 72-inch, it was noted "A small, round neb about 7' np."
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11 57 59.3 +23 12 07; Leo
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 75°
17.5" (2/20/88): fairly faint, small, elongated ~E-W,
small bright core. A mag 13.5 star
is 0.8' SE of center. Forms a pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4002 = H. III-344 = h1034, along with NGC 4003, on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "Two, both eF and vS. 240x verified them, 5 or 6' from each other." John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position.
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NGC 4003 = UGC 6948 = MCG +04-28-105 = CGCG 127-115 = PGC 37646
11 57 59.0 +23 07 29; Leo
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 10°
17.5" (2/20/88): faint, small, oval, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 4002 4.6' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4003 = H. III-345 = h1035, along with NGC 4002, on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394). WH provided a single position for both objects, but John Herschel measured fairly accurate positions.
CGCG, UGC and MCG equate NGC 4003 with NGC 4007, but the correct equivalence is NGC 4005 = NGC 4007.
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NGC 4004 = VV 230 = UGC 6950 = MCG +05-28-060 = CGCG 157-065 = Mrk 432 = Holm 312a = WBL 367-003 = PGC 37654
11 58 05.2 +27 52 43; Leo
V = 13.7; Size 1.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 8°
17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.4', no concentration. A mag 13.5 star is close following [57" SE of center]. Last and brightest of a trio with IC 2982 3.1' W and NGC 3988. IC 2982 appeared faint, very small, elongated 20"x15" SW-NE. Just follows a mag 11 star [45" to center] which is the brightest star in an inverted "L" asterism and which detracts from viewing.
On the DSS, NGC 4004 appears to be an interacting, distorted galaxy (or the result) with a long tidal tail to the south.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4004 = H. III-354 = h1036 on
11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, vS. It was in the field I was gaging otherwise it would probably
have been overlooked."
Caroline's reduction is 6.5' NNE of
******************************
NGC 4005 = NGC 4007 = UGC 6952 = MCG +04-28-107 = CGCG 127-120 = WBL 368-007 = LGG 261-002 = PGC 37661
11 58 10.1 +25 07 19; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 92°
24" (3/22/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 30"x20", bright core. Situated 1.6' SE of mag 8.2 HD 103913. NGC 4011 lies 3.7' ESE.
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, oval slightly elongated E-W, bright core. Located 1.8' SE of mag 7.8 SAO 82077. This is one of the brightest members in the cluster.
Otto Struve found NGC 4005 on 16 Mar 1869 with the 15-inch refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg while searching for Comet Winnecke (7P/Pons-Winnecke) in Mar-Apr 1869.
William Herschel discovered this galaxy and it was catalogued as H. III-325 (later NGC 4007), but the declination in the GC and NGC is two degrees too far south due to a copying or reduction error (Auwer's reduction has the correct position). This correction was noted by Dreyer in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH." Because of Struve's unambiguous position, this galaxy is identified as NGC 4005 in UGC, CGCG, MCG, RNGC, RC3, despite Herschel's earlier discovery.
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11 58 05.8 -02 07 12; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 20°
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', very small brighter core, faint stellar nucleus
with direct vision. Near the
middle of a 13' N-S string of stars concave outwards towards the east. A mag 12 star lies 1.6' NE. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4006 = h1037 on 15 Apr 1828 and
noted "F; S; R; bM; sp a * 11m." His position and description matches
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NGC 4007 = NGC 4005 = UGC 6952 = MCG +04-28-107 = CGCG 127-120 = WBL 368-007 = LGG 261-002 = PGC 37661
11 58 10.1 +25 07 19; Leo
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 92°
See observing notes for NGC 4005
William Herschel discovered NGC 4007 = H. III-325 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "eF, vS." John Herschel either copied or precessed Williams's position incorrectly as the North Polar Distance in GC and NGC is two degrees too far south. The error was caught and corrected by Dreyer in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues. Otto Struve independently found the galaxy on 16 Mar 1869 and Dreyer himself picked it up at Birr Castle in 1878 (labeled as Alpha on the diagram of the cluster), and it was catalogued as NGC 4005 at the correct position.
All major catalogues identify this galaxy as NGC 4005 although you could argue that by prior discovery, NGC 4007 should take historical precedence. In any case, it is clear that NGC 4005 = NGC 4007. Unfortunately, as a result of the two degree error, the NGC position falls close to NGC 4003. So, Karl Reinmuth in his 1926 survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", Dorothy Carlson's NGC/IC Correction list, CGCG, UGC, MCG all misidentify NGC 4007 = NGC 4003, ignoring Dreyer's correction. See Malcolm Thomson's Catalogue Corrections and Corwin's notes.
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11 58 17.0 +28 11 33; Leo
V = 12.0; Size 2.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 167°
17.5" (4/9/99): moderately bright, very elongated ~N-S with a prominent core., 1.4'x0.5'. The extensions nearly reach an extremely faint mag 15.5 star at the north edge. Initially I thought this galaxy was NGC 4004 which is located 20' SSW.
8" (4/24/82): faint, round, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4008 = H. II-368 = h1038 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pF, bM." John Herschel made 4 observations and measured an accurate position. A total of 7 observations were made at Birr Castle.
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11 58 15.1 +25 11 24; Leo
= *, Corwin.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4009 with the 72" on 26
Apr 1878 in the last observation of the cluster at Birr Castle. He placed it 238" in PA 41.5° from
mag 8 HD 103913 and at this exact offset (labeled "Iota" on the final
compiled sketch) is a mag 15 star (GSC 1985-1944). RNGC and PGC misidentify
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NGC 4010 = UGC 6964 = MCG +08-22-049 = CGCG 243-034 = Holm 314a = LGG 258-021 = PGC 37697
11 58 37.0 +47 15 37; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 4.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 66°
17.5" (4/7/89): faint, large, edge-on WSW-ENE, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 4001 6' NW. Member of the NGC 3877 subgroup of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4010 = h1040 on 26 Apr 1830 and
noted "F; mE; vglbM; 100" l, 25" br." His position is 2' southwest of center
of
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NGC 4011 = CGCG 127-121 = WBL 368-008 = PGC 37674
11 58 25.4 +25 05 51; Leo
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.3'; PA = 35°
24" (3/22/14): very faint or faint, small, round, 15" diameter, very weak concentration. Located 3.7' SE of NGC 4005 and 5.4' NW of NGC 4015.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4011 on 24 Apr 1878 in one of
the later observations of the cluster with the 72" and labeled as
"Epsilon" on the published sketch (constructed from all
observations). His notes read
"vF, vS, *12m 2.5' np."
The nebula was placed +/- 4' in approximately PA 112° from mag 8.3 HD 103913. The actual offsets to
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11 58 27.6 +10 01 17; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 153°
17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE, low even surface brightness.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4012 = m 225 = Sf. 108 on 15 Jan
1865 and recorded "vF, S, lE". His position matches
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11 58 31.7 +43 56 48; UMa
V = 11.2; Size 5.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 66°
17.5" (3/8/97): moderately bright, fairly large edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 3.5'x0.7'. A mag 12 star is superimposed very close to the actual center and masquerades as a bright stellar nucleus (similar to M108). The galaxy bulges towards center but is only weakly concentrated, fades towards tips. On the DSS the star is superimposed on a thin equatorial dust lane that was not seen. Member of the NGC 4111 group in the UMa cloud.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4013 = H. II-733 = h1041 on 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 810) and recorded "pB, mE, about 4' long and 3/4' br. A pBSN and vF branches near the meridian." John Herschel made two observations and logged on sweep 248 "B; mE; vsvmbM to a * = 10-11m; pos of extension = 62.3° by measure."
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, recorded it on 17 Mar 1849 as "E with a split or opening in the direction of major axis and a star a little following the center." The dark lane was confirmed on 12 Apr 1861: "Brightest part preceding the star and certainly a narrow split going towards preceding end from the star."
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11 58 35.8 +16 10 38; Com
V = 12.3; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 120°
18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.5', weakly concentrated halo, rises suddenly to a very small brighter core. Forms the eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with a mag 10.8 star 6.5' NW and a mag 12 star 6.4' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4014 = h1042 on 26 Apr 1832 and
logged "Not vF; R; pgbM; 35".
The next sweep is observed it again as"pB; psbM;
25"." His position
matches
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NGC 4015 = Arp 138 NED1 = VV 216a = UGC 6965 = MCG +04-28-109 = MCG +04-28-110 = CGCG 127-122 = WBL 368-010 = LGG 260-006 = KPG 314 = PGC 37703
11 58 42.6 +25 02 12; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.7
48" (5/9/21): at 488x; bright, moderately large, round,
~45" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases
to an intensely bright nucleus! An
attached companion (perhaps foreground
24" (3/22/14): moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, sharply concentrated with a very bright blazing core and a faint halo. The superimposed or interacting companion (VV 216b) was just visible at 375x as an extremely faint, elongated patch jutting out on the north side!
17.5" (3/19/88): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated bright core. First of
three with NGC 4021 5' NE and
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4015, along with NGC 4021 and
4023. on 24 Apr 1878 and described it as "F, vS, E pf, mbM." With respect to NGC 4005, he placed it
at a separation of 545.1" in PA 124.9° and it was labeled "Beta"
on the constructed sketch of the cluster.
At this exact separation is
The PGC positions for the two components,
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11 58 29.0 +27 31 44; Com
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 175°
48" (4/20/17): at 488x; moderately bright and large,
slightly elongated but irregular shape.
Contains a brighter elongated bar through the center oriented ~E-W with
a slightly brighter, very small nucleus.
The halo changed shape and size with averted version so I was probably
picking up part of the spiral arms that extend north on the west side and south
on the east side. The
"bowtie" structure visible around the bar on the SDSS was not
seen. A mag 17.3 star is
superimposed just 15" N of center and a mag 16.2 star is at the southeast
edge of the galaxy. Forms a pair
(
17.5" (4/9/99): faint, fairly small, elongated ~ E-W, 0.8'x0.5', no noticeable concentration. A mag 12 star lies 1.3' S of center. First and fainter of pair with NGC 4017 6' SE.
R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 4016 at Birr
Castle on 30 Mar 1854 and noted "another vF neb about 5' np or nearly
north [of NGC 4017]." At this
offset is
******************************
NGC 4017 = Arp 305 NED2 = VV 424 = UGC 6967 = MCG +05-28-065 = CGCG 157-069 = PGC 37705
11 58 45.8 +27 27 10; Com
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0
48" (4/20/17): at 488x; beautiful 2-armed spiral with a very distinctive "S" shape. Contains a bright, elongated core or bar oriented E-W, though it was not as narrow as a typical bar. It brightened somewhat in the center to a rounder nucleus. Two very easy, graceful spiral arms were visible; the eastern arm is a bit brighter and knotty (HII regions) near its root on the southeast side of the core. It rotates clockwise, bending north on the east side of the galaxy and then curls towards to the west, ending nearly due north of the core. The western arm was also easily seen as an extension south-southeast, while tapering and fading to the south of the core. Forms a striking pair with NGC 4016 6' NW.
17.5" (4/9/99): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.8', weak concentration [face-on SBc spiral]. Forms a pair with NGC 4016 6' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4017 = H. II-369 = h1043 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, E, pL. The following part the brightest." John Herschel made three observations, although all positions are rough.
On 30 Mar 1854, R.J. Mitchell (Lord Rosse's assistant) noted "F, spiral? Another vF neb [NGC 4016] about 5' np or nearly north." The following spring he commented "Query, shaped like an "S"? Its light is certainly patchy and the neb is lE nearly pf. np this object is another F, R neb with stellar centre." His sketch, included in the 1861 publications, accurates depicts the "S" shape of NGC 4017. Finally on 16 Apr 1855, he wrote "my previous conjectoure as to shape is rather confirmed by Mr. Johnstone Stoney [on a visit prior to starting his professorial duties], who saw the preceding branch turned off sharply to the south, while the following bend is not so sharp, but this latter branch reacher farther round and is rather fainter."
CGCG mislabels NGC 4017 as NGC 4016.
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11 58 40.7 +25 18 59; Com
V = 13.8; Size 1.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 163°
24" (3/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright,
moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.4', broad weak
concentration.
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, fairly small, edge-on NW-SE. A pair of mag 13 stars at 25" separation is located 3' SSE. Member of the NGC 4007 group with NGC 4022 7' SE.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4018 on 26 Apr 1878 in the last
observation of the cluster from Birr Castle. He placed it roughly 12' in PA 37° from NGC 4009 and it is
labeled "Kappa" on the constructed diagram. The actual separation is 10' in PA 37°, although NGC 4009 is
a star. The note"mE np sf, 2
st S" pins down the identification as
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12 01 10.3 +14 06 16; Com
V = 13.2; Size 2.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 145°
24" (5/20/20): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, excellent very thin edge-on! Extended ~10:1 NW-SE, ~80"x8", bright core, tapers at tips. A mag 10.1 star is 5.6' SSE.
18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, edge-on NW-SE, 1.0'x0.2',
low even surface brightness. A mag
10 star is 5.5' SE and 2' following this star is
John Herschel discovered NGC 4019 = h1044 on 23 Apr 1832 (the last night he made a discovery at Slough, setting sail for the Cape of Good Hope the following year) and logged, "eF; has a *9m 5' sf". There is nothing near his position. A mag 15 star is 3.5' northwest of his position and a mag 10 star lies 6' southeast of this faint star (a good match with his description), so the faint star is one possible candidate for NGC 4019.
Harold Corwin identifies NGC 4019 as
Update: Corwin checked Herschel's sweep records and it appears his offsets refer to Beta Leonis. Rereducing yields a position 2 minutes of RA further east, which is within 20 seconds of RA within IC 755. Hence the equivalnce is very likely.
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11 58 56.6 +30 24 42; UMa
V = 12.7; Size 2.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 15°
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.8'x0.9', broad concentration but no well-defined core. A mag 10.5 star lies 3.1' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4020 = H. II-725 = h1045 on 3 Feb 1788 (sweep 805) and recorded "pB, E, mbM, about 2' long from sp to nf, but nearer to the meridian." John Herschel recorded "Not vF; bicentral or elongated; vgbM to a central axis pos = 199.5°, or pos of the two centres = 19.5°; 14" long and 25" br." The Slough Catalogue has a typo; read H. II-725 for H. II-275. He corrected the error in the GC. Bindon Stoney, observing on LdR's 72" on 26 Apr 1851, not "Bicentral appearance very indistinct. Light mottled, E ssp-nnf."
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NGC 4021 = MCG +04-28-112 = CGCG 127-124 = WBL 368-011 = PGC 37730
11 59 02.6 +25 04 59; Com
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.5'; PA = 85°
24" (3/22/14): faint, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, slightly brighter core. Located 5.2' NE of NGC 4015 in the NGC 4005 cluster.
17.5" (3/19/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.4'x0.3'. Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 4015 5' SW and NGC 4023 6' SSE. Member of the NGC 4007 group.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4021 on 26 Apr 1878, the last
session "nebulae" were discovered at Birr Castle. He recorded,
"F, S, R or lE and placed this object 58.2" in PA 312.1° with respect
to NGC 4015. It was labeled "Delta" on the final compiled
sketch of the cluster. At Dreyer's micrometric offset is
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NGC 4022 = UGC 6975 = MCG +04-28-111 = CGCG 127-125 = WBL 368-012 = LGG 261-004 = PGC 37729
11 59 01.0 +25 13 21; Com
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (3/22/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round, small very bright core increases to the center. Two mag 13 stars lies 2.2' WSW and 2.4' WNW.
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core. Contains a stellar nucleus or a star is superimposed. Member of the NGC 4007 group with NGC 4018 7.3' NW.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4022 on 26 Apr 1878 in the last observation of the cluster from Birr Castle. He placed it approximately 6' in PA 144° from NGC 4018 (Kappa) and noted "pF, vS, stellar". On the final constructed diagram NGC 4022 is labeled "Lambda". The actual separation is 7' in PA 140°.
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NGC 4023 = UGC 6977 = MCG +04-28-113 = CGCG 127-127 = WBL 368-013 = PGC 37732
11 59 05.5 +24 59 20; Com
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 25°
48" (5/9/21): at 488x; bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~50"x40". Contains a relatively large, very bright core that increases towards the center. The halo extends nearly 1' and has a fairly low surface brightness, suggesting a face-on spiral (though no spiral structure). A mag 16.5 in the halo on the north side [14" from center] and a mag 16 star is at the NNW edge of the halo [24" from center]. NGC 4015 is 5.9' NW.
24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, slightly irregular surface brightness. Situated 5.9' SE of NGC 4015.
17.5" (3/19/88): faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, weak concentration. Member of the NGC 4007 group with NGC 4015 7' WNW.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 4023 on 24 Apr 1878 on a late
observation of the NGC 4005 group at Birr Castle. He described the nebula as "pF, pL, diffuse" and
placed it at 358.1" in PA 117.8° with respect to NGC 4015. It was labeled "Gamma" on the
final compiled sketch of the cluster.
At this offset is
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11 58 31.2 -18 20 50; Crv
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 70°
18" (3/19/04): moderately bright, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a bright 25" core that increases to the center. The fainter outer halo measures ~1.4'x1.1'. An isosceles triangle of mag 10-11.5 stars (sides 2', 2', 4.8') lies 6' W. Located 1 degree NW of the Antennae (NGC 4038/39) in the NGC 4038 galaxy group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4024 = H. II-295 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "F, vS, iF, bM." His RA was 30 seconds too large. Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 at Denver (repeated in the IC 2 notes) as well as Porter in 1908 at the Cincinnati Observatory.
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11 59 10.2 +37 47 37; UMa
V = 13.6; Size 2.8'x1.6'; Surf Br = 15.0; PA = 40°
18" (3/30/05): picked up at 165x as a moderately large but very low surface brightness glow. At 225x, it appears ~1.5' diameter with very little concentration. The DSS images reveals a face-on irregular barred spiral with very low surface brightness arms.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4025 = H. III-617 = h1046 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "eF, iR, about 1' in diameter."
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11 59 25.0 +50 57 42; UMa
V = 10.8; Size 5.2'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 178°
17.5" (3/8/97): bright, large, excellent lens-shape
edge-on 5:1 N-S, 4.0'x0.8'.
Sharply concentrated with a striking bulging core and non-stellar
nucleus. Extensions tapers at
ends. Located 7.2' SSW of mag 9.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 4026 = H. I-223 = h1047 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "cB, E in the direction of the meridian, BN with vF branches, 3' long." His RA was 20 seconds too large, but the NGC position (probably from John Herschel) is accurate.
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11 59 30.5 -19 15 44; Crv
V = 11.1; Size 3.2'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 167°
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this is a strange looking one-armed spiral. Overall it appeared quite bright and large with a very irregular shape, 3'x2', and sharply concentrated with a fairly small, round core. The core gradually increased to the center. Emerging from the core on the NW end is a fairly well-defined arm that initially extends north in the direction of a mag 11.8 star located 3.7' NNW of the center of the galaxy. This arm then sharply curves counter-clockwise ~135°, bending around to the N and NE, ending just outside a mag 14 star situated close NE of the core. On the SE end of the core, a second arm begins to emerge but it suddenly terminates, creating a very asymmetric appearance with one long, wrapping arm.
A faint companion,
48" (2/28/19): at 488x; the spectacular spiral arm on the north side of the galaxy wrapped around over 180° and faded out beyond a 14th mag star, nearly due east of the core of the galaxy. The core of the galaxy was roundish but contained a brighter bar oriented E-W. There was a darker region just south of the core, due to dust. NGC 4027A, situated 4' S, appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated N-S, irregular, fairly low even surface brightness. An extremely faint star is at the southeast edge.
13.1" (2/16/85): fairly bright, round, moderately large, broad concentration, possible stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is off the ENE edge 1.0' from center. NGC 4027 is an unusual interacting one-armed barred spiral.
13.1" (4/28/84 and 9/22/84): a spiral arm highly suspected north of the nucleus trailing to the east.
8" (3/28/81): faint, moderately large, no details.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4027 = H. II-296 = h3371 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 386) and logged "pB, pL." His RA was 1.0 minute of time too large. John Herschel made an interesting description from the Cape of Good Hope: "Globular; F; pL; R; 2'; resolved; stars barely seen; but in a better night for definition would no doubt be clearly resolved into st 16m." His position is accurate, though of course his description isn't valid. It was described as a single branched spiral with condensations in the Helwan Observatory bulletin for 1921, based on photos taken by Knox-Shaw in 1914-16 with the 30" reflector.
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NGC 4028 = NGC 4014 = UGC 6961 = MCG +03-31-005 = CGCG 098-012 = PGC 37695
11 58 35.8 +16 10 38; Com
See observing notes for NGC 4014.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4028 = H. III-3 on 30 Dec 178 (sweep 72) and recorded "vF, not cometic tho' almost round. It forms an isosceles triangle with 2 small stars [by a diagram these are about 6' sp]. It is probably of the resolvable kind but eF; it may be a very distant compressed cl of stars, but would require a great quantity of light to resolve." There is nothing at his position (an early sweep prone to large errors) and III-3 was not found visually by Bigourdan or photographically by Reinmuth.
Harold Corwin equates NGC 4028 with NGC 4014, which matches WH's description of forming an isosceles triangle with two stars (6' sp and 6' np). He notes this would require WH made offset errors on two different sweeps landing roughly at the same erroneous position.
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12 00 03.1 +08 10 54; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core. A mag 13.5 star is 1.8' NE of center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4029 = m 226 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, vS, lE, with stellar N." His position is accurate.
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12 00 23.5 -01 06 01; Vir
V = 10.6; Size 4.2'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 27°
17.5" (3/24/90): bright, moderately large, oval SW-NE, halo increases to a small bright core, mottled halo with structure suspected. Bracketed by a mag 10.5 star 2.2' SSW and a mag 11 star just off the NNW edge 1.6' from the center. Visible in 16x80 finder.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4030 = H. I-121 = h1048 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 507) and recorded "vB, cL, mbM. Between, but a little following two pB stars." John Herschel made two observations and logged (sweep 145) "B; R; pL; psbM; r; 70"; has 3 or 4 large stars near." Using the Great Melbourne Telescope, Joseph Turner sketched it on 10 Apr 1877 (p. 133 of his logbook) and noted it was gradually brighter to the center with no resolution. Pietro Baracchi (in Feb 1886 with the GMT) logged it as "B; pS; R; vgpmbM".
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12 00 31.3 +31 56 51; UMa
V = 14.4; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE. A mag 15.5 star is at the SW end and a second mag 15 star is 0.7' N of center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4031 on 6 Apr 1864 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position is an exact match with
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12 00 32.9 +20 04 27; Com
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, round, fairly
small, even surface brightness. A
mag 12 star is 3.4' NNE. Located
west of the
William Herschel discovered NGC 4032 = H. II-404 = h1049 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "pB, pL, mbM, R, cometic." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 2' too far SE. John Herschel observed this galaxy on 6 sweeps and his brightness descriptions vary from "extremely faint" to "bright"!
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12 00 34.8 -17 50 34; Crv
V = 11.7; Size 2.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 47°
13.1" (4/28/84): fairly bright, small, elongated 3:2
SW-NE, small bright nucleus.
Located 1° north of the "Antennae" galaxies NGC 4038/
William Herschel discovered NGC 4033 = H. II-508 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "pB, S, lE, bM." Using the Great Melbourne Telescope on 11 Apr 1877, Joseph Turner sketched it as very elongated SW-NE with a brighter core (p. 133 of logbook). Pietro Baracchi reported it as "B; S; lE; gpmb." (28 Feb 1886, GMT). Engelhardt measured an accurate position.
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12 01 29.6 +69 19 26; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 5°
17.5" (3/29/89): extremely faint, small, very low
surface brightness. A mag 14 star
is 30" off the NW edge.
Located 9.5' NE of mag 7.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 4034 = H. III-903 on 6 Apr
1793 (sweep 1036) and noted "eF, S, iF, vlbM." CGCG misidentifies this galaxy (CGCG
334-058) as
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12 00 29.3 -15 56 53; Crv
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 0°
18" (4/9/05): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8'
diameter, very low surface brightness with little or no concentration. Located 5.8' SSW of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4035 = H. III-279 = h3372 on
8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and recorded "eF, pL. Requires much attention to be seen. I saw it also with 240, but its light
was much lessened and the difficulty of seeing increasing." Caroline's reduction is less than 2'
northeast of
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12 01 26.7 +61 53 45; UMa
V = 10.7; Size 4.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 85°
24" (5/27/17): at 200x beautiful large spindle 4:1
~E-W, 3'x0.8'. Sharply concentrated
with a small, very bright core/nucleus and tapered extensions. Forms a bright pair with
17.5" (5/2/92): very bright striking galaxy! Fairly large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 3.0'x1.0', halo increases to a bright core, very bright nucleus. The eastern extension appears slightly brighter. NGC 4041 lies 16' NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4036 = H. I-253 = h1050 on
19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and logged "vB, vL, E." Caroline's reduced position is 15 sec
of RA east of
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12 01 23.7 +13 24 03; Com
V = 11.9; Size 2.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (5/19/01): very faint, moderately large, low
surface brightness, ill-defined, ~2' diameter, slightly elongated N-S, very
weak concentration. Located 5' W
of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4037 = H. III-77 = h1051 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "eF, pL, R, r." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 4038 = Arp 244 NED1 = VV 245b = ESO 572-047 = MCG -03-31-014 = UGCA 264 = PGC 37967 = The Antennae = Ringtail Galaxies
12 01 53.0 -18 52 05; Crv
V = 10.3; Size 3.4'x1.7'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 80°
82" (5/4/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; I was surprised to see the numerous high surface brightness knots lining the rim of NGC 4038 and the looping spiral arm on the east side. A total of 17 knots were counted; these were irregularly spread out with several in clumps. The beginning of the spiral arm extending south was very noticeable exiting the eyepiece field.
48" (4/1/11 and 5/3/19): I took a quick look at the Antennae Galaxy on 4/1/11 to see the faint tidal tails that shoot north and south from the east end of NGC 4038/4039. The tidal tail heading south from NGC 4038 (the northern component) was easily visible, sweeping 2' S but then quickly dimming. The streamer heading north was also visible but appeared detached from the galaxies. It was picked up ~2.5' NE of NGC 4038 and extended 2' N, terminating at a faint star.
On 5/3/19 we examined the galaxy using a NPB filter at 375x. Overall the galaxy dimmed but a ring of HII knots extending 270° seemed to light up, providing a striking appearance! They appeared to brighten and dim as individual knots "turned on" with averted vision and gave the impression of viewing car headlights through different layers of fog.
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this was an amazing object in the 24" at 350x. The main, bright northern component (NGC 4038) was partially annular, with a very bright knotty rim and a darker center giving a truly unique appearance for a galaxy. At least 3 knots were visible embedded along its rim. On the SE side is the brightest knot (the nucleus of the galaxy) which appeared faint, small, ~12" diameter. A second fainter knot is on the west side and was only ~6" in size. Finally, a third very faint 6" knot is on the north side. The three knots were roughly spaced out 120° apart along the outer portion of this tortured galaxy. An elongated "arm" (the interacting companion NGC 4039) is attached on the east end and curves around on the south side towards the southwest. Another very faint, but slightly larger 20" knot is embedded along the main portion of NGC 4039, roughly halfway along its length. At the southwest tip of the brighter portion of NGC 4039 was a relatively large, brighter knot (its nucleus) that at times appeared double. Surrounding the southwest portion of NGC 4039 is a much fainter outer halo extended SW-NE. This fainter halo extends further southwest for a few arc minutes and widens to a bulbous shape at the end. This was by far the most detailed view I've seen of the Antennae galaxy. NGC 4027, another disturbed galaxy, lies SW.
17.5" (5/14/88): fairly bright, moderately large. Forms a striking "shrimp-like" or "comma" shape with the tail attached at the east end and extending to the south. Appears clearly darker between the two objects on the west side.
13.1" (5/21/82): appears as two irregular galaxies connected at the east end in a "shrimp" shape.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4038 = H. IV-28.1 = h1052 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "pB, L. Two joined together [with NGC 4039], the smallest south; or one opening with a branch very faintly joined." WH gave a single entry in class IV (planetary), though John Herschel separated these into IV 28.1 and IV 28.2 in the Slough catalogue. Bindon Blood Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, sketched the galaxy pair on 14 Apr 1852 (Plate XXVII, Fig. 18 in 1861 publication). It appears to show one of the long tidal tails.
The long "Antennae" tidal tails were first photographed by Carl Lampland with the 40-inch Lowell reflector in 1917. In 1923 J.C. Duncan first used the term "antennae" based on 100-inch photos at Mt. Wilson: "Most remarkable of all, two faint extensions, like antennae, seem to cross at the eastern end of the bag, one reaching northward and the other southward, and both concave toward the west" in the "Photographic studies of nebulae.III." based on the 100" Hooker telescope. In 1940, Harlow Shapley and John S. Paraskevopoulos described a "Ring-Tail" structure based on photos taken with the 60" reflector at the Boyden Station at Bloemfontein, South Africa. The Toomre's adopted the nickname "the Antennae" in their early 1972 computer simulation "Galactic Bridges and Tails".
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NGC 4039 = Arp 244 NED2 = VV 245a = ESO 572-048 = MCG -03-31-015 = UGCA 265 = PGC 37969 = The Antennae = Ringtail Galaxies
12 01 53.6 -18 53 11; Crv
V = 10.6; Size 3.2'x2.1'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 130°
24" (4/10/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): attached on the east end of NGC 4038 (see detailed notes) is a long "tail" or arm (this is the interacting companion NGC 4039) that curves around on the south side towards the southwest. Another very faint, but slightly larger 20" knot is embedded along the main portion of the tail roughly halfway. At the tip of the main tail was a relatively large, brighter knot that at times appeared double. Surrounding the SW portion of the tail is a much fainter outer halo extended SW-NE. This fainter halo extends beyond the tail for a few arc minutes and widens to a bulbous shape at the end. This was by far the most detailed view I've seen of the Ring-tail galaxy.
17.5" (5/14/88): this is the southern member of the striking "Ring-Tail galaxy". Attached at the east side of NGC 4038 and forms a "tail" elongated NW-SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4039 = H. IV-28.2 = h1053, along with NGC 4038, on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and assigned a single H-designation (IV-28). See that number for more.
******************************
12 02 05.4 +17 49 23; Com
V = 13.3; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 145°
17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 0.8'x0.7', broad weak concentration. An isosceles triangle with sides 2'/2'/1' consisting of mag 12.5 stars is 2' SE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4040 = Sw. 6-41 on 30 Mar 1887
and noted "forms nearly a square with 3 stars". His position and description is a good
match with
******************************
NGC 4041 = UGC 7014 = MCG +10-17-129 = CGCG 292-061 = PGC 37999
12 02 12.2 +62 08 14; UMa
V = 11.3; Size 2.7'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.2
24" (5/27/17): at 200x; bright, large, roundish, nearly 2' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a large, low surface brightness halo and an intensely bright core. The core brightness towards the center but there was no distinct nucleus. Forms a bright pair with NGC 4036 15' SSW.
17.5" (5/2/92): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 2' diameter, broad concentration with an overall fairly high surface brightness. Two mag 11 and 12 stars at 1.0' separation are 3.5' SSE. NGC 4036 lies 16' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4041 = H. I-252 = h1054 on
19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "vB, cL, R." Caroline's reduced position is 2' north
of
******************************
12 02 46.8 +20 09 49; Com
V = 15.7; Size 0.3'x0.2'
24" (3/22/14): very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. Cannot hold steadily at 375x but not difficult to see knowing the position. The identification of this number is uncertain.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4042 = m 227, along with NGC
4056 and
Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", suggests the possible equivalent with NGC 4032, but this galaxy is 1.8 tmin of RA west and 4' south of Marth's position. Carlson and RNGC also give this possible equivalence.
******************************
NGC 4043 = UGC 7015 = MCG +01-31-012 = CGCG 041-026 = PGC 38010
12 02 22.9 +04 19 47; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 135°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4043 = h1055 on 9 Apr 1828 and recorded "S; R; preceds a double star about 30 sec, and is 3' south of it. RA is a rough estimate only from the double star. On the next sweep he logged "Not B; S; R; psbM; 15"." and measured an accurate position.
******************************
12 02 29.5 -00 12 45; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4044 = H. III-491 = h1056 on
1 Jan 1786 (sweep 507) and noted "vF, S". His position matches
******************************
12 02 42.3 +01 58 38; Vir
V = 12.0; Size 2.7'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 95°
17.5" (5/10/86): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, stellar nucleus offset to the SW of faint superimposed star. Forms a close pair with NGC 4045A 1.5' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4045 = H. II-276 = h1057 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 349) and noted "pF, S, R, lbM." John Herschel made the single observation "F; R: sbM; 25"; a star sf." and measured an accurate position.
Heinrich d'Arrest found this galaxy on 10 Apr 1863, but his
declination was 15' too far south.
Although he questioned if it was equal to h1057, Dreyer assumed it was
new and catalogued it as GCS 5602 = NGC 4046. This galaxy was found a 3rd time by David Todd (#13a) on 2
Jan 1878 in his search for a trans-Neptunian planet, along with
******************************
12 02 42.3 +01 58 38; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4045.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4046 on 10 Apr 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single observation (Latin translation copied from Harold Corwin's notes) reads "round; not small. Class II. It makes a triangle with 2 stars mag 13 and mag 16 to the south and following 6.6 sec. However, the question remains if it is h1057 [NGC 4045] with a 15' error in declination." In fact there is nothing at his position, but 15' north is NGC 4045, which matches his description. The mag 16 "star" is likely NGC 4045A. So, NGC 4046 = NGC 4045. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.
******************************
12 02 50.6 +48 38 10; UMa
V = 12.2; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 105°
17.5" (4/25/98): moderately bright and large, ~1.3'x1.1', halo slightly elongated ~E-W. Fairly well concentrated with a fainter halo surrounding a bright core and nucleus. A mag 11 star lies 3.6' WSW. Sky hazy with smoke.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4047 = H. II-741 = h1058 on
9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "pF, S, R, gbM." Caroline's reduction is 1.6' northeast
of
******************************
12 02 50.0 +18 00 56; Com
V = 14.0; Size 0.65'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 92°
17.5" (5/11/02): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.5'x0.35', even surface brightness. A mag 11.5 star lies 3.0' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4048 = h1059 on 23 Mar 1827 and on a second sweep noted "vF; S; R psbM; almost stellar." His position is accurate.
******************************
12 02 54.7 +18 45 09; Com
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 52°
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', weak broad concentration. A mag 11 star is 2.6' SE and another mag 11.5 star is 5' following.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4049 = H. III-390 = h1060 on
27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and simply noted "suspected." His position (CH"s reduction) is
28 sec of RA followoing
******************************
12 02 54.0 -16 22 25; Crv
V = 12.2; Size 3.1'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 85°
18" (3/19/04): faint, fairly large, oval 4:3 E-W, 2.0'x1.5'. Broad, weak concentration with a 15" brighter nucleus using direct vision. Located 5.8' NE of mag 8.3 HD 104656. Member of the NGC 4038/39 (Antennae) group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4050 = H. II-509 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "F, cL, iR, lbM." His re-reduced position matches MCG -03-31-016 = PGC 38049
******************************
NGC 4051 = UGC 7030 = MCG +08-22-059 = CGCG 243-038 = LGG 269-004 = PGC 38068
12 03 09.6 +44 31 53; UMa
V = 10.2; Size 5.2'x3.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 135°
48" (5/10/18): at 375x; NGC 4051 is a highly structured S or Z-shaped barred spiral with easy HII knots and subtle details! This Seyfert galaxy is very sharply concentrated with a brilliant quasi-stellar nucleus! The bright core extends into a slightly brighter central region or bar elongated 2:1 NW-SE and just over 1.5' in length. The halo extends at ~4.5'x3.5' NW-SE.
A very obvious eastern arm is attached at the southeast end of the bar and angles at a 90° angle towards the northeast, pointing towards a mag 14.0 star [2.8' NE of center]. A low surface brightness thin arm [roughly 1.6' in length] angling SE to NW was visible on the north side. On the DSS this arm appears to emanate from the bright eastern arm though visually it appeared straight and completely detached.
A large knotty arm, attached at the northwest end, bends sharply towards the south. This arm is thick or wide at its root with a large brighter knot or region embedded (catalogued as [EKS96] #31 and #28 in the 1996 "Atlas of HII Regions in Nearby Seyfert Galaxies"). As the arm dips south it terminates at a faint 10" knot (#10), 1.4' W of center. In addition, an obvious, small bright knot (#52), ~8" diameter, is just south of the core [by 0.6']. This knot resides in a very thin arm (not seen) just south of the central region. Overall, I was very impressed with this gorgeous galaxy!
17.5" (3/8/97): fairly bright, large, ~4.0'x2.5' NW-SE. Nearly extends to a mag 11 star 2.2' W. Very bright, very small core increasing to a bright stellar nucleus (original Seyfert galaxy list). The galaxy shows signs of spiral structure and there appears to be a short outer spiral arm attached at the SE end hooking north separated by a slightly darker region between the main body (verified on photo). This galaxy, along with NGC 3938 and NGC 4111, are the brightest members of the NGC 4111 group (LGG 269) in the UMa Cloud.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4051 = H. IV-56 = h1061 on 6
Feb 1788 (sweep 810) and recorded "cB, iR, cBN with extensive chevelure
about 5' dia." His position
matches
Bindon Blood Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) sketched the galaxy on 3 May 1851 as an "S" shaped barred spiral (Plate 27, Fig. 19 in the 1861 publication). He captured the structure very accurately and noted, "Spiral. I suspect the f branch extends to [star] alpha [on the northeast end]." On 19 Apr 1857, R.J. Mitchell logged "The p branch seems to me the brighter rather of the two, and more suddenly curved than the f one, both of them look not quite so sharp as given in the drawing."
NGC 4051 is one of the original 6 galaxies studied by Seyfert in his seminal 1943 paper "Nuclear Emission in Spiral Nebulae".
******************************
12 02 05 -63 13 24; Cru
Size 8'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): this cluster is located in the field, just 10' NW of mag 4.3 Theta 1 and 15' W of mag 4.7 Theta 2 Crucis in the SW portion of the constellation! At 105x, ~60 stars mag 10 and fainter are mostly scattered in a 9' diameter. More striking, though, is a dense 3' subgroup of mostly mag 12-13 stars on the SE end of the cluster over a background of haze from unresolved stars. A neat string of six stars oriented WNW-ESE is located on the south end with a brighter mag 9.5 star about 2.5' further west.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4052 = h3373 on 8 Mar 1837 and logged "Cluster VII class; loose and scattered but pretty rich." There is nothing at his position, but 1 min of RA west is a scattered cluster.
******************************
12 03 11.6 +19 43 44; Com
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 109°
17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.3'. Brighter along the major axis and the very small core contains a stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 1.6' W of center. Located 33' SSW of NGC 4065 (brightest in a large group of NGC galaxies).
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4053 = m228 on 9 May 1864
with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on 3 nights, matches
******************************
12 03 12.4 +57 53 36; UMa
V = 14.2; Size 0.6'x0.4'; PA = 90°
48" (4/20/17): at 488x; NGC 4054 is a close triple (VV
136) that fits in a 30" circle.
24" (6/4/16): at 322x; the western and largest component (VV 136a) of the triple system NGC 4054 appeared faint, small, slightly elongated 20"x15", low surface brightness. The southeast component (VV 136b) is smaller but significantly higher surface brightness and was noted as fairly faint, very small, elongated 12"x9" E-W. The centers of these small galaxies are separated by just 15". VV 136c, the northeast component, was not seen.
16" LX200 (4/14/07): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15" diameter. This is a triple system, though it initially appeared single. After careful viewing an extremely faint "star" occasionally popped out on the southeast edge. This virtually stellar object is VV 136b = LEDA 3547623.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4054 = H. III-794 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 923) and noted "eF, S, verified by 300." His position is
1.5' north of
******************************
12 04 01.5 +20 13 57; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 0°
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 4055 = h1062 on 29 Apr 1832, the same night he logged h1063 = NGC 4057 and h1064 = NGC 4059. His coordinates were very uncertain ("PD very doubtful") and given to the nearest degree, although all three objects were described as "B[right]". The description for h1064 also mentions "On meridian with two more".
As it seems very likely these are duplicates of brighter
galaxies, Harold Corwin suggests (in response to my email about the
identifications) that NGC 4055 = NGC 4061,
******************************
12 03 57.7 +20 18 45; Com
V = 15.8; Size 0.3'x0.3'
24" (3/22/14): extremely faint and small, round,
6"-8" diameter. At 375x,
I could repeatedly glimpse this galaxy, though would not have picked it up
without knowing the exact location.
Located 3.5' SW of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4056 = m 229, along with NGC
4042 and 4046, on 18 Mar 1865. All
of these objects have uncertain identifications because of imprecise positions
and several faint nearby galaxies.
His description "eF, vS" adds no new information. RNGC identifies
******************************
NGC 4057 = NGC 4065? = UGC 7050 = MCG +04-29-007 = CGCG 098-042 = CGCG 128-007 = VV 179 = PGC 38156
12 04 06.2 +20 14 07; Com
V = 12.6; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7
See observing notes for NGC 4065.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4057 = h1063 on 29 Apr 1832, the same night he logged h1062 = NGC 4055 and h1064 = NGC 4059. His coordinates were very uncertain ("PD very doubtful") and given to the nearest degree, although all three objects were described as "B[right]". The description for h1064 also mentions "On meridian with two more".
Since it is very likely these are duplicates of brighter
galaxies, Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4055 = NGC 4061, NGC 4057 = NGC 4065, and
NGC 4059 = NGC 4070. RNGC and PGC
misidentify
******************************
12 03 49.1 +03 32 53; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 165°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, very small, elongated
NW-SE, small bright core. Located
15' W of mag 7.2
George Searle discovered NGC 4058 = HN 37 on 24 Mar 1868
with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory (Annals of Harvard
Observatory, Vol 13, #257). His
position matches
******************************
NGC 4059 = NGC 4070? = UGC 7052 = MCG +04-29-009 = CGCG 128-009 = WBL 374-008 = PGC 38169
12 04 11.3 +20 24 36; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1
See observing notes for NGC 4070. Uncertain identification.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4059 = h1064 on 29 Apr 1832, the same night he logged h1063 = NGC 4057 and h1062 = NGC 4055. His coordinates were very uncertain ("PD very doubtful") and given to the nearest degree, although all three objects were described as "B[right]". The description for h1064 mentioned "On meridian with two more".
Since it is very likely these are duplicates of brighter
galaxies, Harold Corwin suggests
(in response to my email about the identifications) that NGC 4055 = NGC 4061,
NGC 4057 = NGC 4065, and NGC 4059 = NGC 4070. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey based on
Heidelberg plates, misidentifes
******************************
NGC 4060 = CGCG 128-006 = WBL 374-004 = PGC 38151
12 04 01.0 +20 20 15; Com
V = 14.6; Size 0.4'x0.3'; PA = 85°
24" (3/22/14): faint, small, round, 15" diameter. Located 2.1' WSW of NGC 4066. Brightest of three companions to NGC 4066 on the southwest side.
17.5" (3/28/87): extremely faint, very small, round. Located 2' WSW of NGC 4066 in the NGC 4065 cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4060 = m 230 on 18 Mar 1865
(same night he found NGC 4042, NGC 4053 and NGC 4056). Due to his poor positions, and density
of galaxies in the cluster, only NGC 4053 has a secure identification. Marth's position is 3 tsec of RA west
and 2.3' south of
It is also possible that NGC 4060 = PGC 38140. This galaxy is identified as NGC 4056
in the RNGC. PGC 38140 is only
0.6' N of Marth's position, though it is noticeably fainter visually and that
would leave no other candidate for Marth's NGC 4056. Finally, it is possible that NGC 4060 = PGC 38166.
******************************
NGC 4061 = NGC 4055: = VV 179b = UGC 7044 = MCG +04-29-006 =
12 04 01.5 +20 13 57; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 0°
24" (3/22/14): fairly faint or moderately bright,
fairly small, round, 25" diameter, brighter core but not as strongly
concentrated as NGC 4065 just 1.1' ENE.
These form a striking pair with NGC 4065. Nearby lies
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, almost round, brighter core. Forms a pair with NGC 4065 1' ENE within the NGC 4065 cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4061 = H. III-394 = h1065 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403). His description reads, "Six nebulae. The times and numbers belong to the three first [III-391, III-392 and III-393]; but I saw three more [10 or 12'] south of them. They were are all vF, vS." I suspected many more besides." The three nebulae which he did not measure positions, are likely NGC 4061, NGC 4065, and NGC 4076 (the three brightest). John Herschel observed NGC 4061 on 3 sweeps and logged on 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 244), "vF; a double neb by diag, pos 20° sp, nearly equal. They run together."
NGC 4055 = h1062, recorded by JH on 29 Apr 1832 (the same night he logged NGC 4057 = h1063 and NGC 4059 = h1064) is very likely a duplicate observation. See that number for more.
******************************
12 04 03.8 +31 53 44; UMa
V = 11.1; Size 4.1'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 100°
17.5" (2/24/90): fairly bright, large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 4.0'x1.6', broadly concentrated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4062 = H. I-174 = h1066 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and noted "cB, E, about 5' l and 1.5' broad." John Herschel made 4 observations and logged on 11 Mar 1828 (sweep 131), "pB; vL; mE; 10° np to sf; vgbM; 3' l, 1' br."
Lord Rosse's assistant George Johnstone Stoney wrote on 12 Mar 1850, "broad equable band; several consipicuous stars in it especially near the ends."
******************************
12 04 05.9 +01 50 49; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 10°
17.5" (5/10/86): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated N-S. In a group with UGC
7042 3.9' NW,
David Todd discovered NGC 4063 = Todd 12b = St. 11-15 on 2 Jan 1878. It was found during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet using the 26-inch Clark refractor at the USNO. Édouard Stephan rediscovered the galaxy less than 4 months later on 27 Apr 1878. He measured an accurate position on 3 May 1881 and included it in his 11th discovery list, #15. Dreyer credited Stephan with the discovery in the NGC.
******************************
12 04 11.2 +18 26 36; Com
V = 11.4; Size 4.4'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 150°
17.5" (4/6/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 3'x1.5', large bright core but no nucleus, sharper light cut-off on the SW side due to dust. Two mag 14 stars are 1.6' SSW and 2.7' E of center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4064 on 29 Dec 1861 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position matches
******************************
NGC 4065 = NGC 4057: = VV 179a = UGC 7050 = MCG +04-29-007 =
12 04 06.2 +20 14 07; Com
V = 12.6; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7
24" (3/22/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 4061 just 1' W. NGC 4072 lies 2.4' SE and NGC 4076 is 6.5' ESE. NGC 4066 and 4070, two similar ellipticals, lie 6.8' N and 10.5' N.
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter core. Brightest in the NGC 4065 cluster (a large group of NGC galaxies) with NGC 4061 1.1' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4065 = H. III-395 on 18 Mar 1865 (sweep 403) and recorded "Six nebulae. The places belong to the three first [III-391, III-392 and III-393]..." The three galaxies to the south, which he did not measure positions, are likely NGC 4061, NGC 4065, and NGC 4076 (the three brightest). John Herschel recorded this nebula twice as h1067 and noted "pB" on one sweep and "vF; R; the second of 5" on another. His position on sweep 409 is at the southeast edge of the halo.
NGC 4057 = h1063, recorded on 29 Apr 1832 (the same night he logged h1062 = NGC 4055 and h1064 = NGC 4059), is very likely a duplicate observation. See notes for that number.
******************************
NGC 4066 = UGC 7051 = MCG +04-29-008 = CGCG 128-008 = WBL 374-007 = PGC 38161
12 04 09.4 +20 20 53; Com
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2
24" (3/22/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round, high surface brightness, strong concentration with a very bright nucleus that increases to the center. NGC 4070 is 3.7' NNE and a trio of galaxies are close southwest: NGC 4060 2.1' WSW, NGC 4069 1.7' SSW and NGC 4056? 3.4' SW.
17.5" (3/28/87): faint, small, round, strong bright core. In a tight trio with NGC 4060 2' WSW and NGC 4069 1.7' SSW. Also in the field are NGC 4065 7' S and NGC 4070 3.8' NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4066 = H. III-392 = h1068*
on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and "Six nebulae. The times and numbers belong to the three first (H. III-391,
III-392 and III-393)..." His
position was 2.6' SE of
******************************
12 04 11.5 +10 51 16; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 35°
17.5" (1/23/88): fairly bright, fairly small, round, bright core. Brightest in a group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4067 = H. III-37 = h1069 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and recorded "eF, vS, in a line with 2 small stars and followed by one that is larger. I had some doubt with the sweeping power, but 240x showed it very plainly and of considerable extent." There is nothing at his position but 1 minute of RA west (a similar error as several other nebulae discovered that night) and 3' south is UGC 7048. John Herschel made 5 observations and measured an accurate position.
******************************
12 04 00.8 +52 35 18; UMa
V = 12.5; Size 3.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 30°
48" (4/20/17): moderately bright, fairly large,
elongated SW-NE. The surface
brightness of this galaxy is fairly low but very irregular/patchy with a ragged
outline and there is no core or zones.
A mag 12 star is superimposed near the center, which is not well
defined, and a second mag 14 star is at the southwest end. The brightest section is near the mag
12 star and to the NE. The outline
is irregular and spreads out more on the northeast half.
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE. A mag 12 star is superimposed and a mag 14 star is at the SW end 40" from the center. A string of four mag 11-13.5 stars is just NW. In a low power field with NGC 4102 24' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4068 = H. II-781 on 12 Apr
1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "pF, Stellar." On 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929), he logged,
"A pS star involved in nebulosity of no great extent; the star does not
seem to belong to it." His
position was about 15 sec of RA east and 2' south of
According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan misidentified a star
as NGC 4068 on two nights and "rediscovered" the galaxy on 11 Mar
1886, though made an error in his position, and Big. 166 (later
******************************
12 04 06.0 +20 19 26; Com
V = 15.5; Size 0.3'x0.2'
24" (3/22/14): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Located 1.7' SSE of NGC 4066. NGC 4060 lies 1.5' NW and an extremely faint galaxy (possibly NGC 4056) lies 2.0' SW. Either I missed the mag 16 star just off the southeast edge (~10" from center) or the galaxy and star were merged together
17.5" (5/14/88): extremely faint and small, round. Located 1.7' SSW of NGC 4066. Forms an equilateral triangle with NGC 4060 and NGC 4066 within the NGC 4065 cluster. The identification of this number with PGC 38166 is very certain.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4069 = h1070 on 24 Feb 1827 and described as "vF, R, 4th of 5; has another on same meridian, north". This is one of the very faint galaxies near NGC 4066 and was not seen by his father, although Herschel equated h1070 with WH's H. III-392. His position (single sweep) is 6 seconds of RA east of PGC 38166, a galaxy which is likely too faint to have been swept up. If NGC 4069 = PGC 38166, then the nebula "on the same meridian, north" would refer to NGC 4066. But then why did he miss NGC 4060 = CGCG 128-006, which is just 1.5' NW? See Harold Corwin's discussion in his identification notes. Courtney Seligman classified NGC 4069 as a "lost or nonexistent object, commonly misidentified as PGC 38166."
******************************
NGC 4070 = NGC 4059? = UGC 7052 = MCG +04-29-009 = CGCG 128-009 = WBL 374-008 = PGC 38169
12 04 11.3 +20 24 36; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (3/22/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round, high surface brightness, very small bright nucleus. NGC 4066 lies 3.7' S.
17.5" (3/28/87): faint, small, round, weak concentration. Located 3.8' NNE of NGC 4066 within the NGC 4065 cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4070 = H. III-391 = h1071,
along with 5 other nebulae, on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted together as
"Six nebulae. The times and
numbers belong to the three first (III-391, III-392 and III-393)..." His position (Auwer's reduction) is
2.4' southeast of
Harold Corwin concludes that NGC 4059 = h1064 may be a duplicate observation of NGC 4070. See that number.
******************************
12 04 15.3 -67 18 35; Mus
V = 13.0; Size 80"x51"
18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I had a difficult time ferreting out this faint PN that is buried within a very rich Milky Way field. It was finally picked up at 76x (27 Panoptic) and OIII filter as a faint, round disc at least 40" in diameter. Removing the filter, a faint star was superimposed on the SW side of a low surface brightness glow. Also viewed unfiltered at 228x which showed the faint star and the disc more easily, though this is quite faint for NGC planetary. The best view was at 128x using an OIII filter, although NGC 4071 has a low-excitation level. The disc appeared fairly faint with subtle irregularities in surface brightness and was likely brighter along portions of the rim.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4071 = h3374 on 4 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; 40"; has a vS star in centre; in a field of at least 80 or 90 stars." His position is accurate. The "vS star" he mentions might be the one on the southwest side.
******************************
NGC 4072 = CGCG 098-045 = CGCG 128-010 = WBL 374-009 = PGC 38176
12 04 13.8 +20 12 35; Com
V = 14.8; Size 0.5'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 30°
24" (3/22/14): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Not difficult to pick up 2.4' SE of NGC 4065. A mag 13.6 star is 1' NE.
17.5" (3/28/87): extremely faint and small, round, at visual threshold. A mag 13 star is 1.1' NE of center. Located 2.6' SE of NGC 4065. Member of the NGC 4065 cluster.
Ralph Copeland, assistant to the 4th Earl of Rosse,
discovered NGC 4072 on 3 Apr 1872.
During an observation of GC 2686 = NGC 4061 and GC 2689 = NGC 4065 he
found "a third and much fainter neb south-following the second [NGC 4065],
in pos 128.4°, dist 144.1" At
precisely Copeland's offset is
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NGC 4073 = UGC 7060 = MCG +00-31-029 = CGCG 013-059 = WBL 372-011 = PGC 38201 = Todd 12a
12 04 27.0 +01 53 45; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 3.2'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 105°
17.5" (5/10/86): moderately bright, elongated WNW-ESE,
moderately large, bright core, stellar nucleus. Brightest of a poor cluster (MKW 4) with NGC 4063 6.0' SW,
William Herschel discovered NGC 4073 = H. II-277 = h1072 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 349) and noted "F, S". John Herschel made 4 observations (first on 7 Apr 1828). David Todd independently found this galaxy (#12a) on 2 Jan 1878 during his his search for a trans-Neptunian planet. Édouard Stephan observed NGC 4073 on 27 Apr 1878
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12 04 29.6 +20 18 59; Com
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.2'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 105°
17.5" (3/28/87): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. Located within the NGC 4065 cluster with NGC 4076 7' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4074 = H. III-393 = h1073, along with 5 other nebulae, on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted together as "Six nebulae. The times and numbers belong to the three first [NGC 4072 = III-391, NGC 4070 = III-392 and NGC 4074 = III-393] which are vF, vS." His position (Auwer's reduction) is 3.1' too far southwest (given the same RA as NGC 4072 = H. III-391). John Herschel made a single observation on 29 Mar 1832 (sweep 409), measured an accurate position, and noted "eF".
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NGC 4075 = MCG +00-31-032 = CGCG 013-064 = PGC 38216 = Todd 11
12 04 37.8 +02 04 22; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 60°
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, stellar nucleus. Located 11' NNE of NGC 4073 within a group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4075 = h1074 on 14 Apr 1828 and
noted "F; S; R." His
position was 6 sec of RA west of
******************************
NGC 4076 = UGC 7061 = MCG +03-31-034 = CGCG 098-046 = CGCG 128-012 = WBL 374-010 = PGC 38209
12 04 32.5 +20 12 18; Com
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9
24" (3/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, small slightly brighter core. Located 6.5' ESE of NGC 4065 (close pair with NGC 4061). NGC 4072 lies 4.4' W.
17.5" (3/28/87): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, diffuse. Located within
the NGC 4065 cluster and the eighth galaxy in the field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4076 = H. III-396 = h1075 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "Six nebulae. The times and numbers belong to the three first [III-391, III-392 and III-393]..." The three nebulae [10 to 12'] to the south, which he did not measure positions, are likely NGC 4061, NGC 4065, and NGC 4076 (three brightest). John Herschel recorded this galaxy on 24 Feb 1827 (sweep 59). He simply noted "the last of 5." and equated it with H. III-396. His position as 2.7' too far south-southeast.
Ralph Copeland, observing with LdR's 72" on 3 Apr 1872,
notes "south following these nebulae [NGC 4061, 4065 and 4072] are two
others, F, L, R, glbM and eF, L, R, lbM, pos 47.6°, Dist 133.6". The last pair refers to NGC 4076 and
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NGC 4077 = NGC 4140 = UGC 7063 = MCG +00-31-031 = CGCG 013-063 = PGC 38218
12 04 38.0 +01 47 16; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15°
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, oval ~N-S. A mag 14 star is attached at the north
end. Forms a pair with NGC 4139 =
William Herschel discovered NGC 4077 = H. III-258 = h1076 on 20 Dec 1784 (sweep 349) and noted "vF, vS." Caroline commented, "goes in the same field with preceding [NGC 4073] conveniently." John Herschel viewed it on 10 Apr 1828 (sweep 143) and recorded, "F; R; bM; 20"; the sf of two {with NGC 4073]."
Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this galaxy, as well
as NGC 4139, on 10 Apr 1863, but his RA was exactly 5 min too large, and Dreyer
recatalogued it as
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12 04 47.6 +10 35 44; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 18°
17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, bright core. Located in
a group with
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4078 on 23 Mar 1865 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on two nights, matches
The UGC notes misidentifies NGC 4083 as NGC 4078.
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12 04 49.9 -02 22 57; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 2.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 125°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, fairly small, diffuse, slightly elongated NW-SE, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is off the NW end 1.7' from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4079 = h1077 on 15 Apr 1828 and recorded "not vF; L; R; 40"; has a * 10m, 60" north." His position is accurate.
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12 04 51.8 +26 59 33; Com
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 122°
18" (3/30/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.4'. The core appears to be offset SE of center as the galaxy appears to extend to the NW of this spot.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4080 = H. III-355 = h1078 on
11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, pmE, S." His position matches
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12 04 33.7 +64 26 13; UMa
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 135°
17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.5'. A nice evenly matched mag 10 double star (STI 739) is 4.7' NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4081 = Sw. 1-20 on 18 Jun 1884 and recorded "F; S; vE; D * nr; preceding nearest bright star east 20 sec." His position was 18 seconds of RA too large and 1' too far north, but his description matches.
Philip Keenan rediscovered NGC 4081 on a Yerkes Observatory
plate and assumed it was new. He
labeled it
******************************
NGC 4082 = MCG +02-31-026 = CGCG 069-046 = Holm 324b = WBL 375-004 = PGC 38274
12 05 11.4 +10 40 14; Vir
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 80°
17.5" (1/23/88): extremely faint, very small, round. Forms a faint pair with NGC 4083 3.7' SSE within the NGC 4067 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4082 = m 232 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, vS, lE, lbM."
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NGC 4083 = MCG +02-31-024 = CGCG 069-044 = Holm 324c = WBL 375-002 = PGC 38275
12 05 14.0 +10 36 47; Vir
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 35°
17.5" (1/23/88): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. Located 2.2' NNW of a mag 10.5 star. Forms a faint pair with NGC 4082 3.7' NNW. Located within the NGC 4067 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4083 = m 233 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS."
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12 05 15.3 +21 12 52; Com
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Located less than 1° north of the NGC 4065 cluster.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4084 on 26 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on two nights, matches
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12 05 22.9 +50 21 12; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 2.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 78°
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x0.6', weak concentration. Forms an isosceles triangle with mag 7.6
8" (3/28/81): faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE. Two mag 8 stars are in the field to the SE and SW. Located 11' SSW of NGC 4088.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4085 = H. I-224 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and recorded "pB, mE, the brightness confined to a small point." His position is poor - about 6' too far southeast. d'Arrest found it on 4 Dec 1861 but his position was nearly 3' too far south (he suspected it was identical to H. I-224). John Herschel still assigned two numbers in his 1864 General Catalogue , but Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC. d'Arrest later made two accurate measurements of NGC 4085.
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12 05 29.3 +20 14 49; Com
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 85°
17.5" (3/28/87): faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Located 13' E of NGC 4076. Forms a pair with NGC 4090 3.9' N within the NGC 4065 cluster.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4086, along with NGC 4090,
on 2 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is a fairly good
match with
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12 05 35.3 -26 31 21; Hya
V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 39°
18" (4/29/06): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, small bright core. A mag 10 star 5' SSW has two faint companions (RST 2777); a close mag 13 star at 1.8" and a wider 12" companion. I'm surprised that neither one of the Herschels noted this interesting unequal triple. Several brighter stars are scattered in the field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4087 = H. III-754 = h3375 on 24 Feb 1789 (sweep 911) and logged "Suspected, eF, too low to be verified, but I have not much doubt." John Herschel made an observation on 22 Mar 1836 (sweep 689) from the Cape of Good Hope and recorded "pB; R; gbM." Lewis Swift found it again on 11 Apr 1898 and included in his large 11th discovery list (#132) at Lowe Observatory. Howe reported Sw. 11-132, "this must be identical with 4087, since both are pretty bright, and their places agree within three seconds in right ascension and 1' in declination." As a result, Dreyer didn't assign a duplicate IC designation.
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NGC 4088 = Arp 18 = VV 357 = UGC 7081 = MCG +09-20-089 =
12 05 34.1 +50 32 23; UMa
V = 10.6; Size 5.8'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 43°
48" (4/4/11): this is a showpiece spiral in the 48-inch with the startling eyepiece view matching the detail in the DSS image. The galaxy extended 5.5'x2.0' SW-NE. Near the center is an elongated, extremely bright core. The very bright central portion extends from the core in a roughly 2'x0.5' region towards the southwest but is concave a bit, bending slightly towards the south. This feature appears similar to a slightly distorted central bar. Just south of this central bar is a dust lane extending SW to NE that parallels the bar, though it is more contrasty to the northeast of the core.
The dust lane separates the bright bar feature from a very long arm that extends the entire length of the galaxy along the south side and vaguely emerges from the southwest end of the bar. This arm is clumpy with a couple of large, bright knots to the south of the core and another prominent knot towards the east end of the galaxy (1.7' NE of the core). Beyond this knot the arm quickly dims, fans out a bit and bends to the north towards a mag 13.5 star.
Emerging from the northeast end of the core is a second prominent arm that immediately doubles back towards the southwest on the north side. This arm nearly parallels the central bar to the north and is separated by a less contrasty darker strip or lane. This clumpy arm contains a fairly prominent knot only 0.6' NW of the core. After this point the arm dims dramatically continuing a bit further southwest. The two main arms, along with the central bar create a squashed irregular "Z" appearance.
18" (3/13/10): using 280x this striking, irregular spiral extends 5:2 SW-NE, rougly 5'x2'. The surface is noticeably mottled and clumpy with a dark patch or dust lane that extends to the south of the core with a weaker darkening to the north of the core. At the northeast end of the galaxy, a portion of what appears to be a spiral arm emerges from the main body and bends to the north. A corresponding feature on the SW end of the galaxy, bending south, is much more subtle.
18" (5/3/08): at 280x appeared very bright, large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 4.5'x1.8', contains a bright elongated core. The galaxy is very asymmetric, with an unusually mottled or clumpy appearance and an irregular outline. At the NE end is a faint extension (this is a disrupted arm on the DSS) that juts out or dangles from the NE end of the main body and hooks slightly towards a mag 13.5 star located 3.7' NE of center. A more subtle irregular extension is at the SW end. Just east of the north side of the core the surface brightness drops, either due to a dust lane or large dust patch on the east side of the core and then brightens a bit again just following the dust patch. NGC 4085 lies 11' SSW. Member of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.
17.5" (4/13/91): bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 5.0'x2.0', mottled patchy appearance, small elongated brighter core but no nucleus. A mag 15 star is 2' off the NW side. Faint spiral structure is visible with concentration. An extremely faint arm is off the NE end curving towards a mag 14.5 star to the NE 3.7' from center and a second extremely faint arm is just visible off the SW end curving to the south. Forms a pair with NGC 4085 11' SSW.
8" (3/28/81): fairly bright, elongated SW-NE, weak concentration, cigar-shaped. Forms a pair with NGC 4085 11' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4088 = H. I-206 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and logged "cF, E, about 4' long." His summary description from 3 observations reads "cB, E, 45° np sf, 6' long, 4' br, almost equally bright." Heinrich d'Arrest made 3 observation, the earliest on 4 Dec 1861.
Sir Robert Ball, observing assistant at Birr Castle on 28 Mar 1867, recorded "vB, vL, E 53.5°. A new spiral with probably many details of interest, of an S shape. There is certainly a brighter portion sf the nucleus with a dark lane between them. Likewise, a similar brightness np the nucleus. I thought the darkness did not extend all round the centre. There can be little doubt of the curved branch following, it seems to proceed in the direction of a star nf."
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12 05 37.5 +20 33 21; Com
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated,
bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
Forms a very close pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4089, along with
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NGC 4090 = UGC 7077 = MCG +04-29-015 = CGCG 128-019 = WBL 374-013 = PGC 38288
12 05 27.9 +20 18 32; Com
V = 13.9; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 38°
17.5" (3/28/87): faint, almost round, diffuse, fairly small. A mag 14 star is 1.1' SE of center. Located 3.7' N of NGC 4086 within the NGC 4065 cluster.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4090, along with NGC 4086, on 2 May 1864. He mentioned this galaxy in his description for NGC 4086 as 3' to the north but his position is 10 sec of RA too large and 1.3' too far south. He notes a mag 13 star 1.1' southeast, as mag 15-16 at 60" distance, so the identification is certain despite the poor position.
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NGC 4091 = UGC 7083 = MCG +04-29-019 = CGCG 128-022 = WBL 374-015 = PGC 38308
12 05 40.1 +20 33 21; Com
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.25'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 43°
17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, elongated SW-NE. A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' S. Forms a very close pair with NGC 4089 37" W of center and the second of six in the field within the NGC 4065 cluster.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4091, along with NGC 4089,
on 2 May 1864 and described a double nebula separated by 3 sec in RA. His mean position from 4 nights matches
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12 05 50.2 +20 28 38; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. A mag 11.5 star is
close NW 0.9' from center. This
galaxy is the third of six in the field with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4092 = H. III-382, along
with
Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position for
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NGC 4093 = MCG +04-29-021 = CGCG 128-024 = WBL 374-017 = PGC 38323
12 05 51.4 +20 31 18; Com
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.7'; PA = 50°
17.5" (5/14/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is close off the NW edge 1.1' from center. Fourth of six in the field within the NGC 4065 cluster.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4093 on 4 May 1864. Two nights earlier he discovered the pair NGC 4089 and 4091. His position, measured on 3 nights, is accurate.
In his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, Dreyer suggests H. III-382 is NGC 4093. But more likely Herschel picked up NGC 4092, which is brighter.
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12 05 54.0 -14 31 35; Crv
V = 11.8; Size 4.2'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 63°
18" (3/19/04): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated at
least 5:2 SW-NE, 2.2'x0.8, fairly low even surface brightness. The NE end of the galaxy points between
a mag 10.5 star just following (2.2' E of center) and a mag 11 star close north
(1.7' from center).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4094 = h3376 on 7 May 1836 and
recorded "eF; L; pmE; vgbM.
The direction of elongation points between two stars 11m; very near, and
nf the centre." His position
and description matches
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NGC 4095 = MCG +04-29-022 = CGCG 128-025 = WBL 374-018 = PGC 38324
12 05 54.3 +20 34 22; Com
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.9'
17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, round, small bright core. A mag 14 star is 1.0' E. Fifth of six in the field within the NGC 4065 cluster with NGC 4098 3.1' NE. Located between NGC 4093 and NGC 4098.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4095 = H. III-383 = h1079, along with NGC 4092 and 4098, on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402) and recorded "Three, the time is that of the last [NGC 4098], which is vF and S. The other two which are south-preceding are much fainter and smaller." His position is 11 tsec east and 2.5' north of NGC 4098 = UGC 7093. The "other two" are likely NGC 4095 = CGCG 128-025 and NGC 4092 = UGC 7087, the next two brighter galaxies in the group. John Herschel made two observation (sweeps 409 and 423) and his mean position is less than 1' too far north. Heinrich d'Arrest measured a very accurate position.
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12 06 01.0 +47 28 41; UMa
V = 10.8; Size 6.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 20°
17.5" (4/7/89): bright, very large, almost edge-on 4:1
SW-NE, sharp concentration with a very small bright core embedded within the
long extensions. Member of the CVn
II Group (brightest member
William Herschel discovered NGC 4096 = H. I-207 = h1081 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and reported "cF, mE about 4' long from sp to nf but nearer the meridian." On 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) he recorded "cB; mE; 6 or 7' long, from sp to nf, about 70°." In his 1811 PT paper, WH commented "it seems to join to imperceptible nebulosity on the south preceding side." The galaxy does extend further out and more gradually fade on the southwest side. On 8 Mar 1831 (sweep 330), John Herschel logged, "B; vL; mE in pos 32°; seen through much fog." His position is accurate.
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12 06 02.5 +36 51 49; UMa
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 98°
18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, very small brighter core, occasional faint stellar nucleus. Located 1.6' NNE of a mag 11.4 star, close to the UMa/CVn border.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4097 = H. III-400 = h1080 on
1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "eF, vS, suspected, stellar; about 1
1/2' north of a small star."
His position and description of the nearby star points to
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NGC 4098 = NGC 4099 = VV 61 = UGC 7093 = MCG +04-29-023 =
12 06 03.6 +20 36 28; Com
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.6'; PA = 164°
17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core. Last and brightest of six in the field within the NGC 4065 cluster. Appears slightly brighter than NGC 4092 8.4' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4098 = H. III-384 = h1082, along with NGC 4092 and 4095, on 26 Apr 1785 and recorded "Three, the time is that of the last [NGC 4098], which is vF and S. The other two which are south-preceding are much fainter and smaller." His position is poor; 11 tsec east and 2.5' north of NGC 4098 = UGC 7093. On 27 Dec 1786 (sweep 671) he recorded "Two, the place is that of the most north [NGC 4098], which is the largest. Both vF." This time his position was just 6 sec of RA west of NGC 4098. The second object was either NGC 4095 or NGC 4092. John Herschel made three observations (first on 25 Mar 1830) though mistakenly labeled it as III-383.
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12 06 03.6 +20 36 28; Com
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.6'; PA = 164°
See observing notes for NGC 4098.
William Herschel found NGC 4099 on 26 Apr 1785 (sweep 402), recording three nebulae described as "Three, time is that of the last [NGC 4098], which is vF and S. The other two [probably NGC 4092 and 4095] which are south preceding are much fainter and smaller." John Herschel was confused trying to match his father's three objects with the two he observed and those discovered by d'Arrest. He attributed the discovery of NGC 4092 to d'Arrest (instead of WH) and assigned III-384 separately to GC 2714 (later NGC 4099). But III-384 applies to NGC 4098 = h1082 and Dreyer suggests in his 1912 update of WH's catalogues that NGC 4099 "is probably superfluous". Since this number is a duplicate of one of WH's discovered, I've arbitrarily equated it with NGC 4098 here.
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12 06 08.4 +49 34 59; UMa
V = 11.2; Size 5.4'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 167°
17.5" (5/2/92): bright, very large, very elongated 3:1
NNW-SSE, 4.0'x1.5', large brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. The northern extension appears slightly
brighter. Mag 8.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 4100 = H. III-717 = h1084 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and logged cF, mE about 5' long near the meridian [N-S], about a little sf." Caroline's reduction is 1.3' northeast of center. John Herschel made two observations, recording on 7 Mar 1831 (sweep 329), "pB; vL; mE in pos 166.5°; 3' long, 1' broad, vgvlbM. This cannot be either [NGC 4088] nor [NGC 4096], as neither of these agrees in its angles of position."
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12 06 10.6 +25 33 25; Com
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 60°
17.5" (5/11/02): faint, small, irregularly round, 0.6'x0.5', weak even concentration to the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4101 = H. III-326 = h1083 on
6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "eF, vS. 240 verified it with great difficulty. It was in the field I gaged, otherwise
I should certainly have overlooked it." John Herschel made two observations and his mean position is
a good match with
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NGC 4102 = UGC 7096 = MCG +09-20-094 = CGCG 269-036 = LGG 258-041 = PGC 38392
12 06 23.0 +52 42 40; UMa
V = 11.2; Size 3.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 38°
48" (4/20/17): at 488x; fascinating galaxy with unusual
structure. Overall, NGC 4102 is
very bright, large, elongated at least 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~2.5'x1.1', very sharply
concentrated with a small, intensely bright nucleus surrounded by a bright oval
core SW-NE with a bar-like enhancement.
Just outside the core the surface brightness drops significantly forming
a darker [dusty] annulus.
Surrounding this is a bright, thick, mottled ring oriented NNW-SSE
(slightly offset in orientation from the core). A brighter knot (
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, small very bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is at the west end 48" from the center!
William Herschel discovered NGC 4102 = H. I-225 = h1085 on 12 Apr 1789 (sweep 919) and noted "pB, pL." John Herschel recorded "B; R; psbM; has a * 12m 35" sp, very near the edge." and measured an accurate position.
Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, noted on 13 Apr 1852, "I suspect a dark curved passage south of center, probably a new spiral." Four years later R.J. Mitchell confirmed "I have little doubt this is a spiral" and he made two diagrams of the possible arm arrangements.
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12 06 40 -61 15 00; Cru
Size 7'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, ~60 stars mag
9.5-13 are resolved in a 8' region including roughly ten mag 10 stars. The cluster has a very interesting asymmetric
arrangement with a perfect 5' string of five stars extending out of the cluster
to the WSW. At the west end of the string is the 10th magnitude variable AI
Crucis. Two other short strings on the eastern end of the cluster meet up and
make a perfect arrow asterism. NGC
4103 is located 12' ESE of mag 6.6
10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): moderately bright cluster, perhaps 8' diameter, mottled but no obvious resolution. Situated within a large, glowing naked-eye patch of the Milky Way that includes two bright stars.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 4103 = D 291 = h3377 on 30 Apr 1826. He made a total of 3 observations with description "a cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes, irregular figure, about 6' long and 4' broad."
John Herschel observed the cluster on 3 sweeps. On 14 Mar 1834 (sweep 432) he logged "middle of a rich, large, irregularly round cluster; poor VI or rich VII, stars 10..14 mag; diam 5' with stragglers." A second observation was made two weeks later (sweep 434) under poor conditions: "cluster of stars class VII, pretty rich and compact, stars 10..12 mag, and nearly equal; diameter 5'; the whole field is in a state of wavy fluctuation, owing to the southeast wind, and so bad that each star is dilated into a large puff ball." The next night he took another look (sweep 435) and recorded "A 10th mag star in centre of a pretty rich close cluster; 5' diameter; irregularly round; stars 10..13 mag."
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12 06 38.9 +28 10 26; Com
V = 12.1; Size 2.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 35°
17.5" (3/20/93): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.8'x1.2', broad concentration. Forms a close pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4104 = H. II-370 = h1086 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pB, cL, mb towards the nf side." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 20 sec of time too far west. John Herschel made a total of 6 observations, so pinned down the position.
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NGC 4105 = ESO 440-054 = MCG -05-29-013 = PGC 38411
12 06 40.7 -29 45 38; Hya
V = 10.7; Size 2.7'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 151°
18" (5/28/06): western member of a close, moderately
bright pair with NGC 4106, just 1.1' between centers. Appears round, ~45" diameter, sharply concentrated with
a bright, prominent core. The halo
is fairly faint and increases in size with averted vision to ~1' diameter. This galaxy is slightly larger and the
brighter of the duo. Nearby
galaxies include
8" (5/21/82): elongated glow resolves into NGC 4105 and NGC 4106 just following. NGC 4105 is slightly brighter and larger but appears faint, small and round.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4105 = H. II-865 = h3378, along with NGC 4106, on 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 998) and logged "Two, within a minute of two of each other. Both F, S, R, bM. Nearly in the same parallel." John Herschel made two observations, recording on 10 May 1834 (sweep 452), "The first of a double nebula (pos 111.2° by means of 2 measures), B; R; pL; psbM; r; 25"."
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NGC 4106 = ESO 440-056 = MCG -05-29-014 = LGG 271-005 = PGC 38417
12 06 45.3 -29 46 06; Hya
V = 11.4; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 77°
18" (5/28/06): eastern member of a close, striking pair with slightly brighter NGC 4105 just 1.1' W. Appears moderately bright, round, ~40" diameter, well concentrated with a bright, prominent core. The halo is fairly faint and increases in size with averted vision to ~55" diameter. This galaxy is slightly smaller with a less condensed core than NGC 4105.
8" (5/21/82): faint, small, round. This is a close companion to NGC 4105 and is the slightly fainter and smaller of the pair.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4106 = H. II-866 = h3379, along with NGC 4105, on 7 Mar 1791 (sweep 998). John Herschel made two observations, recording on 10 May 1834 (sweep 452), "The 2nd of a double nebula, B; R; pL; psbM; r; 25"."
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12 04 47.6 +10 35 44; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4078.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4107 on 17 Apr 1863 and described (loosely translated) a "very small, slightly elongated planetary, a mag 10-11 star follows by 30.2 seconds of time and 1' south." There is nothing at his position but Harold Corwin found that exactly two min of RA west is NGC 4078, which has a star at his required offset. d'Arrest recorded the galaxy again on 23 Mar 1865 (and just two days later by Albert Marth) at the correct position and it was also catalogued NGC 4078. So, NGC 4107 = NGC 4078.
In the IC 1 notes, Sherburne Burnham states "delete planetary; the star is np". This seems to imply Burnham found some object at the NGC position but in the IC 2 notes Dreyer comments "not found by Frost on plates of 4h exposure" [from Annals of Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No 1]. Reinmuth writes "=*13.5, no nebulosity seen. *10 ssf 2.6', *13.2 spp 1.4'." Dorothy Carlson classifies NGC 4107 as a star and this error is repeated in the RNGC. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.
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12 06 44.6 +67 09 47; Dra
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 105°
17.5" (3/29/89): brightest in a quartet with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4108 = h1087 on 3 Apr 1832 and
recorded "B; R; gbM; 20"; first class". His single position matches
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12 06 51.1 +42 59 44; CVn
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.9'
24" (5/30/16): fairly faint, fairly small, roundish,
20" diameter, broad weak concentration. Forms a close pair with
LEDA 2210701 appeared extremely faint and small, ~6" diameter. Once acquired, I could hold it nearly 50% of the time, despite a very low SDSS magnitude (V ~16.0). The redshift of z = .086 implies a light-travel time of 1.1 billion years!
UGC 7094 is very faint, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.25', very low surface brightness with no noticeable concentration.
13.1" (4/12/86): very faint, small, round. Forms a pair with NGC 4111 5.0'
NNE.
George Johnstone Stoney or his brother Bindon Blood Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistants), discovered NGC 4109 on 21 Apr 1851. During an observation of NGC 4111, it was noted "the first [NGC 4109] is vF and 6' ssp the second [NGC 4111], which is vB and mE. A double star is 5' nf, whose smaller component is blue." Although mentioned in the 1861 publication, John Herschel did not include this galaxy in the GC so Dreyer added it to the GC Supplement (GCS 5618).
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12 07 03.5 +18 31 54; Com
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 128°
17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5', low fairly even surface brightness. A nice mag 12/13 double lies 5.5' S [separation 14"]. Globular cluster NGC 4147 is 43' following.
William Rambaut, Lord Rosse's first observing assistant, or
possibly Lord Rosse himself, discovered NGC 4110 on 1 April 1848. While observing the globular cluster
******************************
NGC 4111 = UGC 7103 = MCG +07-25-026 = CGCG 215-028 = Holm 333a = WBL 380-003 = LGG 269-006 = PGC 38440
12 07 02.6 +43 04 01; CVn
V = 10.7; Size 4.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 150°
48" (3/1/19): at 488x; stunning edge-on ~8:1 NNW-SSE with a bulging core, ~4.0'x0.5'. Sharply concentrated with an extremely bright, very elongated bulging core. The nucleus is very small and brilliant! Due to dust lanes that run perpendicular to the major axis, the galaxy was slightly brighter on the centerline of the major axis on both sides of the core. The arms taper slightly with a spindle appearance. A very faint star (~17th mag) is at the SW end of the galaxy.
24" (5/30/16): at 225x; very bright, beautiful edge-on ~7:1 NNW-SSE, 3.5'x0.5'. Sharply concentrated with a small very bright elongated core, with an unusually bright quasi-stellar nucleus. An extremely faint star or stellar knot was suspected near the southeast end. A very wide unequal pair (HJ 2596) with a orange mag 8.1 primary lies 3.7' NE.
NGC 4111 is the brightest in a group (LGG 269 = UMa NED4 Group)
containing NGC 4109 4.8' SSW (background object), NGC 4117 8.6' NE,
18" (5/14/07): this striking edge-on is extends 6:1 NNW-SSE, ~3.5'x0.6'. Dominated by a small, sharply concentrated, intense core. The core is only 24"x15" and brightens somewhat to the center. The eastern flank possibly has a sharper edge, but no dust lane was visible. Located 4' SW of a wide double star (8.2/10.7 at 34").
18" (6/4/05): fairly bright, fairly large, excellent edge-on at least 6:1 NW-SE. Sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core that increases to the center. The extensions are very thin, ~3'x0.4', with a slightly bulging core. A wide double star (HJ 2596 = 8.2/10.7 at 34") to the northeast is collinear with the core.
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, small very bright core, long thin extensions. A double star with components mag 8.2/10.7 at 34" separation lies 3.8' NE. Brightest in a group with NGC 4109 4.8' SW and NGC 4117 8.7' WSW.
13.1" (4/12/86): fairly bright, pretty edge-on, small very bright core, faint thin arms. Located 5' SW of a mag 8 star. In a group with NGC 4109 5' SSW and NGC 4117 8.5' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4111 = H. I-195 = h1088 on
14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "E sp nf, vBN with faint
branches. His position and
description matches
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12 07 09 -40 12 24; Cen
V = 12.0; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 5°
18" (5/15/10): at 175x, this southern galaxy appeared
fairly faint (view diminished by low elevation), fairly small, elongated 3:2
N-S, ~45"x30", broad concentration. Located just north of a group of 3 stars with the closer two
(1' S and 1.5' S) collinear with the major axis of the galaxy and mag 9.25 HD
105253 2' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4112 = h3380 on 2 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; at the end (or forming the continuation of an arc of 3 stars respectively, in order 8, 9 and 10m."
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12 07 08.5 +32 59 46; Com
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 55°
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 4113 = h1089 on 3 Apr 1831 and simply noted as "eF". There is nothing at his position but Harold Corwin found that exactly one degree north is NGC 4122, which JH found earlier on 29 Apr 1827, but also with a poor position! So, likely NGC 4113 = NGC 4122.
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NGC 4114 = MCG -02-31-018 = PGC 38460
12 07 12.3 -14 11 08; Crv
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 135°
18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6'. Sharply concentrated with a small, prominent core which increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. The low surface brightness halo requires averted to view.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4114 = H. III-533 = h3381 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "vF, S, iF. Time uncertain to 5 or 6 seconds." John Herschel noted "F; S; R: gbM; 15"." and measured an accurate position.
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12 07 09.6 +14 24 24; Com
= *?, Gottlieb. Not found, RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4115 = h1090 on 3 Apr 1826 (sweep 24) and simply noted "a suspected neb. Extremely faint." There are no galaxies near his position, though a mag 14.8 star is 30" away. So, either this number is lost or perhaps refers to this faint star. See Harold Corwin's notes.
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12 07 37.2 +02 41 29; Vir
V = 12.0; Size 3.8'x2.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 155°
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated NNW-SSE. Appears brighter along the major axis. NGC 4123 lies 14.1' NE.
George Johnstone Stoney (or his brother Bindon Stoney)
discovered NGC 4116 on 6 Mar 1851.
While observing
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NGC 4117 = UGC 7112 = MCG +07-25-027 = CGCG 215-029 = Holm 334a = LGG 269-018 = PGC 38503
12 07 46.1 +43 07 35; CVn
V = 13.0; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 18°
24" (5/30/16): fairly faint to moderately bright,
fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.3', well concentrated with a
small bright elongated core with faint extensions. Forms a pair with NGC 4118 1.8' SE. NGC 4111, the brightest member in a
group, lies 8.6' SW and orange mag 8.1
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE, weak concentration. Forms a close pair with faint NGC 4118 1.6' SE and NGC 4111 lies 8.5' WSW. The double star h2596 = 8.2/10.7 at 34" is 5' WSW.
13.1" (4/12/86): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, broadly concentrated. Located on the opposite side of a mag 8 star from NGC 4111.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4117 = H. III-708 = h1091 on 6 Feb 1788 (sweep 810) and logged vF, vS. The foregoing nebula [NGC 4111], 2 stars [HJ 2598] and this are in a line from sp to nf." John Herschel's position on 12 Apr 1830 was poor but d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 2 nights in May 1865.
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NGC 4118 = MCG +07-25-028 = CGCG 215-030 = Holm 334b = PGC 38507
12 07 52.8 +43 06 41; CVn
V = 15.2; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 150°
24" (5/30/16): at 225x; very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~14"x10". Located just 1.5' SE of NGC 4117. Member of the NGC 4111 group.
17.5" (4/28/89): extremely faint, very small, requires averted to glimpse. Forms a close pair with much brighter NGC 4117 1.6' NW.
13.1": not seen.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 4118 on 20 Apr 1857 using LdR's 72". He noted "about 60" or 70" sff [of NGC 4117] is an eF nebulous knot which I at first took for a star." The 1880 publication includes a sketch and this object is labeled "delta". Dreyer credited Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, with the discovery.
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12 08 09.7 +10 22 43; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 4.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 114°
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 4119 = H. II-14 on 18 Jan 1784 (his only object in short sweep 85) and recorded "a nebula of a longish figure, not cometic; probably it consists of stars." There is nothing at his position (using 59 Vir as the reference star) and the galaxy could not be recovered by Bigourdan, Reinmuth or Frost (Annals of Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No 1).
According to Harold Corwin, NGC 4119 is likely another observation of NGC 4124 as originally suggested by Dreyer in his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues: "WH's final position is just 50 arcmin south of NGC 4124, and there are no other bright galaxies nearby that he might have picked up."
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12 08 31.4 +69 32 35; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 166°
17.5" (3/29/89): very faint, thin, very elongated NNW-SSE. A mag 15 star is at the south end 0.5' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4120 = H. III-904 on 6 Apr
1793 (sweep 1036) and noted "eF, vS, E from north to south." Caroline's reduced position is 33 sec
of RA west and 2.5' north of
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12 07 56.5 +65 06 50; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 0.5'x0.45'
17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint but very small, round,
stellar nucleus surrounded by a small round halo. Forms a pair with bright galaxy
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4121 on 9 Sep 1866 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on 3 nights, matches
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NGC 4122 = NGC 4113 = MCG +06-27-011 = CGCG 187-009 = PGC 38451
12 07 08.5 +32 59 46; Com
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 55°
17.5" (2/24/90): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated, small bright core.
Located at the NW edge of Coma Berenices border.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4122 = h1093 on 29 Apr 1827 and recorded "eF; vS; R; mbM." There is nothing near his position, though 1.1 min of RA west is CGCG 187-009 = PGC 38451. JH found the galaxy again on 3 Apr 1831, but his position on this sweep was 1 degree too far south! See Harold Corwin's identification notes for NGC 4113.
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NGC 4123 = UGC 7116 = MCG +01-31-023 = CGCG 041-042 = Mrk 1466 = PGC 38531
12 08 11.2 +02 52 41; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 4.4'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 135°
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 3'x2', small bright core. NGC 4116 lies 14.1' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4123 = H. V-4 = h1092 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "vF, of a considerable extent, being about 5 or 6' diameter. To the north of the nebula at a distance of about 15' or more is a bright triangle of stars, the base where of is towards the nebula."
Lord Rosse assistant R.J. Mitchell wrote on 29 Mar 1856, "the north one [NGC 4123] is however a spiral like an "S", the arms being faint." His diagram in the 1861 publication shows a long "bar" shaped middle and two curling spiral arms.
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NGC 4124 = NGC 4119: = UGC 7117 = MCG +02-31-036 = CGCG 069-058 = IC 3011 = PGC 38527
12 08 09.7 +10 22 43; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 4.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 114°
17.5" (5/14/88): bright, fairly large, elongated WNW-ESE, bright elongated core.
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly bright, moderately large, attractive system, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, elongated large bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4124 = H. I-33 = H. II-60 =
h1094 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged II-60 as "F, S, r." Caroline's reduced position is 2'
northeast of
William Herschel probably discovered this galaxy earlier on 18 Jan 1784 and listed it as H. II-14 (later NGC 4119). See notes on this number. Finally Schwassmann's Sn. 124 = IC 3011, found on a Heidelberg plate on 23 Feb 1900, is an exact match. So, NGC 3124 = NGC 4119 = IC 3011.
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NGC 4125 = UGC 7118 = MCG +11-15-027 = CGCG 315-019 = Holm 335a = PGC 38524
12 08 05.7 +65 10 24; Dra
V = 9.7; Size 5.8'x3.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 95°
17.5" (3/20/93): bright, moderately large, very elongated almost 4:1 E-W, 2.5'x0.7'. A very bright elongated core and nearly stellar nucleus dominates the galaxy with much fainter extensions but overall the surface brightness is high. A mag 10 star is 2.4' ESE of center. Forms a pair with NGC 4121 3.6' SW.
John Russell Hind discovered NGC 4125 = Au 28 on 5 Jan 1850
with a 7-inch Dolland refractor at George Bishop's private observatory in
London. He noted "tolerably bright, but small." This was the second deep sky object he
discovered after
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12 08 37.4 +16 08 34; Com
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
17.5" (5/11/02): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.6'x0.5', weak even concentration to a faint, stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star lies 2' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4126 = H. III-68 = h1095 on
21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "Two vS stars very near each other with
suspected nebulosity between them.
240x left it doubtful."
Caroline's reduced position is 23 sec of RA east of
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12 08 26.3 +76 48 15; Cam
V = 12.7; Size 2.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 140°
17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 NW-SE, broad mild concentration.
A mag 14.5 star is at the east end and second mag 14 star is close
east. Forms the east vertex of an
isosceles triangle with mag 5.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 4127 = H. I-279 = h1096 on
12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and noted "pB, cL, irr E, bM." His RA is either 45 sec too large, or
perhaps he reversed the polar distance of this object and
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12 08 32.4 +68 46 04; Dra
V = 12.0; Size 2.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 58°
17.5" (3/20/93): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.4'. Contains a very bright core and almost stellar nucleus that dominates the much fainter extensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4128 = H. I-263 on 6 Apr 1793
(sweep 1036) and noted "cB, lE." Caroline's reduced position is 2' north of
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12 08 53.3 -09 02 12; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 2.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 95°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated ~E-W, weakly concentrated. A mag 13 star is 3.0' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4129 = H. II-548 = h1097 = h3382 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and recorded "F, pL, mE from np to sf, not far from the parallel." John Herschel made two observations at Slough and once at the Cape of Good Hope. On sweep 136 he noted "F; vgbM; E in parallel; 30" l, 20" br."
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NGC 4130 = NGC 4129 = MCG -01-31-006 = PGC 38580
12 08 53.3 -09 02 12; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 2.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 95°
See observing notes for NGC 4129.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4130 on 15 Mar 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His description mentions a mag 13 star precedes by 21.7 seconds of time, but no star matches that position. Instead, Harold Corwin found his description fits NGC 4129, which is located exactly 5° south of d'Arrest's position, and a mag 13 star is exactly 21 sec of time west! So, NGC 4130 = NGC 4129.
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12 08 47.3 +29 18 17; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 73°
17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, small, fairly high surface
brightness, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, small prominent core, stellar nucleus. Located 4.0' NE of a mag 10.5
star. First of three on a line and
second brightest with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4131 = H. III-356 = h1098, along with NGC 4132 and 4134 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded the trio as "Three, the time and number belongs to the largest [NGC 4134] which is F, irregular. I suspect a fourth, but could not stay to ascertain it, though I am pretty sure. The other two are vF, S, mE." John Herschel made two observations, the first on 31 Mar 1827 (sweep 66).
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NGC 4132 = MCG +05-29-020 = CGCG 158-030 = Holm 339a = WBL 382-002 = PGC 38593
12 09 01.4 +29 15 01; Com
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 20°
17.5" (3/20/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, small brighter core. Second and faintest of three with NGC 4134 4.5' SSE and NGC 4131 4' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4132 = H. III-357 = h1099, along with NGC 4131 and 4134, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). He recorded the trio as "Three, the time and number belongs to the largest [NGC 4134] which is F, irregular. I suspect a fourth, but could not stay to ascertain it, though I am pretty sure. The other two [NGC 4131 and NGC 4132] are vF, S, mE." John Herschel made three observations (first on 31 Mar 1827) and his mean position is a good match with this galaxy.
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NGC 4133 = UGC 7127 = MCG +13-09-013 = CGCG 352-020 = PGC 38578
12 08 49.9 +74 54 15; Dra
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 125°
17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 NW-SE, irregular surface brightness with one or two bright knots possibly
including a substellar nucleus.
Forms the vertex of a right angle with a mag 12 star 2.5' N and a mag 13
star 2.2' E of center. Located 18'
NNW of mag 6.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 4133 = H. I-278 = h1100 on
12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and noted "cB, cL, iR, mbM." His position matches
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NGC 4134 = UGC 7130 = MCG +05-29-023 = CGCG 158-031 = Holm 339b = WBL 382-003 = PGC 38605
12 09 10.0 +29 10 37; Com
V = 12.8; Size 2.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 150°
17.5" (3/20/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, broad concentration, NGC 4132 5' NNW. Brightest and third of three spiral galaxies almost collinear in a NW-SE direction!
William Herschel discovered NGC 4134 = H. II-371 = h1101, along with NGC 4131 and 4132, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). He recorded the trio as "Three, the time and number belongs to the largest [NGC 4134] which is F, irregular. I suspect a fourth, but could not stay to ascertain it, though I am pretty sure. The other two [NGC 4131 and NGC 4132] are vF, S, mE." John Herschel made three observations (first on 31 Mar 1827) and measured a fairly accurate position.
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12 09 08.9 +44 00 12; CVn
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 90°
17.5" (4/28/89): very faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE,
weak concentration. Brighter of a
pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 4135 = St. 11-16, along with NGC 4137, on 27 Apr 1878. He reduced an accurate position on 4 May 1881 and included the discovery in his 11th list, published the same year
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12 09 17.7 +29 55 39; Com
V = 11.0; Size 4.0'x3.7'; Surf Br = 13.8
13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, round, brighter core, stellar nucleus. NGC 4131/NGC 4132 pair lies 38' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4136 = H. II-321 = h1108 on
13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "pB, L, gbM." His position matches
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NGC 4137 = UGC 7135 = VV 454 = MCG +07-25-033 = CGCG 215-036 = PGC 38619
12 09 17.6 +44 05 26; CVn
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 100°
17.5" (4/28/89): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 4135 5.5' SSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 4137 = St. 11-17, along with NGC 4135, on 27 Apr 1878. He reduced an accurate position 3 years later on 4 May 1881 and included the discovery in his 11th list.
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12 09 29.9 +43 41 07; CVn
V = 11.3; Size 2.6'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 150°
13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated NW-SE, rises quickly to a small bright core, possible stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2.0' NNW of center. Member of the NGC 4111 Group = LGG 269.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4138 = H. I-196 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "cB, cL, vgbM, iF."
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NGC 4139 = IC 2989 = MCG +00-31-030 = CGCG 013-061 = WBL 372-013 = PGC 38213
12 04 34.0 +01 48 05; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 30°
17.5" (5/10/86): faint, very small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 4077 just 1.3' NW in a group. Located 6.0' SSE of NGC 4073. Listed as "not found" in RNGC and identified as IC 2989 in UGC, MCG and CGCG as d'Arrest's RA is 5 minutes too large.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4139 = IC 2989 = PGC 38213, along with NGC 4140, on 10 Apr 1863. He described a double nebula, with the companion preceding by 4-5 seconds of time and somewhat north. There is nothing at his position but Corwin found that d'Arrest apparently made a 5 minute error in RA. See NGC 4140 for the story.
David Todd rediscovered the galaxy on 6 Jan 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and reported it as objects #16b and #14b. Finally Guilllaume Bigourdan found it a third time on 29 Mar 1895 and reported it as Big. 287 (later IC 2989). Both Dorothy Carlson and the RNGC misclassify NGC 4139 as nonexistent. CGCG labels this galaxy as IC 2989, though RC3 gives NGC 4139 as an identity.
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NGC 4140 = NGC 4077 = UGC 7063 = MCG +00-31-031 = CGCG 013-063 = PGC 38218
12 04 38.0 +01 47 16; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15°
See observing notes for NGC 4077
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4140 on 10 Apr 1863, along with NGC 4139, which was mentioned as 5 seconds of time preceding and somewhat north. There is nothing near his usually accurate ring-micrometer position. But Harold Corwin notes that exactly 5 minutes of RA west of d'Arrest's position is the pair NGC 4077 and IC 2989, matching his description. So, NGC 4140 = NGC 4077 and NGC 4139 = IC 2989. Dorothy Carlson classifies NGC 4140 as nonexistent in her NGC corrections list and this is repeated in the RNGC. Listed in my RNGC Corrections #6.
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12 09 47.3 +58 50 57; UMa
V = 14.5; Size 1.3'x0.9'; PA = 75°
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, round, even surface brightness. Two mag 15 stars are 1' W and 1' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4141 = H. III-795 = h1102 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and noted "vF, S, r, iF." His RA was 20 seconds of time too small. John Herschel made a single observation on 1 May 1831 (sweep 345) and logged, "F; pL; lE; gbM; 40"." His RA was 15 seconds of time too small.
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12 09 30.2 +53 06 18; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 175°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, moderately large, elongated
3:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.6', weak concentration.
Nearly collinear with a wide pair of mag 11/13 stars ~4' SW.
17.5" (5/13/88): faint, moderately large, diffuse, weak concentration, oval ~N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4142 = H. III-814 = h1103 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and logged "vF, S, easily resolvable." His position is accurate. John Herschel made a single observation on 4 May 1831 (sweep 347) and noted, "vF; irreg fig; vglbM; twilight."
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12 09 36.1 +42 32 03; CVn
V = 10.7; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 144°
13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, very bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 5.0' NE of mag 7.6 SAO 44055. Member of the NGC 4111 group = LGG 269.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4143 = H. IV-54 = h1104 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and noted "cB, Nucleus with faint chevelure (halo)." His position is just off the east side of this galaxy. On 1 May 1828 (sweep 150), John Herschel logged "R; sbM to nucleus."
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12 09 58.5 +46 27 28; UMa
V = 11.6; Size 6.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 104°
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly bright, very large, edge-on 5:1
WNW-ESE, 5'x1', bright core.
Double star mag 13.5/13.5 at 8" separation is off the SE end 2.3'
from center. Located between two
mag 9 stars 8' N (double) and
8": faint, edge-on WNW-ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4144 = H. II-747 = h1107 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and recorded "pB, E, about 3' long, from np to sf about 15 or 20°." John Herschel made two observations, logging on 26 Apr 1830 (sweep 255), "F; vmE in pos 109° by meaure; vgvbM; 4' long, 30 or 40" br." George Johnstone Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) on 9 Mar 1850, called it a "long ray with mottled light and probably a tendency to an annular arrangement about the nucleus."
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12 10 01.6 +39 52 58; CVn
V = 11.3; Size 5.9'x4.3'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 100°
24" (5/30/16): at 200x; fairly bright, very large,
roughly oval 4:3 ~E-W, 4'x3', contains a large brighter core and a noticeably
patchy or irregular halo with a strong impression of spiral structure. Two arms were fairly confident; one
extending east of the core on its south side and another extending west of the
core on its north side. Otherwise,
it seemed like slightly brighter HII patches in the low surface brightness halo
were just resolving in the outer halo.
Located 9' due west of mag 6.8
13.1" (3/17/86): fairly faint, fairly large, very
diffuse, weak broad concentration, slightly elongated E-W. Located 9' W of mag 6.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4145 = H. I-169 = h1105 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 717) and noted "cB, cL." On 28 Apr 1827 (sweep 73), John Herschel reported, "pB; vL; dilute; vglbM."
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12 10 18.3 +26 25 51; Com
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8'
diameter. Weak concentration in
halo but direct vision revealed a very small brighter core of ~10" (this
is a Seyfert galaxy). Located 22'
ESE of mag 7.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 4146 = H. III-327 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "vF, pS." Caroline's reduction is 13 sec of time preceding UGC 7163. There were no observations made by JH or at Birr Castle.
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12 10 06.2 +18 32 32; Com
V = 10.4; Size 4.4'; Surf Br = 0.1
48" (4/22/17): NGC 4147, a class IX globular, was well resolved and impressive at 488x. It appeared very bright, fairly large, large bright core. Over 100 stars were resolved including a number of relatively bright 14.5-15.5 stars. The stellar density increases significantly towards the center where a large number of resolved stars are packed over a hazy, mottled background. The loose halo was well resolved, a bit scraggly around the edges and extended to ~5' diameter. The superthin galaxy UGC 7170 lies 18' NNE.
17.5" (4/13/96): moderately bright, fairly small, irregular 2'-2.5' diameter, very small bright core. A few faint stars are resolved at 220x including one brighter star at the south edge. Appears on the verge of more extensive resolution. At 280x, the halo clearly has an irregular outline and several stars are resolved in extensions or star lanes. The core is mottled and intense but not resolved.
17.5" (3/20/93): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 2.5' diameter. Approximately six faint stars are just resolved around the edges of the halo including a single easy mag 14 star at the SSW edge. The compact core is mottled and clumpy but has no clean resolution. There is an impression of several star lanes in the halo just below the limit of resolution.
A 2010 journal article on the capture of globular clusters,
mentions NGC 4147 may be associated with SagDEG (in addition to Terzan 7,
Terzan 8,
William Herschel discovered NGC 4147 = H. I-19 = h1106 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded "a very brilliant nebula. Not cometic. Brightest in the middle but the brightness extends a good way towards the extremes; pS." His position was 20 seconds of time too large. The NGC position is accurate (Engelhardt measured a micrometric position). John Herschel made 3 observations; on 23 Mar 1827 he wrote, "B; R; 80"; consists of distinct stars. A globular cluster."
Herschel probably first discovered it a month earlier on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146). His position for H. I-11 = NGC 4153 was poor (not unusual in his early sweeps). See that number and Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.
Lord Rosse (or assistant William Rambaut) observed NGC 4147 on 1 Apr 1848 and described it as "a very close cluster of faintish stars, preceded by a small nebula [NGC 4110]."
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12 10 08.0 +35 52 39; CVn
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 165°
17.5" (4/28/89): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.4' SE and a mag 12 star 4' W.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4148 on 7 Feb 1866 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured twice, matches
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12 10 32.9 +58 18 14; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 87°
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, small, thin edge-on WNW-ESE, weak concentration. This is a pretty system.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4149 = H. II-802 = h1109 on
17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and noted "F, S, E." His position was 3' northwest of UGC
7167 = PGC 38741. He swept it up a
second time on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951), but mistakenly assumed III-845 (later
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12 10 33.7 +30 24 06; Com
V = 11.6; Size 2.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 147°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly bright, moderately large, small
very bright core, stellar nucleus, faint halo extends NW-SE to 2.0'x1.3'. Located 6' E of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4150 = H. I-73 = h1110 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "vB, S." His position is close off the southwest side of UGC 7165. John Herschel made the single observation "B; R: pgmbM; 25"; a * 8m 5' preceding."
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NGC 4151 = UGC 7166 = MCG +07-25-044 = CGCG 215-045 = Holm 345a = WBL 383-001 = PGC 38739
12 10 31.4 +39 23 19; CVn
V = 10.8; Size 6.3'x4.5'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 50°
13.1" (3/17/86): very bright, very small or stellar
nucleus, fainter halo. A mag 11.5
star is 2.3' N and a closer mag 13 star is 1.3' N of center. Forms a optical pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4151 = H. I-165 = h1111, along with NGC 4156, on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714). His description reads, "vB, A bright nucleus, but the nucleus not in the middle, or perhaps two joined together, the northern on having the nucleus."
On 26 April 1851, Bindon Blood Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) logged, "Has a B, R centre with nucleus, then two dark spaces concentric with the nucleus and outside these faint nebulosity as in figure." Two night laters he noted "Previous observation rather confirmed. The dark spaces certainly exist, but I cannot be sure that appendages are not parts of spiral branches." The following year he wrote "Last year's observation confirmed as to dark curved spaces preceding and following centre and faint nebulosity outside them again." His sketch was included in the 1861 publication (Plate XXVII, Fig. 20).
NGC 4151 is one of the 6 galaxies studied by Seyfert in his seminal 1943 paper "Nuclear Emission in Spiral Nebulae".
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12 10 37.5 +16 01 59; Com
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 115°
17.5" (4/25/98): moderately bright, round, ~1' diameter, moderately concentrated with a brighter core ~20" in diameter. Halo increases to nearly 1.5' diameter with averted vision. Transparency poor due to smoke.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4152 = H. II-83 = h1112 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "F, pL, r." JH and d'Arrest both observed and measured this galaxy four times.
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12 10 06.2 +18 32 32; Com
See observing notes for NGC 4147. Identification uncertain.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4153 = H. I-11 on 15 Feb 1784 (sweep 146). His description reads, "a B nebula, not very large, however of some extent, it not R; the greatest brightness lies towards the middle but is not circular. The whitishness of this nebula is of the milky kind of the unresolveable nebula such as that of [M42]." There is nothing near his position (during an early sweep when his positions were much more prone to error) but 14' northwest is the globular cluster NGC 4147, which he found again just a month later (14 Mar 1784).
Harold Corwin notes that Walter Scott Houston may have suggested in one his Deep Sky Wonders columns that NGC 4133 might have been a comet, although offered no proof. See Corwin's identification notes.
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NGC 4154 = NGC 4149 = UGC 7167 = MCG +10-17-155 = CGCG 292-076 = PGC 38741
12 10 32.9 +58 18 14; UMa
See observing notes for NGC 4149.
William Herschel rediscovered NGC 4154 = H. III-845 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and recorded "vF, S, E in the parallel." His offset from Delta UMa and description (elongated E-W) points to within 1' of UGC 7167. He first discovered this galaxy on 17 Apr 1789 and recorded it as II-802 (and later became NGC 4149), but his position was 3' too far northwest. So, NGC 4154 = NGC 4149.
Interestingly, Bigourdan was not able to recover this galaxy and using Heidelberg plates, Reinmuth apparently was confused and noted "*12?; no neb seen; BD +59 1426 nff 3.7'." Because of Reinmuth's description, Dorothy Carlson identifies NGC 4154 as a star in her 1940 NGC correction list and RNGC classifies NGC 4154 nonexistent. NGC 4154 is not equated with NGC 4149 in any major catalogue. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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12 10 45.7 +19 02 27; Com
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 81°
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, moderate concentration to a small bright core. Two mag 10 stars are 9'-10' SW near the edge of the 20' field. Located 31' NNE of gc NGC 4147.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4155 = Sw. 1-21 on 6 Apr 1885.
Although his description "vvF, vS" is not very helpful, his position
is just 6 sec of RA east and 1' south of
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NGC 4156 = UGC 7173 = MCG +07-25-045 = CGCG 215-047 = Holm 345b = WBL 383-003 = PGC 38773 = The Eye of Sauron
12 10 49.5 +39 28 22; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5
13.1" (3/17/86): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, possible faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 4151 5.1' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4156 = H. II-642 = h1113, along with NGC 4151, on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714). He called it "pB, S." while John Herschel wrote, "vF; lE; vgbM."
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12 11 04.9 +50 29 07; UMa
V = 11.3; Size 6.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 66°
17.5" (5/2/92): bright, moderately large, edge-on 7:1
WSW-ENE, 5.0'x0.7', elongated bright core, extensions taper at ends. Located 4.3' SE of mag 8.0
8" (3/28/81): faint, very elongated WSW-ENE, bright core. A mag 8 star is close NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4157 = H. I-208 = h1114 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and recorded "F, mE from sp to nf, nearer the parallel, about 3' l and 3/4' broad." John Herschel made the single observation, "B; vmE; vglbM; 4' long.". Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position twice.
Fritz Zwicky discovered SN 1937A, a type II(P) supernova, using the 18-inch Schmidt telescope at Palomar. This was his first SN discovery, after initiating a systematic search in September 1936.
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12 11 10.2 +20 10 32; Com
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/14/88): moderately bright, fairly small, broad concentration, slightly elongated ~E-W. A mag 11 star is 1.7' SE of center. Located 25' SW of 5 Comae Berenices (V = 5.6).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4158 = H. II-405 = h1115 on
27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "F, S, lE. Preceding a pB star." His position is 2' south of
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12 10 53.6 +76 07 34; Dra
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 35°
17.5" (5/2/92): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, low almost even surface brightness. Two mag 13 stars are 1.4' ESE and 1.0' NE of center. The galaxy is elongated in the direction of the star to the NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4159 = H. III-941 = h1116 on
12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and recorded "vF, pS. It has two stars nf making a triangle with it." Caroline's reduced position is 1.7'
southeast of
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12 11 36 +43 45; CVn
= Not found, RNGC.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4160 = Big. 51 on 27 May
1886 and described "a star 13.3m accompanied by a little
nebulosty." There is nothing
at his position (roughly midway between NGC 4138 and
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12 11 33.3 +57 44 14; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 50°
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, elongated SW-NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4161 = H. II-803 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 923) and noted "F, S." His re-reduced position with
respect to Delta UMa on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) matches
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12 11 52.5 +24 07 25; Com
V = 12.2; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 174°
17.5" (5/11/02): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, ~2'x1.3'. Weak concentration except for a faint but distinct stellar nucleus (this is probably a superimposed star). Located nearly midway between a mag 10.5 star 2.6' SW and a mag 12 star 2.2' NE. A mag 14.5 star is 1' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4162 = H. II-353 = h1117 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "pB, cL, bM, irr." John Herschel noted "B; L; E; bM; 60"."
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NGC 4163 = NGC 4167 = UGC 7199 = MCG +06-27-026 = CGCG 187-020 = PGC 38881
12 12 09.1 +36 10 09; CVn
V = 14.0; Size 1.8'x1.6'; Surf Br = 15.1
17.5" (4/28/89): faint, moderately large, slightly
elongated, very diffuse, weak concentration, low surface brightness. Located between mag 8.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 4163 = H. III-399 on 28 Apr
1785 (sweep 404) and noted "vF, pL, R, r." He observed this galaxy again the next sweep (1 May)
and added "little elongated; easily resolvable."
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12 12 05.4 +13 12 20; Vir
V = 14.8; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 111°
17.5" (1/23/88): extremely faint, very small, round,
only visible with averted vision.
Faintest in a trio and located 3' SSW of
Willhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4164 = T. 1-37 (as well as
paper V) and placed it 2.5' south of d'Arrest's "nova" [NGC
4165]. He commented "but it
is strange that he has not seen the second companion", though I'm not
surprised as this galaxy is quite faint.
Interesting, the LdR observation of
This galaxy is mentioned in the UGC notes for NGC 4168, but not identified as NGC 4164.
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NGC 4165 = IC 3035 = UGC 7201 = MCG +02-31-045 = CGCG 069-078 = WBL 386-002 = PGC 38885
12 12 11.8 +13 14 47; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 160°
17.5" (1/23/88): very faint, fairly small, round, slightly elongated, diffuse. Located 2.6' NW of NGC 4168 in a trio with NGC 4164.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4165 on 8 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is 1.4' too far southwest, unusually poor for his micrometric positions. He mentions that LdR (or assistant) missed this nebula when he observed NGC 4168 in 1855.
Arnold Schwassmann found this galaxy again on 16 Nov 1900 on
a plate taken by Wolf with the 6" astrograph at the Königstuhl Observatory
in Heidelberg. He measured an accurate position and reported Sn. 222 (later IC
3035) as new. So, NGC 4165 = IC
3035. CGCG misidentifies an
extremely faint companion at the northwest side as
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12 12 09.6 +17 45 26; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 20°
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, moderate concentration to a very small brighter core. Very symmetrical appearance.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 4166 = T. 9-10 on 30 Apr 1878. His uncorrected position was 2' S. Stephan didn't publish the discovery. Willhelm Tempel rediscovered NGC 4166 on 15 Mar 1885 with the 11-inch refractor at Arcetri and published it in his 9th discovery list (#10). Temple was searching for the periodic Comet 1867 II when he ran across this galaxy.
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NGC 4167 = NGC 4163 = UGC 7199 = MCG +06-27-026 = CGCG 187-020 = PGC 38881
12 12 09.1 +36 10 09; CVn
See observing notes for NGC 4163
John Herschel discovered NGC 4167 = h1118 on 11 Mar 1831 and recorded "F; pL; R; vgbM; a double star south-preceding dist 10'. The MS observation makes the polar distance decidedly 33'; but should it be a mistake for 52', this nebula would be identical to [NGC 4163]." There is nothing at his position, but 30' south is NGC 4163, as he suspected, and 8.5' southwest of this galaxy is a double star. So, NGC 4167 = NGC 4163. Reinmuth writes "no pL neb with ** sp 10' found; NGC 4167 = NGC 4163? and Dorothy Carlson repeated this equivalence in her 1940 monograph on NGC corrections.
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NGC 4168 = UGC 7203 = MCG +02-31-046 = CGCG 069-081 = PGC 38890
12 12 17.2 +13 12 18; Vir
V = 11.2; Size 2.8'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (1/23/88): brightest of a trio with NGC 4164 2.9' W and NGC 4165 2.6' NW. Fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4168 = H. II-105 = h1119 on
8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "pS but pB, roundish, resolvable,
containing some stars visible."
Caroline's reduction is 4.7' southeast of
In the IC 2 Notes section, Dreyer mentioned "not found by Frost on plates of 4 hr exposure", although this bright galaxy was included in Adelaide Ames 1930 "A Catalogue of 2778 Nebulae, including the Coma-Virgo Group", based on plates taken with the Bruce astrograph at Arequipa.
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12 12 18.8 +29 10 46; Com
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 153°
48" (4/20/17): extremely bright, moderately large, very elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.6'. Sharply concentrated with a relatively large bright core that increases to an intensely bright nucleus.
24" (5/22/17): at 282x; bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~1.2'x0.6', highly concentrated with an intense, elongated core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.
18" (6/17/06): brightest member of
13.1" (4/10/86): brightest in a small group of four
galaxies = HCG 61. Moderately
bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, very small bright core. Forms the west vertex of a nearly
perfect rectangle with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4169 = H. III-358 = h1120,
along with NGC 4173, 4174 and 4175, on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). He described these as "Four, the
time and number belongs to the largest [
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12 12 18 +29 12; Com
= Not found, Thomson. =*?, Corwin.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4170 and 4171 on 10 May 1864, while observing the NGC 4169 quartet = HCG 61. Under his description for H. II-372 = NGC 4173, he noted "In addition, I think I see two other nearby nebulae; clearer skies would help." There was no position or offset given for these possible two nebulae and most likely he glimpsed a couple nearby eF stars. The galaxy identified as NGC 4170 in the RNGC is NGC 4173. Other sources apply the designations NGC 4170 = NGC 4171 to NGC 4173.
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12 12 18 +29 11; Com
= Not found and ≠ NGC 4173, Thomson.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4170 and 4171 on 10 May 1864, while observing the NGC 4169 quartet = HCG 61. He did not provide a position or offset, so it is impossible to assign these numbers to a nearby faint star with any confidence. See notes for NGC 4170.
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12 12 15.0 +56 10 38; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4172 = H. II-792 = h1123 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "F, S, R, bM." His RA is 45 sec too small. John Herschel recorded "pF; S; E; gbM; 15" l, 12" br." and measured an accurate position (in the NGC).
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NGC 4173 = HCG 61B = KTG 42B = Holm 346a = NGC 4171 = UGC 7204 = MCG +05-29-033 = CGCG 158-043 = FGC 1382 = The Box = Rose 10 = PGC 38897
12 12 21.4 +29 12 25; Com
V = 13.0; Size 5.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 134°
48" (4/20/17): fairly faint to moderately bright, very large, edge-on 6:1 NW-SE, 2.5'x0.4', fairly low surface brightness with only a modest central brightening and no distinct core or nucleus.
24" (5/22/17): at 282x; fairly faint, very large, very elongated ~6:1 NW-SE with averted, 2.0'x0.35', low surface brightness. Only a broad weak concentration with no distinct core/nucleus.
18" (6/17/06): faint, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.4'. Overall, low surface brightness with a very weak central brightening. Faintest of the HCG 61 quartet though NGC 4173 lies in the foreground with a recessional velocity ionly 1/3 of the other members..
13.1" (4/10/86): very faint, very elongated NW-SE, low even surface brightness. Faintest in the NGC 4169 group = HCG 61 and located just 1.7' NNE of NGC 4169. Forms the north vertex of a rectangle with NGC 4174, and NGC 4175.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4173 = H. II-372 = h1121 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). See description under NGC 4169. The RNGC misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 4170, which is nonexistent (possibly a star).
Although NGC 4173 appears perfectly lined up with NGC 4175, it is apparently in the foreground with a redshift only 1/3 of the other three galaxies.
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NGC 4174 = HCG 61D = UGC 7206 = MCG +05-29-034 = CGCG 158-044 = Mrk 761 = The Box = Rose 10 = PGC 38906
12 12 26.9 +29 08 57; Com
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.35'; Surf Br = 11.7; PA = 50°
48" (4/20/17): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3'. Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright core that increases to an intensely bright stellar nucleus!
24" (5/22/17): at 282x; moderately bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3'. Contains a very small and very bright core with a sharp stellar nucleus (brighter than the nucleus of NGC 4169).
18" (6/17/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a bright 15"-20" rounder core with the extentions much fainter. Smallest member of the striking HCG 61 quartet.
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, prominent very small bright core. Slightly elongated halo is faint and small. This galaxy is the smallest in NGC 4169 group = HCG 61. Forms a small rectangle with NGC 4175 1.5' NE, NGC 4175 2.5' NW and NGC 4173 3.6' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4174 = H. III-359 = h1122 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). See notes under NGC 4169.
******************************
NGC 4175 = HCG 61C = KTG 42C = Holm 346b = UGC 7211 = MCG +05-29-036 = CGCG 158-045 = The Box = Rose 10 = PGC 38912
12 12 31.0 +29 10 06; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 130°
48" (4/20/17): fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, ~1.5'x0.3', contains a large, brighter bulging core. The extensions taper at the ends giving a spindle appearance. This galaxy is parallel to NGC 4173 and perpendicular to NGC 4174 to the southwest.
24" (5/22/17): at 282x; moderately bright, fairly large, thin edge-on 5:1 NW-SE. 1.25'x0.25'. Contains a brighter elongated core but not strongly concentrated and no nucleus. NGC 4174, 1.5' SW, is orientated exactly perpendiculat to NGC 4175.
18" (6/17/06): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.25', broad weak concentration to a slightly brighter bulging core. Fades at the tips. Second of two edge-ons in HCG 61 = "The Box" with NGC 4173 3' NW.
13.1" (4/10/86): faint, edge-on NW-SE, bright core, similar in size to NGC 4173 but fainter. Last of four in the NGC 4169 group = HCG 61 with NGC 4169 2.9' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4175 = H. III-360 = h1124 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). See notes under NGC 4169.
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12 12 36.8 -09 09 37; Vir
V = 14.8; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 70°
18" (5/12/07): extremely faint, very small, round, 0.3'
diameter, low even surface brightness.
A small group of stars follows in the field. Located 12' SW of mag 8.7
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4176 = LM 2-454 in 1886
and recorded "mag 16.0, 0.3' dia, R, slbMN, *10 follows 15 sec." His position matches
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12 12 41.2 -14 00 52; Crv
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 69°
18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7', broad concentration. With averted vision a very faint larger halo increases the size to perhaps 1.4'x1.0'.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4177 = H. III-534 = h3383 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and logged "vF, pL, of unequal light." His position is 12 sec of time too far west. John Herschel recorded "vF; pL; R; vgbM; 60"." and measured a fairly accurate position.
******************************
12 12 46.4 +10 51 57; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 5.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 30°
17.5" (5/14/88): fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE. Gradually increases to a small bright core and faint stellar nucleus.
17.5" (5/10/86): very large but diffuse, very elongated
3:1 SW-NE, very little central concentration but a brighter knot appears along
the SW edge. Located 7.0' WNW of
mag 7.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 4178 = h1125 on 11 Apr 1825
(sweep 3) and recorded, "vF; E nf to sp; 40"." This object was only his third
discovery (after
Arnold Schwassmann found this galaxy again on 6 Sep 1900 on
a plate taken with the 6" astrograph at Heidelberg. Neither he nor Dreyer noticed the
equivalence in position with NGC 4178 and it was recatalogued as
******************************
12 12 52.1 +01 17 57; Vir
V = 11.0; Size 4.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 143°
17.5" (3/24/90): bright, fairly small, very distinctive edge-on system oriented NW-SE, very bright core, sharp light cut-off along the SW flank. A string of mag 11 stars trail off to the NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4179 = H. I-9 = h1126 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 118) and recorded "F, vS, E." John Herschel logged "pB; S; mE; a ray with a nucleus pos 45° np to sf." The NGC position (from JH) matches UGC 7215.
David Todd found this galaxy on 5 Jan 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet and recorded it as object 15 in his list of suspected objects.
******************************
12 13 03.0 +07 02 20; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 22°
17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small,
pretty edge-on SSW-NNE, small bright nuclear bulge, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4180 = H. II-133 = h1127 on
13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "not vF, S, E, r." His position matches
******************************
NGC 4181 = MCG +09-20-111 = CGCG 269-041 = PGC 38938
12 12 48.9 +52 54 11; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 10°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. A mag 11 star lies 1.5' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4181 = H. III-777 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 920) and noted "eF, S, stellar neb." His re-reduced position is 1' south of
******************************
12 13 24 +04 03; Vir
= NGC 4180?, Corwin. Not found, Sulentic. =* or *'s, Gottlieb.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 4182 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory. At his exact position is a mag 12 star. Harold Corwin comments "NGC 4182 may be NGC 4180, or it may simply be a star at Peters's position".
******************************
NGC 4183 = UGC 7222 = MCG +07-25-051 = CGCG 215-053 = FGC 1386 = LGG 269-009 = PGC 38988
12 13 17.0 +43 41 53; CVn
V = 12.3; Size 5.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 166°
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on about 7:1 NNW-SSE, 3.5'x0.5', broad concentration without a nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is superimposed at the SE edge of the core 0.8' from the center. Member of the NGC 4111 group = LGG 269 in the UMa Cloud.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4183 = H. III-697 = h1128 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and noted "cF, mE from np to sf, 3 or 4' long, 3/4' broad." In his 1814 PT paper, he mentions "several small stars are contained in faint nebulosity about 3 or 4' long and 3/4' broad." His sketch shows several stars, although only one star is evident on the DSS.
R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 6 Apr 1856, noted "F, bM, a bright star in sf edge and a patch in np end which is the brighter. Neb is fully 4' long."
******************************
12 13 32 -62 43 18; Cru
Size 4'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x and 318x): about two
dozen faint stars resolved in a 4' circle. Flanked by a mag 10 star ~4' SW and a mag 10 star ~4'
NE. The richest part is a 30"
clump on the east side with a half-dozen stars resolved at 318x. Located 16' NNE of mag 6.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 4184 = h3384 on 8 Mar 1837 and noted "Cluster class VI; vf, almost nebulous". There is no obvious clustering at his position on the DSS1.
Brian Skiff comments "Looks like an absorption hole, and no more ridiculous than the typical Ruprecht cluster. I make it just 0'.8 diameter at: 12 13 37 -62 43.2." Ruprecht gives a diameter of 5' to include a larger scattered group. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
******************************
12 13 22.1 +28 30 40; Com
V = 12.1; Size 2.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 165°
18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated
4:3 ~N-S, 1.5'x1.1', broad concentration.
Forms the southern vertex of a triangle with mag 7.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 4185 = H. II-373 = h1129 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, L, bM." d'Arrest mentioned that this galaxy forms the western vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 12 stars and measured an accurate position.
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12 14 06.5 +14 43 33; Com
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 60°
17.5" (5/10/86): faint, small, slightly elongated. Located 11.0' SSE of
13.1" (4/28/84): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 11' SSE of M98.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4186 = T. 1-38 in 1887. His position in this paper is 10 seconds of RA preceding and 10' south of M98. But in list V (AN 2439) he states it is located 20 seconds of time east and 9.5' south of M98. Dreyer used the latter position, but confused the direction of RA offset and placed NGC 4186 20 sec of RA preceding of M98, instead of following. His offset in list V establishes NGC 4186 = UGC 7240, but the RA in the NGC is 40 seconds of RA too small. The correct position was measured by Kobold in 1901 (Strasbourg Annales, Vol 3, 1907).
Because of erroneous NGC position, UGC and MCG misidentify
It's possible NGC 4186 was first observed at Birr Castle on 10 Feb 1861. Samuel Hunter noticed a "F, R neb with a * or Nucl in centre", which he described as 1/2 field of finder [13'] north of M98. If he confused the direction, then the comment probably applies to NGC 4186.
******************************
NGC 4187 = UGC 7229 = MCG +09-20-117 = CGCG 269-042 = Holm 347a = PGC 39004
12 13 29.2 +50 44 29; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 145°
17.5" (4/28/89): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core. A mag 13 star is 1.0' WNW of center. A mag 15.5 is superimposed on the south edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4187 = H. II-813 on 26 Apr
1789 (sweep 929) and logged "pB, S, lE." His position is just 1'
south of
RNGC misidentifies a faint companion just north of NGC 4187 as NGC 4181. There are several faint companions with a couple of arcminutes of NGC 4187.
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12 14 07.4 -12 35 10; Crv
V = 13.7; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8
18" (5/8/04): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter. A mag 14 star lies 30" N of center, barely off the north edge of the galaxy. The star masks the galaxy a bit and it was not noticed initially.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 4188 = LM 1-193 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is just 0.5 tmin W of
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12 13 47.5 +13 25 33; Com
V = 11.7; Size 2.7'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 85°
17.5" (1/23/88): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly
elongated WSW-ENE, broad concentration.
Located northeast of the NGC 4164, NGC 4165, NGC 4168 group in
Virgo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4189 = H. II-106 = h1131 on
8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "vF, pL, r." John Herschel recorded "pB; L; lE;
vgvlbM; 2' diam" and measured an accurate position. Harold Corwin notes that WH's
Schwassmann found NGC 4189 again on 16 Nov 1900 on a
Heidelberg plate of the Virgo/Coma cluster. His position for Sn. 227 (later
******************************
12 13 44.5 +36 38 05; CVn
V = 13.3; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.2
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, moderately large, broad
weak concentration, pretty diffuse, slightly elongated N-S. Located 7' S of mag 8.5
13.1" (4/12/86): fairly faint, moderately large, round, diffuse. A mag 8 star lies 6' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4190 = H. II-409 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged "vF, S, r." His summary description (including a later sweep) reads "pB, pL, vgbM, r."
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NGC 4191 = UGC 7233 = MCG +01-31-026 = CGCG 041-049 = PGC 39034
12 13 50.4 +07 12 03; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 5°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 1.9' NW. Forms a pair with NGC 4180 15' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4191 = h1130 on 19 Apr 1830 (sweep 251). On the next night he logged "F; R; near a small star." and measured positions on four consecutive sweeps.
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12 13 48.2 +14 54 01; Com
V = 10.1; Size 9.9'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 155°
17.5" (5/10/86): bright, very large, very elongated 4:1 NNW-SSE, 6'x1.5', small bright core, stellar nucleus. A faint knot was highly suspected near the south tip. NGC 4186 lies 11' SSE. Located 32' W of 6 Comae Berenices (V = 5.1).
13.1" (4/28/84): bright, large, very elongated, small bright nucleus, impressive.
Pierre Méchain discovered M98 = NGC 4192 = h1132 on 15 Mar 1781. Messier made a confirmation a month later. William Herschel observed M98 on 30 Dec 1783 (sweep 73) and recorded "A large, extended, fine nebula. It seems to be M98, but from the description in Connoissance des Temps it appears that Mechain has not seen the whole of it, for its feeble branches extend about 1/4°, of which no notice is taken. Near the middle of it a few stars are visible and more suspected; my field will not quite take it in." John Herschel recorded M98 on 4 sweeps, first describing it on 3 Apr 1826 as "B; vmE; a ray pos 70° sf to np; mbM almost to nucleus; 10' long."
Based on a photograph with the Crossley reflector, Heber Curtis (1918) described M98 as "An open, elongated spiral 8'x2' in p.a. 150°. Bright stellar nucleus; numerous almost stellar condensations. Absorption effects on east side"
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NGC 4193 = IC 3051 = UGC 7234 = MCG +02-31-053 = CGCG 069-091 = LGG 285-009 = PGC 39040
12 13 53.6 +13 10 22; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 93°
17.5" (1/23/88): moderately bright, fairly large, oval E-W, brighter core. NGC 4189 lies 15' N over the border in Coma Berenices.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4193 = H. II-163 = h1134 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and noted "pS". John Herschel made the single observation "vF; pL; E; vgbM" and measured an accurate position.
Schwassmann found this galaxy again on 16 Nov 1900 on plate
taken of the Virgo/Coma cluster with a 6" astrograph at Heidelberg. His position for
******************************
12 14 09.6 +54 31 35; UMa
V = 12.5; Size 2.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 170°
48" (4/20/17): at 697x; bright, fairly large, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE. Sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core enclosing an intensely bright nucleus. The main halo is roughly oval with a weak, elongated brightening oriented SW-NW at the south end. This low contrast feature is possibly the remnant of a past merger. A very low surface brightness tidal plume was seen as an ill-defined haze spreading out to the north from the NNW side of the main halo and increasing the N-S dimension to over 1.5'.
17.5" (5/13/88): moderately bright, small, elongated NW-SE, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4194 = H. II-867 = h1135 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001) amd noted "pB, vS, stellar." John Herschel called it "F; vsmbM to a * 12m; 20"." His position is at the northwest edge of the galaxy.
The nickname Medusa Galaxy was coined by V-V in his Atlas of Interacting Galaxies, Part II: "Of this 'Medusa', the structure of the "head" is as yet unresolved. In this case, three galaxies apparently are coalescent. "Behind", the dwarfs begin to separate." William Keel repeats the nickname "Medusa" in his April 1993 article "The real astrophysical zoo - Colliding galaxies" in Mercury (ASP). Professional journal papers refer to it as "Medusa" since 2000.
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12 14 18.1 +59 36 55; UMa
V = 14.4; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.9
17.5" (5/13/88): extremely faint, fairly small, very
diffuse, round, averted only.
Collinear with two mag 14 stars to the NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4195 = H. III-796 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 923) and simply noted "eF". His position is 2.7' northwest of
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12 14 29.7 +28 25 24; Com
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 60°
18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.5'x0.35', fairly well concentrated. Higher surface brightness than larger NGC 4185 16' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4196 = H. II-374 = h1136 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S." John Herschel made 4 observations and d'Arrest provided a micrometric position, so the NGC position is accurate.
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12 14 38.6 +05 48 21; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 3.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 36°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is south of the SW end 1.5' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4197 = H. II-134 = h1137 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "F, mE." John Herschel recorded "pB; E; vgbM; 20"; like II. 133 [NGC 4180]." and measured an accurate position.
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12 14 22.0 +56 00 42; UMa
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 130°
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE. Situated between two mag 12 and 13 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4198 = H. II-793 = h1139 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 920) and noted "pF, pS, bM." John Herschel logged "pF; S; lE; gbM; like II. 792 [NGC 4172]." and measured an accurate position.
Swift probably found this galaxy again nearly a 100 years
later, but his RA for Sw. 7-19 (later
******************************
NGC 4199 = VV 183a/b = UGC 7253 = MCG +10-18-011 = CGCG 292-084 = CGCG 293-005 = PGC 39135
12 14 48.6 +59 54 22; UMa
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small. A mag 15 star is involved at the north
end just 16" from center and a mag 16 "star" is involved at the
east end 24" from the center.
NGC 4195 lies 18' SSW. A
later check on the POSS revealed the mag 16 star I recorded is an extremely
faint and small galaxy (
William Herschel discovered NGC 4199 = H. III-797 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 923) and noted "eF, S." His position is 17 tsec west and 4' north of
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12 14 44.2 +12 10 51; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 98°
17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4200 = H. II-164 = h1138 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and noted "pS, vmE." On 6 Apr 1831, John Herschel logged "pB; R; pslbM; 40"."
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12 14 41.9 -11 34 58; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 80°
18" (5/8/04): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration to a very small brighter core. An extremely faint halo was suspected. A mag 13.5 star lies 0.8' S of center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4201 = LM 2-455 in
1886. His position is 0.5 min of
RA east of
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12 18 08.6 -01 03 52; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 127°
17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ENE, low even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is 2.0' NNE of center.
David Todd discovered NGC 4202 = Todd 18 on 6 Feb 1878 during his search for a trans-Neptunian planet (AN 2698). Dreyer only included eight of the 30 objects which Todd sketched as many were considered doubtful or near nebulae already catalogued. Todd's sketch of #18, which includes several nearby field stars, clearly identifies NGC 4202 = UGC 7337 at 12 18 08.6 -01 03 52 (2000). This means that Todd's rough position was 3 tmin too far west although a number of his entries have large errors in RA.
The RNGC misidentifies
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12 15 05.0 +33 11 50; Com
V = 10.9; Size 3.4'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 10°
17.5" (4/28/89) : bright, moderately large, round,
sharp concentration with a prominent very bright core (LINER nucleus) a much
fainter halo, possible stellar nucleus.
Located 3.7' SSE of mag 7.8
8": fairly bright, small, small bright nucleus. A mag 5 star (
William Herschel discovered NGC 4203 = H. I-175 = h1140 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and recorded "vB, S, R, mbM." On 6 Apr 1855, Lord Rosse's assistant R.J. Mitchell described it as "very like a distant Cl, vB Nucl with neby gradually fading off. Star involved preceding Nucl and other stellar points suspected in the outlying faint neby."
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12 15 14.3 +20 39 31; Com
V = 12.4; Size 3.6'x2.9'; Surf Br = 14.8; PA = 130°
17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE. Brighter along the major axis but no distinct core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4204 = H. III-397 = h1141 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "vF; vL, irr, about 5 or 6' from np to sf and 4 or 5' broad, unequally bright but brightest towards the middle." John Herschel noted "eF; L; vglbM; 45"."
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12 14 55.3 +63 46 55; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 28°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.4'x0.5', brighter along major axis. A mag 13 star is just 20" west of the NNE tip.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4205 = Au 29 on 4 Oct 1861
with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on 3 nights, matches
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12 15 16.7 +13 01 26; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 6.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 0°
17.5" (1/23/88): fairly faint, edge-on 6:1 exactly N-S,
4'x0.7', fairly large, weak concentration. A mag 12 star lies 2.9' SE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4206 = H. II-165 = T. 1-39
on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and noted "F, vmE." His position is poor -- 30 tsec west
and 9' N of
Arnold Schwassmann found the galaxy again on two Heidelberg
plates taken with a 6" astrograph (measured on 16 Nov 1900) of the
Virgo/Coma cluster and reported Sn. 230 (later
******************************
12 15 30.4 +09 35 07; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 124°
17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, bright core. A mag 13.5 star at the WNW end 1.2' from center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4207 on 23 Mar 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on 3 nights. matches
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12 15 39.3 +13 54 05; Com
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 4208 = H. II-107 = h1142 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and simply noted as "pL". Caroline's reduced position is 5' north of NGC 4212 = UGC 7275. Dreyer commented in his 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues that for H. II-107 and II-108, "there is only one nebula here (NGC 4212)...We may assume that Herschel, after observing the star [6 Comae], again moved the telescope 1° south and took the nebula a second time without noticing it was the same object."
Strangely, John Herschel also recorded this galaxy twice (h1142 and h1144) on two nights and thought they were different objects because of his different positions and descriptions! So, H. II-107 = H. II-108 = h1142 = h1144 = NGC 4208 = NGC 4212. Édouard Stephan also made observations on 30 Apr 1878 and 25 Mar 1879, perhaps looking for two objects. See Corwin's notes.
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12 15 30 +28 31; Com
= Not found, Carlson. = NGC 4185?, Corwin. = *, Steinicke
William Herschel discovered NGC 4209 = H. II-375 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pS." Dreyer notes in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that this object was not found by JH, d'Arrest or Bigourdan. With respect to NGC 4196, the previous object in the sweep, WH placed II-375 1 min 18 sec foll and 2' N, but there is no object at that position. This sweep was WH's most productive -- with 74 discoveries -- and this is the only object that cannot be identified with a galaxy.
In an email correspondence (Jul 15 1998) Harold Corwin commented: I've been unable to find NGC 4209. I thought it might be a reobservation of NGC 4185, but both were found by WH on the same night. It is still not a completely impossible identity (e.g. N4208 = N4212, another nebula seen twice within a single sweep), but the chances are against it. I don't see any object aside from N4185 (just over 2 arcmin west) at any reasonable systematic offset (e.g. +- 1 deg, +-10 min, etc) from WH's position.
Wolfgang assigns the number to a star 2 arcmin south-southwest of WH's position. That is certainly possible, but I'd be happier with it if WH had left us a description more complete than "F, pS".
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12 15 15.9 +65 59 07; Dra
V = 12.5; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 105°
17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.8'x1.4'.
A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' off the WNW edge. Located 11' SE of mag 6.7 SAO 62870.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4210 = H. III-850 = h1143 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and noted "vF, pS." John Herschel recorded (single observation) "Not vF; pL; R; vgbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position.
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12 15 35.8 +28 10 39; Com
V = 14.1; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 105°
24" (5/30/16): NGC 4211 is an interacting system (Arp
106) oriented NW-SE (separation 35"), with the brighter component (VV
196a) on the northwest side. At
225x it appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, round, 24" diameter,
increases rapidly to a very small brighter core and stellar nucleus. The fainter southeast component (NGC
4211A = VV 196b) is faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 15"x10",
slightly concentration at the center.
The tidal tail to the south was not seen. Situated 9' NW of mag 8.2
18" (4/5/03): faint, very small, round, 25"
diameter. This is a double,
interacting system (
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 4211 = St. 11-18 on 5 Apr 1878. His published position (list 11, #18) was reduced on 30 Apr 1881 and is accurate.
******************************
NGC 4212 = NGC 4208 = UGC 7275 = MCG +02-31-070 = CGCG 069-110 = PGC 39224
12 15 39.3 +13 54 05; Com
V = 11.2; Size 3.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 75°
17.5" (4/25/98): fairly bright, fairly large, 2.2'x1.4'
oriented WSW-ENE. Moderate
concentration to a large bright core which appears mottled. The nucleus is not well defined
although the core is broadly concentrated and at times a stellar center was
glimpsed. A mag 11.5 star is 2.3'
S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4212 = H. II-108 = h1144 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "mE, resolvable." His position (Caroline's reduction) was 6.5' too far northeast. He apparently also recorded it as the previous object "pL" in the sweep. John Herschel also recorded this galaxy twice (h1142 = h1144) on different nights. See notes for NGC 4208.
The Lord Rosse observation on 8 Mar 1856 (by R.J. Mitchell) reads "Irregular shaped neb with ncl excentric and some sort of knot or appendage following. Possibly another knot in preceding end. The former one is likely connected with the neb forming a sprial arm." The same month he logged "Much better seen. There are 4 knots or stars in the neb besides the bright patch south-following."
******************************
12 15 37.6 +23 58 55; Com
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (4/17/88): faint, fairly small, round, gradually brighter halo, small bright core. Located 9.9' WNW of 7 Comae Berenices (V = 4.9) which detracts from viewing.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4213 = H. II-354 = h1145 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "F, vS." His position matches
******************************
12 15 38.9 +36 19 50; CVn
V = 09.8; Size 8.5'x6.6'; Surf Br = 14.0
48" (5/9/21): NGC 4214 is a nearby (9.5 million l.y.) dwarf starburst galaxy with a bright central starburst/emission complex (surrounded by fainter knots) that is very rich in Wolf-Rayet and O-type stars. Overall, the galaxy is large and very bright, with an irregular structure and appeared very mottled/knotty, particularly in the central region, which tapers to the SE. The halo extends roughly 5' and seems more extensive on the NW side.
The view was fascinating at 488x. At the center is a bright stellar nucleus (starburst/super star cluster NGC 4214-IA) that could be easily mistaken for a superposed star. Immediately SE of the nucleus [13" separation] is a small knot (region IB). NGC 4214-II is a very prominent, relatively large HII region, ~0.3' diameter, situated 0.5' SSE of center. The combination creates a curving central region. A couple of HII knots are on the NW side: HS 1213+3636B, a fairly faint 15" HII knot, is 1' WNW of center and HS 1213+3636A is a small (6") fainter knot to its N [by 27"].
A 14th mag star is near the edge of the halo, 2.5' NNW of center. A fairly faint, small HII knot is 0.5' NW of this star.
13.1" (4/12/86): bright, large, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core. There is a strong impression of curvature at the ends of the major axis. A mag 11 star lies 4.3' SE of center. Member of the M94 Group (CVn I Cloud).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4214 = H. I-95 = h1146 on 28 Apr 1785 (sweep 404) and recorded "cB, cL. A blunt parallelogram, faintest towards the edges; from np to sf about 4'; the other way about 3'. Position not above 15 or 20° from the meridian." His position is on the northwest side of this Irregular-type galaxy. The next sweep (1 May) he noted "Can hardly be called a parallelogram for want of corners; but rather irregularly elongated."
John Herschel reported this galaxy as new (h1157) on 27 Apr
1827 and logged,"vF, L, R, gbM, 90"." His RA, though, was 1 minute too large and he didn't make
the connection with his father's H. I 95, so Dreyer later catalogued this entry
as
JH reobserved the galaxy 4 years later on 11 Mar 1831 and logged "B, L, gbM, 50", has a double nucleus very indistinct. The diagram makes it a double neb, the two running together. See fig 71." The second "nucleus" is a bright HII complex southeast of the core. At Birr Castle it was also noted in 1856, "Irreg shaped neb with Nucleus excentric and some sort of knot or appendage following. Possibly another faint knot in preceding end." Two weeks later, "Much better seen. There are 4 knots of stars in the neb besides the bright patch south-following." Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position for this knot in 1893 at Strasbourg.
******************************
12 15 54.5 +06 24 04; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 174°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, moderately large, pretty system very elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4215 = H. II-135 = h1147 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "S, E, pBM." John Herschel made three observations, recording on sweep 250 "vB; mE; vsbM to a * 11m."
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NGC 4216 = UGC 7284 = MCG +02-31-072 = CGCG 069-112 = Holm 353a = PGC 39246
12 15 54.2 +13 08 59; Vir
V = 10.0; Size 8.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 19°
18" (6/17/06): very bright, very large, extremely thin edge-on 8:1 SSW-NNE, 7'x0.9'. Sharply concentrated with a striking high surface brightness core with dimensions ~0.9'x0.3', which dominates the extensions. A mag 14 star is just following the core. A dust lane appears to run along the eastern edge of the galaxy, mostly evident by a sharp light cut off along this edge. Brightest of three edge-ons in the field with NGC 4206 and NGC 4222!
17.5" (1/23/88): very bright, very large, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, small very bright core. A mag 14 star is close east of the core. This is a striking galaxy and is the second of three edge-on galaxies in the same field with NGC 4206 11' SW and NGC 4222 12' NE in Coma Berenices!
William Herschel discovered NGC 4216 = H. I-35 = h1148 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "vmE, vbM and the brightness also elongated. The whole not less than 9 or 10' long." John Herschel made 5 observations, the earliest 10 and 11 Apr 1825 (sweeps 2 and 3). On sweep 3 he logged, "A very remarkable long ray, extended 70° nf to sp, 1/2 field in length [7 1/2'], smbM. It has a star nf of center."
Samuel Hunter, LdR's assistant on 23 Apr 1860, recorded
"a fine E neb, vBM like a globular cluster (I think too it is
resolvable?), small star following nucl, where I also think there is very
dilute nebulosity, parallel to neb [beyond the dust lane]. The neb is either twisted at n end in p
direction or it has a faint companion there? Dark space around centre? perhaps only the contrast of the bright centre. 15' long." The possible nebula Hunter mentions to
the north is likely
******************************
12 15 50.9 +47 05 30; CVn
V = 11.2; Size 5.2'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 50°
48" (4/23/17): bright, very large, striking edge-on
~4.5'x1.0' SW-NE, large bright core that bulges near the center but no distinct
nucleus. The galaxy is bisected by
a beautiful, relatively wide dust lane that slices through the entire length of
the galaxy, only losing contrast at the very tips! The brightest portion, including the core, is on the north
side (northwest facing) of the dust lane.
The cut off section of the galaxy on the south side (southeast facing)
of the the dust lane is fairly thin and low surface brightness, though slightly
brighter at the center/core. A mag
14.8 star is at the southwest tip of the galaxy. A mag 11.6 star is at the edge
of the halo on the north side [50" from center] and a 9th magnitude star
is 2.3' NNE of center. The galaxy
is situated 6' E of mag 7.2
13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, pretty edge-on 4:1
SW-NE. A mag 9 star is off the NE
edge 2.2' from the center and a mag 11.5 star is just north of the core 0.8'
from center. Located 6.2' E of mag
7.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 4217 = H. II-748 = h1149 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and recorded "pB, pL, sp and in a line with two stars." John Herschel made 5 observations and logged (sweep 255) "pB, vmE in pos = 225° by measure; 5' long, 1' br; 2 stars near and a large star preceding." On 15 Mar 1849, George Johnstone Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) described it as a "Ray with split [dark lane] in the direction of the major axis".
******************************
12 15 46.3 +48 07 53; CVn
V = 12.5; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 142°
13.1" (4/12/86): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated NW-SE. Located 2.6' NW
of mag 8.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 4218 = H. III-718 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "vF, vS." d'Arrest measured an accurate position as well as noting the mag 9-10 star that follows by 15 sec and 55" south.
******************************
12 16 27.3 -43 19 26; Cen
V = 11.9; Size 4.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 36°
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
220x appeared bright, large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, broad concentration but no
distinct core, ~2.5'x1'. Direct
vision revealed a very faint stellar nucleus. The arms (extensions) dim towards the ends and seem
irregular in surface brightness (DSS shows an irregular, knotty
appearance).
At 220x, NGC 4219A appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.35', weak concentration, irregular surface brightness. Situated in a group of stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4219 = h3385 on 3 Jun 1834 and
recorded "pF; pL; pmE; vgbM; 2' l, 45" br. His position (measured on 4 nights) and description matches
******************************
NGC 4220 = UGC 7290 = MCG +08-22-089 = CGCG 243-055 = LGG 258-027 = PGC 39285
12 16 11.7 +47 53 00; CVn
V = 11.4; Size 3.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 141°
13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, edge-on 7:2 NW-SE, brighter core, stellar nucleus. Located 12' S of mag 8.3 SAO 44096. NGC 4218 lies 15' NNW. Member of the M109 (NGC 3992) group = LGG 258.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4220 = H. I-209 = h1151 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "cB, cL." John Herschel made the single observation "pB; pmE in pos 314.4°; psbM. (Foggy)" His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 4221 = UGC 7288 = MCG +11-15-040 = CGCG 315-029 = PGC 39266
12 15 59.9 +66 13 51; Dra
V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 25°
17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, prominent core, stellar nucleus at moments, very faint larger halo slightly elongated SSW-NNE extends with averted to 1.5'-2.0'. NGC 4210 lies 16' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4221 = h1150 on 3 Apr 1832 and recorded "pB; S; R; psbM; 15"." His single position is accurate.
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NGC 4222 = UGC 7291 = MCG +02-31-075 = CGCG 069-119 = FGC 1396 = Holm 353c = PGC 39308
12 16 23.0 +13 18 29; Com
V = 13.3; Size 3.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 56°
17.5" (1/23/88): faint, moderately large, very thin
edge-on SW-NE. A mag 15 star is at
the east end. Located 5' W of mag
8.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 4222 = H. II-109 = T. 1-40 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and simply noted "resolvable". Dreyer commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH" that the observation was probably rushed as the polar distance is 20' too far south, though my reduction is 10' south. Wilhelm Tempel corrected the position in his first discovery paper and in his 5th paper provided an offset from NGC 4216.
CGCG, UGC, MCG and PGC incorrectly equate
******************************
12 17 25.8 +06 41 24; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 128°
17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated WNW-ESE, bright core, larger faint extensions with averted. Located 5' N of mag 7.9
The galaxy described above is misidentified as
William Herschel discovered NGC 4223 = H. II-137 = h1152 on
13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and simply noted "r[esolvable]." Although he was probably rushed (the
nearby entries in the sweep were rapidly found), his position is just 2' north
of
John Herschel made two observations of H. II-137 and one of H. III-480. On 4 Apr 1830 (sweep 250) he recorded "vF; vgbM; a *7m to south". The description and position clearly points to II-137 = NGC 4223, but he calls it H. III-480. He made a second observation on 24 Apr 1830 (sweep 254), recording both H. II-137 and H. III-480, and here's where the problem occurs. He catalogued the preceding object as h1152 = H. II-137, but the position is about 1 tmin too far west. He noted, though, that the position was only estimated from III-480. Unfortunately, his position for the eastern galaxy (H. III-480) happens to be a close match (1.4' south) with H. II-137. The result is that JH's entry in the Slough catalogue for NGC 4241 = h1165 = H. III-480 contains two observations -- one for II-137 and one for III-480, with a position matching H. II-137. Furthermore, his entry for h1152 = NGC 4223 = II-137 points to a blank part of the sky, 1 tmin of RA west of H. II-137. In the NGC notes, Dreyer mentions NGC 4223 was not found by d'Arrest, obviously because of the poor position.
The two galaxies were later picked up by Arnold Schwassmann
in 1899 on a Heidelberg plate, placed accurately, and catalogued as
But, Harold Corwin argues that since WH and John Herschel observed both galaxies, the correct assignment should be NGC 4223 = H. II-137 = h1152 = h1165 (sweep 250) = IC 3102 and NGC 4241 = H. III-480 = h1165 (sweep 254) = IC 3115. This changes, though, the long-standing identification of NGC 4241 as the brighter western galaxy. See Corwin's identification notes.
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12 16 33.8 +07 27 42; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 2.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 57°
17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, very
elongated SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4224 = H. II-136 = h1153 on
13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "F, S, iF, r." His position matches
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12 16 38.4 -12 19 40; Crv
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 60°
18" (5/28/06): faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter. Located 1.6' N of a mag 10 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4225 = h1154 on 9 Mar 1828 and recorded "F; eS; R; 5"; has a * 8m 80° sf, dist 60"." His position is 1' too far north and the bright star is 1.6' distant.
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NGC 4226 = UGC 7297 = MCG +08-22-090 = CGCG 243-057 = Holm 354b = PGC 39312
12 16 26.3 +47 01 31; CVn
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 127°
13.1": faint, small, elongated NW-SE. Forms a pair with NGC 4217 7' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4226 = h1155 on 19 Mar 1828 and recorded "F; S; lE; the second of 2 in field [with NGC 4217]."
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12 16 33.7 +33 31 19; CVn
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 70°
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, small, strong bright
core. A mag 15 star is 0.9' NE of
center. Forms the brighter of a
pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4227 = H. II-518 = h1156, along with NGC 4229, on 2 Jan 1786 (sweep 508) and recorded "Two, both eF, vS. The preceding [NGC 4227] is the largest, about 3 or 4' distance from each other." His position is accurate. John Herschel made two observations, recording on sweep 131, "pF; R; psbM; the sp of 2."
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NGC 4228 = NGC 4214 = UGC 7278 = MCG +06-27-042 = CGCG 187-032 = PGC 39225
12 15 38.9 +36 19 50; CVn
See observing notes for NGC 4214
John Herschel found NGC 4228 = h1157 on 27 Apr 1827 and recorded "vF; L; R; gbM; 90"." There is nothing at his position and d'Arrest could not find this object. Karl Reinmuth questioned if NGC 4228 = NGC 4214 and this is probably the case as Herschel's position is exactly 1.0 minute of RA too large and the description applies. The primary designation should be NGC 4214.
******************************
NGC 4229 = UGC 7299 = MCG +06-27-044 = CGCG 187-034 = Holm 355b = PGC 39341
12 16 38.8 +33 33 39; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 3°
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, bright core, fairly faint stellar nucleus. Fainter of a pair with NGC 4227 2.6' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4229 = H. II-519 = h1158, along with NGC 4227, on 2 Jan 1786 (sweep 508) and recorded "Two, both eF, vS. The preceding [NGC 4227] is the largest, about 3 or 4' distance from each other." John Herschel made two observations, recording on sweep 131, "F; R; psbM; 65° nf the neb [NGC 4227]."
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12 17 09 -55 17 12; Cen
Size 6'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x and 178x): roughly 40 stars are resolved in a 7'x5' region (the outline is pretty arbitrary), roughly elongated SW-NE. Appears as an unimpressive asterism with no rich subgroups. A mag 11.5/13 pair at 13" separation is southwest of center with several mag 13-14.5 stars to its northeast. A mag 12 star 2' SW and a mag 11 star 4' SW of the central pair are all collinear. Located 18' SW of mag 5 Delta Crucis.
Note the group of stars described here is 12' S of ESO
171-SC14, the cluster identified as NGC 4230 in most sources including SIMBAD
and ESO.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4230 = h3386 on 5 Apr 1837 and described a "Cluster class VI. F; pL; irreg; 6'; resolved into stars 13, 14, 15m. Place of a * 12m, chief and near the middle of cluster." At his position is an unimpressive 5' group of star that is likely an asterism, with the brightest star 12th magnitude. This is the "cluster" identified by Harold Corwin as NGC 4230. Corwin notes that ESO (and SIMBAD) misidentify ESO 171-SC14 as NGC 4230. This group of stars is scattered southeast of a mag 8 star -- too bright not to have been mentioned by JH. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more on this number.
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12 16 48.9 +47 27 27; CVn
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4
13.1" (4/12/86): faint, small, round. Forms a very similar close pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4231 = H. III-719, along with NGC 4232, on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and recorded both as "Two both vF, vS, from north to south about 1' distance." Caroline's reduction is 20 sec of time following this pair.
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NGC 4232 = UGC 7303 = MCG +08-22-093 = CGCG 243-059 = Holm 356b = PGC 39353
12 16 49.0 +47 26 20; CVn
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 155°
13.1" (4/12/86): faint, small, almost round. This galaxy is a close twin in brightness and size to NGC 4231 located just 1.2' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4232 = H. III-720, along with NGC 4231, on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and recorded both as "Two both vF, vS, from north to south about 1' distance."
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NGC 4233 = UGC 7311 = MCG +01-31-037 = CGCG 041-063 = PGC 39384
12 17 07.6 +07 37 26; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 2.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 174°
17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, bright core, high surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 4224 13' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4233 = H. II-496 = h1161 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and simply noted "F". Despite the sparce description, his position falls on the north side of the galaxy. John Herschel made the single observation "pB; R; vsbM to a small nucleus; 20"."
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12 17 09.0 +03 40 58; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round, even surface brightness.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4234 = h1160 on 7 Apr 1828 and
recorded "pB; L; R; gbM; 60"." His single position matches
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12 17 09.8 +07 11 28; Vir
V = 11.6; Size 4.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 48°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, fairly large, almost
edge-on SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo.
Cradled along the north side by three mag 12-13 stars 2.2' NW, 1.8' N and
3.0' ENE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4235 = H. II-17 = h1159 on
23 Jan 1784 (sweep 104) and recorded a "longish nebula, not
cometic." On 24 Apr 1830
(sweep 253), John Herschel called it "vB; pmE; vsbM; among small
stars." Schwassmann found it
again on a plate taken with the 6" astrograph at the Königstuhl
Observatory on 30 Oct 1899 and listed it as new (Sn. 5), missing the earlier
NGC identity, so it also carries the designation
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12 16 43.5 +69 27 34; Dra
V = 9.6; Size 21.9'x7.2'; Surf Br = 15.0; PA = 162°
48" (5/9/21): NGC 4236 was huge, very elongated, irregular and full of patches. At 375x, it sprawled NNW-SSE across the entire 16' field (extending beyond 16'x4') using a 13mm Ethos. The galaxy had a tattered appearance, with multiple knots near both the N and S end. The bar formed a fairly conspicuous brighter spine about 5' in length. A fainter star is close to the geometric center and a very weak enhancement is 1' SSE (possibly the core).
Several HII knots are on the south side of the galaxy. The
brightest HII region is
Another HII complex is 4' NNW of center. The two brightest condensations are [HK 83] #15 and #16, which form a 25" E-W pair, and extend ~0.2' and 0.3', respectively. The outer extensions of the galaxy has a very low surface brightness.
18" (4/26/08): this huge, low surface brightness galaxy extends roughly 12'x3', oriented NNW-SSE. There is only a very weak central brightening with no obvious core. A very faint star appears to be superimposed near the geometric center and just to the south is a slightly elongated brightening (possibly the core).
Another brighter region is near the north end of the galaxy. This patch seems elongated at 45° to the major axis, appearing to extend out to the west of the main glow on the north end. Images reveal this is a gigantic HII complex and is catalogued in the Hodge-Kennicutt Atlas of HII regions (1983AJ, 88, 296) as NGC 4236:[HK83] 15, 16 and 17.
The south end is also splotchy and at the very south tip were two very faint "stars" oriented SW-NE that seemed slightly fuzzy (probably small HII knots). The first is also known as VII Zw 446, assumed by Zwicky to be a "blue patchy compact [galaxy]."
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, extremely large, edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE. Appears as a ghostly streak about 20' length with only a broad, weak concentration! Best at low power due to size and low surface brightness.
13.1" (5/27/84): faint, very large, very elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration. In a field with five mag 8-9 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4236 = H. V-51 = h1163 on 6 Apr 1793 (sweep 1036) and recorded "vF, mE, lbM, about 25' long, and losing itself imperceptibly, about 6 or 7' broad, from about 70° np to sf." His position, measured again on the next sweep, is accurate. John Herschel reported, "immensely large; vF; mE; vgbM; it fills more than a field, but is hardly distinguishable. Hazy." He incorrectly labeled his h1163 as H. V-17 in the Slough Catalogue.
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12 17 11.4 +15 19 26; Com
V = 11.6; Size 2.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 108°
17.5" (4/25/98): moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0'. Moderate concentration to a 30" irregular core which appears mottled. Located 15' NE of mag 6.3 SAO 100023. Poor transparency due to smoke.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4237 = H. II-11 = h1162 on 30 Dec 1783 (sweep 73) and recorded "another nebula about full 1/2° nf 6 Coma Ber. pL, very feeble, almost round, but not cometic. It is not a Messier, for being too feeble it could not be seen by an achromatic of 3 1/2 ft, which I suppose is the maximum of his light." No offsets in time and PD were measured, but the offset from 6 Com matches this galaxy. John Herschel logged "B; L; lE; vgbM" and measured a fairly accurate position.
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12 16 55.8 +63 24 37; Dra
V = 13.6; Size 1.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 36°
17.5" (4/15/93): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.5', low even surface brightness, no central concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4238 = H. III-851 = h1164 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "eF, S, iF." His position is 3.6' too far north. John Herschel recorded "vF; not vS; R; vglbM; 15"-20"." and measured an accurate position.
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12 17 14.9 +16 31 53; Com
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 120°
17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.6', weak concentration. Easy to locate as situated between two mag 10.5 stars 2.9' WSW and 2.1' NE.
Carl Frederick Pechüle discovered NGC 4239 in 1884 with the
11-inch Merz refractor at the Copenhagen Observatory. His position is 1.6'
south of
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12 17 24.4 -09 57 06; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.7
18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter. Contains a very small bright core ~10" diameter which increases to a bright substellar nucleus. Located just east of a mag 13 star (24" from the center).
18" (3/13/04): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, strongly concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is barely off the west edge. Observation made through thin clouds.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4240 = T. 1-41 = T. 5-15 on 20 May 1875. His micrometric position and description in his 5th discovery paper (mag 12 star 1/2' southwest) is accurate.
Andrew Ainslie Common found the galaxy again in 1880, assumed it was new and recorded it as #25 in his Copernicus discovery list. He noted "Like a pair of stars 90°; the f one is a nebulous star." His RA is 11 sec too large (estimated positions using setting circles) and his description is a perfect match. Dreyer, who edited the journal Copernicus, added a footnote that Common's #25 was identical to Tempel's nebula.
Finally, Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 27
Apr 1886 and described it in list III-62 as "pB; eS; pB * nr p; Looks a
first like a double star. Curious
object." There is nothing at
his position but 1.4 degrees due north is the same galaxy found by Tempel and
Common, and his description fits (very similar to Common's!). Dreyer assumed Swift's object was new
and catalogued it as
******************************
NGC 4241 = IC 3115 = UGC 7333 = VV 431 = MCG +01-31-040 =
12 17 59.8 +06 39 16; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 164°
17.5" (3/24/90): extremely faint, oval, very low surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 4223 8' WNW. This galaxy is identified as IC 3115 in modern catalogues and the brighter, western galaxy is usually catalogued as NGC 4241. My identification (NGC 4241 = IC 3115 = UGC 7333) follows the historical record.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4241 = H. III-480 = h1165 on
28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and recorded "vF, L. Would not have been seen if
it had not been for the preceding [H II-137 = UGC 7319]. His position is just 1' from
Arnold Schwassmann found both galaxies on a Heidelberg plate of the Virgo region in 1899 and measured accurate positions. Schwassmann assumed they were new and Dreyer recatalogued the pair as IC 3102 and IC 3115. So, NGC 4241 = IC 3115 = UGC 7333 and NGC 4223 = IC 3102 = UGC 7319. Modern catalogues, though, identify UGC 7319 as NGC 4241 and UGC 7333 as IC 3115. See Harold Corwin's identification notes on NGC 4223 for the full story.
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12 17 30.1 +45 37 08; CVn
V = 10.8; Size 5.0'x3.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 25°
13.1" (4/12/86): very large but very diffuse, 4' diameter, broad weak concentration, large core appears offset to the west, almost round. A mag 11.5 star lies 3.2' E of center and a faint mag 14 star is at the south edge 2.0' from center. Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4242 = H. III-725 = h1166 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and recorded "eF, cL, bM, iR." John Herschel made two observations and logged (sweep 256), "F; vL; R: vgbM; diam in RA = 15s of time."
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NGC 4243 = NGC 4240 = MCG -02-31-029 = PGC 39411
12 17 24.4 -09 57 06; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4240.
Lewis Swift found NGC 4243 = Sw. 3-62 on 27 Apr 1886 and described "pB; eS; pB * near preceding; Looks at first like a double star. Curious object." There is nothing near his position, although the description implies a relatively bright galaxy.
Harold Corwin identifies NGC 4240, located 1° 21" due north of Swift's position, as the most likely object. Swift's "pB* close p" applies to a mag 13 star 25" southwest of center. NGC 4240 was discovered by Wilhelm Tempel in 1875.
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12 17 29.4 +37 48 24; CVn
V = 10.4; Size 16.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 48°
18" (6/4/05): beautiful, extremely large ray extends at least 3/4 across the 20' field, ~15'x1' SW-NE. The galaxy is broadly concentrated without a well-defined core or nucleus and bulges only very slightly at the center. The surface brightness is fairly low and only varies gradually over the entire length, though it has a grainy texture. A mag 13.5 star is near the NE end. Member of the M94 Group (CVn I Cloud).
13.1" (4/12/86): fairly bright, extremely large edge-on about 10:1 SW-NE. Extends to 15' diameter (fades at the ends of the extensions). Appears as a narrow ray with only a weakly concentrated core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4244 = H. V-41 = h1167 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "cB or vB, vgbM, 18 or 20' l, about 2' broad, from about 60 degrees sp to nf." Member of the CVn I cloud (distance ~15 million light years)
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12 17 36.8 +29 36 29; Com
V = 11.4; Size 2.9'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 145°
17.5" (4/25/98): fairly bright, elongated ~4:3 NW-SE, 1.5'x1.1', strong concentration with a prominent roundish core. The core steadily increases to a stellar nucleus with direct vision. A string of mag 11 stars from the SW leads to the galaxy. Located 29' W of NGC 274 and 40' N of double star O∑ 245 = 5.7/9.8 at 9". Observed in poor transparency.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4245 = H. I-74 = h1168 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "cB, R, mbM." John Herschel made 3 observations and first logged "vB; R; sbM; 60"."
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NGC 4246 = IC 3113 = UGC 7334 = MCG +01-31-041 = CGCG 041-070 = Holm 359b = PGC 39479
12 17 58.1 +07 11 08; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 83°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, moderately large, elongated
~E-W, very low surface brightness.
A mag 14 star is off the east edge 2.0' NE of center. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4246 = H. III-91 on 13 Apr
1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Two, the first [NGC 4235] mE. The second [NGC 4246] eF." His position is 4' south of
Arnold Schwassmann found the galaxy again on 30 Oct 1899
using the 6-inch astrographic refractor at Heidelberg and measured an accurate
position. Schwassmann and Dreyer
assumed it was new and it was catalogued again as
******************************
NGC 4247 = MCG +01-31-042 = CGCG 041-071 = Holm 359c = PGC 39480
12 17 58.0 +07 16 26; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, very small, round, weak concentration, low surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 4246 5.4' S.
George Searle discovered NGC 4247 = HN 35 on 25 Feb 1868 using
the 15-inch Merz Refractor at the Harvard Observatory (Annals of Harvard
Observatory, Vol 13, #265). His
offset from GC 2821 = NGC 4235 is just 4 sec of time preceding and 1' north of
******************************
NGC 4248 = UGC 7335 = MCG +08-22-099 = CGCG 243-064 = CGCG 244-001 = Holm 363b = LGG 290-020 = PGC 39461
12 17 50.4 +47 24 31; CVn
V = 12.5; Size 3.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 108°
13.1" (3/17/86): faint, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, moderately large, 1.5'x0.5'. A mag 14.5 is at the NW edge. Located 10' W of NGC 4231 and NGC 4232 and 13' NW of M106. Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4248 = H. II-742 = h1169 on
9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and recorded "F, S, E." Caroline's reduction is 17 sec of RA
following
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12 17 59.4 +05 35 55; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.2
24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, small, round, 24"
diameter, weak concentration to the center.
17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated N-S, low surface brightness.
Forms a pair with NGC 4252 7' ESE.
Located at the west edge of the large
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4249 = m 234 on 26 May 1864,
along with NGCs 4252, 4266, 4282 and 4287. His position is an exact match with
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12 17 26.2 +70 48 09; Dra
V = 11.8; Size 2.7'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 168°
17.5" (5/2/92): moderately bright, small, round, broad concentration with overall high surface brightness. The halo appears to extend further on the north side of the core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4250 = H. I-264 = h1170 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037) and noted "cB, S, bM." His position is 1.0 tmin west of UGC 7329. John Herschel logged "pF S; R pgbM; 15"."
Philip Keenan apparently found NGC 4250 on a Yerkes
Observatory plate and assigned it the designation
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12 18 08.4 +28 10 31; Com
V = 10.7; Size 3.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 100°
17.5" (5/23/98): bright, moderately large, elongated
~5:2 WNW-ESE, 2.2'x0.8'. Well
concentrated with a roundish prominent core within fainter extensions which dim
towards the tips. At 280x the core
contains a substellar nucleus. A
mag 13-13.5 star is 2.9' ESE of center and 9 Com (V = 6.3) follows by 18'.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4251 = H. I-89 = h1171 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vB, S, lE." His position is just off the north side of the galaxy. John Herschel made 3 observations and noted on sweep 417 "vB; vsvsbM; has a *6.7 1.5 min (of time) following."
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NGC 4252 = UGC 7343 = MCG +01-31-045 = CGCG 041-076 = PGC 39537
12 18 30.9 +05 33 34; Vir
V = 14.1; Size 1.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 48°
24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 42"x14". even surface brightness. NGC 4249 lies 8' WNW,
17.5" (3/24/90): extremely faint, small, edge-on SW-NE, low surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 4249 7' WNW. Located at the west side of the large NGC 4261 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4252 on 26 May 1864, along with NGCs 4249, 4266, 4282 and 4287. He noted "F, E." and measured an accurate position.
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12 18 26.5 +29 48 46; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (4/25/98): fairly faint, very small, irregularly round, 20" diameter. Fairly high surface brightness, quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star lies 1' N. Located 22' NW of NGC 474. Observation in hazy conditions. Contains a Sy 1 nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4253 = H. III-702 = h1172 on
3 Feb 1788 (sweep 805) and noted "vF, vS." Caroline's reduction is 5 sec of time preceding and 2.5'
north of
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12 18 49.6 +14 24 59; Com
V = 9.9; Size 5.4'x4.7'; Surf Br = 13.2
48" (4/1/11): stunning view of this beautiful, asymmetric two-armed spiral at 375x. The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a brilliant 1' core that increases to a sharp stellar nucleus. The brighter more open arm is attached on the east side of the very bright core. It unwinds beautifully and expands counterclockwise for ~225° where it ends to the NW of center. As the arm passes south of the core there is a bright, well defined knot (sketched and later measured 0.9' S of the nucleus) with two additional diffuse knots in this arm 1.2' SW of center and 1.9' W of center. The arm continues to sweep north on the west side, where it is well separated from the main body.
A second long sweeping fainter arm is attached on the west side of the core and unfolds counterclockwise towards the NE. It contains a diffuse knot ~1.2' NNW of center and terminates near an ill-defined knot 2' NE of center. The halo of the galaxy is more extensive on this side and contains a prominent knot 1.8' E of center. This knot is at the end of another more ill-defined arm on the north side of the core heading east that contains additional mottled clumps.
24" (5/24/20): at 225x and 375x; relatively large bright circular core, ~1' diameter, increased to a very bright, small mottled nucleus. The irregular outer halo extended ~4' diameter. The brighter and larger arm was easily visible; it emerged from the east side of the core and curved counterclockwise to the south of the core and then extended to the WSW before dimming out. A very subtle brightening or knot was seen within the arm [50" S of center]. A second arm of much lower contrast began on the west side of the core and headed in the NNE direction for ~1.5' before fading into the halo. A very faint knot (NGC 4254:[HK83] 1), was visible in the outer halo on the east side [1.8' ENE of center] and was easily seen with averted. A mag 13.5 star is just outside the halo, 2' ESE of center.
24" (1/31/14): viewed supernova 2014L, which was just discovered on Jan. 26th. Nothing was seen at 200x, but bumping up the power to 375x, a very faint "star" (perhaps mag 15.5) was visible just SW of the core.
18" (4/10/04): a fairly prominent arm is attached at the southeast end of the large, bright core and winds along the south side towards the southwest. This arm is clearly detached from the core with a dark gap between the arm and the core. The northern arm is ill-defined and appears more like a couple of short "brush-strokes" close north of the core.
17.5" (5/10/86 and 6/6/86): very bright, large, bright core, stellar nucleus. There is an obvious spiral arm attached at the SE side of the core and winding along the south side towards the west. A dark gap is between the spiral arm and the core along the south and west side. A second shorter, diffuse arm is visible on the north side. Viewed Type II SN 1986I, discovered on May 17th, just SE of the core.
13.1" (3/24/84 and 4/28/84): bright nuclear region. A spiral arm is easily visible attached at the SE side of core and winding almost 180° to the west. Located 10' SW of mag 6.5 HD 10710.
Pierre Méchain discovered
William Parsons, the third Earl of Rosse, discovered spiral structure in April of 1846 using the 72" Leviathan of Parsonstown. The observation was made a full year after the spiral nature of M51 was discovered as LdR's attention was diverted to the Irish potato famine. M99 was the second confirmed spiral, though a month earlier NGC 2903 was noted as having a "tendency" to an "annular or spiral arrangement". On 11 Mar 1848, observing assistant William Rambaut described M99 as a "Spiral with a bright star above; a thin portion of the nebula reaches across this star and some distance past it. Principal spiral at the bottom, and turning towards the right.” Lord Rosse’s outstanding sketch showed at least 4 arms was published in the Philosphical Transactions of 1850 (figure 2), alongside his sketch of M51. A good copy of the sketch is at http://www.wsanford.com/~wsanford/exo/rosse/index.html. A bright HII region ([HK83] 1) 1.8' E of center is shown on the sketch as a star.
William Lassell sketched M99 on 31 Mar 1862 from Malta with his 48-inch and included three principal arms and one or two offshoots . He noted "Viewed with power 285. The spiral form is very evident, more so, I think than in any other nebula I have seen."
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12 18 56.1 +04 47 11; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 115°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.
Auguste Voigt discovered NGC 4255 = Voigt 1 on 22 Apr 1865, probably while making an observation of NGC 4257 (discovered 3 years earlier by d'Arrest). He recorded a fairly accurate position and noted it preceded a mag 11-12 star (modern mag 13.8) by 9 seconds of time. None of Voigt's discoveries with the 31-inch silver-on-glass Marseilles reflector were published. Édouard Stephan, who followed Voigt as director, made an observation on 30 Apr 1878, perhaps aware of the earlier discovery. In any case, he didn't include it in one of his discovery lists.
Christian Peters also found NGC 4255 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory (discovery date unknown) and listed it as a "nova" in the 1881 Copernicus Joiurnal (first list). As Voigt's discoveries weren't published, Peters was credited in the NGC.
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12 18 42.9 +65 53 54; Dra
V = 11.9; Size 4.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 42°
17.5" (3/20/93): bright striking galaxy, large, very
thin edge-on 4.0'x0.5' SW-NE, elongated bright core, almost stellar nucleus,
thin tapering extensions. NGC 4210
lies 21' WNW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 4256 = H. II-846 = h1174 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "pB, mE, BN, 5' long and 1/2' broad from sp to nf." John Herschel recorded "pB; vmE in pos 218.2°; 90" l." and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 4257 = MCG +01-31-049 = CGCG 042-006 = PGC 39624
12 19 06.5 +05 43 33; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 75°
24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
nearly 3:1 WSW-ENE, 32"x12", pretty smooth surface brightness. Two mag 14/15 stars 1.2' S and 1.8' S
are collinear with the galaxy.
Located 7' SW of NGC 4261 and 10' SW of
17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, small, edge-on WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness. Located in a large group with NGC 4261 7' NNE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4257 on 21 Apr 1862 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory, while observing nearby NGC 4261. His description mentions a mag 18 star 2' south, though the star is closer to mag 14-14.5. The discovery was listed in his sample preliminary results published in 1862 (AN 57, 337).
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12 18 57.5 +47 18 15; CVn
V = 8.4; Size 18.6'x7.2'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 150°
18" (6/4/05): two spiral arms are evident emerging from the large, very bright core. On the west side of the core, a thin, gently sweeping arm defines the western edge of the galaxy. At the southern end of this arm is a brighter knot or HII region (identified as SDSS J121901.36+471525.0 in NED). On the east side of the core, a well-defined, thin arm juts out from the core towards the NNW as a linear extension. The arm is brightest at the root, where it attaches to the core. The core is concentrated to a fairly small, very bright central nucleus and the extensions/arms have a slightly mottled or lively appearance.
This is a Seyfert 2 galaxy with a very active galactic nuclei. The standard model for the core assumes a massive black hole.
17.5" (4/7/89): very bright, very large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 14'x4', large bright core concentrated to a very small brighter central region. A thin bright spiral arm is attached at the core and it extends towards the NNW on the following side of the galaxy. There was a sharp edge along the west side of this arm.
14.5" (4/12/21): gorgeous, very large spiral, elongated ~3:1 NNW-SSE, ~12'x4'. Very strongly and pretty sharply concentrated with a very bright inner core that rises to an intensely bright nucleus. A thin spiral arm was immediately noticed attached to the east side of the core and extending NNW in a nearly linear arc in the direction of a mag 13.4 star in the halo. The western side has a much more subtle enhance on the S edge. The outer halo has a very low surface brightness and increases in size with averted vision.
13.1" (4/12/86): bright, very large, bright core, substellar nucleus, mottling near core. A large bright knot is at end of the southern arm.
13.1" (3/17/86): very bright, very large, impressive! Contains a nearly stellar core in a high surface brightness oval disk.
8": bright, very large, elongated, bright core.
Pierre Méchain discovered M106 = NGC 4258 = H. V-43 = h1175 in July 1781. It was discovered after Messier's final catalogue was sent to publication but was included in a letter dated 6 May 1783 to Johann Bernoulli, the editor of the Berliner Astronomisches Jahrbuch and published in the 1786 Jarbuch volume. Méchain wrote, "In July 1781, I have found another one close to Ursa Major near the star No. 3 of Canes Venatici & 1 deg more or less to the south; I estimate its right ascension 181d 40' & its declination about 49d."
William Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on 9 Mar 1788 and recorded H. V 43 as "v brilliant. BN with much fainter branches from np to sf, about 15' long, and the sf running out into vF nebulosity extending a great way." On 1 Apr 1788 (sweep 823) he logged "vB, mE directly in the meridian [N-S] with faint branches 10 or 12' long, BNM with the nucleus not ground."
John Herschel made 4 observations and recorded (sweep 330) "vB; vL; vsvmbM to an oval nucl; 8 or 9' long; 4 or 5' broad." The 20 Apr 1857 observation at Birr Castle (by R.J. Mitchell) reads "a vL, B, E neb np sf, much mottled. The f edge is comparatively sharp and well defined, but in the p and n edge there is a great inequality of light. Nucleus elongated, vB part to north of nucleus."
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12 19 22.2 +05 22 35; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 143°
24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
nearly 5:2 NW-SE, 28"x12", fairly high surface brightness. A mag 15 star is off the NE flank, 0.4'
from center. A number of galaxies
are in the field to the east, including
17.5" (3/28/87): at 220x; fairly faint, small, almost
round, bright core. A mag 15 star
is at the NE edge 0.5' from center.
First of seven in the NGC 4273 group and forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4259 = h1178 on 27 Dec 1827 and
noted as "precedes four more, nearly in parallel." His position is 2.3' south of
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12 19 22.2 +06 05 55; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 2.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 58°
24" (4/28/14): bright or very bright, large, elongated
2:1 SW-NE, 2'x1', sharply concentrated with a very bright round nucleus. A mag 14.7 star is just off the NE edge
of the halo.
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo. A mag 14.5 star is off the NE end 1.4' from center. Located 7' NW of mag 7.7 SAO 11933. NGC 4261 lies 17' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4260 = H. II-138 = h1177 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and simply noted "F". His position is 3.8' northwest of UGC 6361. John Herschel noted "B; E; psbM."
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NGC 4261 = UGC 7360 = MCG +01-31-052 = CGCG 042-015 = 3C 270 = PGC 39659
12 19 23.2 +05 49 29; Vir
V = 10.4; Size 4.1'x3.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 160°
24" (4/28/14): very bright, very large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE, 2.4'x1.8'. Sharply concentrated with a large, intensely bright core that brightens to a quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is near the edge of the halo on the ENE side. VCC 344 is 1.8' S, just outside the halo, and was logged as "faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, high surface brightness." Forms a pair with NGC 4264 3.3' NE and brightest of 30 galaxies viewed within 35'!
17.5" (3/24/90): bright, fairly large, slightly
elongated NW-SE, very bright core with stellar nucleus embedded. Brightest in a large group of 13 NGC
galaxies. In a field with NGC 4264
3.4' ENE, NGC 4257 7' SSW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 4261 = H. II-139 = h1176 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Two. The first [NGC 4261] is the largest. The 2nd [NGC 4264] very faint." John Herschel called the galaxy "vB; pL; R; psmbM; 40"." His single position is 10 sec of RA too far west, but Schönfeld and d'Arrest both measured accurate positions.
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12 19 30.6 +14 52 39; Com
V = 11.6; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, small, slightly
elongated, strong bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4262 = H. II-110 = h1179 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "S, r." In his 1811 PT paper, he commented "this star with a bur is probably one that formerly a planetary nebula with a pretty strong haziness on the borders." JH also called it "B; S; R; like a * 11m with a burr."
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12 19 42.2 -12 13 32; Crv
V = 12.6; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 125°
18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, roughly 1.2'x0.9', only a weak broad concentration. The halo is irregular with averted vision and appears elongated 3:2, though at other times appears rounder. On the DSS there is a faint extension to the west and perhaps I was picking up this section with averted.
18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.3', low even surface brightness. Observation made through thin clouds.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4263 = H. III-535 on 27 Mar
1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "vF, pS, iF." His position
(Caroline's reduction) is 1.5' southwest of
Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 6 May
1886 and reported it in list III-63, close to WH's position. Dreyer assumed it
was new and catalogued NGC 4263 again as
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NGC 4264 = UGC 7364 = MCG +01-32-001 = CGCG 042-020 = PGC 39687
12 19 35.8 +05 50 48; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4
24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, broad weak concentration. Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 4261 3.5' WSW.
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration. Located at the north edge of a large galaxy group and 3.4' NE of NGC 4261.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4264 = H. II-140 = h1180 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Two. The first [NGC 4261] is the largest. The 2nd [NGC 4264] very faint." John Herschel called the galaxy "pF; R; gbM; 30"." Henrich d'Arrest measured the position 6 times and noted the separation with NGC 4261 was 13 seconds of time.
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NGC 4265 = NGC 4263 = MCG -02-32-001 = PGC 39698
12 19 42.2 -12 13 30; Crv
See observing notes for NGC 4263.
Lewis Swift found NGC 4265 = Sw. 3-63 on 6 May 1886. His position is only 2' south of NGC 4263 = H. III-535 so I'm not sure why Dreyer assumed it was a different object. In any case, he noted that NGC 4265 was identical to NGC 4263 in the IC 2 Notes section as "Howe saw only one." The primary designation should be NGC 4263.
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NGC 4266 = UGC 7368 = MCG +01-32-002 = CGCG 042-021 = WBL 397-003 = PGC 39699
12 19 42.3 +05 32 18; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 2.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 76°
24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, thin edge-on 6:1 WSW-ENE,
1.2'x0.2', even surface brightness.
Although this is a nice streak, the galaxy is partially masked by mag
9.1
17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, small, edge-on
WSW-ENE. The view is hampered by
mag 8.5
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4266, along with NGCs 4249,
4252, 4282 and 4287, on 26 May 1864.
His position matches
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12 19 45.2 +12 47 54; Vir
V = 10.9; Size 3.2'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (5/29/14): very bright, moderately large, round, 1.3' diameter, sharply concentrated with an intense core that gradually increases to a stellar nucleus. Contains a much fainter outer halo.
17.5" (4/25/87): bright, fairly small, very diffuse
round halo. Sharp concentration as
increases suddenly to a small very bright core and stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4267 = H. II-166 = h1181 on
17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and noted "pB; vS." His position at the north edge of the halo of
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NGC 4268 = UGC 7371 = MCG +01-32-004 = CGCG 042-023 = Holm 368d = WBL 397-004 = PGC 39712
12 19 47.2 +05 17 01; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 48°
24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.4', contains a small bright core. A mag 14.5-15 star lies 0.8' NW of center. NGC 4273 lies 4.2' NE, NGC 4277 5.4' NE and NGC 4281 10.6' NE with a total of 8 galaxies (7 NGCs) in a 15' field.
17.5" (3/28/87): at 220x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, brighter core. A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' NW of center. Third of seven in a group with NGC 4273 4.3' NE.
Eduard Schönfeld discovered NGC 4268 on 1 Apr 1862 with the 6" Steinheil refractor at Mannheim Observatory while observing the NGC 4273 group. The primary source 1862 "Astronomische Beobachtungen auf der Grossherzoglichen Sternwarte zu Mannheim" is not scanned online. It was independently discovered by d'Arrest at Copenhagen on only 5 days later and included it in his sample of preliminary results published in 1862 AN, 57, 337. It was also listed it as an example of a double nebulae. John Herschel must have missed both 1862 announcements as he didn't include this galaxy in the GC. Dreyer credited Schönfeld, d'Arrest and Engelhardt in the NGC.
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NGC 4269 = UGC 7372 = MCG +01-32-005 = CGCG 042-024 = Holm 365a = WBL 392-012 = PGC 39719
12 19 49.2 +06 00 54; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 137°
24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, small, round,
12" (core) surounded by a much fainter elongated halo 20"x14"
NW-SE. The core has a very high
surface brightness and contains a very bright stellar nucleus. Located 1.6' SE of mag 7.7
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, very small, very small
and bright core, slightly elongated.
Located 1.7' SSE of mag 7.7
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4269 on 4 Mar 1862 with an 11" refractor. His position, measured on 2 nights, is accurate and he measured nearby mag 7.7 HD 107238 at 1.7 sec of time preceding and 85" north. The discovery was listed in his sample preliminary results published in 1862 (AN 57, 337).
d'Arrest missed the companion IC 3155, which was discovered by Auguste Voigt in 1865 with the 31-inch silverized reflector at Marseilles.
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12 19 49.5 +05 27 48; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 110°
24" (4/28/14): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.6', sharply concentrated with a very bright core increasing to a bright stellar nucleus. Eight additional NGC galaxies lie within 10'! NGC 4266 is 3.8' NNW, NGC 4273 7.3' SSE, NGC 4281 is 9' SE.
17.5" (3/28/87): at 220x; fairly bright, elongated
WNW-ESE, bright core, fainter arms, moderately large. Located 5.4' SSE of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4270 = H. II-568 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "Four [NGC 4270, 4273, 4277 and 4281], the time and number is that of the last. They are scattered about." There is nothing near his position (10 min 14 sec following and 34' north of 11 Virginis), but exactly one degree south is NGC 4281, the last of the 4 bright galaxies. According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Eduard Schönfeld resolved the discrepancy and also discovered nearby NGC 4268, which was missed by WH and JH.
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12 19 32.7 +56 44 12; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 55°
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, sharp bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is off the west edge 1.1' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4271 = H. II-804 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "pB, pL, iF." His position matches
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12 19 47.6 +30 20 20; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (4/25/98): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration. A nice wide pair of mag 11 stars (47" separation) lie 5' SSE. Observation in hazy conditions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4272 = H. III-299 = h1182 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and simply noted "eF". John Herschel made the single observation "eF; vS; R; 10"." and measured an accurate position. The UGC declination is 10' too far south.
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NGC 4273 = UGC 7380 = MCG +01-32-008 = CGCG 042-028 = Holm 368a = WBL 397-006 = PGC 39738
12 19 56.0 +05 20 35; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 10°
24" (4/28/14): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1
N-S, 1.6'x0.8', well concentrated, brighter along the major axis (bar?). Among numerous NGC galaxies including
17.5" (3/28/87): at 220x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 4277 2' ESE. Brightest in a group of 7 galaxies with NGC 4281 6' ENE, NGC 4268 3.8' SW and NGC 4270 7.5' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4273 = H. II-569 = h1183 = h1189 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "Four [NGC 4270, 4273, 4277 and 4281], the time and number is that of the last [NGC 4281]. They are scattered about." There is nothing near his position, but exactly one degree south is NGC 4281, the last of the 4 bright galaxies. Because of William's error, when John Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on 27 Dec 1827, he assumed it was a "nova" (h1189). He made another error, though, recording the RA as 40 seconds of time too large. On a later sweep, he found it again and assumed it was a new object (h1183), finally measuring an accurate position. Dreyer combined these identities together in the NGC.
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12 19 50.6 +29 36 51; Com
V = 10.4; Size 6.8'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 102°
17.5" (4/25/98): bright, very large, elongated 5:2
~E-W, ~5'x2' though difficult to trace the full extent as the outer halo fades
into background. Well concentrated
with a bright roundish core ~1' diameter which increases to a very small or
stellar nucleus. NGC 4253 lies 22'
NW, NGC 4245 29' W and
William Herschel discovered NGC 4274 = H. I-75 = h1185 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and simply noted "vB". John Herschel made the single observation "vB; vL; E in parallel (E-W); 2' l, 1.5' br." On 24 Apr 1849, Lord Rosse or his assistant George Stoney suspected a "faint tail following". This probably refers to part of the ring surrounding the core.
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12 19 52.6 +27 37 16; Com
V = 13.1; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.3
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, brighter core, fairly high surface brightness. A mag 13 star lies 1.1' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4275 = H. II-376 = h1184 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pF, S, almost R, bM." John Herschel made two observations and noted on sweep 417, "F; lE; near a * 15m."
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12 20 07.4 +07 41 30; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, fairly small, round, even surface brightness, no noticeable core.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 4276 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory. The discovery date is unknown though it was published in his first table of positions in the Copernicus publication of 1881.
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NGC 4277 = MCG +01-32-009 = CGCG 042-029 = Holm 368f = WBL 397-007 = PGC 39759
12 20 03.7 +05 20 28; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (5/20/20): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~NW-SE, 30"x24", very weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 1' S. Situated among several brighter Virgo cluster members and forms a close pair with NGC 4273 2' W.
SN 2020ftl, a Type Ia supernova in NGC 4277, was discovered on Apr 2nd. It reached nearly 14th magnitude but had faded to only mag 15.5 at the time of this observation. As the SN is located only 6" N of the nucleus, it was tough to pick out, but it was seen consistently as a faint stellar point.
24" (4/28/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, broad concentration. A mag 14-14.5 star lies 1.2' S of center. Forms a close pair with NGC 4273 2' W and nearly at the midpoint of NGC 4281 5' NE and NGC 4268 5' SW.
17.5" (3/28/87): at 220x; faint, small, diffuse. A mag 14 star is 1.2' S of center. Located just 2.1' E of NGC 4273. Second faintest of 7 in the NGC 4273 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4277 = H. II-570 = h1190 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "Four [NGC 4270, 4273, 4277 and 4281], the time and number is that of the last [NGC 4281]. They are scattered about." There is nothing near his position, but exactly one degree south is NGC 4281, the last of these four galaxies. Because of WH's error, John Herschel recorded h1190 (later NGC 4277) as a "nova" on 27 Dec 1827. But his RA was 47 seconds too large! In addition, his descriptions for h1189 and h1190 are reversed. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1893 (published in 1907) with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.
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NGC 4278 = UGC 7386 = MCG +05-29-062 = CGCG 158-077 = Holm 369a = WBL 399-001 = PGC 39764
12 20 06.8 +29 16 50; Com
V = 10.2; Size 4.1'x3.8'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (4/25/98): bright, roundish, fairly large, the outer halo increasing to ~3.5' diameter with averted vision. The halo surrounds a well-defined very prominent core which increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 4283 3.5' NE. Poor transparency.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4278 = H. I-90 = H. II-322 = h1186 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387). His description reads "Three [with NGC 4283 and 4286], all in a row, but of unequal size and brightness. The most following [NGC 4286] vF." He found NGC 4278 again a month later (11 Apr), assumed it was new and recorded H. I-90 as "Two [with NGC 4283], the time is that of the brightest and preceding [NGC 4278], which is cB, pL, nearly R. The other is sf, pB, S, about 6' distance." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.
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12 20 25.0 -11 40 00; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 35°
18" (5/8/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE,
very small brighter core. Brighter
of a close pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4279 = Sw. 3-64, along with NGC
4280 and 4285, on 6 May 1886. His
description reads "eeF; vS; R; 1st of 3." There are only two galaxies near his positions for these
three objects and only his position for NGC 4285 = Sw. 3-66 lands directly on a
galaxy. His first two positions
are both to the south of
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12 20 31 -11 39 06; Vir
18" (5/8/04): this number may apply to a trio of mag 15 stars situated between NGC 4279 and NGC 4285. The two brighter stars were noted, although I was not looking for the fainter third star. This identification is uncertain and listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4280 = Sw. 3-65, along with NGC 4279 and 4285, on 6 May 1886. There are only two galaxies here and either NGC 4279 or 4280 is nonexistent or refers to a faint star(s). Assuming NGC 4279 = PGC 39812 , then Swift's offsert to NGC 4280 falls close to a 45" string of 3 mag 14.5/15.5/16.5 stars. His description "eeeF; vS; R; 2nd of 3" is not helpful in pinning down the identification. So, this number is lost or might apply to one of more of these stars.
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NGC 4281 = UGC 7389 = MCG +01-32-012 = CGCG 042-034 = Holm 368b = WBL 397-008 = PGC 39801
12 20 21.5 +05 23 11; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 3.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 88°
24" (4/28/14): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.8'x0.9', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to quasi-stellar nucleus. NGC 4268, 4273 and 4277 in a 10' string to the SW and NGC 4270 and 4266 lie to the NW.
17.5" (3/28/87): at 220x; fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated 2:1 E-W. This galaxy is the last of 7 in a 15' circle and the brightest in the group along with NGC 4273 6.9' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4281 = H. II-571 = H. II-573 = h1187 = h1194 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "Four [NGC 4270, 4273, 4277 and 4281], the time and number is that of the last [NGC 4281]. They are scattered about." There is nothing near his position, but exactly one degree south is NGC 4281, the last of these four galaxies. He swept the field again 6 days later and measured an accurate position for NGC 4281, and simply noted (for II-573) "a nebula, but cloudy."
John Herschel recorded the nebula as a "nova" on 27 Dec 1827 with the description "vB; E; bM; 60"." His RA was 47 sec too large (same error he made with NGC 4277 and 4273), so he didn't realize the equivalence with II-573. On a later sweep he observed H. II-573 again, measured an accurate position and reported "vB, vL, R, pgbM, 3', 3 more seen." So, errors were made by both WH and JH, though Dreyer sorted things out pretty well in his 1912 publication of WH's catalogues.
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NGC 4282 = MCG +01-32-013 = CGCG 042-035 = WBL 397-009 = PGC 39809
12 20 24.3 +05 34 22; Vir
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 100°
24" (4/28/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
~2:1 ~E-W, 0.7'x0.3', gradually increases to a slightly brighter core, brighter
along the major axis. On a line
between NGC 4270 11' SW and
17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 1.8' S of center. Located in the large NGC 4261 group with NGC 4287 6' NE and NGC 4270 10' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4282 = m 237, along with NGC
4249, 4252, 4266 and 4287 on 26 May 1864.
His position is 2' north of
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NGC 4283 = UGC 7390 = MCG +05-29-063 = CGCG 158-080 = Holm 369b = WBL 399-002 = PGC 39800
12 20 20.8 +29 18 39; Com
V = 12.1; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (4/25/98): moderately bright, round, 1' diameter. Fairly well concentrated with a small, bright core and stellar nucleus. Second of three in trio with brighter NGC 4278 3.5' SW and NGC 4286 5' NE. Poor transparency due to smoke.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4283 = H. II-377 = H. II-323 = h1188 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387). His description reads "Three [with NGC 4278 and 4286], all in a row, but of unequal size and brightness. The most following [NGC 4286] vF." He found NGC 4283 again a month later (11 Apr), assumed it was new and recorded II-377 as "Two [with NGC 4283], the time is that of the brightest and preceding [NGC 4278], which is cB, pL, nearly R. The other [NGC 4283] is sf [error: should read nf], pB, S, about 6' distance." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.
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12 20 12.6 +58 05 34; UMa
V = 13.5; Size 2.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 102°
17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, bright core, elongated
NW-SE. Forms a right angle with
two mag 13 stars 1.3' S and 1.1' E of center. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4284 = H. III-798 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "cF, lE, iF. The preceding of two [with II-805 = NGC 4290]. His re-reduced position is 2' northwest
of
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NGC 4285 = MCG -02-32-004 = PGC 39842
12 20 39.8 -11 38 31; Vir
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 50°
18" (5/8/04): very faint, small, elongated ~3:2 SW-NE, 35"x20", weak concentration. Forms a pair with slightly brighter NGC 4279 4' SW. Between the galaxies are a couple of faint stars (possibly NGC 4280).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4285 = Sw. 3-66, along with NGC 4279 and 4280, on 6 May 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; R; 3rd of 3." There are only two galaxies here, but his position clearly establishes NGC 4285 = MCG -02-32-004 = PGC 39842. See NGC 4280.
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NGC 4286 = UGC 7398 = MCG +05-29-065 = CGCG 158-083 = IC 3181 = WBL 399-003 = PGC 39846
12 20 42.1 +29 20 45; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 150°
17.5" (4/25/98): very faint, very low surface brightness. No details visible but appears as an elongated haze ~N-S, located just north of a mag 15.5 star. On a line with NGC 4283 5' SW and NGC 4278 8.5' SW. Transparency poor.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4286 = H. III-300 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387). His description reads, "Three [with NGC 4283 and 4286], all in a row, but of unequal size and brightness. The most following [NGC 4286] vF.
On 24 Apr 1849, Lord Rosse or observing assistant George Johnstone Stoney, noted "a third nebula about 8.5' nf [NGC 4278]." Assuming it was new, John Herschel (who missed this galaxy) assigned it GC 2863, although Dreyer realized the equivalence with NGC 4286 and combined the two GC designations in the NGC. Henrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position.
Max Wolf found this galaxy again on a Heidelberg plate on 23
Mar 1903 and reported it in his list IV-28 (later
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NGC 4287 = MCG +01-32-014 = CGCG 042-037 = PGC 39860
12 20 48.5 +05 38 23; Vir
V = 14.5; Size 1.1'x0.2'; PA = 75°
24" (4/28/14): faint to fairly faint, fairly small,
edge-on 4:1 or 5:1 WSW-ENE, 35"x8", fairly low even surface
brightness. A mag 14.3 star is
attached on the northwest side and detracts from viewing. NGC 4282 lies 7' SW and
17.5" (3/24/90): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, low surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star on the west edge slightly hampers the view. NGC 4282 lies 6' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4287 = m 238, along with NGC
4249, 4252, 4266 and 4282 on 26 May 1864.
His position is 1' south of
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12 20 38.1 +46 17 31; CVn
V = 12.9; Size 2.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 130°
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, moderately large, oval
NNW-SSE, gradually brighter halo.
Located almost at the midpoint of a mag 13 star 3.3' NNW and a mag 13.5
star 3.7' SSE of center. Forms a
pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4288 = H. III-726 = h1191 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and noted "eF, pS." John Herschel made 3 observations and reported on sweep 138 "pF; R; vgbM; 60"."
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12 21 02.3 +03 43 20; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 3.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 1°
18" (5/8/04): very faint, thin edge-on 5:1 N-S,
1.0'x0.2', very weak concentration.
This delicate sliver required some care in first acquiring. A mag 8.4 star (
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4289 = T. 1-42 in 1877. His position and description (BD
+4°2606 follows by 12 sec of time) matches
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NGC 4290 = UGC 7402 = MCG +10-18-029 = CGCG 293-012 = Holm 373a = PGC 39859
12 20 47.5 +58 05 33; UMa
V = 11.8; Size 2.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 90°
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 4284 4.6' W. A wide double star = M40 lies 15' E. Located 15' N of 70 Ursa Majoris (V = 5.6).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4290 = H. II-805 = h1193 on
17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "pB, pL, mbM. The following of two [with H. III-798 =
NGC 4284]." His offset from
NGC 4284 is an exact match with
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12 20 17.7 +75 22 15; Dra
V = 11.5; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 110°
13.1" (2/23/85): fairly bright, small, round, small
bright nucleus, possible stellar nucleus at 312x. A mag 14 star is at the west edge 25" from the
center. Form a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4291 = H. I-275 = h1192, along with NGC 4319, on 10 Dec 1797 (sweep 1066) and noted "cB, S, R." John Herschel made four observations and logged on sweep 349 "pF; R; gbM; 20"; followed and almost surrounded by 3 stars 10m, one of which is double; has also a vS * sp dist 30"."
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12 21 16.4 +04 35 44; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 7°
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, bright core,
slightly elongated halo. Located
1.3' SSE of a mag 10 star. Forms a
close pair with
13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, brighter core. A mag 9 star is 1' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4292 = h1196 on 7 Apr 1828 and logged "F; S; near a bright star; precedes M61 about half a field." A few nights later he logged "F; R; vglbM; has a star 70° np; 1' dist. Taken for H. I-139, but this nebula does not exist, or is identical with M61." The latter is the case.
On 1 Mar 1851, Bindon Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) recorded "bM and has a vF companion". While compiling the 1880 publication, Dreyer added the note "2' north by diagram." At this offset from NGC 4292 is NGC 4292A = PGC 213977, another pre-NGC discovery which should have recieved a NGC designation.
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12 21 13.0 +18 23 00; Com
V = 10.4; Size 5.6'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 72°
17.5" (5/23/98): fairly bright, large, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, ~4.5'x1.5'. The core is more oval, ~1.2' diameter. The galaxy has an irregular surface brightness and there appears to be a dark band following the core. A mag 13.5 star is just off the following end 2.7' from center and a trio of mag 12-13 stars are off the NE end as well as another mag 13 star 2' N of center. Located 36' N of 11 Comae Berenices (V = 4.7).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4293 = H. V-5 = h1195 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded "L, E, r, 6 or 7' in length." John Herschel made two observations and logged (sweep 61) "F; vL; E; bM; 5' l, 1.5' br." Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant on 10 Apr 1852, noted a "faint knot at end of the preceding branch."
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12 21 17.8 +11 30 37; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 3.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.7', fairly weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is at the north end
1.1' from center. Forms a pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4294 = H. II-61 = h1197 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174). He described both as "Two [with NGC 4299] considerable, E, F nebula; their situation is in the same parallel; and they are near fixed pB stars." His RA was about a minute too large but the description fits. John Herschel's description on sweep 242 is interesting: "F; vmE; like a double neb composed of 2 R nebulae."
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12 21 09.8 +28 09 54; Com
V = 13.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'
18" (6/23/09): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 30"x25", increases gradually to a very small brighter core. Blazar W Com is 6' NE.
17.5" (4/25/98): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration. A mag 13 star lies 3.3' NNE. Poor transparency due to smoke.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4295 on 6 Apr 1864 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position is just off the east side of
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12 21 28.4 +06 39 12; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 15°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, very small, bright core,
very faint elongated halo N-S mostly visible to the south of the core. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4296 = H. III-92, along with
NGC 4297, on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded both as "vF, vS; and one
still smaller and fainter suspected just by." His single offset is just 5 sec of RA following
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NGC 4297 = MCG +01-32-018 = CGCG 042-041 NED1 = PGC 39940
12 21 27.4 +06 40 16; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.2'; Surf Br = 11.5; PA = 171°
17.5" (3/24/90): extremely faint and small, round, required averted. Located 1.1' N of NGC 4296.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4297 = H. III-93, along with
NGC 4296, on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded both as "vF, vS; and one
still smaller and fainter suspected just by." His single offset is just 5 sec of RA following UGC 7409
(taken as III-92 = NGC 4296) with fainter
But III-93 was not seen by Heinrich d'Arrest or Guillaume Bigourdan and Frost missed it on a Harvard plate, so he classified it as nonexistent (Annals of Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No. 1). The CGCG has a single entry and calls this a double system.
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12 21 32.8 +14 36 24; Com
V = 11.3; Size 3.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 140°
48" (4/7/13): very bright, large, oval 2:1 NW-SE,
2.5'x1.5'. Contains a very bright
core, which increases to a small bright nucleus. The core is offset a bit to the NW side. The halo extends further to the
southeast side and a weakly defined spiral arm is evident in the outer halo on
the west side, extending to the southeast end. A mag 13.5 star is at the east side, 0.8' from the
core. Forms a striking pair with
17.5" (5/23/87): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated NW-SE, broadly brighter center. A mag 13 star is at the east end 0.8' from center. Forms a close pair with edge-on NGC 4302 2' E.
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly faint, slightly elongated NW-SE. A mag 13 star is at the east end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4298 = H. II-111 = h1198, along with NGC 4302, on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Two resolvable nebula. The first [NGC 4298] R. The second [NGC 4302] E. About 2' from each other. John Herschel noted "F; L; E; vgbM; a star follows; the p of 2."
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NGC 4299 = UGC 7414 = MCG +02-32-010 = CGCG 070-025 = Holm 376b = PGC 39968
12 21 40.8 +11 30 03; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 26°
17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, moderately large, overall fairly diffuse with a broad concentration, slightly elongated. A group of mag 12-13 stars is SE. Forms a pair with NGC 4294 5.6' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4299 = H. II-62 = h1200 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and recorded "Two [with NGC 4294] considerable, E, F nebula; their situation is in the same parallel; and they are near fixed pB stars." John Herschel made 3 observations and measured an accurate position.
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12 21 41.5 +05 23 05; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 42°
24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.4', fairly well concentrated with a bright, elongated core. At the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 9.2 stars 8.4' NNE and 9.2' NW.
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, elongated SW-NE, weak concentration. Located 20' E of NGC 4281 and 11' WNW of 17 Virginis (∑1636 = 6.6/9.4 at 21").
William Herschel discovered NGC 4300 = H. II-572 = h1201 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and only noted "a nebula, [position] very badly taken." Despite WH's comment just previously in the sweep that "a slop occasioned by the same blundering person", his position is just off the southwest end of the galaxy.
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12 22 27.2 +04 33 58; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, fairly even surface brightness. Located 10' NE of M61. NGC 4292 lies 11' NW.
13.1" (2/23/85): faint, fairly small, diffuse, roundish.
13.1" (5/26/84): very faint, small, diffuse, slightly elongated, no concentration.
Here are my notes on
George Johnstone Stoney or his brother Bindon Blood Stoney
(Lord Rosse's assistants), discovered NGC 4301 on 21 Apr 1851. While observing the field of M61 he
noted, "Another neb 10' nf."
This could be interpreted as 10' NE of M61 or 10' NE of NGC 4292, but
Heinrich d'Arrest and Herman Schultz were unable to find NGC 4301 at the GC position. Because of this, Dreyer assumed Stoney's object was 10' northeast of NGC 4292 (the other object grouped together) and modified the position of NGC 4301 in the NGC. As a result, UGC 7411 (located 12' NNE of NGC 4292) assumed to be new when it was found on plates taken by Keeler with the Crossley reflector in 1898-1900 and catalogued in the 1908 list of new nebulae (Publ Lick Obs, Vol VIII). UGC 7411 was misidentified as NGC 4301 in the MCG, PGC, RC3, NGC 2000.0 and RNGC. UGC identified UGC 7439 as NGC 4301. Malcolm Thomson investigated the identifications (WSQJ 10/92) and Harold Corwin has a very thorough analysis in his NGC/IC notes.
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NGC 4302 = UGC 7418 = MCG +03-32-009 = CGCG 099-027 = Holm 377b = PGC 39974
12 21 42.3 +14 35 59; Com
V = 11.6; Size 5.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 178°
48" (4/7/13): at 610x; beautiful, thin edge-on stretches at least 8:1 N-S, ~5.0'x0.5'. Contains a brighter, elongated, mottled core. A very thin dust lane extends along the major axis! The core is slightly brighter on the east side of the dust lane. The northern tip extends beyond a mag 14.2 star off the northwest end. A mag 14.3 star is just west of the southern tip. Forms a superb pair with NGC 4298 just 2' W.
17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, large edge-on 7:1 N-S, 4.5'x0.6', low surface brightness, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is off the north edge 2.0' from center. Forms a close pair with NGC 4298 2.4' W.
13.1" (3/24/84): faint edge-on streak N-S close following NGC 4298.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4302 = H. II-112 = h1199, along with NGC 4298, on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Two resolvable nebula. The first [NGC 4298] R. The second [NGC 4302] E. About 2' from each other." On 26 Apr 1832, John Herschel noted "L; vmE nearly in the meridian [N-S]; the f of 2."
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12 21 54.9 +04 28 25; Vir
V = 9.7; Size 6.5'x5.8'; Surf Br = 13.4
48" (4/5/13) and 5/1/19) at 375x and 488x, the visible structure was similar to photographic detail! A bright bar extends north-south and is sharply concentrated with a very small, round, intense nucleus. A bright arm is attached right at the north side of the bar and sweeps counterclockwise 180° to the south end, along the east side. A brighter region was visible in the arm east of the nucleus, which include HII regions NGC 4303:[HK83] #35/39/41/45/49, from the Hodge-Kennicutt "Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies". At this location, the arm has a sharp turn [63°] and angles towards the SW. The arm dims rapidly on the south end, but I was able to follow it much further SW in the outer halo, where it passes just north of a mag 14.0 star [2.4' SW of center].
The western arm is attached at the southern end of the bar and sweeps north on the west side. A bright, elongated patch is on the southern end of this arm, which includes [HK83] #155, ~45" SSW of the nucleus. The arm extends inside a mag 14 star in the west side of the halo [1.2' WSW of center] and then sharply dims but extends towards #242, a nearly detached faint knot 1.2' WNW of center.
A partial outer arm, not attached to the core, was easily visible on the north side, angling southwest to northeast. At the NE end of this short bright arm is the HII knot [HK83] #91, a very bright, 15" knot, 1.2' NNE of center. The arm dims suddenly on the northeast end but a diffuse extension continues to wrap counterclockwise to the southeast at the edge of the eastern halo.
24" (5/20/20 and 5/24/20): viewed SN 2020jfo (Type II), discovered on May 6th 1.1' W and 0.5' N of the center of the galaxy. This is the 8th SN discovered in M61 since 1926, the most of any Messier. It appeared very close in brightness to a mag 14.2 star that is 1.2' W of center and collinear with another mag 14 star 2.4' SW of center.
M61 appeared strongly concentrated with a bright elongated core or bar oriented N-S that increased to an intense, very small nucleus. Three arms were easily visible. A short but well defined arm angled SW-NE on the north side (outside the eastern arm). It ended at a relatively bright HII knot [HK83] #91, which was well defined and noticed immediately. The eastern arm, which emerged from the north side of the bar, was very well defined and extended east of the core, then headed south and angled towards the southwest. The western arm began on the south or southeast side of the bar and rotated counterclockwise towards to the west and bent in the northwest direction. It passed inside a 14th mag star [1.1' W of center]. A subtle brightening or knot, [HK83] #155, was seen along this arm 40" S of center (collinear with the northern knot and the center).
18" (5/12/07): spiral structure was easily visible. One arm is attached at the north end and sweeps towards the northeast and then hooks to the south along the east side. A bright knot ([HK83] #91) is within the arm at the northeast end. A second broader arm is attached at the south end and sweeps towards the southwest and then hooks towards the north on the west side. The central region contains a bright, stellar nucleus.
13.1" (5/27/84): very bright, large, bright stellar nucleus. Two spiral arms were faintly visible; one arm is attached south of the nucleus and winds towards the west and then north. A slightly brighter arm is attached north of the nucleus and winds along the east side towards the south. In the field with NGC 4292 11' NW and NGC 4301 10' NE.
11x80mm (5/27/84): easy in finder.
Italian astronomer Barnaba Oriani discovered M61 = NGC 4303 = H. I-139 = h1202 on 5 May 1779 with a 3.6-inch refractor at the Brera Observatory in Milano. He discovered it while following the Comet of 1779 and described it as "Very pale and looking exactly like the comet." Messier independently found M61 the same night, though initially mistook it for the comet, finally recognizing it as a nebula on 11 May. William Herschel found M61 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553), assumed it was new, and catalogued it as I-139 with the summary description (2 observations) "eB; vBN; r, 6 or 7' dia." John Herschel observed in on 3 consecutive sweeps in 1828, describing it on 10 April as "very faintly bicentral. The two nuclei 90" distance in position angle 45 to 50° north-following." This comment was the source of the GC and NGC description "bi-nuclear" and the second nucleus is very likely the bright knot on the northern spiral arm.
Bindon Blood Stoney and/or his brother George Johnstone discovered spiral structure on 1 Mar 1851 and noted "spiral, 2 knots, centre bright. There is another neb. 10' nf." A sketch made of M61 on 14 Apr 1852 was included in the 1861 publication, though misidentified as h1196 [NGC 4292]. The two knots clearly included in the sketch are [HK83] #91 and [HK83] #155, mentioned in my 24-inch observation. The neb 10' nf probably refers to NGC 4301 = NGC 4303A = UGC 7439. See that number.
Host of 8 supernovae since 1926 (six of these since 1961), making M61 the current record holder among Messier galaxies. The first (SN 1926A) was found by Max Wolf and Karl Reinmuth at the Heidelberg Observatory.
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12 22 12.7 -33 29 04; Hya
V = 11.6; Size 2.6'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.5
18" (5/28/06): very faint, fairly large, round, 2' diameter, broad weak concentration. Appears as a diffuse glow of low surface brightness though seems mottled or one or more very faint stars is superimposed. Located 6.9' NW of mag 8.2 SAO 203407.
On the DSS, this galaxy is a face-on barred spiral similar to NGC 1300. A bright HII region lies on the south side and this probably contributed to the appearance of "mottled" or having a superimposed "star".
John Herschel discovered NGC 4304 = h3387 on 28 Apr 1834 and logged "vF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 90"; r."
NGC 4304 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as a "looks lie a ring nebula." A photograph taken with the 30-inch reflector at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt between 1912-14 revealed a "S-Shaped spiral".
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NGC 4305 = UGC 7432 = MCG +02-32-013 = CGCG 070-031 = Holm 381a = PGC 40030
12 22 03.6 +12 44 27; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 32°
24" (5/29/14): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 5:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.6'. Contains a brighter, elongated core. Brighter of a pair with NGC 4306 2.8' N.
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, diffuse arms, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 4306 2.8' N. NGC 4267 lies 33' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4305 = h1203 on 2 May 1829 and simply noted "vF; R." His position is just 45" south of center, though he missed nearby NGC 4306.
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NGC 4306 = UGC 7433 = MCG +02-32-014 = CGCG 070-032 = Holm 381b = PGC 40032
12 22 04.1 +12 47 15; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x1.3'; PA = 140°
24" (5/29/14): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 40"x32", weak concentration. Fainter of a pair with NGC 4305 2.8' S.
17.5" (4/25/87): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, diffuse, no concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 4305 2.8' S.
George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 4306 on 13 Apr 1849, while viewing the central region of the Virgo cluster. He labeled the galaxy Beta on the diagram and recorded "Alpha [NGC 4305] and Beta [NGC 4306] nearly in merdian [N-S], both F, Alpha the larger." Henrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 4306 on 16 Apr 1865 and measured an accurate position. d'Arrest is credited with the discovery in the NGC as no positions or offsets were later determined.
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12 22 05.6 +09 02 38; Vir
V = 12.0; Size 3.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 24°
17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, large, edge-on
SSW-NNE, broad moderate concentration.
Forms a pair with
Christian Peters discovered NGC 4307 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory. He noted "pL, not vF" and his position was 2.5' too far south. Wilhelm Tempel found NGC 4307 on 17 Mar 1882 and mentioined it in the narrative part of his 7th discovery paper.
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12 21 56.8 +30 04 27; Com
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (4/25/98): faint, small, round, 30"
diameter, very weak concentration.
Located 13' NW of
Truman Safford discovered NGC 4308 = Sf. 107 = T. 5-16 on 11 Jun 1868 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. The discovery was not published until 1887, too late to be credited in the NGC. Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered the galaxy on 17 Feb 1882, recorded it as new in his 5th discovery paper. Tempel was credited with the discovery in the main NGC listing.
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12 22 12.4 +07 08 39; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 85°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, elongated E-W, diffuse,
gradually increases to a small bright core. A mag 13 star is 2.9' E. Located 20' W of the
Auguste Voigt discovered NGC 4309 on 27 Apr 1865. His unpublished logbook position is 4' to the SSW and he logged it (#39 in a list 102 objects observed) as a "Nova?" Due to his uncertainty, NGC 4309 wasn't included in his final list of 10 "Novae". None of his Voigt's discoveries at the Marseilles Observatory were published at the time. Christian Peters rediscovered NGC 4309 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory in New York and measured an accurate position. The discovery was not published in his two lists in Copernicus 1881 and 1882, so it must have been communicated directly to Dreyer.
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12 22 26.3 +29 12 31; Com
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 165°
17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', weak concentration. A wide pair of mag 12 stars [1.3' separation] lies 4' S. The nearer star has a mag 14 companion at 24".
17.5" (4/25/98): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.7', broad concentration. The trio of NGC 4278, NGC 4283 and NGC 4286 lies ~30' NW. Observation affected by hazy skies.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4310 = H. II-378 = h1205 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "F, cL, lE." There is only a single galaxy here, although on sweep 68, John Herschel called it "vB. The np of 2 [with h1206 = NGC 4611]."
Heinrich d'Arrest made 3 accurate measurements of the
positions, with a 4th exactly 1.0 min of time too large. Dreyer assumed it was new and
catalogued it as
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12 22 26 +29 12 24; Com
= Not found, Corwin.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4311 = h1206 on 19 Apr 1827 and recorded "F; the sf of two [with NGC 4310]." There is only a single galaxy here, so it is not clear what Herschel was referring to. Curiously, his position is a very close match with NGC 4310. Harold Corwin was unsuccessful in searching for other pairs that JH might have misidentified. UGC, RNGC and MCG label the single galaxy as NGC 4310 = NGC 4311.
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12 22 31.4 +15 32 16; Com
V = 11.7; Size 4.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170°
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright and large, very
elongated N-S, 2.5'x0.6', brighter the along major axis. A pair of mag 12.5/13 stars at 21"
separation lies 2.5' ESE. Located
18' SSW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 4312 = H. II-628 = h1209 on
14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and logged "pB, cL, E." Caroline's reduced position is 6 sec of
RA east of
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12 22 38.6 +11 48 04; Vir
V = 11.6; Size 4.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 143°
24" (5/29/14): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, 2.1'x0.6', bright, elongated core increases to a faint stellar nucleus, mottled surface. The northwest extension seems slightly brighter and longer and in addition is slightly tilted with respect to the major axis of the core.
17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated NW-SE, very small bright core. Located 22' NE of the NGC 4294/NGC 4299 pair in the same low power field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4313 = H. II-63 = h1207 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "E, resembling the former two [NGC 4294 and 4299]. His position on this sweep is 1.0 tmin too large. A similar error was made on several nebulae discovered on that night including NGCs 3810, 4067, 4294, 4313, 4352, 4371, and 4429. John Herschel made two observations, recording on 11 Apr 1823 (only his 3rd registered sweep), "eF; E 45° np, resolved in middle." His position is accurate.
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NGC 4314 = UGC 7443 = MCG +05-29-075 = CGCG 158-093 = PGC 40097
12 22 32.0 +29 53 44; Com
V = 10.6; Size 4.2'x3.7'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (4/25/98): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated ~3:1 NNW-SSE, ~3'x1' [prominent central bar]. The halo fades at the tips and rises fairly abruptly to an oval core. A mag 13 star is at the northwest tip and a mag 14/15 star is embedded on the southeast side. The observation was hampered by poor transparency and the faint outer halo of this barred spiral was not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4314 = H. I-76 = h1204 = Sf.
20 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "cB, L, E." His position matches
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12 22 39.5 +09 17 10; Vir
= *, Corwin. "Not found", Carlson.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4315, along with NGC 4316, on 17 Mar 1882. He mentioned a fainter nebula to the south 1.5' and 2 sec of RA west. There is nothing at this offset, except a mag 15 star which is 2.8' south and 3 sec of RA west or perhaps a mag 14 star 1.6' south and 2.5 sec of RA east. Tempel apparently confused one of these stars as being nebulous.
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NGC 4316 = UGC 7447 = MCG +02-32-017 = CGCG 070-035 = PGC 40119
12 22 42.3 +09 19 56; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 2.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 113°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration. A double star is off the WNW end with components 13.2/13.5 at 19". NGC 4307 is 21' SW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 4316 = St. 13-68 = T. 5-17 on 5 Apr 1878. His notebook position was less than less than 2' S of center. His published position (list 13, #68) was reduced on 1 Apr 1884 and mentions the galaxy is elongated WNW-ESE.
Wilhelm Tempel rediscovered NGC 4316, along with NGC 4315,
on 17 Mar 1882. He reported it in
his 5th discovery list and noted the 20" pair of stars off the northwest
end so the identification with
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12 22 36 +31 02; Com
= Not found, Corwin. = *, Reinmuth and Carlson.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4317 = H. II-324 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and logged "F, S." There is nothing at his position and Corwin was not able to find a likely candidate.
Karl Renimuth identifies NGC 4317 with a mag 13.7 star and this is repeated by Dorothy Carlson. But Corwin feels II-324 probably does not refer to a star as the description would more likely be vS or eS. So, he calls it "lost".
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12 22 43.3 +08 11 54; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 65°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, bright core.
Located 4.4' S of mag 8.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 4318 = h1208 on 18 Jan 1828 and
noted "eF; a star 8m 5' dist, on meridian to north." His position is within 30" of the
center of
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NGC 4319 = NGC 4345 = UGC 7429 = MCG +03-09-025 = CGCG 352-029 = LGG 284-005 = PGC 39981
12 21 43.9 +75 19 20; Dra
V = 11.9; Size 3.0'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 160°
13.1" (2/23/85): fairly faint, small, bright core, stellar nucleus. The quasar Markarian 205 (controversial quasar with an apparent discordant redshift) appears as a faint mag 14.5 stellar object 0.7' south of center. Forms a pair with NGC 4291 6' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4319 = H. I-276 = h1210, along with NGC 4291, on 10 Dec 1797 (sweep 1066) and recorded "cB, cL, mbM, iF." John Herschel made three observations and recorded (sweep 413) "pB; pL; bM. Follows [NGC 4291]."
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12 22 57.8 +10 32 55; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 170°
17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, very small, round, bright
core. Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4320 on 15 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on 4 nights, matches
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12 22 55.0 +15 49 21; Com
V = 9.3; Size 7.4'x6.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 30°
82" (5/4/19, McDonald Observatory): at 400x; this superb spiral nearly filled the 10' eyepiece field and displayed two main high contrast, very thin and beautiful spiral arms. They wrapped towards the center, which was sharply concentrated with an extremely bright nucleus.
48" (4/18/15): stunning view of this gorgeous spiral at 375x and 488x. M100 was sharply concentrated with an intensely bright circular nucleus. Two prominent, high contrast arms (fairly narrow) each rotated ~270° and could be clearly traced to within 1' of the center. The south and north outer tips of the arms are between 5.5'-6' apart with the overall size ~6'x5'.
One arm begins off the WNW side of the core with a bright mottled section angling nearly north-south for ~25". This section contains multiple HII sites NGC 4321:[HK83]220/223/229/230 from Hodge and Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies". The arm curls clockwise around the south side. A small (~8" dia.) HII knot (#160/171/172) is within this arm, 1.0' S of center. Just to the east [1.5' SE of center] is a brighter, mottled section that contains a close pair [18" separation] of compact HII knots (#110 and #69/87). The surface brightness of the arm abruptly drops as it shoots due north on the east side of the halo for ~3'. The arm dims further as it curves west on the northeast side of the outer halo and ends just southeast of mag 15 star situated 2.9' NNW of center.
The second arm begins ~1' SE of center as a thicker, much brighter region. The Hodge-Kennicutt Atlas catalogues numerous HII designations in this region, but none stood out individually. The arm sharply narrows and rotates clockwise around the north side of the core towards the west. It passes just south of two mag 15.5 stars, where there is a slightly brighter mottled section containing HII regions #252/253. The arm dims significantly as it heads south on the west side of the halo. Finally, it weakens further and spreads out at the end on the southwest side of the galaxy [2.6' from center].
18" (5/15/10): very bright, large, ~4.0-4.5' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright round core. Spiral structure was evident at 220x with a spiral arm attached on the southwest side of the core region. This arm sweeps east on the south side, heading in the direction of a mag 14 star just off the southeast end of the galaxy, but bending north. On the north side off of the core, a portion of the inner spiral arm is visible oriented E-W and extending to the northwest of the core region.
17.5" (5/23/87): bright, very large, almost round,
well-defined bright core surrounded by a large, fainter halo. Two faint galaxies
Pierre Méchain discovered M100 = NGC 4321 = h1211, along
with M98 and M99, on 15 Mar 1781 and Messier verified it a month later. William Herschel described "a vL
nebula of about 10' in diameter, with a small bright cluster of supposed stars in
the middle. It is followed at the
distance of 6 or 8' by another distinct F, S, R, r nebula [
Lord Rosse discovered spiral structure in M100 on 9 Mar 1850 (or earlier) and included M100 in his list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in the 1850 PT paper. William Lassell published two sketches of M100 using his 48-inch on Malta on 24 and 26 Apr 1862. The second one is an excellent rendering of the spiral arms, which both wrap about 1 1/2 revolutions around the core. Dreyer's comment "(L): 2-branched spiral", is based on this sketch.
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12 22 42.0 +15 54 13; Com
24" (5/22/17): this number *possibly* applies to a 13th
magnitude star 5.7' NW of the center of M100 and 4.8' due west of NGC 4323
(
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4322, along with NGC 4323 and
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NGC 4323 = MCG +03-32-016 = CGCG 099-031 = Holm 387f = WBL 401-002 = PGC 40171
12 23 01.6 +15 54 20; Com
V = 14.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'
24" (5/22/17): at 375x; very faint, fairly small, roundish, ~0.4' diameter, very low surface brightness with no structure. Could often hold with averted but required concentration to pick up. Located 5.3' NNE of the center of M100. A mag 13 star is 4.8' due W. This galaxy was marginal in Carter Scholz's 16", which makes me question if Wilhelm Tempel would have picked it up in an 11" refractor.
18" (5/15/10): this faint galaxy is located just 5.2' NNE of the center of the face-on spiral M100. At 220x it appeared very faint, fairly small, ~0.5'x0.4' (difficult to determine the orientation), very low surface brightness with no central brightening. This galaxy is the fainter of two companions of M100 with NGC 4328 6' E of center.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4323, along with NGC 4322 and NGC 4327, in 1882, during an observation of M100. He mentions "on my drawing are three other very faint nebula in the vicinity, two north and close to M100 and the third south of [NGC 4328]." But there is only a single galaxy north of M100, namely CGCG 099-031 = PGC 40171. RNGC and MCG label this galaxy as NGC 4322 = NGC 4333 but Harold Corwin argues that NGC 4322 is probably a star 4.8' west of the galaxy, which implies only NGC 4323 should be used for the galaxy (placing the numbers in order of RA). See Corwin's identification notes.
In 1908 this galaxy was reported as a new "nebula" based on photographs taken by Keeler and Perrine in 1898-1900 and catalogued (#423) in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.
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12 23 06.2 +05 15 01; Vir
V = 11.6; Size 2.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 53°
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, small bright core, elongated WSW-ENE, fainter extensions. Located 9' ESE of double star 17 Virginis (∑1636 = 6.6/9.4 at 21").
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4324 on 4 Mar 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured on 4 nights) is accurate. Eduard Schönfeld independently found the galaxy less than a month later on 1 Apr 1862 with a 6-inch refractor at the Mannheim Observatory.
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NGC 4325 = NGC 4368? = MCG +02-32-019 = CGCG 070-037 = PGC 40183
12 23 06.6 +10 37 16; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 5°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, small, irregularly round, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 4320 4.9' SSW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4325 on 15 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He made 4 observations and noted the mag 14.5 star (he called it mag 16) that follows by 7.6 seconds of time.
WH's III-38 = NGC 4368 is probably another observation, though this identification is somewhat uncertain as his position is 1.5 minutes of RA further east. See that number.
******************************
12 23 11.6 +06 04 19; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 145°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 4:3, 0.6'x0.45', small bright core. Bracketed by a mag 10.5 star 3' N and a mag 11.5 star 2'
S. Located 5.8' W of
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core. First of three and forms a right angle with NGC 4333 3.3' SE and NGC 4339 5.7' E. A mag 11 star is 3.0' N. Located within the NGC 4339 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4326 = H. II-141 = h1213 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Three [with NGC 4333 and 4339], the last [NGC 4339] is the largest." John Herschel logged "vF; S; R; bM; 10"; the first of 3 in a triangle." and measured an accurate position.
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12 23 07.5 +15 44 11; Com
= not found, Gottlieb and Carlson. =*, Corwin.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4327, along with NGC 4322 and 4323, in 1882, during an observation of M100. In the notes section of paper V (AN 2439) Tempel commented, "There are three other, very subtle nebulae in the vicinity [of M100], two to the north, near to M100, and the third to the south of NGC 2894." There is no nebula to the south of NGC 2894 (and only one to the north of M100) and it was not found visually or photographically by Bigourdan, Frost, Carlson and the RNGC. Corwin suggests a star that might have been picked up by Tempel, but the magnitude (roughly 16.5) seems too faint, so I've classified it as "not found".
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NGC 4328 = MCG +03-32-019 = CGCG 099-034 = Holm 387d = WBL 401-003 = PGC 40209
12 23 20.0 +15 49 13; Com
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 90°
18" (5/15/10): faint, fairly small, very diffuse with just a weak concentration, ~0.8' diameter, no distinct core or zones. Located just 6' due east of the center of M100 and the brighter of two companions in the field with NGC 4323.
18" (4/5/03): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6', very low surface brightness (although catalogued surface brightness is 13.1), very weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star lies 1.4' NE. Located 6.0' E of M100.
17.5" (5/23/87): extremely faint, small, round. A mag 14.5 star is 1.4' NE of center. Located 6' due east of M100!
William Herschel discovered NGC 4328 = H. II-84 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "It [M100] is followed at the distance of 6 or 8' by another distinct F, S, R, r nebula which is nearly in the same parallel with the great one." The NGC RA is 9 seconds too small, but the identification is certain. Nevertheless, it was found again on plates taken with the Crossley reflector in 1898-1900, and catalogued as a new nebula (#465 of 744) in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.
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12 23 20.7 -12 33 31; Crv
V = 11.5; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 11.5; PA = 45°
17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, moderate surface brightness, 25" diameter. Seems fainter than listed blue
magnitude of 12.5.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4329 = h1214 on 9 Mar 1828 and
recorded (single observation) "F; sB; R; bM to nucleus. His position is
1.4' north of
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12 23 16.6 +11 22 07; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 4.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 59°
17.5" (4/18/87): faint, fairly large, edge-on SW-NE,
even surface brightness.
George Johnstone Stoney or his brother Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 4330 on 14 Apr 1852. During an observation of NGC 4294 and 4299 with the 72", "another vF and thin ray about 30' following." John Herschel catalogued this object as GC 2909 ("R. nova"). Heinrich d'Arrest independently found this galaxy on 15 Apr 1865 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen and measured an accurate position (3 nights). Dreyer catalogued this observation as GC 5639 with the note ""Probably = [GC] 2909." The two GC entries were combined in the NGC.
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12 22 35.9 +76 10 21; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 2.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 2°
18" (3/5/05): extremely faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 N-S. A mag 14-14.5 star is at the north tip and the galaxy appears as a ghostly dagger hanging to the south.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4331 = H. III-942 = h1220 on
12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1068) and noted "eF, E near the meridian. Verified with 320x." Caroline's reduced position is 1.8'
southeast of
******************************
NGC 4332 = UGC 7453 = MCG +11-15-048 = CGCG 315-033 = PGC 40133
12 22 46.8 +65 50 37; Dra
V = 12.2; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, weak concentration. A mag 11.5 star is 2.1' ENE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4332 = H. II-847 = h1216 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "pB; S; lE." John Herschel recorded (single observation) 'F; R; vgbM; 20"." and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 4333 = MCG +01-32-034 = CGCG 042-065 = PGC 40217
12 23 22.2 +06 02 26; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9
16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, small, round, faint stellar nucleus, 20" diameter. Located 4' SW of NGC 4339 in a trio with NGC 4326 3.3' NW.
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 4339 4' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4333 = H. II-142 = h1215, along with NGC 4326 and 4329, on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191). John Herschel logged "F; pS; R; bM; 15"; the second of 3 in a triangle." and measured an accurate position.
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12 23 24.0 +07 28 23; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 2.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 135°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, very small, small bright core,
faint extensions NW-SE. A mag 11.5
star is just 0.7' SSE of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4334 = h1218 on 24 Apr 1830. His single observation reads "pF; R; S; close to a star [on the south side]" and his position is very accurate.
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12 23 01.9 +58 26 40; UMa
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 145°
17.5" (5/13/88): first of four and brightest in the group. Moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4335 = H. II-806 = h1217 on
17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and simply noted "pB". His re-reduced position is 2.5'
northwest of
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12 23 29.8 +19 25 36; Com
V = 12.5; Size 2.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 162°
17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE (PA 160°) in the direction of a mag 10 star 3.5' SSE, 60"x45". Weak concentration to center but the surface brightness appears irregular.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4336 = H. II-406 = h1219 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and recorded "pF, pL, mbM. It either has a small one almost joined to it to the north, or else the light of it is a little brighter in that place, but not nearly so bright as the other part." No such structure is apparent on the DSS. John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position on 23 Mar 1827 (sweep 61).
Royal Frost found the galaxy on 7 May 1904 at Arequipa on a Bruce 24-inch plate (taken on the night of 9 May 1904) and reported as number 884 in Harvard Annals 60. His position is 2' north of NGC 4336. So, NGC 4336 = IC 3254. See Harold Corwin's IC identification notes for the full story.
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12 24 02.3 -58 07 12; Cru
V = 8.9; Size 4'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, ~15 stars are arranged in a striking 4.5' diameter partial oval for ~270 degrees and open on the west side. A few stars are situated both in the interior and outside of this three-fourth completed ring. In the center of the loop are a few mag 13-14 stars and a fairly bright background glow from a dense group of unresolved stars in the core of the cluster. A gorgeous, equal mag double star Brs 8 = 7.6/7.9 at 5" is located 6' E. The cluster is located midway between Delta and Gamma Crucis along one side of the Southern Cross. This group may be an asterism an not a physical cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4337 = h3388 on 1 Apr 1834 and reported "a p rich cl; not much compressed in the middle; stars 12...14m, in curved branches. A fine double star follows [Brs 8]." His position is just west of center of this cluster.
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NGC 4338 = NGC 4310 = UGC 7440 = MCG +05-29-074 = CGCG 158-092 = PGC 40205
12 22 26.3 +29 12 31; Com
See observing notes for NGC 4310. Here are my notes on
24" (5/30/16): at 225x; extremely faint, thin edge-on ~5:1 N-S, very low surface brightness, very slightly brighter elongated core, ~45"x9". Only visible part of the time, though pops clearly and can hold for a few seconds.
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4338 on 19 May 1863 and described "vF, E, cometary, quite difficult to see because of dusk. The place has not yet been verified." There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 min of time west is NGC 4310, discovered by WH. d'Arrest measured NGC 4310 on 3 other nights, but not the one he recorded NGC 4338. Harold Corwin equates NGC 4338 = NGC 4310.
RNGC, RC3, SIMBAD and secondary sources such as WikiSky, Uranometria 2000. Atlas and Megastar misidentify IC 3247 as NGC 4338. IC 3247 is located 20' south of d'Arrest's position. Reinmuth also questioned if NGC 4338 = IC 3247 but Malcolm Thomson feels this galaxy is too faint and would not have been visible in d'Arrest's 11-inch refractor in twilight -- I agree.
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NGC 4339 = UGC 7461 = MCG +01-32-036 = CGCG 042-068 = LGG 289-026 = PGC 40240
12 23 35.0 +06 04 54; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 2.4'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.2
16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1' diameter, bright core increases evenly to center. A mag 11 star lies 1.5' S of center. Brightest of three with NGC 4326 and NGC 4333. This Virgo cluster member harbors an active galactic nucleus.
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, fairly small, round, small very bright core. Forms a trio with NGC 4333 4' SW and NGC 4326 6' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4339 = H. II-143 = h1222, along with NGC 4326 and 4333, on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191). John Herschel logged (sweep 254) "B; R; pL; psbM; 30"; the third in a triangle."
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12 23 35.2 +16 43 21; Com
V = 11.2; Size 3.5'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 102°
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, almost round,
fairly small, small well defined core.
Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4340 = H. II-85 = h1212, along with NGC 4350, on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182). He described both as "Two nebula, the following [NGC 4350] is the brightest, both S and the last pB." Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position in April 1864 (credited in the NGC), as well as Édouard Stephan on 30 Mar 1886.
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12 23 53.5 +07 06 25; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 96°
14.5" (4/12/21): at 226x; fainter and lower surface
brightness than
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
~E-W, even surface brightness.
Member of the NGC 4343 group and midway between
William Herschel discovered NGC 4341 = H. III-95 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Three [along with H. III 94 = NGC 4343 and H. III 96 = NGC 4342], all eF and vS, R nebula." His single position is between NGC 4343 and 4342. H. III-95 = UGC 7472 is the faintest of the three brightest galaxies (out of five) that Herschel likely viewed.
Bigourdan observed the group on 23 Apr 1895 and measured the
position of this galaxy (
Due to the ambiguity of the identification of NGC 4341, the CGCG and MCG label this galaxy IC 3260. UGC and RNGC use both designations. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for the full story.
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NGC 4342 = IC 3256 = UGC 7466 = MCG +01-32-039 = CGCG 042-071 = PGC 40252
12 23 39.1 +07 03 14; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 168°
14.5" (4/12/21): at 226x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, ~40"x12", high surface brightness slash! Contains a very bright, nearly stellar nucleus. Larger (but lower surface brightness) NGC 4343 is 6' S.
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, very small,
elongated NNW-SSE, bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 4342 = IC 3256 has the highest surface brightness of the
members in the NGC 4343 group. NGC
4343 is 6.0' S, NGC 4341 = IC 3260 4.8' NE,
William Herschel discovered NGC 4342 = H. III-96 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Three [along with III-94 = NGC 4343 and III-96 = NGC 4342], all eF and vS, R nebula." His single position is between NGC 4343 and 4342. There are 5 galaxies in this group, so there's been considerable confusion on the correct identifications. Assuming Herschel observed the three brightest galaxies, Harold Corwin suggests the identifications NGC 4341 = IC 3260 = UGC 7472, NGC 4342 = IC 3256 = UGC 7466 and NGC 4343 = UGC 7465, though the CGCG (Herzog) argues the NGC designations should be dropped and the unambiguous IC designations used exclusively.
Bigourdan found this galaxy again on 23 Apr 1895 and his B. 291 (later IC 3256) matches this galaxy and the CGCG and MCG use the IC designation. The identifications are discussed in CGCG Vol 5, the RC 2 notes, Webb Society Quarterly Journal articles in Jan 1986 and Jan 1990, Herzog's 1967 paper "On the Identification of Five Galaxies in the Virgo Cluster" (1967PASP...79..627H), as well as Harold Corwin's identification notes!
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NGC 4343 = UGC 7465 = MCG +01-32-038 = CGCG 042-070 = PGC 40251
12 23 38.8 +06 57 15; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 133°
14.5" (4/12/21): at 226x; quite easy, very thin edge-on ~5:1 NW-SE, ~1.25'x0.25', small slightly brighter core. Furthest south in a small group of galaxies SW of NGC 4365. NGC 4342 is 6' N.
17.5" (3/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, brighter core, elongated NW-SE. Brightest member of a group of five along with NGC 4342 = IC 3256 6.0' N. Nearby are IC 3259 14' NNE, IC 3267 8' NE and NGC 4341 = IC 3260 10' NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4343 = H. III-94 = h1223 on
13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Three [along with III-95 = NGC 4341
and III-96 = NGC 4342], all eF and vS, R nebul." His single position is between NGC 4343 and 4342. JH catalogued only a single nebula in
the group that he called III-94, noting "pB; E; or has a F neb on the s f
side." His position matches
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12 23 37.5 +17 32 28; Com
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (5/23/98): faint, small, round, 30" diameter. Appears as a diffuse glow with weak concentration forming an isosceles triangle with two mag 13 and 14 stars 2.0' SE and 2.0' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4344 = H. III-31 = h1224 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and noted "eF. It forms a triangle with 2 small stars." John Herschel logged "F; not vS; R; vglbM; 25"." and measured an accurate position.
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12 21 43.9 +75 19 20; Dra
See observing notes for NGC 4319.
Gerhard Lohse found NGC 4345 in 1886 with the 15.5-inch refractor at Wigglesworth's observatory near Scarborough, England. There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA west is NGC 4319 = H I-276. So, likely NGC 4345 = NGC 4319 with a 1 tmin error in RA. Dorothy Carlson identifies NGC 4345 as a star near Lohse's position, but since the description mentions "pL" this is very unlikely.
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12 23 27.9 +46 59 38; CVn
V = 11.1; Size 3.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 99°
13.1" (4/12/86): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, rises sharply to a small very bright core, stellar nucleus highly suspected. Located roughly 50' SE of M106.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4346 = H. I-210 = h1225 on 1
Apr 1788 (sweep 823) and recorded "cB, S, BN with irregular chevelure, lE
near the parallel".
Caroline's reduction was 8' north of
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12 23 54 -03 14; Vir
= *?, Gottlieb and Corwin. = NGC 4348??, Corwin. = Not found, Sulentic.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 4347 around 1881 with the
13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory. The only objects close to his position
are faint stars. Perhaps
coincidentally, 13' south of his position is
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NGC 4348 = MCG +00-32-003 = CGCG 014-023 = PGC 40284
12 23 53.9 -03 26 36; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 3.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 40°
17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, fairly small, edge-on SW-NE, increases to a brighter core. A mag 14 star is located 1.2' W of center and a brighter mag 12 star lies 3.2' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4348 = H. II-625 = h1226 on
29 Dec 1786 (sweep 674) and recorded "F, E from sp to nf, about 2'
long." His position is off
the east side of
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12 24 06 -61 52 12; Cru
V = 7.4; Size 16'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, ~150 stars are resolved in a 15' field. This cluster is rich and uniform in magnitudes except for a single mag 8.4 star (HD 107944) on the SE side which stands out over the large number of mag 10.5-12.5 stars. The outline is elongated NW to SE but the stars are distributed fairly evenly within the boundaries. This is a very pleasing group and an easy binocular object. Located along the western side of the Southern Cross and 75' NNW of Alpha Crucis (Acrux)!
10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): fairly faint, large glow, appears oval or elongated. No resolution except for a star at the edge.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 4349 = D 292 = h3389 on 30 Apr 1826. Based on 4 observations he wrote, "a pretty cluster of extremely small stars, resembling a pretty large faint nebula, about 6' or 7' diameter: the compression is very gradual to the centre; a pretty bright star is in the following side of the cluster, round figure."
John Herschel observed the cluster on three sweeps. On 14 Mar 1834 (sweep 432) he logged "chief star 10m of a fine rich cluster which fills field." Two weeks later (sweep 434) he noted "a large loose cluster of small stars 12..14th mag; irregularly round; not very rich; little compressed in the middle; diam. 10'." His final sweep three years later (sweep 778) he recorded a "cluster class VI. Very large, very bright, A star about 8..9 mag taken but the brightest part of the cluster is about 4' N.p. Fills field; not much compressed in the middle; stars 12..13th mag; This cluster was found by Mr Maclear in this sweep made with him, not being aware at the time of its having been seen in Sweep 432."
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NGC 4350 = UGC 7473 = MCG +03-32-023 = CGCG 099-038 = Holm 391a = LGG 289-021 = PGC 40295
12 23 57.8 +16 41 36; Com
V = 11.0; Size 3.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 28°
17.5" (5/23/87): fairly bright, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, fairly small, very small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 4340 5.6' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4350 = H. II-86 = h1221, along with NGC 4340, on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182). He described both as "Two nebula, the following [NGC 4350] is the brightest, both S and the last pB." Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position in 1864 (credited in the NGC).
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12 24 01.6 +12 12 16; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 80°
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, diffuse, fairly even
surface brightness with only a slight broad concentration, slightly elongated
~E-W.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4351 on 19 May 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He measured the position on 5 different nights and estimated the size as 40"-45" in diameter.
Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy on 17 Apr 1887
and reported it as new in list VI-42.
His position is nearly identical to d'Arrest's, so it's surprising that
Dreyer recatalogued it as
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12 24 05.0 +11 13 05; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 2.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 102°
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, small, oval ~E-W, small brighter core. NGC 4330 lies 14' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4352 = H. II-64 = h1227 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged "F, vS." His RA was 1 min too large (roughly the same error was made on this sweep with several others objects). John Herschel measured an accurate RA and logged "vF; S; lE.", though he used his father's erroneous RA in the GC. Heinrich d'Arrest independently found the nebula on 23 Mar 1865, measured an accurate RA again and Dreyer catalogued it again as GC 5642. Bigourdan noted the equivalence and Dreyer combined the two GC and GCS entries (2929 and 5642) into NGC 4352.
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NGC 4353 = IC 3266 = MCG +01-32-043 = CGCG 042-077 = PGC 40303
12 24 00.2 +07 47 05; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 67°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, oval SW-NE. A mag 13 star is 1.2' NNW.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 4353 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory. His position in his Copernicus table (1881) is 0.1 minute of RA too large and 2' too far north.
Arnold Schwassmann found the galaxy again on 20 Nov 1899
using a Heidelberg plate taken with the 6" astrograph and assumed Sn. 49
was new. In addition his Sn. 48
(later
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NGC 4354 = NGC 4351 = UGC 7476 = MCG +02-32-024 = CGCG 070-045 = PGC 40306
12 24 01.6 +12 12 16; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4351.
Lewis Swift found NGC 4354 = Sw. 6-42 on 17 Apr 1887 and described as "eeF; pL; in vacancy; v diff." His position is 1' from NGC 4351 = UGC 7476 (discovered by d'Arrest on 19 May 1863). It's surprising that Dreyer didn't equate the two discoveries. Dorothy Carlson states NGC 4354 = NGC 4351. See Corwin's notes for more.
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12 26 54.6 -00 52 40; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 59°
See observing notes for
David Todd rediscovered NGC 4355 = Todd 17 on 5 Feb 1878
with the 26" refractor at the U.S. Naval Observatory during his search for
a trans-Neptunian planet. This is
one of the 8 galaxies in his list that Dreyer credited to Todd. His rough RA was 4.0 minutes too small
but his field sketch and offsets match
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12 24 14.9 +08 32 16; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 2.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 40°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, edge-on SW-NE, low surface brightness. A mag 13 star is involved at the east edge of the core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4356 = H. III-481 on 28 Dec
1785 (sweep 498) and simply noted "vF". Caroline's reduction is at the southwest tip of
UGC, CGCG and MCG label this galaxy as IC 3273 and ignore the NGC designation.
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12 23 58.9 +48 46 47; CVn
V = 12.4; Size 3.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 77°
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, increases to a small brighter core. Located 10' ESE of mag 7.7
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4357 = Big. 52 on 8 Mar 1886. His position matches UGC 7478. This galaxy was discovered earlier by WH on 9 Feb 1788 (II-743 = NGC 4381) but his position was 66 tsec too far east. So, NGC 4357 = NGC 4381.
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12 24 02.1 +58 23 07; UMa
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, round, small bright
core. Brightest of a triple group
with stellar
This galaxy described above is identified as NGC 4364 in all modern catalogues.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4358 = H. III-799 = h1230 on
17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and logged "vF, vS." His re-reduced position is just 11
seconds of RA west of
John Herschel, Bigourdan and d'Arrest only found two
galaxies (h1230 and h1231) with his first position matching H. III-799 = UGC
7479 and his second position clearly referring to
Corwin concludes only the two brighter galaxies should receive NGC designations (and WH was mistaken on the third nebula he reported). In which case, NGC 4358 = UGC 7479 and NGC 4362 = NGC 4364 = CGCG 293-018 = PGC 40350. This leaves the southwest component of UGC 7479 without a NGC designation. See Corwin's notes for the complete story.
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12 24 11.7 +31 31 20; Com
V = 12.7; Size 3.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 108°
17.5" (4/25/98): very faint, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE,
appears as large as 3'x1' at times, low surface brightness with weak central
brightening, fades at tips.
Located 34' NW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 4359 = H. III-648 = h1229 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and logged "vF, E, about 1' length in the direction of the parallel." John Herschel made a single observation, noting "F; pmE; nearly in parallel; vlbM; 25"."
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12 24 21.7 +09 17 34; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 145°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated, small bright core.
Located 1.3' SE of a mag 10 star.
Forms a pair with
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4360 = T. 1-43 = T. 5-18 = St.
13-69 on 22 Mar 1878. His
micrometric position in his 5th list (+4.87 sec of RA and -47" dec from HD
107953) matches
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NGC 4361 = PK 294+43.1 = PN G294.1+43.6
12 24 30.8 -18 47 05; Crv
V = 11.0; Size 93"x37"
48" (5/3/19): at 488x; fascinating bright blue planetary with a very bright mag 13 central star. Unfiltered, the unusual feature are two opposite "handles" or thick arcs that are attached just outside the central region on the WNW and ESE sides. Adding a NPB filter, two arms or loops lit up on the SW and NE sides. These loops appeared similar to spiral arms attached to the main body and rotated counterclockwise!
48" (2/20/12 and 5/14/12): the unusual structure in this planetary shocked me at 488x as previous views in my 17.5" and 18" had only showed a hint of detail. The two main components are large bulbous lobes or wings with an irregular surface brightness that jut out of the central region in a WNW and ESE direction, with the WNW lobe slightly brighter. More surprising were two arms and loops, similar to spiral arms in a galaxy, that extend out to the NE and SW and curve clockwise. The arm to the southwest is very thin where it emerges from the central portion, so it appeared partially detached! The arm on the NE side clearly bends south but was not as sharply defined. Between the lobes (WNW and ESE) and arms (SW and NE) were darker gaps or regions creating a unique, basically symmetric shape that is elongated SW-NE (arms are longer), ~1.8'x1.4'. At the center is a very bright mag 13 central star. A fainter, more roundish halo envelops the brighter components.
17.5" (5/15/99): 100x easily reveals the bright central star surrounded by a moderately high surface brightness halo ~1' in size. At 220x, the central star appears 13th magnitude and the halo gradually brightens towards the center. With averted vision, the halo increases to roughly 90"x60", extended SW-NE, with an ill-defined edge. I had the strong impression of an extension or hook on the southwest end of the PN, which was confirmed on the DSS image (a similar extension is also on the NE end).
13.1" (5/14/83): moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated. The mag 13 central star is fairly easy at 165x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4361 = H. I-65 = h1231 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 368) and recorded "vB, pL, mbM. The central brightness not round but as if it had two nucleuses pretty closely joined; the chevelure [halo] iR." This was the same night he discovered the PN NGC 3242 in Hydra as as well as the Antennae Galaxy (NGC 4038/4039).
John Herschel wrote, "vB, L, R, vsmbM to nucl = *11, 90" diameter. R[esolved] with power 320, and is no doubt a globular cluster; fades away to nothing. So, JH was convinced it was a globular. Surprisingly it was misclassified as a galaxy in de Vaucoleurs' first "Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies" (RC1)!
In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, reported NGC 4361 displayed an emission line spectrum (3 seen, 4th suspected) in an early spectroscopic investigation of southern nebulae while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis described NGC 4361 as "central star about mag 10; this is surrounded by an irregular oval mass whose brighter parts are about 44"x39" in pa 103°. From this central portion two arms (spiral whorls?) go out in pa 20° and portions of a very faint ring 81" can just be made out." (1918PLicO..13...55C). Early photographs were taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector between 1912-14 at the Helwan Observatory near Cairo. The director Harold Knox-Shaw also described a "Round nebula 1' diameter from which proceed spiral arms."
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NGC 4362 = NGC 4364? = MCG +10-18-039 = CGCG 293-018 = PGC 40350
12 24 11.3 +58 21 38; UMa
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is 0.8' S. Located 1.9' SE of NGC 4364. Possible identification mix-up.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4362 = H. III-800 = h1233 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "Two [with III-801 = NGC 4364], both cF, vS, R." His position is 3 sec of RA following and 1' north of III-799 = NGC 4358. But there is only a single galaxy (CGCG 293-018 = PGC 40350), which is 9 sec of RA following and 1.5' south of NGC 4358. So, there was clearly some confusion with the orientation and/or description. John Herschel reported "eF, the last of 2 [with h2914 = NGC 4358]."
Notes on the identifications of NGC 4358, 4362 and 4364 are under NGC 4358.
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12 23 28.4 +74 57 08; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.1
18" (3/5/05): very faint, fairly small, round, very low surface brightness. Appears as a hazy disc with with no evident concentration. Located 23' SE of NGC 4319 and Markarian 205.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4363 = H. III-938 on 10 Dec 1797 (sweep 1066) and noted "eF, pL, iF." Dreyer mentions an error in WH's reduction of the position though Caroline's position is less than 1' from the center.
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NGC 4364 = NGC 4362? = MCG +10-18-039 = CGCG 293-018 = PGC 40350
12 24 11.3 +58 21 38; UMa
See observing notes for NGC 4362. Uncertain identification.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4364 = H. III-801 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "Two [with III-800 = NGC 4362], both cF, vS, R." There is only a single galaxy (h1233 = CGCG 293-018 = PGC 40350) situated 2' southeast of III-799 = NGC 4358, so WH's observation is clearly in error. Dreyer suggest that perhaps "Two" should be interpreted as "Two with III-799", as there are only two galaxies that were likely seen.
See discussion under NGC 4358 and Corwin's notes for the identifications of NGC 4358, 4362 and 4364. CGCG 293-018 is labeled NGC 4364 in all modern catalogues.
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NGC 4365 = UGC 7488 = MCG +01-32-048 = CGCG 042-083 = PGC 40375
12 24 28.3 +07 19 03; Vir
V = 9.6; Size 6.9'x5.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 40°
14.5" (4/10/21): quite bright, large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~3'x2', strong concentration with a very bright core and an intense well defined nucleus.
17.5" (3/28/87): very bright, large, elongated SW-NE,
bright core, very small or stellar nucleus. The NGC 4343 group is close SW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 4365 = H. I-30 = h1232 on 13
Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "pB, pL, or an iR form, mbM,
r." His position is within 1'
east of
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12 24 47.0 +07 21 11; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; PA = 51°
17.5" (3/28/87): very faint, small, diffuse, even surface brightness. Located 5' NE of NGC 4365.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4366 = H. III-97 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Two unequal nebula [the other is II-144 = NGC 4370]; one of them [III-97 = NGC 4366] eF." Dreyer notes that III-97 was observed one only 1 sweep and not seen again when nearby H. II-144 = NGC 4370 was reobserved on 28 Dec 1785. It was also not seen by John Herschel, d'Arrest, or by Samuel Hunter with the 72". So, Dreyer suggested NGC 4366 = NGC 4370 and this was repeated by Dorothy Carlson in her 1940 list of NGC errata.
But 5' northeast of NGC 4365 is
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12 24 35.1 +12 10 56; Vir
= **, Corwin. = Not found, Dreyer.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4367 on 19 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and also measured 3 nights later. There is nothing at his position except a mag 15 star with a mag 17.5 companion at 13" separation (likely too faint to have been seen by d'Arrest). On the second observation, he mentions this object follows NGC 4351 by 35 seconds of time, so the identification with this star is nearly certain.
Royal Frost reported NGC 4367 was not found on a 4-hour Bruce plate (Annals of Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No. 1). Karl Reimuth equates NGC 4367 with IC 3311, neglecting the difference of 0.9 tmin in RA.
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12 23 06.6 +10 37 16; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4325.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4368 = H. III-38 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "vF, vS." There is nothing at his position and Bigourdan was unsuccessful in locating NGC 4368, and neither was Frost photographically (Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No 1, Virgo-Coma survey). Dreyer notes in the 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that the RA is possibly 1 tmin too great. Several nebulae discovered by WH that night (including NGCs 3810, 4067, 4294, 4313, 4352, 4371, and 4429) have comparable errors. So, it's reasonable that NGC 4368 is a duplicate of NGC 4325 (located 1.5 min of RA west of WH's position). See Corwin's identification notes for more.
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12 24 36.2 +39 22 58; CVn
V = 11.7; Size 2.1'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.1
13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core with a distinct stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4369 = H. I-166 = h1234 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "vB, S, R." John Herschel made two observations, calling it "pB; R; smbM almost to a *."
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NGC 4370 = NGC 4366: = UGC 7492 = MCG +01-32-051 = CGCG 042-089 = PGC 40439
12 24 54.9 +07 26 42; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 83°
14.5" (4/10/21): at 226x; fairly faint, slightly elongated E-W, ~40" diameter, weakly concentrated, irregular surface brightness? An equilateral triangle (sides ~2.5') of mag 12/12.5/13.5 stars is ~3' NE. NGC 4370 is located 10' NE of NGC 4365.
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. NGC 4365 lies 10.1' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4370 = H. II-144 = h1236 on
13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "Two unequal nebula; one of them
[III-97 = NGC 4366] eF." His
position is 14 sec of RA west of
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12 24 55.4 +11 42 15; Vir
V = 10.8; Size 4.0'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 95°
17.5" (4/18/87): bright, small, sharp concentration with a very small very bright core, stellar nucleus, diffuse outer halo elongated E-W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4371 = H. I-22 = h1235 on 15
Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "pB, not vL." There is nothing at his position, but
45 seconds of RA west is
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12 25 45.4 -72 39 32; Mus
V = 7.5; Size 18.6'; Surf Br = 1.2
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, NGC 4372 is a highly-resolved, low-concentration class globular. A mag 6.6 star just 5.5' NW of center was a bit distracting but scores of stars were resolved over the 4' core, appearing to criss-cross the center in numerous lanes. The outer halo was very large, nearly 15' in diameter, and resolved into a couple of hundred stars. Except for the brighter and denser core, this globular appeared similar to a very large, fully resolved open cluster.
18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
171x, this large, bright globular was an impressive object and beautifully
resolved into 150-200 stars mag 13 and fainter, within a 13'-14' diameter. The unresolved background glow was
relatively faint for such a well-resolved globular. The large 4' core was only slightly brighter and there was
no nucleus (class 12 concentration), although a close pair of brighter mag 12.5
stars is near the center. Scores
of stars appeared linked in chains and loops, particularly in the outer halo,
which is quite irregular and ragged.
Mag 6.6
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this large, loose globular was well-resolved into ~100 stars mag 12-15 with a 12' diameter. The roundish core is ~4' in size with many faint stars sprinkled across the core. The halo is elongated and irregular in shape. A starless dark lane appears to wind into the cluster towards the core from the NW side angling roughly NW-SE (later verified on the DSS). A mag 6.8 star lies 5' NW of the core and interferes with viewing! Located 44' SW of mag 3.8 Gamma Muscae.
10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): faint, low surface brightness glow with no core. Attached to the south of a mag 6.6 star that is close to the end of the "Dark Doodad".
James Dunlop discovered NGC 4372 = D 67 = h3390 on 30 Apr 1826, with additional observations on 9 May and 4 Jun. His lengthy description (mostly from 4 Jun) reads "a star of the 6th magnitude, with a beautiful well-defined milky ray proceeding from it south following; the ray is conical, and the star appears in the point of the cone, and the broad or south following extremity is circular, or rounded off. The ray is about 7' in length, and nearly 2' in breadth at the broadest part, near the southern extremity. With the sweeping power this appears like a star with a very faint milky ray south following, the ray gradually spreading in breadth from the star, and rounded off at the broader end. But with a higher power it is not a star with a ray, but a very faint nebula, and the star is not involved or connected with it: I should call it a very faint nebula of a long oval shape, the smaller end towards the star; this is easily resolvable into extremely minute points or stars, but I cannot discover the slightest indications of attraction or condensation towards any part of it. I certainly had not the least suspicion of this object being resolvable when I discovered it with the sweeping power, nor even when I examined it a second time; it is a beautiful object, of a uniform faint light." Dunlop's position is 24' too far WNW (a fairly large error), but the mag 6.6 star near the NW edge clinches the identification. His sketch is shown in Fig. 2 of his catalogue.
John Herschel described it on 1 Apr 1835 as "a globular cluster, very faint; large; very gradually brighter in the middle; 6' diameter; resolved into stars of 15th magnitude; rich in stars; a delicate and faint object; has a star 45 N.p., distance 5' from centre. Almost perfectly insulated in a very large space almost entirely devoid of stars, being the smaller and southern lacuna below the great 'coal sack'."
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12 25 17.8 -39 45 35; Cen
V = 10.9; Size 3.4'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 43°
18" (3/28/09): fairly bright and large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x1.0'. Contains a large bright center that increases to a small, bright core. A number of stars surround the galaxy.
NGC 4373 is the brightest in a subgroup of at least 7
galaxies on the northwest side of the Centaurus Cluster (
John Herschel discovered NGC 4373 = h3391 on 8 Jun 1834 and logged "pB; S; R; pgvmbM." His position is accurate. Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 16 Apr 1877 (p. 136 of his logbook) with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and also discovered IC 3290, though he never announced the discovery and Lewis Swift, who rediscovered it in 1898, was credited in the IC.
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12 25 03.8 +12 53 13; Vir
V = 9.1; Size 6.5'x5.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 135°
24" (4/28/14): extremely bright, large, slightly
elongated, ~4'x3.5', sharply concentrated with a very intense core that
increases gradually to a nonstellar nucleus. The large halo gradually fades out. A mag 14.5 star is superimposed on the
SW side of the halo, 1.2' from center.
In the 23' field (at 260x) is
18" (6/12/10): at 175x, very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~2.8'x2.4' NW-SE. The halo gradually brightens from the edge and then suddenly increases dramatically to a very bright 45" core that increases to a sharp stellar nucleus. A faint star is just off the SW edge, 1.3' from center. At 280x the halo appears slightly mottled.
17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, moderately large, almost round, very bright core, very small bright nucleus, halo gradually fades into background sky so there is no sharp edge. Nearly an identical twin of M86 17' ENE but rounder.
13.1" (5/14/83): very bright, very bright core. Located in the core of the Virgo cluster.
Charles Messier is credited with the discovery of
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12 25 00.4 +28 33 31; Com
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 5°
17.5" (4/13/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.6'. A mag 14.5
star lies 1.2' NE of center.
Located 30' NW of a mag 4.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 4375 = H. II-379 = h1238 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S." John Herschel made two observations and logged (sweep 66) "F; R: has a small star 35° nf, 90" dist."
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12 25 18.2 +05 44 29; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 157°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', broad, weak concentration with no noticeable core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4376 = H. II-530 on 2 Feb
1786 (sweep 521) and noted "F, S." Caroline's reduction is 2' southwest of
The RNGC misidentifies
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12 25 12.4 +14 45 44; Com
V = 11.9; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 177°
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, fairly small, almost round or slightly elongated N-S, small very bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4377 = H. I-12 = h1239 on 19 Feb 1784 (sweep 149) and recorded "pB, but not vL; I saw it only through a very strong haziness and only a single moment." John Herschel made the single observation "B; S; vsmbM" and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 4378 = UGC 7497 = MCG +01-32-052 = CGCG 042-092 = PGC 40490
12 25 18.1 +04 55 30; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 2.9'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 167°
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, fairly small, very
bright core, very slightly elongated.
Forms an obtuse angle with mag 9 stars
William Herschel discovered NGC 4378 = H. I-123 = h1228 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "F, S". Caroline's reduction is at the south edge of the halo. John Herschel made the single observation: "B; visible in strong twilight; has a * 8-9 mag 20° sf dist 3'.", but he recorded the RA 1 minute to the west (repeated in the General Catalogue). August Voigt found it at the Marseilles Observatory in 1865 and questioned if it was new. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (single observation) and noted the RA error in the GC.
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12 25 14.7 +15 36 27; Com
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 105°
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, small, round,
strong bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4379 = H. II-87 = h1240 on
21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "S, resolvable, brightest in the
middle." There is nothing at
his position, though
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12 25 22.1 +10 00 59; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 3.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 153°
17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, fairly large, fairly diffuse but gradually increases to a very small brighter core. A mag 14 star is off the south end 2.4' from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4380 = h1241 on 10 Mar 1826 and logged "vF; pL; R; lbM." In the IC 2 Notes section, Dreyer mentions that Frost was unable to identify this galaxy on a Harvard plate of 4 hours exposure, although it was included in Adelaide Ames' 1930 "A Catalogue of 2778 Nebulae, including the Coma-Virgo Group", based on plates taken with the Bruce astrograph at Arequipa.
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12 23 58.9 +48 46 47; CVn
See observing notes for NGC 4357.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4381 = H. II-743 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and logged "F, S." There is nothing at his position, but 70 sec of RA west is NGC 4357 = UGC 7478 and the equivalence was suggested by Dreyer in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues. NGC 4357 was found again by Bigourdan (II-52) on 8 Mar 1886 and placed accurately. NGC 4381 should be the primary designation by historical precedence.
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12 25 24.0 +18 11 28; Com
V = 9.1; Size 7.1'x5.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 5°
14.5" (4/12/21): at 158x and 226x; very bright, very
large, elongated ~3:2 N-S, between 3' to 3.5' in length. Strongly concentrated with an extremely
bright core that increases to a virtually stellar peak. A mag 13 star is superimposed ~1' NNE
of center and a mag 10.4 star is 3' SE.
Forms a pair with
24" (7/14/20): observed supernova SN 2020nlb (Type Ia
), discovered on 25 Jun 2020 on the north side of
17.5" (5/23/87): very bright, moderately large, small very bright core. A mag 13 star is superimposed near the NNE edge and a mag 10 star is off the SE side 2.7' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 4394 7.6' ENE.
Pierre Méchain discovered M85 = NGC 4382 = h1242 on 4 Mar 1781. William Herschel made an observation on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded "Two resolvable nebulae; the preceding is the largest and with 157 seems to have another small nebula joining to it [NGC 4394], but with 240 it appears to be a star." John Herschel recorded on 23 Mar 1827 (sweep 61), "vB; R; bM; 2' diam; has a * 80° np dist 30" from edge."
Based on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector, Heber Curtis called it a "Very bright oval, 4'x2'; very slight traces of spiral structure."
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12 25 25.4 +16 28 12; Com
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 28°
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, very small, bright stellar nucleus, small faint extensions SW-NE. A mag 12 star is 1.8' SW of center.
Eduard Schönfeld discovered NGC 4383 on 23 May 1862 with a 6" Steinheil refractor. This galaxy is not listed in the GC (JH missed the discovery announcement in Schönfeld's "Beobachtungen von Nebelflecken und Sternhaufen") but Dreyer added it to the GSC (5644). Engelhardt measured an accurate micrometric position.
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12 25 12.0 +54 30 22; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 90°
18" (3/30/05): moderately bright, fairly small,
irregularly round, 0.8'x0.7'.
Fairly well concentrated to a small, brighter core and a quasi-stellar
nucleus with direct vision.
Located 11' SW of mag 7.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 4384 = H. III-879 = h1243 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001) and logged "cF, S, iF." His position is 1' north of UGC 7506. This is an active galaxy with a UV excess.
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12 25 42.8 +00 34 21; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 2.2'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 82°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
E-W, small bright core. Located 4'
N of mag 9
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4385 = m 239 on 22 Mar 1865 and
noted "vF, vS, alm stell."
His position is 1' south of
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NGC 4386 = UGC 7491 = MCG +13-09-027 = CGCG 352-033 = LGG 284-006 = PGC 40378
12 24 28.3 +75 31 44; Dra
V = 11.7; Size 2.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 135°
18" (3/5/05): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE. Contains a small bright core which increases to the center, surrounded by an oval halo 1.2'x0.8'. Third in an impressive trio with NGC 4291 and NGC 4319.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4386 = H. I-277 = h1247 on
10 Dec 1797 (sweep 1066) and recorded "cB, cL, mbM." John Herschel made two observations and
logged (sweep 348) "pB; lE; psmbM; 25"." His position matches
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NGC 4387 = UGC 7517 = MCG +02-32-039 = CGCG 070-065 = PGC 40562
12 25 41.7 +12 48 38; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 140°
24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 5:4 NNW-SSE, 25"x20", gradually increases to a stellar
nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 1.5'
NNW and a mag 15.5 star is 50" S of center. At the center of M84, M86 and
17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, brighter core. A mag 13.5 star is 1.4' NNW. This member of the Virgo cluster is located in the center of the triangle formed by M84, M86 and NGC 4388 with NGC 4388 9' S, M84 10' NW and M86 11' NE.
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, slightly elongated N-S. A faint star is close north.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4387 = H. II-167 = h1250, along with NGC 4388, 4413 and 4425, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Two nebulae [NGC 4388 and 4387]. The most southern [NGC 4388] extended." His position is between the two galaxies. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position on 4 different nights (#255 in AN 1537).
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NGC 4388 = UGC 7520 = MCG +02-32-041 = CGCG 070-068 = Holm 403c = PGC 40581
12 25 46.7 +12 39 41; Vir
V = 11.0; Size 5.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 92°
24" (4/28/14): fairly bright, large, edge-on 4:1 E-W, well concentrated with a mottled, very bright core. Fairly sharp light cutoff on the south side (dust lane) of the core. Faint, stellar knots are at the west and east ends of the core.
17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, edge-on streak E-W,
fairly large, brighter core, thin extensions. A faint mag 14.5 star lies 1.3' NE of center. Located 16' SE of M84 in the core of
the Virgo cluster. On a line
between IC 3303 8.4' WNW and
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, very elongated E-W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4388 = H. II-168 = h1244, along with NGC 4387, 4413 and 4425, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Two nebulae [NGC 4388 and 4387]. The most southern [NGC 4388] extended." His position is between the two galaxies. John Herschel noted "vF; E; the p of 2 [with NGC 4413], dist about 30s in RA." He didn't realize this was the same as his father's II-168, so listed it as a "nova" and included separate listings in the GC for II-168 and h1244. Dreyer combined the listings in the NGC.
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12 25 35.4 +45 41 03; CVn
V = 11.7; Size 2.1'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 105°
13.1" (3/17/86): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, brighter along the major axis (central bar). A mag 13.5 star is off the SE edge 1.1' from center and a mag 12.5 star lies 2.1' NNW. Similar view on 4/12/86.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4389 = H. II-749 = h1245 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and recorded "pB, S, iF." John Herschel made 3 observations, noting on sweep 255 "F; vL; E; vglbM; 2' l, 1.5' br."
On 30 Mar 1856, R.J. Mitchell (Lord Rosse's assistant) logged, "pB, E, Nucl, a bright streak runs through the nucleus, growing broader at the preceding end, on either side of this I suspect dark spaces and outside them again faint nebulosity, especially to south side of the nucleus." His sketch was included in LdR's 1861 publication (Plate 27, Fig. 22).
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12 25 50.7 +10 27 33; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 95°
17.5" (4/20/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, diffuse, even or almost even surface brightness. Located 26' NNE of NGC 4380.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4390 = H. III-39 on 15 Mar
1784 (sweep 174) and noted "vF; near some bright stars." His re-reduced position is 5' northeast
of
Schwassmann "rediscovered" this galaxy on a Heidelberg plate in 1900 and it was catalogued again as Sn. 155 (later IC 3320). Apparently he was unaware of the NGC identification (a number of his objects have NGC designations) and Dreyer missed the equivalence.
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12 25 18.8 +64 56 00; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core, stellar nucleus. A fairly
bright triple star is 2' WSW consisting of three mag 10.5-12 stars with
separations 34", 50" and 68".
William Herschel discovered NGC 4391 = H. III-852 = h1248 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "vF, stellar, north following a small triangle of B stars." John Herschel made two observations, first recording on sweep 411 "pB; S; bM; 12". Near a pB triple star." His position is accurate.
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12 25 18.8 +45 50 51; CVn
V = 13.7; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6
13.1" (3/17/86): fairly faint, small, elongated, bright core. Located 10' NNW of NGC 4389.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4392 = H. III-729 = h1249 on
27 Apr 1788 (sweep 833) and noted "vF, S." Caroline's reduction is within 1' of
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12 25 51.6 +27 33 43; Com
V = 12.1; Size 3.2'x3.0'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 0°
18" (5/30/03): faint, large, diffuse glow,
approximately 2.5'x2.0' in diameter, extended N-S, very low surface brightness
with just a broad, weak concentration.
A neat string of 6 mag 11-12.5 stars running NNW-SSE passes 6'-7'
W. Located 19' NNW of mag 4.9 14
Comae Berenices.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4393 = H. III-361 = h1246 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, vL." John Herschel called it "F; irreg fig; has a line of bright stars preceding."
Harold Corwin notes that
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NGC 4394 = UGC 7523 = MCG +03-32-035 = CGCG 099-047 = Holm 397b = PGC 40614
12 25 55.6 +18 12 50; Com
V = 10.9; Size 3.6'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.4
14.5" (4/12/21): at 158x and 226x; moderately bright and large, oval ~4:3 N-S. Contains a much brighter round core with subtle extensions NW-SE (bar). The core increases to a nearly stellar nucleus. Located 7.7' ENE of M85.
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, fairly small, brighter core, slightly elongated NNW-SSE. Forms a pair with M85 7.6' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4394 = H. II-55 = h1251 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170). His description reads, "Two resolvable nebula. The preceding [M85] is the largest and with 157 seems to have another small nebula joining to it, but with 240 it appears to be a star." He only measured a single position (matching M85). John Herschel made two observations and his mean position was accurate.
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12 25 48.9 +33 32 51; CVn
V = 10.2; Size 13.2'x11.0'; Surf Br = 15.4; PA = 147°
17.5" (5/15/99): this chaotic galaxy is dominated by
several bright HII regions. At 100x, the large low surface brightness glow is
clearly clumpy with a couple of faint knots evident on the east side of the
haze. At 220x, the glow of the galaxy is more difficult to view and several
nonstellar knots and a couple of very faint superimposed stars are more
prominent. The brightest HII region is
17.5" (4/28/89): faint, very large, extremely low surface brightness, must use low magnification to view. Three knots are involved (one of these observed "knots" may be the core) within a very diffuse glow. The brightest knot (NGC 4401) is at the SE end about 2' SE of center with NGC 4400 close SSW of NGC 4401. A mag 14.5 star is at the north end. Also see description for NGC 4399.
13.1" (4/12/86): at 62x appears very large, diffuse, slightly elongated glow, broad very weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4395 = H. V-29.1 = h1252 on 2 Jan 1786 (sweep 508) and recorded "eF, vL, vlbM, resolvable, about 10' long and 8 or 9' broad." John Herschel made two observations, logging on 29 Apr 1827, "two nebulae running into one another; both eF, vL, the f rather the brighter. Place that of the preceding." Dreyer catalogued the two components as NGC 4395 = V 29.1 and NGC 4401 = V 29.2. On a second observation, JH wrote "vL; extremely ill defined, may perhaps be 10' l, 3' br; pslbM to an irregular centre. On closer inspection bicentral; pos of the nuclei 30° np; dist 2'."
This galaxy was viewed on three occasions at Birr Castle by Bindon Stoney, who recorded "a cluster of nebulae found" on 13 Apr 1850 and "there are 4 nebulae. The 3 f ones seem to be inv in a mass of F neby." Based on these observations, Dreyer included two additional entries: NGC 4399 and NGC 4400. The sketch of these condensations match up well with my own observations with a 17.5" and can be identified on the POSS.
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NGC 4396 = UGC 7526 = MCG +03-32-034 = CGCG 099-049 = Holm 400a = PGC 40622
12 25 58.9 +15 40 19; Com
V = 12.6; Size 3.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 125°
17.5" (5/23/87): faint, fairly small, edge-on NW-SE,
even surface brightness. A mag 14
star is at the NW end [probably
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4396 on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured the position on 2 nights. He also observed NGC 4379 and was uncertain which was H. II-87 (likely NGC 4379, see that number).
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12 25 58.1 +18 18 04; Com
= ***, Carlson.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4397 = T. 1-44 and placed "5 sec following, 6 arcmin north of II 55 [NGC 4394]". Very close to this offset is a triple star, including a 4"-5" close pair, with the third component at 18". Dorothy Carlson also identifies NGC 4397 as this triple star.
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12 26 07.5 +10 41 10; Vir
= *14.5, Reinmuith and Corwin. = *, Carlson.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4398 on 19 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position corresponds with a mag 13.8 star and his description of two mag 11/13 stars (closer to mag 10/11.5) that precede by 11.6 sec and 16.35 sec of time is a perfect match. d'Arrest was uncertain if his object was the same as WH's III-39, and noted the descrepancy in declination. Neither Bigourdan (visually) nor Frost (on photographic plate) found NGC 4398, but Karl Reinmuth identified it as a mag 14.5 star using a Heidelberg plate.
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12 25 42.8 +33 30 57; CVn
17.5" (5/15/99): faintest of three HII knots observed in NGC 4395. Appeared extremely faint and small, 10"-15" in size and situated 2.3' SW of the ill-defined core on a line with a mag 14.5 star to the NE of the core. Required averted vision to confirm.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4399, along with NGC 4400, on 13 Apr 1850, while observing NGC 4395. On 14 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell noted "there are 4 nebulae. The 3 following ones seem to be involved in a mass of faint nebulosity. A sketch shows 4 "nebulae" along with a couple of stars. One of these (furthest north on the sketch) is the core of NGC 4395 and the other three (NGC 4399, NGC 4400 and NGC 4401) are HII knots in the galaxy. John Herschel recorded NGC 4401, the brightest of the knots.
Francis Pease assigned NGC 4399 to the knot identified here as NGC 4400 in his 1920 paper on nebulae photographed with the Mt Wilson 60-inch. Corwin lists the position for NGC 4399 as 12 25 42.8 +33 30 57, which is just following a mag 15 star. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent with the description "Part of NGC 4395."
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12 25 55.9 +33 30 54; CVn
17.5" (5/15/99): very small HII knot in NGC 4395 situated 0.9' SSW of brighter NGC 4401. Shows up well at 220x, although only 15" in size and no other details.
17.5" (4/28/89): one of a pair of knots in the SE end of galaxy NGC 4395. The smaller and fainter of the pair (probably NGC 4400) is very faint, fairly small and is close SSW of NGC 4401.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4400, along with NGC 4399, on 13 Apr 1850. See notes on NGC 4399.
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12 25 57.5 +33 31 42; CVn
17.5" (5/15/99): this number refers to the brightest HII region in NGC 4395, located ~2' SE of the ill-defined core. Fairly easy at 220x (the galaxy loses its identity at this power!), appearing as an irregular 25" knot. Off the south side is a second fainter knot (NGC 4400).
17.5" (4/28/89): brightest of three knots in the galaxy NGC 4395 along with NGC 4399 and NGC 4400. Appears fairly faint and fairly small. Forms a close pair with knot NGC 4400 just SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4401 = h1252 on 29 Apr 1827, while observing NGC 4395 (discovered by WH). He described "Two nebulae running into one another; both eF, vL, the following rather the brighter." JH's description most likely applies to the core of NGC 4395 and the brightest of the HII knots in this galaxy. Two additional knots (NGC 4399 and NGC 4400) were sketched at Birr Castle.
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12 26 07.7 +13 06 48; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 3.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 90°
24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 E-W, 2.1'x0.6'. Very mottled, patchy appearance implying a dusty equatorial plane and HII regions, though individual knots were not resolved. M86 is 10' N.
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, fairly even surface brightness. Located 10' N of M86 in core of the Virgo cluster.
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, fairly large, even surface brightness.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4402 = Au 30 on 13 Apr 1849 and labeled it Eta on the diagram of the central core of the Virgo cluster. He also noted "Eta hollow in the middle [dust lane], probably a ring seen obliquely, faint star north of its middle, seen best with the single lens."
Arthur von Auwers independently discovered NGC 4402 on 5 Mar 1862 with the 6.2-inch Fraunhofer heliometer at the Königsberg Observatory and recorded "faint, gradually brighter in the middle, much elongated in the parallel [east-west], 3' long and 1.5' broad." Auwers was credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC since the position wasn't determined (or an offset from a known object) at Birr Castle.
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12 26 12.8 -07 41 05; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 2.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 30°
17.5" (5/19/01): NGC 4403 is the preceding and fainter
member of close pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4403 = H. III-75, along with NGC 4404, 5 on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and recorded both as "Two, both vF, vS, E, within 1 1/2' of each other." Neither galaxy was observed by JH.
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NGC 4404 = MCG -01-32-009 = Holm 402b = PGC 40666
12 26 16.2 -07 40 51; Vir
V = 11.2; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 11.7
17.5" (5/19/01): this is the following member of a close pair with NGC 4404 just 0.9' SW. Moderately bright, round, fairly small, 0.8'x0.6' SW-NE. Contains a sharp, brighter core. Although smaller than NGC 4403 this galaxy is the brighter of the pair with a higher surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4404 = H. III-756, along with NGC 4403, on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and recorded both as "Two, both vF, vS, E, within 1 1/2' of each other." His single position is less than 1' from NGC 4404.
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12 26 07.1 +16 10 52; Com
V = 12.0; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 20°
17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4405 = H. II-88 = h1254 on
21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "S, resolvable, brightest in the middle." Caroline's reduced position is 11 sec
of RA east of
Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy on 19 May 1893 with the 30-inch refractor at the Nice Observatory, measured an accurate position and included it in his second discovery list, #748 (later IC 788). Javelle's offset point directly to this galaxy. So, NGC 4405 = IC 788. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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12 26 11.7 +12 56 46; Vir
V = 8.9; Size 8.9'x5.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130°
24" (4/28/14): at 260x appeared extremely bright, very large, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 4.5'x3.0'. Sharply concentrated with a very intensely bright core that increases down to the center. The halo increases in size with averted and gradually fades out at the periphery. Brightest galaxy in the central core of the Virgo cluster.
18" (6/12/10): at 175x appears very bright, very large, elongated 4:3 or 5:3 NW-SE, ~4.3'x3.0'. The outer halo gradually brightens then dramatically increases to a very intense 45" core that increases down to a stellar nucleus. The nucleus is fairly well defined as a 20" brighter inner zone. A mag 14.6 star is at the ENE edge of the halo, 2.0' from center. Brighter of a 17' pair with M84 in the core of the Virgo cluster.
17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 4'x3', intense core, substellar nucleus, large diffuse halo. One of the two brightest galaxies in the core of the Virgo cluster along with M84 17' W. NGC 4402 lies 10' N.
13.1" (5/14/83): very bright, larger and more elongated than M84.
Charles Messier is credited with the discovery of M86 = NGC 4406 = h1253, along with M84 and M87, on 18 Mar 1781. He described a "Nebula without star, in Virgo, on the parallel and very near to the nebula above, No. 84: their appearances are the same, & both appear together in the same field of the telescope." But Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Johann Gottfried Koehler made an earlier discovery on 5 May 1779. William Herschel only recorded it on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and simply noted "B. Is No. 74 of the Connoissance des Temps." John Herschel listed M86 as a "Nova" (new discovery), probably due to the poor positions of his father. On sweep 22 he logged "vB; R; gbM to nearly a star" and on sweep 243 "vB; L; pgmbM; r."
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12 26 32.2 +12 36 39; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4413.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4407 = h1255 on 4 May 1829 and simply noted "the following of 2" with h1244 = NGC 4388. There is nothing at his approximate position, but the description for NGC 4388 mentions the second nebula follows by roughly 30 sec in RA. NGC 4413 follows by 47 sec in RA and is the only reasonable candidate nearby. This identification was suggested by Frost, based on Harvard plates and Harold Corwin concurs NGC 4407 = NGC 4413. See Corwin's notes for more.
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NGC 4408 = CGCG 158-107 = PGC 40668
12 26 17.2 +27 52 16; Com
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 30°
18" (5/30/03): faint, small, elongated 4:3, 0.4'x0.25', brighter along the major axis. There appears to be a faint star at the SE edge. Located 19' NNE of NGC 4393.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4408 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is accurate.
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12 26 58.5 +02 29 39; Vir
See observing notes for
William Herschel found NGC 4409 = H. III-17 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and noted "vF, pS, it seems to be resolveable." There is nothing at his position, but 25 sec of RA east is NGC 4420 = UGC 7549, which WH discovered just a month earlier and catalogued as H. II 23. JH suggested the equivalence in his observation of this galaxy. As WH's positions in his early sweeps were prone to errors and there are no other nearby candidates, this equivalence is certain.
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12 26 28.9 +09 01 11; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x0.8'; PA = 110°
24" (6/4/16): at 225x; NGC 4410 is a merged,
interacting pair at 20" separation in a common halo.
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
E-W, weak concentration. This
double system (NGC 4410A and 4410B) was not resolved. NGC 4410A is the brightest in a quartet with IC 790 1.9' NE
and CGCG 070-079 4' ENE (not seen).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4410 = h1256 on 18 Jan 1828 and recorded "eF; vL; R; gbM; 2.5' diameter." His RA was 7 seconds too small.
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12 26 30.0 +08 52 20; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.1
24" (6/4/16): at 225x; faint or fairly faint, moderately large, round, low surface brightness, ~1.2' diameter. The view is confused by a superimposed mag 13.5 star, slightly west of center. A diffuse but uneven glow encompasses the star, with the very weak core just east of the star. The halo has a very low surface brightness and it was difficult to estimate the diameter.
Forms a pair with (similar) low surface brightness
17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, round, fairly small, very diffuse glow. Unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is superimposed on the core and the galaxy appears as a low surface brightness halo surrounds this star. Forms a close pair with NGC 4411B 4' ENE.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 4411 around 1881 with the
13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory. His position matches
When Bigourdan observed the field, he found B. 298, which was described as "very large and diffuse, about 2.5' dia, slbM. Could be NGC 4411 with an error of 17 sec in RA." In the IC 2 notes Dreyer mentions this is probably the same as NGC 4411, but B. 298 refers to NGC 4411B = UGC 7546, situated 4.5' east-northeast. Because of Dreyer's error, this galaxy did not receive an IC designation. See Corwin's notes for more on the story.
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12 26 36.1 +03 57 52; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration at center to a small brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4412 = H. II-34 = h1257 on
23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and noted "vF, pS. Seems to be resolveable and resembles the former [NGC 4409 =
NGC 4420]." His position is
30 sec of RA east of
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NGC 4413 = NGC 4407 = UGC 7538 = MCG +02-32-049 = CGCG 070-076 = PGC 40705
12 26 32.2 +12 36 39; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 2.3'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 60°
24" (4/28/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6'. Unusual appearance with a brighter bar and a small, bright rounder nucleus. The bar and halo are not aligned along the same axis.
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, slightly brighter along major axis. A mag 12 star is off the north edge 1.4' from center and a
mag 11 star is 2.9' N. Located 12'
ESE of NGC 4388 in the core of Virgo cluster with
13.1" (5/7/83 and 5/14/83): faint, small, slightly elongated, diffuse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4413 = H. II-169 = h1259,
along with NGC 4387, 4388 and 4425, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199). He noted "S. It may be taken into the field with
other [NGC 4387 and 4388].
Caroline's reduced position is 17 seconds of RA east of
On 11 Apr 1825 (early sweep 3), John Herschel recorded, "eF; gbM; has 2 stars, n and n p." His position is 2.8' too far south, although the description clearly applies. Four years later he recorded it again as h1255 = NGC 4407 and simply noted "the following of 2 [with NGC 4388]. His position was marked as very uncertain or approximate but was noted as ~30 seconds following NGC 4388 (the actual RA difference is 47 sec). So, NGC 4413 = NGC 4407, with NGC 4413 the primary designation.
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NGC 4414 = UGC 7539 = MCG +05-29-085 = CGCG 158-108 = PGC 40692
12 26 27.0 +31 13 23; Com
V = 10.1; Size 3.6'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/25/98): bright, elongated NNW-SSE, ~3'x2'. Sharp concentration with a prominent rounder core which increases to a stellar nucleus. There appears to be a sharper light cutoff along the preceding edge and an hint of spiral structure in the outer halo. Observation hampered by hazy skies.
8": fairly bright, elongated NW-SE, small bright nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4414 = H. I-77 = h1258 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "vB, L, E, broadly [concentrated] to a mbM." John Herschel made two observations and logged (sweep 342) "vB; L; pmE; first gb and the vsvmbM to a nucleus = 11m; 3' l, 90" br."
Spiral structure was not described at Birr Castle, though on 12 Apr 1849, LdR or assistant George Stoney recorded "uncertain whether double nucleus or nucleus and star; neby decidely darker in middle, following the nucleus and rather brighter outside this." The 7 Mar 1856 observation by R.J. Mitchell also mentions "Has a double nucl or a nucl and a star which are excentric, being nearer the sp side; light uneven and patchy. I suspect especially a darkness north of the main nucleus."
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12 26 40.5 +08 26 08; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 0°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 2.4' NNW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4415 = H. III-482 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and simply noted "eF". His position (Caroline's reduction) is just 3 sec of RA too small.
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12 26 46.7 +07 55 08; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, gradually increases to small bright core. Located 4' NE of mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 4416 = h1260 on 27 Dec 1827 (sweep 117) and recorded "vF; L; R; 60"; has a * 7m, 5' sp." His position and description matches this galaxy.
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12 26 50.6 +09 35 03; Vir
V = 11.1; Size 3.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 49°
17.5" (4/18/87): bright, moderately large, elongated
lens-shape SW-NE, bright bulging core containing a bright stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4417 = H. II-155 on 15 Apr
1784 (sweep 194) and logged "F, pL, lE and lb towards the preceding side,
r." Caroline's reduction is
3' northeast of
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NGC 4418 = NGC 4355 = UGC 7545 = MCG +00-32-012 = CGCG 014-039 = PGC 40762
12 26 54.6 -00 52 40; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 59°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, small, oval SW-NE, broad concentration. A mag 15 star is just off the SW end 0.9' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4418 = H. III-492 = h1261 on
1 Jan 1786 (sweep 507) and recorded "vF, mE, cL, r." His position is 3' south of UGC 7545 =
David Todd independently discovered this galaxy on 5 Feb 1878 and recorded it as object #17 in his search for a trans-Neptunian planet. Todd's rough RA is 4.0 tmin too far west but his field sketch and offsets to nearby stars clearly match this galaxy.
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12 26 56.3 +15 02 51; Com
V = 11.2; Size 3.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 133°
17.5" (5/23/87): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 2.4'x0.8', bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4419 = H. II-113 = h1262 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "E, resolvable." John Herschel called this galaxy "B; E; np to sf; sbM" and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 4420 = NGC 4409 = UGC 7549 = MCG +01-32-064 = CGCG 042-106 = PGC 40775
12 26 58.5 +02 29 39; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 8°
17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated N-S, almost even surface brightness, nuclear bulge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4420 = H. II-23 = h1263 on
24 Jan 1784 (sweep 119) and logged "F, E." His position is 30 sec of RA east and 5' south (positions in
his early sweeps often have larger errors) of
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12 27 02.6 +15 27 41; Com
V = 11.6; Size 2.7'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 20°
17.5" (5/19/01): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated N-S. The 1.5'
diameter halo is punctuated by a 30" prominent core. Located 2.4' SE of mag 9.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 4421 = H. II-89 = h1264 on
21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "S, resolvable, brightest in the middle,
near a bright star." There is
nothing at Caroline's reduced position but 10' northwest (similar error as NGC 4379) is
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12 27 12.1 -05 49 52; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.4
18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. Symmetric appearance as this round galaxy increases steadily to a small brighter core and stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4422 = H. III-114 = h1265 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "Two very small stars with nebulosity. 240 rather confirmed it, but there is too much moonlight to see it perfectly. It makes a vS nebula." On a later sweep (706) he logged "vF, vS, stellar" and measured an accurate position.
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12 27 08.9 +05 52 47; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 2.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 18°
17.5" (4/21/90): faint, moderately large, very
elongated 4:1 SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4423 = H. II-145 = h1266 on
13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "eF, E." His position is 28 sec of RA east of
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NGC 4424 = UGC 7561 = MCG +02-32-058 = CGCG 070-090 = LGG 288-008 = PGC 40809
12 27 11.7 +09 25 13; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 3.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 95°
48" (3/1/19): at 488x; very bright, fairly large,
elongated ~5:2 E-W, ~2.5'x1', asymmetric appearance. Contains a larger bright elongated core that appears
brightest on the east end (possibly a HII region). The brighter central part extends further to the west than
to the east of center. The outer
halo has a low surface brightness and dims out gradually, so there was no
distinct edge. A 16th mag star is
off the south side [35" from center].
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated E-W, bright core. NGC 4417 is at the edge of the 220x field 11' NNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4424 on 27 Feb 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on 4 nights, matches
Max Wolf discovered SN 1895A in 1925 on a plate taken on 16 Mar 1895 and reported as a variable star (assigned VW Vir) or a nova. This supernova and 1895B (Z Cen) in NGC 5253 are the oldest known extragalactic supernovae after S And in M31, which occurred 10 years earlier.
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NGC 4425 = UGC 7562 = MCG +02-32-059 = CGCG 070-091 = Holm 403e = LGG 286-003 = PGC 40816
12 27 13.4 +12 44 05; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 3.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 27°
24" (4/28/14): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.4'x0.4', small bright core. A mag 13.8 star is 1.2' W of center and a mag 15.3 is 1.3' SE.
17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, small brighter core. A mag 13.5 star is 1.2' W and a mag 11 star 4.4' ENE of center. Located in the core of the Virgo cluster with NGC 4413 12.7' SW.
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, very elongated, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 1' W and a mag 11 star to the east.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4425 = H. II-170 = h1267, along with NGC 4387, 4388 and 4413, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199). He simply noted "F" and his position is ~18 sec of RA too far east (similar offsets with the others nearby). John Herschel recorded "pB; S; R; bM" and measured an accurate position (on a second sweep).
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12 27 10.5 +27 50 17; Com
= **, Corwin and Dreyer
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4426 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. At his position is a 14" pair of mag 14.5/15 stars. Interestingly, Bigourdan independently found this pair again 21 years later and also thought it was mixed with some nebulosity. Both measured nearly identical positions and Dreyer realized the equivalence NGC 4426 = NGC 4427 = **, after compiling the NGC.
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12 27 10.5 +27 50 17; Com
= **, Corwin and Dreyer
Guillaume Bigourdan found NGC 4427 = Big. 53 on 22 Apr 1886 and described "vF, 2 or 3 stars mixed with nebulosity." At his position is pair of stars separated by ~14". The same pair was discovered earlier by Heinrich d'Arrest on 21 Apr 1865 and both positions are nearly identical in the NGC. Dreyer must have realized the equivalence before publication of the NGC, as he added the note "These are evidently identical (note added in press)."
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12 27 28.3 -08 10 04; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 75°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated ~E-W, broad concentration.
Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4428 = h1269 on 16 Mar 1828 and
logged "pL; vF; very ill defined." His position is close off the south side of
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12 27 26.4 +11 06 29; Vir
V = 10.0; Size 5.6'x2.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 99°
17.5" (4/18/87): very bright, fairly large, very bright
core, stellar nucleus, faint extensions E-W. Located 2.0' SSW of a mag 9.5 star. Mag 9.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 4429 = H. II-65 = h1271 on
15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged "pB, not vS." His position is 40 sec of RA east of
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NGC 4430 = UGC 7566 = MCG +01-32-067 = CGCG 042-111 = Holm 406a = LGG 289-033 = PGC 40851
12 27 26.2 +06 15 45; Vir
V = 12.0; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 80°
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly large, diffuse,
elongated 3:2 E-W. There is a
sharp light cut-off on the east end.
The surface brightness is asymmetric with the brightest portion offset
to the east of center with a more extensive faint halo towards the north and
west. Forms a close pair with NGC
4432 2.5' SE. Located 8' N of mag
7.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4430 = H. II-146 = h1270 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "F, pL." He also logged this galaxy just two objects earlier in the sweep, though suspected they were the same object, so assigned a single discovery number. John Herschel noted (sweep 253) "vF; L; R; gbM; 90"." Both missed nearby NGC 4432, which was discovered by Albert Marth.
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12 27 27.4 +12 17 24; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 177°
24" (5/29/14): fairly faint to moderately bright fairly
small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 40"x25", broad concentration with a
slightly brighter core. A mag 14.4
star is 1.2' E. First of three
with fainter
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, very diffuse, slightly elongated. This galaxy is slightly brighter and larger than NGC 4436 4.0' ENE. NGC 4440 lies 6.5' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4431 = H. II-171 = h1268 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Three F nebulae; the two first vS [NGC 4431 and 4436], the third [NGC 4440] S." His single position is roughly 30 sec of RA too large, but the identifications are certain. John Herschel noted "vF; oval gbM; 50"."
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NGC 4432 = UGC 7570 = MCG +01-32-068 = CGCG 042-114 = Holm 406b = PGC 40875
12 27 33.0 +06 14 00; Vir
V = 14.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (4/21/90): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S. A mag 15 star is 0.7' NW of center. Forms a close pair with NGC 4430 2.5' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4432 = m 240 on 22 Mar 1865 with Lassell's 48-inch on Malta and noted "2* in a F nebulosity." His position matches NGC 4432 = UGC 7570, just 2.5' southeast of NGC 4430, though the brighter galaxy is not mentioned.
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NGC 4433 = MCG -01-32-013 = Holm 407a = PGC 40894
12 27 38.7 -08 16 45; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 2.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 5°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated ~N-S, broad concentration. Bracketed by two mag 14 stars at the north edge and 1.0' SW of center. Forms a pair with NGC 4428 7' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4433 = h1273 on 16 Mar 1828 and
noted "not vF; pL; lE; very ill-defined." His position is at the south edge of
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NGC 4434 = UGC 7571 = MCG +01-32-069 = CGCG 042-115 = LGG 292-014 = PGC 40886
12 27 36.6 +08 09 15; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (4/21/90): moderately bright, small, round, small
very bright core dominates small round halo, sharp stellar nucleus. Located 35' WNW of M49. NGC 4416 lies 20' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4434 = H. II-497 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and noted "pF, vS." Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position on two nights (used in the NGC).
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12 27 40.5 +13 04 44; Vir
V = 10.8; Size 2.8'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 13°
24" (4/28/14): very bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 N-S, ~1.5'x1.0', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to the center. Forms a prominent pair ("The Eyes") with NGC 4438 4.4' SSE.
18" (6/12/10): at 175x appears bright, moderately large oval, elongated at least 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.6'x0.8'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, 20"x10" core and stellar nucleus. This galaxy is the NW member of the "Eyes" with highly disrupted NGC 4438 4.3' SSE.
17.5" (4/25/87): bright, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE, bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a striking pair called the "Eyes" with slightly fainter NGC 4438 4.5' SSE. Located 20' E of M86 in the central core of the Virgo cluster.
13.1" (5/14/83): bright, prominent small bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4435 = H. I-28.1 = h1274,
along with NGC 4438, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "two bright,
considerably large nebula. One is 86 of the Connois des Temps." His single position matches the pair
NGC 4435/4438 and was confused about the position of M86. He made the same mistake on 8 Apr 1784,
though it that case his positions fall close to
NGC 4435 and 4438 was nicknamed "The Eyes" by Leyland S. Copeland (first author of the Deep Sky Wonders column) in a February 1955 article titled "Adventures in the Virgo Cloud."; the likeness to a pair of eyes is emphasized by the fact that NGC 4435 and 4438 are both elongated in a SSW-NNE direction.
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NGC 4436 = UGC 7573 = MCG +02-32-066 = CGCG 070-096 = Holm 408a = LGG 289-010 = WBL 409-002 = PGC 40903
12 27 41.2 +12 18 57; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 116°
24" (5/29/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 30"x20", weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is off the NW side, 0.9' from center. Faintest of three with NGC 4440 3.4' ESE and NGC 4431 3.8' SW.
13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, diffuse, low even surface brightness. A mag 11.5 star is just off the NW edge 1.0' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 4440 3' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4436 = H. II-172 = h1272 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Three faint nebulae; the two first vS [NGC 4431 and 4436], the third [NGC 4440] S." His single position is roughly 30 sec of RA too large, but the identifications are certain. John Herschel noted "vF; gbM; 40"."
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12 32 45.6 +00 06 59; Vir
See observing notes for
John Herschel found NGC 4437 = h1277 on 14 Apr 1828 and recorded "F; vmE; pos 15° nf to sp; a long ray; it is south preceding a * 10m. The place is that of the star." There is nothing near his position, but 5 min of RA east is NGC 4517 and his description is a perfect match with this galaxy. Karl Reinmuth may have first suggested the equivalence in his 1926 photographic Heidelberg survey "Die Herschel Nebel". Various sources (including the RNGC) mistakenly equate NGC 4437 with NGC 4417, instead of NGC 4517.
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NGC 4438 = Arp 120 NED2 = VV 188 = UGC 7574 = MCG +02-32-065 = CGCG 070-097 = Holm 409a = PGC 40914 = The Eyes
12 27 45.5 +13 00 32; Vir
V = 10.2; Size 8.5'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 27°
24" (4/28/14 and 5/29/14): very bright, very large, very elongated 5:2 or 3:1 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x1.0'. Contains a large, bright elongated core that increases to a very small, very bright nucleus. With averted vision, much fainter irregular extensions (with an uneven surface brightness) significantly increase the outer diameter. The southwest "plume" is not aligned with the major axis of the galaxy and spreads further towards the west.
18" (6/12/10): bright, large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 2.4'x1.0'. Contains a bright, elongated core that increases to a small, very brighter, rounder nucleus. The outer halo appears warped with very faint extensions that increase the overall size to nearly 5'x1.5'. The southwest extension is more noticeable and appears to bend or curve to the southwest (counterclockwise). The NNE extension is extremely faint and slightly offset to the axis of the core. This highly disrupted galaxy forms an excellent pair with NGC 4435 4.3' NNW along Markarian's Chain.
17.5" (4/25/87): bright, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, small bright core. Forms a striking pair with NGC 4435 4.5' NNW. The core is not as large or bright as NGC 4435. Located in the center of the Virgo cluster 23' E of M86.
13.1" (5/14/83): bright, bright core, larger but more diffuse than NGC 4435.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4438 = H. I-28.2 = h1275, along with NGC 4435, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "two B, cL nebula." His single position matches the pair NGC 4435 and 4438. See NGC 4435 for more on the confusion with the identifications. John Herschel made 3 observations and recorded (sweep 242) "pB; L; lE; 60".", along with an accurate position.
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12 28 26 -60 06 12; Cru
V = 8.4; Size 4'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, 20 stars mag 10-13 are arranged in a perfect semi-circle (180 degree arc) open towards the west, with the endpoints directly N-S. A string of three collinear stars, oriented WNW-ESE, sits right in the middle of the semicircle! A wide bright double (HJ 4524 = 8/9.5 at 30") situated less than 5' NW is aligned directly with the center of the cluster! Situated in the middle of the Southern Cross, 55' ENE of mag 3.6 Epsilon Crucis.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 4439 = D 300 = h3392 on 30 Apr 1826. His summary description (based on 4 observations) reads "a triangular group of very small stars, about 3' long, resembling faint nebulae. A star of the 9th magnitude near the north following extremity [the bright star is NW of the cluster]." His published position was 7' too far E.
John Herschel observed the cluster on 31 Mar 1834 (sweep 434) and noted "Cluster taken for Dunlop 300; a semi-elliptic group of stars 11..12th mag, diameter 2'."
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NGC 4440 = UGC 7581 = MCG +02-32-067 = CGCG 070-099 = Holm 408b = LGG 292-007 = WBL 409-003 = PGC 40927
12 27 53.6 +12 17 36; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.7
24" (5/29/14): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly
elongated, 0.8'x0.6'. Sharply
concentrated with a small, very bright core containing a bright stellar
nucleus. Brightest in trio with
NGC 4436 3.4' NW and NGC 4431 6.4' W.
Nearly at the midpoint of mag 9.2
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, small, small bright core, diffuse fainter halo. Third of three with NGC 4436 3.2' NW and NGC 4431 6.5' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4440 = H. II-173 = h1276 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Three faint nebulae; the two first vS [NGC 4431 and 4436], the third [NGC 4440] S." His single position is roughly 30 sec of RA too large, but the identifications are certain. John Herschel noted "B; R; bM; 50"; resolvable."
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NGC 4441 = UGC 7572 = MCG +11-15-056 = CGCG 315-039 = PGC 40836
12 27 20.3 +64 48 06; Dra
V = 12.7; Size 3.2'x2.5'; Surf Br = 14.8
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus. NGC 4391 lies 14' NW. NGC 4441 is thought to be an advanced galactic merger with optical tidal tails and two shells.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4441 = H. II-848 = h1278 = h1291 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "F, bM, iF, stellar." John Herschel recorded h1278 "pF; R; vgbM; 25"." and measured an accurate position. The next night he viewed this galaxy again, but placed h1291 1 min of RA too far east and was unsure if it was new. The various designations were combined in the NGC.
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12 28 03.8 +09 48 13; Vir
V = 10.4; Size 4.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 87°
17.5" (4/18/87): bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, bright core, stellar nucleus. Two mag 14.5 star are at the east end and just south of the core 1.5' E and 0.9' SSW of center. Located in the core of the Virgo cluster with NGC 4417/NGC 4424 pair roughly 30' SW.
14.5" (7/7/21): viewed supernova SN 2021 qvv discovered on 23 Jun '21. The observation was challenging as the SN is only 14" W of center. At 226x, it appeared as a dim mag 14.5 "star" at the W edge of the core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4442 = H. II-156 = h1279 on
15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and logged "F, pL, lE, r." Caroline's reduction is 28 sec of RA
east of
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12 29 03.0 +13 11 02; Vir
See observing notes for
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4443 on 13 Apr 1840 while observing the central region of the Virgo cluster. He simply noted "F, S" and labeled it "Kappa" on the diagram of the field. No positions were measured, but the sketch places this object close to the NGC 4458/4461 pair.
Frost reported that NGC 4443 was not found in the Virgo-Coma survey (Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No 1) and Reinmuth also reported a negative result. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4443 may be a duplicate discovery of NGC 4461 (despite missing fainter NGC 4458), and I agree. See Corwin's notes for story.
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12 28 36.4 -43 15 43; Cen
V = 12.3; Size 2.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.0
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint, moderately large, round, ~1.4' diameter, weak concentration with a very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13.2 star is just off the NE edge [1.0' from center]. NGC 4444 forms the northeast vertex of a triangle with a mag 8 star 4.8' ENE and a mag 10 star 4.6' S. In addition two mag 9.6 stars are 7' SW and 8' SSW!
John Herschel discovered NGC 4444 = h3393 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "eF; L; R; vgbM; 3' diam." His single position is very accurate.
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12 28 16.0 +09 26 11; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 2.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 106°
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint but pretty edge-on
WNW-ESE, moderately large, weak concentration.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4445 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position, measured on 2 nights that he also observed NGC 4424, is accurate.
Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 6 May 1888
and reported it as new in this 8th list, #63 (later
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12 28 06.8 +13 54 43; Com
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 82°
24" (5/29/14): faint, very small, slightly elongated
E-W, 0.5'x0.4', low even surface brightness. Fainter of a pair(lower surface brightness) with
18" (4/5/03): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 E-W,
0.6'x0.4'. Forms a similar pair
with NGC 4447 1.6' ESE. Two mag
12.5/13 stars are 2' and 3' N of the pair. Located 7' WSW of a mag 9.6 star and 13' WSW of
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4446 = Sw. 6-43, along with NGC
4447 close southeast, on 17 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; ee
difficult; Double; triplicity suspected; 2 = mag stars range with it n and s;
[NGC 4459] in field following."
His position is 10 sec of RA following and 1' north of
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NGC 4447 = MCG +02-32-073 = PGC 40979
12 28 12.5 +13 53 57; Com
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 117°
24" (5/29/14): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 4446 1.6' WNW. Located 12' WSW of NGC 4459.
18" (4/5/03): very faint, very small, round, 0.4'. Slightly smaller of a close pair with NGC 4446 1.6' WNW. In a galaxy-rich area 12.5' WSW of NGC 4459 and 6' SW of a mag 9.6 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4447 = Sw. 6-44, along with NGC
4446 close northwest, on 17 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; ee
difficult." His position is 7
sec of RA following and 2' north of
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12 28 15.4 +28 37 13; Com
V = 11.1; Size 3.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 94°
18" (4/5/03): bright, large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, 2.8'x1.2'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, well-defined 35"x25" oval core. Located 27' NE of mag 4.3 15 Gamma Comae Berenices.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4448 = H. I-91 = h1280 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). His description reads, "vB, E in the direction of the parallel [east-west]. It has a B, pL nucleus sending forth a ray to each side." John Herschel made 4 observations, describing it on sweep 343 "B; L; mE exactly in parallel; smbM."
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12 28 11.2 +44 05 36; CVn
V = 9.6; Size 6.2'x4.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 45°
48" (2/20/12, 3/1/19, 5/1/19): NGC 4449 is a boxy-shaped Magellanic-type Irregular containing several bright, giant HII regions that are sites of active star formation. The galaxy has been intensively studied as one of the strongest galaxy-wide starbursts in the nearby universe. The overall surface brightness of the galaxy was unusually high at 375x. The very bright central region is elongated SW-NE, irregular in surface brightness and contains a small, intense "nucleus". This object is identified in SIMBAD as [GHG2001] 1 and described as a 10 Myr old super star cluster in the 2001 study by Gelatt et al, "The Star Clusters in the Irregular Galaxy NGC 4449".
To the southwest is a fairly large, bright patch that mimics a second core. This region is catalogued as #27/28/30 in Hodge-Kennicutt's 1983 "Atlas of HII regions in 125 galaxies" [HK83]. Several addition patches are on the north end of the galaxy. The largest and brightest is #15, a high surface brightness irregular glow at the north end of the galaxy, 20"x12", with a mottled surface and a stellar knot (#11) at the north tip. Roughly 35" SW is #25, a moderately bright roundish knot of ~12" diameter. 20" W is #31, a fairly faint, small HII knot, less than 10" in diameter. At the northeast tip of the galaxy is #2, nearly 1' SE of #15. It appeared as a moderately bright knot, ~15"-20" in size. A small knot (#16) was noted on the southeast side of the galaxy. A faint 12" knot is nearly detached at the SW end of galaxy (#6 in the 1969 "Kinematic study of ionized hydrogen in NGC 4449"). Very low surface brightness haze extends west off the SW end. A mag 14 star is superimposed [44" ENE of the nucleus].
On 5/1/19, I had the strong impression of an extremely low
surface brightness glow nearly 10' SE of the galaxy (and 2.4' W of
18" (5/14/07): very mottled, irregular appearance, elongated ~2:1 SW-NE, ~5'x2.5'. The core is quite splotchy in appearance with a couple of bright knots; the most prominent is attached to the southwest of the core. The main body is roughly rectangular with an extension at the northwest "corner" that ends with a bright knot or knots ([HK83] #15). Another extension or knot ([HK83] #2) is off the northeast corner. A mag 13 star lies 2.4' E of the core and 1 or 2 additional very faint stars or knots are superimposed in the central region.
18" (5/8/04): fascinating view of this "Magellanic" system at 323x! The galaxy is very irregular in appearance and surface brightness with a large, bright, elongated core oriented SW-NE. The core appears offset to the south side of the galaxy.
Several knots (giant HII regions) are visible outside the core. The brightest is a well-defined obvious patch on the north edge of the galaxy, 1.5' from the center. This object is #15 in Hodge-Kennicutt's 1983 "Atlas of HII regions in 125 galaxies" ([HK83]) and it is nearly comparable in surface brightness to the core. Roughly 1' SE is #2, a smaller, faint knot that is collinear with #15 and a mag 13.5 star 2.4' E of the core. #25, a third difficult knot, can sometimes be glimpsed about 40" SW of #15. Finally, attached on the south end of the core is a larger, bright knot, although initially I thought this was just part of the core.
13.1" (4/12/86): very bright, very large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, stellar nucleus. A knot is involved at the north end and the galaxy generally appears brighter to the north of the core. A star is superimposed close east of the core.
8": bright, moderately large, elongated, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4449 = H. I-213 = h1281 on 27 Apr 1788 (sweep 833) and recorded "very brilliant, cL, E from sp to nf, difficulty r, seems to have 3 or 4 B nuclei." His sketch at the end of 1811 PT paper (reproduced in Stenicke's book) shows 4 bright round condensations (HII knots) within the glow, though one of these may be the nucleus. He used this an illustration of "Nebulae which are brighter in more the one Place." According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Caroline Herschel was next to find the object on 8 Jul 1793 in her 4.2-inch reflector "and assumed it to be a comet!"
On sweep 150, John Herschel recorded "B; L; gbM; E in pos 75° nf to sp, a fine cluster; well resolved; I see several of the stars; 3' l, 2' br." On sweep 248 (last of 4 observations), JH wrote "vF; vL; vmE; it is either a double nebula or the nf end is bifid. If double the companion is F; R; bM; nearly north 1.5' or 2'. A fine object." So, clearly WH and JH resolved several HII regions in this galaxy. Lord Rosse or assistant Johnston Stoney noted on 17 Mar 1849, "3 nuclei or 2 nuclei and star, and faint neb outlying."
Based on photographs taken with the 60-inch reflector at Mt Wilson, Francis Pease (1917) described NGC 4449 as "..an irregular nebulous mass in which many nebulous stars [HII regions] are distributed unevenly. The greater part of the nebula is roughly rectangular, about 4.5'x2.5', p.a. = 40°, there being an assemblage of some dozen nebulous stars W of the SW corner. On the original negative there are 230 nebulous stars or patches...Two-thirds of them are in the N half. The nebulosity proper is weak toward the edge, gradually increases inward, and culminates along a central ridge, where it is as strong as the stars themselves. A number of dark irregular rifts appear here and there in it."
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12 28 29.6 +17 05 06; Com
V = 10.1; Size 5.2'x3.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 175°
17.5" (5/23/87): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1
N-S, 4'x2', diffuse halo, increases suddenly to a high surface brightness
core. Located 3.9' NE of mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4450 = H. II-56 = H. II-90 = h1282 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded "A resolvable nebula of an irreg shape of about 2 or 3' diam. It is near a pB star." He found it again a week later on sweep 182 as "pL, r, bM", measured an accurate position, and noted this nebula was observed in sweep 170. But his next entry (H II-90) was placed 1.0 min following and there is only one galaxy here, so he must have recorded NGC 4450 a second time in the sweep! John Herschel made 8 observations, apparently looking for a second nebula, but found only one and combed the two H-designations in the GC.
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NGC 4451 = UGC 7600 = MCG +02-32-079 = PGC 41050
12 28 40.5 +09 15 33; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 162°
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NNW-SSE, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 1.5' S of center. NGC 4445 lies 12' NW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4451 on 19 Mar 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He measured the position on 4 nights and noted the mag 13 star, measured at 83" south.
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12 28 43.3 +11 45 18; Vir
V = 12.0; Size 2.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 32°
17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, fairly small, thin
pretty edge-on SW-NE, brighter core.
Located 8' SE of mag 7.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 4452 = H. I-23 on 15 Mar
1784 (sweep 174) and recorded a "B, S, much E nebula, or bright dash." Caroline's reduced position is 10 sec
of RA east of
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12 28 46.7 +06 30 42; Vir
V = 15.3; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 157°
17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, extremely small, round. Unusual appearance with mag 14 star nvolved near the south edge and also an extremely faint 16th magnitude star or companion superimposed. NGC 4430/NGC 4432 lie 25' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4453 = H. II-26 = h1283? on 28 Jan 1784 (the only nebula discovered on sweep 131) and recorded "pB, not vS. It is not cometic. The brightest part of it lies towards the following side. I suppose it to be resolveable." Dreyer noted this sweep was problematic ("unsatisfactory") with possible confusion with the offset star. There is no object at WH's position and it was not found visually by Bigourdan or photographically by Wolf. Dreyer suggested that if WH made an error of 20' in PD, then H. II-26 might be identical to H. II-146 (NGC 4430).
John Herschel, though, found h1283 = PGC 41072, which he assumed was his father's H. II-26. This extremely faint galaxy is 44 seconds of RA east of William Herschel's position and might be his object. However, Harold Corwin argues that H. II-26 cannot be h1283 due to the significant difference in description (H. II-26 was described as "pretty bright"). He concludes "I'm leaning toward adopting NGC 4430 as H. II 26, though with considerable uncertainty."
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12 28 51.0 -01 56 27; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 100°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, the large diffuse halo has a gradual concentration down to a small bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4454 = H. II-180 = h1284 on 22 Apr 1784 (sweep 204) and recorded "pB, L, R, er, near some stars." On 6 Jan 1785 (sweep 353) he noted "F, pL, lE." John Herschel made a single observation: "F; R; gbM; 20"; a stellar point 18m in the centre; 2 B stars precede, distant."
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12 28 44.1 +22 49 21; Com
V = 12.3; Size 2.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 16°
18" (4/5/03): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x0.7', broad concentration, bulging core, fades at the tips of the extensions. A wide pair of mag 11 stars are 3' and 4' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4455 = H. II-355 = h1285 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "pF, L, broadly elongated." Caroline's reduction is 25 sec of RA
following
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12 27 52.4 -30 05 52; Hya
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 150°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): very faint, very small, round,
15" diameter. A mag 13-13.5
star is attached on the west side, 22" from the center. Located 5.1' E of mag 8.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 4456 = h3394 on 30 Mar 1835
(sweep 564) and recorded "eeF; vS; attached to a * 13m. (no doubt of the nebulous character of
the object)." There is
nothing at this position, but 1.2 min of RA west is
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12 28 59.0 +03 34 14; Vir
V = 10.9; Size 2.7'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.7
24" (7/14/20): observed supernova SN 2020nvb (Type Ia ), discovered on 1 Jul 2020 near the center of NGC 4457 (8" N, 3" W). It appeared as a fairly prominent 12.5 mag "star" and stood out easily despite being superposed on the core.
17.5" (2/28/87): bright, small, almost round, very bright core. A mag 13 star lies 2.6' W of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4457 = H. II-35 = h1286 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "pB; mbM than towards the ends." John Herschel made three observations, logging on sweep 143, "B; R; psbM; 30"."
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NGC 4458 = UGC 7610 = MCG +02-32-082 = Holm 411b = PGC 41095
12 28 57.6 +13 14 31; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2
24" (4/28/14): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, well concentrated with a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2' ENE. Fainter of a pair with NGC 4461 3.7' SSE.
18" (6/12/10): at 175x and 280x appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round, 0.9' diameter. Contains a small, bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star lies 2.2' ENE of center. Fainter of a pair with NGC 4461 3.7' SE.
17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11.5 star lies 2.1' E. Forms a pair with NGC 4461 3.7' SSE. Located in the core of the Virgo cluster.
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, almost round, small faint nucleus. A mag 11 star is close east.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4458 = H. II-121 = h1287 on 8 Apr 1784 and recorded (sweep 187) "Two resolvable nebula at 4 or 5' dist." He assumed one of these was M86, so only added one new discovery number. His position was ~5' west of NGC 4458 and 4461, the most likely pair. On 12 Apr 1784 he swept the field again (sweep 189) and recorded "Two [NGC 4461 and 4458]. Both pF, S, bM." His single position on this sweep was 22 sec of RA following NGC 4458 and the identification is unambiguous. John Herschel logged "pB; R; psbM; the p of 2 [with NGC 4461] and measured an accurate position.
On 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199), William Herschel recorded "two B, cL nebula" and assumed they were pair from sweep 187 (one being M86), but his position matches NGC 4435 and NGC 4438!
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NGC 4459 = UGC 7614 = MCG +02-32-083 = PGC 41104
12 29 00.0 +13 58 43; Com
V = 10.4; Size 3.5'x2.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 110°
24" (5/29/14): very bright, moderately large, slightly
elongated 5:4 ~E-W, ~1.5'x1.2', sharply concentrated with a small intensely
bright core, stellar nucleus, appears mottled near the core. The halo increases in size with
averted. Mag 8.7
17.5" (4/25/87): bright, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~E-W, bright intense compact core, stellar nucleus. Located 2.2' NW of mag 8.1 SAO
100121.
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, small, slightly elongated, small bright nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4459 = H. I-161 = h1288 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and recorded "vB, pL, iR." John Herschel logged (sweep 23) "pB; R; bM; r; has a *8m 2' dist; 45° sf."
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12 28 45.6 +44 51 52; CVn
V = 11.3; Size 4.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 40°
13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, pretty edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, moderately large, brighter core. A pretty double star ∑1645 = 7.5/8.1 at 10" is in the field 8.5' SW. Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4460 = H. I-212 = H. II-750 = h1289 on 10 Apr 1788 (sweep 830) and noted for I-212 "cB, pL, E." His position is poor -- Caroline's reduction places it 8.6' too far northwest (all the preceding objects in the sweep are too far north). He found it again 17 days later (sweep 833) and logged II-750 as "pF, pL, E sp nf." His position was just 2' northeast of center. JH realized the equivalence and combined the two H-designations in the GC.
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NGC 4461 = NGC 4443? = UGC 7613 = MCG +02-32-084 = Holm 411a = PGC 41111
12 29 03.0 +13 11 02; Vir
V = 11.2; Size 3.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 9°
24" (4/28/14): bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 N-S, 2.0'x0.8', sharply concentrated with a very bright core that gradually increases towards the center. A mag 11 star lies 4' NNE. Forms a pair with NGC 4458 3.7' NNW.
18" (6/12/10): bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 3:1 N-S, 2.0'x0.7', extending nearly on a line with a mag 11 star 4' NNE. Sharply concentrated with a small, intense core that increases to a very bright, stellar nucleus. Brighter of a pair with NGC 4458 3.7' NW.
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 ~N-S, very small bright core possibly stellar. Form a pair with NGC 4458 3.7' NW. The striking NGC 4435/NGC 4438 pair lies 21' SW. Located in core of the Virgo cluster.
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly small, elongated N-S, small bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 4458.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4461 = H. II-122 = H. II-174 = h1290 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187). He simply noted, "Two resolvable nebula at 4 or 5' dist." and assumed one of these was M86, so only added one new discovery number. On 12 April he swept the field again and recorded "Two [NGC 4461 and 4458]. Both pF, S, bM." His single position on this sweep was 22 seconds of RA following NGC 4458. On 17 April he swept through the field a third time and logged NGC 4461 again as H. II-174 (apparently not measuring NGC 4458). NGC 4443 may be a duplicate observation. See that number.
John Herschel made an early observation of NGC 4461 on 10 Apr 1825 (sweep 2), while working on his observing technique. On 4 Apr 1831 (sweep 338) he recorded, "pB; R; psbM; the f of 2 [with NGC 4458] and measured an accurate position. See notes for NGC 4458.
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12 29 21.2 -23 10 01; Crv
V = 11.9; Size 3.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 124°
13.1" (3/17/86): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 streak WNW-ESE. Contains a bright core with fainter extensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4462 = H. III-764 = h3396 on 26 Mar 1789 (sweep 918) and recorded "cF, R, pS, stellar." John Herschel made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope and logged (sweep 690) "pB; E; sbM; pos of elongation 130° [NW-SE]."
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12 29 55 -64 47 24; Mus
V = 7.2; Size 5'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
260x this is a fairly small but fairly rich group with two bright mag 8.5 stars
(
10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): faint, small, round. A couple of close brighter stars were resolved near the center. Located on a line with Acrux and two other stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4463 = h3395 on 2 May 1835 and noted "cl VIII. class; poor; scattered. The northern of 2 stars 8m taken." His single position is good.
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12 29 21.3 +08 09 23; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 0°
17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright but very small, irregularly round, high surface brightness, small bright core, possible stellar nucleus. M49 is at the edge of the 220x field 11.5' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4464 = H. III-483 = h1292 on
28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and simply noted "vF". John Herschel made the single
observation "pB; vS; pgbM; R; 10"." Julius Schmidt found the galaxy again in June 1861, along
with
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12 29 23.5 +08 01 34; Vir
V = 14.6; Size 0.2'x0.2'; Surf Br = 11.0; PA = 108°
48" (5/15/12): At 488x appeared fairly faint, small,
slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 20"x15", weak concentration. A mag 16.8 star is just off the NE side
[12" from center]. This is
one of several faint galaxies outside the halo of M49 (situated 5.9' WNW of
center) with brighter
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4465 = Big. 54 on 31 Mar 1886. The NGC position is just 3 sec of RA too large, although it was not found by Arnold Schwassmann on a Heidelberg plate (probably appeared stellar).
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12 29 30.6 +07 41 47; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 101°
17.5" (4/18/87): faint, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W. Located 7.8' SSW of NGC 4470 and 18' SSW of M49.
Bindon Blood Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4466 on 26 Feb 1851. While observing the M49 field he noted "a 3rd about 12' south of 2nd [NGC 4470] is elongated." The actual separation between NGC 4470 and NGC 4466 is 8', but there are no other possible candidates. In the GC, JH added three numbers for what he assumed were three new objects found at Birr Castle, although only a single very rough position was given. Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 24 Apr 1865 and measured an accurate position. Dreyer assumed it was new, adding it as GC(S) 5653. The two GC designations were combined in the NGC and d'Arrest is credited with the discovery.
But Wolfgang Steinicke attributes WH with the discovery on 28 Dec 1787 (sweep 498, #44 = II-18). On the sweep he apparently found both NGC 4470 (seen earlier on 23 Jan 1784) and NGC 4466, although the polar distances are only 2' apart.
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NGC 4467 = MCG +01-32-080 = CGCG 042-130 = Holm 413c = LGG 289-078 = PGC 41169
12 29 30.2 +07 59 34; Vir
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.5'
48" (5/15/12): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, 24"x20", small bright core. A mag 12.8 star is 35" W. Located 5.2' W of the center of M49. NGC 4465 lies 2.6' NW.
17.5" (4/18/87): very faint, very small, almost round. Located 6' W of M49! A mag 12.5 star is just off the west edge 34" from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4467 on 23 Jan 1784 (early sweep 105) and noted "Nebula. Preceding [M49], and not far from its parallel is a nebulous star or small nebula. His position was very uncertain and only roughly found, but the description clearly applies to NGC 4467 and the nearby star. On 28 Dec 1785, he observed what he assumed was the same object (internal discovery #44), but the second observation probably refers to H. II 18 = NGC 4466. As a result, NGC 4467 wasn't assigned an H-designation.
Otto Struve independently discovered NGC 4467 on 28 Apr 1851 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory while observing M49. He wrote, "Near this last star [preceding M49 by 17 seconds of time] , there is still another smaller nebula at a distance of 2 to 3 seconds, located on the straight line joining the star with the main nebula." Struve is credited with the discovery in the NGC. d'Arrest measured an accurate position (3 nights) and credited Struve with the discovery. The IC2 Notes mention Schwassmann couldn't find NGC 4467 on a Heidelberg plate. The RNGC incorrectly equates this number with NGC 4465.
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NGC 4468 = UGC 7628 = MCG +02-32-090 = PGC 41171
12 29 30.9 +14 02 56; Com
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 73°
17.5" (4/25/87): faintest of three with NGC 4474 5.5' ENE and NGC 4459 8.7' SW. Faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, small weak concentration.
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, diffuse, slightly elongated, no noticeable concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4468 = H. II-630 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and simply noted "cL". His position was well off - 5' too far south and 14 seconds of RA too small, but it was observed in the sweep between NGC 4459 and NGC 4474, and this is the only galaxy between these two. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position at Copenhagen as well as Rudolph Spitaler in 1891 at the Vienna Observatory.
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12 29 28.0 +08 45 00; Vir
V = 11.2; Size 3.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 89°
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, elongated 5:2 E-W, fairly large, 3.0'x1.2', faint stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4469 = H. II-157 = St. 13-70 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and recorded "F, pL, mE, r." His position was 4.5' too far N. Édouard Stephan found NGC 4469 on 5 Apr 1878. He measured an accurate position on 28 Apr 1884 and included it in his 13th discovery paper (#70). But he added a footnote that it was identical to H. II 157 = GC 3019 [NGC 4469], though Herschel's position was off by 5' in polar distance.
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NGC 4470 = NGC 4610 = UGC 7627 = MCG +01-32-082 = CGCG 042-132 = PGC 41189
12 29 37.9 +07 49 25; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 0°
17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval N-S, pretty even surface brightness. Located 14' SSW of M49.
William Herschel found NGC 4470 = H. II-498 = h1293 on 28
Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and logged "F, pL". He assumed it was new and assigned the H-designation
II-498. His position is a good
match with
In the NGC, Dreyer equated II-18 = II-498 = NGC 4470 and assigned II-19 = NGC 4610. But in his 1912 Scientific Paper of WH, Dreyer correctly sorts out the identification based on WH's description and sketch and concludes II-19 = II-498 = NGC 4470. So, NGC 4470 = NGC 4610.
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12 29 42.0 +07 53 45; Vir
V = 13.9
48" (5/15/12): this number applies to one of two 14th magnitude stars at 1' separation oriented NNW-SSE, situated ~6' SSW of M49. VCC 1203, a fairly faint galaxy (too faint to have been seen by Schmidt), lies 1.5' NW of the NNW star.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 4471 on 29 Jun 1861 near M49 with the 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory. He also found NGC 4470, 4492 and 4464, which had all been discovered earlier by WH. There is nothing at his position in AN 1513 (1866) except a 14th magnitude star and neither Heinrich d'Arrest nor Guillaume Bigourdan could recover Schmidt's object.
Karl Reinmuth refers to a possible candidate as "vS, R, = neb *13.5; eF vs iR neb np 1.7', *13.5 ssf 1.0'." His description applies to a faint star at 12 29 40.6 +07 54 40. Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 paper on Corrections to the NGC, identified NGC 4471 as a star (from Ames in Harvard College Observatory, Vol 88, No 1 (Virgo-Coma survey) and this is repeated in the RNGC. Corwin identifies NGC 4471 with one of two 14th magnitude stars near the NGC position. SIMBAD (and others) misidentify VCC 1203 = PGC 41185 as NGC 4471.
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12 29 46.8 +08 00 01; Vir
V = 8.4; Size 10.2'x8.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 155°
48" (5/15/12): at 488x, M49 appeared extremely bright and large, slightly elongated N-S, ~6'x5', fades gradually so the outer extent may be larger. Well concentrated with an intense core that is sharply concentrated with a brilliant nucleus. A mag 12 star is superimposed 45" E of center. A number of galaxies (see below) surround the halo, including NGC 4467 4' W and NGC 4465 5.9' WNW. A mag 13 star is 4.6' W of center (close to NGC 4467).
VCC 1199, 4.5' NW of center, appeared faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.
VCC 1203, 4.6' SSW of center, is fairly faint, fairly small, round, 12" diameter, slightly brighter core. VCC 1203 is misidentified as NGC 4471 in SIMBAD. The NGC number probably applies to one of the two faint stars ~2' SE.
17.5" (4/18/87): very bright, fairly large, sharp concentration to a compact very bright nucleus, large halo slightly elongated ~N-S fades at the edges. A mag 12 star is superimposed at the east edge 0.8' from center. A faint galaxy NGC 4467 lies 5' W.
Charles Messier discovered M49 = NGC 4472 = H. I-7 = h1294 on 19 Feb 1771 (first Virgo cluster member discovered). Italian astronomer Barnaba Oriani independently found it on 22 Apr 1779 at the Brera Observatory while following a comet that passed through the Virgo cluster. Admiral Smyth confused these discovery dates, causing later confusion on the primary discoverer.
William Herschel first recorded M49 on 23 Jan 1784 (early sweep 105) and described I-7 as "A beautiful nebula. Not cometic. It is visible in the finder and vB in the telescope", but his RA was 11 min too large. On 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) he called M49 "vB, cL, gmbM, extended with F branches." John Herschel made 5 observations, recording on sweep 253, "eB; L; R psmbM; insensibly fading away, has a * 13m following; by diag the star is just beyond the nebula." Heinrich d'Arrest claimed he resolved the cluster and saw "countless groups of stars; at 147x, the nebula periphery can be resolved into stars of the 13th and 14th magnitudes."
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12 29 48.8 +13 25 46; Com
V = 10.2; Size 4.5'x2.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 100°
24" (5/29/14): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 E-W, 2.0'x1.0', sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus.
18" (6/12/10): bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 E-W, 2.4'x1.0'. Sharply concentrated with a small, intense core, ~30"x15" that increases smoothly to the center.
17.5" (4/25/87): bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1
~E-W, small but intense core, stellar nucleus.
13.1" (5/14/83): bright, elongated E-W, small very bright nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4473 = H. II-114, along with NGC 4477 and 4479, on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187). He simply noted "F, resolvable."
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4473 and 4477 on 29 Mar 1856,
unaware of Herschel's prior discovery.
John Herschel responded in an open letter to John Hind that both of
d'Arrest's "novae" were seen earlier and that he was surprised
d'Arrest missed
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NGC 4474 = UGC 7634 = MCG +02-32-094 = PGC 41241
12 29 53.6 +14 04 07; Com
V = 11.5; Size 2.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 80°
17.5" (4/25/87): second brightest of three in the field with NGC 4468 6' WSWand NGC 4459 14' WSW. Moderately bright, fairly small, very small bright core, faint stellar nucleus, elongated WSW-ENE.
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, small, very elongated E-W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4474 = H. II-117 = H. II-629 = h1295 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and noted "r[esolvable]." His RA (Caroline's reduction) was 35 seconds too large. He observed this galaxy again on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and simply noted as "F". His position was only 12 seconds of RA too small, and assuming it was new catalogued it again as H. II-629. John Herschel realized the equivalence when he compiled the GC.
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12 29 47.6 +27 14 36; Com
V = 13.6; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 5°
18" (5/30/03): faint, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.9'x0.6', fairly low surface brightness. Appears brighter along a bar extending along the major axis. Faint halo or extensions which are difficult to pin down the orientation.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4475 = H. III-362 = h1297 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "eF, cL, the whole about 4 or 5' long and 2' broad." His size estimate is much too large and John Herschel, who only picked up the nucleus, called it "eF; R; 15"."
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12 29 59.1 +12 20 55; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 25°
24" (5/29/14): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 28"x14", bright core gradually increases to
the center. Fainter of pair with
17.5" (5/24/87): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, small brighter core. Forms a pair with NGC 4478 4.7' ESE. Located 12' W of M87 in the Virgo cluster.
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, elongated, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4476 = H. II-123 = h1296 on
12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and described "Two [along with NGC 4478] F, S and
one B, L nebula [
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NGC 4477 = UGC 7638 = MCG +02-32-097 = PGC 41260
12 30 02.0 +13 38 12; Com
V = 10.4; Size 3.8'x3.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15°
24" (5/29/14): very bright, fairly large, round, 2.0' diameter, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core and stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 4479 5.3' SE.
18" (6/12/10): very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 2.5'x2.0'. The outer halo is very weakly concentrated and then suddenly increases to an intense 40"x20" core. At 275x the core appears lively or mottled and increases to a stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 4479 5.3' SE.
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 4479 5.5' SE and NGC 4473 lies 12' SSW.
13.1" (5/14/83): bright, slightly elongated N-S, small bright nucleus, NGC 4479 5.5' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4477 = H. II-115 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Two resolvable nebula [NGC 4477 and 4479]." His single position matches NGC 4477. Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4477, along with NGC 4473, on 29 Mar 1856, apparently unaware of Herschel's prior observation. See notes for NGC 4473.
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NGC 4478 = UGC 7645 = MCG +02-32-099 = PGC 41297
12 30 17.4 +12 19 43; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 140°
24" (5/29/14): bright, fairly small, elongated 5:4 NW-SE, 35"x28", high surface brightness, contains a very small, very bright nucleus. A star is involved on the north side, just 10" N of center. Brighter of a pair with NGC 4476 4.6' WNW. Located 8.7' SW of M87.
17.5" (5/24/87): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, brighter core. Forms a pair with NGC 4476 4.7' WNW. Located 9' WSW of M87.
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4478 = H. II-124 = h1298 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and described "Two [along with NGC 4476] F, S and one B, L nebula [M 87]. His single position matches NGC 4478. On sweep 245, John Herschel recorded "B; S; R; psbM; 30"; the f of 2 [with NGC 4476]." Kolbold measured the position for both the nucleus and the superimposed star in 1893.
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NGC 4479 = UGC 7646 = MCG +02-32-100 = PGC 41302
12 30 18.4 +13 34 39; Com
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 24°
24" (5/29/14): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 45"x35", broad weak concentration with a slightly brighter core. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 4477 5.3' NW.
18" (6/12/10): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.6', weak concentration to an ill defined, slightly brighter core and an occasional faint stellar nucleus. Fainter of a pair with NGC 4477 5.3' NW.
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration. Located 6' SE of NGC 4477.
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4479 = H. II-116 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "Two resolvable nebula [NGC 4477 and 4479] at 4' or 5' distance." His single position matches NGC 4477 but the separation is 5' so the identification is certain.
Heinrich d'Arrest independently found NGC 4473 and 4477 on 29 Mar 1856, but missed NGC 4479. John Herschel was surprised that d'Arrest missed NGC 4479 as it was in the same field as NGC 4477 and a class II nebula. He wrote a letter to John Russell Hind (as possibly another variable nebula), which was reprinted in 1862 MNRAS, Vol. 22, p.250 titled "Sir John Herschel to Mr. Hind, on the Disappearance of a Nebula in Coma Berenices". He was 70 years old at the time and decades past being an active observer. Jean Chacornac, Schönfeld and Lassell, reading about the supposed missing nebula, also confirmed the visibility of NGC 4479. Eventually d'Arrest observed this galaxy on 5 May 1862 using the 11-inch Copenhagen refractor.
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12 30 26.7 +04 14 48; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 2.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 175°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NNW-SSE, weakly concentrated. A mag 13 star is 1.9' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4480 = H. II-531 = h1299 on
2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and recorded "pB, E, about 3' long, brighter
towards the southern side."
Caroline's reduction is 2' south of
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12 29 48.7 +64 01 59; Dra
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 144°
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, very elongated 4:1
NW-SE, 0.6'x0.15'. Appears as a
thin sliver 40" W of a mag 13 star.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4481 on 7 Oct 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His measured an accurate position on 2 nights and accurately placed the mag 13 star that follows by 7 or 8 seconds of time.
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12 30 10.4 +10 46 46; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 145°
17.5" (4/21/90): faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, almost even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4482 = H. III-40 on 15 Mar
1784 (sweep 174) and logged "eF, pL, I was near overlooking it." There is nothing at his position, but
28 sec of RA west and 2' north is
Arnold Schwassmann found this galaxy again on a Heidelberg
plate in 1900 and reported Sn. 158 (later
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12 30 40.6 +09 00 56; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 65°
17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, small, oval SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4483 on 19 Mar 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He measured the position on 2 nights and noted the nearby mag 10 star preceded by 26 seconds of time.
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12 28 52.7 -11 39 08; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.3
18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, broad concentration to a slightly brighter core. With direct vision a small slightly brighter 10" nucleus was sometimes visible.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4484 = h1300 on 9 Mar 1828 and
logged "Not vF; R; gbM; 20"." There is nothing at his position, but exactly 2.0 min of RA
west is
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12 30 31.4 +41 42 01; CVn
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 15°
48" (5/1/19): at 375x; two obvious HII knots are just off the SW side of this bright galaxy. [VS65] 04, 39" from center, is a bright knot ~12" diameter. [VS65] 01, a slightly fainter knot only 6" diameter, is just 15" further SW. These designations are from a 1965 study of HII regions in NGC 2403, 2903 and 4485/4490 by Véron and Sauvayre.
24" (5/27/17): at 200x; moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:4 N-S, ~1.5'x1.2'. Contains a very small brighter core/nucleus but not strongly concentrated. The surface brightness is fairly high and patchy, but I didn't use high power to look for HII regions.
18" (6/13/07): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~1.6'x1.2', broad mild concentration. Extended in the direction of the
northwest arm structure in
13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, fairly small, brighter core, elongated SSW-NNE. Forms a fascinating interacting pair with NGC 4490 3.6' SSE of center. Located 40' NW of Beta Canum Venaticorum (V = 4.3). Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4485 = H. I-197 = h1306 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "Two, the most south [NGC 4490] vB, vL, iE. That to the north B, pS, iF, about 1 1/2' distance." John Herschel logged "S; R; is 70° np and 3' n of I. 198 [NGC 4490]."
R.J. Mitchell's (Lord Rosse's assistant), sketch on 27 Mar 1856 (Plate 27, Fig. 23 in the 1861 publication) shows a bright nucleus and a well defined outer ring. The following year, though, he could not see any sign of spirality. In addition, a small patch (HII region) is sketched on the south side as well as a faint star, that's probably also a compact HII region.
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12 30 49.7 +12 23 28; Vir
V = 8.6; Size 7.2'x6.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
82" (5/4/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; M87's jet was a remarkable sight! It appeared as a bright, sharply defined "spike" with a fairly high surface brightness and two stellar knots! I was very surprised by the length and the extreme thinness, appearing like a narrow laser beam shooting out of the core, ~20"x2"!
48" (5/4/16 and 4/30/19): at 488x, 610x and 697x; M87's jet was almost continuously visible as a small, very thin spike extending to the west-northwest of the core, perhaps 15"x2". When the seeing was sharp, there was a brighter, knot (stellar) at the outer tip that sometimes appeared detached. There was a strong impression of a second stellar knot within the spike.
48" (4/1/11): at 488x, the jet in M87 was immediately noticed as a short, faint spike poking out of the central core to the WNW and the position angle [290-300°] was accurately sketched without prior knowledge. The narrow jet brightened or there was a knot at the outer tip.
In addition to looking for the jet, I sketched three
companions at the edge of the outer halo on the southwest side. About 2' SW of
the center of M87 is a pair of very faint, roundish galaxies, both ~15"
diameter. The pair forms
Virgo UCD 3 is either one of the brightest globular clusters in M87 or a nucleated dwarf galaxy, called a Ultra-Compact Dwarf (UCD). It is situated just 3.0' NE of the center of M87, directly opposite the two small galaxies at the southwest edge of the halo of M87. A mag 14.5 star, just 20" SSW, is a perfect reference to focus on the cluster. On 4/16/13 using 488x it was suspected as an 18th magnitude "star", but I didn't feel confident of the observation. At 813x, though, it was confirmed as an extremely faint, stellar object, glimpsed several times at the same position.
24" (5/29/14): extremely bright, large, slightly
elongated NNW-SSE, ~4'x3.5', well concentrated with a large, intense core. The core brightens but there was no
distinct nucleus. The halo gradually
fades and increases in size with averted vision. Several galaxies are nearby including
17.5" (5/24/87): very bright, fairly large, gradually
increases to a very bright core, no sharp nucleus. A very compact galaxy
13.1" (5/14/83): very bright, intense core, fairly smooth halo.
Charles Messier is credited with the discovery of M87 = NGC 4486 = h1301, along with M84 and M86, on 18 Mar 1781. But Wolfgang Steinicke recently found (email Oct '16) that Johann Gottfried Koehler made an earlier discovery on 5 May 1779. On 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199), William Herschel logged "Three nebulae, the two first [NGC 4476 and 4478] vF, S, the third [M87], B, L, mbM but diminishing very gradually in brightness." John Herschel made at least 5 observations, recording on sweep 245, "vB; vL; R; psmbM; r; 3' diam."
M87 is one of the most distant galaxies (~52 million light years) visible in binoculars. It contains a 6.4-billion-solar-mass black hole (1,000 times more massive than Sgr A). The 20" jet was discovered by Heber Curtis at Lick Observatory in 1918 and described as a "curious straight ray lies in a gap in the nebulosity in pa 20°, apparently connected with the nucleus by a thin line of matter. The ray is brightest at the inner end, which is 11" from the nucleus."
A supernova (1919A) was found in 1922 by Russian astronomer Balnowski on a plate taken 24 Feb 1919.
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12 31 04.4 -08 03 15; Vir
V = 10.9; Size 4.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 70°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly large,
diffuse, brighter core, slightly elongated. A mag 13 star is off the north end 1.1' from center. Brightest in a small group that incudes
William Herschel discovered NGC 4487 = H. II-776 on 23 Mar
1789 (sweep 916) and logged "F, vL, er." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 7 sec of RA west and
1.5' south of
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12 30 51.4 +08 21 36; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 3.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 5°
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, elongated NW-SE, small
brighter core. A mag 13 star lies
1.3' SW of center. Located 16' NNW
of
William Herschel discovered NGC 4488 = H. III-484 = h1302 on
28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and noted "vF". His position matches
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12 30 52.2 +16 45 32; Com
V = 12.0; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, stellar nucleus. A
group of four stars mag 11-13 is about 4' NE. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4489 = H. II-91 = h1303 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and simply noted "vS". He was discovering new objects very rapidly, so this and several following objects in the sweep have very brief descriptions. John Herschel made three observations and measured an accurate RA.
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NGC 4490 = Arp 269 NED2 = VV 30a = UGC 7651 = MCG +07-26-014 = CGCG 216-008 = Holm 414a = PGC 41333 = Cocoon Galaxy
12 30 36.1 +41 38 34; CVn
V = 9.8; Size 6.3'x3.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 125°
48" (5/1/19): at 375x; several HII knots were identified along the north side of this remarkable galaxy. NGC 4490:[VS65] 19, 22 and 23 are three very close, tiny knots oriented WNW-ESE [total length 22"] along the north edge of the central region. The middle knot (#22) was the brightest but only ~6" and the last knot (#23) was the faintest. NGC 4490:[VS65] 02 was a fairly bright, elongated glow on the NW edge of the galaxy [1.8' from center]. On close inspection it resolved into two extremely small knots. These designations are from a 1965 study of HII regions in NGC 2403, 2903 and 4485/4490 by Véron and Sauvayre.
24" (5/27/17): very bright, large, elongated ~5:2 WNW-ESE, ~5'x2.2', fairly high but irregular surface brightness, brighter core, but seems offset from center. A long arm (somewhat detached from the brighter central region), sweeps WNW and curls north near the end (bending towards companion NGC 4485). Fascinating unusual structure.
18" (6/7/08): I viewed this interesting pair in my 15x50 IS binoculars (just a faint blur), 18" Starmaster (disturbed arm on the WNW end extending towards NGC 4490 easily visible) and the 33.4" f/5 (internal structure visible).
18" (6/13/07): very bright, large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, ~5'x2', with a very bright oval core, ~45"x30". The surface brightness is irregular or mottled but most interesting is a small extension or arm that juts out of the WNW end and appears to bend or hook north towards the companion NGC 4485. There appears to be a smaller counterpart at the ESE end that slightly protrudes from the main body. With averted vision, the galaxy grew wider and appeared ~5'x2.5'. Located 39' NW of mag 4.3 Beta CVn. Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).
18" (6/4/05): very bright, large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, contains a large, bright core. At the northwest end a faint arm appears to emerge hooking sharply to the north for 1' towards NGC 4485. At the southeast end, there appears to be slight extension without much curvature near a 16th magnitude star. The central region is weakly concentrated to the center. Overall, the galaxy has a mottled, slightly splotchy appearance as if was dusty or knotty with HII regions. Located 40' NW of 4.2-magnitude Beta Canum Venaticorum.
13.1" (2/23/85 and 4/12/86): very bright, large, striking, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 6'x3', large bright core is elongated and grainy. A very faint arm extends from the NW end in the direction of NGC 4485 3.6' NNW. A small extension (arm) at the SE end is suspected. On 4/12/86, just a hint of curvature was noted towards NGC 4485.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4490 = H. I-198 = h1308, along with NGC 4485, on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 798) and recorded "Two, the most south [NGC 4490] vB, vL, iE. That to the north B, pS, iF, about 1 1/2' distance." John Herschel logged "vB; vL; mE; 40° np to sf; easily resolvable."
R.J. Mitchell made an accurate sketch of NGC 4485 and 4490 on 27 Mar 1856 (figure 23, Plate XXVII in Lord Rosse's 1861 publication). It showed the northwest tip curling towards NGC 4485 and a faint streak, corresponding to a string of HII regions, along the north edge of the galaxy.
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12 30 57.1 +11 29 00; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 148°
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, elongated NW-SE, fairly
small, brighter core. A mag 13.5
star lies 2.2' NE. Forms a pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4491 = H. III-41 = h1304 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "vF". Caroline's reduced position is 4' southeast of UGC 7657. John Herschel logged "pB; L; R; 40"." and measured a fairly accurate position.
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NGC 4492 = IC 3438 = UGC 7656 = MCG +01-32-089 = PGC 41383
12 30 59.7 +08 04 40; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core. A mag 12.5 star is very close NE 45" from center and a brighter mag 11.5 star is 1.8' SE. Located 19' ENE of M49.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4492 = H. II-499 = h1305 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and simply noted "F". His position is within 1' of UGC 7656. John Herschel made the single observation "pB; pL; vglbM; near two small stars."
Julius Schmidt independently found NGC 4492 in June 1861
with the 6" refractor at the Athens Observatory and announced it (along
with both NGC 4464 and NGC 4470) in AN 1513 (1866). All three of these objects, though, were found previously by
Herschel. In addition, Arnold
Schwassmann found this galaxy again in 1900 on a plate taken with the 6"
astrograph at the Königstuhl Observatory in Heidelberg. He assumed Sn. 65 was new (on a
different plate he correctly identified Sn. 64 as NGC 4492) and Dreyer recatalogued
Sn. 65 as
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12 31 08.3 +00 36 49; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 133°
24" (5/20/17): at 200x and 260x; fairly faint, fairly
small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 30"x25". Contains a small slightly brighter core and brighter nucleus
with direct vision. Located 4.7'
SE of mag 8.5
At 200x an extremely faint "knot" (companion) was suspected off the southeast side [50" between centers]. The companion was definitely glimpsed at 260x and appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10" diameter, stellar nucleus. At 375x it was just visible continuously with averted (V = 15.2, B = 16.1) and was round, 12" diameter, possible stellar nucleus.
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, small, oval NW-SE, even surface
brightness. Located 4.7' SE of mag
8.6
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4493 = m 241 on 22 Mar 1865 and noted "vF, vS, iR." His position is accurate, though he didn't notice the faint companion off the southeast end.
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12 31 24.1 +25 46 30; Com
V = 9.8; Size 4.8'x3.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
18" (4/5/03): very bright, fairly large, slightly
elongated ~N-S, ~3'x2.4', sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core
which increases to center. The
halo gradually fades and increases in size with averted vision. Located 6' SSW of mag 7.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4494 = H. I-83 = h1307 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "cB, pL, mbM, iR." John Herschel noted "vB; R; vsmbM to a nucl; 40-50" dia."
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12 31 22.9 +29 08 10; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
18" (4/5/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.4', weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4495 = H. III-301 = h1310 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "vF, vS, R." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.
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12 31 39.3 +03 56 23; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 4.0'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 70°
17.5" (2/28/87):
William Herschel discovered NGC 4496 = H. II-36 = h1309 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "a faintish pL nebula. It seems to be resolveable." John Herschel made three observations and resolved this double system on the 7 Apr 1828: "A double nebula; vF; pL; both R; pos 45° sf by diag; the two are in contact; unequal." The three editions of the Reference Catalouge of Bright Galaxies label the two components as NGC 4496A and 4496B.
R.J. Mitchell sketched and described this system on 18 Apr 1855 at Birr Castle, "A double neb, alpha [NGC 4496B] is vF, and its light flickering, the other [NGC 4496A] has F neby extending a good way downwards [north], and is much the larger and brighter of the two." Neither JH in the GC or Dreyer in the NGC assigned two designations for the components, although the NGC description reads "bi-nuclear or double nebula".
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NGC 4497 = IC 3452 = UGC 7665 = MCG +02-32-113 = PGC 41457
12 31 32.5 +11 37 29; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 2.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 65°
17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated WSW-ENE, broad concentration. A mag 12.5 star is 2.4' E of center. Forms a pair with NGC 4497 12' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4497 = H. III-42 on 15 Mar
1784 (sweep 174) and simply noted "vF" (he was recording objects very
quickly on the sweep). Caroline's
reduced position is 2.5' southeast of
Schwassmann "rediscovered" the galaxy on 8 Sep
1900 using a Heidelberg plate taken by Wolf, measured an accurate position and
recorded Sn. 199 (later
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NGC 4498 = UGC 7669 = MCG +03-32-056 = PGC 41472
12 31 39.7 +16 51 10; Com
V = 12.2; Size 3.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 133°
17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint streak NW-SE, diffuse, brighter core. Forms a trio with NGC 4489 12' SW and NGC 402 11' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4498 = H. III-69 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and simply noted "S". His position was 30 seconds of RA too large and 6' too far south. Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position twice, and questioned if it was same object as H. III-69. He noted "F, L, oval, 70" mininum dia. The nucleus is very faint. After repeated observation, it was seen as 90" long. Question is whether this is a Herschel object or not as it differs in AR by 22s, and in Dec by 3 1/2'." Stephan also made an observation on 28 Mar 1879.
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12 32 05.0 -39 58 57; Cen
V = 13.2; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 93°
18" (5/15/10): at 220x appeared very faint, slightly
elongated E-W, 0.8'x0.65'. Low
even surface brightness with no core or zones, although view compromised by low
elevation. Probable outlying
member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4499 = h3397 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "F; L; R; vglbM; 90"." His position (measured on 2 sweep) is a close match with ESO 322-022 = PGC 41537. Pietro Baracchi noticed this galaxy while observing NGC 4507 on 8 Feb 1886 with the GMT and assumed it was new. He called it "large and diffused and vgvlbM, about 2' long and 40" broad."
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12 31 22.1 +57 57 53; UMa
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 130°
18" (5/8/04): moderately bright, small lens, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE. Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and faint extensions. Located 1' W of a mag 10.5 star!
William Herschel discovered NGC 4500 = H. I-234 = h1311 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and recorded "cB, vS, lE. Just preceding a pL star." John Herschel logged "pB; E; pgbM; a * 9m foll 30" dist in parallel." His position was 1' to the southwest.
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12 31 59.1 +14 25 13; Com
V = 9.6; Size 6.9'x3.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 140°
48" (4/5/13): a thin spiral arm was clearly visible extending along the entire western flank of the halo and stretching 4.5' from NW to SE. This arm separates more cleanly from the central region as it extends south, reaching a wide double star (13.7/14.3 that is superimposed on the southeast end. A fainter, very thin, straight arm was also visible along the east side of the galaxy, extending towards the northwest. This arm hugs pretty close to the east side of the core and separates a bit on the north side.
17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, very large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, brighter core, intense very small or stellar nucleus (Seyfert 2 galaxy). A faint double star is embedded at the SE end (mag 13.5/14.5 at 20"). A brighter double star mag 11/12 at 30" is 5' S of center. Located at the NE end of "Markarian's chain" in the core of Virgo cluster.
17.5" (6/5/99 and 6/12/99): 14th magnitude type Ia SN
1999cl was easily observed in
Charles Messier discovered M88 = NGC 4501 = h1312 on 18 Mar 1781. William Herschel described it on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) as "vB, vL, E." John Herschel made 5 observations and recorded on sweep 422 "B; vL; vmE; 8' l, 1' br. The northern half is brighter than the southern." On two other sweeps heaccurately measured the position angle as between 140°-145°. Listed as "Spiral or curvilinear" in Lord Rosse's 1850 PT paper.
On 9 Mar 1850, George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, wrote "Another spiral? dark spaces p[receding] Nucl, others also, especially one sf [south-following] Nucl." Lord Rosse included M88 in his list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in his 1850 PT paper. On 17 Mar 1855 R.J. Mitchell logged "Thought I could trace a dark passage from south end down past the Nucl. Saw but the one branch f neby outside this passage." William Lassell sketched M88 on 21 May 1862 with his 48-inch on Malta. He noted "this nebula is of a somewhat convoluted form it may be a spiral, but I cannot make it out." Nevertheless, a comparison of his sketch with images, shows the tight set of spiral arms around the core and another spiral arm curling around on the southeast side of the halo.
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12 32 03.3 +16 41 16; Com
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 40°
18" (4/5/03): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', low surface brightness. NGC 4498 lies 11' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4502 = H. II-92 = h1314 on
21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "vF, S." Caroline's reduced position is 6' north of
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12 32 06.2 +11 10 35; Vir
V = 11.1; Size 3.5'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 12°
24" (5/20/17): bright, fairly large, oval 2:1 or
5:2 N-S, the halo increases to
~2'x0.8' with averted. Sharply
concentrated with an extremely bright core that increases to an intense stellar
nucleus!
24" (6/4/16): bright, large, elongated nearly 5:2 N-S,
~1.8'x0.7'. Sharply concentrated
with a very large, very bright elonagated core that increases to an even
brighter nucleus and stellar peak at the center. The halo gradually fades out but the ratio of major to minor
axis is higher in the halo than the core.
IC 3470 is 6.7' NE and
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated ~N-S, very bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4503 = H. II-66 = h1313 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "pB". His descriptions are very brief in this portion of the sweep as he was recording new nebulae rapidly. Caroline's reduced position is 18 sec of RA too far east. John Herschel made two observations, the first on 11 Apr 1825, his third formal sweep. Dreyer made an observation on 24 Mar 1878, though mistakenly assumed he was observing GC 3077 = NGC 4528. He wrote, "pB, lE N-S, irr figure, fades away more gradually on f[ollowing] side..."
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NGC 4504 = MCG -01-32-022 = LGG 293-002 = PGC 41555
12 32 17.3 -07 33 50; Vir
V = 11.2; Size 4.4'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 150°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly large, almost even surface brightness, slightly elongated, very weakly concentrated core. Two mag 14.5-15 stars are off following end 1.4' NE and 2.1' ESE of center. Member of the NGC 4487 group (LGG 293).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4504 = H. II-771 = h1398 on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and noted "pB, iF, mbM, easily resolvable." John Herschel made a single observation from the Cape of Good Hope and logged "vF; L; lE; gvlbM; 2' l by 100" broad."
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12 31 39.3 +03 56 23; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4496.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4505 = H. III-18 = h1315 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "vF of a considerable size; it seems to be resolvable, is more faint than the foregoing [II-36 = NGC 4496] and rather larger. There is nothing at his position, exactly 1.0 min of time following II-36 = NGC 4496, and the description applies to this galaxy! It appears he likely recorded the same object twice.
JH has a single observation on sweep 142: "eF, the following of 2 [with NGC 4496] in fld." His position is roughly the same as his father's (perhaps using his working list). Karl Reinmuth, in his photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", questions if it is a mag 14 star, and this is very possible.
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12 32 10.5 +13 25 10; Com
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 110°
17.5" (4/25/87): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, diffuse, very weakly concentrated core. A mag 11 star is 2.1' W. Located 34' E of NGC 4473 near the Virgo border.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4506 = H. II-631 = h1316 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and noted "F". John Herschel's description reads, "vF; pmE in parallel; gbM; a * 9m 8 sec following."
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NGC 4507 = Shapley-Ames 2 = ESO 322-029 = MCG -07-26-011 = LGG 298-008 = PGC 41960
12 35 36.7 -39 54 34; Cen
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 56°
18" (4/25/09): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated, increases to a small brighter core. Situated within an oval group of ~8
stars (~9'x6') and 5' SW of mag 5.8
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, oval, weak
concentration. Located 5.2' SW of
mag 5.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 4507 = h3399 on 5 Jun 1834 and
recorded "pB; S; R: psmbM to a * 16m." His position (measured on two sweeps) is at the east edge of
The identification with NGC 4507 was missed in the 1932 Shapley-Ames Catalogue and this galaxy was listed as one of 6 "new anonymous" galaxies (New 2).
******************************
12 32 17.4 +05 49 08; Vir
= **?, Gottlieb. = "Not found", Carlson.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4508 = h1317 on 19 Apr 1830 and noted "vF; R; a * 13m with a burr." His position corresponds with a close, faint double star. The stars are cleanly resolved on the SDSS. Karl Reinmuth also identifies a double star at the NGC position, although he also mentions a possible nearby candidate. This is object #1450 in the Ames "Catalogue of 2778 Nebulae including the Coma-Virgo Group". Ames felt this object was too far from the NGC position and too faint.
******************************
12 33 06.8 +32 05 32; CVn
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/28/89): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, almost even surface brightness. Located 4.5' NW of a bright double star STF 1653 = 9.7/9.7 at 8".
John Herschel discovered NGC 4509 = h1318 on 11 Mar 1828 and
noted "vF; S; R; lbM."
There is nothing at his position but 1.0 min of RA east is
******************************
NGC 4510 = UGC 7679 = MCG +11-15-058 = CGCG 315-041 = PGC 41489
12 31 47.2 +64 14 01; Dra
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 153°
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, very small, very small bright core, stellar nucleus, very small halo. NGC 4441 lies 17' SW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4510 on 9 Sep 1866 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position is an excellent match with
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12 32 08.1 +56 28 16; UMa
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 9°
18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3
~N-S. A mag 14 star is close
south, in the direction of elongation.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4511 = H. III-834 = h1319 on
17 Mar 1790 (sweep 947) and noted "eF, S, iF." His position matches
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12 32 47.6 +63 56 21; Dra
V = 12.2; Size 2.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 167°
See observing notes for NGC 4521. Identification uncertain; this number may be identical to NGC 4510.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4512 = h1321 on 3 Apr 1832 and
recorded "pB; R: psbM; 20"." There is nothing at his single position, though 10'
north-northeast is
Bigourdan was unable to recover NGC 4512 and Reinmuth states "no pB neb found, =NGC 4521?" Corwin suggests that NGC 4512 may be identical to NGC 4510 as this would require a 30' error in declination. Furthermore this galaxy is more likely than NGC 4521 to be called "round" and "20" in diameter. So, the identification with NGC 4521 is uncertain, but likely applies to either NGC 4521 or NGC 4510. See Corwin's identification notes.
******************************
12 32 01.5 +66 19 57; Dra
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15°
24" (5/30/16): at 225x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.4', small bright core.
The triple system
48" (4/4/13): at 488x; VII Zw 466 appeared fairly faint, small, round with a slightly brighter rim and darker center. The ring was irregular lit and brighter on the west side with a couple of slightly brighter knots north and south.
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4513 on 16 Oct 1866 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position is an excellent match with
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12 32 43.0 +29 42 45; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, weak concentration with no noticeable core. A mag 14 star lies 1.5' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4514 = H. III-302 = h1320 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "eF, vS". John Herschel made two observations and called this galaxy (sweep 342) "vF; R; bM; 15"."
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12 33 05.0 +16 15 56; Com
V = 12.3; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, very small, almost round, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4515 = H. II-93 = h1324 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "F, vS." John Herschel called it "F; an extremely dilute nebulosity, with a centre almost stellar.
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12 33 07.6 +14 34 30; Com
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 3°
17.5" (5/23/87): faint, small, very elongated N-S, small well defined core. Located 18' NE of M88.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4516 = H. III-78 = h1323 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded "A B, pL, r nebula [M88] with a small one [NGC 4516] after it. Moonlight so strong that I had nearly overlooked the latter. John Herschel logged "F; R: vgbM; 40"." and measured an accurate position.
******************************
NGC 4517 = NGC 4437 = UGC 7694 = MCG +00-32-020 = CGCG 014-063 = FGC 1455 = PGC 41618
12 32 45.6 +00 06 59; Vir
V = 10.4; Size 10.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 83°
48" (5/4/16): beautiful edge-on spiral, nearly 8:1 WSW-ENE, ~11'x1.5'. A mag 10.9 star is attached on the north edge, just east of center. The galaxy is broadly concentrated with a larger, brighter core region and small brighter nucleus. A fairly prominent, irregular dust lane extends ~5', unevenly slicing the galaxy along the north edge of the core region. The absorption lane is widest and most prominent near the core. A fairly thin strip of the galaxy is visible to the north of the dust lane, passing through the bright star at the north edge. The dust gives the galaxy an irregular patchy appearance and along with some mottling, the view is reminiscent of NGC 253 or NGC 55.
17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, very large edge-on 8:1 WSW-ENE, almost 10'x1.2'. This galaxy is an impressive large narrow streak with fairly low surface brightness and fills 1/2 of the 21' field. There is no well-defined nucleus but central region slightly bulges. Appears brighter along the western extension. A mag 9 star is attached at the northeast edge of the core.
NGC 4517A, located 17' NNW, appeared very faint, large, small brighter core. Appears as a very diffuse hazy region elongated SSW-NNE with no distinct boundaries. Located 3.5' SE of a mag 10.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4517 = H. IV-5 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "A pretty bright star with a milky ray on the south side of it, extending from east to west, or rather from np to sf. It does not seem to touch the star, and is about 10 or 12' in length." On a second observation (1 Jan 1786, sweep 507), he added "a pB star with a milky ray to the south of it, and partly including it." WH commented this might suggest that the nebula had a considerable proper motion, though differences in observing conditions might account for the difference. The GC and NGC position (from 3 observations) is 0.5 min of RA too far east and 2' south.
JH found h1277 = NGC 4437 on 14 Apr 1828 and recorded "F; vmE; pos 15° nf to sp; a long ray; it is south preceding a * 10m. The place is that of the star." There is nothing near his position, but 5 min of RA east is NGC 4517 and his description is a perfect match with this galaxy. The equivalence may have first been suggest by Karl Reinmuth in his 1926 photographic Heidelberg survey "Die Herschel Nebel". Various sources (including the RNGC) mistakenly equate NGC 4437 with NGC 4417, instead of NGC 4517. So, NGC 4517 = NGC 4437.
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12 33 11.7 +07 51 06; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 0°
24" (5/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 3:2 N-S, ~25"x18", gradually increases to a small bright
core and stellar nucleus. Located
16' NW of
Forms a close pair with
17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, small, elongated NW-SE,
bright core. Located to the west
of a N-S line joining mag 6.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 4518 = h1322 on 27 Dec 1827 and
recorded "F; S; R; bM; 20"." His position corresponds with
******************************
12 33 30.3 +08 39 16; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 3.2'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 145°
24" (6/4/16): at 322x; bright, large, slightly elongated 5:4 SW-NE, at least 1.5'x1.2'. Contains a relatively large brighter core. The halo is noticeably mottled with an uneven surface brightness (probably due to HII knots in the arms).
Forms a pair with
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly bright, moderately large, brighter core, slightly elongated. A knot is superimposed on the SW end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4519 = H. II-158 on 15 Apr
1784 (sweep 194) and recorded, "F, pL, almost R, r." His position (Caroline's reduction) is
3' northeast of
******************************
12 33 49.9 -07 22 32; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 101°
18" (4/9/05): faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W. A very faint star is at the western tip. The galaxy appears to have a very faint stellar nucleus or a second star is involved. A mag 11.2 star is 3' NW. NGC 4504 lies 20' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4520 = H. III-757 on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and logged "2 vF stars involved in nebulosity, vF, S." He made another observation with a similar description a few nights later (sweep 916). The GC and NGC has a typo, calling this galaxy II-757.
Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 21 Apr 1889 and
assumed it was new. His
description for #64 in his 8th discovery list (later
******************************
NGC 4521 = NGC 4512? = UGC 7706 = MCG +11-15-061 = CGCG 315-046 = PGC 41621
12 32 47.6 +63 56 21; Dra
V = 12.2; Size 2.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 167°
24" (5/30/16): at 225x; moderately bright and large,
edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very small bright
core. A mag 11 star is 2' NNW and
a mag 15.2 star is 1.4' SSE. Forms
a pair with much fainter UGC 7700 4' SSW.
Brightest in a group including NGC 4510 19' NNW and
UGC 7700 (misidentified in all modern catalogues and most online sources as NGC 4512) appeared very faint, fairly small, 24" diameter (only the central region seen), very low even surface brightness.
17.5" (4/15/93): moderately bright and large, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, very bright core, faint stellar nucleus, very thin tapering extensions. Located 2.0' SSE of a mag 10 star. A mag 15 star is just 30" E of the southern extension. NGC 4481 lies 20' WNW. UGC 7700 = (R)NGC 4512 located 4' SW was not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4521 = H. II-849 = h1326 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and logged "pB, vS, lE, SN." John Herschel recorded "pB; pmE; pgbM; 20" long, 12" broad; a * 9m near. His description matches NGC 4521, but his position is 20' too far south. Because of the discrepancy with his father's position, JH listed it as a "Nova". In the NGC notes, Dreyer notes that "h1326 = II 848, but h's P.D. Is wrong; d'Arrest's adopted".
See notes for NGC 4512 = h1321, which may be identical to NGC 4521.
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12 33 39.5 +09 10 25; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 3.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 33°
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, fairly large, thin edge-on streak oriented SSW-NNE, weak concentration.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4522 = h1325 on 18 Jan 1828 and recorded "eF; pL; lE; vlbM." His single position is accurate.
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12 33 47.8 +15 10 02; Com
V = 14.1; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 15.4
17.5" (5/23/87): extremely faint, difficult, very
diffuse, moderately large. Located
10' S of
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4523 on 19 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His published position is 10 sec of RA west of
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12 33 54.4 -12 01 39; Crv
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 80°
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, oval WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness. Three mag 15 stars are just west.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4524 = h1327 on 9 Mar 1828 and
recorded "vF; irreg R; bM."
His single position is 1' north of
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12 33 51.2 +30 16 39; Com
V = 12.2; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 47°
18" (4/10/04): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, broadly concentrated to an ill-defined 0.8' core. A low surface brightness halo increases the size to at least 2.0'x.1.0'. The halo is irregular or patchy and fades into the background so is difficult to trace, though it is a little brighter on the SW extension.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4525 = H. II-325 = h1328 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "F, pL, E, bM." John Herschel made a single observation: "pF; L; R; 60".", but didn't measure a position.
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NGC 4526 = NGC 4560? = UGC 7718 = MCG +01-32-100 = CGCG 042-155 = PGC 41772
12 34 03.1 +07 41 59; Vir
V = 9.7; Size 7.2'x2.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 113°
24" (5/20/17): very bright, very large, very elongated
3:1 WNW-ESE, ~3.75'x1.25'.
Contains a large, rounder core with a small intense nucleus that seems
slightly offset south of center.
The extensions gradually fade out towards the tips. Situated at the midpoint of mag 7.0 HD
109285 7.5' WSW and mag 6.8
17.5" (3/12/94): Supernova SN 1994D (Type Ia) was observed 5 days after discovery. It appeared about 12th magnitude and was located 9" W and 7" N of the galaxy's nucleus.
17.5" (4/18/87): very bright, fairly large, very
elongated WNW-ESE, bright core, strong stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is 1.3' S of
center. Located midway between mag
6.9 SAO 119466 7.6' W and mag 6.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 4526 = H. I-31 = H. I-38 = h1329
on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded I-31 as "vB, E, mbM, r." It is situated between two brilliant
stars at a considerable distance."
There is nothing at his position, but 17' north is
Herschel probably found this galaxy a third time on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and recorded it as H. I-119 = NGC 4560, with another bad position. So, NGC 4526 = NGC 4560.
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12 34 08.4 +02 39 11; Vir
V = 10.5; Size 6.2'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 67°
24" (5/20/17): at 200x; bright; very large; very
elongated ~4:1 WSW-ENE, ~4'x1',well concentrated with a very bright elongated
core that contains a fairly intense nucleus. Appears to brighten slightly and curl south on the western
end and spread out and curl a bit north on the eastern ends, like the beginning
of spiral arms (verified later on the DSS).
17.5" (5/10/91): Supernova 1991T (Type Ia) was bright! It appeared as an 11th mag "star" less than 1' NE of the nucleus.
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, very large, very
elongated WSW-ENE, prominent core, small bright nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4527 = H. II-37 = h1330 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "pB, of an extended shape, from np to sf and mbM than at the ends." His orientation should read "sp to nf". On sweep 143, John Herschel logged "pB; pL; gmbM; E in pos 30° nf to sp."
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12 34 06.1 +11 19 16; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 5°
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright but small, oval ~N-S,
nucleus bulge, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 35' WNW of the
William Herschel discovered NGC 4528 = H. II-67 = h1331 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "vS but pB." His RA was 42 seconds too small (several objects on this sweep have a poor RA). John Herschel made four observations (first on 11Apr 1825, his third sweep) with a range of brightness descriptions from "F" to "pB".
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12 34 12 +20 32; Com
= Not found, Corwin.
Very uncertain ID's
William Herschel discovered NGC 4529 = H. III-26 on 12 Mar 1784 (sweep 167) and logged "I suspected a L, eF nebula; but though I looked at it a good while I could not verify the suspicion, nor could I convince myself that it was a deception." The RA was only taken approximately. He reported it again on 16 Mar 1790 (sweep 944), and measured offsets from 26 Com (the reduced position by CH was used in the GC and NGC). Dreyer discussed the difference between Caroline's reduction vs. Auwers' reduction in the NGC Notes/Corrections section (based on the sweep used). In any case, there is nothing at either position.
RNGC misidentifies MCG +04-30-003 = CGCG 129-006 as NGC
4529, although neither CGCG or MCG uses this identification. PGC lists the RNGC entry and the
MCG/CGCG entry separately, so
I send an e-mail to Harold Corwin back in October 1999 about the identification and no satisfactory candidate could be identified. See his identification notes.
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12 33 44.5 +41 21 27; CVn
V = 4.3
= *4.3 (Beta CVn), Gottlieb. = Not found, RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4530 = h1332 in May 1828 (sweep 150) and described "8 [Beta] CVn. Involved in a considerable nebula 3' in diam, exactly R; vgbM." He made a total of four observation and described the star as nebulous on each occasion. There is no nebulosity surrounding this star. JH realized the observation was uncertain. In the appendix of the Slough catalogue, he noted "With regard to nebulous stars generally, I ought to mention that it has frequently occurred to me to notice a peculiar state of atmosphere in which all large stars (above the 7th magnitude) have appeared surrounded with photospheres of 2' or 3' or more diameter, precisely resembling that about some of the finer specimens of nebulous stars."
This is the second brightest star (after NGC 771) with an entry in the NGC. Albert Marth wrote to Herschel in 1862 that the star "does not appear to me have any nebula or appendage about it."
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12 34 15.9 +13 04 31; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 3.1'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 155°
17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated NW-SE, diffuse, broad concentration. Located 37' W of
William Herschel discovered NGC 4531 = H. II-175 = h1333 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199)and noted "pF, L." John Herschel made two observations and recorded (sweep 339) "pF; pL; R; vgbM; 80"."
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12 34 19.3 +06 28 07; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 2.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 160°
24" (5/20/17): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 NNW-SSE. The surface brightness is irregular; brighter and mottled on the NNW end and fainter on the SSE end, giving an asymmetric appearance. A mag 14.5 star is off the east side [0.6' from center]. Mag 8.0 HD 109402 lies 5.4' S.
Holmberg VII lies 12' SE of NGC 4532. At 200x this dwarf was just visible as a very faint patch with averted vision, roundish, ~40" diameter (no distinct edge), very low even surface brightness, no core or nucleus.
17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 NW-SE, no central condensation. Asymmetric appearance as fainter at the SE end (dust?). Located 5.4' N of mag 8.3 SAO
119478.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4532 = H. II-147 = h1334 on
13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "pB, pL, mE, r." His position and description matches
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NGC 4533 = UGC 7725 = MCG +01-32-102 = CGCG 042-157 = PGC 41816
12 34 22.0 +02 19 31; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 2.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 161°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, moderately large, edge-on NNW-SSE, low surface brightness narrow streak. Collinear with mag 8.6 SAO 119474 4.1' N and mag 8.8 SAO 119473 7.2' N. All of these are on line with bright galaxy NGC 4536 8.3' SSE.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4533 = T. 1-45 and described a class III nebula, 7 sec of RA west and 9' north of [NGC 4536]. The exact offsets to this galaxy are -5 sec RA and +8' dec.
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12 34 05.4 +35 31 06; CVn
V = 12.3; Size 2.6'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 125°
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 2.0' diameter, low almost even surface brightness, very small region of central brightening. A mag 15 star is 30" SW of the halo and 1.5' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4534 = H. II-410 = h1336 on
1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "F, cL, r." His position is just off the north side
of
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12 34 20.3 +08 11 52; Vir
V = 10.0; Size 7.1'x5.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 0°
48" (4/4/13): NGC 4535 is a gorgeous face-on Sc spiral with two, long, very prominent arms extending from a small, very bright central region. The small, very bright core is elongated SSW-NNE and punctuated by an intense, stellar nucleus. The two main arms are clearly attached right at opposite ends of the core. At the northeast end, a beautiful thin arm winds clockwise to the west with a mag 13.5 star pinned on the outer north edge. The arm contains NGC 4535:[HK83] #157 (several additional entries including #141/145 are in Hodge & Kennicutt's "Atlas of HII regions in 125 galaxies"), a small, bright, 15" knot and then dims as it wraps to the south. A mag 14.5 star is situated midway between the nucleus and southern end of this arm [47" SW of the nucleus].
The second main arm is attached at the southwest end of the core and curves clockwise to the southeast, where the arm brightens in an elongated 30" patch (#51/52/72/78), which is symmetrically positioned opposite #157. A fainter arm segment, extending WNW to ESE is visible on the south side, containing #84/90, a small, fairly faint 12" patch, located 1.5' SSE of center. This knot forms the vertex of a flat isosceles triangle with a mag 15 star 0.5' NW and a mag 14 star 0.7' S. The arms are etched on the slightly fainter and larger background glow of the disc, which extends 5.5'x4.0' in a N-S orientation.
24" (5/24/20): at 260x; bright, large, face-on spiral with a low contrast "S" shape, ~5'x4' N-S. Strongly concentrated with a small bright core elongated N-S and an intense quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is superimposed 0.8' SW of center. The northern arm was very subtle; it curved clockwise to the west, passing close to a mag 13.5 star 1' N of center. A faint 15" knot, [HK83] #157, was at the end of this arm, 1' NW of center. A low contrast arm on the south side curled towards the east and north. A mag 15 star is 1.2' S of center (just south of the arm) and a mag 14 star is 2.2' S of center at the edge of the outer halo.
17.5" (4/18/87): bright, fairly large, very small bright core, elongated SSW-NNE, about 5.5'x4.0'. Appears slightly darker on both sides of core (this is a gap between the spiral arms). A mag 13.5 star is superimposed on the north side 1.0' from the center and a similar star is at the south end of the halo 2.2' from center. A faint mag 14.5 star is just 48" SW of the core. NGC 4526 lies 30' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4535 = H. II-500 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and described "very large, easily resolvable. I see a few of the largest stars in it." In his 1814 PT paper, WH hypothesized this object may be a cluster of stars mixed with nebulosity or a cluster seen at great distance which contains no nebulosity. JH did not make any observations, though d'Arrest made four observations and described it as up to 5 or 6' in size. He also noted the mag 15 star (called mag 17) just 48" preceding the nucleus.
The nickname "Lost Galaxy" is from Leland S.
Copeland's February 1955 S&T article "Adventuring in the Virgo
Cloud". In his article, Copeland described a star hop through the Virgo
Cluster using his 8" Cave reflector. He states, "North of the Diamond
is a very dim spiral, here called the Lost Galaxy, NGC 4535." Leland was
probably referring to
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NGC 4536 = UGC 7732 = MCG +00-32-023 = CGCG 014-068 = PGC 41823
12 34 27.1 +02 11 16; Vir
V = 10.6; Size 7.6'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 130°
48" (4/4/13): very bright, gorgeous showpiece spiral with two very stretched arms extending northwest and southeast ~7'x2.5'. Contains a very bright, slightly elongated core that increases to an intense stellar nucleus. One long arm emanates from the west side of the core and shoots to the northwest, extending over 3' from the nucleus. Close west of the core is a brighter, knotty region identified as [HK 83] 66/67 in the Hodge-Kennicutt "Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies". The second arm is connected at the northeast side of the core and stretches to the southeast. A small brightening (#53) is just north of the core where the arm is attached. This arm contains a brighter, elongated section which includes [HK 83] 23/33/35/36, opposite the brighter region on the western arm.
24" (5/24/20): at 260x; bright, very large, very elongated at least 3:1 NW-SE with two long slightly arched arms, ~6.5'x2', strong concentration with a bright elongated core that increased to a very small but non-stellar nucleus. The long eastern arm was attached on the north side of the core and was brightest in a 1.5'-2' section angling to the SE. The arm dimmed with a diffuse, lower surface brightness extension out to 3.5' SE of center, spreading further south at the eastern end. The western arm was also brightest in the initial 1' section on the west side of the core. The arm dimmed and thinned but stretched NW ~3' from center, where is seemed to bend north and fade out.
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, very large, very
elongated NW-SE, weak concentration, stellar nucleus. Spiral structure is suspected at the ends of the major
axis. Forms a pair with NGC 4533
8' N. Located 12' WSW of mag 7.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 4536 = H. V-2 = h1337 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 120) and noted "F, L, cE. It is bright in the middle in two or three places." He recorded the galaxy on 4 different sweeps. John Herschel reported "pB; vL; mE in pos 20° np; sbM."
On 19 April 1855, R. J. Mitchell (Lord Rosse's assistant) observed with George J. Stoney, [visiting between professorial duties]. Stoney didn't see the faint curve at the west extremity, but Mitchell was confident. Mitchell sketched the galaxy on 29 May 1856 (Plate XXVIII, Fig. 24 in the 1861 publication) and clearly showed the central bar and long arms forming an stretched "Z" shape.
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12 34 48.9 +50 48 18; CVn
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 21°
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4537 = Sw. 1-22 on 16 Mar 1884
and recorded "eeF; S; R; nearly between 2 stars." There is nothing at his position, but
49 seconds of RA due east is NGC 4542 (discovered by John Herschel), the
brightest nearby candidate. Also
in the vicinity is
The RNGC and PGC (and secondary sources such as Megastar) identify MCG +09-21-022 as NGC 4537. Both Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin concur that NGC 4537 is more likely a duplicate of NGC 4542. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.
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12 34 40.9 +03 19 25; Vir
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 80°
17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, small, elongated 5:2
WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4538 = m 242 on 22 Mar 1865 and
noted "eF, vS, nearly R."
His position matches
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12 34 34.8 +18 12 09; Com
V = 12.0; Size 3.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 95°
17.5" (4/13/02): fairly faint but fairly large, elongated 5:2 E-W, 2.4'x0.9'. Fairly uniform low surface brightness but bulges slightly at the core. Two mag 14 stars are 1.5' SE of center. Located 13' SW of the beautiful double 24 Comae (5.0/6.6 at 20").
John Herschel discovered NGC 4539 = h1338 on 17 Mar 1831and
logged "pB; pmE." His
position and description matches
******************************
12 34 50.8 +15 33 05; Com
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 40°
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, fairly small, even
surface brightness. A mag 13.5
star is 1.2' W of center. Forms a
close pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4540 = H. II-94 = H. II-119
= h1335 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted H. II-94 as "F, S." Caroline's reduced position is 5'
southeast of
******************************
12 35 10.6 -00 13 17; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 91°
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated E-W, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4541 = H. III-493 = h1342 on
1 Jan 1786 (sweep 507) and noted "eF, S, irregular." His position (Caroline's reduction) is
3' too far south. John Herschel
made a single observation but did measure an accurate position. The NGC dec is 1.5' south (apparently
this position is from Holden) of
******************************
NGC 4542 = NGC 4537: = UGC 7746 = MCG +09-21-021 = CGCG 270-011 = PGC 41864
12 34 48.9 +50 48 18; CVn
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 21°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', very small slightly brighter core. A near equilateral triangle of mag 11 stars lies to the NE (closest vertex 4' NE).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4542 = h1341 on 17 Feb 1831 and
noted "eF; pL; R; 30"."
His position matches
******************************
NGC 4543 = MCG +01-32-109 = CGCG 042-167 = PGC 41923
12 35 20.3 +06 06 54; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 0°
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, very small bright core. NGC 4532 lies 25' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4543 = h1340 on 27 Dec 1827 and
recorded "pF; R; bM; 40"."
His position matches
******************************
NGC 4544 = UGC 7756 = MCG +01-32-110 = CGCG 042-168 = PGC 41958
12 35 36.6 +03 02 04; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 2.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 161°
17.5" (3/24/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' ENE of center. NGC 4538 lies 22' NW and NGC 4527 30' SW.
Edward Swift, Lewis' 16 year-old son, discovered NGC 4544 =
Sw. 6-45 on 27 Apr 1887 and recorded "eF; S; R; bet 2 stars." The Swifts' position was 14 seconds of
time preceding
******************************
NGC 4545 = UGC 7747 = MCG +11-15-064 = CGCG 315-047 = PGC 41838
12 34 34.2 +63 31 30; Dra
V = 12.3; Size 2.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 8°
17.5" (4/15/93): fairly faint, moderately large, round, about 2' diameter, broad weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is just off the NNE edge of the halo 1.0' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4545 = H. II-850 = h1346 on 20 Mar 1790 (sweep 954) and recorded "pB, pL, iR, vgbM, r." His position is 2' too far north. John Herschel made a single interesting description, "vF; L; wedge shaped, or has a vF * nf, which gives it a distorted appearance."
******************************
12 35 29.5 -03 47 38; Vir
V = 10.3; Size 3.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 80°
17.5" (3/24/90): bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, very bright core, bright stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2.0' SE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4546 = H. I-160 = h1339 on 29 Dec 1786 (sweep 674) and recorded "vB, cL, E from sp to nf but nearer the parallel [E-W] than the meridian, a BN with faint branches, the nucleus very gradually diminishing." John Herschel made four observations and recorded (sweep 147) "vB; mE; vsmbM to a r nucleus; 2' long, 90" br." Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy elongated at least 3:1 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 8 Apr 1878. (p.170 in logbook)
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12 34 51.8 +58 55 00; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.5'
18" (5/12/07): this is a very small and close double
system oriented NW-SE. The
slightly brighter and larger NW component is very faint, very small, round,
15" diameter while the SE component is extremely faint and small, round,
10" diameter. The pair is
cleanly resolved, though the centers are just 27" apart.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4547 = H. III-802 = h1344 on
17 Apr 1789 (sweep 923) and logged "vF, lE." His re-reduced position is just 1.3'
northeast of
RNGC and CGCG misidentify the double system as NGC 4547 + NGC 4549. MCG misidentifies MCG +10-18-068 as NGC 4547 and MCG +10-18-069 as NGC 4549. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for a thorough discussion of the identifications.
******************************
12 35 26.4 +14 29 47; Com
V = 10.2; Size 5.4'x4.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 150°
24" (5/22/17): at 282x; very bright, large, strongly concentrated with a very bright round core that elongates into a bar oriented WSW-ENE. The initial portions of spiral arms are attached at both ends of the bar. On the WSW end, a weak arm extends north, curving slightly counter-clockwise and on the east end, a subtle arm starts to curl south. Both arms blend into a low surface brightness outer halo that extends ~3.5'x2.5'.
17.5" (5/23/87): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 3'x2', gradually increases to a bright core and a very small nucleus. M88 is 50' WSW.
Charles Messier discovered M91 = NGC 4548 = H. II-120 =
h1345 on 18 Mar 1781. For a long
time M91 was a missing Messier object as there is nothing in his position. In "The Missing Messier
Objects" (Sky & Tel Oct 1960), Owen Gingerich concluded that M91 was
likely a duplicate observation of
William Herschel independently found this galaxy on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and recorded H. II-120 as "L, resolvable, but moonlight [end of a long night]." John Herschel made 3 observations, first logging this galaxy on 3 Apr 1826 (sweep 24) as "pB; R; bM; 60" [diameter]."
******************************
NGC 4549 = MCG +10-18-072 = PGC 41954
12 35 21.2 +58 56 59; UMa
V = 15.2; Size 0.45'x0.2'; PA = 100°
18" (5/12/07): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter, required averted vision to glimpse, though transparency was very mediocre. Located near the midpoint of a mag 14 star 2.3' N and a mag 11 star 2.7' S. This galaxy is not identified as NGC 4549 in the RNGC or CGCG. Located 4.3' ENE of the double system NGC 4547.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4549 = H. III-807 = h1347 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and recorded "Two [with III-802 = NGC 4547], both eF, S, E different ways. The place is that of the first [NGC 4547], the 2nd [NGC 4549] is about 4' following and 3' more north, and still fainter than the 1st." His offset pretty clearly identifies NGC 4549 = MCG +10-18-072 = PGC 41954, and this galaxy is certainly one of the faintest he discovered!
RNGC and CGCG misidentify
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12 35 30.6 +12 13 14; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 3.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 178°
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright, fairly small, pretty
edge-on N-S, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 2.9' SE. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4550 = H. I-36 = h1343, along with NGC 4551, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Two small but bright nebula; both lE." John Herschel made 3 observations (earliest on 11 Apr 1825, sweep 3) and recorded on 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 245), "pB; R; bM; 20"; the sp of 2; pos of the other from this by micrometer = 33.5°."
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NGC 4551 = UGC 7759 = MCG +02-32-148 = CGCG 070-183 = Holm 422b = PGC 41963
12 35 37.9 +12 15 50; Vir
V = 12.0; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 70°
17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 ~E-W, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star lies 2.1' NW of center. Forms a pair with NGC 4550 3.2' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4551 = H. I-37 = h1349 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and recorded "Two small but bright nebula; both lE." John Herschel made 2 observations and recorded (sweep 245) "pB; R; bM; 25"; the nf of 2; place by comparison with the preceding."
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12 35 39.9 +12 33 20; Vir
V = 9.8; Size 5.1'x4.7'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, irregularly round, fairly small but high surface brightness with an intense, very small bright core and substellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 4550/NGC 4551 pair 20' S.
Charles Messier discovered M89 = NGC 4552 = h1348 on 18 Mar 1781. William Herschel made an observation on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) and noted "B, pS." John Herschel made four observations and recorded on 10 Apr 1825 (sweep 2) "F; R; gbM; 25"; has a * nf." On 4 May 1829 (sweep 192) he called M89 "B; R; gbM; 40...50" [diameter]."
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12 36 07.5 -39 26 20; Cen
V = 12.2; Size 2.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 176°
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, oval NNW-SSE. A mag 11.5/12.5 double star at 22"
separation lies 3.6' NNE. This
possible member of the Centaurus galaxy cluster (AGC 3526) is located 10' SW of
mag 6.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 4553 = h3400 on 22 Apr 1835 and recorded "F; R; or lE; glbM." His single position is accurate.
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12 35 42 +11 11; Vir
= Not found, Dreyer and Corwin.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4554 in 1882 while observing NGC 4567/4568 (the "Siamese Twins"). He noted in the text portion of paper V "The double nebula is preceded by a very faint nebula, about -50 sec in RA and -2 1/2' in dec, according to my drawing." There is nothing at Tempel's offset and neither Bigourdan (visually) nor Royal Frost (photographically at the Harvard College Observatory) could locate Tempel's object. Both Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 list of NGC Corrections and RNGC classify the number nonexistent and Harold Corwin was unsuccessful searching for a good candidate.
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12 35 41.2 +26 31 23; Com
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 125°
17.5" (4/13/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.7', very small bright core. With averted vision the major axis increases a little and
the core seems irregular with a fleeting impression of a knot on the preceding
side of the core. Located 33' NNW
of
William Herschel discovered NGC 4555 = H. II-343 = h1350 on
6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "a nebula, not large." Caroline's reduction is 7 seconds of
time preceding and 1.5' S of
Max Wolf mistakenly catalogued NGC 4555 in his 4th discovery
list (W. IV-211) and labeled a much fainter nearby galaxy as NGC 4555. As a result
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12 35 45.6 +26 54 32; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 80°
18" (5/12/07): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated E-W, 0.6'x0.5', bright core, very small brighter nucleus. A mag 14
star is just off the south side.
First in a group with
IC 3556, located 4.4' northeast of NGC 4556, appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 20"x15". This galaxy is misidentified in CGCG, MCG, UGC, and PGC as either NGC 4563 or NGC 4558.
IC 3561, located 4.2' east-southeast of NGC 4556, appeared very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.
18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.6'. A mag 13.5 star is just off the south edge 0.7' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 4558 5.2' NNE. Several other faint galaxies are nearby but the sky conditions were deteriorating and I wasn't able to search for these.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4556 = H. II-380 = h1351 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 14 sec of time too large. John Herschel made two observations and measured a more accurate RA. There are several identifications problems within this group. See NGC 4558 for more.
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12 35 49.8 +27 03 14; Com
= ***?, Corwin and Thomson. Incorrect identification in the RNGC.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4557 = Big. 55 on 22 Apr 1886 and simply noted a "star accompanied by nebulosity." His position in Comptes Rendus (5 Dec 1887) is 1.5' south of a faint triple star (mag 14.5/15/15.5) in a 30" line, and Harold Corwin confirms his offset from nearby NGC 4558 points to this triple.
RNGC appears to misidentify IC 3559 as NGC 4557, although the rectangular coordinates would then be in error. MCG and PGC misidentify NGC 4558 as NGC 4557 and IC 3556 as NGC 4558. Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin sorted out the correct identifications.
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NGC 4558 = MCG +05-30-028 = CGCG 159-023 = PGC 41996
12 35 52.6 +26 59 31; Com
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8
18" (5/12/07): faint, very small, round, 20"-24" diameter, slightly brighter core. Symmetrically placed on the opposite side of a mag 13 located at the midpoint of NGC 4556 and NGC 4558. Located 5.2' NNE of NGC 4556 in a small group. IC 3556 lies 2' SE and appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 20"x15". IC 3559 is 2.4' E, but with mag(B) = 16.6, it was only glimpsed knowing the exact location.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4558 = h1354 on 19 Apr 1827 and logged "vF; the nf of 2 (the p is II 380); a third suspected. His offset is 10 sec of RA east and 3' north of NGC 4556 (measured the same sweep). Unfortunately, his position falls very close to IC 3556, though d'Arrest measured two good positions so the NGC position is less than 1' off.
MCG and PGC misidentify this galaxy as NGC 4557 and misidentify IC 3556 as NGC 4558. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.
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12 35 57.7 +27 57 36; Com
V = 10.0; Size 10.7'x4.4'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 150°
48" (4/7/13): very bright, very large, very elongated
3:1 NW-SE, 9'x3', large bright core that gradually increased to the
center. The core appeared
irregular, mottled and dusty. The
inner portion of the disc showed weak spiral structure. At 488x, the outer halo was very patchy
with several knots. Superimposed
on the southeast side are three mag 12/12.5/13 stars between 1.5'-2' from
center and the galaxy faded out rapidly beyond these stars to the
southeast. Near the southeast end
is
The outer halo faded out gradually and extended much further
on the northwest side, up to 5' NW of center.
17.5" (4/9/99): bright, large, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~7'x3'. Exhibits a striking, unusual appearance with a broad, weak concentration to a large, elongated core. The overall surface brightness is noticeably irregular with hints of brighter and darker spots. The outer halo has a low surface brightness, particularly on the SE end which is wider than the NW side and shows no tapering. A trio of mag 12-12.5 stars cradle the galaxy at this end and there appears to be mottling near the superimposed stars. NGC 4559 is located exactly 2.0° N of NGC 4565.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4559 = H. I-92 = h1352 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). His description reads, "eB, vL, beautiful. Four stars are scattered over it. pmE from np to sf. The greatest brightness is not in the middle but more towards the following part, where 3 of the 4 stars are placed; the whole extent may be 10 or 12'. John Herschel made 3 observations and logged "vL; gbM, but not to a nucleus; mE; has 3 stars south following. By a diagram, the southern end is broader than the norther, giving it a clubbed appeared."
IC 3550-52, IC 3555, and IC 3563 are HII regions and/or star clouds within NGC 4559 that were discovered photographically by Max Wolf on a Heidelberg plate.
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12 34 03.1 +07 41 59; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4526.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4560 = H. I-119 = h1353 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and noted "vB, pS." There is nothing near his position although his description implies a prominent nebula. But 2 min of RA preceding his position is NGC 4526, which fits the description. John Herschel made the single observation "B, L, R, gbM", although the RA is marked +/-.
Bigourdan and Winnecke (visually), and later Arnold Schwassmann and Karl Reinmuth (photographically) were all unable to locate an object near WH's position. See Corwin's identification notes for more.
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12 36 08.2 +19 19 20; Com
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 30°
18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration in halo, but suddenly contains a very small brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4561 = H. II-407 = h1355 on
27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "pB, pL, lE." His RA was 15 sec too large. John Herschel made a total of 4
observations and d'Arrest measured the position twice, so the NGC position is
an excellent match with
Royal Frost found the galaxy at Arequipa on a Bruce 24-inch plate (taken on the night of 9 May 1904) and reported as number 978 in Harvard Annals 60. His position is 11 sec of RA too far east. Dreyer apparently thought it was new, but NGC 4561 = IC 3569. NGC 4336 = IC 3254 is another similar situation.
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12 35 34.8 +25 51 00; Com
V = 13.5; Size 2.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 48°
17.5" (5/13/88): faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, even surface brightness.
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, low even surface brightness, visible with direct vision. Elongated at a right angle to NGC 4565 13' NE. Located just south of a string of five mag 10-12.5 stars of length 11' oriented N-S.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4562 in 1882 while observing
NGC 4565. In the text portion of
his 5th paper (AN 2439), he mentioned another nebula was found south preceding
NGC 4565, though no offset was mentioned.
Dreyer gives a very rough position in the NGC. The only galaxy in this location that Tempel might have
picked up is
Due to the poor NGC position, this galaxy was found on
Crossley plates taken at Lick Observatory in 1898-1900 and catalogued as a new
nebula (#508 of 744) in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol
VIII. The RNGC also calls this
galaxy
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NGC 4563 = (R)NGC 4557 = MCG +05-30-033 = PGC 42030
12 36 12.8 +26 56 28; Com
V = 14.8; Size 0.6'x0.4'; PA = 104°
18" (5/12/07): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, stellar nucleus. A very faint star appears to be at the west edge. Comparable in brightness to NGC 4558 located 5.4' NW. Located in a small knot of galaxies with NGC 4556 6' WSW.
18" (4/5/03): faint, extremely small, round, 10"-15" diameter. Appears to have a mag 14.5 star superimposed on the west edge or a fairly bright offset stellar nucleus.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4563 on 13 Apr 1864 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His two micrometric positions match
RNGC misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 4557. Furthermore, CGCG and RNGC misidentify IC 3556 (located 3.5' west-northwest of NGC 4563) as NGC 4563. Finally, in the UGC notes for NGC 4556, IC 3556 is misidentified as NGC 4536.
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12 36 27.0 +11 26 21; Vir
V = 11.1; Size 3.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 47°
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, sharp concentration; increases suddenly to a small bright core with a stellar nucleus, fainter extensions. The NGC 4567/NGC 4568 pair lies 11'S at the edge of the 220x field.
13.1" (5/14/83): moderately bright, small, edge-on streak, fairly high surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4564 = H. II-68 = h1356 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "pB". John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 4565 = UGC 7772 = MCG +04-30-006 = CGCG 129-010 = FGC 1471 = Holm 426a = PGC 42038 = The Needle Galaxy = Berenice's Hairclip
12 36 20.8 +25 59 16; Com
V = 9.6; Size 15.8'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 136°
48" (2/18/12): the view of the dust lane and structure along its edge was remarkable at 287x and 375x. But we spent time exploring the distant galaxy cluster (2.2 billion light years) that resides just off the SE tip and detected 3 or 4 mag 17.7-18 (V) members! Also three nights later, we revisited the cluster and I picked up SDSS J123631.45+255857.2, a mag 17.7V galaxy just 2' SE of the mag 13.5 star NE of the core of NGC 4565.
17.5" (several dates 3/28/87 to 3/24/90): bright, very large, edge-on 12:1 NW-SE, dimensions approximately 16'x1.5'. A beautiful dark lane is visible continuously with direct vision along most of major axis although more prominent in the center. The galaxy is split asymmetrically by the dust lane with the southern half both larger and brighter. Subtle scalloped structure is visible along the dust lane. Contains a small bright core with a stellar nucleus at the south edge of the lane. A mag 13.5 star is 1.6' NE of the center. A string of five mag 10-12.5 stars of length 11' oriented N-S is west of the galaxy and the southern end leads directly to NGC 4562, 13' SW of center.
13.1" (4/28/84 and 5/27/84): the absorption lane is prominent at 100x and portion of the galaxy beyond fairly easy. A stellar nucleus is visible within the bright central bulge.
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, very large thin streak, bright core. The dust lane is clearly visible to the north of the bright nucleus along the central portion of the galaxy.
13.1" (4/24/82): a faint dark lane splits the central bulge into two unequal parts. The nucleus is brightest to the south of the lane. The strip of the galaxy on the north side of the dust lane is fainter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4565 = H. V-24 = h1357 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "a lucid ray with a vB spot in the middle. The ray about 20' long and about 3 or 4' broad; extended from np to sf, making an angle of about 35° with the meridian. The nebula makes a beautiful appearance." John Herschel made 4 observations and noted the fainter strip on the northeast side of the dust lane. On sweep 407 he recorded "vL; an immensely long ray; pos = 134.5° by micrometer. Both Lord Adare and Mr Hamilton, who viewed it with me, agreed that a feeble parallel band extends below (north) of the nucleus."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 17 Apr 1855 , remarked "a beautiful object, very well seen in finding eyepiece. The whole neb is much broader (taking into account the appendage) at Nucl than elsewhere, narrowing off suddenly and very symmetrically towards both ends, and the Nucl projects forward into the dark space; and immediately opposide this the faint appendage is broadest and brightest. The ray is 12' or 14' long and there is a faint star at Alpha [on diagram]. (Mr. Johnstone Stoney [on vacation from teaching] was with me)."
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12 36 00.1 +54 13 15; UMa
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 80°
18" (5/8/04): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4'. Increases to a very small brighter core and faint stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4566 = H. III-880 = h1360 on
2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001) and noted "eF, S." His position is poor - 4.5' north and 15 sec of RA west of
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NGC 4567 = VV 219b = UGC 7777 = MCG +02-32-151 = CGCG 070-189 = Holm 427b = PGC 42064 = The Siamese Twins
12 36 32.7 +11 15 29; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 3.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 85°
17.5" (4/25/87): northern member of a double system with NGC 4568. Moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W. Slightly smaller than NGC 4568 attached at the east end but NGC 4567 has a slightly higher surface brightness.
13.1" (4/16/83): fairly faint, elongated E-W. NGC 4568 is attached at the NE end.
8" (4/16/83): faint, moderately large, appears as a double nebula at moderately large to high power.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4567 = H. IV-8 = h1358 = h1363 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and recorded a "double nebula [with NGC 4568], or two p. considerable nebula apparently running into one another. The foregoing nebula [NGC 4564] may be taken into the field of view these two." Caroline's reduced position is ~6' southeast of the Siamese Twins.
Because of his father's poor position, John Herschel recorded the pair as a Nova (h1358 and 1359) at the correct position. He also made an observation with a poor position (h1363) that he associated with IV-8 and IV-9. The error was noted by d'Arrest in a 1863 paper.
The nickname "Siamese Twins" was coined by Leland S. Copeland and mentioned in his Feb. 1955 article "Adventuring in the Virgo Cloud".
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NGC 4568 = VV 219a = UGC 7776 = MCG +02-32-152 = CGCG 070-189 = Holm 427a = PGC 42069 = The Siamese Twins
12 36 34.2 +11 14 25; Vir
V = 10.8; Size 4.6'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 23°
17.5" (4/25/87): this is the southern member of a double system with NGC 4567. The NE end of this galaxy is nearly attached to the east end of NGC 4567. Moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, large brighter core. Two mag 11/12 stars lie 3.5' E.
13.1" (4/16/83): fairly faint, elongated SW-NE, two stars following.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4568 = H. IV-9 = h1359 = 1363 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and recorded a "double nebula [with NGC 4567], or two p. considerable nebula apparently running into one another. The foregoing nebula [NGC 4564] may be taken into the field of view these two." See NGC 4567 for more.
******************************
12 36 49.9 +13 09 44; Vir
V = 9.5; Size 9.5'x4.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 23°
17.5" (4/25/87): bright, large, very elongated 3:1
SSW-NNE, sharply concentrated, suddenly increases to a bright stellar nucleus
(possibly a superimposed star), fairly even surface brightness to halo.
Charles Messier discovered M90 = NGC 4569 on 18 Mar 1781. WH observed M90 on 8 Apr 1784 (sweep 187) and logged "pL, with a nucleus, perhaps cometic, but moonlight permits not to give a proper description." JH did not make an observation.
******************************
12 36 53.4 +07 14 47; Vir
V = 10.9; Size 3.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 159°
17.5" (3/24/90): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 3:1x1.0', very bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4570 = H. I-32 = h1361 on 13
Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "pB, not L, E, mbM." His position matches
******************************
12 36 56.4 +14 13 02; Com
V = 11.3; Size 3.6'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 55°
17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, moderately large, round,
2.5' diameter, diffuse, weak concentration. Located 2.8' SE of mag 8.5
48" (2/18/12): Malin 1, a giant low surface brightness galaxy, lies 6.8' NNE of the center of NGC 4571. At 287x, it was immediately picked up as an extremely faint, non-stellar glow. At 488x, it was visible ~75% of the time with averted vision as a very small, round, low surface brightness, ~10" diameter. With direct vision, a faint stellar nucleus was occasionally visible.
Malin 1, discovered in 1986 on an image by David Malin, has the most extended low surface brightness outer halo of any known disk galaxy with a diameter of 650,000 light years. More recently it was discovered that within 30,000 light-years of Malin 1's center lies a normal barred spiral galaxy. The galaxy lies at a distance of 1.1 billion light years.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4571 = H. III-602 = h1362 on 14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and recorded "vF, cL, vgbM. South of a cB star." John Herschel called this galaxy "vF; pL; E; vgbM; attached like a nail to a star (place that of the star.) He included a sketch in the Slough Catalogue. His observation of h1367 may also apply to this galaxy.
Arnold Schwassmann found NGC 4571 again on 12 Sep 1900 with
a plate taken by Wolf with the 6" astrograph at the Königstuhl Observatory
in Heidelberg. But he
misidentified the nearby 14th mag star to the west (Sn. 292) as NGC 4571 and
listed Sn. 293 (later
Dreyer mentioned this galaxy as a possible candidate for M91, though this is very unlikely due to its faintness. See Corwin's identification notes.
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12 35 45.5 +74 14 34; Dra
V = 13.9; Size 1.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 170°
18" (5/8/04): faint, moderately large, appears as a
very low surface brightness glow oriented NNW-SSE, ~1.2'x0.8', with just a weak
concentration. Located 7.5' NW of
brighter
William Herschel discovered NGC 4572 = H. III-939 = h1364 on
10 Dec 1797 (sweep 1066) and noted "eF, S." Caroline's reduction is 3' south of
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12 37 43.7 -43 37 16; Cen
V = 13.0; Size 2.6'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 150°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint to
moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, ~0.8'x0.6', increases
in size with averted. Using direct
vision a stellar nucleus was seen.
A mag 10.5 star is 1' N, close off the north edge. Located 16' SE of mag 7.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 4573 = h3401 on 15 Mar 1836 and
recorded "vF; S; almost exactly south of a * 10m, 30"
dist." His position and
description matches
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12 37 43.6 -35 31 04; Cen
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 113°
18" (3/28/09): very faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.9', low surface brightness, weak concentration and the halo fades into the background.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4574 = h3402 on 20 Apr 1835 and
recorded "vF; L; lE; vglbM; 60" l, 40" br." His position is just off the northeast
side of
******************************
12 37 51.2 -40 32 15; Cen
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 106°
17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, very elongated ~E-W. A mag 12 star is at the west end 1.0' from center and a mag 11.5 star is 1.6' SW of center. Member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4575 = h3403 on 8 Jun 1834 and
recorded "F; pmE; 25" l, 15" br; follows 2 stars." His position and description matches
******************************
12 37 33.6 +04 22 03; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 159°
17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, small, elongated 3:2
NNW-SSE, low surface brightness. A
mag 12.5 star is 1.8' N of center.
Located 8' NW of mag 6.9
Edward Holden discovered NGC 4576 on 27 Apr 1881 with the
15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory and recorded "F; np
a star 7th mag." A second
observation on 20 Apr 1882 added "preceding GC 3125 [ NGC 4586] 55.5 sec
and 3' north." His position
and description matches
******************************
NGC 4577 = NGC 4591?? = UGC 7821 = MCG +01-32-125 = CGCG 042-191
12 39 12.4 +06 00 44; Vir
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 4577 = H. III-13 on 28 Jan 1784 (sweep 132) and recorded "a minute before [the transit of 24 Vir] I suspected a vS neb, but while I put on a higher power to examine it, I lost it and would not stop too long to look for it again." A very rough position was noted.
Harold Corwin notes the star 24 Vir is actually a duplicate
entry for 5 Boo, so Herschel made an error as his sweep is not near this star.
"There are no galaxies in any of the places that come from WH's
observations, from GC/NGC, or from attempting to correct WH's RAs using the
idea that H. II 26 = NGC 4453 (the only other nebula found that night) is
actually NGC 4430. However, the approximate RA that we do have, along with the
constraints on the declination, point to either
******************************
12 37 30.6 +09 33 19; Vir
V = 11.5; Size 3.3'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 35°
17.5" (4/18/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x1.0', small bright core with possibly a stellar nucleus. A mag 10.5 star lies 4.1' W of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4578 = H. II-15 = h1365 = h1366 on 18 Jan 1784 (sweep 86) and recorded "F, S. It is not cometic though pretty round; of the first class." John Herschel made two observations which differed by 5' in declination, so he was uncertain if they refered to the same object. As a result, he included two GC designations which Dreyer combined in the NGC.
******************************
12 37 43.5 +11 49 06; Vir
V = 9.7; Size 5.9'x4.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 95°
17.5" (4/25/87): bright, moderately large, slightly
elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, small very bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 7.6' E of mag 8.3
13.1": bright, increase to a small bright core, slightly elongated E-W, diffuse halo.
Charles Messier discovered M58 = NGC 4579 = h1368 (along with M59 and M60) on 15 Apr 1779. On 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174), William Herschel logged, "pB, pL" on 15 Mar 1784. On 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 199) he wrote, "F, L.". John Herschel made four observations, first on 9 May 1825 (sweep 4) as "vB; irreg R; gbM; a B * precedes 1/2 field.".
William Parsons (Lord Rosse) or an assistant apparently noticed spiral structure in M58 by 1850 as it was included in the listed of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in the 1850 PT paper. The 1861 and 1880 monographs, though, do not list an observation earlier than 1851.
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NGC 4580 = UGC 7794 = MCG +01-32-117 = CGCG 042-183 = PGC 42174
12 37 48.4 +05 22 08; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 2.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165°
17.5" (4/21/90): moderately bright, moderately large, irregular shape though slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration with an uneven surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4580 = H. I-124 = h1369 on 2
Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "pB, cL, R." Caroline's reduction is 1.4' northwest of
******************************
12 38 05.2 +01 28 39; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 173°
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, even concentration to a small bright core.
Edward Holden discovered NGC 4581 on 20 Apr 1882 with the
15.6-inch refractor at the Washburn Observatory and recorded "F, S, bM,
stell N" (Publications of the Washburn Observatory, Vol II, p101). His position is 1' north of
******************************
12 38 10.1 +00 10 57; Vir
= *, Carlson and Corwin.
Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 4582 = HN 20 on 30 Apr 1859 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars. He simply noted "in a faint nebulosity" and at his exact position is a single mag 13.4 star -- this mirrors his other 8 discoveries at HCO! Karl Reinmuth and Harold Corwin also equate NGC 4582 with a star.
******************************
12 38 04.4 +33 27 31; CVn
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (4/28/89): faint, small, round, bright core. Two mag 15 star are 1' NW and 1' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4583 = H. III-495 = h1370 on 2 Jan 1786 (sweep 508) and recorded "eF, S, iF, r." His position is within 1' of CGCG 188-011 = PGC 42198. John Herschel made two observations and called this galaxy "F; S; R; bM."
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12 38 17.9 +13 06 35; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4584 on 21 Apr 1862 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His measurements on 3 nights matches
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12 38 13.3 +28 56 13; Com
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 114°
18" (4/10/04): faint, small, round, 25" diameter,
low even surface brightness.
Located 5.8' W of mag 10.3
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4585 = Sf. 21 on 21 Apr
1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single micrometric position is an excellent match with
******************************
NGC 4586 = UGC 7804 = MCG +01-32-122 = CGCG 042-187 = PGC 42241
12 38 28.4 +04 19 08; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 4.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 115°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE. Contains a very bright core. Located 10' E of mag 6.9 SAO 119502. NGC 4576 lies 15' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4586 = H. I-125 = h1371 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and recorded "pB, pL, E." His position at the north edge of UGC 7804. John Herschel made two observations and logged "pB; pmE; psbM." on sweep 141.
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12 38 35.4 +02 39 26; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 48°
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, weak concentration. Surrounded by seven mag 13-14.5 stars within a 3' radius.
Johann Palisa discovered NGC 4587 on 17 Apr 1882 with the
12-inch refractor at Vienna University Observatory. His discovery position in
AN 2520 matches
******************************
12 38 45.4 +06 46 05; Vir
V = 14.3; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 57°
18" (3/13/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.4'. Observations made through thin clouds.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4588 = H. III-98 on 13 Apr
1784 (sweep 191). His description
reads, "eF, eS. By a
misunderstanding the time & number [PD] was not taken; however at 12h 24m
the time was marked down, which was less than 1 min after the transit of the
nebula; so that the time of the nebula must be about 12h 23m or 12h 23m
30s. The number as far as I can
recollect might perhaps be about 40, which gives 45'; but is more uncertain
than the time. I saw the nebula very well." Though very possibly a coincidence, his rough position is
just 2.4' northeast of
******************************
NGC 4589 = UGC 7797 = MCG +12-12-013 = CGCG 352-038 = CGCG 335-017 = LGG 284-008 = PGC 42139
12 37 25.0 +74 11 31; Dra
V = 10.7; Size 3.2'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 75°
18" (5/8/04): bright, fairly large, elongated ~4:3 E-W,
2.5'x2.0'. Sharply concentrated
with a very bright prominent core and a fainter halo. A mag 13 star is at the west edge of the core. Forms a pair with NGC 4572 7.5' NW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 4589 = H. I-273 = h1374 on 22 Nov 1797 (sweep 1064) and logged "vB, R, mbM, 3 or 4' dia." His position is 4.5' southeast of UGC 7797. John Herschel made 4 observations, recording on sweep 348 "B; R; pgmbM; 30"; a S * np; dist 1'." His position on this sweep was very accurate.
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12 39 28.0 -26 44 35; Hya
V = 7.7; Size 12.0'; Surf Br = 0.1
24" (5/22/17): at 375x; very bright, well resolved globular with quite a number of surprisingly bright stars [brightest stars Vtip = 12.6] spread over the central region and around the edges, giving a fairly loose appearance [class X]. The unresolved central background glow is large and bright. Perhaps 60-75 stars are resolved in the central region, but excluding the outer portion of the halo, which also seems to contain a number of brighter stars out to at least 8'.
17.5" (2/28/87): 30-50 stars resolved including many fairly bright stars over unresolved background haze.
13.1" (3/24/84): about 20 stars resolved around edges of core and in halo. The core is mottled but unresolved.
8" (3/24/84): few stars resolved across disk.
Charles Messier discovered
******************************
NGC 4591 = NGC 4577? = UGC 7821 = MCG +01-32-125 = CGCG 042-191 = PGC 42319
12 39 12.4 +06 00 44; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 37°
18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.3', weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4591 = H. III-504 = h1372 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "vF, vS." NGC 4577 is possibly an earlier observation. See that number.
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12 39 18.3 -00 31 53; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 5.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 97°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, moderately large, 3.0'x1.2', weak concentration. Located 1° NNW of beautiful double Porrima = Gamma Virginis (3.6/3.7 at 4").
William Herschel discovered NGC 4592 = H. II-31 = h1373 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "a nebula; extended from east to west and also towards the north; it is not cometic and seems to be resolvable." John Herschel made a single observation "eF; L; pmE; vglbM." John Herschel made an error precessing the coordinates for the GC, so the published position was 30' too far north. As a result, when Edward Holden found it again on 23 Apr 1881 he reported it as new (#8) in Publ. of the Washburn Observatory, Vol I.
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12 39 39.4 -05 20 39; Vir
V = 10.9; Size 3.9'x2.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 55°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated WSW-ENE, very bright core, stellar nucleus. First of four in a group (USGC S181) within a 32' field
including
17.5" (1/31/87): moderately bright and large, strong bright core, elongated WSW-ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4593 = H. II-183 = h1375 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "pB, cL, E, mbM but the brightness confined to a small place." John Herschel made two observations and first logged (sweep 147) "vsbM, to a * 11-12m, with a faint chevelure."
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12 39 59.4 -11 37 23; Vir
V = 8.0; Size 8.7'x3.5'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 89°
82" (5/4/19 and 5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 400x; remarkable view of the Sombrero with a shockingly black dust lane (like an occulting bar) oriented precisely vertically through the entire eyepiece field. Perhaps due to the curvature of the dust lane towards the tips and subtle structure in the galaxy's disc, the view had 3-dimensional depth, with the dust lane in front and the disc trailing into the background.
Sombrero UCD 1, an Ultra-Compact Dwarf discovered in 2009,
was easily visible as a slightly soft mag 17.5 "star", 2.6' SSE of
the center of
48" (2/20/12, 4/5/13, 4/30/19): stunning view of the jet-black super high-contrast dust lane at 375x. The fainter section of the galaxy south of the dust lane was quite prominent and nearly as extensive as the northern half and the central bulge region was noticeably thicker in proportion to the major axis than views in smaller scopes. I also clearly noticed that although the dust lane was very flat in the central region (oriented precisely E-W), it bent slightly north and widened just a bit on both the east and west ends of the disc, giving it a slightly warped appearance.
17.5" (3/12/94): very bright, very large, elongated 3:1 E-W, 7.5'x2.5'. Very prominent dust lane along the entire length of the major axis and divides the core into two non-symmetric sections. The prominent section of the core is just north of the dark lane. Overall, the galaxy is brighter and much more extensive to the north of the lane. The portion of the core and halo south of the dust lane is much fainter, smaller and unconcentrated. A mag 10 star lies 4' WSW.
13.1" (4/24/82 and 5/21/82): very bright, large, very elongated, arms long and thin. A prominent dark lane is visible along the length of the galaxy. Only a faint glow is visible to the south of the dust lane.
8" (7/5/80): bright, large, central bulge, south edge has a sharp light cut off [due to dust].
15x50mm (6/19/08 and 4/6/13): easily visible in binoculars as a elongated glow with brighter center.
Pierre Méchain discovered M104 = NGC 4594 = H. I-43 = h1376 on 11 May 1781, after Messier's final catalogue was sent to publication. The discovered was mentioned in a letter dated 6 May 1783 to Johann Bernoulli, the editor of the Berliner Astronomisches Jahrbuch. He wrote, "On May 11, 1781, I have discovered a nebula above Corvus; it did not appear to me to contain stars; it is faint & very difficult to see when the wires of the micrometer are illuminated; I have compared it on this day & the following to the Ear of Virgo [Spica], & I have derived its right ascension 187d 9' 42", its south. declin. 10d 24' 49". It is not included in the Connoissance des tems." The note was published near the end of the 1786 Jarbuch volume. Messier penciled in the position into his own copy of his catalogue, published in 1784. French astronomer Camille Flammarion introduced the new designation M104 in 1921.
As M104 wasn't published in Messier's catalogue, William Herschel was unaware of it and rediscovered it on 9 May 1784 (sweep 210). He wrote, "E, vBM, about 5 or 6' long, but daylight is too strong to see the whole extent of it. The bright place in the middle is prety large, but breaks off abruptly." He made a second observation on 11 Mar 1788 (sweep 819): "mE, from about 20° sp. to nf., BN, 4 or 5' long."
John Herschel was the first to note the dust lane. On 9 Mar 1828, he recorded "vB, vmE, in pos 2° np to sf; vsmbM to a nucleus; 5' l, 30" br, a bright star sp. There is a faint diffused oval light all about it, and I am almost positive that there is a dark interval or stratum separating the nucleus and the general mass of the nebula from the light above (south) of it. Surely no illusion." In his sketch (Fig. 50) he adds the remarks "The strong suspicion of a parallel appendage to the latter of these, is almost converted into certainty by its undoubted existence in V. 24 [NGC 4565], in which it was seen by two other observers as well as by myself." Later sketches were made by William Lassell in 1862 with his 48" and Wilhelm Tempel in 1882 with an 11" refractor. The first photo was taken by Isaac Roberts in April 1897.
Francis Pease first measured the rotation of M104's galactic disk in 1916 at Mount Wilson. Two years later he did the same with M31.
Leland Copeland called M104 the "Sombrero" in the June 1942 issue of S&T. The back cover featured an image taken by the Mount Wilson 60-inch in 1916. The image is referred to as the "Sombrero nebula". The classic photo of M104 was made with the Palomar 200-inch in 1950 and published in the Hubble Atlas of Galaxies.
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12 39 51.9 +15 17 52; Com
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 110°
17.5" (4/13/02): moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.7', broad concentration. Followed by two mag 12.5 stars which lie 2.5' E and 3.1' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4595 = H. II-632 = h1377 on
14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and logged "F, pL, R, vgbM." Caroline's reduced position is 2.5'
northeast of
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12 39 56.0 +10 10 34; Vir
V = 10.4; Size 4.0'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 135°
17.5" (4/18/87): bright, elongated WSW-ENE, small
bright core, possible substellar nucleus.
A mag 12.5 star is 1.1' SSE of center at the edge of the halo and two
brighter mag 10/11 stars are 3' SE.
13.1" (4/16/83): bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated ~E-W. Located about 30' W of mag 5 Rho Virginis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4596 = H. I-24 = h1378 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "pB". His RA was 40 seconds too large. John Herschel made 5 observations, first on 9 May 1825 (sweep 4), "B, round, gmbM, 3 small stars follow."
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12 40 12.8 -05 47 59; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 4.1'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 30°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, elongated SSW-NNE, very large but diffuse, smooth surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4597 = H. II-636 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 706) and noted "F, vL, bM." Caroline's reduced position is 3' southwest of MCG -01-32-034 = PGC 42429.
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12 40 11.9 +08 23 02; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1
18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, moderate concentration to center with a small, brighter core and quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is just off the south edge (0.8' from center) and a mag 8.3 star lies 8.6' N near the edge of the 220x field.
18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly
round, 0.9'x0.8'. Located 8.6' S
of mag 8.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 4598 = H. III-105 on 15 Apr
1784 (sweep 194) and noted "eF but vL." Caroline's reduction is 18 sec of RA east of
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12 40 27.1 +01 11 48; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 144°
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4599 = H. III-509 on 22 Feb
1786 (sweep 527) and noted "vF, vS." Caroline's reduction is 1.5' northwest of
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12 40 22.9 +03 07 04; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 60°
17.5" (4/21/90): moderately bright, fairly small, oval
3:2 SW-NE, small bright core.
Forms the west vertex of a right triangle with mag 8.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 4600 = H. II-577 = h1379 on
30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and logged "F, S, between 2 B stars; making a
triangle with them." John
Herschel noted "F; S; R; precedes 2 stars 8-9 mag." Both descriptions and positions match
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12 40 46.7 -40 53 36; Cen
V = 13.5; Size 1.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 16°
25" (4/2/19 - OzSky): at 244x; at least fairly faint,
fairly large, very elongated nearly 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.3', brighter core. Located 5' NNW of
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; nearly moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5', brighter along the major axis. Situated 5' NNW of NGC 4603 in the Centaurus Cluster (AGC 3526).
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x, this Centaurus cluster member (AGC 3526) appeared moderately bright, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.5', broad concentration. Located 5.3' NNW of NGC 4603.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4601 = h3405, along with NGC
4603 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; L; R; pslbM. The first of 2." His position is 12 sec east and 1.6' south
of
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NGC 4602 = MCG -01-32-036 = PGC 42476
12 40 36.7 -05 07 55; Vir
V = 11.5; Size 3.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 105°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly bright, oval WNW-ESE, fairly
large, bright core. A mag 14 star
is just off the east end 1.3' from center. Second of four in a group (USGC S181) with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4602 = H. II-184 = h1380 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "not F, L, lE, not mbM, r." His position is poor - 18 sec of RA too large. John Herschel made the single observation "F; L; E; vglbM; 50"." and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 4603 = ESO 322-052 = MCG -07-26-028 = LGG 301-001 = PGC 42510
12 40 55.4 -40 58 34; Cen
V = 11.6; Size 3.4'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 27°
25" (4/2/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, very large, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, slightly brighter core, ~2.5' major axis. Two obvious stars are superimposed; a mag 14.5 star 0.8' SW of center in the halo and a mag 14 star 0.4' NW of center at the edge of the core.
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, large, oval 5:3
SSW-NNE, ~2.5'x1.5', broad concentration but no distinct core or nucleus. Two stars are superimposed; close NW of
center and near the SW end. A
number of Centaurus cluster members are nearby including NGC 4601 5' NNW, ESO
322-053 5.6' NNE,
NGC 4603B: very faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 SSW-SSE, 40"x10", low surface brightness streak with no core.
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared very bright, very large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 3'x1.5', broad concentration though the brightest portion seems offset towards the a star embedded just west of of the core. A second superimposed star is near the southwest end. NGC 4601 lies 5.3' NNW and NGC 4603B is 7.8' SW. This subgroup of AGC 3526 (Centaurus Cluster) is catalogued as Klemola 19.
17.5" (4/7/89): extremely faint, moderately large, round, very low surface brightness. Member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4603 = h3406 on 8 Jun 1834 and
recorded "F; L R; vgbM; r(?).
The following of 2 [with NGC 4601].". His RA is 11 sec east of
Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 8 Apr 1885 with the Melbourne telesocpe and recorded "very faint, pretty large, irregular, glbM, mottled, roundish. A *15 mag attached to n.p. side or involved with the nebula - yes, just within it. Another star 15 mag s.p. very close to the edge of thenebula. Contour uncertain - seems to spread out but can't be traced by the eye."
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NGC 4604 = MCG -01-32-037 = PGC 42489
12 40 44.9 -05 18 09; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 115°
17.5" (1/31/87): faint, fairly small, edge-on WNW-ESE. Third of four in a group (USGC S181) and located 11' SSE of NGC 4602.
NGC 4604 is very possibly a duplicate observation of NGC 4602, which appeared fairly bright, oval WNW-ESE, fairly large, bright core. A mag 14 star is just off the east end 1.3' from center.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 4604 around 1881 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory. The discovery wasn't published in either of his two Copernicus lists in 1881 and 1882, so he must have communicated it directly to Dreyer, who did not include a description in the NGC. The published position is 2' southeast of the center of NGC 4602.
The 1921 Helwan Observatory publication reported that NGC
4604 was not found on an 80 min exposure taken between 1914-16 with the
30" reflector. Dorothy
Carlson mentioned this in her NGC errata list and RNGC classified the number as
nonexistent. RC3 and SEGC identify
******************************
12 39 59.4 +61 36 33; UMa
V = 10.3; Size 5.8'x2.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 125°
18" (5/14/07): very bright, large, nearly edge-on 3:1 NW-SE. The relatively large, bulging core is mottled. The southeast extension is brighter, mottled (HII regions) and tapers towards the tip. The very tip of this extension appears to hook slightly towards the east. The fainter northwest extension is much more diffuse, is broader and fades at the ends. The major axis of the two extensions are slightly skewed with respect to each other as if they were bent at the center or possibly the brighter southeast extension is warped or distorted.
18" (5/8/04): very bright, large, quite elongated 5:2 ~NW-SE. Contains a relatively large, high surface brightness elongated core. This galaxy's structure is very unusual with careful viewing. The southeast extension is clearly brighter and more tapered than the northwest end. The surface brightness of the southeast extension is noticeably uneven with a mottled or splotchy appearance possibly from HII regions and an irregular distribution of dust. Near the center there is a slight bend or kink to the major axis, with the fainter northwest extension slightly misaligned. Also the northwest extension appears to fan out somewhat at the northwest edge and fade into the background.
8": bright, moderately large, very elongated NW-SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4605 = H. I-254 = h1381 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "eB, E, about 5' long in the parallel, all over equally bright, except just on the edges." John Herschel made a single observation (sweep 344): "B; L; vmE; in pos 118.6°; glbM; 4' l and 1' br."
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12 40 57.5 +11 54 41; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 3.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 33°
17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, very elongated
SW-NE. A mag 13.5 star is
superimposed on the SSW end 0.5' from center and a mag 14 star is at the SSW
edge 1.1' from center. Forms a
pair with
13.1" (4/16/83): faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE. Two stars are at the south edge. Located 20' NW of M59.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4606 = H. III-43 = h1382 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and simply noted "a nebula". John Herschel made 3 observations (earliest on 11 Apr 1825, sweep 3) and recorded on 25 Mar 1830 (sweep 245), "vF; a curious object; 2 or 3 vF stars form a line with an oblique ray of neb." Nearby NGC 4607 was missed by both Herschels.
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NGC 4607 = UGC 7843 = MCG +02-32-176 = CGCG 070-216 = Holm 436b = PGC 42544
12 41 12.4 +11 53 08; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 2.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 2°
17.5" (4/25/87): extremely faint, edge-on streak N-S, low even surface brightness. Located 3.8' ESE of much brighter NGC 4606.
13.1" (5/14/83): extremely faint, edge-on N-S, low surface brightness, requires averted. Close following NGC 4606.
13.1" (4/16/83): extremely faint, near visual threshold, very elongated N-S, low surface brightness.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4607 on 24 Apr 1854. While observing NGC 4606 he noted "about 3' or 4' following there is also a F lenticular R, E np sf." Mitchell's note was not included in the 1861 monograph (only the 1880 publication) so NGC 4607 was not included in the GC and Dreyer missed it while compiling the GC Supplement.
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NGC 4608 = UGC 7842 = MCG +02-32-177 = CGCG 070-214 = PGC 42545
12 41 13.6 +10 09 23; Vir
V = 11.0; Size 3.2'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (4/18/87): bright, fairly small, oval SW-NE, very bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 1.6' WNW of center. Forms a wide pair at low power with NGC 4596 19' W. Located 11' SW of Rho Virginis (V = 4.9).
13.1" (4/16/83): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4608 = H. II-69 = h1383 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and recorded "A nebula. It may be taken into the field with 30 (Rho) Virginis and precedes that star, but is 8' more south." The actual difference in Dec is less than 5', but the identification is certain. John Herschel called it "pB; R; psbM; has a *12 1' np, and a *5.6 in field nf."
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12 42 20 -62 59 36; Cru
V = 6.9; Size 5'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, 30 stars mag 9.5-13 are resolved in a 4'-5' region. Most of the stars are arranged in a curving lane ~NNW-SSE with fainter stars trailing off to the NNW and a few stars scattered to the east. The main string is oriented roughly N-S and bends towards the east on the north side. The cluster includes some doubles and triples with a nice mag 10.5 star pair at 15" and a distinctive triple on the south end of the lane.
NGC 4609 is situtated just 7' NW of mag 5.3 BZ Crucis = HD 110432. This star is located 1.8° E of Acrux, and is the only easy naked-eye star within the Coal Sack! The cluster resides behind the Coal Sack and is dimmed accordingly.
10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): faint, small glow attached to a bright star (BZ Crucis).
James Dunlop discovered NGC 4609 = D 272 = h3407 on 12 May 1826. He reported "a group of five stars of the 8th or 9th magnitude, with a great number of extremely small stars resembling faint nebulae. 3' or 4' diameter." His handwritten notes also mention "north of a star of the 7th mag and preceding it by 25" in RA."
On 8 Mar 1837 (sweep 778), John Herschel called it a "Cluster class VII. Stars 11..13th mag; about 6' long and 4' broad; has 10 stars 11th mag, and some 20 or 30 smaller. It occurs in the midst of the black space following Alpha Crucis, which is by no means void of stars."
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12 29 37.9 +07 49 25; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4470.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4610 = H. II-19 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 105) and recorded "South of and at rectangles to the great Nebula [M61] and the small star near it, is a nebula incomparably more faint. My field [15' dia] takes them both in together." Dreyer notes in the 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues that "there is no nebula in the place of GC 3147 [NGC 4610]" (Ann Harvard Coll Obs, xiii p 81 and Max Wolf, List II) and that M49 is most probably H. I-7 (assumed by Herschel to be M61). Dreyer further comments that M49 has a smaller nebula [H. II-498 = NGC 4470] 9 sec of RA west, 10.5' south and the sketch perfectly agrees with M49, the star following it and NGC 4470 (found by WH on 28 Dec 1785). So, NGC 4610 = NGC 4470.
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12 41 25.4 +13 43 46; Com
V = 14.3; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 126°
18" (5/28/06): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2.5:1 or 3:1 NW-SE, nearly 0.6'x0.2', low surface brightness, no concentration. Forms the southern vertex of a triangle with two mag 12 stars 2.7' NNW and 3.3' NE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 4611 = St. 12-49 on 27 Apr 1878. His published position (list 12, #49) as reduced on 17 May 1881 with description "eeF; S; lE SE to NW; between 2 vF stars."
Stephan's list was published in 1883 but when Lewis Swift
found the galaxy again on 20 Apr 1889 he reported it as new in his 8th list,
#65 (later
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12 41 32.7 +07 18 53; Vir
V = 10.9; Size 2.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 145°
17.5" (4/21/90): moderately bright, small, slightly
elongated, sharply concentrated with a very bright compact core. Located at the SW end of a string of
five bright stars mag 9-10.5 including a mag 10.5 star just 1.0' E. The NE end is this string is a double
star 10.5/12 at 20".
William Herschel discovered NGC 4612 = H. II-148 = H. II-20 = h1384 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 105) and simply noted II-20 as "vF". The four nebulae found on this short, early sweep were not placed well, and there is nothing at his position (Caroline's reduction). But 1 min 45 sec of RA west is NGC 4612 = UGC 7850. On 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) he found this galaxy again and noted II-148 as "not F, R, bM and growing fainter by slow degrees." His offset from 31 Vir points to NGC 4612 = UGC 7850. On 1 May 1786 (sweep 560) he recorded "preceding the most south of a row of stars. cB, pL, mbM." On this sweep he it was called II-20, and the internal designation (320) is crossed out in Caroline's fair copy. Nevertheless JH decided II-20 and II-148 were possibly different objects because of the discrepancy in positions and assigned two GC designations, though Dreyer combined both in the NGC. He commented in his 1912 revision of WH's catalogues that a sketch of II-20 "agrees perfectly with the the description of II-148 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) "preceding a row of considerable stars and near the south of them, making a triangle."
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12 41 28.9 +26 05 19; Com
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
24" (6/1/13): faintest in a trio (
17.5" (4/6/91): extremely faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Located 2.5' NNW of NGC 4614. Faintest of a trio.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4613, along with NGC 4614
and NGC 4615, on 9 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is exactly 1' south
of
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NGC 4614 = KTG 45B = Holm 439b = UGC 7851 = MCG +04-30-012 =
12 41 31.5 +26 02 34; Com
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 175°
24" (6/1/13): brightest in a triplet (KTG 45) with NGC 4615 2.2' NE and NGC 4613 2.8' NNW. At 282x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, well concentrated with a very bright core, overall fairly high surface brightness. A mag 11.5 star lies 1.8' W.
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 1.9' WNW. Second brightest in a group with NGC 4615 2.5' NE and NGC 4613 2.5' NNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4614 = Sf. 11, along with
NGC 4613 and NGC 4615, on 9 May 1864.
His position (measured on two nights) matches
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NGC 4615 = Arp 34 = KTG 45C = Holm 439a = UGC 7852 = MCG +04-30-013 = CGCG 129-018 = WBL 419-003 = PGC 42584
12 41 37.3 +26 04 22; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 125°
24" (6/1/13): largest in a small triplet with NGC 4613 2.1' NW and NGC 4614 2.2' SW. Fairly faint to moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.5', weak concentration. This is a nice little trio forming a small isosceles triangle with NGC 4615 at the eastern vertex. NGC 4615 is in Arp's category of "Integral Sign" galaxies.
17.5" (4/6/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, even surface brightness. Third and largest of three with NGC 4614 2.5' SW and NGC 4613 2' WNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4615 = Sf. 12, along with
NGC 4613 and NGC 4614, on 9 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at
Copenhagen. His position (measured
on two nights) matches
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12 42 16.4 -40 38 31; Cen
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
member of the Centaurus Cluster (AGC 3526) appeared moderately bright, fairly
small, round, 25" diameter, broad and weak concentration, perhaps an
extremely faint halo. Located just
42" SW of a mag 12 star and 7' NW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 4616 = h3408 on 5 Jun 1834, along with NGC 4622, and recorded "eF; vS; R; sp a star at the edge. His position is 1.7' south of ESO 322-056 = PGC 42662. Brightest in a group surrounding the Centaurus cluster (in the Hydra-Centaurus Supercluster).
Using the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 6 Apr 1885, Pietro Baracchi described NGC 4616 as "pB; pS; R; gpmbM; diam about 30"."
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12 41 05.8 +50 23 36; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 3.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 179°
18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 4:1 N-S, 1.5'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 14 star is close south. Located 2.7' SW of mag 9.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 4617 = H. II-744 on 9 Mar
1788 (sweep 816) and noted "vF, S." Caroline's reduction is 6 sec of RA east and 3.5' north of
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12 41 32.5 +41 09 02; CVn
V = 10.8; Size 4.2'x3.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 25°
48" (4/7/13 and 4/19/17): fascinating one-armed
asymmetric spiral (
18" (5/15/10): This is a very unusual, asymmetric Arp
galaxy with a single massive arm (similar to NGC 4027). At 220x it appeared bright, fairly
large, obviously irregular, with a slightly elongated main body ~2'x1.5',
extended 4:3 SW-NE. Within the
main portion of the galaxy a brighter, elongated bar was visible, roughly
1.5'x0.5'. The central bar,
though, is displaced to the NW side of entire glow as extending mostly to the
south side is a faint, beefy arm that often appears detached and barely
connected on the east end of the central region. This broad arm winds counterclockwise from east to south
roughly 100° with IC 3668, the brightest region or knot near the south end of
the arm, ~1.8' from the center of the bar. This single arm increases the overall size to ~3'x2'.
13.1" (4/12/86): moderately bright, fairly large, faint elongated halo with large brighter core which appears displaced towards the north. This is an unusual one-armed spiral galaxy with a more extensive halo on the south side. Forms a pair with NGC 4625 8.3' NNE. IC 3668 is a knot in the southern arm.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4618 = H. I-178 = H. I-179 = h1385 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "Two. The most north considerably or vB. The most south pB. Their nebulosities run into each other; the most north vmbM." The southern object may be IC 3668, the HII complex on the south end of the galaxy. John Herschel also called this galaxy double. On 12 Apr 1830 he logged, "Double; a B, L nebula, gbM, with a F one attached, 70° sf, so as to run together into one; moonlight."
Two bright knots in the southern portion were noted during several observations at Birr Castle. R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, sketched the galaxy on 27 Mar 1856 (Plate 28, Fig. 25 in the 1861 monograph) and clearly revealed the entire southern spiral arm.
Max Wolf found this galaxy in 1903 on a Heidelberg plate and
catalogued it was new in his list VI-1 (later
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12 41 44.4 +35 03 46; CVn
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
broadly concentrated halo, fainter halo.
Located 1.9' WNW of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 4619 = H. II-411 = h1388 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "pF, S, R, just preceding a cB star." John Herschel made three observations and described this galaxy as "eF", "F" and "pB".
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12 41 59.3 +12 56 34; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 40°
18" (4/10/04): moderately bright, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration to the center with a small slightly brighter core. Forms the NW vertex of an obtuse triangle with two mag 11 stars 4.7' ENE and 5.3' SSW.
18" (3/13/04): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4620 = h1387 on 29 Mar 1830 and
logged "vF; S; R; vgbM; 15"." His position matches
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12 42 02.4 +11 38 48; Vir
V = 9.6; Size 5.4'x3.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 165°
48" (4/19/17): at 697x; extremely bright, very large, oval nearly 3:2 NNW-SSE. Contains a very bright elongated core and an intensely luminous nucleus.
UCD 3, the brightest ultra-compact dwarf in M59 (considered the remnant nucleus of a recently accreted galaxy) was easily visible continuously as a mag 16.4 "star 2.2' E of the center of M59. It forms a pair with a slightly fainter mag 16.5-17 star 20" NW. This object was announced in 2015 as the densest known galaxy!
UCD 1, located just 1.4' SW of the center of M59, appeared as a very faint, possibly "soft" star, just visible continuously with averted vision. It forms a wide pair with a slightly brighter mag 16.5 star 0.5' NW.
24" (5/22/17): at 200x and 375x; extremely bright, very large, oval 4:3 or 3:2 NNW-SSE. Strongly concentrated with a very bright roundish core and an intensely bright quasi-stellar nucleus. The core/nucleus is within a brighter central region, but then the surface brightness drops sharply with a very low surface brightness outer halo that extends 3.5'x2.5' NNW-SSE. A mag 12 star is at the north edge of the halo. IC 809 = IC 3672 lies 6.5' NNE, just north of an 11th magnitude star.
17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, moderately large, oval NNW-SSE, 3'x2', small very bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is at the SW edge and a brighter mag 13 star is off the north end 1.9' from center. The NGC 4606/NGC 4607 pair lies 20' NW.
13.1" (5/14/83): bright, slightly elongated N-S, bright core. M60 lies 25' E and NGC 4606/4607 is 20' NW.
German observer Johann Gottfried Koehler discovered M59 =
NGC 4621 = h1386, along with M60, on 11 Apr 1779. It was independently found by Charles
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NGC 4622 = ESO 322-057 = MCG -07-26-031 = LGG 305-004 = PGC 42701
12 42 37.6 -40 44 39; Cen
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526) appeared bright, fairly large, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright core, halo extends to 1.5'. NGC 4616 lies 7' NW and NGC 4603D is a similar distance SW (both viewed).
17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, round, low fairly
even surface brightness. Located
within the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526) with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4622 = h3409, along with NGC
4616, on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R; pslbM; 15". The following of 2." His position matches
Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on 19 Mar 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and discovered 6 other members of the cluster. He described NGC 4622 as "pF, S, R, gpmbM, diameter 50", indefinite edge." and labeled it as (1) in his logbook descriptions and sketch.
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NGC 4623 = UGC 7862 = MCG +01-32-135 = CGCG 042-207 = PGC 42647
12 42 10.6 +07 40 36; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 176°
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 N-S, small bright core. NGC 4612 lies 25' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4623 = H. II-149 = h1389 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and noted "vF, irregular nebula." His position is 4.5' too far south. John Herschel called this galaxy "pB; E; psbM" and measured a fairly accurate position.
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12 45 06.1 +03 03 21; Vir
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 4624 = h1390 on 9 Apr 1828 and
noted"B, E. RA ill observed." and placed at 12 42 15.7 +03 03 32
(2000). There is nothing near his
position, though his description states this is a bright nebula. Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic
survey, notes "not found; NGC 4624 = NGC 4636?"
Harold Corwin concludes "[NGC 4624] is most likely NGC 4665 [nearly 3 min of RA east of Herschel's position] which Herschel described as "B, pL" in two other sweeps. This, and the appearance of the bright bar of the galaxy, matches his terse description for NGC 4624, "B, E." In addition, his declination is correct for all three observations. There is a faint possibility that NGC 4624 is NGC 4600, but Herschel's two observations of that make it "F, S" in contrast to his note on NGC 4624. In addition, the declination of NGC 4600 is off Herschel's measured dec for NGC 4624."
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NGC 4625 = IC 3675 = Holm 438b = UGC 7861 = MCG +07-26-038 =
12 41 52.7 +41 16 26; CVn
V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.8
48" (4/7/13): at 488x, this companion to NGC 4618 appeared bright, fairly large,~1.3' diameter, bright core that is offset to the north side. With careful viewing a low contrast spiral arm is visible along the south side of the halo with a darker gap between the arm and the south side of the core. Member of the CVn II Group (brightest member M106).
13.1" (4/12/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round, brighter core. Forms a pair with NGC 4618 8.3' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4625 = H. II-660 = h1392 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, pL, R, mbM." R.J. Mitchell, observing at Birr Castle on 10 Apr 1855, recorded "...the brightest part [core] seems excentric, being nearer the nf edge. From this I suspect a branch [spiral arm] round n to sp." A sketch (figure 25 in the 1861 publication) clearly shows the spiral arm as a ring with the core embedded on the northeast side.
Max Wolf found this galaxy in 1903 on a Heidelberg plate and
assumed it was new. Although the
NGC position is accurate, Dreyer recatalogued NGC 4618 as
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12 42 25.3 -07 02 39; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 35°
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 SW-NE. A mag 14 star
is 1.5' SSE. Forms a similar pair
(size, elongation and position angle) with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4626 = H. II-772 = h1393 = h3410, along with NGC 4628, on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and noted "F, S, E." John Herschel made a single observation from the Cape of the Good Hope and logged "vF; lE; glbM."
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12 41 59.7 +32 34 26; CVn
V = 12.4; Size 2.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 10°
13.1" (5/27/84): faint, small, slightly elongated
SSW-NNE. Located 2.6' NW of the
center of the remarkable galaxy
William Herschel discovered NGC 4627 = H. II-659 = h1391 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and logged "F, S, R, just np the large following one [NGC 4631]."
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NGC 4628 = MCG -01-32-041 = Mrk 1333 = Holm 441a = PGC 42681
12 42 25.3 -06 58 17; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 46°
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.4', even concentration down to a small bright core. Two mag 11 stars are just 1.5' N and 1.5' NE and two mag 10 stars are in the field 7' E and 7' ESE. This galaxy is the slightly brighter of a pair of very similar very elongated systems with NGC 4626 4.4' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4628 = H. II-773 = h1394 = h3411, along with NGC 4626, on 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and noted "F, S, E." John Herschel made a single observation from the Cape of the Good Hope and logged "vF; R or lE; glbM."
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12 42 32.7 -01 21 04; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 80°
17.5" (5/22/93): faint, round, 1.2' diameter, low
surface brightness, weak concentration, diffuse halo. Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4629 on 19 Feb 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. There is nothing at his position (measured only this night).
Reinmuth describes NGC 4629 as a pair of mag 14 stars at 0.7' distance. These two stars are 4' due south of d'Arrst's position, and a plausible candidate, though I would think would be too easily resolved. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and NGC 4629 is not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Sky Atlas. Harold Corwin identifies NGC 4629 = UGC 7869 = PGC 42692, located 27' due north of d'Arrest's position. UGC, MCG and CGCG do not identify this galaxy as NGC 4629, although NED, HyperLeda and the NGC/IC Project use this identification.
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12 42 31.2 +03 57 30; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 10°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, brighter core, oval ~N-S. CGCG 043-003 lies 18' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4630 = H. II-532 = h1395 on
2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "vF, S, lbM." His position is at the northwest edge
of
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NGC 4631 = Arp 281 NED2 = UGC 7865 = MCG +06-28-020 = CGCG 188-016 = Holm 442a = PGC 42637 = The Whale Galaxy
12 42 06.5 +32 32 24; CVn
V = 9.2; Size 15.5'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 86°
48" (4/16/15): Although I've viewed NGC 4631 a few times previously in the 48-inch, it was difficult to take notes as the amount of structure was overwhelming. At 375x (13mm Ethos, 16' field), the galaxy stretched across nearly the entire field and consisted of numerous bright luminous patches and irregular dark patches. The overall shape is asymmetric; gradually tapering down to nearly a point on the west end, bulging in the center and broader along the eastern side, only narrowing significantly near the very tip.
A mag 13.5-14 star is just north of the western tip. A relatively bright knot (NGC 4631:[HK83]#91-94, from Hodge and Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies") lies 0.6' SE of this star and 5.8' W of center. Several obvious bright knots and splotchy regions line the western side of galaxy: #83 is 4.6' W of center, #79 is 3.9' W of center, #72/74 (a fainter spot) is 3.2' W of center, #63/64 (a prominent region) is 2.2' W of center.
A mag 12.5 star is at the north edge near the geometric center. There is no obvious core to the galaxy, though several bright patches are near the center. #47 is a luminous patch 1' S of the mag 12.5 star and #39/41 is a very bright patch 1.5' ESE of the star. Additional HII patches are lined up on the east side, mostly along the northern edge of the galaxy. #33-36 is a large, very bright patch (star cloud?) 2.4' ENE of center and #19/20 is a smaller knot 3.2' E of center. The galaxy bulges out (star association or arm?) on the south side near the eastern end (3.3' from center) and contains #17/18/21/22. The dusty eastern tip of the galaxy has a very faint HII knot (#5-7).
17.5" (6/5/99): at 280x (14' field) this remarkable galaxy runs edge to edge across the field! The surface brightness is unusually irregular with bright and dark mottling across the surface. There is no well-defined core but a prominent knot is close following (east) the geometric center along the north side and a second weaker knot is along the west side. The north edge has an unusually "scalloped" appearance particularly along the west side due to dust and brighter splotches. The galaxy gradually bulges towards the center and tapers at the tips, particularly along the west end. A mag 13 star is situated just north of the edge at the geometric center and NGC 4627 appears to hover over this "starship" a couple of arc miinutes northwest of center.
13.1" (many dates from 5/27/84 to 4/12/86): stunning galaxy, very bright, unusually large and interesting edge-on E-W, 15'x1.5'. A bright knot is east of the core and a faint knot is west of core. Appears very mottled along the major axis. A mag 13 star is just north of the core. NGC 4627, a companion galaxy, lies 2.6' NW of the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4631 = H. V-42 = h1397 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and recorded "vB, mE from sp to nf, but near the parallel. About 16' long and mbM. A little below the center of it is a small star, but probably unconnected." John Herschel made two observations and called it (sweep 74) "vmE; a long ray which crosses the whole field, rather curved upwards (to south). Has a vF nucleus and a B * nearly in the parallel." His sketch of the pair is on plate XV, figure 76 of the Slough Observations.
Three observations were made at Birr Castle. On 26 Mar 1848, William Rambaut (Lord Rosse's assistant) wrote, "A most extraordinary object with a B * near the centre, and at the right [north] masses of light appear through it in knots." George Johnstone Stoney made a detailed sketch on 19 Apr 1849 (fig. 9, 1850 Rosse paper). William Lassell sketched the galaxy on 27 May 1862 from Malta (plate V, figure 24) and included a knot on the west side, the bright region east of center, and a third knot towards the east end. To determine a position, Kobold measured two of the knots/star clouds - one on the west side (#63/64) and the bright region east of the geometric center (#33-36).
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12 42 32.1 -00 04 57; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 3.1'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 63°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated
2:1 SW-NE, mildly concentrated.
Member of the
William Herschel discovered NGC 4632 = H. I-14 = h1396 on 22
Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "not cometic, seems to be resolvable and
much like the foregoing [NGC 4592].
John Herschel made a single observation under poor conditions, but his
position matches
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12 42 37.2 +14 21 31; Com
V = 13.1; Size 2.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30°
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 SW-NE, 1.2x0.8, no central concentration, halo fades into background. A mag 13 star is just off the NW edge
of halo 0.8' from center. Forms a
pair with
Édouard Stephan descovered NGC 4633 = Sw. 6-46 on 26 Apr 1878 during an observation of NGC 4634. Apparently he never measured a precise position as the discovery wasn't published. Both Herschels missed this galaxy, although both observed nearby NGC 4634.
Edward Swift, Lewis' 16 year-old son, rediscovered NGC 4633 on 27 Apr 1887 and reported it as new in his 6th discovery list (#46) with description, "eeF; pS; R; F star close preceding.; [NGC 4634] nr preceding." The description should read "F star close following".
Arnold Schwassmann found this galaxy again on a plate taken
with the 6" astrograph at Heidelberg at the turn of the century and
assumed Sn. 295 (later
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NGC 4634 = UGC 7875 = MCG +03-32-086 = CGCG 099-112 = CGCG 100-002 = Holm 445a = PGC 42707
12 42 41.0 +14 17 46; Com
V = 12.4; Size 2.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 156°
17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x0.7', weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 4633 3.8' NNW. This galaxy is fairly striking.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4634 = H. III-603 = h1398 on
14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and recorded "vF, about 2 1/2' long, from np to
sf." His position and
description matches
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12 42 39.1 +19 56 44; Com
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 170°
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 1.6'x1.2', broad weak concentration.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4635 = h1400 on 17 Mar 1831 and
logged "eF L; bM; 3' diam."
The comment "an over-estimation" was later added. His mean position
(2 observations) matches
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NGC 4636 = UGC 7878 = MCG +01-32-137 = CGCG 043-002 = PGC 42734
12 42 49.6 +02 41 18; Vir
V = 9.5; Size 6.0'x4.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 150°
24" (2/24/20): at 200x; I took a quick look at this galaxy to observe SN 2020ue, a type Ia supernova discovered on 12 Jan '20. It was very easy to identify as roughly 14th magnitude.
17.5" (3/24/90): very bright, large, slightly elongated NW-SE, very bright core, substellar nucleus, extensive halo appears mottled. Located between two mag 12/13 stars 3.4' NNW and 3.1' S, respectively.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4636 = H. II-38 = h1399 = h1401 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "pB, pL. It seems to be of the resolvable kind, and is of an irregular shape." John Herschel measured two good positions under h1399, logging "B; L; R; vgvmbM but not to a nucleus." in sweep 238. But on sweep 142, he listed it again as h1401, a possible "Nova", this time with a 1° error in declination (too far north).
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12 42 54.1 +11 26 16; Vir
V = 14.5; Size 1.1'x0.5'; PA = 97°
24" (5/25/14): NGC 4637 is the eastern companion of NGC 4638, just 1.6' E of its center. At 225x it appeared extremely faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, ~25"x10". Required averted vision and I could only hold it for fairly brief intervals. The identification of this number is uncertain and it may be a duplicate of NGC 4647 instead.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 4637 on 1 Mar 1854 using LdR's
72" and recorded a "Double nebula [including II-70 = NGC 4638], faint
nebulosity connects them." No
comment was made on the relative brightnesses or orientation and there were no
further observations at Birr Castle or by any others. RNGC identifies NGC 4637 with an extremely faint
spindle-shaped galaxy just following
But Dreyer comments in the NGC notes "It is very
possible that the Birr observer mistook M60 and III 44 [
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NGC 4638 = NGC 4667 = UGC 7880 = MCG +02-32-187 = CGCG 070-230 = CGCG 071-006 = PGC 42728
12 42 47.4 +11 26 32; Vir
V = 11.2; Size 2.2'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 125°
24" (5/25/14): very bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', sharply concentrated with a very bright, very elongated core (bar or edge-on S0?) and a much fainter oval halo. NGC 4637, an extremely faint companion, is 1.6' E of center.
17.5" (4/25/87): moderately bright, very elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, fairly small, bright core, substellar nucleus. Located between M59 and M60.
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, small, bright core, elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4638 = H. II-70 = H. II-176
= h1402 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and simply noted "a nebula." His position was 5' too far south, but
fairly close in RA. On 11 Apr 1825
(early sweep 3), John Herschel recorded, "F; R; gbM." His position was 2' too far south.
MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 4637 and 4638 (see NGC 4637 for more).
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12 42 52.3 +13 15 26; Vir
V = 11.5; Size 2.8'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 123°
17.5" (4/13/02): moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.5'x1.0', broad concentration to a larger, brighter core. The core increases sharply to a small bright nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is close following just 1.0' from center.
17.5" (4/21/90): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.6'x1.0', faint stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is just off the SE side
1.0' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4639 = H. II-125 = h1403 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and noted "not vF; S; r." His position was 3.7' too far north. John Herschel's description reads, "B; E; has a * 12m sf; 1' dist."
R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 22 Apr 1854, recorded "a remarkable object. Spiral? Suspected a twist to the left at the preceding end." Five nights later he logged "saw tonight the curve in p part previously remarked."
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12 42 57.8 +12 17 12; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 45°
18" (4/29/06): very faint, moderately large, elongated
~3:2 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.6', low even surface brightness. Located 3.4' NE of a mag 10.5-11 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4640 = Sw. 6-47, along with NGC
4641, on 17 Apr 1887 and recorded "eF; pL; lE; * nr p; np of 2 [with NGC
4641]." His position is just 30" south of
******************************
NGC 4641 = UGC 7889 = MCG +02-32-191 = CGCG 071-011 = PGC 42769
12 43 07.6 +12 03 03; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170°
17.5" (4/13/02): very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, low surface brightness, 0.6'x0.45'. Located 1' NW of a mag 12.5 star. The declination in the RNGC is one degree too far south.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4641 = Sw. 6-48, along with NGC
4640, on 17 Apr 1887 and recorded "eF; pL; R; F * nr f; sf of 2 [with NGC
4640]." His position is 5 sec
of RA west of
The RNGC declination is exactly 1 degree too far south. Furthermore, this error is repeated in NGC 2000.0 and the galaxy is misplotted on the first edition of Uranometria 2000 Sky Atlas. UGC, MCG, CGCG and RC3 all give the correct declination. Listed in my RNGC Corrections list #2.
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12 43 17.7 -00 38 40; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 37°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, elongated SSW-NNE,
fairly small. A mag 15 star is
involved at the NE end. Forms a
pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4642 = H. III-494 on 1 Jan
1786 (sweep 507) and noted "eF, vS." Caroline's reduction is 1' south of
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12 43 20.2 +01 58 41; Vir
V = 10.8; Size 3.1'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 130°
17.5" (3/24/90): fairly bright, moderately large, oval NW-SE, prominent core. Three mag 11-14 stars lie northwest, the closest is a mag 11.5 star 2.4' NW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4643 = H. I-10 = h1404 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 121) and noted "pB, S." His summary description from 4 observations is "vB, pL, lE, gmbM, 2' l, 1 1/2' br." John Herschel called it "B; S; lE; psbM." and measured an accurate position.
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12 42 42.6 +55 08 43; UMa
V = 13.9; Size 1.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 53°
24" (5/30/16): at 225x; fairly faint, moderately large,
very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3'.
Contains a bright elongated core.
NGC 4644 is the northernmost in a group of galaxies (LGG 300) including
NGC 4644 is the western component of a close pair with much
fainter
18" (6/28/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.3', weak concentration with a slightly brighter core. Forms the north vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 12 star 6' SW and 6' ESE. First in a group of 6 NGC galaxies (LGG 300) with 4 on a line stretching from NGC 4644/4669/4675/4686. A very faint edge-on (NGC 4644B = PGC 42725) just 1.7' following was not noticed.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4644 = H. II-794.1 = h1406
on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "F, S." His re-reduced position (with respect
to Epsilon UMa) is 2' west (12 sec of time) of
On 25 Apr 1878, Dreyer observed the field from Birr Castle, and described "3177 [NGC 4644] is eF, vS, E sp nf, small companion or star 3/4' f." The "small companion or star" is the nucleus of NGC 4644B = PGC 42725, which did not receive a NGC designation. See notes for NGC 4646 for more on this observation.
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12 44 09.9 -41 45 01; Cen
V = 11.8; Size 2.2'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 52°
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, sharp concentration. Member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4645 = h3412 on 8 Jun 1834 and
recorded "pB; S; psbM; 12".". His position is ~2' west of
Pietro Baracchi observed the galaxy on 8 and 9 Apr 1885 and logged a new nebula that preceded by 38 seconds and 40" to the south, but at this offset is a faint double star.
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NGC 4646 = UGC 7892 = MCG +09-21-031 = CGCG 270-015 = PGC 42740
12 42 52.1 +54 51 21; UMa
V = 13.4; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.4; PA = 18°
24" (5/30/16): at 225x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.3', bright irregular core seems knotty. A mag 14.8 star is very close to the northeast edge. Four collinear mag 13-14.5 stars extending to the northwest begins 2.5' W.
UGC 7905, a disturbed, interacting system with tidal tails
extending from both galaxies, lies 8.5' ENE. The pair is oriented SSW to NNE with centers separated by
35". At 225x, the southwest
member (
18" (6/28/03): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.25', stellar nucleus. There appears to be a faint star at the NE tip (verified on DSS). A striking line of four mag 13-14 stars (total length 2.8') is close NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4646 = H. II-910 = H.
II-794.2 = h1407 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001) and noted "F, S". His position (Caroline's reduction) is
within 1' of
JH sorted out the confusion with WH's two observations of II-794 in preparing the GC and listed them as II-794.1 and II-794.2. Dreyer concurs these are different objects in "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" and introduced the new number II-910 for the second observation.
Dreyer examined the field at Birr Castle on 25 Apr 1878. After observing NGC 4644, he moved 20' south and described NGC 4646 as "pB, E 50°, biN (Dist. 23"), 4 st nearly in a line p and a little n, 3'-4' from neb." The second "nucleus" is a very faint star at the northeast edge of the galaxy. Then he reported "A third nebula, biN in Pos. 16.5°, Dist 44", sp Nucl much the brighter, other one fainter and smaller, perhaps composed of st. This nebula is in Pos 71.5°, Dist 533" from [GC] 3179 [NGC 4646]." At this separation from NGC 4646 is the double galaxy UGC 7905, which fits Dreyer's description. He assumed this nebula was [GC] 5668 = NGC 4669, so UGC 7905 did not receive a NGC designation.
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NGC 4647 = Arp 116 NED1 = VV 206b = Holm 448b = UGC 7896 =
12 43 32.5 +11 34 56; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 2.9'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 125°
17.5" (4/25/87): forms a close double with M60. Located just off the NW edge 2.8' from the center of M60. Fairly faint, pretty large diffuse halo, small brighter core. Appears slightly smaller than M60 but clearly less concentrated.
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, moderately large, diffuse. Forms a close pair with M60.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4647 = H. III-44 = h1405 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "Two nebula, one of them [M60] vB." John Herschel made 4 observations. NGC 4637 is possibly a reobservation of this galaxy (see that number).
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NGC 4648 = UGC 7868 = MCG +13-09-029 = CGCG 352-039 = Kaz 31 = PGC 42595
12 41 44.4 +74 25 16; Dra
V = 12.0; Size 2.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 70°
18" (5/8/04): fairly bright, moderately large, strongly concentrated with a bright 30" core and a much fainter halo ~1' in diameter. Situated within a wedge-shaped group of 8 stars. A striking mag 8.1/10.5 pair 7' W is collinear with the galaxy (oriented E-W). NGC 4589 lies 22' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4648 = H. I-274 = h1410 on 22 Nov 1797 (sweep 1064) and logged "cB, vS, 6 or 7' following a coarse double star." John Herschel made 5 observations and recorded "F; S; bM", along with an accurate position, on sweep 348.
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12 43 39.8 +11 33 11; Vir
V = 8.8; Size 7.4'x6.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 105°
48" (4/19/17): at 697x; M60 and NGC 4647 were viewed
but my main target was UCD 1, the brightest ultra-compact dwarf in M60. It appeared as a very faint, possibly
"soft" star, just visible continuously with averted vision, and
situated 1.4' SW of the center of M60.
The UCD forms a wide pair with a slightly brighter mag 16.5 star 0.5'
NW.
17.5" (4/25/87): very bright, fairly large, diffuse halo, slightly elongated ~E-W, very bright core with a bright substellar nucleus. Forms a double system with NGC 4647 which is almost tangent to M60 barely off the NW edge.
13.1" (5/14/83): bright, very bright nucleus, slightly elongated ~E-W.
German astronomer Johann Koehler discovered M60 and M59 on 11 Apr 1779 and noted "Two very small nebulae, hardly visible in a 3-foot telescope: The one above the other." Koehler was tracking the comet of that year. Italian astronomer Barnaba Oriani independently discovered M60 the next night (12 Apr 1779) at the Brera Observatory (Milan), noting "Very pale and looking exactly like the comet." Also, Messier made an independent discovery on 15 Apr 1779 (along with M58 and M59).
William Herschel first recorded M60 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) as "Two nebula [with NGC 4647], one of them vB." John Herschel's first observation was on 11 Apr 1825 (sweep 3). He logged, "A most curious double nebula. The center dist 1/6 of the field or about 3'. They join with very faint nebulosity."
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12 44 19.6 -40 43 55; Cen
V = 11.6; Size 3.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 83°
48" (4/21/17): at 488x; bright, moderately large, round, sharply concentrated with an intense core surounded by a roundish, mottled halo ~1 diameter. A mag 15 star is 0.5' SW of center at the edge of the halo and a mag 15.5 star is 0.3' NE of center in the halo.
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared bright, fairly large, round, strong even concentration with a very bright core inceasing to a small nucleus. A faint star is on the west side of the halo. NGC 4650A, a famous polar-ring galaxy, lies 5.6' ENE and PGC 42911 is a mere 1.9' E of center. The close companion appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 0.6'x0.3', even surface brightness.
48" (5/12/12): NGC 4650A appeared moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 WSW-ESE, 24"x16". The polar ring was occasionally visible as faint, thin extensions oriented NNW-SSE. Need to reobserve as viewed through thin clouds.
17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, oval WNW-ESE, bright core. Appears slightly brighter than NGC 4622A 5.8' WNW. Member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4650 = h3413 on 26 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF; R; bM; r. Wind violent." He later added the note "Right reduced. The degree of PD certainly correct." His position is accurate, though MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 4650.
Joseph Turner observed this galaxy, along with NGC 4622, in
July 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate V, figure 58)
but failed to notice any of the surrounding galaxies. He called it "small; extremely faint; center has
somewhat of a stellar character; quite round; appearance of a faint
halo." Pietro Baracchi
observed the surrounded field on 19 and 20 Mar 1885 with the GMT and described
NGC 4650 as "pB, S, R, gsmbM, small star south-preceding near it." In
addition he discovered 6 nearby galaxies; NGC 4622A, 4550A,
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12 43 42.6 +16 23 36; Com
V = 10.8; Size 4.0'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 80°
18" (4/10/04): bright, large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W. Well-concentrated with a very bright, elongated 1.0'x0.6' core which increases to the center. Surrounding the core is a large, low surface brightness halo increasing the size to at least 2.5'x1.4' and perhaps 3'x2'.
13.1": fairly bright, slightly elongated, broad moderate concentration, fainter extensions ~E-W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4651 = H. II-12 = h1409 on 30 Dec 1783 (sweep 74) and recorded "vF, pL, almost R but not cometic, about 3/4 degree sp 27 Coma Ber. Caroline's reduction is a poor match (common in his early sweeps), but his offset from 27 Com matches. John Herschel made 4 observations and measured a fairly accurate position.
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12 43 19.7 +58 57 54; UMa
V = 14.5; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 40°
18" (5/12/07): very faint, elongated 5:2 SW-NE,
0.8'x0.3', very weak concentration.
Located 5'-6' NNW of a wide pair of mag 7.9 (
John Herschel discovered NGC 4652 = h1413 on 1 May 1831 and
recorded "Not vF, pL, gbM. It
is almost 6' dist np two stars sts 8 and 10m". His position is 15 sec of RA preceding
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NGC 4653 = UGC 7900 = MCG +00-33-006 = CGCG 015-009 = PGC 42847
12 43 51.0 -00 33 40; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 3.1'x2.7'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 30°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, fairly even surface brightness. A mag 11 star is 2.7' SE and a mag 13 star 1.4' SE of
center. In a group with NGC 4642
10' SW, NGC 4666 20' ENE and
William Herschel discovered NGC 4653 = H. III-662 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 726) and recorded "vF, pL." His position is 10 sec of RA too large. JH did not make an observation.
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NGC 4654 = UGC 7902 = MCG +02-33-004 = CGCG 071-019 = IC 3708 = PGC 42857
12 43 56.5 +13 07 33; Vir
V = 10.5; Size 4.9'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 128°
17.5" (4/21/90): bright, large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, bright core, mottled. Appears to have a dust lane along the north side. Several bright stars are in the field including a mag 10 star 3.2' WNW, a mag 11 star 6.1' NE and a mag 12 star 2.1' N. NGC 4639 lies 17' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4654 = H. II-126 = h1411 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and noted "pF, pL, E, r." John Herschel recorded (sweep 192) "vF; vL; 2' l, 90" br; 3 stars near, one = 9th mag." In sweep 245 he questioned if "it is double nebula?".
Harold Corwin identifies
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12 43 36.5 +41 01 07; CVn
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = E°
18" (3/30/05): faint, small, round, contains a very
small brighter core. A mag 13.5
star lies 0.9' E of center. Forms
a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4655 = H. II-661 = h1412 on
9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, vS, stellar. Just p a smal star. Not verified, but not much doubt. His position is just 1' southeast of
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12 43 58.2 +32 10 13; CVn
V = 10.5; Size 15.1'x3.0'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 33°
48" (4/23/17): this showpiece galaxy was viewed at 375x and 488x and the structure/details was very comparable to the POSS2. The galaxy extended ~8'x1' SW-NE, though it has a much lower surface brightness on the SW end. It is well concentrated with a very bright and large, elongated core on the south end of the brighter half, giving a very asymmetric appearance. A bright stellar or quasi-stellar knot is at the southwest edge of the core (this is a huge star cloud on the HST image identified in SIMBAD as [BKD2008] WR 462, from a 2008 paper on Wolf-Rayet features). A faint (17th mag?) stellar object is close east.
The low surface brightness SW portion of the galaxy was broader than the NE section. It includes a faint, quasi-stellar knot (identified in SIMBAD as CasHII N4656a, from a 1984 Case University survey of HII regions in blue galaxies) along the western edge with a SDSS magnitude of 17.8V.
At least 4 main HII complexes are at the northeast end of
the galaxy (
18" (5/14/07): this fascinating galaxy forms one of the most striking pairs in the sky with NGC 4631 32' NW. At 220x, the distorted shape extends ~9'x1.5' in a SW-NE orientation. On first glance, it appears the bulging core is offset at the SW end, though with averted vision a very low surface brightness broader extension continues to the the SW of the core for several arcminutes before fading into the background. The core is very bright and mottled with a bright knot (HII region) jutting out to the west at the southwest end of the core. The NE extension has a remarkable, fairly bright 2' extension (NGC 4657), hooking to the east at a 45° angle from the major axis (the "blade" of the hockey stick). There is a small, faint, detached knot beyond the east end of the "blade" that appears to have broken off. The unusual bend and knot at the NE end is a result of a prior tidal interaction with its more massive neighbor, NGC 4631.
13.1" (many dates from 5/28/84 to 4/12/86): striking!, fairly bright, very elongated SW-NE. Appears wider and brighter at the SW end. The NE end hooks sharply east to merge with NGC 4657 which may be a part of NGC 4656 and not a separate galaxy. A star or knot is attached at the south end. Appears like a celestial hockey stick!
William Herschel discovered NGC 4656 = H. I-176 = h1414, along with NGC 4657, on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and recorded "Two, their nebulosity join; they are both elongated and together form the shape of the letter "S". The most south [NGC 4656] cB, mbM. The most north [NGC 4657], pB from sp to nf, but very near the meridian. John Herschel made a total of 5 observations. In sweep 342 he noted, "a long nebulous ray pos = 34.3° (by micrometer). Its southern half is fainter than its northern. It meets and cuts? another nebula [NGC 4657]. A strange object." A sketch was published in plate 15, Figure 75 in his Slough Observations.
Bindon Blood Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, sketched the pair on Apr 26 1851 (Plate 28, Fig. 26 in Rosse's 1861 publication). The following year he called this pair "like a caterpillar on a leaf."
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NGC 4657 = UGC 7907b = MCG +05-30-066b = CGCG 159-065b = PGC 42863
12 44 08.2 +32 12 32; CVn
Size 1.1'x0.7'; PA = 90°
48" (4/23/17): NGC 4657 consists of at least 4 main HII complexes at the northeast end of NGC 4657, including a separate detached section. On the southwest edge is a bright knot, ~8" diameter, catalogued in SIMBAD as CasHII N4656f and in NED as NGC 4656:[DBT2008] 85 from a 2008 paper on massive clusters. A brighter 10" knot, identified in NED as 2MASX J12440599+3212340, is ~20" N, also along the west edge of the NE extension. The northeast end of the galaxy (NGC 4657) has a sharp extension to the east with a slightly brighter patch, identified in NED as 2MASX J12440844+3212340. Finally a bright, elongated patch ~30"x15" oriented NNW-SSE is detached to the east. SIMBAD identifies this object as NGC 4657, though the NGC designation should probably apply to the entire bent NE end of the galaxy.
18" (5/14/07): The north end of NGC 4656 has a remarkable, fairly bright 2' extension (NGC 4657), hooking to the east at a 45° angle from the major axis (the "blade" of the hockey stick). There is a faint, small, detached knot beyond the east end of the "blade" that appears to have broken off. This unusual bend and knot is likely a starburst region of NGC 4656 and the result of a prior tidal interaction with its more massive neighbor, NGC 4631.
13.1" (severa dates from 6/30/84 to 4/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE. NGC 4657 is attached at the NE end of the remarkable galaxy NGC 4656 and elongated at nearly a right angle to the curving section of NGC 4656 just west.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4657 = H. I-177 = h1415 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722). See descriptions under NGC 4656.
The UGC, MCG and CGCG list a single entry for the pair and NGC 4657 may be a tidally disturbed "tail" of NGC 4656 and not an independent galaxy. The primary designation for this object in NED is NGC 4656 NED02, with NGC 4657 the second identification. The position is on NE warped section (elongated E-W) of NGC 4656. The position is SIMBAD, though, is on the partially detached section close east with classification HII galaxy. HyperLeda has a listing for 2MASXJ12440844+3212340, with secondary designation NGC 4657 and object type "Part of galaxy". Corwin's position is on the brightest patch on the west side of E-W tail.
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12 44 37.7 -10 05 03; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 2.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 0°
17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, elongated ~N-S,
appears mottled or irregular.
Located 2.5' E of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 4658 = H. II-558 = h3414 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and recorded "F, E in meridian [N-S], nearly 3' l, following a cB star." NGC 4658 was discovered by WH (II 558). John Herschel logged "eF; attached like a wisp to a * 16m; a * 9m precedes."
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NGC 4659 = UGC 7915 = MCG +02-33-007 = CGCG 071-024 = PGC 42913
12 44 29.4 +13 29 55; Com
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 173°
17.5" (4/13/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:4 ~NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.8'. Contains a small, bright round core embedded in a fainter halo. Located 1.4' NE of a mag 9.8 star. NGC 4639 lies 28' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4659 = H. II-127 = h1416 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and recorded "F, vS, R, lbM, r, stellar." John Herschel logged "F; R; bM; 30".", and measured an accurate position.
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12 44 32.3 +11 11 27; Vir
V = 11.2; Size 2.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 100°
13.1" (4/16/83): fairly bright, small, slightly elongated E-W, very small bright core. Located 25' SSE of M60.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4660 = H. II-71 = h1417 on
15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and simply noted as "S". There is nothing at Caroline's reduced
position, but 40 sec of RA following and 3' south is
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12 45 14.8 -40 49 27; Cen
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 116°
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x this Centaurus cluster member (AGC 3526) was moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.4'. Located just 1' S of a 45" pair of mag 12.5 stars and 11.7' SE of NGC 4661.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4661 = h3415 on 5 Jun 1834 and
logged "F; R; pL; gbM.".
His position was not measured accurately - the RA is given to the
nearest minute of time and the RA to the nearest min of arc and marked
"+/-". There is nothing
at his rough position, though 16' north is
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12 44 26.3 +37 07 15; CVn
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 55°
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, moderately large, round, gradually brighter halo, very small brighter core. A mag 14.5 star is 3.1' NW and a mag 15 star 2.5' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4662 = H. II-643 = h1418 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "F, pL, gbM, r." John Herschel logged "pB; pL; R; bM; 40"."
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NGC 4663 = IC 811 = MCG -02-33-002 = PGC 42946
12 44 47.1 -10 11 52; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170°
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, edge-on ~N-S, very small, brighter core, almost stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 4658 7' NNW.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4663 in 1883 with the 11-inch refractor at Arcetri in Italy. In the narrative portion of his fifth paper (AN 2439) he described a nebula that is 8' south-following NGC 4658, but he was unable to make a measurement using the circle micrometer. This galaxy is 7.2' south-southeast of NGC 4663, so the identification is certain, although the NGC RA is 12 seconds too large and the Dec off by 2' too small.
Bigourdan found this galaxy again on 13 May 1888, assumed it
was new, and reported it in his Comptes Rendus discovery lists as #176. As a result, Dreyer recatalogued NGC
4663 as
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12 45 06.1 +03 03 21; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4665.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4664 = H. II-39 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and recorded "pB. It contains two stars in the center and is preceded by a small star at the distance of 1/2 or 3/4 minute." There is nothing at his position, but 10' south is NGC 4665. In the 1912 revision of Herschel's catalogues, Dreyer comments "Neither [William] nor [John Herschel] nor d'Arrest saw more than one nebula here, it is therefore = I-142 [NGC 4665] with an error of 10' in PD." The star mentioned in the observation clinches the identification. So, NGC 4664 = NGC 4665. Although NGC 4664 is an earlier observation (I-142 was found on 30 Apr 1786), the modern designation is NGC 4665. NGC 4624 may be another observation of this galaxy (see that entry).
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NGC 4665 = NGC 4664 = NGC 4624: = UGC 7924 = MCG +01-33-005 = CGCG 043-018 = PGC 42970
12 45 06.1 +03 03 21; Vir
V = 10.5; Size 3.8'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (3/24/90): bright, moderately large, oval NNW-SSE, prominent core. A mag 15 star is at the NNW end 1.2' from center. Located 1.7' NE of a mag 10 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4665 = H. I-142 = h1419 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and recorded "cB, pL, iR, gmbM. John Herschel logged (first of two sweeps) "B; not vL; vsbM; has a * 10m 45° sp at 1' distance." NGC 4664 = H. II-30 is a duplicate (earlier) observation, but he made a 10' error in the north polar distance. And JH's h1390 = NGC 4624 may also be another observation of this galaxy.
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NGC 4666 = UGC 7926 = MCG +00-33-008 = CGCG 015-015 = Holm 453a = LGG 299-002 = PGC 42975
12 45 08.5 -00 27 42; Vir
V = 10.7; Size 4.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 42°
17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, fairly large, 4'x1', very bright core, mottled and streaky appearance. A close trio of mag 11-13 stars lies 5' SE. Forms a pair with NGC 4668 8' SE, which follows the triple star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4666 = H. I-15 = h1420 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "E from sp to nf, seems to contain bright places in the middle; it is not cometic, but appears to be resolvable. It resembles the two foregoing nebula [NGC 4666 and NGC 4592] but is narrower." John Herschel logged "pB; mE; psbM; pos 45° nf or sp." and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 4667 = NGC 4638 = UGC 7880 = MCG +02-32-187 = CGCG 070-230 = CGCG 071-006 = PGC 42728
12 42 47.4 +11 26 32; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4638.
John Herschel found NGC 4667 = h1421 on 23 Mar 1830 and logged "B; S; R; psbM; 15"." There are no bright galaxies near his position, but Harold Corwin found that Herschel made an error in his reduction for h1421. Using 41 Virginis as a reference star (also in the sweep), the re-reduced position lands on NGC 4638. Reinmuth, Frost, d'Arrest and Vogel all reported NGC 4667 as not found (at the incorrect published position).
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NGC 4668 = UGC 7931 = MCG +00-33-009 = CGCG 015-016 = Holm 453b = LGG 299-003 = PGC 42999
12 45 31.9 -00 32 10; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S. Forms a pair with NGC 4666 7.4' NW. A triple star is 3.0' due west consisting of mag 11.5/13/13.5 stars at 20" separation between the closer pairs.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4668 = H. III-663 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 726) and logged "vF, S, iF." d'Arrest made two observations and mentioned the triple star that preceded by 12 sec in RA.
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NGC 4669 = UGC 7925 = MCG +09-21-038 = CGCG 270-018 = LGG 300-002 = PGC 42942
12 44 46.8 +54 52 33; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 177°
24" (5/30/16): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 7:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.3', small brighter core. Mag 9.7
UGC 7905 = VV 708, located 8' WNW of NGC 4669, is a disturbed, interacting system with tidal tails extending from both galaxies. The pair is oriented SSW to NNE with centers separated by 35". At 225x, the southwest member (Mrk 220) appeared fairly faint, small, high surface brightness, roundish, 18" diameter. The northeast component (Mrk 221) appeared faint, fairly small, 18", low surface brightness. Only the central region was seen and I missed the tidal tail extending to the north and east. This pair was discovered by Dreyer, but didn't receive an NGC designation due to a misidentification.
18" (6/28/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S,
0.7'x0.35', fairly low nearly even surface brightness. Located 3.0' W of mag 9.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 4669 = H. III-778 = GC 5668
on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "cF, S, E." My re-reduced position (with respect to
77 UMa) is 1.5' northeast of
Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered NGC 4669 on 10 Dec 1866 and noted a mag 10-11 star followed by 21.5 seconds of time, confirming the identification with UGC 7925. Although Dreyer attributed d'Arrest with the discovery in the NGC, he equated H. III-778 with NGC 4669 in his 1912 NGC Correction list.
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12 45 17.0 +27 07 31; Com
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 90°
17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 E-W, bright core, almost stellar nucleus. Located 4.5' W of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4670 = H. III-328 = h1422, along with NGC 4673, on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F, S." John Herschel made four observations, calling this galaxy "B", "pB" and "F".
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12 45 47.6 -07 04 11; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 141°
18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. Gradually increases to a very small brighter core, symmetrical appearance.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4671 = H. II-774 = h1423 on
20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) and logged "pB, S, mbM, iR." His position matches
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12 46 15.5 -41 42 23; Cen
V = 13.2; Size 2.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 134°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint,
fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, slightly brighter along the major axis,
broad weak concentration. A group of five stars is south and southwest
including a mag 11.8 star 3.5' S and a mag 12.3 star 2.4' SE. NGC 4672 is a member of the Centaurus
Cluster (AGC 3526) with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4672 = h3416 on 8 Jun 1834 and
recorded "eF; S; R; vgbM."
He later added the noted "Right reduced. See No. 3413."
His position matches
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NGC 4673 = UGC 7933 = MCG +05-30-073 = CGCG 159-070 = Mrk 656 = PGC 43008
12 45 34.6 +27 03 38; Com
V = 12.9; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 170°
17.5" (3/20/93): faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Located 4.1' S of mag 8.9 SAO 82478 which forms the vertex of an isosceles right triangle with NGC 4673 and NGC 4670 5.6' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4673 = H. III-329 = h1424, along with NGC 4670, on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "vF, S. Goes in the field with the former [NGC 4670]." John Herschel made three observations, although his positions were not very accurate.
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12 46 03.5 -08 39 19; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 119°
18" (4/9/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE,
1.0'x0.5'. At first I only noticed
the brighter 0.4' core, but with averted vision the fainter extensions were
visible. Located 9' ENE of mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 4674 = h3417 on 5 May 1836 and recorded "vF; R: glbM; 30"." An early SN discovery (1907A) was made by Luyten
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NGC 4675 = UGC 7935 = MCG +09-21-039 = CGCG 270-019 = LGG 300-010 = PGC 42998
12 45 31.9 +54 44 15; UMa
V = 14.4; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 97°
18" (6/28/03): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1
E-W, 0.9'x0.3', weak concentration.
A mag 11 star lies 3.9' SE.
Located between NGC 4669 10.5' NW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 4675 = H. II-795 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, vS." My re-reduced position (with respect to 77 UMa) is 1'
northeast of
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12 46 10.7 +30 43 38; Com
V = 13.0; Size 2.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 0°
82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; the tidal
tail north of
48" (4/6/13): fascinating interacting pair consisting of IC 819 (NNW component) and IC 820 (slightly brighter SSE component), separated by 40" between centers. At 375x and 488x in soft seeing, IC 819 appeared fairly bright, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 24"x16", high surface brightness. IC 820 was bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 30"x20", high surface brightness, increased to a small, very bright nucleus. The two galaxies are connected or surrounded by a low surface brightness bridge. IC 819 has a remarkable bright, long thin tidal tail shooting due north! The tail has a high surface brightness (brightest feature of this type I've observed in any galaxy) and extends roughly 80"x8", dimming at the north end and ending just east of a mag 17.3 star. IC 820 has a small, low surface brightness halo on its south side, but its tail to the south was not clearly resolved.
24" (5/22/17): the interacting "Mice" duo
(
17.5" (4/28/89): the northwest member (IC 819) of the
interacting pair "The Mice" appeared faint, small, low surface brightness,
elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4676 = H. II-326 = h1425 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "F, mE in the meridian [N-S]." John Herschel made the single observation "eF; query if not bicentral; sky perfectly clear". So he was uncertain if there were two components and no observations were made at Birr Castle. Rudolf Spitaler resolved the two component, IC 819 and IC 820, on 20 Mar 1892 with the 27" refractor at the Vienna observatory.
In a 1957 paper, Vorontsov-Velyaminov named this class of objects "mice" and the nickname was used in the Burbidge's 1959 paper "Some Interconnected Multiple Extragalactic Nebulae".
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NGC 4677 = ESO 322-078 = MCG -07-26-044 = LGG 298-043 = PGC 43127
12 46 57.0 -41 34 58; Cen
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 167°
18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.4'. Gradually increases to a small bright
core and quasi-stellar nucleus.
Located in the core of the Centaurus cluster, 26' SW of
17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, oval N-S, low even surface brightness. Member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4677 = h3418 on 8 Jun 1834 and
recorded "eF; lE; vgbM."
His position is just off the south end of
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12 49 41.9 -04 34 46; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.5'; PA = 85°
18" (4/30/11): faint, but easily picked as a small glow, elongated 3:2 E-W, 25"x15". A mag 15 star lies 30" ESE of center. I kept having the impression that I was resolving a very faint star or nearly stellar galaxy that was attached and the SDDS image reveals this is a double system (oreinted E-W) with two nuclei encased in a common halo, comfirming my impression.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4678 = LM 2-456 in 1886
and recorded "mag 15.5, 0.1' dia, R, neb?; * follows 2 sec." There is nothing anywhere near his
position. But exactly 3.0 min of
RA east is
Because of the bad position, RNGC classifies NGC 4678 as nonexistent and MCG labels this galaxy IC 824, though NGC 4678 should be the primary designation. This is either a merged double system with two nuclei or a bright knot is at the west end.
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12 47 30.1 -39 34 17; Cen
V = 12.4; Size 2.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 4°
18" (3/28/09): at 175x appeared very faint, moderately
large, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.7', low surface brightness. Located 5.5' NNE of mag 8.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 4679 = h3419 on 22 Apr 1835 and
recorded "eeF, pL, R, 60" (No doubt)." His position is 15 sec of
RA west of
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12 46 54.7 -11 38 10; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 45°
17.5" (3/29/89): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated. Unusual appearance as the galaxy appears to fan out from a mag 12 star embedded at the east edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4680 = h3420 on 27 May 1835 and
recorded "eF; S; has one or two small stars entangled in it." His position and description matches
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12 47 28.7 -43 20 05; Cen
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): moderately bright,
fairly small, oval 4:3 or 5:4 N-S, ~40"x32", fairly high surface
brightness, gradually increases to a very small bright core and stellar
nucleus. A number of bright stars
are scattered in the field: mag 7.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 4681 = h3421 on 15 Mar 1836 and
recorded, "pF; S; R; gbM; 15"." His position matches
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12 47 15.5 -10 03 48; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 85°
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly large, very diffuse, elongated ~WSW-ENE, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is off the NE edge 1.5' from center. The NGC 4658/NGC 4663 pair is located 35' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4682 = H. III-523 = h3423 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and recorded "vF, E from sp to nf, 3 or 4' l, near 3' br." John Herschel called this galaxy "pF; E; gvlbM; 45" l." and measured an accurate position.
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12 47 42.2 -41 31 42; Cen
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 130°
18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.5'x0.3', moderate concentration with a 10" core. A mag 14.5 star is off the SE end and a mag 13 star lies 1.0' SW. Located 18' SW of NGC 4696 in the core of the Centaurus Cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4683 = h3422 on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; vgbM; 60"; nf a small stars. His position was 1.7' too far south.
While observing the field of NGC 4683, Pietro Baracchi discovered NGC 4696A on 4 Jul 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope. He described NGC 4683 as "F; S; R; vlbM. Has a star 13th mag preceding it by 4 seconds and 40" south of it." This galaxy was reported as new at Helwan observatory in 1921, based on plates taken of the Centaurus cluster in 1919-20.
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12 47 17.5 -02 43 38; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 2.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 23°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, brighter along the major axis, bright core. A mag 14 star is off the NNE tip 0.8' from center and a mag 15.5 star is following the SSW end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4684 = H. II-181 = h1426 on 22 Apr 1784 (sweep 912) and logged "pF, pL, E, r." John Herschel made the single observation "B; not vL; pmE; pgbM." and measured a fairly accurate position.
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12 47 11.4 +19 27 51; Com
V = 12.6; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 158°
18" (5/15/04): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2
NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.3'. Sharply
concentrated with a 0.3'x0.2' core which increases to a stellar nucleus. The small, dim halo is very faint and
required averted vision. Situated
between mag 10
18" (4/10/04): fairly faint, very small (viewed core only), 20" diameter. Fairly high surface brightness with a sharp, mag 14 stellar nucleus which easily stands out.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4685 = H. III-398 = h1427 on 27 Apr 1785 (sweep 403) and noted "vF, vS, r." John Herschel made three observations calling this object (sweep 61) "pB; S; resolved or resolvable. Has a star in centre." His mean position is accurate and d'Arrest's is withing a few arcsec of center.
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NGC 4686 = UGC 7946 = MCG +09-21-044 = CGCG 270-021 = LGG 300-003 = PGC 43101
12 46 39.8 +54 32 03; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 3°
18" (6/28/03): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 N-S,
1.0'x0.3', fairly sharp concentration with a small bright core. Two mag 14 stars close NE are collinear
with the core. In a group of NGC
galaxies and between NGC 4675 15' NW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 4686 = H. II-795 = h1428 on
14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and logged "pB, cL, BrN, lE." My re-reduced position (with respect to
77 UMa) is within 1' of
On 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001), WH discovered NGC 4695, but assumed it was NGC 4686, so didn't assign it a new internal number. Dreyer, in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH" added the new designation III-985 to refer to NGC 4695, which is referred to as II-795 (which applies to NGC 4675!) by JH in the GC and by Dreyer in the NGC. See notes on NGC 4675.
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12 47 23.8 +35 21 07; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8
16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, 0.5'x0.4', slightly brighter quasi-stellar nucleus. Forms the SW vertex of an isosceles
triangle with two mag 13 stars 5.7' NE and 5.8' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4687 = h1430 on 11 Mar 1831 and logged "vF; R; psbM; 15".". His single position is accurate.
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12 47 46.4 +04 20 10; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 3.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 14.1
17.5" (4/21/90): extremely faint, fairly large, round, very low surface brightness, brighter core. Appears as a hazy region without distinct borders. Located 3.8' E of a mag 10.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4688 = H. III-543 = h1429 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and noted "eF, pL." John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position and noted "10 sec following a * 9-10 mag." A bright knot on the northwest end appears bright enough to be a visual object.
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12 47 45.7 +13 45 45; Com
V = 10.9; Size 4.3'x3.5'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (5/14/94): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated
3:2 WNW-ENE, 3'x2', large diffuse halo, weak concentration, ill-defined brighter
core, possible mottling. A pair of
mag 11.5/12 stars with separation 1.2' (parallel to the major axis) are located
3.5' N. At 280x, a 1.0' core is
more prominent and the outer halo become becomes difficult to view. At low power, forms the northern vertex
of a triangle with 28 Comae Berenices (V = 6.6) 14' SSE and mag 8.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 4689 = H. II-128 = h1431 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and logged "L, R, bM, r." John Herschel made 3 observations and measured an accurate (mean) position.
On 29 Apr 1851, LdR assistant Bindon Stoney recorded "vF, gbM, edges fade off. I fancied a dark space p the central portion." A few nights later he noted "F, suspected spiral."
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12 47 55.5 -01 39 22; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 150°
17.5" (4/21/90): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, very small bright core is possibly stellar.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4690 = H. III-664 on 11 Apr
1787 (sweep 726) and logged "vF, S." His position is 2.5' south-southeast of
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12 48 13.6 -03 19 58; Vir
V = 11.1; Size 2.8'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 75°
17.5" (2/28/87): bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, brighter along the major axis, small bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4691 = H. II-182 = h1432 on 22 Apr 1784 (sweep 204) and recorded "pF, pL, E, r." John Herschel made the single observation "B; pmE nearly in the parallel [E-W]; gmbM; 90" l, 60" br." and measured a fairly accurate position.
The SDSS image shows a very knotty bar and Hermann Kobold measured two positions in 1894 at Strasbourg; one he labeled as the main nucleus and a seond (close west) that he identified as nebulous. This galaxy may be a late merger based on the SDSS image.
******************************
12 47 55.3 +27 13 20; Com
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, small, round, weak
concentration. Located 7' NNW of
mag 8.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 4692 = H. II-381 = h1433 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and logged "F, S." John Herschel made three observations and d'Arrest made two observations (and measured an accurate position).
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12 47 09.2 +71 10 34; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 2.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 34°
18" (5/8/04): faint, moderately large, edge-on streak 5:1 SW-NE, 1.4'x0.3', broad weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is south of the SSW extension, 1.8' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4693 = H. III-906 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037) and logged "vF, E, about 2' long and 1/2' br." His RA was 40 seconds too small.
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12 48 15.1 +10 59 01; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 3.2'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 140°
17.5" (5/14/94): fairly bright, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.0', overall high surface brightness, faint halo with an abrupt bright core and stellar nucleus. A mag 14.5 star lies 1.3' W of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4694 = H. II-72 = h1434 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "S, lE. The 2nd figure of the minutes was in the great hurry forgot to put down; but I suppose it was intended for 31 min." His estimated RA was 1 minute too small. John Herschel made up for this by measuring the RA accurately on 6 sweeps, the earliest on 9 May 1825 (sweep 4), when he called it "pB, round, gmbM."
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NGC 4695 = IC 3791 = UGC 7966 = MCG +09-21-048 = CGCG 270-023 = LGG 300-004 = PGC 43173
12 47 32.1 +54 22 29; UMa
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 80°
18" (6/28/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1
WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.4', low even surface brightness. With averted vision the size increases slightly and seems
brighter along the major axis.
Located 8.5' SW of mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4695 = H. III-985 = h1435 on 2 Apr 1791 (sweep 1001) and noted "eF, pS." He mistakenly assumed it was a duplicate observation of NGC 4686 and didn't assign it a new internal number or catalogue designation. The GC and NGC position, from John Herschel, is accurate, although he and Dreyer mislabeled this object H. II-796, which applies to NGC 4686. To correct this mistake, Dreyer added the new designation H. III-985 in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH".
Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 23 May 1897, assumed it was
new, and recorded it in discovery list XI-141 (later
******************************
NGC 4696 = ESO 322-091 = MCG -07-26-051 = LGG 298-044 = PGC 43296
12 48 49.2 -41 18 40; Cen
V = 10.4; Size 4.5'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 95°
18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly
bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.8'x1.2'. Gradually increases to a brighter
30" core. The halo reaches a
mag 13.5 at the NW edge. This
galaxy is the brightest member of the Centaurus cluster (
17.5" (4/7/89): brightest galaxy in the Centaurus
cluster (AGC 3526). Moderately
bright, moderately large, oval WNW-ESE, brighter core. A mag 13.5 star is at the NW edge.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 4696 = D 510 = D 511 = h3424 on 7 May 1826. He described D 510 (from handwritten notes) as a "faint nebula, about 12" or 15" diameter, very ill defined at the edges, slightly condensed to the center, 14' or 15' south - rather preceding - a star 7th mag." His position was 16' too far NW. D 511 was logged as a "pretty large faint nebula." and his position was 12' too far SE. Neither of these positional discrepancies are unusually large.
John Herschel made the single observation on 5 Jun 1834, "pB; L; R; gbM; 2' resolvable." Herschel discovered 16 other galaxies in the Centaurus cluster.
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12 48 35.8 -05 48 02; Vir
V = 9.2; Size 7.2'x4.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 70°
17.5" (4/21/90): very bright, fairly large, elongated
2:1 WSW-ENE. Even concentration in
halo, then a very bright intense core.
The large halo gradually fades out at edges. A mag 12 star is 2.7' NE of center. Located 35' NNE of mag 6.3 SAO
138967. Visible in the 16x80
finder. Brightest in a large, loose
galaxy group (LGG 314) with two dozen members including
William Herschel discovered NGC 4697 = H. I-39 = h1436 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205). His description reads, "vB, vL, iE, mbM but the brightness breaks off abruptly [sharply concentrated] so as almost to resemble a resolvable nucleus consisting of 4 or 5 bright stars. There is however too much moonlight to describe the nebula completely." On 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913), he also logged "vB, lE from sp to nf, vgbM, 3 or 4' long, but clouds coming on." He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 23) as an illlustration of "nebulae that are suddenly much brighter in the middle."
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12 48 23.0 +08 29 16; Vir
V = 10.6; Size 4.0'x2.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 170°
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 N-S, small very bright core. Situated between a mag 11 star at the north edge 2.1' from
the center and a mag 10.5 star off the south edge 2.7' from center. Mag 7.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 4698 = H. I-8 = H. III-6 on 18 Jan 1784 (only object in sweep 87) and simply called III-6 "a nebula of the first class." The RA was only roughly taken in this early sweep and a two degree range for the polar distance. He observed this galaxy again on 15 Apr 1784 and logged "vB, not L, lE, mbM. It is between some pB stars." Again on 1 May 1786 (sweep 560) he noted "cB; cL; between 2 pB stars, gmbM." and CH noted "See I.8."
In Dreyer's 1912 revision of William Herschel's catalogues,
he notes "the place [of III-6] agrees sufficiently with that of I-8 (found
on 23 Jan 1784), and a sketch also agrees with one of I-8. The identity seems certain, and was
assumed to be so by J.H. [in the GC]". The NGC position is 10 tsec following
******************************
12 49 02.2 -08 39 52; Vir
V = 9.5; Size 3.8'x2.6'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 45°
17.5" (4/21/90): very bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, very small intense core with a bright stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4699 = H. I-129 = h1437 = h3425 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and recorded "very brilliant, iR, vgmbM." From Slough, John Herschel described "vB; R; vsmbM to a fine resolvable nucleus, 40". He mistakenly added in parentheses "doubtless a globular cluster".
Based on photos taken at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt in 1919-20, the galaxy was described as "A curious and complex form of spiral. The N is vB and alm stellar. From it project two bright slightly curved spiral arms in p.a. 55° and total length 40"; these merge into a pB oval disc with a sharp edge 1' x 40", E 50° in which are dark lanes and indications of spiral structure; outside this is a vF slightly irr. oval disc 3.5'x 2', E 45°. "
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12 49 07.8 -11 24 46; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 3.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 50°
17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, thin edge-on 5:1
SW-NE. A mag 12 star lies 2' W of
center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4700 = H. III-524 = h1438 =
h3426 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and noted "cF, 4' long and 3/4'
broad." His position matches
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12 49 11.6 +03 23 19; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 2.8'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 45°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval SW-NE, weakly concentrated. A small trio of mag 13 stars lie 3.5' N (closest pair 21" separation).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4701 = H. II-578 on 30 Apr
1786 (sweep 558) and noted "F, S." His position matches
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NGC 4702 = NGC 4692 = UGC 7967 = MCG +05-30-086 = CGCG 159-078 = PGC 43200
12 47 55.3 +27 13 20; Com
See observing notes for NGC 4692.
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4702 on 4 Mar 1867 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and described (Latin translation from Corwin) as "Doubtless a very small, very much compressed cluster." There is nothing at his position but exactly 1 min of RA west is NGC 4692. d'Arrest observed and measured this galaxy on two nights, but not on the night he logged NGC 4702. So, Corwin identifies NGC 4702 = NGC 4692.
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12 49 19.0 -09 06 31; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 3.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 156°
18" (4/9/05): very faint edge-on, 4:1 NW-SE,
1.0'x0.25', low even surface brightness.
Located 8' NE of mag 7.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 4703 = H. III-514 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and recorded "eF, vS, E." His position is 5 sec of RA east and 1' south of MCG -01-33-015 = PGC 43342.
Based on plates taken at the Helwan observatory in 1919-20, it was described as "F, 2.5' long, vmE 155°, pF almost stellar N; absorption cuts off the northeast edge of the nebula in a sharp line parallel to its greatest extent, giving it much the appearance of the well known nebula NGC 4565."
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12 48 46.4 +41 55 16; CVn
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 105°
18" (3/30/05): faint, fairly small, round, fairly low
surface brightness with only a very slightly brighter core which seems offset
from the geometric center. Located
6.4' SE of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 4704 = H. II-662 = h1439 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "F, S, R, bM." John Herschel made two additional observations.
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12 49 25.1 -05 11 46; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 3.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 125°
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, brighter middle but no core. A mag 14.5 star is involved at the east edge 0.9' SE of
center. Located 5' SSW of mag 8.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 4705 = H. III-610 = h1440 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 706) and noted "cF, pL, E." John Herschel made a single observation, though his RA is 17 sec too large. Henrich d'Arrest made two observations and measured an accurate position (given in the NGC).
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NGC 4706 = ESO 323-001 = MCG -07-26-055 = LGG 308-001 = PGC 43411
12 49 54.1 -41 16 47; Cen
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 24°
18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly
faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE.
Fairly well concentrated with a bright 15" core. The halo increases in size to 0.7'x0.4'
with averted vision. Located 6.4'
NNW of brighter NGC 4709 in the core of the Centaurus cluster.
17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, oval SSW-NNE, low surface brightness. Located 6.4' NNW of NGC 4709 and 12' ENE of brightest member NGC 4696 in the central portion of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4706 = h3427 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF; vS; R; psbM; 10"."
Pietro Baracchi observed the field on 12 May 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote, "pretty bright, very small, round, a little brighter middle."
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12 48 23.2 +51 09 48; CVn
V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 25°
18" (3/30/05): very unusual appearance to this magellanic spiral as all I could detect was a moderately large (~1.5') very low surface brightness glow with no concentration surrounding what appeared to be a mag 14 star. The DSS and SDSS confirms this is a star and the galaxy extends mostly to the west of the star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4707 = H. III-815 on 26 Apr
1789 (sweep 929) and noted "small, stellar neb." His position (Caroline's reduction) is
20 tsec east and 1' north of
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NGC 4708 = MCG -02-33-016 = Holm 463a = PGC 43382
12 49 41.5 -11 05 35; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 55°
18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~0.9'x0.7'. The surface brightness is irregular and the elongation sometimes changes orientation using averted vision. NGC 4700 lies 21' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4708 = H. III-722 on 11 Mar
1788 (sweep 819) and logged "F, S, E." His position is 1' south of
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NGC 4709 = ESO 323-003 = MCG -07-26-056 = LGG 305-006 = PGC 43423
12 50 03.8 -41 22 56; Cen
V = 10.9; Size 2.4'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 112°
18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8'x0.7' diameter. This member of the Centaurus Cluster
had a symmetrical appearance and steadily increased to a small, bright core and
quasi-stellar nucleus. NGC 4706
lies 6.4' NNW and
NGC 4709 is located 14' ESE of NGC 4696 in the core of the cluster with many faint galaxies within 10'. It is the brightest member in a subgroup called Cen 45 that has significantly higher recessional velocities, though these galaxies may be streaming towards the main cluster.
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~E-W. Four mag 12-13
stars forming a parallelogram are roughly 4' NE. Located 15' ESE of NGC 4696 within the core of the Centaurus
cluster (AGC 3526) and the second brightest member. Forms a pair with
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 4709 = h3428 = D 511? on 7 May 1826 and reported "pretty large faint nebula". His position (single observation) is 6.7' SW of NGC 4709.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 4709 = h3428 on 7 May 1826 and recorded "pB; R; gbM; 30"." (More nebulae hereabouts.)" His position was 1' too far northeast. Joseph Turner probably discovered nearby ESO 322-102 on 4 May 1880 while observing NGC 4709 with the 48" Melbourne telescope. MCG -07-26-057, a small companion 1' SE, was discovered at the Helwan observatory in 1921, based on a plate taken with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector in 1919-20.
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12 49 38.8 +15 09 55; Com
V = 11.0; Size 4.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 27°
18" (5/14/07): bright, fairly large edge-on, nearly 7:1 SSW-NNE, ~3.5'x0.5' with tapered extensions. The core is small and round, ~25" in diameter. The galaxy is irregular in surface brightness and mottled with a brighter knot near the NNE end. A dust lane appears to slash across the galaxy to the NE of the core. A mag 13 star lies 1.5' E of the core.
17.5" (5/14/94): beautiful edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE (PA
30°), bright bulging core.
Distinctly mottled with an irregular surface brightness and clearly
brighter along the NNE extension.
A mag 13 star is 1.4' E of center.
At 280x, the dimensions are 3.5'x0.6' and the galaxy appears to have a
sharper light cut-off along the preceding edge possibly due to dust. Very mottled with a couple of bright
and dark patches along the major axis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4710 = H. II-95 = h1441 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "pB, vmE. The direction of extent is nearly in the meridian or perhaps about 5 or more degree sp and nf." His position was poor, but John Herschel observed the galaxy twice, noting "vB; vmE; pos = 28.5° by micrometer; bM; 90" long" and measured an accurate position.
A total of 12 observations were made at Birr Castle. On 16 Feb 1855, R.J. Mitchell wrote "vB ray, a dark band across on each side of nucleus, separating it from the extremities." The dark lane was commented on in each observation. His sketch made the next night was published on Plate 28, Fig. 27 in the 1861 Mongraph. On 16 Apr 1855, he wrote "My sketch exaggerates the dark lines, they should be broader and not so well defined. Mr. Johnstone Stoney [visiting between professorial duties] remarked a second dark line across the n branch near its extremity." On 13 Apr 1876, Dreyer logged "cB, pL, bM, no very defined Nucl, E 28.2°, about 230" long. On both side of Nucl are dark bands. The n end of neb is brighter than s one and the maximum of brightness is about 40" from the end. Maximum in s part is nearer the nucleus. Centre looks a little oval with higher power."
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NGC 4711 = IC 3804 = UGC 7973 = MCG +06-28-033 = CGCG 188-022 = PGC 43286
12 48 45.9 +35 19 58; CVn
V = 13.4; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 40°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, broad weak concentration. NGC 4687 lies 17' W. Located 6.2' W of a mag 7.8 star.
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, elongated SW-NE, gradually
brighter middle. Located 6.2' WNW
of mag 7.7
17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, weak concentration. Located 7' W of mag 8 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4711 = H. II-412 = h1443 on
1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "F, S, E, er." His position is only 4 sec of RA east
of
Max Wolf found the galaxy on a Heidelberg plate on 21 Mar
1903, assumed it was new, and Dreyer recatalogued it as
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12 49 34.2 +25 28 12; Com
V = 12.8; Size 2.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 160°
13.1" (5/26/84): faint, diffuse, very elongated ~N-S,
even surface brightness. Located
11.9' WSW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 4712 = h1442 on 28 Mar 1832 and
noted "vF; pL." His
position matches
On 9 Mar 1850, George Stoney or LdR logged NGC 4725 as "another spiral. Another neb 15' p." The other nebula is NGC 4712, though it was assumed to be new and received the designation GC 3241 (LdR nova). Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC. R.J. Mitchell sketched the galaxy on 17 Feb 1855 (included in LdR's 1861 monograph).
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12 49 57.8 +05 18 39; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 2.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 100°
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2
E-W, weak concentration. A mag
12.5 star is 2.5' SE and a brighter mag 11.5 star 3.2' SSE. Located 11' NE of mag 7.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 4713 = H. I-140 = h1444 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "cB, pL, mbM." John Herschel made 4 observations and recorded (sweep 153) "pB; L; lE; 60" l, 50" br; two stars sf; 2' dist."
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12 50 19.2 -13 19 28; Crv
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 150°
18" (5/16/09): moderately bright, moderately large, very bright core 20"x15" surrounded by a much fainter elongated halo elongated NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.6'. NGC 4722 lies 18' due east.
18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, small, round, 25"
diameter, fairly high surface brightness.
Even concentration to center with a fairly faint stellar nucleus. Located 18' SSW of mag 7.3
18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4'. There appears to be a small, much fainter envelope so my description probably applies to a sharply concentrated core with a very low surface brightness halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4714 = H. III-536 = h1445 on
27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "eF, stellar." His position matches
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12 49 57.8 +27 49 20; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 20°
18" (5/8/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, weak even concentration to a small brighter core. A mag 13/14.5 double at 28" separation lies 4' S. Outlying member of AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4715 on 10 May 1863 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured twice) matches
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12 50 33.1 -09 27 04; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 80°
18" (4/9/05): fairly faint, small, round, 0.4'
diameter. Sharply concentrated with
a very small bright nucleus. Forms
a double system with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 4716 = T. 5-19a, along with 4717, on 2 May 1878. He gave a single position in his notebook that lands on this pair, though he never published the discovery and wasn't credited in the NGC.
Wilhelm Tempel rediscovered both of these galaxies on 12 Apr 1882 with the 11-inch Amici I refractor at Arcetri Observatory near Florence. He reported them as new in his 5th discovery paper (#19) with description "Double nebula; the position is that of the brighter, north preceding [NGC 4716], has a definite stellar nucleus. The small, fainter companion [NGC 4717] follows by 1 sec and is barely 3/4' south. A star 11-12m is 2' north." His micrometric position is accurate.
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NGC 4717 = MCG -01-33-023 = KTS 46C = LGG 312-002 = Holm 466a = PGC 43467
12 50 34.4 -09 27 47; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 12°
18" (4/9/05): faint, fairly small, elongated N-S, 0.7'x0.3'. Forms an 0.8' double system with NGC 4716 off the north side. MCG -01-33-022, a low surface brightness edge-on, lies 3.5' S (not noticed).
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 4717 = T. 5-19b, along with NGC 4716, on 2 May 1878. He gave a single position in his notebook that lands on this pair, though he never published the discovery and wasn't credited in the NGC.
Wilhelm Tempel rediscovered the pair on 12 Apr 1882 and reported them as new in his 5th discovery paper (#19). See his description under NGC 4716.
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NGC 4718 = MCG -01-33-020 = PGC 43463
12 50 32.6 -05 16 56; Vir
V = 13.9; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 95°
17.5" (4/4/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, low even surface brightness, collinear with a mag 13.5 star 2.9' W and mag 12 star 2.0' E. NGC 4718 lies 19' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4718 = h1446 on 19 Feb 1830 and
logged "eF; vS; between 2 stars 5' asunder." His position and description matches
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12 50 08.7 +33 09 33; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (4/28/89): faint, small, round, sharp stellar nucleus, small halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4719 = H. III-424 = h1448 on
3 May 1785 (sweep 407) and noted "vF, stellar or a little
larger." His position
(Caroline's reduction) is 2.5' southeast of
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12 50 42.7 -04 09 21; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 120°
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration, fairly high even surface brightness. Located 3.7' SW of a mag 10 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4720 = H. III-611 = h1447 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 706) and noted "Suspected, vF, S. I did not stop to verify it." Nevertheless, his position is accurate and was verified on 11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709).
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12 50 19.9 +27 19 26; Com
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 114°
18" (4/10/04): faint, small edge-on WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.2',
very small brighter nucleus. Forms
a pair with brighter NGC 4721, 6.8' NNE.
A mag 11 star lies 3.6' NNE, midway between NGC 4721 and
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4721 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single measurement is accurate.
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12 51 32.3 -13 19 48; Crv
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 35°
18" (5/16/09): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.5'. Contains a round bright core that increases to the center with direct vision.
17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.4', small bright core.
A mag 14 star lies 1.1' E of center. In field with
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4722, along with
Bigourdan independently discovered this galaxy on 15 Apr
1895 and reported it as Big. 302 (later
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NGC 4723 = MCG -02-33-026 = Holm 471a = PGC 43508 = PGC 43510
12 51 02.9 -13 14 13; Crv
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 40°
18" (5/15/10): at 220x appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, requires averted to glimpse and too faint for any noticeable structure. A mag 15 star lies 34" NW. Located 9' NW of NGC 4722 and 12' NE of NGC 4714.
18" (5/16/09): not seen.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4723, along with NGC 4722, in 1882, and reported it in the narrative portion of paper V (AN 2439). He simply noted "Following [NGC 4714] are two class III nebulae that I sketched, but could not yet measure." One of these is likely IC 3833 = PGC 43560, which is 1.2 min of RA following NGC 4714, and NGC 4722 is equated with this galaxy. Herbert Howe could only find this object when he searched the field, so the identification of the second galaxy is very uncertain.
One possibility is the second galaxy is
The identification here is the one used in the NGC and PGC, but as Harold Corwin comments "It's clear, though, that we do not (yet) know which nebulae Tempel found."
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12 50 53.8 -14 19 54; Crv
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 95°
18" (5/16/09): faint, very small, round, faint stellar
nucleus (or a star is superimposed).
Forms a contact pair off the west side of brighter
18" (4/9/05): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Contains a faint, quasi-stellar nucleus. Located just off the west side of larger and brighter NGC 4727!
William Herschel discovered NGC 4724 = H. III-280 = h1449 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and recorded "About half a minute preceding [NGC 4727] is a vS star which I strongly suspect to be stellar, but could not verify it with 240." His position is on NGC 4727. John Herschel made the single observation "F; R: the np of two, 1' distant."
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NGC 4725 = UGC 7989 = MCG +04-30-022 = CGCG 129-027 = Holm 468a = PGC 43451
12 50 26.3 +25 30 03; Com
V = 9.4; Size 10.7'x7.6'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 35°
48" (5/3/19): very bright, very large, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, strong concentration with a very bright oval core and an intense nucleus. The inner ring (interpreted as spiral arms in my 18" observation) was very obvious and highlighted by bright arcs or "handles" at the southwest and northeast ends. The ring dimmed on the east side but could be traced between the two arcs. The western side, though, had a missing gap. At least one HII knot was seen on the SW end [2.1' WSW of center], perhaps NGC 4725:[BKB2006] 11, which is in the spiral arm immediately to the west. A faint HII region was also noted on the NE end of the ring, probably NGC 4725:[BKB2006] 4. These designations are from a 2006 catalog of HII regions by Bradley et al.
18" (5/12/07): very impressive spiral structure visible. Two arms emerge from the very bright oval core. One arm is attached at the northeast end of the core and sweeps to the north before hooking back to the west. Three faint stars are superimposed along this arm. A second broader arm is attached at the southwest end of the core. This arms heads south before hooking towards the east. Both arms have brighter patches or arcs near the ends of the major axis.
13.1" (5/26/84): very bright, impressive, very small bright core, elongated SW-NE, large halo. Structure suspected with the WSW edge possibly brighter. NGC 4712 lies 12' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4725 = H. I-84 = h1451 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and recorded "cB, iR, 7 or 8' the longest way, the brightness confined to a small spot; the rest being milky nebulosity."
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered spiral structure on 9 Mar 1850. NGC 4725 was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in LdR's 1850 PT paper. The following February, Bindon Stoney logged "Spiral, 2 arms and some stars in following arm." On 15 Apr 1858, R.J. Mitchell wrote "vL and vB. The centre itself it like an E neb with Nucl; the centre is enveloped is an irr ring or rings of nebulous light ..." His sketch clearly shows the inner ring surrounding an oval core or bar. On 3 May 1858, he added "The surrounding ring of nebulosity is of irregular shape, it curves gently at delta (south preceding end) but bends more sharply at gamma (north following end), where it is brightest. The centre seems to reach up to and to blend with the nebulosity at delta."
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12 50 46.1 -14 16 07; Crv
Size 1.0'x0.2'; PA = 76°
18" (5/16/09): extremely faint, very small, slightly
elongated, 15"x12".
Based on this description I only viewed the core region of this thin
edge-on. Located 1.2' SSE of a mag
12 star and 4.5' NW of the NGC 4724/4727 duo. The identification of this NGC number is uncertain and most
other sources equate it with
IC 3834 appeared faint, small, round, low even surface brightness. A mag 15 star lies 43" W of center. Located 11' NE of the NGC 4727/4724 pair.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4726 in 1882. In the narrative portion of his fifth
paper (AN 2439) he mentions "4' further north of the beautiful double
nebula [NGC 4724/4727] is a fainter companion." Dreyer's position is 4' north of the midpoint of NGC 4724
and 4727.
Herbert Howe searched unsuccessfully for this object at the NGC position in 1899 with the 20-inch refractor in Denver. But on two nights he measured an object which he assumed was NGC 4726. His position (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) matches IC 3834 = PGC 43559, a much brighter galaxy discovered by Bigourdan on 14 Apr 1895 and recorded as B. 303. This galaxy is nearly 11' northeast of NGC 4724/4727, so it doesn't match Tempel's object. But based on Dreyer's erroneous "corrected" position, modern catalogues (with the exception of NED) identify IC 3834 as NGC 4726.
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NGC 4727 = NGC 4740: = MCG -02-33-023 = Holm 470a = PGC 43499
12 50 57.2 -14 19 58; Crv
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 130°
18" (5/16/09): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.5', broad, weak concentration with no core but contains a quasi-stellar brighter nucleus with direct vision. Forms a close contact pair with NGC 4724 barely off the west side.
18" (4/9/05): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', broad concentration with a slightly irregular surface brightness though no defined core or nucleus. Forms a close, striking pair with NGC 4724 just 50" between centers. The V magnitude appears brighter than listed (13.6).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4727 = H. II-298 = h1450, along with NGC 4724, on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and recorded "F, pL, lbM." His position is a very good match with the brighter, eastern component of this close pair. John Herschel made a single observation, noting "F; R; the sf and brighter of 2, dist 1'."
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NGC 4728 = MCG +05-30-098 = CGCG 159-087 = Holm 469a = PGC 43455
12 50 28.0 +27 26 05; Com
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 108°
18" (4/10/04): faint, small, round, 20" diameter, no noticeable concentration. Forms the north vertex of a thin triangle with a mag 11 star 3.3' S and a mag 13 star 3.8' SSW. Another 3.6' S of the mag 11 star is NGC 4721 (6.8' SSW). Located 18' WSW of mag 4.9 31 Comae Berenices and a similar distance ESE of mag 5.8 30 Comae!
17.5" (3/20/93): faint, small, round, even surface
brightness. A mag 11 star is 3.3'
SSW. This outlying member of AGC
1656 forms a trio with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4728 on 3 Mar 1867 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position, measured on two consecutive
nights, is accurate. This is the brightest
of three with (R)NGC 4728A = UGC 7992 at 2.2' ESE and (R)
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12 51 46.2 -41 07 57; Cen
V = 12.3; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, oval NW-SE. A mag 13 star is 1.0' N. Forms a close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4729 = h3430, along with NGC
4730 = h3431, on 8 Jun 1834. He
gave only a single approximate position (nearest minute of RA and nearest
minute of dec, both marked as +/-), although he mentions in his observation of
Helwan Observatory reported "No nebula here", based on photos taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector in 1919-20 but listed ESO 323-016 as a new nebula with description "pF, S, globular nebula." MCG does not label its two entries as NGC 4729 and 4730. RNGC misidentifies ESO 323-008 as NGC 4729. See Corwin's identificiation notes for the full story.
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NGC 4730 = ESO 323-017 = MCG -07-27-003 = PGC 43611
12 52 00.5 -41 08 49; Cen
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small. A star lies off the south edge. Forms a close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4730 = h3431, along with NGC 4729 = h3430, on 8 Jun 1834. See notes for NGC 4729.
Helwan Observatory reported "No nebula here", based on photos taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector in 1919-20 but listed ESO 323-017 as a new nebula with description "F, S, stellar nucleus."
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NGC 4731 = MCG -01-33-026 = UGCA 302 = Holm 472a = LGG 314-005 = PGC 43507
12 51 01.0 -06 23 33; Vir
V = 11.5; Size 6.6'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 85°
48" (4/2/11 and 5/14/12): this is an amazing stretched barred spiral with a long, thin central bar oriented NW-SE and long extensions (spiral arms) at the northwest end gently curving west, along with one at the southeast end of the bar extending east. The entire galaxy forms a very distinctive integral sign outline, stretching 5' E-W! The bar is very bright and very elongated, ~4:1 NW-SE, 1.6'x0.4'. The arm on the east side is slightly brighter and longer. It seems to fan out and become patchy near the end. A 15th magnitude star is at or just beyond the tip. The western arm curves gradually to the south and faint haze extends from the arm to the south increasing the total size. A mag 14 star is just south of the bar and a small triangle of fainter stars is north of the bar. A faint, very small HII knot (NGC 4731:[HK83] 21/22) is squeezed between the triangle of stars and the bar.
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is just south of the nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 4731A = MCG -01-33-027 10.5' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4731 = H. I-41 = h1452 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "B, L, lbM, irr figure, resolvable." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; pL; E; third class; sky perfectly clear and fine." His position is accurate although Dreyer was concerned about the discrepant descriptions and positions. In the IC I notes he remarked "H in 1784 described it as "lbM" not "sb M: as in GC. There has apparently not been any change; it is diffused, without concentration. The RA in NGC [from] is correct (Armagh, 2 observations)."
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NGC 4732 = UGC 7988 = MCG +09-21-053 = CGCG 270-026 = PGC 43430
12 50 07.1 +52 51 00; UMa
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 8°
18" (7/1/03): faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.3'. Contains a large, brighter middle with faint extensions. A mag 12 star lies 2.3' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4732 = H. II-814 on 26 Apr
1789 (sweep 929) and noted "F, S, very suddenly mbM." Caroline's reduced position is 2.5'
north of
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12 51 06.8 +10 54 43; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 1.9'x1.8'
17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration. A mag 13.5-14 star is 30" off the west edge and 1' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4733 = H. II-73 = h1453 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "F, not vS." John Herschel made 5 observations (earliest on 11 Apr 1825, sweep 3). On 13 Mar 1826 (sweep 22) he recorded, "F; R: has a * 12m immediately p."
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12 51 12.9 +04 51 32; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 145°
18" (4/29/06): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak concentration. Appears brighter on the north edge or the core is asymmetrical on the north side. Located 33' NE of NGC 4713.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4734 = h1454 on 7 Apr 1828 and noted "vF; vS; R." His position is good.
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12 51 01.7 +28 55 40; Com
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 95°
17.5" (5/14/94): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W,
0.6'x0.3', very little central brightening. The major axis is collinear with a mag 13.5 star 2.2' W of
center which has a mag 15 companion.
On line with mag 8.5
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4735 = Big. 56 on 9 May 1885. His position is accurate.
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12 50 53.0 +41 07 12; CVn
V = 8.2; Size 11.2'x9.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 105°
13.1" (4/12/86): very bright, very impressive, fairly large, oval WNW-ESE, very bright core containing a stellar nucleus.
Pierre Méchain discovered M94 = NGC 4736 = h1456 on 22 Mar 1781. William Herschel recorded (sweep 717 on 18 Mar 1787) "very brilliant. A large, luminous nucleus of more than 20" diameter with faint chevulure and branches extending 6 or 8'." Again on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725), he logged "Very brilliant, with much F nebulosity on the [south preceding] and more on the following side." As with other known Messier objects, Herschel didn't include it in his catalogs. John Herschel made 6 observations and a sketch (Plate XIII, figure 41). In May 1828 (sweep 150) he wrote, "vB; R; psvmbM to a nipple; with 240, r; glimpses of stars seen. A fine object. 90" or 2' in diam."
Bindon Stoney reported it as a new spiral in his observation at Birr Castle on 9 Apr 1852. On 13 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell logged "vlE pf, dark ring round the nucleus, the bright ring exterior to this. The annulus, however, is not perfect, but broken up and patchy, and the object will probably run out to be a spiral."
Heber Curtis described the appearance based on a Crosley photograph at Lick: "A beautiful object. From the very bright, large nucleus spring many bright, closely packed whorls, formling a bright inner oval 2' x 1.5' in p.a. about 110°. These inner whorls show many stellar condensations..Fainter, closely packer, rather uniform outer whorls bring the nebula to a size of 5'x3.5'.
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12 50 52.9 +34 09 24; CVn
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 49°
17.5" (4/28/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated brighter core, faint stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4737 = H. III-496 = h1457 on 2 Jan 1786 (sweep 508) and recorded "eF, vS, pmE."
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NGC 4738 = UGC 7999 = MCG +05-30-103 = CGCG 159-092 = FGC 1510 = PGC 43517
12 51 08.9 +28 47 17; Com
V = 13.4; Size 2.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 34°
17.5" (5/14/94): faint, small, very thin edge-on 6:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.2', slightly brighter along major axis. Forms a very close pair with a mag 14.5 star 50" SE of center. NGC 4735 lies 8.6' NNW. Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with mag 8.4 SAO 82534 4.9' NNE and mag 9 SAO 82535 5.7' ENE.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4738 = Big. 57 on 1 Mar 1851. He simply noted "nova, Nucl, E" and gave a rough position. Guillaume Bigourdan independently discovered this galaxy on 9 Mar 1885 and noted "elongated in PA 30°." The NGC position from Bigourdan is accurate.
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12 51 37.1 -08 24 37; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
gradual central brightening, possibly contains faint stellar nucleus. Located 10' NW of mag 8.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 4739 = H. III-515 = h1455 on
3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and reported "vF, S, E." His position is at the southeast edge
of
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NGC 4740 = NGC 4727: = MCG -02-33-023 = PGC 43499
12 50 57.2 -14 19 58; Crv
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 130°
See observing notes for NGC 4727.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4740 = Sw. 6-49 on 27 Apr 1887 and recorded "pF; pS; R; mbM." There is nothing at this position, but 50 sec of RA west is NGC 4727 and this relatively bright galaxy is a good match in description. The closest galaxy to Swift's position, though, is IC 3834, which is located 6' north and 14 sec of RA preceding. So, there are two possible candidates.
Herbert Howe, examining the area in 1899 with the 20-inch refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver, commented "I cannot see anything in the NGC place for NGC 4740. Under date of 1899 August 9 Dr. Swift writes, in reply to a query: "I have examined the record of 4740, and find that it was made 1887 April 27, with position 12 46, -13 41. The right ascension is for 1890, the declination for date of discovery. I have no recollection about it." This position agrees so well with NGC 4726 that I assume them to be identical." But Howe couldn't find NGC 4726 at Tempel's location 4' north of NGC 4724/4727 but found IC 3834, which he assumed was NGC 4726.
Malcolm Thomson feels NGC 4740 is IC 3834, but Harold Corwin argues that NGC 4740 is more likely a duplicate observation of NGC 4727.
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12 50 59.5 +47 40 17; CVn
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 165°
18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, broad concentration. Form the west vertex of an equilateral triangle with sides ~3' with a mag 14 star to the NE and a mag 12.5 star to the SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4741 = H. III-721 = h1458 on 9 Mar 1788 (sweep 816) and noted "vF, S." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; R; psbM" and measured an accurate position.
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12 51 48.0 -10 27 17; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 2.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 75°
17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, small, bright
stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star
lies 1.3' SE of center. Situated
9' SE of ∑1682, a bright unequal double star with components 6.4/9.7 at
30". In a group with NGC 4760
20' E and
William Herschel discovered NGC 4742 = H. I-133 = h3432 on
25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and logged "cB, vS, BN." His position matches
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12 52 16.0 -41 23 26; Cen
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 176°
17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, elongated N-S. Located 15' S of NGC 4729 and NGC 4744 within the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4743 = h3429 on 8 Jun 1834 and
logged "F; R; gbM." His position is accurate, though MCG does not
label its entry (
Pietro Baracchi discovered and sketched nearby
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NGC 4744 = ESO 323-022 = MCG -07-27-006 = LGG 298-019 = PGC 43661
12 52 19.5 -41 03 37; Cen
V = 12.6; Size 2.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 122°
25" (3/31/19 - OzSky): at 244x; nearly moderately
bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 24"x18", brighter core.
Located 8' E of mag 9.1
17.5" (4/7/89): extremely faint, small, very low surface brightness. Third of three and located about 7' NE of the NGC 4729/NGC 4730 pair within the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4744 = h3433 on 8 Jun 1834 and
recorded "F; L; E; gbM; has two more nebulae preceding, a little to south
[NGC 4729 and 4730]." His position is is just off the southeast side of
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NGC 4745 = MCG +05-30-105A = CGCG 159-094 = Holm 474a = PGC 43539
12 51 26.1 +27 25 16; Com
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.8'
17.5" (5/14/94): faint, small, round, well-defined edge
to halo, no concentration. A mag
14 star is 1.4' ENE of center. The
view is hampered by 31 Comae Berenices (V = 4.9) located 8.0' NNE and mag 9 SAO
82532 5.3' SSW. NGC 4728 is at the
edge of the field 13' W. There
were several brief impressions of an extremely faint companion galaxy 1.7' WNW
(
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4745 on 24 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His mean position on two nights is at the
northeast edge of
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12 51 55.2 +12 04 59; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 3.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 120°
17.5" (3/28/92): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, weak concentration with no well-defined nucleus. A mag 11 star lies 3.5' WSW and a mag 13 star is 2.3' N of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4746 = h1460 on 29 Mar 1830 and
logged "pB; mE; r.' His
position is just off the south side of
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12 51 45.5 +25 46 30; Com
V = 12.3; Size 3.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 30°
13.1" (5/26/84): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 3'x1', diffuse, low even surface brightness. Located 22' NE of NGC 4725.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4747 = H. II-344 on 6 Apr
1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F; pL; lE." Caroline's reduction is 1'
south of
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NGC 4748 = MCG -02-33-034 = PGC 43643
12 52 12.6 -13 24 49; Crv
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (3/16/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, very small bright core. Located 3' NNW of a mag 10 star. Pair with similar NGC 4722 11' NW. Appears double on the POSS with smaller component at the north side.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4748 = H. III-537 = h1459 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted " vF, vS, iF."
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NGC 4749 = UGC 8006 = MCG +12-12-020 = CGCG 335-026 = LGG 303-002 = PGC 43527
12 51 12.4 +71 38 05; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 158°
18" (6/28/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:2 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.3', brighter core.
A distinctive "kite" asterism of mag 12-13 stars is close
NW. Four mag 8-9 stars are in the
20' field around the periphery including mag 7.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4749 = H. III-907 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037) and noted "vF, E from np to sf, about 1 1/2' long and 1/2' br." His RA (Caroline's reduction) is ~ 1.0 tmin too small. Bigourdan measured an accurate position used in the NGC.
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12 50 07.2 +72 52 28; Dra
V = 11.2; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.5
18" (5/8/04): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.4'x1.2', well concentrated with a prominent 30" core which increases to a distinct stellar nucleus with direct vision.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4750 = H. IV-78 = h1463 on 8 Nov 1801 (sweep 1101) and recorded "cB, R, bM, about 1 1/2' diam. Somewhat approaching to a planetary nebula, with a strong hazy border." John Herschel (probably working with his father's description) made the single observation "pF; L; R; 40"; the central portion up to diam 30" is nearly uniform, so as to give an approach to th appearance of a planetary nebula." His position is accurate. The 1967 Perek and Kohoutek "Catalogue of Galactic Planetary Nebulae" includes NGC 4750 in a list of "Objects Omitted", likely based on the Herschel descriptions.
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12 52 50.7 -42 39 36; Cen
V = 11.8; Size 3.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 175°
18" (3/28/09): this member of AGC 3526 appeared fairly
faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.5', small bright core. Located on the SE side of AGC 3526
(Centaurus cluster), 1.5° SE of NGC 4696 and 30' NW of mag 5.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 4751 = h3434 on 15 Mar 1836 and
recorded "B; R; first vg, then vsbM; 50"." His position matches
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12 51 29.1 +13 46 55; Com
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.3'; PA = 154°
18" (5/12/07): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.3'x0.2', visible continuously with averted vision. Located 43' SE of 5.7-magnitude 29 Coma.
The NGC identification with this galaxy seems unlikely due to a poor match with William Herschel's position.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4752 = H. III-82 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and recorded "vF, S, E, r." There is nothing near his position -- 4.05 min of RA east and 15' south of NGC 4689. Bigourdan searched unsuccessfully for this object.
Karl Reinmuth, using Heidelberg plates, identified NGC 4752 as a mag 12 star close to Herschel's position with "no nebulosity, *13.5 nf 2.8', S double star sf 3.0'." Dorothy Carlson, repeated this identification in her 1940 NGC Correction paper and it was followed by the RNGC. But Herschel's comments "vF" and "elongated" wouldn't apply to a single 12th mag star.
Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 4752 may refer to CGCG
71-58. This galaxy is a very poor
match in position -- 38 seconds of time preceding and 15' N of Herschel's
position -- so the identification is very uncertain. Seligman suggests
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12 52 22.0 -01 11 58; Vir
V = 9.9; Size 6.0'x2.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 80°
48" (5/12/18): very bright and large, irregular oval, ~5'x3'. Sharply concentrated with an extremely bright core that increased to an intense stellar nucleus. The halo was irregular, particularly on the east side, which had a tattered appearance due to dusty intrusions. NGC 4753 is an unusual I0 galaxy (amorphous irregular) with dust filaments from the shredded remains of a small spiral galaxy that was captured by a much larger elliptical galaxy.
18" (5/28/06): very bright, very large, the halo increases to a large bright core. The halo appears irregular in shape with averted vision with a strong impression of a low surface brightness extension on the southeast side and a less-defined extension to the northwest. On images, this distorted galaxy has very unusual chaotic, twisted dust lanes and disc, with a much fainter outer halo inclined to the main body.
17.5" (4/21/90): bright, large, oval 2:1 E-W, the halo
brightens down to a small very bright core. Overall, an impressive galaxy. Mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4753 = H. I-16 = h1461 on 22 Feb 1784 (sweep 153) and recorded "a fine nebula, brightest in the M; pL; 4 or 5' extent. It is not quite R, but a little compressed. The middle though vB does not resemble the nucleus of a comet." John Herschel made a single obervation and measured an accurate position.
Knox-Shaw, at the Helwan observatory in 1924, described "two lanes of absorption in the nebula, north and south of centre meeting in the preceding end."
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12 52 17.5 +11 18 50; Vir
V = 10.6; Size 4.6'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 23°
17.5" (4/13/91): bright, fairly small, slightly
elongated halo SSW-NNE, 3' diameter.
Sharply concentrated with a very bright small round core containing a
substellar nucleus. Located in the
center of a group of six faint mag 14 stars. A brighter mag 11 star lies 3.1' SW of center. Forms a pretty pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4754 = H. I-25 = H. II-74 =
h1462 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and noted "B, S, in a line with two
stars. Caroline's reduced position
is 18 seconds of RA preceding
John Herschel made four observations (noting the equivalence of I-25 and II-74) and six observations were made at Birr Castle.
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12 53 37 -60 21 24; Cru
V = 4.2; Size 10'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, 120-150 stars
are resolved in the Jewel Box cluster with careful viewing. A huge number of mag 13-14 stars form a
rich carpet in the background of a half-dozen very bright stars in the
cluster. The three brightest mag
6-7 stars form a 4.4' NW-SE string with orange-red DU Crucis (V = 7.2-7.7)
40" NE of the 'central mag 7
This small naked-eye cluster is just north of the Coalsack and roughly 1° SE of mag 1.3 Mimosa (Beta Crucis).
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): the Jewel Box cluster is a beautiful, naked-eye cluster about a degree SE of Beta Crucis. At 186x, the cluster includes a half-dozen very bright stars (mag 6-7.5) set over a rich background of scores of mag 9-13 stars within a compact 10' diameter. A line of three mag 6-7 crosses the center of cluster from NW to SE with a striking orange-red variable star (DU Crucis = SAO 252073) near the center. Other stars have a blue-white and yellow-white tint, though these colors are subdued. South of the cluster is the remarkable 6°x4° dark Coalsack, which sits adjacent to the SE side of the Southern Cross.
10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): the Jewel Box is bright naked-eye cluster close to Beta Crucis (Mimosa). Several very bright stars were resolved and some fainter stars using the 10x30 binoculars.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 4755 = Lac II-12 = D 301 = h3435 in 1751 through a 1/2" telescope during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He classified it as a nebulous star cluster and noted "5 or 6 small stars between two of sixth magnitude". The cluster was observed at the Parramatta Observatory during regular meridian work and described as "a cluster of 12 or 14 small stars, in the form of a rhomboid, very close together. Part of this cluster forms a very perfect cone of mixed stars."
On 26 May 1826 at Parramata, James Dunlop described "(Kappa Crucis, Bode) is 5 stars of the 7th magnitude, forming a triangular figure with a star of the 8 or 9th magnitude between the second and the third, with a multitude of very small stars congregated around the 4th or most southerly star on the south side." Based on 6 observations with his 9" speculum reflector, he noted "Figure 13 [sketch] is a very correct representation."
John Herschel first observed the cluster on 14 Mar 1834 and recorded "the central star (extremely red) of a most vivid and beautiful cluster of from 50 to 100 stars. Among the larger there are one or two evidently greenish; south of the red star is one 13th mag, also red; and near it is one 12th mag, bluish." In preparation for his meticulous sketch of the cluster, he drew up a catalogue of 110 stars, accompanied by the following explanation: "Though set down by Lacaille as nebulous, and on that authority entered as a nebula in Bode's Catalogue, no nebula is perceptible in any part of the extent of this cluster, which though neither a large nor a rich one, is yet an extremely brilliant and beautiful object when viewed through an instrument of sufficient aperture to show distinctly the very different colour of its constituent stars, which give it the effect of a superb piece of fancy jewelery. The area occupied by it is about one-forty-eighth part of a square degree, within which area I have laid down, partly from micrometric measures (as regards the large stars) and partly from intertriangulation by the eye (as respects the small ones) the stars (110 in number) of the following catalogue." Herschel listed eight stars in which the "colour is conspicuous"; 3 are described as "greenish-white, 2 are green, 1 blue-green, 1 red and 1 ruddy. These colors are phenomenological and not physical, as only orange-red DU Crucis has a distinct color.
In May 1862, English-Australian amateur astronomer and meteoroligist Francis Abbott constructed a map of 75 stars (from Hobart, Tasmania), five of which Abbott thought were not shown by Herschel. He commented "certain changes are apparently taking place in the number, position, and colours of its component stars." In 1872 Henry Chamberlain Russell, director of the Sydney Observatory, decided to investigate Abbott's claim and carefully measured the positions of the stars using the observatory's 7.25-inch Merz refractor and creating a catalog of 130 stars. He also mistakenly noted change and thought several stars had changed their positions based on Herschel's sketch. He also criticized Herschel by remarking that he missed several of the fainter stars that he (Russell) measured with a smaller telescope. Russell later took perhaps the first photograph of the cluster in 1891.
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12 52 52.6 -15 24 48; Crv
V = 12.4; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 50°
18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', broad mild concentration. A mag 14.5-15 star is at the NE edge. Brightest in a cluster
(LGG 306) superimposed on
18" (4/29/06): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.3'x0.8', broad concentration. Brightest galaxy in a galaxy group (LGG 306) superimposed on AGC 1631 and situtated near the center of the cluster. Several faint galaxies are visible in the field including a trio ~8' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4756 = H. III-281 = h1464 on
8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and noted "vF, pS, resolvable." Caroline's reduction is less than 2'
southwest of
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12 52 50.0 -10 18 37; Vir
V = 14.3; Size 1.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 58°
17.5" (5/17/90): faint, small, round. An extremely faint star is at the NW
edge. Forms a pair with
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4757, along with NGC 4766, in
1882. In the narrative portion of
his fifth paper (AN 2439) he mentions finding two nebulae about 10' north of
Winnecke's GC 5674 [NGC 4760].
Although no positions were given there, Tempel probably later measured
them and communicated the results to Dreyer, as the NGC position is just 1.6' S
of
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12 52 44.1 +15 50 54; Com
V = 13.1; Size 3.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 160°
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly large, very
elongated ~3:1 NNW-SSE, 2.2'x0.6'.
Fairly low surface brightness, but appears irregular or slightly
mottled. A mag 14 star is 40"
N of center, just off the eastern flank.
Located 17' SSE of mag 6.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 4758 = H. III-70 = h1465 on
21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "vF, not S." Caroline's reduced position is 6 sec of
RA too far west. John Herschel
made three observations and his mean position matches
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12 53 05.2 -09 12 08; Vir
V = 12.0; Size 1.8'x1.8'
18" (6/17/06): NGC 4759 is a striking double system
consisting of the two brightest members of
17.5" (4/13/96): the brightest object in HCG 62 is a
double system with southeast component
17.5" (5/17/90): double system consisting of NW
component
William Herschel discovered NGC 4759 = H. II-559 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and simply noted "F, S". His position corresponds with this double system . John Herschel resolved the pair and assigned them two designations - h3437 (later NGC 4776) and h3438 (later NGC 4778), although his RA was 1.0 minute of time too large. In the General Catalogue, JH equated H. II-559 with h3437 (assuming his father's position was poor).
Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen on 30 Mar 1867 and noted a mag 10 star 1.5' south and 1-2 seconds of time preceding, but only saw a single (unresolved) nebula. Wilhelm Tempel, later using an 11-inch refractor at Arcetri Observatory, confirmed d'Arrest's position but described it as double. Dreyer gave H. II-559 = NGC 4759 a separate (accurate) designation in the NGC, noting it as double, assuming H. II-559 must be different from JH's pair.
RNGC and MCG misidentify the components of the double system as NGC 4759 and NGC 4761, while ESGC identifies the pair as NGC 4776 and 4778.
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NGC 4760 = MCG -02-33-041 = PGC 43763
12 53 07.3 -10 29 40; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 10°
17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, moderately large,
fairly weak broad concentration, irregularly round. Located between mag 8.7
Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 4760 on 30 Mar 1876 with a 6.5-inch comet-seeker by Reinfelder & Hertel at the Strausberg Observatory. The NGC position is accurate.
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NGC 4761 = HCG 62C = (R)NGC 4764 = MCG -01-33-039 = Holm 477b = PGC 43768
12 53 09.8 -09 11 52; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 80°
18" (6/17/06): faint, small, this small spindle in HCG 62 is elongated 3:1 N-S, 30"x10". Contains a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located just 1' following the double system NGC 4759.
17.5" (4/13/96):
17.5" (5/17/90): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S. Located 1' ENE of the double system NGC 4759. Fourth of four in a group.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4761, along with NGC 4764, in
March 1882 and reported it in his 5th discovery paper, near NGC 4776 and
4778. The NGC description reads
"eF, eS, 1' f D neb II 559 [NGC 4759]". As Tempel didn't mention any
direction in the AN paper, this information must have been communicated
directly to Dreyer. At his
position, is
HyperLEDA, MCG and RNGC mislabel NGC 4761 as NGC 4764 and misidentify NGC 4778 (the eastern component of NGC 4759) as NGC 4761. The identifications are discussed in Malcolm Thomson's "Catalogue Corrections" as well as in Harold Corwin's NGC identifcation notes.
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NGC 4762 = UGC 8016 = MCG +02-33-033 = CGCG 071-065 = Holm 478a = PGC 43733
12 52 55.9 +11 13 50; Vir
V = 10.3; Size 8.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 32°
48" (4/4/13): extremely bright, stunning thin edge-on SW-NE, ~6.0'x0.6'. An extremely thin bright streak extends along the major axis, brightening at the center to a remarkably bright core and stellar nucleus. Beyond the tips of the very high surface portion of the edge-on disc, the galaxy has diffuse extensions at both ends that flare out and appear like water being sprayed out the end of a hose. The extensions increase the length to at least 8'. The bright disc has a sharp edge, particularly on the west side, but a low surface brightness glow is visible on both sides, increasing the width to at least 1' and the overall dimensions to 8'x1'. The southern side of the galaxy is flanked by two mag 9.5 stars and a mag 10.5 star is directly south. NGC 4754 lies 11' NW.
17.5" (4/13/91): very bright, fairly large, beautiful
edge-on 12:1 SW-NE, 6.0'x0.5', small intensely bright core, stellar
nucleus. The unusually thin arms
taper at the ends. The galaxy
appears to have a sharper light cut-off, possibly due to a dust lane along the
west side. Located almost midway
between two 9th magnitude stars (
William Herschel discovered NGC 4762 = H. II-75 = h1466 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged "Two pB nebula; the preceding [NGC 4754] of them is almost R. The following [NGC 4762] vmE; they are not far from the same parallel and about 8 or 10' distant." His position is between the two galaxies. In February 1863, Samuel Hunter (Lord Rosse's assistant) reported "I strongly suspect the ends to be twisted."
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12 53 27.2 -17 00 20; Crv
V = 12.6; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 130°
18" (4/29/06): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration. A mag 11.5 star lies 2.5' NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4763 = H. III-489 on 31 Dec
1785 (sweep 503) and recorded "vF, S, lbM." Not observed by JH.
His position is 9 sec of time preceding and 1' north of
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NGC 4764 = HCG 62D = PGC 43760
12 53 06.6 -09 15 27; Vir
V = 15.0; Size 0.8'x0.4'
18" (6/17/06): extremely faint and small, round,
10"' diameter. Located 1.9'
SSE of mag 9.5
17.5" (4/13/96):
17.5" (5/17/90): extremely faint and small, round, almost stellar, glimpsed for moments only. Located in a compact galaxy group 3.5' S of double system NGC 4759 and 2' S of mag 9.1 SAO 139019. A mag 14 star is 1.5' SW.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4764, along with NGC 4761, in March 1882, and reported it in his 5th paper near NGC 4776 and 4778. The NGC description reads "eF, eS, sf Dneb 4759." As Tempel didn't mention any direction in the Astronomische Nachricten article, this information was perhaps communicated directly to Dreyer.
NGC 4764 is probably
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12 53 14.6 +04 27 48; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 80°
17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright but fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.9', broad concentration with no nucleus, fairly high surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4765 = H. III-544 = h1467 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and noted "vF, vS." John Herschel made the single observation "pB; S; R: gbM; 20"." Both positions are reasonably accurate.
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NGC 4766 = MCG -02-33-042 = PGC 43766
12 53 08.1 -10 22 41; Vir
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 130°
17.5" (5/17/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core. A mag 12 star is 1.0' ENE.
NGC 4766 forms a close pair with
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4766, along with NGC 4757, in
1882. In the narrative portion of
his fifth paper (AN 2439) he mentions finding two nebulae about 10' north of
Winnecke's GC 5674 [NGC 4760].
Although no positions were stated, they were probably measured and
communicated later to Dreyer, as the NGC position is 20 seconds of RA west of
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12 53 52.9 -39 42 52; Cen
V = 11.5; Size 2.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 130°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval NW-SE, bright core. Located 26' N of n Centauri (V = 4.3) in the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4767 = h3436 on 21 Apr 1835 and recorded "B; S; lE; psmbM; 25"."
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12 53 17.2 -09 31 54; Vir
V = 13.5
18" (4/29/06): appears as a mag 13 star located 3.7' W
of
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4768, along with NGC 4769, in 1882. He simply noted in paper V (AN 2439) finding two faint nebula close preceding III 525 [NGC 4770]." Dreyer gives only a rough position in the NGC due west of NGC 4770. The only object preceding NGC 4770 is a 20" pair of mag 13.5 stars. Harold Corwin assigns NGC 4768 to the northwestern component and NGC 4769 to the southeastern component, which is a merged double star on the DSS and a resolved pair on the PanSTARRS image.
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12 53 18.0 -09 32 10; Vir
18" (4/29/06): this is a close double star 3.5' W of NGC 4770. In poor seeing it appeared as a single mag 13 star. Forms a pair with NGC 4768, a mag 13 star 20" NW.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4769, along with NGC 4768 in 1882. These two numbers probably apply to a 20" pair of mag 13.5 stars. NGC 4769 appears to be a merged double star on the DSS but is cleanly resolved on the PanSTARRS image. See NGC 4768.
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NGC 4770 = MCG -01-33-040 = PGC 43804
12 53 32.1 -09 32 29; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 90°
18" (4/29/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.5'. Contains a moderately bright, round core, ~20" diameter with faint extensions. Located 12' W of mag 5 Psi Virginis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4770 = H. III-525 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and simply noted "vF, eS." Édouard Stephan made an observation on 2 May 1878.
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12 53 21.2 +01 16 10; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 3.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 133°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, only a weak concentration. Located 2.7' E of a mag 10 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4771 = H. II-535 = h1468 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "F, mE, 2' l and 3/4' br from np to sf." John Herschel made the single observation "F; mE; follows a * 9m in parallel; sky not quite clear." and measured an accurate position.
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12 53 29.1 +02 10 06; Vir
V = 11.0; Size 3.4'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 147°
17.5" (2/28/87): moderately bright, elongated NW-SE, fairly small. Contains a bright core with faint extensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4772 = H. II-24 = h1469 on
24 Jan 1784 (sweep 122) and recorded "F, pL." His position is about 1 min of RA east
of
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12 53 36.0 -08 38 21; Vir
V = 14.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 95°
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, small bright core.
Forms a contact pair with
NGC 4773 is located 6' NNW of mag 8.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 4773 = H. III-516 on 3 Mar
1786 (sweep 536) and noted "vF, S." Caroline's reduction is 2' south-southeast of
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12 53 06.6 +36 49 06; CVn
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5
48" (4/7/13): at 488x this collisional ring galaxy
appeared fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, irregular. It appeared slightly brighter on the
north side, which contained a faint stellar nucleus, but I didn't resolve the
darker center. Forms a close pair
with
NGC 4774 is nicknamed the "Kidney Bean Galaxy" by
Zwicky in his red book (
17.5" (4/28/89): very faint, small, round, even surface brightness. Appeared fainter than the CGCG mag of 14.6p.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4774 = H. III-618 = h1471 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "eF, vS." John Herschel logged "eF; S; R: bM. Sky perfectly clear" and measured an accurate position.
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12 53 45.8 -06 37 20; Vir
V = 11.1; Size 2.1'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated
3:2 SSW-NNE, weak concentration, mottled appearance. A mag 13.5 star is off the SW edge 1.3' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4775 = H. II-186 = h1470 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and logged "rather F, cL, R, r." John Herschel made the single obwervation "vF; L; R; 90"; vglbM. Its companion [NGC 4786] looked for but not seen."
Based on a photograph taken at the Helwan observatory between 1927-31 with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector, NGC 4775 was described in the 1935 bulletin as an "open spiral, pF complicated central region with an almost stellar nucleus and many stellar condensations n.p. and s.f. of centre."
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NGC 4776 = NGC 4759nw = HCG 62B = MCG -01-33-036 = Holm 477a NED1 = PGC 43754
12 53 04.5 -09 12 00; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7
18" (6/17/06): NGC 4776 = HCG 62B is the northwest component of the striking double system NGC 4759. At 225x it appeared fairly faint but very small, round, 20"-24" diameter. NGC 4761 = HCG 62c lies just 1.3' following. Nearly tangent to the southeast edge is slightly brighter NGC 4778 = HCG 62A, just 28" between centers.
17.5" (4/13/96): NGC 4776 is virtually attached to the northwest edge of NGC 4778 and is slightly fainter smaller, round, 20" diameter, faint stellar nucleus. Mag 9 SAO 139019 is just 1.5' SSW of the pair.
17.5" (5/17/90): the northwest component of this double system appears faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, bright core. The contact companion NGC 4778 = HCG 62A is attached at the SE end (see notes). Located 2' N of mag 9.1 SAO 139019. Second of four with NGC 4761 1' ENE and NGC 4764 4' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4776 = h3437, along with NGC 4778, on 5 May 1836 and recorded "vF; S; R; vlbM; the preceding of a double nebula [with NGC 4778]." This is an unusual situation as his father's H. II-559 = NGC 4759 refers to this double system, though William did not resolve the two galaxies. John resolved the pair, and each component has its own GC and NGC designation, although his RA is exactly 1.0 minute of time too large. See Harold Corwin's notes.
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12 53 58.5 -08 46 32; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 8°
17.5" (5/17/90): faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core. Located 4' SE of mag 8.8 SAO 139029. Third of four in a group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4777 = H. III-517 on 3 Mar
1786 (sweep 536) and noted "vF, S." Caroline's reduction is 6 sec of RA following
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NGC 4778 = HCG 62A = NGC 4759se = MCG -01-33-037 = Holm 477a NED2 = PGC 43757
12 53 05.7 -09 12 17; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.8'x1.4'
18" (6/17/06): NGC 4778 = HCG 62A is the southeast component of the striking double system NGC 4759 and the slightly larger and brighter of the duo. At 225x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. Contains a small bright core surrounded by a lower surface brightness halo. Located 1.5' N of a mag 9.5 star that detracts somewhat. NGC 4776 = HCG 62B is nearly tangent to the northwest edge (28" between centers).
17.5" (4/13/96): this is the brighter southeast component of the double system NGC 4759 (see notes) and listed as HCG 62A. At 220x, it appears fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter, increases to a small bright core. HCG 62B is virtually attached to the northwest edge. Mag 9 SAO 139019 is just 1.5' SSW of the pair.
17.5" (5/17/90): the southeast member of this double system is slightly larger and brighter and appears faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, bright core. Located 2' N of mag 9.1 SAO 139019. Second of four with NGC 4761 1' ENE and NGC 4764 4' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4778 = h3438, along with NGC 4776, on 5 May 1836 and recorded "vF; S; R; vlbM; 15"; has a * sf; the following of two [with NGC 4776]." He later added the note "II 559 is not noticed as double in Sir W. Herschel's description." See notes for NGC 4476. RNGC, PGC and SIMBAD misidentify this galaxy as NGC 4761.
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12 53 50.9 +09 42 36; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 2.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 70°
17.5" (3/28/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, broad concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4779 = H. III-106 = h1472 on
15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194) and logged "vF, pL, rather bM, r." Caroline's reduction is within 1.5' of
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NGC 4780 = MCG -01-33-045 = Holm 482a = LGG 313-003 = PGC 43870
12 54 05.1 -08 37 16; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 10°
17.5" (5/17/90): faint, small, slightly elongated, low
even surface brightness. Unusual
appearance as a mag 14 is at the west edge and the galaxy extends to the east
of this star.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4780 = T. 5-20 in 1880 and reported it in the narrative portion of his 5th discovery paper. He mentions there are two nebula in the field to the north of NGC 4777, the western object being NGC 4773 and the following one new. His position was 2' too far south but accurately placed this object 27.5 sec of RA following and 1' 10" north of NGC 4773.
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NGC 4781 = MCG -02-33-049 = Holm 483a = LGG 307-009 = PGC 43902
12 54 23.6 -10 32 11; Vir
V = 11.1; Size 3.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 120°
17.5" (3/23/85): bright, large, very elongated ~E-W,
high surface brightness but weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is embedded in the preceding side 1.0' W of
center and two comparable stars lie 2.0' W and 3.6' ESE of center. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4781 = H. I-134 on 25 Mar
1786 (sweep 546) and logged "cB, 7 or 8' long, about 3' broad." His position matches
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12 54 35.7 -12 34 07; Crv
V = 11.7; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 155°
48" (4/21/17): at 813x; bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated, ~45" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright
core. Forms a striking N-S contact
pair (halos form a dumbbell or dogbone outline) with
17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, very small, round. Forms an extremely close contact pair with NGC 4783 in a common halo 0.6' NNE of center.
8" (3/28/81): faint, very small. Contact pair with NGC 4783 oriented SSW-NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4782 = H. I-135, along with NGC 4783, on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "Two, both cB, R, cS, mbM in the direction of the meridian., nearly within 1' of each other, and the chevelure [halo] mixisng." His position is accurate (landing on the southern galaxy). See Harold Corwin's NGC notes on problems with the identifications of the two components.
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NGC 4783 = VV 201b = Holm 485b = MCG -02-33-051 = 3C 278 = LGG 316-001 = PGC 43926
12 54 36.6 -12 33 28; Crv
V = 11.5; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 105°
48" (4/21/17): NGC 4783 is the northern galaxy of a
striking contact pair with NGC 4783 [39" between centers]. The merged halos of the two galaxies
form a dogbone or dumbbell outline. At 813x, it appeared bright, moderately
large, round, ~40" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright
nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is 30" SE of center (just outside the combined
halos). An extremely faint
"knot", roughly 5" diameter, is at the northwest edge of the
halo. Checking later, I found this
is a nearly stellar galaxy, catalogued in HyperLeda as
17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, very small, round. Forms an interesting contact pair with NGC 4782 0.6' SSW within a common halo.
8": faint, very small. The pair is elongated SSW-NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4783 = H. I-136, along with NGC 4782, on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548). See notes on NGC 4782.
******************************
NGC 4784 = MCG -02-33-053 = Holm 483b = PGC 43929
12 54 37.0 -10 36 47; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 101°
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, slightly elongated. Fainter of pair with NGC 4781 5.7' NNW. Forms the SE vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 11/12 stars 2.1' W and 2.0' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4784 = H. III-526 on 25 Mar
1786 (sweep 546) and noted "eF, eS, some little doubt." Despite the doubt, his position is a
good match with
******************************
12 53 27.4 -48 44 58; Cen
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 81°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): moderately bright, elongated 3:1 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.3', high surface brightness. Contains a small bright core and a bright stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus (this is a Sy2 galaxy). A mag 13.8 star is just off the west side [58" from center] and a mag 15 star is 1.3' SW.
Several brighter stars are to the north of the galaxy
including a mag 10.8 star 4.5' NW, a mag 10.6 star 6' N and a mag 11 star 4.3'
NNE. Located 12' NNE of mag 4.3 HD
111915. It helped to place this
annoyingly bright star outside the field.
NGC 4785 is situated 2° NW of the large spiral
John Herschel discovered NGC 4785 = h3439 on 1 Mar 1835 and
recorded, "vF; S; R; glbM."
There is nothing at his single position, but 1.75 minutes of time to the
west is
******************************
NGC 4786 = MCG -01-33-046 = PGC 43922
12 54 32.4 -06 51 34; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 170°
17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 N-S, increases to a small bright core. A mag 12 star is 2.5' N. Forms a pair with NGC 4775 18.4' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4786 = H. II-187 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "pF, pL, r." John Herschel noted in his observation of NGC 4775 that he looked for this nebula without success.
******************************
12 54 05.5 +27 04 06; Com
V = 14.4; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 2°
17.5" (3/20/93): very faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 N-S, low but uneven surface brightness. A mag 10 star lies 2.9' WSW. Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4787 on 3 Apr 1867, measured an accurate position and noted it was 13.6 sec of RA preceding NGC 4789. This galaxy was missed by both Herschels when they observed nearby NGC 4789.
******************************
12 54 16.0 +27 18 12; Com
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.3'; PA = 140°
17.5" (5/14/94): faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter. Located 1.3' E of a mag
10.5 star.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4788 on 23 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position is 4 sec of RA west of
******************************
NGC 4789 = UGC 8028 = MCG +05-30-124 = CGCG 159-113 = CGCG 160-008 = PGC 43895
12 54 18.9 +27 04 04; Com
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
17.5" (3/20/93): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated N-S. A mag 10 star is
just 40" N of center. Forms a
pair with close NGC 4787 3.0' W.
Located 18' NNE of mag 6.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4789 = H. II-345 = h1473 on 6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and noted "F. Just south of a pB star." Both Herschels missed nearby NGC 4787, which was discovered by d'Arrest.
******************************
NGC 4790 = MCG -02-33-056 = LGG 307-010 = PGC 43972
12 54 51.8 -10 14 52; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 85°
17.5" (3/23/85): moderately bright, fairly large, broad and pretty weak concentration, elongated ~E-W. NGC 4781 lies 18' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4790 = H. II-560 on 25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and noted "pF, pS, iR." John Herschel didn't record this galaxy but Édouard Stephan made an observation on 2 May 1878. Harold Knox-Shaw identified this galaxy as an "open spiral" in 1915, based on a photograph taken with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory between 1912-14.
******************************
12 54 44.0 +08 03 12; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.35'; PA = 70°
17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, very small, round, broad
concentration. A wide double star
is 2' SE (mag 11/12.5 at 39" separation N-S). The double system
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4791 = m 243 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, vS, lE, vlbM." His position is accurate.
******************************
12 55 03.6 -12 29 50; Crv
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 140°
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, extremely small, slightly elongated NW-SE. Forms an equilateral triangle with NGC 4794 7' SSE and the NGC 4782/NGC 4783 duo 8' SW.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4792 in 1882. I can't find his description in paper V
(AN 2439), but the NGC description reads "vS, R, 7' nnp of II 538 [NGC
4794]" and at this position is
******************************
12 54 40.6 +28 56 17; Com
V = 11.6; Size 2.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 50°
17.5" (5/14/94): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.0', fairly high irregular surface brightness, broad concentration with no well-defined core. A mag 15 star lies about 1' off the SW edge and 1.7' WSW of center. Located 1.8' S of a mag 9.5 star which detracts from viewing. At 280x, a very small bright nucleus is visible and there is an impression of a dark patch or dust along the NE extension.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4793 = H. I-93 = h1475 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396). His description reads, "cB, pL, about 1.5' south of a [mag 9-10] star." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate positon.
******************************
NGC 4794 = MCG -02-33-060 = PGC 44012
12 55 10.5 -12 36 30; Crv
V = 13.7; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 150°
17.5" (3/23/85): very faint, small. A mag 14 star is at the WSW edge 33" from center and a mag 13 star is at the ENE end. In a group with NGC 4792 7' NNW and the NGC 4782/NGC 4783 pair 9' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4794 = H. III-538 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "2 or 3 small stars with vF nebulosity." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 1' SE of MCG -02-33-060 = PGC 44012, and the description applies. The H-designation of II-538 in the NGC is a typo.
******************************
NGC 4795 = UGC 8037 = MCG +01-33-024 = CGCG 043-064 = PGC 43998
12 55 02.8 +08 03 56; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 115°
17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core, high surface brightness. Located 3.9' S
of a mag 10 star. NGC 4791 lies
4.7' W and
Forms an interacting contact pair with NGC 4796 attached at the east end, 27" from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4795 = H. II-21 = h1474 on
23 Jan 1784 (sweep 107) and recorded "A nebula, vF and of an irregular
shape. 1/2° sp the following star
[
******************************
12 55 04.6 +08 03 58; Vir
V = 14.4; Size 0.2'x0.2'
17.5" (4/4/92): contact pair with brighter NGC 4795. Very faint, extremely small, slightly elongated, faint stellar nucleus. This object is attached at the east side of the halo of NGC 4795.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4796 = m 244 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, eS, alm stell, close to [NGC 4795]." The SDSS shows an extremely compact galaxy with extensions WSW-ENE, superimposed on the eastern arm of NGC 4795. The Deep Sky Field Guide to the Uranometria 2000 Atlas refers to this object as "star or very bright patch 0.5' E of center", but does not refer to this object as NGC 4796.
******************************
12 54 55.2 +27 24 44; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 30°
17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated N-S, very weak concentration.
A mag 14 star is 1.0' S of center and a mag 10 star 7.5' E. Member of AGC 1656 with NGC 4788 10.9'
SW,
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4797 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. There is nothing at his position, but 4.8' north is NGC 4798, discovered earlier by William Herschel. d'Arrest observed and accurately measured NGC 4798 on two nights, but not the one in which he recorded NGC 4797 as new. As a result, Corwin equates NGC 4797 = NGC 4798. Because of d'Arrest's poor position, Karl Reinmuth or Max Wolf reported that NGC 4797 was not found on Heidelberg plates.
******************************
NGC 4798 = NGC 4797 = UGC 8038 = MCG +05-31-004 = CGCG 159-118 = CGCG 160-013 = WBL 426-002 = PGC 43981
12 54 55.2 +27 24 44; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 30°
17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, very weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 1.0' S of center and a mag 10 star 7.5' E. Member of AGC 1656 with NGC 4788 10.9' SW, NGC 4807 9.9' NE and IC 3900 14.5' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4798 = H. II-382 = h1477 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pS." WH was rapidly on his way to discover 74 galaxies in this sweep, so for the next several objects he gave very brief descriptions. John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.
******************************
12 55 15.5 +02 53 47; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 91°
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W,
weak concentration. A mag 13 star
is attached at the south edge 1' from center. Located 9' S of mag 7.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4799 = H. III-548 = h1476 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and recorded "vF, cS, near a vS star. 240x confirmed, and showed it lE." His position matches UGC 8043. John Herschel called this galaxy "F; S; close to a *."
******************************
12 54 37.8 +46 31 52; CVn
V = 11.5; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 25°
13.1" (4/12/86): fairly bright, fairly small, fainter
halo with large bright core containing a stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is just 0.8' WNW from
center. Located 15' SE of mag 7.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 4800 = H. I-211 = h1478 on 1 Apr 1788 (sweep 823) and recorded "pF, vS, bM." On 29 Apr (sweep 836) he logged "pB, pS, R, bM, following a small star." John Herschel made two observations but the position was only measured once. Heinrich d'Arrest noted the mag 13 star, which he measured 4.7 seconds of time preceding and the mag 13 star 19.6 seconds of time following and a little south.
******************************
12 54 37.7 +53 05 24; UMa
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 138°
18" (6/27/03): very faint, very small [core only viewed], irregularly round, 0.5'x0.4', low surface brightness. A fairly even pair [47"] of mag 12/13 stars lie 7' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4801 = H. III-816 = h1479 on
26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "eF, S, lE." His position (Caroline's reduction) is
2.5' northeast of
******************************
12 55 49.8 -12 03 19; Crv
V = 11.8; Size 2.3'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 20°
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, very small, weak concentration to a virtually stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is just off the SE edge. Located 30' NE of the NGC 4782/NGC 4783 pair.
Wilhelm Tempel found NGC 4802 = T. 5-21 on 20 Apr 1882. His micrometric position is an exact
match with
William Herschel probably discovered this galaxy on 27 Mar
1786. It was recorded as H. IV-40
(later
******************************
NGC 4803 = MCG +02-33-036 = CGCG 043-069 = CGCG 071-073 =
12 55 33.7 +08 14 25; Vir
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE. Overpowered by a mag 9.5 star at a SE edge 0.7' from center. The NGC 4795/NGC 4796 pair is 13' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4803 = m 245 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, eS, R, lbM." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 4804 = NGC 4802 = MCG -02-33-061 = PGC 44087
12 55 49.8 -12 03 19; Crv
See observing notes for NGC 4802.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4804 = H. IV-40 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "suspected a pB star, with a seeming brush to the np. May be a small nebula close to it, but there was no time to verify it." There is nothing near his position, except an easily resolved pair of stars (about 20" separation).
But exactly 1° north is NGC 4802 (found later by Tempel) and Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4804 = NGC 4802. Because of the poor position, NGC 4804 was not recovered by Bigourdan. The identification of NGC 4804 with 4802 was first proposed by Herbert Howe when he examined the field in 1899-00. It was also suggested later by Harold Knox-Shaw, based on a plate taken with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory in 1912-14.
******************************
12 55 24.2 +27 58 48; Com
V = 15.0
= *, Corwin
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4805 = Big. 59 on 11 May 1885. There is nothing non-stellar at his position, and Harold Corwin states "NGC 4805 is a [15th mag] star positively identified by Bigourdan's two observations. In spite of the accuracy of his measurements, he comments that "... near it is a star 13.4-13.5, but it's impossible to tell which direction it is from the nebula's center.'' This must be the object itself as there is nothing else in the area that he could have seen."
LEDA misidentifies
******************************
12 56 12.5 -29 30 11; Hya
V = 12.7; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 50°
18" (5/16/09): faint, diffuse glow, moderately large, irregularly round, 45"x40". A kite-shaped asterism of 4 stars (one is a double) is close SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4806 = h3440 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "F; R; gvlbM; 40"." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 4807 = UGC 8049 = MCG +05-31-006 = CGCG 160-017 = Holm 488a = WBL 426-006 = PGC 44037
12 55 29.1 +27 31 15; Com
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, round, 0.8' diameter,
bright core. A mag 13 star is 3.2'
NNW. Member of AGC 1656 with NGC
4798 9.9' SW and
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4807 on 23 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured 3 times, matches
******************************
12 55 49.0 +04 18 15; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 2.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 127°
18" (5/29/05): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.8'. Broadly concentrated with a mottled nuclear region but no well-defined core or nucleus. A mag 14 star is off the NW side, 1.9' from center. Located 54' N of mag 3.4 Delta Virginis. Picked up while viewing Comet Tempel (9P) 30' S. The Comet will be impacted by a spacecraft in just over one month! (July 4).
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.2', broadly concentrated with no nucleus, tapered ends. A mag 14 star lies 1.9' WNW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4808 = H. I-141 = h1480 on
17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and recorded "vB, cL, E from np to sf." His position is at the southeast end of
******************************
12 54 51.1 +02 39 14; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 68°
48" (5/4/16): at 610x; moderately bright, elongated 7:2
WSW-ENE, ~1.2'x0.35'. This galaxy
has an unusual irregular "banana" shape with a patchy appearance; it
bends slightly south on the east-northeast end and has a blunter west-southwest
end that also twists slightly south. There is a slightly brighter patch that is
offset just north of the geometric center. I assumed this was the core region, but on the SDSS it
appears to be a large HII region and there is no central core. A second slightly brighter patch is at
the west-southwest end and this is clearly an active star-forming complex on
the SDSS. NGC 4809 is the larger
member of an interacting pair with
18" (3/30/05): very faint, very small, slightly elongated. This galaxy is nearly attached to the north side of NGC 4810. Although smaller (must have viewed only a portion as the size is larger on the DSS), it may have a higher surface brightness.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 4809,
along with NGC 4810, on 18 Apr 1855 while looking for h1509 [
Mitchell's description pins down the identification of the pair, but John Herschel and Dreyer could only list a single (rough) position in the GC and NGC. The identification of NGC 4809 with the northern component is from the RC2 and repeated in the NGC 2000.0 and RNGC. But UGC reverses these identifications and has a typo with the RA (1 minute of time too large). The data (size, PA and possibly magnitudes) listed under NGC 4810 in the RC3 applies to NGC 4809. The position angle listed under NGC 4809 probably applies to NGC 4810.
******************************
NGC 4810 = Arp 277 NED2 = VV 313b = Holm 486b = MCG +01-33-023 = CGCG 043-061 = LGG 292-056 = PGC 43971
12 54 51.2 +02 38 25; Vir
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.55'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 162°
48" (5/4/16): at 610x; moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.4', irregular surface brightness with only a slightly brighter core. This galaxy is the southern member of an interacting pair of dwarf irregulars (Magellanic types) with NGC 4809 just 45" N.
18" (3/30/05): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.4'. Forms a double system with NGC 4809, which is nearly attached at the north end. Located 10' E of mag 8.4 HD 112130. There is disagreement in catalogues regarding the identifications of these galaxies as the NGC gave only one position for both galaxies.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 4810, along with NGC 4809, on 18 Apr 1855. See notes on NGC 4809.
******************************
12 56 52.3 -41 47 51; Cen
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 35°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): slightly brighter
of a close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4811 = h3441, along with NGC 4812, on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; R; gbM; 40". The preceding of 2 [with NGC 4812]. His position is accurate. MCG doesn't label MCG -07-27-019 as NGC 4811.
******************************
NGC 4812 = ESO 323-048 = MCG -07-27-018 = AM 1254-413 NED02 = PGC 44204
12 56 52.7 -41 48 49; Cen
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 36°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): slightly fainter of a close pair with NGC 4811 1' N. Fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a small bright core and stellar nucleus. Located 6' N of mag 8.2 HD 112404 in a fairly rich star field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4812 = h3442, along with NGC
4811, on 8 Jun 1834 and recorded "eF; R; gbM; 30"; 90" dist from
the foregoing [NGC 4811] pos = 170.9°." MCG doesn't label
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12 56 36.1 -06 49 04; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 35°
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 11' NE of a mag 9.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4813 = H. II-777 = h1482 on
23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and recorded "F, S, R, bM." John Herschel reported "S; R: bM;
wind violent.". Harold Corwin
suggests
******************************
12 55 22.0 +58 20 39; UMa
V = 12.0; Size 3.1'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 135°
17.5" (5/19/01): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.6'x1.2'. Increases to a brighter core and quasi-stellar nucleus. A pretty 19" pair of mag 9/10 stars (oriented E-W) lies 11' S. A third mag 9.5 star is just 2' following the closer pair.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4814 = H. I-243 = h1483 on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 947) and recorded "cB, S, R, gbM." John Herschel made two observations, recording on sweep 323 "pB; L; lE; vgbM; 90" l, 75" br."
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12 57 58 -64 57 42; Mus
V = 8.6; Size 3'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x, two mag 10 stars are surrounded by a number of very faint stars within 3'. The cluster is superimposed on a fairly bright milky background of unresolved stars. A third mag 10 star is apparently outside the border off the SW edge. At 200x, the unresolved glow is most prominent at the following end and 12-15 mag 13 stars are sprinkled over the backround glow (the cluster was viewed at a very low elevation which probably detracted from the view). This reddened cluster is heavily obscured and is located just within the SE border of the Coalsack and barely over the border into Musca, 1.1 degrees ENE of the bright double star Theta Muscae (5.9/7.7 at 5"). The two brighter mag 10 stars (separated by 1.3') may be foreground stars and not actual cluster members.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4815 = h3443 on 13 Mar 1834 and recorded "Class VI, p rich, irregular fig, gbM, 3', stars vS, comparatively insulated; has two bright stars 8-9th mag and 9-10th mag." On a second observation he described a "Cluster, R, pS, resolved; irreg; gbM, 3', stars 13..18th mag."
Robert Innes observed the cluster in 1898 using the 7-inch refractor at the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope, and reported "[Herschel calls this a cluster. It now looks like an irregular nebula surrounding two stars." In 1901 he stated again "it is doubtful if this [which Herschel calls a cluster] is resolvable in the 7-inch. It is involved with, but to the south of the two stars.." (MN, 62, 469).
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12 56 12.2 +27 44 43; Com
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 84°
18" (5/12/07): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W,
0.4'x0.3', broad weak concentration.
A mag 13.5-14 star is just off the NE end. The brighter of a close pair with
17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3
E-W, brighter core, diffuse halo.
Confusing appearance at low power as a mag 13.7 star is close off the NE
edge 34" from center creating the appearance of elongation. Also forms a close pair with CGCG
160-023 1.8' ENE. The three
objects are well resolved at 280x.
This member of AGC 1656 is located 14' E of mag 8
William Herschel discovered NGC 4816 = H. II-383 = h1481 on
11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL." His position is 10 seconds of time west of
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12 56 29.8 +27 56 23; Com
V = 14.8; Size 0.6'x0.6'
18" (5/12/07): very faint and small, round, 20"
diameter. A mag 14 star lies 1.5'
NE. Located on the west side of
AGC 1656 about 45' W of the core.
A similar galaxy,
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4817 = Big. 60 on 11 May
1885. There is nothing at his
position, but Harold Corwin notes his Comptes Rendus position (repeated in the
NGC position) is incorrect and Bigourdan's offsets from a mag 11.7 star
situated 5' WNW points to
Max Wolf reported NGC 4817 was not found on a Heidelberg plate, likely due to Bigourdan's poor position (stated in the IC 2 notes), and RNGC erroneously listed the number as nonexistent.
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12 56 48.9 -08 31 32; Vir
V = 11.1; Size 4.3'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 3°
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, broad concentration. A mag 13 star is just off the south edge and a fainter mag 14 star is 1.4' E of center. A double star lies 5' SW (mag 11/13 at 19" separation). A mag 10 star lies 6.5' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4818 = H. II-549 = h1484 = h3445 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and recorded "pB, vL, lbM, iF." John Herschel logged from Slough "pB; pL; lE in meridian; vgbM." and from the Cape of Good Hope, "B; L; mE in meridian; gpmbM; 3' length."
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12 56 27.9 +26 59 14; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 160°
17.5" (5/14/94): brighter of pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4819 = H. II-346 = h1487 on
6 Apr 1785 (sweep 393) and logged "vF, pS, irr." Caroline's reduction was 6 seconds of
time preceding and 2.5' south of
******************************
12 57 00.5 -13 43 10; Vir
V = 14.8; Size 1.0'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 105°
17.5" (5/17/90): very faint, fairly small, very
elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE. Forms a
pair with
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4820 in 1882, along with NGC
4823 and 4829, while observing nearby NGC 4825. No position was given in the discovery note (list V), but
the NGC position (communicated directly to Dreyer?) matches
******************************
NGC 4821 = MCG +05-31-015 = CGCG 160-024 = Holm 490b = WBL 426-012 = PGC 44148
12 56 29.2 +26 57 25; Com
V = 14.5; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (5/14/94): fainter and smaller of pair with NGC
4819 2.0' N. Faint, small,
slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, no concentration. A mag 14.5 star is 1.5' WSW and a mag 13.5 is 3.5' W (this
star forms the western vertex of an isosceles triangle with NGC 4821 and NGC
4819).
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4821 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen while observing and measuring nearby NGC 4819. His position is fairly accurate.
******************************
12 57 03.7 -10 45 43; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 90°
18" (5/28/06): faint, small, round, 25" diameter,
weak concentration. A mag 13 star
lies 2' NE and a similar mag star is 3.4' WNW. Located 7.5' NNE of mag 8.9
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4822 = T. 5-22 on 21 Apr 1882 and recorded "class III, stellar nucleus, +6 sec [of time] and +7.5' [dec] from Lamont 1239 [mag 9 star]." His micrometric position in the main table is accurate.
******************************
NGC 4823 = PGC 44305 = (R)
12 57 25.5 -13 41 56; Vir
V = 16.6; Size 0.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 175°
24" (5/25/14): extremely or very faint, small, elongated 3:1 N-S, 20"x6", low even surface brightness. Located 3.8' SE of NGC 4825. NGC 4829 lies 2.4' S. Observed at 27° elevation (nearly 3 hrs past the meridian).
17.5" (5/17/90): not found.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered the trio of NGC 4820, 4823 and
4829 in 1882, just south of NGC 4825.
In Tempel's list V (AN #2439), he only mentions "three more faint
nebulae south of 3320 [NGC 4825]" found with the 11" refractor at
Arcetri and no positions are given.
The NGC position (probably communicated directly to Dreyer) for NGC 4820
matches MCG -02-33-067, and the position for NGC 4829 matches
The position for NGC 4823, though, is close southwest of NGC 4820 and must be erroneous. Harold Corwin assigns NGC 4823 = PGC 44305, which is 18 sec of RA east and 1'-2' south of the NGC position.
The PGC reverses the identifications of NGC 4829 and 4823. RNGC misclassifies NGC 4823 as nonexistent and misidentifies NGC 4823 as NGC 4829. See my RNGC Corrections #5 and Harold Corwin's identification notes.
******************************
12 56 36.4 +27 25 57; Com
V = 15.0
= *, Corwin.
RNGC, PGC, HyperLeda, SIMBAD, MegaStar and more misidentify
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4824 = Big. 61 on 19 Apr 1885. His Comptes Rendus position is close to a single mag 15.0 star at 12 56 36.4 +27 25 57 (J2000) and Harold Corwin verifies that Bigourdan's offsets point to this star.
PGC, RNGC, HyperLeda, SIMBAD, Uranometria 2000 Atlas (1st edition), MegaStar etc. misidentify PGC 44162 as NGC 4824. This galaxy is located 6' N of Bigourdan's star. I included the identification error in most modern sources in my 7th list of RNGC Corrections.
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NGC 4825 = MCG -02-33-070 = PGC 44261
12 57 12.2 -13 39 54; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 135°
17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, large prominent core, faint halo. Forms a trio with NGC 4820 5' SW and NGC 4829 5.3' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4825 = H. II-563 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and recorded "pB, bM, iF." JH did not make an observation. Wilhelm Tempel discovered 3 "novae" to the south (NGCs 4820, 4823 and 4829).
******************************
12 56 43.6 +21 40 57; Com
V = 8.5; Size 10.0'x5.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 115°
13.1" (4/24/82 and 4/28/84): very bright, large, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE, 6'x3', small bright core, almost stellar nucleus. The famous curved dark patch or "Black Eye", located just northeast of the core, was quite prominent and visible with direct vision. Located 55' NE of the tight double star 35 Comae.
German astronomer Johann Bode is generally considered the
discoverer of
The nickname "Black-eye" is from William Herschel's description on 13 Feb 1787 (sweep 699): "A very remarkable object, mE about 12' long, 4 or 5' broad, contains one lucid spot like a star with a small black arch under it, so that it gives one the idea of what is called a black eye, arising from fighting." His earlier observation on 13 Apr 1785 (sweep 398) reads "vB, E from np to sf, about 7 or 8' long and 2' broad. A vB nucleus in the middle, but moonlight and haziness probably lessen its appearance considerably. The nucleus is very small in proportion to the rest and is not round, but irreg elongated in the same direction."
John Herschel described his sketch as follows: "The dark semi-elliptic vacancy (indicated by an unshaded or bright portion in the figure) which partially surrounds the condensed and bright nucleus of this nebula, is of course unnoticed by Messier. It was however seen by my Father, and shown by him to the late Sir Charles Blagden, who likened it to the appearance of a black eye, an odd, but not inapt comparison. The nucleus is somewhat elongated, and I have a strong suspicion that it may be a close double star, or extremely condensed double nebula." So perhaps Blagden first mentioned the term and William liked the analogy used it in his description.
At least 18 observations of the "black eye" were made at Birr Castle. On 11 Mar 1848 (one of the earliest descriptions): "curious circular-shaped nebula, with a dark and large spot at one side, around which is a close cluster of well-defined little stars." Using his 48-inch on Malta, William Lassell's sketch from 22 Apr 1862 showed the "remarkable dark space" as distinctly crescent-shaped and he noted it appeared "as dark as any part of the surrounding sky."
******************************
NGC 4827 = UGC 8065 = MCG +05-31-016 = CGCG 160-028 = PGC 44178
12 56 43.6 +27 10 43; Com
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a faint halo and a very small bright core. The NGC 4819/NGC 4820 pair is 12.0' SSW. Outlying member of AGC 1656.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4827 = H. II-384 = h1485 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL." John Herschel made a single observation and his RA was 6 seconds too small. NGC 4827 wasn't found on two attempts at Birr Castle in the 1850's (on one the sky was noted as hazy) but d'Arrest reported observing it on 10 May 1863 using the 11" refractor at Copenhagen, as well as 3 later observations.
******************************
NGC 4828 = MCG +05-31-017 = CGCG 160-029 = PGC 44176
12 56 42.9 +28 01 13; Com
V = 14.2; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7
18" (5/12/07): very faint and small, round, 20" diameter. Located on the west side of AGC 1656 about 45' W of the core. Forms a similar pair with NGC 4817, located 5.6' SW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4828 on 22 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is accurate. d'Arrest's mentioned there are others nearby to the southwest -- so perhaps he noticed NGC 4817, although it was not measured.
******************************
12 57 24.4 -13 44 15; Vir
Size 0.5'x0.3'
24" (5/25/14): very faint, extremely small, round, 12" diameter. Located 5.3' SE of NGC 4825 and second brightest of 3 faint companions, with NGC 4823 2.4' N and NGC 4820 6.0' WNW. Observed at 27° elevation (nearly 3 hrs past the meridian).
17.5" (5/17/90): extremely faint and small, glimpsed for moments with averted. A mag 13.5 star is 1.8' S and a mag 12.5 3.6' SSW. Third of three and 5.3' SSE of NGC 4825. NGC 4823 is 2.4' N but was not seen.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4829 in 1882, along with NGC 4820 and 4823. In list V (AN 2439), he mentions "Quite close to the south [of N4825] are three more faint nebulae.", although no positions were measured. The NGC position matches PGC 44299 at 12 57 24.4 -13 44 15 (2000), so the position may have been communicated directly to Dreyer.
The PGC reverses the identifications of NGC 4829 and 4823. RNGC misidentifies NGC 4823 (2.3' north) as NGC 4829. This error was listed in my RNGC Corrections #5.
******************************
12 57 27.9 -19 41 29; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 157°
18" (5/15/04): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7'. Well-concentrated with a small, high surface
brightness core which increases to a well-defined, bright stellar nucleus. Forms the NW vertex of a trapezoid with
three mag 8-10 stars! The closest
is a mag 10.5 star 2' S with mag 8.3
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4830 = T. 4-9 = T. 5-23 on 26 May 1880. His micrometric position is accurate.
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12 57 36.7 -27 17 32; Hya
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 178°
18" (4/29/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration, very small slightly brighter
nucleus. Located 13' NE of mag 7.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 4831 = h3447 on 22 Mar 1836 and logged "F, R, gbM, 25"." His position is accurate.
******************************
12 57 48.5 -39 45 40; Cen
V = 12.2; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 25°
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, oval NW-SE, bright
core. Located 7.6' ENE of mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 4832 = h3446 on 5 Jun 1834 and
recorded "pF; vS; R; sbM to a * 17m; pos from * 10m (distant 60") =
250.3°." His position is 1'
northeast of
******************************
12 59 34.9 -70 52 28; Mus
V = 7.0; Size 13.5'; Surf Br = 1.0
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this is a gorgeous highly resolved globular with several hundred stars splashed across the core and within a loose, well-resolved halo. The center is strongly compressed with a very bright 3' core surrounded by a large halo, roughly 10' in diameter. Beyond 5' or 6' from the center the halo becomes scraggly but continues further out in loops and strings. A brighter mag 8.7 star is superimposed in the halo, 2.5' N of center.
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): This
was a surprising find for a little known globular! At 171x, it appeared as a bright, fairly large globular of
low concentration class. The loose
halo was highly resolved and numerous stars were splashed across the brighter
core. Many of the stars formed
large loops and chains. A single
bright star (mag 8.7
10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): moderately bright and large globular, round. Contains a brighter star on the N edge.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 4833 = Lac I-4 = D 164 = h3444 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He included it in his 1755 catalogue as I-4, classifying it as a nebula, and noting it resembled "a small faint comet."
James Dunlop observed this globular with his 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector on 29 Apr 1826 (second night he recorded objects). His summary description reads "a pretty bright round nebula, about 4' diameter, moderately condensed to the centre. This, with the sweeping power, has the appearance of a globe of numerous matter with very small stars in the north following margin. But with a power sufficient to resolve it, the globular appearance vanishes in a very considerable degree; and the brightest and most condensed part is to the preceding side of the centre, with the stars considerably scattered on the N.f. side. Resolvable into stars of mixt small magnitudes." He observed the cluster on 5 nights.
John Herschel first recorded "globular cluster, B, L, R, gbM, stars 14th mag, and one 7th mag north-preceding the centre; a fine object." On a second sweep he logged "globular cluster, pB, L, p rich, at first gradually, then vspmbM; diameter of the bright part 3', of the loose stars 10'; stars 12..16th mag, and one large one 7th mag, 3' or 4' north of the centre."
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12 56 25.3 +52 16 45; CVn
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 110°
18" (6/27/03): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.5'x0.4'. Forms the east vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 12/12.5 stars 4' SW and 4' WNW. Either contains a very faint stellar nucleus or a faint star may be superimposed.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4834 = H. III-817 = h1488 on
26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "cF, S, iF." Caroline's reduced position is 1' north
of
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12 58 07.8 -46 15 51; Cen
V = 11.7; Size 4.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 150°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, appears fairly
bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 2.5'x0.7', slightly brighter
bulging core. A mag 13 star is at
the SSE tip. Located 5.4' NW of a
mag 9.6 star and 10' N of mag 7.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 4835 = h3448 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "B; L; mE; glbM; 2 1/2' or 3' l, 1' br; pos = 157° +/-." On 20 Apr 1836, a second observation reads "F; mE; vgbM; 90" l, 25" br."
******************************
12 57 34.3 -12 44 39; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 5°
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, very small, round. Located 4.1' N of mag 8.4 SAO 157621! This galaxy has a very low surface brightness on the POSS.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4836 = T. 5-24 on 19 Apr 1882
and recorded a "L, vF nebula class III; 4' north of Lamont 1421 [HD
112546]." His position and
description matches
******************************
12 56 49.1 +48 17 55; CVn
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 70°
18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.4', nearly even surface brightness. This is a double system (not resolved). The identification of NGC 4837 with UGC 8068 is uncertain.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4837 = h1489 on 7 Mar 1831 and recorded "a rather doubtful object; haze". There is nothing near his position, but 30' south is UGC 8026, a reasonable candidate assuming a digit error in recording the North Polar Distance. Note a 1 degree error in declination was apparently made 4 nights later.
Malcolm Thomson feels this number is best left "Not
Found", although Harold Corwin equates NGC 4837 with
******************************
12 57 56.1 -13 03 37; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 45°
17.5" (3/29/89): faint, small, round, weak
concentration, faint stellar nucleus.
Located 5' NNE of a mag 9 star (double star mag 8.8/9.0 at
2").
John Herschel discovered NGC 4838 = h1490 = T. 5-25 on 9 May
1831 and recorded "vF; has 3 small stars south-preceding." His RA was 7 seconds too large. Wilhelm Tempel found it again on 19 Apr
1882 and listed it in his 5th discovery paper. In the same observation, he also mentions a small nebulous
star follows on the same parallel.
Dreyer catalogued this object as
******************************
NGC 4839 = UGC 8070 = MCG +05-31-025 = CGCG 160-039 = WBL 426-024 = PGC 44298
12 57 24.4 +27 29 52; Com
V = 12.1; Size 4.2'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 65°
17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7', weak even concentration to a brighter core. Lies exactly midway between a mag 11.5
star 2.5' NE and a mag 14 star 2.4' SW.
Forms a close "pair" with
Also in the field are
William Herschel discovered NGC 4839 = H. II-386 = h1494 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and simply noted "F, pL". His position is 3' south of UGC 8070. Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position on 5 nights and noted the discrepancy in position (he calls it 5' in declination).
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NGC 4840 = MCG +05-31-029 = CGCG 160-042 = PGC 44324
12 57 32.9 +27 36 37; Com
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (5/14/94): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, symmetrical appearance with an even concentration. Member of the AGC 1656 with NGC 4839 7.0' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4840 = H. II-385 on 11 Apr
1785 (sweep 396) and simply noted "F, pL." His position is 17 seconds of time west of
Courtney Seligman comments that the IC 2 "Notes and Corrections" appendix contains a corrected NPD from Max Wolf third "Nebelliste", but there is nothing at Wolf's "corrected" position and whatever he noticed on the Konigstuhl plate, it was not NGC 4840.
******************************
12 57 32.0 +28 28 37; Com
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (5/14/94): very close double system located 3.1'
NNE of mag 9.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 4841 = H. II-387 = h1493 on
11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, pL." On 13 Apr 1831, John Herschel recorded "pF; double, nf,
dist 20"." On a second
observation on 20 Apr 1832, he wrote "pB; R; a very small star makes it
elongated. In his summary
description in the GC, John Herschel commented there was a "vS * att"
and didn't refer to the object as double.
Dreyer followed the GC and as a result, the fainter northeastern galaxy
(
Gerard de Vaucouleurs used the letter suffixes NGC 4841A and
******************************
NGC 4842 = MCG +05-31-030 = CGCG 160-046n = PGC 44337
12 57 35.9 +27 29 35; Com
V = 14.2; Size 0.4'x0.4'
17.5" (5/14/94): very faint, very small, very small
bright core, possible stellar nucleus.
Forms a close pair with NGC 4839 just 2.6' W. At 280x, this galaxy is resolved into a double system with
an extremely faint, nearly stellar companion (
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4842 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen, while observing and measuring NGC 4839. With respect to NGC 4839 his position is 11-12 seonds of time following (east) and 0.4' N. The actual offset is 11.5 seconds of time and 0.3' S (to the brighter northern component), so he apparently confused the offset sign in declination. As a result the NGC position is off from d'Arrest's usual accuracy. The two components are listed separately in the MCG.
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12 58 00.9 -03 37 18; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 2.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 87°
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, small bright core seems offset to the east side. A mag 13 star is just south of the east end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4843 = H. III-613 = h1492 on
11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709) and noted "vF, E, easily resolvable." Caroline's reduction is 4' south of
******************************
12 58 08.2 -13 04 49; Vir
= * superimposed 3.2' ESE of NGC 4838, Corwin.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4844 = T V 25b on 19 Apr 1882 near NGC 4838, which he apparently didn't realize was discovered earlier by John Herschel. He recorded "following on the parallel with [NGC 4838] is another faint, nebulous star." No position or even offset was mentioned, so the NGC position must have been communicated directly to Dreyer, but only faint stars are near this position. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4844 may apply to a mag 14 star 3.2' ESE of the center of NGC 4838, but this is uncertain as it is still 1' from the NGC position.
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12 58 01.2 +01 34 33; Vir
V = 11.2; Size 5.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 89°
17.5" (2/28/87): very bright, very large, very
elongated 3:1 E-W, bright core, mottled and dusty appearance (due to equatorial
dust lane). A mag 11.5 star is
north of the east edge 2.0' from center and a mag 13 star is 1.3' SSE of
center. Located 12' NE of mag 7.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 4845 = H. II-536 = h1491 on
24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "pB, mE, about 2 1/2' l and 1' br;
mbM." His position is pretty
accurate. John Herschel made the
single observation "F; pL; E; has a * 30" dist, 45° sf,
12m."
******************************
12 57 47.7 +36 22 15; CVn
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 62°
17.5" (4/28/89): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, almost even surface brightness.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4846 = h1495 on 11 Mar 1831 and
simply noted "eF". There
is nothing near his position. The
nearest possible candidate is
******************************
12 58 29.0 -13 08 26; Vir
V = 16.7; Size 0.2'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint and small or stellar. This galaxy hides on the SW side of mag 13.5-14 star which makes detection very difficult and just suspected several times. Located 10' E of a mag 9 star (double star 8.8/9.0 at 2" separation).
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4847 on 19 Apr 1882. The NGC position matches
******************************
NGC 4848 = UGC 8082 = MCG +05-31-039 = CGCG 160-055 = PGC 44405
12 58 05.6 +28 14 32; Com
V = 13.7; Size 1.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 158°
17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, even surface brightness. Member of AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4848 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position, measured 3 times, is accurate.
******************************
12 58 12.7 +26 23 49; Com
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 175°
24" (6/3/19): at 322x; fairly bright, moderately large,
sharply concentrated and dominated by a very bright core. The halo has a very low surface
brightness and it was difficult to determne a distinct edge as it faded
away. The core increased to a very
small very bright nucleus.
24" (5/22/17): at 375x; moderately bright and large, slightly elongated. Sharply concentrated with a 25" core containing a small bright nucleus. The very low surface brightness halo is slightly elongated N-S and extends perhaps 1.0'x0.8'. Forms a close double (Holmberg 495) with IC 838 1.8' NNE. The companion appeared extremely faint and small (V = 15.0), just 10" diameter.
17.5" (5/14/94): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak even concentration down to a brighter core. A faint double star is 7' N with components mag 12.3 and 13.6 at 16". Forms a close pair with IC 838 1.9' NNE (not seen). Outlying member of AGC 1656.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 4849 = Sf. 23 = Spitaler 61 on
16 May 1866 and noted "pB".
His RA was 8 seconds too large, but his declination matches. Heinrich d'Arrest independently
discovered the galaxy on 4 Mar 1867 with the 11-inch refractor at
Copenhagen. There is nothing at
his position, but 3.5' north is
Rudolph Spitaler also found this galaxy in 1892 with the 27-inch refractor at Vienna and wasn't sure if it was new. He noted, "Brightness and appearance like Nova 58. Probably identical with the Nova d'Arrest. Northeast of this nebula, at 1.5', there is still another nebula, but much faint; Both together form a pretty double nebula." Spitaler's position for NGC 4849 (given in the IC 1 notes) is still 1.5' too far south!
Finally, Stephane Javelle found the galaxy again on 12 Jun
1895 with the 30-inch refractor at Nice and reported it as new in his third
discovery paper (#1230) and later became
******************************
12 58 21.8 +27 58 04; Com
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, very small, round, very
small bright core. Forms pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4850 on 22 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is 6 sec of time too small, a relatively large error, but matches in declination.
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12 58 21.7 +28 08 55; Com
V = 14.2; Size 0.5x0.3'; PA = 112°
24" (6/3/19): at 322x; faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE (the orientation of this close pair) but it was difficult to resolve. An offset stellar nucleus was sometimes visible on the south side (brighter galaxy) and possibly a fainter nucleus to the north.
17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, very small, elongated
N-S. This is a double system
oriented SSW-NNE (not resolved) in AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4851 on 21 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position is less than 3 seconds of time west of CGCG
160-061. This is a close double
system (faint companion close northeast), which CGCG and PGC labeled as NGC
4851 + IC 839. HyperLEDA
mistakenly applies both of these labels to the fainter northern galaxy (as of
2021) and labels the southern galaxy as
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13 00 04 -59 36 36; Cen
Size 11'
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I'm surprised I didn't look for this cluster previously from Australia or Costa Rica as it is located just 1.1° NE of the Jewel Box and 1.6° east of mag 1.3 Beta Crucis! At 200x it was a pretty impressive collection of ~150 stars mag 10-16 in a 10' region including several mag 10-10.5 stars. One subgroup makes a neat "zig-zag" or "M" outline while another set of stars forms a "V" shaped group. There are no real rich subgroups but still it forms a nice cluster.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 4852 = D 311 = h3449 on 30 Apr 1826. His summary description (based on 4 observations) reads "a very faint pretty large nebula about 6' or 8' diameter, round figure, resolvable into very minute stars. Several stars of some considerable magnitude appear scattered among the minute stars of the nebula, but they are only the continuation of a branch of small stars which run over the place where the nebula is; the stars in the nebula are very gradually, but not much, compressed to the centre."
On 31 Mar 1834 (sweep 434), John Herschel recorded "a very poor cluster of about 70 stars 11..15th magnitude, very loosely scattered over a space about 15' long and 8' br." On 7 Jun 1837 (sweep 790) he wrote "Cluster VII. p rich, L, irr R, 10' diameter, 80 or 100 stars, 10, 11, 12 mag, with a stippling of much smaller ones."
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12 58 35.2 +27 35 47; Com
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4853 = h1496 on 13 Apr 1831 and
recorded "vF; R; pslbM; 20"." His two observations match
******************************
NGC 4854 = MCG +05-31-049 = CGCG 160-070 = PGC 44502
12 58 47.4 +27 40 29; Com
V = 13.9; Size 0.9''x0.6'; PA = 40°
17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE. Member of AGC 1656 with NGC 4853 5.2' SW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4854 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His RA from a single position is 6 seconds too small.
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12 59 18.4 -13 13 52; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 5°
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, fairly bright stellar nucleus.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4855 = T. 5-26 on 19 Apr 1882. His micrometric position in the main table is accurate.
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12 59 21.2 -15 02 32; Vir
V = 10.5; Size 4.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 37°
17.5" (5/17/90): bright, fairly large, dominated by a very bright core, fairly large faint halo elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE. A mag 13 star is superimposed on the halo just east of the core 0.4' from center.
8" (5/21/82): fairly bright, bright core, slightly elongated. A mag 7.5 is in the field 20' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4856 = H. I-68 = h1497 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and logged "cB, mbM, irr R." John Herschel made two observations, recording on sweep 352 "pB; R; psbM; 20"; a * 13m pos 140° [southeast]; dist 1 diam by diagram."
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12 57 18.3 +70 12 13; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 110°
18" (6/28/03): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.7'x0.5', broad concentration to a brighter middle. A mag 13 star lies 3' ESE (with a mag 15 companion).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4857 = H. III-908 on 7 Apr
1793 (sweep 1037) and noted "eF, vS, iR, vlbM." Caroline's reduced position is just 1'
northwest of
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12 59 02.0 +28 06 55; Com
V = 15.2; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 36°
18" (4/20/12): very faint, extremely small, round,
12"-15" diameter.
Fainter of a close pair with
17.5" (4/21/90): extremely faint and small, round, requires averted. Forms a very close pair with NGC 4860 34" NE. Member of AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4858, along with NGC 4860, on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He described these as a double nebula. NGC 4858 is the faintest of the 34 members in the Coma cluster that d'Arrest discovered. Based on my own observations with 17.5" and 18" scopes, in which I called it "very faint" and "extremely faint", I'm impressed that d'Arrest noticed it through the 11-inch Fraunhofer, though there are other similar examples!
******************************
12 59 01.8 +26 48 56; Com
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 95°
17.5" (5/14/94): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.6'x0.5', very weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 1.8' SE. Outlying member of AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4859 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is accurate.
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NGC 4860 = MCG +05-31-054 = CGCG 160-215 = PGC 44539
12 59 03.9 +28 07 25; Com
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 126°
18" (4/20/12): at 322x appeared fairly faint, fairly
small, oval 4:3 NW-SE, small bright core, 0.4'x0.3'. Brighter of a very close pair with NGC 4858 38"
SW. Located 12' NW of
17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, round, bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 4858
34" SW within AGC 1656. IC
4943 lies 5' W and
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, very small, round. Located 4' NW of NGC 4865.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4860, along with NGC 4858, on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is 25" northwest of center. Hemann Kobold also measured an accurate position in 1895.
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12 59 01.8 +34 51 39; CVn
V = 12.3; Size 4.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 15°
48" (4/7/13): very unusual appearance at 488x as the galaxy
is dominated by a very high surface brightness HII region (
17.5" (1/23/93): faint, very elongated SSW-NNE, even
low surface brightness. Located
between two mag 12 stars at low power.
The "star" at the SSW end is slightly nebulous at 166x and
appears as a definite nonstellar knot at 332x. UGC and CGCG misidentify this HII region as NGC 4861 (and
the galaxy as
13.1" (2/23/85): faint, elongated streak SSW-NNE. Stretches between two 12th magnitude "stars". The star at the south end is actually a giant HII region (Mrk 59) and it appears slightly fuzzy at 166x and clearly nonstellar at 312x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4861 = H. IV-30 = h1499 on 1
May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged, "two stars at about 3' distance connected
with a vF narrow nebulosity."
His position matches
Max Wolf found the galaxy in 1903 on a Heidelberg plate and his position for W. V-103 is on the center of the galaxy. Despite an accurate position and description, Dreyer recatalogued NGC 4861 as IC 3961.
UGC and CGCG identify the main galaxy as IC 3961 and the bright HII knot as NGC 4861 (Webb Society Quarterly Journal #45, July 1981). Although LdR noted a "bright little knot" at the south end, the HII complex was not given a separate designation in the NGC or IC.
******************************
12 59 30.8 -14 07 56; Vir
V = 14.9; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.8; PA = 120°
24" (6/1/13): extremely faint to very faint, small,
round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness, no details though no
difficult. A mag 14 star lies 1.8'
NW. Located 6.8' SW of NGC 4862 (exactly on a line with the major axis of this
edge-on) and 4.7' E of mag 9.8
18" (5/15/10): not found.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4862 = LM 1-194, along
with
******************************
NGC 4863 = MCG -02-33-081 = PGC 44650
12 59 42.3 -14 01 47; Vir
V = 13.9; Size 1.8'x0.4'; PA = 23°
24" (6/1/13): at 282x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 1.1'x0.3', well concentrated with a very small, well-defined, small bright nucleus. NGC 4862 lies 6.8' SW.
18" (5/15/10): at 285x appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 40"x18", fairly low evens surface brightness. A mag 15 star lies 1' SE of center.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4863 = LM 1-195, along with NGC 4862, on 26 Feb 1886. His rough position (given to the nearest min of RA) is a good match with MCG -02-33-081 = PGC 44650, and his comment "vE 45°" (as well as sketch examined by Corwin) clinches this identification, though the PA is 23°.
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12 59 13.1 +27 58 37; Com
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 11.8
18" (4/20/12): fairly faint to moderately bright,
small, round, 24" diameter, well concentrated with a bright core that
increases to a stellar nucleus. On
the DSS there is a faint star superimposed, so perhaps this is the stellar
nucleus I noted. Forms a very
close double with
17.5" (4/21/90): faint, very small, round. Forms a double system with NGC 4867 off
the SE edge just 40" from center and
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, very small, round, very close pair with NGC 4867.
William Herschel probably discovered NGC 4864 = H. II-388 =
h1500 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Two, the time taken between
them." His single position is
2.5' northwest of NGC 4874, which is certainly one of these two. John Herschel assigned WH's second
object (H. II-388) to
John Herschel independently discovered this galaxy on 13 Apr 1831, and noted "The first of 5 south of a * 7m. Place by configuration with the others." His position is noted as very rough, but his sketch (emailed by Wolfgang Steinicke) verifies h1500 = NGC 4864. Heinrich d'Arrest first observed NGC 4864 on 10 May 1863 and measured the position on 3 nights. He marked the equivalence with h1500 as uncertain.
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NGC 4865 = UGC 8100 = MCG +05-31-064 = CGCG 160-224 = PGC 44578
12 59 19.8 +28 05 03; Com
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 115°
18" (4/20/12): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 WNW-ESE, 27"x18".
Contains a relatively high surface brightness core that has a modest concentration
to the center and faint extensions.
Located just 3.1' NW of mag 7.1 HD 112887 in the Coma cluster. Forms a pair with
17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, slightly elongated. Located in the core of AGC 1656 3.1'
WNW of mag 7.1 SAO 82595 which detracts from viewing. Nearby are
13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, small. Located 3' NW of a mag 7 star in AGC 1656. NGC 4860 lies 3' NW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4865 on 22 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is 5 seconds of time too far west, but his offset of 12.6 seconds of time from mag 7 HD 112887 is accurate. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1895 (published in 1907)
******************************
12 59 27.1 +14 10 16; Vir
V = 11.2; Size 6.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 87°
48" (4/2/11): extremely bright, very large, beautiful edge-on 7:1 E-W, ~4'x0.6'. Sharply concentrated with a small extremely bright nucleus. The central region bulges slightly (spindle-shaped). A bright star (mag 12?) is superimposed on the NW edge, ~50" from the center. GR 8 = UGC 8091, a low surface brightness Local Group member, lies 12' WNW. At 375x, GR 8 appeared fairly faint, moderately large, round, ~1.2' diameter. It contains a very small brighter core and stellar nucleus.
17.5" (3/20/93): fairly bright, large, edge-on 5:1 E-W, 5.0'x1.0', prominent core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is embedded on the west side 0.8' WNW of center. The core appears slightly offset towards the star or the extension west of the core may appear less prominent due to the glare.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4866 = H. I-162 = h1498 on
14 Jan 1787 (sweep 691) and recorded "vB, E from sp to nf. A small star in the extent of it, near
the brightest part, preceding it about 1/2'." His position and description matches
******************************
NGC 4867 = MCG +05-31-062 = CGCG 160-222 = PGC 44568
12 59 15.2 +27 58 14; Com
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30°
18" (4/20/12): faint, small, round, 16" diameter. Fainter of a close pair with NGC 4864 36" NW. The pair is located about 5' WNW of NGC 4874 in the core of the Coma cluster.
17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, extremely small, round. Forms a double system with NGC 4864 off the NW edge 40" from center. Located 4.5' W of NGC 4874 in the core of AGC 1656.
13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, small, round, very close pair with NGC 4864. Located 5' WNW of NGC 4874, AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4867 = Big. 62 on 10 May 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. In d'Arrest's description of NGC 4864, he mentions it forms a close double, though no position was given. Bigourdan independently found this galaxy on 28 Apr 1885 and noted it was very close to GC 3343 [NGC 4864] but easily distinguishable. Bigourdan's Comptes Rendus position was 1.4' too far north and as a result the position is northeast of NGC 4864 in the NGC, instead of southeast. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1895, though it wasn't published until 1907. Harold Corwin proposes that William Herschel may be the original discoverer of NGC 4864/4867.
******************************
NGC 4868 = UGC 8099 = MCG +06-29-004 = CGCG 189-008 = PGC 44557
12 59 09.0 +37 18 37; CVn
V = 12.2; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0
13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, small, almost
round. A mag 12 star is on the
north edge 1.2' from center. Forms
a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4868 = H. II-644 on 17 Mar
1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "pB or cB, S, R, mbM. Among some scattered star." Caroline's reduced position is 9 sec of
RA west of
******************************
NGC 4869 = MCG +05-31-065 = CGCG 160-225 = PGC 44587
12 59 23.3 +27 54 41; Com
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
18" (4/20/12): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter. A mag 14.4 star is attached at the NW edge. This Coma cluster member is situated 4' SW of NGC 4874, on a line with a mag 12.3 star that is 2' SW the center of NGC 4874.
17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, round, weak
concentration. A mag 14 star is
attached at the NW edge 16" from the center and a mag 12 star is 2.0'
NNE. Located in the core of AGC
1656 4.0' SW of NGC 4874 with a number of galaxies near including
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, round. A mag 13 star is attached at the NW edge. Located 5' SW NGC 4874 in AGC 1656.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4869 = h1501 on 13 Apr 1831 and
noted "The second of 5, south of * 7m." Although only a very rough polar distance was given, his
sketch (emailed by Steinicke) verifies h1501 = CGCG 160-225 = PGC 44587. This is the second of the five
brightest galaxies in the core of the cluster (with NGC 4864, NGC 4874, NGC
4889 and
Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position of NGC 4869 accurately on 6 nights, first recording it on 10 May 1863. He questioned if this object was equivalent to H. II-388 = h1501, but H. II-388 more likely applies to NGC 4864.
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12 59 17.8 +37 02 54; CVn
V = 14.6; Size 0.9'x0.3'; PA = 1°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): extremely faint, very small,
slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.3'.
Situated between two mag 11 stars 1' NW and 1.9' ESE. Located 12' SE of
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 4870 on 1 Apr 1878 during the observation of the NGC 4914 field. He noted "About 10' p and 10' s of last [NGC 4893] is a third neb, pF, lE ns, bet 2 st 10m, one about 1.5' npp and the other 2' f." His description is an exact match with this faint edge-on. The PGC declination is 3' too small.
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12 59 29.9 +27 57 23; Com
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 174°
18" (4/20/12): this close companion of NGC 4874 is located just of the west side of the halo, 1.3' between centers. At 322x it appeared faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, very small bright nucleus. One of the swarm of small galaxies hovering around NGC 4874.
17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, extremely small,
round. Located 1.3' W of the
center of NGC 4874 in the core of AGC 1656. A mag 12 star lies 1.2' S. Numerous galaxies are nearby including
13.1" (4/28/84): very faint, very small, round, very close companion of NGC 4874 just 1' W of center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4871 = Big. 62 on 10 May
1863 and placed it 5 sec of time preceding NGC 4874, in the same parallel. This offset matches
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NGC 4872 = MCG +05-31-068 = CGCG 160-230 = PGC 44624
12 59 34.1 +27 56 49; Com
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.6'; PA = 115°
18" (4/20/12): this is the closest of the swarm of small galaxies surrounding NGC 4874, situated just 48" SSW of center at the edge of the halo. At 322x it appeared similar to NGC 4871 (1.1' NW); faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.
17.5" (4/21/90): this is the closest companion of NGC 4874 just off the SW edge of NGC 4874 in the core of AGC 1656. Very faint, very small, irregularly round, small bright core. A mag 12 star lies 1.3' SW. Located just 52" SW of the center of NGC 4874. A swarm of galaxies in the field with NGC 4871 1.1' NW, NGC 4873 2.2' N and NGC 4875 2.5' SSE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4872 on 21 Apr 1865. In his description of NGC 4874, he
mentioned finding another nebula 45" to the south and preceding, which
matches the offset to
Dreyer equated William Herschel's H. II-389 and John Herschel's h1502 with NGC 4872, but these two designations apply to much brighter NGC 4874. Hermann Kobold independently discovered NGC 4872 in 1895 while measuring positions in the cluster with the 18-inch Merz refractor at Strasbourg. He labeled it Kobold 9 (his 9th "nova").
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NGC 4873 = MCG +05-31-069 = CGCG 160-229 = PGC 44621
12 59 32.8 +27 59 01; Com
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 103°
18" (4/20/12): this member of the Coma cluster is located just 1.6' NNW of NGC 4874, within the halo of faint galaxies surrounding the giant elliptical. At 322x appeared faint, small, round, 18" diameter, very small brighter nucleus. Just slightly larger than nearby NGC 3871 and 3872.
17.5" (4/21/90): close companion of NGC 4874 in the core of AGC 1656. Very faint, very small, slightly elongated, very small bright core. Located 1.6' NNW of NGC 4874. Nearby galaxies include NGC 4871 1.7' SSW and NGC 4864/NGC 4867 pair 4.3' W.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4873 = Big. 64 on 10 May
1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and placed it 1 1/2' north of NGC
4874 and about 1 sec of time preceding.
This offset matches
Guillaume Bigourdan independently discovered this galaxy on 16 May 1885 with the 12-inch refractor at Paris and recorded "mag 13.4-13.5; 20" dia, no nucleus." His position is accurate, but because of the confusion with the identifications in the densely packed Coma Cluster, NGC 4873 wasn't included in the GC or GC Supplement and first appeared in the NGC.
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NGC 4874 = UGC 8103 = MCG +05-31-070 = CGCG 160-231 = PGC 44628
12 59 35.7 +27 57 33; Com
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
18" (4/20/12): at 322x this giant elliptical cD
appeared moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, round, ~1.2' diameter,
sharply concentrated with a very bright core and fainter halo. Surrounded by a dense swarm of faint
companions; 16 have been observed within a 5' radius! Located 6.4' S of mag 7.1 HD 112887.
17.5" (4/21/90): second brightest galaxy in the core of
AGC 1656. Fairly faint, fairly
small, slightly elongated, bright core.
Located 6.4' S of mag 7.2 SAO 82595. A mag 12 star lies 2.5' WSW. Surrounded by a halo of faint galaxies including NGC 4872
52" SSW, NGC 4871 1.3' W, NGC 4873 1.6' NNW,
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, round, fairly small, 2nd brightest in AGC 1656. A mag 7 star lies about 6' N and a mag 12.5 star 2' SW. Numerous companions are nearby in the field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4874 = H. II-389 = h1502 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 4864], the time taken between them." His position (Caroline's reduced position) is 2.5' northwest of NGC 4874, in line with his offset of 3.5' northwest for NGC 4889. Dreyer misassigned II-389 = h1502 to nearby NGC 4872, but this is a much fainter companion that was discovered by Heinrich d'Arrest. John Herschel simply noted "The third of 5; place by configuration", but he associated it with II-389 and his sketch confirms h1502 = NGC 4874. Also, his first two observations under h1501 on sweeps 64 and 65 probably apply to NGC 4874. Heinrich d'Arrest made 7 observations of this galaxy and questioned if it was H. II-389? Dreyer credited d'Arrest with the discovery in the NGC.
Heinrich d'arrest discovered 34 galaxies in the Coma cluster with an 11" refractor and Steinicke mentions he was the first to recognize the Coma assemblage of galaxies as a cluster (see NGC 4889 for his description), although Max Wolf is generally given credit in the literature based on his photograph in 1901 using the 16-inch Bruce double astrograph at the Heidelberg Observatory and following announcement "An extraordinary cluster of nebulae" (AN, 155, 127) .
"On two Bruce telescope photographs from March 24 of this year [1901] which depict the region surrounding 31 Comae Berenices, there is a very interesting area of the sky. There are numerous small nebulae so crowded together that when you look at the area you are startled by the strange appearance of this "cluster of nebulae". I have determined there are at least 108 nebulae in a circle of 30' diameter around the specified location, so in an area about the size of the full moon. Among them are four or five larger, centrally compressed nebulae [ellipticals], as well as several elongated ones [spirals]. The vast majority have roundish shape and are smaller."
Based on a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector, Heber Curtis (1918) wrote "this region contains the most remarkable aggregation of closely packed small nebulae known to me. About 30 are catalogued in this area in the NGC and some 25 more are given in the IC. In reality there are more the 300 small nebulae in an area about 50' x 40', a large proportion of which are probably spirals. None of them are conspicuous objects." An image in the paper highlights "249 small nebulae in an area 38' x 29'."
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NGC 4875 = CGCG 160-232 = PGC 44640
12 59 37.9 +27 54 26; Com
V = 14.8; Size 0.4'x0.3'
18" (4/20/12): at 322x this member of the Coma cluster
appeared very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Forms a similar pair with
17.5" (4/21/90): companion of NGC 4874 in the core of AGC 1656. Located 3.1' S of NGC 4874. Appears extremely faint and small, slightly elongated. Second of three and located between IC 3973 2.1' SW and NGC 4876 1.5' E. A mag 12 star is 2.7' NW.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4875 = Big. 65, along
with NGC 4876, on 16 May 1885. His
Comptes Rendus position is 1' north of
******************************
NGC 4876 = MCG +05-31-073 = CGCG 160-234 = PGC 44658
12 59 44.4 +27 54 44; Com
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 20°
18" (4/20/12): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 18"x14". Forms a similar pair with NGC 4875, just 1.5' WSW. Situated 3.4' SE of NGC 4874 in the core of Coma cluster. A mag 14.9 star is 0.9' NW.
17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, very small, elongated N-S. Located in the core of AGC 1656 3.4' SE of NGC 4874. Third of three with NGC 4875 1.5' WSW and IC 3973 3.4' SE.
13.1" (4/28/84): extremely faint, very small, round. Located 4' SE of NGC 4874 in AGC 1656.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4876 = Big. 66, along with NGC 4875, on 16 May 1885. His Comptes Rendus position is 1' northeast of CGCG 160-232 = PGC 44640 (similar offset as NGC 4875).
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13 00 26.3 -15 17 00; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 6°
17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 N-S, bright core.
Located 2.8' SE of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 4877 = H. III-299 on 8 Feb
1785 (sweep 372) and logged "pB, pL, mbM." There is nothing near his position, but 54 sec of RA due
east is
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13 00 20.1 -06 06 14; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 10°
48" (4/2/11): this bright galaxy forms a prominent pair
with
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, small, round, prominent core, almost stellar nucleus, small halo. Forms a close pair with NGC 4888 4.3' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4878 = H. III-758, along
with NGC 4879, on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and recorded "Two, both vF,
vS." His single position is 7
sec of RA west of
******************************
13 00 25.6 -06 06 40; Vir
48" (4/2/11): this number may refer to a mag 14.5-15 star located 1.4' ESE of NGC 4878.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4879 = H. III-759, along with NGC 4878, on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and recorded "Two, both vF, vS." There is only a single galaxy at his position (NGC 4878 = MCG -01-33-064 = PGC 44747) and Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4879 may apply to a faint star 1.5' southeast of NGC 4878. RNGC classifies NGC 4878 as nonexistent and misidentifies NGC 4888 as NGC 4879.
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13 00 10.5 +12 29 00; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 3.2'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 165°
17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x2.0', broad weak concentration with no core or nucleus, fairly low surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4880 = H. III-83 = h1503 on
12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and noted "vF, S, irr, resolvable." JH's mean position (two sweeps) matches
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12 59 57.7 +28 14 48; Com
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (4/21/90): faint, very small, round, bright
core. Located 5' E of mag 8.1 SAO
82596. Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4881 on 22 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on two consecutive nights) is accurate and he
mentions that mag 8
******************************
13 00 04.4 +27 59 15; Com
See observing notes for
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 4882, along with
The RNGC places NGC 4882 is 0.2 min of RA west of NGC 4886 but there is no galaxy near that position. This error was mentioned in my RNGC Corrections #1 and the Webb Society Observer's Handbook #5, p158.
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12 59 56.0 +28 02 04; Com
V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.3'; PA = 90°
18" (4/20/12): this member of the Coma cluster is relatively isolated, roughly halfway between NGC 4889 (4.4' SE) and the mag 7.2 star (5.4' NW) in the core of the cluster. At 322x it appeared faint to fairly faint, small, oval 5:4 E-W, 18"x14", slightly brighter core. The bright star is somewhat of a nuisance.
17.5" (4/21/90): located in the central core of AGC 1656 4.4' NW of NGC 4889 and 6.4' NE of NGC 4874. Very faint, very small, round. Mag 7.2 SAO 82595 5.4' WNW hinders observation of this galaxy.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4883 = Big. 67 on 16 May 1885. His Comptes Rendus position (nearest min of dec) is 45" too far northeast. Dreyer (as well as Wolfgang Steinicke) credits d'Arrest with the discovery (on 22 Apr 1865), but I can't identify his observation in his compilation Siderum Nebulosorum.
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NGC 4884 = NGC 4889 = UGC 8110 = MCG +05-31-077 = CGCG 160-241 = PGC 44715
13 00 08.1 +27 58 37; Com
V = 11.5; Size 2.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 80°
See observing notes for NGC 4889.
Henrich d'Arrest found NGC 4884, along with NGC 4882, on 22 Apr 1865 and noted "principal one of multiple nebulae. One precedes [NGC 4882] by 2 or 3 sec." His position is 7.5 sec of RA preceding NGC 4889, the only bright galaxy in the immediate vicinity, and his position for NGC 4882 is 7 sec of RA preceding NGC 4886. So, NGC 4884 = NGC 4889 and NGC 4882 = NGC 4886. d'Arrest listed 7 observations of NGC 4889, so NGC 4884 was an 8th observation. Karl Reinmuth, in his photographic survey based on Heidelberg plates, states "not found; = NGC 4889".
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13 00 33.8 -06 51 11; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.1
18" (5/16/09): faint, small, round, 24" diameter, very weak concentration.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4885 = h1504 on 19 Feb 1830 and logged "vF; vS; E." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 4886 = NGC 4882 = MCG +05-31-076 = CGCG 160-239 = PGC 44698
13 00 04.4 +27 59 15; Com
V = 13.9; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 14.0
18" (4/20/12): this galaxy is the closest NGC galaxy (1.0' NW) to NGC 4889 in the core of the Coma cluster. At 282x it appeared faint or fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, contains a small bright nucleus.
17.5" (4/21/90): close companion to NGC 4889 in the
central core of AGC 1656. Very
faint, very small, slightly elongated.
Located just 1.0' NW of the core of AGC 1656. Nearby galaxies surrounding NGC 4889 includes
13.1" (4/28/84): very faint, very small, round. Close companion 1' NW of NGC 4889 in the central core of AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4886 on 6 Apr 1864 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured it on two nights. His position, 4-5 sec of time preceding
NGC 4889, matches
******************************
13 00 39.1 -14 39 58; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 155°
17.5" (5/17/90): faint, oval 2:1 NW-SE, small bright
core. Forms a pair with
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4887 = T. 5-27 on 21 Apr
1882. His micrometric position in
the main table is an exact match with
******************************
NGC 4888 = MCG -01-33-066 = VV 680 = PGC 44766
13 00 36.3 -06 04 31; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 110°
48" (4/2/11): very bright, moderatly large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, brighter along the major axis. Well concentrated with a very bright core. A bright, wide double star is 1' W of center (separation of ~35"). A mag 15 star is between the pair and the galaxy, ~30" WSW of center.
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, small bright core. Almost exactly collinear with a nice double star mag 12/13 just 1' WNW of core. The double star has the same position angle as the galaxy. Forms a pair with NGC 4878 4' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4888 = H. II-778 = h1505 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and noted "F, S, south following a double star." John Herschel recorded "pF; vS; E; psbM." and measured a good position.
RNGC mislabels NGC 4888 as NGC 4879.
******************************
NGC 4889 = NGC 4884 = UGC 8110 = MCG +05-31-077 = CGCG 160-241 = PGC 44715
13 00 08.1 +27 58 37; Com
V = 11.5; Size 2.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 80°
82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; extremely
bright, large, oval 4:3 ~E-W, very strong concentration with a very bright core
and an intensely bright nucleus.
The halo extends ~1.8'x1.4' and fades out slowly.
18" (4/20/12): NGC 4889 is the dominant cD galaxy in the Coma cluster, although NGC 4874 is surrounded by a much richer retinue of small companions. At 282x it appeared fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, ~1.5'x1.2'. Strongly concentrated with a very bright, slightly elongated core that increases to the center. The closest NGC companion is NGC 4886, situated 1.0' NW. A mag 13.5 star is a similar distance SE. With careful viewing, I caught glimpses of PGC 44708, a thin edge-on superimposed at the edge of the core just 27" from the center.
17.5" (4/21/90): largest and brightest galaxy in AGC
1656 = Coma I galaxy cluster. NGC
4889 and NGC 4874 9.2' W are both surrounded by a cloud of faint galaxies. Moderately bright, fairly small, oval
E-W, bright core. Several
companions near including NGC 4886 1.0' NW,
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, fairly small, oval E-W. Largest and brightest in AGC 1656 = Coma I. NGC 4874 lies 7' W and several companions are near.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4889 = H. II-391 = h1507 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and simply not "vF". His position is 3.4' northwest of NGC 4889, close to the same offset he made in the sweep with NGC 4874.
John Herschel made two observations under h1507 (sweep 64 and 343) with his RA is marked as very uncertain. On sweep 343, he recorded "B; pmE; bM. The fourth of 5, south of * 7m. His position is 4 sec of RA too large but his sketch verifies the identity. Also, his observation listed under h1510 on sweep 65 refers to NGC 4889.
Heinrich d'Arrest's NGC 4884 is a duplicate observation. See that number for details. d'Arrest commented that "The nebulae are incredibly numerous and dense and despite being faint, they have a diversity one cannot imagine a priori. Sometimes, in the most favorable moments, I had the very definite impression that the nebulae, often only a few arcseconds in diameter, are intermingled with larger, roung, oblong, star-shaped or cometary ones, like oysters packed together in a barrel."
******************************
13 00 39.0 -04 36 11; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 11.5; PA = 100°
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
fairly high almost even surface brightness, weak concentration. Forms a vertex of an isosceles triangle
with two mag 12.5 stars 2.7' NW and 2.5' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4890 = H. III-614 = h1506 on
11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709) and noted "cF, S, irr R." His position is less than 2' south of
******************************
13 00 47.0 -13 25 35; Vir
= * 2' NW
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4891 = T. 5-28 on 21 Apr 1882. Tempel mentioned a nebulous star was 2'-3' northwest of NGC 4897. At this offset is only a 14th magnitude star. See NGC 4897.
NGC 4897 is misidentified as NGC 4891 in many modern sources. See notes on NGC 4897.
******************************
13 00 03.5 +26 53 53; Com
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 13°
17.5" (5/14/94): very faint, thin edge-on SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.2'. Followed by two mag 14-14.5 stars with separation 39" oriented SSW-NNE and parallel to the major axis (closer star is 0.6' E of center). NGC 4859 lies 14.6' SW. Outlying member of AGC 1656.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4892 = H. II-390 = h1508 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and simply noted "F". His position was accurate, although John Herschel's RA was 11 sec too large.
******************************
NGC 4893 = IC 4015 = VV 222b = Holm 498a = UGC 8111 NED1 =
12 59 59.6 +37 11 36; CVn
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.4'; PA = 3°
24" (6/4/16): the two close components (
16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter. A mag 13 star lies less than 1' E. This is a contact double system (IC 4015 + 4016 with a separation of 0.35'), though the components were not resolved. Located 11' SW of NGC 4914 and 82' SE of Cor Caroli (Alpha CVn).
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4893 on 24 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position matches
Max Wolf gave separate entries for the two components, which Dreyer catalogued as IC 4015 and IC 4016 (essentially at d'Arrest's position). The two components were apparently seen by Dreyer ("elongated n-s") but not resolved. Corwin notes that the object Wolf identified as NGC 4893 is actually a plate defect, so he assumed the two separate components were new objects.
******************************
NGC 4894 = NGC 4898 = MCG +05-31-082 = CGCG 160-248 = PGC 44736
13 00 17.8 +27 57 20; Com
See observing notes for NGC 4898. This number is misasigned to
82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 20"x8", brighter nucleus. Situated 0.8' NNW of NGC 4898 (double system) in the core of AGC 1656.
18" (4/20/12): this challenging galaxy is located just 45" NNW of brighter NGC 4898 and 1.9' ESE of NGC 4889 in the core of the Coma cluster. At 282x it appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10" diameter. The small dimensions imply I only picked up the brighter core and missed the extensions SW-NE.
17.5" (4/21/90): located in the core of AGC 1656 just 1.9' SE of NGC 4889. Extremely faint, very small, round. Forms a very close pair with NGC 4898 45" SE. This is the third of four on line with NGC 4889 and NGC 4886 to the NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4894 = h1510 on 13 Apr 1831 and recorded "the last of 5, south of a * 7m; more suspected to the south." Since his 4th of 5 in the sweep (h1507) refers to NGC 4889, and he gave the declination as 1' south, Harold Corwin concludes that NGC 4894 is likely the earliest observation of NGC 4898, and not fainter CGCG 160-247 just 1' NW. All modern sources take CGCG 160-247 as NGC 4894, but there does not appear to be a pre-NGC observation of this galaxy.
Herschel listed a second observation of h1510 on 30 Mar
1827, but that observation applies to NGC 4889. He also attached his father's H. III-363 to h1510 in the GC
(3354), but H. III-363 likely applies to
Because of the density of galaxies in the Coma cluster, there was a great deal of confusion on the identities! Bigourdan and d'Arrest later measured an accurate position for NGC 4898 and both are credited in the NGC, so its identity is not in doubt.
******************************
NGC 4895 = UGC 8113 = MCG +05-31-081 = CGCG 160-249 = PGC 44737
13 00 17.9 +28 12 08; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 153°
18" (4/20/12): this is one of the brightest galaxies in
the Coma cluster and the middle of three in a near line with NGC 4881 5' NW and
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 NW-SE. Nearby
companions are NGC 4881 5.2' NW and
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4895 on 5 May 1864 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on 3 nights) matches
******************************
13 00 30.8 +28 20 47; Com
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 5°
18" (6/4/05): faint, small, round, 30"
diameter. Weak, even concentration
to a very faint stellar nucleus.
Located just north of the core of AGC 1656 with
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 4896 = Big. 68 on 12 May
1885. There is nothing at his
Comptes Rendus position, but 15 sec of time east and 2' north is
******************************
NGC 4897 = MCG -02-33-089 = UGCA 316 = PGC 44829
13 00 52.9 -13 26 58; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 2.6'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 150°
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round, halo gradually brightens, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 2' NW (= NGC 4891). Incorrectly identified as NGC 4891 in modern catalogues.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4897 = T. V-28 on 21 Apr 1882 and reported it as new in his 5th discovery paper (#28). His micrometric position in the main table is accurate. The description mentions that 2' to 3' northwest is a fainter nebulous star, which Dreyer catalogued as NGC 4891. Only a mag 14 star is at the position of NGC 4891.
Édouard Stephan made an earlier discovery on 2 May 1878. His position lands directly on this galaxy, though he never published this discovery (probably as the position wasn't verified later) and lost credit in the NGC.
Shapley-Ames, RC1, RC2, RNGC, MCG, UGCA and PGC mislabel NGC 4897 as NGC 4891, but it is correctly identified in RC3. The RNGC RA is also 42 minutes too small. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
******************************
NGC 4898 = NGC 4894 = MCG +05-31-082 = CGCG 160-248 = PGC 44736
13 00 17.8 +27 57 20; Com
V = 13.5; Size 0.8'x0.5'; PA = 100°
82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; very easily resolved into two components [centers separated by 7" SW-NE]. The brighter southwestern component appeared bright, fairly small, round, very bright nucleus. The northeastern component was moderately bright, small, round, slightly brighter nucleus. Both galaxies were encased in a common halo.
18" (4/20/12): this double galaxy is the brightest
close-in companion to NGC 4889 in the heart of the Coma cluster. At 282x it appeared fairly faint to
moderately bright, small, oval 4:3 E-W, mild concentration to the center. Occasionally, the companion (
CGCG 160-247, just 45" NNW, is identified as NGC 4894 in modern sources. At 282x, this challenging galaxy appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10" diameter. The small dimensions imply I only picked up the brighter core and missed the extensions SW-NE.
17.5" (4/21/90): located in the central core of AGC 1656 cluster 2.5' SE of brightest member NGC 4889. Faint, very small, slightly elongated. This is the last of four on a line with NGC 4894 just 45" NW, NGC 4889 2.5' NW and NGC 4886 3.5' NW.
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, slightly elongated. Located 3' SE NGC 4889 in AGC 1656.
John Herschel likely discovered NGC 4898 = h1510 on 13 Apr 1831 and recorded "the last of 5, south of a * 7m; more suspected to the south." Since the 4th object in the sweep (h1507) refers to NGC 4889, and he reported the declination as 1' south, Harold Corwin concludes that h1510 (later NGC 4894) is likely the earliest observation of NGC 4898, and not fainter CGCG 160-247 just 1' NW. Herschel catalogued a second earlier observation of h1510 on 30 Mar 1827, but that refers to NGC 4889. Heinrich d'Arrest made three fairly accurate measurements of this galaxy and questioned if it was h1510.
Because of the density of galaxies in the Coma cluster, there was a great deal of confusion on the identities! Bigourdan and d'Arrest later measured an accurate position for NGC 4898 and both are credited in the NGC, so its identity is not in doubt.
******************************
13 00 56.5 -13 56 39; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 2.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 15°
24" (6/1/13): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated
5:3 SSW-NNE, ~1.7'x1.0', broad concentration, large slightly brighter middle
but no distinct core or nucleus.
The central region increases to a vaguely defined nucleus. Hint of spiral structure in the
halo. Located 8.2' WSW of mag 7.5
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly large, oval ~N-S, fairly low surface brightness. Appears brighter at the south end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4899 = H. II-300 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and noted "Faintish, cL." John Herschel mistakenly assumed his two observations of h1517 = NGC 4924 were the same as H. II-300 = NGC 4899, and that his father made a 1° error in polar distance. He listed both objects correctly in the General Catalogue. Dreyer notes the NGC description should read "cL" instead of "eL".
******************************
NGC 4900 = UGC 8116 = MCG +01-33-035 = CGCG 043-093 = PGC 44797
13 00 39.1 +02 30 00; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 2.2'x2.1'; Surf Br = 12.9
48" (4/7/13): this unusual galaxy visually appears like a barred ring. At 488x a bright nucleus is embedded with a weak bar, extending NW-SE. A slightly brighter knot is situated close northwest of the nucleus. A mag 11 star is attached at the southeast end of the galaxy, collinear with the "bar". A large, round halo extends 1.7' and is slightly brighter along portions of the outer edge, forming a weak ring with a slightly darker interior on either side of the bar.
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter. A mag 10.5 star is attached at the SE edge 41" from center. Even surface brightness except for a faint slightly elongated "knot" just NW of center which may be the central bar or an offset nucleus.
8" (5/21/82): fairly bright, small. Unusual appearance with a mag 10 star attached at the east edge and the galaxy extends to the west.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4900 = H. I-143 = h1509 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) amd recorded "cB, just np a pB star and joining it as to appear like a brush to it." In his 1814 PT paper he used this example and others to demonstrate a supposed union or attraction between the star and the nebula. John Herschel made three observations and one description notes a "star 11m, with a fan or brush."
R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 18 Apr 1855, recorded "Looks sometimes like the owl nebula when badly seen, with a B, E patch in centre and dark spots on each side of this; sometimes dark ring is seen all the way round, but blackest to [sp and nf]. Neby round is mottled." On 24 Apr 1857 he logged "B centre is elongated in the direction of the star on edge and on either side of centre there certainly exist dark spaces as before remarked, giving it the look of the owl-neb. Yet I sometimes thought I saw it as a spiral with a break in outer annulus npp." His sketch shows a barred ring structure with a relatively narrow bar that matches up well with the SDSS!
******************************
NGC 4901 = UGC 8112 = MCG +08-24-019 = CGCG 245-009 = PGC 44684
12 59 56.4 +47 12 20; CVn
V = 14.4; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.4
18" (6/27/03): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, low
surface brightness. Increases slightly to a very small brighter core. Located 6.8' NNE of a mag 10 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4901 = h1512 on 7 Mar 1831 and recorded "vF; vS; E." His position is at the northwest edge of this galaxy.
******************************
NGC 4902 = MCG -02-33-092 = UGCA 315 = PGC 44847
13 00 59.6 -14 30 48; Vir
V = 10.9; Size 3.0'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 70°
48" (5/8/21): at 488x; very bright, fairly large, roundish, at least 2' diameter. Contains a very bright core that extended into a bar oriented ~E-W. Surrounding the bar was a brighter circular ring (mostly evident on the N and S side). An outer spiral arm is attached to the N side of the central ring and was visible extending counterclockwise towards the east. The outer halo was diffuse without other structure. A mag 10.3 star is 2' NW and a similar mag 10.0 star is 2.2' WSW.
17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright and large, round, weak even concentration to a bright core. Forms the eastern vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 10 stars 2.0' NW and 2.2' WSW of center. NGC 4887 is at the edge of the 220x field 10.4' SSW.
8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, moderately large, round, diffuse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4902 = H. I-69 = h1511 on 8
Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and noted "cB, pL, iR." Caroline's reduction is 10 sec of RA
west of
******************************
13 01 22.7 -30 56 06; Cen
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 73°
18" (3/17/07): largest of trio with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4903 = h3450, along with NGC 4905, on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; 30"; attached to a star; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 4905]." His dec was 1.3' too far south.
******************************
13 00 58.5 -00 01 39; Vir
V = 12.0; Size 2.2'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15°
17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.5'x1.0', brighter bar along major axis, very small brighter core, slightly mottled. A mag 12 star is 1.8' NNW and a mag 14 star 2.2' WSW. On the POSS a very faint outer halo is elongated roughly N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4904 = H. II-517 on 1 Jan 1786 (sweep 507) and noted "pB, S, R, bM." A few minutes later he commented in his logbook "twilight pretty strong."
******************************
NGC 4905 = ESO 443-031 = MCG -05-31-015 = PGC 44902
13 01 30.7 -30 52 06; Cen
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 26°
18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7'
diameter, weak concentration with a slightly brighter core. In a trio with NGC 4905 4.3' SSW and
E443-034 3.5' SE. Located 4.3' SW
of mag 7.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 4905 = h3451, along with NGC
4903 = h3450, on 30 Mar 1835 and logged "vF; vS; R; slbM. The following of 2 [with NGC
4903]. His position is 3.3' south
of
******************************
13 00 39.7 +27 55 26; Com
V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.5'
18" (4/20/12): at 322x appeared faint, small, round, 18" diameter. A mag 14 star is close west, just 25" from the center. Located 7.7' SE of NGC 4889 in the Coma cluster.
17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is just 25" W of
center. Located 7.6' SE of NGC
4889 in the core of AGC 1656. IC
4041 lies 4.4' due north and
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4906 on 6 Apr 1864 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured twice) matches
******************************
NGC 4907 = MCG +05-31-089 = CGCG 160-257 = WBL 426-112 = PGC 44819
13 00 48.8 +28 09 29; Com
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 42°
18" (4/20/12): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated SSW-NNE, even surface brightness (face-on barred spiral). A mag 13 star is close off the SW
end.
17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, slightly elongated
SSW-NNE, even surface brightness.
A mag 13 star is just off the south end. Nearby galaxies include CGCG 160-251 3' WSW and
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4907 on 5 May 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is accurate and he noted the mag 13 star close south.
******************************
NGC 4908 = UGC 8129 = MCG +05-31-090 = CGCG 160-259 = PGC 44832
13 00 54.5 +28 00 27; Com
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2
18" (4/20/12): fairly faint to moderately bright,
fairly small, slightly elongated, 25"x22", broad concentration. Just slightly brighter than
17.5" (4/21/90): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core. Located in the central region of AGC 1656 with NGC 4908 2.5' N and IC 4042 2.5' SW. This galaxy is identified as IC 4051 in most modern catalogues (except MCG).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4908 = H. III-363 on 11 Apr
1785 (sweep 396) and simply noted "vF". Caroline's reduction matches
Kobold and Bigourdan later observed both galaxies, but the position from Kobold for IC 4051 matches the brighter galaxy as he assumed the fainter galaxy was NGC 4908. To further confuse the issue, John Herschel misassigned H. III-363 to h1510 = NGC 4894 -- see that number for additional problems! -- and this was copied into the GC.
Since William picked up the slightly brighter south-southeast galaxy (and presumably d'Arrest), NGC 4908 should apply to this galaxy, though modern catalogues reverse the identifications. See Corwin's notes for more on this confusing story.
******************************
13 02 01.8 -42 46 18; Cen
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 28°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): faint to fairly
faint, small, round, 25" diameter (this is the central core region on
images). With averted vision
increases to ~40" diameter. A
number of stars are nearby including a pair of mag 13 stars [11"
separation] 1.6' SE and a mag 11.5 star is 2.3' E. In
addition, a mag 12/13 pair at a similar separation is 2.9' SW. The latter is part of a distinctive arc
of stars that begins 2.5' SW and sweeps clockwise, ending at mag 10
John Herschel discovered NGC 4909 = h3452 on 5 Jun 1834 and
recorded "eF; precedes 3 or 4 stars, 11..12m." His position and description matches
******************************
NGC 4910 = NGC 4845? = UGC 8078 = MCG +00-33-025 = CGCG 015-049 = PGC 44392
12 58 01.3 +01 34 33; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 4845. Identification very uncertain.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4910 = H. V-3 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 123) and recorded "vL but eF, or I believe they are very close and vS stars." The PT summary description reads "eF, vL, er, R, 7 or 8' dia." In the NGC notes, Dreyer mentioned that Auwers' reduction is 10 min of RA too large. This observation is from an early sweep (prone to errors) and in the 1912 revision of WH's catalogues, Dreyer also mentioned the following note from WH, "The place of this neb is not determined with accuracy" and there were no subsequent sightings by other observers.
Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 4910 may possibly be a duplicate observation of NGC 4845 (about 2.5 min of RA and 4' south of WH's rough position) as it is the "only reasonable candidate."
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13 00 56.1 +27 47 27; Com
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3
18" (4/20/12): fairly faint, moderately large, oval
NW-SE, 45"x35", broad concentration. A mag 14.5 star lies 52" SE. Forms a close pair with
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WNW-ESE, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 2' NW.
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, round. A mag 13 star is close west. First of three in the field. Located 18' SE of core of AGC 1656.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4911 = H. II-392 on 11 Apr
1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Three, the two following [
******************************
13 01 24.9 +29 18 40; Com
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 129°
See observing notes for
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, found NGC 4912,
along with
Sue French suggested that Parsons' field is 8° south of NGC 4914, where a very similar configuration of 4 galaxies is found, including a wide pair of stars that matches the diagram. This implies NGC 4912 (labeled delta) = NGC 4922, NGC 4913 (labeled gamma) = IC 843, NGC 4916 (labeled epsilon) = CGCG 160-107 and the galaxy he assumed was NGC 4914 labeled beta) was IC 4088. Harold Corwin notes some errors with his descriptions (epsilson is called the brightest) but the configuration strongly suggests these identifications.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4922 = UGC 8135 just 5 days earlier than Parsons' observation, but the other three galaxies should be credited to Parsons. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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NGC 4913 = IC 843 = UGC 8137 = MCG +05-31-100 = CGCG 160-099 = PGC 44908
13 01 33.6 +29 07 50; Com
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 134°
18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE,
45"x12", contains a very small brighter nucleus. IC 4088 lies 5.6' SSE, NGC 4916 is 10'
NE and NGC 4922 is 11' NNW. This
galaxy is identified as
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, found NGC 4913, along with NGC 4912, NGC 4916 and IC 4088, on 24 Apr 1865. Parsons assumed he was observing the NGC 4914 field, but the discovery sketch, which shows 4 nebulae (and one suspected neb), is a reasonably good match with a field 8° further south. NGC 4913, labeled as Gamma in the diagram, matches IC 843. Sue French originally suggested this identification.
Truman Safford independently discovered this galaxy on 3 May 1866. The discovery list was not published until 1887 so Dreyer added this discovery in an appendix to the NGC and later included it as IC 843 = Sf. 3.
******************************
NGC 4914 = NGC 4912: = UGC 8125 = MCG +06-29-014 = CGCG 189-013 = PGC 44807
13 00 42.9 +37 18 54; CVn
V = 11.6; Size 3.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 155°
16" LX200 (4/14/07): bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, very bright core increases to a stellar nucleus. Brightest in a small group of galaxies ~80' SE of Cor Caroli.
13.1" (2/16/85): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus. NGC 4868 lies 19' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4914 = H. II-645 = h1514 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "pB, S, R, mbM." John Herschel made two observations, described it as "pB" and "eF". MCG labels the galaxy NGC 4912/4914. See identification notes for NGC 4912.
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NGC 4915 = MCG -01-33-069 = UGCA 318 = PGC 44891
13 01 28.2 -04 32 48; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 55°
18" (6/4/05): fairly bright, moderately large,
round. Contains a sharply
concentrated 0.6' core that increases to a bright, stellar nucleus. With caref viewing, the core appears to
be surrounded by a 1.2' very low surface brightness halo, doubling the initial
estimate of size.
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, fairly small, round, bright core, high surface brightness. NGC 4890 lies 12' WSW. Forms a pair with NGC 4918 6.5' NE (not seen).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4915 = H. IV-47 = h1513 on
11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709) and recorded "pB, stellar, resembles a star with a
bur all around." Caroline's
reduction is 2' south of
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NGC 4916 = MCG +05-31-106 = CGCG 160-107 = PGC 44973
13 02 04.2 +29 15 12; Com
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.25'; PA = 159°
18" (4/30/11): fairly faint, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, ~0.75'x0.25', contains a very small brighter nucleus. Overall this edge-on has a high surface brightness. NGC 4922 lies 9' NW and NGC 4914 = IC 843 is 10' SW.
This galaxy was probably discovered and sketched by Lawrence Parsons on 24 Apr 1865 along with NGC 4912 and NGC 4913 while observing the NGC 4914 field. It is not identified as NGC 4916 in any modern catalogue
Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 4916, along with NGC 4912,
4913 and IC 4088, on 24 Apr 1865 at Birr Castle. His diagram, purportedly of the NGC 4914 field with NGC 4916
labeled epsilon, is a good match with
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NGC 4917 = UGC 8130 = MCG +08-24-023 = CGCG 245-011 = PGC 44838
13 00 55.6 +47 13 19; CVn
V = 13.8; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 160°
18" (6/27/03): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE. Initially appeared only 0.4' diameter. But with averted vision, very low surface brightness extensions were glimpsed increasing the dimensions to 0.8'x0.4' with a rounder, brighter core. Located 10' E of NGC 4901.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4917 = h1515 on 20 Mar 1828 and recorded "eF; S; E; bM." His RA (marked as approximate) was 9 sec too small.
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13 01 50.6 -04 30 02; Vir
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 71°
18" (6/4/05): extremely faint, small, elongated 3:2? Requires averted and only glimpsed intermittently. A mag 10.8 star 1.8' NNW detracts from viewing. Located 6' NE of NGC 4915.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 4918 = LM 2-457 in 1886 and noted "mag 15.7, 0.1' dia, R, bMN, GC 3366 [= NGC 4915] sp 4'." His position matches PGC 44934, though the separation to NGC 4915 is 6'.
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NGC 4919 = UGC 8133 = MCG +05-31-097 = CGCG 160-094 = PGC 44885
13 01 17.6 +27 48 32; Com
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 140°
18" (4/20/12): this Coma cluster member is located 18' SE of NGC 4889, near two spirals -- NGC 4911 4.9' WSW and NGC 4921 5' NNE. At 322x it appeared faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 27"x20", nearly even surface brightness. Two small faint companions, CGCG 160-092 and 160-093 lie 2' WNW and 1.6' WSW, respectively.
17.5" (4/21/90): situated between NGC 4911 4.8' WSW and
NGC 4921 5.1' NNE within AGC 1656.
Very faint, very small, elongated NW-SE. In a close trio with
13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, second of three with NGC 4911/4921. Located in the core of AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4919 on 5 May 1864 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (also measured on the next night) matches
******************************
13 02 04.2 -11 22 42; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 170°
18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.5'. MCG -02-33-097 lies 9' N.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4920 around 1882 while
observing
Guillaume Bigourdan found the galaxy on 16 Apr 1895, but
misidentified his offset star.
Once corrected (see Harold Corwin's notes for the details), his position
matches NGC 4920. So, NGC 4920 =
******************************
NGC 4921 = UGC 8134 = MCG +05-31-098 = CGCG 160-095 = PGC 44899
13 01 26.1 +27 53 09; Com
V = 12.2; Size 2.5'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 165°
18" (4/20/12): fairly faint, moderately large,
irregularly round, ~1.5' diameter, sharply concentrated with a fairly faint,
slightly elongated core, ~24"x20", surrounded by a very low surface
brightness unconcentrated halo.
17.5" (4/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, large low surface brightness halo surrounded core. This is one of the brighter members of AGC 1656 but it appears fainter than the integrated V magnitude suggests. Nearby are NGC 4923 2.7' SSE and NGC 4919 5.1' SSW.
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 3rd of 3 in AGC 1656.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4921 = H. II-393 = h1516 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Three, the two following [NGC 4921 and 4923] pretty near each other; the south preceding [NGC 4911] about 8' distance; the time was near that of the two." John Herschel made two observations and measured a fairly accurate position. d'Arrest made 6 observations.
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NGC 4922 = UGC 8135 = MCG +05-31-099 = CGCG 160-096 = VV 609 = PGC 44896
13 01 24.9 +29 18 40; Com
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 129°
18" (4/30/11): fairly faint to moderately bright,
fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~50"x30", irregular shape, small
bright core. After careful viewing
this interacting system consists of a brighter component on the south side,
perhaps 30" diameter that is punctuated by a bright core. A very faint low
surface brightness glow (
18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 0.7'x0.4'. On sustained viewing, what appears to be the core or a compact galaxy, ~0.3' diameter, is on the SSW end. A much lower surface brightness glow extends to the NNE, mimicking the appearance of a tiny comet. Member of AGC 1656 (Coma Galaxy Cluster). A mag 12 star lies 1.4' E.
Checking at home I found this was a double system (
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4922 on 19 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted the mag 11-12 star that follows by 6 sec of RA. His mean position (3 observations) is accurate. The northern component of this double system is listed in NED as NGC 4922 NED02 and PGC 86794 in HyperLeda. The position given here is on the SW component of this double system.
Sue French found that Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, probably independently discovered this galaxy just 5 days later, while looking for NGC 4912. His field sketch does not match NGC 4912, but a quartet of galaxies 8° further south, including NGC 4922, IC 843, IC 4088 and CGCG 160-107. NGC 4912 (labeled delta) matches NGC 4922. See NGC 4912 for more.
******************************
NGC 4923 = MCG +05-31-101 = CGCG 160-097 = PGC 44903
13 01 31.8 +27 50 51; Com
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
18" (4/20/12): this Coma cluster member appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~28"x24", sharply concentrated with a small bright core. Located 2.6' SSE of NGC 4921 (giant spiral).
17.5" (4/21/90): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Forms a trio with brighter NGC 4921 2.7' NNW and NGC 4919 is 3.9' SW. Located within AGC 1656.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4923 = H. II-394 = h1518 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Three, the two following [NGC 4921 and 4923] pretty near each other; the south preceding [NGC 4911] about 8' distance; the time was near that of the two." John Herschel made a single observation and his position is 1.3' too far southwest. d'Arrest made two accurate measurements.
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13 02 12.8 -14 58 11; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 60°
18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, small, 0.5' diameter, irregularly round, slightly brighter corre. With direct vision a very faint stellar nucleus is intermittently visible or an extremely faint star is superimposed. A small triplet of mag 13/14 stars lies 3.5'-4' SE and a mag 10.2 star is in the same direction 6.2' SE.
Forms a non-physical pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 4924 = h1517 on 8 May 1831 and recorded "vF; R; bM." He confirmed the observation the next night and logged "vF; irreg R; vglbM." Because his position was 1° south of his father's H. II-300 = NGC 4899, he initially assumed h1517 was identical, but realized his error when compiling the General Catalogue of 1864.
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13 02 07.4 -07 42 39; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 135°
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration, moderate surface brightness. Forms a pair with IC 4071 6.8' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4925 = H. II-779 = h1519 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 916) and noted "F, S."
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13 01 53.7 +27 37 28; Com
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 57°
24" (5/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, round, ~40" diameter, fairly high surface brightness, small bright
core increases to a stellar nucleus.
Two 12th magnitude stars lie 4' W and 4' WSW.
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, small, round. Located 17' SSE of NGC 4921 and 16' SE of NGC 4911 in AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4926 on 6 Apr 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured 4 times over 3 nights) is accurate and he noted the two mag 12 stars ~4' preceding.
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13 01 57.6 +28 00 21; Com
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 10°
17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated N-S, very small bright core.
A mag 15 star is at the north edge 25" from center and a mag 13
star is 1.4' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4927 = H. III-364 on 11 Apr
1785 (sweep 396) and simply noted "vF". His position is poor but d'Arrest's position (used in the)
matches
******************************
13 03 00.5 -08 05 06; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 50°
17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', broad mild concentration. On a line with two mag 12-13 stars 1.5' ESE and 3' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4928 = H. II-190 = H. III-760 = h3453 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 208) and recorded "not vF, cL, E, r." He noted "it precedes the supposed 39 Vir 3 minutes in time and is 56' more north." He made a second observation on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and measured an accurate position. When he found it again on 23 Mar 1789, he assumed it was new and recorded H. III-760 as "cF, vS, R." His position was 3' too far southeast. John Herschel assigned two GC designations for the two Herschel numbers, though Dreyer combined these nto NGC 4928.
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13 02 44.4 +28 02 43; Com
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (5/19/01): faint, small, roundish,
25"x20", even surface brightness. Located 1' following a mag 13.5 star within AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4929 on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is accurate and he mentioned the mag 13.5 star (called 16th mag) less than 1' preceding.
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13 04 05.3 -41 24 42; Cen
V = 11.1; Size 4.5'x3.7'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 40°
17.5" (4/7/89): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE. Forms a thin isosceles triangle with
mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 4930 = h3454 on 8 Jun 1834 and
recorded "vF; R; precedes 2 stars 8-9th mag and 9th mag (with which it
makes nearly an equilateral triangle by diagram." His position and description matches
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NGC 4931 = UGC 8154 = MCG +05-31-114 = CGCG 160-118 = PGC 45055
13 03 00.8 +28 01 56; Com
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 78°
17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W, 0.5'x0.15'. Contains a small bright core that occasionally appears stellar. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.6' NE. Situated nearly at the midpoint of NGC 4927 3.7' WNW and NGC 4934 3.4' E within AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4931 on 10 May 1863 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position matches
The RA in the RNGC is poor and this galaxy is misplotted in the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.
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13 02 37.7 +50 26 18; CVn
V = 13.6; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.2
18" (6/27/03): very faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, very weak concentration with no noticeable core. A mag 10.7 star lies 1.6' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4932 = H. III-818 on 26 Apr
1789 (sweep 929) and noted "cF, S, R, vglbM." His position matches
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NGC 4933 = IC 4176 = Arp 176 NED 2 = Holm 502a = (R)NGC 4933A = MCG -02-33-102 = PGC 45146
13 03 57.2 -11 29 52; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 45°
48" (4/21/17): NGC 4933 is a double system consisting
of compact
NGC 4933A on the southwest end appeared bright, fairly
small, round, 15" diameter.
Strongly concentrated with a very small bright nucleus and thin
halo. A tidal tail extension (either
from NGC 4933A or 4933B) juts out towards the southwest an additional
20". The combined glow of A
and B extends at least 1.5' SW-NE.
17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, moderately large,
dominated by a bright core, faint extensions 2:1 SW-NE. Forms a contact pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4933 = H. II-191 on 9 May 1784 (sweep 210) and recorded "pF, pS, R, r. Near some small stars. Too much daylight to describe it fully." Caroline's reduced position is ~9 sec of RA west of this double system. In his fifth discovery paper, Wilhelm Tempel remarked that GC 3377 [NGC 4933] was certainly double, with a bright northeast component and a fainter stellar nebula on the southern edge, with a separation of 1'.
On 16 Apr 1895, Bigourdan claimed he searched unsuccessfully
for NGC 4933, but reported finding Big. 315 = IC 4173 and Big. 316 = IC 4176,
which he noted were in PA 225° (SW-NE) and a separation of 1'. His positions are wrong (over 2 min of
RA too far east) as he misidentified his offset star, but once corrected they
match the two components (nuclei) of NGC 4933! These IC identifications were resolved in an e-mail
correspondence between Malcolm Thomson and Harold Corwin in April 1998. The RC3 labels IC 4173 = NGC 4933A and
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NGC 4934 = UGC 8160 = MCG +05-31-115 = CGCG 160-120 = PGC 45082
13 03 16.3 +28 01 48; Com
V = 14.4; Size 1.0'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 104°
17.5" (5/19/01): faint, small, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.1', low even surface brightness. Slightly smaller and fainter than NGC 4931 3.4' W. Third of three on a line with NGC 4929 7' WNW within AGC 1656.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4934 on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted this object was situated 16 sec of RA following NGC 4931, which he also discovered, so the identification is certain.
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13 03 21.2 +14 22 40; Com
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 75°
18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, small bright core. Near the NE edge of the 19' field is a nice group of 5 stars with the three brightest stars forming a collinear string oriented NW-SE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4935 = Sw. 6-50 on 17 Apr 1887
and recorded "vF; vS; R; 3 st. like belt of Orion nf." His position
is 6 sec of RA east and 1.6' north of
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13 04 16.9 -30 31 36; Cen
V = 10.8; Size 2.7'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 168°
18" (5/3/11): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~1.4'x1.1' , well concentrated with a large very bright core that increases to an intense nucleus. A mag 12 star is 1.3' E of center.
Brightest in a group with
18" (3/17/07): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.9'. Contains a bright core that is moderately concentrated and a faint halo.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4936 = h3456 on 6 May 1834 and
recorded "pB; R; S; bM; 15"; has a * 6 seconds following." His
position and description matches
Brightest in a group of at least 12 members (Sandage 1975b, 1978) including IC 844 12' W with a mean redshift of ~3000 km/sec.
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13 04 50.7 -47 13 11; Cen
Size 0.3'
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): this knot of faint
stars appeared as a very faint, very small glow (20"). Occasionally two extremely faint mag
15.2 and 15.7 stars "pop" within the glow. Located 2' NW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 4937 = h3455 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "eeF; S; R; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 4940]; a * 7m, just at the northern edge of the field." There is only a single galaxy here (NGC 4940), but just 1' east of his position and 2' NW of NGC 4940 is a small knot of faint stars within 20". ESO lists the number as "Not Found". RNGC calls it a "close double star". See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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13 02 57.6 +51 19 07; CVn
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 39°
18" (6/27/03): very faint, small, irregularly round, 0.6'x0.5', low nearly even surface brightness.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4938 = h1521 on 17 Feb 1831 and
recorded "eF; R; psbM."
His position matches
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13 04 14.3 -10 20 24; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 5.5'x2.8'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 5°
17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, fairly large, large low surface brightness oval halo 2:1 SSW-NNE, increases to a brighter core. A mag 15 star is 1.4' NW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4939 = H. II-561 = h3458 on
25 Mar 1786 (sweep 546) and recorded "pB, pL, R, vgmbM." His position matches
******************************
NGC 4940 = ESO 269-042 = PGC 45235
13 05 00.2 -47 14 12; Cen
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint to
moderately bright, round, well-defined halo with a 30" diameter, moderately
high even surface brightness.
Situated 7.4' SSW of mag 6.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 4940 = h3457 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "F; S; R; 15". The following of 2 [with NGC 4937]." There is only a single galaxy here, which his position matches. See notes for NGC 4937.
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13 04 13.0 -05 33 06; Vir
V = 11.1; Size 3.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 15°
17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 2:1 SW-NE. Dominated by a small bright core with a stellar nucleus (Sy 2 galaxy), moderately large halo. A mag 11.5 star lies 2.6' S of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4941 = H. I-40 = h1520 on 24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205). His description reads, "cL, r. It contains a vB small spot in the middle but the rest is pF. The nebula is near some stars." John Herschel made two observations and logged on 19 Feb 1830 (sweep 234), "pF; L; vgbM; E; 60" long."
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13 04 19.1 -07 38 59; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.7; PA = 145°
17.5" (5/17/90): very faint, fairly small, round, very
low surface brightness, weak concentration, no distinct edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4942 = H. III-761 on 23 Mar
1789 (sweep 916) and noted "vF, S." His position is 2' SE of
Harold Corwin suggests
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13 03 44.9 +28 05 03; Com
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.35'; PA = 110°
17.5" (5/19/01): very faint, very small, round, just
15" diameter, low surface brightness. This faint member of AGC 1656 is situated 6' S of
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4943 on 20 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is accurate and he mentioned that h1522 [NGC 4944] was visible in the same field to the north.
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NGC 4944 = UGC 8167 = MCG +05-31-118 = CGCG 160-124 = PGC 45133
13 03 49.9 +28 11 08; Com
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 89°
17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.4', very small bright core. Situated between two mag 11 stars 2' NE and 4' SW with NGC 4943 6' S. This is one of the brighter members of AGC 1656.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4944 = H. II-395 = h1522 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S." John Herschel recorded "F; R; bM; has * 9m 45° nf; 1' dist."
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NGC 4945 = ESO 219-024 = LGG 344-001 = PGC 45279 = Tweezers Galaxy
13 05 27.5 -49 28 06; Cen
V = 8.6; Size 20.0'x3.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 43°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): remarkable spiral at 200x, extending southwest to northeast across 2/3 of the 30' field. I didn't take detailed notes on this observation but there was just a broad concentration with no well defined core region. The galaxy is very slightly wider through the center and only tapers towards the tips. Along the south edge, just southwest of center, is a brighter linear streak forming a sharp edge (the dust lane is just beyond). The main body of the galaxy fades a bit in this area and then brightens again further southwest. The major axis appears slightly warped or bent towards the north near the northeast tip, due to a large dust patch that bites a notch into the galaxy. On the south side of the northeast end, some very faint haze is visible. The DSS image reveals this is a portion of the galaxy beyond the dust lane. NGC 4945 is the second brightest member of the Centaurus A galaxy group and is situated 18' ENE of mag 4.8 Xi 1 Centauri.
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): beautiful, huge edge-on spiral oriented SW-NE. At 166x, appears ~15'x2' with tapering tips that fade out towards the ends of the extensions. There is only a broad concentration with a gently bulging core, although the surface brightness is somewhat irregular or mottled due to dust. The galaxy fades a bit to the southwest of the core and then brightens slightly further southwest. The northeast extension seems a bit splotchy or mottled. I was very surprised that the view from Costa Rica was a bit better than from Bargo, outside of Sydney, with a similar aperture.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this long edge-on
spiral is fairly bright and broadly concentrated with a slightly bulging core,
extending SW-NE ~14'x2.5'. The
surface brightness is relatively uniform with a weak central brightening and
dimming towards the tips. Set in a
rich star field peppered with faint stars. Located just north of a line connecting mag 4.8 Xi 1
Centauri 18' ESE and mag 4.3 Xi 2 31' SE.
10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): faint, large, very elongated glow. Required a careful look to see off and on, but easy to identify as situated just 18' E of mag 4.8 Xi 1 Centauri.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 4945 = D 411 = h3459 on 29 Apr 1826. This is one of the first objects observed by Dunlop (2nd night in logbook) and the first galaxy he discovered, along with NGC 5128 the same night. His summary description reads, "a beautiful long nebula, about 10' long, and 2' broad, forming an angle with the meridian, about 30 [degrees] south preceding and north following; the brightest and broadest part is rather nearer the south preceding extremity than the centre, and it gradually diminishes in breadth and brightness towards the extremeties, but the breadth is much better defined than the length. A small star near the north, and a smaller star near the south extremity, but neither of them is involved in the nebula. I have strong suspicions that the nebula is resolvable into stars [on 4 June], with very slight compression towards the centre. I have no doubt but it is resolvable. I can see the stars, they are merely points. This is north following the first zeta Centauri." Dunlop made a total of 7 observations (sketch, Figure 17).
John Herschel observed the galaxy on 31 Mar 1835 and recorded "B; vL; vmE; vglbM. Length much more than a diameter of the field, or than 15'. Its light extends to a star 14th mag beyond the parallel of Brisbane 4299. Position of elongation 38.7°." He placed the galaxy 10' too far north.
Based on Franklin-Adams plates taken in South Africa, John Reynolds described NGC 4945 in a 1921 paper on southern 'spiral nebulae' as "Unusual type, complicated irregular ring, much inclined to line of sight with no nucleus, the south-western half being very faint."
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13 05 29.3 -43 35 29; Cen
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 131°
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, well concentrated with a very bright core that increases to the center and a fainter 1.5' halo. Forms a pair with NGC 4946 5.6' NNE. Outyling member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright,
moderately large, irregularly round, 1.2' diameter. Contains a large, bright core and a fairly low surface
brightness irregular halo. It was
difficult to pin down the orientation as the halo fades into the
background.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4946 = h3460 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "pB; S; R; bM; 20"." On a later observation he logged "B; R: gpmbM; 60". The preceding of two [with NGC 4950]. His position is accurate.
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13 05 20.2 -35 20 17; Cen
V = 11.8; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 10°
18" (3/17/07): moderately bright, fairly large,
elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.3'x0.9', broad concentration. Collinear with a mag 9 star 8' NNE and
a mag 7.8 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 4947 = h3461 on 1 May 1834 and
recorded "pL; F; R; vglbM; 50"." His position matches
******************************
NGC 4948 = IC 4156 = MCG -01-33-079 = Holm 505a = LGG 314-005 = PGC 45224
13 04 55.7 -07 56 46; Vir
V = 14.4; Size 2.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.9; PA = 130°
17.5" (5/17/90): very faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1
NW-SE, low surface brightness. A
mag 15 star (Holm 505b) is at the southeast end, 1.1' from center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 4948 = Sw. 6-51 on 25 Mar 1887
and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; [NGC 4958] follows 54 sec." His position and description matches
Harold Corwin found that DeLisle Stewart probably recorded
the galaxy again in Jul 1899 on a
Harvard plate at Arequipa. There
is nothing at his position for
******************************
13 04 17.9 +29 01 46; Com
V = 14.9; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 108°
18" (5/15/10): at 285x appeared faint, small, round, 20" diameter. Two mag 15 stars lie 2' E and 1.5' SE. Outlying member of AGC 1656
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4949 on 19 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position matches
******************************
NGC 4950 = ESO 269-047 = MCG -07-27-031 = PGC 45294
13 05 36.4 -43 30 02; Cen
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, 35"x25". With direct vision contains a small bright core surrounded by a slightly elongated halo. Located 5.6' NNE brighter NGC 4946. Outlying member of the Centaurus cluster (AGC 3526).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4950 = h3462 on 3 Jun 1834 and
recorded "eF; S; R. The
following of 2 [with NGC 4946]; barely perceptible, but a sure
observation." His position is
less than 1' south of
******************************
13 05 07.7 -06 29 43; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 3.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 90°
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 2.1'x0.7', broad concentration, faint extensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4951 = H. II-188 = h1523 on
25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "F, cL, E, r." His position is 13 sec of RA west and
1' south of
******************************
13 04 58.3 +29 07 19; Com
V = 12.4; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 23°
18" (4/5/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3
SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.35'. A small
brighter core stands out but no nucleus was visible. A mag 11 star lies 4.8' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4952 = H. II-396 = h1524 on
11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S." John Herschel made 5 observations and his brightness
estimates ranged from "very faint" to "bright".
******************************
13 06 10.4 -37 35 11; Cen
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 46°
18" (3/17/07): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 0.8'x0.6'. In a group of three stars with a mag 13 star 0.8' NE and a mag 14 star a similar distance NW. A brighter mag 11 star lies 1.6' NW.
On the DSS, this galaxy appears to be the brightest in a multiple system and described in the Southern Galaxy Catalogue as "Center of group. 6 objects with bridges and plumes in common envelope". The companions appear to be members of ACO S721 at z = .05, but NGC 4953 has a redshift of only z = .016.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4953 = h3463 on 26 Jun 1834 and
recorded "Viewed; a diagram made representing it as round, with 3 small
stars, one distant about 1 semi-diameter from border; pos about 293° [WNW];
another distant 2/3 diameter; pos = 75° [ENE]; the third dist 1 1/2 diam; pos =
300° [NW]. His position is 1.5'
north of the multiple system
******************************
13 02 20.1 +75 24 15; Dra
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 62°
18" (6/28/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', fairly sharp concentration with a small bright core. A
distinctive group of 4 mag 12-13 stars is close west with three of the stars
nearly collinear and equally spaced.
Located 14' ESE of mag 6.0
John Herschel found NGC 4954 = h1527 on 5 May 1831 and noted
"vF; S; R; gbM; 12".
(The place is within barely possible limits of III. 937.)" His mean position (two observations)
match
William Herschel discovered this galaxy on 5 May 1831 (sweep 1064) and catalogued it as III-937 = NGC 4972, but Caroline's reduced position was poor. But using offsets from different stars in the sweep, Dreyer gives two corrected positions in his notes to WH's third catalogue, and they match UGC 8157. So, NGC 4954 = NGC 4972. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
******************************
13 06 04.8 -29 45 15; Hya
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 10°
17.5" (4/13/96): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.0' diameter, broad concentration with no well defined core. A mag 12 star is 1.5' SW of center. Forms a pair with ESO 443-066 2.1' NE (not seen).
John Herschel discovered NGC 4955 = h3464 on 30 Mar 1835 and
logged "F; R; gbM; 35"."
His position is an exact match with
******************************
13 05 00.9 +35 10 40; CVn
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1
18" (3/30/05): moderately bright, small, round, 0.6' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a bright 15" core and stellar nucleus. Located 38' SSW of 5.2-magnitude 14 Canum Venaticorum.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4956 = H. II-413 = h1525 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged "pF, S, R, mbM."
******************************
13 05 12.4 +27 34 11; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 100°
18" (3/30/05): fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter, smooth surface brightness. Situated between a mag 12.5 star 2.2' NW and a mag 14 star 1.9' SE. Member of AGC 1656.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4957 = H. II-397 = h1526 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S."
******************************
NGC 4958 = MCG -01-33-084 = UGCA 323 = LGG 314-017 = PGC 45313
13 05 48.9 -08 01 13; Vir
V = 10.7; Size 4.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 15°
17.5" (5/17/90): bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, dominated by a small very bright core. A mag 13.5 star is off the west edge 1.4' WSW of center. NGC 4948 lies 14' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4958 = H. I-130 = h3465 on 3 Mar 1786 (sweep 536) and noted "vB, S, lE." John Herschel called it "vB; pL; pmE; psmbM; 90" long."
******************************
13 05 41.0 +33 10 44; CVn
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8
18" (6/4/05): faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter. Contains a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision in good seeing.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4959 = h1528 on 29 Apr 1827 and
recorded "eF; S; R." His
position matches
******************************
13 05 47.5 +27 44 02; Com
See observing notes for
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4960 on 23 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
There is nothing at his single position, though 6 sec of RA east and 4'
north is
Bigourdan was unsuccessful in finding an object near d'Arrest's position. Karl Reinmuth and Max Wolf (Kongistuhl-Nebel List #9) also couldn't identify this object on Heidelberg plates and Wolf felt that NGC 4960 was a duplicate of NGC 4961 (discovered by WH). Harold Corwin also concludes NGC 4960 is most likely NGC 4961 with a 15' error in the declination as d'Arrest recorded NGC 4960 "only once, on a night when he did not record NGC 4961 (he observed that on four other nights)."
******************************
NGC 4961 = NGC 4960? = UGC 8185 = MCG +05-31-126 = CGCG 160-134 = PGC 45311
13 05 47.5 +27 44 02; Com
V = 13.6; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 100°
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, fairly small, round, diffuse with low surface brightness. Located 15' NE of 41 Comae Berenices (V = 4.8).
William Herschel discovered NGC 4961 = H. II-398 = h1529 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "F, S." John Herschel logged "F; irr fig; bM" and measured an accurate position. See notes for NGC 4960, which may a duplicate observation.
******************************
NGC 4962 = NGC 4952: = UGC 8175 = MCG +05-31-121 = CGCG 160-129 = PGC 45233
13 04 58.3 +29 07 19; Com
See observing notes for NGC 4952. Identification uncertain.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4962 = H. III-303 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "eF, vS, 240x just verified." There is nothing at his position, which is 43 sec of RA preceding and 4' N of III-304 = NGC 4966, the next object in the sweep. Bigourdan (visually), Max Wolf and Karl Reinmuth (on Heidelberg plates) reported not finding III-303.
Harold Corwin suggests NGC 4962 is identical to NGC 4952 (found again a month later by WH). This galaxy is 4' north of NGC 4966, though an additional 30 sec of time west of WH's offset from III-304. See his identication notes.
******************************
13 05 52.0 +41 43 19; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7
18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7'
diameter. Symmetrical appearance
increasing steadily to the center using direct vision. A mag 13 star lies 0.8' S of
center. Located 5.2' NE of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 4963 = H. II-663 = h1530 on
9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, vS, stellar, very near a small
star, and to the north of it." very small stellar nebula." His position is 3.5' north-northwest of
******************************
13 05 24.8 +56 19 22; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 134°
18" (6/27/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration to a slightly brighter, round core. A mag 11.5 star lies 4.1' SW. Located 1.6 degrees ENE of Alioth.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4964 = H. III-779 = h1532 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, S." John Herschel made a single observation ("eF; S; lE; a sure obs") and measured an accurate position.
******************************
13 07 09.2 -28 13 41; Hya
V = 12.2; Size 2.6'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 140°
17.5" (4/13/96): very faint, fairly large, irregularly round, Appears as a 3' ill-defined glow of low surface brightness (face-on spiral) with very little concentration. A nice evenly matched pair of mag 12 stars lies 6' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4965 = h3466 on 5 May 1834 and
recorded "vF; vL; oval; vglbM; 3' l; 2' br." His mean position from two observations
is a perfect match with
******************************
NGC 4966 = UGC 8194 = MCG +05-31-131 = CGCG 160-137 = PGC 45358
13 06 17.3 +29 03 47; Com
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 143°
18" (4/5/03): faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE,
0.5'x0.25'. Located 2.5' NE of mag
6.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 4966 = H. III-304 = h1531 on
13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "eF, vS, lE. 240 verified it just north following a
vB star about 8 or 9 m." His
position (Caroline's reduction) is 19 sec of RA east and 3' south of
******************************
13 05 36.4 +53 33 51; UMa
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3
18" (6/27/03): very faint, fairly small, round, very
low surface brightness glow, ~0.8' diameter. A mag 14 star is at the SW edge. Located 7' S of
William Herschel discovered NGC 4967 = H. III-783 = h1533 on
14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, S, E." There is nothing at his offset but ~1.0
minute of RA west and 2.5' north is
******************************
13 07 06.0 -23 40 37; Hya
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 56°
17.5" (4/13/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1
SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6', broad concentration to a slightly brighter core. Located south of a 6' collinear string
of 4 mag 13 stars that is parallel to the major axis of the galaxy.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4968 = h3467 on 25 Mar 1836 and
recorded "F; pL; R; glbM; 60"." His position is at the east edge of
******************************
13 07 03.0 +13 38 13; Vir
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4
24" (5/20/17 and 5/22/17): at 375x; faint to fairly faint, small, round, 18" diameter. Contains a slightly brighter, very small nucleus. A faint mag 15.5 star is 25" N.
NGC 4969 is a difficult double system in a common halo. At 375x, the nucleus of the fainter companion was barely visible as a "bulge" on the east side of the main galaxy. It was easier at 450x and occasionally appeared as a distinct quasi-stellar "knot" at the east edge of the galaxy. The centers of the pair are separated by only 10"-11"!
18" (5/16/09): faint, small, round, 22" diameter, fairly low even surface brightness. A mag 15.5 star is just off the north edge.
Edward Swift, Lewis' 17 year-old son, discovered NGC 4969 =
Sw. 6-52 on 27 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF, S, R, ee diff." The Swifts' position is 26 sec of RA
west of
******************************
NGC 4970 = IC 4196 = ESO 508-009 = MCG -04-31-033 = PGC 45466
13 07 33.7 -24 00 31; Hya
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 137°
17.5" (4/13/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5'. Well
concentrated with a small, bright, rounder core. NGC 4968 lies 20' NNW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 4970 = H. III-765 on 26 Mar
1789 (sweep 918) and noted "vF, pL, iF." John Herschel missed this galaxy although he discovered
nearby NGC 4968, about 20' to the north.
Lewis Swift later "rediscovered" it on 27 Feb 1898, and
recorded as Sw. 11-149 (later
******************************
13 06 54.9 +28 32 53; Com
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (7/1/03): faint, small, irregular round, 0.6'x0.5',
weak concentration with a faint stellar nucleus or a very faint star may be
superimposed. This galaxy is
collinear with a pretty pair of mag 11 stars [18" separation] located 3'
NNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4971 on 23 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position is 6 sec of RA west of
******************************
13 02 20.1 +75 24 16; Dra
See observing notes for NGC 4954.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4972 = H. III-937 on 5 May 1831 (sweep 1064) and noted "vF, S, iR, bM." There is nothing at Caroline's reduced position. But using offsets from different stars in the sweep, Dreyer gives two corrected positions in his notes to WH's third catalogue, and they match UGC 8157. Caroline's reduced position was ~10' from this galaxy.
JH found this galaxy on 5 May 1831 and noted "The place is within barely possible limits of III. 937". He repeated these suspicions in the notes to the GC, but added "they may be different, and are therefore separately listed." Dreyer followed suit and added JH's observation as NGC 4954, though later realized the equivalence NGC 4954 = NGC 4972. The primary designation of this galaxy is NGC 4954, although by historical precedence it should be NGC 4972.
******************************
NGC 4973 = IC 847 = MCG +09-22-006 = CGCG 270-049 = CGCG 271-005 = PGC 45280 = WBL 430-003 = PGC 45299
13 05 32.2 +53 41 07; UMa
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8
18" (6/27/03): faint, small, slightly elongated,
25"x20", weak concentration to a slightly brighter core and a very
faint stellar nucleus. In a small
group (WBL 430) with
William Herschel discovered NGC 4973 = H. III-781 = Ho. 3-19
on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "Two [along with III-782 = NGC
4974], both vF, S. The place is
that of the 2nd [NGC 4974], the other is 3 or 4' sp." Caroline Herschel's reduced position is
1.0 minute of time east of
Lewis Swift found NGC 4973 again on 11 May 1890, reported it
in his 9th discovery list (#36), so Dreyer catalogued it again as
The RNGC, RC3 and CGCG all misidentify NGC 4974 as NGC 4973. MCG misidentifies MCG +09-22-011 as NGC 4973. NGC 2000.0 and Dorothy Carlson incorrectly equate NGC 4974 = IC 847, instead of NGC 4973 = IC 847. See Corwin's notes for more on this confusing situation!
******************************
NGC 4974 = MCG +09-22-009 = CGCG 270-051 = CGCG 271-007 = WBL 430-006 = PGC 45321
13 05 55.9 +53 39 33; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 130°
18" (6/27/03): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~25"x20" NW-SE, moderate concentration with a 10" brighter core. The halo increases in size with averted to 0.6' in diameter. In a rich group (WBL 430) with NGC 4973 3.8' SE. A mag 13 star lies 1.9' WNW close to midpoint with NGC 4973.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4974 = H. III-782 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "Two [along with III-781 = NGC 4973], both vF, S. The place is that of the 2nd [NGC 4974], the other [NGC 4973] is 3 or 4' sp." Caroline Herschel's reduced position is 1.0 tmin east of PGC 45280, but I re-reduced his offset with respect to NGC 4964 = III-779, the previous object in the sweep, and it is only 16 sec of RA east and 2' south of CGCG 270-051 = PGC 45321. WH made an error when noting "the other is 3 or 4' sp". NGC 4973 is 3.8' northwest.
Rumker independently discovered NGC 4974 in preparation for the Hamburg star catalogue (marked as a "nebula" on the chart). The NGC position was corrected by Rumker and mentioned in the IC 2 notes and in Dreyer's 1912 Scientific Papers.
CGCG, RNGC, RC3 and DSFG all mislabel NGC 4974 as NGC 4973
and MCG mislabels NGC 4974 as IC 847.
In addition,
******************************
13 07 50.1 -05 01 03; Vir
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 46°
18" (5/16/09): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, slightly brighter quasi-stellar nculeus. The galaxy is nearly collinear with two mag 14.5/15 stars to the SSW (closer star is 2' SSW). Located 44' NW of Theta Virginis (4.0/9.5 at 7").
John Herschel discovered NGC 4975 = h1534 on 19 Feb 1830 and recorded "vF; vS; R; psbM; 10"." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 4976 = ESO 219-029 = LGG 330-003 = PGC 45562
13 08 37.3 -49 30 20; Cen
V = 10.0; Size 5.6'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 161°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x, fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 2.0'x1.7'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright 25" core increasing to a bright stellar nucleus. Located 31' E of NGC 4945 and 5' W of mag 7.8 HD 114102. Also 29' NE of mag 4.3 Xi 2 Centauri. Brightest in a galaxy group (LGG 330) that includes NGC 4945A, in the background of NGC 4945.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 140x, fairly
bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 2'x1.5', sharply concentrated
with a prominent core. Located 30'
E of NGC 4945 and 4.6' W of mag 7.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 4976 = h3468 on 31 Mar 1835 and recorded "B; R; gmbM; 80"." His RA was 12 tsec too large.
******************************
13 06 04.4 +55 39 21; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.1
18" (6/27/03): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.8' diameter, very weak concentration. Located at the midpoint of a mag 12.5 star 4' W and a mag 14 star 4' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4977 = H. III-780 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 921) and noted "cF, S." His position (re-reduced with
respect to NGC 4964) is 21 sec of time east of
******************************
13 07 50.5 +18 24 56; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 142°
18" (4/29/06): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.3', weak concentration. A faint stellar nucleus was intermittently visible in moments of better seeing. Forms the vertex of a flat isosceles triangle with two mag 13 stars 2' S and 2' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4978 = h1535 on 23 Mar 1827 and recorded "vF; R; sbM; stellar." His mean position (two observations) is accurate. d'Arrest observed it at Copenhagen in 1861 with the 11" refractor and noted it was between two stars [NW and SE].
******************************
13 07 42.8 +24 48 38; Com
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 100°
24" (5/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
slightly elongated ~E-W, 0.5'x0.4'.
Contains a sharp, nearly stellar nucleus. Located only 4.6' WSW of distractingly bright mag 6.8 HD
114093. Best view with star kept
outside the field.
16" LX200 (4/14/07): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~E-W, 0.6'x0.45', low even surface brightness. Located 4.6' WSW of mag 6.8 HD
114093. This bright star forms the
vertex of a right triangle with NGC 4979 and a mag 10 star 3.6' to its SE. Situated about 4° SE of the core of
William Herschel discovered NGC 4979 = H. III-346 on 10 Apr
1785 (sweep 394) and noted "eF, pL, lE, 240 verified it." His position is 12 sec of RA east and
3' south of
Stephane Javelle rediscovered this galaxy on 20 Jun 1891
with the 30" refractor at the Nice Observatory and it received the
designation
******************************
13 09 10.2 -28 38 30; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 168°
18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.5', very weak concentration. A mag 11.5 star lies 1.8' WSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4980 = h3469 on 30 Mar 1835 and
logged "eF; R; 30"."
His position is just off the west side of
******************************
13 08 48.7 -06 46 44; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 2.8'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 150°
17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 2.2'x1.5', sharp stellar nucleus, almost smooth halo. A mag 10 star is in contact at the SSE edge 1.1' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4981 = H. II-189 = h1537 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "pB, R, mb in a small place in the middle, near a B star." On 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) he also recorded "cB, R, vgbM, about 3' diameter" and measured an accurate position. John Herschel made the single observation "F; pL; R; 50"; has a * 9m, 80" dist sf."
******************************
13 08 46.1 -10 35 19; Vir
= 4*, HC.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 4982 around 1878. There is nothing at the NGC position except an asterism consisting of a small square (0.4' each side) of stars mag 13.7/14.7/15.8/16.4. Corwin suggests this asterism may have appeared nebulous to Tempel. Dreyer references his fifth discovery list (AN 2439) in the NGC, but Corwin was unable to find this object mentioned in the paper (I was also unsuccessful), so this identification is uncertain.
******************************
NGC 4983 = MCG +05-31-138 = CGCG 160-147 = PGC 45542
13 08 27.3 +28 19 13; Com
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 130°
18" (7/1/03): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated,
0.7'x0.5'. Weak, even
concentration to the center.
Located 7.5' NE of mag 10
William Herschel discovered NGC 4983 = H. III-365 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF". Caroline's reduction is 13 sec of time preceding CGCG 160-147 = PGC 45542.
******************************
13 08 57.2 -15 30 59; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 2.8'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 90°
17.5" (5/22/93): bright, moderately large, round, very bright prominent core 30" diameter, embedded within large faint halo of 2.0' diameter. A mag 15 star is at the west edge. A pair of mag 12/13 stars are 2.5' NE.
8" (5/21/82): fairly bright, small, round, small bright nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4984 = H. II-301 = h1536 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and recorded "pB, pL, mbM, iR." John Herschel made observations on two consecutive sweeps, logging on 8 May 1831, "B; R; psbM; 30"."
******************************
NGC 4985 = UGC 8218 = MCG +07-27-032 = CGCG 217-012 = PGC 45522
13 08 12.1 +41 40 35; CVn
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 135°
18" (7/1/03): faint, small, irregularly round, 0.6'x0.5', moderate concentration to a brighter core. A mag 14 star lies 2' ESE. NGC 4963 lies 26' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4985 = H. III-654 = h1539 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "vF, vS, lbM." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; vS; R; 10"." and measured a fairly accurate position.
******************************
13 08 24.5 +35 12 23; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 70°
18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.6'. A mag 14.5 star is superimposed just south of the nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4986 = H. III-401 = h1538 on
1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged "vF, stellar. 240 showed the same." John Herschel made two observations and his position matches
******************************
13 07 59.1 +51 55 45; CVn
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 35°
18" (6/27/03): fairly faint, elongated 5:2 SW-NE,
0.9'x0.35'. Sharply concentrated with a fairly prominent 15" core. Located 8.5' N of mag 8.0 SAO
28644.
William Herschel discovered H. II-815 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep
929) and recorded "F, vS, stellar." Re-reducing his position with respect to either 82 UMa (his
reference star) or
When John Herschel examined the field, he recorded a nova
(h1542) at the position of
Since Dreyer followed the GC, we are left with NGC 4987 = h1542 = UGC 8216. Unfortunately, his father's H. II-815 = CGCG 271-017 is left without a NGC designation. Both Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke agree with my analysis in an email exchange on 10 Jun 2014. See Harold Corwin's full write-up.
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13 09 54.2 -43 06 22; Cen
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 26°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): at 166x appears fairly faint,
moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.3', broad weak
concentration. Forms the southern
vertex of a thin isosceles triangle with two mag 9-10 stars 2.8' NNW and 2.8'
N. Located 32' W of NGC 5011 and
23' NW of mag 5.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 4988 = h3470 on 3 Jun 1834 NGC
4988 and recorded "vF; S; E; possibly a small group of stars, but I think
it is nebulous." His position matches
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13 09 16.0 -05 23 47; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 165°
17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, very small, round, compact, high surface brightness, small bright core. Located 12' NW of Theta Virginis (V = 4.4/9.5 at 6"). Forms a pair with NGC 4990 7.4' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4989 = H. II-185 = Au 31 on
24 Apr 1784 (sweep 205) and recorded "F, S, irr, near a pB
star." His position is 20 sec
of RA west and 3' north of
******************************
NGC 4990 = MCG -01-34-004 = Mrk 1344 = PGC 45608
13 09 17.2 -05 16 22; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (5/17/90): faint, extremely small, round, fairly high surface brightness, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 4989 7.4' S.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 4990 on 23 Mar 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen, while observing NGC 4989 located 7.5'
south. His position (measured on
two nights) matches
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13 09 15.1 +02 20 51; Vir
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (5/16/09): extremely faint, very small, round,
15" diameter, requires averted vision to view. A nice elongated group of 4 brighter stars (including mag
8.2
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4991 = m 246 on 30 Apr 1864 and
noted "vF, vS." His position is within 1' of
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13 09 05.6 +11 38 03; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 10°
18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:3 ~N-S,
0.7'x0.4', very weak concentration.
Located 51' W of mag 5.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 4992 = h1541 on 4 Apr 1831 and recorded "vF; S; lE; north of two small stars." His position is accurate.
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13 09 47.7 -23 23 02; Hya
V = 12.3; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (4/13/96): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
1.0' diameter. Pretty symmetrical
appearance increasing to a 30" brighter core and a 10" nucleus. Located 5.3' WNW of mag 8.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 4993 = H. III-766 on 26 Mar
1789 (sweep 918) and noted "vF, vS." His position is at the west edge of
******************************
NGC 4994 = NGC 4993: = ESO 508-018 = MCG -04-31-039 = PGC 45657
13 09 47.7 -23 23 02; Hya
See observing notes for NGC 4993.
John Herschel discovered NGC 4994 = h3471 on 25 Mar 1836 and
recorded "pF; R; slbM; 35"; among stars." There is nothing near his position that
he might have picked up. ESO and
PGC misidentify
Harold Corwin notes that NGC 4993 (discovered by WH) is exactly 50' south of Herschel's position and a much better match in description. So, NGC 4993 = NGC 4994.
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13 09 40.6 -07 50 01; Vir
V = 11.1; Size 2.5'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 99°
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly bright, moderately large, oval
3:2 E-W, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Located 3.4' SSE of mag 8.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 4995 = H. I-42 = h1540 = 3472 on 25 Apr 1784 (sweep 207) and recorded "cB, pL, bM and diminishes gradually towards the ends; near a vB star." On 20 Mar 1789 (sweep 913) he also recorded "pB almost cB, mbM, about 2' dia." From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel logged "pB; R; vgpmbM; 60"."
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13 09 31.9 +00 51 25; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 40°
18" (5/28/06): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8'
diameter. Unusual appearance with
a very low surface brightness halo surrounding a faint stellar nucleus. Located 7' N of mag 9.1
Albert Marth discovered NGC 4996 = m 247 on 28 Mar 1864 and noted "pB, S, R, bM." His position is accurate.
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13 09 51.7 -16 30 56; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 95°
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, small, high surface
brightness, stellar nucleus.
Located 2.3' E of mag 6.7
Sherburne Burnham discovered NGC 4997 on 28 Mar 1878 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory. It was reported in Memoirs of the Astr Soc, Vol 44, p169 and his position with respect to nearby mag 6.7 SAO 157759 is accurate. Burnham may have shown the galaxy to Edward Holden while visiting Washburn Observatory in 1881, as Holden included this object as #9 in his 1882 discovery list (Publ. of the Washburn Observatory, Vol I) though he noted "This nebula was first discovered by S. W. Burnham at the Dearborn Observatory, 1878, March 28." Holden called it was "S, R, stellar nucleus." Only Burnham was credited in the NGC.
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NGC 4998 = MCG +09-22-017 = CGCG 271-015 = PGC 45537
13 08 10.3 +50 39 50; CVn
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6
18" (6/27/03): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.5', low even surface brightness. A mag 15 star lies 45" NW. Three mag 10 stars are in the field between 6'-7.5' SW, SSW and SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4998 = H. III-819 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and simply noted "vF". Caroline's reduced position is 14 tsec following CGCG 271-015 = PGC 45537 (only nearby galaxy).
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13 09 33.1 +01 40 23; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 2.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 2.0' diameter. Contains a very small brighter core surrounded by a low surface brightness halo. A mag 14 star is barely off the east edge 1.1' from center. Located 8' E of a mag 10 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 4999 = H. II-537 = h1543 on
24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "F, pL, iR, er." His position is just northeast of the
core of
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13 09 47.5 +28 54 25; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.0
18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly
round, 0.8'x0.7', very weak concentration. Nestled in a group of mag 12-14 stars. A faint galaxy 1' SE was not seen. Located 6.5' NNW of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 5000 = H. III-366 = h1544 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, pS."
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13 09 33.2 +53 29 39; UMa
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 160°
18" (6/27/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, oval 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.5' NE. Located 20' following a group of a half-dozen galaxies including NGC 4967/73/74.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5001 = h1545 on 1 May 1831 and
recorded "not vF; S; irr R; gbM." His position is 1' north of
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13 10 38.3 +36 38 04; CVn
V = 13.9; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 173°
17.5" (4/28/89): very faint, very small, faint stellar nucleus. Member of the NGC 5033 Group (LGG 334).
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5002 on 27 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is accurate.
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13 08 37.9 +43 44 15; CVn
V = 14.8; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 145°
18" (7/1/03): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, fairly low surface brightness. Collinear with two mag 12.5 stars 2.6' NNE and 6' NNE. This galaxy is not identified as NGC 5003 in RNGC, UGC, MCG, CGCG or PGC. See identification notes.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5003 = H. III-655 on 9 Apr
1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "vF, pS, lbM". There was confusion in the transit time
and he gave a range of 3 minutes in RA (offset 5-7 min 26 sec preceding and 2°
57' north of 19 CVn).
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13 11 01.5 +29 38 12; Com
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170°
24" (5/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, ~40"x30", high surface brightness. Contains a relatively large very bright core and a thin halo that quickly fades out.
Brightest in a trio with
18" (7/1/03): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.7'x0.5', well concentration with a very small bright core. NGC 5004A = UGC 8259 lies 3.5' S' and appeared very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.6'x0.3', low even surface brightness. A mag 12 star is just off the SE tip, 45" from center. IC 4210 = NGC 5004B is 5.3' NW. Member of AGC 1656.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5004 = H. III-305 = h1546 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and logged "vF, vS, lE."
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13 10 56.5 +37 03 32; CVn
V = 9.8; Size 5.8'x2.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 65°
24" (5/27/17): extremely bright edge-on 3:1 WSW-ENE, nearly 5'x1.8' with averted. Sharply concentrated with a very bright thin, elongated core punctuated by a sharp stellar nucleus. A thin dust lane is evident hugging the north side of the core (creating a sharp light cut-off) and is more easily seen on the west side. Spiral structure can be picked out on both ends of the outer halo. On the WSW end, a broad outer portion of a spiral arm sweeps south (clockwise) and on the ENE end another ill-defined arm curls north.
17.5" (4/28/89): very bright, large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 4.8'x2.0'. Strong concentration with a small very bright elongated core and stellar nucleus. NGC 5002 lies 26' SSW and NGC 5033 (the brightest in the group and a physical companion) is 40' SE.
13.1" (4/12/86): very bright, elongated WSW-ENE, bright core with a stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5005 = H. I-96 = h1547 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "vB, mE nearly in the parallel. The faint rays included, about 5' long; the vB part of it, about 1.5' long; the brightness decreasing very suddenly." John Herschel made two observations, described on sweep 73 "vB; vL; mE; 4' l, 1' br; vsbM to a nucleus, pos by diagram = 30° nf to sp." A dark lane north of the nucleus was suspected during several observations at Birr Castle. On 4 May 1861: "Nucleus elongated and perhaps not in direction of major axis of nebula. Dark lane suspected north and perhaps on the other side also, coming slightly preceding nucleus?"
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13 11 45.7 -19 15 42; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 170°
14.5" (4/10/21): at 224x; fairly faint, slightly
elongated N-S, 40"x30".
A mag 14 star is close NW [44" from center]. Mag 9.7
17.5" (4/13/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8'. Contains a round 30" brighter core with faint extensions. A mag 14 star is less than 1' NW of center. Two mag 10 stars lie 4' and 5' SW.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5006 on 31 Mar 1881, while observing NGC 5018. In the narrative portion of list V, he noted a new nebula 1 min of time preceding and 16' north of NGC 5018. Although the difference in RA is 1 min 15 sec, his declination offset is accurate.
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13 09 14.4 +62 10 30; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 135°
18" (6/27/03): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter,
slightly brighter core. A mag 14.5
star lies 0.9' NW. Located 5.3' SW
of mag 6.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5007 = H. III-848 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "vF, vS." Caroline's reduced position is 15 sec of time east of UGC 8240.
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14 10 57.2 +25 29 51; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 135°
17.5" (6/8/96): NGC 5008 is the brightest member of HCG
71, along with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5008 on 18 May 1862 and
noted a mag 10 star preceded by 1.1 seconds of time and 95" north. There is nothing at his position and
his object was not recovered by Bigourdan or Reinmuth. Harold Corwin found that
Stephane Javelle independently discovered this galaxy, along with a nearby companion to the northeast, on 15 Jun 1895 and listed them as J. 1294 and J. 1295 in his discovery papers. Dreyer, of course, assumed they were new objects and catalogued the pair as IC 4381 and 4382. So, NGC 5008 = IC 4381. Because of the poor NGC position, this galaxy is known as IC 4381 in modern catalogues and RNGC classifies NGC 5008 as "Not Found".
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13 10 47.0 +50 05 31; CVn
V = 14.5; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 75°
18" (7/1/03): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', broad concentration to a brighter core. A mag 14 is close off the north side, 40" from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5009 = H. III-820 = h1550 on
26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and recorded "2 vS stars with vF nebulosity
between them, less than 1' distance." Caroline's reduced position is 45
sec of time east of
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13 12 26.3 -15 47 52; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 120°
17.5" (4/13/96): faint, fairly small , elongated 2:1
WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.6', fairly even surface brightness. Contains a bulging core with thinner extensions. A mag 14 star is 1.4' N of center.
Located 5' NE of mag 9.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 5010 = h1548 on 9 May 1831 and recorded "vF; R: bM; a * 10m 45° np, distance 5'." His position is 10 sec of RA too far west and the star is 45° north-preceding.
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NGC 5011 = ESO 269-065 = MCG -07-27-042 = LGG 339-012 = PGC 45898
13 12 51.9 -43 05 47; Cen
V = 11.4; Size 2.4'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 154°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly bright, fairly
large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE. Moderate
even concentration to a brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus.
17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, small, round, weak
concentration. The following three
brighter stars are equidistant to the E; mag 9.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 5011 = h3473 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "pB; pS; R; gbM; 15"; in a curve of 3 or 4 stars." His mean position (3 nights) is accurate. Joseph Turner recorded "suddenly much brighter in the middle, about 25" in diameter", using the 48" GMT on 1 May 1878. (p.173 in logbook)
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13 11 37.0 +22 54 56; Com
V = 12.2; Size 2.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 10°
18" (7/1/03): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 2.0'x1.2', fairly well concentrated with a very small bright core. A mag 13-14 star is superimposed on the north end. The surface brightness is uneven and the galaxy appears slightly mottled.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5012 = H. I-85 = h1549 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "cB, pL." John Herschel made two observations and recorded (sweep 409) "vF; L; double or wedge-formed bicentral; pos 17° per micrometer. Each neb vglbM; a large star (the first of a trapezium) 25s following." He confused the superimposed star with another nucleus.
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13 12 07.3 +03 11 57; Vir
V = 14.9; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 140°
18" (5/28/06): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15". Forms the eastern vertex of a near equilateral triangle with a mag 12 star 3.8' WNW and a mag 11 star 4.2' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5013 = m 248 on 30 Apr 1864 and
noted "vF, vS." His position is less than 1' south of
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13 11 31.3 +36 16 55; CVn
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 102°
24" (5/20/17): at 200x and 375x; moderately bright and large, fairly nice edge-on, ~1.0'x0.3', small bright core, occasional stellar nucleus (possibly offset from geometric center?). The surface brightness is not smooth (dust?) near the center.
13.1" (4/12/86): faint, fairly small, edge-on WNW-ESE, brighter core. Located 46' SSE of NGC 5005. Member of the NGC 5033 Group (LGG 334).
William Herschel discovered NGC 5014 = H. II-414 = h1551 on
1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "F, S, lE." His position matches
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13 12 22.8 -04 20 12; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 40°
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration, low surface brightness. A mag 11 star is 4.3' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5015 = H. II-637 = h1552 on 11 Mar 1787 (sweep 709) and logged "F, cL, iR, lbM. The time not accurate." Interestingly, his position (Caroline's reduction) is accurate in RA and 4' too far south (previous nebulae in the sweep are also offset 2'-4' too far south).
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13 12 06.6 +24 05 42; Com
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 50°
17.5" (4/13/96): moderately bright, roundish, moderately large, 2.0' diameter, broad concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' N of center.
8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, round, moderately
large. Located 10' S of mag 6.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 5016 = H. II-356 on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "pB, S." His position was 15 seconds of RA too small and 3' too far south. d'Arrest's micrometric position (used in the NGC) is accurate.
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13 12 54.4 -16 45 57; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 140°
17.5" (4/13/96): fairly faint, round, 1.0'
diameter. Well-defined halo with
crisp edges. Gradually increases
to a nearly stellar nucleus.
Overall moderate surface brightness. A well-matched pair of mag 11 stars lies 6' WNW. Located at the SW end of the
William Herschel discovered NGC 5017 = H. III-669 = h1553 on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) and simply noted as "vF". John Herschel made the single observation "vF; R; bM" and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 5018 = ESO 576-010 = MCG -03-34-017 = UGCA 335 = PGC 45908
13 13 01.0 -19 31 05; Vir
V = 10.8; Size 3.3'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 112°
14.5" (4/10/21): at 182x and 226x; bright, fairly
large, slightly elongated, ~1.8'x1.5', very strong and sharp concentration with
a small, very bright core and an intense nucleus. A mag 14.6 star was seen just outside the halo [1.1' E of
center]. Brightest in a small
group with
Type Ia SN 2021fxy, discovered on 17 Mar 2021, was visible as a mag 14.2 "star", just 7" E and 20" N of center of the galaxy. It was seen without difficulty close to the edge of the core and within the halo. A similar mag 14.1 star was noted 2' N of the galaxy.
17.5" (4/13/96): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, roughly 2.5'x2.0'. Very bright core dominates much fainter halo. Located 6' SE of mag 9.3 SAO 157792. Forms a pair with NGC 5022 7.2' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5018 = H. II-746 = h1554 on 8 Apr 1788 (sweep 826) and recorded "pB, S, pBN." His position is within the halo of ESO 576-010 = PGC 45908. John Herschel made the single observation "B; R; pgmbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position. Nearby NGC 5022 was discovered by Wilhelm Tempel.
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13 12 42.4 +04 43 47; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 105°
18" (5/28/06): very faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter, very weak concentration. A 20' string of a half dozen mag 11 stars oriented NW to SE passes to the south of the galaxy.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5019 = H. III-545 = h1555 on 17 Apr 1786 (sweep 553) and logged "eF, cS, er." John Herschel measured a fairly accurate position.
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13 12 39.9 +12 35 59; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 3.2'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 85°
17.5" (5/19/01): this face-on barred spiral appears as
a fairly large, round 2' glow of fairly low surface brightness. Contains a sharply defined, bright
20" core and a stellar nucleus.
Located 15' SE of mag 8.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 5020 = H. II-129 = h1556 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and recorded "F, pL, lbM, r, of a roundish figure." John Herschel made three observations, first logging "F; pL; E; 30" long."
R.J. Mitchell, observing on 16 Feb 1855 at Birr Castle, recorded "S, R, pB Nucl, with (I suspect) straggling arms of F neby branching out, perhaps spiral."
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13 12 06.2 +46 11 46; CVn
V = 13.4; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 78°
18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.5', brighter along a fairly thin major axis. A mag 11 star is off the ENE tip, 1.2' from center.
18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration. A mag 11.5 star is at the NE tip (unintentionally observed twice the same evening).
John Herschel discovered NGC 5021 = h1557 on 26 Apr 1830 and recorded "pF; R; 40"; has a *12 north-following by 1 1/2'." R.S. Ball, LdR's assistant on 28 Mar 1867, noted "Possibly double, at least there seems to be two B portions to it." The SDSS image reveals either a brighter region south of the core, or a superimposed companion, which is likely Ball's second object.
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NGC 5022 = ESO 576-014 = MCG -03-34-021 = FGC 1581 = PGC 45952
13 13 30.7 -19 32 47; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 2.4'x0.35'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 21°
14.5" (4/10/21): at 182x; fairly faint, very thin edge-on ~6:1 SSW-NNE, ~1.5'x0.25'. A mag 11.1 star is 2.3' N. Member of a small group with NGC 5018 7' W.
17.5" (4/13/96): faint, moderately large, thin edge-on 5:1 ~N-S, 2.0'x0.4', even surface brightness. A mag 12 star lies 2.3' N of center. Forms a pair with NGC 5018 7' WNW.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5022 on 31 Mar 1881, while observing NGC 5018. Ormond Stone independently discovered this galaxy in 1886 and reported it as #196 in the first discovery list at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Stone noted it was 8' following GC 3448 [NGC 5018] in PA 110° (ESE).
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13 12 11.8 +44 02 20; CVn
V = 12.3; Size 6.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 28°
17.5" (4/21/01): moderately bright, large, thin edge-on streak SSW-NNE, 4.0'x0.4', slightly brighter center. Member of nearby group LGG 347 along with M51! A 1' pair of mag 10/11 stars lies 9' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5023 = H. II-664 = h1559 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, mE from sp to nf, about 5' l and 3/4' br." John Herschel made two observations and his mean position is accurate. NGC 5023 is one of the flattest NGC galaxies.
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13 12 55.2 +18 10 09; Com
V = 7.5; Size 12.6'
17.5" (5/27/00): at 220x this moderately bright GC appeared 6'-7' diameter with a very bright 2' core and ~50-60 stars resolved. At 380x, perhaps 75 stars were resolved, mostly in the outer halo and the edges of the small, bright, concentrated core. A brighter mag 12 star is just NE of the core, but most of the resolved stars are mag 13.5-15. The halo is fairly rich, but unevenly distributed with more stars resolved on the north side. Towards the edges of the halo the globular thins out and appeared straggly, with a maximum diameter 8'-9'.
17.5" (5/10/86): at least 50 stars resolved mostly in the outer halo which reaches 6' diameter. Contains a very bright core that is very mottled. Many stars are superimposed over the core.
13.1" (5/21/82): outer halo of faint stars resolved.
German astronomer Johann Elert Bode discovered
William Herschel made his first observation on 30 May 1783 with his 6-inch and noted "more than a suspicion of stars." On 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) he described M53 as "one of the most beautiful objects I remember ever to have seen in the heavens; The cluster appears under the form of a solid ball consisting of small stars quite compressed into one blaze of light, with a great number of loose ones surrounding it and distinctly visible in the general mass. See fig. 2 [which shows it resolved into numerous stars]."
John Herschel described it on 6 May 1826 as "A most beautiful highly compressed cluster. Stars very small, 12...20m; with sc st to a considerable dist; irreg R, but not globular. Comes up to a blaze in the centre; indicating a round mass of pretty equable density." On 25 May 1827, he logged "Seen by Mr. [Francis] Baily. A fine compressed cluster, with curved appendages like the short claws of a crab running out from the main body."
Wilhelm Struve found it again in 1825 or 1826 and included it in a list of 9 "Nebulae dectae" in the appendix to his main catalogue of double stars. In his 1844 Bedford Catalogue, William Smyth called M53 a "brilliant mass of minute stars" and a "ball of innumerable worlds."
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13 12 44.7 +31 48 33; CVn
V = 13.4; Size 2.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 57°
18" (7/1/03): faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE,
1.1'x0.25', low even surface brightness.
A mag 13.5 star is barely off the NE tip [37" from center]. Located 19' SE of mag 6.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 5025 = H. III-649 = h1560 on
20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and noted "vF, S, lE." John Herschel made 3 observations and
noted (sweep 131) "vF; E; S; 30" south of a * 13m." His mean position matches
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NGC 5026 = ESO 269-073 = AM 1311-424 = MCG -07-27-048 = LGG 339-006 = PGC 46023
13 14 13.5 -42 57 40; Cen
V = 11.5; Size 3.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 52°
18" (4/1/19 - OzSky): at 182x; bright, very large, very
bright large oval core, elongated SSW-NNE. Slightly brighter arcs (arms) surrounded the core region on
the northwest side and south side.
The faint halo was quite large, extending ~2'x1.4'. Situated in a rich star field 6.7' S of
mag6.7
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x1.0', broad concentration. NGC 5011 lies 17' SW. Located 6.7' S of a mag 7 star.
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, large brighter core. Part of an outlying group in the Centaurus cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5026 = h3474 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "pB; pL; R; gbM; 50"." His mean position (3 nights) is accurate.
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13 13 21.0 +06 03 40; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 63°
18" (5/28/06): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. A mag 14 star is off the SE side 1.0' from the center. Located 1.2° NW of mag 4.8 Sigma (60) Virginis.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5027 = h1561 on 17 Apr 1830 and recorded "eF; R; vgbM." His position (measured on two nights) is accurate.
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13 13 45.8 -13 02 33; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 130°
17.5" (4/13/96): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.7', slightly brighter core. A mag 11.5 star is attached on the west side [22" from center]. A brighter mag 10.5 star lies 2.5' due south.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5028 = T. 5-29 in 1882. His micrometric position (on the mag 11 star at the west edge) matches MCG -02-33-104 = PGC 45170.
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13 12 37.6 +47 03 48; CVn
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 150°
18" (7/1/03): fairly faint, fairly small, sharply
concentrated with a bright 30" core and a much fainter halo which
increases the size to perhaps 1.0'.
The outer halo appears irregular with a hint of structure. Collinear with two mag 10 stars to the
east. Collinear with a mag 11 star
3.4' ESE and mag 9.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 5029 = h1562 on 13 May 1830 and
logged "F; R; gbM; 15"; twilight." His position is just off the north side of
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13 13 54.1 -16 29 27; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2
SSW-NNE, bright core. A mag 13
star is 1.2' NW. Located 5.4' NW
of mag 8.2
Edward Holden discovered NGC 5030, along with
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NGC 5031 = MCG -03-34-024 = PGC 46006
13 14 03.1 -16 07 23; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 1.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 110°
17.5" (4/13/96): fairly faint, fairly small. On first glance appeared as a 30" round glow (core) but faint extensions were noticed extending the major axis to 1.3' WNW-ESE. A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' E of center. Member of the NGC 5044 group (NW of center).
Edward Holden discovered NGC 5031, along with NGC 5030 and 5035, on 17 May 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. He noted "vF, like a nebula star 10-11 mag. GC 3465 [NGC 5044] follows 2 min." His position is accurate. RC3 and Deep Sky Field Guide give an incorrect PA of 70°.
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13 13 26.9 +27 48 09; Com
V = 12.8; Size 2.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 22°
24" (6/4/16): at 375x; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 ~N-S, 1.2'x0.8'. Contains a bright elongated core or bar and a small bright nucleus. A mag 14 star is 1.2' E and a slightly fainter star is 1.3' SW. Located 21' ESE of mag 4.3 Beta Comae.
Forms a physical pair with
18" (6/4/05): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', increases to a small, bright core. Bracketed by two similar stars 1.2' the SW and a similar distance to the NE. Forms a close pair with NGC 5032B = MCG +05-31-159 at 2.4' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5032 = H. III-367 = h1563 on
11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "vF, pL." Caroline's reduction is
2' south of
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NGC 5033 = UGC 8307 = MCG +06-29-062 = CGCG 189-043 = PGC 45948
13 13 27.8 +36 35 40; CVn
V = 10.2; Size 10.7'x5.0'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 170°
48" (4/20/17): at 488x; very bright, very large, elongated 5:2 N-S, some spiral structure is evident. Very well concentrated with an extremely bright, elongated core roughly 1'x0.5'. A low surface brightness spiral arm extends from the core on the north side and hooks sharply south on the west side of the halo. It brightens and appears to end just west of a superimposed mag 14.5 star, situated 1.3' NNW of center. A detached section of this arm was also seen due west of the core, just west of a superimposed mag 15.7 star [0.9' WSW of center].
Although arm structure was not distinguishable on the south side, a brighter knot was visible (at the sharp bend of an arm) 2.4' due S of center. It was roughly 15" in diameter and aligned with the major axis of the core. This HII complex is listed in NED as NGC 5033:[EKS96] 229, from the 1996 "An Atlas of H II Regions in Nearby Seyfert Galaxies" by Evans et al.
24" (5/22/17 and 5/27/17): at 124x and 282x; very bright and large impressive spiral, elongated 5:2 N-S, ~7'x2.8'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, very elongated core region and an enhanced central axis or bar that increases to a sharp, intense nucleus. There is a strong impression of spiral structure in the halo with slightly brighter and darker regions. A very weak enhancement or HII region is 2.4' due south of center with an hint of an arm segment curving through this patch. An extremely faint, nearly stellar knot (only identified with a DSS image) is 1.3' W of center just northwest of a dim mag 15.7 star in the halo. A brighter mag 14.5 star is superimposed 1.4' NNW of center.
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 N-S, small very bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is superimposed. Brightest in a group with NGC 5005 40' NW (physical pair).
William Herschel discovered NGC 5033 = H. I-97 = h1564 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405). His description reads, "vB, pL, E, mbM and the brightness diminishing gradually; the extension not far from the meridian [N-S]."
Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistant on 1 Mar 1851, noted "an appendage [arm] preceding." The arm was mentioned again on 19 Apr 1862: "The patch p[receding] is vF, yet distinctly seen as far as in sketch, but I suspect it joins n end of neb." R.J. Mitchell, observing on 3 May 1858, noted "I also think I see a neb knot sf, in the direction of major axis of neb, but was interrupted by clouds." This "knot" is mostly likely the HII complex NGC 5033:[EKS96] 229, situated 2.4' south of center.
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13 12 19.0 +70 38 58; UMi
V = 13.2; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 15°
18" (6/27/03): very faint, small, irregularly round, 0.5'x0.4', low even surface brightness. Requires averted vision although viewed nearly 6 hrs passed the meridian with the galaxy fairly low. Forms the east vertex of a triangle with mag 12/13 stars 2.7' WNW and 4' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5034 = H. III-909 on 7 Apr 1793 (sweep 1037) and noted "vF, vS, R." His RA is 30 sec too small (most objects on this sweep have similar errors).
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13 14 49.2 -16 29 34; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 30°
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated N-S, weak concentration.
Bracketed by mag 9.4
Edward Holden discovered NGC 5035, along with NGC 5030 and
5031, on 17 May 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn
Observatory. His description reads "F, S, R, bN. GC 3465 [NGC 5044]
follows 34 seconds [of time]." His position is 1' S of
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13 14 42.8 -04 10 43; Vir
V = 14.8; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (6/1/02): very faint, very small, round, 0.4'
diameter. With direct vision a
slightly brighter 5" core is visible. Forms a pair with difficult
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5036 = LM 2-458, along
with NGC 5036, on 25 Jan 1887. He
noted "mag 15.5, 0.2' dia, R, gbM, 1st of 2." and his position
matches
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NGC 5037 = MCG -03-34-029 = PGC 46078
13 14 59.6 -16 35 27; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 40°
17.5" (5/17/90): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core. A mag 13.5 star is perched at the NE tip. Second of six in the NGC 5044 group (LGG 338) with NGC 5035 6.2' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5037 = H. II-510 = h1565 on
31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "F, lE, 1 1/2' long." His position is an excellent match with
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13 15 02.1 -15 57 06; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.1; PA = 95°
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, edge-on 4:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.2', very small bright core. A mag 11 star is 4.3' SSW. Located roughly 30' N of the center of the NGC 5044 group.
Edward Holden discovered NGC 5038 on 28 May 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. He recorded "cB, E 90° +/-, stellar nucleus. Follows Lalande 24460 4min 28sec and is 3' north." His position is accurate.
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NGC 5039 = PGC 46064 = LEDA 1062056
13 14 52.0 -04 09 29; Vir
V = 15.5; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 40°
17.5" (6/1/02): extremely faint and small, round, 0.2' diameter. Requires averted and only intermittently visible between a mag 12.5' 1.5' SSW and a mag 13 star 1.6' NNE. DSFG lists a V magnitude of just 16.1!
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5039 = LM 2-459, along with NGC 5036, on 25 Jan 1887, and recorded "mag 15.8, 0.1' dia , E 45°, 2nd of 2 [with NGC 5036]." His position is accurate and Corwin notes his sketch clearly shows it in relation to NGC 5036.
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13 13 32.6 +51 15 31; CVn
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 70°
17.5" (6/1/02): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, 0.6'x0.5', contains a small brighter core with a stellar nucleus or
a faint star is superimposed.
Located 8.3' NNE of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 5040 = H. II-816 on 26 Apr
1789 (sweep 929) and logged "F, S, iR, vgmbM." Caroline's reduced position is 15 sec
of RA east and 1.5' north of
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13 14 32.4 +30 42 20; Com
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 150°
17.5" (5/27/00): faint, fairly small, irregular round,
relatively low surface brightness, 1' diameter, weakly concentrated. The core appears to be elongated NW-SE
within a slightly fainter rounder halo.
Located 26' SW of
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5041 on 19 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on 3 nights) matches
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13 15 31.0 -23 59 01; Hya
V = 11.8; Size 4.2'x2.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 22°
18" (5/16/09): very large, diffuse galaxy with a fairly
low surface brightness, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE. At 175x there was a broad, weak central brightening but no
core or nucleus and appeared nearly 3.0'x1.8' in size. Located 2.4' NE of mag 8
17.5" (6/1/02): large, low surface brightness galaxy
situated just 2.4' NE of mag 8.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 5042 = h3477 on 25 Mar 1836 and recorded "F; L; R; vgvlbM; a star 9m; 1' north, precedes 10s." His position is accurate, although the nearby star is southwest, not northwest.
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13 16 16 -60 04; Cen
Size 15'x8'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x and 178x): very bright scattered cluster extending over a 14'x7' region from SW to NE. Contains ~25 brighter mag 10.5-12 stars and an equal number of faint stars. Three mag 10-10.5 stars are on the southwest end. Many of the stars appear to be connected in loose, curving chains. There is no concentration towards the center or denser subgroups and the outline is quite irregular. Still, at low power the group stands out well enough. Located 30' SE of a mag 4.5 star (V831 Cen).
John Herschel discovered NGC 5043 = h3476 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded, "Cluster VIII; oblong, 10' by 7', of loose sc st 11m." His position corresponds with a mag 10.7 star at the center of a scattered group of mag 11/12 stars. Harold Corwin moves the center of the group 30 sec of RA west of Herschel's position. The RNGC description is "NOCL?".
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NGC 5044 = MCG -03-34-034 = UGCA 341 = LGG 338-004 = PGC 46115
13 15 24.0 -16 23 06; Vir
V = 10.8; Size 3.0'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly bright, round, 2.0' diameter,
moderate concentration. Brightest
in a group (LGG 338) and third of six in a 20' circle with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5044 = H. II-511 = h1566,
along with NGC 5049, on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "pB, R,
bM." Another observation on 7
May 1787 (sweep 732) reads "pB, pL, R. I believe I saw a very faint one preceding." His position is accurate. Interestingly, there is a very faint
galaxy,
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13 17 06 -63 25; Cen
Size 45'
14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x, 145x and 230x): at
the NGC position is a very rich Milky Way collection of stars; at least 150
stars were counted in a 15' to 18' region, including mag 6.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 5045 = h3475 on 16 Jun 1835 and reported "A great cluster or a surprisingly rich portion of the milky way. It contains 34 stars 11m, and perhaps 150 or 200 of less magnitudes in the field." At his position (given here) is a rich milky way field, but no distinct cluster. The RNGC description is "NOCL?". SIMBAD gives a position 3 min of RA further west, though there is no cluster there either. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 5045 might be a duplicate observation of NGC 5155, nearly 10 min of RA following. JH's descriptions are quite similar, however both objects were recorded on the same sweep, so this would require some kind of mix-up on his part.
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13 15 45.1 -16 19 37; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.1
17.5" (5/17/90): faint, very small, slightly
elongated. Located 3.2' SSW of mag
8.9
Edward Holden discovered NGC 5046 on 17 May 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. He recorded "F, vS, R, stellar nucleus. GC 3465 [NGC 5044] precedes 21 sec." His position is accurate.
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NGC 5047 = MCG -03-34-036 = PGC 46150
13 15 48.4 -16 31 08; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 2.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 70°
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 ENE-WSW, very small bright core. Fifth of six in the NGC 5044 group with NGC 5044 13' NW, NGC 5049 8' NNE and NGC 5046 11.6' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5047 = H. III-670 on 7 May
1787 (sweep 732) and simply noted "vF". Caroline's reduction is NGC dec is 3' north of
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13 16 08.3 -28 24 38; Hya
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 48°
18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', weak even concentration to the center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5048 = h3478, along with NGC
5051, on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pF; R; has another nebula nf; Delta RA
= 20s +/-; Delta PD; 5' +/-."
His position is just off the south side of
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NGC 5049 = MCG -03-34-037 = UGCA 343 = LGG 338-005 = PGC 46166
13 15 59.3 -16 23 52; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 122°
17.5" (5/17/90): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core. Last of six in a 20' field (LGG 338 group) with NGC 5044 8.5' W and NGC 5047 7.8' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5049 = H. II-512, along with NGC 5044, on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and noted "F, S." His position is 1.4' northwest of MCG -03-34-037 = PGC 46166.
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13 15 41.7 +02 52 44; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 35°
17.5" (6/1/02): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2
SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4'. Contains a very
small bright 15" core.
Collinear with two mag 13/14 stars less than 2' N. Located 10' SSE of mag 7.3
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5050 = m 249 on 30 Apr 1864 and
noted "F, vS, stell."
His position is 1.5' southwest of
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NGC 5051 = ESO 444-001 = MCG -05-31-042 = PGC 46194
13 16 20.0 -28 17 09; Hya
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 50°
18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.4'. Appears to have a brighter slightly brighter bulging core and narrower extensions.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5051 = h3479, along with NGC 5048, on 30 Mar 1835 and noted "The following of 2 [with NGC 5048]." In his description for h3478 = NGC 5048 he gave the separation as roughly 20s of RA and 5' in PD. The actual figures are 12s of RA and 7.5' in Dec. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00.
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13 15 34.9 +29 40 33; Com
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 160°
17.5" (6/1/02): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated
4:3 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.7', fairly bright stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star lies 1.6' SE of
center. Located 7' SE of mag 9.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 5052 = h1567 on 10 Apr 1831 and
simply noted "vF". His
position (single observation) is 1' north of
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13 16 26.9 +17 41 52; Com
V = 9.9; Size 9'; Surf Br = 0.0
17.5" (5/10/86): about two dozen faint stars resolved at 286x over a faint background haze. Very weak concentration with no core. Appears similar to a faint, resolved open cluster. A mag 9.5 star is off the east side, 6.5' from the center.
8" (3/28/81): faint, fairly large, pale, no resolution.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5053 = H. VI-7 = h1569 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170) and recorded "an excessively faint cluster of stars intermixed with resolvable nebulosity 8 or 10' diameter. The stars are so small that they cannot be seen without the greatest attention. 240 verified it beyond all doubts." There is nothing at his position, but 2 min of RA west is this low surface brightness globular.
John Herschel described the GC as "vL; eF; a cluster of stars 19 or 20m, with 4 or 5 = 15m; irreg R, vgvlbM; diam at least 8 or 10'. A most curious and interesting object. The stars are just discernable. So faint, might easily be overlooked." He also mentioned the RA of his father was "very much out" so he nearly lost the observation. Dreyer used John Herschel's position in the NGC.
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13 16 58.3 -16 38 07; Vir
V = 10.9; Size 5.1'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 155°
48" (4/21/17): at 488x and 697x: very bright, large,
very irregular 3-armed spiral!
Strongly concentrated with an intensely bright core and quasi-stellar
nucleus. A thin strong arm is
attached to the core on the west side.
It shoots nearly straight north, aiming east of a mag 14 star 2.3' NW of
center and quickly dimming as it heads towards
MCG -03-34-040 appeared fairly faint, moderately large, thin edge-on 6:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.1', fairly low even surface brightness. The major axis of the axis "points" towards the core of NGC 5054. The northwestern spiral arm of NGC 5054 heads towards this galaxy, but fades out before reaching it
24" (6/1/13): bright, large, elongated nearly 2:1 NNW-SSE, ~3.5'x2'. Contains a large, bright core with a sharp, bright nearly stellar nucleus. The overall outline and surface brightness is irregular with spiral structure evident. A relatively thin, straight arm is attached on the west side of the core and shoots ~1.2' NNW, separating well from the central region. A second, lower contrast arm is attached at the NE side of the central region and hugs tightly along the eastern side of the core. This arm was not resolved until it extended south of the central region. A small, brighter knot (~10") is visible just north of the central region [~40" N of center]. A mag 13.5 star is just off the NE side, 1.3' from center, and a mag 14 star lies NW of the western arm, 2.2' from center.
Forms a pair with MCG -03-34-040 2.6' NNW. The companion appeared faint, small, very elongated 7:2 N-S (major axis aligned with the nucleus of NGC 5054), 22"x6", even surface brightness. The NGC 5044 group (7 NGCs) lies 20'-30' NW.
8" (5/26/84): fairly faint, contains a brighter middle with a diffuse outer halo of low surface brightness; the edge of the halo is difficult to define. One or two faint stars are involved. NGC 5017, NGC 5037 and NGC 5044 all lie to the west.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5054 = H. II-513 = h1568 on 31 Dec 1785 (sweep 503) and logged "cF, iR." A second observation on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) reads "pB, almost cB, pL, iF, but mbM." John Herschel noted "vF; R; 20"."
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13 15 49.2 +42 01 49; CVn
V = 8.6; Size 12.6'x7.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 105°
48" (4/23/17): This gorgeous spiral is sharply concentrated with a bright, mottled oval core that increases to an intensely bright nucleus. Several low contrast dust lanes surround the core, particularly on the south side of the core, separating thin sections of spiral arms. A long, relatively broad dust lane crosses the halo E-W, roughly 2' south of center. A very low surface brightness arm or section of the outer halo is visible beyond (south) of this dust lane. A mag 9.3 star is superimposed in the outer halo [3.7' WNW of center].
48" (4/7/13): The "Sunflower Galaxy" is a
classic example of a floccelent spiral with many short fragments forming the
arms. At 375x it appeared
extremely bright and large, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 8'x4'. A large, intense, mottled core
increases to a small, brilliant nucleus.
The outer halo was resolved into several tightly wrapped spiral arcs
that are separated by thin dust lanes.
The arm structure is most evident along the south side of the galaxy
with the easiest arm at the outer edge, particularly where it separates at the
western end. The galaxy extends
just beyond a mag 9.3 star (
UGCA 342, probably a detached section of the outer halo of
17.5" (4/28/89): very bright, large, elongated 2:1
WNW-ESE, 6'x3'. There is a faint
outer extension to the WNW (outer spiral arms?) that reaches extremely close to
mag 8.7
13.1" (5/27/84): very bright, elongated NNW-SSE, broad moderate concentration, stellar nucleus. The southern edge is more sharply defined while the northern side is more diffuse and extensive. A mag 8.5 star is off the NW edge.
Pierre Méchain discovered M63 = NGC 5055 = h1570 on 14 Jun 1779. On 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 717), William Herschel recorded "E from np to sf., 5 or 6' long and near 4' broad, a bright nucleus, very brilliant." On 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) he logged "vB, 9 or 10' long, considerably broad, the brightness confined to a small place." John Herschel logged "B; pmE; vsmbM, almost to a *, pos 30° np to sf. The sf end more diffused. Has a bright star np and a double star following."
On 9 Mar 1850, Lord Rosse (or observing assistant George Johnstone Stone) noted M63 was "another fine and bright spiral." Later observations couldn't confirm the spirality, though the galaxy is included in the list of 14 "Spiral or curvilinear" nebulae in LdR's 1850 PT paper.
Basen on Mt Wilson 60-inch photographs, Pease (1918) described M63 as a "bright, beautiful spiral 8' x 3' in p.a. 98°. Has an almost stellar nucleus. The whorls are narrow, very compactly arranged, and show numerous almost stellar condensations."
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NGC 5056 = UGC 8337 = MCG +05-31-166 = CGCG 160-173 = PGC 46180
13 16 12.3 +30 57 00; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 0°
17.5" (5/27/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 N-S, broad concentration. The
extensions appear mottled with a hint of clumpiness. Two mag 14.5 star are close following with the closer star
1.0' SE of center. Located 3.3' N
of mag 8.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 5056 = H. III-306 = h1571, along with NGC 5057, on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "Two, the time is that of the first [NGC 5056]. Both vF and S. The second [NGC 5057] about 7 or 8' north following the first." John Herschel made the single observation "F; S; R; bM. The first of 2." and measured an accurate position.
******************************
NGC 5057 = UGC 8342 = MCG +05-31-169 = CGCG 160-176 = PGC 46202
13 16 27.8 +31 01 53; Com
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (5/27/00): fairly faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, very small bright core, stellar nucleus at moments. Probably viewed the core only (halo very faint on DSS). Smaller but higher surface brightness than NGC 5056 6' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5057 = H. III-307 = h1572, along with NGC 5056, on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "Two, the time is that of the first [NGC 5056]. Both vF and S. The second [NGC 5057] about 7 or 8' north following the first." John Herschel made the single observation "F; S; R; bM. The second of 2." and measured an accurate position.
******************************
13 16 52.3 +12 32 54; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, slightly elongated,
0.5'x0.4', weak concentration to center but no defined core. Located 8' N of mag 8.4
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5058 on 2 Jun 1883 while observing to the north of a comet. Dreyer referenced Tempel's 5th discovery paper, but it was mentioned in his 7th paper.
******************************
13 16 58.5 +07 50 40; Vir
V = 14.8; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 8°
17.5" (6/1/02): extremely faint, very small, elongated ~N-S, ~0.4'x0.1', requires averted vision to glimpse. Located 1.5' NW of a mag 13.5 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5059 = m 250 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, S, lE." His position is accurate.
******************************
13 17 16.3 +06 02 15; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 55°
17.5" (6/1/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, 0.9'x0.7'. The
halo appears to change orientation with averted vision. Weak concentration to a slightly
brighter 15" core. Forms an
equilateral triangle with mag 9.0
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5060 on 17 Apr 1863 and
reported it as #168 in his AN 1500 list.
His position (measured on 3 nights) is an excellent match with
******************************
13 18 04.8 -26 50 11; Hya
V = 10.4; Size 3.5'x3.0'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (4/6/91): fairly bright, fairly small, round,
small very bright core. A mag 13
star is embedded in the NE portion of the halo. Located 2.5' WNW of mag 8.5
8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, small, round, small bright nucleus. A mag 10 star is 3' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5061 = H. I-138 = h3480 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 550) and recorded "cB, R, mbM in a pretty small place." His position is accurate. From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel logged "vB; R; bM; has a *10m 11s following; 30" south."
******************************
13 18 23.6 -35 27 32; Cen
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 132°
18" (3/17/07): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2'. A
mag 11 star lies 1.7' SW. Forms a
pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 5062 = h3482, along with NGC 5063, on 1 May 1834 and recorded "eF; vS; E. (? if really a nebula)" His position is 1.5' too far north (similar offset as NGC 5063).
******************************
NGC 5063 = ESO 382-036 = MCG -06-29-027 = LGG 340-004 = PGC 46357
13 18 25.6 -35 21 09; Cen
V = 12.3; Size 2.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 145°
18" (3/17/07): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1' diameter. Unusual appearance with a faint star at the north edge of the halo, a slightly brighter star at the west edge of the halo and third fainter star superimposed closer to the center. Forms a pair with NGC 5062 located 6.4' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5063 = h3481, along with NGC 5062, on 1 May 1834 and recorded "eF; vS; R; near one or two stars." His position is 1.5' too far north.
******************************
13 19 00.0 -47 54 33; Cen
V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 38°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE (with averted), ~1.4'x0.7'. Sharply concentrated with a bright, high surface brightness core that increases to a bright stellar nucleus. The extensions (spiral arms) were much fainter. A mag 9.4 star lies 6' SW. Located 1.4° WSW of Omega Centauri! Brightest member of a group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5064 = h3483 on 3 Mar 1837 and recorded "pB; S; R; pslbM; 25"." His position is accurate.
******************************
13 17 30.6 +31 05 30; Com
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 90°
17.5" (5/27/00): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3
E-W, 0.9'x0.7', pretty smooth surface brightness. A mag 14.5-15 star is at the north edge, 26" from the
center. Follows a wide pair of mag
10/12 stars (
William Herschel discovered NGC 5065 = H. III-308 = h1573 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "vF, S." John Herschel made a single observation and measured an accurate position.
******************************
13 18 28.4 -10 14 01; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 0°
17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, irregularly round, low even surface brightness, 0.6'x0.5'. A thin triangle of mag 11 stars is SW (vertex star is 6' SW). Located 2° NW of Spica.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5066 = m 251 on 30 May 1864 and
noted "vF, vS." His
position matches
******************************
13 18 28.1 -10 08 39; Vir
= **, Carlson.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5067 = m 252, along with NGC 5066, on 30 May 1864 and noted "vF, vS." Less than 30" south of his position is a 12" pair of mag 15 stars. Based on a Heidelberg plate, Karl Reinmuth described NGC 5067 as a "double star 15.5 and 16 conn 45°; neb?, very doubtful; *14 n 1.1'." Dorothy Carlson follows Reinmuth and also classifies NGC 5067 as a double star.
******************************
13 18 54.6 -21 02 20; Vir
V = 10.0; Size 7.2'x6.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 110°
13.1" (7/5/83): fairly large, diffuse, no definite
edges, almost round.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5068 = H. II-312 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 709) and recorded "F, L, iR, brightest in the middle, but very gradually."
Julius Schmidt rediscovered it on 21 Jan 1865, published an offset from a nearby 9th mag star, but thought he had found comet Bruhns (AN 64, 63). The next year (AN 64, 271), he retracted the observation and stated it was probably another comet or nebula. Johann Palisa measured an accurate position on 20 Mar 1884, though referred to it as Schmidt's nebula from 1865, without reference to Herschel's original discovery.
******************************
13 18 28.4 -10 14 01; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 5066.
Ormond Stone found NGC 5069 = LM 1-197 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Stone's rough position (nearest min of RA) is just 17 sec of RA east and 1' south of NGC 5066, discovered two years earlier by Albert Marth on 30 May 1864. In the NGC description, Dreyer questions if NGC 5066 = NGC 5069 as the positions are fairly similar, and Harold Corwin equates the numbers.
******************************
13 19 12.4 -12 32 21; Vir
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift found NGC 5070 = Sw. 3-67 on 3 Jun 1886 and
recorded "eeF, eS, vf * v close, looks like a D* at first; another nr; 6
in field., H.III.117 [
The only galaxy nearby that matches this description is NGC 5072, which has a 14th magnitude star superimposed on the south end, giving the initial impression of a faint double star. So, based on Swift's description, NGC 5070 = NGC 5072. Heinrich d'Arrest discovered this galaxy on 26 Apr 1867 and placed it accurately.
The RNGC misidentifies
******************************
13 18 37.2 +07 56 08; Vir
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 144°
17.5" (6/1/02): very faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter. Located 3.5' W of mag
9.8
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5071 = m 253 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "eF, eS, stell." His position is just off the north edge of
******************************
NGC 5072 = NGC 5070 = MCG -02-34-022 = PGC 46432
13 19 12.4 -12 32 21; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 90°
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, very small, round. A mag 13.5 star is in contact at the south-southwest end. Forms a pair with (R)NGC 5070 = MCG -02-34-023 3.6' NNE in the NGC 5077 group.
MCG -02-34-023 appeared extremely faint, very small, oval ~N-S. A mag 14.5 is just off the east edge 40" from the center. This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 5070 in the RNGC.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5072 on 26 Apr 1867 (his last deep sky discovery), while observing the NGC 5077 group. His single position matches PGC 46432. NGC 5070, found by Lewis Swift on 3 Jun 1886, is a duplicate entry. See that number. Herbert Howe, observing in moonlight in 1899-00, noted "it looked almost like a double star of mag 12-13, angle 30° and distance 15"."
******************************
13 19 20.9 -14 50 41; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 3.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 151°
17.5" (5/27/00): nice edge-on 7:1 NW-SE, slightly
brighter core, very thin extensions, 2.4'x0.3'. Three MCG galaxies follow (
William Herschel discovered NGC 5073 = H. III-282 = h1574 on 8 Feb 1785 (sweep 372) and recorded "vF, mE, very narrow from np to sf." John Herschel made a single observation and noted "vF; pL; E."
******************************
13 18 25.7 +31 28 08; CVn
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, round, 0.4'
diameter. Fairly low even surface
brightness. Located 10' S of mag
8.0
William Herschel discovered NGC 5074 = H. III-309 = h1575 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "eF, vS." John Herschel made a single observation and measured a fairly accurate position.
******************************
NGC 5075 = CGCG 044-065 = PGC 46424
13 19 06.3 +07 49 52; Vir
V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, round, 30" diameter. Located 1.4' SW of a mag 13.5 star. Slightly fainter NGC 5071 is in the field 9.5' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5075 = m 254 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "vF, eS, stell."
His position is less than 1' north of
******************************
NGC 5076 = MCG -02-34-026 = Holm 514c = PGC 46453
13 19 30.4 -12 44 27; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 15°
17.5" (6/11/88): first of three in a group with NGC 5079 3.1' NE and NGC 5077 5' N. Moderately bright, small, irregularly round, even concentration down to a bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5076 = H. III-117 = h1576 =
h3489, along with NGC 5077 and NGC 5079, on 11 May 1784 (sweep 211) and
recorded "three nebulae; the most north [NGC 5077] pB, vS, bM. The next [NGC 5079] eF, vS. The most south [NGC 5076] excessively
faint, 240 verified it. The 3
nebulae form an obtuse triangle, the base of which direction from about 30°
south-preceding to 30° north-following and vertex follows the base." His position matches NGC 5077. From Slough, John Herschel logged
"vF; S; R: 15"; the sp of 3." His position is less than 1' north of
******************************
NGC 5077 = MCG -02-34-027 = UGCA 347 = Holm 514b = PGC 46456
13 19 31.6 -12 39 24; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 10°
17.5" (6/11/88): second of three and brightest in a group with NGC 5079 3.0' SSE and NGC 5076 5.0' S. Fairly bright, fairly small, oval ~N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 0.9' SE and an extremely faint mag 15 "star" is at the southeast end. The mag 15 "star" mentioned above is actually a very faint companion in contact.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5077 = H. II-193 = h1577 = h3490, along with NGC 5076 and NGC 5079, on 11 May 1784 (sweep 211). See his description under NGC 5076. From Slough, John Herschel recorded "B; R; sbM; 30"; the northern and second of 3." d'Arrest made two observations and measured a very accurate position with respect to the mag 7.3 star 33 sec of time preceding.
******************************
13 19 50.9 -27 24 28; Hya
V = 11.0; Size 4.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 148°
24" (5/25/14): at 282x, appeared bright, fairly large,
elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.8', sharp concentration with a bright, thin
elongated core that looks like a bar. Although the equatorial dust lane
immediately southwest of the bar was not noticed at a low elevation, the galaxy
was brighter and more extensive on the following side of the bar. Forms a pair with
IC 879 appeared fairly faint, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 50"x25", slightly brighter 20" core, fairly low surface brightness.
13.1" (3/17/86): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1
NNW-SSE, bright core. This pretty
system is located 10' W of mag 7.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 5078 = H. II-566 = h3484 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 550) and recorded "F, pS, E." His position is accurate. From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel logged "pB, S, pmE, psbM; has a star 7-8th mag following." Both Herschels missed nearby IC 879.
******************************
NGC 5079 = MCG -02-34-030 = Holm 514a = PGC 46473
13 19 38.0 -12 41 54; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 35°
17.5" (6/11/88): third of three in a group with NGC 5077 3' NNW. Fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5079 = H. III-118 = h1578 = h3491, along with NGC 5076 and NGC 5077, on 11 May 1784 (sweep 211). His description is given under NGC 5076. John Herschel made the single observation "vF; pL; lE; 40"; the following of 3." and measured an accurate position.
******************************
13 19 19.2 +08 25 45; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.8'
18" (5/15/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.6'
diameter, moderate concentration to a 15" brighter core and quasi-stellar
nucleus. Located 10' WSW of mag
7.1
Edward Holden discovered NGC 5080 on 27 Apr 1881 at the Washburn Observatory and recorded "F, S. In field with Lalande 24735. The next night he added "south preceding Lalande 24735 (7th mag) by 38 sec [of time]." His position is accurate.
******************************
13 19 08.2 +28 30 25; Com
V = 13.0; Size 2.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 103°
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.6'x0.6', weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 30" N of center. Located 4' SSE of mag 7.2
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5081 on 19 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on 3 nights) matches
******************************
13 20 40.0 -43 42 00; Cen
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 23°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly
small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7', broad weak concentration. A nice double star (11.1/11.7) lies 2.8'
NNE and the striking pair of galaxies
John Herschel discovered NGC 5082 = h3485 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R." On a second observation (sweep 788), he added a size estimate of 20" and noted it was 1st in a group of 4.
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13 19 03.0 +39 35 21; CVn
V = 14.2; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 130°
17.5" (6/1/02): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0'
diameter. Low surface brightness
with little or no concentration.
Collinear with a mag 10 star 4.5' NNE and mag 9.3
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5083 = Sw. 1-23 on 14 Jun 1885
and recorded "pF; R; pL; DM +2644/5 point to it." His position is just 7 sec of RA west
of
******************************
13 20 16.6 -21 49 39; Vir
V = 10.5; Size 9.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80°
13.1" (7/5/83): fairly bright, very elongated 4:1 E-W,
fairly large, small bright nucleus with thin faint extensions. Brightest in a group (LGG 345) that
includes NGC 5087 and
William Herschel discovered NGC 5084 = H. II-313 = h1579 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 709) and recorded "pB, lE in the parallel, the greatest brightness is towards the following side, which is also the thickest; the preceding part being more like a ray proceeding from it." John Herschel made a single observation, logging "B; R: psbM; 35"."
******************************
13 20 17.9 -24 26 18; Hya
V = 11.3; Size 3.4'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 38°
13.1" (3/17/86): large, diffuse, weak concentration,
slightly elongated. Located 4.2' N
of mag 8.5
13.1" (7/5/83): fairly faint, moderately large, very diffuse, very little or no concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5085 = H. II-780 on 26 Mar
1789 (sweep 918) and recorded "F, L, vglbM, about 4' dia." His position is 2' north of
******************************
13 20 59 -43 44 00; Cen
= **, Corwin.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5086 = h3486 on 7 Apr 1837
within a group including NGC 5082, NGC 5090 and
The RNGC misidentifies
******************************
NGC 5087 = ESO 576-035 = MCG -03-34-050 = UGCA 350 = LGG 345-002 = PGC 46541
13 20 24.9 -20 36 40; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 2.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 10°
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, prominent bright core, stellar nucleus. Five fairly bright mag 9.5-11 stars are at the west edge of the 220x field including a pair 9' due west.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5087 = H. III-724 on 8 Apr 1788 (sweep 826) and noted "cF, vS, iF." Caroline's reduced position is 5 sec of RA east of ESO 576-035 = PGC 46541.
******************************
NGC 5088 = MCG -02-34-034 = Holm 515a = PGC 46535 = LEDA 950842
13 20 20.1 -12 34 18; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 2.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 178°
17.5" (6/11/88): moderately bright, fairly large, very
elongated 3:1 N-S, broad concentration.
In a group with NGC 5077 13' WNW.
Located 8' SE of mag 9.3
R.J. Mitchell and George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistants, discovered NGC 5088 = Sf. 104 on 18 Apr 1855. After reporting observations of NGC 5076, 5079 and 5077, another was found "12' nf (Pos 25° +/- from the north one [NGC 5077], pB, S, lE ns, pgmbM."
Heinrich d'Arrest found this galaxy on 26 Apr 1867, questioned if it might be Lord Rosse's nebula, and measured an accurate position. Truman Safford found it again on 20 May 1868 (he also questioned if his object was GC 3489 [NGC 5088]) with the 18-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory.
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13 19 39.3 +30 15 23; Com
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 120°
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.5'. A mag 15
star is at the SW edge (16" from center). Another faint star is off the NE side ~1' from the
galaxy.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5089 = H. II-327 = h1580 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "F, pS." John Herschel made two observations and logged (sweep 65) "pB; pL; gbM." His position on this sweep is within 30" of UGC 8371.
******************************
NGC 5090 = ESO 270-002 = MCG -07-27-054 = LGG 339-008 = PGC 46618
13 21 13.4 -43 42 20; Cen
V = 11.6; Size 2.9'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.7
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright and
large, slightly elongated E-W, 1.6'x1.3', broad concentration. Forms a close, interesting pair with
NGC 5091 1.4' SE of center. NGC
5082 lies 6' W. Located 1° SW of Centaurus A and 4.8' SW of mag 4.8
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, moderately large,
slightly elongated, even surface brightness. Located 4.8' SSW of mag 6.7
17.5" (2/28/87): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness. Located south of a mag 7 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5090 = h3487 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "B; pL; R; 60"." His position (measured on two nights) is accurate. Brightest in a group east of the Centaurus cluster.
******************************
NGC 5091 = ESO 270-004 = MCG -07-27-055 = PGC 46626
13 21 18.6 -43 43 19; Cen
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 130°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, ~1' in length and up to 1.4'x0.3' with averted vision. The major axis is collinear with the center of NGC 5090 just 1.4' NW! NGC 5082 lies 7' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5091 = h3488 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "F; lE; The last of group; attached to the preceding one [NGC 5090]."
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13 19 51.5 +23 00 00; Com
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak concentration. A mag 14.5-15 star lies 50" SSE of center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5092 on 12 Apr 1867 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His mean position (measured twice) is just off the southeast side of UGC 8376. He noted the mag 14.5-15 star just off the southern edge, though called it mag 17.
******************************
13 19 37.8 +40 23 10; CVn
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 143°
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.6' diameter. Appears to have a large, prominent core with a very faint extensions increasing size to 0.9'x0.6'. Located 16' NNW of mag 5.6 23 CVn and 26' ESE of mag 4.7 20 CVn.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5093 = H. III-633 = h1583 on
18 Mar 1787 (sweep 717) and noted "vF, S, lbM." Caroline's reduced position is 1.5'
south of
******************************
13 20 46.8 -14 04 50; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 105°
18" (5/15/04): fairly faint, small, irregularly round,
25"x20". Forms a close
pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5094 = H. III-539 = h1581 on 27 Mar 1786 (sweep 548) and noted "vF, vS." His position (Caroline's reduction) is within 1' of MCG -02-34-037 = PGC 46580.
******************************
13 20 36.7 -02 17 22; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 126°
17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, low even surface brightness. A mag 11.5 star is just off the SW edge 1.8' from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5095 = h1582 on 15 Apr 1828 and recorded "vF; R; gbM. It is 40° nf a * 11m." His position is 1' too far south and the mag 11 star is placed correctly.
******************************
13 20 08.5 +33 05 19; CVn
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.8'
17.5" (5/23/98): very faint, small, round, 25"
diameter. Situated between a mag
10 star 3.1' SSW and a mag 11 star 2.4' NE. In a group with double system
William Herschel discovered NGC 5096 = H. III-650 = h1584 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and logged "eF, vS." Caroline's reduction is 22 sec of RA west and 1.4' north of CGCG 189-051 = PGC 46506. Nearby is NGC 5098 to the north, though WH's position is a bit further off from this galaxy (pair). John Herschel made two observations, first calling h1584 (sweep 74) "F; S; R; bM; the sp of 2 [with NGC 5098]. NGC 5096 is a triple, connected system with fainter components attached on the northwest and northeast side.
The MCG misidentifies the western component of the double system NGC 5098 as NGC 5096.
******************************
13 20 59.7 -12 28 17; Vir
Size 0.5'x0.3'; PA = 45°
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright core. Located within the NGC 5077 group.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5097 = Sw. 3-68 on 3 Jun 1886 and
recorded "eF; eS; R; stellar; nearly bet. 2 stars." His position is 4 sec of RA east and
2.5' south of
******************************
NGC 5098 = MCG +06-29-078 = CGCG 189-052 = PGC 46529 = PGC 46515
13 20 17.7 +33 08 41; CVn
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/23/98): Both components of this close double
system (separated by 38") appeared very faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter. A mag 11 star lies 2.0'
S. In a group with NGC 5096 3.5'
SSW and
John Herschel discovered NGC 5098 = h1585 on 29 Apr 1827 and logged "F; S; between 2 stars; the nf of 2 [with NGC 5096]." Although the two components of this double system are fairly equal in brightness, JH only reported a single object and his position is just south of the midpoint. Harold Corwin notes the comment "between 2 stars" fits the western component better, though they are close enough that either may have been his object.
MCG misidentifies the western component (
******************************
13 21 19.5 -13 02 32; Vir
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (4/21/01): extremely faint, small, round,
20" diameter. Located 12' NW
of
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5099 = Sw. 3-69 on 3 Jun 1886 and
logged "eF; eS; R." His
position is 2.7' south of
******************************
13 20 59.6 +08 58 42; Vir
V = 14.1; Size 1.3'x0.9'
18" (5/15/04): faint, small, irregularly round,
25"x20", slightly brighter core. Located 6' NE of mag 9
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5100 = m 255 on 22 Mar 1865 and
logged "vF, vS, lbM."
William Herschel probably discovered this galaxy on 23 Jan 1784, though
his position for H. II-22 (later
******************************
NGC 5101 = ESO 508-058 = MCG -04-32-008 = UGCA 351 = PGC 46661
13 21 46.1 -27 25 47; Hya
V = 10.6; Size 5.4'x4.6'; Surf Br = 13.9
13.1" (3/17/86): moderately bright, elongated WNW-ESE, gradually increases to a small bright core. A mag 12.5 star is 1.6' W of center. NGC 5078 lies 27' W.
8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE. A mag 12 star is close W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5101 = H. II-567 = h3493 on 28 Mar 1786 (sweep 550) and recorded "pB, pL, gbM; iF." His position is 46 tsec preceding ESO 508-058. John Herschel made two observations from the CGH and measured an accurate position.
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13 21 56.6 -36 37 53; Cen
V = 9.6; Size 8.7'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 48°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): bright, fairly large,
very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 4.5'x1.5'.
Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core that increases to a
sharp stellar nucleus. The
extensions are much fainter and require averted vision to see their full
extent. Located 17' ENE of Iota
Centauri and 6.1' SE of mag 8.3
13.1" (3/17/86): fairly bright, small, very small bright
core, elongated SW-NE. Located 17'
ENE of Iota Centauri (V = 2.8) and 6.1' SE of mag 8
8": fairly faint, fairly large, elongated.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5102 = h3492 on 21 Apr 1835 and recorded "vB; R; svmbM; 50"."
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13 20 30.1 +43 05 02; CVn
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 143°
18" (5/30/03): this is a pretty, fairly small
spindle-shaped lenticular, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.3'. Located 1.8' S of mag 8.2 SAO
44572. A distinctive string of mag
11/12/13 star is to the NE of the bright star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5103 = H. II-665 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, S, E, 300x showed it like a star with pretty strong burs." His position is 8 sec of RA too far west. Engelhardt measured an accurate micrometric position.
******************************
13 21 23.1 +00 20 32; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 170°
18" (5/29/05): faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, 0.7'x0.3'. Contains a very small, brighter core. This is a an edge-on starburst galaxy.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5104 = m 256 on 12 Apr 1864 and
noted "F, S, lE." His
position is within 1' of
******************************
NGC 5105 = MCG -02-34-039 = PGC 46664
13 21 49.0 -13 12 24; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 140°
17.5" (4/21/01): very faint, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, very low surface brightness, weak concentration. In a group with NGC 5099 12' NW and NGC 5111 22' NE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5105 = Sw. 3-70, along with NGC
5099, on 3 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; lE; double star [ADS 12506] in
field." His position is just
1' south of
******************************
NGC 5106 = NGC 5100? = UGC 8389 = MCG +02-34-009 = CGCG 072-050 = PGC 46599
13 20 59.6 +08 58 42; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 5100. The equivalence with NGC 5100 is uncertain and Reinmuth and Carlson identify NGC 5106 with a star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5106 = H. II-22 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 108) and recorded a "a vS and F neb, sp 59 Vir. Its A.R. is about 13h 06 1/4m [No polar distance recorded]. While I looked into the finder to determine its situation I lost it, but shall endeavor to find it another night." Dreyer noted in "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" there is no nebula in WH's place and this number probably refers to NGC 5100 (found by Marth), which is 35 sec preceding and 30' north of the assumed place of II-22." In his NGC correction list, Dreyer repeats "II.22 must be = 5100." Harold Corwin notes there are inconsistencies with this identification, so the identity NGC 5106 = NGC 5100 is "provisional". See his notes for more.
Karl Reinmuth probably looked for NGC 5106 at the NGC position and reported "=*14.0; 13 14.3 +09 15 (1860) neb susp." This was repeated by Dorothy Carlson and by the RNGC.
******************************
13 21 24.9 +38 32 17; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 128°
17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, edge-on streak NW-SE,
weak concentration. A faint star
is off the NW edge. Located 13'
SSW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 5107 = H. III-619 = h1586 on
17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and logged vF, S, E near the meridian." His position matches
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13 23 18.8 -32 20 32; Cen
V = 14.0; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 2°
18" (6/4/05): marginal observation. An extremely faint star was sometimes
visible at the plotted position.
Once or twice this "star" (core of galaxy?) definitely
appeared hazy and perhaps elongated.
Located 9' E of
John Herschel discovered NGC 5108 = h3494 on 3 Jun 1836 NGC 5108 and noted "eeF. The preceding of 2 [with NGC 5114]." He noted the RA as approximate and his position is 16 sec of time too far west.
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13 20 52.7 +57 38 32; UMa
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 153°
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, nearly edge-on 7:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.35', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core.
William Herschel found NGC 5109 = H. II-826 = h1588 on 17
Mar 1790 (sweep 947) and noted "F, S, E." There is nothing at his position, but 70 sec of RA preceding
is
Dreyer comments in his notes to WH's third catalogue, that
"[III-808] is no doubt identical with II 826 [NGC 5109], both observed
once only and in different sweeps.
Harold Corwin also concludes that
******************************
13 22 56.5 -12 57 53; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.8
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift found NGC 5110 = Sw. 3-71 on 3 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF, pS, R, in line with 2 pB stars". His position is 6 sec of RA west and 2.4' south of NGC 5111 (discovered by WH). This galaxy is collinear with two mag 12 and 13.5 stars to the northwest, matching Swift's description.
RNGC and PGC misidentify
Harold Corwin equates NGC 5110 with NGC 5111 as this galaxy is in a line with two mag 12-13 stars to the northwest. In this case, Swift's position is 12 tsec E and 4' too far south. Based on the description, NGC 5111 is a better match, though I'm surprised Swift would call this galaxy "eF" as the V magnitude is 11.7.
******************************
NGC 5111 = NGC 5110: = MCG -02-34-041 = PGC 46737
13 22 56.5 -12 57 53; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (4/21/01): moderately bright, round, 1.5' diameter, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Collinear with two mag 14 and 12 stars 1.2' W and 2.7' NW. Forms a pair with PGC 46719 (possibly NGC 5110) 8' SW. The NGC 5077 group lies ~50' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5111 = H. III-119 = h1587 on 11 May 1784 (sweep 211) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar; 240 verified it; it is in a row with 2 vF stars and south-following them." John Herschel made two observations and his position on 9 May 1831 (sweep 352) is a good match with MCG -02-34-041. NGC 5110, found by Lewis Swift on 3 Jun 1886, is probably a duplicate observation. See that number.
******************************
NGC 5112 = UGC 8403 = MCG +07-28-003 = CGCG 218-005 = LGG 334-012 = PGC 46671
13 21 56.6 +38 44 07; CVn
V = 12.1; Size 4.0'x2.8'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 130°
17.5" (6/6/86): this unusual galaxy appears moderately
bright, generally elongated NW-SE but the brighter core is offset east of
center. A mag 12.5 star is at the
southeast edge, 1.1' from the center.
Located 9.8' SSE of mag 7.2
8" (5/21/82): diffuse, elongated NW-SE. Located 10' S of a mag 7 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5112 = H. II-646 = h1589 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "pB, L, iF; unequally bright, among scattered stars, 3 or 4' dia."
R.J. Mitchell sketched the galaxy on 30 Mar 1856 and 19 Apr 1857 (Plate 28, Fig. 28 in the 1861 Monograph) and noted "sf branch doubtful." On 19 Apr 1857 he added "the bend in p end quite easily seen, the F neby towards the star sf is not nearly so certain."
******************************
NGC 5113 = NGC 5109? = UGC 8393 = MCG +10-19-061 = CGCG 294-032 = PGC 46589
13 20 52.7 +57 38 32; UMa
See observing notes for NGC 5109. PGC, CGCG and RNGC identify CGCG 294-034 as NGC 5113. My notes for CGCG 294-034 are below.
18" (5/30/03): extremely faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.5'x0.15. A mag 14 star is south of the SW tip. Requires averted to glimpse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5113 = H. III-808 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and recorded "cF, S, E." There is nothing at his position, but 30 seconds of time preceding and 2' north is UGC 8393 and his comment "elongated" is appropriate. He probably found this galaxy again on 17 Mar 1790 (sweep 947) and recorded H. II-826 as "F, S, E." His position on sweep 947 was about 70 seconds of RA too large and the galaxy was catalogued a second time as H. II-826 (later NGC 5109).
Dreyer comments in his notes to William Herschel's third catalogue that "[H. III-808] is no doubt identical with II 826 [NGC 5109], both observed once only and in different sweeps. Harold Corwin also concludes that NGC 5113 = NGC 5109.
Malcolm Thomson has a long discussion of H. III-808 and H. II-826 in his Catalogue Corrections monograph and he concludes that H. II-826 = NGC 5113 = CGCG 294-034, a fainter edge-on 5' northeast of NGC 5109. CGCG and PGC (as well as secondary sources such as Megastar) identify CGCG 294-034 as NGC 5113.
******************************
NGC 5114 = ESO 444-024 = MCG -05-32-006 = LGG 353-001 = PGC 46828
13 24 01.7 -32 20 38; Cen
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 80°
18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W, roughly 1.2'x0.9'. Contains a relatively large brighter core that increases to a faint stellar nucleus. The halo has a low surface brightness and the edge is difficult to determine as it fades into the background. A mag 11 star lies 5.8' WSW and very difficult NGC 5108 is 9' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5114 = h3495 on 3 Jun 1836 and recorded "F; lE; psbM. The following of 2 [with NGC 5108." His position is accurate.
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13 23 00.4 +13 57 02; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 97°
17.5" (5/23/98): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8'
diameter with a low, even surface brightness. A mag 14 star follows by 2.0' and a very close double star
is 6' E. Located 17' W of
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5115 = Sw. 6-54 on 24 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; * nr f; more distant double star follows 25s; ee diff." His RA is 10 sec too large but his description of the nearby stars confirms that NGC 5115 = UGC 8408.
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13 22 55.6 +26 58 51; Com
V = 12.7; Size 2.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 40°
18" (6/21/03): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.3'x0.4'.
Broad concentration with a brighter core and fainter, tapering
extensions. A mag 12 star lies 2'
NW. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5116 = H. III-368 = h1590 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and remarked "vF, mE, about 1.5' long, r. I stopped to gage otherwise I might perhaps have overlooked it." John Herschel made two observations and noted "not vF; pmE; lbM; 30" l; pos 40° inclined to the parallel.
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13 22 56.5 +28 18 59; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 2.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 154°
18" (6/21/03): faint, moderately large, elongated ~5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.4'. Forms the southern vertex of a near equilateral triangle with a two mag 12.5 stars 3.0' NNE and 3.6' NW. Very weak concentration but no noticeable core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5117 = h1592 on 30 Mar 1827 and
recorded "vF; L; makes an equilateral triangle with two stars 11m,
np." His position and
description matches
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13 23 27.5 +06 23 33; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 100°
18" (5/29/05): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter,
weakly concentrated with an irregular surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5118 = H. III-925 = h1591 on
12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and noted "eF; S." John Herschel made two observations, logged "F; R; gbM;
20".", and measured an accurate position (sweep 152). Lewis Swift probably found the galaxy
again on 22 May 1897 and reported it in discovery list XI-156 (later IC
4236). There is nothing at Swift's
position, but exactly 10' north is NGC 5118. So, likely
******************************
13 24 00.3 -12 16 35; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 19°
18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, small, elongated at least 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.2', fairly high surface brightness (possibly viewed core only). Increases to a sharp stellar nucleus. Located 70' SSW of Spica.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5119 = h3497 on 6 May 1836 and
recorded "pB; S; R: or lE; definition bad; doubted at first if it really
was a nebula, but remained satisfied." His position is just off the south edge of
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13 25 41 -63 27 30; Cen
V = 10.8; Size 3'
18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): picked
up at 228x as a rich, compact swarm of faint stars to the south of two mag 9.5
stars. About two dozen mag 13-14.5
stars are resolved in a 2.5' circular region over haze. A single brighter mag 11 star is near
the east end of this small group.
Located just 2.5' SE of mag 9.5
Listed as "no cl?" in RNGC although shows up quite nicely at the eyepiece. See identification notes.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5120 = h3496 on 16 Jun 1835 NGC 5120 and recorded "Cl class VI; oval; 4' l by 3' br; stars 12...16; an extremely rich clustering patch in the milky way, which is here superb." About 3' southwest of his position is a fairly rich group of stars. This cluster is identified as Ru 166 in Lynga #5 and the Sky Catalogue 2000, and RNGC says "no cl?". But ESO labels this group NGC 5120.
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13 24 45.5 -37 40 57; Cen
V = 11.5; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 36°
13.1" (3/17/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~E-W, brighter core. Located
21' N of mag 7.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 5121 = h3498 on 26 Jun 1834 and recorded "B; R: psvmbM; 30"; r; probably a dim seen globular cluster."
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13 24 14.9 -10 39 15; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 115°
48" (4/19/17): at 610x; bright, moderately large, very elongated spindle WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.3', tapers at the tips. Contains a very bright core and a sharp stellar nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is barely off the WNW tip. An extension bulges out perpendicular to the major axis at the core towards the SSW. This is the beginning of an edge-on polar ring, which extends out 1' from the center SSW and NNE, but only a small section to the SSW was noticed.
18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, very small, elongated 2:1
WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.2'. Contains a
sharp, stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed. Confusing the situation is a similar
mag 14 star that is just off the WNW extension and in line with the major axis
of the galaxy. Located 35' NNW of
Spica.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5122 = Sw. 6-56 on 24 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; S; R; in finder field with Alpha Virginis." His position is just off the northeast side of the galaxy. NGC 5122 is a relatively nearby and well-known polar-ring galaxy. The faint ring is very nearly perpendicular to the disc, and both are seen nearly edge-on.
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NGC 5123 = UGC 8415 = MCG +07-28-005 = CGCG 218-006 = PGC 46767
13 23 10.5 +43 05 10; CVn
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. Just a broad, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5123 = H. II-666 = h1594 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, S, mbM, iR." John Herschel made the single observation "F; R; gbM; 35"."
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13 24 50.4 -30 18 27; Cen
V = 12.1; Size 2.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 9°
18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
~5:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.5', fades at the tips.
Fairly well concentrated with a small, brighter round core ~15"
diameter and fainter extensions.
Three mag 8.5-10 stars to the SE with mag 8.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 5124 = h3499 on 5 May 1834 and
recorded "eF; S; lE."
His position (also measured the next night when he also noticed NGC
5126) is accurate. Lewis Swift
probably found this galaxy again on 31 Dec 1897 and recorded Sw. 11-155 (later
******************************
13 24 00.7 +09 42 37; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 170°
17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 50" diameter. Even concentration to a bright core and very small nucleus. At steady moments, the nucleus appears stellar.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5125 = h1593 on 18 Jan 1828 and logged "not vF; S; R; gbM."
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NGC 5126 = ESO 444-028 = MCG -05-32-010 = AM 1322-300 = PGC 46910
13 24 53.6 -30 20 01; Cen
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 57°
18" (6/4/05): extremely faint, small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.3'. Low surface brightness and requires averted to confirm. Located 1.6' SSE of brighter NGC 5124. A group of four brighter stars lie southeast including mag 8.4 HD 116623 4.9' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5126 = h3500 on 6 May 1834 and noted "vF; vS." The previous night he discovered brighter NGC 5124. This galaxy has two very faint, close companions making this group a quadruple.
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13 23 45.1 +31 33 57; CVn
V = 11.9; Size 2.8'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 75°
17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, fairly small, roundish
but slightly irregular outline, 1.0' diameter. The bright core appears offset to the geometric center. A neat group of four mag 13-14 stars
lies 3'-4' NW. Forms a pair with
difficult
William Herschel discovered NGC 5127 = H. II-328 = h1596 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and recorded "pB, pS, nearly R, mbM." His position is very poor. John Herschel made three observations and first logged "pB; R; gbM. No other near." His position on this sweep is excellent.
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NGC 5128 = Arp 153 = ESO 270-009 = MCG -07-28-001 = LGG 344-002 = PGC 46957 = Centaurus A
13 25 27.6 -43 01 09; Cen
V = 6.8; Size 25.7'x20.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 35°
48" (4/13/10): at 330x there was a fascinating amount of structure in the wide, equatorial dark lane that bisects the galaxy. The dust lane varied in width with fine structure resolved along its ragged, crenated edge. The interior of the dust lane also varied in brightness with a bright patch close to the center, just following a bright mag 12 star near the south edge of the lane. This patch is elongated with some structure and may be the visible portion of the obscured core. Clouds interrupted this brief observation.
48" (5/9/18): at 610x and 813x; using a DSS2 (Red) finder chart, I easily star hopped over to the globular cluster [VHH81] 7, the first one discovered in NGC 5128 in 1980, starting at the double star HJ 4587 = 9.4/9.5 at 5". I didn't see the see the GC initially at 610x, but bumping the power up to 813x it was identified with certainty about 30" SE of three brighter mag 15-16 stars. The globular (V = 17.2) seemed stellar and was glimpsed for brief moments several times at the same position.
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I didn't take detailed notes with the 24", but the appearance was mesmerizing at 200x. The equatorial dust lane was more full of contrast and exhibited finer texture and scalloped detail at the edges than I've observed previously in smaller scopes from Australia.
20" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 230x, Cen A nearly filled the 15' field. The 15'x1' dark rift was fascinating with a scalloped, wavy edge and a thin streak was easily visible near the center within the rift. This was easily the most detailed view I've ever had of Centaurus A.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 186x, Centaurus A appeared very bright with a large, prominent dust lane cutting a dark swath through the center from NW-SE. The SW hemisphere is a bit larger and more prominent and contains a bright star. There is a mag 12 star within the dust lane (west of center) with two very faint stars at both the NW and SW borders of the lane. Some faint haze is superimposed near the center of the dark rift, following the star superimposed on the lane.
17.5" (several dates 3/12/88 to 3/24/90): bright, large, very large prominent dust lane oriented NW-SE. The SW hemisphere is larger and brighter. A star is superimposed at the south edge of the dust lane (west of center) and a bright star is superimposed on the SW hemisphere (south of center).
13.1" (4/24/82): wide dust lane bisects galaxy with the southwest hemisphere dominating in terms of size and brightness. A very faint star is at the southwest edge of the dust lane.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5128 = D 482 = h3501 on 29 Apr 1826, his second night recording deep sky objects -- NGC 4945 was discovered just 20 minutes earlier! Based on 6 observations, his summary description reads, "A very singular double nebula, about 2.5' long and 1' broad, a little unequal: there is a pretty bright small star in the south extremity of the southernmost of the two, resembling a bright nucleus: the northern and rather smaller nebula is faint in the middle, and has the appearance of a condensation of the nebulous matter near each extremity. These two nebulae are completely distinct from each other, and no connection of the nebulous matters between them. There is a very minute star in the dark space between the preceding extremities of the nebula; they are extended in the parallel of the equator nearly." His sketch (Figure 20) shows two parallel bands with a star between at one end.
John Herschel made several observations: on 1 Jun 1834 (sweep 454) he logged "A most wonderful object; a nebula vB; vL; lE; vgmbM; of an elliptic figure, cut away in the middle by a perfectly definite straight cut 40" broad; pos = 120.3 ; dimensions of the nebula 5' by 4'. The internal edges have a gleaming light like the moonlight touching the outline in a transparency." On his next sweep he describing "[Two nebulae, or two portions of one separated by a division or cut.] The cut is broad and sharp. The two nebulae are very nearly alike. Perhaps the slit is larger towards the N.p. end, where there is a star between them. There is certainly a very feeble trace of nebula, an island as it were, running from this star between the sides of the slit." He included a small sketch in a letter written a few days later to his Aunt Caroline (see plate IV, figure 2).
Pietro Baracchi made a detailed observation on 9 Apr 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. He wrote in part "...two very elongated streaks running near one another with their inner edges parallel leaving a channel between them quite dark, about 9' long 50" broad. A very very narrow streak like or string seems to emanate rom a star with the channel towards it n.p. end and run along its axis for about 3'. This narrow streak is very faint. The channel seems to open into a slightly wider spine bounded by much fainter nebulosity into a form a little elongated, irregularly approaching an elliptical shape. But this n.p. end of the channel is not quite closed. It leaves a perfect dark opening in the open n.p. of the object..."
In 1918 Heber Curtis mentioned Cen A as "almost
certainly belong to the class of edgewise spirals with dark lane" based on
descriptions or sketches, though in 1933 simply classified it as
"diffuse. Edwin Hubble, in
his 1922 paper "A general study of diffuse galactic nebulae", thought
it might be an emission nebula and included it in a table of "Diffuse
Nebulae with Emission Spectra", along with M42, the Veil, M8,
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NGC 5129 = UGC 8423 = MCG +02-34-012 = CGCG 072-065 = PGC 46836
13 24 10.0 +13 58 35; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 10°
17.5" (5/23/98): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated N-S, 1.0'x0.8'.
Well-defined core with a stellar nucleus at 280x. Precedes a coarse pair of mag 10.5 star
oriented N-S (closer star is 1.8' E).
Brightest in a group with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5129 = H. II-653 = h1595 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "pB, vS, mbM, just preceding a pretty considerable star. John Herschel made three observations and noted "a (coarse) double star follows 7.5 secs."
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NGC 5130 = MCG -02-34-044 = PGC 46866
13 24 27.3 -10 12 36; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 40°
18" (5/29/05): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.5'x0.3'. Sharply concentrated with a small, bright core and a very low surface brightness halo. A wide 44" pair of mag 13/14 stars lie 2' SSW. Located 1 degree NNW of Spica and 27' N of NGC 5122.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5130 = LM 1-198 in 1886 and
noted "mag 14.0, 0.2' dia, gbM." His very rough position (nearest min of RA) is 20 sec east
of
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13 23 57.1 +30 59 19; CVn
V = 13.5; Size 2.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 81°
18" (6/21/03): unusual appearance as initially only
noticed a very small, bright core ~15" diameter with a stellar
nucleus. But extending ~E-W are
very dim, thin extensions increasing the size to 45"x15". Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5131 on 24 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single measurement is very accurate and he noted a nearby mag 13 star, which he placed 9.7 sec of time preceding and 1 3/4' north.
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NGC 5132 = UGC 8428 = MCG +02-34-014 = CGCG 072-068 = PGC 46868
13 24 28.9 +14 05 34; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 75°
17.5" (5/23/98): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3
SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', very weak even concentration but no visible core. Forms an equilateral triangle with two
mag 13 stars 2.2' E and 2.5' NNE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5132 on 8 Apr 1866. His single position is just off the
north side of
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13 24 52.9 -04 04 55; Vir
V = 11.6; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 11.5; PA = 30°
17.5" (6/7/97): faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter (much smaller than listed dimensions). Nearly even surface brightness except for a faint stellar
nucleus with direct vision.
Located 15' NNE mag 7.1
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5133 = St. 11-19 on 17 Apr 1869. His rough unpublished position was 7' too far NW. His published position in list 11 (#19) was reduced on 23 Apr 1881 and is accurate.
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NGC 5134 = ESO 576-052 = MCG -03-34-073 = LGG 345-003 = LGG 344:003 = PGC 46938
13 25 18.5 -21 08 04; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 2.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 155°
17.5" (5/19/01): fairly large oval 3:2 NNW-SSE,
2.0'x1.3'. Contains a very small
bright core and a stellar nucleus with direct vision. The halo has a mottled texture with some stellaring similar
to the surface of an unresolved globular.
Brightest in a group (LGG 345) with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5134 = H. II-314 = h1597 on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 709) and logged "F, S, bM, irr. Time uncertain to 5 or 6 sec." John Herschel made a single observation, noting "F; pL; lE; vgbM." and measuring an accurate position.
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13 25 44.5 -29 49 59; Hya
V = 12.1; Size 2.6'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6
13.1" (5/26/84): fairly faint, small, elongated
WNW-ESE, fairly bright stellar nucleus.
The
John Herschel discovered NGC 5135 = h3502 on 8 May 1834 and logged "pB; S; E." His position is accurate.
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NGC 5136 = IC 888: = MCG +02-34-015 = CGCG 072-070 = PGC 46905
13 24 51.4 +13 44 16; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'
17.5" (5/23/98): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no concentration. Located 18' SE of NGC 5129 in a group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5136 = H. III-84 = h1598 on
12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189) and noted "eF, vS, stellar. 240 confirmed it." His position is less than 1' north of
Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy on 3 May 1889 and
recorded it in his 8th list, #74.
There is nothing at Swift's position but 1.0 min of RA west is NGC
5136. Dreyer, of course, assumed
it was a new object but Harold Corwin suggests
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NGC 5137 = CGCG 072-071 = PGC 46907
13 24 52.5 +14 04 38; Vir
V = 15.2; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 120°
18" (6/12/10): at 300x, required extended viewing to repeatedly glimpse a 15", very low surface brightness glow. Visible ~20% of the time. Located 5.8' ESE of NGC 5132 and 12' NE of NGC 5129.
17.5" (5/23/98): not found, though there was heavy dew affecting the observation.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5137 = Sw. 6-57 on 17 Apr 1887
and recorded "eeeF; pL; ee diff; [NGC 5132] preceding; [NGC 5129]
south-preceding." His
position is 17 sec of RA east of
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13 27 15 -59 02 30; Cen
V = 7.6; Size 8'
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
228x, roughly 100 stars are visible in a 12' region, though the group is not
detached well enough at this power to recognize as a cluster. At 76x (27 Panoptic), barely stands out
as a distinct group as it resides in a very rich star field. Includes over two
dozen mag stars roughly 11th magnitude. Two mag 8.5/9.5 stars (
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5138 = D 312 = h3503 on 26 May 1826. He recorded "a pretty large faint nebula, about 5' diameter, irregular branched figure, resolvable, with considerably compression of the stars towards the central point. This precedes a star of the 7th mag, and a group of small stars follows, about 10' north of the nebula." His catalogued position was 14' too far S due to a transcription error -- his handwritten notebook position is within 6' (too far NNW).
John Herschel tentatively equated h3503 with D 312, due to the apparent discrepancy is position. He observed the cluster twice; on 3 May 1835 (sweep 582) he recorded "General middle of cluster VIII. class. pB; L; irr; scattered, 30 or 40 stars 11..12 mag and many smaller; pretty well insulated, though on a ground rich in very small stars." On 7 Jun 1837 (sweep 790) he called it a "Cluster VII class; rather a fine cluster; rich, but loose and straggling. Fills field. Stars 11 and 12th mag."
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13 26 45.8 -47 28 36; Cen
V = 3.7; Size 36.3'; Surf Br = 0.4
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x in excellent seeing, the view was absolutely stunning as the field was packed with thousands of pinpoint stars to the edge of the 30' field! I noted the circular ring of stars near the center mentioned previously, but the large number of brighter, densely packed stars in the core and halo, superimposed on an incredibly rich mat of fainter stars was the real show. The cluster is only broadly concentrated with very large, brighter core ~10' in diameter and the star density thins out very slowly all the way to 35' diameter.
20" (7/08/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 208x with a 24' field, the cluster overfilled the field with edge to edge stars mag 11.5 and fainter and was a breathtaking sight. Broadly concentrated with large, brighter core of at least 10' in diameter. The core is extremely densely packed with layers of stars. The elongated halo gradually thins but has no definite border out to 30'! This is the largest and brightest globular in the sky (V = 3.7) and an obvious naked-eye blur, but lacks the strong central condensation of NGC 104 = 47 Tucana.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): although I've mentioned this feature on previous observations I was surprised to be drawn to a 1' circular ring of stars just north of the geometric center which is mainly filled with unresolved glow and appears like a darker "hole" near the center. A second smaller and less distinct 30" ring of stars and darker center is adjacent to the south with the two rings externally tangent in the middle.
After the observation I checked John Herschel's description and found these comments on the star rings in the center: "One of these rings, 1.5' in diameter, is so marked as to give the appearance of a comparative darkness like a hole in the centre. My attendant (J.S.) called up, who saw the hole and darkness, and described it as I have done above. On further attention the hole is double, or an oval space crossed by a bridge of stars. Position of axis = 150."
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x in excellent seeing, the view was absolutely breathtaking with wall-to-wall pinpoint stars in the 37' field! There was a clear 3-dimensional effect with the 11.5-12.5 magnitude stars seemingly floating over a dense mat of fainter stars with the streamers in the halo reaching the edges of the field. I don't recall a more impressive view in the 12" from Australia, where the cluster was higher in the sky.
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): In very good seeing early in the morning of the 20th, Omega Cen was a mesmerizing sea of a couple of thousand stars at 200x. I set Omega just outside the field and let it drift through the field a few times. The outer halo was an amazingly dense swarm of 12-13th magnitude stars over a background of fainter pinpoints of lights spilling over the edge of the field. Very broadly concentrated to a large, brighter center although there is no well-defined core.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this was the first object I viewed at Bargo with Les Dalrymple's 12" and I was not disappointed. At 140x, it filled 2/3 of the field (over 25') and resolved into perhaps a few thousand stars down to the center. The cluster seemed almost 3-dimensional with a lattice of brighter mag 12 stars superimposed on a dense background layer of mag 13-14 stars. The density was generally uniformly high in the elongated halo except near the edge although the core shows more non-uniformity with a couple of darker patches.
17.5" (3/12/88): very large, very bright, fantastic at 220x with several hundred stars resolved in excellent seeing from east of Mt. Hamilton. Very faintly visible to the naked eye in good conditions near the horizon from northern California.
13.1" (3/24/84): large, mottled disc covered with faint stars, well resolved outer halo. Similar view but even better resolution on 2/23/85.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very bright, very large, very broadly concentrated, about 25' diameter, over 100 stars resolved mag 12-13, many in curving streams over the entire disc. Visible naked-eye.
10x30mm Canon IS (3/28/19 - Tasmania): very prominent naked-eye as Omega Centauri culminated within 5° of the zenith from this southern location. Huge in 10x30mm, though no resolution.
Ptolemy included Omega Centauri = NGC 5139 = Lac I-5 = D 440 = h3504 as a star in the Almagest (150 AD) and Johann Bayer catalogued it as a 4th magnitude star (Omega) in the early 17th century. Edmond Halley made the first telescopic observation in 1676-77 from the island of St. Helena. He included it in a short list of a half-dozen "luminous spots or patches" found while cataloguing southern stars. From the Cape of Good Hope, Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille reported "Naked eye, a 3rd mag star [10 Cen] in a fog. Telescope, [Half-an-inch aperture, 8x magnification] like a big diffuse comet."
James Dunlop first resolved the cluster on 7 May 1826 with his 9-inch speculum reflector. His summary description (based on 8 observations) reads, "a beautiful large bright round nebula, about 10' or 12' diameter, easily resolvable to the very centre; it is a beautiful globe of stars very gradually and moderately compressed to the centre; the stars are rather scattered preceding and following, and the greatest condensation is rather north of the centre: the stars are of slightly mixed mags, of a white colour. This is the largest bright nebula in the southern hemisphere."
John Herschel first observed Omega Centauri on 26 Feb 1834, a few days after setting up his 20-foot telescope in South Africa. He wrote in his diary, "a most superb object - entirely resolved into stars of 13...14m. All very nearly of the same size & most beautfilly graduating in respect of central condensation."
In a detailed observation on 20 Apr 1836, he recorded "Globular; Omega Centauri; diameter full 20'. It much more than fills the field. When the centre is on the edge of the field, the outer stars extend fully half a radius beyond the middle of it. The stars are singularly equal, and distributed with the most exact equality, the condensation being that of a sphere equally filled. - Looking attentively, I retract what is said about the equal scattering and equal sizes of the stars. There are two sizes 12th mag and 13th mag, without greater or less, and the larger stars form rings like lace-work on it. One of these rings, 1.5' in diameter, is so marked as to give the appearance of a comparative darkness like a hole in the centre. There must be thousands of stars. To the naked eye it appears as a star of 5th mag or 5.4, rather hazy. There is a * 9m on the S.p. border of it, about 4' or 5' south of centre, and several 8th mag are scattered far away. My attendant (John Stone) called up, who saw the hole and darkness, and described it as I have done above. On further attention the hole is double, or an oval space crossed by a bridge of stars. Position of axis = 150°. Altogether this object is truly astonishing." The position in John Herschel's General Catalogue, as well as the NGC, is 10' too far north.
Lewis Swift was quite impressed with the cluster when he arrived at Echo Mountain in southern California in 1896. He wrote, "The grandest of all visible clusters, Omega Centauri, given by Bayer, is plainly visible at a good elevation. In comparison with this, 13 Messier in Herculis, is a tame affair...It is visible to the naked eye as a faint circular object. As I see it about 20' in diameter and as round as the sun. In that small space there are many thousand stars from the 13th to the 15th magnitude, suns every one, no doubt doing the same service as our Sun, warming, lighting, guiding and fertilizing a system of planets where people no doubt are dwelling the same as here."
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13 26 21.7 -33 52 07; Cen
V = 11.8; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 33°
18" (6/4/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration to center. A mag 13.5 star is close off the east edge. Located 8.5' N of mag 7.0 HD 116788. Outlying member of AGC 3565 and LGG 353 (part of the Centaurus-Hydra supercluster).
John Herschel discovered NGC 5140 = h3505 on 1 May 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; gbM; 12"." His position (measured on two sweeps) matches ESO 382-065. The RA in the RC2 and Sky Catalogue 2000 is 1 min too large.
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13 24 51.7 +36 22 42; CVn
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 80°
48" (5/9/21): at 375x; bright, moderately large,
elongated 4:3 E-W, nearly 1' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright
core and stellar nucleus, much fainter outer halo. A mag 12.5 star is 1.3' W. In a trio with
18" (6/4/05): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.6'x0.5'. Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star lies 1.2' W. Forms a similar pair with NGC 5142 2.3' NE and a trio with extremely faint NGC 5143.
18" (7/22/03): fairly faint, small, round, strong concentration with a small bright core and stellar nucleus. The core is surrounded by a low surface brightness halo ~0.8' diameter. A mag 13 star lies 1.4' WSW. First of trio with NGC 5142 2.3' NE and NGC 5143 4' NNE.
17.5" (4/28/89): fairly faint, small, small bright core, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated E-W. A mag 13 star is 1.4' WSW. Forms a pair with NGC 5142 2.3' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5141 = H. III-402 = h1599, along with NGC 5142, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "Two, vF. The time is that of the preceding [NGC 5141]; the second about 3' nf, both cS." John Herschel made two observations, reporting on sweep 331 "pF; R; vsmbM to a star. Has a * 12m preceding. The sp of 2 nebulae [with NGC 5142]."
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NGC 5142 = UGC 8435 = MCG +06-30-006 = CGCG 189-066 = CGCG 190-007 = Mrk 452 = WBL 445-002 = PGC 46919
13 25 01.3 +36 23 58; CVn
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 5°
48" (5/9/21): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 45" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and stellar nucleus. Slightly fainter and smaller than NGC 5141 2.3' SE. NGC 5143 is a similar distance to the N.
18" (6/4/05): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.5'x0.4'. Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus. Forms a similar pair with NGC 5142 2.3' SW with NGC 5143 2.3' N.
18" (7/22/03): fairly faint, small but fairly high surface brightness with a bright stellar nucleus and a slightly elongated faint halo N-S, 0.5'x0.4'. Forms a fairly similar pair with NGC 5141 2.3' SW and difficult NGC 5143 is just 2.3' N.
17.5" (4/28/89): faint, small, small bright core, stellar nucleus, elongated ~N-S. Forms a pair with NGC 5141 2.3' SW. NGC 5143 2.3' N was not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5142 = H. III-403 = h1600, along with NGC 5141, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405). John Herschel made two observations and recorded on sweep 331 "pF; R; vsbM to a star."
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NGC 5143 = MCG +06-30-005 = CGCG 189-067 = CGCG 190-008 = WBL 445-003 = PGC 46918
13 25 01.3 +36 26 14; CVn
V = 15.9; Size 0.5'x0.25'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 95°
48" (5/9/21): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 or 2:1 E-W, slightly brighter core, 0.4'x0.2'. This galaxy is quite faint for an NGC. Situated 2.3' due N of NGC 5142 in a group.
18" (6/4/05): extremely faint, very small, very low surface brightness, 0.2' diameter. Required averted vision and concentration. Located 2.3' N of NGC 5142 and faintest in a trio with NGC 5141.
18" (7/22/03): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter. Located 2.3' N of NGC 5142 in a small trio with NGC 5141. Required averted vision and only visible for moments (repeatedly glimpsed and verified by sketch).
17.5" (4/28/89): not seen in thin clouds.
R.J. Mitchell and George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 5143 on 17 Apr 1855. They noted "a third vF neb [with NGC 5142 and 5143], nearly north of the following one [NGC 5142]." A sketch clearly matches this trio of galaxies, although offsets were not measured.
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13 22 54.2 +70 30 52; UMi
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 150°
24" (6/4/16): at 375x; moderately bright, irregularly round, fairly small, 0.7'x0.6', mottled or uneven surface brightness but no distinct core. Situated at the midpoint of a mag 11.8 star 1.9' NNW and a mag 13.7 2.0' SSW.
NGC 5144 apparently has a merged companion at the south edge, identified as NGC 5144 NED01 = LEDA 200298. It appeared as a quasi-stellar knot (less than 6" diameter) at the south edge of the halo, just 18" from the center of the main galaxy!
18" (6/21/03): fairly faint, slightly elongated, fairly
small, 0.8'x0.7'. Broad, weak
concentration. Five or six mag
11.5-12 stars are in the field with the closest 1.9' N. Located 25' NW of mag
7.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 5144 = H. IV-70 on 6 May 1791 (sweep 1005) and recorded "pB, R, almost equally bright throughout, resembling a very ill defined planetary nebula, about 0.5' diameter." Classified by Herschel in category IV (planetary nebula).
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13 25 13.9 +43 16 02; CVn
V = 12.3; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 90°
18" (5/30/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.7', broad concentration to a brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5145 = H. II-667 = h1602 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, vS, bM, lE." John Herschel made a single observation and his position is on the south side of the halo.
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13 26 37.4 -12 19 26; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 35°
18" (5/29/05): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE. Sharply concentrated with a bright, 25" core and much fainter extensions. Bracketed by two mag 14.5/15 stars to the north and south. There is a faint galaxy as well as a faint star close north of the galaxy, but I assume I picked up the star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5146 = H. III-115 on 9 May
1784 (sweep 210) and logged "vF, vS, stellar. 240 confirmed it with much difficulty." Caroline's
reduction is 9 sec of time preceding
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13 26 19.7 +02 06 02; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 120°
17.5" (6/3/00): moderately bright and large, round, 2' diameter. Unusual appearance as a mag 13 star is superimposed very close to the geometric center, masquerading as a bright stellar nucleus. The halo is only weakly concentrated but is irregular in surface brightness with a strong hint of structure. A very faint star or knot is on the SW side and the NE edge of the halo has a hint of spiral structure.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5147 = H. II-25 = h1601 on 24 Jan 1784 (sweep 124) and noted "S, obscure; it seems to be resolvable." His position was poor - 30 seconds of RA too large and 2.5' too far south. John Herschel called this galaxy "bright" on sweep 142 and three sweeps later he logged it as "faint".
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13 26 38.7 +02 18 50; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.7
18" (5/29/05): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Located 30" SW of a mag 14.5 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5148 = m 257 on 30 Apr 1864 and
noted "eF, S." His
position matches
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13 26 09.2 +35 56 03; CVn
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 155°
17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7'. Contains a
brighter core with fainter extensions that seem slightly offset from the
central region. A mag 14.5-15 star
is superimposed on the north edge [51" from center]. A mag 11 star lies 4' SW. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5149 = H. III-404 = h1604, along with NGC 5154, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "two, the time is that of the preceding; the second about 5 or 6' nf, both pS." John Herschel made two observations and noted (sweep 72) "pB; bM; the sp of 2."
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NGC 5150 = ESO 444-043 = MCG -05-32-023 = PGC 47169
13 27 36.5 -29 33 44; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 115°
13.1" (5/26/84): fairly faint, small, bright core. Located 2' WSW of mag 9.1 SAO 181670. In a trio with the NGC 5152/NGC 5153 interacting pair 5' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5150 = h3507 on 5 May 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; pslbM; 15"." Three nights later he logged "pF; S; R; bM; has a * 2' following; pos by diag = 67°."
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13 26 40.8 +16 52 27; Com
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (5/30/92): faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. Located 5' S of mag
7.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 5151 = h1603 on 8 May 1826 and
recorded "eF; S; R; has a B * [
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13 27 50.7 -29 37 02; Hya
V = 12.5; Size 2.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 117°
13.1" (5/26/84): appears as stellar galaxy 0.9' W of NGC 5153 and 5' SE of NGC 5150.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5152 = h3508 on 5 May 1834 and recorded "The preceding of a double nebulae; the individuals are = ; R; vF; S; pslbM."
The pair was nicknamed the "Fly's Wing" in the 1982 "Catalogue of the Universe" by Murdin and Allen. Bill Keel also called it the "Flywing" in "The real astrophysical zoo - Colliding galaxies" in the April '93 issue of Mercury magazine. Still, a Google search doesn't find any hits for this nickname.
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NGC 5153 = ESO 444-045 = MCG -05-32-025 = PGC 47194 = Fly's Wing Galaxy
13 27 54.2 -29 37 02; Hya
V = 11.8; Size 2.1'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 175°
13.1" (5/26/84): very faint, small, round. Forms very close pair with NGC 5152 0.9' W and NGC 5150 is 5.2' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5153 = h3509 on 5 May 1834 and recorded "pF; S; the following of two equal neb [with NGC 5152]."
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NGC 5154 = UGC 8447 = MCG +06-30-011 = CGCG 190-011 = PGC 47041
13 26 28.6 +36 00 36; CVn
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.2
17.5" (5/15/99): faint, fairly small, round. Appears as a low surface brightness glow ~45" in diameter with very weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 5149 5' SW. A mag 11 star lies 3.7' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5154 = H. III-405 = h1605, along with NGC 5149, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405). John Herschel made two observations and recorded (sweep 331) "eF; L; R; it is 45° nf III. 404 [NGC 5149]."
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13 27 45 -63 23 00; Cen
Size 60'
18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x and 139x): Superb Milky Way field, the richest region is roughly 20-25' in diameter and stands out reasonably well in the lowest power (64' field). Though amazingly rich in faint stars, it appears as a Milky Way star cloud, and not a cluster. An elongated N-S dark dust cloud (5'x3') to the southeast is prominent (SIMBAD designation [DB2002b] G307.15-1.01). An 8' string of five mag 8.5-11 stars is off the south side and open cluster NGC 5120 is at the southwest edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5155 = h3506 on 16 Jun 1835 and
recorded "A portion of the milky way broken up into clustering masses of
astonishing richness. There must
be at least 200 or 300 stars in the field, none greater than 10m." This Milky Way field or scattered
cluster (
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13 28 44.1 -48 55 01; Cen
V = 11.7; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.2
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): moderately bright, oval
4:3 WNW-ESE, broad concentration.
A faint star is superimposed and another faint star is at the SE edge.
Located 3.8' NNE of mag 7.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 5156 = h3510 on 31 Mar 1835 and recorded "pB; lE; glbM; has a * 8m 5' dist; pos sp."
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13 27 16.8 +32 01 51; CVn
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 140°
17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, moderately large,
slightly elongated, 1.2'x1.0'.
Broad, weak concentration with a slightly brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5157 = H. III-651 = h1606 on
20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and noted "vF, S." John Herschel made three observations and logged (sweep 337)
"Not vF; pL; E; the following of 2 [with NGC 5166], very
similar." His mean position
matches
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13 27 47.0 +17 46 44; Com
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, small, round, almost
even surface brightness, very small slightly brighter core. Located 11' SW of mag 8.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 5158 = h1607 on 7 May 1826 and noted "vF; R." His position is accurate.
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13 28 16.1 +02 58 58; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 162°
18" (5/29/05): extremely faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE. Not noticed initially but then caught the slightly brighter core. When drifting across the field very faint, low surface brightness extensions could be glimpsed increasing the size to nearly 1.0'x0.4'. Located 47' NE of NGC 5148, another dim galaxy.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5159 = m 258 on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "eF, S, lE."
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13 28 21.6 +05 59 49; Vir
= **, Reinmuth.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5160 on 7 Feb 1862. At his position is an uncatalogued double star (mag 14/14.5 at roughly 11" separation). He noted a mag 12 star follows by 28 sec and 1' north, which confirms this identification. He looked for this object again on 19 Feb 1863, but couldn't find anything. In Wilhelm Tempel's 8th paper (AN 2527), he reported finding a very faint double star at d'Arrest's position with a third star close preceding, but on two occasions it looked like a nebula. Based on a Heidelberg plate, Karl Reinmuth also reported "vF**, no neb, no * close np."
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13 29 13.9 -33 10 26; Cen
V = 11.2; Size 5.6'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 80°
18" (5/29/05): large, oval WSW-ENE, ~4'x2'. Broad concentration with a large, ill-defined core that seems offset to the east side (or the outer halo is irregular lit). A mag 10.3 star lies 3.9' W of center and a mag 11.5 star is off the NE flank. This photogenic spiral (thin arms with knots and HII regions) was host to a pair of recent supernovae – 1998E and 1974B.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5161 = h3511 on 3 Jun 1836 and recorded "pF; L; pmE; vgbM; r; 4' l; 2' br; with left eye feebly stippled." His position is accurate.
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13 29 25.9 +11 00 28; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 3.4'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 160°
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift found NGC 5162 = Sw. 6-58 on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "F, pL, eE [not lE as in the NGC]; an eeF * at each focus of ellipse; B * in field sp; F * nr nf." His position is 1 min of RA west of NGC 5174 and his description is a perfect match with this galaxy. William Herschel discovered NGC 5174 on 15 Mar 1784 and catalogued it as H. III-45 (later NGC 5174).
RNGC and RC3 misidentify
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13 26 54.2 +52 45 13; UMa
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 10°
18" (6/21/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.5'. Sharply
concentrated with a bright 10" core.
Located 10' W of mag 6.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 5163 = H. III-821 on 26 Apr
1789 (sweep 929) and noted "cF, stellar neb." Caroline's reduced position is 21 sec
of RA east and 2' north of
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13 27 11.9 +55 29 15; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (6/21/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.7'x0.5', broad concentration to a brighter middle. At times the core appears irregular -- either a stellar core or a superimposed star was glimpsed. [Based on the DSS image, it's clear I viewed the stellar nucleus]. Located 44' NE of Mizar!
William Herschel discovered NGC 5164 = H. III-784 = h1609 on
14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "cF, S, iR." His position is within
2' of
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13 28 39.1 +11 23 13; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 0°
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, round, 30"
diameter, very weak concentration.
Located 8.3' SW of mag 8.7
Sherburne Burnham discovered NGC 5165 = T. 8-1 on 5 May 1883 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory while searching for d'Arrest's comet. George Hough included it in a list of new nebulae found at the observatory and called it "very fant, condensed at center. *8m follows 29 seconds and 5' north." The star is Bu 113, a mag 8.7/10.7 pair at 1.7". Wilhelm Tempel independently found the galaxy just 6 days later on 11 May 1883, also searching for the comet, and reported it in his 8th discovery paper.
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NGC 5166 = UGC 8463 = MCG +05-32-026 = CGCG 161-062 = Holm 519a = WBL 446-003 = PGC 47234
13 28 15.1 +32 01 56; CVn
V = 13.5; Size 2.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 67°
17.5" (5/15/99): pretty edge-on 5:1 oriented WSW-ENE,
1.5'x0.3', little or no concentration.
Precedes mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 5166 = h1608 on 29 Apr 1827 and
logged "pF; R; bM; 30"."
His mean position from 3 observations matches
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13 28 40.2 +12 41 41; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (5/29/05): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, weak concentration. Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 13/14 stars 2' SSW and 2' SE. Located 13' E of a mag 8.2 star.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5167 on 7 Jun 1883. He described it in his 7th discovery paper as follows: "I found a new nebula on 7 June and observed it again on the 8th. The nebula follows close on the parallel by 54s to DM + 13 ° 2669 [HD 117079], class III; south of it is a * 12."
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13 31 07 -60 56 24; Cen
V = 9.1; Size 4'
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
gorgeous low power Milky Way field at 76x, but it was difficult to identify the
cluster not having a finder chart.
Initially I was drawn to a striking asterism in the field consisting of
a distinctive group of four stars forming a rough 8'x3' parallelogram with
brightest member mag 7.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 5168 = h3512 on 16 Jun 1835 and recorded "A small but very rich milky way cluster; 3.5' l, 3' br; st 13...16m. Place that of a double star [HJ 4591]." On a later sweep he added "place of a double star in centre of a rich, much comp but vF cluster; gbM; 4' diam; st 15m; a remarkable object."
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13 28 10.1 +46 40 19; CVn
V = 13.5; Size 2.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 103°
17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, elongated 5:2 ESE-WNW,
1.6'x0.6', weak concentration.
Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 5169 = h1611 on 26 Apr 1830 and logged "vF; R; 50"." He equated this object with H. III-672, but his father's number applies to brighter NGC 5173.
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13 29 48.7 -17 57 57; Vir
V = 11.1; Size 8.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 127°
17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint but large, very thin edge-on NW-SE. On first glance appeared 4'-5' in length at 220x but with averted vision this impressive ray extends to at least 6'x0.7'. Contains a moderately bright and slightly bulging oval core 1.2'x0.7' giving the galaxy a classic thin "lens" appearance. The extensions are significantly fainter and taper and dim towards the tips. This galaxy has a narrow dust lane (not seen) similar to NGC 4565. A mag 9.5 star lies 9' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5170 = H. V-22 = h1610 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 369) and recorded "mE from sf to np; 5 or 6' long, the following part is the brightest. His position matches this large edge-on. A second observation on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) reads "pB, mE, the preceding part much brighter than the south following, about 4' long." John Herschel made two observations, noting on sweep 354 "F; vmE in pos 128.8° by micrometer; pgbM; 180" l, 30" br."
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NGC 5171 = UGC 8476 = MCG +02-34-020 = CGCG 072-089 = WBL 447-004 = PGC 47339
13 29 21.6 +11 44 07; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 10°
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, round, very small
brighter core, faint 40" halo.
A faint star is superimposed NW of the core. Forms the NE vertex of a right triangle with two mag 9 stars
are 5.3' WSW and 6.8' SW.
Brightest of five in a tight group (MKW 11) with
George Hough discovered NGC 5171 = T. 8-2 on 5 May 1883 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. While searching for d'Arrest's comet he recorded "Double. Nebula, round, condensed." The second object actually refers to a star at the northwest edge. Wilhelm Tempel found NGC 5171 just 6 days later and reported it in his 8th discovery paper (#2). Ernst Hartwig found it again on 29 Jun 1883 with the 18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory (AN 2688). These three independent discoveries were made while searching for d'Arrest's comet. While searching for the comet, Hartwig also discovered the close pair NGC 5176 and 5177.
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13 29 19.2 +17 03 07; Com
V = 11.9; Size 3.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 103°
17.5" (5/30/92): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 2.4'x1.2', brighter middle, gradually increases to small brighter
core, irregular surface brightness.
A mag 14 star is off the north side of the core 44" from
center. Located 11' NW of mag 7.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 5172 = h1613 on 7 May 1826 and logged "F; R: S; 15"." His mean position (two observations) is accurate.
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NGC 5173 = UGC 8468 = MCG +08-25-005 = CGCG 246-003 = PGC 47257
13 28 25.3 +46 35 29; CVn
V = 12.1; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (5/19/01): moderately bright, round, 1.2' diameter, even moderate concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. Situated at the midpoint of the shorter base of a isosceles trapezoid consisting of four mag 13 stars. Forms a pair with NGC 5169 5.5' NW. Located 39' SSW of M51 and 19' WSW of NGC 5198.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5173 = H. III-672 = h1614 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar, 300 verified it." John Herschel made two observations under h1614 and called it (sweep 255) "pF; R; vsbM; almost stellar." But he assumed it was a new discovery, confusing this object with NGC 5169 = h1611, which is did discover!
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NGC 5174 = NGC 5175 = NGC 5162 = UGC 8475 = MCG +02-34-018 =
13 29 25.9 +11 00 28; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 3.4'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 160°
17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.5'x1.0', broad concentration to a brighter core. A mag 14 star [
William Herschel discovered NGC 5174 = H. III-45/46 = h1612 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged "Two, vF. I took them at first for only one, but 240 showed two eF nebula as it were running into each other and of considerable extent; 157 showed also a division between their center after I had seen them with 240." There is only a single galaxy here and NGC 5175 is very likely a star at the south end of the galaxy.
Interestingly, the first observation by JH also describes a double system (probably following his father's lead): "vF; two close together, or one E nearly in meri. A star 11m N." His second observation simply states "eF, E, involves a star at the S end." Dreyer's observation at Birr Castle on 4 Apr 1877 mentions "found only one neb, vF, vS, stellar no other neb found."
Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy again on 19 Mar 1887 and recorded it in list VI-58, but his position was 1 tmin too far west. Dreyer, assuming it was new, catalogued it as NGC 5162. So, NGC 5174 = NGC 5162.
RNGC misidentifies
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13 29 26.2 +10 59 42; Vir
17.5" (5/27/95): A mag 14 star is superimposed on the south end of NGC 5174, just 45" from the center. This is possibly NGC 5175.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5175 = H. III-46 = h1612 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 174) and logged "Two, vF. I took them at first for only one, but 240 showed two eF nebula as it were running into each other and of considerable extent; 157 showed also a division between their center after I had seen them with 240." There is only a single galaxy here and NGC 5175 is most likely a star at the south end of the galaxy.
RNGC misidentifies UGC 8468 as NGC 5175. UGC and MCG only list a single galaxy
but identify it as NGC 5174 = NGC 5175. CGCG calls
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NGC 5176 = MCG +02-34-021 = CGCG 072-090 = Holm 521a = WBL 447-006 = PGC 47338
13 29 24.9 +11 46 53; Vir
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (5/27/95): located 2.9' N of NGC 5171 in a
compact cluster. Very faint, very
small, round, 20" diameter.
Forms a very close pair with
Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 5176, along with NGC 5177, on 29 Jun 1883 with the 18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory. He found these while searching for comet d'Arrest (AN 2688). Wilhelm Tempel, who viewed nearby NGC 5171, missed NGC 5176.
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NGC 5177 = MCG +02-34-019 = CGCG 072-091 = Holm 521b = WBL 447-005 = PGC 47337
13 29 24.2 +11 47 49; Vir
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 135°
17.5" (5/27/95): extremely faint, very small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.2', low surface brightness with no concentration. Located just 57" N of NGC 5176 and 3.8' N of NGC 5171. Faintest of five in a compact group.
Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 5177, along with NGC 5176, on 29 Jun 1883 with the 18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory. He was searching for comet d'Arrest and reported the discovery in AN 2688. Wilhelm Tempel, who viewed nearby NGC 5171, missed NGC 5177. CGCG failed to label this galaxy as NGC 5177.
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NGC 5178 = UGC 8478 = MCG +02-34-022 = CGCG 072-093 = Holm 522a = WBL 447-008 = PGC 47358
13 29 29.3 +11 37 29; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 95°
17.5" (5/27/95): very faint, small, round, 30"
diameter, weak concentration. A
mag 12 star is 2.5' NW. Located 7'
S of NGC 5171 in a small, rich group of five galaxies and 5.5' ESE of mag 8.1
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5178 = T. 8-3 on 11 May
1883. His position in the main
table is 1' north of
******************************
NGC 5179 = MCG +02-34-023 = CGCG 072-094 = WBL 447-007 = PGC 47363
13 29 30.9 +11 44 45; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 40°
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Second brightest in a tight group of five galaxies with brightest member NGC 5171 2.4' WSW.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5179 = T. 8-4 on 11 May 1883
while searching for comet d'Arrest.
His position matches
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NGC 5180 = UGC 8479 = MCG +03-34-042 = CGCG 101-058 = PGC 47352
13 29 27.1 +16 49 34; Com
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 25°
17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.6', small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is just off the SE edge 20" from center. Located 6' SW of mag 7.4 SAO 100597. NGC 5172 lies 14' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5180 = H. III-71 = h1615 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and recorded "three small stars with suspected nebulosity between them. 240 shows the same but it amount not to a confirmation. 10 or 12' north of it is a very bright star." His position is poor and the bright star is 6' northeast. John Herschel noted "F; S; R; 15"; has a *7 mag nf, 8' dist." and measured an accurate position. The Slough Catalogue entry for h1615, equates with H. III-71, instead of II-71 as listed.
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13 29 41.9 +13 18 14; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, very small, round, 30"
diameter. No concentration but
moderated surface brightness.
Located 4.9' NE of a mag 9.5 star.
A nice close string of four stars lies 6' NNE. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 5181 = h1616 on 29 Mar 1830 and recorded "F; S; R; 15"." His mean position (two observations) is accurate.
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13 30 41.1 -28 09 00; Hya
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 11°
17.5" (6/2/00): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7'. The halo fades
into the background and gradually brightens to a very small brighter core. Located 11' WSW of mag 6.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 5182 = h3513 on 13 May 1834 and
recorded "vF; pL; lE; a vL * [
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13 30 06.3 -01 43 14; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 122°
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
NW-SE, broadly concentrated. Forms
a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5183 = H. II-679 = h1617 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 726) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 5184], F, pS, iF." His positions are ~30 sec of RA too large, and the polar distances are reversed (NGC 5183 is 3' south of NGC 5184). JH described "F; lE; gbM; 20"; the first of 2." and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 5184 = UGC 8487 = MCG +00-34-041 = CGCG 016-081 = Holm 523a = PGC 47438
13 30 11.5 -01 39 47; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 135°
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, moderately large, oval NW-SE, broad concentration. Larger but lower surface brightness than NGC 5183 3.7' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5184 = H. II-680 = h1618 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 726) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 5183], pB, pL, iF." His positions are ~30 sec of RA too large, and the polar distances are reversed (NGC 5183 is 3' south of NGC 5184). JH described "F; nearly R; gbM; 30"; the second and brighter of 2." and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 5185 = UGC 8488 = MCG +02-34-025 = CGCG 072-104 = PGC 47422
13 30 02.4 +13 24 57; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 1.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 58°
17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.6', bright core. A mag 11.5 star lies 2.9' NW. A nice string of four stars with a 1.5' length begins 2' SW. Forms a pair with NGC 5181 8.3' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5185 = H. III-642 = h1619 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and logged "vF, S, iF. The time a little inaccurate." His position is 2.2' southeast of UGC 8488. John Herschel called this galaxy "eF; R; 25"."
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13 30 03.9 +12 10 31; Vir
V = 15.0; Size 0.6'x0.5'
18" (6/4/05): marginal object, very small, round, 0.3' diameter, very low surface brightness. Only glimpsed for moments with averted and concentration but confirmed. Located ~30' NNE of a compact group of 5 NGC galaxies (MKW 11) including NGC 5171.
Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 5186 on 29 Jun 1883 with the
18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory while searching for comet
d'Arrest (AN 2688). His position
matches
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13 29 48.2 +31 07 48; CVn
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 46°
24" (6/16/20): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3 SW-NE, ~40"x30", broad concentration
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, 0.6'x0.5', weak concentration. A mag 13 star lies 1.5' N. An easy pair of mag 9.5/11.5 stars is 9' WSW. Located 19' E
of mag 6.9
UGC 8492: fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter. Highest surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5187 = H. III-652 = h1620 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and noted "eF, vS." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.
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13 31 28.4 -34 47 42; Cen
V = 12.1; Size 3.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 104°
17.5" (6/2/00): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.8', broad concentration. A mag 11 star is close off the WNW end [1.9' from center].
John Herschel discovered NGC 5188 = h3515 on 1 May 1834 and recorded "F; pL; R; glbM; 45"." His mean position (2 observations) is accurate.
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13 33 32.8 -65 58 27; Mus
V = 9.5; Size 185"x130"
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC
5189 was the last of 78 objects that I logged on this date and the perfect end
to a great evening with the 24".
At 200x using a UHC this amazing planetary displayed an extremely
complex morphology. Through the
center is a bright, high surface brightness "bar" elongated WSW-ENE
and ~1.5'x0.4' in size. This
central feature has an uneven surface brightness with a mottled texture. A mag
12 star is superimposed just north of the west-southwest end and the fainter
central star is just south of the bar.
A close double star (~3.5") is superimposed just south of the
west-southwest end. At this end a
spiral extension hooks around counterclockwise to the north and passes through
a faint star and ends at a very faint small knot just north of the superimposed
star. A bright 10" knot is
just south of the ENE end of the central "bar". Attached to this knot is another
extension that sweeps towards the southwest, ending less than 1' S of
center. About 50" E of the
bright knot is another 10" knot that appears detached. A mag 12 star is ~50" SW of this
knot, just outside the halo of the planetary. All of the brighter features are within a much fainter oval
envelope, ~2.5'x2.0'. A mag 7.2
star (
18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): the "Spiral Planetary" is certainly one of the most remarkably structured planetaries and would be famous if located in the northern hemisphere. At 128x using a UHC filter, a high surface brightness "bar" at least 1' in length, elongated SW-NE forms the main body of the planetary. The bar is slightly curved and has an irregular surface brightness. On the NE end is a prominent bright knot, roughly 6" in size. Nebulosity hooks below this knot, extending below the bar. Above the southwest end of the bar is the brightest superimposed star and a hook of nebulosity sweeps up to the northwest, wrapping above this star. The entire structure is encased in a much fainter oval envelope. A total of five stars are superimposed including a very close double that is just south of the southwest end of the bar and the 14th magnitude central star situated southeast of the center of the bar.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this is a bright,
strange-looking PN with a complex bar structure dubbed the "Spiral
Planetary". At 140x and UHC
filter, it resembles a small barred spiral galaxy with prominent bar extending
SW-NE with curved tips, ~1' in length embedded within a fainter, slightly
elongated halo of ~2'x1.5'. A few
stars are superimposed. At 186x,
the "bar" is irregular and knotty with a bright knot at one end. A mag 11 star is at the SW end with a
couple of faint stars on the opposite end. The faint 14th magnitude central
star is just south of the bar.
Located 6' NNW of mag 7.2
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5189 = D 252 = h3514 on 1 Jul 1826 using his homemade 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector. This is one of three or four southern planetaries that he identified. He recorded a "very faint nebula, about 25" diameter. It is very near a star of the 8th mag, and near the north following extremity of a crescent of very small stars." His position is off by 15', but the description is adequate to identify.
John Herschel recorded "A very strange object. A nebula of oval fig, but having a central and brighter axis somewhat curved, and terminating in two masses brighter than the rest; diam about 90" or 100". It involves 3 stars, one of which with 320 is double. The principal star is 10m, the others eS; a multitude of other stars in field." Sketched on Plate VI, figure 1.
Albert Le Sueur observed and sketched NGC 5189 in 1869 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and called it "A small but beautiful spiral. The two brighter knots are resolvable; the great greater brighteness of these knots is not particularly shown in Sir John Herschel's sketch, but is mentioned in the observations." Le Sueur's sketch is figure 69 in the unpublished plate VII and in his 1870 article "On the nebulae of Argo and Orion, and on the spectrum of Jupiter" (Proceedings of the Royal Society of London). Joseph Turner also made an excellent sketch with this telescope in 1874 (figure 68).
Williamina Fleming found this object again in 1901 on a
Harvard objective prism plate (based on its emission spectrum) taken at the
Arequipa station and reported it as new (Fleming 93) in Harvard Circular
60. Dreyer missed the equivalence
in position with NGC 5189 and recatalogued it as
The classification has also caused much confusion. A photograph, by Harlow Shapley and John Paraskevopoulos in the late 1930s with the 60-inch reflector (mirror from Andrew Ainslie Common) at Harvard's Boyden Station in Bloemfontein, South Africa, shows the remarkable structure . They described NGC 5189 as "... a gaseous nebula of such remarkable knotted structure that it is here best represented by a drawing ...from an original reflector plate." NGC 5189 was plotted as a bright diffuse nebula in Becvar's Atlas of the Heavens as well as Will Tirion's Sky Atlas 2000.0 in 1985. It was also described as a bright nebula by Hartung in his "Astronomical Objects for Southern Telescopes" (1968) as well as Burnham's Celestial Handbook (1978). More recent sources have the correct classification.
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13 30 38.7 +18 08 04; Com
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (5/30/92): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6'. A mag 15 star is at the NE edge 28" from center and a 12th magnitude star lies 1.7' SSW. An easy but striking triple star located 7' E consists of two mag 10 stars at 27" separation N-S and a mag 13 companion 27" E of the northern component.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5190 = h1621 on 23 Mar 1827 and recorded "vF; S; bM; has a considerable triple star following, dist = 8'."
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13 30 47.3 +11 12 02; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 90°
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration. Located in an unusually sparse star field. A mag 14.5 star lies 3.3' NE. A 50' string of galaxies from NGC 5174 to NGC 5177 oriented N-S is roughly 25' following.
George Hough discovered NGC 5191 on 5 May 1883 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. While searching or d'Arrest's comet he found this "nebula" and described it as "eF, * 9m follows 57s and 39" south." Wilhelm Tempel provided an accurate offset from an 11th magnitude star due west in the narrative portion of his 8th discovery list.
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13 30 51.7 -01 46 43; Vir
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.3'; PA = 10°
17.5" (4/7/89): extremely faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE. Member of the NGC 5183 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5192 = m 259, along with NGC
5196 and 5197, on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF".
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13 31 53.4 -33 14 03; Cen
V = 11.6; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (6/2/00): moderately bright and large, round,
1.2' diameter, fairly sharply concentrated with a small bright core. A mag 12.5 star lies 1.2' N of
center. Located 4.6' W of mag 8.2
Forms a close pair with a faint edge-on (
John Herschel discovered NGC 5193 = h3516 on 3 Jun 1836 and recorded "pB; S; R: first g, then psbM; 45"." His position is accurate. Joseph Turner observed this galaxy on 1 May 1878 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and missed the companion (NGC 5193A) just off the southwest edge.
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13 29 51.8 +47 11 50; CVn
V = 8.4; Size 11.2'x6.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 163°
48" (5/12/12, 4/7/13, 4/30/19, 5/3/19): during these observations through Lowrey's 48" I focused on some of the stellar clusters and brighter knots in the spiral arms, which have a very high contrast with the large, dusty, darker regions between the arms. The "southern" arm nearly merges with the core on the northeast side. Two clusters and a cluster/HII region were seen as faint "stars" very close east and northeast of the core. [BGG2008] A1 is a mag 17.5 "star" 30" NE of center and similar [BGG2008] 3cl-b is 30" E of center. The designations are from a 2008 study by Bastian et al. A stellar HII region ([CCM69] 37A) is only 10" NE of 3cl-b.
As this arm unwinds clockwise to the west, two close very
small, fairly bright knots ([CCM69] #77 in Carranza, Crilon and Monnet's
"Kinematic Study of Ionized Hydrogen in M51" in A&A, 1, 479) are
visible 1.6' W of center, just SE of a star. A small bright knot (#71) is further out on this arm, 2.3'
SW of center. The section of the arm between these knots is quite bright and
mottled. The southern arm then
continues to swing around on the east side and heads north, with a lower
surface brightness bridge to
The "northern" arm begins on the south or southwest side of the core, and a series of small knots (#60/67) are along the inner south side, roughly 1' from center. As the arm unwinds on the east side of the core, a large bright knot (#52) resides ~1.4' ESE of center. The arm is quite bright in a large, clumpy region (#27/29) as it heads north in the direction of NGC 5195. At the closest point to NGC 5195 are 4 very small knots; the brightest is #10, 2.6' NNE of center. Very close southwest is #8 and just northwest is #5. This arm has a sharp bend and shoots west on the north side and includes a moderately large, brighter patch (#90/91) 2' NNW of center. The arm fades somewhat as it unwinds further along the western edge of the halo.
48" (4/2/11): during this observation I focused on the attached companion NGC 5195. The entire connecting arm was always a prominent direct vision feature of the pair with variations in brightness and width along its length. The arm brightened as it connected to NGC 5195. The slightly oval core was extremely bright but nevertheless a very bright stellar nucleus punctuated the center. The spiral arms had an extremely high contrast and appeared etched in the eyepiece like a photograph with a great deal of knotty structure. The outer arm that sweeps clockwise to the north and then around the west side extended much further south (~5' from center) than I had ever previously seen and separated quite a bit from the main spiral. Sprays of nebulosity looped off of NGC 5195 to the north (see notes).
18" (7/2/11): first view of type IIb supernova 2011dh in M51, which was discovered after the last time I could observe. The magnitude was ~13.3. The progenitor star of SN 2011dh is possibly an extremely unusual yellow supergiant with a massive blue companion that was leeching material off the yellow supergiant.
17.5" (3/28/87): stunning spiral structure, connecting arm visible with direct vision. First observation with 17.5" on 23 Mar 1985.
13.1" (1/18/85): spiral structure very prominent in excellent seeing - reminiscent of Lord Rosse's sketch! The connecting arm was definite with averted vision.
13.1" (many dates from 4/24/82 to 3/24/84): very bright, very large, bright nucleus. Two winding spiral arms were obvious with a dark gap between the arms on the west side. The connecting arm to NGC 5195 was definite although near my visual threshold. There was a sharp bend in the outer arm at the south end of the galaxy. After this point, the arm trailed faintly north to NGC 5195 located 4.6' from center.
8" (7/3/80 and many later dates): bright, large, hint of spiral arms using averted vision.
Charles Messier discovered M51 = NGC 5194 = h1622 on 13 Oct 1773 with a 3.5-inch refractor while "watching the comet visible at that time." Johann Bode made an independent discovery on 5 Jan 1774, along with the first drawing using his 3-inch refractor. Pierre Méchain discovered the companion the companion [NGC 5195] on 21 Mar 1781 and Messier wrote in his 1781 catalog that "It is double, each has a bright center, which are separated 4' 35". The two "atmospheres" touch each other, the one is even fainter than the other. Reobserved several times."
Using his 12-inch (20-ft focal length) on 20 Sep 1783, William Herschel commented (clearly interested if it was a cluster), "most difficult to resolve; yet I no longer doubt. In the southern nebula I saw several stars by various glimpses, in the northern also 3 or 4 in the thickest part of it, but never very distinctly." Viewing with his 18.7-inch on 29 Apr 1788, he described "Two, the most south vB, L, surrounded with a beautiful glory of milky nebulosity with here and there small interruptions that seemed to show the glory at a distance." On 12 May 1787 he recorded "B, a very uncommon object. Nebulosity in the center, with a nucleus surrounded by detached nebulosity in the form of a circle; of unequal brightness in 3 or 4 places; forming altogether a most curious object." He apparently never observed M51 with his 48-inch reflector (40-foot focal length).
John Herschel described M51 as "A very bright round nucleus surrounded at a distance by a nebulous ring" and as a "double ring, or rather one-and-half rings rather like an armillary sphere." His sketch shows two partially overlapping rings with the double ring portion probably corresponding where the two main arms have the highest contrast along one side.
M51 was the first galaxy in which spiral structure was clearly seen. The discovery was made by Lord Rosse (William Parsons) using his newly completed 72-inch Leviathan in the spring of 1845 (replacing the earlier 36-inch scope). No observing logs were kept of the earliest observations, so the exact date in unknown, but spirality was not reported by Romney Robinson (director of the Armagh Observatory) and James South (double star observer) during their observation on 5-6 March 1845, which focused on resolvability. In early April 1845 (possibly the 6th), William Parsons observed alone and "discovered" the spiral structure, producing a stunning sketch that was circulated at the British Association for the Advancement of Science in Cambridge in June 1845. By 1850, M51 had been observed at least 28 times and a Parsons' second, more dynamic sketch implying motion, was published in his 1850 "Observations of the Nebulae" (figure 1). Samuel Hunter also made an excellent visual sketch that was completed in May 1864.
Probably using LdR's drawing as a "guide", William Lassell sketched the spiral structure and connecting arm on 12 May 1846 (in his notebook) with his 24" equatorially mounted reflector. He made two detailed sketches using his 48" in 1862 from Malta, showing slightly variations in the spiral structure. Jean Chacornac made an excellent pencil sketch (unpublished) in 1862 using the 31" silvered-glass reflector of the Paris Observatory. Using only a 9.6" refractor at Rome, Father Angelo Secchi claimed "even in our telescope it is easy to recognize the spiral and the two branches can be followed very well." (he often compared his telescopic views favorably with LdR's and Lassell's).
A bitter debate between Wilhelm Tempel and Dreyer began in 1878 after Tempel was highly critical of Lord Rosse's and William Lassell's sketches of spiral structure. Tempel had only observed M51 through the 11" refractor at Arcetri, and although he sketched curving arcs in the halo, he felt Rosse and others were interpretating these features as spiral forms. He wrote "one cannot fend off the thought that these forms and shapes are only figments of the imagination...". On 29 Apr 1889 Isaac Roberts obtained the first photograph of M51, ending the debate.
As far as the origin of the nickname "Whirlpool Galaxy", Ormsby Mitchel's Sidereal Messenger column in November 1847 (Vol. 2, No. 4) announced "Lord Rosse's Whirlpool Nebula" and included a copy of his sketch. The following year Romney Robinson described spiral nebulae "... resemblance to bodies floating on a whirlpool is, of course, likely to set imagination at work..."
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NGC 5195 = M51b = UGC 8494 = MCG +08-25-014 = CGCG 246-009 =
13 29 59.2 +47 15 59; CVn
V = 9.6; Size 5.8'x4.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 79°
48" (4/2/11): I was shocked by the detail and structure visible in the companion to M51 at 375x. The main 2' portion of the galaxy has a striking asymmetric appearance with an extremely high surface brightness "bar" perhaps 2'x0.8' elongated N-S with a sharp light cutoff on the east side. Attached on the east side of a bar is semi-circular "loop" extending about a 1' E and connected at the north and south end of the bar. The western loop portion of NGC 5195 was slightly brighter where it connected at the ends and the interior of this loop was irregularly darker. On first glance there appeared to be an obvious short "arm" connected to the northeast end of NGC 5195 heading south, but then I realized this was the long connecting arm from M51 that brightened in the last 1' where it attaches to NGC 5195. The entire connecting arm was always a prominent direct vision feature of the pair. The center of the bar was sharply concentrated with an extremely bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.
At least three distinct plumes of nebulosity (referred to as the "crown") extended from NGC 5195 to the north. A broad wing of hazy nebulosity begins near the NE end (at the end of the connecting arm) and sweeps 2' to the north in a gentle curve. A second shorter plume extends directly north from the north end of NGC 5195. Finally a mass of very low surface brightness nebulosity spreads to the west from the southwest end of the galaxy and clearly sweeps towards the north for ~2.5'.
13.1" (5/14/83): bright, fairly small, very irregular appearance. Forms a double system 4.6' N of M51 and connected on the east side by a faint spiral arm of M51 which trails north on the east side to NGC 5195. The following side is sharply cut-off due to dust and appears as a half disc.
Pierre Méchain discovered the northern component of M51 or NGC 5195 = H. I-186 = h1623 on 20 Mar 1781 and commented "saw this nebula; effectively it is double. The center of each is brilliant and clear; distinct and the light of each touches each other." Messier mentioned this companion to M51 in his 1784 version of the catalogue in Connaissance de Temps, though it never received recognition as a separate Messier object.
William Herschel found it on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "B, S, R, vgbM. Just north of the former [M51]." John Herschel reported "B; R: vsbM to a star. This nebula is the companion of M51 and is figured with it."
LdR and assistants described NGC 5195 as probably a spiral on several observations and other details were noted. On 17 Mar 1855: "I have no doubt of a spiral arrangement of the smaller Nucl." On 16 Apr 1855: "The 2nd Nucl seems to be the proper prolongation of the spiral arm with which it is connected." On 18 Apr 1860: "I still think the small Nucl is shaped like an "S". On 12 Apr 1872: "The edge of the 2nd convol. is very nearly rectilinear on the south side."
On 6 Apr 1945, Milton Humason visually discovered the type Ia SN 1945A observing with the 100-inch. This was the second extragalactic SN discovery after SN 1885A in M31.
******************************
13 31 19.6 -01 36 54; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.7'; PA = 95°
17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, oval NW-SE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5196 = m 260, along with NGC
5192 and 5197, on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF". His position is less than 1' southwest
of
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NGC 5197 = CGCG 017-003 = PGC 47546
13 31 25.1 -01 41 36; Vir
V = 14.8; Size 0.6'x0.3'; PA = 150°
17.5" (4/7/89): very faint, small, round. Member of the NGC 5183 group with NGC
5196 5' NNW and
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5197 = m 261, along with NGC 5192 and 5196, on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF". His position is good.
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NGC 5198 = UGC 8499 = MCG +08-25-015 = CGCG 246-010 = I Zw 59 = PGC 47441
13 30 11.4 +46 40 15; CVn
V = 11.8; Size 2.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/19/01): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1' diameter. Contains a large, brighter core with a thin halo. Forms the SE vertex of a small rectangle with three mag 13-14 stars - the closest star 45" W. Located 32' S of M51. NGC 6169 lies 21' W.
17.5" (4/28/89): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, small very bright core, possible stellar nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is 45" W of center.
13.1" (4/24/82): fairly faint, small, round. Located about 30' S of M51 in the same low power field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5198 = H. II-689 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "pF, L, stellar [nucleus]." His position is accurate. He made another observation on 29 Apr 1788 and called it "pB, pL."
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13 30 42.7 +34 49 50; CVn
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/8/02): faint, small, round, 0.4'
diameter. Picked up at 100x 2.1'
NE of a mag 13 star. Located 27'
WSW of mag 6.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 5199 = H. III-406 = h1624 on
1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, vS, lE." Caroline's reduction is 25 sec of time
preceding
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12 31 42.2 -00 01 49; Vir
= **, Reinmuth, Carlson and Corwin.
Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 5200 = HN 18 on 30 Apr 1859 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars. He simply noted "a star in faint nebulosity." At Coolidge's position is a close mag 12.7/15.0 pair at ~9" separation. Karl Reinmuth described NGC 5200 as a "**15 and 12.5, dist 0.1' 80 deg. No neb seen."
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NGC 5201 = UGC 8480 = MCG +09-22-069 = CGCG 271-045 = PGC 47324
13 29 16.4 +53 04 54; UMa
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 145°
18" (6/21/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6'. Moderate,
even concentration to a brighter core and faint stellar nucleus with direct
vision. Located 5.7' S of mag 7.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 5201 = H. II-797 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "pF, pS, R, vgbM." His re-reduced
position is ~80 tsec too large and 2' south of
******************************
NGC 5202 = CGCG 017-010 = PGC 47589
13 32 00.5 -01 41 57; Vir
V = 14.5; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 0°
17.5" (4/7/89): extremely faint, very small, round. Located 10' E of NGC 5197 in the NGC 5183 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5202 = m 262 on 12 Apr 1864 and
simply noted "vF". His position is 1' west of
******************************
13 32 13.4 -08 47 11; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 88°
17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, 1.2'x0.8'. Sharply concentrated with a moderately bright 20"x10" core and a much fainter halo. A pair of mag 10.5/12.5 stars at 27" separation is 7' SE. Located 3° NE of Spica.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5203 = H. III-507 = h3517 on 4 Feb 1786 (sweep 522) and recorded "vF, vS, er. 240 left a doubt of the nebulosity, but rather confirmed it; may be a small patch of stars." His position is within 1' of MCG -01-35-001 = PGC 47610. John Herschel logged from the Cape of Good Hope, "vF; S; R gbM; 15"."
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13 29 36.4 +58 25 09; UMa
V = 11.3; Size 5.0'x3.0'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 5°
24" (6/12/18): fairly bright, fairly large, oval N-S, ~3.5'x2.5', irregular halo, broad concentration to a large, very ill-defined central region but no nucleus. The surface brightness is notably irregular or mottled due to numerous blue compact HII regions, but no individual regions were resolved on the face of the galaxy.
17.5" (6/3/00): moderately bright, elongated 4:3 N-S, 3.5'x2.5', weak concentration. Has a mottled appearance with several slightly brighter knots across the face of the galaxy [on the DSS, the galaxy is quite unusual with numerous knots]. The outer halo fades into the background. A nice fairly bright double star is near the edge of the field. Member of the M101 group.
8" (4/24/82): faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5204 = H. IV-63 = h1625 on
24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and recorded "cB, cL, vgmbM, easily res. I suppose with a higher power I might
have seen the stars." His
position was poor -- 35 seconds of RA east of
Charles E. Burton, the Birr Castle observer on 23 Apr 1868, recorded "E ns, dark lane np sf on north side of nucleus. Suspect a spiral branch on np side extending to a star sp. Two stars sf, is the following of the 2 nebulous?"
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13 30 03.4 +62 30 42; UMa
V = 12.2; Size 3.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 10°
17.5" (5/23/98): appears as a fairly large, ill-defined diffuse glow, slightly elongated N-S, 1.5'x1.2', very weak concentration. Situated between mag 13.5/14.5 stars 3' S and 2' N. Two mag 11 stars lie ~8' NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5205 = Sw. 6-59 on 18 May 1887
and recorded "vF; pS; R; betw 2 vF stars." His position is 2' south
of
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13 33 44.0 -48 09 04; Cen
V = 10.6; Size 3.7'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 16°
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.6', broad weak concentration. Situated just south of a pair of mag 12 stars 1.5' N and 1.7' NW of center. NGC 5156 lies 1.1° SW. Located just 80' SE of Omega Centauri in the Centaurus A galaxy group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5206 = h3518 on 2 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; pL; R; vgbM; 50"; on a ground faintly stippled with minute stars." His position is within the north side of the halo.
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13 32 14.1 +13 53 32; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 140°
24" (7/2/16): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 or 3:2 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.6', brighter core with a stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 0.7' NW, just off the edge.
17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6', broad concentration with no distinct core. A mag 11 star is just off the NW edge 44" from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5207 = H. III-643 = h1626 on
19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "vF, S, just sf a star, which is
partly included in the nebulosity." Caroline's reduction is 1.4' north of
Three observations were made at Birr Castle. On 3 May 1856, R.J. Mitchell noted "about 5' nf is a vF nebulous knot." At this offset from NGC 5207 is CGCG 073-021 = PGC 47648, which did not receive a NGC designation.
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13 32 28.0 +07 18 59; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 162°
24" (6/1/13): moderately bright and large, elongated
2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5', well concentrated with a very small, very bright
nucleus that increases to the center.
NGC 5208 and
17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6'. Even
concentration with a bright core and faint stellar nucleus. Appears to a have faint larger
halo. Brightest in a trio with NGC
5209 3.7' ENE and
William Herschel discovered NGC 5208 = H. III-9 = h1627,
along with NGC 5209, on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 108) and recorded "Two very
feeble nebula. They are eF."
There is nothing at his position (often very rough in his early sweeps)
but 1.6 min of RA west is the pair
******************************
NGC 5209 = UGC 8522 = MCG +01-35-002 = CGCG 045-009 = PGC 47654
13 32 42.5 +07 19 38; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (6/1/13): at 225x appeared moderately bright,
fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright,
0.3' core that increases to the center.
Forms a pair with NGC 5208 3.7' WSW with
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter. Broad, weak concentration with no distinct core. Fainter of a pair with NGC 5208 3.7' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5209 = H. III-10 = h1628 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 108) and recorded "Two very feeble nebula [with III-9 = NGC 5208]. They are eF." "Two. Both vF and vS." His position is poor. John Herschel made two observations, providing a fairly accurate position.
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NGC 5210 = UGC 8523 = MCG +01-35-003 = CGCG 045-010 = PGC 47678
13 32 49.2 +07 10 12; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (6/1/13): moderately bright, moderately large, round, 0.8' diameter, sharply concentrated with a small bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group (WBL 450), along with NGC 5208 and 5209, which lie 10' NNW.
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter. Contains a fairly bright core with a faint halo with fades into the background. Similar to the NGC 5208/5209 pair that lies ~10' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5210 = H. III-99 = h1629 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "eF, S. It follows a star 7-8 mag 3.1 min in time and 1° 9' more north." On 12 May 1793 (sweep 1042) he reported "pBN with vF chevelure [halo]. S, almost like a faint nebulous star." John Herschel logged "F; S: R; psbM; 15"." and measured an accurate position.
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13 33 05.3 -01 02 08; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 30°
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, oval SSW-NNE,
gradually increases to a small bright core. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 5211 = h1630 on 14 Apr 1828 and recorded "pB; S; R; vsmbM; 20"." His position is accurate.
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NGC 5212 = CGCG 045-014 = PGC 47687
13 32 56.1 +07 17 16; Vir
V = 15.5; Size 0.5'x0.45'
24" (6/1/13): faint to very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. The NGC identification is very uncertain and could apply to CGCG 045-008 and perhaps a faint, wide double star near John Herschel's position.
17.5" (5/27/95): not found though observed well past the meridian.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5212 = h1631 on 24 Apr 1830 and simply note "eF". There is nothing at his position, which is east of NGC 5208 and 5209.
Karl Reinmuth identified
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13 34 39.3 +04 07 48; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (6/2/00): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration with no noticeable core. Located 17' NE of a 2' pair of mag 8 stars.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5213 = m 263 on 30 Apr 1864 and
noted "vF, S, lE." There
is nothing at his position, but exactly 1 min of RA east is
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13 32 48.5 +41 52 19; CVn
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 140°
24" (6/4/16): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 45"x35", very small
bright core. Mag 9.9
Forms a contact pair with
17.5" (6/2/00): fairly faint, slightly elongated 4:3
NW-SE, 1.1'x0.8', weak even concentration. Forms the southern vertex of a triangle with a mag 10.5 star
2.7' NW and a mag 10 star 5' NE.
Located 18' SE of mag 6.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 5214 = H. III-656 = h1632 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "vF, vS, lbM." John Herschel's description reads "vF; R; gbM; 30...40 arcseconds."
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13 35 09.5 -33 29 02; Cen
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 70°
17.5" (4/21/01): this double system consists of a two
faint, very small galaxies (
John Herschel discovered NGC 5215 = h3519 on 3 Jun 1836 and recorded "eF and S; has 2 st less than 1 diam of neb, distant one (by diagram) s[outh] and one p[receding]". Based on his description, he resolved this double system. ESO-LV fails to label this system as NGC 5215.
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13 32 07.0 +62 42 03; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 2.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.0
48" (4/20/17): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with an intense nucleus surrounded by a small bright core and a moderately large halo. Viewed in poor seeing.
17.5" (5/23/98): smaller and fainter of pair with NGC 5218 4.0' N (Keenan's System = interacting on long exposure photos). Fairly faint, round, 1.0' diameter. The core is 15" in diameter at 280x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5216 = H. II-841 = h1635,
along with II-842 = NGC 5218, on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and logged "pB,
S, iF." Caroline's reduced position is 2' northeast of
The nickname "Keenan's System" derives from a 1935 paper "An Unusual Pair of Nebulae: NGC 5216 and 5218" (in 1935ApJ....81..355K). Keenan announced that based on a Yerkes 24-inch plate "these two apparently well-separated galaxies are connected by a faint but definite band of nebulosity... The case is striking, among the small number of pairs known to be physically connected, because of the considerable separation of the two objects in proportion to their size." The paper included a photograph of the system. Zwicky used the name "Keenan's System in his 1956 paper "Multiple Galaxies" on interacting galaxies (http://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1956ErNW...29..344Z). The filament connecting the galaxies stretches 22,000 light years long.
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13 34 06.1 +17 51 24; Com
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
evenly concentrated down to a small bright core. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 5217 = h1634 on 7 May 1826 and recorded "vF; S; R: bM." His position is accurate.
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NGC 5218 = Arp 104 NED2 = VV 33b = UGC 8529 = MCG +11-17-005 = CGCG 316-020 = CGCG 317-003 = PGC 47603 = Keenan's System
13 32 10.2 +62 46 02; UMa
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 100°
17.5" (5/23/98): moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.5'x1.2', broad concentration with a large brighter core. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.5' NE. Forms a double system with NGC 5216 4.0' S (interacting pair with streamers called Keenan's system).
William Herschel discovered NGC 5218 = H. II-842 = h1636 on
19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "pB, pL, iF." Caroline's reduced position is 3'
northeast of
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13 38 42.0 -45 51 18; Cen
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 17°
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 5219 = h3520 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF, S, R, has a * near lower edge." There is nothing at his very rough position (near min of RA and NPD marked as approximate), but the description clearly matches h3525 = NGC 5244. This implies JH made a 2.5 tmin error in RA and 3' in declination and didn't recognize that he observed this galaxy just two days previously!
The RNGC misidentifies a double star as NGC 5244, although the classification is a galaxy.
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13 35 57.0 -33 27 13; Cen
V = 12.2; Size 2.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 97°
17.5" (4/21/01): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.5'x0.6'. A
mag 13 star is at the following end [52" from center] and a mag 14.5 star
is just north of central region. A
mag 9.1 star lies 2.8' SE. NGC
5215 (pair) lies 10' W. Located 17'
SE of mag 6.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 5220 = h3521 on 3 Jun 1836 and
recorded "vF; S; R: precedes a * 10m, dist 1 1/2 diam by
diagram." His position and
description matches
******************************
13 34 55.9 +13 49 57; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 2.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 100°
24" (6/1/13): moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 E-W, 1.0'x0.25", well concentrated with a small bright nucleus. Interacting pair with NGC 5222 5.4' S.
17.5" (5/30/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated
3:1 E-W, broad mild concentration, very faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5221 = H. III-86 = h1637, along with NGC 5222 and 5230 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189), and recorded "Three small nebula, all vF and R; the last is little larger than the other two. The first and last differ 0.6 min in RA and 10' in polar distance." John Herschel made two observations, logging "F; R; pslbM; 25", and "eF; R". NGC position is just off the south side of the galaxy.
******************************
NGC 5222 = Arp 288 NED2/3 = VV 315a/c = UGC 8558 = MCG +02-35-005 = CGCG 073-039 = PGC 47871
13 34 55.9 +13 44 32; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; PA = 15°
24" (6/1/13): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 30"x24", high surface brightness core, small halo. A mag 15.5 star is just off the south side, 0.6' from center. NGC 5221 lies 5.4' N and NGC 5230 is 9.6' ESE.
17.5" (5/30/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE. A mag 15.5 star is at the south edge. A brighter mag 14.5 star lies 3' N. This is the slightly brighter galaxy of a pair with NGC 5221 5.4' N. Located 9.7' WNW of NGC 5230 in a group. A small companion just off the northeast edge was not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5222 = H. III-85 = h1638, along with NGC 5221 and NGC 5230, on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189). John Herschel made three observations, describing NGC 5220 as "vF; S; R", "pB; S; R sbM; 30", and "vF; R; vglbM; 20".
******************************
NGC 5223 = UGC 8553 = MCG +06-30-040 = CGCG 190-025 = PGC 47822
13 34 25.2 +34 41 25; CVn
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40"
diameter, very little concentration.
A mag 13 star is nearly attached on the SW side, 44" from the
center. At 280x, a very small core is visible and the galaxy has an uneven
surface brightness. Brightest in a
group with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5223 = H. III-407 = h1640 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "Two [along with III-408 = NGC 5228], the time is that of the most south; both vF and vS; but the most north [NGC 5228] is the faintest and smallest of the two. Dist about 6 or 7'." His RA was 20 seconds of time too small. John Herschel made 3 observations, recording on sweep 131 "F; S; R; has a star sp", and measured an accurate position.
******************************
13 35 08.8 +06 28 51; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (6/2/00): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5'
diameter, weak even concentration to a brighter core and faint stellar
nucleus. Bracketed between two mag
9 stars 2.3' NE (
William Herschel discovered NGC 5224 = H. III-926 = h1633 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and recorded "vF, S. It is sp a considerably bright star." John Herschel made the single observation "a * 9m with a faint, very dilute nebulous atmosphere." His position is 1 min of time too small (he noted a possible error of 1 tmin), but the description appears to describe one of the nearby bright stars -- not the galaxy, which is 2' from the nearest star. In the GC, JH questioned "Has the star or the nebula moved?" He probably missed the galaxy and noted a small halo around the nearby star.
******************************
13 33 20.3 +51 29 25; CVn
V = 13.5; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (5/11/02): faint, very small, round, 25"
diameter, little or no concentration.
A mag 15.5 star is barely off the SE edge [30" from center]. Located 15' SW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 5225 = H. III-822 on 26 Apr
1789 (sweep 929) and noted "cF, pS, iR, lbM." Caroline's reduced position is 27 sec
of RA east of
******************************
13 35 03.6 +13 55 20; Vir
V = 15.7; Size 0.5'x0.25'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 21°
24" (6/1/13): faintest member of the NGC 5230 quartet. At 282x appeared extremely faint, very small, appeared to be elongated ~2:1 N-S, 12"x6". Required averted and could not hold for more than a couple of seconds. Located 5.7' NNE of NGC 5221. This galaxy is surprisingly faint for an NGC, though it was discovered with the 72-inch.
17.5" (5/30/92): Not found.
J.L.E. Dreyer discovered NGC 5226 using LdR's 72" on 5
April 1877 during an observation of NGC 5221. He described this object as "eF, pS, pos 20.7°, dist
342" from [NGC 5221]. At this
exact position (5.7' north-northeast of NGC 5221) is
******************************
13 35 24.5 +01 24 40; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 145°
17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, gradually increases to a 20" core. Surrounded by a small isosceles triangle of stars with a mag 14.5 star 1.8' NW, mag 15 star 1.3' SW and a mag 14 star 2.1' E!
William Herschel discovered NGC 5227 = H. III-928 = h1641 on 13 May 1793 (sweep 1044) and noted "vF, S." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; R" though did not measure a position. Ralph Copeland, while an observing assistant at Birr Castle on 22 Mar 1874, noted "vF, pS, R, gmbM, inside a triangle of small stars."
******************************
NGC 5228 = UGC 8556 = MCG +06-30-043 = CGCG 190-026 = PGC 47837
13 34 35.0 +34 46 40; CVn
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration. Forms a similar pair with NGC 5223 5.6' SSW. A mag 13 star lies 1.4' NE and a similar star is 2' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5228 = H. III-408 = h1642 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "Two [along with III-407 = NGC 5223], the time is that of the most south; both vF and vS; but the most north [NGC 5228] is the faintest and smallest of the two. Dist about 6 or 7'." His RA was 20 seconds of time too small. John Herschel made 2 observations and measured an accurate position.
******************************
13 34 02.9 +47 54 54; CVn
V = 13.7; Size 3.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 167°
17.5" (5/15/99): faint, large, thin edge-on, 6:1 NNW-SSE, 2.5'x0.4'. With averted vision the outer tips may extend to 3' in length. A mag 12 star is off the SSE end 2.4' from center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5229 = Sw. 3-72 on 1 Jan 1886 and
recorded "eF; L; vE; v difficult." His position is 8 sec of RA following
******************************
NGC 5230 = UGC 8573 = MCG +02-35-009 = CGCG 073-043 = PGC 47932
13 35 31.9 +13 40 34; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (6/1/13): moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.4'x1.2', broad concentration to a brighter core. With direct vision, a small brighter nucleus was visible. Largest in a quartet (similar redshifts) with NGC 5222 9.6' WNW and NGC 5221 12.8' NW.
17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, fairly low almost even surface brightness, weak concentration. Brightest in a group with NGC 5221 13' NNW and NGC 5222 9.7' WNW. Located near the Virgo-Bootes border.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5230 = H. III-87 = h1639 = h1643, along with NGC 5221 and NGC 5222, on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 189). John Herschel made 4 observations including one, on sweep 247, in which he thought it was new and catalogued it as h1643. His position was 8 tsec of RA too far west on this sweep. Dreyer combined the two h- and GC-designations in the NGC, noting "according to the well--agreeing observations of WH, d'Arrest and LdR, there are only 3 nebula." R.J. Mitchell, the LdR observer on 3 May 1856, noted 1643 [NGC 5230] is the largest and is pB, R, gbMN, about which I suspect dark spaces [dust lanes]."
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13 35 48.3 +02 59 57; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 112°
17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.6', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core and an occasional stellar nucleus.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5231 = m 264 on 30 Apr 1864 and
noted "F, S, bM." His
position is 1' south of
******************************
13 36 08.3 -08 29 52; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 70°
17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.8'.
Fairly sharp concentration with a much brighter 30" core. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5232 = m 265 on 30 May 1864 and
noted "F, vS." His
position is less than 1' north-northwest of
******************************
NGC 5233 = UGC 8568 = MCG +06-30-047 = CGCG 190-029 = PGC 47895
13 35 13.3 +34 40 38; CVn
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 80°
17.5" (5/23/98): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, very small brighter core. A mag 14.5 star is 1.1' SE of center. Located 10' E of NGC 5223 in a group with NGC 5228.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5233 = H. III-425 = h1645 on 3 May 1785 (sweep 407) and noted "vF, vS, may be brought into the field with the two foregoing [NGC 5223 and 5228] and is a little fainter than they are." John Herschel called it "F; S; R: has a vS * near [southeast]."
******************************
13 37 29.9 -49 50 14; Cen
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 48°
18" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): fairly faint,
fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 40"x20", contains a small brighter
core. A mag 14-14.5 star is at the
southeast edge [20" from center] and a mag 15 star is just off the
northeast end. Situated in a rich
star field with two mag 10.5 stars 4' N and 5' NW. Located 25' WNW of mag 5.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 5234 = h3522 on 6 Jul 1834 and recorded "eeF; lE; 30". Requires a newly polished mirror, and a night such as this is to be seen." His position is accurate.
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NGC 5235 = UGC 8582 = MCG +01-35-012 = CGCG 045-036 = PGC 47984
13 36 01.4 +06 35 07; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 120°
24" (6/29/16): moderately bright, elongated 5:3 ~WNW-ESE, ~40"x24", contains a relatively large brighter core. A mag 10 star is 3.7' SW and a mag 14.5 star is 1' NNE.
17.5" (6/2/00): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.4', smooth surface brightness. NGC 5224 lies 14' SW. Located 3.6' NE of a mag 10 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5235 = H. III-100 = h1644 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and logged "eF, E. It follows a star 7-8 mag 6.2 min in time and is 34' more north." John Herschel made three observations, recording on sweep 153 "F; pL; R; very dilute; nf a * 9m."
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13 37 00.3 -29 51 58; Hya
V = 7.5; Size 12.9'x11.5'; Surf Br = 12.8
48" (4/7/13): During this observation of M83, I focused on the HII regions that light up portions of the remarkable spiral arms that emanate from the 3'x1' central bar. The bar is sharply concentrated with a small, intensely bright, 1' round core. At the northeast end of the bar a high contrast arm begins to sweep counterclockwise along the east side, ending up directly south of the core. Several knotty clumps were visible in the region where the arm is attached. First, at the northeast end of the central bar [1.2' NE of center] is NGC 5236:[dPD83] 42, a 10" HII knot. This designation is from a 1983 paper by de Vaucouleurs, Pence and Davoust that includes a map of the 60 brightest HII regions. Close east of this knot is #46, a 20"x10" elongated patch, situated where the arm begins to unfurl to the south [1.7' NE of center]. HII region #54 is another 12" knot a bit further southeast [0.6'] along the arm [1.9' ENE of center].
On the opposite southwest end of the bar a prominent second arm emerges and spirals out counterclockwise along the west side of the galaxy heading north and then spreading out as it curves east. The arm dims noticeably on the northeast side of the halo near a mag 13 star and has a low surface brightness as it continues south in the outer halo, heading towards h 4599, an 8" pair of mag 8.2/10.7 stars. Several knots are visible in this arm. As the arm emerges at the southwest end is #22 and #18, a small 10" knot [1.8' SW of center]. Close north is an elongated clump [2.0' WSW of center], ~25"x10", containing #13 and #15. Another elongated patch, 30"x10", containing #12 and #16, is 1' further north along the arm [1.9' WNW of center]. Additional HII regions were visible at the northern side of the arm; #39 and #43 are a close pair of small knots ~2.5' NNE of center. Further east along the arm [3.3' NE of center] is #56, another elongated patch, 20"x10".
A third, wider and more diffuse arm begins on the south side of the bar. It extends below the brighter arm on the west side, and sweeps more gradually, forming an outer western arm. This arm passes just north of a mag 12 star and ends about 4' W of center at a brighter, elongated patch that includes #2 and #3, as well as a mag 15 star.
48" (5/15/12): jaw-dropping view of M83, with the galaxy filling about 2/3 of the 375x field. I didn't take detail notes as we were looking for a recently discovered ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX), in which a companion star is orbiting a neutron star or black hole. We found a stellar or quasi-stellar object at the north edge of the central core, but this was likely a compact HII region (the ULX is ~1' E of the nucleus).
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): M83 resembled the photographic appearance in the 24" at 200x. The bright "bar" was elongated SW-NE and roughly 3'x1' in size with a well-defined bright, round core, 1' in diameter. The first prominent arm is attached at the northeast end of the bar and sweeps south (counter-clockwise) on the east side of the core, wrapping around the southeast side and spreading out a bit as it terminates to the south of the core (~3' from the center). This arm has a high contrast along its outer edge and a couple of faint stars or HII knots are visible near where it attaches to the bar. On the southwest end of the bar a second prominent inner arm emerges and abruptly wraps counter-clockwise around the galaxy on the west side as it heads north. This arm continues to wrap around the north side before spreading out on the northeast side and merging into the outer halo ~3.5' from center on the northeast edge of the halo. A third, more ill-defined arm, also emerges from the core on the south but sweeps more gently to the west (instead of heading north) on the outside of the second arm. It spreads out and fades into the general glow about 3.5' SW of center near a superimposed mag 12 star. Offshoots of the main arms are difficult to trace and contribute to the general background glow of the halo.
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): in addition to the complex 3-armed spiral structure I was surprised to see a fairly obvious linear bar that extended through the small, intense core in SW-NE orientation. The fairly tightly wound spiral arm that wraps from the east side of the core around the south side in a counter-clockwise orientation clearly emerges from the NE end of this bar. The spiral arms that begin on the south and west side more vaguely emerge from the general glow near the SW end of the bar.
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): beautiful view with easy spiral structure in excellent seeing conditions. The main central portion of the galaxy appears to be in motion, due to the embedded spiral structure and darker ribbons add to this impression. The three principal arms extending from the galaxy were well seen although they are fairly tightly wound to the main body.
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): this impressive galaxy was viewed carefully at both 105x and 166x. The overall size including the spiral arms are ~8'x6'. The halo is broadly concentrated then rises sharply to an intense 25" core that increases to the center. Complex spiral structure is quite obvious. A spiral arm is attached on the east side of the core and wraps around the south side of the galaxy in a counter-clockwise direction. A second arm is attached at the south side of the core and winds to the west a bit on the south side. Finally, an arm is attached on the west side and shoots north before gently bending east along the north side of the outer halo.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this was my best view to date of M83 with a beautiful spiral structure clearly evident and multiple knotty arms. Well concentrated with a prominent core and very small nucleus. A very long, spiral arm is attached on the west side of the central core or bar but quickly bends to the north, becoming more spread out and diffuse. It continues to wind along the entire east side of the halo and fades out near a close double star, which is the middle of three collinear stars to the SE of the galaxy. Two other principal arms are visible - one is attached on the following end of the core and heads south, wrapping clockwise around the core towards the west. A third arm emerges from the core on the west side and winds clockwise towards the north. Offshoots of the main arms are difficult to trace and contribute to the general background glow of the halo.
17.5" (5/10/86) : brighter arm or arc visible north of the core.
13.1" (3/24/84): very bright, large, very bright core, brighter along the central "bar". The shape of the spiral arms and central bar form the Greek letter "Theta" surrounded by a faint halo.
8" (5/21/82 and 3/24/84): very bright and large, bright core, elongated, impressive.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered M83 = NGC 5236 = Lac I-6 = D 628 = h3523 in 1751-1752 with only a 1/2-inch telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He simply described a "small, shapeless" nebula. M83 is the only galaxy in Lacaille's list and its remarkable that it was discovered with so small an aperture. Charles Messier was barely able to view it from Paris, noting "It appears as a faint, even light, but is difficult to see with the telescope that the slightest illumination of the micrometer's crosshairs causes it to disappear. It requires considerable concentration to see at all."
William Herschel made two observations of M83: On 15 Mar 1787 (sweep 711) he logged "vB, a bright resolvable nucleus in the middle with F branches about 5' or 6' long, E sp-nf." On 5 May 1793 he logged "vB, a SBN with very extensive and vF nebulosity; it more than fills the field, it seems to be rather stronger from sp to nf. It may be ranked among the nebulous stars."
James Dunlop observed M83 on 29 Apr 1826 (his second night recording deep sky objects) and 4 additional nights. His summary description reads, ".. a very beautiful round nebula, with an exceedingly bright well-defined disk or nucleus, about 7 or 8 arcseconds diameter, surrounded by a luminous atmosphere or chevelure, about 6' diameter. The nebulous matter is rather a little brighter towards the edge of the planetary disk, but very slightly so. I can see several extremely minute points or stars in the chevelure, but I do not consider them as indications of its being resolvable, although I have no doubt it is composed of stars." His published position was off by some 12+ minutes in RA due to a transcription error but his handwritten notebook position is within 10' of center.
John Herschel's first observation from the Cape of Good Hope on 5 May 1834 reads "vB, vL, sbM to a centre equal to a star 9th mag, diam 8", of a resolvable character like a globular cluster, surrounded by an immensely large, extremely dilute almost equable light 7' or 8' diameter, somewhat oval, and passing with excessive suddenness into the central light."
William Lassell discovered the spiral nature using his 48-inch fork-mounted reflector on Malta in May 1862. He sketched M83 as an elegant three-branched spiral (Plate VII, Fig. 28, in Memoirs of the Royal Astronomical Society, Vol 36). The NGC description "3 branched spiral" refers to Lassell's sketch. It was also sketched by Turner as an elegant "S" shaped spiral on the unpublished Plate VI, figure 62 as well as by Pietro Baracchi in Apr 1885.
A photograph taken of M83 and detailed description with the Crossley Reflector was published in the 1918 paper by Heber Curtis (Vol XIII, Publications of the Lick Observatory).
M83 has 6 known supernovae, the first (SN 1923A) found by Lampland on a photograph taken 5 May 1923 with the 40-inch Lowell reflector. South African comet hunter Jack Bennett discovered SN 1968L close to the nucleus of M83 on 16 Jul 1968. This was the first discovery by an amateur and the first extragalactic visual discovery of a supernova.
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13 37 38.8 -42 50 51; Cen
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 128°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): moderately bright,
fairly small, irregularly round (seems to change shape with averted
vision). I saw no noticeable core
but the galaxy seemed brightest at the west end with careful viewing. On the DSS, it appears I noticed either
a very small companion that's merged on the northwest side or a blue, starburst
region of the galaxy. NGC 5237
forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two bright stars; mag
7.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 5237 = h3524 on 3 Jun 1834 and noted (first of 4 observations) "F; pL; oval; vgbM; 60" l; 50" br." A sketch was made by Joseph Turner in Jul 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope. MCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 5237.
This galaxy, along with Fourcade-Figueroa galaxy = ESO 270-017, may have formed from a close interaction between Centaurus A and a spiral galaxy. A 1992 paper suggest it was ejected as a non-rotating shred of dusty, gas-rich disc material that appears as a blue irregular/starburst dwarf galaxy.
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NGC 5238 = UGC 8565 = MCG +09-22-082 = CGCG 271-052 = Mrk 1479 = I Zw 64 = KPG 384 = PGC 47853
13 34 42.6 +51 36 50; CVn
V = 13.4; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 160°
17.5" (5/11/02): very faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 1.2'x1.0', very diffuse with no noticeable central concentration. NGC 5225 lies 15' SW. Possible outlying member of the M101 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5238 = H. III-823 on 26 Apr 1789 (sweep 929) and noted "cF, pL, R, vlbM." His position was 20 seconds of RA too large.
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13 36 26.2 +07 22 11; Boo
V = 12.8; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (5/27/95): very faint, 1.0' diameter. Appears as a very low surface
brightness glow with no concentration.
Forms the west vertex of a right triangle with two mag 12-13 stars 4.1'
E and 5.0' SE. Located at the
extreme SW border of Bootes, 1.5° SSW of
William Herschel discovered NGC 5239 = H. III-101 = h1646 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "eF, pL, R, easily resolvable. I can almost see the stars of it." John Herschel made two observations and his position on sweep 250 is accurate.
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13 35 55.2 +35 35 16; CVn
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 60°
17.5" (5/11/02): very faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.9', Very diffuse appearance with a surprisingly low surface brightness and little or no central concentration. A trio of mag 10-10.5 stars lies 11' ENE. The NGC 5223 group (trio) is located 55' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5240 = H. III-409 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, pL, R, lbM." John Herschel and Lord Rosse didn't make any observations, though Édouard Stephan took a look on 27 Apr 1878 and 22 May 1878.
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NGC 5241 = MCG -01-35-006 = PGC 48043
13 36 39.9 -08 24 07; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 55°
17.5" (5/15/99): this difficult galaxy is attached to a mag 13 star and is situated just 0.9' W of a mag 11 star that detracts from viewing. The seeing was not steady during the observation, but the galaxy appeared elongated, perhaps 25"x10" roughly WSW-ENE with the star attached on the following side. Located 10' NE of NGC 5232.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5241 = Sw. 3-73 on 29 Mar 1886
and recorded "pF, eS; vF star very close." There is nothing at this position, but 38 sec of RA west and
6' north
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13 37 06 +02 46; Vir
= Not found, Carlson and Corwin.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5242 = h1647 on 10 Apr 1828 and recorded "eF, vL, fills the whole field. Strongly suspected; yet a doubt remains." There is nothing near his position (the declination is marked as uncertain) that fits his description and Dorothy Carlson classifies the number as nonexistent.
Harold Corwin concludes "Since there are no galaxies in the area matching JH's description (all are too small), nor are there any one hour preceding or following, or within two +/- degrees of the nominal declination, this may well be a visual illusion of some sort, perhaps caused by scattered light in his telescope." Curiously, there is an observation by LdR observer R.J. Mitchell on 19 Apr 1855, stating "not L, gbMN and has a patchy look."
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13 36 15.1 +38 20 35; CVn
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 126°
24" (6/3/19): at 200x; type Ia SN 2019fck, discovered on May 13th, was easily visible as a mag 14.5-14.7 "star" off the NW end of the galaxy (23" W and 40" N of center).
24" (5/20/17): at 200x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 NE-SE, 1.2'x0.4', moderate surface brightness, weak concentration. At 375x; NGC 5243 exhibited an irregular surface brightness and seemed knotty or dappled with dust. The outer halo appeared to extend further towards the southeast with an occasional slightly brighter knot.
17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, thin nearly edge-on NW-SE, 1.1'x0.3' with a bulging core. A mag 12 star follows by 4.5'.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5243 = H. III-620 = h1648 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and recorded "cF, E, about 3/4' long, r, not far from the parallel." John Herscehl measured a fairly accurate position and described the galaxy as "pF; E or obscurely bicentral; lbM, pos of elongation 25° nf by diagram."
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NGC 5244 = NGC 5219 = ESO 270-023 = MCG -07-28-007 = PGC 48236
13 38 42.0 -45 51 18; Cen
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 17°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~45"x20". A mag 13.5 star is at the north edge. The galaxy appears to extend (south) from the star. A mag 8.5 star is 9.5' WSW and three fairly bright, nearly collinear stars lie 8' ENE.
The Fourcade-Figueroa Galaxy = ESO 270-017 (possible remnant
or "shard", resulting from a close interaction between Centaurus A
and a spiral galaxy), lies 45' NW.
I was pleased to make a definite sighting as an extremely faint, very
elongated glow, particularly extending east-southeast of a mag 11 star. The very low surface brightness glow
was "pointing" just south of a mag 9 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 5244 = h3525 on 1 Jun 1834 and
recorded "vF; S; R; vglbM; has a * at its edge." His position and description matches
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13 37 23.2 +03 53 51; Vir
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.3'; PA = 90°
17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, very small, irregularly
round, almost even surface brightness.
Located almost at the midpoint between two mag 13.5 stars 2.5' NNW and
3.1' SSE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5245 = m 266, along with NGC 5246,
on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, vS." His position is 2.4' south of
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NGC 5246 = UGC 8612 = MCG +01-35-017 = CGCG 045-050 = PGC 48128
13 37 29.5 +04 06 14; Vir
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 85°
17.5" (4/28/90): faint, very small, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, broad concentration. NGC 5245 is located 12.5' S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5246 = m 267, along with NGC 5245, on 30 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, vS." His position is accurate.
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13 38 02.5 -17 53 01; Vir
V = 10.0; Size 5.6'x4.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 20°
48" (5/14/12): I was amazed at the beauty of this face-on spiral with two well-defined spiral arms containing numerous HII knots and a third faint arm! The galaxy is sharply concentrated with an extremely bright round core, ~30" diameter. The slightly brighter and longer southern arm was attached at the north end of the core and winded gracefully counterclockwise for nearly 270°, terminating on the WSW side of the galaxy, 2.4' from center. The arm displayed a high-contrast and was relatively narrow and sharply defined. It contained two knots and brighter segments. It broadened slightly as it unwound on the south side and appeared slightly mottled. The brightest HII knot was 10" in diameter and situated slightly further out, 1.9' SW of center. Beyond this point, the last portion of the arm dimmed and ended at another 8" knot at the tip, 2.4' WSW of center. The northern arm is attached on the south side of the core and winds counterclockwise to the north, though only curves gently. A fairly bright knot (possibly double) is situated along this arm 1.4' NNW of center. Another fainter knot is at the north tip of the arm, 1.8' from center. A third, vaguely defined arm emerges to the south of the core and unwinds counterclockwise to the west. A mag 16.5 star marks the tip of this arm.
17.5" (5/30/92): moderately bright, large, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, about 4'x3', sharp concentration with a very weakly concentrated halo which fades into the background. Unusual appearance as suddenly rises to very small bright core 20"-30" diameter. Spiral structure not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5247 = H. II-297 = h1649 on 7 Feb 1785 (sweep 369) and logged "pF, L, mbM." A later observation on 7 Feb 1787 (sweep 732) reads "pB, vL, the greatest part of it vF, unequally bright almost like two joined, the smaller being north preceding [perhaps a spiral arm?]." On sweep 354, John Herschel recorded "vF; vL; psb to a brighter kind of nebula; a good type of its class. It loses itself quite imperceptibly. Diam of the faint neb = 2'; of the brighter part or nucl = 10 or 15". (See fig 39.)".
William Lassell observed this galaxy with his 48-inch from Malta on 20 May 1862 and called it "a very faint spiral Nebula". His sketch (Plate VII, Fig. 29, in Memoirs of the Royal Astronomical Society, Vol 36) shows a graceful S-shaped spiral with two long arms opening widely from a small nucleus. The NGC description "2 branched spiral" refers to Lassell's sketch. Joseph Turner observed it on 8 May 1878 with the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope with a 6-day moon in the sky and noted mottling, but no spiral structure.
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NGC 5248 = UGC 8616 = MCG +02-35-015 = CGCG 073-054 = PGC 48130
13 37 32.0 +08 53 07; Boo
V = 10.3; Size 6.2'x4.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 110°
48" (5/15/12): beautiful two-armed spiral, very large, elongated ~3:2 SW-NE. The brightest portion is ~3.8'x2.5' but the faint, outer spiral arms increase the diameter to at least 5'. The galaxy is sharply concentrated with an intense oval core. The brighter spiral arm begins to the north of the core, wrapping counterclockwise around the east and southeast side and it is lit up by several fairly prominent knots. The arm dims fairly abruptly on the southeast side but continues unwrapping to the south, extending outside and just beyond a mag 13.5-14 star 1.7' SSW of center. A mag 15.3 star is 0.6' N of center, just outside where the arm emerges on the north side.
At least four distinct HII knots are in or near this arm, along with brighter segments. The following designations are from the 1983 Hodge-Kennicutt "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies". A faint knot, [HK 83] 26/28 is between the mag 15.3 star and the core. The arm brightens along the east side of the core and include the faint knots [HK 83] 13/15, 28" NE of center, and [HK 83] 5/6 1.0' ESE of center. The most prominent knot along with this arm is [HK 83] 9, 1.2' SE of center.
The western spiral arm (not traced directly to the core) stretches to the north and also contains several knots (HII complexes/star associations). The first knot is [HK 83] 63, 0.8' W of center. A large brighter knot or arc ~1.1' NW of center includes [HK 83] 74/77/81. A faint knot, [HK 83] 66/71, is near the tip of this arm 1.5' NNW of center. A similar knot, [HK 83] 53, is 25" SE, on line with the core.
24" (5/24/20): at 225x, 260x and 375x; beautiful two-armed spiral elongated NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very bright oval core that appeared mottled and a small brighter nucleus. A fairly well defined spiral arm was attached on the NE side, near an easy mag 15.3 star 0.7' N of center. It curved clockwise along the east side and appeared somewhat diffuse, blending into the glow of the disc on the interior and exterior sides. It terminated at a very diffuse HII patch ([HK 83] #9), 1.2' SE of center.
The western arm had a higher surface brightness with a very sharply defined outer edge and a mottled or uneven appearance. It was easily traced at 225x and 375x with the brightest part detached from the core and extended almost due north, terminating 1.5' NW of center. Both arms were immersed in the haze of the disc ~3.5'x2.5'. A mag 13.7 star is 1.7' S, just outside the halo.
18" (6/7/08): bright, large, elongated NW-SE, 3.5'x2.4', sharply concentrated with a very bright, round 25" core. At 200x, two spiral arms extend out from the central region. The brightest and longest arm is attached at the west side of the core and gradually sweeps to the north. A couple of very faint, very small knots are embedded in this arm including one due west of the core. On the east end of the core a matching arm is attached that curves a bit more as it swings towards the south in a counter-clockwise orientation. A faint star is just north of the central region and a brighter star is 1.7' S of center.
17.5" (5/30/92): bright, large, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 4'x3', well-defined small very bright core, almost stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star lies 1.7' SSW of center and a mag 15 star is embedded at the north edge of the halo. Appears slightly mottled or dusty but spiral arms were not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5248 = H. I-34 = h1650 on 15 Apr 1784 (sweep 194). His description reads, "vB, nearly R and cometic but the nucleus is large and seems to consist of bright close stars, resolvable." On 1 May 1786 (sweep 560) he logged "vB, cL, E from np to sf, a small bright nucleus."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 19 Apr 1855, logged "Large and pretty bright, Bright nucleus. Seen as in sketch, but not certain whether the lower branch joins the nucleus or is only the continuation of the upper curve." On 29 March 1856 he recorded "The preceding arm does appear to originate from the nucleus, which is very bright and oval shaped." The two brightest spiral arms as well as the brightest HII knot at the southeast end of the eastern arm, are clearly shown on Plate XXVIII, fig. 29 in Rosse's 1861 Monograph.
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13 37 37.6 +15 58 20; Boo
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 170°
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.6'. Unconcentrated halo rises suddenly to a very small brighter core that appears offset to the NE side.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5249 = H. III-72 = h1651 on
21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "a vS suspected nebula, eF. Higher power immediately confirmed
it." Caroline's reduced
position is 20 sec of RA west of
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13 36 07.4 +51 14 09; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 120°
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
0.8' diameter, very small bright core, moderate surface brightness. Located 5.8' NE of mag 7.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 5250 = H. II-817 on 26 Apr
1789 (sweep 929) and noted "pB, S, R, vgbM." Caroline's reduced position is 19 tsec
east and 1' north of
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13 37 24.8 +27 25 09; Boo
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, round, 30"
diameter, low even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5251 = H. III-369 = h1652 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and recorded "Suspected, eF, vS. 240 showed it larger and lE, but so obscure as not to remove all doubt." His position was poor but John Herschel measured an accurate position.
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13 38 16.0 +04 32 32; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 10°
17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. NGC 5246 lies 30' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5252 = H. III-505 = h1653 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "vF, vS, R." On sweep 142, John Herschel noted "F; R; bM; 30"."
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13 39 55.9 -31 38 24; Cen
V = 10.4; Size 5.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 43°
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE. Very strong concentration with an intensely luminous 20" core. The outer extent increased with averted vision and faded at the tips, with overall dimensions of ~2.0'x0.7'. A very small bright knot is at the NE edge of the core and appeared similar to a nearly stellar nucleus (though offset from center), particularly using direct vision.
This small starburst galaxy is classified as a "Blue Dwarf" and harbors Super Star Clusters (SSC) near its nucleus. NGC 5253 is part of the M83/Cen A complex and lies 1.9° SSE of M83.
13.1" (5/26/84): bright, elongated, very bright core.
8" (5/21/82): bright, elongated SW-NE, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5253 = H. II-638 = D 623 = h3526 on 15 Mar 1787 (sweep 711) and recorded "pB, S, lE from sp to nf." His position is on the south side of the galaxy. This is the third most southerly object he discovered and it only reached an altitude of 7° on the meridian.
James Dunlop observed this galaxy on 7 May 1826: "a very small and very bright nebula, very much resembling a small star, surrounded by a very strong burr; this is a singular body." Dunlop made 2 observations and his position is 3' W of center. John Herschel reported it from the Cape of Good Hope as "vB, mE, psmbM, 2.5' long, 1' broad."
Z Cen = SN 1895B was the second “nova” (now known to be a supernova) to be discovered in a “spiral nebula”. It was discovered on 12 Dec 1895 by Williamina Fleming while examining a photograph of NGC 5253 taken earlier on 6 July. There was no trace of the "nova" on plates taken on 21 May to 14 June. It reached a maximum brightness of mag 8.0 before fading.
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13 39 37.9 -11 29 38; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 3.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 125°
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 3.0'x1.5', fairly low even surface brightness. A nice mag 12/13 double at 15" separation lies 5.5' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5254 = h3527 on 6 May 1836 and recorded "pB; L; pmE; glbM; 2' l; 1 3/4' br." His position is accurate.
Harold Knox-Shaw first identified this galaxy as an spiral in 1915, based on a photograph taken with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory between 1912-14.
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13 37 18.0 +57 06 32; UMa
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 20°
18" (6/21/03): faint, very small. Initially appeared as a 12" knot,
but then very faint extensions were glimpsed increasing the dimensions to
0.5'x0.2'. So, this galaxy is
sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core. A mag 10.5 star is 1.7'
following.
17.5" (5/27/00): faint, small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE,
0.5'x0.2', very small bright core.
Located 1.7' W of a mag 10.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5255 = H. III-803 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 924) and recorded "eF, vS. I was too late to verify it with 300, I had however a single
glimpse which seemed to verify it."
His position is within 2' (typical error) of
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13 38 17.6 +48 16 37; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
48" (5/10/18): at 488x; fairly bright or bright,
roundish, very strong concentration with two easily visible nucleus separated
by 10". The brighter
(north-northeast) core is ~8"-10" with a sharp stellar nucleus. The fainter (south-southwest) core is
6"-8" diameter. The outer halo has a low surface brightness. HJ 2667, a 14" pair of mag 11
stars, lies 5.6' WSW.
24" (6/4/16): at 322x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 40"x30", brighter ill-defined core, uneven surface brightness. Occasionally, a brighter quasi-stellar knot (nucleus of the merged companion) would pop on the northeast end of the glow [the nuclei are separated by just 10"!]. HJ 2667, a wide pair (14") of mag 11 stars, lies 5.6' WSW.
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', irregular surface brightness. A mag 15 star is 1.0' NW of center. Located 5.5' ENE of an evenly matched pair (HJ 2667) of mag 11 stars at 14" separation.
This is a well-studied merging system consisting of a Seyfert 2 and a LINER galaxy with the compact nuclei separated by just 10" [physical separation ~15,000 l.y.].
William Herschel discovered NGC 5256 = H. III-673 = h1656 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "cF, S, R, lE." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; R; vS; gbM; 10"; in field with a double star [HJ 2667]." His position is 1' too far north.
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13 39 52.9 +00 50 24; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 120°
82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; the view
under subpar conditions in the 82" was similar to the view 3 years ago in
Jimi's 48". The most striking
feature are two thin bright spiral arms that appear as very bright arcs, like
two parentheses enclosing the fainter central region. A diffuse tidal arm extends from the north side to the NE
and nearly reaches a mag 15 star.
On the SW side a very low surface brightness "bridge" connects
NGC 5257 with
48" (5/4/16): at 610x; very bright, fairly large, striking two armed-spiral. The central portion only extends ~35", but contains a fascinating structure. Along the southwest and northeast flanks are sharp-edged prominent "arms", appearing as thin, high surface brightness arcs, with the southern arc slightly brighter. Both "arms" are slightly convex, appearing like a close pair of parenthesis enclosing the central region! The northern arm continues as a fainter, but easily visible, fairly thin arc extending west-northwest, and ends just before reaching a mag 15 star [1.7' WNW of center]. A thin, very low surface brightness arm extends west from the southern "parenthesis" towards NGC 5258 (1.4' ESE), but stops just short. The tip-to-tip distance between the two arms is ~1.6'.
On the inside of the two bright "arcs" (blue star-forming arms) there appear to be two thin dust lanes as the surface brightness drops dramatically. At the center is a fairly faint stellar nucleus. The overall appearance is very unusual as the surface brightness of the core region is lower than the thin pair of symmetrical arms.
17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2
WSW-ENE, weak concentration. A mag
14 star is off the west side 1.7' from the center. Forms a close, interacting pair (
William Herschel discovered NGC 5257 = H. II-895 = h1654, along with NGC 5258, on 13 May 1793 (sweep 1044) and noted "F, S, iR." John Herschel made the single observation, "The first of 2 comprising a double nebula; both vF; R; bM. The smaller of the two."
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NGC 5258 = Arp 240 NED2 = VV 55a = Holm 532b = UGC 8645 =
13 39 57.7 +00 49 51; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 154°
82" (5/5/19, McDonald Observatory): at 613x; NGC 5258 is the eastern member of a dramatic interacting pair (Arp 240 = VV 55) with NGC 5257 directly west. The two galaxies are connected by a very low surface brightness bridge that spans the eastern spiral arm in NGC 5257 and the western arm in NGC 5258. NGC 5258 was strongly concentrated with a bright, mottled core. There was a bright region in the spiral arm to the north of the core, midway to a mag 15.5 star. An obvious spiral arm swept east from the south side of the galaxy. The northern arm is much less evident, mainly just south and west of the mag 15.5 star, but immediately dims into a very low surface brightness bridge stretching to the NGC 5257.
48" (5/4/16): at 610x; bright, fairly large, two-armed spiral that is interacting with NGC 5257. The main body is elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 1.1'x0.35', and is well concentrated with a fairly small, roundish, brighter core. A mag 15.5 star is at the NNW edge and an apparent HII region is visible midway between the core and this star, along the major axis. A strong spiral arm is easy visible attached to the southwest end. It hooks sharply to the east and gradually fades, stretching 40"-45" E. A dim shorter arm is attached on the northeast end and curls west near the mag 15.5 star, extending perhaps 20" in the direction of NGC 5257.
17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:2 SSW-NNE, brighter along the major axis. Located 4.2' NW of mag 9.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5258 = H. II-896 = h1655, along with NGC 5257, on 13 May 1793 (sweep 1044) and noted "F, S, iR." John Herschel called it the larger of the pair, but both were "vF; R; bM."
On 24 Apr 1857, Lord Rosse's assistant R.J. Mitchell recorded, "the preceding one [NGC 5257] is slightly oval in form and the followiong one [NGC 5258] is mE nearly north-south and has a star at n end. Both look very resolvable. No nuclei, not vF." A sketch made on 26 Apr 1878, shows NGC 5258 as having an irregular shape (like a flying bat) and concave to the east.
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13 39 24.6 +30 59 26; CVn
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.65'
24" (5/20/17): at 200x; faint, small, round, 25"-30" diameter, very small brighter nucleus. Two 15th magnitude stars lie 2' NW. Located 11' W of mag 6.2 HD 119035. Using 375x an extremely faint and small merging companion (Holm 533B = NGC 5259 NED1) was often visible with averted vision at the northwest edge of the halo. It appeared as a quasi-stellar knot, at most 5" diameter and with concentration could be held perhaps 1/2 the time. The separation of this merging pair is 19" (between nuclei) with a projected distance of 77,500 l.y.
17.5" (6/12/99): very faint, very small, round,
25" diameter, very weak concentration. Two mag 14.5-15 stars lie 2' NW. Located 11' W of mag 6.2
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5259 on 27 Apr 1865 with an 11" refractor at Copenhagen. He confirmed the observation the next night. He noted the mag 6.2 star (called mag 8-9) ~12' east and 1.5' north and measured an accurate position.
The RNGC coded description reads "E, R, BM, *CLOSE NPR", but the "star close north preceding" is a compact meging companion.
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13 40 19.8 -23 51 29; Hya
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/14/96): faint, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, very weak concentration with a low surface brightness. A mag 11 star is just off the following side 1.1' from center. This star is part of a distinctive string of stars running N-S including two mag 13 stars to north and several brighter stars to the south.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5260 = Sw. 1-24 on 6 Apr 1885 and
recorded "eF; pL; precedes by 6 sec the middle star in a line north and
south." There is nothing at
his position, but 30 sec of RA west and 1.7' north is
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13 40 16.1 +05 04 34; Vir
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.4'; PA = 145°
17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus. Located 4' ENE of a mag 9.5 star. A curving arc of four equally spaced mag 12-13.5 stars follows.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5261 = h1657 on 17 Apr 1830 and recorded "vF; R; among some pB stars."
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13 35 38.6 +75 02 22; UMi
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 14°
17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, 0.7'x0.5'
SSW-NNE, weak even concentration.
Just 2' NE is an easy, nearly collinear triple star of mag 13/14 stars
[19" and 20" separation].
Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 5262 = h1660 on 5 May 1831 and
logged "eF; S; sky perfectly clear." His position matches
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13 39 55.6 +28 24 01; CVn
V = 13.3; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 26°
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE,
1.0'x0.3', no central brightening.
Located 3.1' NNE of mag 9.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5263 = H. III-370 = h1658 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and remarked "vF, S, mE nearly in the meridian." John Herschel noted "pB; has a * 9m 4' distance; 45° sp." This galaxy was observed on 5 nights by Lord Rosse's assistants.
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13 41 36.5 -29 54 43; Hya
V = 12.0; Size 2.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 65°
17.5" (6/14/96): faint, fairly large, 2.5'x1.5' WSW-ENE. Low surface brightness with a very weak concentration, halo fades into background. Located 5' following the colored double star h4605 (9/11 at 17") and one degree east of M83. A mag 13 star is just off the following end 1.6' from center. Member of the M83 group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5264 = h3528 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; vlbM; 80"." His position is accurate.
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13 40 09.1 +36 51 40; CVn
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (6/12/99): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.45', weak concentration to round core. A mag 14 star is attached at the north end 27" from center. Located 8.5' S of mag 9 SAO 63677. A string of five stars including two wide mag 13 and 14 pairs leads directly from the mag 9 star to NGC 5265.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5265 = H. III-410 = h1659 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "vF, S, lE, er." John Herschel made two observations and reported on sweep 71 "F; pL; r; has a star near."
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13 43 02.0 -48 10 11; Cen
V = 11.1; Size 3.2'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 103°
20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 212x, moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.7'. Sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright nucleus. With careful viewing a very faint, low surface brightness outer halo reached two mag 13.5 stars on the south side, increasing the diameter to 2.0'x1.3'. This galaxy is an unusual "dust lane elliptical" or polar ring galaxy.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5266 = h3529 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "B; R; vglbM; 45"; has 3 stars 14m near." His mean position (2 observations) is accurate.
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13 40 39.9 +38 47 39; CVn
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 56°
17.5" (6/2/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 SW-NE, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Situated between two mag 12.5-13.5 stars 2.3' NW and 2.8'
SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5267 = h1661 on 28 Apr 1827 and recorded "F; S; R; gbM; 20"." He observed this galaxy on 4 different sweeps.
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13 42 12.6 -13 51 34; Vir
= *, Carlson and Corwin.
Edward Cooper discovered NGC 5268 = Au 32 on 17 Jan 1855 with the 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland. While making observations for the comprehensive Markree Ecliptic Catalogue, Cooper or assistant Andrew Graham noted it as possibly a nebulous star. All 7 objects listed as nebulous at the Markree Observatory are single or multiple stars.
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13 44 44 -62 55 00; Cen
Size 3'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): ~20 stars resolved
in a 2.5' triangular region, including two mag 11-11.5 stars along the east side and a number of mag
12 stars. Not difficult to
identify as fairly detached in the field but very unimpressive and appears to
be an asterism. Most of the stars
are in a southwest to northeast stream about 2.5' long and 30" wide. Located 5' NE of mag 8.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 5269 = h3530 on 24 Apr 1835 (sweep 578) and recorded "Cl class VII; poor, L, loose ireg fig, fills field, st 12m." His position corresponds with a small group of stars about 13' west of NGC 5281. This object is probably just a Milky Way field and it is not listed in WEBDA as an open cluster. The RNGC description reads "NOCL ?"
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13 42 10.9 +04 15 45; Vir
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 20°
17.5" (4/28/90): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration, low surface brightness.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5270 = h1662 on 7 Apr 1828 and
noted "eF; S; between 2 stars."
His position and description matches
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13 41 42.4 +30 07 31; CVn
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (6/7/97): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, no concentration. A mag
13 star lies 1.3' WNW. First in a
group of faint galaxies including
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5271 = St. 12-50 on 19 May 1881. His reduced position (22 May) is accurate. First in a group of 6 NGC galaxies discovered by Stephan.
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13 42 11.4 +28 22 38; CVn
V = 6.3; Size 16.2'; Surf Br = 0.0
82" (5/4/19, McDonald Observatory): at 400x, the 10' field was completely filled with pinpoint stars. The surprise was the large number of stars with visible colors; most were orange/red stars but there appeared to be a number of blue stars!
48" (4/19/17): at 375x the 16' field was plastered with an uncountable number of stars. I noticed the brightest star in the core had an orange hue.
13.1" (several dates from 5/14/83 to 5/27/84): stunning, several hundred stars resolved at 220x including the dense core.
8" (7/9/80 to 5/26/84):at 165x and higher mag: the outer halo is well resolved into several lanes converging to an intense core. A few faint stars are resolved on the edge of the core.
Charles Messier discovered M3 = NGC 5272 = h1663 on 3 May 1764. William Herschel, observing in 1799 with his 10-foot telescope [8" aperture] at 120x, noted "with an aperture of 4 inches it is resolvable; with 5 easily resolvable; with 6 it is resolvable; with 7 and all open the stars may be easily perceived." John Herschel recorded (sweep 417) "A most superb object, diam = 10s time in RA. Not less than 1000 stars 11m and under. They run into a blaze at the centre, and form as it were radiating lines and pointed projections from the mass, with many stragglers."
Several observation at Birr Castle noted dark lanes or dark notes in the cluster. On 16 Feb 1869, C.E. Burton recorded "Radiating branches somewhat resembling a St. Andrew's cross, central mass globular. There seemed to be a bifurcated dark lane in the north segment of the nucleus." On 21 Apr 1873, Ralph Copeland noted "Several small dark holes on the nf side of the central mass."
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13 42 08.4 +35 39 16; CVn
V = 11.6; Size 2.8'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 10°
17.5" (6/7/97): moderately bright, fairly large,
elongated 4:3 N-S, ~2.5'x2.0'.
Fairly low surface brightness halo contains a well-defined core
gradually increasing to a stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with
8" (5/21/82): faint, small, small bright nucleus with a fainter outer halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5273 = H. I-98 = h1664 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "cB, pL, mbM, R. The brightness diminishing very gradually." John Herschel made three observations, describing it on 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331) as "B; R; first g and the psbM; 50"." Nearby NGC 5276 was discovered at Birr Castle.
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NGC 5274 = MCG +05-32-066 = CGCG 161-125 = WBL 464-002 = PGC 48536
13 42 23.3 +29 50 52; CVn
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (6/7/97): very faint, very small, round, 25"
diameter. Observation confused by
a couple of nearby mag 15 stars or compact companions. Forms a similar close pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5274 = St. 12-51 on 19 May 1881. His reduced position on 25 May 1881 is accurate.
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NGC 5275 = MCG +05-32-067 = CGCG 161-124 = VV 543 = WBL 464-001 = PGC 48544
13 42 23.6 +29 49 29; CVn
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (6/7/97): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, brighter core. Forms a close pair with NGC 5274 1.4' N.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5275 = St. 12-52 on 19 May
1881. His reduced position on 25
May 1881 matches
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NGC 5276 = UGC 8680 = MCG +06-30-074 = CGCG 190-043 = Holm 535b = PGC 48542
13 42 22.0 +35 37 27; CVn
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 153°
17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4'. Well-concentrated with a small brighter core with faint extensions. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 5273 3.3' NW.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5276 on 27 Mar 1856. While observing NGC 5273 he logged "about 2' or 3' following [NGC 5273] I found a F, S neb, E np sf and lbM." Based on his description, the NGC position for NGC 5276 is slightly north of NGC 5273, although it is actually southeast.
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13 42 38.4 +29 57 16; CVn
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (6/7/97): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Follows a group of four stars in a rectangular group (2 mag 12 + 2 mag 14) by ~4'. In field with NGC 5274, 5275 and 5280.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5277 = St. 12-53 on 19 May 1881. His reduced position on 23 May 1881 is accurate.
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13 41 39.7 +55 40 14; UMa
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 50°
48" (5/3/19): at 545x and 813x; bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated, bright core.
This is an interacting (
24" (6/21/20): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, ~36"x27", brighter elongated core. I saw a hint of the spiral arm on the north side, but no indication of the bridge connecting to NGC 5279.
UGC 8671, located 2.7' SW, was dominated by a 13th magnitude quasi-stellar nucleus. The halo was barely detected as a very diffuse, low surface brightness glow mainly west of the nucleus.
18" (4/26/08): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 30"x25", weak concentration with a slightly brighter core. The surface appears slightly irregular or mottled. This is the brighter southwestern member of an interacting double system (Arp 239) with NGC 5279, barely off the east end. A mag 6.9 star lies 8' ENE, but it was easy to keep it out of the field.
17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
45" diameter, very weakly concentrated core. Forms a double system with NGC 5279 just off the ENE edge
40" between centers. A mag
13.5 star lies 1.7' NNW. Located
8.1' WSW of mag 6.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 5278 = H. II-798 = h1665 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "pB, E, 1 1/2' long and 1/2' br." His position is 2' northwest of this double system. JH resolved it and recorded "vF; double neb; pos = 73° by microm; a large star follows dist = 15' +/-." The field was sketched on 9 Apr 1874 at Birr Castle and a "star" labeled "epsilon" actually corresponds with UGC 8671.
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NGC 5279 = Arp 239 NED2 = VV 19b = UGC 8678 = MCG +09-22-102 = Mrk 271b = CGCG 271-058 NED2 = I Zw 69b = PGC 48482
13 41 43.7 +55 40 24; UMa
V = 14.2; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5
48" (5/3/19): at 545x and 813x: fairly bright, small, brighter nucleus, 0.4'x0.3'. Spiral structure evident with an arm faintly visible on the east side extending north and merging into the dim tidal bridge to the north side of NGC 5279. The tidal bridge was seen as low surface brightness haze connecting to an easy spiral arm on the north side of NGC 5278.
24" (6/21/20): at 375x: fairly faint, small, round, 15"-20" diameter, stellar nucleus. Fainter component of an interacting pair (Arp 239) with NGC 5278 [36" between centers].
18" (4/26/08): faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, too small for any other details. Just resolved off the ENE end of NGC 5278 (35" between centers). This is an M51-type interacting pair (Arp 239), though there was no sign of the connecting arm.
17.5" (6/18/93): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, even surface brightness. Located just off the east edge of larger and brighter NGC 5278. On photos NGC 5279 appears to be embedded at the end of a spiral arm of NGC 5278.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5279 = h1665a on 4 May 1831 and described a "vF; double neb; pos = 73° by micrometer." William Herschel discovered the brighter southwestern component on 14 Apr 1789. John Herschel only included only a single entry in the GC (3639), though described this system as a double or bi-nuclear.
Lawrence Parsons (the 4th Earl of Rosse) resolved the pair again on 2 May 1872 and noted a "D neb, sp one B, pos 71.8°, dist 39". In the NGC, Dreyer equated NGC 5279 with h1665a and listed LdR* (Lawrence Parsons) in the "Other Observers" column to acknowledge JH's prior discovery.
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13 42 55.5 +29 52 07; CVn
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (6/7/97): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S,
weak concentration to a slightly brighter core and faint stellar nucleus. NGC 5277 lies 6' NW and the NGC
5274/5275 pair is ~7' W. A very
faint companion 48" SW (
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5280 = St. 12-54 on 26 Apr 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 4' to the east. His published micrometric position was made 11 years later on 23 May 1881.
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NGC 5281 = ESO 097-005 = OCL-911
13 46 35 -62 55 00; Cen
V = 5.9; Size 5'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): very bright, striking cluster includes a 2' string containing (from SW to NE) four stars mag 8.4, 7.9, 8.5 and 6.6 (at the NE end). A 2' linear chain of 7 mag 10-11 stars intersects these bright stars. The central 4'-5' region contains ~50 stars, but many stars are scattered outside this region, extending the size to roughly 10'. NGC 5269 (probably an asterism) lies 12.5' W.
18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this large, rich cluster was striking at 128x. A curving 2' string of four stars mag 6.6-8.6 oriented SW-NE dominates the view, with a pale yellow star and an orange star at opposite ends adding color. Overall, perhaps 150 stars are visible (many mag 11-12) in an irregular 10' region although the boundaries are arbitrary as the cluster blends into the surrounding fields. Most of the brighter stars are within a 3' region and in fact the catalogued diameter is only 5'. At 228x, another fainter layer of 15th magnitude stars emerged from the background.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 5281 = Lac I-7 = D 273 = h3531 in 1751-1752 during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. With a 1/2" telescope at 8x he noted a "small indistinct spot."
James Dunlop made 7 observations, starting 25 May 1826, and described "a curved line of small stars, about 1.5' long, with a star of the 7th mag in the north extremity; a group of extremely minute stars on the preceding side of the crescent, and a multitude of very minute stars extended preceding and following." (Fig. 11)
On 16 Jun 1835 (sweep 596), John Herschel called it "a brilliant, compact, milky way cluster. Rich; irreg fig; gbM; 10' stars 10, 11 and 12m."
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13 43 24.8 +30 04 10; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/7/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, occasional faint stellar nucleus. Located 2.0' SE of a mag 10 star. Last in a group of 6 NGC galaxies (WBL 464) including NGC 5274, 5275, 5277, 5280.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5282 = St. 12-55 on 26 Apr 1876 (page missing from log). His pubished position in list 12 (#55) was reduced on 22 May 1881 and is accurate.
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13 41 05.7 +67 40 20; Dra
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter. Increases to a bright core and occasional stellar nucleus (this is a Seyfert galaxy!). Collinear with a mag 14 star 2.4' NE and a mag 10.5 star 4.7' NE. Another mag 14 star lies 2.5' W.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5283 on 7 Oct 1866 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position is very accurate.
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13 47 23 -59 09; Cen
Size 22'x15'
18" (10/16/17 - OzSky): at 79x (62' field); this large
Milky Way field (demonstrated to be a random collection of stars) is located
~25' ENE of a wide, bright double star (DUN 142 = 6.5/7.6 at 33"). It roughly extends 25' in diameter and
appears rectangular in outline, though is not detached in the wider field. The group contains a large number of
mag 11.5-13 stars. A fairly well
defined 20' string of stars oriented NW-SE appears to define the southern
boundary and runs along the line from DUN 142 and mag 7.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 5284 = h3532 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded a "Cl class VIII; L; v rich; loosely sc; stars 7,8,...16m; it is an outlier of the milky way, but very rich and insulated." His position corresponds with the brightest mag 9 star.
Harold Corwin notes "there is a Milky Way star cloud, about 30' by 20', centered about 45 seconds of time following Herschel's position." ESO states "Not found" and the RNGC description reads "NOCL?"
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13 44 25.7 +02 06 35; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, very small, elongated N-S. A mag 12 star lies 3.0' N. Located 7.1' SE of mag 9.5 SAO 120090.
This galaxy has a light-travel time of nearly 1 billion years! (~960 million l.y.)
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5285 = St. 11-20 on 29 Apr 1881 (date position reduced). Yann Pothier claims that according to Stephan's files, the original discovery date was on 3 May 1867, though his rough position was very poor.
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13 46 26.5 -51 22 24; Cen
V = 7.2; Size 9.1'; Surf Br = 0.7
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): at 105x this globular
appeared very bright, moderately large
and well-condensed with an intense, mottled core. At 200x, 15-25 14th magnitude stars
popped in an out of view (some in chains), though only a handful were easily resolved,
including a brighter star just east of the core. NGC 5286 is located 4' NW of yellow 4.7-magnitude M Centauri
in the same high power field! It
was easily visible in the 9x50 finder, though small.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): moderately bright, fairly small, 2.5' diameter, round, evenly concentrated to a bright central region and a small bright core, mottled halo, one brighter mag 12 star on the SE side. On the verge of resolution although viewed at only 8° elevation. Mag 4.7 M Centauri with a mag 11 companion at 40" separation is located just 4.1' SE of the core!
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5286 = D 388 = h3533 on 29 Apr 1826, his second night recording deep sky objects. The same night he also recorded NGC 4945 and Centaurus A. Based on 6 observations his summary description reads, "a bright exceedingly well-defined rather elliptical nebula, about 1' diameter, exceedingly condensed almost to the very edge, and gradually a little brighter to the centre. This is about 6' north of M Centauri - I have a strong suspicion that this is resolvable into stars."
John Herschel observed it on two sweeps, recording on 31 Mar 1835 "very bright; gradually much brighter to the middle; 2.5' or 3' diameter; resolved into 15th mag stars; has one star 12th mag S.f.; the centre near the edge. It is in the field with Brisbane 4618 a star of 6th mag." On his second sweep he reported, "bright; round; very gradually brighter to the middle; resolved; diam. 2'; stars of 16th mag; a bright star 7th mag in field."
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13 44 52.5 +29 46 15; CVn
V = 15.0; Size 0.6'x0.4'; PA = 100°
17.5" (6/8/02): extremely faint and small, 10"
diameter. The difficult galaxy is
adjacent to a mag 15 star attached on the north side [11" from center],
which confuses the observation further!
Located 2.3' ESE of a mag 12.5 star. One of the brightest galaxies in
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5287 = St. 12-56 on 19 May
1881. His reduced position (on 25
May) matches
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13 48 46 -64 41 08; Cir
Size 4'
18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x
this is a faint but fairly distinctive group of nearly two dozen mag 12.5-14
stars elongated SSW-NNE. It stands out well, being detached in the general
field and situated just 3' NE of a yellow mag 7.9 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 5288 = h3534 on 3 Apr 1835 and recorded "a faint, oblong, elliptic cluster of stars 14m; glbM; 4' l; 2 1/2' br." On a second sweep he logged "a small, irreg R, very compact knot of milky way; gvlbM; stars 14m; a * 8m precedes."
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13 45 08.9 +41 30 12; CVn
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 100°
17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint, thin edge-on 6:1 WNW-ESE,
1.8'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a nearly stellar core. In same field with brighter edge-on NGC
5290 13' N. Member of the
8" (5/27/84): very faint, small, elongated ~E-W. Accidentally picked up viewing
William Herschel discovered NGC 5289 = H. II-668 = h1666 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "F, E in the parallel [E-W]; a small miniature of the following [NGC 5290]."
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NGC 5290 = UGC 8700 = MCG +07-28-061 = CGCG 218-043 = LGG 361-002 = PGC 48767
13 45 19.2 +41 42 46; CVn
V = 12.5; Size 3.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 95°
17.5" (6/7/97): moderately bright, pretty edge-on E-W, ~3.5'x0.5'. Lens-shape with bright bulging core and extensions fade and taper at ends. Member of the NGC 5371 group.
8" (5/27/84): faint, small, easily visible, elongated 3:1 almost exactly E-W. NGC 5289 is 13' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5290 = H. I-170 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 717). His description reads, "pB, E, about 2' long. A small MN nearly stellar." On 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) he noted, "cB, E nearly in the parallel."
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13 47 24.4 -30 24 28; Cen
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 168°
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small
bright core. Forms a double system
with
John Herschel discovered NGC 5291 = h3535 on 8 May 1834 and recorded "vF; R; vlbM; follows a bright double star." His position is 1' too far north.
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13 47 39.6 -30 56 20; Cen
V = 11.9; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 55°
17.5" (3/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small, gradually brighter halo, bright core. Two mag 13-14 stars are collinear to the NE (the closer star is 1.0' from center). Member of the IC 4329 cluster (AGC 3574).
John Herschel discovered NGC 5292 = h3536 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pF; R; gbM; 20"; has 2 or 3 stars close to it." His position is 1' too far north (same offset as NGC 5191).
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13 46 52.7 +16 16 23; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 120°
17.5" (6/5/99): faint, moderately large, irregularly round, low surface brightness, ill-defined halo, very weak concentration. Located 2.6' N of a mag 13 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5293 = H. V-6 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and noted "eF, vL, r." His position is 10 sec of RA west and 2.3' north of UGC 8710. In the Collected Papers of WH, there is a note stating "The place of this neb. Is not determined wit accuracy. No modern observations known." Dreyer adds that "Tempel (AN 2522) found only a F, vS neb here."
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13 45 18.1 +55 17 26; UMa
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 120°
17.5" (5/11/02): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter, requires averted vision. A mag 15.5 is just off the NW edge, 25" from center and requires careful viewing to separate from the faint glow of the galaxy. Several mag 10.5-11 stars are in the 20' field. Located 2.5 degrees NW of M101.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5294 = H. III-785 = h1667 on
14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "2 eF stars with seeming nebulosity, but
doubtful." His position is
just 1' from
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13 38 39.4 +79 27 32; Cam
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (5/11/02): very faint, very small, round,
20" diameter. No other
details visible. Located 8' NE of
mag 7.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5295 = H. III-946 on 20 Dec
1797 (far northern sweep 1074) and noted "cF, vS, R. 320 showed it very plainly." Caroline's reduced position is 1.5 tmin
east and 2' south (a separation of 4.7' at this declination) of
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13 46 18.6 +43 51 04; CVn
V = 14.4; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 177°
17.5" (6/2/00): very faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter. At moments appears
elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 0.5'x0.3'.
Situated just off the SW side of
17.5" (6/7/97): located 1.5' SW of
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5296 on 3 May 1850. While observing NGC 5297 he noted "another nebula, R, bM, sp [of NGC 5297]." On a later observation at Birr Castle, a position angle of 216.5° was measured and a distance of 1/3 the length of NGC 5297 was estimated.
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NGC 5297 = UGC 8709 = MCG +07-28-063 = CGCG 218-045 = PGC 48815
13 46 23.6 +43 52 19; CVn
V = 11.8; Size 5.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 148°
17.5" (6/2/00): very nice edge-one situated just 2' SW
of a mag 9 star (
17.5" (6/7/97): fairly bright, large edge-on NW-SE, ~4.0'x0.8'. Located 1.9' SW of mag 8.9 SAO 44745. A mag 12 star is superimposed on the NNW extension (2.4' NW of center). Large, brighter core is weakly concentrated. Forms a pair with NGC 5296 1.6' SW.
8" (5/21/82): faint, moderately large, thin spindle NW-SE. Located 2' SW of a mag 9 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5297 = H. I-180 = h1668 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "cB, mE about 3' long from 60° np to sf, the brightness confined to a small place." John Herschel made the single observation "not vB; E 45° np to sf by diagram; gbM." Nearby NGC 5296 was discovered by LdR's assistant.
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13 48 36.5 -30 25 43; Cen
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 69°
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, weak concentration. ESO 445-035 lies 5.7' WSW. Member of the IC 4329 cluster (AGC 3574).
John Herschel discovered NGC 5298 = h3538 on 30 Mar 1835 and
recorded "F; R: gbM; 30"."
His position is less than 1' south of
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13 50 32 -60 26 18; Cen
Size 22'
14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x): the most noticeable
grouping is a large, scattered Milky Way field with ~150 stars in a 12'
region. The brightest star is the
variable VX Centauri, at 9th magnitude.
Just off the northwest side is a distinctive 2.5' string of 4 stars
(three of these are mag 10.5) oriented NW-SE. A few arcmin west of the main group is another
detached collection (most in an elongated N-S stream, along with several more
in a smaller N-S string further west).
The N-S group includes a mag 9.8 star and the smaller string includes
mag 9.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 5299 = h3537 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded a "Cl VII class, much more than fill field, a very L and rich milky way cl, quite insulated on the preceding, north, and following sides and nearly so to the south, forming a king of peninsular projection, but much richer than the main portion of the milky way."
At his CGH position is a bright Milky Way field with a diameter of ~30'. Harold Corwin notes "there is a +30 arcmin error in the GC and NGC declination (too far north)." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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13 48 16.1 +03 57 02; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 3.9'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 150°
17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, fairly large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 3.0'x2.0', low almost even surface brightness, no distinct edges. A mag 14 star is at the south edge 1.7' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5300 = H. II-533 = h1669 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and recorded "F, vL, vlb about the middle, 6 or 7' long and near 4' broad." John Herschel logged (sweep 143) "vF; vL; lE; vgbM; 2' l, 3' br."
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NGC 5301 = UGC 8711 = MCG +08-25-041 = CGCG 246-023 = PGC 48816
13 46 24.6 +46 06 24; CVn
V = 12.7; Size 4.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 151°
17.5" (6/7/97): fairly bright, large edge-on NNW-SSE, ~4.0'x0.7'. Bulging brighter center but only weakly concentrated. Nearly extends to two mag 12 stars on either side of SSE end. A mag 14.5 star is preceding the NNW end 2.6' from center.
8" (5/26/84): faint, very thin streak NW-SE, fairly small. Forms the north vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 11/12 stars 2.6' SE and 2.9' S. Located 15' E of a triangle of mag 9 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5301 = H. II-688 = h1670 on 11 May 1787 (sweep 733) and recorded "F, lbM, mE nearly in the meridian, about 15° sp to nf, about 4' long and less than 1' broad." John Herschel noted "pF; R; mE." and his RA is marked as very rough (nearest min). He apparently precessed his own poor position to 1860 and recording them as precise in the GC. As a result, the NGC position is 33 seconds of RA too large and 2' too far north.
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NGC 5302 = ESO 445-043 = MCG -05-33-018 = PGC 49007
13 48 49.7 -30 30 40; Cen
V = 12.1; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 153°
17.5" (3/12/88): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. NGC 5298 is located 5.8' NNW. Member of the IC 4329 cluster (AGC 3574).
John Herschel discovered NGC 5302 = h3539 on 30 Mar 1835 and
recorded "F; R; gbM; 30"."
His position is 30 sec of RA east and 1.5' north of
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13 47 45.1 +38 18 19; CVn
V = 12.6; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.5; PA = 92°
24" (6/12/18): at 282x; fairly bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, small bright core. A "star" is superimposed just NW of the core. A mag 10.5 star is 8' NW and a mag 11.0 star is 4.3' NW. On the SDSS this is clearly a starburst galaxy with numerous blue blobs of star formation and the superimposed "star" appears to be a compact HII region.
17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W. There appears to be a faint star attached at the west side. A faint mag 14-15 pair that lies 4.5' N [18" separation] is collinear with the galaxy.
NGC 5303B = CGCG 218-046, a very faint companion, lies 2.7' S. It appeared very faint, diffuse, slightly elongated E-W. Required averted to view.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5303 = H. III-681 = h1672 on
16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and logged "cF, vS, lE." John Herschel made the single
observation "pB; S; has two nuclei or involves a double star". His position is just off the south edge
of
On 1 Mar 1851, Bindon Stoney noted "* or nucl in np edge; 2nd vF, 3' south, both E pf". This second galaxy is NGC 5303B = CGCG 218-046, which was accidentally skipped in the GC and NGC.
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13 50 01.5 -30 34 43; Cen
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 146°
17.5" (3/12/88): faint, small, oval NW-SE, weak concentration. An equilateral triangle consisting of mag 14 stars is off the south side with components 44" S, 1.7' SSW and 2.2' SSE of center. Member of the IC 4329 cluster (AGC 3574).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5304 = Sw. 1-25 on 10 Apr 1885 and recorded "vvF; pS; lE; vF * f; p diff." His position is 18 sec of RA too far west and 1.5' too far north. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20-inch refractor at Denver around 1900.
******************************
13 47 55.8 +37 49 34; CVn
V = 13.6; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 30°
17.5" (6/7/97): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration.
Located 6' SE of mag 7.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 5305 = H. III-621 = h1673 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 714) and noted "vF, S, iR, 300 confirmed it." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position on one sweep.
******************************
13 49 11.2 -07 13 25; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 135°
17.5" (5/11/96): moderately bright, fairly small,
round, 1.0' diameter, well concentrated with a 20" bright core. A mag 13 star is 0.8' NW of
center. NGC 5306 is the brightest
member of
William Herschel discovered NGC 5306 = H. II-306 = h1671 = h3540 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and recorded "F, vS, irreg, resolvable." From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel called it "F; R; psbM; 20". NGC 5306 is the only member of HCG 67 seen by the Herschels.
******************************
NGC 5307 = PK 312+10.1 = ESO 221-11 = PN G312.3+10.5
13 51 03.2 -51 12 21; Cen
V = 11.2; Size 15"x10"
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, small, blue-green oval, ~15"x10". This unusual planetary has an irregular, wispy surface brightness with fascinating glimpses of structure at 293x and 428x. It appears brighter along the major axis, particularly at the south end with a couple of small, darker areas or regions where the nebulosity is weaker on the sides. A trio of mag 13-14 stars to the southeast is collinear with the planetary. Situated in a fairly rich star field.
10" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 214x and UHC filter, this small, fairly bright planetary appeared as a slightly elongated disc, ~13"x10" in diameter with a high, fairly even surface brightness except for a weak brightening at the center, but no definite central star. Set in a rich star field 45' ENE of globular NGC 5286 and mag 4.7 M Centauri.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5307 = h3541 on 15 Apr 1836 and recorded "A very singular object. At first I thought it an ill seen double star; 12..13 = 12..13 mag; distance 2"; but not being able to get it into focus I applied 320 power; which showed it as a hazy, rather elongated, planetary nebulous disc, as if a double star all but obliterated. It is positively not a star. The field is full of stars, two of which are equal to this object in light, but 320 shows them both quite sharp. It is a difficult object to find, and unless in a good night for definition (this is superb) it could not be recovered. The place is well taken. It is the smallest and most difficult planetary nebula I have ever seen. Figure 15, plate VI, exhibits its appearance with power 320 (N.B. By this figure it would seem rather to belong to the class of double nebulae or double stellar nebulae of the utmost remoteness, than to that of planetary nebulae, properly so called.)"
Joseph Turner observed and sketched the planetary on 23 Jul 1875 with the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished Plate VII, figure 70). He noted a "bluish tinge" and commented that Herschel's sketch showed it as a double nebula (two condensations), but he couldn't see a duplex character, although it was elongated N-S (Herschel sketched it NW-SE).
******************************
13 47 00.4 +60 58 23; UMa
V = 11.4; Size 3.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 60°
18" (4/26/08): fairly bright, moderately large, very thin edge-on SW-NE, 1.7'x0.35', sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core and a relatively bright stellar nucleus. A faint star is just beyond the end of the western extension.
17.5" (5/30/92): bright, fairly small, almost edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.4', very small very bright core, unusually bright stellar nucleus or almost stellar nucleus. Appears as a pretty streak with a high surface brightness core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5308 = H. I-255 = h1674 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and logged "vB, mE, 3' l and 1/2' br, BENM." John Herschel recorded "pB; S; mE in pos 57.4° by micrometer; psbM; 30" l." and measured an accurate position.
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13 50 00 -15 45; Vir
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.
Edward Swift, Lewis' 16 year-old son, discovered NGC 5309 = Sw. 6-60 on 27 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF, pS, R, between a star and a coarse double star." There are no viable galaxies nearby and Harold Corwin was not able to find a reasonable candidate. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes. Courtney Seligman argues that NGC 5309 is probably PGC 908764, though this requires several errors on Swift's part.
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13 49 47.7 +00 04 09; Vir
= *, Corwin. Incorrect identification in the RNGC
Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 5310 = HN 19 on 30 Apr 1859
with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey
of equatorial stars. He called it
"slightly nebulous" and his position corresponds precisely with a mag
12.9 star. The RNGC misidentifies
******************************
13 48 56.0 +39 59 08; CVn
V = 12.3; Size 2.6'x2.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 110°
17.5" (6/7/97): moderately bright and large, elongated
4:3 WSW-ESE, 1.3'x1.0', well concentrated with an occasional stellar
nucleus. A mag 11 star lies 2.5'
E. Forms a pair with
8" (5/21/82): very faint, small, small brighter core. Picked up while viewing NGC 5313 9' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5311 = H. II-710 = h1675,
along with NGC 5313, on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and noted "F,
S." His position is 3'
north-northwest of
******************************
13 49 50.5 +33 37 19; CVn
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 30°
18" (5/16/09): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated,
25"x20", small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is less than 1' S. Located 11' SW of
17.5" (5/22/93): faint, small, slightly elongated, very
small bright core, stellar nucleus.
A mag 15-15.5 star is 0.9' S.
First in the NGC 5318 group with NGC 5318 10' NE and
John Herschel discovered NGC 5312 = h1676 on 29 Apr 1827 and
simply noted "vF". The
mean of his two positions is within 30" of
******************************
NGC 5313 = UGC 8744 = MCG +07-28-074 = CGCG 218-054 = LGG 361-004 = PGC 49069
13 49 44.3 +39 59 06; CVn
V = 12.0; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 40°
17.5" (6/7/97): moderately/fairly bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.9'. The brighter core contains a nearly stellar nucleus with direct vision. Forms a nice pair with NGC 5311 9' W. Member of the NGC 5371 group.
8" (5/21/82): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, brighter core. Forms a pair with NGC 5311 9' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5313 = H. II-711 = h1677,
along with NGC 5311, on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and noted "pB, cL,
iF." His position is 2' north
of
******************************
13 46 11.4 +70 20 22; UMi
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 86°
17.5" (6/5/99): faint, very small, slightly elongated. At 280x, appears 0.5'x0.3' E-W, very small slightly brighter core. A mag 15 star is close south [28" from center]. Nearly collinear with a mag 10.5/12.5 double about 3.5' S.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5314 = Sw. 3-74 on 8 Apr 1886 and recorded "vF; eS; stellar; an eF * very close; the 2 components of a D * point to it." His position is 0.9 min of RA too large, but his comment about a double star clinches this identification.
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13 53 57.0 -66 30 50; Cir
V = 9.9; Size 6"
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): picked
up by blinking at 128x with an OIII filter, though immediately noticed as
non-stellar at this power. At
228x, appeared as a bright, compact, very high surface brightness 5" disc
with a bluish color distinctive of high surface brightness planetaries. There was only a modest contrast gain
with a UHC filter. Excellent view
at 293x, though there was no sign of a central star within the high surface
brightness haze. Located 4' E of
mag 7.1
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 5315 on 4 May 1883 near Lake Titicaca in the Andes. He was using a 6.1" refractor fitted with a direct vision Vogel-spectroscope (NGC 5873 and 6153 were discovered the same way). The RA given in Copernicus III (1884) is 30 sec too large.
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13 53 54 -61 52 00; Cen
V = 6.0; Size 14'
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x
(12mm Nagler), over three dozen stars are visible in a 10'x6' bright triangular
group. A number of mag 10 and 11
stars define the periphery and make the cluster appear well-detached although a
number of additional mag 9 and 10 adorn a glittering field. Extending off the north side and
heading NW is a 6' string of 11th-12th magnitude stars ending at a mag 10.8
star 7' NW of the center of the cluster.
The chain then abruptly changes direction and continues SW, terminating
at mag 8.5
13.1" (2/19/04 - Costa Rica): this fairly bright open cluster consists of 35-40 stars in a 10' triangular group. Includes a number of brighter mag 9.5-12 stars. Off the NE side is a neat string of stars oriented WNW-ESE.
10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): fairly faint, moderately large cluster in binoculars, irregular shape, no obvious resolution.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5316 = D 282 = h3542 on 25 May 1826. He described "A group of ten or twelve stars about the 10th mag, with a multitude of very small stars, forming an irregular branched figure, 8' or 10' long and 6' broad." His single rough position is off by only 3'.
John Herschel observed the cluster on 24 Apr 1835 (sweep 578) and noted it as a "cluster of stars, class VII; 14 stars 11th mag, and 30 or 40 smaller in a round space 8' diameter."
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13 56 11.9 +05 00 53; Vir
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 5317 = h1678 on 7 Apr 1828 and recorded "vF, vL, vgbM, R". There is nothing near his position. Karl Reinmuth reported "no vF vL neb found", based on Heidelberg plates and Dorothy Carlson classified the number as nonexistent in her NGC correction paper and this conclusion was repeated in the RNGC.
Harold Corwin suggests NGC 5317 is a duplicate observation of NGC 5364 (discovered by WH) with a 5 min error in RA (declination matches). Furthermore, the descriptions are identical.
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NGC 5318 = UGC 8751 = MCG +06-30-096 = CGCG 190-063 = Holm 548a = PGC 49139
13 50 35.9 +33 42 18; CVn
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 165°
48" (4/15/10): bright, fairly large, oval 2:1 NNW-SSE,
1.0'x0.5', bright core, stellar nucleus, high surface brightness. This galaxy is the brightest in a group
with 7 galaxies picked up in the 510x field (6 in a 10' string oriented NNW to
SSE). The closest two companions,
18" (5/16/09): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.5', bright core. Brightest of 4 NGC galaxies with NGC 5321 4.6' SSE, NGC 5312 11' SW and NGC 5319 3.5' NNE.
17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, fairly small, round, prominent core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 5321 4' S. NGC 5312 lies 10' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5318 = H. III-422 = h1679 on 2 May 1785 (sweep 406) and recorded "Two, eF, stellar, the time and number taken between them. The northern one is the faintest; distance about 4 or 5' not far from the meridian." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 5' south of NGC 5318 = UGC 8751, the brightest galaxy in the group, and 2' southwest of NGC 5321 = CGCG 190-065. The separation of these two galaxies is 4.6' with a position angle of 160°, matching his description, though the northern galaxy (NGC 5318) is brighter. On 3 May 1785 (sweep 407), he noted a nebula he logged as "Suspected, vF, i and vS, but 240 made it appear more like a small patch". His position is just 6 sec of east of NGC 5318, but he didn't connect this with his observation of 1074 and 1075 just the night before.
JH made two observations, recording on sweep 337 "pB; S; R; psbM; 15"; the second of 3 [with NGC 5312 and 5321]." His position is accurate. See notes on NGC 5321. R.J. Mitchell, observing NGC 5318 on 27 Mar 1856, discovered nearby NGC 5319 as well as the two close companions to NGC 5318 -- MCG +06-30-097 0.9' NNW and MCG +06-30-095, 1.9' NNW. These were not assigned separate GC or NGC designations.
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13 50 40.7 +33 45 41; CVn
V = 15.5; Size 0.6'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 66°
48" (4/15/10): easily visible at 510x as a faint, edge-on streak, roughly 4:1 WSW-ENE, ~30"x8". A very faint star is off the ENE tip. Located 3.5' NNE of NGC 5318. A faint pair of galaxies lies ~3' NW.
Several sources misidentify MCG +06-30-095 as NGC 5319. The sketch made with Lord Rosse's 72" clearly shows MCG +06-30-095 and NGC 5319 (3.5' NNE of NGC 5318), but MCG +06-30-095 did not receive a NGC designation as Dreyer may have felt it was part of NGC 5318.
17.5": not seen.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5319 on 27 Mar 1856 at Birr Castle, while observing NGC 5318. He labeled this galaxy "C" on the field sketch and simply noted "vF". Although no separations were estimated, the sketch is accurate enough to identify NGC 5319 = PGC 84061. See NGC 5318 for more on this sketch.
The RNGC and Uranometria Deep Sky Field Guide misidentify MCG +06-30-095 (1.9' NNW of NGC 5318) as NGC 5319. Corwin agrees that NGC 5319 = PGC 84061. Malcolm Thomson disagrees and identifies a faint galaxy 5.2' NNW of NGC 5318 as NGC 5319. See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.
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13 50 20.4 +41 21 59; CVn
V = 12.1; Size 3.4'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 18°
17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration, irregular surface brightness. A mag 14 star is off the SSW end 2.3' from center, a mag 11 star is 3.7' NE and a mag 12 star lies 3.1' ESE of center. Member of the NGC 5371 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5320 = H. II-669 = h1682 on
9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, pL, vgmbM." His position matches
******************************
NGC 5321 = MCG +06-30-101 = CGCG 190-065 = PGC 49148
13 50 43.6 +33 37 57; CVn
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
48" (4/15/10): at 510x appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~0.5'x0.25'. Contains a small, bright nucleus. Located 4.6' SSE of NGC 5318. Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 11 stars ~3.7' WNW and SW. A mag 14.5 star lies 1.2' WSW of center.
18" (5/16/09): fairly faint, small, round, 24" diameter, weak concentration though with direct vision a faint quasi-stellar nucleus was visible. Located 4.5' SSE of NGC 5318 and 11' E of NGC 5312.
17.5" (5/22/93): faint, very small, round. Two faint mag 14.5-15 stars are close west [mag 14.5 1.2' WSW] and two mag 11 stars are 3.6' W and 3.8' SW. NGC 5318 lies 4' NNW and NGC 5312 11' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5321 = H. III-423 = h1680 on 2 May 1785 (sweep 406) and recorded "Two, eF, stellar, the time and number taken between them. The northern one is the faintest; distance about 4 or 5' not far from the meridian." His single position is 2' southwest of NGC 5321 = CGCG 190-065 and his description is an excellent fit with NGC 5318 and NGC 5321, which are separated by 4.6' in position angle 160° (NNW-SSE). The only discrepancy is the northern object (NGC 5318) is brighter.
JH made two observations (one good position), calling it "eF; at first sight like a *, but on long attention a pL neb surrounds it" on sweep 337 and "pB; R; smbM." on sweep 74. But he assumed this object was new and his father's III-422 applied to NGC 5312 = h1676. As a result, JH is credited with the discovery of NGC 5321 in the GC and NGC. But NGC 5312 is over 10' southwest of NGC 5318 and the orientation doesn't match WH's description ("not far from the meridian"). Reassigning the historical designations based on this analysis, results in h1676 = GC 3664 = NGC 5312, III-422 = h1679 = GC 3668 = NGC 5318 and III-423 = h1680 = GC 3670 = NGC 5321.
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13 49 15.1 +60 11 26; UMa
V = 10.2; Size 5.9'x3.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 95°
18" (5/14/07): very bright, fairly large, oval, 2.5'x1.75'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, 40" core that increases to the center. Two or three mag 14-15 stars are superimposed on the halo including one to the south and one to the east of the core.
17.5" (4/13/91): very bright, moderately large, unusually bright compact core, substellar nucleus, fainter halo elongated 3:2 E-W. A mag 14 star is at the south edge of the core within the outer halo and 20" from the center.
8" (5/21/82): bright, moderately large, small bright nucleus, almost round.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5322 = H. I-256 = h1684 on
19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and recorded "vB, pL, iR, smbM." His position matches
******************************
13 45 36.5 +76 49 41; UMi
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 163°
17.5" (6/5/99): faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, slightly brighter core. A mag 13.5-14 evenly matched double lies 4'-5' NW [11" separation].
William Herschel discovered NGC 5323 = H. II-899 = h1689 on
20 Dec 1797 (sweep 1074) and recorded "F, S, E nearly in the meridian,
about 1' long." His position
is 1' from
******************************
13 52 05.9 -06 03 30; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 2.3'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170°
17.5" (6/14/96): fairly faint, moderately large, round, 1.8' diameter, fairly low almost even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is off the SE edge 1.5' from center and a mag 15.5 star is superimposed on the east side. A pair of mag 12 stars at 36" separation are 4' WNW and a linear trio is ~8' SW. A line drawn east through both sets of stars intersects at NGC 5324!
William Herschel discovered NGC 5324 = H. II-307 = h1681 on
5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and logged "F, cL, bM, irr." John Herschel made the single
observation "F; L; R; gbM; 50 or 60"."
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13 50 54.1 +38 16 29; CVn
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.8'; PA = 108°
17.5" (6/5/99): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.7'
diameter, very low surface brightness, no concentration. Required averted vision. Two mag 11 stars at 2' separation are
roughly 5' NW. Forms a pair with
very difficult
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5325 = Sw. 2-36 on 14 Jun 1885
and recorded "eeF; pS; R; v diff; 2 B st near." His position is 1.4' northeast of CGCG
218-062. The first edition of the
Deep Sky Field Guide lists
******************************
13 50 50.9 +39 34 28; CVn
V = 11.9; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 137°
17.5" (6/6/86): moderately bright, small, spindle, very
elongated NW-SE, small bright core, possible stellar nucleus. Located 12.2' SW of mag 7.4 SAO
63794.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5326 = H. II-712 = h1685 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and noted "F, S, R, bM." John Herschel made 3 observations, describing it on 12 May 1828 (sweep 155) as "pB; S; lE; sbM; 15"."
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13 52 04.1 -02 12 23; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 90°
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, moderately large, round,
2' diameter. Weak concentration
with a very small core slightly offset north of geometric center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5327 = H. II-685 = h1683 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 729) and noted "vF, S, iR. Following 2 stars, and in the parallel with them." His position is 2' too far south. John Herschel made a single observation and his position is accurate.
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13 52 53.3 -28 29 22; Hya
V = 11.6; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 87°
24" (6/1/13): at 225x appeared bright, fairly small,
oval 3:2 E-W, 30"x20", sharply concentrated with a very bright, very
small nucleus. Brightest in a
small cluster (Klemola 28) of early-type galaxies with
13.1" (5/26/84): fairly bright, small, slightly
elongated ~E-W, small bright nucleus.
Located 19' WNW of mag 6
William Herschel discovered NGC 5328 = H. III-923 = h3543 on 5 May 1793 (sweep 1041) and recorded "vF; vS; R; lbM. 300 shewed it very well" John Herschel made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope: "pB; R; lbM; 20" and "B; lE; sbM; 20". Lewis Swift discovered nearby NGC 5330.
******************************
13 52 10.0 +02 19 30; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, 1.0
diameter. Symmetrical appearance
with even concentration to a 20" brighter core and a nonstellar
nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5329 = H. III-549 = h1686 on
30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and noted "eF, vS, stellar, 240 confirmed it." Caroline's reduced position is 1'
northeast of
******************************
NGC 5330 = ESO 445-068 = MCG -05-33-028a = PGC 49316
13 52 59.2 -28 28 14; Hya
V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.5'
24" (6/1/13): this compact galaxy is situated just 1.7'
NE of NGC 5328 in a small group.
At 225x it appeared faint to fairly faint, small, irregularly round,
15" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5330 = Sw. 6-61 on 25 Mar 1887 and recorded "eeF; S; R; e diff; nf of 3676 [NGC 5328].
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NGC 5331 = VV 253a/b = UGC 8774 = MCG +00-35-022 = CGCG 017-082 = PGC 49264 = PGC 49266
13 52 16.3 +02 06 28; Vir
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 55°
48" (5/12/18): at 488x and 610x; NGC 5331 is an
interacting pair at 25" separation N-S. The southern component (
48" (5/4/16): at 697x;
The southern galaxy (highly disrupted on the SDSS with a tidal plume to the WNW) is fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, broad concentration but no well defined zones. The surface brightness, though, is irregular or mottled and the galaxy appears dusty. More unusual is the shape; the galaxy tapers at the southeast east and the northwest end bends or twists towards the northern spiral, creating a kidney-bean outline.
CGCG 017-081, 1.3' W, appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, nearly even surface brightness. A mag 16.5 star is just 14" WSW of center. A mag 16 star sits midway between this galaxy and the NGC 5331 pair.
17.5" (5/11/96): this double system was resolved with the brighter component (VV 253b) at the north end. VV 253b is fairly faint, fairly small and slightly elongated. Attached at the south end is a low surface glow (VV 253a). The pair requires attention as there is less than 30" separation between centers. NGC 5329 lies 14' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5331 = H. III-929 = h1687 on 13 May 1793 (sweep 1044) and logged "vF, S, E in meridian." John Herschel made an interesting observation on sweep 144: "A very insignificant cluster of vS scattered stars; or a S[mall] resolved neb." The position here is on the brighter component of the double system.
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13 52 07.9 +16 58 11; Boo
V = 12.9; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8'
diameter, small bright core.
Bracketed by two mag 14 stars off the north [50" NNW of center] and
south ends [38" S of center].
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5332 = Sw. 6-62 on 23 Mar 1887
and recorded "vF; S; R."
His position matches
******************************
13 54 24.3 -48 30 45; Cen
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 52°
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
228x, moderately bright and large oval, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.4',
moderately strong concentration with a bright 10"-15" core. Located 2.7' W of mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 5333 = h3544 on 2 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; vS; R; 6"; has a * 8m; 3' f in parallel." His position is accurate.
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13 52 54.5 -01 06 52; Vir
V = 11.3; Size 4.2'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 15°
17.5" (5/11/96): faint, large, diffuse glow, elongated
4:3 N-S, ~3.0'x2.4', low even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is 2' SW of center. Located 3.2' N of a mag 10
star and 35' NW of mag 5.2 90 Virginis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5334 = H. III-665 on 15 Apr
1787 (sweep 729) and recorded "cF, cL, clbM." His position matches
Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 20 Apr 1897 (or
perhaps 30 Apr as in his PASP list) and recorded Sw.11-161 (later
******************************
13 52 56.5 +02 48 51; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 2.1'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 90°
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE [bar], brighter core. Irregular surface brightness and halo fades, so difficult to determine PA. A mag 14 star is 0.7' S of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5335 = h1688 on 9 Apr 1828 and
noted "F; irr R." His
position is a perfect match with
******************************
13 52 09.7 +43 14 34; CVn
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 115°
17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, fairly small, 1.0' diameter. No concentration but there appeared to a slight brightening on the SW edge. Located ~3' W of a two mag 11 stars and a third mag 13.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5336 = H. II-670 = h1690 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and noted "pB, pL." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; R; psbM; 30"." and measured an accurate position.
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13 52 23.1 +39 41 15; CVn
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 20°
17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, brighter core. NGC 5346 is 9.8' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5337 = H. III-698 = h1691 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799). John Herschel called it "small; irregularly round; has a bright star 8th mag preceding."
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13 53 26.6 +05 12 28; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 2.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 97°
17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 E-W, almost even surface brightness.
Forms a right angle with a wide mag 10 double star (HJ 2690 = 10.6/11.4
at 27") 3' WNW and two mag 10/12 stars 3' NNE. First of 7 in the
Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 5338 on 3 May 1877, along
with NGC 5348, while making an observation of
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13 54 00.3 -07 55 52; Vir
V = 12.0; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 59°
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.8'x1.4'. Broad concentration with an ill-defined core. Bracketed by two mag 13 stars 1.3' SSW and 1.3' NE. The PGC magnitude (16.5) is erroneous.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5339 = Big. 70 on 22 May 1878. His unpubished notebook position is at the NW edge of the halo, so the identification is certain. Stephan never published this discovery.
Guillaume Bigourdan rediscovered NGC 5339 on 14 May 1887 and described it as "mag 13.4, R, 1' dia, no nucleus." His position is accurate. Bigourdan was credited with the discovery.
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13 48 59.9 +72 39 14; UMi
V = 14.2; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (6/5/99): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak even concentration to a slightly brighter core. Located 2.6' ENE of a mag 10.5 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5340 = Sw. 3-75 on 6 May 1886 and
recorded "eF; S; R." His
position is 11 sec of RA east and 1' south of
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13 52 32.1 +37 48 59; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 164°
17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, small, edge-on NNW-SSE,
brighter core.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant discovered NGC 5341,
along with NGC 5349, on 24 Mar 1857.
While observing
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13 51 25.8 +59 51 50; UMa
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 152°
17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.3'. Sharp concentration with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus. Located 25' SE of NGC 5322.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5342 = H. III-849 = h1694 on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "vF, vS." John Herschel simply noted "eF", but measured a more accurate position (in the NGC).
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13 54 11.7 -07 35 17; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 50°
17.5" (6/14/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.9'. Well concentrated with a bright core increasing to a non-stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5343 = H. II-308 = h1692 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and logged "vF, S, lbM, irreg." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; S; R; bM. Dull and murky sky." and measured a fairly accurate position.
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13 50 12.1 +73 57 11; UMi
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.4'; PA = 80°
17.5" (6/5/99): faint, very small, round, 25"
diameter, even surface brightness.
Located 2.8' following a mag 10 star and 8' ENE of mag 8.5
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5344 = Sw. 3-76 on 6 May 1886 and
recorded "vF; S; R." His
position is 1.8' south of
******************************
NGC 5345 = UGC 8820 = MCG +00-35-026 = CGCG 017-094 = PGC 49415
13 54 14.2 -01 26 11; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/11/96): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.2' diameter, bright core gradually increases to center. A mag 15 star is superimposed at the south edge. Located 8' NW of mag 5.2 90 Virginis.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5345 = H. II-686 = h1693 on
15 Apr 1787 (sweep 729) and logged "pB, S, mbM." His RA is just 5 sec too small. John Herschel called it "pB, S, R,
gbM, 15"."
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NGC 5346 = UGC 8804 = MCG +07-29-007 = CGCG 219-014 = LGG 361-007 = PGC 49322
13 53 02.0 +39 34 52; CVn
V = 13.8; Size 2.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 158°
17.5" (6/6/86): very faint, requires averted, slightly elongated. Forms a pair with NGC 5337 9.8' NW. NGC 5326 lies 26' W. Forms the NE vertex of a trapezoid with mag 13 stars 2.4' SSW, 3.6' SW and 2.1' WNW. Member of the NGC 5371 group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5346 = St. 12-57 on 27 Apr
1878 and estimated the diameter as 1.5'.
His published position (list 12, #57) was perhaps based on a second
observation on 18 May 1881 and matches
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13 53 17.8 +33 29 28; CVn
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 130°
17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.7'. Broad
concentration to a brighter core.
At times there appears to be brighter spot involved (extremely faint
star?), although I was not able to confirm this impression. A mag 10.5 star with two mag 13.5/14
companions lies 3' NE. Located
8.5' NE of mag 8
William Herschel discovered NGC 5347 = H. II-424 = h1695 on 2 May 1785 (sweep 406) and noted "F, pL, lbM." His position is 6' too far north." John Herschel recorded "pB; L; R; 40". If this be my Father's nebula, there is an error of 6' in his polar distance."
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NGC 5348 = UGC 8821 = MCG +01-35-051 = CGCG 045-137 = PGC 49411
13 54 11.3 +05 13 36; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 3.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 177°
17.5" (4/28/90): very faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1 N-S, low even surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is 1.5' NE of center. Second of 7 in the NGC 5363 group with NGC 5356 14' NE and NGC 5338 13' W.
Lawrence Parsons discovered NGC 5348, along with NGC 5338, on 3 May 1877, while making an observation of NGC 5356. He noted "a third neb is about 10' p" and 5' +/- s, it is vF, mE ns, with a * 13m nf and a small group of faint stars 6' +/- s, it is fainter than [NGC 5356]." This thin edge-on is 13.5' SW of NGC 5356. In the same observation he discovered NGC 5338 "about 20' p [of N5356] and 5' or 6' s[outh] is another, E p f, about 4' f a D*".
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NGC 5349 = UGC 8803 = MCG +06-31-005 = CGCG 190-072 = CGCG 191-006 = Holm 554b = PGC 49336
13 53 13.3 +37 52 57; CVn
V = 14.1; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 82°
17.5" (6/6/86): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, broad concentration. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 5351 3.5' NE.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant discovered NGC 5349, along with NGC 5341, on 24 Mar 1857. While observing NGC 5351 he noted "found here 3 nebulae, as shown, all of them are bM." The sketch clearly identifies NGC 5349, 3' southwest of NGC 5349 (the actual separation is 3.5').
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13 53 21.6 +40 21 50; CVn
V = 11.3; Size 3.2'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 40°
24" (7/1/16): fairly bright or bright, oval ~4:3 ~N-S,
~2'x1.5', largest in the
24" (6/8/13): bright, large, contains a brighter core
or bar that is oriented NW-SE. The
central core of the bar is round and increases somewhat to the center. The
2.0'x1.5' halo, though, is elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE. Located 2.9' NE of a mag 6.5 star with
13.1" (5/26/84): largest galaxy in the striking NGC
5353 group = HCG 68. Fairly faint,
diffuse, slightly elongated, very weak concentration, no core. Located on a line between mag 6.5 HD
121197 2.9' SW (not in SAO) and mag 9.3
8" (5/21/82): faint, moderately large, diffuse, between two stars mag 6.5 and 9.0.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5350 = H. II-713 = h1696 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and noted "F, pL". John Herschel made two good observations, noting "pB; R; bM" and "vF; L; a bright D * preceding; the first of 4."
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NGC 5351 = UGC 8809 = MCG +06-31-008 = CGCG 190-073 = CGCG 191-019 = Holm 554a = PGC 49359
13 53 27.7 +37 54 54; CVn
V = 12.1; Size 3.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 100°
17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, broad concentration, elongated WNW-ESE. Forms a pair with NGC 5349 3.5' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5351 = H. II-697 = h1697 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and recorded "F, bM, E in the parallel, about 1 1/2' long and 1' broad."
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13 53 38.4 +36 08 03; CVn
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak concentration. A small group of stars of a half a dozen stars is close following and the galaxy is roughly collinear with two mag 11.5 and 13 stars 1.5' and 3' following.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5352 = H. II-415 = h1700 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "F, S, irr." John Herschel made two observations, recording (sweep 71) "pF; R; 30"; has a star 90" distance, 25° nf."
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NGC 5353 = HCG 68A = KTG 50B = Holm 555b = UGC 8813 = MCG +07-29-010 = CGCG 219-018 = LGG 363-002 = WBL 475-002 = PGC 49356
13 53 26.7 +40 16 59; CVn
V = 11.0; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 145°
24" (6/3/19): at 200x; type Ia SN 2019ein, discovered on May 1st, appeared as a mag 15 "star" just off the SE end of the galaxy (28" E and 28" S of center). This supernova peaked at mag 14.0.
24" (7/1/16): very bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~1.8'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core that increases to the center. Forms a contact pair with NGC 5354 (two brightest members of HCG 68), with centers 1.2' apart.
24" (6/8/13): the brightest member of HCG 68 appeared very bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.7', well concentrated with a very bright elongated core that increases to the center. Forms a contact pair with NGC 5354 1.2' N. NGC 5358 = HCG 68E lies 6.4' due E. NGC 5371, the brightest and largest in a larger group (LGG 361) including HCG 68, lies 27' NE
13.1" (5/26/84): brightest in the NGC 5353 group = HCG 68. Fairly bright, oval 2:1 NW-SE, gradually increases to a small bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 5354 1.2' N. Other nearby members are NGC 5350 4.9' NNW, NGC 5355 4.9' NE, NGC 5358 6.4' E. Located 4.8' SE of mag 6.5 HD 121197.
8" (5/21/82): moderately bright, small.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5353 = H. II-714 = h1698 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 5354], pB, both S, R, at 2' distance in the meridian." John Herschel logged "The southern of a double neb, dist 1' in meridian." and "pB; S; the southern of 2 nearly in meridian; the second of a group of 4."
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NGC 5354 = HCG 68B = KTG 50C = Holm 555a = UGC 8814 = MCG +07-29-011 = CGCG 219-019 = WBL 475-003 = LGG 361-009 = PGC 49354
13 53 26.7 +40 18 10; CVn
V = 11.4; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 11.9
24" (7/1/16): bright, fairly large, elongated ~5:4 E-W, 1.4'x1.1', well concentrated with a large bright core than increases gradually to the center, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. The halo on the south side is in contact with NGC 5353, with the centers 1.2' apart in PA 0° (N-S). The mag 6.5 orange star HD 121197 is 4' NW.
24" (6/8/13): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.4'x1.2', fairly well concentrated (though not as well as NGC 5353) with a small bright core that increases to the center. The outer halo merges with NGC 5353, 1.2' between centers. Located 4' SE of mag 6.5 HD 121197. NGC 5350 is 3.8' NNW and NGC 5355 is 4.2' NE.
13.1" (5/26/84): member of the NGC 5353 group = HCG 68. Fairly faint, fairly small, broad concentration. Forms a very close pair with brighter NGC 5353 1.2' S. Located 4.0' SE of mag 6.5 HD 121197. Nearby members include NGC 5350 3.8' N and NGC 5355 4.2' NE.
8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, moderately large, even surface brightness. Forms a close pair with NGC 5353 1' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5354 = H. II-715 = h1699 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 5353], pB, both S, R, at 2' distance in the meridian." John Herschel logged "the northern of a double nebula, dist 1' in the meridian", and "F; S; the northern and smallest of 2 in merid; one of a group of 4."
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NGC 5355 = HCG 68D = Holm 555d = UGC 8819 = MCG +07-29-012 =
13 53 45.6 +40 20 19; CVn
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 35°
24" (7/1/16): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, ~35"x25", very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Situated 4' NE of NGC 5354 in HCG 68.
24" (6/8/13): moderately bright, relatively small compared to the other members of HCG 68, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, ~40"x28", small brighter nucleus. Located 4' NE of NGC 5354 and 4.8' ESE of NGC 5350.
13.1" (5/26/84): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, even surface brightness. Member of the NGC 5353 group = HCG 68 and located 7' due east of mag 6.5 HD 121197. Nearby members are NGC 5350 4.9' WNW, NGC 5358 4.7' SE and NGC 5353 4.8' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5355 = H. III-699 = h1702 on 14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and noted "vF; S; iF." His position is 3' too far north. John Herschel made three observations and assumed it was new, probably due to his father's poor position. He logged "F; The last of 4. There is a *9 preceding the group." and "vF; L; the last of 4." JH later equated h1702 and III. 699 in the GC.
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NGC 5356 = UGC 8831 = MCG +01-35-052 = CGCG 046-001 = PGC 49468
13 54 58.5 +05 20 01; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 3.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 15°
17.5" (4/28/90): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, slightly brighter bulging middle. Forms a thin isosceles triangle with a pair of mag 12 stars 2.6' NE and 2.6' NNE. Third of 7 in NGC 5363 group with NGC 5363 17' ESE and NGC 5348 14' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5356 = H. III-506 = h1701 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and noted "vF, E, 2' long." Caroline's reduction is at the north end of the galaxy. On 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043), he logged "p or cB, E, cL." John Herschel made 5 observations, estimated a size of 80"x30" and a position angle of 15°.
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13 55 59.5 -30 20 29; Cen
V = 12.0; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 23°
13.1" (4/10/86): faint, small, round, weak concentration. Situated among three mag 11 stars and directly between a mag 11 star 1.5' N and a mag 11.5 star 1.1' SSE. Also a mag 11.5 star is 2.2' SW. Member of the IC 4329 cluster (AGC 3574)
John Herschel discovered NGC 5357 = h3546 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pF; R; glbM; 20"; exactly in middle between 2 stars 10m." His position is accurate, although Innes was unsuccessful in finding it with the 7-inch refractor at the Cape of Good Hope.
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NGC 5358 = HCG 68E = UGC 8826 = MCG +07-29-013 = CGCG 219-022 = WBL 475-005 =LGG 361-007 = PGC 49389
13 54 00.4 +40 16 38; CVn
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 138°
24" (7/1/16): faintest member of the HCG 68 quintet. At 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1, 25"x12", very small bright core, stellar nucleus. A pair of mag 12.5/13 stars at ~8" separation is 1.1' SSE and nearly collinear with the galaxy.
24" (6/8/13): faintest and last member of HCG 68. Appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 40"x15", small brighter nucleus. Located 6.4' E of NGC 5353.
13.1" (5/26/84): faintest member of the NGC 5353 group = HCG 68. Very faint, very small, very elongated NW-SE. A close double mag 13 double star at 8" separation is 1.1' SSE. Located 6.4' E of NGC 5353 and 4.7' SE of NGC 5355.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5358 = St. 11-21 on 15 May 1877 during an observation of the quintet (William Herschel discovered the other 4 members). He mentioned "5 seen", but didn't list separate positions in his log list. His published position in list 11 (#21) was reduced on 23 Jun 1880. Hermann Vogel found the galaxy again on 3 Jun 1883 with the 27-inch Grubb refractor at Vienna.
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14 00 10 -70 23 10; Cir
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 76x I immediately noticed a 15' irregular chain of two dozen stars, roughly forming the outline of an animal - approximating a dog or horse. Within the position of the "head" of this figure is a pair of equal mag 10.5 stars at 11" separation. In fact, many of the brighter stars are 10th-11th magnitude. This chain is well detached in the field so it stands out well, although there are no dense spots and this loose group appears to be an asterism. Upping the magnification to 228x, at least 80 stars are visible within a 15' region. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5359 = h3545 on 17 May 1835. On sweep 598 he recorded "Cl VIII class, irreg fig, 8' dia, consists of about a dozen stars 11m, and a great many 12, 13, 14m." RNGC classifies this object as a nonexistent cluster.
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13 55 38.8 +04 59 05; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 2.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 70°
17.5" (4/28/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.6'. A mag 14 star is at the west edge 40" from center. Forms a pair with brighter and larger NGC 5364 8' ENE. Fourth of 7 in the NGC 5363 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5360 = m 268 on 8 May 1864 and noted "vF, vS, lE." His position (to the nearest min of dec) is 1.5' too far north.
Lewis Swift possibly found this galaxy again on 19 Apr 1890
and recorded "eeeF; pS; iR; seen only by glimpses." His position is 3.5' northeast of NGC
5360. Dreyer assumed this was a new object and catalogued it as
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13 54 35.2 +38 26 58; CVn
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 50°
17.5" (6/8/02): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter. Located 1.0' SW of a mag 12.5 star. The 220x field is devoid of any brighter stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5361 = H. III-682 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and noted "eF, vS, E, sp a small star. His position is 1' southwest of CGCG 219-025 = PGC 49441 and the description matches.
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13 54 53.3 +41 18 49; CVn
V = 12.3; Size 2.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 88°
17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration, hint of a faint stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5362 = H. II-671 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "pB, pL, E." His position was 2' too far south.
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NGC 5363 = UGC 8847 = MCG +01-36-002 = CGCG 046-007 = LGG 362-005 = PGC 49547
13 56 07.2 +05 15 17; Vir
V = 10.1; Size 4.1'x2.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 135°
18" (3/29/03): at 450x this fairly large, oval galaxy
has a mottled appearance. The
bright stellar nucleus appears like a bright superimposed star (images confirm
a star very near the center!) surrounded by a bright core. Located 3.8' SW of
17.5" (4/28/90): very bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 NW-SE, very bright core, sharp stellar nucleus. Located 3.8' SW of mag 8.0 SAO 120182
(close double STT 273 = 8.4/8.9 at 1.0"). Brightest in a large group of 7 galaxies with NGC 5364 14.5'
S and
8" (5/21/82): bright, small, round, small bright nucleus. A mag 8 star is 4' E. NGC 5364 lies 14' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5363 = H. I-6 = h1703 on 19 Jan 1784 (sweep 89) and recorded "a pL nebula, not cometic. It seems resolvable, but I have no apparatus at hand for applying high powers." On 12 May 1793 he noted "vB, cL, BN."
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NGC 5364 = NGC 5317 = UGC 8853 = MCG +01-36-003 = CGCG 046-009 = Holm 557a = PGC 49555
13 56 11.9 +05 00 53; Vir
V = 10.5; Size 6.8'x4.4'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 30°
48" (3/1/19): at 488x; very bright, very large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~4.5'x3.0'. Strongly concentrated with a bright 1.5'x1.0' oval core that increased to a small bright nucleus with direct vision. There was a strong suggestion of spiral structure (arcs) in the large halo, but the contrast was too low to trace the arms. Two mag 14.2/14.4 stars are at the edge of the halo on the NW side and form the base of a thin isosceles triangle with the nucleus. Although the core region was well defined, it didn't appear as a ring.
17.5" (4/28/90): moderately bright, large, broad weak concentration, elongated SW-NE. Two mag 14 stars are 1.6' NW of center. Forms a pair with NGC 5360 8' WSW and NGC 5363 lies 14.5' N. Sixth of seven in the NGC 5363 group.
8" (5/21/82): faint, large, diffuse glow. Forms an unusual pair with smaller but brighter NGC 5363 14' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5364 = H. II-534 = h1705 on 2 Feb 1786 (sweep 521) and recorded "pB, vL, gbM."
Bindon Stoney found it again on 14 Apr 1852 at Birr Castle and assumed it to be new, so John Herschel catalogued it also as GC 3703. Dreyer combined the two GC entries in the NGC. Harold Corwin suggests that JH's observation of h1678 (later NGC 5317), which he assumed to be new, may be a duplicate observation with a 5 minute error in RA.
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13 57 50.6 -43 55 54; Cen
V = 11.4; Size 3.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 4°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, high surface brightness. Contains a very bright nucleus. Apparently I missed the low surface brightness out halo. Several stars are nearby including a mag 10.7 star 3.7' NW, a mag 13 star 2' NW, a mag 12 star 2.9' SSW and a mag 12 star 2.4' SE. Several of these stars form a semicircle cradling the galaxy. Located 53' NNW of mag 3.9 Upsilon 1 Centauri.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5365 = h3547 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "pB; vS; R; gbM; 15"." His mean position (two sweeps) is accurate. While observing NGC 5365 on 18 May 1881 with the 48" Melbourne telescope, Joseph Turner discovered NGC 5365A. The discovery was not published, so it didn't receive a NGC designation.
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13 56 24.9 -00 14 50; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, elongated 2:1
SW-NE, even surface brightness.
Unusual appearance as a mag 14 star is at the NE end and the galaxy
appears to extend from the star in a fan-shape like a faint version of Hubble's
Variable Nebula. Located 2.7' SSW
of mag 9
George Phillips Bond discovered NGC 5366 = HN 14 on 8 Jun
1855 with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone Survey. He noted "a small, round nebula
precedes [follows?} star #148, distant 2'." His position in AN 1453 matches the star in the survey and
is 2' north of
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13 57 44 -39 58 42; Cen
Size 4'x3'
18" (4/1/19 - OzSky): at 182x; large, bright reflection nebula surrounding a close pair (4") of mag 10/10.5 stars, perhaps 3' diameter. A small detached halo also surrounds a mag 12 star 2.4' N.
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this prominent reflection nebula appears as 2.5' round glow surrounding a delicate pair of mag 10/10.5 stars at 4" separation (HJ 4636). The nebulosity has a uniform, fairly high surface brightness. About 2' N and 1.5' NE are a wide pair of mag 12/13 stars. The star situated 2' N illuminates a small detached piece of nebulosity. Deep images reveal this nebula is the head of a one degree faint tail (cometary globule CG 12) that streams to the southeast.
17.5" (5/4/02): this unusual reflection nebula surrounds a bright, close pair of mag 10.3/10.7 stars at 4" (h4636). The nebula appeared as a round, fairly faint, 3' glow surrounding the illuminating stars. Although the elevation was only 10° at the time of the observation, the hazy glow was pretty evident. A brighter mag 9 star lies 4' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5367 = h3548 on 26 Jun 1834 and recorded "a close double star in a vL, B, luminous atmosphere, 2' diameter. The star A which is quite as bright, has no such atmosphere. The atmosphere is vlbM. The star was not noticed as double till too late for a good measure after I showed the object to my attendant J.S [John Stone]., verified with 240x and 320x. A furious hot north wind, but the definition of stars excellent. It is no illusion, other stars are sharp and brilliant, and have not the least nebulous appearance." Sketch Plate VI, figure 10.
Joseph Turner had a difficult time identifying NGC 5367 on two nights, including 1 Jul 1875, as he was expecting a fairly bright object. He wrote in his logbook, "It is now so very very faint that it only against a clear black sky it can be seen at all...Herschel's drawing [shows] the double star being in the center of the nebula, while at present the star is near the northeast extremity." Images show the nebulosity is brighter and more extensive to the west and southwest of the star. Turner also commented "It must surely have diminished in brightness since H's time, as I cannot imagine that an 18 inch telescope could show it at present, it is so very faint."
Lewis Swift rediscovered this reflection nebula on 30 Dec
1897, assumed it was new (despite JH's good position) and described Sw. 11-162
(later
The nebulosity was included in the Catalogue of Bright Nebulosities in Opaque Dust Clouds by Bernes as No. 147. He described it as a reflection nebula 4' x 3' (measured north-south by east-west), appearing very bright on the blue plate. He noted the nebulosity is located on the edge of the cometary globular CG 12, which measures 20'x8'.
******************************
13 54 29.2 +54 19 50; UMa
V = 13.0; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 10°
17.5" (7/22/01): fairly faint, small, round, 0.6'
diameter, broad weak concentration, occasional faint stellar nucleus. Located 1.6' SSW a mag 13 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5368 = H. III-786 = h1706 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, vS, stellar neb." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.
******************************
13 56 37.6 -05 28 12; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 40"x30", weak concentration to a brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 2.0' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5369 = H. III-285 = h1704 on
5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and recorded "eF, vS, requires much attention to be
distinguished." There is
nothing at his position by 25 sec of RA west and 4' north is
******************************
13 54 09.4 +60 40 41; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (7/22/01): fairly faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak even concentration to a slightly brighter 15" core and a faint stellar nucleus. Located 1.4' SSW of a mag 12.5 star. Two mag 10/11 stars lie 6'-7' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5370 = H. II-843 = h1708 on
19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and noted "F, S." Caroline's reduced position is 1' north of
******************************
NGC 5371 = NGC 5390 = UGC 8846 = MCG +07-29-020 = CGCG 219-029 = LGG 361-011 = PGC 49514
13 55 39.9 +40 27 42; CVn
V = 10.6; Size 4.4'x3.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 8°
24" (7/1/16): very bright and large, elongated 4:3 N-S, contains a relatively small brighter core that is slightly elongated E-W (central bar). The large outer halo shows spiral structure. An arm on the north side sweeps west and south and a more ill-defined arm on the east side extends to the north. A mag 9 star is 2.6' NE. The HCG 68 quintet (including NGCs 5350, 5353 and 5354) is ~25' SW. Brightest in a large group (LGG 361) with 13 NGC galaxies.
13.1" (5/26/84): bright, fairly large, small bright
nucleus, slightly elongated N-S.
Located 2.5' SW of mag 9.1
8" (5/21/82): fairly bright, fairly large, diffuse oval halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5371 = H. II-716 = h1707 on
14 Jan 1788 (sweep 799) and logged "F, R, about 1 1/2' dia,
lbM."
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13 54 46.0 +58 40 00; UMa
V = 13.2; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.5; PA = 140°
17.5" (7/22/01): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2
NW-SE, 0.6'x0.4'. Fairly high
surface brightness though only a weak concentration. Forms the east vertex of a "keystone" with three
mag 10-11 stars with longer sides of 5'.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5372 = H. III-809 = h1709 on
24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and noted "vF, vS." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 4' south of
******************************
NGC 5373 = CGCG 046-014 = PGC 49620
13 57 07.4 +05 15 07; Vir
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'
17.5" (4/28/90): extremely faint and small, round, low
even surface brightness. Located
4' WNW of mag 9
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5373 = m 269 on 8 May 1864 and
noted "vF, vS, stell."
His position is within 1' of
******************************
13 57 29.7 +06 05 49; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated E-W, weak concentration.
A mag 10.5 star is 1.2' W.
Located within a group of four mag 9 stars including mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 5374 = H. II-889 = h1710 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and logged "pB, R, pL, just following a small star." John Herschel first observed NGC 5374 on 11 May 1828 (sweep 154) and recorded "F; S; lE; vgbM; follows a * 4 sec [of RA]." He made a total of 4 observations.
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13 56 56.2 +29 09 51; CVn
V = 11.5; Size 3.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 0°
17.5" (5/19/01): this face-on barred spiral appears moderately bright and large, round, 1.8' diameter. Contains a sharp, bright 30" core. A nice trio of mag 12-13 stars forming an equilateral triangle lies 4' WSW. Located 10' following a mag 9.9 star.
John Herschel found NGC 5375 = h1711 on 15 May 1830 and
recorded "Not vF; R; pslbM; 20". If this be III 125 [
******************************
13 55 15.9 +59 30 25; UMa
V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 70°
17.5" (5/27/95): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 ~E-W,
1.5'x1.0', broad weak concentration with no distinct core. The
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, slightly elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5376 = H. I-238 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and recorded "cB, pL, vgmbM, iR." He found it again on 19 Mar 1790 (sweep 953) and assumed it was new. His first (H. I-238) and second designations (H. II-844) were combined in the NGC.
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13 56 16.8 +47 14 07; CVn
V = 11.3; Size 3.7'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 20°
17.5" (5/30/92): bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 3.0'x0.7', striking very bright compact core with a bright stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5377 = H. I-187 = h1712 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "cB, BN with very gradually fading branches from about 30° sp to nf." John Herschel made four observations, logging on sweep 255 "vB; mE; psbM; 50" l, 15" br; pos = 40.4° by micrometer.
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13 56 51.1 +37 47 48; CVn
V = 12.5; Size 2.6'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 90°
17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, fairly small, almost
round, diffuse outer halo increases to a small bright core. Located between mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 5378 = h1713 on 11 Mar 1831 and recorded "pB; lE; vglbM." His single position is good.
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NGC 5379 = UGC 8860 = MCG +10-20-049 = CGCG 295-026 = Holm 561b = PGC 49508
13 55 34.3 +59 44 34; UMa
V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 60°
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.4', weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 5389 4.1' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5379 = H. I-239 on 24 Apr
1789 (sweep 926), along with NGC 5389, and recorded "pB, E, S." His position matches
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NGC 5380 = UGC 8870 = MCG +06-31-028 = CGCG 191-021 = PGC 49605
13 56 56.9 +37 36 37; CVn
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (6/6/86): moderately bright, small, bright core contains a stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 5378 11.5' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5380 = H. II-698 = h1714 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and logged "F, S, R, vsmbM." John Herschel made 3 observations and measured a fairly accurate position.
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14 00 42 -59 35 12; Cen
Size 14'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): NGC 5381
is a fairly rich cluster in a superb Milky Way field. Roughly 75 stars were resolved over unresolved background
glow within a 8'x6' region, elongated southwest to northeast, although there
was no distinct boundary to the cluster (the surrounding field gradually thinned). The brightest star is mag 9.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 5381 = h3549 on 3 May 1835 and recorded "Cl VIII class; 8' long; 5' broad; stars 12 and 13m [N.B. - it is evident that in this obs, probably from defective weather, the eS stars of this cl were not seen." On sweep 790 he logged "Cl VI; F; rich; high compressed; consists of pL and eS st; fig oblong; 10' l; 7' br; place that of chief * 9m."
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NGC 5382 = UGC 8885 = MCG +01-36-007 = CGCG 046-022 = PGC 49711
13 58 15.0 +06 15 31; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 25°
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated SSW-NNE, very bright core, stellar nucleus, very small halo. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5382 = H. III-546 = h1715, along with NGC 5386, on 29 Apr 1786 (sweep 557) and recorded "Two, the place taken between them; both vF, vS, r. The situation not far from the meridian; from sp to nf." John Herschel called this galaxy "like a * 15m rubbed out" and measured an accurate position.
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13 57 05.0 +41 50 47; CVn
V = 11.4; Size 3.2'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 85°
48" (5/9/18): at 375x and 610x; I was impressed by the prominent "Z"-shaped barred spiral appearance! NGC 5383 is strongly concentrated with a very bright oval core, ~0.6' diameter, containing a very small brighter nucleus. The core isn't elongated in the direction of the bar, though, but angles WSW-ENE towards an 8" pair of mag 14 stars 1.1' from center. The central bar is oriented NW-SE and extends ~1.5' x 0.4'. At both ends of the bar are relatively large, bright knots (regions of enhanced star formation), ~18" diameter. A fairly thin, striking "wing" (spiral arm) extends ~0.7' SW from the SE end of the bar, forming a sharp right angle. A less distinct and shorter arm angles NE from the NW end of the bar, completing the "Z" with a "stroke" (core) outline. A low surface brightness, roundish halo, encompasses the striking shape. Two mag 16-16.5 stars are superimposed north of the core. Member of the NGC 5353/5371 Group (LGG 363/361).
17.5" (5/27/95): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 2.5'x2.0'. Contains a prominent bright core about 45"x30" elongated E-W (bar) with the fainter halo tilted 45° with respect to the core. A close pair of mag 14 stars at 8" separation is at the east edge 1.1' from center. Located near the midpoint of mag 10.5 and 12 stars 3' SE and NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5383 = H. I-181 = h1717 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "cB, cL, mbM." John Herschel made a single observation: "not vB; R; gbM; 40"."
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13 58 13.0 +06 31 05; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 56°
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 3.2' SE of a mag 9.5 star. NGC 5386 lies 11' SSE. This is the farthest north in string of four galaxies.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5384 = m 270 on 8 May 1864 and noted "F, vS, stellar." His declination is 1' too far south.
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13 52 19 +76 10 48; UMi
Size 7'
17.5" (5/23/98): this group consists of 11 similar mag 11.5-12.5 stars in a 7'x3' field elongated NW-SE and a couple of much fainter stars. The grouping is unconcentrated and the stars are pretty evenly distributed with no close pairs. Radial velocities show this group is an asterism and not a true cluster, although it stands out reasonably well at low power.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5385 = h1721 on 5 May 1831 and reported "A cluster of 11 stars 11m, and 2 of 15m." His position corresponds with a mag 11 star at the center of this asterism. Villanova (2004, A&A, 428, 67) conclude this is a random enhancement of field stars and not a cluster based on the random radial velocities (no common motion) of the stars. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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NGC 5386 = UGC 8890 = MCG +01-36-010 = CGCG 046-024 = PGC 49719
13 58 22.4 +06 20 20; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 51°
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is just off the SW edge. Forms a pair with NGC 5382 5' SSW. NGC 5384 lies 11' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5386 = H. III-547 = h1716, along with NGC 5382, on 29 Apr 1786 (sweep 557) and recorded "Two, the place taken between them; both vF, vS, r. The situation not far from the meridian; from sp to nf." John Herschel called this galaxy "a neb like a double star obliterated; pos by diam = 55° or 60°" and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 5387 = UGC 8891 = MCG +01-36-011 = CGCG 046-026 = PGC 49724
13 58 24.8 +06 04 14; Vir
V = 13.9; Size 1.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 22°
17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, fairly small, edge-on 6:1 SSW-NNE, 1.6'x0.25', low even surface brightness. NGC 5382, NGC 5386 and NGC 5384 are nearly all collinear to the north with NGC 5382 12' NNW and NGC 5374 14' W.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5387 = m 271 on 8 May 1864 and noted "vF ray, 2' l." His position is accurate.
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13 58 54 -14 09; Vir
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 5388 = LM 1-199 on 4 May 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag = 12.0, S, R, vgbM". There is nothing at his position and Harold Corwin was unable to recover this object despite having a copy of Muller's sketch. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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NGC 5389 = UGC 8866 = MCG +10-20-051 = CGCG 295-027 = Holm 561a = PGC 49548
13 56 06.4 +59 44 31; UMa
V = 12.0; Size 3.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 3°
17.5" (5/27/95): moderately bright and large, elongated 3:1 N-S, 2.5'x0.8'. Strong concentration with a prominent core, fades at ends of the extensions. Located 3.9' SW of mag 8.6 SAO 16223. A nice evenly matched pair of mag 11.5 stars at 27" separation lies 5' NNW. Forms a pair with NGC 5379 4.1' W.
8" (5/21/82 and 4/24/82): faint, small, elongated N-S,
bright core. NGC 5376 lies 15'
SSW. Forms a pair with NGC 5379
4.1' W (not seen). Located 4' SW
of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 5389 = H. I-240 = h1719 on
24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926), along with NGC 5379, and recorded "pB or almost
cB, E, B small ncl." His
position matches
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NGC 5390 = NGC 5371: = UGC 8846 = MCG +07-29-020 = CGCG 219-029 = LGG 361-011 = PGC 49514
13 55 39.9 +40 27 42; CVn
V = 10.6; Size 4.4'x3.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 8°
See observing notes for NGC 5371.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5390 = h1718 on 18 Mar 1831 and recorded "F; L; vgbM; has a * 9m; nf, 4' dist." There is nothing at his position (marked as uncertain), but 1.7 min of RA west is NGC 5371 (observed by JH on a separate sweep) and the description of the nearby star applies. Karl Reinmuth reported "no L neb and no *9 nf found; =N5371?". So, NGC 5390 = NGC 5371, with NGC 5371 the primary designation. See Corwin's notes.
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13 57 36 +46 19; CVn
= Not found, Corwin
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5391 = Sw. 1-26 on 16 Jun 1884
and recorded "F, vS, to nu. * very close." There is nothing at his position. The closest galaxy is
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13 59 24.8 -03 12 33; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 50°
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.6', brighter core. Only faint stars in surrounding field. Incorrect RA in the RNGC (2.0 time-min E).
William Herschel discovered NGC 5392 = H. III-666 = h1720 on
15 Apr 1787 (sweep 730) and noted "eF, vS." There is nothing at his position, but exactly 1.0 tmin west
is
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14 00 31.9 -28 52 30; Hya
V = 13.1; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (5/4/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, 0.8'x0.7', moderate surface brightness. There are a half-dozen mag 10-11 stars in the 21'
field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5393 = h3550 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "vF; R; glbM; 25"." His single position is accurate.
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13 58 33.6 +37 27 12; CVn
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4
48" (4/1/11): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated
SW-NE, 30"x24", sharply concentrated with a bright, stellar
nucleus. A faint arm is visible
attached at the SW end that hooks SE towards the NW side of
18" (4/26/08): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated, 20"x15". A
faint star is off the east end (due north of
17.5" (6/6/86): this is the fainter northern member of a contact system with brighter NGC 5395 connected at the south tip (2.0' between centers)! Fairly faint, very small, round, brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5394 = H. I-191 = h1722, along with NGC 5395, on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738). He described both as"Two, that of the south [NGC 5395] cB, cL. That to the north [NGC 5394], pB, S. Distance about 1.5'." John Herschel called NGC 5394 the "smaller and np of 2 which nearly join, constituting a double nebula."
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NGC 5395 = Arp 84S = VV 48a = UGC 8900 = MCG +06-31-034 =
13 58 37.5 +37 25 32; CVn
V = 11.4; Size 2.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 167°
48" (4/1/11): the Heron Galaxy was a remarkable interacting pair at 375x and 488x. The main galaxy (NGC 5395) was extremely bright, elongated 5:2 N-S, 2.5'x1.1', contains a blazing 30" core and a mottled, clumpy appearance. The most prominent feature is a well-defined, long arm that begins to the north of the core and wraps all the way around the core. This arm shoots past the core just to its east and heads directly south. The knotty arm then tightly curves back around towards the north on the west side, extending the full length of the galaxy and angling slightly towards smaller NGC 5395. A dark lane separates the core region from the arm on the west side. An irregular extension (or part of an arm) branches north from the main arm on the north side of the core and culminates at a brighter region or knot at the north end of the galaxy. NGC 5394 is 1.9' NW of center and one of the arms of this galaxy attaches to NGC 5395 on the NW side.
18" (5/3/08): at 280x appeared fairly bright, very
elongated ~3:1 N-S, 1.7'x0.5', brighter 25"x20" core, irregular
appearance with a brighter knot or extension on the NW side. Forms a close, interacting pair with
NGC 5394 1.8' NNW. A very faint
extension or haze is off the west side (this is an "arm" that
interacts with NGC 5394). Several
faint stars are near including a mag 13.5 1.7' S of center, a mag 15 star 1.9'
N of center and another mag 15 star ~1.5' WNW of center.
18" (4/26/08): this is the brighter and larger member of an interesting interacting pair with NGC 5394. Appears fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.5'x0.5', broad concentration with a brighter core. The galaxy has a mottled, irregular surface with a slightly brighter linear streak is on the NE end with the impression of a very faint, round knot on the north end. An extremely faint hazy extension (spiral arm) was highly suspected on the west side in the direction of NGC 5394 located 1.8' NNW of center. A mag 13.5 star is off the south end.
17.5" (6/6/86): fairly bright, elongated NNW-SSE, bright core, small bright nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is off the south edge 1.7' from center. There is an impression of a dark lane on the west side and an extremely faint arm beyond the lane (agrees with POSS). Forms a contact system with NGC 5394 at the NNW edge!
William Herschel discovered NGC 5395 = H. I-190 = h1723, along with NGC 5394, on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738). His description reads, "Two, that of the south [NGC 5395] cB, cL. Distance about 1.5'." John Herschel made 3 observations and measured a fairly accurate position.
Spiral structure was recorded several times at Birr Castle, though the observations are listed in the 1861 and 1880 publications under h1713 = GC 3717 = NGC 5378. On 24 Apr 1854, R.J. Mitchell logged "centre pB; oval ns, among sev st. I thought the n end the broader and suspected a dark space preceding nucleus. A pB patch of neby np." On 1 May 1854 he added "Singular object; the main body of neb has a B Nucl and is E ns, the southern end bends back suddenly at a sharp angle and extends np past the neb, ending in a B, R patch or Nucl." On 19 Feb 1855, he reported "Neby seems to reach the knot np. There is knot or star in the arm preceding and some condensation in the centre of neb. I think F neby reaches up to the star north. Finally, he sketched the pair on 17 Apr 1855 (Plate 28, Fig. 30 in the 1861 Monograph) and noted "Mr Johnstone Stoney [who was off from his professorial duties at Queen's College Galway] saw the preceding branch extend round the south end of the main neb and continued on to the north, when after a second turn it joined the nucleus."
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NGC 5396 = NGC 5375 = UGC 8865 = MCG +05-33-027 = CGCG 162-035 = PGC 49604
13 56 56.2 +29 09 51; CVn
V = 11.5; Size 3.2'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 0°
See observing notes for NGC 5375.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5396 = H. III-125 on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218) and recorded "vF, S, iR, lbM, almost stellar, but a little large for that name." There is nothing at his position, but 2.0 min of RA west is NGC 5375 (found by JH on 15 May 1830). Dreyer suggests that NGC 5396 is identical to NGC 5375 in his 1912 revision of William Herschel's catalogues and Harold Corwin agrees. If these numbers are equivalent, NGC 5396 should take historical precedence as the primary designation, although NGC 5375 is the standard designation based on the unambiguous position.
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14 01 10.5 -33 56 45; Cen
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 60°
18" (5/16/09): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated
SW-NE, 40"x35". This
galaxy is located on the west side of ACO S753, 31' due west of
John Herschel discovered NGC 5397 = h3551 on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "vF; S; R; gbM; 15"." His position is 1' too far southwest.
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14 01 21.4 -33 03 48; Cen
V = 12.3; Size 2.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 170°
24" (6/1/13): at 225x (and low elevation) appeared fairly faint, moderately large, ~1.2'x0.9', weak concentration with a slightly brighter 0.4' core. The outer halo has a low surface brightness and fades into the background so the dimensions were difficult to gauge.
Tol 89, a supergiant HII region with multiple young massive clusters, is close southwest of the core [33" from center at the end of the central bar]. It was visible as a very faint 10" knot, appearing like a smaller version of the core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5398 = h3552 on 3 Jun 1836 and recorded "pB; pL; R; vgbM; 90"." His position is accurate. In the foreground of ACO S753?
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13 59 31.4 +34 46 25; CVn
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 88°
17.5" (6/2/00): faint, thin edge-on E-W, 1.0'x0.25',
weak concentration. Forms the
western vertex of a triangle with two mag 11/12 star 3' NE and 4.4' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5399 = H. III-411 = h1724 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "eF, vS." John Herschel made two observations and recorded on sweep 131 "vF; vS; pmE in parallel [E-W]."
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14 00 37.2 -02 51 28; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 100°
48" (5/16/12): bright, moderately large, slightly
elongated ~E-W, ~1.2'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a very bright core and
faint outer halo. This bright E or
S0 is the brightest and centrally situated in a north-south string of 6
galaxies. The two closest are PGC
140239, 1.7' NNE, and
18" (6/30/11): fairly faint, small, irregularly round,
~25" diameter. Contains a
very small bright core surrounded by a small roundish halo. Difficult to determine an orientation
as different portions of the lower surface brightness halo are sometimes visible
with averted.
17.5" (5/11/96): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, weakly concentrated. A mag 10.5 star is 4.7' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5400 = H. III-667 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 730) and noted "eF, vS. 300 verified it." His RA is 9 tsec too large.
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13 59 43.3 +36 14 17; CVn
V = 13.7; Size 1.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 81°
17.5" (6/2/00): faint but striking edge-on ~4:1
WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.25'. Sharply
concentrated with a small, round core and a stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is 2.5' NW. Located 9' SW of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 5401 = H. III-412 = h1725 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, vS." John Herschel made the single observation "F; S; E; bM" and measured an accurate position.
******************************
13 58 16.5 +59 48 55; UMa
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 167°
17.5" (6/2/00): faint, thin edge-on 5:1 NNW-SSE, 60"x15". Contains a very small brighter core with very thin extensions. A mag 15 star is off the south end, 1.1' from center. Located 4' SSE of a mag 11.5 star. A pair of galaxies, NGC 5389 and NGC 5379 lie ~20' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5402 = H. III-810 = h1727 on
24 Apr 1789 (sweep 926) and logged "cF, vS, R." John Herschel made a single observation
and his position is 1.5' north of
******************************
13 59 51.0 +38 10 57; CVn
V = 13.6; Size 3.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 145°
48" (4/7/13): at 488x appeared bright, very large, excellent edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 3.0'x0.6', broad concentration with a brighter, bulging, elongated core, ~25" diameter. The edge-on disc tapers towards the tips. A subtle equatorial dust lane passes just east of the core region, slicing the galaxy in half, though the section east of the dust is fainter and contains much less of the core.
17.5" (5/27/95): very faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 2.5'x0.8'. Bulging central region but overall has a low even surface brightness. Forms a close pair with NGC 5403A just 1.6' NE of center. The companion appeared very faint, small, round. Appears as a low surface brightness spot with no concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5403 = H. III-683 = h1726 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and logged "cF, pL, iF." John Herschel simply logged "eF; pL", and measured an accurate position. He missed the nearby companion.
******************************
14 01 07.5 +00 05 19; Vir
V = 12.9
= *, Corwin.
Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 5404 = HN 17 on 29 Apr 1859 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars and simply noted a "nebulous star". At his position is a 13.2-magnitude star with a 14.2-mag companion 20" south. Karl Reinmuth found a "**11.7 and 13.0 dist 0.7' in PA 0 deg; no nebulosity seen" on a Heidelberg plate. See Corwin's comments on Coolidge's discoveries.
******************************
14 01 09.4 +07 42 07; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (6/8/02): faint, small, round, 25" diameter,
low even surface brightness.
Located 8' SW of a mag 10 star and about 1.5° SSW of the
Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 5405 on 3 Mar 1883 with a 16.3-cm refractor while searching for comet d'Arrest. His discovery position in AN 2507 is accurate. This was his first of 7 NGC galaxies (5 were new discoveries) he discovered. Hartwig is most famous for discovering the supernova in M31 (S And) on 20 Aug 1885.
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14 00 20.2 +38 54 56; CVn
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 120°
17.5" (5/27/95): moderately bright, slightly elongated
~E-W, 1.5'x1.2'. Weak
concentration except for a sharp sub-stellar nucleus that stands out with
direct vision. Located 6.9' S of
mag 6.7
8" (5/26/84): faint, small, round. Fairly easy but a mag 6.7 star 7' N interferes with viewing.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5406 = H. II-699 = h1728 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and noted "F, pL." John Herschel made two observations, logging "vF; S; R; bM."
******************************
NGC 5407 = UGC 8930 = MCG +07-29-033 = CGCG 219-040 = PGC 49890
14 00 50.0 +39 09 22; CVn
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 100°
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located with a group of brighter stars and just follows a striking isosceles triangle of mag 11 stars (a mag 13 star is along one side). Also mag 9 SAO 63883 lies 3.8' W and mag 6.7 SAO 63881 is 9.2' SW! In same field with NGC 5406 15' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5407 = H. III-684 = h1732 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and logged "vF, vS, R." John Herschel recorded "vF; vS; R; bM; among a cluster of stars 10m."
******************************
14 03 20.9 -41 22 39; Cen
V = 11.6; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 63°
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 200x; NGC 5408 appeared fairly faint, small, elongated ~2:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.4'. A faint star is at the southwest end. Located just 3' NNW of mag 6.1 HD 122532 and the galaxy is bracketed by a mag 10 star 1.5' SW and a mag 11 star 2' E. The "faint star" noted on the southwest end may be a super-giant star-formation region (Tol 116) or an adjacent superimposed star.
This nearby dwarf irregular starburst galaxy lies 15.6 million light years distant in the M83/Centaurus A group. It was misclassified as a planetary nebula in the first edition of the Sky Catalogue 2000 and NGC 2000. Henize 3-959 (catalogued as an emission-line star in 1970) = StWr 4-9 likely refers to the small clump of HII regions on the southwest side of the galaxy.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5408 = h3553 on 5 Jun 1834 and
recorded "eF; E between 2 vS stars, a little sf." His position (single observation) is 2'
south of the emission-line galaxy
NGC 5408 has a long history of classification confusion. In 1970, Henize catalogued it as an emission-line star (Hen 3-959) on a H-alpha survey of the southern Milky Way. In 1972 Stock and Wroblewski “discovered” StrWr 4-9 on objective-prism plates and claimed it was a planetary nebula. The same year Allen reported this object as a peculiar galaxy with a redshift of 500km/s. In 1974, Sanduleak reclassified Hen 3-959 as a planetary, listing it as the second object (Sa 1-2) in a short table. Sanduleak also included it his 1975 compilation as Sa 2-102.
In 1977 StWr 4-9 was included in Weinberger’s list of new planetaries detected since 1966 and in 1978, Kohoutek included SKWL 4-9 (= StrWr 4-9) in a list of “New Planetary Nebulae” since 1966 with the comment "extragalactic HII region?". As a result it was included in the 1982 ESO catalogue as a known planetary nebula. The misclassification continued into the 1980s.
In 1983, Agnes Acker included StrWr 4-9 in her “Index and cross-identification of planetary nebulae” as a known planetary nebula and in 1985, NGC 5408 (apparently conflated with StrWr 4-9) was listed in the table of planetary nebulae in Sky Catalogue 2000.0, Vol. 2. Finally in 1988, NGC 5408 was classified as a planetary in Roger Sinnott's "NGC 2000.0" (Sky Publishing & Cambridge University Press) with reference the Sky Catalogue 2000.0.
******************************
14 01 46.2 +09 29 25; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 50°
17.5" (6/4/94): fairly faint, slightly elongated SW-NE,
1.2'x1.0'. Just a very weak even
concentration to a slightly brighter core and an occasional faint stellar
nucleus. Halo fades into
background without a distinct edge.
In a trio with
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5409 = T. 8-5 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group. In the narrative portion of his 6th discovery paper, he noted it was class III, round, and situated 27 sec of RA preceding NGC 5416. His published position in his 8th discovery paper is 2' too far south.
******************************
14 00 54.6 +40 59 19; CVn
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 75°
17.5" (7/16/01): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.6', weak concentration.
There is a mag 15.5 star just off the western edge. Located 2.2' SE of a mag 12.5 star and
12' NE of mag 8.7
Forms a close pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5410 = H. II-672 = h1729 on
9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "pF, pS, bM." JH's single position
is 1' west-northwest the center of
******************************
14 01 59.4 +08 56 15; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 140°
17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', very small brighter core. Situated within a striking field 10' ENE of mag 6.0 SAO 120228 (identified naked-eye). A neat string of four mag 11 stars oriented SW-NE trails from the bright star towards NGC 5411!
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5411 = T. 8-6 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group. He first mentioned this galaxy in the narrative portion of 6th discovery paper and listed a very accurate position in his 8th discovery paper.
******************************
13 57 13.5 +73 37 00; UMi
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 20°
17.5" (7/16/01): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 40"x35". Weakly concentrated halo but embedded is a very small 5" brighter core. Situated near midpoint of mag 14 stars 4.8' NW and 4' SE.
17.5" (6/7/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration to a "confused" center. A mag 12 double at 16" separation lies 8' due west.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5412 = Sw. 3-77 on 18 Jun 1884
and recorded "pF; S; R; double star nr preceding." His position is 9 sec of RA west and 2'
south of
******************************
13 57 53.5 +64 54 39; Dra
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 45°
17.5" (7/22/01): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
0.8' diameter. The faint halo
rises suddenly to a brighter 15" core and occasional faint stellar
nucleus. Located 3.9' NW of mag
7.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 5413 = h1733 = Sw. 6-63 on 2 Apr 1832 and recorded "pF; pS; R; pslbM; 20"; has a * 7.8m; Delta RA = 37s; Delta PD = 60" +/-." His RA is 1.1 min too large, but his reference to the nearby mag 7 star clinches the identification. Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 18 May 1887 and reported it as new in his 6th discovery list. Swift's position is 8 seconds of RA too large and 1' too far south. Swift later noticed the equivalence with NGC 5413 and made the correction (as well as a misprint for a nearby double star, instead of B*) in a short errata list at the end of his 8th list.
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14 02 03.6 +09 55 46; Boo
V = 13.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 172°
17.5" (6/14/96): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated N-S, 0.6'x0.4', fairly high surface brightness, bright core, faint
stellar nucleus at moments with direct vision. A mag 11 star is 2.0' NE. Located at the north edge of the NGC 5416 cluster (30' N of
NGC 5416) and brightest in small subgroup with
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5414 on 25 Apr 1883 while
observing the NGC 5416. He
described it in the narrative portion of his 6th discovery paper as "the
sixth (new nebula in the group) is small, certainly has a stellar nucleus and a
mag 10-11 star is north-following by 2 to 3'." He provided positions in his 8th paper for all his
discoveries in the group, except this object. The NGC position is 7' south of
******************************
13 56 56.9 +70 45 16; UMi
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.6'; PA = 135°
17.5" (6/7/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration. Forms east vertex of a nearly equilateral triangle with two mag 13/14.5 stars ~1.5' W and a similar distance NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5415 = Sw. 3-78 on 8 Apr 1886 and
recorded "eF; vS; R; forms a triangle with 2 F st." His position is roughly midway between
******************************
NGC 5416 = UGC 8944 = MCG +02-36-014 = CGCG 074-052 = WBL 486-008 = PGC 49991
14 02 11.4 +09 26 24; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 110°
17.5" (6/4/94): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.9', broad concentration. A mag 13 star is 2.9' S and a mag 11.5 star 4.7' NNE. Brightest in a cluster although just slightly more prominent than NGC 5409 6.9' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5416 = H. III-56 = T. 8-7 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 179) and noted "eF, vS, E, r." Wilhelm Tempel measured an accurate position on 25 Apr 1883 (published in the table of his 8th list) and discovered 6 members of the NGC 5416 group (NGCs 5409, 5423, 5431, 5434, 5436, 5437)
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14 02 13.1 +08 02 13; Boo
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 120°
17.5" (6/8/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6'. Sharp concentration with a small, bright rounder core. A 10' string of mag 12-13 stars precedes the galaxy with a mag 10 star at the west end. A second mag 10 star is 5.7' SW. NGC 5418 lies 21' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5417 = H. III-11 = h1730 on
23 Jan 1784 (early sweep 109) and recorded "a nebulous star, extr obscure
or faint." CH added the note
"The RA was not taken at the moment and was marked as very
uncertain." There is nothing
at his RA, but 1 min 15 sec of time preceding is
******************************
NGC 5418 = UGC 8946 = MCG +01-36-016 = CGCG 046-040 = PGC 49997
14 02 17.7 +07 41 01; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 44°
17.5" (6/8/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.5'. Only a weak concentration to a slightly brighter core. No foreground stars lie within 5' of galaxy. NGC 5417 is in the same low power field 21' N and NGC 5405 lies 17' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5418 = h1731 on 24 Apr 1830 and
recorded "vF; R; bM; well seen." His position matches
******************************
NGC 5419 = ESO 384-039 = MCG -06-31-019 = LGG 369-006 = PGC 50100
14 03 38.7 -33 58 43; Cen
V = 10.8; Size 4.2'x3.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 77°
18" (5/16/09): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly
elongated ~E-W, 1.5'x1.3'.
Contains a bright, 20" core.
This is the brightest member and sits at the core of ACO S753. Several faint members are in the field
including a pair of galaxies 5.7' and 7.2' SW and
ESO 384-037 = PGC 50093: Faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 22"x15" diameter. Located 5.7' due south of NGC 5419. A mag 14.8 star is 2.2' N but it appeared slightly fuzzy. The DSS reveals a compact galaxy on the south side of the star, so I probably noticed the unresolved glow of both objects.
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, brighter core (outer halo not seen). Very easy object at a fairly low elevation. Brightest member of the cluster ACO S753 (no other members seen).
John Herschel discovered NGC 5419 = h3554 on 1 May 1834 and
recorded "pB; pL; R; gbM; 50"." His mean position (based on 3
observations) matches
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14 03 59.9 -14 37 01; Vir
V = 13.1; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 138°
18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star lies 1' S of the center.
18" (6/18/04): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1
NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5', slightly brighter core.
Bracketed by two mag 14 stars 1.1' S and 1.8' NE of center. Located 22' NNW mag 6.4
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5420 = LM 1-200 on 6 Jun 1885 and recorded "F, pS, vE, gbp, a little curved, shades off gradually like a comet's tail; no ncl seen." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 min of RA west of MCG -02-36-006 = PGC 50121. Herbert Howe's corrected position (given in the IC Notes) is accurate.
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14 01 41.4 +33 49 35; CVn
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4
48" (5/3/19): this striking interacting pair (
24" (7/6/13): at 282x, this interacting pair (Arp 111) appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE but irregular. Contains a very small, bright nucleus. A non-stellar knot companion (VV 120c) appearing like a second bright "nucleus" was visible at the southeast end of the halo. At 322x, VV 120c was easily resolved and appeared faint to fairly faint, very small, round, 10" diameter. A mag 15 star is just off the southwest side. MCG +06-31-046 at mag 17.1V, is just 1' S of center and was glimpsed several times for brief moments and confirmed at 322x.
17.5" (7/16/01): fairly faint, fairly small, irregular shape, ~1' diameter. Very unusual appearance like a faint, partially resolved cluster as a couple of faint "stars" are involved. A star is just off the southwest side and a fainter mag 15 star is attached at the southeast end. At moments, a stellar nucleus further confuses the observation. The "star" at the southeast end is VV 120c = PGC 49949, a compact interacting companion.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5421 = St. 11-22 on 20 May 1871, with follow-up observations on 1 May 1875, 26 Apr 1878 and 22 May 1878. His published micrometric position was made on 9 Jun 1880 with description "F, rounded, irregular, 2 very faint stars involved." One of these "stars" is mostly likely the southern component of this interacting pair.
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14 00 42.2 +55 09 51; UMa
V = 11.8; Size 3.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 152°
13.1" (5/26/84): moderately bright, fairly small, very
elongated, brighter core. A mag 11
star lies 2.3' E and two slightly fainter stars are about 5' S. Located 50' NNW of M101 and 40' NW of
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, edge-on streak N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5422 = H. I-230 = h1736 on
14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "pB, S, E, cB N with F branches from
sp to nf." His position
matches
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14 02 48.6 +09 20 29; Boo
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 75°
17.5" (6/4/94): fairly faint, small, round, 40"
diameter, sharp concentration with a very small bright core and occasional
stellar nucleus surrounded by a fainter halo. At first glance, it appeared that there were a pair of mag
14.5 stars 1.6' W and 1.8' WNW but on closer scrutiny the "star" due
west was seen as a small galaxy
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5423 = T. 8-8 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group. In the narrative portion of his 6th discovery paper, he mentions finding two nebula about 5 or 6' away from each other and about 40 seconds and 45 seconds of RA following and several arc minutes south of NGC 5416. NGC 5423 and NGC 5431 match this description. His micrometric position in his 8th discovery paper is accurate.
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NGC 5424 = UGC 8956 = MCG +02-36-019 = CGCG 074-063 = WBL 486-017 = PGC 50035
14 02 55.7 +09 25 14; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 110°
17.5" (6/4/94): fairly faint, round, 1.2' diameter,
small bright core. A mag 14 star
is 1.0' S. Forms the north vertex
of an equilateral triangle with similar NGC 5423 5.0' SSW (although NGC 5424
has a slightly larger halo with averted) and NGC 5431 4.5' SE. NGC 5423 is 5.0' SSW and the double
system
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5424 = T. 8-9 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group. This galaxy, along with the others he discovered in the group, were first mentioned in the narrative portion of his 6th discovery paper, but he published an accurate position in his 8th paper.
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14 00 47.9 +48 26 37; UMa
V = 13.6; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 127°
17.5" (6/23/01): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.4'. Broad concentration but no well-defined core. Located 3.6' S of a mag 11 star. Member of a nearby galaxy group (LGG 372) along with NGC 5448 48' NE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5425 = Sw. 1-27 on 16 Jun 1884 and recorded "vvF; S; lE; bright star 4' n; 2 coarse double stars in field." His RA is 38 sec too large, but his comment of the nearby bright star clinches this identification. Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position and he noted the galaxy was elongated in PA 290°.
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14 03 25.0 -06 04 09; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 3.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 170°
14.5" (7/1/21): at 182x; fairly faint, elongated 2:1 or
5:2 N-S, weak concentration with a slightly brighter core. A mag 14.0 star is 0.9' NNE of center
in the gap between NGC 5426 and
13.1" (6/4/83): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, small faint nucleus. Forms a close interesting pair with NGC 5427 2.3' N. A mag 13.5 star is 0.9' NNE of center directly between the two galaxies.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5426 = H. II-309 = h1734,
along with NGC 5427, on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and recorded "Two, pB, the
northern one [NGC 5427] cL and mbM.
The southern one [NGC 5426] much less, and a little fainter, and a very
small star or two between them, but not connected with them. Dist about 4' but the chevelures touch
each other; nearly the same meridian [north-south]." His single position is at the northeast
edge of NGC 5427. John Herschel
made the single observation "the first of 2. Both L; F; vgbM; r; 3' dist' 70° np." See
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NGC 5427 = Arp 271 NED2 = VV 21a = MCG -01-36-003 = UGCA 381 = Holm 573a = LGG 374-002 = PGC 50084
14 03 26.0 -06 01 51; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 2.8'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.3
14.5" (7/1/21): at 182x; moderately bright and large, slightly elongated 4:3, 1.5' diameter, diffuse halo, small slightly brighter core. SN 2021pfs, discovered on June 9th, appeared as a mag 14 star 0.6' W of center in the halo.
13.1" (6/4/83): fairly faint, moderately large,
slightly elongated, very diffuse with an almost even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 5426 2.3' S. Brightest in a group including
William Herschel discovered NGC 5427 = H. II-310 = h1735, along with NGC 5426, on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380). See description under NGC 5426.
On 18 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell (Lord Rosse's assistant) wrote, "The north one is spiral? 3 stars in it. To myself it appeared to have a single branch from below [np] the nucleus, running around the nf side. Mr. [Johnstone] Stoney [who was off from his professorial duties] suspected two branches from n and f side, joined into one branch sf."
Harold Knox-Shaw identified the galaxy as an "open spiral" in 1915, based on a photograph taken with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory.
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14 03 28.0 -05 59 04; Vir
18" (4/30/11): this is a mag 14.7 star on line to the
north of the galaxy pair NGC 5426 and NGC 5427 (
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5428, along with NGC 5429, 5432 and 5435 in 1882, while observing NGC 5426/5427. In the narrative portion of this fifth discovery paper (AN 2439) he mentioned that the first two of these were near the interacting pair and one was even on a line with NGC 5426/5427. Dreyer only gave a single rough position for NGC 5428 and 5429. Harold Corwin identifies NGC 5428 as a double star on a line to the north of the pair (Arp 271).
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14 03 33.4 -06 02 18; Vir
V = 15.9/16.8
= **, Corwin. = **, Carlson.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5429, along with NGC 5428, 5432 and 5435, in 1882 while observing NGC 5426/5427. In the narrative portion of this fifth discovery paper (AN 2439) he mentioned that the first two of these were near the interacting pair and one (NGC 5428) was even on a line with NGC 5426/5427. Dreyer only gave a single rough position for NGC 5428 and 5429. Harold Corwin identifies NGC 5429 as a faint double star close east of NGC 5427, but as Tempel published no position or more detailed description, this assignment is uncertain.
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14 00 45.8 +59 19 43; UMa
V = 11.9; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 0°
24" (7/1/16): at 375x; moderately to fairly bright, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, ~2'x0.8', contains a small bright elongated core (bar). The surface brightness in irregular with some interesting structure. I had an impression of a spiral arm extending north on the east side of the halo.
A fairly faint nonstellar knot (Holm 569B), 6"-8" diameter, is at the southeast end of the bar [21" from center]. There is a small dip in brightness between the central region and the knot. Bill Keel considered the knot an extremely luminous HII region, but a recent paper assumes NGC 5430 is a minor merger and the "knot" is an off-center dwarf satellite with a triggered star formation.
17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE, brighter core containing a stellar nucleus. A mag 14-15 "star" is involved at the south-southeast end. This "star" may confuse the apparent position angle of the galaxy as the major axis (including halo) is N-S. A faint pair of mag 14.5 stars follows by 2.0'.
The stellar object at the south-southeast end is a strong HII emission knot (Ho 569b = Mrk 799a) thought to contain a large number of type-O and Wolf-Rayet stars.
17.5" (4/5/97): moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.8', brighter core increases to an occasional stellar nucleus. A mag 15 "star" is close southeast and a mag 14.5 pair at 12" separation lies 2.0' ENE of center.
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, round. Located southeast of NGC 5376 and NGC 5389.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5430 = H. II-827 = h1738 on
17 Mar 1790 (sweep 948) and logged "eF, S, E, but nearly R." Caroline's reduced position is 3' north
of
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NGC 5431 = MCG +02-36-020 = CGCG 074-065 = WBL 486-019 = PGC 50046 = LEDA 2800984
14 03 07.1 +09 21 47; Boo
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 50°
17.5" (6/4/94): faint, round, 0.6' diameter, low surface brightness glow with no concentration. Located 4.5' WSW of a mag 10 star. Forms an equilateral triangle with NGC 5424 4.5' NW and NGC 5423 4.7' WSW. The double system NGC 5434 is 6.4' NE.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5431 = T. 8-10 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group. In the narrative portion of list VI he mentions discovering two nebula about 5 or 6' away from each other. He roughly placed them 40 seconds and 45 seconds of time (RA) following and several arc minutes south of NGC 5416. NGC 5423 = UGC 8952 and NGC 5431 = CGCG 074-065 match this description. His declination in table VIII-10 is 4' too far north, although the position for NGC 5423 is accurate.
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14 03 40.6 -05 58 31; Vir
18" (4/30/11): faint 13" pair of mag 14.5 stars resolved at 200x. Located 5' NE of NGC 5427 (pair with NGC 5426 forming Arp 271). Other nonexistent objects around Arp 271 are NGC 5428, NGC 5429, NGC 5435.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5432, along with NGC 5428, 5429 and 5435 in 1882, while observing NGC 5426/5427. In the narrative portion of this fifth discovery paper (AN 2439) he mentioned this object was about 6' northeast of NGC 5427. Close to this separation is a wide double star with one component a close pair. Harold Corwin identifies NGC 5432 as a triple star and Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC Correction paper, identifies NGC 5432 as a double star.
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14 02 36.2 +32 30 36; CVn
V = 13.6; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 3°
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, fairly small, very elongated 7:2 N-S, 1.1'x0.3'. Broad concentration with no nucleus, extensions fade into background.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5433 = H. III-653 = h1737 on 20 Mar 1787 (sweep 722) and recorded "vF, pS, E in the direction of the meridian [north-south], 300 showed it very plainly." John Herschel made two observations and his mean position is accurate.
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NGC 5434 = UGC 8965 = MCG +02-36-022 = CGCG 074-068 = Holm 575a = WBL 486-021 = PGC 50077
14 03 23.1 +09 26 51; Boo
V = 13.2; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.4
17.5" (6/4/94): this is a close double system with the
western component (
NGC 5434 is located between mag 8.8
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5434 = T. 8-11 on 25 Apr 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group. This galaxy was first mentioned (along with the other discoveries in the group) in the narrative portion of his 6th discovery paper, but he published an accurate position in his 8th paper.
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14 04 00.1 -05 55 53; Vir
18" (4/30/11): very faint, close pair of stars located 45" NW of a mag 12.6 GSC star. The two components are mag 14.6 and 14.7 at 11 seconds difference in RA. Located 10' NE of NGC 5426/NGC 5427 (Arp 271).
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5435, along with NGC 5428, 5429 and 5432 in 1882, while observing NGC 5426/5427. In the narrative portion of this fifth discovery paper (AN 2439) he mentioned this object was about 10' northeast of NGC 5427 and that a mag 10-11 star was near. At the required separation is a double star with a mag 12 star 45" northeast. Both Dorothy Carlson, in her NGC Correction paper and Harold Corwin identify this double star as NGC 5435.
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NGC 5436 = UGC 8971 = MCG +02-36-025 = CGCG 074-071 = WBL 486-024 = PGC 50104
14 03 41.1 +09 34 25; Boo
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 126°
17.5" (6/4/94): faint, very small, faint halo with an abrupt brighter core. Located 5.2' ENE of mag 8.8 SAO 120258. First of three in trio with NGC 5437 3.4' SSE and NGC 5438 2.8' NNE in the NGC 5416 galaxy cluster.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5436, along with NGC 5437 and 5438, on 28 Jun 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group. In the narrative portion of his 7th discovery paper he wrote "Since then I have repeatedly seen the new nebula in group III-56 and found 3 new nebula here; these three are in a line, 2'-3' away from each other and follow north near the [mag 9] star, the northernmost is quite bright." He did not measure positions and only a single rough position is given in the NGC for NGC 5436, 5437 and 5438. Harold Corwin notes the WH probably saw at least one of these three (H III-57 = NGC 5446) and NGC 5438, the northernmost galaxy, is the most likely (noted by Tempel as the brightest).
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NGC 5437 = IC 4365 = MCG +02-36-028 = CGCG 074-074 = WBL 486-025 = PGC 50113
14 03 47.3 +09 31 25; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
17.5" (6/4/94): faint, small, round, even surface brightness. A mag 12 star is 3.3' SSW of center. This galaxy is the south member of a trio with NGC 5436 3.4' NNW and NGC 5438 5.2' N. The double system NGC 5434A and NGC 5434B is 7.5' SW. Member of the NGC 5416 cluster.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5437, along with NGC 5436 and
5438, on 28 Jun 1883. These were
found while observing the NGC 5416 group. See his description under NGC
5436. Bigourdan observed and
measured the trio in May 1896, but mislabeled NGC 5436 (furthest west of the
trio) as NGC 5437 and his Big. 319 (later
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NGC 5438 = NGC 5446 = MCG +02-36-029 = CGCG 074-075 = WBL 486-026 = PGC 50112
14 03 48.0 +09 36 38; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x1.0'
17.5" (6/4/94): faint, small, round, weak even concentration to a brighter core and occasional faint stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 2.3' NW of center. Northern member of a trio with NGC 5436 2.8' SSW and NGC 5437 5.2' S in the NGC 5416 cluster.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5438 on 28 Jun 1883. It was described in the narrative portion of his 7th discovery paper as one three on a line (with NGCs 5436 and 5437) about 2'-3' apart, with the northernmost galaxy the brightest. He didn't measure individual positions and only a single rough position was given in the NGC.
William Herschel probably discovered this galaxy on 19 Mar
1784. His RA for H. III-57
(later
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14 01 57.8 +46 18 43; CVn
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 9°
17.5" (6/23/01): faint, fairly small, very elongated SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.25', small brighter core. A well matched close double, discovered by Lewis Swift (SWI 1 = 10.1/10.3 at 3.7") lies 6' ENE. Located nearly at midpoint of a mag 13 star 3' N and a mag 12 star 3' S.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5439 = Sw. 1-28 on 9 Jul 1883 and recorded "vF; pL; cE; bet 2 stars forming with 2 others a trapezoid, the nf being a fine double star of 2.5". First neb discovered at this observatory. I have not been able to see this object well since its discovery, at which time I called it pB with p sharp outlines, but since the appearance of red sunsets it has been ill defined and difficult to see except as a hazy spot. This remark applies to all vF nebulae. The double star is new [SWI 1 = ADS 9090]."
Bob Erdmann noted that Krakatau went off in Indonesia on Aug. 26-28, 1883 about a month after his original discovery! Although this was the first nebula Swift discovered while systematically searching, a few were discovered earlier in April and June (NGC 3522, 3588, 6317, 6388, 6382), while still testing and adjusting the telescope. Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position (MN, LXI, 1900).
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14 03 01.0 +34 45 28; CVn
V = 12.3; Size 3.1'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 50°
24" (7/1/16): at 375x; bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a very bright high surface brightness nucleus. A mag 12 star is off the southwest end, 1.3' from center.
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly
elongated, broad concentration, fairly faint stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is close SW, just 1.3'
from center. NGC 5441 lies 5.0'
ESE. Slightly inferior to
William Herschel discovered NGC 5440 = H. II-416 = h1739 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "pB, pL, bM, irr E." John Herschel made a single observation "F; S; R: bM; has a * 11m sp 1' distance."
NGC 5441 is probably a duplicate observation by JH. See that number.
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NGC 5441 = MCG +06-31-053 = Holm 576b = PGC 50057
14 03 11.9 +34 41 04; CVn
V = 15.3; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (7/1/16): at 375x; very faint or extremely faint, small, round, 15" diameter, very low even surface brightness. It required averted vision, but once identified I could almost hold the glow continuously with concentration. Located 5' SE of NGC 5440.
Although all modern sources identify NGC 5441 as this galaxy
(
13.1" (6/18/85): possibly glimpsed as an extremely faint and stellar glow (uncertain sighting) 5' SE of NGC 5440.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5441 = h1740 on 11 Mar 1828 and recorded "Taken for II.416 [NGC 5440], which it cannot be if the last obs be correct. vF, S." His RA is given to the nearest minute of time and noted +/-.
RNGC, PGC, MCG, NED, LEDA and SIMBAD identify MCG +06-31-053 as NGC 5441. If this is Herschel's object it is certainly one of the faintest, if not the faintest galaxy he discovered. Corwin argues that NGC 5441 is more likely a duplicate observation of NGC 5440, despite JH's comment, and I agree based on the view through my 24-inch. See Corwin's identification notes.
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14 04 43.0 -09 42 43; Vir
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 149°
18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.5'. Contains a brighter core with very faint extensions. It appeared the PA of the extensions shifted slightly with averted vision. Host to supernova 2001U.
18" (6/18/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.4', appears brighter along its major axis. Situated in the middle of a isosceles
triangle of mag 9.5 stars with mag 9.6
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5442 = m 272 on 11 Jan 1865 and
noted "vF, vS, iR." His
position matches
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14 02 11.7 +55 48 49; UMa
V = 12.3; Size 2.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 34°
18" (4/26/08): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, well concentrated with a bright, 20" core and fainter extensions, 1.2'x0.5'. A faint star is off the southwest edge of the galaxy and another star is a similar distance off the northeast end. An extremely faint star is pinned on the west edge of the southwest extension. Member of the NGC 5485 group (LGG 373).
13.1" (5/26/84): moderately bright, edge-on SW-NE, broad concentration, irregular surface brightness. Two mag 14.5 stars are at the SSW and NE ends 1.3' and 1.4' from center, respectively. Located 90' N of M101.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5443 = H. II-799 = h1743A on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "pB, cL, E." His RA is ~30 sec too small. JH forgot to include his own observation in the Slough Catalogue but added it in a short Errata and Addenda list as an "omitted nebula" at the end of the catalogue. In the GC and NGC, the comment "h o n" ([John] Herschel omitted nebulae) was given in the Other Observers column as well as the designation h1743A to place it in the correct order in the Slough catalogue. The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 tmin too large due to a precessional error.
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NGC 5444 = UGC 8974 = MCG +06-31-054 = CGCG 191-041 = PGC 50080
14 03 24.2 +35 07 54; CVn
V = 11.8; Size 2.4'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 90°
13.1" (6/18/85): moderately bright, small, round,
bright core, stellar nucleus,
8" (5/26/84): fairly faint, small, round, small bright nucleus. Forms an equilateral triangle with two moderately bright stars to the south.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5444 = H. II-417 = h1741 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged "pB, pL, bM, irr E." John Herschel made three observations and recorded on sweep 337 "pB; R; sbM; 15"."
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NGC 5445 = UGC 8976 = MCG +06-31-055 = CGCG 191-042 = PGC 50090
14 03 31.6 +35 01 29; CVn
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 27°
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE, substellar nucleus, small extensions. A mag 13 star is 1.1' W of center. Located 6.6' SSE of NGC 5444.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5445 = H. III-413 = h1742 on
1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and simply noted "vF". His offset from NGC 5444 points
directly to
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NGC 5446 = NGC 5438 = MCG +02-36-029 = CGCG 074-075 = WBL 486-026 = PGC 50112
14 03 48.0 +09 36 38; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x1.0'
See observing notes for NGC 5438.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5446 = H. III-57 on 19 Mar
1784 (sweep 179) and recorded "eF, S, suspected with 157 and verified with
240." There is nothing at his
(single) position, but 30 seconds of time (RA) west is
RNGC and PGC (and secondary sources such as Megastar)
misidentify
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14 02 27.9 +54 16 34; UMa
24" (5/24/20): at 375x; NGC 5447 is the brighter
(slightly higher surface brightness) of two close HII regions (with
18" (6/21/03): at 215x this fairly prominent HII region
appeared as an elongated patch oriented NNW-SSE, perhaps 25"x8",
located just south of a mag 13.5 star.
At 323x this patch clearly resolved into two sections -- within 30"
of the star is a very compact knot, ~6"-10" diameter. There may be a small gap to the south
with a larger extension to the SSE (this is NGC 5450). Located on the opposite side of M101 as
17.5" (6/7/97): brightest HII region on the preceding side of M101 located 7.8' SW of center. Appears as a very elongated glow NW-SE situated just south of a mag 13.5 star. A very small knot is partially resolved at the north edge within a common halo with the extension to the SE.
13.1" (5/14/83): this is a knot in an outer arm of M101 on the western side. Easily visible, compact, round. Located symmetrically opposite from NGC 5462 across from the core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5447 = H. III-787 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, vS." His position was 20 seconds of RA following the bright HII complex (NGC 5447/5450) on the southwest side of M101.
John Herschel assigned this knot two GC numbers as he was not sure if his father's object was the same as shown on Lord Rosse's woodcut and copper plate (figure 35) in the 1861 publication. Both GC designations were combined in the NGC.
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14 02 50.3 +49 10 21; UMa
V = 11.0; Size 4.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 115°
17.5" (5/22/93): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 2.4'x0.8', very small brighter core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star lies 4.4' S of center. Brightest in a group (LGG 372) including NGC 5377, 5425, 5448, 5480, 5481, 5500 and 5520.
8" (4/24/82): faint, very elongated E-W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5448 = H. II-691 = h1743 on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "pB, pL, E nearly in the parallel, mbM." His position is accurate. John Herschel called this galaxy "pB; L; vmE; psmbM; 4' l, 20" br; a ray with a nucleus." The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 minute too large.
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14 02 27.2 +54 19 48; UMa
24" (5/24/20): at 375x; this M101 HII region appeared
faint, very small, round, low surface brightness. Probably less obvious than
18" (6/21/03): marginal object at 323x, but backing down to 215x a weak but definite glow was visible, perhaps 15"-20" diameter. Located 3.5' N of NGC 5457.
17.5" (6/7/97): extremely low contrast HII knot in M101. Highly suspected hazy spot 3.5' N of NGC 5457 but difficult to confirm.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 5449 and other knots in M101 on 1 Mar 1851, with additional observations in April and May. George Johnstone Stoney, Bindon's brother, may have contributed to these observations as he often visited Birr Castle on weekends in Spring 1851 while studying during the week at Trinity College. M101 was sketched 3 times at Birr Castle, including an excellent rendition by Samuel Hunter in Apr and May 1861 (Plate XXIX, fig. 35, 1861 publication). John Herschel estimated the position in the GC and NGC, which is 1' too far south, based on the sketches and measures taken of nearby stars.
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14 02 29.5 +54 16 14; UMa
24" (5/24/20): at 375x; larger of a close pair of HII regions with NGC 5447, located at the SW end of the halo 8' from center, and just south of a 14th magnitude star. NGC 5450 is moderately bright, ~20"x10", and is elongated in the direction of NGC 5447. The nearby star is 50" N. The two HII complexes were cleanly resolved at 375x.
18" (6/21/03): See description for NGC 5447. NGC 5450 appeared just resolved from NGC 5447 at 323x and was an elongated patch oriented NNW-SSE, ~20"x6". The entire complex spans ~45".
17.5" (6/7/97): this is the bright HII region on the west side of M101 8' SW of center. Connected with NGC 5447 (see description). Appears as a very elongated glow NW-SE just south of a mag 13.5 star. A very small knot is partially resolved at the north edge (NGC 5447) within a common halo with NGC 5450.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 5450 and other knots in M101 on 1 Mar 1851, with additional observations in April and May. George Johnstone Stoney, Bindon's brother, may have contributed to these observations as he often visited Birr Castle on weekends in Spring 1851 while studying during the week at Trinity College. M101 was sketched 3 times at Birr Castle, including an excellent rendition by Samuel Hunter in Apr and May 1861 (Plate XXIX, fig. 35, 1861 publication). John Herschel accurately estimated the GC position at 33" south of NGC 5447, based on the sketches and measures taken of nearby stars. Dreyer modified the position of NGC 5447 2' further north, so the NGC position is 2.5' too far north.
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14 02 37.0 +54 21 45; UMa
24" (5/24/20): at 375x; this M101 HII region appeared faint and pretty faint, small, round, 12" to 15" diameter. Nearly collinear the mag 12.9 star 1.3' N of center of M101 and a mag 13.6 star 3.4' NW of center. Two mag 15.5-16 stars are 1' SW.
18" (6/28/03): very difficult, low surface brightness glow, ~10"-15" in size, requiring averted vision to glimpse. More difficult than two mag 15.5 stars separated by 13", which are location 1' WSW. The combined glow of these stars could easily mislead the observer into logging these as NGC 5451!
18" (6/21/03): initially I picked up a small, hazy glow nearly collinear with a mag 12.9 star just north of the core of M101 and a slightly fainter star due west. But in good moments, this very small glow resolved into two stellar objects, probably appearing slightly hazy due to the background glow of the outer halo. After a more careful view, I noticed an extremely faint knot with averted vision, ~15" diameter, located ~2' ENE of this pair -- this is NGC 5451. It seems likely that the observation from 6/7/97 refers to the pair of faint stars that initially confused me.
17.5" (6/7/97): this is a difficult, low contrast HII region in M101 located ~5' WNW of center. Appears very faint, extremely small, round, starry center?
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 5451 and other knots in M101 on 1 Mar 1851, with additional observations in April and May. George Johnstone Stoney, Bindon's brother, may have contributed to these observations as he often visited Birr Castle on weekends in Spring 1851 while studying during the week at Trinity College. M101 was sketched 3 times at Birr Castle, including an excellent rendition by Samuel Hunter in Apr and May 1861 (Plate XXIX, fig. 35, 1861 publication). John Herschel estimated the position in the GC and NGC, which is only 0.5' too far east, based on the sketches and measures taken of nearby stars.
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13 54 24.6 +78 13 15; UMi
V = 13.3; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 120°
17.5" (5/22/93): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.5' diameter, low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 1' N. A nice double star ∑1798 = 8.1/9.9 at 7" lies 11' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5452 = H. III-947 = h1747 on
20 Dec 1797 (sweep 1074) and noted "vF, cL, iF, a very lbM. A pretty B star just north of it.
Caroline's reduced position is 30 tsec east of
John Herschel recorded "eF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 35". RA precarious, owing to a great extra meridian correction." His RA was 3 tmin too large, but that's the one used in the GC and NGC.
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14 02 56.3 +54 18 28; UMa
24" (5/24/20): at 375x; between faint and fairly faint,
small, round, low surface brightness patch. Similar or slightly more evident than
18" (6/21/03): required averted and concentration to confirm a small, low surface brightness glow, just visible over the background glow of the spiral arm this HII region resides. In fact, between NGC 5453 and the core is an inner arm that contains a couple of HII knots that are more evident!
17.5" (6/7/97): this low surface brightness HII region in M101 was barely distinguishable at 220x as a very low surface brightness enhancement superimposed on the background glow of a spiral arm 3.4' SW of center.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 5453 and other knots in M101 on 1 Mar 1851, with additional observations in April and May. George Johnstone Stoney, Bindon's brother, may have contributed to these observations as he often visited Birr Castle on weekends in Spring 1851 while studying during the week at Trinity College. M101 was sketched 3 times at Birr Castle, including an excellent rendition by Samuel Hunter in Apr and May 1861 (Plate XXIX, fig. 35, 1861 publication). John Herschel estimated the position in the GC and NGC, which is 1' too far south, based on the sketches and the measures taken of nearby stars. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position in 1898 for a knot he took as NGC 5453, but it was an uncatalogued knot about half-way to the nucleus. Harold Corwin used Hunter's sketch to positively identify NGC 5453 and provide a modern accurate position.
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14 04 45.8 +14 22 56; Boo
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 110°
17.5" (6/14/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 0.8'x0.5'. Weak concentration with an occasional stellar nucleus. Following a nice matched pair of mag 10/11.5 stars.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5454 on 21 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured on two consecutive nights) is very accurate and he noted the two mag 10-11 stars that precede by 10 sec of time.
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14 03 01.1 +54 14 27; UMa
24" (5/24/20): at 375x; fairly faint knot, small, round, 0.3' diameter, moderate surface brightness. Forms the south vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 13.5-14 star 2.3' NE and 2.3' NNW.
18" (6/21/03): compact knot, round, easily identified as forms the southern vertex of a triangle with two 13th magnitude stars to the NW and NE. At moments, a stellar nucleus or superimposed star pops out at 323x.
17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint HII region in M101 located 6.6' SSW of center. Very small, round, 15" diameter. Appears a compact but nonstellar knot forming an isosceles triangle with two mag 13 stars 2.3' NE and 2.3' NW.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 5455 and other knots in M101 on 1 Mar 1851, with additional observations in April and May. George Johnstone Stoney, Bindon's brother, may have contributed to these observations as he often visited Birr Castle on weekends in Spring 1851 while studying during the week at Trinity College. M101 was sketched 3 times at Birr Castle, including an excellent rendition by Samuel Hunter in Apr and May 1861 (Plate XXIX, fig. 35, 1861 publication). John Herschel estimated the position used in the GC and NGC, which was 3' too far south, based on the sketches and the measures taken of nearby stars. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1898, though it wasn't published until 1907. Harold Corwin used Hunter's sketch to positively identify NGC 5455 and provide a modern accurate position.
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14 04 59.0 +11 52 16; Boo
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 175°
17.5" (6/14/96): faint, small, roundish, 30" diameter, broad weak concentration. A mag 14 star lies 1.0' NE and a mag 15 star 1.8' ENE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5456 on 7 Feb 1862 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His mean position (measured on two sweeps) matches
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NGC 5457 = M101 = M102 = Arp 26 = VV 344a = UGC 8981 = MCG +09-23-028 = CGCG 272-021 = VV 456 = PGC 50063 = Pinwheel Galaxy
14 03 12.4 +54 20 55; UMa
V = 7.9; Size 28.8'x26.9'; Surf Br = 14.9
24" (5/24/20): at 375x; I identified all visible HII regions and stellar associations in M101, 10 of which have NGC designations (5447, 5449, 5450, 5451, 5453, 5455, 5458, 5461, 5462 and 5471). In addition, I logged 4 additional low contrast knots from Banich's 2013 article in Sky & Telescope.
18" (8/27/11): viewed type Ia SN 2011fe in M101 that was discovered a few days earlier on Aug. 24th at mag 17.2. By the next day it reached mag 13.8 and mag 12.5 on the 25th. It was easily identified using a photographic finder chart as a mag 12.5 "star". It appeared pretty similar in brightness to a star that is just north of the core. This SN was observed a number of times as it rose to 11th magnitude.
18" (6/21/03 and 6/28/03): the following HII regions were observed --
NGC 5447: at 215x this fairly prominent HII region appeared as an elongated patch oriented NNW-SSE, perhaps 25"x8", located just south of a mag 13.5 star. At 323x this patch clearly resolved into two sections -- within 30" of the star is a very compact knot, ~6"-10" diameter. There may be a small gap to the south with a larger extension to the SSE (this is NGC 5450). Located on the opposite side of M101 as NGC 5462.
NGC 5449: marginal object at 323x, but backing down to 215x a weak but definite glow was visible, perhaps 15"-20" diameter. Located 3.5' N of NGC 5457.
NGC 5450: just resolved from NGC 5447 at 323x and was an elongated patch oriented NNW-SSE, ~20"x6". The entire complex spans ~45".
NGC 5451: very difficult, low surface brightness glow, ~10"-15" in size, requiring averted vision to glimpse. More difficult than two mag 15.5 stars separated by 13", which are location 1' WSW. The combined glow of these stars could easily mislead the observer into logging these as NGC 5451! In fact on 6/21/03 I initially picked up a small, hazy glow nearly collinear with a mag 12.9 star just north of the core of M101 and a slightly fainter star due west. But in good moments, this very small glow resolved into two stellar objects, probably appearing slightly hazy due to the background glow of the outer halo. After a more careful view, I noticed an extremely faint knot with averted vision, ~15" diameter, located ~2' ENE of this pair -- this is NGC 5451.
NGC 5453: required averted and concentration to confirm a small, low surface brightness glow, just visible over the background glow of the spiral arm this HII region resides. In fact, between NGC 5453 and the core is an inner arm which contains a couple of HII knots which are more evident!
Anon knot: two small, low contrast knots were seen in the spiral arm that is attached on the west side of the core of M101 and wraps around the south side towards the east. These are situated just 1.7' SW of the center of M101. Although this knotty structure does not have a NGC number it is slightly more evident than a few of the faintest NGC HII regions.
NGC 5455: compact knot, round, easily identified as forms the southern vertex of a triangle with two 13th magnitude stars to the NW and NE. At moments, a stellar nucleus or superimposed star pops out at 323x.
NGC 5458: very faint glow 3' S of the core of M101 on a line between a 13th magnitude star ~7' S of the center of M101. Requires averted for a definite sighting and appears to have a low, even surface brightness, ~20" diameter. Easier to view than NGC 5453.
NGC 5462: this HII region is probably the largest continuous piece. It appears very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 SW-NE, roughly 60"x18". On 6/21 appeared fairly bright and relatively large, elongated 3:1, ~50"x17" SW-NE. This HII region has an irregular surface brightness with a bright, nearly stellar knot at the NE end.
13.1" (6/4/84): four HII regions resolved including NGC 5447, NGC 5458, NGC 5461, NGC 5462.
13.1" (4/24/82): fairly bright, very large, round, about 20' diameter, bright core. Fairly low surface brightness but beautifully resolved into several distinct arms and sections of arms with a pinwheel design. Obvious mottling along the spiral arms which appear clumpy with two or more easily recognized HII regions. At least six stars are superimposed.
Pierre Méchain discovered M101 = NGC 5457 = h1744 on 27 Mar 1781. On 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921), William Herschel described "a very bright small nucleus with extensive nebulosity, pretty well determined on the preceding side, but very diffuse to the north following. Includes the two following nebulae [III-788 = NGC 5461 and III-789 = NGC 5462], and seems to extend 20', perhaps 30' or more."
Bindon Blood Stoney (LdR's assistant) sketched the various HII knots, spiral arms and superimposed stars and measured offsets in 1851. Samuel Hunter's superb sketch based on several nights around 29 Apr 1861 was included at the last minute in the 1861 publication (Plate XXIX, Fig. 35). This is probably the finest and most accurate sketch of a spiral galaxy done at Birr Castle and is very favorably compared with the POSS1.
M101 has had 4 supernovae, the first (SN 1909A) was discovered by Max Wolf. It was announced as a variable star in Feb 1909 and assigned the designation SS UMa. The others are SN 1951H, SN 1970G and Type Ia SN 2011fe, which reached mag 10.9.
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14 03 12.4 +54 17 55; UMa
24" (5/24/20): at 225x and 375x; faint, small, round, 20" diameter. One of the lowest surface brightness HII knots in M101 that has a NGC designation. Located 3' due south of center.
18" (6/21/03): very faint glow 3' S of the core of M101 on a line between a 13th magnitude star ~7' S of the center of M101. Requires averted for a definite sighting and appears to have a low, even surface brightness, ~20" diameter. Easier to view than NGC 5453.
17.5" (6/7/97): low contrast 25" knot superimposed on the main body of M101 3.0' due south of center. Visibility is hindered as superimposed on the brighter background of the central region.
13.1": knot in M101 located just south of the core. Appears as a barely non-stellar spot.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 5458 and other knots in M101 on 1 Mar 1851, with additional observations in April and May. George Johnstone Stoney, Bindon's brother, may have contributed to these observations as he often visited Birr Castle on weekends in Spring 1851 while studying during the week at Trinity College. M101 was sketched 3 times at Birr Castle, including an excellent rendition by Samuel Hunter in Apr and May 1861 (Plate XXIX, fig. 35, 1861 publication). John Herschel estimated the position in the GC and NGC, which was 1' too far south, based on the sketches and the measures taken of nearby stars. Dreyer modified the position slightly, so the NGC is 2.4' too far south. Harold Corwin used Hunter's sketch to positively identify NGC 5458 and provide a modern accurate position.
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14 05 00.1 +13 07 55; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 10°
17.5" (6/14/96): faint, small, irregularly round,
30" diameter, very weak concentration to the center but no distinct
core. Two mag 12 and 13 stars lie
2.0' SW and 3.1' NW, respectively.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5459 = Sw. 6-64 on 23 Mar 1887
and recorded "pF; S; lE; pB * nr sp." His position is just 5 sec of RA east of
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14 07 28 -48 20 36; Cen
V = 5.6; Size 25'
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): this bright, very large cluster
of ~120 stars extends to 30' diameter at 110x. Many of the brighter stars are arranged in a very
distinctive winding curve (fractured into groups) that snakes from NW to
SE. At the center is a looping
chain of eight mag 7 to 10 stars including a nice double HJ 4647 = 9.3/9.6 at
11". At the NW and south ends
are hooks of stars like the tail end of Scorpius.
13.1" (3/17/86): about three dozen stars, bright,
large, includes several double stars.
Appears scattered with stars arranged in distinct groups with a tight
chain in center. Located 23' N of
mag 6.4
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5460 = D 431= h3555 on 7 May 1826. He observed the cluster on 3 nights with summary description: "a curiously curved line of small stars of nearly equal magnitudes; two bright stars of 7th magnitude following." His handwritten notes also state, "many exceedingly small stars of mixt mags, about 12 or 15' diameter. There are several stars of the 7th and 8th mag both preceding and following.
John Herschel first observed the cluster on 6 Aug 1831 (sweep 363) and recorded "a region of large, bright stars, 8, 9...etc. mag; a very coarse cluster. Place that of a brilliant group, one of which is a double star class III." Two nights later (sweep 464) he wrote, "Place of a double star in a semi-elliptic group forming part of it, but insulated in a large scattered cluster or tract of bright stars." Finally, on 20 Apr 1836, he logged "a region of large stars very loosely distributed, but which yet decidedly form a cluster. Place that of a pretty close double star (four arcseconds) in the middle of a group of 8. The cluster is 30' diameter, and is divided into distinct groups."
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14 03 40.9 +54 19 02; UMa
24" (5/24/20): NGC 5461 is one the brightest HII region in M101. At 375x it appeared bright, small, high surface brightness, 10" diameter, with a sharp very bright stellar point or nucleus. Located 4.5' SE of center.
18" (6/28/03): at 435x (5.2mm Pentax) a fairly bright quasi-stellar knot is attached at the NE end with a relatively faint extension (even surface brightness) extending to the SW.
18" (6/21/03): at 215x, this prominent HII region has a high surface brightness and stands out well. Increasing the power to 435x, there is a stellar or quasi-stellar core offset at the NE end with a faint extension to the SW. Backing down to 323x and using a UHC filter, the glow decreases in size, but the star-like core seems to increase slightly in contrast.
17.5" (6/7/97): fairly faint knot in the trailing arm of M101 4.5' SE of center. Appears slightly elongated, ~25"x15", fairly high surface brightness. Contains a very small brighter center or a star is superimposed.
13.1": this is a knot in M101 located in the spiral arm that trails to the east. Appears as a very diffuse, fairly small knot.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5461 = H. III-788 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, vS." He recorded this HII region immediately after logging the center of M101 in the sweep. His RA was ~25 seconds of time too large, but matches the offset with NGC 5462 to the northeast, which was recorded next in the sweep. John Herschel assigned two numbers in the GC, one for his father's nebula and one for the knot "n2" sketched by Lord Rosse's assistants in 1851. Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC and used Heinrich d'Arrest accurate micrometric positions, first measured in 1863. Hermann Kobold also measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.
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14 03 52.9 +54 21 53; UMa
24" (5/24/20): at 375x; this M101 HII region appeared relatively large and bright. It is noticeably elongated ~45"x15" SW-NE, "pointing" in the direction of NGC 5461.
18" (6/28/03): this HII region is probably the largest continuous piece. It appears very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 SW-NE, roughly 60"x18".
18" (6/21/03): fairly bright and relatively large, elongated 3:1, ~50"x17" SW-NE. This HII region has an irregular surface brightness with a bright, nearly stellar knot at the NE end.
17.5" (6/7/97): moderately bright elongated knot in M101, extended 3:1 SW-NE, ~50"x20". One of the largest and brightest HII regions in M101.
13.1" (5/14/83) : knot in M101 located in the same arm as NGC 5461 but further to the east. This is an easily visible, compact, round knot on the opposite side of the core as NGC 5447.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5462 = H. III-789 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, pS." His offset from NGC 5461 was 7 seconds of time east and 2' north, compared to the actual offsets of 10 seconds and 3' north. John Herschel assigned two numbers in the GC, one for his father's nebula and one for the knot "n1" sketched by Lord Rosse's assistants in 1851. Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC and used Heinrich d'Arrest accurate micrometric position from 1862. Hermann Kobold also measured an accurate position in 1898 using the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg.
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14 06 10.5 +09 21 12; Boo
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 49°
24" (7/1/19): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large,
very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.2', high surface brightness. Forms a contact
pair with
17.5" (6/4/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.3'. Contains a bright core with faint extensions. A mag 11 star lies 2.7' SW of center. Forms a contact pair with an extremely difficult companion (NGC 5463B) just off the NE edge 0.7' from the center. Located at the east end of the NGC 5416 cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5463 = H. III-58 = T. 8-12 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 179) and recorded as "eF, S. Suspected with 157 and verified with 240; the latter power showed it a little elongated."
Wilhelm Tempel measured a micrometric position in his 8th
discovery paper. His RA, though,
was 15 seconds too small and also 3' too far north. But re-reducing his position with respect to his offset star
yields an accurate match with
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14 07 04.2 -30 01 00; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 85°
13.1" (3/17/86): very faint, fairly small, round, requires averted vision.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5464 = h3556 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pF; S; R; pslbM; 15"." His position is accurate.
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14 06 27.3 -05 30 23; Vir
= *, Corwin.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5465 in 1882, while observing NGC 5468. In the narrative portion of list V, Tempel mentioned two more very faint nebula were southwest of NGC 5486, though he didn't provide offsets or positions. These were probably communicated later to Dreyer. Both Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin identify NGC 5465 as a single star at this position.
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14 05 27.3 +28 32 04; Boo
V = 9.0; Size 9'; Surf Br = 0.0
48" (4/19/17): at 375x; very large, highly resolved cluster with chains of brighter stars, particularly in the halo, which extends to at least 8', but also passing through the richer 3' to 4' central section. The surface brightness is relatively low due its loose structure (concentration class XII), even in the core. The brighter stars seems superimposed over a layer of much fainter resolved stars. At 697x, there were way too many visible stars for a reasonably accurate count but perhaps around 250 stars resolved.
17.5" (6/3/00): large, low surface brightness globular, 7'-8' in diameter. Has a ragged, irregular surface brightness to the core and halo. About 50-60 mag 14-15.5 stars are resolved at 280x-380x. The brighter core is relatively large, perhaps 4' in diameter and appears offset to the west side of the resolved stars. Many faint stars are peppered across the core.
17.5" (6/6/86): 40-50 mag 14-15 stars resolved at 220x in a 7' diameter. Very spread out like a fairly rich open cluster with no distinct edges and only a weak concentration.
13.1" (5/26/84): roughly three dozen stars resolved about 14th magnitude. Visible in 18x80 finder.
13.1" (5/14/83): a few dozen mag 14 stars were resolved across the entire disc over extensive background haze.
8" (6/5/81): fairly large, low surface brightness with a "loose" structure. A few faint stars are resolved across the disk at 100-165x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5466 = H. VI-9 = h1746 on 17 May 1784 (sweep 219). His description reads, "a large cluster of exceedingly small and compressed stars, about 6 or 7' in dia; a great many of the stars are visible, the rest so small as to appear nebulous; those that are visible are of one size and are scattered all over equally. The cluster is of an irregularly round form." He placed the globular in category VI of "very condensed and rich clusters of stars". On 16 May 1831 John Herschel described the cluster as "a fine L cl 7 or 8' dia; vgbM, but no nucleus. The stars 11 or 12m down to an irresolvable mass; irreg R; excessively compressed. A fine object. Barely discernible in the 20 feet finder (2 1/2" in aperture)." Wolfgang Steinicke notes that Heinrich d'Arrest observed it twice in 1856 using a 4.6-inch Merz refractor in Leipzig.
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14 06 29.4 -05 28 55; Vir
V = 15.1
48" (5/12/18): NGC 5467 is a mag 15 star 2.2' SW of the center of NGC 5468.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5467, along with NGC 5465, in
1882 while observing NGC 5468. In
the narrative portion of list V, he simply noted two more very faint nebula to
the southwest of
There is are no nearby galaxies and both Dorothy Carlson and
Harold Corwin identify NGC 5467 as a single star. Independently, Bigourdan also logged this star as nebulous
while trying to find Tempel's nebulae, and he reported it in his 4th Comptes
Rendus list as #182 (later
THe 1935 Helwan table of descriptions, identified NGC 5467 as "2 small condensations [HII region] south of the nucleusof NGC 5468". These are evident on images, but unlikely seen by Tempel [one was quite evident in Lowrey's 48"].
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NGC 5468 = MCG -01-36-007 = UGCA 384 = Holm 585a = LGG 374-003 = PGC 50323
14 06 34.8 -05 27 11; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 2.6'x2.4'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 105°
14.5" (7/1/21): at 182x; moderately bright, fairly
large, roundish, weak concentration with a slightly brighter core. The outer halo was ill-defined but ~2'
in diameter, with a fairly low but uneven surface brightness. Mag 8.4
48" (5/12/18): at 488x; NGC 5468 is a bright, fairly
large 3-armed spiral! It appeared
sharply concentrated with a very bright small nucleus and a 2'-2.5' halo
containing two arms and a detached segment of an arm. One arm is nearly attached to the nucleus at its south
side. This arm was easily visible
as it rotated counterclockwise to the west and separated from the core, ending
due west of center [by 0.6']. A
low contrast arm begins just north of the nucleus and extended a short distance
directly east. A faint 5" HII knot is just north of this arm. Finally a detached arm segment,
oriented WSW to ENE, floated in the south side of the halo. An easily visibile HII knot, ~8"
diameter, was seen at its SW end.
Forms a pair with
17.5" (6/8/96): fairly faint, fairly large, round, 2.5'
diameter. The low but irregular
surface brightness halo has a hint of mottling or structure. Broad concentration to a ill-defined
core and occasional small brighter nucleus. Mag 8.3
8" (6/29/84): very faint, moderately large, very diffuse, elongated ~E-W. Located 4' NNW of a mag 8.3 star. A mag 10 star 11.9' SSE is collinear with NGC 5468 and the mag 8 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5468 = H. III-286 = h1745 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380). His description reads, "vF, L, brightest towards the north, and eF towards the southern borders." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; vL; R; gbM."
R.J. Mitchell, the assistant to Lord Rosse on 29 Mar 1856, recorded "1745 [NGC 5468] has a nucleus, light very patchy, 3 stars in edge; vF. Query, spiral with a right-handed twist. About 4' following is a S, pB, E knot." The object following is NGC 5472.
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14 12 29.8 +08 38 52; Boo
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; PA = 135°
18" (6/30/11): faint, very small, irregularly round,
18" diameter, weak concentration.
A small right triangle of mag 13-14 stars [sides 1.1', 1.4', 2'] is
close SW. Brighter of a pair with
The identification NGC 5469 = CGCG 74-136 is uncertain but
if UGC 9084 was assumed by Tempel to be
17.5" (6/8/02): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Just following a small triangle of mag 13-14 stars. Forms a pair with UGC 9084 4.3' WNW. NGC 5511 lies 10' ESE (all three faint galaxies collinear).
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5469 in 1883 while observing the NGC 5416 group. In the narrative portion of his 8th discovery paper, he writes (translated by Wolfgang Steinicke) "III 59 [NGC 5482] is 9 seconds preceding, 2 1/2' south of a faint star 11m; the nebula is small and has in its center a faint star with very little nebular matter. Following the star 11m, there is at 15s, parallel to it [the star or NGC 5482?] a nice round nebula, III, without a faint star [in the center]. This nebula is also new." There is no object matching this description or at the NGC position.
Instead, Harold Corwin suggests that Tempel probably
confused UGC 9084 for NGC 5482.
This would imply, based on Tempel's description, that
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14 06 32.0 +06 01 45; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 2.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 63°
17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, moderately large, edge-on 6:1 WSW-ENE, low surface brightness, weak concentration but no nucleus, 2.0'x0.3'. An easy double star mag 10/11 at 21" separation located 4.5' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5470 = h1749 on 17 Apr 1830 and
logged "F; mE; vglbM."
There is nothing at his position by 1.0 min of RA west is
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14 04 29.1 +54 23 49; UMa
Size 0.9'x0.7'
24" (5/24/20): NGC 5471 is one of the most prominent HII regions in M101, situated 11.5' ENE of center and beyond the visible edge of the galaxy. At 375x it appeared very bright, fairly small, round, ~20" diameter, high surface brightness. HII region M101-A is 3' NW.
18" (6/28/03): highest surface brightness of any of the HII regions in M101. Appears very similar to a small, elliptical galaxy -- even contains a small, brighter core. Situated beyond the main glow of the galaxy, 11.5' NE of the core of M101.
18" (6/21/03): at 323x appears similar to a compact, round galaxy. Furthest NE of all the HII regions and well separated from the main glow of M101. Interestingly, this was one of the few HII regions that displayed a positive contrast response to a UHC filter at 161x and 215x.
17.5" (6/7/97): this is one of brightest HII regions in M101, on the extreme NE end of the galaxy 11.5' from center. Appears as a moderately bright knot, ~20" diameter. This HII region stands out well due to its isolation and fairly high surface brightness with crisp halo.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5471 on 22 Aug 1863 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and measured it on 5 different nights. He noted the mag 13 star that precedes
by 9 sec of RA and questioned if this object was H III-789 with a 30 sec error
in RA. MCG misclassifies this HII
region as a galaxy (
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NGC 5472 = MCG -01-36-008 = Holm 585b = LGG 374-005 = PGC 50345
14 06 54.9 -05 27 39; Vir
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 35°
48" (5/12/18): at 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, strong concentration with a very bright elongated core, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3'. Situated between a mag 13.5 star 0.4' E and a mag 14.3 star 0.9' NW. Forms a pair with NGC 5468, a face-on multi-arm spiral 5' W. Mag 8.3 HD 123265 is a similar distance southwest.
17.5" (6/8/96): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.3', small brighter core with faint extensions. A mag 13 star is 0.4' ESE and a mag 14 star 0.9' NW. Located 5.0' E of brighter NGC 5468.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5472 on 29 Mar 1856 with LdR's 72" during an observation of NGC 5468. He noted "about 4' f is a S, pB, E knot." Wilhelm Tempel observed NGC 5468 in 1882 and also noted NGC 5472 as 5' following. He mentioned it was probably the one seen earlier by LdR. In addition Tempel mentioned two other nearby objects (NGC 5465 and 5467) to the southwest, which are either nonexistent or single stars. See Corwin's notes.
Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 10 Mar 1886 and noted it was "within a triangle of minute stars - very very faint. Hardly visible, irregular uncertain outline - very small."
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NGC 5473 = UGC 9011 = MCG +09-23-031 = CGCG 272-022 = LGG 373-004 = PGC 50191
14 04 43.3 +54 53 33; UMa
V = 11.4; Size 2.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 160°
18" (5/3/08): at 280x appeared bright, moderately large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7'. Strongly concentrated with a very bright 25" core that increases to a stellar nucleus. A faint star is embedded in the halo on the NE side. Located within a string of brighter mag 9.5-11.5 stars including a mag 10.7 star 2' SSW, a mag 9.4 star 5' SSW and a mag 10 star 7' NE. Located 35' NNE of M101 in a background group (LGG 373) including NGC 5485 22' ENE, NGC 5486 26' NE and NGC 5422 38' NW.
13.1" (5/26/84): moderately bright, small, almost round, prominent small bright nucleus, fainter halo. NGC 5485 lies 22' ENE. Located 35' NNE of M101.
13.1" (6/29/84): brighter but very slightly smaller than nearby NGC 5485, prominent nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5473 = H. I-231 = h1748 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and logged "cB, S." John Herschel made a single observation and recorded "pF; R; S; gbM; sky not quite clear."
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14 05 01.2 +53 39 44; UMa
V = 10.8; Size 4.8'x4.3'; Surf Br = 13.9
48" (5/2/19): at 375x and 545x; very bright, large, highly asymmetrical galaxy. A bright core that is broadly concentrated is offset to the north end of the galaxy. A roundish 2' diameter halo extends to the south. A few faint, nearly stellar spots are on the east side of the halo. The halo was uneven in surface brightness and I had a definite impression of spiral arm structure, but was unable to trace any specific arms. This strongly "sloshed" galaxy is gravitationally distorted by interaction with M101.
18" (4/26/08): at 220x this is a fairly bright, large, asymmetric galaxy ~3.0'x2.5', moderately concentrated with an 0.8' core that is embedded at the north end! The halo is a slightly elongated N-S oval glow with the core internally tangent on the N side.
18" (6/17/06): fairly bright, large, with an irregular asymmetric appearance. Broadly concentrated to a 1' brighter core that resides on the north edge of the galaxy. The 2.5' halo is slightly elongated N-S and spreads out from the core only towards the south! The halo has a slightly mottled texture and fades at the periphery. With averted vision the size increases to nearly 3'. A mag 13.5-14 star is just north of the offset core. A mag 13 pair at 14" lies 9' ESE. This disturbed galaxy is a member of the M101 group.
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly bright, large, irregular round or slightly elongated SSW-NNE. Very unusual appearance as a large brighter knot of 0.8' diameter or a very eccentrically placed core is located at the NE edge. The halo extends generally SW from this brighter spot. About 3' diameter, no brightening at the geometric center. A mag 14 star is just off the NE edge 0.8' beyond knot. Located 45' SSE of M101 and the asymmetry is from being tidally deformed by M101.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5474 = H. I-214 on 1 May 1788 (sweep 840) and recorded "cB, terminating abruptly to the north, and diffused to the south." Indeed, this galaxy is very asymmetric, with the nucleus at the north edge of the galaxy!
Samuel Hunter, observing with LdR's 72" on 14 May 1861, logged "vL and probably of interest. The nucleus is on the n edge and appears to have a dark lane around it; the faint nebulosity spreads out from it like a fan with the edges rather brighter than the centre."
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14 05 12.4 +55 44 30; UMa
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 166°
13.1" (5/26/84): fairly faint, small, edge-on streak NNW-SSE. Located 25' ESE of NGC 5443 in the NGC 5485 group (LGG 373).
William Herschel discovered NGC 5475 = H. II-800 = h1750 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "pB, S." John Herschel recorded (single observation) "pB; S; pmE; bM; 18" l, 12" br." His position is accurate.
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14 08 08.5 -06 05 31; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 135°
18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, moderately large oval 4:3 NW-SE, 1.3'x1.0', broadly concentrated with no core. A mag 11.5 star is off the west side, 1.9' from center.
18" (6/18/04): fairly faint, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.8'. The surface brightness appears slightly irregular with possibly a brighter spot or knot offset to the west side (it didn't appear to be the core). A mag 12.5 star lies 1.9' W of center.
14.5" (7/1/21): at 182x; fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, ~0.9'x0.7', fairly low surface brightness, weak concentration with an ill-defined core. The halo fades out with an indefinite edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5476 = H. III-287 = h1751 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and logged "vF, pS, irr." John Herschel made the single observation "F; pL; R." He didn't measure the RA and the polar distance was only roughly taken. Nevertheless, his NPD is accurate.
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14 05 32.3 +54 27 33; UMa
V = 14.0; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.7; PA = 95°
17.5" (3/23/85): extremely faint. Nearby is a mag 14.5 star 1.2' SW of center and a mag 15 star is superimposed south of the core. A brighter mag 12 star is 3.5' E of center. Member of the M101 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5477 = H. III-790 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and noted "vF, pL." His position was 2' too far east but the brief description fits. This is a surprisingly low surface brightness galaxy to be picked up during a sweep. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 17 Jun 1887. This galaxy was found on Crossley plates taken by Keeler at Lick Observatory in 1898-1900 and catalogued as a new nebula (#681 of 744) in the 1908 Publications of Lick Observatory, Vol VIII.
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14 08 08.5 -01 42 08; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 37°
18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, small, round, 0.7' diameter. Weak, even concentration to the center but there was no well-defined core. A mag 11 star lies 2' WSW.
18" (6/18/04): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter. Weak, even concentration to a small, brighter core giving a symmetrical appearance. A mag 11 star lies 2.4' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5478 = H. III-762 on 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 917) and noted "vF, vS." His position is barely off the north side of the galaxy.
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14 05 57.3 +65 41 26; UMi
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.5'; PA = 20°
17.5" (6/23/01): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. On a small line with several stars including a mag 11 star 2' NW and a mag 13.8 GSC star 1.3' NW. Forms a close pair with MCG +11-17-18 1.1' NNW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5479 = Sw. 4-14 on 11 Jun 1884 and recorded "eF; vS; R; nearly between 2 stars." His RA is 1.0 min too small, but his comment "nearly bet 2 st" confirms this identification.
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14 06 21.8 +50 43 29; UMa
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 0°
18" (4/26/08): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration with a brighter 25" core and a faint stellar nucleus using direct vision. Forms a very nice pair with NGC 5480 3.2' E.
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly faint, moderately large, almost
round, diffuse, almost even or even surface brightness. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5480 = H. II-692, along with NGC 5481, on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and described both as "Two, both F, R. The preceding pS, vgbM. The following vS, stellar, suddenly mbM. The place taken between them; in the parallel nearly, about 2 1/2' distance; the following about 1/2' more south." Caroline's reduction is much closer to NGC 5481. Bigourdan measured an accurate RA on 12 Jun 1887 (repeated in the IC 2 notes). The UGC declination is 20' too far south.
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NGC 5481 = UGC 9029 = MCG +09-23-036 = CGCG 272-028 = Holm 588b = LGG 372-005 = PGC 50331
14 06 41.4 +50 43 23; Boo
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 115°
18" (4/26/08): moderately bright but small, round, ~30" diameter. Fairly high surface brightness with a relatively large, bright 20" core and easily visible stellar nucleus. Forms the eastern member of a pair with NGC 5480 3.2' E.
13.1" (3/24/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated, possible faint stellar nucleus. Smaller but similar surface brightness to NGC 5480 3.2' W in the constellation of Ursa Major!
William Herschel discovered NGC 5481 = H. II-693, along with NGC 5480, on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and described both as "Two, both F, R. The preceding pS, vgbM. The following vS, stellar, suddenly mbM. The place taken between them; in the parallel nearly, about 2 1/2' distance; the following about 1/2' more south." Caroline's reduction is much closer to NGC 5481. Bigourdan measured an accurate RA on 12 Jun 1887 (repeated in the IC 2 notes).
******************************
NGC 5482 = UGC 9038 = MCG +02-36-043 = CGCG 074-115 = PGC 50459
14 08 30.7 +08 55 55; Boo
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 88°
17.5" (6/8/02): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.8'x0.6', moderate concentration with a small brighter core ~15" diameter. A couple of mag 14.5 stars [28" separation] lie 2.5' SSE. Follows a mag 12 star by 3.8'. Located ~1.5° ESE of the large NGC 5416 cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5482 = H. III-59 on 19 Mar
1784 (sweep 179) and noted "eF, S, suspected with 157 and verified with
240." His position is 8 sec
of RA east of
******************************
14 10 25.0 -43 19 29; Cen
V = 11.2; Size 3.7'x3.4'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 25°
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 200x this face-on spiral appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, ~2.6'x1.8', broad concentration. Nestled among a group of faint stars with a mag 14-15 star just off the NE side and another at the SW edge of the halo. A mag 9.5 star with a close, mag 11.8 companion at 3" separation lies 4' E.
12.5" (6/24/06 - Haleakala Crater): at 176x appeared
faint, fairly large, slightly elongated ~2.5'x2.2', broad weak concentration
but no well defined core.
Increases in size with averted vision so the outer halo gradually
fades. Situated in a rich star
field with a mag 9.5 star 4' E.
Located 19' NE of mag 6.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 5483 = h3557 on 15 Mar 1836 and recorded "pF; vL; R; vgbM; 4'."
NGC 5483 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station with a 24-inch refractor between 1898 and 1901 and noted as a "! S spiral"
******************************
14 06 48.2 +55 01 47; UMa
V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.3'
18" (4/26/08): very faint, small, irregularly round, 25"x20", fairly low even surface brightness. Located 3.8' WNW of NGC 5485 in a group.
17.5" (5/10/86): very faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. Located 3.8' NW of much brighter NGC 5485 in a trio with NGC 5486.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5484 = H. III-791 on 14 Apr 1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "Two; [referring to NGC 5485] cB, R, vgmbM. Has another preceding [NGC 5484]; vF, R, nearly in the meridian 3 or 4' dist preceding." CH added the comment in her fair copy that "By the description it should be perhaps be nearly in the parallel." Although only a single position was given (matching NGC 5485], this galaxy is 3.7' west-northwest and matches the description.
Bigourdan's "corrected" position for NGC 5484 on 13 May 1899 refers to NGC 5485. Bigourdan and d'Arrest were both unsuccessful in finding NGC 5484 so Dreyer mistakenly noted in his 1912 correction list that "III 791 should probably be struck out. There is not any nebula close p [of NGC 5485]."
******************************
NGC 5485 = UGC 9033 = MCG +09-23-037 = CGCG 272-030 = LGG 373-005 = PGC 50369
14 07 11.4 +55 00 06; UMa
V = 11.4; Size 2.3'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 170°
18" (4/26/08): bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, sharply concentrated with a very bright 25" core and a much fainter 1.4' halo. With direct vision a stellar nucleus was easily visible. Brightest in a group (LGG 373) with NGC 5484 3.8' WNW and NGC 5486 6.4' NNE.
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly bright, bright core, possible stellar nucleus. Nearby galaxies are NGC 5484 3.8' WNW and NGC 5486 6.4' NNE.
13.1" (5/26/84): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, increases to a bright core.
13.1" (6/29/84): fainter halo increases in size with averted.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5485 = H. I-232 on 14 Apr
1789 (sweep 921) and recorded "Two, cB, R, vgmbM. Has another preceding [NGC 5484 =
III-791]; vF, R, nearly in the meridian 3 or 4' dist preceding." CH added the comment in her fair copy
that "By the description it should be perhaps be nearly in the
parallel." His single
position corresponds with
******************************
NGC 5486 = UGC 9036 = MCG +09-23-038 = CGCG 272-031 = LGG 373-007 = PGC 50383
14 07 25.0 +55 06 10; UMa
V = 13.3; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 80°
18" (4/26/08): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 1.2'x1.0', weak concentration, fairly low surface brightness. Located 6.5' NNE of NGC 5485 in a trio and member of the NGC 5485 group.
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, very small brighter core. Last of three with NGC 5485 6.4' SSW and NGC 5484 7.1' SW.
13.1" (6/29/84): very faint, averted only, very elongated ~E-W, no details. Located 6.5' NNE of NGC 5485.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5486 = H. II-801 on 14 Apr
1789 (last object in the long sweep 921) and noted "F, S." His position (Caroline's reduction) is
2' northeast of
******************************
14 09 43.9 +08 04 09; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 68°
17.5" (6/8/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.4', low even surface brightness. Located 3' SSW of a mag 8.9 star that hinders viewing. A group of five mag 12-13 stars just north of the bright star forms a small asterism.
George Searle discovered NGC 5487 = HN 36 on 22 Mar 1868
with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory (Annals of Harvard
Observatory, Vol 13, #324). He
mentioned that clouds hampered measurement of the position so Dreyer noted the
position as very uncertain in the NGC.
Nevertheless, the position is very close to
******************************
14 08 03.0 -33 18 53; Cen
V = 11.9; Size 3.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 22°
18" (5/16/09): fairly faint, moderately large, very
elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 1.8'x0.5', bright core with much fainter
extensions. Located close north of
mag 9 star
John Herschel discovered NGC 5488 = h3558 on 8 Jun 1837 and
recorded "F; R; near and to the north of a * 8m." His RA is given only to the nearest
minute and marked as rough (dec to the nearest min +/-). This rough position is
3 min of RA east and 20' south of
******************************
14 12 00.7 -46 05 19; Cen
V = 12.2; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 129°
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5', fairly sharply concentrated with a very small
brighter core. A nice string of
three mag 12-13 stars at 18" and 23" separation lies 9' SW. Located 18' WSW of mag 7.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 5489 = h3559 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; psbM; 10"." His position (also measured the next night) is accurate.
******************************
14 09 57.3 +17 32 44; Boo
V = 12.1; Size 2.4'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 5°
18" (5/3/08): bright, irregularly round, moderately
large, ~1.0'x0.8' N-S, sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core
and stellar nucleus. Brightest in
a group including
17.5" (6/23/01): moderately bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group with
17.5" (5/23/98): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
1.0' diameter, small bright core.
Brightest in a small group with several faint nearby companions (not
seen),
William Herschel discovered NGC 5490 = H. III-32 = h1752 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 170). He recorded "a vS nebula, or nebulous double star. 240 confirmed it." John Herschel made a similar observation on 17 Mar 1831 (sweep 334): "pB, vS, has a vF double star in centre among several stars 12m; a doubtful object." His position is good, though the Slough Catalogue has the typo h1752 = H. II-32, instead of H. III-32.
******************************
14 10 57.4 +06 21 53; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 78°
24" (6/15/15): moderately bright, fairly small
elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 40"x30", contains a small bright core. Forms a close pair with
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, elongated bright core. Bracketed between two mag 15 stars 30" off the ENE edge and 1' WSW. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 5491B at the north edge of halo (not seen).
William Herschel discovered NGC 5491 = H. II-890 = h1753 on
12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and recorded "pB, pS, iR." Caroline's reduced position is 2.5'
southwest of
******************************
14 10 35.3 +19 36 44; Boo
V = 12.8; Size 2.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
17.5" (5/11/96): this nice edge-on is elongated 5:1
NNW-SSE, 1.6'x0.3'. Moderate
surface brightness with no significant central brightening. Located 14' SE of mag 7.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 5492 = H. II-876 = h1754 on 20 Apr 1792 (sweep 1021) and recorded "pB, vS." Stephan found this galaxy on 20 May 1871 and described it as elongated N-S though his RA was 5 minutes too small. He measured an accurate micrometric position on 11 Apr 1882 matching NGC 5492 and reported it as new in his 12th discovery list. But he added a note that #58 was probably identical to GC 3800 [=NGC 5492].
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14 11 29.3 -05 02 37; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 124°
18" (5/28/06): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE. Sharply concentrated with a small bright nucleus surrounded by a low surface brightness halo ~1.1x0.8'.
17.5" (4/5/97): fairly bright, moderately large. Sharply concentrated with a very bright core 40"x15" elongated WNW-ESE, increasing to a stellar nucleus. Surrounding the core is a much fainter ill-defined halo ~1.3'x1.0' which is not as elongated as the core.
8" (6/30/84): fairly bright, very small, slightly elongated, bright stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5493 = H. IV-46 = h1755 on 22 Feb 1787 (sweep 706) and recorded "pB or almost cB, vS. Stellar, like a star with burs." Joihn Herschel described this galaxy as "pB; R; psmbM; 15"; seems to have a * 18m involved np." Joseph Turner observed it with the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 15 May 1877 (p. 136 of his logbook) and noted it was elongated (sketched at least 2:1 NNW-SSE) and pretty suddenly much brighter in the middle to almost a stellar point. Pietro Baracchi also obsersed it at Melbourne and called it "vB; vS; R; gpmbM; mottled; a little elongated." (10 Mar 1886)
******************************
14 12 23.9 -30 38 39; Cen
V = 11.9; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
13.1" (3/17/86): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, round, weak concentration. Several mag 14 stars nearby bracket the galaxy to the east and west.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5494 = h3560 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "pB; L; R; gbM; r. Stars barely seen in the nebula, besides several others about it." His position is accurate.
Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 22 Feb 1898 and recorded Sw. 11-167 as "F; pS; R; 7 faint stars around it." His position was 7' too far north and Herbert Howe, unable to recover Swift's object at his position, suggested it was identical to NGC 5494. As a result, Dreyer didn't assign an IC designation.
******************************
14 12 23.3 -27 06 30; Hya
V = 12.6; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 38°
18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 ~N-S, 0.8'x0.4'. Contains a very small, bright core with faint extensions. A mag 11 is just off the NE end and interferes with viewing. Located 11' NW of mag 5.1 50 Hydrae.
18" (6/18/04): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~N-S. The view is severely hampered by a mag 10.5 star that is very close to the NE edge of the galaxy (42" from center)! Overall the galaxy has a fairly even surface brightness except for a very faint, nearly stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located 10.5' NW of mag 5.1 50 Hydrae which is just outside the 19' field of the 10mm Pentax XW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5495 = h3561 on 13 May 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; bM; np a star." The galaxy is sp the star, not northwest as Herschel reported (error noted by Herbert Howe in the IC 2 notes). Joseph Winlock independently found the galaxy again on 20 Jun 1868 at Harvard College Observatory with the 11-inch refractor.
******************************
14 11 37.9 -01 09 33; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 4.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 172°
18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, fairly large, edge-on 6:1 ~N-S, 2.5'x0.4', low irregular surface brightness. A mag 14.5-15 star is on the east side of the north extension.
17.5" (4/5/97): fairly faint, large, very thin edge-on 6:1 NNW-SSE, ~3.5'x0.6'. Low surface brightness with only a weak concentration towards the center. A mag 15 star is embedded on the following side of the NNW extension [50" from center].
8" (6/30/84): extremely faint edge-on N-S, moderately large. Requires averted vision as the surface brightness is quite low.
Edward Holden discovered NGC 5496 on 23 Apr 1881 with the
15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory and noted "E 180°,
bM, 6'-8' long." His position
(measured more accurately on 8 May 1882) matches
Based on photographs taken at the Helwan observatory between 1919-20, it was described as "pB, 4.5' x 0.5', E 170°; rather irregular patch spiral seen almost edgewise, no nucleus"
******************************
14 10 31.6 +38 53 36; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 75°
17.5" (6/2/00): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.45', low even surface brightness. Situated nearly midway between two mag 12 stars 5' WSW and 4.3' E.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5497 = St. 12-59 on 30 Apr 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 4' too far ENE. His published accurate position was made 12 years later on 11 May 1882.
******************************
14 11 04.5 +25 41 53; Boo
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 120°
17.5" (6/8/96): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly
round, 0.8' diameter. Fairly
symmetrical concentration to a brighter core and occasional faint stellar
nucleus.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5498 = St. 12-60 on 26 Apr 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 4' too far SE. His published accurate position was made 12 years later on 9 May 1882 with description "faint, small, round, little brighter middle, seems resolvable."
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14 10 47.7 +35 54 48; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 150°
17.5" (6/2/00): faint, small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE?,
weak broad concentration, occasional faint stellar nucleus. A wide pair of mag 11/13 stars lies 3'
SSE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5499 = St. 12-61 on 4 May 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 3' ESE of center. His accurate published position was made 12 years later on 13 May 1882 with description "faint, small, round, gradually brighter middle, seems resolvable."
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14 10 15.2 +48 32 46; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0'
diameter, weak concentration. Two
bright stars (mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 5500 = H. III-674 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and logged "cF, cS, iR." His position is 3' too far northeast. He observed it again 3 nights later (sweep 736) and reported "vF, vS, stellar, 300 confirmed it." There were no additional observations by JH, d'Arrest or LdR.
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14 12 20.2 +01 16 21; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130°
17.5" (5/11/02): very faint, small, slightly elongated
SW-NE, 0.5'x0.4', low surface brightness.
Located 13.5' SE of mag 6.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 5501 = h1756 on 13 Apr 1828 and recorded "a vF nebula or a vS cluster of eS stars." His position is 1' south of CGCG 018-078 = PGC 50724.
******************************
14 09 33.9 +60 24 34; UMa
See observing notes for
Edward Swift discovered NGC 5502 = Sw. 1-29 on 9 May 1886 and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; ee diff; between 2 stars, one a wide double." Lewis Swift's son was only 15 years old at the time. There is only a single galaxy here (MCG +10-20-077) but Lewis found it again two nights later, thought it was new and it was listed a second time as Sw. 1-30 (later NGC 5503), with the description "eeeF; vS; R; ee dif; forms with 2 stars a right angle triangle."
In the introduction to his second discovery list, Swift mentions Sw. 1-29 should probably be struck out without giving an explanation. Nevertheless, Dreyer catalogued both entries as NGC 5502 and 5503. Since NGC 5502 was discovered first, this designation should take historical precedence. Swift made several other duplicate observations of galaxies, though this is an unusual case involving a father and son! See Corwin's notes.
******************************
NGC 5503 = NGC 5502 = MCG +10-20-077 = PGC 50508
14 09 33.9 +60 24 34; UMa
V = 15.2; Size 0.5'x0.25'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 80°
17.5" (6/23/01): extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter. Requires averted vision to glimpse and only visible intermittently. Located just 1.3' NE of a mag 12 star and 2' NW of a mag 11 star.
Lewis Swift found NGC 5503 = Sw. 1-30 on 11 May 1886 and recorded "eeeF; vS; R; ee dif; forms with 2 stars a right angle triangle." This was a reobservation of NGC 5502 = Sw. 1-29 which was found two days earlier by his son Edward! This is a unique case where a father and son both have entries in the NGC for the same galaxy. RNGC identifies this galaxy as NGC 5503 though by historical precedence, NGC 5502 should apply. See notes for NGC 5502.
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14 12 15.8 +15 50 31; Boo
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130°
18" (6/18/04): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~E-W, 0.8'x0.65'. Fairly
low surface brightness but it appears to be uneven (face-on barred spiral). Forms a close pair with
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, moderately large, round,
1.2' diameter, fairly low surface brightness. Located 11' WSW of mag 8.3
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5504 = St. 11-23 on 23 May 1871 and measured an initial position 1' to the SW. His published micrometric position was made 9 years later on 7 Jun 1880. UGC and CGCG mislabel NGC 5504 as IC 4383.
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14 12 31.7 +13 18 17; Boo
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 130°
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6'. The surface brightness is irregular and the brighter core seems offset to one side from the center (this is a Seyfert galaxy with an unusual appearance on the DSS). Situated between a mag 10.5 star 2.6' SSW and a 17" pair of mag 12 stars 3' NE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5505 = Sw. 3-79 on 6 Jun 1886 and recorded "vF; pS; between a single and a double star." His position is just 1.4' south of UGC 9092 and his description applies.
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14 13 14.8 -03 12 27; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 2.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 92°
17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on
5:1 E-W, 3.0'x0.6', broad concentration.
Located 11' NE of mag 7.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 5506 = H. II-687 = h1757 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 730) and recorded "pB, cL, mE nearly in the parallel." Joihn Herschel measured an accurate position.
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NGC 5507 = MCG +00-36-029 = CGCG 018-082 = Holm 604b = UGCA 388 = LGG 377-003 = PGC 50786
14 13 19.8 -03 08 56; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 58°
17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, small bright core dominates, faint extensions. Forms a pair with NGC 5506 3.7' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5507 = H. IV-49 = h1758 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 730) and recorded "pB, stellar nebula, like a star with a small bur all around." John Herschel measured an accurate position.
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14 12 29.1 +24 38 08; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 2.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 135°
24" (5/25/14): at 282x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 45"x30". Contains a small brighter core and a stellar nucleus. Rose 17, an extremely faint triplet, lies 20' NNW.
17.5" (7/17/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:3 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.7', broad concentration to a 25" brighter core. Situated within a fairly striking group
of stars with three wide, brighter pairs.
Collinear with mag 10
17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.7', broad concentration to a 25" brighter core. Situated within a fairly striking group of stars with a mag 10/11.5 wide pair collinear with the galaxy a few arcminutes NE. A trio of mag 10/11/12 stars lie 5' NE and another fainter pair is also near.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5508 = St. 12-62 on 26 Apr 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 4' too far SE. His published accurate position was made 12 years later on 20 Apr 1882 with description "extremely faint and small, round, little central condensation."
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14 12 39.6 +20 23 13; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 90°
17.5" (7/17/01): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7'
diameter. Weak, even concentration
and no well-defined core.
Occasionally, a faint stellar nucleus was glimpsed. Located 7' WSW of
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 5509 = Big. 71 on 10 Jun
1887 (his last NGC discovery).
There is nothing at the position in his second Comptes Rendus list, but
he noted an error of 19' in polar distance in the remarks section of his 5th
Comptes Rendus list (20 Apr 1891). Harold Corwin's re-reduced position matches
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14 13 37.2 -17 59 02; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 40°
17.5" (6/1/02): faint, fairly small, round, 0.9'
diameter. A mag 13 star is 1.3'
SSE of center. Seeing too poor for
details, but the DSS image shows a knotty structure. Forms the western vertex of a near equilateral triangle with
mag 9.1
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5510 = LM 1-201 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
14.0, 0.4' dia, R, gbM, *13 in field.
His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 30 sec of RA west (essentially
correct) and 1' north of
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14 13 05.4 +08 37 55; Boo
V = 14.9; Size 0.5'x0.2'; PA = 167°
18" (6/30/11): faint to very faint, very small,
slightly elongated, 0.3' diameter.
Forms a close pair with fainter
The identification of NGC 5511 with either galaxy in this
pair is uncertain because of Hough's confusing description, but
17.5" (6/8/02): extremely faint, small, irregular or slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3'. Only a single galaxy was seen (either CGCG 074-141 or -142, which form a 1' pair) in poor seeing ~3' W of a mag 10.5 star. Slightly brighter CGCG 74-136 (which may be NGC 5469) lies 10' WNW.
George Hough discovered NGC 5511 on 10 May 1883 with the
18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory while searching for
d'Arrest's comet. His position is
~2.5' east of
******************************
14 12 41.1 +30 51 18; Boo
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.3'
17.5" (7/22/01): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low surface brightness. Very weak concentration with an occasional faint stellar nucleus. Nearly collinear with two mag 11 stars 3' and 8' SSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5512 = St. 13-71 on 4 May 1870. His unpublished position was 1' E of center. His accurate published position in list XIII, #71 was made 13 years later on 3 May 1883 with description "faint, small, round, gradually brighter middle, seems resolvable."
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NGC 5513 = UGC 9099 = MCG +04-34-005 = CGCG 133-011 = Holm 607a = PGC 50776
14 13 08.7 +20 24 59; Boo
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 115°
17.5" (7/17/01): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.75'.
Contains a bright, sharp 15" core, which is concentrated to a
distinct stellar nucleus. Three
mag 11-12 stars forming an arrowhead pointing west is close south. Brightest of trio with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5513 = H. II-877 = h1759 on 20 Apr 1792 (sweep 1021) and recorded "pB, pL, iF." Caroline's reduction is 6' too far north, though he commented "PD perhaps inaccurate." John Herschel made the single observation "pB; R" and measured a more accurate position.
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14 13 38.7 +07 39 37; Boo
V = 12.7; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 90°
17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:3 E-W, ~1.2'x0.7', very little concentration. Two mag 14-14.5 stars are 2.0' NNW and 1.2' NE of
center. NGC 5514 is a close double
system (strongly disturbed) but the faint companion at the south edge was not
seen.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5514 on 26 Apr 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position, measured on two nights, matches
******************************
14 12 38.2 +39 18 37; Boo
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 108°
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6', weak concentration to a small brighter core. Forms east vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 13.5 stars 2.3' WNW and 2.3' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5515 = H. III-685 = h1760 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and noted "vF, cS, R." John Herschel made three observations and noted (sweep 73) "F; S; lE; 15"."
******************************
14 15 54.8 -48 06 55; Cen
V = 12.0; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 169°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): moderately or fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, 50"x40", contains a small bright core with a relativelylarge halo. Resides in a pretty rich star field with a pair of mag 11.1/11.4 stars at 11" separation 3.4' ESE. This pair is at the north tip of a very distinctive "Y" or "T-bone" asterism with three stars due south, branching into two "arms" (actually a semicircle) southwest and southeast. Three mag 12-12.5 form a small triangle less than 2' NNE. A double star HJ 4666 = 8.5/10.5 at 11" lies 12' ESE.
NGC 5516 forms a close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 5516 = h3562 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded (sweep 464) "F; S; R: near 2 st 12m; a small double star follows by 5'." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 5517 = UGC 9100 = MCG +06-31-079 = CGCG 191-063 = PGC 50758
14 12 51.3 +35 42 39; Boo
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 125°
17.5" (6/2/00): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weakly concentrated to a slightly brighter core and a quasi-stellar nucleus. Located 7' N of mag 8 SAO 63990. NGC 5499 lies 28' NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5517 = St. 12-63 on 30 Apr 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 2' too far ENE. His published accurate position was made 12 years later on 20 Apr 1882 with description "faint, extremely small, round, bright nucleus."
******************************
14 13 47.7 +20 50 54; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 0.4'x0.4'
17.5" (7/17/01): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 25: diameter. Weak concentration but embedded is a sharp, stellar nucleus, easily seen with direct vision. Squeezed between two mag 10/12 stars 1.2' NW and 1.2' SE, respectively. NGC 5513/NGC 5509 lies 28' SSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5518 = St. 12-64 on 26 Apr 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 3' to the SE. His published accurate position was made 12 years later on 10 May 1882 with description "faint, very small, round, gradually brighter middle.
******************************
NGC 5519 = NGC 5570 = UGC 9111 = MCG +01-36-025 = CGCG 103-132 = PGC 50865
14 14 20.9 +07 30 56; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 75°
17.5" (5/15/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.4'. A mag 14.5 star is at the following edge just 20" from the center. Located 2.6' ENE of a mag 11 star. NGC 5514 lies 13.5' NW.
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 5519 on 26 Apr 1865 and noted
"vF, pL, *10 precedes." His single position matches
William Herschel likely discovered this galaxy on 23 Jan 1784, but his position for H. III-12 = NGC 5570 was poor. He made another observation on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1042) with a better position, but didn't assign a new H-designation as he was uncertain if it was just two stars ("2 vS stars with nebulosity suspected between them.")
******************************
14 12 22.8 +50 20 54; Boo
V = 12.4; Size 2.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 66°
17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE,
1.0'x0.5'. Sharp concentration
with a small bright core and faint extensions. A mag 13 star lies 2.7' SW of center. Located 5.3' WSW of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 5520 = H. III-676 on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "cF, cS, lE, brighter towards the preceding side, nearly in the parallel." Caroline's reduction is 12 sec of RA too far east and 1.5' too far north. He observed the galaxy again on 1 May 1788 (sweep 840), but his RA was further out. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 12 Jun 1887 (repeated in the IC2 Notes). There were no observations by JH, d'Arrest or at Birr Castle.
******************************
14 15 23.7 +04 24 30; Vir
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (6/1/02): very faint, very small, round, just 15" diameter. Appears to have a fairly sharp stellar nucleus surrounded by a small halo. Located between a mag 11.5 star 2.5' S and a similar star 5' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5521 = h1761 on 10 Apr 1828 and recorded "F; S; R; bM; 15"." His single position is accurate.
******************************
14 14 50.3 +15 08 49; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 1.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 50°
17.5" (5/11/02): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.3', weakly concentrated. Nearly collinear with a mag 11 star 2.0' SW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5522 = H. III-644 on 19 Mar
1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "vF, vS, E. 300 confirmed it, but showed 2 small round patches united,
which seem to be like vF aberrations of two stars without the stars. I viewed them with many different
adjustments of the focus."
His position is 17 sec of RA east and 2' south (or 4.5' southeast) of
******************************
14 14 51.7 +25 19 05; Boo
V = 12.1; Size 4.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 99°
13.1" (6/4/83): faint, edge-on streak ~E-W, moderately
large, almost even surface brightness.
Located 2.6' SE of a mag 10.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5523 = H. III-134 = h1762 on
19 May 1784 (sweep 220) and recorded "eF, pL, lE, r, 2 or 3 stars visible
in it. The nebula is nf a pB
star." His position is 5' too
far north. John Herschel logged
(sweep 425) "pB; pL; mE; 2' l, 30" br." and measured an accurate
position. George Johnstone Stoney,
Lord Rosse's assistant, examined the field on 13 Apr 1850 and apparently
discovered
******************************
14 14 00.6 +36 25 02; Boo
= *, Corwin.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5524 on 19 Apr 1855 while
observing
******************************
14 15 39.3 +14 16 57; Boo
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 23°
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint;, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.9'x0.6'. Contains a slightly brighter, rounder core ~20" diameter. Three mag 11 stars are 6'-8' NE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5525 = St. 13-72 on 26 Apr 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 1' E. His published accurate position was made 13 years later on 3 May 1883 with description "pretty faint, pretty small, irregularly round, slightly brighter core and nucleus."
******************************
14 13 53.7 +57 46 17; UMa
V = 13.5; Size 1.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 136°
24" (6/3/19): at 322x; moderately bright and large, very nice thin edge-on 6:1 NW-SE, ~1.2'x0.2', brighter elongated core. A mag 14.3 star is 40" N.
Forms a close pair with
24" (7/12/18): at 375x; faint, moderately large, very thin edge-on 7:1 NW-SE, ~70"x10", fairly low nearly even surface brightness with only a slightly brighter core. A mag 14.3 star is 40" NNE of center.
17.5" (5/27/95): very faint, thin edge-on 6:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.2'. Appears as a low surface brightness sliver with no concentration. A mag 14 star is 0.8' NNE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5526 = H. III-804 = h1763 on
17 Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and noted "cF, S, E." His position and description matches
******************************
NGC 5527 = MCG +06-31-081 = CGCG 191-067 = PGC 50868
14 14 27.2 +36 24 16; Boo
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 149°
18" (7/2/11): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, weak even concentration but no core or zones. Located 17' NW of the thin edge-on NGC 5529. This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 5524 in most sources.
17.5" (5/27/95): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter. No concentration although appears asymmetric and possibly brighter on the west side (or an extremely faint star superimposed). Located 17' NW of NGC 5529. This galaxy is identified as NGC 5524 in modern catalogues.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5527 on 19 Apr 1855 with LdR's
72" during an observation of the NGC 5529 field. This nova was described as "another vF about 15' np [of
NGC 5529]." CGCG 191-067 =
RNGC, PGC, SIMBAD and WikiSky misidentify
******************************
14 16 19.9 +08 17 38; Boo
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 10°
17.5" (7/17/01): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE,
0.6'x0.4', weak concentration. A
small group of 7 mag 12-13 stars is 6' W.
Located 10' SSW of a wide pair of mag 9/10 stars.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5528 = Sw. 6-65 on 23 Mar 1887
and recorded "eeF; pS; R; vF * close; triple star in field
preceding." His position is
just 6 sec of RA following
******************************
NGC 5529 = UGC 9127 = MCG +06-31-085 = CGCG 191-069 = FGC 1735 = PGC 50942
14 15 34.1 +36 13 36; Boo
V = 11.9; Size 6.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 115°
48" (4/22/17): bright, very large, thin edge-on ~8:1 or 9:1 WNW-ESE, 5'x0.6'. Contains a bright, very elongated core or central region that slightly bulges with long thin extensions. A low contrast dust lane runs through the central 1/3 or 1/2 of the galaxy, slicing it asymmetrically with the main brighter portion on the south side of the lane. A mag 14.6 star is at or just beyond the ESE tip. A striking 1' string of three mag 11/13/13.5 stars is ~5' ESE of center.
2MASX J14151337+3610078, 5.5' SW of NGC 5529, appeared faint, very small, round, 6" diameter. A mag 15 star is 22" SSW. It was easily visible (V = 16.6) due to fairly high surface brightness. MCG +06-31-085a, 3.4' SW of NGC 5529, appeared very faint, fairly small, round, 18" diameter. Very low even surface brightness with no zones. This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 5527 in RNGC, PGC, SIMBAD and WikiSky, but it is much too faint to have been discovered visually.
Finally a close trio of galaxies (two interacting) lie ~9' E
of NGC 5529.
18" (7/2/11): fairly faint but striking large edge-on, ~7:1 WNW-ESE, ~3.2'x0.4', weak concentration with a larger, slightly brighter central region. No distinct core or nucleus. A 1' string of three star mag 11/13/13.5 stars is ESE, with the bright star collinear with the major axis of the galaxy.
NGC 5529 forms a close pair with
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, large, edge-on ~8:1 ratio
WNW-ESE, 3.5'x0.4', weak concentration.
Two nearby mag 14.5 stars are 1.4' S of center and off the ESE extension
3.0' from center. Forms a close
pair with MCG +06-31-087 3.8' SE.
Member of the
William Herschel discovered NGC 5529 = H. III-414 = h1764 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "vF, vmE." John Herschel made the single observation "pF; vmE; a long narrow ray pos = 110.3° by micrometer; vgvlbM; 90" l, 12" br." R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 19 Apr 1855, recorded "long narrow ray with a S, R, vF neb sf..." The second object is certainly CGCG 191-071, which was not assigned a GC or NGC designation.
******************************
14 18 27 -43 23 18; Lup
V = 11.3; Size 4.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 127°
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 3.5'x1.5'. Appears as a low even surface brightness glow except for a 12th magnitude star that appears to be superimposed on the center! The galaxy seems to extend further to the NW of the star or the halo may be slightly brighter is this direction. Located 3.8' SSW of a mag 10.2 star. A small rectangular asterism of 4 mag 13-14.5 stars follows by 3'.
13.1" (4/10/86): faint, fairly small, almost round, very bright stellar nucleus (~12th mag) surrounded by a diffuse halo. Very far southern galaxy to view from Northern California.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5530 = h3563 on 7 Apr 1837 and recorded "a star 12m, perfectly sharp in the center of a very dilute, very gradually fading atmosphere, pmE; 90" l, 40" br. A very remarkable specimen of its class." His position is accurate. Robert Innes described the galaxy with a 7-inch from the Cape of Good Hope as "a fine nebulous star".
******************************
NGC 5531 = MCG +02-36-061 = CGCG 074-155 = PGC 50999
14 16 43.3 +10 53 06; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (6/15/15): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
30" diameter. Forms a merged
pair with
17.5" (5/15/99): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, low even surface brightness. Located near midpoint of NGC 5531 5.2' SSE and a mag 9.5 star 5' NW. An attached companion on the south side was not noticed.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5531 on 7 Feb 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured on two nights) is accurate.
******************************
14 16 52.9 +10 48 27; Boo
V = 11.9; Size 1.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.7
24" (6/15/15): moderately to fairly bright, moderately
large, round, 0.8' diameter.
Sharply concentrated with a bright core that increases to a very bright,
quasi-stellar nucleus. Forms a
close, physical pair with
17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint-moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. Sharp concentration with a well-defined bright core and occasional stellar nucleus. I recorded a mag 14.5 star at the SE edge - but this appears to be a contact companion listed in the UGC notes as 0.3'x0.2' just 33" SSE of center! Forms a pair with NGC 5531 5.2' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5532 = H. III-47 = h1765 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 175) and noted "vF, r. I see two or three stars in it." His position was 1.8' too far northwest. One of Herschel's "stars" is very possibly the companion at the south-southeast edge that I picked up. On 9 May 1825 (sweep 4), John Herschel measured an accurate position and called it "F, round, gbM."
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14 16 07.7 +35 20 37; Boo
V = 11.8; Size 3.1'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30°
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, small bright core, diffuse halo.
8" (4/24/82): faint, elongated SW-NE, broad concentration. Located 25' SW of a mag 5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5533 = H. II-418 = h1766 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "pB, mbM, iR." John Herschel made three observations. His positions vary by nearly 3' in declination, but his position on sweep 71 was accurate. R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 30 Mar 1856, noted "E nearly north-south, small star south-following, B Nucl."
CGCG misidentifies
******************************
14 17 40.7 -07 25 02; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 55°
24" (6/15/15): NGC 5534 is an interacting, merging
pair. The main western component
is moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with
a small bright core and stellar nucleus, 40"x25". The dwarf companion Holm 623B = PGC 51057
is attached on the east side with the centers separated by just 26"
(measured on the DSS2). At 375x it
appeared faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, visible continuously. At 200x, NGC 5534 is situated within a
distinctive 12' string of 5 stars mag 10.5-12.5 extending southwest to
northeast. Mag 6.5
13.1" (6/4/83): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
~E-W, small faint nucleus. Located
within in a line of five stars mag 11-12.5 aligned SW-NE of length 11.8'. The nearest is a mag 12.5 star 1.6'
W. Mag 6.5 star
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5534 = T. 5-30 = St. 12-65 on 27 Apr 1878. His uncorrected position was 2' too far SW. Stephan's published micrometric position was reduced on 17 May 1881 and included in his 12th list (#65), published in 1883. Wilhelm Tempel rediscovered NGC 5534 on 29 Apr 1881 and reported it as new in his 5th discovery paper (#30) with description, "class II, stellar nucleus; a * 11-12 precedes. Lalande 21647 follows to the south."
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14 17 31.3 +08 12 30; Boo
V = 15.0; Size 0.5'x0.4'; PA = 15°
48" (4/19/17): at 610x; fairly faint, very small,
round, 12"-15" diameter.
Situated 2.4' NW of
17.5" (7/18/01): extremely faint and small, round, 10"-15" diameter. Collinear with two mag 14/15 stars 2.5' and 4' SW. Located 2.4' NW of brighter NGC 5539.
This radio galaxy is the second brightest in AGC 1890 and at a distance of ~780 million light years (z = .057), is one of the most distant galaxies in the NGC, along with NGC 870 and NGC 2603, according to Wolfgang Steinicke
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5535 = m 273 on 8 May 1864 and
noted "eF, S, irr R."
His position is 7 sec of RA east and 1.7' south of
******************************
14 16 23.8 +39 30 08; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (5/15/99): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S,
0.7'x0.5', very small brighter core.
Located near the midpoint of two mag 11.5 stars 3.5' NW and 3.5'
SE. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5536 = H. III-731 = h1768, along with NGC 5541, on 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) and recorded "vF, vS." On 13 May 1828 (sweep 156), John Herschel wrote: "F; R; the p of 2 or perhaps of 3."
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14 17 37.1 +07 03 17; Vir
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 35°
17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, small, oval 3:2 ~N-S, low even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is just off the SW edge 1.3' from center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5537 = m 274 on 8 May 1864 and noted "eeF, S, lE." His position is accurate.
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14 17 42.5 +07 28 35; Boo
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.2'; PA = 70°
17.5" (5/10/91): extremely faint, very small, round,
averted only. Three mag 12.5-14.5
stars lie 3' S. In a group with
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney
discovered NGC 5538, along with NGC 5542, on 6 Mar 1851. While observing the field of
Albert Marth independently found this galaxy again on 8 May 1864 and catalogued m 275 as "eF, S, E." Dreyer catalogued it again as GCS 5762 but realized the likely equivalence with Stoney's nebula and added the note "must be = GC 3830 [LdR]", though placed it under GCS 5763.
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NGC 5539 = MCG +01-36-033 = CGCG 046-084 = PGC 51054
14 17 37.8 +08 10 46; Boo
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 35°
48" (4/19/17): at 610x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 24"x 18", small bright core. A mag 15.5 star is barely off the NE edge of the halo. NGC 5539 is the brightest cluster member of AGC 1890. Several fainter companions are nearby, the closest 3 form the quartet Rose 20.
2MASX J14173546+0810518 (V = 16.5), 0.6' W: fairly faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.
2MASX J14173411+0813258 (V = 16.1), 2.8' NNW: very faint, extremely small, round, 8" diameter.
17.5" (7/18/01): faint, small, 0.5'x0.3', elongated SW-NE. A faint star is attached at the NE end. Irregular surface brightness and shape. This galaxy is identified as NGC 5535/5539 in MCG and CGCG although NGC 5535 is a separate galaxy 2.4' NW (also observed). At a distance of ~780 million light years (z = .057), this is one of the most distant galaxies in the NGC.
17.5" (5/15/99): this galaxy is the brightest in AGC 1890 and appeared surprisingly faint and small. Very faint, very small, 20" diameter, irregular appearance - appears to have a faint star involved or the galaxy may be double. On the DSS there are several faint stars and/or stellar companions very close. NGC 5535 is 2.4' NW (not seen).
John Herschel discovered NGC 5539 = h1767 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "F; irreg fig; pL; gbM; r." His position matches PGC 51054, the brightest member in the distant cluster AGC 1890. NGC 5535 (discovered by Marth) is 2.4' northwest, although CGCG (046-084) and MCG (+01-36-033) equate NGC 5535 with 5539. At a distance of ~780 million light years (z = .057), this is one of the most distant galaxies in the NGC, along with NGC 870 and NGC 2603, according to Wolfgang Steinicke.
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14 14 54.3 +60 00 39; UMa
V = 13.9; Size 0.5'x0.3'; PA = 10°
17.5" (5/27/95): faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter, moderate surface brightness.
Situated on a line between a mag 10 star 6.9' NE and mag 8.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 5540 = H. III-805 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 924) and noted "eF, vS, stellar neb, 300 verified
it." His position matches
******************************
NGC 5541 = UGC 9139 = MCG +07-29-059 = CGCG 219-065 = PGC 50991
14 16 31.7 +39 35 20; Boo
V = 12.8; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 0°
17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', even surface brightness. Nestled in an 8' string of mag 12-13 stars oriented WSW-ENE. Forms a pair with NGC 5536 5.5' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5541 = H. III-732 = h1769,
along with NGC 5536, on 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) and recorded "vF, vS,
lE." John Herschel made four
observations, reporting on 16 May 1831 (sweep 357), "pF; S; R; gbM;
10"." On another sweep
he mentioned "perhaps a third one near." This possibly refers to
******************************
NGC 5542 = MCG +01-36-034 = CGCG 046-085 = PGC 51066
14 17 53.2 +07 33 31; Boo
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0
17.5" (7/17/01): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, 0.7'x0.5', small bright core.
In a trio with NGC 5546 4.0' E and
17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. In a trio with NGC 5546 4' E and NGC 5538 6' SW.
Bindon Blood Stoney or his brother George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 5542, along with NGC 5538, on 6 Mar 1851. While observing the field of NGC 5546 he noted "another 5' preceding [NGC 5546]." There were no later observations to determine a more precise position. Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position (3 observations in 1865) and noted it preceded NGC 5546 by 16-17 sec of RA.
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NGC 5543 = CGCG 046-088 = PGC 51079
14 18 04.1 +07 39 17; Boo
V = 14.5; Size 0.5'x0.2'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 140°
17.5" (7/17/01): faintest in a trio with NGC 5546 5.5' SSE and NGC 5542 6.4' SW. Faint, very small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.4'x0.2'. Collinear with two mag 13-14 stars equally spaced 1.2' N and 2.3' N.
17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, irregularly round. Three collinear equally spaced (1' separation each) mag 14 stars trail off to the N. In a group with NGC 5546 5' SSE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5543 on 26 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen while observing NGC 5546. His position is accurate.
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14 17 02.6 +36 34 16; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
48" (5/12/18): at 488x;
18" (5/3/08): NGC 5544 is the southwest component of an interacting, contact pair with NGC 5545 (Arp 199). At 280x it appeared as a fairly faint, small, round knot, ~25" diameter (very faint outer halo not seen), weak even concentration. NGC 5544 has a slightly higher surface brightness than elongated NGC 5545. Member of the NGC 5557 group (LGG 378).
17.5" (3/23/85): very elongated streak WSW-ENE, moderately large, uneven surface brightness. This is a contact pair appearing as two brighter knots at the SW end (NGC 5544) and the NE end (NGC 5545).
William Herschel discovered NGC 5544 = H. II-419 = h1771 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded a single object. His description reads "F, pL", so he didn't resolve the fainter eastern galaxy. John Herschel made three observations and logged on 27 Apr 1827 (sweep 72) "F; S; a double nebula or two which run together, pos 10° nf by diagram." Interestingly, although JH described this galaxy in the GC (3833) as "F; pS; E 80°; D[ouble] or biN[uclear]", he credited Lord Rosse with the discovery of GC 3834 = NGC 5545.
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NGC 5545 = Arp 199 NED2 = VV 210a = UGC 9143 = MCG +06-31-091 = CGCG 191-073e = LGG 378-005 = PGC 51023
14 17 05.2 +36 34 29; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 58°
48" (5/12/18): at 488x; the eastern member of this striking overlapping pair appeared fairly bright, very elongated WSW-ENE, ~1'x0.3'. Contains a brighter elongated core region (not as prominent as the core of NGC 5544). The northeast end (an outer spiral arm) dimmed significantly and appeared as a very low surface brightness curving arc. The western outer arm merged with the outer halo of NGC 5544 in a somewhat dimmer region.
18" (5/3/08): this galaxy forms the eastern component of an interacting, contact pair (Arp 199) with NGC 5544 attached at the WSW end. At 280x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.3', weak concentration. NGC 5544 appears as a brighter knot attached at the preceding end! Member of the NGC 5557 group (LGG 378), which lies 17' ESE.
17.5" (3/23/85): double system elongated WSW-ENE and attached to NGC 5544 at the WSW end, 0.6' between centers. Appears larger than NGC 5544. The two systems are separated by just a small darker region of lower surface brightness but are not cleanly resolved.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5545 on 27 Apr 1827. He noted "a double nebula [with NGC 5544] which run together pos 10° nf by diagram." The Stoney brothers (Lord Rosse's assistants) found the pair on 10 Apr 1852 (Sat. night) and noted "either a double nebula or 2 knots of one neb." R.J. Mitchell also logged NGC 5545 on 17 Mar 1855 while observing NGC 5544. He recorded a "D Neb; the p one [NGC 5544] has a nucleus or a stellar point in the center, the following one [NGC 5545] is elongated, no nucleus but lbM." A sketch was made and included in Lawrence Parsons' 1880 publication on plate V. John Herschel credited Lord Rosse with the discovery in the GC and Dreyer followed this in the NGC. Steinicke concurs that John Herschel should be credited with the discovery.
The NGC positions for both objects are very close, but misleading as the declination for NGC 5545 (nearest arcminute) is slightly south of NGC 5544, instead of north.
******************************
NGC 5546 = UGC 9148 = MCG +01-36-035 = CGCG 046-089 = PGC 51084
14 18 09.3 +07 33 51; Boo
V = 12.3; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (7/17/01): brightest in a small trio and forming a right angle with NGC 5542 4.0' W and NGC 5543 5.5' NNW. Moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter. Broad concentration to a brighter core.
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, prominent bright core, stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group with NGC 5542 4' W and NGC 5543 5' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5546 = H. III-551 = h1770 on
1 May 1786 (sweep 560) and recorded "Two [with III-552 = NGC 5549], both
eF and vS. The place is that of
the last; a little inaccurate. I
would not stay to verify it properly.
So that there remains some little doubt; the 1st precedes the last about
3 or 4'." His position is
within 1.5' of
On a second observation on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1042), H's
position for III-551 is 2.4' southwest of
******************************
14 09 45.0 +78 36 04; UMa
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 20°
17.5" (7/16/93): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter, low even surface brightness. A string of three mag 12-14 stars are equally spaced about 3' to the west and oriented SW-NE. An extremely faint mag 16 star is just off the south edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5547 = H. III-948 on 20 Dec
1797 (sweep 1074) and noted "eF, vS, E near the meridian." Caroline's reduced position is 25 sec
of RA east of
******************************
NGC 5548 = UGC 9149 = MCG +04-34-013 = CGCG 133-025 = Mrk 1509 = LGG 381-001 = PGC 51074
14 17 59.6 +25 08 13; Boo
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 110°
13.1" (6/4/83): fairly bright, small, fairly bright
stellar nucleus [Seyfert galaxy], round, faint halo. Brightest in a small group (LGG 381) with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5548 = H. II-194 = h1773 on 19 May 1784 (sweep 220) and noted "vF, stellar." On sweep 425, John Herschel reported "B; vsvmbM; like a star with feeble atmosphere." and measured an accurate position (mean of two sweeps). Deep images reveal a very low surface brightness outer tidal arm, though no obvious interacting companion.
******************************
NGC 5549 = UGC 9156 = MCG +01-36-036 = CGCG 047-001 = PGC 51118
14 18 38.9 +07 22 38; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 120°
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 NW-SE, broadly concentrated.
Mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 5549 = H. III-552 = h1772 on 1 May 1786 (sweep 560) and recorded "Two [with III-552 = NGC 5549], both eF and vS. The place is that of the last; a little inaccurate. I would not stay to verify it properly. So that there remains some little doubt; the 1st precedes the last about 3 or 4'." His position is within 1.5' of UGC 9156. See NGC 5546 for problems with the identity of III-552.
******************************
14 18 28.0 +12 52 59; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 100°
17.5" (5/11/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.6', low surface brightness with a very weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is at the SW edge, just 27" from center. Located 14' SW of mag 5.4 18 Bootis.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5550 = h1774 on 4 Apr 1831 and recorded "vF; pmE; 30" l, 15" br. Just comes into the field with 18 Bootis." His position is accurate.
******************************
14 18 54.9 +05 27 04; Vir
V = 13.9; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (6/1/02): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, contains a nearly stellar nucleus. A very faint star is at the south edge of the halo (verified on DSS).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5551 = m 276 on 8 May 1864 and
noted " 3 * * in nebulosity."
His position matches
******************************
14 19 03.8 +07 01 54; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.3'; PA = 175°
17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated, small bright core.
Forms a close pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5552 = m 277, along with NGC
5544, on 8 May 1864. He simply noted "vF, S." and his RA was 5
seconds too large. Lewis Swift may
have found this pair again on 14 Jun 1884 and recorded
******************************
14 18 29.8 +26 17 15; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 88°
17.5" (6/2/00): faint, small edge-on E-W,
0.8'x0.2'. At the edge of the 220x
field are
John Herschel discovered NGC 5553 = h1775 on 6 May 1831 and
recorded "vF; lE; 15"."
Although he noted both the RA and Dec as very uncertain, his position is
just 1' south of
******************************
NGC 5554 = NGC 5564: = CGCG 047-006 = PGC 51160
14 19 15.0 +07 01 16; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.5'; PA = 10°
17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, slightly elongated. A mag 14 star is 1.4' W. Forms a similar pair with NGC 5552 2.8' WNW. NGC 5563 lies 12' ENE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5554 = m 278, along with NGC 5552, on 8 May 1864 and noted "eF, S." Lewis Swift probably found this pair again on 14 Jun 1884 and recorded Sw. 1-33 = NGC 5564 as "S; vvF; sf of 2; v diff.; a star midway between them." His RA, though, is 1 minute too large, and falls much closer to NGC 5563. Because of this, Dreyer suggested in the NGC Notes section that NGC 5563 was perhaps a duplicate of NGC 5563.
******************************
14 18 48.1 -19 08 20; Vir
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 115°
18" (5/29/05): very faint, small, elongated 4:3
WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.3', low surface brightness. A mag 14 star lies 2' NE. It took some effort to identify this galaxy in the field,
even with a star chart. Located 7'
SE of a mag 9
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5555 = LM 1-202 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.0, 0.7' dia, iR, gbMN." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.3 min of RA east of ESO 579-015, typical with his positions. MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 5555.
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14 20 34.3 -29 14 32; Hya
V = 11.8; Size 4.0'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 148°
13.1" (3/17/86): extremely diffuse, moderately large, very difficult, low surface brightness "hazy" region. Involves 3-4 fainter stars on the north side.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5556 = h3564 on 8 May 1834 and recorded "eF; L; 2' diam; has some small stars involved." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 5557 = UGC 9161 = MCG +06-31-093 = CGCG 191-074 = LGG 378-001 = PGC 51104
14 18 25.8 +36 29 36; Boo
V = 11.0; Size 2.3'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 105°
18" (5/3/08): at 280x appeared bright, moderately large, round. Contains a bright, 40" core and a sharply concentrated 10" intense nucleus with a bright stellar point at the center. The outer halo is much fainter and extends slightly E-W, ~1.5'x1.3'. A mag 10 star lies 4.8' NW. Brightest in a group (LGG 378) with NGC 5544/5545 (Arp 199) 17' WNW.
17.5" (3/23/85): bright, fairly small, small bright core dominates. A very faint star is involved at SE side. The NGC 5544/NGC 5545 pair lies 16' NW and the thin edge-on NGC 5529 is 38' WSW.
8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5557 = H. I-99 = h1776 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "cB, S, R, bM." On 16 May 1787 he logged "vB, S, R, vsmbM." On 9 May 1826 (sweep 28) John Herschel wrote, "B; R: vsmbM to a *; vF at the borders." His sketch in the 1811 paper (Fig. 25) was used as an illlustration of "nebulae that are suddenly much brighter in the middle."
A total of 11 observations were made at Birr Castle. On 26 Apr 1848, Lord Rosse, or his assistant William Rambaut, logged "Nucleus manifested a decidedly spiral arrangement; the neb becomes eF towards the edges; from the upper [sff] par of the nucleus proceeds a circular spiral, only seen by glimpses (as also spirality of nucleus)." The observation was made during the period when spiral structure was sometimes overzealously described. NGC 5557 was included in the list of "Spiral or curvilinear" in LdR's 1850 PT paper, though it is a standard E-type galaxy and the 1861 publication mentions "frequently observed, nothing certain”.
******************************
NGC 5558 = NGC 5552: = CGCG 047-004 = PGC 51140
14 19 03.8 +07 01 54; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 5552.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5558 = Sw. 1-32, along with NGC
5564 and
******************************
NGC 5559 = UGC 9166 = MCG +04-34-017 = CGCG 133-032 = LGG 381-002 = PGC 51155
14 19 12.6 +24 47 55; Boo
V = 14.0; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 67°
13.1" (6/4/83): very faint, elongated WSW-ENE, fairly small, requires averted vision. NGC 5548 lies 26' NW (similar redshifts).
William Herschel discovered NGC 5559 = H. III-347 = h1777 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, S, lE." There is nothing near his position, but
77 sec of RA east is
******************************
14 20 04.5 +03 59 33; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 3.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 115°
48" (5/4/16): at 375x; bright, large, very elongated
6:1 WNW-ESE, 3.5'x0.6'. Contains a
very bright, elongated core region and long, thin stretched-out arms that
gradually fade (low surface brightness) towards the tips. The arms curve slightly north on the
west side and south on the east end, creating a subtle, graceful integral
sign! A mag 14.3 star is 0.7' N of
center. Forms an interacting pair
with
24" (5/11/13): fairly bright, fairly large, very
elongated 7:2 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.6', relatively large bright core, fades and
tapers towards tips. First in a
trio with NGC 5566 5.3' SE (the pair forming
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, moderately large,
edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, fairly smooth surface brightness. A mag 14 star is just 40" NNW of
center. Located 5.3' NW of NGC
5566 in a group and 5' ESE of mag 8.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 5560 = H. II-579 = h1778, along with NGC 5566, on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558). He called it "pB, cL, E." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.
******************************
14 17 22.8 +58 45 02; UMa
V = 14.9; Size 0.4'x0.35'
17.5" (6/2/00): very faint, small, slightly elongated,
0.4', low even surface brightness.
A mag 14 star is close NW [57" from center]. Forms a close pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5561 = Sw. 1-31 on 11 May 1885 and recorded "vvF; pS; R; F * near west." His position is within 20 arcseconds of the center of PGC 2800986, a very compact galaxy. Furthermore, there is a mag 14 star 1' west-northwest matching his description. Nevertheless, PGC, MCG and RC3 misidentify UGC 9151 as NGC 5561. This larger spiral galaxy is located just 2.4' SSW of Swift's position, but has a much lower surface brightness. Because of the misidentification, there is no (low) PGC listing for this galaxy. NGC 5561 is mentioned in the UGC notes to UGC 9151 (separation 2.6'). See Harold Corwin's notes.
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14 20 11.0 +10 15 46; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, slightly elongated
WSW-ENE, 0.4'x0.3', even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is 1.0' SE of center. Located 3.1' NE of a mag 11 star.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5562 on 28 Jun 1883 while
observing NGC 5511 and reported it in his 8th discovery paper. In the narrative portion of the paper,
he describes (translation from Wolfgang Steinicke) "Two degrees north of
it [NGC 5511], I found on June 28th a new nebula and have seen it several times.
At this time I can specify its position only from Argelander's atlas [the BD]:
14h 13m Os +10d 39'. It is small, III; 3' south-preceding the nebula is a star
11m, and 3 sec following is a very faint star." Tempel's rough position is 16' south of
******************************
NGC 5563 = CGCG 047-011 = PGC 51226
14 20 13.1 +07 03 20; Vir
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.4'; PA = 80°
17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, extremely small, round,
small bright core. Located just
west of a line of three mag 13-14 stars including a mag 14 star 1.8' ENE and a
mag 13 star 1.8' SE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5563 = m 279 on 8 May 1864 and
noted "eF, S, lE." His
position matches
******************************
NGC 5564 = NGC 5554: = CGCG 047-006 = PGC 51160
14 19 15.0 +07 01 16; Vir
See observing notes for NGC 5554.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5564 = Sw. 1-33, along with NGC 5558 and 5565, on 14 Jun 1884 and recorded "S; vvF; sf of 2; v diff; a star midway between them." His position is just 2' south of NGC 5563 and Dreyer mentions in the NGC Notes section that NGC 5564 and 5565 are probably identical to NGC 5563. But Harold Corwin notes that Swift's description applies to NGC 5554 (discovered earlier by Marth), as a star is midway between the two galaxies. NGC 5565 was placed just 30" south of NGC 5564, but there is nothing at this position. RNGC classifies NGC 5564 as nonexistent.
******************************
14 19 18.6 +06 59 42; Vir
= *?, Corwin. = Not found, RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5565 = Sw. 1-34, along with NGC 5558 and 5564, on 14 Jun 1884 and recorded "S; vvF; R; v diff." His position is 30" south of Sw. 1-33 = NGC 5564, which is probably a reobservation of NGC 5554. Assuming this is the case, his offset suggests NGC 5565 refers to a mag 15.5 star 1.8' southeast of NGC 5554.
Harold Corwin mentions that Swift called NGC 5558 and 5564 "np of 2" and "sf of 2" and carefully describes the nearby field, although the positions imply NGC 5564 and 5565 would be a much closer pair. Another possibility, is that NGC 5565 is actually a duplicate of NGC 5563. In any case, there are only three galaxies in this area, and all were found previously by Marth. See Corwin's identification notes.
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NGC 5566 = Arp 286 NED2 = UGC 9175 = MCG +01-37-002 = CGCG 047-012 = KTG 54B = Holm 630a = LGG 379-003 = PGC 51233
14 20 19.9 +03 56 01; Vir
V = 10.6; Size 6.6'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 35°
48" (5/4/16): at 375x; extremely bright and large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 6.0'x1.5'. Very sharply concentrated with a large, roundish, very bright core containing a large, very intense nucleus! The southern extension or arms is slightly wider than the northern counterpart and more evenly lit, though it is brighter along its southern edge, particularly closer to the core region (this is the edge of a spiral arm). The northern branch is brighter along its northern edge and appears to be a low contrast spiral arm, bending or twisting slightly counterclockwise (towards the east). A mag 12 star is 1.6' E of center and a mag 13.8 star is 1.2' WSW. Brightest in an excellent trio with NGC 5560 5.3' NW and NGC 5569 4.3' NE.
24" (5/11/13): very bright, very large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE. Very sharply concentrated with a large, bright elongated core that is also sharply concentrated with an intense elongated nucleus, angled with respect to the major axis. The halo is very diffuse without a sharp edge, but extends at least 4.0'x1.3'. The core is bracketed by mag 12 and 14 stars to the east and west, respectively. NGC 5569 lies 4.3' NE, beyond the edge of the galaxy, and NGC 5560 is 5.3' NW.
17.5" (3/23/85): bright, fairly small, slightly
elongated SSW-NNE, small bright nucleus.
Brightest of three with NGC 5560 5.3' NW and NGC 5569 4.1' NE. A mag 12 star is 1.6' E of center. A pair of mag 8 and 9 stars (
William Herschel discovered NGC 5566 = H. I-144 = h1779, along with NGC 5560, on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and noted "cB, cL, R, gmbM." John Herschel made 3 observations. On 19 May 1832 (sweep 426) he described it as "B; R; 40"; gbM; r; has a *12m 1 diam of neb dist nf."
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14 19 17.6 +35 08 16; Boo
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated bright core. Forms a trio with NGC 5568 3' SSE and an anonymous galaxy 1' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5567 = h1780 on 3 Apr 1831 and noted "pF; R." His position matches CGCG 191-075 = PGC 51161. First in a group of 5 NGC galaxies.
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14 19 21.2 +35 05 32; Boo
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/10/86): faint, small bright core. Larger of a pair with NGC 5567 3' NNW.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 5568 = Big. 72 on 27 May 1886. His position matches CGCG 191-077, located 3' SSE of NGC 5567.
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NGC 5569 = Arp 286 NED3 = UGC 9176 = MCG +01-37-003 = CGCG 047-013 = KTG 54C = Holm 630c = LGG 379-002 = PGC 51241
14 20 32.1 +03 59 00; Vir
V = 14.5; Size 1.7'x1.4'
24" (5/11/13): faint, fairly large, very diffuse glow with a very weak core, slightly elongated, ~1.2'x1.0'. Faintest in a triplet; 4.3' NE of NGC 5566 and 7.0' E of NGC 5560.
17.5" (3/23/85): extremely faint, almost round, fairly small, just visible at 200x. This difficult galaxy is the faintest of three and located just 4.1' NE of the center of NGC 5566 and 6.8' E of NGC 5560.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5569 on 26 Apr 1849. During an observation of NGC 5560 and 5566 he noted "a new neb eeF, gvlbM, north following h1779 [NGC 5566].
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14 14 20.9 +07 30 56; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 75°
See observing notes for NGC 5519.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5570 = H. III-12 = h1781 on 23 Jan 1784 (sweep 110) and recorded "a nebula, it is excessively obscure." His published description adds "vF, forming an arch with 3 stars.” but there is nothing near his position.
Harold Corwin suggests H. III-12 is the first observation of NGC 5519: "NGC 5519 indeed forms an arch with two stars west and southwest, and a third is superposed on the galaxy. WH's observation puts N5570 21m 15s p, 0d 34' s of 31 Bootis. This is 6 minutes of time off the position of N5519. I think that the "21m" is a transcription error and should read "27m." In that case, the RA as well as the Dec and the description would match N5519.”
Interestingly, it appears Herschel observed this galaxy again on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and noted "2 vS stars with nebulosity suspected between them." His position was 3' too far south, but matches the mag 14.5 star attached to the following end and the nucleus of the galaxy. He didn't assign an internal discovery number or H-designation for this observation.
Searching for his father's H. III-12, John Herschel recorded h1781 on 9 May 1828 as "Not vF; S; R; bM. (RA by working list.)" His position was roughly the same as his father's. On the second sweep he simply noted "Seen. as also III. 551 [NGC 5546] in the same parallel, but considerably dist in RA.”
The RNGC and PGC (but not MCG or CGCG) misidentify CGCG
047-007 as NGC 5570. This galaxy is roughly 1 min of RA west of WH's
position and 5' south, but doesn't match his description of "forming an
arch with two stars." Still, it's possible
******************************
14 19 32.0 +35 09 03; Boo
17.5" (6/2/00): at 280x-500x, three very faint stars are resolved including a very close double. It is easy to see how this close "clump" of stars (four on the POSS) could have been mistaken for a nebula. Located with a group of faint NGC galaxies and 30' SW of a mag 5 star.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 5571 = Big. 73 on 27 May
1886. His position in his second
Comptes Rendus list corresponds with a small group of 4 stars. According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan
thought there was some nebulosity on his first observation (used in the NGC),
but he resolved the stars on the second attempt. RNGC incorrectly equates NGC 5571 with
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14 19 35.3 +36 08 26; Boo
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/23/01): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 40" diameter, weak concentration. Located at the midpoint of two mag 11 stars 6' NE and 6' SW. A third mag 10.5 lies 7' S. Member of the NGC 5557 group (LGG 378).
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5572 = St. 13-73 on 5 May 1870. His unpublished position was 3.5' ESE of center. A second observation was recorded on 22 May 1878. He reduced the position on 13 May 1883 and published it in his 13th list (#73).
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NGC 5573 = MCG +01-37-005 = CGCG 047-016 = PGC 51257
14 20 41.5 +06 54 27; Vir
V = 14.1; Size 1.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 105°
17.5" (5/10/91): very faint, very small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, broad concentration. NGC 5563 lies 10' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5573 = m 280 on 8 May 1864 and noted "vF, S, lE." His position is accurate.
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14 20 56.0 +03 14 17; Vir
V = 12.4; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 63°
24" (6/8/13): bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NW-SE, ~1.2'x0.8'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core that increases to an intense central spot. Forms a prominent pair with NGC 5576 2.8' NE.
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly faint, very elongated WSW-ENE, small bright core possibly stellar. Second brightest of three in a group with NGC 5576 2.7' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5574 = H. I-145 = h1782 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558), along with NGC 5576, and described both as "Two, the time place is that of the 2nd [NGC 5576]. The preceding [NGC 5574] pB, pL, E. Distance about 3 or 4' from sp to nf." JH's simply reported "F; S; lE" and measured an accurate position.
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14 20 59.5 +06 12 09; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (6/1/02): faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter. Weak, even concentration to a faint, quasi-stellar nucleus.
Albert Marth found NGC 5575 = m 281 on 8 May 1864 and noted
"F, vS, or neb*." His
position is 1' north of
******************************
NGC 5576 = UGC 9183 = MCG +01-37-007 = CGCG 047-020 = KTG 55B = PGC 51275
14 21 03.7 +03 16 16; Vir
V = 11.0; Size 3.5'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 95°
24" (6/8/13): very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated E-W, 2.0'x1.6'. Well concentrated with a large, very bright core and a more diffuse halo that gradually fades out. The core gradually increases to the center. A mag 13 star is 1.2' NW of center at the NW edge. Brighter of a striking pair with NGC 5574 2.8' SW.
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly bright, bright core, bright
stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is
at the NW edge 1.3' from center.
Brightest of three with NGC 5574 2.7' SW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 5576 = H. I-146 = h1783 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558), along with NGC 5574, and recorded "Two; the preceding [NGC 5574], pB; pL; E. Distance 3' or 4' sp nf." On a later sweep he noted I-146 was "cB, R, pL." John Herschel recorded "vB; R; vsmbM; a star 11 mag north-preceding and the nebula I 145 [NGC 5574] south-preceding makes a right-angled triangle with I 146 at the right angle."
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NGC 5577 = UGC 9187 = MCG +01-37-009 = CGCG 047-022 = KTG 55C = PGC 51286
14 21 13.1 +03 26 09; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 3.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 56°
24" (6/8/13): moderately bright, large, very elongated ~7:2 SW-NE, ~3.0'x0.9', broad concentration to large, brighter central region but no distinct core or nucleus. A mag 15.5 star is at the east flank of the NE extension and two mag 15.5 stars are off the west flank on the NE side. Largest but faintest (by far the lowest surface brightness) of trio with NGC 5576 10' SSW and NGC 5574 12.6' SSW.
17.5" (3/23/85): fairly large, very elongated WSW-ENE, very diffuse, low surface brightness. Faintest of three in a group with NGC 5576 10' SSW.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5577 on 26 Apr 1849. While observing NGC 5576 he found that "16' nf [NGC 5576] there is a L, F ray about 4.5'x1', gvlbM." Two years later (12 May 1850), he described this "Nova" as "pB, D* close preceding, * in nf edge." Although the identification is certain, the separation is only 10' northeast of NGC 5576 as noted by d'Arrest, who measured an accurate position.
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NGC 5578 = NGC 5575: = UGC 9184 = MCG +01-37-008 = CGCG 047-021 = PGC 51272
14 20 59.4 +06 12 09; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9
See observing notes for NGC 5575.
Lewis Swift found NGC 5578 = Sw. 1-35 on 22 May 1884 and recorded "vF; vS; lE; mbM to nucleus." His position is 15 sec of RA following NGC 5575 (discovered by Marth in 1864), so it's a bit surprising that Dreyer assumed it as new, and recatalogued it as NGC 5578. In any case, NGC 5575 = NGC 5578, with NGC 5575 the primary designation.
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NGC 5579 = Arp 69 = VV 142 = UGC 9180 = MCG +06-32-002 =
14 20 26.5 +35 11 18; Boo
V = 13.6; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 165°
48" (4/30/19): at 545x; fairly bright, fairly large, larger brighter core region, roundish with a diffuse, very irregular halo. A linear segment of a spiral arm was occasionally visible on the northeast side [knotty portion of spiral arm on the SDSS]. The initial part of two spiral arms were just visible on the south side: a low contrast spiral arm extended SSE from the central region and occasionally a second parallel "arm" about 20" to its west also extended south.
48" (5/12/18): at 488x; fairly bright, fairly large, irregular shape, contains a large brighter core that appears offset to the north side. The surface brightness of the halo was fairly low so discerning structure was difficult and the seeing was fairly poor. A long spiral arm that forms a looping arc on the south side was visible as faint, curving haze but no individual HII knots were resolved.
NGC 5579 forms a close physical pair with
13.1" (4/10/86): faint, fairly large, slightly
elongated, very diffuse, even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5579 = H. III-415 = h1784 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "eF, pL."
John Herschel made two observations and recorded on 27 Apr
1827 (sweep 72): "F; pL; the preceding of 2 [with h1785 = Nova]" and
on sweep 331 "eF; L; 30 or 40"." His positions on both sweeps were good, though there is
nothing at his position for h1785 = NGC 5580. But 1 min of RA due east is NGC 5590. He claimed in the GC (and repeated by
Dreyer) that NGC 5579 was missed at Birr Castle (though
******************************
14 21 38.3 +35 12 17; Boo
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.5
See observing notes for NGC 5590. Incorrect identification in the RNGC with an anonymous galaxy 1' S of NGC 5579.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5580 = h1785 on 27 Apr 1827 and noted "Not vF; 20"; the following of 2 [with NGC 5579]." His position for NGC 5579 on this sweep is good, though there is nothing at his position for h1785. But exactly 1 min of RA following his position is NGC 5590 and Harold Corwin suggests (personal letter dated 9/12/94) that NGC 5580 = NGC 5590. This would imply he missed NGC 5589 on this sweep. See his identification notes for the full story.
RNGC misidentifies LEDA 214249, an extremely faint galaxy located 1.7' S of NGC 5579, as NGC 5580. This error is included in my RNGC Corrections #1.
******************************
14 21 16.3 +23 28 48; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.7'
17.5" (7/22/01): faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.7'x0.5', very weak concentration, very small brighter core. A mag 14 star is close SSE [40" from center]. Located 5' NNE of a mag 10 star.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5581 = St. 13-74 on 3 May 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 1' SE of center. His accurate published position in list 13, #74 was made 13 years later on 6 May 1883 with description "very faint star [stellar nucleus?] in very faint, very small, round, nebulosity."
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14 20 43.2 +39 41 36; Boo
V = 11.6; Size 2.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 25°
17.5" (6/23/01): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.6'x1.1'. Embedded in the halo is a small, rounder, prominent core ~35" diameter. The core is moderately concentrated to a quasi-stellar nucleus. Situated with a group of stars including a mag 10.5 star 3.5' SE, a mag 13 star 1.5' WSW and a mag 14 star 1.2' following.
17.5" (5/19/01): moderately bright, moderately
large. The halo is 1.5'x1.0'
extended SSW-NNE and contains a prominent core which increases to a stellar
nucleus. Located 3.7' NW of mag 10
William Herschel discovered NGC 5582 = H. II-754 = h1786 on 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) and recorded "pB, pL, R, a faint nucleus." John Herschel made four observations, describing it on 28 Apr 1827 (sweep 73) as "pB; R; gbM; 30"; has a * 11m 50° sp, dist 80"."
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14 21 40.6 +13 13 56; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 80°
17.5" (7/22/01): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.4'x0.3'. Forms the SE vertex of a small equilateral triangle with a mag 11 star 1' NW and a mag 14 star 1' W.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5583 = Sw. 3-80 on 4 Jun 1886 and
recorded "vF; pS; R; pB * nr; also a F one." His position is 6 sec of RA west and 1'
south of
******************************
14 22 23.8 -00 23 16; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 3.4'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 140°
18" (5/28/06): fairly faint, fairly large oval 3:2 NW-SE, ~2.5'x1.7', broad weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is just off the north end and a mag 13 star is off the SE end.
17.5" (4/5/97): fairly large diffuse glow, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~3.5'x2.2', broad weak concentration which is offset towards the west side. The halo is much weaker west of the core. A mag 12 star is off the north side [2.1' NNE of center] and the SE end extends to a mag 13 star [1.9' SE of center].
8" (6/29/84): faint, moderately large, very diffuse, no sharp edges. A mag 12 star is off the north edge 2.1' NNE. Located 3.4' SW of a mag 10.5 star.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 5584 on 27 Jul 1881 with his 5-inch refractor from Nashville and it's probably the first galaxy Barnard discovered. He reported this galaxy in Sidereal Messenger I, p135 (1882) as "very faint nebulosity of moderate extension; pretty even in light. A small star involved. A brighter star lies north and just free of nebulosity." It was also announced in AN 108, p.369 with a position measured by Oliver Wendell at the Harvard Observatory. He noted that the nebula was "examined by, among others, Mr. Tempel and is here inserted merely as a matter of record", but there is not published observation by Tempel. Swift reported a mottled appearance and thought more light and power would resolve it.
******************************
14 19 48.3 +56 43 45; UMa
V = 10.7; Size 5.8'x3.7'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 30°
17.5" (6/23/01): moderately bright, fairly large,
elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 3.5'x2.5'. Broad, weak concentration to a 1' slightly
brighter core. A mag 14 star is
close south (2.1' S of center) and a mag 11.5 star is 3.4' NE of center. Located 5' NW of mag 9.5
8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, diffuse. Located 5' NW of mag 9 SAO 29106.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5585 = H. I-235 = h1790 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and recorded "cB, pL, vgmbM, iF, r, about 4' diam." John Herschel made a single on observation, noting ""vF; vL; R; vgbM; diam 2' at least; moonlight and haze."
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14 22 07 +13 11 06; Boo
= Not found, Corwin. = *?, Gottlieb. = Not found, RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5586 = Sw. 3-81 on 4 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; vS; R; nearly between 2 B st." There is nothing at his position. The nearest object is NGC 5583 (27 sec of RA west and 3' north), which he discovered the same night. There are two bright stars bracketing his positions, but no object that could be confused with a nebula and Harold Corwin was unable to recover this object. See Corwin's identification notes.
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14 22 10.8 +13 55 04; Boo
V = 12.5; Size 2.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 162°
17.5" (5/15/99): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.5'.
Extended in the direction of mag 8.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5587 = H. III-110 = h1787 on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 200) and recorded "vF, vS, lE. 240x verified it." He later observed it on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and logged "pB, S, lE." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; R: gbM. Is np a * 8m 6' dist."
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14 21 25.1 +35 16 14; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
See observing notes for NGC 5589.
John Herschel found NGC 5588 = h1789 on 9 May 1826 (sweep 28) and simply noted "eF." There is nothing at his position. On the same sweep, he recorded NGC 5590 and measured an accurate position, but h1788 = NGC 5589 was not recorded. So, Harold Corwin suggests h1789 may be a duplicate observation of NGC 5589. Herschel placed NGC 5588 about as far south of NGC 5590 as NGC 5589 is north and RA's are identical, so if he reversed the direction of the declination offset from NGC 5590, then his position for h1789 = NGC 5588 would match NGC 5589. See Corwin's identification notes for his summary.
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NGC 5589 = NGC 5588: = UGC 9197 = MCG +06-32-005 = CGCG 192-004 = LGG 378-002 = PGC 51300
14 21 25.1 +35 16 14; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
13.1" (4/10/86): faint, round, even surface brightness. Forms a close pair and similar size with NGC 5590 located 4.8' SE. Member of the NGC 5557 group (LGG 378).
William Herschel discovered NGC 5589 = H. III-416 = h1788, along with NGC 5590, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "Two, the time is that of the south-following, both vF and S. Distance about 6' or more." John Herschel made two observations and noted on 3 Apr 1831 (sweep 337), "The np of 2. Pos with the other = 330° [NNW] by micrometer." Herschel's h1789 = NGC 5588, which he found on 9 May 1826 (sweep 28), is probably a duplicate observation. See that number.
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NGC 5590 = NGC 5580 = UGC 9200 = MCG +06-32-006 = CGCG 192-006 = LGG 378-003 = PGC 51312
14 21 38.3 +35 12 17; Boo
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.5
13.1" (4/10/86): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 5589 4.8' NW. NGC 5579 lies 15' W. Member of the NGC 5557 group (LGG 378).
William Herschel discovered NGC 5590 = H. III-417 = h1791, along with NGC 5589, on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405). John Herschel made three observations and recorded (sweep 337) "pB; R; psbM; 15"; the sf of 2; moonlight." In addition, h1785 = NGC 5580 is a duplicate observation with a 1 min error in RA. So, NGC 5590 = NGC 5580.
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NGC 5591 = UGC 9207 = MCG +02-37-006 = CGCG 075-023 = Mrk 809 = PGC 51360
14 22 33.3 +13 43 01; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 95°
24" (6/15/15): at 375x; the brighter western component
of this merged, interacting double system appeared fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 3:2 E-W, roughly 0.6'x0.4', brighter core, fairly low surface
brightness. The attached eastern
component (
17.5" (5/15/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.5', slightly brighter core. A mag 11 star lies 2.7' SE. NGC 5587 lies 13' NNW. Either the pair was unresolved or I only viewed the brighter western component of this disturbed double system.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5591 = Sw. 3-82 on 4 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; S; R; pB star near south-following." His position is 8 sec of RA too far west and 2.2' too far south though his comment "pB * near south-following" secures the identification.
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14 23 55.0 -28 41 17; Hya
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 88°
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated, brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5592 = H. III-924 = h3565 on 5 May 1793 (sweep 1041) and recorded "eF, S, r. 300 confirmed it." John Herschel made the single observation "pF; E; gvlbM; 25"." from the Cape of Good Hope.
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14 25 39 -54 47 54; Lup
Size 7'
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): picked up at 76x as fairly striking elongated group of stars. At 228x, this is a distinctive group of 11 brighter mag 10/11 stars including a nice pair (h 4675 = 10/11 at 8") and perhaps 30 stars total in a 7'x2.5' group that is quite elongated E-W. The cluster is well-detached in the field. In the center is a nearly 1.5' region devoid of stars which separates the cluster into two subgroups with the double star just following this vacuity. Appears fully resolved, even at low power.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5593 = h3566 on 8 Jul 1843 (sweep 468) and described "a poor, coarse, oblong cluster, which is the most condensed part of a rich region of stars 10m. Place of a double star [HJ 4675] in the following part."
James Dunlop was wrongly credited with the discovery of NGC 5593 in the NGC due to a transcription error he made in the RA of D 357 = NGC 5822. See that number for more.
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14 23 10.3 +26 15 57; Boo
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 150°
17.5" (6/23/01): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 0.7'x0.5', weak concentration. Located 1.9' NNW of a mag 10.5 star. The galaxy did not appear as elongated as dimensions imply, so probably only viewed the inner region.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5594 = H. III-135 on 19 May
1784 (sweep 220) and noted "eF, vS, stellar, 240x verified it." In the notes section of the NGC, Dreyer
says there was a discrepancy of 10' in the declination between Caroline
Herschel's and Auwers' positions. He
used Caroline's [her position was actually 6' off in dec] though Auwers' was
more accurate. In Dreyer's 1912
correction list he also notes "the PD should be 63° 8'." Using this correction, H. III-135 =
Stephane Javelle rediscovered the galaxy on 14 Jul 1895 and
measured a good position for J. 3-1306 (later (
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14 24 13.3 -16 43 23; Lib
V = 12.0; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 55°
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, fairly large, diffuse,
brighter core, elongated SW-NE.
Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5595 = H. III-121 = h1792, along with NGC 5597, on 14 May 1784 (sweep 214) and recorded "Two, both vF and nearly R. The following [NGC 5597] which is the most south, is a little larger than the preceding [NGC 5595] but fainter; and is about one minute in dia." I should probably have overlooked it had it not been for the first; their distance is about 5' and position about 10 or 15 degrees sf." John Herschel described this galaxy (sweep 157) as "F; L; R; vglbM; 60 or 80" diam; the first of 2; delta RA = 15s." His position is accurate.
Based on a Franklin-Adams photograph taken in April 1911, H.E. Woods described NGC 5595 as a "spiral nebula; diameter 55", about 12th magnitude." At the Helwan observatory, Knox-Shaw (1924) described it as a "curious single branch spiral, arms being formed of straight portions, absorbed [dust] on s.f. side."
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14 22 28.7 +37 07 20; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 100°
17.5" (6/23/01): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W,
0.7'x0.6'. Weak concentration with
a very small, slightly brighter core.
Located 13' SW of mag 7.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 5596 = H. III-418 = h1795 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "eF, stellar." John Herschel made the single observation "eF; S; R" and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 5597 = MCG -03-37-002 = VV 446 = Holm 638b = PGC 51456
14 24 27.5 -16 45 46; Lib
V = 12.0; Size 2.1'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 95°
13.1" (6/18/85): faint, small, round, small bright nucleus, very slightly elongated, faint halo. Forms a pair with NGC 5595 4' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5597 = H. III-122 = h1793, along with NGC 5595, on 14 May 1784 (sweep 214). See description for NGC 5595. John Herschel described this galaxy (sweep 157) as "vF; L; R; the second of 2; 60 or 80" diam; delta RA = 15 sec."
Based on a Franklin-Adams photograph taken in April 1911, H.E. Woods described NGC 5597 as a "small round nebula with bright nucleus; about 60" diameter; magnitude 12.5."
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14 22 28.3 +40 19 11; Boo
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 50°
18" (7/2/11): fairly faint to moderately bright,
moderately large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, 45"x35", gradually increases to a
brighter core and a very small bright nucleus. Largest in a group with
17.5" (5/15/99): slightly larger of a similar pair with
NGC 5603. Fairly faint, fairly
small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.9'x0.7', very weak concentration. In a group with NGC 5603 7' NE. Located 6' E of mag 9.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5598 = H. III-733 = h1796, along with NGC 5603, on 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) and recorded "vF, vS." John Herschel made two observations, although he noted that one position was bad and the second was uncertain in dec. Nevertheless his second position was accurate.
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14 23 50.8 +06 34 33; Vir
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 160°
17.5" (6/1/02): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.5', fairly even surface brightness. Located 10' NNE of a 1' pair of mag 8.5
(
William Herschel discovered NGC 5599 = H. III-927 = h1794 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and noted "vF, S." John Herschel made a total of 4 observations.
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14 23 49.5 +14 38 20; Boo
V = 12.1; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (6/12/99): at 280x appears moderately bright, broadly concentrated to a 50" bright core which is slightly brighter on the following side. The small halo is slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 1.3'x1.1'. Forms one end of a cross asterism with a mag 10 star 8' NE and two mag 12 stars 4' N and 4' SE.
8" (5/21/82): fairly faint, round, broad concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5600 = H. II-177 = h1797 on
17 Apr 1784 (sweep 200) and noted "rather F, no L, lbM, r." His position is 30 sec of time west of
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NGC 5601 = MCG +07-30-006 = CGCG 220-009 = PGC 51370
14 22 53.3 +40 18 34; Boo
V = 14.6; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 0°
18" (7/2/11): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 30"x20", very weak concentration. Faintest of three NGC galaxies with NGC 5598 5' W and NGC 5603 4.4' NNE. The faintest in the group is UGC 9216 situated 6.5' N.
17.5" (6/8/02): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.5'x0.15'. Located 4.9' ESE of NGC 5598 and 4.3' SSW of NGC 5603 within a small group of galaxies.
Sir Robert Ball, an assistant on LdR's 72" telescope, discovered NGC 5601 on 27 Mar 1867. Under the listing for GC 3867 [=NGC 5598] and GC 3871 [=NGC 5603] is the comment "One or perhaps 2 novae; 2nd may be a *". Although there was no diagram or offsets in the 1880 LdR monograph, Dreyer published a good position for NGC 5601 in the GC Supplement (5770) and NGC. The second nebula that Ball suspected is probably UGC 9216. The MCG selection for NGC 5601 appears to be NGC 5603, while its choice of NGC 5603 is UGC 9216.
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14 22 18.9 +50 30 05; Boo
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 166°
18" (5/3/08): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very bright, 0.4'x0.3' core and a 1.2'x0.8' halo.
17.5" (6/2/00): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
NNW-SSE, 0.7' diameter, sharply concentrated with a bright 20" core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5602 = H. II-694 on 15 May
1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "pF, pS, mbM, lE." Caroline's reduction is 2' north of UGC
9210. Copeland observed the field
at Birr Castle on 9 Apr 1874 and noted, "2 nebulae, both S, nf one the
fainter." A diagram with west
down, published in the large 1880 monograph, appears to show NGC 5602, labeled
Alpha with a bright core, and probably
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NGC 5603 = UGC 9217 = MCG +07-30-008 = CGCG 220-011 = I Zw 86 = PGC 51382
14 23 01.5 +40 22 38; Boo
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (7/2/11): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
30" diameter, fairly high surface brightness, well concentrated to a very
small, bright core. Brightest in a
small group of 4 galaxies at 285x including
17.5" (5/15/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, even concentration to a brighter core and faint, stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group with NGC 5598 7' SW and NGC 5601 4.3' SSW. Also, a low surface brightness companion, UGC 9216, less than 3' NNW was not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5603 = H. III-734 = h1800,
along with NGC 5598, on 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) and noted "cF,
pS.". John Herschel made two
observations (first on 13 May 1828), calling this galaxy both pB and vF. His
mean position matches
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14 24 42.7 -03 12 44; Vir
V = 12.8; Size 1.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 20°
48" (4/19/17): at 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 or 3:2 ~N-S, ~50"x35" . Contains a bright, elongated, mottled core. The N-S extensions are a bit non-symmetric in surface brightness with a hint of spiral structure, but nothing definite.
17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, broadly concentrated with no defined nucleus. A mag 10.5 star is 4.7' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5604 = H. III-668 = h1799 on 15 Apr 1787 (sweep 730) and recorded "cF, S, r." His RA is 7 tsec too large. On 15 Apr 1828 (sweep 146), John Herschel called it "F; pL; vgbM to a stellar point." and measured an accurate position.
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14 25 07.6 -13 09 48; Lib
V = 12.3; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 85°
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly large, diffuse, weakly concentrated to a small brighter core, fairly low surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5605 = H. III-120 = h1798 =
h3569 on 11 May 1784 (sweep 211) and recorded "eF, pL, iR, rather brighter
towards the following side."
Caroline's reduction is 25 sec of RA east of
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14 27 47 -59 37 54; Cen
V = 7.7; Size 3'
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this is a compact, distinctive group of two dozen stars mag 8.7-15 including four mag 8.7-10 stars in a 2'-3' region. Two of these stars form a wide 21" pair on the west side and are surrounded by several faint companions creating a rich clump. The main group is only 2.5' in diameter, though it is situated in a glittering, rich star field so the cluster is not completely detached from the surrounding field.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5606 = D 313 = h3568 on 8 May 1826 and recorded "a very minute group of small stars, about 2' long, extended in the parallel of the equator." John Herschel made a single observation on 6 July 1836 (sweep 713): "a small close group of large and small stars, forming a cluster."
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14 19 26.7 +71 35 17; UMi
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (7/10/99): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, gradually increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus at moments with concentration. The galaxy is bracketed by two mag 13-14 stars 2.8' WSW and 2.2' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5607 = H. II-331 on 16 Mar
1785 (sweep 389) and logged "F, pS, easily resolvable." His position
is 1' from
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14 23 17.7 +41 46 33; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 95°
17.5" (7/10/99): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2
E-W, ~1.8'x1.2'. This galaxy has a
pretty low surface brightness with very weak concentration and an ill-defined
edge to the halo. Located 11' WNW
of mag 8.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 5608 = H. II-673 = h1801 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "F, pL, E, vlbM." John Herschel made the single observation "F; R; pL; vgbM; 80". Sky very fine." and measured a fairly accurate position.
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NGC 5609 = 2MASX J14234825+3450350 = PGC 3088538
14 23 48.3 +34 50 34; Boo
V = 15.6; Size 0.4'x0.35'
48" (4/15/10): at 431x easily visible with direct
vision as a moderately bright, fairly small, round glow of ~20" diameter,
with a moderately high surface brightness. Located 4' WSW of
24" (7/8/13): at 280x, fairly faint, fairly small,
round, low even surface brightness, 18" diameter. Visible continuously with averted. Located 4' WSW of NGC 5614 (
18" (5/16/09): extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter. Required averted vision to glimpse ~20% of the time at 280x, though could consistently repeat the observation. Visible over 1/2 the time in a 22" at 330x. Located 4' WSW of NGC 5614.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 5609 on 1 Mar 1851. During an
observation of NGC 5614 he noted "[NGC 5614] is double [with
******************************
14 24 23 +24 36 51; Boo
V = 13.2; Size 2.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 108°
17.5" (5/11/96): fairly faint, nearly edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x0.4', moderate surface brightness with no concentration. A mag 10 star follows by 5.6'. Member of a small group (LGG 381), along with NGC 5548 and 5559.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5610 = H. III-136 = h1802 on 19 May 1784 (sweep 220). His description reads, "eF, vS, E. Like two stellar nebula very near each other. 240 showed the same; though there remains a possibility of a deception." He reobserved this galaxy on 10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and noted "vF, S, E nearly in the parallel." John Herschel made a more detailed description (sweep 425), "pF; pmE; gbM; 30"; a star 9m follows 20s in the parallel." His position is accurate.
******************************
14 24 04.9 +33 02 49; Boo
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 63°
13.1" (6/18/85): moderately bright, very small,
slightly elongated, stellar nucleus.
A mag 13.5 star is 1.9' WSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5611 = h1803 on 29 Apr 1827 and recorded "F; S; R; vsmbM." His position is accurate.
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14 34 01.5 -78 23 16; Aps
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 63°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~35"x25" (core only viewed?). A star is at the southwest end. Located 57' NW mag 3.8 Alpha Apodis.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5612 = h3567 on 23 May 1835 and recorded "vF; E; gbM; with a feeble appearance of stars, but I have hardly a doubt of its being a nebula." His position is fairly accurate.
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NGC 5613 = Arp 178 NED1 = VV 77c = UGC 9228 = MCG +06-32-021 = PGC 51433
14 24 05.9 +34 53 31; Boo
V = 14.9; Size 0.4'x0.3'
48" (4/15/10): at 431x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~24"x18", very small brighter core. Located 2' NNW of NGC 5614. Slightly brighter and larger than NGC 5609 situated 4.7' SW
24" (7/8/13): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 10" diameter, stellar nucleus. With averted vision the halo elongates the size increases to 15"x10". Located 2' N of NGC 5614 in a quartet, though its redshift implies NGC 5613 lies in the background at twice the distance.
17.5" (5/27/95): extremely faint, very small, round, requires averted vision to glimpse. Located 2.0' N of NGC 5614.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5613 on 1 Mar 1851. While making an observation of NGC 5614 he noted "[NGC 5614] is double [with NGC 5615], two others [NGC 5609 and 5613] faint." A diagram shows NGC 5613 2' north of NGC 5614. On 6 May 1877 Dreyer described NGC 5613 as "eF, pS, dif neb in Pos. 354°, Dist 116" (actual separation 120") and made a sketch.
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NGC 5614 = Arp 178 NED3 = VV 77a = UGC 9226 = MCG +06-32-022 = CGCG 192-014 = PGC 51439
14 24 07.7 +34 51 32; Boo
V = 11.7; Size 2.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
48" (4/15/10): very bright, large, round, ~1.5' diameter, bright core increases to center. At 330x two "stars" are superimposed, one on the northwest side of the halo with a fainter star superimposed on the east side of the halo. A third faint star lies ~50" NE of center. At 430x, the "star" on the NNW edge was noticed to be a compact "knot" (interacting companion NGC 5615), ~4" diameter. A tidal tail appears as a very low surface brightness hazy extension off the NW side with NGC 5615 at the position where this glow attaches to the galaxy. Arp classified this extension (Arp 178) as a "narrow counter-tail", apparently formed from a previous interaction with a neighbor (perhaps NGC 5615).
24" (7/8/13): very bright, large, round, sharply concentrated with a blazing core that gradually brightens towards the center. Contains a large, irregular halo that increases in size with averted to 1.4'. A very small, very faint "knot" (NGC 5615) is at the NW edge. NGC 5613 lies 2' NNW and NGC 5609 is 4' WSW.
17.5" (5/27/95): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 1.5' diameter. Well concentrated to a prominent 30" core. A mag 11 star lies 2.7' ESE of center. Forms a pair with NGC 5613 2.0' N.
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5614 = H. II-420 = h1804 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405). His description reads, "pB, vS, R, mbM and the brightness diminishing very gradually." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position. Bindon Stoney, observing on 1 Mar 1851 at Birr Castle, noted "[NGC 5614] is double, two others [nearby] faint." The companion (sketched as very close north-northwest) is NGC 5615.
******************************
NGC 5615 = Arp 178 NED2 = VV 77b = MCG +06-32-023 = LGG 380-004 = PGC 51435
14 24 06.4 +34 51 54; Boo
V = 15.3; Size 0.2'x0.2'; Surf Br = 10.9
48" (4/15/10): at 330x logged as a faint "star" at the northwest edge of the halo of NGC 5615, although at 430x it was noticed to be a nonstellar knot, ~4" diameter. Extending from this knot to the northwest of the halo of the galaxy is a very low surface brightness extension. This tidal plume was classified by Arp (178) as a "narrow counter-tail".
24" (7/8/13): at 322x appeared as a very faint, very small knot at the NW edge of NGC 5614.
18" (5/16/09): at 280x, appeared as an extremely faint, virtually stellar object at the northern edge of the halo of NGC 5614, 25" from the center. Required averted vision and only occasionally popped into view for moments.
17.5" (7/18/01): at 380x, occasionally an extremely faint stellar object was barely glimpsed ~25" N of the core of NGC 5614 within the outer halo. Only detected ~15% of the time, but sighting confirmed.
17.5" (5/27/95 and 7/17/01): not seen.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5615 on 1 Mar 1851. He noted "[NGC 5614] is double, two others [NGC 5609 and 5613] faint." A diagram in the 1880 publication clearly shows a small knot at the north-northwest side of NGC 5614. A later observation by R.J. Mitchell on 14 May 1857 called it a "faint star involved north. I suspect it to be a cluster."
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14 24 20.6 +36 27 42; Boo
V = 13.8; Size 2.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 157°
17.5" (7/10/99): faint, moderately large, edge-on
2.0'x0.4' oriented NNW-SSE, bright core.
A mag 15 star lies 2.5' N of center. Located 6.7' N of mag 9.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5616 = H. III-419 = h1805 on
1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, vS, E, er." John Herschel made the single
observation "vF; S; lE; vgbM: and his position matches
******************************
14 29 44 -60 42 36; Cen
V = 6.3; Size 10'
13.1" (2/20/04 - Costa Rica): ~75 stars are irregularly distributed over a 10' region. The stars have a wide range of magnitudes from 10 to 14.5 and the cluster is dense in spots. Many of the stars are organized into strings with most arranged along a fairly rich string of stars running ~NNE-SSW. Additional groups of stars lies to the east and west. The cluster is easily located 1.2° WNW of Alpha Centauri between Alpha and Beta. The planetary He 2-111 lies 26' ESE.
10x30mm Canon IS (3/27/19 - Tasmania): fairly faint, large, roundish, no obvious resolution. Alpha Centauri is in the field 1.2° ESE.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5617 = D 302 = h3570 on 8 May 1826. Based on two observations he wrote, "a cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes, considerably congregated towards the center, 4' or 5' diameter." His position is just 2' SW of center (well within the borders).
John Herschel made 3 observations, first recording on 24 Apr 1835 (sweep 578), "Cl VI. v rich; irreg R; pm comp M, but scattered at borders; 15' there are 3 stars 10m; 5 or 6 11m; the rest below 11m."
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14 27 11.8 -02 15 46; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 10°
18" (5/29/05): faint, moderately large, diffuse glow, 1.0' diameter, weakly concentrated. A mag 12 star lies 2' W. Located 15' W of mag 5.0 Phi Vir, a mag 4.9/9.5 pair at 5".
18" (6/18/04): faint, fairly small, round, 0.8'x0.7', fairly low surface brightness with very weak concentration. A mag 12 star lies 2' W. Just outside the field lies Phi Virginis (very unequal magnitude double 5.0/9.5 at 5").
William Herschel discovered NGC 5618 = H. III-763 on 23 Mar
1789 (sweep 917) and noted "eF, S." His position is within 1' of
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14 27 18.2 +04 48 10; Vir
V = 12.6; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 8°
24" (5/11/13): moderately to fairly bright, very
elongated 5:2 N-S, ~1.6'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a very bright, very
small core. Brightest and largest
in a trio with
17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 1.7' NW of center. Brightest of three with IC 4424 3.5' NE and UGC 9258 3' ESE. The three galaxies form a rough equilateral triangle with sides of length 3'.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5619 = h1806 on 10 Apr 1828 and recorded "vF, R; vgbM; 25"." He missed the two nearby companions, including IC 4424. Auguste Voigt found the galaxy again in 20 Mar 1865, though the rediscovery was not published. Stephan made an observation on 8 May 1878 (as well as 22 May) and added the comment "+ une autre très faible". Although he only listed a single position for NGC 5619, the other is likely IC 4424.
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NGC 5620 = N5607: = UGC 9189 = MCG +12-14-001 = CGCG 337-007 = Mrk 286 = VII Zw 547 = IC 1005 = PGC 51182
14 19 26.7 +71 35 17; UMi
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8
See observing notes for NGC 5607.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5620 = H. III-319 on 3 Apr 1785 (sweep 391) and recorded "Suspected, eF, vS." There is nothing near his position (offset from Beta UMi 32 min 2 sec preceding and 2° 26' south).
The RNGC and PGC misidentify CGCG 337-010 = PGC 51356 as NGC
5620. This galaxy is two degrees
south of WH's position. A better
candidate is
******************************
14 27 49.7 +08 14 29; Boo
= ***, Gottlieb. Not found to match description, RNGC.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5621 = H. III-14? = h1807 on 30 Jan 1784 (sweep 134) and logged "I suspect an almost imperceptible cl of stars or nebulosity. It precedes 31 Bootis 12.5 min, 9' north." There is nothing near this position.
John Herschel recorded h1807, which he took as III-14 on 17 Apr 1830. His position was 82 seconds of RA to the west and he noted "the faintest possible". Bigourdan was unable to find this object, although he suspected a nebula at the position of h1807. Karl Reinmuth, in his photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel", took CGCG 047-050 as NGC 5621 and described "F, cS, E, r; *14.7 p 2.0', *12.7 ssp 1.7'."
At the position of h1807, used in the GC and NGC, is a 26" pair of mag 15.5-16 stars and a third mag 17.5 star. Whether this is Herschel's III-14 is unknown.
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14 26 12.2 +48 33 50; Boo
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 90°
17.5" (7/12/99): faint, moderately large, elongated 5:3 E-W, ~1.5'x1.1'. There is a broad, weak concentration but no core. A mag 14 star is 2.5' SSW and another 3.0' E. A brighter mag 11.5 star lies 4.6' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5622 = H. III-677 = h1809 on
15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "vF, pS, lE." Caroline's reduced position is 1' north
of
******************************
NGC 5623 = UGC 9260 = MCG +06-32-035 = CGCG 192-021 = PGC 51598
14 27 08.7 +33 15 08; Boo
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 17°
13.1" (6/18/85): moderately bright, very small bright
core, small almost round halo.
Located among a group of brighter stars including mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 5623 = H. II-329 = h1808 on
13 Mar 1785 (sweep 388) and logged "F, S, R." On 29 Apr 1827 (sweep 74), John
Herschel commented, "F; S; R; vsmbM; 15 to 20"; almost stellar." Édouard Stephan made observations on 2
May and 2 Jun 1878 and also discovered
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14 26 35.4 +51 35 09; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 3°
24" (6/29/16): at 260x; moderately bright, elongated
4:3 N-S, , ~0.8'x0.6'. The surface
brightness is irregular and the outline asymmetric; specifically the galaxy is
brighter on the north end [appears to be an HII knot on the SDSS].
17.5" (7/12/99): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.0'x0.7', weak concentration. The galaxy is collinear with two mag 12 stars 5.1' and 7.7' SSE. Located 20' SE of mag 4.0 Theta (23) Boo.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5624 = Sw. 6-66 on 9 May 1887 and recorded "eF; S; lE; Theta Bootis in field." His position is 12 seconds too far west. Howe measured an accurate micrometric position (MN, LXI, 1900).
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14 27 02.2 +39 57 26; Boo
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (6/23/01): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated 0.7'x0.5', low even surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star lies 3.7' E and a mag 13.5 is 5' N. Located 12' SSW of mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 5625 = h1810 on 28 Apr 1827 and recorded "vF; S; R; gbM; 20"." His position is accurate.
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14 29 49.1 -29 44 56; Hya
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 127°
18" (5/16/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:4, ~30"x24", broad weak concentration. Forms the south vertex of an isosceles triangle with a mag
8.7 star 4.8' NW and mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 5626 = h3571 on 30 Mar 1835 and recorded "eF; R; 20"." His position is at the southwest edge of the galaxy.
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14 28 34.3 +11 22 41; Boo
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 120°
17.5" (7/18/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~1.0'x0.6'. Broad concentration in outer halo but then suddenly rises to a very small bright core. An isosceles triangle of mag 10/12/12 stars is close west with the 10th mag star 3' SW.
Brightest in a group of 6 galaxies (WBL 508) within 20' and
in a tight trio with
John Herschel discovered NGC 5627 = h1811 on 4 Apr 1831 and
recorded "vF; R; 15"; about 3' f and 40" n of a *
9m.". His position (h1811)
matches
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14 28 25.7 +17 55 28; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 175°
17.5" (7/22/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.6'. Contains a very small brighter core and relatively bright stellar nucleus. Forms the SW vertex of an equilateral triangle with two mag 10/11 stars 6' NE and 6' E.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5628 = St. 13-75 on 3 May 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 2.5' SW of center. He made a second observation (within 1') on 28 May 1875. His published micrometric position in list 13, #75 was made on 6 May 1883 with description "small nucleus of 14m surrounded by a rather fainter nebulosity, small, round, gradually condensing towards the center."
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14 28 16.4 +25 50 56; Boo
V = 12.1; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/11/96): moderately bright, fairly small,
round, 1.0' diameter, bright core.
I expected to find a single galaxy so was surprised to find five
galaxies in the 9mm Nagler field with
IC 1017 is fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 45"x25", bright core. A mag 12 star is 1.1' WSW. IC 1013 is very faint, fairly small, round, very weak concentration, 40" diameter. IC 1019 is faint, small, round, 20" diameter. A mag 13 star lies 25" W of center. IC 1020 is faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, very small bright core. A mag 13 star lies 0.9' NW of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5629 = h1812 on 6 May 1831and
recorded "pF; R; gbM; 20".
Precedes [
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14 27 36.8 +41 15 27; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 2.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 98°
17.5" (6/23/01): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 ~E-W, 1.5'x0.4'.
Nearly even surface brightness.
Extended in the direction of a mag 12 star 3.8' W. Located 14' N of mag 6.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 5630 = H. II-674 = h1814 on
9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "pB, E, about 1 1/2' l and 1/2' broad;
nearly in the parallel." His
position is poor (7' southeast of
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14 26 33.3 +56 34 58; UMa
V = 11.5; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.5
18" (4/26/08): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a very bright, 15" core. A faint stellar nucleus was clearly visible with direct vision.
17.5" (5/27/95): bright, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter. Sharp concentration with a prominent 20" core that dominates the galaxy. The southern half of the 20' field is oddly devoid of stars (only a few mag 14-15 stars) but contains a number of mag 12-13 stars in the north half of the field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5631 = H. I-236 = h1820 on 17 Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and recorded "vB, S, R, irr Br Nucl." John Herschel made two observations (first on 1 May 1831) and measured an accurate position.
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14 37 53.4 -00 23 55; Vir
See observing notes for
George Bond discovered NGC 5632 = Au 33 = HN 11, along with
But in 2015 Yann Pothier found that Bond misidentified his
offset star as #118 instead of
#129 (in Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol I, part II, p 282-3). Once corrected, his position
("Another nebula precedes No. 118 2m 30s, and is in the same declination
with star No. 118.") is 28 seconds of RA east of NGC 5691 and the other
two objects also match up with galaxies.
The RNGC and PGC misidentify
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14 27 28.5 +46 08 50; Boo
V = 12.5; Size 2.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 10°
17.5" (5/27/95): fairly faint, elongated 3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8', moderate surface brightness, very weak concentration. A right triangle of evenly matched mag 12 stars follows with the closest star 2.6' E. Close W of the north vertex star is a very faint double star.
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, slightly elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5633 = H. I-185 = h1818 on
11 May 1787 (sweep 733) and noted "pB, S, mbM." His position is 2'
south of
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14 29 37.2 -05 58 35; Vir
V = 9.4; Size 4.9'; Surf Br = 0.1
48" (5/10/18):
Beautiful globular cluster with 50 stars or more resolved at 375x! Several streams or chains of stars
(many easily visible) extend out of the central region, which is densely packed
with faint stars over a bright, mottled background glow. A few dozen very dim stars were
constantly sparkling in and out of visibility so it wasn't possible to make a
decent star count. A very bright orange field star (mag 7.9
17.5" (4/13/96): fairly bright, moderately large,
irregularly round, 3.5' diameter.
Contains a large bright core of 2' diameter that appears mottled with
stellarings or knots. The
brightest knot is on the northwest side of the core. Set in a striking field between mag 8.5
17.5" (6/8/91): bright, round, 3.5' diameter. Situated in a pretty field among three bright stars. The small halo smoothly increases to a broadly concentrated core which is very mottled but not resolved. A few very faint stars are resolved off the edges of the halo at 412x and a star or knot is visible at the west edge of the core.
8": moderately bright, moderately large. A mag 10 star is on the east edge and a mag 12 star on the west edge.
This globular is possibly a former member of the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy and appears to be situated in the trailing tidal stream.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5634 = H. I-70 = h1813 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and recorded "vB, cL, brighter about the middle and the brightness diminishing very gradually, irreg, situated between 3 or 4 considerable stars." There is nothing at his position, but 74 sec of RA west is this globular cluster. John Herschel logged it as "A fine small compressed globular cluster. I can barely discern the stars; the are 19m, 80" diam; has a * 7-8m 90" dist, pos 30° sf, and another 10m np." The latter star is south-preceding."
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14 28 31.9 +27 24 31; Boo
V = 12.5; Size 2.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 65°
24" (7/6/13): at 322x appeared fairly bright, fairly
large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.7'. Well concentrated with a large bright core ~30"
diameter, that gradually increases to the center. The extension to the southwest appears longer and brighter,
so the galaxy has an asymmetric appearance. The DSS confirms this impression, as the SW arm is
noticeably brighter and better defined.
Nearly collinear with mag 9.5
17.5" (7/16/01): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated ~2:1 WSW-ENE, 2.2'x1.0'. Broad concentration to a 40" rounder core. Collinear with mag 9.5 SAO 88365 11' NW and a mag 11 star 7' NW. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.9' S of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5635 = H. III-132 = h1815 on 17 May 1784 (sweep 219) and recorded "eF; S; lE; with 240x it appeared the same." On 30 Mar 1827 (sweep 65), John Herschel described the galaxy as "pB; S; E; sbM."
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14 29 39.1 +03 15 58; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 40°
24" (6/27/14): fairly faint to moderately bright,
elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration with a slightly brighter
core, but no noticeable nucleus.
Forms a 2' (non-interacting) pair with the bright elliptical
17.5" (6/8/91): faint, fairly small, 1.2'x0.9', slightly elongated SW-NE, very low even surface brightness. Forms a close pair with the high surface brightness galaxy NGC 5638 1.9' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5636 = H. II-580 = h1816, along with II-581 = NGC 5638, on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558). He recorded "Two, the place is that of the most south [NGC 5638]. pB, gbM, pL, R. The most north [NGC 5636] distance about 2'. eF, cL, requiring much attention to be seen." On 9 Apr 1828 (sweep 142) John Herschel noted, "eF; R; the np of 2."
On 25 Apr 1848 William Parsons (or assistant Rambaut) noted "A bright, double nebula". John Herschel assumed that one was NGC 5638 but the second object was new and assigned it a separate GC designation (3905) from II-580. Later, Dreyer realized the second object was NGC 5636 and both GC designations are combined in the NGC.
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14 28 59.8 +23 11 29; Boo
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 10°
17.5" (7/22/01): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
~E-W, 0.7'x0.5', nearly even surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is 1.3' NW. Several mag 11 stars are in the field with the closes 3.6'
ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5637 = H. II-357 = h1819 on
10 Apr 1785 (sweep 394) and recorded "F, S, lbM, irr." His position is 3.5' too far north.
John Herschel made two observations (first on 22 May 1830) and his mean
position is a good match with
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NGC 5638 = UGC 9308 = MCG +01-37-018 = CGCG 047-063 = Holm 653a = LGG 386-015 = PGC 51787
14 29 40.5 +03 13 59; Vir
V = 11.2; Size 2.7'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
24" (6/27/14): bright, large, very slightly elongated
NNW-SSE, 1.8'x1.5'. There are three very distinct brightness zones.
The central region was sharply concentrated with a very bright core
containing an intensely bright, quasi-stellar nucleus. The halo was
fairly uniform and only dimmed at the edges. NGC 5638 is the brightest in
a trio with NGC 5636 2' NNW and much fainter
UGC 9310 appeared very faint, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, ~0.6'x0.25', surprisingly low surface brightness. Extends generally north of a mag 13 star (double with a mag 14.7 star 20" SW) at the south end, which detracts from viewing. Another mag 13 star (very close double) is 1.3' N.
17.5" (6/8/91): bright, moderately large, slightly
elongated 5:4 NW-SE, 1.5'x1.2', increases to a very small very bright core
containing a stellar nucleus. Forms an unusual pair with low surface
brightness NGC 5636 1.9' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5638 = H. II-581 = h1817, along with II-580 = NGC 5636, on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and recorded "Two, the place is that of the most south [NGC 5638]. pB, gbM, pL, R. The most north [NGC 5636] distance about 2'. eF, cL, requiring much attention to be seen."
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14 28 46.5 +30 24 46; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 98°
17.5" (6/5/99): faint, moderately large, round, low
surface brightness, no concentration, slightly elongated E-W. A mag 11.5 star is just 0.9' S of
center. Located 3.8' ESE of mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 5639 = h1821 on 15 May 1830 and
recorded "vF; R; n of a * 11m; a * 7.8 precedes." His position and description matches
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14 20 40.8 +80 07 23; Cam
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.4'; PA = 20°
17.5" (7/16/01): extremely faint, very small, round,
20", low even surface brightness.
Two mag 15 stars are 1' SE and 2' SSE. An equilateral triangle of mag 10 stars with sides 3' in
length is at the east edge of the 220x field.
17.5" (6/23/01): extremely faint, very small, round, 15". Requires averted vision to glimpse and no details visible. A trio of mag 10-11 stars is at the east edge of the 220x field (22'). This galaxy seems very faint to be picked up by William Herschel while sweeping.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5640 = H. III-949 on 20 Dec 1797 (sweep 1074) and noted "eF, S, lE near the parallel [in RA]." Dreyer mentions in the collected papers of WH that Bigourdan twice failed to find this object, but the RA may be nearly 2.0 tmin following the NGC position using a different reference star.
Corwin suggests NGC 5640 = CGCG 353-035. This galaxy is 1.1 tmin east and 3'
north of the NGC position though at this declination the difference in RA is
negligible. Using the position of
******************************
14 29 16.7 +28 49 18; Boo
V = 12.2; Size 2.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 158°
17.5" (6/20/98): moderately bright, fairly large,
elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.0'x0.8'.
Fairly well-defined 30" oval core. A mag 13 star is 2.8' preceding.
13.1" (6/4/83): fairly faint, moderately large,
slightly elongated, broadly concentrated.
Located 33' NNE of STF 1850 = 7.0/7.4 at 26".
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5641 = St. 11-24 on 19 May
1871, with additional observations on
15 May 1877, 27 Apr 1878 and 30 May 1878. His published position (list 11, #24) was reduced on 4 Jun
1880 and matches
******************************
14 29 13.5 +30 01 35; Boo
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 130°
17.5" (6/5/99): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, small bright core, 1.2'x0.8'. A mag 13 star is attached on the following side 18" from center. A mag 12 follows by 1.5'.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5642 = H. III-126 = h1822 on
16 May 1784 (sweep 218) and recorded "two small stars with suspected
nebulosity between. 240 rather
confirmed it, but left a doubt." On 10 Apr 1831 (sweep 342), John Herschel
reported "pB; vS; close to and np a * 12m; pos from * = 33.5° by
micrometer." His position and
description matches
******************************
14 32 40.7 -44 10 28; Lup
V = 10.0; Size 4.6'x4.0'; Surf Br = 13.0
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x I was very impressed with this large, bright barred spiral. The halo is slightly elongated, ~3.5'x3.0' and sharply concentrated with a very bright, small, core. A brighter bar oriented E-W extends through the center. A star is superimposed on this bar to the west of the core. A second superimposed star lies 35" to the south and continuing on this line is a third star just at the edge of the halo, 1.7' S of center. At the east end of the bar a slightly enhanced arc sweeps clockwise to the north and a similar enhancement on the west side sweeps to the south. The faint arc or arms wrap around 180° making a complete outer ring. The central bar and the outer ring together formed the Greek letter "Theta". NGC 5643 is situated in a fairly rich Lupus star field.
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fascinating glimpses of structure at 228x! This galaxy was fairly bright and large, round, ~3.5' diameter. The surface brightness was clearly patchy in the halo due to the strong impression of clockwise spiral structure but there was only a broad, weak concentration in the center, except for a sharply concentrated, bright 15" nucleus. A broad spiral arm is attached on the east side of the galaxy and shoots sharply to the north. There was an impression of another spiral arm attached on the west side of the galaxy. It appeared to sweep towards the south in a clockwise orientation, though this structure was not as well defined. A string of five stars angling SSE to NNW appear to puncture the galaxy on the south side with the northern two stars superimposed on the west side of the galaxy. The last star in the chain is just west of the nucleus. Located in a star field densely peppered with stars.
13.1" (4/10/86): faint, diffuse, fairly small. Two stars are superimposed on the south and SW side.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 5643 = D 469 = h3572 on 10 May 1826 and recorded "an exceedingly faint, extended nebula, about 10' long; rather ill-defined." His position is just 5' east, but his size estimate is a very poor match (transcribed correctly from his handwritten notes). Perhaps he thought a nearby chain of stars was a nebula and the positional match is just a coincidence?
John Herschel first observed the galaxy on 1 Jun 1834 (sweep 454) and logged "pB, L, vgbM, 2', resolvable, or with stars." Two nights later he called it "pF, L, R, vglbM; has many stars intermixed." This galaxy was first resolved as a "spiral nebulae" on a plate taken at Harvard's Arequipa station around 1900 with the 24-inch Bruce refractor.
******************************
14 30 25.6 +11 55 40; Boo
V = 12.5; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (6/24/95): moderately bright, round, 1.0'
diameter. Sharply concentrated
with a well-defined, nearly stellar bright nucleus. Forms the vertex of a right angle with a mag 12 star 1.4' SW
and a mag 14 star 0.9' NNW of center.
Located 4.7' SSW of a mag 10 star.
Forms a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5644 = St. 11-26, along with NGC 5647, on 11 May 1869. His published micrometric position was made 11 years later on 11 Jun 1880.
******************************
14 30 39.7 +07 16 29; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 2.4'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 80°
17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, 2.0'x1.5',
elongated 3:2 E-W, gradually increases to elongated ill-defined core. Located 6' W of mag 9.1
8" (6/29/84): faint, small, diffuse, low surface brightness, irregularly round, slightly elongated ~E-W. A mag 10 star is ESE. Located near the Bootes border.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5645 = H. II-150 = h1823 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 192) and recorded "F, pS, nearly R, easily resolvable." His position was 3.5' too far north. He made another observation on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1042), logged "cB, iF, about 2' long and 1 1/2' broad" and measured an accurate position. John Herschel made two observations, describing it as both "vF" (on 8 May 1828) and "pB" (on 19 Apr 1830).
******************************
14 29 33.9 +35 27 42; Boo
V = 14.2; Size 1.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 81°
17.5" (6/20/98): very faint, small. With extended viewing, elongated 3:1
WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.3', only a weak concentration. Requires averted to see full extensions well. The major axis is collinear with a mag
10 star 2.0' following. Located 13' NW of
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5646 = St. 11-25 on 28 Apr
1881. His micrometric position
matches
******************************
NGC 5647 = UGC 9329 = MCG +02-37-017 = CGCG 075-058 = PGC 51843
14 30 36.1 +11 52 36; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 1.2'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 0°
17.5" (6/24/95): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. There is a hint of extremely faint extensions N-S. A mag 12 star lies 1.2' SW of center. Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 5644 4.0' NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5647 = St. 11-27, along with NGC 5644, on 11 May 1869. He measured an accurate micrometric position 11 years later on 11 Jun 1880.
******************************
14 30 32.5 +14 01 28; Boo
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 172°
See observing notes for
Guillaume Bigourdan found NGC 5648 = Big. 74 on 23 May 1887 and recorded "mag 13.4-13.5, 30" dia, without nucleus, distinct from GC 3911 [NGC 5649]. His position matches NGC 5649 = h1824, although because John Herschel's position was poor, Bigourdan thought it was new. Later, Bigourdan realized the equivalence (given in the 17 Jun 1901 Comptes Rendus paper) and the IC 2 Notes state NGC 5648 = NGC 5649.
RNGC, UGC, MCG and RC3 label this galaxy as NGC 5648, but by historical priority, NGC 5649 should be the primary designation. See Webb Society Quarterly Journal for July 1991.
******************************
NGC 5649 = NGC 5648 = UGC 9330 = MCG +02-37-019 = CGCG 075-059 = LGG 383-002 = PGC 51840
14 30 32.5 +14 01 28; Boo
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 172°
17.5" (6/24/95): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 N-S, 1.2'x0.8', ill-defined halo with weak concentration. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 5649 = h1824 on 4 Apr 1831 and noted "the faintest perceivable; the first and northern of 2". His position was 1.5' to the SE. He mistakenly assumed his father's H. III-645 applied to this galaxy, instead of NGC 5655, which he claimed as a "nova".
The identifications are confused in all the major catalogues. NGC 5649 is labeled as NGC 5648 (a duplicate observation by Bigourdan) in the RNGC, UGC and RC3 but as NGC 5649 in MCG. By historical priority, H. III 645 = NGC 5649 should apply. RNGC, UGC, MCG and PGC misidentify NGC 5655 = UGC 9333 as NGC 5649. See Corwin's notes.
******************************
14 31 01.0 +05 58 43; Vir
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift found NGC 5650 = Sw. 6-67 on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF, pS, R." His position is 7 sec of RA west and 0.5' north of NGC 5652 (discovered by William Herschel), but there is only a single galaxy here. Curiously, Swift's description doesn't mention nearby NGC 5652, so apparently he didn't realize it was catalogued in the GC. RNGC equates NGC 5650 = NGC 5652, and Harold Corwin concurs.
******************************
NGC 5651 = NGC 5713 = UGC 9451 = MCG +00-37-022 = CGCG 019-077 = VIII Zw 447 = LGG 386-009 = PGC 52412
14 40 11.5 -00 17 27; Vir
See observing notes for
George Bond discovered NGC 5651 = Au 34 = HN 12 on 26 Feb 1853, along with NGC 5632 and 5658, with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone observations. At his position in AN 1453 is a very faint star. But Yann Pothier discovered in 2015 that Bond misidentified his offset star (#118 instead of #129) in Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol I, part II, p 282-3. Once corrected, Bond's offset ("A round nebula precedes No. [129] 3 s 7' North of it." points directly to NGC 5713. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
******************************
NGC 5652 = NGC 5650 = UGC 9334 = MCG +01-37-020 = CGCG 047-072 = VIII Zw 427 = PGC 51865
14 31 01.0 +05 58 43; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 2.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 117°
17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 WNW-ESE, low almost even surface brightness but appears brighter on the
west side.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5652 = H. II-891 = h1825 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and logged "pB; pL; lE; BM." His position is just off the northwest side of this galaxy. John Herschel made two observations (first on 9 May 1828) and d'Arrest measured a single accurate position. Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 19 Apr 1887 and assumed Sw. 6-67 (later NGC 5650) was new. So NGC 5652 = NGC 5650.
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14 30 10.6 +31 12 54; Boo
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 125°
13.1" (6/4/83): fairly bright, small, broad concentration to core but no sharp nucleus, slightly elongated E-W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5653 = H. II-330 = h1826 on
13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "pB, pL, R, bM." On 29 Apr 1827 (sweep 74), John
Herschel logged, "F; S; R: bM; 25"." Édouard Stephan made several observations on 8 Mar, 2 Jun
1878, 3 Jun 1878, and 13 May 1879.
Truman Safford found the galaxy on 11 May 1866 with the 18.5-inch
refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and apparently thought it was new. His RA for Sf. 13 (later
******************************
14 30 01.4 +36 21 36; Boo
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 145°
24" (6/15/15): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly
small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, small bright core. At 375x; NGC 5654 resolved into two merged components! The brighter nucleus is on the
northwest side with the main glow of the galaxy offset mostly
south-southeast. Often a fainter
quasi-stellar nucleus (
17.5" (7/10/99): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.4'x0.6'. Contains a small, round bright core. A mag 15 star lies 1.5' SE.
17.5" (6/20/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE. Sharply concentrated with a very small core that appears offset to the northwest side giving the impression of the galaxy possibly being double. A mag 15 star is 1.6' SE of center and a 50" pair of mag 13/14.5 stars lie 2'-3' S. The galaxy precedes a mag 9 star (SAO 64192) by 9'.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5654 = H. III-420 = h1828 on
1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, S." On 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331), John Herschel logged, "pF;
nucleus elongated, or has a F double * in it. Pos = 115.5°± (micrometer)". His position matches
******************************
NGC 5655 = UGC 9333 = MCG +02-37-020 = CGCG 075-060 = Holm 654a = LGG 382-003 = PGC 51857
14 30 50.9 +13 58 07; Boo
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (6/24/95): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.8', weak concentration. Located on a line between two mag 13.5 stars 1.3' NNW and 1.8' SSE from center. There are two mag 7 and 8 less than 30' following. Forms a pair with similar NGC 5649 5.5' NW. Note: This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 5649 in all modern catalogues!
William Herschel discovered NGC 5655 = H. III-645 = h1827 on
19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "eS, vS, lbM, between 2 vF stars with
300." His offsets from Zeta
Boo point directly to
John Herschel observed the pair on 4 Apr 1831 (sweep 338) and called h1827 "the sf of 2 [with NGC 5649]; the faintest perceivable." His uncertain position is 9 seconds of RA east and 3.5' south of UGC 9333. He misassigned his father's III-645 to h1824 = NGC 5649 and thought h1827 = NGC 5655 was the "nova". JH was probably confused as neither of his poor positions for the pair were a good match with his father's III-645. Dreyer repeated this error and used JH's poor position in the NGC. Édouard Stephan observed the pair on 3 May 1870. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 23 May 1887 (see IC 2 Notes).
RNGC, UGC, MCG, RC3 and Deep Sky Field Guide all misidentify
NGC 5655 as NGC 5649. RNGC and PGC
both misidentify
******************************
NGC 5656 = UGC 9332 = MCG +06-32-053 = CGCG 192-034 = PGC 51831
14 30 25.4 +35 19 16; Boo
V = 11.8; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 50°
17.5" (6/20/98): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8'.
The brighter core is moderately concentrated. Located 3.9' WNW of mag 9.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5656 = H. II-421 = h1829 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "F, pL, irr." John Herschel made four observations and on 3 Apr 1831 (sweep 337) logged, "pB; R; psbM; 20"; a * 9m follows 18.5 sec nearly in parallel, and a * 14m, pos 155° from neb, dist 50"."
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NGC 5657 = UGC 9335 = MCG +05-34-060 = CGCG 163-069 = Mrk 814 = LGG 383-009 = PGC 51850
14 30 43.6 +29 10 50; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 163°
17.5" (6/20/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.4', moderate concentration with a small bright core. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.9' S. IC 4442 is located 28' WSW.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 5657 = Sf. 16 = St. 11-28 on 14 May 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. Édouard Stephan found the galaxy on 15 May 1877 (perhaps notified of Safford's discovery?). He reported as new in his 11th discovery list (#28) with a position reduced on 5 Jun 1880. Stephan was credited with the discovery in the NGC as Safford's discovery list wasn't published until 1887 (added to an appendix in the NGC).
******************************
14 40 56.6 -00 19 05; Vir
See observing notes for
George Bond discovered NGC 5658 = HN 13 = Au 35 on 26 Feb 1853, along with NGC 5632 and 5651, with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone observations (Steinicke lists the discovery date as 9 May 1853). Auwers included this object in his 1862 table of new nebulae. There is nothing at Bond's discovery position in AN 1453 except an extremely faint star. But Yann Pothier discovered in 2015 that Bond misidentified his offset star (#118 instead of #129) in Annals of Harvard Observatory, Vol I, part II, p 282-3. Once corrected, his offset ("A fainter elongated nebula [than NGC 5713] follows No. [129] 6 s, and is 4' North of it." points directly to NGC 5719.
This galaxy was found again between 1908 and 1913 on Bruce plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa station and assumed it was new. It was catalogued as H.N. #1741 by Solon Bailey in a list of 1659 new nebulae (published in 1913) with the description "pB, bM, 1.0' x 0.3' at 120°, Spiral?"
RNGC and PGC misidentify
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14 31 06.3 +25 21 18; Boo
V = 13.9; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 43°
17.5" (6/24/95): very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE. Only a broad weak concentration. A string of faint stars trail off the NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5659 = h1831 on 22 May 1830 and
noted "eF". His position
is 2' north of
******************************
14 29 49.8 +49 37 20; Boo
V = 11.9; Size 2.8'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 90°
13.1" (3/24/84): moderately bright, weak concentration,
diffuse halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5660 = H. II-695 = h1832 on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "pB, cL, iR, vgmbM." John Herschel made a single observation on 13 May 1830 (sweep 257) and called it resolvable (at least granular): "pF; vL; R; vgbM; 3'; resolvable; stars = 20m." His position was good (south side of halo).
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NGC 5661 = UGC 9346 = MCG +01-37-023 = CGCG 047-081 = Holm 658a = WBL 512-002 = PGC 51921
14 31 57.5 +06 15 01; Vir
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 23°
17.5" (6/8/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration. NGC 5652 lies 21' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5661 = H. II-892 = h1830 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and recorded "F, S, E nearly in the meridian." His position is just off the east side of the galaxy. John Herschel made two observations and noted (sweep 250) "vF; pL; irr fig."
NED mistakenly lists the alias
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14 35 38 -56 37 06; Cen
V = 5.5; Size 12'
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
cluster stands out well with the 27mm Panoptic (76x) with ~60 stars resolved in
a 12'x9' region. The stars around
the periphery are arranged in a distinctive concave pentagon similar to a court
jester's crown. Includes three mag 9 stars as well as a number of mag 10.5-11
stars. The richest group of stars
is on the SW side and includes a mag 9 luminary along with over a dozen stars
within 3' including 5 or 6 of mag 10.5/11. The cluster is too large for a
pleasing view at 228x. Situated a
few arc minutes following orange-colored mag 7
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 5662 = Lac III-8 = D 342 = h3573 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. It was included in his 1755 catalogue as Class III No. 8. and noted as "two stars in nebulosity."
James Dunlop observed the cluster on 25 May 1826 and recorded "A group of small stars of the 11th and 12th mag, with a multitude of minute stars mixt, extended south preceding and north following, pretty regularly scattered."
John Herschel observed the cluster twice from the Cape. On 23 Apr 1835 (sweep 577) he noted "large, p brilliant, coarse, sc cl of Class VII which more than fills the field; 50 stars more or less 9..12th mag; chief star 7th mag, somewhat insulated, taken for place of cluster." In Apr 1836 (sweep 694) he logged "place of a red star, the chief and centre of a fine bright, but not rich cluster, of about 30 stars 9..13 mag. This red or high yellow star is 8th mag."
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14 33 56.3 -16 34 52; Lib
V = 14.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 0°
17.5": faint, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter, weak
concentration. Situated 4.5' NNE
of a neat triple star (23"/29") of mag 13-13.5 stars. Also a wide pair of mag 12 stars (with
a mag 14 star near) is just 2.5' SE.
Located 14' NNW of mag 7.2
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5663 = LM 1-203 on 31 May 1886 and reported "mag 16.0, 0.2' dia, R, glbM." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.9 min of RA too far west.
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14 33 43.6 -14 37 11; Lib
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 30°
17.5": faint, small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.3'. A mag 14.5 star is close SE. A tight knot of 4 or 5 mag 13-15 stars within 45" lies 10' SSW. Located 4.5° NE of Zubenelgenubi.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5664 = LM 1-204 on 6 Jun 1885 and noted "pF; S; E; gbM." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.7 min too far west but Corwin verified the identification based on his sketch. Ormond Stone's position in the 1893 paper "Southern Nebulae" (given in the IC 1 Notes) is a similar distance too far east! Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20" refractor in Denver around 1900 (given in the IC 2 notes).
DeLisle Stewart found this galaxy again on an Arequipa plate
in Jul 1899, although his published position for D.S. 410 (later
******************************
14 32 26.0 +08 04 48; Boo
V = 12.0; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 145°
48" (5/16/12): at 488x, this irregular galaxy (
17.5" (6/24/95): moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 1.6'x1.2', broad concentration to a very ill-defined core. A mag 11 star lies 5.3' ESE of center and a brighter mag 10 star 8.8' ENE.
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5665 = H. II-27 = h1833 on 30 Jan 1784 (sweep 134) and recorded "a nebula following the large star under Bootis not marked in H." Caroline added the comment in her sweep copy that "the nebula is pB and not very small; is not cometic; nor is it equally bright throughout, so that it is probably resolvable." On 9 May 1828 (sweep 153), John Herschel wrote, "pB; R; gbM; 30"."
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14 33 09.3 +10 30 38; Boo
V = 12.8; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 155°
17.5" (3/12/94): fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter, fairly high surface brightness, weak concentration. A mag 10.5 star is 5.0' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5666 = h1834 on 9 May 1825 (sweep 4) and recorded "vF; R; 10". Stellar; hardly distinguishable from a star." His position was accurate. This is only his 4th deep sky discovery.
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14 30 22.8 +59 28 12; Dra
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 168°
17.5" (6/24/95): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, moderate irregular surface brightness (brighter on the south end). A mag 14.5 star is involved at the NNW tip 42" from the center somewhat confusing the observation.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5667 = H. II-807 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 924) and logged "pB, E in meridian, 1 1/2' l and 3/4' br. His position matches
******************************
14 33 24.4 +04 27 01; Vir
V = 11.5; Size 3.3'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.9
13.1" (5/26/84): moderately bright, weak concentration,
diffuse outer halo of lower surface brightness, moderately large. Two bright stars mag 8.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5668 = H. II-574 = h1835 on
29 Apr 1786 (sweep 557) and recorded "F, S, lE, r; preceding two very
considerable stars." There is
nothing at his position, but 1 min 16 sec of RA west is
******************************
14 32 43.9 +09 53 31; Boo
V = 11.3; Size 4.0'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 50°
17.5" (3/12/94): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE. Broad concentration to a large, slightly brighter core but no nucleus. The core appears offset to the north side. Forms a pair with CGCG 075-063 6.2' WNW.
8" (3/24/84): very faint, fairly small, very diffuse, round, even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5669 = H. II-79 on 19 Mar 1784 (sweep 179) and recorded "F, L, R, lbM, r, about 4 or 5' diameter. His RA was 45 seconds of time too large. Édouard Stephan made observations on 30 Apr 1870 and 1 May 1875. and Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 9 May 1894 that was printed in the IC 2 Notes.
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14 35 41.9 -45 58 01; Lup
V = 12.0; Size 2.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 74°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint,
moderately large, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a very
small brighter core and much fainter extensions. Nearby stars make the view interesting; a mag 14 star is
close off the east side and a mag 13.5 star (double) is at the west edge. A mag
8.2 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 5670 = h3574 on 1 Jul 1834 and
recorded "vF, S, lE, between 2 stars 13 and 14 m, forming northern side of
a trapezium of stars, one of the others is 8 m." His position and
description clearly matches
Joseph Turner sketched NGC 5670 on 21 Jul 1876 using the Great Melbourne Telescope. He noted the nebula was "much elongated" and the star at the southwest end was a double.
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14 27 42.0 +69 41 39; UMi
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 45°
17.5" (7/12/99): fairly faint, moderately large, irregularly round, ~1.2'x0.9' SW-NE. Weak concentration to a slightly brighter core. Ill defined halo appears to change orientation with averted vision, so difficult to pin down the PA (the bar and core is elongated NW-SE but the arms are oriented SW-NE). Forms the eastern vertex of an obtuse triangle with two mag 10 stars 3.8' SW and 8.1' WSW. MCG +12-14-4 is just outside the 220x field 12.5' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5671 = H. III-882 on 6 May
1791 (sweep 1005) and noted "vF, pS, R, bM." Caroline's reduced position is 6'
southeast of
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14 32 38.3 +31 40 12; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 50°
17.5" (6/20/98): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.5'. At moments a stellar nucleus was glimpsed. Located 4' NE of a striking evenly matched double star STF 1855 = 9.2/10.1 at 15". The major axis of the galaxy is nearly collinear with this double star!
NGC 5672 is superimposed in the foreground of
William Herschel discovered NGC 5672 = H. III-310 = h1836 = Sf. 6 on 13 Mar 1785 (sweep 387) and noted "vF, vS, irregular." John Herschel made one good observation, logged "vF; R; lbM" and measured an accurate position.
Truman Safford independently found this galaxy on 4 May 1886
with the 18.5-inch refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. His RA was 1 minute too large (same
error as IC 1026 = NGC 5653, found just a week later), so Dreyer assumed it was
a new object and catalogued it as
******************************
14 31 30.9 +49 57 29; Boo
V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 136°
17.5" (6/24/95): faint, edge-on 5:1 NW-SSE,
2.2'x0.4'. NGC 5673 has similar
dimensions and position angle as
John Herschel discovered NGC 5673 = h1838 on 13 May 1830 and
recorded "vF; pmE; sf a star 15m." He assumed h1838 was a reobservation of his father's II-696,
a brighter edge-on 10' east-southeast (
Harold Corwin feels it is wisest to keep NGC 5673 assigned
to fainter
******************************
14 33 52.4 +05 27 29; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (7/2/11): fairly faint to moderately bright,
moderately large, irregularly round, ~1.0' diameter, gradual even concentration
to a slightly brighter core, then suddenly increases a fairly bright stellar
nucleus. The outline of the halo
seems irregular and shifts with averted vision. In the same low power field with
17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration. NGC 5679 lies 20' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5674 = H. II-893 = h1837 on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and noted "pB, S, iF." John Hershel made 4 observations and his mean position is at the north edge of the galaxy.
******************************
14 32 39.8 +36 18 08; Boo
V = 12.7; Size 2.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 137°
24" (6/15/15): moderately to fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.6', bright core.
17.5" (6/20/98): moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.7', broad concentration with large oval core. With direct vision a faint quasi-stellar nucleus is visible at times. A wide pair [33" separation] of mag 11/12.5 stars lies 6' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5675 = H. II-422 = h1839 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and logged "F, cL, unequally bright, irregular." John Herschel called this galaxy "F; S; E; bM" and measured an accurate position.
******************************
NGC 5676 = UGC 9366 = MCG +08-26-043 = CGCG 247-042 = CGCG 248-003 = LGG 384-005 = PGC 51978
14 32 46.7 +49 27 26; Boo
V = 11.2; Size 4.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 47°
13.1" (3/24/84): fairly bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE. Located 19' WNW of CH Bootis (V = 5.7-5.9). Brightest in a group (LGG 384) including IC 1029 27' N, NGC 5660 30' WNW and NGC 5673 33' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5676 = H. I-189 = h1842 on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "cB, cL and broad, E from sp to nf." His position is accurate. John Herschel made the single observation "B; L; E; r; pgmbM."
******************************
14 34 12.9 +25 28 04; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 135°
17.5" (6/24/95): located in a field with three mag 9
stars including
William Herschel discovered NGC 5677 = H. III-283 = h1840 on 17 Feb 1785 (sweep 373) and recorded "vF, vS, about 8' south of a small triangle of pretty large stars, and just following a larger triangle of stars; a little larger than those of the former triangle." John Herschel made the single observation "F; R; r; has 3 stars 9-10m north-preceding." He made a misprint in the Slough Catalogue, equating h1840 with H. III-289, instead of H. III-283. Two additional observations were made at Birr Castle.
******************************
14 32 05.8 +57 55 17; Dra
V = 11.3; Size 3.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 5°
13.1" (5/26/84): fairly bright, elongated 2:1 N-S,
broad mild concentration. Located
2.6' SSE of mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 5678 = H. I-237 = h1843 on 17
Apr 1789 (sweep 924) and logged "B, irregular oval, vgmbM." His
position and description matches
******************************
NGC 5679 = Arp 274 = UGC 9383 = VV 458 = MCG +01-37-034 =
14 35 08.8 +05 21 31; Vir
V = 13.0; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 127°
48" (5/16/12):
MCG +01-37-035 appeared fairly bright, moderately large,
oval 3:2 or 5:3 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.6', well concentrated with a bright core.
18" (7/2/11): NGC 5679 (Arp 274) is a triple system, though only the two main components were noticed. Initially seen as a merged image with a mag 12.5 attached on the NW side, the two galaxies could only be separated with careful viewing. The western component (MCG +01-37-034 = NGC 5679A) is faint, fairly small, low surface brightness, slightly elongated, ~25"x20", no core or zones. The star (double on the DSS) is at the NNW tip. MCG +01-37-035 = NGC 5679B is attached on the east side. This component appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, ~40"x20", sharply concentrated with a small, brighter core. A pair of mag 13/13.5 stars oriented N-S is 2' NE. In Arp's category "double galaxies with connected arms".
17.5" (6/8/91): faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE, low
surface brightness. A mag 12.5
star is attached at the west end 0.7' from center and confuses the view. NGC 5674 is 20' WNW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 5679 = H. II-894 = h1841, along with NGC 5674, on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and noted "F, S." His position is 9 sec of RA west of Arp 274. John Herschel made a total of 5 observations and noted (sweep 250) "among stars and seems attached to a * 12m like a wisp."
******************************
14 35 44.4 -00 00 49; Vir
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/8/91): faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is on the north edge and a mag 12 star is 1.6' NW of center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5680 = m 282 on 12 Apr 1864 with William Lassell's 48" on Malta and noted "vF, vS." His position is 1' north of CGCG 019-068 = PGC 52173
******************************
14 35 42.9 +08 18 01; Boo
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 5°
17.5" (6/8/02): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter. Seeing too poor for any details. Located 4.4' SW of a mag 10.4 star and 50' ENE of NGC 5665.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5681 on 1 May 1865 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single position is just off the west side of
******************************
14 34 45.0 +48 40 13; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 127°
17.5" (6/27/98): extremely faint. very small, round,
~20" diameter. Forms a close
pair with
13.1" (5/27/84): extremely faint, near visual threshold, no details. A mag 14 star is 2' S. Located 8.5' SW of NGC 5689 in a group.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5682, along with NGC 5683 and 5693, on 13 Apr 1850. He was observing the field of NGC 5689. He simply noted three nova, labeled A = NGC 5682, B = NGC 5683 and C = NGC 5693, which he called "faint" and placed them reasonably accurately in his sketch.
******************************
NGC 5683 = MCG +08-27-003 = CGCG 248-009 = Mrk 474 = Holm 663b = WBL 516-002 = PGC 52114
14 34 52.4 +48 39 43; Boo
V = 14.9; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 14.4
17.5" (6/27/98): extremely faint and small, round, ~15" diameter. Forms a close pair with NGC 5682 1.3' NW and required careful viewing at 280x to clearly resolve the pair. Member of the NGC 5689 group.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5683, along with NGC 5682 and 5693, on 13 Apr 1850. He was observing the field of NGC 5689. He noted three nova, labeled A = NGC 5682, B = NGC 5683 and C = NGC 5693, which he called "faint" and placed them reasonably accurately in his sketch.
MCG reverses the dimensions of NGC 5682 and NGC 5683 and the RC3 dimensions are too large.
******************************
14 35 50.0 +36 32 35; Boo
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 105°
17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated E-W, 1.0'x0.8', gradually increases to a small bright core, only a
small outer halo. Situated between
two mag 14.5 stars 1.5' NW and 1.5' SE.
Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5684 = H. III-421 = h1844 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and noted "vF, vS". John Herschel made 4 observations and recorded on 11 Mar 1831 (sweep 331), "pB; R. The preceding of 2 [with NGC 5686]."
******************************
14 36 15.4 +29 54 30; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/21/93): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, broad concentration, very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. A mag 12.5 star is 3' NE. Located 22' NE of Sigma Bootis (V = 4.5).
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5685 = St. 13-76 on 4 May 1870. His unpublished position was 2' E of center. His accurate published position in list XIII, #76 was made 13 years later on 11 May 1883 with description "very faint, very small, round, gradually condenses to a 15th mag nucleus."
******************************
NGC 5686 = MCG +06-32-075 = CGCG 192-048 = PGC 52189
14 36 02.5 +36 30 11; Boo
V = 14.3; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2
17.5" (6/21/93): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, broad concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 5684 3.5' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5686 = h1845 on 9 Apr 1828 and recorded "vF; vS. The following of 2 [with NGC 5684]." His position is very accurate.
******************************
14 34 52.3 +54 28 33; Boo
V = 11.8; Size 2.4'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 105°
18" (5/3/08): at 280x appeared fairly bright, fairly
small for a bright galaxy, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, ~1.0'x0.7'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright
20" core and much fainter extensions. A short 1' N-S string of 3 stars begins at the preceding end
with a mag 13.5-14 star. A fainter
mag 14.5-15 star is at the east end bracketing the galaxy. Located 2' N is mag 9.9
13.1" (5/14/83): located 2.0' N of mag 9.2 SAO 29208. Faint, small, elongated 4:3 E-W. Two mag 13 and 14 stars are very close preceding 46" SW and 1.3' SSW of center, respectively.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5687 = H. II-808 = h1849 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 927) and recorded "pB, S, iF, easily resolvable. Mixed with some pL stars which may perhaps belong to it." John Herschel made a single observation, noting "F; irreg fig; r; has a *10, 2' sf." His position is accurate.
******************************
14 39 35.1 -45 01 08; Lup
V = 11.9; Size 3.1'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 85°
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~2'x1.5'. Contains a moderately bright 45" core surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo. Striking setting as the galaxy is surrounded by a number of stars around the periphery from the north around the west side and back along the south side. A linear string of 4 stars oriented SW to NE is off the NE flank of the galaxy. The overall star field is rich in faint stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5688 = h3575 on 1 Jun 1834 and
recorded "not vF; S; vgbM; 25"; among stars." His position is 1' south of
******************************
NGC 5689 = UGC 9399 = MCG +08-27-004 = CGCG 248-010 = WBL 516-003 = LGG 384-007 = PGC 52154
14 35 29.6 +48 44 30; Boo
V = 11.9; Size 3.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 85°
17.5" (6/27/98): fairly bright, moderately large, very
elongated 4:2 WSW-ENE. The tips of
the extensions fade into the background but appear ~2.2'x0.5' with averted
vision. Sharply concentrated with
a well-defined bright core. With
direct vision, a quasi-stellar or stellar nucleus is visible at times. Brightest of five in a group with NGC
5682, NGC 5683,
13.1" (3/24/84 and 5/27/84): fairly bright, distinctive very elongated streak E-W, fairly small, small bright nucleus. Brightest in a group including NGC 5682 and NGC 5693.
8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, small, elongated E-W, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5689 = H. I-188 = h1848 on
12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "cB or pB, mbM, lE in the direction
of the parallel, about 1 1/2' long."
He observed this galaxy again 3 nights later (sweep 736) and called it
"pB, mbM, E in the parallel with faint branches." John Herschel made the single
observation "B; S; pmE; psbM; pos nearly in the parallel." His position and description matches
******************************
14 37 41.2 +02 17 28; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 3.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 143°
13.1" (5/26/84): faint, very elongated NNW-SSE. A very faint star is at the SSE
end. Located 3.3' ENE of mag 6.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 5690 = H. II-582 = h1846 on
30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and recorded "F, mE, about 2' long, 1/4' broad,
r. The stars and nebulosity
together make a pretty appearance."
Caroline's reduced position is 2' south of
******************************
NGC 5691 = UGC 9420 = MCG +00-37-020 = CGCG 019-073 = LGG 386-007 = NGC 5632 = PGC 52291
14 37 53.4 -00 23 55; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 110°
17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, fairly small, 1.2'x0.8', elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, weak concentration. Sharper light cut-off on the south side.
8" (6/29/84): faint, very small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, very small brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5691 = H. II-681 = h1847 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 727) and logged "pB, pL, iF." John Herschel made a single observation, "pB; gbM; lE." d'Arrest made three observations and measured an accurate position. NGC 5632, discovered by George Bond at Harvard in 1853, is a duplicate observation. See that number.
******************************
14 38 18.2 +03 24 35; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 35°
17.5" (6/8/91): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE, high surface brightness, sharp edges, gradually increases to brighter center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5692 = St. 13-77 on 5 May 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 3' too far south. His accurate published position in list 13, #77 was made 13 years later on 13 May 1883 with description "pB, vS, R, gbM."
******************************
NGC 5693 = UGC 9406 = MCG +08-27-006 = CGCG 248-011 = LGG 384-008 = PGC 52194
14 36 11.3 +48 35 07; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.4
17.5" (6/27/98): faint, fairly small, round, ~1.0' diameter. Appears as a low surface brightness glow with only a weak central brightening. A mag 13.5 star is at the south edge confusing the observation and a second mag 13 star lies 2' north. Located 11.5' SE of NGC 5689 in a group. NGC 5700 lies 8.7' ESE.
13.1" (5/27/84): faint, extended N-S, diffuse, low even surface brightness. A faint mag 14.5 star is attached at the SSE edge. Located ~15' SE of NGC 5689.
13.1" (3/24/84): very faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S (possibly enhanced by faint star at south edge.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5693, along with NGC 5682 and 5683, on 13 Apr 1850. He was observing the field of NGC 5689. He labeled NGC 5693 "C" on a diagram, and placed a star at the south edge.
******************************
14 39 36.5 -26 32 18; Hya
V = 10.0; Size 4.2'; Surf Br = 0.3
17.5" (4/13/96): moderately bright but compact globular of 2' diameter with a round, symmetrical appearance. Contains a 40" well defined core that increases to a nearly stellar nucleus. There is no evident resolution in the halo. Situated at the end of a string of brighter stars with two mag 11 stars close SSW.
17.5" (5/10/86): this is a small globular cluster with a very small bright core and a fainter outer halo. Very mottled and grainy but no resolution. A pair of mag 11 stars oriented N-S are off the SW side about 1.5' and 2.5' from the center.
8" (6/5/81): fairly faint, small, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5694 = H. II-196 = h3576 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "pB, S, r, nearly R and bM. It forms an arch, or very bright obtuse triangle with two stars very near and preceding it. The arch is concave to the northeast and the two stars with the nebula are all within 5'." John Herschel called the cluster "vB; pL; R; psbM; 1st class; 20"; r; several stars near." His RA in the Cape Catalogue was 35 seconds too large. Heinrich d'Arrest (who noticed the error) and Engelhardt measured accurate micrometric positions.
NGC 5694 was announced as a new globular cluster in the 1934 paper "Object NGC 5694 a Distant Globular Star Cluster" by Lampland and Clyde Tombaugh (1932AN....246..171L) at Lowell Observatory. The classification was based on photographic plates taken with the 13" Lowell telescope and followed up with the 42-inch reflector. The large reflector clearly showed this was a condensed globular cluster.
******************************
NGC 5695 = UGC 9421 = MCG +06-32-077 = CGCG 192-049 = Mrk 686 = LGG 385-003 = PGC 52261
14 37 22.1 +36 34 04; Boo
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
17.5" (6/21/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.8', evenly concentrated down to a very small bright core. A mag 12 star is 2.8' W. NGC 5684 lies 20' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5695 = H. II-423 = h1851 on 1 May 1785 (sweep 405) and recorded "pF, pS, irr, bM." John Herschel made 3 observations and called it (sweep 69) "pB; S; bM." This was last of 42 galaxies in the sweep that he discovered within a two and half hour period!!
******************************
14 36 57.1 +41 49 41; Boo
V = 13.0; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 45°
17.5" (6/27/98): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 4:3 SW-NE, broad concentration to a roundish core that increases
gradually to the center. Outer dimensions increase with averted vision to
~1.4'x1.0'. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5696 = H. II-648 = h1850 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "vF, vS, lbM." His RA was 6 seconds too large and Dec 4' too large. Herschel also observed H. II-648, as well as H. II-675 = NGC 5697, on 9 April 1787 (sweep 725). In this sweep, Herschel measured NGC 5696 36 seconds preceding and 10' south of NGC 5697. The actual offsets are closer to 25 sec of RA and 8.5' in dec. See Corwin's identifications notes on NGC 5696 and 5697.
******************************
NGC 5697 = IC 4471 = UGC 9407 = MCG +07-30-031 = CGCG 220-033 = PGC 52207
14 36 32.0 +41 41 08; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 25°
17.5" (6/27/98): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration. Follows a distinctive trapezoid of mag 10-12 stars (brighter stars form the longer 3' base). Also a mag 14.5 star is 1.5' NW and a mag 15 star is close WSW [double on DSS]. Fainter of pair with NGC 5696 10' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5697 = H. II-675 = h1853 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "F, vS." His position is 6' south of UGC 9407. On the same sweep he reobserved II-648 = NGC 5696 and their relative separations are reasonably accurate.
On 6 May 1828 (sweep 151), John Herschel logged "vF, R,
bM, follows an arc of 4 B stars."
The description is good, but his position (marked as very rough) is 30
sec of RA too large and 3.5' too far south. Because of this error, the NGC RA is ~30 seconds too large,
placing NGC 5697 south-southeast of NGC 5696 instead of southwest. Also as a
result, Bigourdan thought his reobservation was a new object and NGC 5697 was
catalogued again as
******************************
14 37 14.7 +38 27 15; Boo
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 70°
17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, diffuse halo fades into background, broadly concentrated halo but fairly low surface brightness, no nucleus. Several bright stars near including a mag 10 star 2.7' SSW, a mag 11 star 3.8' ENE and a mag 11.5 star 3.9' NE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5698 = H. II-700 = h1852 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and noted "pF, S, iE." His position is accurate. John Herschel made 3 observations and logged (sweep 331) "F; pL; lE; 40" l; in a scalene triangle of stars 10..11m."
******************************
14 38 42.3 +30 27 59; Boo
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 5699 = H. III-127 on 16 May
1784 (sweep 218) and recorded "Two [along with III-128 = NGC 5703], vS, eF
nebula about 3' from each other, and nearly in the same parallel. 240 confirmed them. The second [
Édouard Stephan independently discovered this pair on 12 May
1883, assumed it was new, and his position in list XIII-78 is accurate. Dreyer catalogued the galaxy as NGC
5706. So, NGC 5699 = NGC 5706. The same error was made for III-128 = NGC 5703
with the corrected position matching
******************************
NGC 5700 = UGC 9423 = MCG +08-27-007 = CGCG 248-013 = PGC 52237
14 37 01.7 +48 32 42; Boo
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 38°
17.5" (6/27/98): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.3'. A very faint star is 30" SE of center. Last in NGC 5689 group of 5.
Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 5700 on
4 May 1877 during an observation of the NGC 5689 field. With reference to NGC 5693 (nova
"B"), he noted "9' f and 2' or 3' s of the nova there is a
smaller & eF neb with 2 or 3 st in it & a *11m 4' sp." This description points to NGC 5700 =
******************************
14 39 11.1 +05 21 47; Vir
V = 10.9; Size 4.3'x4.1'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (6/8/91): bright, moderately large, 2.2'x1.8', faint halo slightly elongated 5:4 NNW-SSE, small well-defined very bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is just off the NE side 1.2' from center. Located within a triangle of mag 10 stars 3.6' W, 3.6' NE and 6.3' S of center.
8" (6/29/84): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, brighter core, within a triangle of three stars mag 9-10.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5701 = H. II-575 = h1854 on 29 Apr 1786 (sweep 557) and recorded "pB, mbM, cL, iR." John Herschel made a total of 4 observations, calling the galaxy "B; R; psbM; 30"."
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14 38 55.1 +20 30 25; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 150°
17.5" (6/20/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 ~NW-SE, 1.0'x0.7'. Several mag
10-11 stars are in the 220x field to the west and SW. A pair of galaxies,
William Herschel discovered NGC 5702 = H. III-894 on 20 Apr
1792 (sweep 1021) and recorded "vF, vS." Caroline's reduction is 10 sec of RA west of
******************************
NGC 5703 = NGC 5709 = UGC 9435 = MCG +05-35-003 = CGCG 164-006 = Holm 665a = LGG 383-012 = PGC 52343
14 38 50.0 +30 26 34; Boo
See observing notes for NGC 5709.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5703 = H. III-128 on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218) and recorded "Two [along with III-127 = NGC 5699], vS, eF nebula about 3' from each other, and nearly in the same parallel. 240 confirmed them. The second [NGC 5703] is very little brighter than the first, and is of an iR figure." The GC and NGC position is 1° too far south and once corrected, NGC 5703 = NGC 5699 = UGC 9435. See notes on NGC 5699.
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14 38 16.3 +40 27 24; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 1.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 177°
See observing notes for
John Herschel found NGC 5704 = h1855 on 12 May 1828 and
recorded "F, S, r." He
assumed this was a reobservation of his father's H. II-649 = UGC 9430, but his
position was 5' northwest of the galaxy and corresponds (perhaps
coincidentally) with a mag 14 star.
He also recorded the galaxy as h1859 (later NGC 5711), but assumed it
was nova. A second observation
listed under h1855 matches
JH used the position from the first observation in the GC, so the NGC position for NGC 5704 is 5' off from the galaxy. As a result, Karl Reinmuth and Dorothy Carlson reported NGC 5704 as nonexistent and modern catalogues identify the galaxy as NGC 5708.
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14 39 49.6 -00 43 08; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 2.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 75°
17.5" (6/8/91): extremely faint, fairly large, extremely low surface brightness, weak concentration. Appears as an ill-defined haze elongated WSW-ENE with no definite edge. NGC 5713 lies 27' NNW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5705 = St. 13-80 on 5 May 1870 and described it as "extremely faint, large, oval.". His accurate published position in list 13, #80 was made 14 years later on 17 May 1884.
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NGC 5706 = NGC 5699 = MCG +05-35-002 = CGCG 164-004 = Holm 665b = PGC 52334
14 38 42.3 +30 27 59; Boo
V = 14.8; Size 0.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0
24" (6/29/16): at 375x; faint to fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, moderately high surface brightness, visible continuously. Located 2.2' NW of NGC 5709.
18" (7/2/11): extremely faint to very faint, very
small, round, 15" diameter.
Fainter of a pair with NGC 5709 2.2' SE.
17.5" (6/21/93): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 15" diameter. Can just hold continuously with averted. Forms a pair with NGC 5709 2.1' SE.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 5706 = St. 13-78, along with NGC 5709, on 4 May 1870. His single, unpublished position was 6' S of NGC 5709, though he noted the two galaxies were 8 seconds of time apart. His accurately measured position was made on 12 May 1883 and published in his last discovery list (#78).
William Herschel made the original discovery on 16 May 1784 and catalogued this galaxy as H. III-127 (later NGC 5699), but the GC and NGC position was 1° too far south (clerical error). As a result, Stephan thought it was new. So, NGC 5699 = NGC 5706. Based on historical precedence NGC 5699 should be the primary designation, but this galaxy is primarily known as NGC 5706 because of Stephan's unambiguous position.
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14 37 31.0 +51 33 42; Boo
V = 12.5; Size 2.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 35°
17.5" (6/18/93): moderately bright, edge-on 6:1 SW-NE,
2.0'x0.3', very bright compact round core, faint very thin extensions. A mag 14.5-15 star is off the SW tip
1.8' from center. Located 4.5' WSW
of mag 7.4
Forms a double system with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5707 = Sw. 1-36 in 1878 with his 4.5-inch comet seeker and found it again 7 years later on 22 Jun 1885 with his 16" Clark refractor. He recorded "B; pS; R; precedes DM +52°1816 31 sec [of time]. Found in presence of a half moon. First found 7 years ago with 4 1/2-inch Comet seeker and recorded as can find no record of it." His RA was 5 seconds too small. Herbert Howe commented that this "nebula" had two extremely faint and opposite extensions. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1893 (published in 1907).
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NGC 5708 = NGC 5704: = UGC 9430 = MCG +07-30-044 = CGCG 220-042 = PGC 52315
14 38 16.3 +40 27 24; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 1.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 177°
17.5" (6/27/98): faint, very elongated 3:1 N-S,
1.2'x0.4', weak concentration. A
mag 14.5 star is attached at the south tip [38" from center] and a mag 14
star lies 2' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5708 = H. II-649 = h1859 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and recorded "F, E, S, r." On 29 Apr 1788 (sweep 837) he called it "vF, S, E nearly in the meridian [N-S], r."
On 12 May 1828, John Herschel recorded h1855, which he assumed was H. II-649 and noted "F; S; R." The only object near his position, though, is a mag 14 star 5' northwest of the galaxy. He used this position in the GC and Dreyer copied it for the position of NGC 5704, so William's number was associated with the wrong object (perhaps a star). The same night John Herschel logged h1859 = NGC 5708, and mistook it as a new discovery.
Reinmuth and Carlson reported NGC 5704 as nonexistent because of JH's misidentification and modern catalogues identify the galaxy as NGC 5708. But clearly, NGC 5704 = NGC 5708. See Corwin's notes for more.
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NGC 5709 = NGC 5703 = UGC 9435 = MCG +05-35-003 = CGCG 164-006 = PGC 52343
14 38 50.0 +30 26 34; Boo
V = 13.6; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 105°
24" (6/29/16): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, ~1.2'x0.4', modest concentration with a large brighter core region. Brighter and larger of a pair with NGC 5706 2.2' NW.
18" (7/2/11): faint, moderately large, very elongated
3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.3', very weak concentration. Close pair with smaller and fainter NGC 5706 2.2' NW.
17.5" (6/21/93): faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.3', low surface brightness, weak concentration. Forms a close pair with NGC 5706 2.1' NW.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 5709 = St. 13-79, along with NGC 5706, on 4 May 1870. His single, unpublished position was 6' S of NGC 5709, though he noted the two galaxies were 8 seconds of time apart. His accurately measured position was made on 12 May 1883 and published in his 13th and last discovery list (#79).
William Herschel made the original discovery on 16 May 1784 and catalogued this galaxy as H. III-128 (later NGC 5703), but the GC and NGC position was 1° too far south (clerical error). As a result, Stephan thought it was new. So, NGC 5703 = NGC 5709. Based on historical precedence NGC 5703 should be the primary designation, but this galaxy is primarily known as NGC 5709 because of Stephan's unambiguous position.
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NGC 5710 = UGC 9440 = MCG +03-37-032 = CGCG 104-060 = PGC 52369
14 39 16.2 +20 02 36; Boo
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (6/20/01): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, brighter core. A close double star lies 2.5' SSE. Forms a pair with NGC 5711 3.5' SSE (past the close double).
William Herschel discovered NGC 5710 = H. III-895 = h1856 on
20 Apr 1792 (sweep 1021) and logged "vF, vS." Caroline's reduction is just 5 sec of
RA west of
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NGC 5711 = UGC 9445 = MCG +03-37-033 = CGCG 104-062 = PGC 52376
14 39 22.6 +19 59 26; Boo
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 73°
17.5" (6/20/01): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE. A close double star lies 1' NW. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 5710 3.5' NNW with the double star between the two galaxies.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5711 = h1858 on 17 Mar 1831 and recorded "eF; vS; the following of 2 [with NGC 5710], close to a double star [HJ 2737]."
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NGC 5712 = MCG +13-10-021 = CGCG 354-005 = VII Zw 553 = WBL 513-003 = PGC 51799
14 29 41.6 +78 51 51; UMi
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.7'
17.5" (6/24/95): extremely faint and small, round,
10-15" diameter, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5712 = H. III-950 on 20 Dec
1797 (sweep 1074) and recorded "vF, S, r. It is preceded by a small patch of stars which appears
almost like this nebula, but more resolved." Caroline's position is 2.5' south and 25 sec of RA east of
The "small patch of stars which appears almost like this nebula" in WH's description applies to IC 4470, situated 4' west-northwest, which was rediscovered by Bigourdan on 11 Jul 1887. Interestingly, Bigourdan also calls it a star cluster: "Object which, at first sight, could be nebulous, but in which I suspect several stellar points. It is therefore a cluster enveloped in nebulosity; it is vaguely elongated at 90 degrees and is 1' l and 40" wide." Corwin and Steinicke both agree that WH should be credited with the discovery of IC 4470, although it did not receive a NGC designation.
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NGC 5713 = UGC 9451 = MCG +00-37-022 = CGCG 019-077 = VIII Zw 447 = LGG 386-009 = NGC 5651 = PGC 52412
14 40 11.5 -00 17 27; Vir
V = 11.2; Size 2.8'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 10°
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated 4:3 E-W, broad concentration, asymmetric appearance. The brightest portion of the core seems offset to the west. The halo appears irregular and weaker on the south side. Forms a pair with NGC 5719 11' ESE. On the POSS, a single spiral arm winds from SW to NE but is absent on the south side.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5713 = H. I-182 = h1857 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 727) and noted "cB, pL, iR." John Herschel made the single description, "B; R; psbM; r; 20"." d'Arrest measured NGC 5713 on 6 nights. Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 13 Apr 1852, wrote "[NGC 5713] is gbM, a faint indication of spirality??"
NGC 5651, discovered by George Bond at Harvard in 1853, is a duplicate observation. See that number.
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14 38 11.7 +46 38 16; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 3.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 82°
17.5" (6/27/98): faint, edge-on streak oriented
WSW-ENE. The tips of the
extensions dissolve gradually into the background. Located 1' S of an unequal pair of mag 11/13 stars at
40" separation. NGC 5714 is
the first (furthest west) and brightest of group of 6 faint galaxies, of which
5 were viewed. Next in the group
is
William Herschel discovered NGC 5714 = H. III-675 = h1861 on
12 May 1787 (sweep 734) and recorded "vF, iF, pS, sp two small unequal
stars." His position is 1.5'
too far north, but clearly applies to
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14 43 30 -57 34 36; Cir
V = 9.8; Size 7'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): this cluster
appears to extend 7' to 8' in diameter but the eye-catching portion is a small,
distinctive group of similar mag stars on the west side, forming an striking
oval ring or loop. Within this
2.5' curving chain are roughly two dozen, mostly mag 12.5-13.5 stars and the
interior of the loop is nearly devoid of stars. A mag 10.7 star is a couple of arcminutes east. Roughly 50 additional stars are in the
surrounding portion of cluster, for a total of ~75 stars. A mag 9.3 star (
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5715 = D 333 = h3577 on 8 May 1826. His summary description (2nd observation on 4 Jun) reads "a group of small stars with faint nebula. There is rather a gathering of the nebulous matter, about 10" diameter, near the north side." In his first observation he estimated the diameter as 5' and noted it was not round.
John Herschel observed this cluster on 9 Jul 1834 (sweep 469) and logged, "cluster VII. Pretty rich, stars 11..13th mag, irregular, scattered,10' diameter, rather more comp M." Herschel credited Dunlop with the discovery.
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14 41 05.5 -17 28 35; Lib
V = 12.9; Size 2.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 80°
13.1" (6/18/85): faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, low even surface brightness. Two mag 12/13 stars are at the NE edge both 1.0' from center. Located 23' SW of NGC 5716.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5716 = H. III-671 = h1860 on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) and logged "cF, S, R, joining two small stars."
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NGC 5717 = MCG +08-27-012 = CGCG 248-015 = PGC 52332
14 38 37.6 +46 39 47; Boo
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (6/27/98): faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter,
weak even concentration to center.
Nearly collinear with the mag 11/13 pair 4' W. NGC 5714 is 4.7' WSW and the
John Herschel discovered NGC 5717 = h1864 on 26 Apr 1830 and recorded "Not eF; R; psbM; 20"; the second of 3 [with NGC 5714 and 5722]." The next night he also logged "The second of 3 in a line (two R; one mE), south of a double star." Herschel incorrectly equated his discovery with his father's H. III-675, which applies to NGC 5714 (the edge-on).
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14 40 42.9 +03 27 55; Vir
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 85°
24" (6/18/12): moderately bright, fairly small, oval
3:2 or 4:3 E-W,
~35"x25", large bright core, brighter along the major axis. Forms a double system (
17.5" (6/8/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W,
weak concentration. Located 1.3'
SW of a mag 10 star that detracts from viewing. A number of mag 13-14 stars are within 3'. Forms a close contact pair (Arp 171)
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5718 = H. III-550 = h1862 on
30 Apr 1786 (sweep 558) and recorded "vF, S, preceding and in a line with
2 B stars." His position was
2' too far south and the two stars mentioned in Herschel's description are
collinear with the brighter eastern component
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NGC 5719 = UGC 9462 = MCG +00-37-024 = CGCG 019-079 = LGG 386-010 = NGC 5658 = PGC 52455
14 40 56.6 -00 19 05; Vir
V = 12.2; Size 3.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 107°
48" (5/4/16): bright, large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 3.2'x0.8', well concentrated with a large, very bright elongated core. A slightly curved, sharply defined dust lane extends along the south side of the core region and into the halo. A very faint strip of the halo is visible beyond the dust lane. Forms a disrupted pair with NGC 5713 11' WNW.
On images, the prominent dust lane is clearly warped and studies reveal a counter-rotating stellar disc accreted from a previous interaction with NGC 5713.
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, elongated bright core, thin extensions. Located 2' S of a mag 10 star. Forms a pair with NGC 5713 11' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5719 = H. II-682 = h1863 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 727) and noted "pB, cS." His position is 1' too far north. John Herschel made a single observation "pB; S; lE; bM." Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position of 6 nights referencing the mag 10 star just under 2' north. NGC 5658, discovered by George Bond at Harvard in 1853, is a duplicate observation. See that number.
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14 38 33.4 +50 48 54; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 2.1'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 140°
17.5" (6/18/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.8', weakly concentrated.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5720 = Sw. 9-40 on 24 Jun 1887
and recorded "eeF; pS; R; bet 2 stars." The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer (given as
list VI in the NGC), but the position in his 9th list (published in 1890) is
just off the north edge of
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14 38 52.9 +46 40 28; Boo
V = 15.8; Size 0.3'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (6/27/98): this close companion to NGC 5722 required averted vision and concentration to momentarily glimpse a virtually stellar object <10" diameter, just 35" NNW of NGC 5722. This borderline detection was repeated several times knowing precise location.
R.J. Mitchell and George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistants,
discovered NGC 5721 and 5723 on 16 Apr 1855 during an observation of the NGC
5714 group. A diagram is accurate
enough to clearly establish the identifications of NGC 5721 = MCG +08-27-013,
NGC 5722 = MCG +08-27-014,
RNGC misidentifies NGC 5721 as NGC 5722. The CGCG misidentifies the close pair as NGC 5721 + NGC 5723, instead of NGC 5721 + NGC 5722. Finally the MCG misplaces MCG +08-27-013 (the furthest west of the quartet) 2' south of NGC 5722, instead of 30" north. This error is carried forward into PGC.
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NGC 5722 = MCG +08-27-014 = CGCG 248-016se = PGC 52355
14 38 54.3 +46 39 56; Boo
V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.5'
17.5" (6/27/98): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter. Collinear with NGC 5717 2.9' W and the mag 11/13 pair 6.5' W. A nice pair of mag 12.5 stars [26" separation] located 5' N is perfectly on line with this galaxy. Brightest in a tight grouping with NGC 5721 just 35" NNW and NGC 5723 1.5' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5722 = h1865 on 26 Apr 1830 and recorded "vF; R; psbM; 15"; the third of 3 in a line". His position is 2.8' north of MCG +08-27-014. This galaxy has two fainter companions (NGC 5721 and NGC 5723), which were discovered and sketch at Birr Castle on 16 April 1855.
RNGC misidentifies NGC 5722 as NGC 5723. Also the MCG dec is 1' too far north, which places it north of NGC 5721, instead of south. See Malcolm Thomson's Catalogue Corrections and Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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NGC 5723 = MCG +08-27-015 = PGC 52354
14 38 57.9 +46 41 22; Boo
V = 15.5; Size 0.6'x0.2'; PA = 0°
17.5" (6/27/98): this galaxy is the last of five viewed
in the NGC 5721 group and part of small quartet (3 seen). Like NGC 5721, this marginal object
required concentration and averted vision to momentarily glimpse a 16th
magnitude stellar object (only core viewed) 1.5' NNE of NGC 5722. 17th magnitude
R.J. Mitchell and George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistants,
discovered NGC 5723 and 5721 on 16 Apr 1855 while observing the NGC 5714
group. A sketch shows a small
quartet to the northeast of NGC 5717 and NGC 5723 matches
The RNGC entry for NGC 5723 applies to NGC 5721. The MCG
entry for NGC 5723 is possibly correct (the coordinates are imprecise) though
it may erroneously refer to
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NGC 5724 = MCG +08-27-016 = PGC 52360
14 39 02.1 +46 41 32; Boo
V = 17.0
= *, Gottlieb and Corwin
R.J. Mitchell and George Johnstone Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 5724 on 16 Apr 1855. Based on the sketch published in the 1880 monograph (showing (NGC 5714, 5717, 5721, 5722, 5723 and 5724), Harold Corwin identifies this number with MCG +08-27-016, an extremely compact galaxy or star. The RNGC misidentifies 2MASX J14390847+4644487 as NGC 5724. This galaxy is located about 4' NE of the trapezium formed by NGC 5721, NGC 5722, NGC 5723 and NGC 5724.
In an email exchange with Corwin, I suggested that NGC 5724 is actually a star based on its completely stellar appearance and SDSS classification. Corwin concurs and the type has now been changed to a star in NED. At B = 17.4, Corwin notes this is certainly one of the faintest NGC objects.
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14 40 58.3 +02 11 10; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 40°
17.5" (4/13/91): very faint, small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5725 on 27 Apr 1862 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on two nights) matches
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14 42 56.0 -18 26 42; Lib
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 140°
18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, small, contains a fairly
high surface brightness 25" core with a fainter halo. Located 7' SE of mag 9.2
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5726 = LM 1-205 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
12.8, 0.3' dia, R, gbM, *10.5, np 2.7'." His approximate position (nearest min of RA) is 1 min of
time west of
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14 40 26.3 +33 59 20; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 135°
17.5" (6/21/93): extremely faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE although edges difficult to determine, 2.0'x1.0', very low even surface brightness. A striking pair of fairly bright wide double stars is 5' SSE consisting of a mag 10/11 duo at 16" and a mag 9/11.5 pair at 30". The two pairs are separated by 1.5'.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5727 = St. 12-66 on 26 Apr 1870 with another observation on 26 May 1875. His rough, unpublished positions were off by ~3' to the E and NE. His published accurate position was made 13 years later on 12 Jun 1882 with description "extremely faint, fairly large, round, diffuse, very little central condensation."
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14 42 24.0 -17 15 10; Lib
V = 11.3; Size 3.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 30°
13.1" (6/18/85): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE. Contains a bright core and possible stellar nucleus. A faint mag 14.5 star is at the southern tip 1.2' from center. An extremely faint 15th magnitude star is suspected just north of the core 0.4' from center. NGC 5716 lies 23' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5728 = H. I-184 = h1866 on 7 May 1787 (sweep 732) and recorded "cB, pL, E from sp to nf, mbM." His position is accurate. On his first observation, John Herschel called this object "pB; mE; bM, almost to nucleus; has a * 10m 90° south." On a second sweep, he logged "F; R; pgbM; 20" has a * 15 nf; certainly not of first and hardly of second class. Sky perfectly clear."
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14 42 06.8 -09 00 30; Lib
V = 12.6; Size 2.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 166°
17.5" (6/20/01): moderately bright, very elongated 4:1
NNW-SSE, 1.6'x0.4'. A mag 14.5
star is at the east edge [close double].
William Herschel discovered NGC 5729 = H. III-508 = h3578 on
4 Feb 1786 (sweep 522) and recorded "vF, cL, irregularly elongated nearly
in the meridian. His position is
off the south side of
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14 39 52.0 +42 44 33; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 1.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 88°
17.5" (6/27/98): larger of a faint pair of edge-on
galaxies with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5730 = H. III-657 = h1867, along with NGC 5731, on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "Two, both vF, vS, E, but in different directions. The preceding [NGC 5730] is the brightest; about 2 or 3' distance, nearly in the parallel [E-W]. Each situated south of a small star." John Herschel made the single observation "eF; pL; E; seen only with great attention. Place estimated from III. 658 [NGC 5731]. His estimated declination is 1.5' north of NGC 5731, but he reversed the direction, which should be 2' south of NGC 5731. This error was carried forward to the GC and NGC
The identifications of these galaxies are reversed in the RNGC and CGCG due to this mix-up, although UGC, MCG and PGC have the correct identifications. See Thomson's Catalogue Corrections and Corwin's notes.
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NGC 5731 = UGC 9460 = MCG +07-30-047 = CGCG 220-045 = Holm 667b = PGC 52409
14 40 09.3 +42 46 46; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 116°
17.5" (6/27/98): faint, moderately large, very elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.25', weakly concentrated. A mag 13 star lies 1.5' NW of center. Forms a close pair of edge-ons with NGC 5730 3' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5731 = H. III-658 = h1867, along with NGC 5730, on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "Two, both vF, vS, E, but in different directions. The preceding [NGC 5730] is the brightest; about 2 or 3' distance, nearly in the parallel [E-W]. Each situated south of a small star."
See notes for NGC 5730 for identification errors.
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14 40 39.0 +38 38 16; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 40°
24" (6/15/15): at 260x; moderately bright, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.6', fairly weak concentration. Using 375x the galaxy has a mottled, irregular appearance and fainter outer portions of the halo sometimes become more evident.
17.5" (6/21/93): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, weak broad concentration with no visible core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5732 = H. III-686 = h1869 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and logged "eF, cS, lbM." The next object in his sweep was described as "a small patch, very faint" and not assigned an internal discovery number. But the time was noted as 1 min 6 sec after NGC 5732, and 13' north. Close to this offset is UGC 9473, which is another pre-NGC discovery by Herschel. John Herschel made two observations of NGC 5732 and logged "vF; S; R; bM."
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14 42 45.8 -00 21 05; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 32°
17.5" (4/13/91): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE. Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 13 stars 1.7' WNW and 1.6' ENE of center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5733 = m 283 on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, S, mE". His position is accurate.
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14 45 09.1 -20 52 14; Lib
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 38°
18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.4'. A mag 13 is
just off the NE tip, 30" from center, and detracts from viewing. Forms a close pair with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5734 = LM 1-206, along
with NGC 5743, on 3 Jun 1885 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander
McCormick Observatory and recorded "vF; S; lE; glbM." There is nothing at his rough position
(nearest min of RA), but 1 min of RA east is
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14 42 33.4 +28 43 34; Boo
V = 12.3; Size 2.4'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 40°
17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.5'x1.1'. A mag 11 star is 4.2' WSW. In the field 7' NE is a pretty double star with components mag 11/12 at 19" separation.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5735 = H. III-133 = h1870 on 17 May 1784 (sweep 219) and recorded "eF, cL, iR, lbM." John Herschel recorded a single observation: "vF; L; R."
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14 43 30.8 +11 12 10; Boo
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.7'; PA = 108°
24" (5/11/13): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 WNW-ESE, 45"x30", small bright core. Forms a pair with
17.5" (6/20/01): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.7'. Contains a 10" brighter core. Collinear with a pair of mag 13.5/14 stars 4' NE. A 2.4' pair of mag 10 and 11 stars are located 11' NNE and 8' N, respectively.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5736 = Sw. 6-68 on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeF; S; lE; v diff." His position in list VI is 4.5' west-northwest of CGCG 076-007 = PGC 52597, although Corwin notes the NGC position, which was communicated directly to Dreyer by Swift, is accurate.
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14 43 11.8 +18 52 48; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 170°
18" (7/10/10): faint to fairly faint, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.9'x0.6', slightly brighter core, very faint stellar nucleus. Situated 4.5' S of a mag 10 star and 4.6' WNW of a mag 9..8 star, forming the vertex of an obtuse isosceles triangle with the two similar stars. IC 1051 lies 16' NE.
17.5" (7/16/01): faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, 1.1'x0.8', weak concentration, irregular surface brightness. Forms the vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 10 stars 4' N and 4' E. Viewed low in the west with decreased transparency.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5737 = H. III-896 = h1871 on 20 Apr 1792 (sweep 1021) and recorded "eF, S, vlbM." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; pS; R; glbM" and measured an accurate position.
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14 43 56.4 +01 36 15; Vir
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 64°
17.5" (6/18/93): faint, fairly small, very elongated
3:1 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.3'. Two stars
mag 14-15 are close following including a mag 14.5 star 1.3' ESE. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5738 = m 284 on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "F, S, bM." His position is accurate.
******************************
14 42 28.9 +41 50 32; Boo
V = 12.1; Size 2.3'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/27/98): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.2'x1.0', well concentrated with a small bright core. A mag 14 star is just off the northeast end 0.8' from center and three additional nearby mag 14-15 stars form a parallelogram with this star.
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, round, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5739 = H. I-171 = h1873 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "pB, R, S, lbM, r." His position was 3' too far north and 9 seconds of RA too small. Less than a month later on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725), he logged "cB, S, mbM, r." John Herschel noted that several faint stars were near and measured a good position.
******************************
NGC 5740 = UGC 9493 = MCG +00-38-003 = CGCG 020-008 = LGG 386-004 = PGC 52641
14 44 24.5 +01 40 47; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 3.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 160°
17.5" (6/18/93): moderately bright, elongated 2:1
NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.8', bright core, almost stellar nucleus, faint extensions. A mag 15 star is 1.5' WNW of
center. Forms a pair with NGC 5738
8.2' SW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 5740 = H. II-538 = h1872 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "pB, cL, iR." John Herschel made the single observation "L; irreg R; gbM; r." R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 10 May 1855, reported "pB, R, Nucl surrounded by faint nebulosity, which has a prolongation [arm] to np; between nucleus and tail the neby is fainter [dust]."
******************************
14 45 51.7 -11 54 51; Lib
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5": faint/fairly faint, small, round, crisp-edged,
40" diameter, relatively high surface brightness. A mag 14.5-15 "star" 40"
S of center appears to be a compact galaxy on the DSS and is catalogued in NED
as LCRS
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5741 = LM 1-207, along
with NGC 5742, on 12 Jun 1885 and recorded "mag 14.0, vS, R,
sbMN." His rough position
(nearest min of RA) is 1 min west of
******************************
NGC 5742 = MCG -02-38-007 = PGC 52707
14 45 37.0 -11 48 34; Lib
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 73°
48" (5/9/18): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large,
oval 2:1 or 5:2 WSW-ENE, ~1.0'x0.4'.
Strong concentration with a prominent core and a bright stellar
nucleus. A mag 16.8 star is off
the south edge. A pair of
galaxies,
17.5": fairly faint/moderately bright, round, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.8', bright core. A mag 14 star lies 1.3' SSW. Forms a pair with NGC 5741 7.3' SE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5742 = LM 1-208, along with NGC 5741, on 12 Jun 1885 and recorded "mag 12.0, pS, pmE, gbMN, envelope mag 15.0." His rough position (nearest min of RA) was 40 seconds of RA too small. Ormond Stone's corrected position, repeated in the IC 1 notes, is accurate.
******************************
NGC 5743 = ESO 580-017 = MCG -03-38-004 = PGC 52680
14 45 10.9 -20 54 48; Lib
V = 13.0; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 95°
18" (5/29/05): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated nearly 3:1 E-W, 1.2'x0.4', broad concentration. Larger and brighter of a close pair with NGC 5734 2.6' N.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5743 = LM 1-209, along
with NGC 5734, on 3 Jun 1885 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander
McCormick Observatory and recorded "F; S; vE; smbMN." His position (nearest min of RA) is
just 2' north of
******************************
14 46 38.6 -18 30 48; Lib
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 108°
18" (5/29/05): faint, very small, round, 0.4'
diameter. No details were visible
in this small galaxy. A striking
1.3' string of 3 stars lies 10' E with mag 9.3
The NGC identification is uncertain and may apply to this
galaxy or
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5744 = LM 1-210 in 1886 with the
26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.5, 0.2' dia, neb?" His
rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.5 min of RA east of ESO 580-014 but
also 1.4 min of RA west of
******************************
14 45 01.8 -13 56 50; Lib
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65°
17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated
4:3 ~E-W. Weak concentration to a
small, brighter core. A mag 14
star lies 1.6' SW of center.
Situated near the midpoint of mag 9.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 5745 = h3579 on 5 Jun 1836 and recorded "vF; E; pslbM; 20"." His single observation is an exact match with MCG -02-38-004.
******************************
NGC 5746 = UGC 9499 = MCG +00-38-005 = CGCG 020-012 = LGG 386-005 = PGC 52665
14 44 55.8 +01 57 19; Vir
V = 10.3; Size 7.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 170°
48" (4/19/17): at 375x; gorgeous edge-on stretching
nearly 7' NNW-SSE, It bulges nearly 1' in the core, though is much thinner
towards the tips. Contains an
intensely bright, elongated core with a rounder nucleus. The galaxy is sliced asymmetrically by
a razor sharp, straight dust lane that splits the galaxy to the east of center,
so that the main part of the galaxy is west of the dust lane. The portion of the disc on the east
side of the lane is much fainter but shows up well as a thin strip, mostly
visible in the central section east of the main section of the core. A bright mag 14 star is embedded on the
south side, ~2' from the center. A
mag 15.1 star is near the NNW end, off the east side and a mag 16 star is just
west of the very NNE tip. Finally
a mag 16+ star is superimposed just north of the core along the western flank
~0.6' from center. The galaxy is
located 20' WNW of 109 Vir (V = 13.7) and mag 8.5
A small trio 17' to the west, consisting of
18" (6/17/06): superb edge-on 7:1 N-S, ~6'x0.8', broadly concentrated to a 2'x0.7' elongated, bulging core. The core is mottled and clumpy due to a dust lane that appears to pass along the east edge of the core. The southern extension passes through a star and is slightly brighter and possibly longer, though the northern extension does extend as far with careful viewing (slightly lower surface brightness).
17.5" (2/28/87): beautiful edge-on ~N-S, bright, fairly
large, 4.5'x0.7', small bright core.
A mag 15 star is at the south end 2' from the center. A dust lane is evident as a sharp light
cut-off along the eastern edge.
Located 5' SSE of mag 8.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 5746 = H. I-126 = h1874 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "eB, mE in the parallel [should be in the meridian], BN, 8 or 9' long." John Herschel made a single observation: "a long pB ray with a pB nucleus; 3' long."
Lord Rosse made an early observation with the 72" on 25 Apr 1848. On 3 Apr 1875, Dreyer reported "there seems to be a split in the nebulosity following the nucleus." This clearly refers to the dust lane.
The RNGC declination is 10' too far south.
******************************
14 44 20.7 +12 07 53; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (6/20/01): fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration. A mag 14 star lies 0.9' WNW of center while a brighter mag 12.5 star follows by 3.5'.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5747 = H. III-48 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 175) and logged, "eF, S, required some time to look at it before it could be well seen." There is nothing at his position but 50 seconds of time preceding is UGC 9496. Several other nebulae discovered that night also have errors of 30 to 90 seconds in RA too far east, so this identification is very likely. Stephan observed this galaxy on 4 May 1870 as well as 2 May 1878 and his uncorrected notebook position (first observation) was just 1' to the SW.
Bigourdan failed to find H. III-48 twice at WH's position,
but rediscovered NGC 5747 and assumed it was new (Big. 422, later IC
4493). So, NGC 5747 is identical
to
******************************
14 45 05.1 +21 54 58; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 158°
17.5" (6/20/01): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.5', weak concentration. Located between a mag 9.5 star 2.6' NNE and mag 9.2 SAO 83498 6.6' SSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5748 = St. 12-67 on 30 Apr 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 3' too far E. His published accurate position was made 12 years later on 14 Jun 1882 with description "extremely faint, very small, slightly brighter nucleus."
George Bond possibly discovered NGC 5748 on 30 Dec 1850 at the Harvard College Observatory and reported it in AN 1453, but his approximate coordinates leaves this identication uncertain.
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14 48 54 -54 29 54; Lup
Size 8'
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): With a 27 Panoptic (76x), a group of three dozen stars are scattered in an irregular 8' region. The cluster includes a number of 12th magnitude stars with a mag 9.5 star at the NW edge. At 228x, up to 60 stars within this group were counted. There are no rich subgroups but the most distinctive group is a V-shaped or "wishbone" asterism of mag 11 stars with the prongs opening to the east. Eight of the stars are grouped into wide pairs of 30" to 40" separation. A mag 9.7 yellow star lies ~6' E of the cluster.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5749 = D 356 = h3580 on 7 May 1826. Based on 3 observations he wrote, "a group of 8 or 10 pretty bright small stars, in the form of a letter Y, about 5' long, parallel to the equator, with small stars in it resembling faint nebula."
John Herschel made the single observation on 8 Jul 1834 (sweep 468): "cluster VII class; p rich, loose, irregular figure, 8', stars 10 and 11th mag."
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14 46 11.1 -00 13 25; Vir
V = 11.6; Size 3.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 65°
17.5" (6/18/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.8'x1.2'. The halo has a moderate even concentration down to a very small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star lies 1.1' N of center.
8" (6/29/84): fairly faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE, weakly concentrated with no sharp nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5750 = H. I-183 = h1875 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 727) and logged "cB, pL, iR." John Herschel describe it as "F; R; gbM; r; 30"; is not entitled to be called first class. Sky perfectly clear."
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14 43 49.2 +53 24 01; Boo
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 55°
24" (7/23/20): nearly moderately bright, moderately
large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weak concentration with to a more circular,
slightly brighter central region.
The outer halo is ill-defined and uneven in surface brightness. Mag 12 stars lie 3' W and 3' SE.
17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.6, even surface brightness. Forms the vertex of an obtuse angle of 135° with two mag 11 stars 2.8' W and 3.1' SE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5751 = H. II-809 = h1877 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 927) and noted "F, S, E." His position is poor, but JH commented "vF; R; forms an obtuse-angled isosceles with 2 equal stars 10-11m, one p, one sf; dist of each 3'." and he measured a more accurate position (1' too far north).
******************************
14 45 14.1 +38 43 44; Boo
V = 14.9; Size 0.6'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 120°
18" (5/3/08): NGC 5752 forms the western component of a
close interacting pair with much brighter
17.5" (6/21/93): first of four in the NGC 5754 group. Extremely faint, very small, 15" diameter, round, averted vision only. In a tight group with NGC 5754 1.1' E and the NGC 5753/NGC 5755 pair 3.5' NNE.
Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 5752, along with NGC 5753 and 5755 on 1 Apr 1878, while observing NGC 5754. He noted a "double nebula, pos 83.5°, distance 70.3"; p one [NGC 5752] the fainter." NGC 5754 has a very low surface brightness arm on the south side that attaches like a tidal tail to NGC 5752.
******************************
NGC 5753 = Arp 297 NED2 = MCG +07-30-062 = CGCG 220-053nw = Holm 674d = PGC 52695
14 45 18.9 +38 48 21; Boo
V = 15.4; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (5/3/08): extremely faint, round, just 10" diameter, requires averted vision. This the furthest north and the faintest member of a tight quartet. Located 1.9' NW of NGC 5755 and 4.5' N of NGC 5754.
17.5" (6/21/93): extremely faint, very small, round, visible with averted vision only. Forms a pair with NGC 5755 1.9' SE. In a quartet with the NGC 5752/NGC 5754 pair 4' S.
Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 5753,
along with NGC 5752 and 5755, on 1 Apr 1878 while observing NGC 5754. With respect to NGC 5755, he noted
another nebula that was "F, bM, pos 324.7°, dist 121.1". Parsons' micrometric offsets clearly
pinpoints
******************************
NGC 5754 = Arp 297 NED3 = UGC 9505 = MCG +07-30-061 = CGCG 220-052 = Holm 674a = PGC 52686
14 45 19.4 +38 43 52; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.2
18" (5/3/08): brightest galaxy in a small quartet and form a close, interacting pair with NGC 5752 just 1' W. At 280x, NGC 5754 appeared moderately bright, round, 1' diameter, contains a very small bright core and faint stellar nucleus. NGC 5755 lies 3' NNE and NGC 5753 is 4.4' N. The redshift of the latter two galaxies is half that of NGC 5252 and 5254.
17.5" (6/21/93): brightest in a compact quartet. Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.8', gradually brighter halo, small bright core. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 5752 1.1' W. The NGC 5753/NGC 5755 pair lies 4' N and 3' NNE, respectively.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5754 = H. III-687 = h1878 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738) and recorded cF, pS. Another much fainter and smaller suspected, about 2' more north. 300x showed the same." NGC 5754 is the brightest in a close group of four with NGC 5752, NGC 5753 and NGC 5755 (discovered by Lawrence Parsons on 1 Apr 1878) with NGC 5752/5754 a close pair. NGC 5755, situated 3' north-northeast of NGC 5754, is probably the galaxy suspected by WH!
RNGC has confused the identities of NGC 5753 and NGC 5754, hence the positions and new descriptions for these two entries should be reversed. The correct identifications are given in UGC and MCG. Listed in my RNGC Corrections #2.
******************************
NGC 5755 = Arp 297 NED4 = UGC 9507 = MCG +07-30-063 = CGCG 220-053se = Holm 674b = PGC 52690
14 45 24.6 +38 46 47; Boo
V = 14.3; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 15°
18" (5/3/08): at 280x this member of the NGC 5754 quartet appeared very faint, round, just 20" diameter. Contains a faint stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed. On the DSS, this appears to be an interacting double system, so perhaps I was just resolving it. NGC 5753 lies 1.9' NW.
17.5" (6/21/93): last of four in the NGC 5754 quartet. Very faint, small, round, 25" diameter, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star lies 1' SE. Forms a close pair with NGC 5753 1.9' NW and the NGC 5752/5754 pair is just 3' SSW.
Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 5755, along with NGC 5752 and 5753 on 1 Apr 1878, while observing NGC 5754. He noted a faint nebula in PA 18.3° from NGC 5754 at a distance of 131.8" (the actual separation is closer to 3', although the PA is accurate).
William Herschel probably discovered this object earlier on 16 May 1787 (sweep 738). In his description of NGC 5754 he noted "Another much fainter and smaller suspected, about 2 [arcmin] more north. 300 shewed the same." Because of his uncertainty, he didn't assign NGC 5755 an internal discovery number and WH missed being credited with the discovery.
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14 47 33.7 -14 51 13; Lib
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 40°
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, very elongated SW-NE, weakly concentrated halo, small bright nucleus with faint extensions.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5756 = h3581 on 5 Jun 1836 and recorded "pB; pmE; gpmbM; 80"." His single position is at the east edge of the galaxy.
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14 47 46.4 -19 04 42; Lib
V = 11.9; Size 2.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 160°
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, moderately large, brighter core surrounded by a round, diffuse halo. A mag 13 star is off the NNE edge 2.0' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5757 = H. III-690 = h1876 on 19 May 1787 (sweep 741) and recorded "vF, cS, lbM, iF." His position is just off the north edge of the galaxy. John Herschel called this galaxy "F; S; R; bM."
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14 47 02.1 +13 40 06; Boo
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.8'; PA = 80°
17.5" (7/17/01): very faint, very small, round,
20" diameter. A mag 14 star
lies 0.9' E. In a group and forms
a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5758 = Sw. 3-83 on 6 Jun 1886 and
recorded "eF; pS; R; bright star follows 22 sec." His position is 8 sec of RA west and
1.6' south of
******************************
NGC 5759 = UGC 9525 = MCG +02-38-012 = CGCG 076-044 = PGC 52797
14 47 14.8 +13 27 25; Boo
V = 13.9; Size 0.6'x0.5'
24" (7/10/18): at 225x; fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round. Contains a bright core that is offset to the southeast side and a faint halo that extends only northwest of the core! CGCG 076-042, situated 3.4' S, appeared faint, small, elongated 3:2 or 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~25"x15", very small bright nucleus.
NGC 5759 forms an interacting pair (connected with a tidal
bridge) with
17.5" (7/17/01): very faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4', low even surface brightness. Forms a pair with difficult
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5759 = St. 11-29 on 23 May 1871 and measured an initial position 1' to the S. His published micrometric position was made 9 years later on 7 Jun 1880.
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14 47 42.3 +18 30 07; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 96°
18" (7/13/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 ~E-W. Contains a small, bright
core that appears offset to the west side of the glow. Occasionally a faint stellar nucleus
popped into view. Forms a pair
with
17.5" (7/16/01): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, weakly concentrated. Located 3.4' N east of a mag 10.5 star. Forms a pair with difficult IC 4507 2.9' S.
17.5" (6/16/01): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.6', weak concentration. IC 4507 2.8' S (mag 15.7z) was not seen with certainty in poor conditions (partially cloudy). HCG 72 lies 32' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5760 = H. III-885 = h1879 on 24 May 1791 (sweep 1006) and recorded "eF, vS, E nearly in the parallel [E-W]." John Herschel logged "vF; lE in parallel; vglbM." and measured an accurate position.
******************************
14 49 08.4 -20 22 35; Lib
V = 12.4; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 85°
48" (5/12/12): at 488x appeared bright, fairly large,
oval 5:4 ~E-W, ~1.2'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a very bright, oval core,
halo fades out gradually. A mag 16
star lies 45" SW. Two
companions are on opposite sides of the galaxy:
17.5": fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1'
diameter. The faint outer halo
rises sharply to a 15" bright core.
Brightest in a small group with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5761 = LM 1-211 in 1886
and recorded "mag 14.5, 0.3' dia, R, glbMN." His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is 6' north of
RNGC, ESO-LV and RC3 identify ESO 580-039 as NGC 5761. But in the South Equatorial Galaxy Catalogue (ESGC) and an early NGC errata list, Harold Corwin identified ESO 580-040 as NGC 5761. Without a discovery sketch, either identification is plausible. See Corwin's identification notes.
******************************
14 48 42.6 +12 27 26; Boo
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 140°
17.5" (6/3/00): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1' diameter, weak even concentration to a brighter core. A semicircle of four stars mag 13-14 lies 6-7' W. Forms a pair with NGC 5763 at 4.4' ENE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5762 = Sw. 3-84, along with NGC
5763 = Sw. 3-85, on 22 May 1886 and recorded "vF; S; R; preceding of 2
[with
******************************
NGC 5763 = CGCG 076-064 = PGC 52905
14 48 58.7 +12 29 24; Boo
V = 14.5; Size 0.5'x0.5'
17.5" (6/3/00): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter, low even surface brightness. Fainter of a pair with NGC 5762 4.4' WSW. Forms the eastern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 15 stars 1.5' SW and NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5763 = Sw. 3-85, along with NGC 5762, on 22 May 1886, and recorded "eeeF; pS; ee diff; following of 2 [with NGC 5762]." His RA is 22 sec too large but his relative positions for the pair is good. Both Herbert Howe and Bigourdan measured an accurate position (given in the IC 2 Notes).
******************************
14 53 32 -52 40 12; Lup
V = 12.6; Size 2'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): NGC 5764 is a very
small, faint elongated glow, ~1' length, with a half-dozen mag 13-15 stars
resolved in a tight clump. A mag
13 star (close double) is off the east end and the brightest star in the
elongated clump is a very close double.
Several additional very faint stars are within a 2' x 1' region (nominal
size of the cluster). Located 26'
NW of mag 5.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 5764 = h3582 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "a small elongated close group of vS milky way stars; 3' l, 1 1/2' br; so close and faint as to approach very near to the character of a nebula." His single position is at the east end of the small group.
******************************
14 50 51.0 +05 07 01; Vir
V = 13.3
24" (6/30/16): at 322x;
17.5" (4/13/91): NGC 5765 is a very close double system oriented NW-SE. The southeast component (NGC 5765B) is brighter and appears faint, small, round. NGC 5765A is virtually in contact at the northwest end and appeared very faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, low surface brightness. The nuclei have a separation of 20".
John Herschel discovered NGC 5765 = h1880 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "vF; a double nebula, both individuals eF." His position matches this contact pair. R.J. Mitchell made another observation on 10 May 1855 at Birr Castle and wrote, "2 vS neb np and sf, very close both R, bM. The sf neb seems a little the larger the brighter." So, there is no doubt both galaxies were seen, although only a single NGC designation was assigned.
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14 53 09.5 -21 23 38; Lib
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 149°
18" (5/29/05): fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter, moderate surface brightness. Forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle (sides 2', 2' and 1') with two similar mag 12 stars to the north and NE.
17.5" (6/20/01): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.0'x0.8'. Very weak even concentration (not noticeable initially) but no core or nucleus. Forms the southern vertex of a thin isosceles triangle with two mag 12-13 stars 2.3' N and a similar distance NE.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5766 = LM 1-212 on 8 Jul 1885
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported "mag 14.5; 0.3' dia;
R; glbMN." His rough position
(nearest min of RA) is 1 min of RA west and 1' N of
******************************
14 49 34.4 +47 22 34; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 150°
17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 1.1' NNW of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5767 = Sw. 1-37 on 14 May 1885
and recorded "vvF; pS; R; * nr; saw another nr as I supposed, but could
not refind it." His RA is 16
sec too large. Bigourdan measured
an accurate position on 14 Jun 1898 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes). UGC does not label
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14 52 08.0 -02 31 49; Lib
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x1.4'; PA = 120°
17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WNW-ENE, 1.2'x0.9', fairly even surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star is attached at the south edge 0.5' from center. Located 25' SE of 11 Librae (V = 4.9).
8" (6/30/84): very faint, small, almost round, even surface brightness. A faint star is on the south edge. Two stars to the east and SE form an equilateral triangle. Mag 5 11 Librae lies 25' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5768 = H. III-373 on 14 Apr 1785 (sweep 400) and recorded "vF, just north of a small star, which it seems to be an electrical brush preceding towards the north, but there is a little distance between the star and the brush. At first sight it resembles the 1st of my Fan-shaped." On 23 Mar 1789 (sweep 917) he logged, "F, R, faint nucleus, vF chevelure north of a small star; the chevalure reaches up to it." John Herschel made no observations although Stephan took a look on 23 May 1871 amd 3 May 1878.
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14 52 41.6 +07 55 55; Boo
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (6/18/93): very faint, very small, round,
15" diameter, extremely small brighter core with direct vision. Located 9.5' N of mag 7.9
Edward Holden discovered NGC 5769 on 27 Apr 1881 at the
Washburn Observatory and noted "vF, exactly north of Lalande
27090." His position is 2.5'
north of
******************************
14 53 15.0 +03 57 36; Vir
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (4/13/91): moderately bright, small, elongated
3:2 E-W, increases to a small bright core containing a stellar nucleus. The core is surrounded by a small
halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5770 = H. II-576 = h1881 on 29 Apr 1786 (sweep 557) and recorded "F, S, lE; like two stellar joined very closely." His RA was 36 seconds too large. John Herschel made 3 observations and measured an accurate position. On 26 Apr 1851, Lord Rosse or his assistant Bindon Stoney reported "strongly suspected to be a very close double nebula; but definition and clouds." On 12 May 1858, R.J. Mitchell reported "closely double preceding - following, p companion vS." The preceding companion is a superimposed star.
******************************
14 52 14.3 +29 50 43; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (6/21/93): faint, small, round, 40"
diameter, broad moderate concentration, faint stellar nucleus at moments. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5771 = H. III-129 = h1882, along with NGC 5773, on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218) and recorded "Two, extr F and vS, R nebula; about 6' from each other. 240 confirmed them with difficulty." His single position matches NGC 5771. John Herschel made the single observation "vF; S; R; pgbM; 15"."
******************************
14 51 39.0 +40 35 57; Boo
V = 12.8; Size 2.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 35°
17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.6'x0.8', small bright core, sharp stellar nucleus. Located 7' SSE of mag 8.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 5772 = h1883 on 12 May 1828 and
recorded "pB; pL; R; gbM; 20"; a * 8m np." His position and description matches
******************************
NGC 5773 = UGC 9571 = MCG +05-35-022 = CGCG 164-038 = PGC 53124
14 52 30.3 +29 48 27; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (6/21/93): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, broad concentration. A mag 13 star is 2.8' S. Forms a very similar pair with NGC 5771 4' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5773 = H. III-130 = h1884, along with NGC 5771, on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218). See description for NGC 5771. John Herschel made the single observation "vF; R; pgbM; 20"."
******************************
NGC 5774 = UGC 9576 = MCG +01-38-013 = CGCG 048-057 = Holm 685b = LGG 387-003 = PGC 53231
14 53 42.6 +03 34 58; Vir
V = 12.1; Size 3.0'x2.5'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 145°
48" (4/19/17): Interesting face-on SBc spiral at 488x. Contains a fairly bright, small oval core with a weak E-W bar. A spiral arm is attached on the south side of the core and curls at least 90° counterclockwise towards the south and west, ending about 40" WNW of center. A second arm is on the north side of the core but it was more difficult to distinguish as it wraps east tight to the core. Finally, a fairly long, detached spiral arm of low surface brightness is on the southwest side of the halo, extending linearly WNW-ESE. On the SDSS, this "arm" consists of a number of adjacent blue HII knots and angles towards companion NGC 5775. Two stars are superimposed north of center, one just 12" N and a mag 16 star 30" NE.
24" (7/14/15): at 375x; moderately to fairly bright,
fairly large, slightly elongated NW-SE, 2.0'x1.5', slightly brighter middle,
gradually increases towards the center.
Either contains a faint stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed
near the center. A mag 14 star is
just off the northeast side, 1.4' from the center. Forms a trio with NGC 5775 4.4' SE and
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly faint, moderately large, round, fairly low surface brightness, gradually brighter but no well-defined core. A mag 14 star is off the NE edge 1.4' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 5775 4.5' SE.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5774 on 26 Apr 1851. While observing NGC 5775 he noted "[NGC 5775] is a long ray with another nebula [NGC 5774] about 3' preceding and a little north." Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position on two nights and Stephan made observations on 9 Jun 1877 and 30 May 1878.
******************************
NGC 5775 = UGC 9579 = MCG +01-38-014 = CGCG 048-060 = Holm 685a = LGG 387-004 = PGC 53247
14 53 57.5 +03 32 42; Vir
V = 11.4; Size 4.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 146°
48" (4/19/17): very bright, large, very elongated 5:1 NW-SE, 4.0'x0.8', Contains a larger brighter middle section but no distinct nucleus. A well defined, long thin dust lane slices through much of the galaxy, just east of center, though the contrast is less towards the outer portions. The section west of the lane is considerably brighter and contains the main central section. Overall, the galaxy has a very irregular surface brightness and was generally mottled. The galaxy appeared dusty with a lower surface brightness to the NW of the central section and a knotty section is at the NW end (identified as [LED2001] C in SIMBAD from the 2001 paper "NGC 5775: Anatomy of a disk-halo interface"). Similarly, there is a lower surface brightness region (dust) SE of the central section and two very small HII knots near the SE end (HII complex [LED2001] A). NGC 5775 is the brightest and largest in a trio with NGC 5775 4.4' NW and IC 1070 4' SSW.
24" (7/14/15 and 6/23/17): at 375x; bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 3.6'x0.9', slightly brighter elongated middle. This edge-on has a mottled, dusty appearance. A slightly brighter patch is at the southeast end (HII region "A" in "NGC 5775: Anatomy of a disk-halo interface"). Also, there appears to be a slightly brighter patch on the northwest side. A mag 13.5 star lies 0.9' NE of center. Brightest in a physical trio with NGC 5774 4.4' NW and IC 1070 3.9' SSW.
17.5" (4/13/91): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, weakly concentrated to a large elongated brighter central region. A mag 13 star is just northeast of the core 0.9' from center. Forms a pair with NGC 5774 4.5' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5775 = H. III-554 = h1885 on 27 May 1786 (sweep 567) and recorded "vF, S, E from np to sf but nearly in the meridian." John Herschel made 3 observations. On 10 Apr 1828 (sweep 143), he logged "Not vF; gvlbM; a narrow ray, 90" l, 15" br." Both Herschels missed nearby NGC 5774, which was discovered at Birr Castle. Brightest member of GCG 387 (Garcia Compact Group).
******************************
14 54 32.7 +02 57 59; Vir
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (6/18/93): faint, small, round, 30"
diameter, weak concentration.
Several bright stars in field including mag 9
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5776 on 27 Apr 1862 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
He noted a mag 9 star (
******************************
14 51 17.8 +58 58 39; Dra
V = 13.3; Size 3.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 144°
48" (5/1/19): at 375x; bright, large, very thin edge-on NW-SE, 3.0'x0.3'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, small but slightly elongated core. The galaxy extends just beyond a mag 14.5 star near the NW end. UGC 9570, a low surface brightness companion 2.7' SE of center, appeared fairly faint, moderately large, roundish, diffuse glow, ~40" diameter, very weak concentration.
24" (7/6/13): at 200x appeared fairly bright, large,
edge-on ~8:1 NW-SE, ~2.4'x0.3'.
Contains a small bright core that is elongated and increases to a
brighter sub-stellar nucleus. A
mag 14.5 star is adjacent to the NW tip of the galaxy on the following
edge. Forms a pair with
17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE,
2.0'x0.4', small bright core, thin extensions. A mag 14.5 star is close to the NW tip, 1.2' from
center. Located 20' S of mag 5.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5777 = H. III-806 on 17 Apr
1789 (sweep 924) and logged "vF, vS, lE." His position matches
******************************
14 54 31.4 +18 38 32; Boo
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 10°
17.5" (6/3/00): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE,
slightly brighter core, very diffuse halo. View hampered by a mag 11.5 star close following [ 50"
from center].
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5778 = Sw. 4-15 on 20 Jun 1886
and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; pB * close f; ee dif." His position is just 9 sec of RA west
of
******************************
14 52 09.4 +55 53 58; Dra
V = 14.7; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (6/27/98): extremely faint, very small, round,
20" diameter. A mag 15 star
is 40" WSW of center and a mag 15.5 star (not on GSC) lies 44"
SSE. Can hold the galaxy
continuously at 280x. Located 10'
NNW of mag 7.2
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5779 = Sw. 1-38 on 9 Jun 1885 and recorded "vF; pS; lE; lbM; pB * nr." His position is just 9 sec of RA east and 1' north of CGCG 273-031 = PGC 53090.
******************************
14 54 22.7 +28 56 23; Boo
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 135°
17.5" (6/21/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 50"x25". A mag 11.5 star is 1.6' SSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5780 = Sw. 6-69 on 30 Mar 1887 and recorded "vF; S; R; pB * sp." His position is accurate to within 1' and his comment "pB * nr sp" applies.
******************************
14 56 41.2 -17 14 38; Lib
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 31°
17.5": faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.6'. A mag 15.5-16 star is right at the south edge (~30" from center) and another mag 15 star is 51" SW of center, on line with the major axis.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5781 = h1886 on 11 May 1831 and recorded "F; S; R; bM; has a * 16m sp near." His position is accurate.
******************************
14 55 55.2 +11 51 41; Boo
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (6/3/00): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5'
diameter, mild even concentration to center. Forms a close pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5782 = Sw. 6-70 on 19 Apr 1887
and recorded "eF, vS, E, * nr sf". There is nothing near his position, but 20 sec of RA further
east and 9' north is
If this identification is correct, then the RNGC, CGCG, MCG
and PGC misidentify
******************************
14 53 28.2 +52 04 34; Boo
V = 12.8; Size 2.9'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 0°
17.5" (6/18/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
N-S, 1.0'x0.7', even surface brightness.
A mag 14.5 star is at the north edge 20" from the center. Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5783 around 1887. The discovery
was communicated directly to Dreyer, who referenced his 6th discovery list,
which was under preparation when the NGC was published. But Swift didn't include it in either
his 6th or later 9th list, which included several objects Swift discovered
prior to the publication of the NGC.
This was one of six objects discovered by Swift that never appeared in
his discovery lists. Swift's
position was 5 sec of RA west and 1.7' north of
******************************
14 54 16.5 +42 33 29; Boo
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/21/93): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, high surface brightness, bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 5787 12' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5784 = H. II-676 = h1887 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "pB, vS, Stellar." John Herschel made two observations and measured a fairly accurate position.
******************************
NGC 5785 = NGC 5783: = UGC 9586 = MCG +09-24-050 = CGCG 273-033 = PGC 53217
14 53 28.2 +52 04 34; Boo
See observing notes for NGC 5783. Uncertain identification.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5785 = Sw. 6-71, along with NGC 5788 = Sw. 6-72, on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; pS; F * close following; np of 2 [with NGC 5788]. His position is 30 sec of RA east and 3' north of UGC 9586, but his description is a reasonable match with a star on the northeast end of the central region. The much fainter companion, NGC 5788, is situated 2.6' southwest, so his orientation is incorrect.
Furthermore, Swift communicated the discovery of a third nebula, NGC 5783, directly to Dreyer, which did not appear in either his 6th or 9th discovery lists. The NGC position for NGC 5783 is within 2' of UGC 9586 and also mentions the nearby star. So NGC 5783 = NGC 5785 may be the same observation (Swift may have manipulated the position) or the result of separate observations of this galaxy.
******************************
14 58 56.3 -42 00 48; Cen
V = 11.2; Size 2.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 63°
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 200x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.6'x0.8', weak concentration to a small brighter core, surrounded by several mag 13-14 stars. Overpowered by *3.1 k Cen just 6' SE and it helped to place the star outside the field.
12.5" (6/24/06 - Haleakala Crater): at 180x appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.6'x1.0', broad concentration to a relatively large slightly brighter core with a small, sharply concentrated nucleus. A mag 13 star is at the NE end and a similar star is at or just off the SW end. Located 6' NW of mag 3.1 k Centauri, which makes viewing difficult as the galaxy is nearly lost in the glare of the bright star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5786 = h3585 on 5 Jun 1834 and recorded "F; mE. In field with and np Kappa Centauri. Place very rude." His position was 1' too far SE. MCG doesn't label -07-31-004 as NGC 5786, but the identification is certain.
NGC 5786 was photographed in 1904 at Harvard's Arequipa station with the 24-inch Bruce refractor and described by Royal Frost as "Spiral, 2 very faint branches, diameter 1.2'."
******************************
14 55 15.5 +42 30 25; Boo
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (6/21/93): fairly faint, small, round, 30" diameter, very small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 5784 12' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5787 = H. II-677 = h1888 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "F, pS, lbM." John Herschel's single description reads, "S; R; psbM; 12"; like a burred star."
******************************
NGC 5788 = MCG +09-24-049 = CGCG 273-032 = PGC 53189
14 53 16.9 +52 02 39; Boo
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (6/18/93): extremely faint, very small, round, just visible continuously with averted, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is 2.1' W. Located 2.6' SW of NGC 5783. Identified as NGC 5788 in the RNGC, NGC 2000 and DSFG although the identification is uncertain.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5788 = Sw. 6-72, along with NGC
5785, on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; ee dif; sf of 2 [with NGC
5785]. Assuming NGC 5785 = NGC
5783 = UGC 9586, there is no galaxy to the southeast, but
Neither CGCG nor MCG label this galaxy as NGC 5788, but it is the choice of the RNGC. I originally concluded NGC 5788 was lost (Malcolm Thomson concurred) and wrote up this case in RNGC Correction #7 as a RNGC misidentification. But Swift made several similar errors in his observations, so it is not unreasonable that NGC 5788 = CGCG 273-032. See notes on NGC 5785 as well as Harold Corwin's comments.
******************************
14 56 35.7 +30 14 00; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (7/11/18): at 375x; moderately bright, moderately
large, irregularly round, very small brighter core, irregular surface
brightness. The star field only
includes some relatively few faint stars.
Brighter
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, fairly small, very diffuse, irregularly round, weak concentration. Located 21' NW of NGC 5798.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5789 = H. III-976 = h1890 on 21 May 1802 (late sweep 1107) and recorded "eF, S, iF." His RA was 6 seconds of time too small. On 30 Mar 1827 (sweep 65), John Herschel called this galaxy "eF; pL; 40...50"."
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14 57 35.9 +08 17 07; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 77°
17.5" (6/18/93): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, fairly low even surface brightness except for very small brighter core. A pretty double star, HJ 2756 = 9.1/10.1 at 25", is just 3' ESE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5790 = St. 13-81 on 5 May 1870 with a second observation on 20 Jun 1878. His accurate published position in list 13, #81 was made on 16 May 1884 with description "extremely faint, very small, irregularly round, little brighter middle."
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14 58 46.2 -19 16 01; Lib
V = 11.7; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 163°
17.5" (6/16/01): moderately bright, oval elongated 2:1
NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.7'. The faint halo
contains a bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group and forms a close
pair with
13.1" (6/18/85): moderately bright, dominated by a bright core surrounded by faint extensions roughly NW-SE. A mag 11 star is 4.7' SSE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5791 = H. III-691 = h1889 on 19 May 1787 (sweep 741) and recorded "cF, stellar, smbM." John Herschel logged "pF; R; bM; 20" and measured a fairly accurate position. JH missed nearby IC 1081.
******************************
14 58 22.7 -01 05 24; Lib
V = 11.3; Size 6.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 84°
48" (5/16/12): very bright, very large, very elongated over 4:1 E-W, ~6.2'x1.5'. Dominated by a large, bright central region that increases to an intensely bright core. The central region has a patchy, dusty appearance in the outer portion. A mag 9.6 star is attached at the NW edge of the core. A single, thin spiral arm is attached near this star (slightly east) and shoots west for ~2.5', curving very little. There is no counterpart on the east side, but just a very large, elongated, low surface brightness halo that extends east for ~2' towards a mag 14 star.
18" (6/13/07): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 ~E-W. The major axis extended to ~3' in poor seeing. Contains a bright core and much fainter extensions that dim towards the tips. A mag 10 star close NW of the core detracts from viewing.
17.5" (6/12/99): moderately bright, fairly large, broad concentration with a quasi-stellar nucleus at moments with direct vision. A mag 10 star close WNW of the core detracts from viewing. Initially appeared ~2.5'x1.5', but with averted vision, very low surface brightness extensions oriented E-W increase the dimensions to at least 4'x1.5'. The ends of the arms fade into the background so it was difficult to judge the size.
8" (6/30/84): faint, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, very diffuse, even surface brightness. A mag 10 star is attached at the WNW side of the core 1.1' from center and interferes with viewing.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5792 = H. II-683 on 11 Apr 1787 (sweep 727) and recorded "pB, pL, R, mbM, sf a considerable star; the nebulosity joining to it with a little nebulosity towards the following side." His position is accurate. Not observed by JH, but d'Arrest made two observations and seen twice at Birr Castle.
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14 59 24.8 -16 41 36; Lib
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 150°
18" (6/21/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.4'. Contains a
brighter core with direct vision.
An elongated group of 5 stars is off the east side, including 4 in an
arc. Forms a pair with
17.5" (6/30/00): fairly faint, moderately range, elongated nearly 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~1.5'x0.5'. Contains a small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Forms a pair with NGC 5796 5' N.
13.1" (6/18/85): faint, small, nearly edge-on streak NNW-SSE, bright core with faint extensions. Picked up while viewing NGC 5796 4' N.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5793 = LM 1-214, along with NGC 5796, in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.4; 0.8'x0.3'; lE 135°; bMN." His rough position (nearest min of RA) and description matches MCG -03-38-038. Herbert Howe's corrected micrometric position, given in his series of MN articles, is accurate.
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14 55 53.7 +49 43 32; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
18" (6/21/09): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated,
0.5'x0.4', small bright core increases to the center. First of three on a perfectly spaced string with
17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
weak concentration. First and
slightly inferior of three on a line with NGC 5797 5.3' ESE. Located 8' NW of mag 5.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 5794 = h1891 on 13 May 1830 and recorded "pF, S, vsbm to a *13m; the first of 3 in a line [with NGC 5797 and 5804]. A star 6.7 mag near." His position is 3' too far south, although he marked the declination uncertain. This galaxy and NGC 5797 are the only two galaxies in the group with a decent position in the RNGC.
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14 56 19.5 +49 23 56; Boo
V = 13.9; Size 1.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 64°
18" (6/21/09): fairly faint, thin edge-on, at least 5:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.15'. Very unusual appearance as a mag 11 star is attached at the ENE end [29" ENE of center] and the galaxy appears as thin spike to the WSW. A mag 11 star lies 1.5' N.
17.5" (6/18/93): faint, small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.3'. A mag 11 star is at the ENE end 0.5' from center. Located 14' S of mag 5.6 SAO 45288. NGC 5804 lies 20' north.
The identification of NGC 5795 with this galaxy is uncertain as Lewis Swift's position was 50' to the south.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5795 on 24 Jun 1887 and
communicated the discovery directly to Dreyer. His description in list IX reads "vF; pS; eE; spindle;
pB star close to p end; [NGC 5794/5804/5805] in field." There are no good candidates near his
position though 50' north is
Malcolm Thomson feels UGC 9617 is a very unlikely candidate
due to large error in position (50') and that
******************************
NGC 5796 = NGC 5816? = MCG -03-38-039 = LGG 390-002 = PGC 53549
14 59 24.1 -16 37 26; Lib
V = 11.6; Size 2.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 90°
18" (6/21/09): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.2'x1.0', very bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 5793 4.2' S.
17.5" (6/30/00): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 E-W, ~2.5'x1.5' (difficult to judge extent of halo). Contains a striking 30" core that
increases to a bright stellar nucleus.
Forms a nice pair with NGC 5793 5' S.
13.1" (6/18/85): moderately bright, round, fairly small, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 5793 4.7' S.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5796 = T. 10-1 = LM 1-214 on 23 May 1884. It was found while observing NGC 5781 with the 11-inch refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. He called it a "New Class II nebula with a stellar nucleus" in a short discovery note in 1885. Francis Leavenworth independently found the galaxy again on 31 May 1886 (Dreyer misattributed Ormond Stone with the rediscovery).
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NGC 5797 = UGC 9619 = MCG +08-27-036 = CGCG 248-030 = PGC 53408
14 56 24.0 +49 41 46; Boo
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 110°
18" (6/21/09): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.45'. Contains a bright core that is sharply concentrated with a striking quasi-stellar nucleus. Brightest in a quartet and middle of three on a line with NGC 5794 and NGC 5804. Located 4.2' due north of mag 5.6 HD 132254.
17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, prominent core. Brightest in a group of four galaxies and second of three on a line with NGC 5794 5.3' WNW and NGC 5804 7.2' ESE. Located 4' N of mag 5.6 SAO 45288. NGC 5795 lies 19' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5797 = H. III-678 = h1893, along with NGC 5804, on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "about 3' north and 1/12' of space following [a mag 7 star] is a vF, vS nebula." His position is accurate. John Herschel made the single observation "pF; S; vsbM to a * 13m; the second of 3 in a line [with NGC 5794 and 5804]; a 6.7m star near."
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NGC 5798 = UGC 9628 = MCG +05-35-028 = CGCG 164-047 = WAS 94 = LGG 388-003 = PGC 53463
14 57 38.0 +29 58 05; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 42°
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~SW-NE. A mag 12.5 star is just off the NE end 0.9' from center and a very faint star is involved at the SW end. Possibly slightly mottled with an asymmetric appearance. NGC 5789 (similar redshift) lies 21' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5798 = H. III-131 = h1892 on 16 May 1784 (sweep 218). His description reads, "vF, E. It contains two stars. It precedes, and is very near a star; so that without looking a little while, it might be taken for a brush to the star; the nebulosity is however not at all connected with it." On 1 May 1854, Lord Rosse's assistant R.J. Mitchell wrote, "has a curved form; bet 2 star sp nf and in contact with them..."
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15 05 35.1 -72 25 58; Aps
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 130°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x
appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, 0.8'x0.5'. Sharply concentrated with a very small
bright nucleus. The major axis is
collinear with a double star (plotted as a single on Megastar) 3.5' NW. Located 38' NW of
John Herschel discovered NGC 5799 = h3584 on 4 Apr 1835 and recorded "eF; S; R; bM; 15"." His single position is off the east end of the galaxy.
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15 01 48 -51 55 06; Lup
Size 3'
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): this small
bright asterism contains four bright stars, three in a N-S string. The brightest is mag 7.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 5800 = h3585 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "A pL cl VII class; coarse; not comp; chief D* taken." His position corresponds with a wide mag 7/9 pair at 49" separation surrounded by a scattered group of stars. This appears to be an asterism. The RNGC New Description reads "NOCL?"
******************************
15 00 25.9 -13 54 16; Lib
V = 14.9; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (7/15/93): first of three in a group. Extremely faint, fairly small, possibly
elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.4', very low even surface brightness. Forms a close pair with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5801 = LM 1-215, along with NGC 5802 and 5803, on 10 Jun 1885. He noted "vF, vS, sbM, 1st of 3." Herbert Howe's micrometric position, measured in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor in Denver, is accurate.
******************************
15 00 29.9 -13 55 08; Lib
V = 14.7; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 90°
17.5" (7/15/93): second and brightest of three in a group with NGC 5801 1.5' NW and an anonymous galaxy 5.2' ESE. Very faint, very small, round, small brighter core. A mag 15 star is 1' S.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5802 = LM 1-216, along with NGC 5801 and 5803, on 10 Jun 1885. He noted "vF, vS, sbM, 2nd of 3. Brightest and most nebulous of the three." Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position around 1900 at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).
******************************
15 00 34.5 -13 53 40; Lib
V = 15.1; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (6/30/00): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter, occasional stellar nucleus. Faintest of a trio situated 2.2' ENE of NGC 5801 and 1.8' NE of NGC 5802. The galaxy is nearly collinear with two mag 13-13.5 stars to the SE [2.6' and 4.0'].
17.5" (7/15/93): not seen.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5803 = LM 1-217, along with NGC 5801 and 5802, on 10 Jun 1885. He noted "vF, vS, sbM, 3rd of 3." Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position around 1900 at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).
Harold Corwin notes that Leavenworth's sketch clearly identifies NGC 5803 with a faint galaxy just northeast of both NGC 5801 and 5802. The RNGC identification and position is correct although the Sinnott's NGC 2000.0 and the Deep Sky Field Guide (first edition) is 0.4 min of RA too large.
******************************
NGC 5804 = UGC 9627 = MCG +08-27-038 = CGCG 248-032 = PGC 53437
14 57 06.8 +49 40 08; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 0°
18" (6/21/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2, 30"x20", sharply concentrated with a very small bright core that
increases to the center. Third of
three equally spaced galaxies on a line with
17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus. Third of three similar galaxies on a line: forms a close pair with NGC 5805 2.5' SSE with NGC 5797 7' WNW. Located 7.4' ENE of bright mag 5.6 SAO 45288. An incorrect position is given in RNGC, NGC 2000, and the first edition of U2000 and DSFG.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5804 = H. III-679 = h1895, along with NGC 5797, on 15 May 1787 (sweep 736) and recorded "...and another still fainter and smaller [than NGC 5797] about 7 or 8' following the same star, and about 1' north of it. 300 confirmed it." His position is accurate. John Herschel made the single observation "pF; S; vsbM to a * 13m; the third of 3 in a line [with NGC 5794 and 5797]; a 6.7m star near."
The RNGC position is 1.4 min of RA too far west, falling
close to
******************************
NGC 5805 = MCG +08-27-039 = PGC 53435
14 57 11.6 +49 37 44; Boo
V = 14.9; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 140°
18" (6/21/09): very faint, fairly small, round, 22" diameter, small slightly brighter core. Located 2.6' SSE of NGC 5804 and faintest in a quartet with NGC 5794 and NGC 5795. Located 8' E of mag 5.6 HD 132254.
17.5" (6/21/93): extremely faint, very small, round, just visible continuously with averted. Located on line between a mag 14 star 1.4' SSE and NGC 5804 2.6' NNW. Last of four in a group.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5805 on 3 Apr 1854 while
observing the field of NGC 5794/5797/5804 with LdR's 72". He noted "I think there is a vF, S
neb at Delta [in sketch], about 2' +/- from Gamma [NGC 5804]." The observation was confirmed the
following year. The diagram is a
perfect match with
The RNGC misidentifies KUG 1454+498 = PGC 53381 as NGC 5805. Unfortunately, NGC 2000, Deep Sky Field Guide and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas repeat the RNGC error. NGC 5805 is referred to in the UGC notes to NGC 5804 but is not identified as NGC 5805. Malcolm Thomson mentions this error in his unpublished Catalogue Corrections as well as in Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.
******************************
15 00 00.3 +01 53 28; Vir
V = 11.7; Size 3.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170°
17.5" (5/10/91): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 2.2'x1.1', gradually brightens to a small bright
core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5806 = H. II-539 = h1894 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "pB, cL, gbM, lE." On 13 Apr 1828 (sweep 144), John Herschel wrote, "B; sbM to nucleus; E pos 75° np."
******************************
14 55 48.7 +63 54 13; Dra
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.5'
17.5" (6/21/93): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. A mag 12 star is 1.3' NW of center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5807 on 14 Sep 1866 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and confirmed at 123x and 161x. His single position is on the west side
of
******************************
14 54 02.9 +73 07 54; UMi
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 5808 = H. III-311 on 16 Mar
1785 (sweep 389) and recorded "vF, S, iR. Situated in the middle between two equal stars that are
about 6' distance, and not very small." His position is 1 min of RA west of
Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered and measured this galaxy accurately on 6 Oct 1861 while searching for NGC 5808. d'Arrest questioned if his object was identical to III-311, but Dreyer catalogued it separately as NGC 5819. Dreyer claimed d'Arrest's nebula "is not in the middle between two stars 6' apart" but there are two mag 11.5 stars at 4' separation to the NW and SE. Karl Reinmuth concluded NGC 5808 = NGC 5819, based on Heidelberg plate. This galaxy is generally labeled NGC 5819, although the primary designation should be NGC 5808, based on WH's earlier discovery.
******************************
15 00 52.3 -14 09 55; Lib
V = 13.7; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 145°
17.5" (5/30/92): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, almost even surface brightness, no noticeable core. A mag 13 star is 2.6' E. Located 6.1' ESE of a mag 10 star. The NGC 5801, NGC 5802, NGC 5803 trio is located 15' N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5809 = h3586 on 5 Jun 1836 and
recorded "vF; S; E; glbM."
His single position matches
******************************
15 02 42.6 -17 52 05; Lib
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 31°
17.5" (6/29/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.7', broad weak concentration. Bracketed by two mag 14/15 stars off the north and south ends [48" and 41" from center, respectively].
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5810 = LM 1-218 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and logged "eF, vS, lE
230°, bet 2 vF stars." His
rough position (nearest min of RA and arcmin of Dec) is 1.5 min of RA west and
1' north of
******************************
15 00 27.2 +01 37 25; Vir
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 100°
17.5" (4/4/92): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 E-W,
low even surface brightness. A mag
13 star is 1.8' SW of center.
Member of the NGC 5846 group with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5811 = m 285 on 12 Apr 1864 and
noted "vF, S, iR." His
position is 1' north of
******************************
15 00 55.7 -07 27 26; Lib
V = 11.2; Size 2.1'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 130°
18" (6/13/07): bright, moderately large, round, sharply
concentrated with an intense 30" core that gradually increases to the
center surrounded by a fairly large, low surface brightness halo extending to
~1.7'. Forms a pair with
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 1'
diameter to halo, gradually increases to a prominent core containing an almost
stellar nucleus. Located 20' WNW
of mag 6.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 5812 = H. I-71 = h3587 on 5 Mar 1785 (sweep 380) and recorded "cB, but vS, almost stellar; the brightness diminishing insensibly and breaking off pretty abruptly. The whole together is not more than about 7 or 8" in diameter." A second observation, made on a "remarkably clear morning" states "the greatest brightness is towards the following side, and that the very faint nebulosity extends to near a minute."
******************************
NGC 5813 = UGC 9655 = MCG +00-38-016 = CGCG 020-045 = Holm 688a = LGG 393-001 = PGC 53643
15 01 11.2 +01 42 07; Vir
V = 10.5; Size 4.2'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 145°
17.5" (5/10/91): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, high surface brightness, increases to a small bright core, substellar nucleus. Located at the exact center of a diamond asterism formed by two mag 12 stars 2.8' W and 2.6' E and two mag 12/13 stars 2.9' N and 3.0' S! NGC 5813 is a member of the NGC 5846 group with NGC 5814 5' SE. Located 35' SW of 109 Virginis (V = 4.4).
8": fairly faint, small, round, small bright nucleus. Surrounded by four stars of similar magnitudes!
William Herschel discovered NGC 5813 = H. I-127 = h1896 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "cB, pS, mbM." On 13 Apr 1828 (sweep 144), John Herschel logged, "B; R; psbM; 40"."
******************************
NGC 5814 = MCG +00-38-017 = CGCG 020-046 = Holm 688b = PGC 53653
15 01 21.1 +01 38 13; Vir
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 55°
17.5" (5/10/91): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, very weakly concentrated but no well-defined core. Forms a pair with NGC 5813 5' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5814 = h1897 on 13 Apr 1828 while observing NGC 5813 (discovered by his father). He noted "vF; vS; R." His position was 1.4' too far south.
******************************
NGC 5815 = MCG -03-38-044 = PGC 53600
15 00 29.2 -16 50 02; Lib
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 20°
17.5": faint, small, round, 0.6' diameter (only viewed core), weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star lies 1.4' NNE of center. Located 20' SE of NGC 5796.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5815 = LM 1-219 on 15 Feb
1886 and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.8' E 10°. Faint double star(?) involved in neb." His rough position is 1.2 minutes of RA
east of
******************************
15 00 04.8 -16 05 37; Lib
V = 14.8; Size 0.5'x0.3'; PA = 95°
18" (6/21/09): extremely faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. This difficult galaxy was visible nearly continuously with averted. Located 7.7' NE of NGC 5817. The NGC identifications of these two galaxies is uncertain.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5816 = LM 1-220, along with NGC
5817, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick
Observatory. His description is
"mag 11.0, 0.8' dia, gbMN, stellar." There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA),
though 2 min of RA west and 2.5' north is
******************************
NGC 5817 = MCG -03-38-041 = PGC 53567
14 59 40.8 -16 10 49; Lib
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (6/21/09): faint, small, round, very weak concentration, 20" diameter. An extremely faint galaxy (possibly NGC 5816) lies 7.7' NE.
17.5" (6/30/00): faint, very small, round,
20"-25" diameter, weak concentration. Occasionally a very faint stellar nucleus was seen with
direct vision. Collinear with two
stars to the WSW [3.5' and 6'] and a 15th magnitude star close ENE [1.5'] is
also on this line.
This galaxy is located 2.5 minutes of RA west of Ormond Stone's position and the NGC identification is uncertain (it may be NGC 5816 as Stone listed it as 3 magnitudes brighter than NGC 5817) .
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5817 = LM 1-221, along with NGC 5816, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. He recorded "mag 14.0, 0.8' dia, gbMN, stell." There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA), but 2.5 minutes of RA west is MCG -03-38-041. Herbert Howe's corrected position in his series of NGC/IC observations in Monthly Notices matches MCG -03-38-041, although he doesn't mention NGC 5816. See notes on NGC 5816 for more on this pair.
******************************
14 58 58.3 +49 49 17; Boo
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 170°
17.5" (6/18/93): faint, small, round, 30"
diameter, broad concentration.
Located 7' W of mag 8.4
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5818 = Sw. 6-73 on 23 Apr 1887
and recorded "vF; pS; R; bet 2 stars; an eF * involved." His position is 1.7' north of
******************************
NGC 5819 = NGC 5808: = UGC 9609 = CGCG 337-023 = PGC 53251
14 54 02.9 +73 07 54; UMi
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (6/27/98): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.9' diameter, nearly even surface brightness. Located between two mag 11.5 stars 2.0' NW and 2.4' SSE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5819 on 6 Oct 1861 while searching for H. III-311 [= NGC 5808] with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position is off by 22 sec of RA (only 1.6' at this declination), but his comment "forms a triangle with two mag 11 stars" clinches this identification. He noted this nebula was is the vicinity of Herschel's object and questioned if it was identical. It is, but Herschel's position was 1 minute of RA too small and Dreyer assumed the two observations referred to different nebulae. So, NGC 5819 = NGC 5808. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 11 Jul 1896. See notes for NGC 5808.
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14 58 39.8 +53 53 09; Boo
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9
18" (5/3/08): brighter member of a 3.6' pair with NGC
5821. At 280x it appeared bright,
moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, 1.1'x0.5', contains a small bright
core. Located 8' WNW of SHJ 191 =
6.8/7.6 at 40". It helped to
keep this bright pair out of the field while observing
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 5821 3.7' NE. Located 8' W of the wide double star ADS 9474 = 6.8/7.4 at 40".
William Herschel discovered NGC 5820 = H. II-756 = h1898 on
5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and recorded "cF, pL, iF, r." His position is poor - about 7'
southwest of
Samuel Hunter observed NGC 5820 and 5821 on 29 Apr 1861 with the 72" and wrote, "[NGC 5820] is vB, E pf and has Nucl, about 2' ssf [of NGC 5820] is an eeF, S neb., 3' f [NGC 5820] is a F neb or possibly a D * [it is a double star]; 3 nf is a F, pL neb [NGC 5821], vgbM to a dull nucl." At 1.7' SSE of NGC 5820 is SBS1457+540 = LEDA 140436 at V = 15.7. Although this galaxy is quite faint, it matches Hunter's position and within the magnitude range of the 72". Dreyer added a note later that "the eeF neb would appear to be a nova", but perhaps because it wasn't confirmed on another observation he didn't include it in the NGC.
******************************
NGC 5821 = UGC 9648 = MCG +09-25-002 = CGCG 273-039 = CGCG 274-005 = Holm 687a = LGG 395-006 = PGC 53532
14 59 00.0 +53 55 23; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 148°
18" (5/3/08): This is the fainter northeast galaxy
forming
17.5" (5/23/87): very faint, diffuse, elongated NW-SE. Two bright stars ADS 9474 = 6.8/7.4 at 40" located 6' SE interfere with viewing. Located 3.7' NE of brighter NGC 5820.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5821 = H. III-811 on 24 Apr
1789 (sweep 927) and recorded "vF, S, E." His position (Caroline's reduction) is poor, but his offset
from NGC 5820 is points to
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15 04 28 -54 23 24; Lup
Size 40'
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): overfills the 110x (22 Panoptic) field of 37'. Roughly 150 stars are resolved, most fairly similar in magnitude. Many of the stars are notably arranged in long sprays and curving loops.
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): excellent open cluster at 76x (27 Panoptic). Appears very large, fairly rich, with the main body extended ~WNW-ESE and with dimensions ~40'x25' with roughly 150 stars resolved. The stars are fairly uniform in brightness (many mag 11 and 12) and convincingly arranged in loops and chains surrounded by voids. The outline is quite irregular but well defined by the star chains around the periphery. One chain detaches from the main group near the center and heads south and the outline tapers at the following end. Easy in 10x30 IS binoculars, 7° NE of Alpha Centauri.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): roughly 60 stars mag 9-12 resolved at 63x. Very large, 40' diameter, almost fills the low power field, elongated ~NW-SE. Spread out with no central condensation. Many stars have similar magnitudes. The stars forming the borders are arranged in rows and arcs with many empty gaps inside this outline. There is an extension of stars to the south.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5822 = D 357 = h3588 on 5 Jun 1826. His single observation reads, "a very extensive cluster of small mixt stars, irregular figure - there seems to be a congregation in different parts of the cluster or the appearance of breaking up. There are several groups already formed, the whole cluster is composed of groups or lines of stars, but no general attraction to any particular point." His handwritten notebook position (now digitized online) is 14h 50m -53° 43' (1830), at the west edge of the cluster and the description is a very good match. But he miscopied the RA into his published catalog as 14h 15m, which happens to place D 357 about 20' NE of NGC 5593. As a result, Dreyer credited Dunlop with the discovery of NGC 5593, instead of NGC 5822.
John Herschel observed NGC 5822 on 3 Jul 1836 (sweep 711) and was credited with the discovery in the NGC. He called it a "cluster, vL, coarse, but rich and fine; diam in RA = 2 field in PD 25 (30' and 45'); stars 9, 10, 11, 12. General middle taken." His position was on the east side of the cluster.
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15 05 31 -55 36 12; Cir
V = 7.9; Size 10'
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a rich, fairly impressive cluster using the 27 Panoptic (76x) with at least 80 stars resolved in a 9'x7' area including numerous 11-13th magnitude stars. A number of stars are bunched towards the center. The periphery is well defined by curving sprays of stars roughly forming a heart-shape. Two 10th magnitude stars mark the NW and SW corners of the cluster. Perhaps 100-120 stars are resolved at 228x with a number of stars in pairs, trios, small groups, strings and arcs forming a very pretty cluster.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5823 = D 351 = h3589 on 8 May 1826 and described it on 9 June as a "pretty large cluster of small stars resembling faint nebula, general figure round, south preceding 2 Pyxidis [HD 134270]." His unpubished notes also mention it was "about 8' or 9' diameter surrounded by small star on the south side and also partially enclosed by a border of very small stars on the north side."
John Herschel made a single observation in Apr 1836 (sweep 694) and noted "Cluster class VII; a fine large cluster of separate stars 13..14th mag, 10' diameter; not much compressed in the middle; nearly fills the field." JH and Dreyer failed to Dunlop with the discovery.
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15 03 58.4 -33 04 04; Lup
V = 8.0; Size 6.2'; Surf Br = 0.4
17.5" (6/3/00): moderately bright globular, small, ~2.5' diameter. It contained a sharply concentrated 1' core that was very prominent, surrounded by a symmetric 2.5' halo. I didn't see any definite resolution at 500x although the halo was mottled and one or two "sparkles" were glimpsed (one at the SE end of halo).
8" (6/5/81): small, bright core.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5824 = D 611 on 10 May 1826. His summary description (based on 4 observations in May and June) reads, "a very singular body resembling a star with a burr. The light is equal to that of a star of the 7th and 8th magnitude, and the diameter is not sensibly larger, with various magnifying powers. This has the appearance of a bright nucleus, surrounded by a strong brush of light; and the nebulosity surrounding the bright point has not that softness which nebulae in general possess. I consider this different from nebulae in general." His published position was nearly 30' too far west (though his initial position was 15' to the east).
John Herschel rediscovered this globular on 9 May 1834, but
his position for h1900 (later
Despite Barnard's corrected position and description, Dreyer assigned two numbers (NGC 5824 and 5834) to Barnard's and John Herschel's observations. But Barnard's assumptions were likely correct and NGC 5824 = NGC 5834, with the primary designation NGC 5824 (due to the unambiguous position). In the IC 1 Notes and Corrections, Dreyer comments "NGC 5834 to be struck out, is = NGC 5824." See identification notes on NGC 5834 and Harold Corwin's comments for more on this story.
In 1924 Robert Innes announced NGC 5824 was a globular cluster, based on his observation his observation with the 26.5-inch refractor at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg. He reported "it has almost exactly the appearance of 47 Tucanae as seen in a small telescope. It is a very condensed globular cluster, its outliers resolved into stars."
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14 54 31.4 +18 38 32; Boo
See observing notes for NGC 5778. Identification very uncertain and may be lost.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5825 = Sw. 4-16 on 20 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; pB star close f; easily overlooked." There is nothing near his position. Bigourdan was unable to locate a candidate and RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent.
Interestingly, his description for NGC 5825 is nearly identical to NGC 5778 (which also mentions a "pB star close f"), found by Swift on the same night, and their declinations are similar. But his RA for NGC 5825 is 7 min 40 sec too large. Corwin mentions the possibility Swift made an error and recorded NGC 5778 twice, botching the RA for NGC 5825. Otherwise, NGC 5825 appears to be lost.
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15 06 33.8 +55 28 44; Dra
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5826 = Sw. 1-39 on 9 Jun 1885 and
recorded "vF, E, pL, * near, [GC] 4058 [= NGC 5866] in field." There is nothing near his position,
which is not in the field of
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15 01 53.7 +25 57 51; Boo
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 135°
17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, broad concentration, very faint stellar nucleus at moments. A mag 11.5 star is 3.7' SW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5827 = St. 11-30 on 3 May 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 2' SE of center. He observed it again on 23 May 1871 as well as 22 May 1878. An accurate position was reduced on 8 Jun 1880 (list 11, #30) with description "small nucleus of 14m surrounded by a rather fainter nebulosity, small, round, gradually condensing towards the center."
Truman Safford made an earlier discovery on 15 Jun 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. His position was 1.6' too far N (accurate in RA), though he was "doubtful" and didn't assign it a (Safford) number.
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NGC 5828 = UGC 9658 = MCG +08-27-051 = CGCG 248-043 = Holm 690a = PGC 53618
15 00 46.1 +49 59 36; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 50°
24" (6/13/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~0.6'x0.45', slightly brighter core. Forms a close pair with NGC 5828A just 40" S of center. The companion appeared very faint and small, round, 8" diameter. Visible ~80-90% of the time with averted.
17.5" (6/18/93): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.6'.
Forms a double system with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5828 = Sw. 9-43 on 24 Jun 1887
and recorded "eF; pS; R; between two stars." The discovery was communicated directly
to Dreyer and referenced to list 6 in the NGC, but it was not published until
1890 in his 9th list. Swift's
position matches
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15 02 42.0 +23 20 01; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 45°
48" (5/3/19): at 375x; fairly bright, large, slightly
elongated, 1.2'x1.0', well concentrated with a relatively large brighter
core. A bright mag 12.4 star is
1.2' W. NGC 5829 is the brightest
of 5 in the
73C: fairly faint, very small, round, 12" diameter, very small bright nucleus.
73D: nearly fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.3'x0.1'.
73E: faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~10"x7". Nearly visible continuously with averted vision.
24" (7/11/18): at 225x; fairly faint to moderately bright, irregularly round, very small brighter core, low surface brightness halo, ~0.8'x0.6'. A mag 12.4 star is 1.2' W, a mag 14.5 star 1.3' ESE and a mag 16.2 star is 1.3' NE.
Two other members of HCG 73 were visible; IC 4526 1.4' NW and HCG 73C 2.4' NE. The latter galaxy appeared extremely faint and small, 10" diameter. The mag 16.2 star is at the midpoint of NGC 5829 and HCG 73C.
18" (8/4/05): the brightest member in HCG 73 appeared faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3, ~0.6'x0.45', low surface brightness with very little concentration. Located 1.2' E of a mag 12 star and a mag 14 star lies a similar distance east.
Forms a close pair with IC 4526 = HCG 73B 1.3' NW. IC 4526 appeared extremely faint and
small, round, 10" diameter.
Forms the northern vertex of an equilateral triangle with sides of 1'
with NGC 5829 and a mag 12 star.
Once this difficult galaxy was noticed, it was visible most of the time
using averted vision and concentration at 225x. The pair forms
17.5" (7/8/94): fairly faint, slightly elongated 4:3 E-W, 1.2'x0.9', very weak concentration, irregular or mottled surface brightness. Located between a mag 11.5 star just off the west edge 1.2' from center and a mag 13.5 star 1.3' ESE of center. This is the brightest member of HCG 73.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5829 = St. 12-68 on 3 May 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 2' S of center. His accurate published position was made 12 years later on 11 May 1882 with description "vF, vL, irr R, bM."
The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 min of time too large. The UGC incorrectly equates IC 4526
with NGC 5829, but IC 4526 is a separate galaxy close northwest. Edwin Hubble, in the 1920 published
version of his PhD dissertation "Photographic Investigations of Faint
Nebulae", noted "IC 4526 is connected to NGC 5829. The two form a
double nebula fashioned as a miniature of
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15 01 51.0 +47 52 31; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 170°
17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, small, elongated 3:2
NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.4', weak concentration.
Located 5' SSW of mag 8.4
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5830 = Sw. 6-74 on 23 Apr 1887
and recorded "vF; S; R: B * nr following." His position is 9 sec of RA west and 2' north of
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15 04 07.0 +01 13 11; Vir
V = 11.5; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 55°
17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, very bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' NNE of center. Member of the NGC 5846 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5831 = H. II-540 = h1899 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "pB, S, mbM."
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14 57 45.3 +71 40 55; UMi
V = 12.1; Size 3.7'x2.2'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 45°
17.5" (6/27/98): appears as fairly large, irregularly
round glow with an uneven surface brightness, at least 2.0' diameter, weak
concentration. The halo gradually
fades into the background and difficult to pin down a position angle. Collinear with a 1' pair of mag 11/12
stars 7' SSE. Located 15' SW of
mag 6.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 5832 = H. II-332 on 16 Mar
1785 (sweep 389) and recorded "pB, cL, brightest towards the preceding
side." Caroline's reduction
is at the north edge of
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NGC 5833 = ESO 042-003 = LGG 397-002 = PGC 54250
15 11 54.1 -72 51 34; Aps
V = 12.0; Size 3.1'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 128°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright,
fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, ~2.5'x1.8'. Broad concentration with a large, brighter core. Located 6' SW of mag 6
John Herschel discovered NGC 5833 = h3590 on 4 Apr 1835 and recorded "eF; pmE; 25"." His mean position (3 observations) is accurate.
NGC 5833 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as a "vE at 135° [NW-SE]."
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NGC 5834 = NGC 5824: = ESO 387-001
15 03 58.4 -33 04 04; Lup
See observing notes for NGC 5824.
John Herschel found NGC 5834 = h1900 on 9 May 1834 and recorded "a very strongly suspected nebula; but I cannot be quite sure (from the low altitude [of 6°]) it is not a star." There is nothing at his position, but 30' west is the globular cluster NGC 5824 [discovered earlier by Dunlop in 1826 and independently found by Barnard], which would have appeared quite faint and poorly defined at this altitude. Dreyer commented in the IC 1 Notes section that "NGC 5834 to be struck out, is = NGC 5824."
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15 02 25.4 +48 52 40; Boo
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 160°
17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, small, elongated 3:2
NW-SE, even surface brightness. A
mag 13 star is 1.7' SW and a mag 15 star is at the NW tip 19" from
center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5835 = Sw. 6-75 on 23 Apr1887 and
recorded "vF; pS; R."
His position is 1.8' north of
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NGC 5836 = UGC 9664 = MCG +12-14-016 = CGCG 337-026 = VII Zw 576 = PGC 53554
14 59 31.1 +73 53 36; UMi
V = 13.9; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (6/27/98): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.7' diameter. A mag 14.5 star is attached at the south end just 20" from center. The galaxy precedes a group of six mag 11/12 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5836 = H. III-312 on 16 Mar
1785 (sweep 389) and recorded "eF, vS, lE, 2 vS stars visible in
it." There is nothing at his
position, but 2.0 min of RA following and 3' north is
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15 04 40.6 +12 38 01; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 25°
17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
4:3 SW-NE, gradually brighter halo, small bright core. A very faint star or companion lies
1.4' NE. Brightest in a group with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5837 = Sw. 9-44 on 19 Jun 1887 and recorded "vF; S; R; D * nf points to it; planetary." His position is just 6 seconds of time too small. The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and referenced as list 6 in the NGC, but it wasn't published until his 9th list in 1890. Swift's original description correctly notes "D * np" (the two stars are 5.5' northwest) and the list 9 comment "D * nf points to it" is in error.
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15 05 26.2 +02 05 58; Vir
V = 10.9; Size 4.2'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 43°
17.5" (7/15/93): bright, large, very elongated 7:2
SW-NE, 3.5'x1.0'. Dominated by a
very bright core, stellar nucleus just visible, long fainter extensions. The southwest extension heads towards a
bright wide double star 6' SW of core (mag 8.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 5838 = H. II-542 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and recorded "pB". His position is unusually accurate. John Herschel made no observation but Johann von Lamont independently discovered this galaxy on 28 June 1837 with the 10.5-inch refractor at the Munich Observatory. Apparently Lamont was not aware of the earlier discovery of William Herschel.
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15 05 27.5 +01 38 05; Vir
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 35°
24" (6/23/17): at 260x; bright, moderately large,
round, 50" diameter. Sharply
concentrated with a very bright, very small nucleus surrounded by a much
fainter halo of fairly even surface brightness. A mag 11.8 star is 2' SSW. First in a string with
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, moderate concentration down to a small bright core containing a substellar nucleus. Member of the NGC 5846 group with NGC 5845 10' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5839 = H. II-541 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and simply noted "F". John Herschel made no observations, but Heinrich d'Arrest logged it on 5 nights with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen as well as Édouard Stephan on 30 May 1878.
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15 04 18 +29 30; Boo
= Not found, RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5840 = Sw. 4-17 on 22 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeeF, pS, lE, ee diff[icult]." There is nothing reasonably bright near his position that he might have picked up and his description doesn't refer to any nearby stars to aid in identifying the field.
RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and Harold Corwin also concludes NGC 5840 is probably lost.
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15 06 35.0 +02 00 18; Vir
See observing notes for
Albert Marth found NGC 5841 = m 286 on 12 Apr 1864 and noted
"F, S, E." There is
nothing at his position but 1.0 min of RA east and 1' north is NGC 5848, discovered
two years earlier by Heinrich d'Arrest.
So, NGC 5841 is likely a duplicate observation of this galaxy. Based on photographs with the Crossley
reflector at Lick in 1912-13, Heber Curtis selected
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15 04 52.1 +21 04 10; Boo
V = 14.7; Size 0.45'x0.45'; Surf Br = 12.2
17.5" (7/8/94): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no concentration. A mag 14 star is 0.9' N of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5842 = St. 12-69 on 3 May 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 2' SE of center. His accurate published position was made 12 years later on 11 May 1882.
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15 07 27.8 -36 19 40; Lup
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 70°
17.5": moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2
WSW-ENE, 1.5'x1.0'. Increases to a
30" core and a quasi-stellar nucleus w/direct vision. A pair of mag 11.5/13 stars to the
south are nearly collinear [2.1' and 1.3']. Located 6' ESE of mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 5843 = h3592 on 3 May 1834 and recorded "eF; E; vlbM; r; 15" length." On a second observation he logged "vF; R; vglbM; 20"." His position is accurate.
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15 10 41.0 -64 40 23; TrA
V = 12.1; Size 68"x41"
18" (7/10/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): excellent
view of this interesting object at 128x with a UHC filter. Using this combination, the planetary
appeared moderately bright and large with an irregular shape and surface
brightness, but elongated ~0.9'x0.7' WSW-ENE, . At 228x, the northeast end is brighter and larger and the
center seems pinched in, particularly on the north side with a small, faint
extension or knot on the southwest end.
Unfiltered at 228x, a fairly close double (
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this fairly bright, moderately large planetary was quite interesting at 171x and a UHC filter. It was elongated 3:2 E-W, ~55"x40". It appeared brighter on the following end with an indentation or notch on the north side giving the impression of a bipolar structure. Set in a rich Triangulum Australe star field 3' SW of a mag 9 double star (9/10.5 at 6"). Also a mag 10.5 star lies 2.5' E.
This object is listed in the PK and ESO-Strausberg catalogues as He 2-119 instead of NGC 5844 although John Herschel's position (from two observations) matches this planetary. Also, it was listed as an unverified southern object in the RNGC and probably because of this error was not included in Sky Atlas 2000.0, Sky Catalogue 2000.0 or the first edition of the Uranometria 2000!
John Herschel discovered NGC 5844 = h3591 on 2 May 1835 and recorded "pB; R; vgvlbM; 60"." His position on two sweeps is accurate. NGC 5844 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "Three very faint nebulae only" (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section).
This PN is listed in the PK and ESO-Strausberg catalogues as He 2-119 but the identification with NGC 5844 was only made recently! RNGC classifies it an unverified southern object and it is not included in Sky Atlas 2000.0, Sky Catalogue 2000.0 and first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0!
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NGC 5845 = UGC 9700 = MCG +00-38-024 = CGCG 020-059 = Ark 468 = LGG 392-006 = PGC 53901
15 06 00.8 +01 38 02; Vir
V = 12.5; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.5; PA = 150°
24" (6/23/17): at 260x; bright, small, roundish, 25"x20". Cntains a very bright, high surface brightness nucleus surrounded by a low surface brightness halo. Situated halfway between NGC 5846/5846A 7' ESE and NGC 5839 8' W.
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, extremely small, round, very small very bright core, extremely compact, about 20" diameter. Appears like the bright nucleus of a galaxy without a halo. Member of the NGC 5846 group with NGC 5846 8' ESE and NGC 5839 10' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5845 = H. III-511, along with NGC 5846 and NGC 5839, on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532). He recorded, "..with one preceding [NGC 5846] and 5' more north, and vF, R. I saw also a third small one preceding [NGC 5839]." His position is 3' too far north-northeast, but his position for NGC 5839 is very good. John Herschel made no observations, but it was measured on 4 nights by d'Arrest with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen.
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NGC 5846 = UGC 9706 = MCG +00-38-025 = CGCG 020-061 = Holm 694a = LGG 393-003 = PGC 53932
15 06 29.3 +01 36 25; Vir
V = 10.0; Size 4.1'x3.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
24" (6/23/17): at 375x; very bright, moderately large, round, 1.5'-2' diameter. Sharply concentrated with an intensely bright nucleus that increases to the center. Large, round halo gradually fades at periphery. NGC 5846A is situated on the south side of the halo and appeared moderately bright, high surface brightness but very small and round, 15" diameter.
24" (6/14/15): bright, fairly large, round, 1.8'
diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core. The outer halo has a low surface
brightness.
17.5" (5/10/91): bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, 3'x2', evenly concentrated as halo brightens down to a small bright core but no nucleus, fainter halo. Forms a contact pair with NGC 5846A (appears as a mag 13.5 "star") embedded in the southern portion of halo 40" from the center! Brightest in a group with NGC 5850 10' ESE and NGC 5845 8' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5846 = H. I-128 = h1901, along with NGC 5845, on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532). His description reads, "vB, pL, bM. With one preceding [NGC 5845] just [at edge of field]; and 5' more north, and vF, R. I saw also a third small one preceding." The "third small one preceding" might refer to NGC 5839, which has a separate log entry or Wolfgang Steinicke suggests it might apply to NGC 5846A, the very close companion on its south side. On 13 Apr 1838, John Herschel logged "B; R; psbM to nucleus; 30" [diameter]."
John Herschel's first observation of NGC 5846 was on 29 May 1821 while being instructed on sweeping techniques by his elderly father. His Aunt Caroline recorded the observation: "F; R; gmbM; resolvable; appears to have 2 nuclei; south following in the same field is a very small, round nebula." James South also took a look and exclaimed (quoted in John's journal), "O! Good God! It is worth going to the devil for! The second nuclei is NGC 5846A. This short sweep (4 objects) was later registered out of order as sweep 53. He observed NGC 5846 again the next night (sweep 54) and noted "The neb of last night with the 2 nuclei." Guillaume Bigourdan also resolved the companion and noted Big. II-75 as "round, stellar centre, forms a very close companion to 4045 G.C. [NGC 5846]."
In addition, on 25 Apr 1868 Edward Burton, the 4th Earl of Rosse's assistant, logged "h1901 [NGC 5846] is double, 3rd Nucleus suspected on n side." The third nucleus is a faint star. On 3 May 1877 Dreyer also noted "companion nebula [to NGC 5846] vS, less than 1' south." But the following year he commented "small star (NOT a nebula) involved south." This was likely the reason Dreyer did not enter NGC 5846A into the NGC. DeVaucouleurs introduced the NGC 5846A designation in the RC I.
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15 06 22.3 +06 22 47; Vir
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 165°
17.5" (6/20/01): picked up at 64x with 31mm
Nagler. At 220x, appears very
faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low surface brightness. Situated 2.9' NE of a mag 10.4
star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5847 = m 287 on 25 Mar 1865 and
recorded "eF, S, iR."
His position matches
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NGC 5848 = NGC 5841: = MCG +00-39-001 = CGCG 021-001 = PGC 53941
15 06 35.0 +02 00 18; Vir
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 140°
17.5" (7/3/97): faint, small, nearly round, 25" diameter, well-defined brighter core. No significant elongation noted (extensions are much fainter on DSS). An easy pair of mag 12.5/13.5 stars lie 6.5' SSE. Located 25' N of NGC 5846 and a member of the group (LGG 393).
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5848 on 6 May 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His mean position (2 observations) is on the northwest end of CGCG 021-001 = PGC 53941. Albert Marth independently found this galaxy on 12 Apr 1864, but his position was 1.0 min of RA too far west and it was catalogued as NGC 5841. So, NGC 5848 = NGC 5841. CGCG and MCG both label this galaxy NGC 5848 (only).
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15 06 50.6 -14 34 19; Lib
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 30°
17.5" (5/30/92): very faint, small, round, low surface
brightness. Several fairly bright
stars are nearby including mag 8.5
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5849 = LM 1-222 on 6 Jun 1885
and recorded "*13 inv in vF neb.
3 stars preceding 1 sec [of RA], *8 follows 10 sec of RA, 15'
S." His rough position
(nearest min of RA) is 15 sec of RA following
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NGC 5850 = UGC 9715 = MCG +00-39-002 = CGCG 021-006 = PGC 53979
15 07 07.8 +01 32 47; Vir
V = 10.8; Size 4.3'x3.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 140°
24" (6/23/17): at 260x; fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated. Contains a small, bright nucleus (round) ~25" diameter with extensions (central bar) NW-SE, mimicking a lenticular galaxy. A very low surface brightness, roundish halo appears to surround the bar, but no structure seen. NGC 5850 is the last in a string of bright galaxies with NGC 5846/5846A 10' WNW, NGC 5845 17' WNW and NGC 5639 26' WNW.
24" (6/14/15): at 200x; moderately bright and large, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a relatively large bright core ~30" in diameter. A very faint bar stretches northwest to southeast from the bright core, with a total diameter of 2'. The bar is within an extremely faint halo (ring on images). The bar is easier to see at 260x. Forms a prominent pair with NGC 5846 10' NW.
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated. Unusual appearance as the large bright core dominates the galaxy but there are very faint larger extensions (this is the central bar) very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE clearly seen with averted. There is a very large difference between the surface brightness of the core and the bar! Two mag 12 stars lie 2' N. A mag 11 star 5.5' NW is midway between NGC 5850 and NGC 5846 which lies 10' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5850 = H. II-543 = h1902 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and simply noted "F". John Herschel made the single observation "pF; S; lE; psbM" and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 5851 = UGC 9714 = MCG +02-38-044 = CGCG 077-008 = Holm 697a = WBL 543-002 = PGC 53965
15 06 53.4 +12 51 32; Boo
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 43°
24" (6/13/15): fairly faint, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE,
~40"x14", weak concentration.
Second in a trio with NGC 5852 1.1' SE and
17.5" (5/2/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE. A mag 10 star is 3.1' NW. Forms a close pair with NGC 5852 1.0' SE within the NGC 5837 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5851 = H. III-886, along with NGC 5852, on 26 May 1791 (sweep 1001) and described both as "Two, eF, vS, about 1 1/2' distance from each other; the preceding is the most north. 300 shewed them very plainly." There were no additional observations by JH, LdR or d'Arrest.
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NGC 5852 = MCG +02-38-045 = CGCG 077-010 = Holm 697b = WBL 543-003 = PGC 53974
15 06 56.4 +12 50 48; Boo
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 130°
24" (6/13/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~0.5'x0.4', small bright core increases to the center. Third in a trio with NGC 5851 1.1' NW and CGCG 077-007 2.5' W.
17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, small bright core. Forms a very close pair with NGC 5851 1.0' NW. Member of the NGC 5837 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5852 = H. III-887, along with NGC 5851, on 26 May 1791 (sweep 1001) and described both as "Two, eF, vS, about 1 1/2' distance from each other; the preceding is the most north. 300 shewed them very plainly."
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15 05 53.3 +39 31 20; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 150°
17.5" (7/17/93): faint, small, round, 40" diameter, broad weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5853 = St. 12-70 on 1 Jun
1877, with a second observation on 3 Jun 1878. His micrometric position (measured on 19 May 1881) matches
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15 07 47.6 +02 34 06; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 2.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 55°
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, very bright core, stellar nucleus at moments. A mag 12 star lies 1.8' ESE of center. Located 5.1' ESE of a mag 9 star. Member of the NGC 5846 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5854 = H. II-544 = h1903 on 24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and simply noted "pB". On 27 May 1786 (sweep 567) he wrote "F, vS." On 22 May 1832 (sweep 427), John Herschel logged: "pB; S; R; glbM; 12"; among stars."
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15 07 49.0 +03 59 03; Vir
V = 14.2; Size 0.6'x0.6'
17.5" (7/3/97): very faint, small, round, 25"
diameter, very weak concentration to an occasional stellar nucleus. A wide pair of mag 12/13 at 36" separation lies 1.7' NE. Located 8' NW of mag 7.7
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5855 = Sw. 6-76 on 30 Mar 1887
and recorded "eF; S; R; 2 pB stars nr following." His position and description matches
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15 07 20.2 +18 26 32; Boo
V = 6.0
= *6.0 (
William Herschel discovered NGC 5856 = H. IV-71 = h1904 = HD 134064 on 24 May 1791 (sweep 1006) and recorded "a star 7.6m, enveloped in extensive milky neby; but I am not sure whether there many not be a perception till I have another star of about the same size." A little later in the sweep he noted another star 7m "perfectly free from any nebulosity, so that the foregoing star must certainly be involved in extensive nebulosity; probably unconnected with the star." JH commented "A star of fully 6m, with a supposed nebulous appearance about it, but of whose reality I cannot satisfy myself, as it 'blinks' with the star behind the wire." As JH suspected, this star is free of nebulosity.
R.J. Mitchell, observing at Birr Castle on 10 May 1855 agreed that the "atmosphere seems to exist" and on 1 Apr 1878 Dreyer noted "*6m; seemed nebulous, but it is doubtful, eyepiece inclined to dew." Dreyer mentioned in the IC 1 notes that "no nebulosity seen by Bigourdan". Father Hagen also found "no neb around *6.1" in the Vatican Zone Catalogue.
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15 07 27.5 +19 35 58; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 137°
17.5" (4/4/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 NW-SE, bright core. Forms a
striking close duo with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5857 = H. II-751 = h1905, along with NGC 5859, on 27 Apr 1788 (sweep 834) and recorded "Two, the 1st [NGC 5857] cF, cS. The 2nd pF, pL, both lE." The next night he observed the pair again (sweep 835) and noted "both E from np to sf, but nearer the parallel." John Herschel logged and sketched (fig. 77) "a double nebula; pos of the individuals, centre from centre, 20° np; 2' dist." He gave a single designation (h1905) for both galaxies in the Slough catalog.
A series of observations were made at Birr Castle of the pair. On 28 Apr 1848, Lord Rosse noted "[I] think the distance between the 2 neb greater than h's drawing." On 11 Apr 1850, assistant George Johnstone Stoney remarked, "the two nebulae not in a line and a faint connection suspected." On 17 Apr 1855, R.J. Mitchell recorded "these two nebulae are not in a line, but run parallel to one another in the direction of the major axis, dist between them considerable, but faint neby suspected connecting them. On 9 May 1861, Samuel Hunter commented "bright brightest parts of both are elongated and *not* parallel to each other nor in the same straight line, but as shown [Plate 28, Fig. 31 in the 1861 publication]."
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15 08 49.1 -11 12 29; Lib
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 135°
24" (6/22/17): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly small,
elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~50"x30", fairly high surface brightness, small bright core that increases to a
stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is
1.8' W and a mag 13.7 star is 1.8' ESE.
Nearly at midpoint of a line connecting
13.1" (6/11/83 and 7/5/83): fairly bright, very small, small bright nucleus. NGC 5861 lies 9.5' SE.
Edward Holden discovered NGC 5858 on 14 May 1882 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at Washburn Observatory. He recorded "F, S, stell Nuc, np GC 4055 [NGC 5861]." The discovery was listed in the Publications of the Washburn Observatory, Vol II, p101. Édouard Stephan made observations of NGC 5861 on 22 May and 30 May 1878, but didn't make any comments on this dates regarding nearby companions.
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NGC 5859 = UGC 9728 = MCG +03-39-005 = CGCG 106-007 = LGG 394-003 = PGC 54001
15 07 34.8 +19 34 58; Boo
V = 12.4; Size 2.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 136°
17.5" (4/4/92): moderately bright and large, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, brighter along the major axis. Larger and brighter though similar position angle to companion NGC 5857 2.1' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5859 = H. II-752 = h1905, along with NGC 5857, on 27 Apr 1788 (sweep 833) and recorded "Two, the 1st [NGC 5857] cF, cS. The 2nd pF, pL, both lE." See NGC 5857 for observations at Birr Castle.
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15 06 33.6 +42 38 28; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5
48" (5/12/18): at 488x; the small bright core of NGC 5860 appeared slightly elongated, ~25" diameter, and was surrounded by a low surface brightness halo of ~35"-40". The core contained twin nuclei that were quite prominent and easily resolved at 9" separation. The southern nucleus was quite bright and very small, ~4" diameter. The fainter northern nucleus (14th mag?) was stellar or quasi-stellar (diameter at most 2"). A mag 15.4 star is 1.0' NNE.
24" (7/1/16): at 500x; NGC 5860 is a merged pair of compact ellipticals in a common halo with the nuclei separated by only 9"! Overall the glow was fairly faint, fairly small, round and punctuated by a small bright nucleus (the southern component). The northern nucleus (listed in NED as NGC 5860 NED02) was fainter and quasi-stellar, perhaps 3"-4" diameter, and cleanly separated at 500x. A wide, equal pair of mag 13.3/13.4 stars lies 3' WNW and a third mag 13 star is 2' SW.
17.5" (7/15/93): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, small bright core. A mag 14 star is 1.1' NNE. Follows an arc of three mag 13 stars aligned NW-SE; the closest star of the three is 2.2' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5860 = h1906 on 17 Apr 1830 and
logged "F' R' gbM; 20"."
His position (measured on two consecutive sweeps) matches
******************************
NGC 5861 = MCG -02-39-003 = PGC 54097
15 09 16.0 -11 19 20; Lib
V = 11.6; Size 3.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
24" (6/21 and 6/22/17): at 375x; moderately to fairly
bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 NNW-SSE, ~2.0'x1.2', broad weak concentration,
slightly brighter core/nucleus.
The halo exhibited evidence of spiral structure with slightly brighter
and darker regions. Last in a
collinear trio with NGC 5858 9.5' NW and
Supernova 2017erp, discovered 8 days earlier on 13 Jun, was easily visible as a mag 13.5-14 stellar object on the SSW edge of the halo.
13.1" (6/11/83 and 7/5/83): fairly large, very diffuse, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, fairly low even surface brightness. Located 2.5' NNE of a mag 10.5 star. Forms a pair with NGC 5858 9.5' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5861 = H. II-192 on 9 May 1784 (sweep 210) and recorded "Faintish, pL and broad, lE, r, nearly of equal brightness throughout; the extension almost in the meridian; many stars in the field with it." Stephan made observations on 22 May 1878 and 30 May 1878.
******************************
15 06 03.2 +55 34 26; Dra
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.5'
17.5" (6/20/87): extremely faint and small, round, at
visual threshold with averted.
Located 7' SE of mag 7.6
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5862 = Sw. 1-40 on 11 Jun 1885
and recorded "eF; pS; R; v Diff; 3 stars in a line point to it; [GC] 4058
[= NGC 5866]." His position
is 7 sec east and 1' north of
******************************
15 10 48.3 -18 25 52; Lib
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 21°
17.5" (7/9/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3, 0.7'x0.5', weak even concentration, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus flickers with direct vision. Situated between a mag 13.5 star 2' E and a mag 14.5 star 2' W.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5863 = LM 1-223 = Big. 189 in 1886 and recorded "S, R, gbMN, *12 in eF neb." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 35 seconds of RA west too small. Bigourdan found this galaxy again on 30 Apr 1889, assumed it was new and reported it as Big. 189. His position was 5' too far south (accurate in RA). Jermain Porter measured an accurate micrometric position in 1906 using the 16-inch Clark refractor at the Cincinnati Observatory.
******************************
15 09 33.6 +03 03 11; Vir
V = 11.8; Size 2.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 68°
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.6, small bright core. A mag 14 star is 30" ESE of center. Member of the NGC 5846 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5864 = H. II-585 = h1907 on 27 May 1786 (sweep 567) and noted "F, cS." John Herschel made 3 observations and first recorded (sweep 143) "pB; S; E; has a * 14m closely following."
******************************
15 09 49.1 +00 31 47; Vir
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 5865 = H. II-684 on 11 Apr
1787 (sweep 727) and recorded "Two [NGC 5865 = NGC 5868 and
NGC 5868, found by d'Arrest on 27 Apr 1882, is a
reobservation of NGC 5865. JH
thought it was new and assigned it a GC designation because of the difference
in position. Dreyer concluded NGC
5865 = NGC 5868 in his 1912 update of WH's catalogues as JH and Birr Castle
only reported two nebulae. By
earlier discovery NGC 5865 should apply to
******************************
NGC 5866 = UGC 9723 = MCG +09-25-017 = CGCG 274-016 = LGG 396-001 = PGC 53933
15 06 29.3 +55 45 49; Dra
V = 9.9; Size 4.7'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 128°
48" (4/21/17): at 488x and 697x; NGC 5866 is a
spectacular lenticular (S0/a) with a razor-thin dust lane perfectly bisecting
the galaxy. Overall the galaxy is extremely bright, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE,
roughly 4'x1.35'. The main spindle
contains an intensely bright, bulging oval core that is nearly perfectly
bisected by an extremely narrow dust lane. The outer portion of the halo has a low surface brightness
and increases in size with averted vision. A mag 11.3 star is at the northwest edge of the halo and a
mag 12.2 star is just off the southwest side, 1.4' from center. Also a mag 15.5 star is superimposed on
the northwest halo [1.6' from center].
24" (7/6/13): at 200x appeared extremely bright, large,
very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, spindle shaped, well concentrated with a blazing oval
core. A very thin, low contrast
dust lane bisects the galaxy and is most evident along the central bulging
core. The outer halo is much
fainter and extends ~3.25'x1.25'.
A mag 11.3 star is just off the NW flank, 1.6' from center and a mag
12.2 star is off the SW side 1.4' from center. At 322x, NGC 5867 was picked up 1.0' SSE of the mag 12.2
star as a very faint 8" glow, held continuously with averted vision.
17.5" (6/6/86): very bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 3.0'x1.5', bulging bright core. This galaxy has a high surface brightness and a mottled surface. Just a hint of the razor-thin dust lane prominent on photographs is visible. A mag 11.5 star is at the NW end 1.6' from the center and a slightly fainter mag 12 star is 1.5' SW. Located 10' NE of mag 7.5 SAO 29401.
13.1" (6/4/83): very bright, impressive, large bright core, two stars off the NW and SW edges. A mag 7 star is 10' SW.
8" (6/4/83): fairly bright, brighter central bulge, fainter extension.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5866 = H. I-215 = h1909 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and recorded "vB, cL, E, following 2 stars." His position is poor - nearly 6' southwest of the galaxy. NGC 5866 is likely an edge-on S0 galaxy with a dust lane.
Lord Rosse described NGC 5866 on 27 Apr 1848 as "A very bright resolvable nebula, but none of the component stars seen distinctly even with a power of a thousand. A perfectly straight and longitudinal division in the direction of the major axis." George Johnstone Stoney (Lord Rosse's assistant) sketched the galaxy and dust lane on 27 Apr 1849 (figure 8, 1850 publication). James Keeler sketched the galaxy on 18 Jul 1890 with the Lick 36-inch and included two extremely faint stars (estimated at ~16th mag) on either side of the dust lane.
This galaxy is sometimes taken as M102 for completeness of the Messier catalogue. Pierre Méchain found M102 on 27 Mar 1781, but in a letter dated 6 May 1783 to Johann Bernoulli, the editor of the Berliner Astronomisches Jahrbuch, he stated M101 and 102 "are nothing but the same nebula, which has been taken for two, by an error in the charts." But in the September 2015 issue of Sky & Tel, Michael Covington argues that Mechain probably did see NGC 5866, along with the adjacent 7th-magnitude star and Messier may have confirmed the observation. See Harold Corwin's notes for a more detailed analysis of M102.
******************************
NGC 5867 = 2MASX J15062441+5543543 = LEDA 2512461
15 06 24.3 +55 43 53; Dra
V = 16.1; Size 0.4'x0.3'
48" (4/30/19): at 545x; fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter. Picked up 2' SE of NGC 5866 in excellent conditions (SQM 21.9+ skies).
48" (4/21/17): at 697x; faint to fairly faint, very small, round, 10" diameter. Located 2.0' SE of the center of NGC 5866, though lies far in the background. A mag 12.2 star is 1' NNW. This galaxy is one of the 10 faintest in the NGC.
24" (7/6/13): extremely faint to very faint, extremely small, round, 6"-8" diameter. Once identified, I could hold this galaxy continuously with averted at 320x. Situated 2.0' SSW the center of NGC 5866 and 1.0' SSE of a mag 12.2 star. It is also just south of the line connecting the mag 12.2 star and a mag 14 star 3.3' further SE.
18" (7/13/07): after a couple of failed attempts I picked up this extremely faint companion located 2' S of center to NGC 5866 and 1' SE of a mag 12 star. I first took a look in Alvin Huey's 22" to check the relative position and appearance. Then in my Starmaster at 262x I glimpsed an extremely faint, barely non-stellar knot, ~6" diameter, that required averted and was only visible for moments at a time. The observation was repeatable, though, and confirmed in excellent conditions at the Lassen Peak parking lot.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5867 on 25 Apr 1851 (Friday night). While observing NGC 5866 he noted "alpha [on field sketch] is an eeF neb." The sketch clearly points to NGC 5867 = 2MASX J15062441+5543543. Four years later (13 Apr 1855), R.J. Mitchell recorded "the nova alpha seems to a real neb." RNGC and NGC 2000.0 misclassify NGC 5867 as nonexistent (Type 7)
******************************
NGC 5868 = NGC 5865 = UGC 9743 = MCG +00-39-007 = CGCG 021-023 = PGC 54118
15 09 49.1 +00 31 47; Vir
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 66°
17.5" (5/10/91): faint, small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star lies 4.0' ENE. Forms a pair with NGC 5869 3.6' S.
Heinrich d'Arrest found NGC 5868 on 27 Apr 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single measurement is on the north side of the halo of UGC 9743. WH discovered this galaxy on 11 Apr 1787, recorded it as II-684 = NGC 5865, but his position was poor (or he confused it with nearby NGC 5869). John Herschel assumed d'Arrest's nebula was new, assigned it GC 4060 and Dreyer included it in the NGC. But Dreyer concluded NGC 5868 = NGC 5865 in his 1912 update to WH's catalogues
******************************
NGC 5869 = UGC 9742 = MCG +00-39-006 = CGCG 021-022 = Holm 699a = LGG 393-008 = PGC 54119
15 09 49.4 +00 28 12; Vir
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 125°
17.5" (5/10/91): moderately bright, fairly small, very faint halo elongated 4:3 NW-SE, very bright core, stellar nucleus. Brighter and larger of pair with NGC 5865 3.6' N. Member of the NGC 5846 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5869 = H. II-545 = h1908 on
24 Feb 1786 (sweep 532) and logged "F, S." His position matches
******************************
NGC 5870 = NGC 5826 = UGC 9725 = MCG +09-25-016 = CGCG 274-017 = PGC 53949
15 06 33.8 +55 28 44; Dra
V = 13.9; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 25°
17.5" (6/14/96): extremely faint, very small, roundish, 30" diameter. A mag 12 star follows by 1' and a similar star is 2.3' NNE. Located 18' S of NGC 5866.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5870 = Sw. 1-41 on 11 Jun 1885
and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; vv diff; preceding a B * 7 sec; [GC] 4058 = NGC
5866." His position and
description matches
******************************
15 09 56.6 +00 30 34; Vir
= *, Corwin.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 5871 around 1882 while observing NGC 5865 and NGC 5869. In the narrative section of list V, he claims he made a sketch of four close nebula forming a trapezoid with a diagonal of 4' and the smallest side of 2.5'. But there are only the two NGC galaxies here, so his other two objects must refer to faint stars. The NGC position (communicated directly to Dreyer) is between two mag 15-16 stars to the southeast of NGC 5865. Harold Corwin lists both stars in his table, with the brighter western star given here as a more likely candidate. See Corwin's notes for more.
******************************
15 10 55.6 -11 28 49; Lib
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 5°
13.1" (6/11/83): faint, very small, possibly slightly
elongated. A mag 14 star is
superimposed 29" E of center.
Located 6' W of mag 7.9
Joseph Winlock discovered NGC 5872 = HN 30 on 30 Jul 1866
using the 15-inch Merz Refractor at Harvard Observatory. His position in Annals of Harvard
Observatory, Vol 13, #329, matches
******************************
15 12 50.6 -38 07 33; Lup
V = 11.2; Size 8"x6"
13.1" (3/17/86): appears stellar at 79x and quite prominent with an OIII filter. A barely non-stellar disc was seen at 166x. Forms a near equilateral triangle with fainter mag 12 stars 1.8' W and 2.1' S. Estimate mag V = 11.5.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 5873 on 2 May 1883 near Lake Titicaca using a 6.1" refractor with a direct vision Vogel-spectroscope. The position given in Copernicus III (1884) is 8 sec of RA too far west and 2' north. This was the first deep sky object to be discovered in South America. Copeland discovered three NGCs in the Andes using this visual spectroscopy including NGC 5315, just two nights later.
******************************
15 07 51.8 +54 45 10; Boo
V = 12.4; Size 2.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 53°
17.5" (5/23/87): faint, fairly large, diffuse, slightly elongated SW-NE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5874 = Sw. 1-42 on 11 Jun 1885
and recorded "vF; pL; R; in center of a large equilateral triangle of 3
bright stars." His position and description applies to
******************************
15 09 13.1 +52 31 43; Boo
V = 12.6; Size 2.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 145°
24" (7/28/19): at 322x; fairly bright, fairly large,
well concentrated with a relatively large bulging core. The nucleus was stellar and
indistinct. The central region is
noticeably uneven in surface brightness, probably reflecting spiral structure.
(confirmed). A string of 4 stars,
each increasing in brightness, extends to the SE with mag 8.3
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated NW-SE, brighter core.
Forms a 5.6' pair SSW with much fainter
William Herschel discovered NGC 5875 = H. II-755 on 1 May 1788 (sweep 840) and recorded "pB, pL, lE." His position was just off the northwest edge of the galaxy and Engelhardt measured a precise micrometric position.
******************************
15 09 31.6 +54 30 23; Boo
V = 12.7; Size 2.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 50°
17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, very small, round, brighter core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5876 = Sw. 1-43 on 11 Jun 1885
and recorded "F; S; mbM; R."
His position is 7 seconds of RA west of
******************************
15 12 53.0 -04 55 29; Lib
= ***, Reinmuth, Carlson and Corwin.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 5877 on 24 May 1867 with a 6.2" refractor at the Athens Observatory. At his position are three stars (mag 13.6-14.2) and Karl Reinmuth, using Heidelberg plates, also identified NGC 5877 as "= triple *12, 13, 14; *12 n of *13 and *14; IC 1104 s 10'."
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15 13 45.7 -14 16 10; Lib
V = 11.5; Size 3.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
18" (6/13/07): in poor seeing appeared fairly bright,
moderately large, very elongated 3:1 N-S, ~1.5'x0.5', sharply concentrated with
a bright, round core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. Located 9' SW of an orange mag 7 star
(
13.1" (5/26/84): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated
2:1 N-S, small bright nucleus, much fainter extensions. A mag 15 star is at the SSE edge 0.9'
from center. Forms a pair with MCG
-02-39-009 8' SE. Located 8.8' SW
of mag 7.0
8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, elongated N-S. A mag 7 star is in the field to the east.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5878 = H. III-736 = h3593 on 30 Apr 1788 (sweep 839) and recorded "vF; lbM; pL; E in the meridian; 300 showed the same." From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel wrote, "B; pmE; psmbM; involves a * 14m to northward." His comment probably refer to the faint star on the south side. Using the 48-inch Melbourne Telescope on 21 May 1878, Joseph Turner felt the faint star at the south end was not "involved" but just east of the south tip. Although slightly east of the major axis, it is superimposed on the edge of the halo (p.179 of logbook).
******************************
15 09 47.0 +57 00 05; Dra
V = 11.6; Size 4.2'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 0°
17.5" (7/15/93): fairly bright, fairly large, very
elongated 3:1 in PA 0°, 3.0'x1.0'.
Contains a prominent elongated core with a faint stellar nucleus. The fainter elongated halo also extends
the minor axis. A mag 14 star is
at the west edge 0.7' from the center.
Located 7.5' SE of mag 7.2
8" (6/19/82): faint, very elongated N-S, thin, small bright nucleus. A mag 7 star is 7' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5879 = H. II-757 = h1910 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842). His RA (determined in sweep 843) is 45 sec too small. John Herschel reported "B; irr R with ray-like appendages; gbM; r; 30"." His position (used in the GC and NGC) is accurate.
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15 15 01.1 -14 34 44; Lib
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (5/30/92): very faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. A mag 11 star is 2.1' NNW. Forms a pair with NGC 5883 3.5' SE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5880 = LM 1-224 on 6 Jun
1885 and recorded "mag 15.2, 0.2' dia, R, lbsbMN, in field with Harvard
331 [
Because of Leavenworth's poor position, there's been
confusion on the identification.
The Helwan Observatory bulletin #38 for 1935 misidentified
******************************
15 06 20.7 +62 58 52; Dra
V = 13.3; Size 0.8'x0.7'; PA = 60°
17.5" (6/14/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3
WSW-ENE, 40"x30", weak concentration. Bracketed by a mag 13 star 52" SW of center and a mag
12 star 1.8' NNE. NGC
identification uncertain (poor position from WH) and this galaxy is identified
as
William Herschel discovered NGC 5881 = H. II-818 on 26 Apr 1789
(sweep 930) and noted "pF, cL, R, vgbM." Caroline's reduced position is 52 sec of RA east and 2'
south of
Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy (list IX-45) on 22 Jun 1889 and logged "vF; pS; lE; bet 2 stars." Dreyer catalogued it again as IC 1100, but noted in the "Scientific Papers" that "II-818 is probably = IC 1100."
The RNGC misidentifies
******************************
15 16 49.9 -45 38 58; Lup
V = 9.5; Size 16"x15"
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x and UHC filter, this small planetary appeared as a very bright (V = 9.5), very high surface brightness round disc, ~12" diameter with a bluish color. At 228x there was an impression of a thin outer shell increasing the size to ~16" diameter.
13.1" (3/17/86): very small round disc visible at 80x, estimate V = 10.0. Good contrast gain with an OIII filter. A prominent small disc was visible at 166x with a mag 12 star 4.4' NE. Located 10.8' WNW of mag 7.4 SAO 225623. This planetary is very far south for viewing from my location in Northern California!
John Herschel discovered NGC 5882 = h3594 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "a most elegant and delicate planetary nebula. Diam in RA = 1.35 seconds by many observations. Long contemplated with x180, x240 and x320. The disc is magnified by the power in due proportion. It is = a star 8.9 mag; perfectly sharp, not the slightest haziness. A very fine object. It has no 'satellites'. My attendant [John Stone], to whom I showed it, said it was like the moon, only smaller, and not in the least like a star." His sketch is on Plate VI, figure 8. The planetary was also sketched by both Joseph Turner and Pietro Baracchi using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished Plate V, figure 56 and Plate VII, figure 71).
James Dunlop's D 447 was placed 35' to the WSW, but this PN is likely to small for him to have noticed (despite being called "very small"). In addition his description mentions "the nebula is about 1' north of a star of the 9-10th magnitude" and there is no such star south of NGC 5882.
In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, reported NGC 5882 displayed an emission line in an early spectroscopic investigation of southern nebulae while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.
Duncker independently found the planetary on an objective
prism plate at Harvard's Arequipa station and Williamina Fleming announced it
was new in 1884. Despite JH's
accurate position, Dreyer catalogued it again as
******************************
NGC 5883 = MCG -02-39-014 = PGC 54439
15 15 10.1 -14 37 01; Lib
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 120°
17.5" (5/30/92): faint, small, round, very small bright
core. This is the brighter of a
pair with NGC 5880 3.5' NW. Mag
8.4
Joseph Winlock discovered NGC 5883 = HN 31 on 30 Jul 1867
using the 15-inch Merz Refractor at the Harvard Observatory. His position in Annals of Harvard
Observatory, Vol 13, #331, matches
******************************
15 13 09.2 +31 51 42; Boo
= **, Bigourdan
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 5884 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at James Wigglesworth's private observatory in England. At Lohse's position are two mag 14 stars at 14" separation in PA 160°. Bigourdan found only these two faint stars.
******************************
15 15 04.1 -10 05 08; Lib
V = 11.8; Size 3.5'x3.1'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 65°
18" (6/13/07): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE,, ~1.5'x1.1', very weak concentration. A mag 10 star sits at the NE tip of the galaxy.
13.1" (7/5/83): very faint, round, diffuse with a low, even surface brightness. Mag 9 SAO 140412 is just off the NE edge 1.7' from center and light from the star swamps the dim glow of the galaxy.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5885 = H. III-116 = h3595 on 9 May 1784 (sweep 210) and recorded "vF, cL, almost R, the whitishness approaching to the milky kind; very near and preceding a bright star." John Herschel made a single observation: "pF; L; R; vgbM; 3' diam."
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15 12 45.4 +41 14 01; Boo
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 85°
17.5" (7/15/93): first of three in the
John Herschel discovered NGC 5886 = h1911 on 13 May 1828 and logged "F; R; bM; 12"." His position was 40" S of center.
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15 14 43.9 +01 09 15; Ser
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 160°
17.5" (7/9/94): fairly faint, small, round, 0.8'
diameter, slightly brighter core.
A mag 14.5-15 star is 1.4' NNE of center. A wide pair of mag 13 stars at 36" separation is 3'
SE. Located 7.4' SSW of mag 8.6
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5887 = St. 11-31 on 4 Jun 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position 9' too far north. His position on 8 Jun 1871 was just 1' E of center. On 31 May 1869 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "pretty faint, pretty small, gradually brighter middle."
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NGC 5888 = UGC 9771 = MCG +07-31-038 = CGCG 221-037 = PGC 54316
15 13 07.3 +41 15 53; Boo
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 158°
17.5" (7/15/93): second and brightest of three with NGC
5886 4.6' SW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 5888 = H. III-659 = h1912 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "vF, vS, r." His position was poor, 7' too far SE. John Herschel made a single observation: "pB; R; bM; 15"; the PD differs 5' from my Father's." His position was on the south side of the galaxy. Édouard Stephan made an observation on 1 Jun 1877.
******************************
15 13 15.7 +41 19 41; Boo
V = 15.3; Size 0.7'x0.25'; PA = 40°
17.5" (7/15/93): extremely faint, small, appears very elongated SSW-NNE but difficult to pin down the orientation due to faintness and only visible for moments using averted. Collinear with NGC 5888 4.1' SSW and mag 8.7 SAO 45437 7.5' SSW.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5889 on 25 Apr 1851. While observing NGC 5886 and 5888 he recorded an "eeF patch, glbM, same distance nf [NGC 5888, as NGC 5888 is from NGC 5886]."
The RNGC and RC3 position or identification is
incorrect.
******************************
15 17 51.1 -17 35 21; Lib
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 80°
17.5" (6/29/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, weak concentration to a brighter core which appears offset from the geometric center. A mag 14.5 star is just off the NE edge [43" from center].
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5890 = LM 1-225 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "vF, vS,
E 55°." His rough position
(nearest min of RA) is 1.6 min west and 2' north of
******************************
15 16 13.4 -11 29 39; Lib
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
17.5" (6/29/00): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 40"x30", low even surface brightness. Three faint stars cradle the galaxy around the SE end [1.1-1.5' from center].
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5891= LM 1-226 on 12 Jun 1885 and recorded "mag 13.0, pS, lE, gbM, *11 follows." His rough RA (nearest minute) is just 15 seconds too small. The mag 11 star in his notes probably refer to the mag 14 star less than 1' northeast. Bigourdan measured an accurate position (repeated in the IC 1 Notes section).
******************************
15 13 48.2 -15 27 50; Lib
V = 11.7; Size 3.5'x2.8'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 105°
17.5" (7/9/94): very faint but fairly large, round, 2.5' diameter. Very low but uneven surface brightness (weak irregular concentration) with no distinct borders. Located just northwest of a group of five mag 13.5-14.5 stars forming a parallelogram asterism (the southern base consists of three collinear stars); the closest mag 13.5 star is just off the ESE edge 1.3' from center.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5892 = LM 1-227 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
16.0, 2.5' gbM." There is
nothing near his rough position (nearest min of RA). The RNGC identified
Edward Fath catalogued it as #703 in his 1914 paper "A study of nebulae", which included 864 new "nebulae" discovered on plates taken with the 60-inch at Mt. Wilson. Fath gave the dimensions as 2'16" x 2'16" and noted it was a spiral. The designation Fath 703 was used in the 1932 "Shapley-Ames Catalogue" of 1249 objects brighter than 13th photographic magnitude as well as in Sandage and Tammann's 1981 revised version. Due to the 30' discrepancy in declination and lack of a sketch, the identification of Fath 703 with NGC 5892 is uncertain but adopted in NED, HyperLEDA and SIMBAD.
******************************
15 13 34.2 +41 57 32; Boo
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 45°
24" (6/21/20): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
slightly elongated SW-NE, ~45"x35", very weak conentration. A mag 13 star is 2' NW and a mag 13.9
star is 2' ESE.
17.5" (7/12/99): faint, fairly small, round, ~1.0' diameter. Weak even concentration to the center but no core or nucleus. Situated within a string of mag 13-13.5 stars oriented NW-SE. The very faint pair NGC 5895/96 lies 4' NE.
17.5" (5/2/92): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3
SW-NE, even surface brightness. In
a line with a string of four mag 13 stars oriented NW-SE; the closest stars are
1.9' NW and 1.8' SE. In a trio
with NGC 5895 4.2' NE and
William Herschel discovered NGC 5893 = H. II-678 = h1913 on 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and recorded "F, S, r. In a row with 3 stars." His position was 5' too far SSE. John Herschel made a single observation: "F; R; gbM; 30"."
******************************
15 11 41.0 +59 48 32; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 3.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 13°
17.5" (5/2/92): fairly faint, edge-on 5:1 SSW-NNE, small brighter core, thin extensions. Located 5.7' SE of a mag 10.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5894 = H. II-763 on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843) and noted "cF, S, E nearly in the meridian [N-S]."
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NGC 5895 = MCG +07-31-043 = CGCG 221-042a = Holm 701a = PGC 54366
15 13 50.0 +42 00 29; Boo
V = 15.0; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 20°
24" (6/21/20): at 375x; very faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 25"x8", even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is 1' E. Forms a close pair with NGC 5896 1' N.
17.5" (6/30/00): very faint, small, slightly elongated, ~25" diameter, no concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' E. Forms a pair with difficult NGC 5896. Located 4.2' NE of NGC 5893.
17.5" (7/12/99): extremely faint, very small, round,
15" diameter. Apparently I
only viewed the center of this elongated galaxy through thin clouds. Located 1' W of a mag 14 star. At moments I suspected a marginal glow
close north which might have been NGC 5896. Located 11' SSE of mag 6
17.5" (5/2/92): extremely faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE. A mag 14 star is 1.1' E of center. Forms a pair with NGC 5893 4.2' SW.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5895, along with NGC 5896, on 23 May 1854 while observing NGC 5893 at Birr Castle. He noted "about 3' nf [of NGC 5893] is a small nebula [NGC 5895], lE, vF with a third vvF neb [NGC 5896] close north; I suspect the two novae to be connected, as they are very close, and the n one exactly in a line with the axis of the small one. 2 stars close sf the novae, the f being vS." The description and diagram clearly identifies the two small galaxies. The CGCG lists a single entry for NGC 5895 + 5896 with a combined magnitude of 15.5.
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NGC 5896 = MCG +07-31-044 = CGCG 221-042b = Holm 701c = PGC 54367
15 13 50.7 +42 01 27; Boo
V = 16.0; Size 0.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (6/21/20): at 375x; extremely faint, very small, round, 12: diameter. Forms a close (line of sight) pair with NGC 5895 1' N. This is one of the faintest galaxies in the NGC!
17.5" (6/30/00): at 280x seen as an extremely small, faint glow, ≤10" diameter. Visible with averted vision ~50% of the time just 1' N of NGC 5895.
17.5" (7/12/99): this galaxy forms a double system with NGC 5895 and was only suspected for moments 1' N and 1.3' NW of the mag 14 star just west of NGC 5895). The observation was only marginal and probably viewed through thin clouds.
17.5" (5/2/92): Not seen.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 5896, along with NGC 5895, on 23 May 1854 while observing NGC 5893 at Birr Castle. See notes for NGC 5895.
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15 17 24.3 -21 00 36; Lib
V = 8.6; Size 12.6'; Surf Br = 0.3
18" (7/11/07): this low surface brightness globular was easily picked up 12.5x in the 80mm finder as a small, faint, hazy knot. Excellent view at 225x in the 18" with 60-70 stars resolved and a very weak concentration and no distinct core. At 325x, 90-100 stars were resolved over an 11' diameter though the halo does not have a well defined edge so the count is somewhat arbitrary. The hazy background glow of unresolved star is quite lively and irregular in surface brightness.
17.5" (6/3/00): large, loose, globular, ~10' in diameter with only a weak concentration and no core. At 280x, 60-70 stars are resolved in good moments of seeing and many appear to be arranged in strings (two on the east side of the halo) emanating from the central region. The extent of the halo is ill-defined.
17.5" (6/6/86): this is a low surface brightness globular of 10' diameter with little concentration. Roughly circular although the outline is irregular. Well resolved into 50 stars at 286x over haze although NGC 5897 is too large for a good view at high power. About 5' NNE of center is a string of three mag 11.5, 12 and 14 stars with a total length of 1.4'.
13.1" (6/30/84): about two dozen faint stars resolved over irregular haze.
13.1" (6/19/82 and 4/24/82): a few dozen faint and very faint stars resolved over a larger region of haze.
12x80mm (6/30/84): very faint but visible in the finder!
William Herschel discovered NGC 5897 = H. VI-19 = H. VI-8 = h3596 on 25 Apr 1785 (sweep 209) and recorded H. VI-8 as "a very close compressed cluster of stars, 8 or 9' in diameter, extr rich, of an iR figure, a little E. The stars so small as hardly to be visible so accumulated in the middle as to look nebulous." There is nothing at his position and Dreyer chronicled the problems in the sweep in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel".
Harold Corwin has an extensive discussion and argument that H. VI-8 = NGC 5897. Herschel rediscovered this cluster a couple of weeks later on 10 Mar 1785 (sweep 383) and recorded H. VI-19 as "A beautiful L cluster of the most minute and most compressed stars imaginable. Different sizes and a faint red colour perceivable." His position on this sweep was only 3' south of center.
In 1914, Hardcastle classified NGC 5897 as a known spiral nebula (based on ?). The following year, Knox-Shaw reported it was a loose globular cluster and "certainly no a spiral nebula", based on a photograph taken between 1912-14 at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector.
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15 18 13.6 -24 05 53; Lib
V = 11.4; Size 2.2'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (6/22/09): moderately bright, moderately large,
irregularly round, 1.1'x1.0', sharply concentrated with a small, very bright
core. First in a trio with NGC
5903 5.5' ENE and
18" (6/17/04): moderately bright, moderately large, 1.2'x1.0', sharply concentrated with an intense 20" core. Forms a similar close pair with NGC 5903 5.5' ENE.
13.1" (7/5/83): moderately bright, small, round,
gradually increases to a small bright nucleus. Forms a close pair with similar
8" (7/5/83): faint, small, round.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5898 = H. III-138 = h3597, along with NGC 5903, on 21 May 1784 (sweep 222) and recorded both as "Two, vF, R nebula, not vS, about 7' distance from each other and nearly in the same parallel." John Herschel made a single observation, reporting "pB; R; pgbM; 15"." Vincenzo Cerulli measured an accurate micrometric position in 1895 (given in the IC2 Notes) at his private Italian observatory while searching unsuccessfuly for Comet 1889 V (Brooks).
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NGC 5899 = UGC 9789 = MCG +07-31-045 = CGCG 221-043 = PGC 54428
15 15 03.2 +42 02 58; Boo
V = 11.7; Size 3.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 18°
24" (6/21/20): at 375x; fairly bright, large, very
elongated nearly 3:1 SSW-NNE, 2.2'x0.8' strong concentration with a bright
elongated core that rises to a stellar peak. Two spiral arms were evident; one extending north along the
NE flank of the halo and other extending south on the SW flank of the halo.
Both appeared as thin, nearly linear arcs in the halo with a sharp outer
edge. The inner edge of the arcs
(arms) were less defined as they blended into the halo on the north and south
side. NGC 5899 forms a pair with
17.5" (7/12/99): moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, ~2.5'x0.8'. Gradually increases to a bright, elongated core. Embedded in the core is a brighter quasi-stellar nucleus. Follows a string of three stars including a mag 10.5 star 3.3' NW and two mag 12/14 stars. Just off the edge of the field is mag 6 SAO 45445 situated 12' NW. Brightest in a group with NGC 5893 and NGC 5895/96.
17.5" (5/2/92): brightest in a group with NGC 5900 10' N, NGC 5893 17' WSW and NGC 5895/NGC 5896 12' WSW. Fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x1.0', small bright core. A knot or faint star is embedded in the southern extension. Forms the east vertex of a triangle with a mag 10 star 3.4' NW and a mag 11.5 star 3.8' W. Located 12' SE of mag 6.1 SAO 45445 at the edge of the 220x field.
very elongated N to S, 2' x 40", with evident but little contrasting bulge (it was easily observable even in the 10") - 450x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5899 = H. II-650 = h1914 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718). His description reads "pB, E, near 2' l and 1/4' br." On 9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) he noted "pB almost cB, BNM." A 3rd observation on 12 Apr 1788 (sweep 831) states "pB, E, a pBN with faint branches about 1 1/2' long." The observation by Lord Rosse (or assistant) on 25 Apr 1849 mentions "Dark space nf nucleus??" The dark space is a gap between the core and the spiral arm on the north following end of the galaxy.
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NGC 5900 = UGC 9790 = MCG +07-31-046 = CGCG 221-044 = Holm 702a = PGC 54431
15 15 05.1 +42 12 34; Boo
V = 13.9; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 130°
24" (6/21/20): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, very thin streak 5:1, ~1.25'x0.25', small brighter nucleus, uneven surface brightness [due to dust lane]. NGC 5901 is a mag 15.8 star 1' N. Located 10' ENE of mag 6.1 HD 135530. Forms a physical pair with NGC 5899 10' S.
17.5" (5/2/92): very faint, small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, weak concentration. Located 9.7' N of NGC 5899 and 10.3' ENE of mag 6.1 SAO 45445.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5900 = H. III-660 = h1915 on
9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and noted "eF, cS." John Herschel made two observations and measured a fairly
accurate position. See
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15 15 02.3 +42 13 45; Boo
V = 15.8
24" (6/21/20): at 375x; extremely faint mag 15.8 star located 1' N of NGC 5900.
R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 5901 on 23 May 1854 while observing NGC 5900. He recorded "Found 2 neb close ns. I believe the s one, which is vF, vlEns, lbM to be h's. The neb n of it is not vS, but eF." There is only a single galaxy here (assuming he found the correct field), though 1.3' north is a mag 15.5-16 star, which Harold Corwin and the RNGC identify as NGC 5901.
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15 14 22.2 +50 19 49; Boo
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (5/23/87): fairly faint, round, small, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5902 = H. III-737 on 1 May
1788 (sweep 840) and recorded "vF, vS, stellar." Caroline's reduction is 0.2 min of RA
east and 3' south of
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NGC 5903 = ESO 514-004 = MCG -04-36-008 = UGCA 405 = LGG 398-003 = PGC 54646
15 18 36.5 -24 04 07; Lib
V = 11.2; Size 2.7'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 165°
18" (6/22/09): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 1.1'x0.8', contains a bright core that gradually increases
to the center, faint stellar nucleus.
A mag 12.3 star is off the NW side, 1.5' from center. Forms a trio with
NGC 5898 5.5' SW and
18" (6/17/04): moderately bright, moderately large, 1.2'x1.0', well-concentrated with a bright 20" core. Slightly fainter than NGC 5898 5.5' SW.
13.1" (7/5/83): moderately bright, small, round. Appears similar to NGC 5898 5.5' SW but slightly larger.
8" (7/5/83): very faint, round, nice pair with NGC 5898.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5903 = H. III-139 = h3598, along with NGC 5898, on 21 May 1784 (sweep 222) and recorded both as "Two, vF, R nebula, not vS, about 7' distance from each other and nearly in the same parallel." John Herschel logged "B; R; pgbM; 20"." Vincenzo Cerulli measured an accurate micrometric position although Dreyer didn't publish his corrected position in the IC II notes.
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15 18 33.7 +02 04 58; Ser
V = 5.7; Size 17.4'; Surf Br = 0.1
18" (7/26/06): at 435x the cluster overfills the field and the intense 3.5' core is resolved to the center. The core has two easily resolved parallel star lanes oriented E-W that cross the core on the north and south sides and an extremely dense knot of stars is resolved on the west side of the northern lane.
17.5" (5/10/86): very bright, very large, extremely dense, edge-to-edge resolution of several hundred stars across 22' field (not possible to count), many stars arranged in arcs and streamers. Strong even concentration to a large very bright core. Third best globular cluster from northern California (5th brightest integrated magnitude) and can be glimpsed naked-eye in as a small fuzzy glow in dark skies. Located 22' NW of 5 Serpentis (STF 1930 = 5.2/10.2 at 11") and the star is more prominent than the globular.
13.1" (numerous dates): spectacular resolution of several hundred stars from the outer halo to the core, rows of long streamers.
24" (7/7/13): V42, a type II Cepheid variable, is
located just 3.1' SW of the center of
8" (numerous starting 7/3/80): at 125x; very high resolution of large, intense outer halo, many stars at edge of small core, rows of stars converging towards the center
Naked-eye (7/26/06): M5 was just visible naked-eye but the nearby mag 5 star (5 Ser) detracts from the observation. The globular appears as a faint, very small fuzzy glow close NW of the star.
Naked-eye (1/21/12): confirmed naked-eye from Mauna Kea visitor center though the nearby mag 5 star is much more prominent.
Gottfried and Maria Kirch discovered M5 = NGC 5904 = h1916 on 5 May 1702. Maria's diary (translated by Leos Ondra) mentions "By such searching [for the comet then visible] my husband found by this with just this 3 Sch. tube, high over Mu [Serpentis] a nebulous light, it had many other fine stars around it, but one stood particularly by the tube above it about thus: [sketch follows]." Charles Messier independent found it on 23 May 1764.
William Herschel's first observation using his 6.2-inch (7-ft telescope) was on 4 Mar 1783: "It consists of stars; they are however so small that I can but just perceive some, and suspect others. 1810 (power?), the globular figure is visible." Using his 18.7" on 5 May 1785 (sweep 409) he recorded, "a very compressed very beautiful, and large cluster of small stars of various sizes, and of a red colour. For about 2 or 2.5' they are extremely compressed in the center; and the pretty regularly scattered stars extend to about 7 or 8' diam." Then there are besides many more irregularly scattered at a greater distance; especially one branch, which extends in a direction of about 15 or 20 degrees sp and some of the stars of this branch are rather larger than the rest." On 24 Feb 1787, he logged "The most beautiful, extremely compressed cl of small stars; the greatest part of them gathered together into one brilliant nucleus; evidently consisting of stars, surrounded with many detached gathering stars of the same size and colour."
While being instructed by his father on his first sweep of 29 May 1821, John Herschel logged, "a most beautiful cluster, vmbM, very compressed, round, the stars various sizes scattered." The sweep was later numbered 53, out of date. His regular sweeps began in 1825.
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15 15 23.3 +55 31 02; Dra
V = 11.7; Size 4.0'x2.6'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 135°
24" (7/28/19): at 322x; fairly bright, moderately
large, 1.5' diameter, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a very
small bright nucleus. A slightly brighter "bar" runs SW-NE through
the nucleus, but the contrast is low.
The halo has a fairly low surface brightness and there was only a subtle
hint of spiral arms. A mag
15 star is 0.7' SW of center (in halo), a mag 15.3 star is 0.8' S of center (in
halo) and a mag 14.4 star is 1.6' E of center (outside halo). A mag 11/11.5 double star (WZ 13) at
9" separation, lies 4' SSE. Member of the
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated 3:2 NW-SE. A mag 14 star lies 1.6' E of center. NGC 5908 lies 12' SE.
13.1" (6/4/83): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, diffuse halo increases to brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5905 = H. II-758 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and logged " pF, pS, iR." His position (offset from another galaxy) is 42 sec of RA too far west. NGC 5905 and 5908 were observed at Birr Castle on 13 Apr 1850 and assumed to be novae, so John Herschel assigned a separate General Catalog designation (4084). Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC and reported an accurate position measured by d'Arrest.
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15 15 52.1 +56 19 48; Dra
48" (4/21/17): at 375x; a sharply defined dust lane
slices through the central region of
24" (7/8/13): A thin dust lane on the preceding side of the core of the showpiece edge-on NGC 5907 can be traced at least 5'. NGC 5906 is a thin, low surface brightness strip of the galaxy, parallel to the major axis, that is visible on the west side of the dust lane.
In 1850, Lord Rosse (or an assistant) sketched this part of the galaxy (with an embedded star) extending parallel to the main, brighter eastern side.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5906 on 13 Apr 1850. He description of NGC 5907 mentions a "very remarkable ray, 12' or 15' long,..., a longitudinal split p[receding] nucleus." NGC 5906 refers to the faint slice of the galaxy on the west side of the dust lane, which was shown on his field sketch.
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NGC 5907 = NGC 5906 = UGC 9801 = MCG +09-25-040 = CGCG 274-038 = CGCG 297-010 = Holm 704a = FGC 1875 = LGG 396-003 = PGC 54470 = Splinter Galaxy
15 15 53.3 +56 19 44; Dra
V = 10.3; Size 12.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 155°
48" (4/21/17): at 375x; huge showpiece splinter extending 10' to 12' NW-SE and ~0.8' wide. The central 2' long core region is very bright and contains a slightly brighter nucleus. The outer extensions have a lower, irregular surface brightness and appear patchy. A sharply defined dust lane slices through the central region, creating two asymmetric sections with the thin, brighter core section on the eastern side. An easily visible glow is on the western side of the dust lane (catalogued separatedly as NGC 5906), though it has a much lower surface brightness. A mag 14 star is 1' W of the core. Overall, the view was very comparable to the DSS2 image.
24" (7/8/13): this showpiece edge-on contains a very bright, large, thin extended core but no well defined nucleus. The galaxy nearly fills the 15' field at 280x, extending ~12'x1', with a patchy surface brightness towards the tips. A thin dust lane on the preceding side of the core can be traced at least 5'. A thin, low surface brightness strip (catalogued as NGC 5906) is visible on the west side of the dust lane.
18" (6/17/06): extremely large edge-on, roughly 12:1 NNW-SSE, ~10'x0.8', broadly concentrated to a brighter core but with no discernible nucleus. The 2' central core region is mottled with a couple of brighter spots and the extensions are also irregular in surface brightness. There appears to be a dust lane running along the western edge of the galaxy. A mag 14 star is just preceding the core.
17.5" (6/6/86): fairly bright, extremely large edge-on 9:1 NNW-SSE, extends to roughly 13'x1.5'. Contains a bright core increasing to a near stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star lies 1.1' W of center.
13.1" (6/18/85): very large, very elongated, narrow streak, bright core, faint star is west of the core.
8" (6/5/81): impressive, needle-like streak.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5907 = H. II-759 = h1917 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and recorded "pB; 8 or 10' long, 1.5' or 2' broad, FNM." On sweep 347, John Herschel logged "B; a superb ray nebula, at least 7.5' long and narrow, pos = 159.9° by meas; at first vgb, then psmbM."
George Johnstone Stoney was the first to note the dust lane on 13 Apr 1850 at Birr Castle. He described a "very remarkable ray, 12' or 15' long; alpha, beta, gamma and delta are stars, of which alpha is faint; a longitudinal split precedes the nucleus." A faint star was sketched within the portion to the west of the dust lane. The dust lane was confirmed on 13 Apr 1855. On 23 Apr 1860, Samuel Hunter described "south-preceding nucleus there is a dark space with vF neby beyond, & south-following nucleus is rather dark with a portion much brighter beyond, then another dark space and again neby." The faint portion of the galaxy preceding the dust lane was catalogued as GC 4086 = NGC 5906.
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NGC 5908 = UGC 9805 = MCG +09-25-041 = CGCG 274-039 = LGG 395-004 = PGC 54522
15 16 43.4 +55 24 34; Dra
V = 11.8; Size 3.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 154°
17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 2.5'x1', weak concentration. A mag 11 star lies 3.4' NW of center on a line parallel with the major axis. Forms an interesting pair with NGC 5905 12' NW.
13.1" (6/4/83): fairly bright, fairly small, edge-on, brighter along major axis. Forms a pair with NGC 5905.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5908 = H. II-760 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and logged "pF, pS, R." His RA is 1.0 min too small, though his positions are systematically offset too far west on the sweep (poor position for the offset "galaxy").
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15 11 28.1 +75 23 02; UMi
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 52°
17.5" (6/18/93): faint, small, elongated 3:2
SW-NE. A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' W
of center. Forms a very close pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5909 = H. III-943 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1070) and recorded "Two, both vF and vS. The place is that of the last [NGC 5912]. The first [NGC 5909] precedes it at the distance of about 1 1/2' and is in the same parallel. 320 showed the same. r." Caroline's reduced position is 1.5' south of this pair of galaxies.
The declination for NGC 5912 and 5909 in the UGC, CGCG, RNGC and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 atlas is 14' too far south.
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15 19 24.7 +20 53 47; Ser
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9
48" (5/9/21): NGC 5910 is a merging triple system in a
common halo nearly 1' in diameter.
The brightest component is at the center. At 488x
24" (7/18/17): NGC 5910 is a triple system consisting
of
18" (8/4/05): at first glace this appeared to be a
fairly faint, fairly small glow, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.3', with a
knotty appearance and brighter on the north end. With careful viewing at 225x, this glow was resolved into
two nearly tangent knots. The
larger and much brighter glow at the north end was HCG 74A and appeared fairly
faint, small, round, 25" diameter.
Barely off the SSW end was a nearly stellar knot, HCG 74B. A close pair
of mag 14-14.5 stars that are collinear with the galaxy is just 1.3' W and two
mag 11 stars to the north are also collinear with the galaxy.
17.5" (7/8/94): brightest member of HCG 74. Fairly faint, small, round, 30"
diameter, weak concentration. The
observation is confused by a companion (HCG 74B) that is attached at the SSW
end, just 20" between centers.
HCG 74B popped into view with averted vision and looked like a knot at
the edge. A faint mag 14/14 double
star close west is collinear and a mag 13 star is 3' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5910 = H. II-400 on 13 Apr 1785 (sweep 399) and noted "F, pL, easily resolvable." On 28 Apr 1788 (sweep 835) he logged "eF, vS, may be a few stars." Despite his uncertainty his position was pretty accurate. Neither John Herschel nor d'Arrest made an observation of this galaxy (brightest in HCG 74), though Stephan made a couple of observations.
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15 20 18.2 +03 31 06; Ser
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.7'; PA = 47°
24" (5/11/13): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 SW-NE, 30"x24", small brighter core. Brightest in the
CGCG 49-134: very faint and small, round, 12" diameter. Faintest in the KTG 60 trio. Three mag 14 stars to the southeast are collinear and equally spaced with the galaxy and a mag 12 star is 2.4' SE.
CGCG 49-135: very faint and small, round, 15" diameter.
17.5" (7/8/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
40" diameter, moderate even concentration to a small bright core,
occasional stellar nucleus. Four
stars in an elongated kite asterism follow by about 3'. Forms a close pair with an extremely
faint companion
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5911 = St. 11-32 on 31 May 1869 with a second observation on 27 May 1875. He measured an accurate micrometric position on 5 Jun 1880 and noted, "very faint, very small, 2 faint stars involved."
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NGC 5912 = MCG +13-11-011 = CGCG 354-022 = Holm 703a = PGC 54237
15 11 41.3 +75 23 05; UMi
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'
17.5" (6/18/93): slightly brighter of pair with NGC 5909 just 48" W. Fairly faint, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5912 = H. III-944 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1070) and recorded "Two, both vF and vS. The place is that of the last [NGC 5912]. The first [NGC 5909] precedes it at the distance of about 1 1/2' and is in the same parallel. 320 showed the same. r." Caroline's reduced position is 1.5' south of this pair of galaxies.
The declination for NGC 5912 and 5909 in the UGC, CGCG, RNGC and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 atlas is 14' too far south.
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15 20 55.4 -02 34 40; Ser
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 168°
17.5" (7/9/94): faint, moderately large, low irregular
surface brightness. Poorly defined
edge makes shape difficult to clearly determine but appears elongated 4:3
roughly N-S. Halo increases with
averted to 1.4'x1.1'. A mag 14
star is 1.7' E of center. Located
10' SSE of mag 6.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 5913 = H. III-374 = h1918 =
h3599 on 14 Apr 1785 (sweep 400) and recorded "eF, pL, r." His position is at the north edge of
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15 18 43.7 +41 51 56; Boo
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 165°
17.5" (7/15/93): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE,
0.5'x0.3', very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 11' NNW of mag 7.9
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5914 = St. 12-71 on 8 Jun 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position 8' too far SSW. On 16 May 1882 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "faint, very small, round, involves one or more very faint stars."
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15 21 33.2 -13 05 32; Lib
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (6/17/04): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 4:3 NW-SE. Contains a
bright, sharply concentrated, 20" core. A faint star is embedded on the south side of the halo
(34" from center). Brightest
in a trio with
17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.7', brighter along the major axis but halo appears rounder. A mag 15 star is at the south edge 33" from center and a mag 12.5 star is 2.1' NE. Forms a pair with NGC 5916 4.5' SSE.
13.1" (6/4/83): fairly faint, small, fairly compact, round, slightly brighter core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5915 = h3600, along with NGC 5916, on 5 Jun 1836 and recorded "B; S; R; glbM; 15". The preceding of 2." His position is accurate.
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NGC 5916 = MCG -02-39-020 = PGC 54825
15 21 37.9 -13 10 09; Lib
V = 13.1; Size 2.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 15°
18" (6/17/04): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.3'x0.6'. Broad concentration to a slightly brighter, irregularly round 25" core. The outer halo has a pretty low surface brightness. In a trio with slightly brighter NGC 5915 4.7' WNW and much fainter NGC 5916A 7' NW.
NGC 5916A appeared very faint, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.3', low even surface brightness. A mag 12 star on the NW edge of the galaxy hampers the view!
17.5" (5/30/92): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, low even surface brightness. The major axis is elongated at a right angle to NGC 5915 located 4.5' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5916 = h3601, along with NGC 5915, on 5 Jun 1836 and recorded "F; lE; glbM; 25". The following of 2." His position is accurate.
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15 21 32.6 -07 22 39; Lib
V = 13.7; Size 1.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 70°
48" (5/9/21): at 488x; bright, fairly small, irregular
shape, ~0.9'x0.6', broader on the SW side and tapers on the NE end, contains
brighter patches or an arm on the NE side. The bright core seems a bit
off-center. A mag 15 star is just
off the S side [33" from center].
Forms an interacting pair (
The companion was fairly bright, elongated 3:1 N-S, strong concentration with a bright, relatively central region and faint extensions ~1.0'x0.3'. With careful viewing the northern arm could be traced further out (portion of a very low surface brightness tidal tail) for a total length of 1.6'. A mag 10 star is 1.7' WNW.
17.5" (7/9/94): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, brighter along the major axis. A mag 15 star is just off the SW edge. Forms an interacting pair (Arp 254) with MCG -01-39-003 4.2' S. Located 4' NNE of a mag 10 star.
MCG -01-39-003 (nicknamed the "Hooked Galaxy") appeared faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. A mag 10 star is 1.8' ESE. On deep images MCG -01-39-003 has two tidal tails, with a long one stretching north about 2/3 of the way to NGC 5917 and then hooking east at the end.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5917 = h3602 on 16 Jul 1835 and recorded "eF; S; psbM; 10"."
Supernova SN 2005cf exploded in the vicinity of the bridge connecting NGC 5917 and MCG -01-39-003 in May 2005.
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15 19 25.3 +45 52 48; Boo
V = 13.2; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 85°
17.5" (7/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W,1.4'x0.7', weak concentration. A nice unequal double star (mag 10.5/13) at 16" separation is 2.8' SSW of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5918 = h1920 on 26 Apr 1830 and
recorded "pB; pmE; vglbM; 60" long, 40" broad." The next sweep he logged "vF; L;
mE; vlbM; north of a double star." His mean position is just off the west
edge of
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15 21 36.9 +07 43 10; Ser
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.4'
24" (6/23/17): at 375x; faint, small, roundish, 15" diameter, low surface brightness and surprisingly faint for an NGC galaxy. Several nearby companions were identified with careful viewing -
2MASX J15213154+0744254, 1.9' NW of NGC 5919, appeared extremely faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.
2MASX J15213639+0744209, 1.2' N of NGC 5919, appeared extremely faint (V = 16.1) and small, round, 9" diameter. Only occasionally pops with averted vision but sighting repeated several times.
2MASX J15213619+0742369, 0.6' S of NGC 5919, was extremely faint and small, only occasionally glimpsed close south of NGC 5919 [34" between centers].
17.5" (7/9/94): extremely faint, small, round, 0.3'
diameter, very low even surface brightness. Requires averted vision to glimpse although appears to
"grow" in size close to 1.0' diameter. On continued observation, the galaxy resolves into a second
and possibly a third member very close that pops into view momentarily. It was very difficult, though, to view
these simultaneously. One of these
glows might be CGCG 049-144, which is 1.2' ENE of NGC 5919. Forms a group (MKW 3s) along with
brighter NGC 5920 4' ESE. The POSS
reveals six faint galaxies within 2' of this galaxy! Member of
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5919 = Sw. 6-77, along with NGC
5920, on 30 Mar 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; wide double star near, e
difficult; np of 2." His
position is 10 sec of time west of
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NGC 5920 = UGC 9822 = CGCG 049-145 = WBL 564-004 = PGC 54839
15 21 51.8 +07 42 32; Ser
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4
24" (6/23/17): at 375x; faint to fairly faint,
moderately large, slightly elongated ~5:4, ~40"x32". Exhibited a broad weak concentration
with a slight brighter, but ill-defined core. Situated 10' SW of mag 8.7
PGC 54838, situated 1.6' N, appeared faint (V = 15.2), small, round, 12"-15" diameter, 15th mag stars are 0.8' SSW and 0.8' NNW.
17.5" (7/9/94): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, very low surface brightness with a very slight concentration. Located between a mag 14 star off NW edge 1.1' from center and a mag 15 star just off the SE edge. Two mag 10/11 stars lie 4.5' SSW and 3.3' SSW, respectively. This galaxy is the brightest in cluster AGC 2063 with NGC 5919 3' W.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5920 = Sw. 6-78, along with NGC
5919, on 30 Mar 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; ee diff; sf of 2 [with NGC
5919]." His position matches
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15 21 56.5 +05 04 14; Ser
V = 10.8; Size 4.9'x4.0'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 130°
48" (5/1/19): at 545x; superb barred ring spiral, very sharply concentrated with an intense, round nucleus. The central 1.25' bar was easily visible extending SSW-NNE, and displayed a pretty even surface brightness. A fairly low contrast circular ring was visible enclosing the bar and nucleus. The northern spiral arm was attached at the north end of the bar and curled clockwise, extending west for ~1.5'. A prominent southern arm was fairly straight as it extended 1.25' ESE from the south end of the bar (at a right angle). The diffuse eastern part of the halo had a low, but irregular surface brightness. A mag 12.0 star is at the southwest side, 1.2' from center and a mag 10.3 star is 2.9' SE. A curve of stars extends directly south of the galaxy and a number of stars are close west.
24" (7/25/14): at 260x, this multi-armed barred spiral appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, sharply concentrated with a striking, very bright core. A slightly brighter bar (fairly low contrast) extends SSW to NNE. The very beginning of a spiral arm is evident as an elongated glow at the north end of the bar, extending a very short distance to the northwest. The view was improved at 385x with a strong hint of a second spiral arm beginning at the south end of the bar and starting to bend east. Contains a bright, sharp stellar nucleus. A mag 10 star is 3' SE and a mag 12 star is at the southwest edge.
17.5" (7/16/93): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 N-S, 2.0'x1.4', small bright core dominates, stellar nucleus. Located 2.9' WNW of a mag 9.5 star. A mag 12 star is just at the SW edge 1.1' from center. This star is at the end of a distinctive arc of four mag 11-12 stars leading to the galaxy on the south side.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5921 = H. I-148 = h1919 on 1 May 1786 (sweep 561). His description reads, "cB, cL, bM, iR. Stars scattered over and about it; not belonging to it." On 17 Apr 1855, Lord Rosse's assistant R.J. Mitchell, logged "suspect spiral like an 'S'. Mr Johnstone Stoney saw the np branch with considerable certainty, the sf one not so sure."
The October 1912 Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific includes a photograph (3-hour exposure) with the Crossley reflector. Curtis described NGC 5921 as a "very interesting spiral. Fairly strong nucleus, about which is an oval 1.8' long, whose longer axis is crossed by a straight lane of matter; from the ends of this oval spring the two main whorls of the spiral; other fainter whorls are visible."
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15 21 14.2 +41 43 33; Boo
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 5922 = H. III-661 = h1921 on
9 Apr 1787 (sweep 725) and logged "eF, S." His position is 6' south and 10 sec of RA east of
John Herschel discovered h1922 on 6 May 1828, though he assumed it was his father's H. III-661. No measured RA is given (just WH's rough RA) and the declination is 4' south of NGC 5923. Close to JH's offset in declination is a 17" pair of mag 16 stars, and JH possibly glimpsed these stars (he gave no description).
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NGC 5923 = NGC 5922: = UGC 9823 = MCG +07-32-001 = CGCG 221-052 = CGCG 222-002 = Holm 707a = PGC 54780
15 21 14.2 +41 43 33; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.2
17.5" (7/15/93): faint, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, low surface brightness, broad weak concentration.
John Herschel found NGC 5923 = h1921 on 6 May 1828 and logged "F; pL; lE; vgbM." He made a total of 4 observations (including sweep 151), with size estimates of 40" and 60". Because of his father's poor position for NGC 5922, he assumed his observation was new and reported it as a "Nova". So, NGC 5922 = NGC 5923. By historical precedence, the primary designation should be NGC 5922, but this galaxy is known as NGC 5923 due to the unambiguous position.
On sweep 151, he also made an observation of what he assumed was H. III-661 at ~4' south of the NGC 5923. Close to this position is a 17" pair of 16 mag stars. This is perhaps what Herschel took for H. III-661, though there is no description and perhaps h1922 is just a empty placeholder for his father's number. See Corwin's identification notes for more.
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15 22 02.0 +31 13 58; CrB
V = 14.6; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 15°
17.5" (7/3/97): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated ~N-S, 0.4'x0.3' (outer arms not viewed). A mag 14.5 star at the SSE edge confuses the observation as
it is similar in brightness to the galaxy. Nearly collinear with three mag 13-14 stars between 4' and
6.5' SE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5924 = St. 12-72 on 3 May 1870. His rough, unpublished position was 3.4' E of center. His accurate published position was made 12 years later on 10 Jun 1882 with description "Two faint stars, the most northern of which seems surrounded by a very faint nebulosity; very small; irregular." One star is at the SSE end, the other "star" is the nucleus.
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15 27 27 -54 31 42; Nor
Size 15'
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 110x appears as a large, fairly rich cluster of ~150 stars mag 11 to 14 in a 25'x12' group (roughly rectangular) elongated SSW to NNE. Not concentrated and without any distinctive rich clumps, though many stars forming small subgroups. Situated in a rich region of the Milky Way and not distinguishable at moderate power but fairly detached using low power.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5925 = h3603 on 28 Jul 1826 and recorded "a most numerous and beautiful milky way group or cluster covering a space of 1.5 or 2 fields diameter (20' or 30') entirely composed of double and triple stars, and distinct groups of 4 or 5 nearly of a size (10th and 11th mag) on a black ground. Perhaps 100 or 150 stars in field." The next night he logged "a remarkable cluster, 20' diameter, R, very discrete, and composed of small groups of 2, 3, 4 stars, chiefly 11, 12 and 13th mag, sufficiently insulated from the rest of the pretty rich neighbourhood to be considered a cluster."
JH credited James Dunlop with the discovery (D 357), but Dunlop's position is a much better fit with NGC 5593 and an hour off in time from NGC 5925. Dreyer associated D 357 with both NGC 5593 and NGC 5925 in the NGC, so there was clearly some confusion.
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15 23 24.9 +12 42 55; Ser
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (7/9/94): fairly faint, small, round, 0.5' diameter, even concentration to a bright core, fairly high surface brightness. A mag 15 star is 1' ESE. Forms a right angle with a mag 9.5 star 2.5' WNW and a mag 12.5 star 2.2' SSW. Located 17' NE of 17 Serpentis (V = 6.3).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5926 = Sw. 1-44 on 15 Jun 1884 and recorded "F; vS; forms a right angle triangle with 2 stars." His position is 30 sec of time too large, but his description is a perfect match. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position with the 20-inch refractor in Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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15 28 00.4 -50 40 22; Lup
V = 8.0; Size 12.0'; Surf Br = 1.4
18" (7/4/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x, this fairly bright globular is fairly large, roundish, ~6' diameter. Broadly concentrated to a 3' core that
brightened slightly to the center.
Within the halo and scattered just outside the periphery of the ragged
halo are two dozen faint stars, though it was difficult to clearly distinguish
these outliers from the uniformly rich star field that surrounds the
globular. At 228x, at least three
dozen mag 14-15.5 stars were resolved and the core was very lively and
granulated. I had the strong impression that it was on the verge of more
extensive resolution. A mag 10
star lies 4.5' due south of center with a mag 11 star 3' NW. The halo extends to nearly the line
connecting these two stars. NGC 5927 forms a pair with globular
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): moderately bright, fairly small, 4' diameter, round, gradually increases to bright core, lively but no resolved. Fainter gc NGC 5946 is 70' E. Viewed at only 14° elevation from Baja.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5927 = D 389 = h3604 on 8 May 1826. His summary description (based on 8 observations) reads "a very fine round pretty bright nebula, about 3' diameter, gradually brighter towards the centre, and well defined at the margin: this is resolvable. With a power of 260 it has a beautiful globular appearance. The stars are considerably scattered on the south side."
John Herschel first observed this globular on 7 Jul 1834 (sweep 467): "globular, B, L, R, gbM, diam in RA = 16 seconds. Comes up to a bright blaze in middle. Resolved by left eye. Stars 17th mag." On 15 Apr 1836 (sweep 693) he recorded, "globular, pB, fine highly condensed, vgbM, 3' diameter, clearly resolved. I see all the stars (15th mag) well."
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15 26 02.9 +18 04 25; Ser
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 105°
17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 ~E-W, small bright core.
Located 6.0' SSW of mag 7.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 5928 = H. II-874 = h1923 on 24 May 1791 (sweep 1006) and recorded "pB, pL, vgmbM, iR." John Herschel made a single observation "pB; S; R; psbM; a * 7.8m, 6' north." In the IC 1 Notes section, Dreyer mentions this galaxy is possibly M102.
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15 26 06.1 +41 40 14; Boo
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
18" (5/3/08): this is the southwest member of a
contact, interacting pair with brighter
13.1" (4/28/84): faint, very small, round, small bright nucleus. Forms a contact pair with NGC 5930 attached at the NE end 34" between centers.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5929 = h1924 on 13 May 1828 and recorded "the sp of 2 very near constituting a double neb. The fainter and smaller." His description for h1925 = NGC 5930 reads "The nf [NGC 5930], larger and brighter of a double neb. Pos of the other [NGC 5929] 35° sp, dist about 15". Not described as double by my Father." His single position is accurate.
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NGC 5930 = Arp 90 NED2 = UGC 9852 = MCG +07-32-007 = CGCG 222-007 NED2 = I Zw 112 NED2 = VV 823 NED2 = Holm 710a = LGG 399-001 = PGC 55080
15 26 07.9 +41 40 34; Boo
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 163°
18" (5/3/08): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 1.3'x0.6'.
Contains a small, bright round core. Interacting pair (
13.1" (4/28/84): fairly faint, slightly elongated, small bright nucleus. NGC 5929 is attached at the SW end with just 34" separation between centers.
8" (6/19/82): faint, small, diffuse, elongated SW-NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5930 = H. II-651 = h1925 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "F, pL, iF, easily resolvable." John Herschel made four observations and recorded on 13 May 1828, "The nf [NGC 5930], larger and brighter of a double neb. Pos of the other [NGC 5929] 35° sp, dist about 15". Not described as double by my Father."
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15 29 29.5 +07 34 23; Ser
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.4'; PA = 40°
24" (6/13/15): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, 0.5'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 1.9' W. Forms a pair with
17.5" (7/7/94): faint, small, round, 30" diameter,
almost even surface brightness. A
mag 12 star is 1.5' W and a mag 11 star is 3.4' SSE of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5931 = Sw. 6-81, along with NGC
5940, 5941, 5942 and 5944, on 19 Apr 1887. He noted "eF; pL; R" and his position is just 4
sec of RA preceding
CGCG and MCG mislabel NGC 5931 as IC 1122. HyperLeda labels this galaxy as both NGC 5931 and IC 1122. But according to Thomson and Corwin, IC 1122 = LEDA 1326415 is a very small and faint galaxy exactly where Bigourdan placed it ~3' NW of NGC 5931. See Corwin's notes for more.
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15 26 48.2 +48 36 54; Boo
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (7/15/93): faint, very small, round, small bright
core, faint stellar nucleus. Forms
a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5932 = Sw. 6-79, along with NGC
5933, on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; pS; R; np of 2 [with NGC
5933]. His position is 8 sec of RA
east and 2.6' north of
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NGC 5933 = MCG +08-28-034 = CGCG 249-024 = PGC 55117
15 27 01.5 +48 36 48; Boo
V = 14.8; Size 0.5'x0.2'; PA = 25°
17.5" (7/15/93): very faint, extremely small, round, faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. A mag 15.5 star is 1' NE. Forms a pair with NGC 5932 2.5' W.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5933 = Sw. 6-80, along with NGC 5932, on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; vS; R; sf of 2 [with NGC 5932]. His position is 5 sec of RA east and 1.7' north of CGCG 249-024 = PGC 55117, but the identifications are certain.
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15 28 12.7 +42 55 47; Boo
V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 2°
24" (7/28/16): at 375x; fairly faint or moderately
bright, fairly small, oval 2:1 N-S, 0.6'x0.3', broad concentration. There appears to be a very low surface
brightness hazy extension off the southwest side with averted vision (confirmed
on the DSS and SDSS as a tidal plume).
Forms an interacting pair with
17.5" (6/21/93): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1
N-S, weak concentration. A mag
12.5 star is 1.9' E of center. A
closely matched mag 13/13.5 double star at 20" separation is 2' WNW. A wide unequal mag 7.6/9.7 pair at
41" separation lies 7' WSW.
Forms a very close pair with NGC 5935 1.1' NE. First in a group of five including NGC 5945 16' E,
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5934 = St. 11-33, along with NGC 5935, on 2 Jun 1869. His rough position was 12' to the SW but he noted "two nebulae". A second observation was made on 5 Jun 1878 (no comments). His published position in list 11, #33 was reduced on 12 Jun 1880 with description "faint, small, irregular round, little elongated N-S, 2 stars involved." Harold Corwin notes that NGC 5935 is misidentified in the UGC Notes for NGC 5934.
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NGC 5935 = MCG +07-32-013 = CGCG 222-013 = I Zw 113 NOTES2 =
15 28 16.6 +42 56 38; Boo
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 30°
24" (7/28/16): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 30"x12", sharply concentrated with a very small or stellar nucleus. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 5934 1.1' SW. A mag 12.5 star is 1.2' SE. CGCG 222-012 is 4' NNW. In a group (WBL 569 and WBL 572) that includes NGC 5945 16' E.
17.5" (6/21/93): very faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, very small brighter core. A mag 13 star is 1.2' ESE. Forms a close pair with NGC 5934 1' SW. Second in a group of five galaxies with NGC 5945 16' E.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5935 = St. 11-34, along with NGC 5934, on 2 Jun 1869. A second observation was made on 5 Jun 1878. His published position in list 11, #34 was reduced on 12 Jun 1880 with description "*13, 14 seems slightly nebulous." There are no stars involved, though the nucleus is essentially stellar. Harold Corwin notes that NGC 5935 is misidentified in the UGC Notes as NGC 5934 = UGC 9862.
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15 30 00.8 +12 59 21; Ser
V = 12.5; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0
13.1" (6/4/83): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse,
almost even surface brightness.
Located 13' ESE of mag 7.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 5936 = H. II-130 = Sf. 24 on 12 Apr 1784 (sweep 190) and recorded "F, not S, iF, resolvable." d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position (given in the NGC) and Stephan made another observation on 6 May 1871 (2' to the south). When Truman Safford found the galaxy on 1 Jun 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory, he assumed it was new and included it in his 1887 discovery list (#24).
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15 30 46.2 -02 49 45; Ser
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 30°
17.5" (7/7/94): moderately bright, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.8', broad moderate concentration although no distinct core. An arc of four mag 11-13 stars curving N-S follows with the mag 11 star 3.4' NNE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5937 = H. II-401 = h1926 = h3606 on 14 Apr 1785 (sweep 400). His description reads, "pF, pL, vlbM, r, preceding 3 small stars that are in a row." From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel wrote "pB; S; R; gbM; 18"."
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15 36 26.4 -66 51 37; TrA
V = 11.6; Size 2.8'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 177°
14" (4/2/16 - Coonabarabran, 160x): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 3:2 ~SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7'. Two stars are at opposite ends of the galaxy; a mag 13.5 star is at the NNE edge and a mag 14.5 star is at the SSW edge. Also a mag 12.5 star [7" double] is just off the south side and a 15th magnitude star is superimposed. Situated in a very rich Milky Way star field with a huge number of mag 13 and fainter stars! Located 33' S of mag 4.1 Epsilon Triangulum Australe.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5938 = h3605 on 9 Jun 1836 and
recorded "F, S, among a crowd of milky way stars. No doubt as to its nebulous character.
All that is starry in the field is clearly resolved." His position from this single sweep
matches perfectly with
RNGC classifies this number as an unverified southern object. As a result, it is not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas nor listed in the first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide.
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15 24 46.0 +68 43 50; UMi
V = 13.0; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 35°
17.5" (6/14/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 40"x25", even surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5939 = Sw. 1-45 on 11 Jul 1883
and noted "pB; lE; pS."
His position matches
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NGC 5940 = UGC 9876 = MCG +01-39-025 = CGCG 050-007 = Mrk 1511 = PGC 55295
15 31 18.0 +07 27 28; Ser
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (7/7/94): faint, round, 45" diameter, weak
concentration but no distinct core.
A mag 13.5 star is 1.3' WNW of center. The
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5940 = Sw. 6-82, along with NGC 5941/42/44 on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "eF, pS, R, 1st of 4." His position is 1.4' due north of UGC 9876.
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NGC 5941 = HCG 76B = MCG +01-40-003 = CGCG 050-011e = PGC 55309
15 31 40.2 +07 20 20; Ser
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7
48" (4/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated, 0.4'x0.3', round, small bright core. Forms a very close pair with
18" (8/3/05): the brightest member of HCG 76 appeared
faint, small, oval 4:3 SW-NE, 0.5'x0.35', contains a very small brighter
core. Forms the northern vertex of
a rectangular quartet with NGC 5942, NGC 5944 and
17.5" (7/7/94): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.7'x0.5', weak concentration to a brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. This is the brightest galaxy in HCG 76 with NGC 5944 2.6' SE, MCG +01-40-002 = HCG 76d and NGC 5942 1.8' SSW. This galaxy is not identified as NGC 5941 in any modern catalogue.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5941 = Sw. 6-83, along with NGC
5940/42/44, on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; ee diff; 2nd of
4." NGC 5941/42/44 refer to 3
of the 4 members of HCG 76.
Unfortunately his positions were not accurate enough to easily pin down
the identities. Modern catalogues
identify NGC 5941 = HCG 76C, NGC 5942 = HCG 76D and NGC 5944 = HCG 76A. That leaves
Based on correspondence with Corwin, he agrees that NGC 5941
= HCG 76B, and all modern catalogues are incorrect. Corwin also suggests NGC 5942 = HCG 76C and NGC 5944 = HCG
76A. These agree with Bigourdan's assignments (he picked up 3 members) and
leaves
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NGC 5942 = HCG 76C = MCG +01-40-001 = CGCG 050-009 = PGC 55316
15 31 36.8 +07 18 45; Ser
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8
48" (4/20/17): at 375x; moderately to fairly bright, fairly small, round, well concentrated with a bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 45" NW. One of the three brightest members of the HCG 76 septet. NGC 5941 lies 1.6' NE. HCG 76D, situated 2' SE, appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.
18" (8/3/05): at 257x appeared very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very small slightly brighter core. A mag 14 star is close NW. Third brightest in a tight quartet (HCG 76) with NGC 5941, NGC 5944 and MCG +01-40-002. This galaxy is identified as NGC 5941 in all modern catalogues!
17.5" (7/7/94): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, stellar nucleus at moments. A mag 14.5 star is off the NW side 45" from center. This is the third brightest of four in HCG 76 with MCG +01-40-002 = HCG 76D 2.0' SE, NGC 5944 2.7' E and NGC 5941 1.8' NNE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5942 = Sw. 6-84, along with NGC 5940, -41 and -44, on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; eee diff; 3rd of 4." See notes for NGC 5941 on problems with the modern identifications.
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NGC 5943 = UGC 9870 = MCG +07-32-016 = CGCG 222-016 = WBL 572-002 = PGC 55242
15 29 44.0 +42 46 41; Boo
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7
24" (7/28/16): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated perhaps 5:3 ~N-S, ~40"x32", well
concentrated with a bright core that gradually increases to the center. In a group (WBL 572 and WBL 569) with
NGC 5945 8.5' N,
17.5" (6/21/93): faint, small, round, even surface brightness except for very small brighter core. Third of five in a group with NGC 5945 8.5' N and NGC 5947 10' ESE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5943 = St. 13-82, along with NGC 5947, on 5 Jun 1869. His rough unpublished position was 6' too far SSW. He logged additional observations on 26 and 28 May 1875, 6 Jun 1877 and 5 Jun 1878. His published position was reduced on 18 Jun 1884 with description "very faint, pretty small, diffuse, stellar [center]."
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NGC 5944 = HCG 76A = MCG +01-40-004 = CGCG 050-013: = PGC 55321
15 31 47.6 +07 18 29; Ser
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 111°
48" (4/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, edge-on 7:2 WNW-ESE, 35"x10", bulges slightly in the center
and tapers at the tips. Second
brightest in the HCG 76 septet.
18" (8/3/05): at 257x appeared faint to very faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE though took some effort to make out the elongation, 0.5'x0.25', low fairly even surface brightness. Second brightest in quartet and eastern vertex of the small rectangular grouping of HCG 76.
17.5" (7/7/94): very faint, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration, slightly brighter core. Second brightest in the HCG 76 with MCG +01-40-002 = HCG 76D 1.8' SW, NGC 5941 2.6' NW and NGC 5942 2.7' W.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5944 = Sw. 6-85, along with NGC 5940, -41 and -42 on 19 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; eee diff; 4th of 4." See notes for NGC 5941 on problems with the modern identifications.
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NGC 5945 = UGC 9871 = MCG +07-32-017 = CGCG 222-017 = PGC 55243
15 29 45.0 +42 55 07; Boo
V = 12.8; Size 2.1'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 105°
24" (7/28/16): at 260x; moderately bright and large, round, 1' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small nucleus. A faint bar extends ~N-S from the nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is superimposed on the NNE end and a fainter mag 15-15.5 is on the west side [20" from center]. In a group with NGC 5943 8.5' S, NGC 5934/5935 17' W and NGC 5947 15' SE.
17.5" (6/21/93): faint, round, 1.2' diameter, gradually brighter halo, small brighter core. Fourth and brightest of five in a group with NGC 5943 8.5' S.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5945 = St. 11-35, along with NGC 5943, on 6 Jun 1877. A second observation was made on 5 Jun 1878. His published position was reduced on 12 Jun 1880 and matches UGC 9871. His first observation may have been on 4 Jun 1869, but his rough position was off by 9', so the identification isn't certain.
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NGC 5946 = ESO 224-7 = IC 4550
15 35 28.5 -50 39 35; Nor
V = 9.5; Size 7.1'; Surf Br = 1.7
18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this globular appeared moderately bright, moderately large, round. The halo extends to 3' diameter with averted vision and surrounds a brighter 1' core. At 228x a number of very faint stars were just resolved around the periphery of the halo in moments of better seeing. Perhaps two dozen stars were resolved in total including a bright mag 12 star (superimposed field star?). Many of the resolved stars form a semi-circular loop, ringing the halo along the entire eastern half of the globular. Several mag 10-11 stars form a long chain curving around from the SW to the east side, ~5' from the cluster. NGC 5946 is situated within a beautiful Norma star field ~70' E of the brighter globular cluster NGC 5927.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): faint, very small, 1.5' diameter, round, almost even surface brightness with a weak concentration. A mag 12 star is at the WSW edge (field star). The core appeared displaced towards this star. No additional resolution was evident. Located in a rich star field with globular cluster NGC 5927 70' W. Viewed at about 14° elevation from Baja.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5946 = h3607, along with NGC 5927, on 8 May 1826. On a second observation on 26 June he wrote, "a small round faint nebula, about 30" diameter, slightly condensed to the center. A group of small stars south rather following." His rough position was 6 minutes of time following NGC 5927 (the actual value is 7+ minutes). Due to an oversight he missed including it in his published list (there are other examples including NGC 6300 and 1947), so it didn't receive a Dunlop number and he wasn't credited by Herschel (in his Cape catalogue) or by Dreyer in the NGC.
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 5946 on 8 May 1826 (sweep 467) and recorded "not vB; S; glbM; 90"; resolved into stars 16m, with one of 12m, at or a little beyond the sp edge." His position (mean of two observations) is accurate.
Lewis Swift independently found this globular again on 24 May 1898 and reported as new in his 11th discovery list, #180 (later IC 4550). He noted it as "pB; pS; lE." His position is 42 sec of time too far west, but as Harold Corwin notes, there are no other possible nearby candidates. This was his most southerly observation from California and one of his very last. So, NGC 5946 = IC 4550. See Corwin's identification notes for more.
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NGC 5947 = UGC 9877 = MCG +07-32-019 = CGCG 222-019 = PGC 55274
15 30 36.7 +42 43 00; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (6/21/93): extremely faint, fairly small, round,
very low even surface brightness.
Last of five in a group with NGC 5943 10' WNW. [Also see observations of
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5947 = St. 13-83, along with NGC 5943, on 5 Jun 1869. His single rough unpublished position was 2' SSW of the galaxy. Additional observations were made on 6 Jun 1877 and 5 Jun 1878. His published micrometric position was reduced on 18 Jun 1884 (list 13, #83) with the description "very faint, small, diffuse."
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15 32 58.6 +03 58 58; Ser
= **?, Gottlieb. = Not found, RNGC.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5948 = St. 12-73 on 8 Jun 1871. There is nothing at his initial position though 3' W is a tight pair of stars oriented northwest-southeast with a separation ~2". His published micrometric position was made 10 years later on 14 Jun 1881 with description "faint star surrounded by a very weak nebulosity: this one almost touches another very faint star."
RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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15 28 00.8 +64 45 46; Dra
V = 12.0; Size 2.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 147°
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, moderately large, oval, even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5949 = H. II-906 on 28 Nov 1801 (sweep 1103) and noted "F, S, lE from sp to nf, vglbM." His position is just 1' south of UGC 9866.
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15 31 30.8 +40 25 48; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 37°
17.5" (7/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 SSW-NNE. A mag 13.5 star is
just at the north edge of the halo 1.0' from center. A nice right triangle of
three brighter stars is about 5' SW with mag 9
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5950 = St. 12-74 on 20 May 1870 and recorded a rough position 3' too far ENE. His accurate published position was made 12 years later on 21 Jun 1882 with description "vF, S, R, preceded by a small star a little north."
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15 33 43.1 +15 00 26; Ser
V = 12.7; Size 3.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 5°
24" (6/8/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, large,
excellent thin edge-on N-S, 2.4'x0.4'.
Brighter along a thin strip of the major axis (like a very thin bar) and
brightens slightly in the central 0.3'.
The extensions fade out towards the tips. First in the
17.5" (7/7/94): faint, moderately large, edge-on 5:1
SSW-NNE, 3.0'x0.6', fairly low surface brightness, broad concentration with
slightly brighter middle and very faint extensions. Located 7.0' SW of mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 5951 = H. II-654 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "F, E about 1 1/2' long from np to sf, but nearer the meridian." John Herschel didn't make an observation, though Stephan took a look on 19 May 1871.
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15 34 56.4 +04 57 32; Ser
V = 14.8; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 131°
17.5" (7/3/97): extremely faint, very small, round,
15" diameter, low even surface brightness. Requires averted but observation definite.
17.5" (7/7/94): very marginal sighting and not confidently seen.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5952 = m 288 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "eF, vS, alm stell."
His position matches
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NGC 5953 = Arp 91 NED1 = VV 244a = UGC 9903 = MCG +03-40-005 = CGCG 107-008 = KTG 62B = Holm 714b = LGG 400-002 = PGC 55480
15 34 32.4 +15 11 37; Ser
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 169°
24" (6/8/13): very bright, moderately large, slightly
elongated, ~45"x35", sharply concentrated with a very bright small
core. A mag 15 star is at the SW
edge. Forms a bright, partially
overlapping double system (
17.5" (7/7/94): bright, very small, round, 0.8' diameter. Sharp concentration with a striking high surface brightness 20" core surrounded by a much fainter halo slightly elongated ~E-W. A mag 15-15.5 star is just visible at the SW edge 23" from the center. Forms a striking double system (Arp 91 = VV 244) with NGC 5954 attached at the NE edge, 46" between centers. NGC 5951 lies 16' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5953 = H. II-178 = h1927, along with NGC 5954, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 200). He described both as "Two, vS, stellar nebula, very near each other; the southern one [NGC 5953] is the largest and their nebulosities run into each other. 240x confirmed it." He also observed the pair on two later sweeps (571 and 720) and measured an accurate position (1' south). Lord Rosse (or his assistant Bindon Stoney) logged "pB, the nf one [NGC 5954] is larger and the light of a more diffused character; that of the preceding one [NGC 5953] is more concentrated. A small star precedes."
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NGC 5954 = Arp 91 NED2 = VV 244b = UGC 9904 = MCG +03-40-006 = CGCG 107-008 = KTG 62C = Holm 714a = LGG 400-003 = PGC 55482
15 34 35.0 +15 12 00; Ser
V = 12.2; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 5°
24" (6/8/13): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.35', broad weak concentration. Merges or partially overlaps with NGC 5953 on the SW side, 45" between centers.
17.5" (7/7/94): forms the NE member of a striking double system (Arp 91 = VV 244) with NGC 5953 attached at the SW side. Fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.3'. Almost even surface brightness but possibly brighter on the south end (photograph shows the core asymmetrically placed on the south end). The galaxy is preceded by a string of three mag 13 stars which are 4' W. A pair of mag 13 stars with 1' separation lies 1.5' SE. A mag 10 star lies 6' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5954 = H. II-179 = h1927, along with NGC 5953, on 17 Apr 1784 (sweep 200). He described both as "Two, vS, stellar nebula, very near each other; the southern one [NGC 5953] is the largest and their nebulosities run into each other. 240x confirmed it." See NGC 5953 for more.
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NGC 5955 = MCG +01-40-006 = CGCG 050-031 = PGC 55510
15 35 12.5 +05 03 47; Ser
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 10°
17.5" (7/7/94): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Appears as an unconcentrated glow collinear with a mag 9.5 star 5.2' SE and a mag 10.5 star 7' SE. A mag 16 companion 2.5' NNE was not seen.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5955 = m 289 on 25 Mar 1865 and
noted "eF, vS, stellar." His position is 1' north of
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15 34 58.6 +11 45 00; Ser
V = 12.3; Size 1.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (6/4/94): moderately bright, round, 1.2'
diameter, sharp concentration with a small prominent core. Located in a small group of four
stars. Bracketed by a mag 15 star
1' NW and a mag 14 star 36" ENE of center and 2' S are a pair of mag 12
and 13.5 stars oriented N-S that are almost collinear with the galaxy.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5956 on 29 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted the mag 14 star at the east end (called mag 16), 25"-28" from center.
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NGC 5957 = UGC 9915 = MCG +02-40-004 = CGCG 078-018 = LGG 401-002 = PGC 55520
15 35 23.2 +12 02 50; Ser
V = 11.7; Size 2.8'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (6/4/94): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 E-W, 2.0'x1.5', weak even concentration to a 15" diameter brighter core. A mag 15 star is at the SE edge 0.9' from center. Located 2.5' SSE of a mag 10.5 star. NGC 5956 is located 19' SSW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 5957 on 29 Apr 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured on 3 nights) is accurate. Stephan made a follow-up observation on 3 May 1870.
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15 34 49.2 +28 39 18; CrB
V = 12.6; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (7/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
0.8' diameter, moderate even surface brightness. A mag 12 star is 3.8' E and a mag 15 star 2.0' S of
center. Located 11' WSW of mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 5958 = H. II-399 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 397) and recorded "pF, pL, bM, iR, r." This was the second to last of the 72 galaxies he discovered that night, his most productive ever.
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15 37 22.4 -16 35 45; Lib
V = 13.5; Size 2.4'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.8; PA = 25°
17.5" (6/3/00): fairly faint, moderately large,
irregular round, 1.2' diameter, gradually increases to a small brighter
core. Situated between two pairs
of stars. Located 9' NNW of mag
8.3
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 5959 = LM 1-228 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. The "description" includes "mag 14.5, pS,
vlE?, glsbMN." His rough
position (nearest min of RA) is essentially correct - just 8 sec of time
preceding
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15 36 18.4 +05 39 55; Ser
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (6/4/94): faint, small, irregularly round (slightly elongated N-S?), almost even surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is 0.9' NNW of center. A pair of mag 10/11 stars at 57" separation located 7' SE are collinear with NGC 5960.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5960 = m 290 on 12 Apr 1864 and noted "vF, S neb *." His position is accurate.
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15 35 16.3 +30 51 51; CrB
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 100°
17.5" (7/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 0.9'x0.3', fairly high even surface brightness. A mag 12.5 star is just 0.9' ENE of center.
NGC 5961 forms a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5961 = St. 11-36 on 23 May 1871 and measured an initial position 2' to the SE. His published micrometric position was made 9 years later on 8 Jun 1880 with description "pF, S, elongated WSW-ENE (small spindle)". The orientation should read WNW-ESE.
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15 36 31.7 +16 36 28; Ser
V = 11.3; Size 3.0'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 110°
24" (7/16/15): bright, large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~2.0'x1.5'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright small core that increases to a stellar nucleus.
17.5" (7/16/93): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated
4:3 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x1.5'. Contains
an elongated bright core, easy stellar nucleus with direct vision. The fainter outer halo surrounding the
core is rounder. Located 16' WNW
of mag 7.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 5962 = H. II-96 = h1928 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 183) and recorded "pB, pL, bM, resolvable, not R but inclining to a parallelogram."
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15 33 27.9 +56 33 35; Dra
V = 12.5; Size 3.3'x2.6'; Surf Br = 14.7; PA = 55°
24" (7/8/13): at 375x appeared fairly bright, fairly
large, oval 4:3 SW-NE. Dominated
by a large bright core with a much fainter halo that quickly dims to a very low
surface brightness. Two mag
13/14.4 stars just off the southeast side are collinear with the core and a mag
15.8 star 2' NW is also on this line.
First in the large
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 WSW-ENE, brighter core. Collinear with a mag 13 star 0.9' SSE and a mag 14 star 1.5'
SSE of center. First in the NGC
5965 group with NGC 5965 8' NNE and
William Herschel discovered NGC 5963 = H. II-761 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and logged "pF, pS, iF." His RA is 38 sec too small (systematic offset on the sweep) and his dec 3' too small. The NGC position from d'Arrest is accurate.
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15 37 36.3 +05 58 25; Ser
V = 12.0; Size 4.2'x3.2'; Surf Br = 14.7; PA = 145°
17.5" (7/3/97): fairly faint, fairly large, irregular glow, ~2.5' to no well-defined edges. Contains a brighter core that is also ill-defined but appears elongated (bar). This face-on galaxy has an unusual mottled appearance with brighter spots with averted vision (extremely faint superimposed stars?). A couple of faint stars are clearly superimposed which also confuse the view including a mag 14.5 star off the north edge and a mag 15 star (double on DSS) is within the south side of the halo.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5964 = h1929 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "vF, vL, R, vgbM, r, diam = 9s of time. With long attention it is seen to be composed of excessively minute stars like points rubbed out; and is in fact a globular cluster, but to see it thus requires long and perfect tranquility of the eye. A very interesting object. (See figure 89)" His position matches UGC 9935, a large, low surface brightness galaxy. JH's description is unusual for a galaxy. There are several stars superimposed and in addition I thought the galaxy appeared mottled, so this explains the description.
Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy on 19 Aug 1897 and
reported Sw. 12-12 (later
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NGC 5965 = UGC 9914 = MCG +10-22-020 = CGCG 297-016 = KTG 63B = FGC 1918 = PGC 55459
15 34 02.5 +56 41 08; Dra
V = 11.7; Size 5.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 53°
24" (7/8/13): bright, large, thin edge-on ~7:1 SW-NE, 4.0'x0.6', well concentrated with a very bright core. Sharper light cut-off on the following side due to dust. 2MASX J15335352+5641268 was picked up just 1.3' W of center as a very faint, extremely small glow, ~12"x9".
17.5" (5/22/93): fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 2.5'x0.5, small bright core. Located 5.0' WSW of a mag 10 star. Largest and brightest of four in a group with NGC 5963 8' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5965 = H. II-762 = h1931 on 5 May 1788 (sweep 842) and recorded "pF, pL, E." His RA is 44 sec too small (systematic offset on the sweep) and his dec 3' too small (same offset as NGC 5963). John Herschel called it "F; L; R; 40"." The NGC position (from d'Arrest?) is accurate.
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15 35 52.1 +39 46 08; Boo
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 90°
24" (6/13/15): moderately bright to fairly bright, oval
4:3 E-W, 1.0'x0.7', broad concentration with a round bright middle. Striking location 3.9' SSW of mag 7.5
17.5" (7/15/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Forms the southwest vertex of a right isosceles triangle
with mag 6.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 5966 = H. III-634 = h1930 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and logged "vF, vS, 300 confirmed it, south-preceding 2 vB stars." His RA was 45 seconds too large, but his note about the stars clinch the identification. John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position.
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15 48 15.1 -75 40 23; Aps
V = 12.0; Size 2.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 90°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~1.7'x1.2'. Broad concentration with a large, slightly brighter core. The halo (arms) appears slightly irregular or mottled. Located 34' NE of a mag 6 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5967 = h3608 on 7 Jun 1836 and recorded "F; pL; R; vgbM; 2'." His single position is accurate.
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15 39 57.1 -30 33 09; Lup
V = 12.2; Size 2.1'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5": moderately bright and large, round. The 1.5' halo is weakly concentrated and contains a nearly stellar core. A group of stars cradle the galaxy around the north side. A unequal pair of mag 11/13.5 stars lies 4' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5968 = h3609 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "vF; L; R; gbM; r; 90"." His single position is accurate.
Based on photographs taken at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt in 1919-20 with the Reynolds reflector, described as "F, 2' x 2'; spiral with a sharp almost stellar N, in a very rich field."
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NGC 5969 = MCG +09-25-059 = CGCG 297-018 = PGC 55491
15 34 50.9 +56 27 03; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3
24" (7/8/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 20"x15", very small bright nucleus. NGC 5971 lies 6.4' ENE. Also in a low power field are bright galaxies NGC 5963 and NGC 5965.
17.5" (5/22/93): very faint, very small, round, 0.3' diameter, very small slightly brighter core, small very faint halo. Located 9' NE of mag 8.2 SAO 29575. In a group with NGC 5971 6' ENE, NGC 5963 14' NW and NGC 5965 16' NNW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5969 = Sw. 2-37, along with NGC 5971, on 5 Aug 1885 and logged "eS; R; stellar." His position is accurate.
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15 38 30.1 +12 11 12; Ser
V = 11.5; Size 2.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 88°
24" (6/22/17): at 375x; bright, large, oval 2:1 E-W, at
least 2'x1', perhaps 2.4'x1.2' with averted. Sharply concentrated with a prominent elongated core that
gradually brightens to a central pip.
Spiral structure was strongly suggested in the halo, particularly on the
east side, where a slightly brighter section appeared to hook to the
north. Mag 7.4
13.1" (6/4/83): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 ~E-W, broad concentration to core. Located 5.3' SW of mag 7.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5970 = H. II-76 on 15 Mar 1784 (sweep 175). His description reads, "pB, R, brightest in the middle and gradually fainter from the center; not cometic; a considerable star is in the field with it." His position was off by 26 seconds of RA too far east and 2' too far south.
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NGC 5971 = UGC 9929 = MCG +09-26-002 = CGCG 297-019 = KTG 63C = PGC 55529
15 35 36.9 +56 27 42; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 1.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 136°
24" (7/8/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~40"x16", contains a brighter core. NGC 5969 lies 6.4' WSW. Last in the KTG 63 triplet with NGC 5963 19' WNW and NGC 5965 19' NW.
17.5" (5/22/93): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE. A mag 15.5 star is 30" S. Last of four in the NGC 5965 group with NGC 5969 6' WSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5971 = Sw. 2-38, along with NGC 5969, on 5 Aug 1885 and logged "eeF; vS; R; lbM. In field with GC 4114-15 [= NGC 5963/5965]." His position is accurate.
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15 38 54.1 +17 01 34; Ser
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
24" (7/28/19): at 322x; fairly faint, fairly small,
oval 3:2 N-S, 30"x20".
Contains a round, small bright core that increases gradually to the
center. The halo has a low surface
brightness and shows best with averted vision. A mag 12.2 star is 1.4' NW and a mag 13.3' star is 1'
ESE.
17.5" (5/27/00): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration. Based on DSS image, I viewed the brighter core and missed very faint extensions N-S. Sandwiched between a mag 12 star 1.4' NW and a mag 13 star 1.0' SE. Also collinear is a mag 14 star 2.6' NE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5972 = St. 11-37 on 2 Jun 1869. His rough unpublished position was 4' too far NNE. On 29 Jun 1880 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "faint, pretty small, irregularly round."
******************************
15 40 15.6 -08 36 06; Lib
V = 15.3; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 140°
17.5" (5/27/00): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.3'. Weak concentration to an irregular brighter center. The DSS image shows an edge-on with a star superimposed close to the center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5973 = m 291 on 26 May 1864 and
noted "F, vS, iR." His
position, which he verified, matches
******************************
15 39 02.4 +31 45 34; CrB
V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 110°
17.5" (7/15/93): faint, very small, elongated 2:1
WNW-ESE, 0.5'x0.25', even surface brightness. Located 5' NW of mag 8.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 5974 = h1932 on 29 Apr 1827 and logged "vF; S; R; bM; 12"." His single position is accurate.
******************************
15 39 58.0 +21 28 13; Ser
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 171°
24" (7/21/12): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated N-S, ~40"x16", slightly brighter along the major axis but
no well defined core. Located on
the south side of
17.5" (4/7/89): faint, small, very elongated N-S, poorly concentrated.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5975 = St. 12-75 on 1 Jun
1877. His micrometric position
(measured 5 years later on 19 Jun 1882) matches
******************************
15 36 47.9 +59 23 51; Dra
V = 14.8; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 130°
24" (7/6/13): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 or 5:2
NW-SE, ~28"x12", low even surface brightness. Located 8' W of
17.5" (6/14/96): extremely faint, very small, roundish
(elongated NW-SE on the POSS). On
a line with two mag 10/12 stars to the NW by 5' and 7'. Located 8.2' W of NGC 5981, which is
first of three in a striking linear trio with
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5976, along with NGC 5981, on 6 May 1850. He called it "eeF, S" and measured an accurate offset from NGC 5981, although this galaxy was only noticed on this single observation out of 7 at Birr Castle.
******************************
15 40 33.4 +17 07 40; Ser
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 155°
17.5" (7/7/94): very faint, very small, round, very weak concentration, 20" diameter. Located 3.5' NE of a mag 10.5 star.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5977 = St. 11-38 on 23 May 1871 and measured an initial position 2' to the SE. His published micrometric position was made 9 years later on 29 Jun 1880 with description "eeF, S, R, slightly brighter middle."
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15 42 27.2 -13 14 04; Lib
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/27/00): extremely faint, very small,
round. Appears as a 30" diameter low surface
brightness glow between two mag 14-15 stars 1' S and 2' NNE. Located 15' SW of a mag 6.7
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 5978 = LM 1-229 on 10 Jun
1885 and recorded "eF, vS, sbMN, in a group of stars." His rough position, as well as the
description, is a good match with
******************************
15 47 41.0 -61 13 04; TrA
V = 11.8; Size 8"
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x and UHC filter, NGC 5979 appeared moderately bright, small, round. The disc was ~15" diameter and fairly evenly lit. It appeared larger than the catalogued size of 8". At 228x (unfiltered), the surface brightness was slightly irregular with possibly a very faint halo or the halo dims at the periphery. Set in a rich star field with a mag 10 star 2.7' S. A distinctive trail of mag 12-13 stars meanders off to the east. Located in the northwest corner of Triangulum Australe, about a degree from the Norma border.
John Herschel discovered NGC 5979 = h3610 on 24 Apr 1835 and recorded "planetary nebula. Not B; pF; S; R; with something like a protuberance, which may arise from an accidental star, on or close to the edge. Not quite sharp; a little furred; light not quite uniform; an odd sort of mottling like a resolvable light; taken at first for a vF double star out of focus; 12" diameter; but seen with 240; 320 is too high a power for it. See figure 7, plate VI." On 16 Jun 1835, he recorded "planetary; transit just missed; R; 5" diam; about equal in light to a * 9m; of a feeble intensity of light; nearly equable; under 320 it is not nebulous; but indistinct at the edges; a very singular kind of appearance - not "mottled", not "curdled", but yet not planetary. In a field with about 100 or 150 stars. His position is accurate, but due to a reduction error the NGC position is 1.0 minute too far west (corrected in the IC 2 Notes section). Williamina Fleming classified NGC 5979 as a planetary nebula in 1907 based on its spectrum (Harvard Circular 143).
Joseph Turner sketched the planetary as annular and brighter or a thicker rim on the north side using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate VII, figure 72).
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15 41 30.5 +15 47 15; Ser
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 13°
17.5" (6/4/94): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 N-S,
1.5'x0.7', large broadly brighter core, overall fairly high surface
brightness. A mag 14.5 star is 1'
E and a mag 12 star lies 2.9' SE.
Located 16' SSE of 19 Serpentis (V = 6.0). Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5980 = H. II-655 = h1933 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "F, E in the meridian [N-S], about 1 1/2' long.." John Herschel simply noted "vF, R".
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NGC 5981 = UGC 9948 = MCG +10-22-027 = CGCG 297-023 = Holm 719c = PGC 55647
15 37 53.4 +59 23 30; Dra
V = 13.0; Size 2.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 140°
24" (5/29/14): moderately bright, fairly large, thin well-defined edge-on, at least 5:1 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.35'. Contains a brighter elongated core that bulges very slightly and the tips taper down. First of three in the striking Draco trio with NGC 5982 6.3' ESE. Also NGC 5978 lies 8' W.
18" (6/17/06): fairly faint, fairly large thin edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 1.5'x0.3'. Broad weak concentration though no well-defined core. First of a striking trio with NGC 5982 and NGC 5985 arranged in a 15' WNW-ESE line.
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, pretty, thin edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, brighter core. This edge-on galaxy is the first of three with elliptical NGC 5982 6.4' ESE and spiral NGC 5985 13.8' ESE in the same field!
13.1" (5/14/83): faint, moderately large, narrow streak.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5981, along with NGC 5976, on 6 May 1850. He called it a "vF ray." William Herschel made the first observation on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843). In his description of H. II-764 = NGC 5982, he noted "A vF [nebula] suspected preceding, lE." Due to his uncertainty, though, he didn't assign it an internal discovery number, so he did not receive credit in the GC or NGC.
******************************
NGC 5982 = UGC 9961 = MCG +10-22-029 = CGCG 297-024 = Holm 719a = KTG 64B = LGG 402-001 = PGC 55674
15 38 39.8 +59 21 21; Dra
V = 11.1; Size 2.6'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 110°
24" (5/29/14): bright, moderately large, elongated 5:4 WNW-ESE, sharply concentrated with a high surface brightness intense core that increases to a stellar nucleus. The halo extends up to 1.6'x1.3'. Second in the Draco triplet with edge-on NGC 5981 6.3' WNW and spiral NGC 5985 7.5' ESE.
18" (6/17/06): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a high surface brightness core increasing to a stellar nucleus. The halo is much fainter and increases in size to ~1.5'x1.2'. This elliptical is the second of an excellent trio in a 14' string with NGC 5981 (edge-on spiral) and NGC 5985 (face-on spiral).
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, fairly small, bright round core, stellar nucleus, fainter halo elongated 3:2 ~E-W. Second of a striking trio with NGC 5981 6.4' WNW and NGC 5985 7.5' ESE.
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly bright, small, small bright nucleus, slightly elongated E-W. In a trio with NGC 5981 and NGC 5985.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5982 = H. II-764 = h1934 on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843) and noted "pB, S, iR. A vF [nebula] suspected preceding, lE." Herschel's position is just off the southwest side. John Herschel noted "B; R; psbM; r; 25"." His position is midway between NGC 5982 and 5985 and only a single object was logged, so perhaps the observation was rushed or interrupted.
On 6 May 1850, Lord Rosse's observing assistant George Johnstone Stoney logged "B, condensed oval neb."
******************************
15 42 45.6 +08 14 28; Ser
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (6/4/94): faint, small, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus, diffuse halo that fades into background without a distinct edge. A mag 13 star is 1.2' WNW. A group of bright stars follows within 8' including three mag 9.5-10.5 stars and three mag 11.5-12 stars; the nearest two are a mag 10.5 star 2.9' NE and a mag 11.5 star 3.2' SE. In addition, mag 8.6 SAO 121148 is 12.7' SSE at edge of field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5983 = m 292 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, eS, R, vlbM." His position is accurate.
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15 42 53.2 +14 13 54; Ser
V = 12.5; Size 2.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 144°
17.5" (6/4/94): moderately bright, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, 2.4'x0.6', broad concentration with no distinct nucleus. A thin isosceles triangle consisting of three mag 12.5/13 stars is 2' N.
8" (4/24/82): faint, small, edge-on NW-SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5984 = H. II-656 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and logged "pB, bM, E from np to sf, about 1 1/2' long." John Herschel didn't observe this galaxy, though Édouard Stephan made two observations in June 1877.
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NGC 5985 = UGC 9969 = MCG +10-22-030 = CGCG 297-025 = Holm 719b = KTG 64C = LGG 402-004 = PGC 55725
15 39 37.1 +59 19 55; Dra
V = 11.1; Size 5.5'x3.0'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 13°
24" (7/6/13): bright, very large, oval 2:1 ~N-S, ~4'x2', broad concentration with a bright 40"x30" core. Spiral structure is evident in the uneven halo, with at least two long sweeping arms giving the impression of a stretched "S" and slightly darker gaps between the arms.
18" (6/17/06): fairly bright, large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, the halo extends to ~4'x2.5'. Broadly concentrated to a brighter 40" core that increases slightly to the center. The halo is mottled and patchy giving a strong impression of spiral structure. This face-on spiral is the largest and brightest overall of an excellent trio with NGC 5981 (edge-on spiral) and NGC 5982 (elliptical) arranged in a 14' line oriented WNW to ESE.
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly bright, large, small bright core, mottled oval disc ~N-S. There is possibly a sharper light cut-off along the western side. Third and brightest of three with NGC 5982 7.5' WNW and NGC 5981 13.8' WNW.
13.1" (5/14/83): moderately bright, moderately large, diffuse halo N-S. Brightest of trio.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5985 = H. II-766 on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843) and noted "pB, cL, iF, r." He measured an accurate position (Caroline's reduction) and discovered NGC 5982 (NGC 5981 as only noted as suspected).
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, recorded "Suspect A to be a spiral, to be re-examined on a fine night." (6 May 1850). A week later (14 May) he wrote "Examined A; new spiral? Dark space round or on either side of Nucl seen at moments, also a dark line running along the south-following edge, splitting off a part of the neb, which had a bright knot to south, also some ill defined dark space at N end."
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15 46 03.4 -37 47 10; Lup
V = 7.5; Size 9.8'; Surf Br = 0.9
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 273x this bright, fairly well concentrated globular was well resolved into ~60 mag 13-15 star over the entire face of the cluster, including the core. A loop of stars heads from the north side and bends to the east ending in a nice pair of stars. A brighter string of stars runs along the north side of the halo. The background surface is quite mottled and the cluster would probably resolve further in better seeing.
17.5" (6/3/00): this fairly bright globular has a 4' halo surrounding a bright 2' core. At 500x, about 30 stars were resolved including a fairly prominent string along the north side (running ~E-W) and many faint stars in the halo and at the edge of the core. A brighter mag 12.5 star is off the following end.
13" (7/5/83): bright, moderately large, very mottled. About five stars are resolved on the north side including the two brightest mag 13-13.5 stars at the NE edge.
13.1" (6/19/82): only a few stars are resolved primarily in the NE region. One brighter star is detached off the east side.
8" (6/5/81): fairly bright, moderately large, very grainy. A few stars are visible at the NE edge. Includes one bright straggler.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5986 = D 552 = h3611 on 10 May 1826. Based on 3 observations he described it as "a beautiful round pretty bright nebula, about 2' diameter, pretty well defined." John Herschel made 2 observations and first recorded on 28 Jun 1834 "globular, fine object, pgbM, diam 15', composed to distinct stars 13..15th mag, one star 10th mag is eccentric, and 3 of 13th mag in centre nearly." Christian Peters independently found the cluster around 1849 and reported it as new in 1856 (AJ 2).
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15 39 57.2 +58 04 47; Dra
V = 11.7; Size 4.2'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 60°
24" (6/21/17): at 375x; bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE. Very strong concentration with a very bright core and occasionally stellar nucleus. The halo was much more evident on the northern side of the core, creating an asymmetric appearance. It was quickly apparent there was a sharp light cutoff (dust lane) just south of the core, roughly paralleling the major axis. A low surface brightness portion of the galaxy on the south side of the lane was mostly seen on the southwest end of the galaxy. A 10th mag star is 1.4' NW of center.
17.5" (6/14/96): fairly bright, moderately large, very
elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x0.5'.
Prominent, high surface brightness core with much fainter
extensions. A mag 10.5 star is
1.3' NW of center. Located 11' NE
of mag 6.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 5987 = H. II-765 on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843) and recorded "pF, vS." Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position as well as the mag 10 star that precedes by 7 sec of time and just under 1' north. The UGC PA = 165° is incorrect and the error is repeated in the RC3 and Deep Sky Field Guide.
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15 44 33.9 +10 17 35; Ser
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 115°
17.5" (5/27/00): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter (viewed core only). Situated just 0.8' S of a mag 12.5 star and 4' SE of a mag 10.5 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 5988 = Sw. 6-86 on 17 Apr 1887
and recorded "eeF: pS; R; F * nr north; D * sf." His position is 11 sec of time west and
1.6' north of
******************************
15 41 32.7 +59 45 17; Dra
V = 13.1; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7
24" (7/16/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 35"x30", very weak concentration, slightly mottled or irregular surface brightness. Located 30' NNE of NGC 5985 (largest in the Draco Triplet).
13.1" (4/28/84): faint, fairly small, very slightly elongated, diffuse, even surface brightness. Located 29' NNE of the NGC 5981, NGC 5982, NGC 5985 trio.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5989 = H. II-738 on 25 May 1788 (sweep 843) and noted "vF, vS." His position is accurate.
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15 46 16.4 +02 24 56; Ser
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 115°
17.5" (6/11/88): moderately bright, fairly small, round, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus, diffuse halo. A faint double is 3.5' ENE consisting of two mag 14.5 stars at 21" separation.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5990 = H. II-425 = h1935 on 5 May 1785 (sweep 409) and logged "eF, vS, stellar. 240 confirmed it." John Herschel's description from 13 Apr 1828 (sweep 144) reads "F; R; gbM; 20"."
Wolfgang Steinicke notes that NGC 5990 was observed on the last night of published observations with Lord Rosse's 72" on 5 May 1878. Dreyer logged "pB, pS, gbM, * about 13m nf, dist 77", * possibly nebulous [perhaps referring to a very faint companion]."
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15 45 16.7 +24 37 50; Ser
V = 13.7; Size 0.4'x0.3'
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, very small, round,
gradually increases to a very small bright core. Located 7' SSE of mag 7.5
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 5991 = St. 10-27 on 16 May 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position (8' W of the galaxy). He measured an accurate micrometric position on 13 Jun 1879 with description "fairly faint, small, round, strong concentration in the center."
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15 44 21.6 +41 05 09; Boo
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 130°
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, small, irregularly
round, bright core. A mag 15 star
is 30" off the NE edge. Forms
a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 5992 = H. III-635 = h1936 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718). His description reads, "Two, that of which the place is taken [NGC 5993] vF, vS. In verifying it with 300 I perceived another sp [NGC 5992] still fainter, iF, vS, but rather larger than the former. Distance about 1 1/2'."
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NGC 5993 = UGC 10007 = MCG +07-32-050 = CGCG 222-048 = PGC 55918
15 44 27.7 +41 07 14; Boo
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 140°
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, broadly concentrated halo, substellar nucleus. Slightly brighter of a pair with NGC 5992 2.5' SSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5993 = H. III-636 = h1937 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718). His description reads, "Two, that of which the place is taken [NGC 5993] vF, vS. In verifying it with 300 I perceived another sp [NGC 5992] still fainter, iF, vS, but rather larger than the former. DIstance about 1 1/2'."
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15 46 53.2 +17 52 21; Ser
V = 15.3; Size 0.5'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 87°
48" (5/15/12): at 488x appeared fairly faint to
moderately bright, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 20"x10", gradually
brightens to the center. This
galaxy is the fainter member of the interacting pair
17.5" (5/14/88): fainter member of an interacting system with NGC 5996 (Arp 72). Very faint, extremely small. Appears as a barely non-stellar knot just 1.5' SW of the center of NGC 5996. A mag 14 star lies 1.3' SE.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 5994 on 9 Mar 1851 (Sunday night). During an observation of NGC 5996 he noted a "small nebula preceding." This observation was not included in LdR's 1861 publication and the discovery was not included in either the GC or GCS. The rough NGC position is 34 seconds of RA too far west (no position was measured at Birr Castle).
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NGC 5995 = MCG -02-40-004 = PGC 56081
15 48 24.9 -13 45 28; Lib
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 120°
17.5" (5/27/00): faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter (viewed core only). A mag
13 star is just 0.9' NW of center.
Located 15' S of mag 7.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 5995 = h3613 on 5 Jun 1836 and
logged "eF; S; R; follows a vS *; 25"." His single position and description
matches
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NGC 5996 = Arp 72 NED2 = VV 16a = UGC 10033 NED2 = MCG +03-40-039 = CGCG 107-036 = Mrk 691 = PGC 56023
15 46 58.8 +17 53 05; Ser
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 20°
48" (5/15/12): NGC 5996 is the brighter member of an interacting pair (Arp 72) with NGC 5994. At 488x it appeared quite bright, elongated over 2:1 SSW-NNE, though the brightest central section (bar) is elongated ~E-W. The galaxy is well concentrated with a very bright, elongated core or bar. It has an asymmetric appearance with a long, bright arm attached on the east side. This arm hooks southwest towards NGC 5994 and appears slightly clumpy (a knot in the arm is 24" S of the center). On the west end of the bar a shorter arm shoots straight north and fades quickly as it starts to hook east, with the brightest portion near the connection with the bar.
17.5" (5/14/88): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated ~N-S, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star lies 1.5' S. Forms a close interacting pair (Arp 72) with NGC 5994 1.5' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5996 = H. II-97 = h1938 = Sf. 25 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 183) and recorded "pF, vS, r, preceding 2 pB stars, the most south of which is the brightest. Other stars besides in the field of view." His position was 17 seconds of RA too large. John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate position. Truman Safford found this galaxy on 1 Jun 1866 and included it in his 1887 discovery list at the Dearborn Observatory.
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15 47 27.6 +08 19 16; Ser
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.4'
17.5" (5/13/88): extremely faint and small, round. A shallow arc of three stars mag 13-14 of length 1.6' lies 4' SSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 5997 = m 293 on 25 Mar 1865 and noted "eF, eeS, stell." His position is accurate. The CGCG classifies this galaxy as a compact.
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15 49 30 -28 36; Sco
Size 6'
17.5" (6/30/00): this asterism appears as a faint, elongated group of 9 stars. Most of these stars are arranged in an arc concave to the NE. Appears fully resolved and too poor to be a true cluster.
William Herschel discovered NGC 5998 = H. VII-29 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 559) and recorded "A small cl of vS stars, pretty rich; coming just from the light, I saw it imperfectly, about 5 or 6' long and near 4' broad, in the form of a parallelogram. Five minutes after it was past, I returned to it, and saw it very well."
At his position is group of stars that Dave Riddle called a "detached scatter of nine 13th to 14th magnitude stars in a loose arrangement spanning about 3' across. The immediate field appeared bland, making this cluster (asterism?) obvious." ESO and RNGC both report the object as not found. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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15 52 09 -56 28 24; Nor
Size 5'
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 229x, this is a fairly rich, moderately large cluster. In the center is a striking elliptical ring of roughly two dozen stars. Surrounding this annulus is a larger loop of stars forming a heart-shaped asterism. The looping star patterns make this an interesting visual target! The diameter is roughly 8', though there is no distinct border.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 5999 = D 343 = h3612 on 8 May 1826. His summary description reads "a pretty large faint nebula, with several minute stars in it; round figure, 4' or 5' diameter, resolvable." He reported 2 observations in his published list, though his handwritten notes show 5 observations on different dates.
John Herschel made a single observation on 9 Jul 1834 (sweep 469): "cluster VI class. A pretty rich large cluster, round; little compressed in the middle, 12', stars 12..14th mag, nearly fills field; middle taken."
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15 49 49.3 -29 23 11; Sco
V = 12.2; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 154°
17.5" (4/7/89): fairly faint, small, very elongated NNW-SSE. A mag 13 star is 1' NW. Located 3.4' NE of mag 9 SAO 183830. This galaxy is the brightest of the very few in Scorpius.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6000 = h3614 on 8 May 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; sbM." His single position (corrected by 10 sec of time in the errata page to the CGH catalogue) is accurate.
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15 47 45.9 +28 38 31; CrB
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 162°
17.5" (6/15/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
very weak concentration. Located
10' N of mag 7.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 6001 = H. III-371 on 11 Apr
1785 (sweep 397) and recorded "vF, S, R. 240x showed it very
distinctly." His position is
within 1' of
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15 47 44.4 +28 36 35; CrB
= *?, Gottlieb, = NGC 6001, RNGC. = "Not found", Carlson.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 6002 on Apr 20 1873 while observing NGC 6001. He noted "Nova Pos 197.3° [SSW], distance 97.6” [~1.6']." A mag 16.7 star is fairly close to his offset at PA 190° and separation 116" [~1.9'].
MCG and PGC identify
Karl Reinmuth reported "no neb 100" S of NGC 6001" based on his photographic survey at Heidelberg (repeated by Dorothy Carlson) and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent with the comment NGC 6002 = NGC 6001.
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15 49 25.6 +19 01 55; Ser
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, round, small bright
core.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6003 = St. 10-28 on 27 May 1875. His rough position was 3' too far SE. His published position (list 10, #28) was made on 19 Jun 1879.
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NGC 6004 = UGC 10056 = MCG +03-40-051 = CGCG 107-046 = PGC 56166
15 50 22.7 +18 56 21; Ser
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 105°
17.5" (5/14/88): moderately bright, moderately large, round, broad concentration. NGC 6003 lies 15' WNW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6004 = St. 10-29 on 29 May 1869. On 12 Jun 1872 he measured an accurate position. His reduced published position (list 10, #29) was made on 14 Jun 1879 with description "very faint, pretty large, little elongated, little brighter in the middle."
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15 55 49 -57 26 12; Nor
V = 10.7; Size 4'
14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): ~40 stars mag 13 and fainter in a small group, roughly 4' in diameter. Stands out well in the field. A wide pair of mag 10.5 stars [~27" separation] is off the southwest side. The cluster is pretty rich, with many stars arranged in two intersecting strings. A thin, winding chain of stars extends N-S through the center. A second strip of stars bisects this chain, angling WNW to ESE. The central 45" of the cluster is fairly dense, with ~15 stars packed into this region.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6005 = D 334 = h3615 on 8 May 1826. His summary description (based on 3 observations) is "a faint round nebula, about 1.5' diameter, very slightly bright towards the centre. A small star is south, rather preceding the nebula [mag 10.9 star 2' SSW], and Iota Normae is south following."
John Herschel first observed the cluster on 9 Jul 1834 (sweep 469) and recorded "a milky way cluster; but so densely concentrated as to merit as a fine cluster VI class; irregularly round, gbM, stars 11..15th mag." In Apr 1836 (sweep 694) he noted "cluster, small, irregularly round, gbM, a group or rather a small oval pretty much compressed cluster of stars 16..17th mag. A few = 15th mag."
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15 53 02.5 +12 00 19; Ser
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 157°
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated. In a trio with brighter
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6006 = m 294, along with NGC 6007 and 6009, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S." His position is accurate (to within 1' of polar distance).
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NGC 6007 = UGC 10079 = MCG +02-40-018 = CGCG 078-095 = PGC 56309
15 53 23.3 +11 57 33; Ser
V = 13.2; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 65°
17.5" (5/13/88): faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, weak
concentration. Brightest of three
with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6007 = m 295, along with NGC 6006 and 6009, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "F, pL." His position is accurate. Stephan made observations (unpublished) on 16 May 1869, 23 May 1871 and 12 Jun 1877. Only Marth was credited in the NGC.
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NGC 6008 = UGC 10076 = MCG +04-37-052 = CGCG 136-110 = Holm 726a = LGG 403-006 = PGC 56289
15 52 56.0 +21 06 02; Ser
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (5/14/88): faint, fairly small, round, small
bright core. There is possibly an
extremely faint knot or star at the east end (there is a slightly brighter
"arc" in the eastern arm on the POSS). Forms a pair with
NGC 6008B appeared very faint, very small, round. Collinear with two mag 14/15 stars close SE (the mag 14 star is 1.3' SE).
13.1" (6/29/84): faint, small, round, diffuse.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6008 = St. 11-39 on 14 Jun 1871. He measured a poor position 11' to the N with description "very faint, round, pretty large, small brighter core.". Stephan's published micrometric position (list XI, #39) was made 9 years later on 10 Jun 1880.
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NGC 6009 = CGCG 078-096 = PGC 56312
15 53 24.2 +12 03 30; Ser
V = 15.0; Size 0.65'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 168°
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, round. A mag 15 star is close east. Located 6' N of NGC 6007 in a tight trio.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6009 = m 296, along with NGC 6006 and 6007, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "F, vS, stell." His position is accurate.
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15 54 19.2 +00 32 34; Ser
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 105°
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is 1.9' S and a mag 15 star 40" S of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6010 = H. II-583 = h1939 on
3 May 1786 (sweep 562) and recorded "vF, S, E, r." His position is less than 1' south of
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15 46 32.9 +72 10 09; UMi
V = 13.5; Size 2.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 110°
17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, bright core. A mag 14 star is off the east edge [52" from the center].
William Herschel discovered NGC 6011 = H. III-313 on 16 Mar 1785
(sweep 389) and logged "vF, vS, lE." His position is within 3' of
******************************
15 54 13.9 +14 36 04; Ser
V = 12.0; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 168°
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated NNW-SSE, brighter core, mottled appearance. Several bright stars in field and bracketed by mag 9 SAO 101806 2.0' S and a mag 10 star just 1.4' NE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6012 = H. II-657 on 19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and recorded "F, bM; between, but a little preceding 2 bright stars."
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15 52 53.0 +40 38 48; Her
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 174°
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, fairly small, very elongated ~N-S, brighter center. Four mag 12-13 stars are within a 5' radius including a pair of mag 13 stars 2.6' NNW with separation 28" which are collinear with NGC 6013" (aligned NNW-SSE).
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6013 = St. 7-1 on 4 Jun 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position 7' too far south. He viewed it again two night later (position 5' S). He published an accurate micrometric position based on an observation on 17 Jun 1876 with description "extremely faint, very small, irregularly round, little brighter middle."
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15 55 57.5 +05 55 56; Ser
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, even surface brightness. A pair of mag 14/15 stars are at the NE end [the mag 14 star is 32" from center].
John Herschel discovered NGC 6014 = h1940 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "pB; pL; E; 30" l, 18" br." Édouard Stephan observations 12 Jun 1877, 22 May 1878 and on 30 May 1878. On the second night it was the last of at least 32 galaxies that he logged that evening.
Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 19 Aug 1897 and
listed it as #13 in his 12th discovery list (later
******************************
15 51 25.2 +62 18 35; Dra
V = 11.1; Size 5.4'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 28°
13.1" (5/14/83): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 4.0'x1.8', diffuse, almost even surface brightness. Located 2.3' E of a mag 11 star. A mag 13.5 star is at the SSW end 1.9' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6015 = H. III-739 on 2 Jun 1788 (sweep 844) and recorded "vF; R; about 3' diam; vgbM; easily resolvable." Dreyer also gives d'Arrest's summary description "B, mE" in the NGC as it differs so much from WH's. In the IC 1 Notes, Dreyer mentions that William Denning stated that d'Arrest's description was correct and attributed the discrepancy to differences in observing conditions (not variability of the nebula).
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15 55 54.9 +26 57 59; CrB
V = 14.3; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 26°
17.5" (6/15/91): extremely faint, small, very elongated
3:1 SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness.
Located 5.4' SSW of mag 8
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6016 = m 297 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, E." His position is accurate.
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15 57 15.5 +05 59 54; Ser
V = 13.1; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 140°
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, small bright core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6017 = h1941 on 9 May 1828 and recorded "pF; vS; R; much condensed in the centre. A disc with a burred borders. Almost a planetary nebula." His position is fairly accurate.
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15 57 29.8 +15 52 23; Ser
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 75°
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
SW-NE, weak concentration. A mag
15 is 1' S. In a trio with NGC
6021 5.1' N and
William Herschel discovered NGC 6018 = H. III-646 = h1942 on
19 Mar 1787 (sweep 720) and noted "vF, lE, S."
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15 52 09.1 +64 50 26; Dra
V = 15.4; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (4/15/93): extremely faint, very small, 15"
diameter, round, very low surface brightness. Located 2.6' S of a mag 10 star which detracts from
viewing. A mag 11 star lies 3.5'
ESE. Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6019 = Sw. 4-18, along with NGC
6024 on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; double star points to it; ee
difficult." His position is
24 sec east and 1' north of
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15 57 08.1 +22 24 16; Ser
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 140°
17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, small, round, broad concentration. Situated among a group of stars and at the midpoint of a mag 11 star 1.9' WSW and a 13 star 1.9' ESE of center. Another mag 13 star is 1.7' SSE of center.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 6020 = St. 7-2 on 17 Jun 1876, with a later observation on 3 Jun 1878. Stephan was credited with the discovery in the NGC.
Truman Safford made the original discovery of NGC 6020 on 9 May 1866 with the 18.5" refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. The discovery list wasn't published until 1887, too late to be included in the main table of the NGC. When Dreyer obtained Safford's list, he apparently missed the equivalence with NGC 6020 and catalogued Sf. 10 as IC 1148. So, NGC 6020 = IC 1148.
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NGC 6021 = UGC 10102 = MCG +03-41-005 = CGCG 108-017 = PGC 56482
15 57 30.7 +15 57 22; Ser
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 160°
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core. Brightest of three with NGC 6018 5.1' S and an anonymous galaxy 5.5' SSE. In the foreground of rich cluster AGC 2147.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6021 = H. III-739 = h1943 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 183) and recorded "eF, vS. I suspected it with 157 and 240 showed it very plainly." He observed this galaxy three years later (19 Mar 1787) and also picked up NGC 6018 to the south.
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15 57 47.7 +16 16 56; Ser
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (5/13/88): extremely faint, small, oval. Located 1.6' SSW of
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6022 = St. 12-76 on 19 May 1881. An earlier observation was possibly made on 18 Jun 1876, though Stephan only recorded a single position 1' NW of NGC 6023.
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NGC 6023 = UGC 10106 = MCG +03-41-010 = CGCG 108-021 = PGC 56492
15 57 49.6 +16 18 37; Ser
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 70°
17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, round, gradually increases
to a brighter core. Brightest in
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6023 = St. 12-77, probably along with NGC 6022, on 18 Jun 1876. His position was 1' to the NW. An accurate micrometric position (list 12, #77) was made on 19 May 1881.
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NGC 6024 = MCG +11-19-026 = CGCG 319-032 = PGC 56294
15 53 07.8 +64 55 05; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 130°
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, small, 30" diameter,
round. Surrounding the galaxy are
several stars: a mag 12.5 star is off the WSW edge 49" from center, a mag
13 star 1.2' ESE and two mag 14 stars are off the north edge 31" from
center and 1.2' SE. Also several
mag 9-10 stars in field: forms the vertex of a perfect isosceles triangle with
mag 9
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6024 = Sw. 4-19, along with NGC
6019, on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "pF; pS; R; BM; * close; forms a little
right angle with 2 stars."
His position is 10 sec east of
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16 03 18 -60 25 54; TrA
V = 5.1; Size 12'
18" (7/7/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 76x
using a 27mm Panoptic, this cluster was a very pretty sight. It appeared loose but bright and large,
~13' diameter, with 50-60 stars resolved.
A couple of dozen stars are mag 11.5 or brighter and seem to form a
continuous loop or exaggerated "S" shape with no central
concentration! Using 128x, ~80
stars were visible but the cluster was really too large for a good view. Two brighter mag 7 and 8 stars are at
the SE end (
The cluster straddles TrA and Norma and was just visible
naked-eye.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6025 = Lac III 10 = D 304 = h3616 in 1751-1752 using a 1/2" telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. With this small telescope he noted "three faint stars in line in nebulosity."
James Dunlop made 5 observations (first on 8 May 1826) with summary description, "(Lambda Circini, Bode) Lacaille describes this as three small stars in a line with nebula. No particular nebula exists in this place. A group of about twenty stars of mixt magnitudes, forming an irregular figure, about 5' or 6' long, answer to the place of the Lambda. This is in the milky way; and there is no nebula in the group of stars except what is common in the neighbourhood."
John Herschel lists 4 observations in the Cape Catalogue: on 22 Apr 1835 (sweep 575) he logged "VII.; loose; scattered; brilliant; stars large; much more than fills field; 46 stars counted above 12th mag; chief star 7th mag taken."
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16 01 20.9 -34 32 39; Lup
V = 13.2; Size 54"x36"
18" (6/7/08): fairly faint, moderately large glow surrounding a mag 13-13.5 central star at 150x. Excellent contrast gain using a NPB filter and the disc appeared moderately bright, crisply defined and slightly elongated.
18" (7/22/06): picked up unfiltered at 160x as a mag 13.5-14 star surrounded by a 40"x30" faint halo elongated SW-NE. A UHC filter increases the contrast so the disc appears fairly faint to moderately bright (easy with direct vision). 325x provided a good view unfiltered and the elongation appeared closer to WSW-ENE. The easy central star was visible steadily and the dimensions roughly 45"x35".
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, this planetary appeared moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, ~0.8'x0.6'. Dominated by a mag 13.5 central star with an even surface brightness halo. Nice contrast gain using a UHC filter at 228x.
17.5" (6/30/00): at 220x this fairly faint PN appeared slightly elongated SW-NE, ~50"x35". The 14th magnitude central star is easily visible encased by an evenly lit disc. The edges of the halo appear somewhat ragged but the PN is crisp-edged at 280x using a UHC filter.
13.1" (7/6/83): very faint, small, round. A very faint mag 14 central star is
visible. The planetary is visible
with direct vision using a UHC filter.
Located 7.3' NW of mag 7.6
8": not found.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6026 = h3617 on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "F; S; R: 15"; gpmbM. There are 3 stars forming a triangle about 60°, np the nebula." His position is at the west edge of the planetary.
NGC 6026 was misclassified as an elliptical galaxy in the 1932 Shapley-Ames catalog, with dimensions 1.0'x0.8' and mag(p) = 12.5. In the course of a photographic survey of bright southern galaxies at Mt. Stromlo, Gérard de Vaucouleurs noticed the appearance suggested it might be a galactic PN. He notified Nicholas Mayall of Lick Observatory who obtained a spectrogram, which established it was a planetary nebula (announced in 1955PASP...67..418D). de Vaucouleus omitted it from the 1964 Reference Catalogue of Bright Galaxies as well as Alan Sandage in the 1981 revised Shapley-Ames catalogue.
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15 59 12.5 +20 45 49; Ser
V = 14.3; Size 0.4'x0.2'; Surf Br = 11.7
48" (5/15/12): the brightest components of Seyfert's
Sextet were NGC 6027 = HCG 79b and
18" (8/3/05): at 257x, the brightest component of
Seyfert's Sextet appeared faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W,
15"x10", contains a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. A mag 14.5 star lies 1' ESE and two
additional mag 14.5 stars lie close SE.
Just resolved from
18" (6/20/04): at 320x, a trio of galaxies forming a
small equilateral triangle were fairly easily resolved with careful
viewing. The brightest of the trio
(
17.5" (5/14/88): faint, small, elongated ~E-W.
17.5" (6/6/86): this is Seyfert's Sextet = HCG 79, an extremely compact group! On close inspection, the confused "clump" resolves into three components with the brightest component (HCG 79b) appearing fairly faint, small. Extremely close are HCG 79a = NGC 6027A just 36" SSW and HCG 79c = NGC 6027B 22" W of center. A mag 14.5 star is 1.1' ESE and other faint stars are near. These three galaxies are just resolved at 220x.
13.1" (many dates from 5/26/84 to 4/10/86): faint, very small, irregularly round, weak concentration. The three brightest components were just resolved at 220x.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6027 = St. 12-78 on 17 Jun 1876. His published position was made on 20 Mar 1882 with description "eF, vF* inv, 2 vF st near." Although Stephan recorded only a single entry for this ultra-compact group, his description implies he probably resolved two or three members. Barnard ran across NGC 6027 while sweeping on 29 Jan 1889 with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory.
Carl Seyfert's name was attached after his 1951 paper "A Dense Group of Galaxies in Serpens" (PASP...63...72S). Different lettering of the components were introduced by VV, RNGC and Hickson, so there is often confusion on the designations. There are likely only 4 galaxies in the group as NGC 6027D has a discordant redshift over four times the other members and NGC 6027E is considered either a tidal tail of HCG 79b or a partially dissolved remnant. Seyfert's Sextet is probably the densest (most compact) galaxy aggregate in the local Universe with all 4 members fitting within the confines of the Milky Way.
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16 01 28.9 +19 21 34; Her
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 30°
48" (5/15/12): this Hoag-type ring galaxy contains a bright, very small core, ~18" diameter. A star is right at the south edge of the core. The 1' diameter detached outer ring occasionally popped into view and the galaxy appeared as a slightly elongated Cheerio! NGC 6028 is the nearest and brightest of the Hoag-style rings.
17.5" (5/28/89): faint, very small, round, bright core,
faint stellar nucleus. I only
recorded the bright, inner core of the ring galaxy.
Guillaume Bigourdan found NGC 6028 = Big. 76 on 4 May 1886. His position matches UGC 10135. William Herschel originally discovered this galaxy on 14 Mar 1784 and catalogued as H. III-33 = NGC 6046 (see notes), but with a 3.5 min error in RA. NGC 6028 is the primary designation because of Bigourdan's unambiguous position.
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16 01 58.9 +12 34 27; Ser
V = 15.0; Size 0.55'x0.4'; Surf Br = 9.3
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, elongated ~E-W, bright core, very faint stellar nucleus. This is a double system (not resolved).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6029 = m 298 on 2 Jun 1864 and
noted "vF, vS." His position is 1' north of
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16 01 51.4 +17 57 27; Her
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 43°
24" (6/22/17): at 375x; bright, fairly small, oval 4:3
or 3:2 SW-NE. Contains a high
surface brightness core with a fainter elongated halo. A mag 12.5 star lies 1' NNW of
center.
NGC 6030 is located 12' NE of 5.1-magnitude 5 Herculi. The core of
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, small, bright core,
elongated SW-NE. Two mag 13 stars
are 1.0' NNW and 2.5' N. Located
between 5 Herculis (V = 5.1) 12' SW and mag 7.4
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6030 = St. 13-84 on 4 Jun 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position 4' too far NNE. On 17 Jun 1884 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "pretty faint, very small, round, bright middle."
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16 07 35 -54 00 54; Nor
V = 8.5; Size 2'
18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): small, fairly rich
cluster with 40-50 stars (with careful viewing) packed into a 2.5' region. The cluster is roughly triangular with
vertices on the southwest, east and northeast ends. Contains a tight knot of 4-5 stars within 20". A close double star (mag 11 primary,
separation <5") is 1' off the north end. Located 50' WNW of
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6031 = D 359 = h3618 on 28 Jul 1826 and described "three very minute stars forming a triangle, with a faint round nebula, about 20 arcseconds diameter in the centre, but none of the stars are involved in the nebula." His position is 5' south of the cluster. John Herschel made a single observation on 19 Jun 1835: "cluster, a small, compact knot of stars 11..14th mag, in a magnificently full field and zone."
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16 03 01.1 +20 57 23; Her
V = 13.5; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 0°
13.1" (4/10/86): very faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated N-S. Appears as an
unconcentrated diffuse glow which requires averted vision. Pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6032 = St. 11-40, along with NGC 6035, on 14 Jun 1871. His single position was 2' SE of NGC 6035 and he noted that NGC 6032 was about 35 seconds of time to the west and 2' N. Stephan's published micrometric position (list XI, #40) was made 9 years later on 9 Jun 1880.
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16 04 27.9 -02 07 15; Ser
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 90°
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, small, round. A close very faint double star is 1' S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6033 = m 299 on 23 Jul 1864 and noted "vF neb *." His position is accurate.
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16 03 32.1 +17 11 55; Her
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 64°
17.5" (5/28/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 0.8' SSE. Member of AGC 2151.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6034 = Sw. 4-20 on 19 Jun 1886
and logged "eeeF; vS; R; eee diff." His position is 1.5' north of
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NGC 6035 = UGC 10154 = MCG +04-38-018 = CGCG 137-024 = PGC 56864
16 03 24.2 +20 53 29; Her
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
13.1" (4/10/86): faint, fairly small, almost round. Slightly brighter of pair with NGC 6032 6.2' NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6035 = St. 11-41, along with NGC 6032, on 14 Jun 1871. His single position was 2' SE of NGC 6035 and he noted that NGC 6032 was 35 seconds of time to the west and about 2' N. Stephan's published micrometric position (list XI, #41) was made 9 years later on 9 Jun 1880.
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16 04 30.8 +03 52 06; Ser
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 146°
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, small, elongated NW-SE, small
bright core, stellar nucleus. A
mag 14 star is 0.7' NE and a fainter mag 15 star is just 0.8' NNW of
center. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6036 = m 300, along with NGC 6037, on 23 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R, stell." Édouard Stephan made an observation on 2 May 1878, the last of 30 galaxies recorded that night.
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NGC 6037 = MCG +01-41-009 = CGCG 051-031 = PGC 56947
16 04 29.8 +03 48 54; Ser
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, broad concentration, can just hold steadily with direct vision. Pair with NGC 6036 3.3' N.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6037 = m 301, along with NGC 6036, on 23 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, S."
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16 02 40.5 +37 21 34; CrB
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/15/91): faint, fairly small, 1' diameter, round, low almost even surface brightness with no discernable core, halo gradually fades into background. A mag 11 star is 40" off the SE edge and 1.3' from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6038 = H. III-622 = h1944 on
17 Mar 1787 (sweep 715) and noted "vF, S, R. I saw it in the field while I was gauging otherwise it would
have certainly been overlooked."
His position is 22 sec of RA east of
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16 04 39.5 +17 42 03; Her
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6039 = Sw. 4-21 on 27 Jun 1886 on
the west side of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster and recorded "eeeF; vS; R; sp
of 3 in a line, the other 2 being 2 of Stephan's, 3rd of 10." The three galaxies near his position
are
Despite Swift's note, NGC 6039 is mostly likely is a
duplicate of NGC 6042, which is the third in a line with NGC 6040 and 6041,
though his description should reads "sf of 3." RNGC misidentifies
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NGC 6040 = Arp 122 NED2 = VV 212a = UGC 10165b = MCG +03-41-074 = CGCG 108-096n = PGC 56932
16 04 26.8 +17 45 02; Her
V = 14.2; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 47°
24" (6/4/16): at 322x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, small brighter core. The southwest and northeast extensions are slightly curved or misaligned. NGC 6040B, just 26" S of center, appeared fairly faint, small, round, 12" diameter. Easily visible due to relatively high surface brightness.
17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, low even surface brightness. Forms a close interacting system with NGC 6040B 26" S. The companion appeared very faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W.
First of three NGC galaxies with
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE. First of 3. NGC 6040B was not resolved.
13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, small, diffuse.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6040 = St. 1-1, along with
NGC 6041 and NGC 6042, on 4 Jun 1869.
His single rough unpublished position was 4' NNE of NGC 6041 (same
offset as NGC 6030) and he mentioned 3 nebulae. His published position in list 1 (#1) was reduced on 27 Jun
1870 and matches the brighter northern component of this pair (
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NGC 6041 = VV 213a = NGC 6041A = UGC 10170ne = MCG +03-41-078 = CGCG 108-101ne = PGC 56960
16 04 35.8 +17 43 18; Her
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 46°
24" (6/4/16): at 322x; fairly faint/moderately bright,
fairly small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", well concentrated with a
small bright core. Forms a double
system with
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, oval SW-NE. Forms a double system with NGC 6041B attached at the southwest end. The fainter companion appeared extremely faint and small or stellar. In a quadruple subgroup with NGC 6040 2.7' NW (another double system!), NGC 6042 1.5' SE and IC 1170 0.9' W ("extremely faint and small, elongated E-W, requires averted vision"). A mag 11 star lies 1.5' S. Located on the west side of the rich central region of AGC 2151.
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, irregularly round or slightly elongated SW-NE. Suspected to be double.
13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, very small, round, similar to NGC 6040 3' NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6041 = St. 1-2, along with
NGC 6040 and 6042, on 4 Jun 1869.
His single rough unpublished position was 4' too far NNE (same offset as
NGC 6030). On 27 Jun 1870 he
measured an accurate micrometric position (along with nearby NGC 6040 and NGC
6042) that matches the galaxy often called
******************************
NGC 6042 = NGC 6039? = MCG +03-41-079 = CGCG 108-104 = PGC 56972
16 04 39.6 +17 42 03; Her
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 60°
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, round. Third of three NGC galaxies on a line with NGC 6041 1.5' NW and NGC 6040 4.3' NW in the core of AGC 2151. Also extremely faint IC 1170 lies 2.3' NW. Located 1.7' NE of a mag 11 star.
17.5" (3/23/85): faint, very small, roundish. Faintest in trio on a line in AGC 2151.
13.1" (6/30/84): extremely faint, at visual threshold, very small, round.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6042 = St. 1-3, along with NGC 6040 and 6042, on 4 Jun 1869. His single rough unpublished position was 4' NNE of NGC 6041 (same offset as NGC 6030), though he noted 3 nebulae. On 27 Jun 1870 he measured an accurate micrometric positions for the trio.
******************************
16 05 01.4 +17 46 32; Her
V = 14.3; Size 0.65'x0.5'; PA = 35°
24" (6/4/16): at 322x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 20"x16", strong bright
core.
48" (4/5/13): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.3'x0.2', small bright core. Located 1.9' NW of NGC 6045. I didn't look for the faint companion attached at the SW edge, but it should be visible.
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated
~E-W, collinear with two stars to the south including a mag 13.5 star 1.8'
S. First of three NGC galaxies on
a line with NGC 6045 1.9' SE and
17.5" (3/23/85): first of three galaxies aligned NW to SE with NGC 6045 and NGC 6047 in the core of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster. Faint, very small, round, faint star off the south side (45").
13.1" (5/14/83): extremely faint, small, round. First of four in a subgroup of AGC 2151. A mag 15 star is off the south side.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6043 = Sw. 4-22 on 27 Jun 1886,
along with several other members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster. He recorded
"eeF; lE; pS; 4th of 10."
There is nothing at his exact position, but 13 seconds of time east is
******************************
NGC 6044 = IC 1172 = MCG +03-41-084 = CGCG 108-110 = PGC 57015
16 04 59.7 +17 52 13; Her
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
24" (8/1/19): at 322x; faint, small, round, 20"
diameter, very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.4' WSW.
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star lies 1.4' WSW. Located 5.6' N of NGC 6043 in the core of AGC 2151.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6044 = Sw. 4-23 on 27 Jun 1886,
along with several other members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster. His description reads "eeF; vS; R;
vf * nr p[receding]; 5th of 10." and his position is 10 seconds west of
Bigourdan found the galaxy on 8 Jun 1888, assumed it was new
and recorded Big. 199 = IC 1172 with an accurate position. CGCG labels the galaxy as
******************************
NGC 6045 = Arp 71 = UGC 10177 = MCG +03-41-088 = CGCG 108-112 = PGC 57031
16 05 07.9 +17 45 28; Her
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 82°
48" (5/15/12): fairly faint to moderately bright, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.2', slightly brighter core. A very small companion is attached at the east end, dangling to the south perpendicular to the major axis. It appeared faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 12"x6".
24" (6/4/16): at 322x; faint to fairly faint, very
elongated 7:2 WSW-ENE, 45"x 12", slightly brighter elongated
core.
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE. Located in the core of AGC 2151 between the NGC 6040/6041/6042 trio to the west and NGC 6050 3.8' E. The companion attached at the east end was not seen.
17.5" (3/23/85): second of a faint collinear trio. Very faint though slightly brighter than NGC 6043 1.9' NW and NGC 6047 1.7' S, though the nearby stars to these two galaxies was more eye catching.
13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, elongated. Second of four in subgroup of AGC 2151.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6045 = Sw. 4-24 on 27 Jun 1886,
along with several other members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster. He logged "eeF; vS; R; v diff; 6th
of 10." and his position is 13 seconds of RA preceding
******************************
16 01 28.9 +19 21 34; Her
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 30°
See observing notes for NGC 6028.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6046 = H. III-33 on 14 Mar 1784 (sweep 171) and recorded "A nebula suspected by 157 and the suspicion strengthened by 240; but the latter power does not remove all doubt. It follows 3 pB stars making an arch [concave towards np or nnp direction by a diagram], south of which arch there is a still brighter star."
There is nothing near WH's offset, but based on his
description of the nearby stars, Harold Corwin identifies NGC 6046 = NGC 6028
(correctly placed by Bigourdan).
This galaxy is nearly 3.5 min of RA west of WH's position. The 3 stars are actually concave to the
northeast and the "still brighter star" is mag 9.0
******************************
NGC 6047 = MCG +03-41-087 = CGCG 108-111 = 4C 17.66 = PGC 57033
16 05 09.0 +17 43 47; Her
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4
24" (6/4/16): at 322x; fairly faint, small, round, very small bright core. A mag 13 star is just off the northwest side, 25" from the center. NGC 6045 lies 1.7' N.
48" (4/5/13): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 24" diameter, bright core. A mag 13.5 star is just off the northwest edge. Located 1.7' S of NGC 6045.
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, round. A mag 13.5 star is just 26" NW of the center. This galaxy is the third of three in a the central region of AGC 2151 with NGC 6043 3.3' NNW and NGC 6045 1.7' NNW. Also nearby is NGC 6050 4.0' NW.
17.5" (3/23/85): third of trio in a line. Appears very faint, small, a faint star is close preceding.
13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, very small. Third of four in a subgroup of AGC 2151 and located 2' SSE of NGC 6045. A mag 13.5 star is very close west.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6047 = Sw. 4-25 on 27 Jun 1886, along with several other members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster. He logged "eF; R; pS; F * close north; 7th of 10." His position is 9 seconds of RA too small (a similar offset in RA as NGC 6043 and 6045) and the comment about the faint star applies.
******************************
15 57 30.2 +70 41 21; UMi
V = 12.3; Size 2.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 140°
17.5" (7/9/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core, faint stellar nucleus.
Located 13' SSW of mag 7.3
17.5" (4/18/87): fairly faint, small, oval, brighter core. Forms a pair with 2MASX J15575417+7039470 2.5' SE.
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter center, faint stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6048 = H. II-873 on 6 May
1791 (sweep 1005) and noted "F, R, bM, about 1' dia." Caroline's reduced position is 37 sec
of RA following
******************************
16 05 37.9 +08 05 46; Ser
= *6.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 6049 = h1945 on 24 Apr 1830 and recorded "a * 7m which I strongly incline to think has a nebulous atmosphere about 2' dia." On 14 May 1855, R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, noted the "star looked quite sharp and well defined in the finding eyepiece". But, twenty years later (26 May 1875) Dreyer reobserved the star and commented "*7-8m with vF surrounded atmosphere which could be traced about 1' from the star." Two days later, Henry Chamberlain Russell of Sydney Observatory visited Birr Castle and was also shown the star. The entry reads "Mr. H.C. Russell from Sydney was not sure of the reality of the atmosphere, but I had no doubt of it." Reinmuth wasn't sure: "BD +8 3134; *6.8 with halo?" All of these observations are spurious as there is no halo around the star.
******************************
NGC 6050 = Arp 272 = VV 220a = IC 1179A = UGC 10186 = MCG +03-41-092 = CGCG 108-118 = PGC 57058 = PGC 57053
16 05 23.4 +17 45 32; Her
V = 14.7; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 132°
48" (5/15/12): this is an interconnected pair of
galaxies with the brighter component (
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, small, round, diffuse. This member of AGC 2151 forms a close
pair with
17.5" (3/23/85): faint but easily visible, small, roundish. This is a double system, but IC 1179 was not seen.
13.1" (5/14/83): very faint, small, round. Fourth of 4 in a subgroup of AGC 2151.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6050 = Sw. 4-26 on 27 Jun 1886, along
with several additional members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster. He logged "eeeF; S; R; e diff.;
8th of 10." and his position is 13 seconds west of
Swift "discovered" the galaxy again on 3 Jun 1888 and reported it in his 7th discovery list, #71 (later IC 1179). Most modern sources including PGC, HyperLeda and SIMBAD misidentify the southwest component (NGC 6050B) as IC 1179. It's extremely unlikely that IC 1179 refers to the southwest galaxy in list VII, as Swift described NGC 6050 as "eeeF" and NGC 6050B is much fainter and he makes no mention of the nebula being double!
******************************
16 04 56.6 +23 55 57; Ser
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 165°
24" (7/23/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.6'x0.45', weak concentration. A mag 11.2 star is 0.7' SSE of center and a mag 16.7 star is 0.7' W of center. Brightest in a faint compact cluster (AWM 4) with 5 members within 3'!
17.5" (6/15/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration. A mag 11 star is just off the SSE edge 44" from center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6051 = St. 12-79 on 23 May 1871 and measured an initial position 3' to the SSE. His published micrometric position was made 10 years later on 20 Jun 1881 with description "faint, small, round, gradually brighter middle, bright nucleus, *10 close SE."
******************************
16 05 13.2 +20 32 33; Her
V = 13.0; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 171°
48" (4/5/13): the main glow of this disrupted system or merger appeared fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, irregular or mottled. The glow brightens along the eastern side and very thin, faint extensions protrude along the eastern side to the north and south (more prominent on the south end). The appearance is similar to an edge-on galaxy attached to the larger, mottled western component.
48" (5/15/12): at 488x, the disrupted system NGC 6052 =
24" (7/23/14): using 375x, moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~25"x18". Contains an extremely small nucleus that appears offset to the north side. The eastern component is merged, except for a small, thin extension that juts out to the south on the southeastern side. A mag 15 star lies 0.8' W.
24" (6/28/14): at 375x, appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 30"x20", contains a quasi-stellar nucleus and mottled core that is slightly displaced to the north side. The two components were not clearly resolved.
18" (7/12/10): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.9'x0.3', fairly even surface brightness except at 285x and
335x there was a very faint, slightly brighter "bulge" or knot on the
west side (
17.5" (5/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, bright core. Appears asymmetric as the galaxy is brighter on the west side. The POSS reveals this is an attached contact system (Arp 209). A mag 14.5 star is 1' W.
13.1" (7/5/83): faint, small, round, even surface brightness. In line with two mag 12/13 stars equally spaced.
8" (7/5/83): extremely faint, very small, at visual threshold.
Albert Marth found NGC 6052 = m302 on 2 Jul 1864 and
recorded "F, about 1' diameter, irr R, ??III. 140 [
William Herschel discovered H. III-140 = NGC 6064 on 11 Jun 1784 (sweep 225), but his position was 1 min 47 sec of RA too large, so Marth was uncertain if H. III-140 was the same nebula. Édouard Stephan observed this galaxy on at least 5 nights (first on 14 Jun 1871) likely aware of Marth's and Herschel's discovery. Dreyer concluded in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that this number "is no doubt = NGC 6052 (Marth 302). Herschel did not observe the neb in the centre of the field but applies a correction of -0.7m, which appears to have been too small."
******************************
16 05 32.5 +18 09 34; Her
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 40°
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6053 = Sw. 3-86, along with NGC
6055, on 8 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeeF, S, R, ee diff; 1st of
4". His position is 8 seconds
of RA west and 1.5' south of
Most modern catalogues ignore the number NGC 6053, assigning NGC 6055 to UGC 10191 and NGC 6057 to CGCG 108-130. RNGC misidentifies CGCG 108-129 as NGC 6053. This galaxy is roughly 6' south of the pair.
******************************
NGC 6054 = IC 1183 = MCG +03-41-103 = CGCG 108-128 = PGC 57086
16 05 38.1 +17 46 04; Her
V = 14.5; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 70°
48" (5/15/12): fairly faint to moderately bright,
small, oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, 20"x15". Located 1.0' NE of a mag 12.6 star with a mag 16 star 1'
S. Brighter
17.5" (5/13/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated. Located 1.0' NE of a mag 12.5 star. An extremely faint galaxy (MCG +03-41-099) is 1.5' W with IC 1182 2.1' NNW. Member of AGC 2151.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6054 = Sw. 4-27 on 27 Jun 1886,
along with several other members of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster. His description reads "eeeF; pS;
lE; f * v nr sp; 9th of 10."
His position is 13 seconds west of
His position, though, happens to fall closer to fainter CGCG
108-121, and MCG, PGC and RNGC misidentify
******************************
NGC 6055 = MCG +03-41-106 = CGCG 108-130 = PGC 57090
16 05 39.6 +18 09 52; Her
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4
18" (7/13/07): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, very small or stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 6057 just 1.7' WSW in the northern part of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster.
17.5" (6/14/96): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, low even surface brightness. Situated in the northeast portion of AGC 2151 1.7' ENE of brighter NGC 6057. Several faint galaxies lie northeast.
17.5" (5/28/89): extremely faint and small, round. Forms a close pair with NGC 6057 1.7' WSW in the northern region of AGC 2151.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6055 = Sw. 3-87 on 8 Jun 1886 and logged "eeeF; S; R; ee diff; 2nd of 4 [with N6053, N6056 and N6057]. Although his description is not of much help, his position is 5 seconds of time east of NGC 6053, also discovered the same night. Assuming NGC 6053 refers to UGC 10191, this implies NGC 6055 = CGCG 108-130. This contradicts modern sources, which apply NGC 6055 to UGC 10191 and NGC 6057 to CGCG 108-130. It also places NGC 6057 and NGC 6053 out of order in RA, but agrees with the historical record. See notes on NGC 6057 for more on these numbers.
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16 05 31.3 +17 57 49; Her
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 56°
24" (8/1/19): at 324x; moderately bright, fairly small,
oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6', bright core.
PGC 57070: extremely faint (V = 15.5), very small, slightly elongated, 18"x12".
MCG +03-41-096: very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 24"x12". A very faint mag 16.1 star is 28" SE of center.
18" (7/13/07): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, broad and very weak concentration.
17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, round, broad concentration. Forms a pair with MCG +03-41-096 3' SSW. This is one of the brighter galaxies in AGC 2151.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6056 = Sw. 3-88 on 8 Jun 1886 and
recorded "eeeF; pS; R; ee diff; 3rd of 4 [with NGC 6053, 6055 and 6061 in
the Hercules Cluster]. His
position is 1.5' south of
CGCG and MCG label this galaxy as
******************************
NGC 6057 = NGC 6053 = UGC 10191 = MCG +03-41-101 = CGCG 108-123 = PGC 57076
16 05 32.6 +18 09 34; Her
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 40°
18" (7/13/07): faint, small, irregularly round, 30"x25". Brighter of a pair with NGC 6055 1.7' ENE in the northeast section of the Hercules Galaxy Cluster.
17.5" (6/14/96): very faint, small, elongated 3:2
SW-NE, 45"x30". Situated
in the NE corner of AGC 2151 with NGC 6055 1.7' ENE,
17.5" (5/28/89): very faint, very small, almost round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is 40" WSW. Forms a pair with NGC 6055 1.7' ENE in AGC 2151.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6057 = Sw. 3-89 on 6 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeeF; eS; R." His position is 2' south of the pair UGC 10191 and CGCG 108-130. Two nights later he found Sw. 3-86 = NGC 6053 and Sw. 3-87 = NGC 6055 nearby and assumed they were different. But there are only two reasonably bright galaxies, UGC 10191 and CGCG 108-130, close to his three positions. Assuming he picked up the brighter of these two galaxies on the first night, then NGC 6057 = UGC 10191. Two nights later he logged both galaxies and placed them 5 seconds apart in RA (the actual separation is 7 seconds). This implies NGC 6053 = NGC 6057 = UGC 10191 (observed both nights) and NGC 6055 = CGCG 108-130 (observed only on the 8th of June). After an email exchange in Nov 2014 with Harold Corwin, he concurs with these identifications.
This changes the standard identification in modern catalogues (UGC, MCG, CGCG, RNGC) that NGC 6055 = UGC 10191 and NGC 6057 = CGCG 108-130! It also places NGC 6057 to the west of NGC 6055, an unfortunate result if we preserve the historical record.
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16 04 26.4 +40 40 59; Her
V = 12.9; Size 24"x21"
24" (7/14/18): at 375x; bright mag 13.5 central star encased in a well defined 0.4' halo. At 500x the halo was clearly elongated N-S, ~25"x20", and slightly fainter at north and south end. A very faint mag 15.9 star is close off the north edge.
18" (7/20/06): picked up at 115x as a mag ~13.5 star surrounded by a small 20" halo. Adding an OIII filter the halo brightened significantly and increased slightly in size. Nice view at 225x as the central star and halo were both prominently displayed. At this magnification, the halo was slightly elongated NNW-SSE, roughly 25"x20" in size. At 325x, the planetary was beautifully framed within an isosceles triangle that just fits within the high power field of view. Adding a UHC filter the halo appeared irregular in surface brightness and dimmed around the periphery, perhaps extending to 30".
17.5" (5/27/00): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 25"x20". Contains an easy mag 13.5 central star, which stands out well at all powers. At 380x, the halo appears to brighten surrounding the central star. Nicely framed within a triangle of mag 9-10 stars.
17.5" (5/30/92): fairly bright, small, 20"
diameter. A bright mag 13.5
central star is easily visible.
Located within a bright isosceles triangle consisting of mag 8.8 SAO
45874 4.8' NW, mag 8.7
13.1" (7/5/83): fairly faint, small. Fairly easy central star at 166x, two stars to the north form an equilateral triangle. Can take 333x.
8" (7/5/83): at 100x, faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. At 200x, an extremely faint mag 13.5-14 central star is visible surrounded by a small faint halo. Two mag 9 stars to the north form an rough isosceles triangle.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6058 = H. III-637 = h1946 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and recorded "vF, eS, 300 showed 2 very close stars affected with nebulosity, a very small star in the field with it was perfectly free from that nebulosity." John Herschel made two observations on consecutive sweeps, calling it "pB, vS, R, almost stellar or psbM; diam 10"."
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 5 May 1850, wrote "strongly suspect to be an annular neb with a star near the center. On 5 Apr 1851, either George Johnstone or his brother Bindon Blood wrote, "like [NGC 2392], dark ring plainer seen on preceding part of neb; vS * north, about 3/4' diam of neb off. The following part of dark ring a little broader than the preceding part." Samuel Hunter made a sketch on 9 May 1861 that was included at the last minute in the 1861 publication (Plate 28, Fig. 31].
The PN spectrum was recognized by Campbell and Moore. Based on a Crossley photograph at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "an irregular oval fading out at ends of major axis, brightest at north and south edges; 25"x20" in pa 77°."
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16 06 48 -06 23 36; Oph
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC. =**?, Gottlieb.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6059 = Sw. 3-91 on 6 May 1886 and recorded "vF; S; R." There is nothing near his position. Bigourdan claimed he found NGC 6059 12 seconds of RA after the NGC position (20 Apr 1891 Comptes Rendus), but there is nothing at his position except 3 stars 1.5' north. Jeff Corder suggested NGC 6059 might apply to the faint double star about 25 seconds further west (and 1' north). In any case, there are no nearby galaxies Swift might have seen. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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16 05 52.0 +21 29 05; Her
V = 13.1; Size 2.0'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 105°
17.5" (5/28/89): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated WNW-ESE, large brighter core, fainter extensions.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6060 = St. 7-3 on 31 May 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position (3.5' too far north). He measured another position on 23 May 1871, which was 2' to the S. On 18 Jun 1876 he recorded an accurate micrometric position with description "extremely faint, elongated, small bright core."
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NGC 6061 = UGC 10199 = MCG +03-41-118 = CGCG 108-145 = PGC 57137
16 06 16.0 +18 15 00; Her
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 95°
24" (8/1/19): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, round, 35" diameter, small bright core, occasional faint stellar nucleus. Forms a near equilateral triangle with two mag 10.5 star 2.8' S and 3.1' SW.
24" (6/14/15): fairly faint to moderately bright,
fairly small, round, 36" diameter, very small bright core, stellar
nucleus. Forms the northern vertex
of a near perfect rhombus (sides 3') with three mag 10.5-11 stars to the
south. Several galaxies are nearby
including IC 1189 4' due south,
18" (7/13/07): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 36" diameter, weak concentration. Collinear with two mag 10.5-11 stars 2.8' and 6' S. Two additional mag 10.5 and 11.5 stars form a striking "Y" asterism to the south of NGC 6061.
17.5" (6/14/96): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.8' diameter, very weak concentration. Forms the north vertex of a near perfect rhombus (of sides 3') with three mag 10-11 stars in the NE corner of AGC 2151. IC 1189 lies 4.0' S
17.5" (5/28/89): faint, small, round, small bright
core. Four bright stars form an
upside down "Y" asterism just south including a mag 11 star 2.9' SE
and two mag 10 stars 3.1' SW and 2.8' S.
Located in the northern region of AGC 2151 with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6061 = Sw. 3-90 on 8 Jun 1886 and
recorded "eeeF; S; R; ee diff; 4th of 4 [with NGC 6053, 6055 and 6056]; 4
B stars south with the nebula form a cross like cross in Cygnus. Neb. placed as is Deneb
Cygni." His position is just
4 seconds west of
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16 06 22.7 +19 46 40; Her
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 10°
24" (6/13/15): at 260x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, ~36"x27", broad weak
concentration but no distinct nucleus.
Four brighter stars are in the field including mag 9.8
Forms a close (physical) pair with
17.5" (5/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, weak concentration, fairly diffuse.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6062 = St. 13-84 on 23 May 1871 and logged an initial position 3' to the S. A second position on 19 Jun 1876 was accurate to within 1'. His published position was made 13 years later on 20 Jun 1884 with description "extremely faint, round, very little condensation, seems resolvable."
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16 07 13.1 +07 58 44; Ser
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 159°
17.5" (5/13/88): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, even surface brightness, elongated NW-SE. Bracketed by a mag 14 star 1.8' NNE and a mag 14.5 star 2.3' SW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6063 = St. 12-80 on 3 May 1870. His unpublished position was less than 1' S of center. His accurate published position was made 12 years later on 10 Jun 1882 with description "faint, round, about 1' diameter, very little concentration."
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NGC 6064 = NGC 6052 = UGC 10182 = MCG +04-38-022 = CGCG 137-032 = VV 86 = Mrk 297 = Arp 209 = PGC 57039
16 05 13.2 +20 32 33; Her
V = 13.0; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 171°
See observing notes for NGC 6052.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6064 = H. III-140 on 11 Jun 1784 (sweep 225). He recorded "vF, vS, r, 240 verified it; np a pB star, with another equally B st in the field sp the former; also several eS stars in the field." There is nothing near his position and Bigourdan failed to find H. III-140. But 1 min 47 sec of RA preceding his position is NGC 6052, which was discovered by Marth and also observed by Édouard Stephan on at least 5 occasions. Dreyer concludes in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that this number "is no doubt = NGC 6052 (Marth 302). H[erschel] did not observe the neb in the centre of the field but applies a correction of -0.7m, which appears to have been too small." Karl Reinmuth, Dorothy Carlson and Harold Corwin concur that NGC 6052 = NGC 6064.
******************************
16 07 22.9 +13 53 16; Ser
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, slightly elongated,
bright core. Collinear with two
unequal double stars due east; an unequal mag 10/14 double at 21" is 2' E
and a mag 10/13 double at 29" is 4' E. Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6065 = Sw. 9-53, along with NGC 6066, on 19 Jun 1887 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; D * follows point to it; sp of 2 [with NGC 6066]." The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer (indicated as list 6 in the NGC), but Swift didn't publish the discovery until 1890 in his 9th discovery list. The NGC positions (communicated directly to Dreyer) are good but Swift's published declinations for NGC 6065 and 6066 are reversed. See Harold Corwin's notes for more.
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NGC 6066 = CGCG 079-054 = PGC 57230
16 07 35.3 +13 56 37; Ser
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (5/13/88): faint, small, round, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 6065 4.5' SSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6066 = Sw. 9-54, along with NGC 6065, on 19 Jun 1887 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; 2 pB stars near south both double; nf of 2 [with NGC 6065]." The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer (indicated as list 6 in the NGC) in 1887, but wasn't published until 1890 in his 9th list, where he accidentally switched the declinations.
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NGC 6067 = Cr 298 = ESO 178-012
16 13 11 -54 13 06; Nor
V = 5.6; Size 13'
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): this stunning cluster was partially resolved in my 15x50 IS binoculars. At 110x a few hundred stars were resolved and formed a gorgeous group. A striking 11" pair (HJ 4835 = 8.6/9.1) is in the center. The western star is the classical Cepheid V340 Nor (8.3-8.6) and displays a noticeable orange color . Just south of the eastern star is a fainter, third close companion. Several other pairs are in the vicinity including a 12" pair of 10th mag stars 1' E (C/D components). The cluster is compressed in the center with a number of curving chains and loops of stars that appear to spiral out into the periphery. Located 25' N of mag 5 Kappa Normae.
18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 76x (27 Panoptic), this cluster was a stunning sight with a few hundred stars sparkling in a 20' region. NGC 6067 appeared comparable to one of the richer Messier clusters. The cluster is compressed towards the center and thins out in the periphery, blending in with the rich, surrounding Milky Way. The cluster includes a few striking pairs with a bright mag 8.6/9.1 pair at 10" nearly in the center. The duo is collinear with a much closer and fainter equal mag pair. At 228x, the cluster appeared much more irregular and most of the stars seemed to be arranged in elegant loops and chains that enclosed starless holes in the cluster.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): At 83x, in excess of 100 stars mag 8-12 in a 20' diameter. Very bright, large, very rich, compressed towards the core, which includes a striking double star at center (HJ 4835 = 8.8/9.4 at 10"). Many stars are arranged in spirals and arcs, rich in faint stars. The brightest mag 7.8 star is located at the south edge with a mag 8 star off the east edge. This is a beautiful open cluster in the rich Norma starcloud!
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6067 = D 360 = h3619 on 8 May 1826. His description (based on 5 observations) reads, "a pretty large cluster of small stars of mixed magnitudes, about 12' diameter; the stars are considerably congregated towards the centre, extended south preceding and north following."
John Herschel made 3 observations: On 9 Jul 1834 (sweep 469) he recorded "the chief star in middle of a most superbly rich and large cluster, 20' at least in diameter, as it much more than fills field; not much compressed in the middle, stars 10..12th mag." In Apr 1836 (sweep 694) he wrote, "place of a neat double star in centre of a superb cluster; very large and rich; composed of equal stars 12th mag, a fine object, Much more than fills field."
In 1962, Andrew David Thackeray studied the cluster with the 64-inch at Pretoria, South Africa, and reported "The contrast in colours of blue and red stars can be readily perceived [visually] with the Radcliffe 64-inch reflector, and the cluster perhaps deserves the desigmation "jewel-box" even more than k Crucis which contains only one bright red star.""
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15 55 26.5 +78 59 48; UMi
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 155°
17.5" (5/14/88): moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, small bright core. Follows a triangle of mag 13-14 stars 0.8' SSW, 1.3' NW and 2.5' WSW.
Forms a close pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 6068 = H. III-973 on 6 Dec
1801 (sweep 1104) and recorded "vF; S; lE in the meridian [N-S],
r." His position is 2.3'
south-southeast of
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16 07 41.7 +38 55 51; CrB
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/24/95): very faint, very small, round. Shows a weak concentration to a
slightly brighter core and faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 40" SW of center. There are two bright stars in the
field; mag 8.9
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6069 = St. 12-81 on 21 Jun 1871. His initial position was 2' too far E. His published micrometric position was made exactly 11 years later (21 Jun 1882) with description "vF stellar nucleus surrounded by faint nebulosity; very small; round."
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16 09 58.6 +00 42 32; Ser
V = 11.8; Size 3.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 62°
48" (5/9/18): at 610x; VV 264b (northwest spiral) appeared fairly bright, small, round, 12"-15" diameter, stellar nucleus. VV 264b is the NW component of Arp 241 and is slightly smaller than VV 264a, just 16" SE. I didn't notice the very low surface brightness tidal tail extending north. The halos of this interacting pair are merged. VV 264a is the slightly larger SE component of Arp 241. It appeared fairly bright, fairly small, oval 5:4 NW-SE, ~20"x16". Contains a small, brighter core but no stellar nucleus. A very diffuse short extension to the south was just visible (beginning of the tidal tail) before quickly dimming out.
24" (6/28/14): fairly bright, large, elongated 2:1
SW-NE, 2'x1', contains a large brighter core, fades out around the periphery. A
very faint "star" seen near the northeast tip is actually a compact
HII region labeled as region IV in the 2010 paper. Located 8' SE of mag 6.7
NGC 6070 is the brightest in a trio with
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly bright, large, oval 2:1 SW-NE,
broad moderate concentration.
Brightest of trio with NGC 6070B 4.3' NE and 6070C 5.6' NE. Located 7.9' SW of mag 7
13.1" (6/4/83): fairly large, diffuse, elongated ~E-W, almost even surface brightness. A mag 7 star is 7' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6070 = H. III-553 = h1947 on 3 May 1786 (sweep 562) and recorded "cF, iF, 4 or 5' long, 2 or 3' broad." John Herschel called this galaxy "F; L; pmE; vgbM; 2 1/2' long." Édouard Stephan made an observation on 3 May 1878, the last 29 galaxies recorded that night, as well as 20 Jun 1878.
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NGC 6071 = MCG +12-15-047 = CGCG 338-041 = PGC 56767
16 02 07.0 +70 25 01; UMi
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (3/28/87): faint, small, round, weak
concentration. Forms a pair with
17.5" (4/18/87): faint, small, round, brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6071 = H. III-883 on 6 May
1791 (sweep 1005) and noted "eF, vS, 300 verified it." Caroline's reduced position is 1 tmin east and 1.5' south
of
UGC, PGC, HyperLeda, etc. misidentify
******************************
16 12 58.1 -36 13 48; Sco
V = 11.3; Size 70"
18" (7/22/06): viewed unfiltered at 225x, 325x and 435x as a moderately bright, round, 1' disc of irregular surface brightness. The disc appeared mottled with slightly darker and brighter regions though I couldn't definitively say it was annular. Inside the rim there appeared to be a darker zone or darker patches that did not extend all the way to the center. In fact, the very center appeared to brighten very slightly.
17.5" (6/30/00): at 280x using a UHC filter this southerly PN appeared fairly bright, round, 60" diameter. The surface brightness was uneven with an irregularly brighter rim and a slightly darker center.
13.1" (4/10/86): moderately bright and large, roundish, 1.0' diameter, fairly prominent with a UHC filter at 166x. No structure at 332x although this planetary is far south for viewing from northern California.
8" (6/19/82): faint, fairly small, round.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6072 = h3620 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "pF; R; vgvlbM; 60"; with left eye slightly mottled; but not resolved."
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16 10 10.8 +16 41 58; Her
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130°
17.5" (5/28/89): faint, fairly small, oval NW-SE, broad weak concentration and has a fairly even surface brightness overall.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6073 = H. III-74 = h1948 on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 183) and noted "vF, S, r. Pointed out by 157 and verified at 240." His position was 2' to the NNE of UGC 10235. It was looked for once at Birr Castle, but not found.
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16 11 17.2 +14 15 32; Her
V = 14.3; Size 0.2'x0.2'; Surf Br = 10.7
24" (7/24/14): this contact pair was nearly tangent at
260x and barely resolved at 375x.
The brighter component,
2MFGC 13014, located 3.7' NE, appeared extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 15"x8". At B = 17.3, it required averted vision to glimpse.
17.5" (5/28/89): very faint, very small, round. A mag 12 star is 1.0' WSW. An extremely faint anonymous companion is at south end 15" from the center. NGC 6078 lies 12' ESE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6074 = St. 7-4 on 18 Jun 1876 with a follow up observation the next night. His micrometric position is an exact match with the northern component of this double system.
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16 11 22.6 +23 57 53; Her
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 93°
17.5" (5/28/89): faint, very small, broad
concentration, faint stellar nucleus.
Located 8' N of mag 8.8
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6075 = St. 12-82 on 27 Jun
1881 (date the position was reduced).
Stephane Javelle found the galaxy again on 20 Jul 1903, but he reversed
the sign on the declination offset from his comparison star so his position for
J. III-1393 (later
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16 11 13.3 +26 52 21; CrB
V = 14.4; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 63°
24" (6/14/15): at 225x; this double system appeared
faint to fairly faint, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 24"x12". At 375x, the elongated glow
occasionally resolved into two extremely small nuclei within a common halo. The fainter eastern component (NGC 6076
NED2) is listed in HyperLeda as
17.5" (7/15/93): very faint, very small, round. Forms a pair with NGC 6077 3.5' N. Located 2' SE of mag 7.3 SAO 84233. A mag 14 star is 45" NE. This double system was not resolved.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6076 = m 303, along with NGC 6077, on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, E." His position was accurate. Stephan made an observation on 11 Jun 1869, with a rough position 3' to the SE.
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NGC 6077 = UGC 10254 = MCG +05-38-024 = CGCG 167-035 = PGC 57408
16 11 14.1 +26 55 24; CrB
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (6/14/15): slightly brighter of a pair with NGC 6076 (double system) 3.0' S. At 260x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 24" diameter, small bright core increases to the center. The pair of galaxies flank mag 7.5 HD 145676 with NGC 6077 2.3' NE of the bright star.
17.5" (7/15/93): brighter of a pair with NGC 6076 3.5' S. Faint, small, round, broad concentration. Located 2.5' NE of a mag 7.3 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6077 = m 304, along with NGC 6076, on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "F, sbM." His position is accurate.
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NGC 6078 = MCG +02-41-017 = CGCG 079-076 = PGC 57460
16 12 05.4 +14 12 32; Her
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.9'
24" (7/24/14): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
30" diameter, increases to a very small bright core and down to a stellar
nucleus. This is dominant
component of a very close pair with
UGC 10287, located 29' ENE, appeared fairly faint, irregular oval ~3:2 SW-NE, ~45"x30", relatively large brighter central region that was brighter along the central axis (this is the bar) and an ill-defined low surface brightness halo that faded out. A mag 13.5 star is 45" E of center.
17.5" (5/28/89): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, substellar nucleus. Two mag 14-15 stars are 1.1' WNW and 1.3' NNW of center. Located 5.9' SE of mag 9.3 SAO 101996. NGC 6074 is 12' WNW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6078 = St. 7-5 on 17 Jun 1876 with a follow up observation two nights later. His micrometric position was accurate (recorded on 21 Jun).
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NGC 6079 = IC 1200 = UGC 10206 = MCG +12-15-050 = CGCG 338-043 = PGC 56946
16 04 29.0 +69 40 05; UMi
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 150°
17.5" (3/28/87): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, brighter core. A mag 14
star is 1.1' SSE. Forms a pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 6079 = H. III-884 on 6 May
1791 (sweep 1005) and noted "vvF, vS, 300 verified it very plainly, and
showed it of a considerable size."
His position is 1 min of RA east and 2' south of
Lewis Swift independently found the galaxy on 2 Aug 1888
(and discovered IC 1201 to the southeast) and included it in his 7th discovery
list, #77 (later
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16 12 58.6 +02 10 38; Ser
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 90°
24" (6/12/15): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint to
moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, ~24"x18", very small
bright nucleus. Forms a very close
double system with
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus. Forms a double system with a faint companion (PGC 93131) attached at the north end. PGC 93131 is extremely faint and small, appears as a mag 15-15.5 "star" attached at the northeast end of NGC 6080.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6080 = Sw. 6-87 on 30 Mar 1887
and recorded "pB; pS; R; mbM."
His position is 6 seconds west of
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16 12 56.8 +09 52 02; Her
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 131°
17.5" (5/28/89): faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE, small brighter core, very faint extensions.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6081 = St. 2-1 on 4 Jun 1869
using the 31-inch silvered glass reflector at Marseilles Observatory. His rough unpublished position was 6'
too far north and he made a 1 minute error in time (RA) too large. The next night he corrected the error
in RA and made another observation on 5 May 1870. On 26 Jul 1870 he measured an accurate micrometric positions
and noted "very faint, small, round, bright middle.". Lewis Swift
found the galaxy again on 7 Apr 1888 and reported it as new in his 7th
discovery list (#79). Dreyer
missed the equivalence and recatalogued the galaxy as
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16 15 36 -34 15; Sco
= IC 4597??, Corwin. Not found, Dreyer and ESO. =**?, Gottlieb.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6082 = h3621 on 7 Jun 1837 and
recorded "eF, E, lbM, 25."
There is nothing at this position and Frost reported it was not found on
a plate of 4 hours exposure. A
close pair of mag 15 stars at 6" separation is 1' north of his position
and another small group is 1' further west. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6082 may
be identical to
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NGC 6083 = MCG +02-41-020 = CGCG 079-080 = PGC 57520
16 13 12.6 +14 11 07; Her
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.55'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 33°
17.5" (5/28/89): extremely faint, very small, round. Surrounded by a triangle consisting of three mag 13-14 stars located 1.5' NNW, 2.4' WSW and 1.5' SE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6083 = St. 7-6 on 19 Jun 1876. His micrometric position was reduced two days later and is accurate.
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16 14 16.6 +17 48 27; Her
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 30°
17.5" (5/28/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated SW-NE, small faint nucleus. A mag 14 star is 39" WNW of center. Located just 1.9' NE of a mag 10 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6084 = Sw. 3-92 on 6 Jun 1886 and
logged "eeeF, pS, R, eee diff."
There is nothing at his position, but 1.1 minutes east is
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16 12 35.2 +29 21 54; CrB
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 165°
18" (7/28/03): fairly faint, moderately large,
roundish, ~0.9' diameter, well concentrated with a suddenly brighter 20"
core. The halo appears elongated
or irregular at times, but the orientation is difficult to pin down. An 11th magnitude star lies 1.9'
E. This galaxy is the second
brightest of 9 galaxies viewed in
17.5" (5/30/92): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, almost even surface brightness. Forms a similar pair with NGC 6086 7.2' N. These are the two brightest members of AGC 2162.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6085 = m 305 on 2 Jul 1864 and
noted "F, S." His
position is 1' north of
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NGC 6086 = UGC 10270 = MCG +05-38-035 = CGCG 167-045 = PGC 57482
16 12 35.5 +29 29 05; CrB
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 0°
18" (7/28/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core. A mag 12.5 star is just off the NW edge, 40" from center. This galaxy is the brightest of 9 galaxies viewed in AGC 2162 with NGC 6085 7' S slightly fainter. Forms the north vertex of a right triangle with two mag 10.5 stars 3' SW and 3' S.
17.5" (5/30/92): faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is just off the NW edge 0.7' from center. Located within a group of several fairly bright stars including three mag 10 stars, the closest being 2.8' SW. Forms a pair with NGC 6085 7.2' S and these two galaxies are the brightest members of the AGC 2162 cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6086 = m 306 on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "F, vS, with stellar nucleus." His position is accurate.
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16 18 51 -57 56 06; Nor
V = 5.4; Size 12'
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): about three dozen stars mag 7-11 were resolved at 63x. Very bright, large, ~15' diameter. The cluster contains several bright stars, including S Normae (Cepheid that varies from 6.1-6.8 over 10 days) and three mag 8-9 stars just south. Many of the stars in the cluster form an arrowhead outline with the vertex at the north end. Also a bright string of stars is off the SW end of the arrowhead aligned N-S. Impressive cluster although there are no dense spots.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6087 = D 335 = h3622 on 8 May 1826. He made 3 observations and described "a group of very small stars of an irregular branched figure, 15' or 20' diameter. The central part is very thin of stars." His pubished position was 1° too far south (copying error?).
John Herschel made two observations: on 22 Apr 1835 (sweep 575) he logged "Cluster VIII class, large, loose, brilliant, irregular figure, fills field, chief star about 7th mag taken." On 9 Jul 1836 (sweep 717) he called it "Cluster VIII; large, coarse, bright, fills field, stars 7, 8, 9, 10th mag; a star about 7th mag taken."
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16 10 42.6 +57 27 59; Dra
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.3'; PA = 138°
24" (6/28/14): at 375x appeared faint, fairly small,
elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~25"x15", weak concentration with no defined
core or nucleus. Forms a very
close double with
17.5" (6/15/91): very faint, small, elongated 2:1
NW-SE, weak concentration. Located
6.6' E of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 6088 = H. III-812 on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 928) and noted "vF, vS, lE." His RA (Caroline's reduction) is 30 sec preceding MCG +10-23-029/030 = PGC 57383. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 27 Apr 1886 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
This double system (oriented northwest-southeast) is listed
in the RNGC as
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16 12 40.5 +33 02 10; CrB
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
24" (7/1/19): at 225x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~40"x35", appears to have a brighter core/nucleus that is offset to the SW side. The galaxy forms the northern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 13.5/14.5 stars 1.7' WSW and SSW.
At 375x; a contact companion occasionally "popped" on the NE end of the galaxy. The centers are separated by 18".
17.5" (6/24/95): faint, round, 40" diameter, weak
even concentration to a slightly brighter core and a faint stellar
nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.7' SW
of center. Located 7' ESE of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 6089 = H. III-889 = h1949 on 28 May 1791 (sweep 1014) and recorded "vF; S; R; vglbM." John Herschel made a single observation: "vF; S; R: bM".
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16 11 40.5 +52 27 24; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8
24" (7/9/13): at 280x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, 24"x18", high surface brightness. Inspection of the SDSS reveals a close double nucleus of a merged pair with very low surface brightness plumes extending SW and NE.
NGC 6090 is the last and brightest in a trio (WBL 610) with
17.5" (6/15/91): faint, very small, elongated 4:3
SW-NE, even surface brightness.
Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6090 = Sw. 9-56 on 24 Jun 1887
and recorded "vF; S; R."
His position is 8 seconds west of
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16 07 53.0 +69 54 17; UMi
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.6'
24" (6/14/15): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly
round, very small bright core, 25" diameter. A mag 12 star is 1.4' NNW.
17.5" (4/18/87): faint, small, round, weak concentration.
Edward Swift discovered NGC 6091 = Sw. 2-39 on 8 Jul 1885
and noted "vF; vS; R; * nr north." Lewis Swift's son was 14 years old
at the time. Lewis credited his son with the discovery in the errata to his 6th
discovery list. MCG missed
identifying
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16 14 04.6 +28 07 32; CrB
= **, Harold Corwin. Not found, Malcolm Thomson =UGC 10275, RNGC and RC3
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6092 = Big. 77 on 11 May 1885. At his Comptes Rendus position is a 10" double star with a third wide companion. Harold Corwin identifies NGC 6092 with this double star.
RNGC, PGC and other sources misidentify
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16 17 02.5 -22 58 30; Sco
V = 7.3; Size 8.9'; Surf Br = 0.6
18" (7/24/06): at 325x appears bright, fairly large,
round, pretty symmetrical appearance, contains a blazing 1.5' core in a 5' to
6' halo. At 435x the halo and the
periphery of the core are well resolved into roughly 100 stars and additional
extremely faint stars pop in and out of visibility. The core itself is overlayed with a number of faint
stars. Beautiful view at 565x as
the cluster nearly fills the 7' field with 100-150 stars from edge to edge and
the core region is well resolved.
The cluster appears asymmetric with the halo more extensive to the west
(core offset to the east). Mag 8.5
17.5" (6/3/00): fairly bright, round, 5' diameter, well
concentrated with a bright 1.5' core and an intense 30" nucleus. At 500x, the nucleus is clearly offset
east of center and the outer halo is well resolved into at least 75 stars. A dim galaxy,
13.1" (7/5/83): contains a small intense unresolved core surrounded by fairly compact halo 5' diameter. The nucleus is offset to the east within the halo. The outer halo resolves into a few dozen faint stars over haze.
8" (7/5/83): a few faint stars resolved at moderate to high power at edges, very grainy, difficult to resolve.
Charles Messier discovered
William Herschel later commented about M80: "one of the richest and most compressed clusters of small stars I remember to have seen, is situated just on the west border of it and would almost authorize a suspicion that the stars of which it is composed were collected from that place, and had left the vacancy."
Arthur von Auwers discovered a nova (T Sco = Nova Scorpii 1860) in M80 on 21 May 1860 at Konigsberg Observatory. The magnitude was estimated between 6.5 and 7.0, as bright as the entire cluster. It was seen by N.R. Pogson on 28 May, while observing the variables R and S Sco, which share the same field. He reported being startled by the appearance of a mag 7.6 star in the place of the cluster! Pogson assumed it was a new variable precisely along our line of sight to M80. T Sco is probably the first known variable star to be associated with a cluster.
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16 06 33.9 +72 29 40; UMi
V = 13.2; Size 1.8'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 120°
17.5" (5/14/88): faint, very small, round, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6094 = H. III-314 on 16 Mar
1785 (sweep 389) and recorded "eF, vS, lE, may be only a patch of a few eF
small stars." His position is
8' southeast of
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16 11 11.2 +61 16 04; Dra
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/15/91): faint, fairly small, round, fairly weak even concentration down to a small bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Very symmetrical appearance.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6095 = Sw. 3-93 on 27 May 1886
and recorded "eF; pS; R; in line with 2 stars. His position is 13 seconds west and 1.8' south of
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16 14 46.7 +26 33 32; CrB
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 122°
17.5" (7/24/95): very faint, very small, round,
20" diameter, very weak even concentration with a slightly brighter
core. Located 2.1' NE of mag 9.4
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6096 = m 307 on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R, bM." His position is accurate.
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16 14 26.2 +35 06 33; CrB
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 156°
17.5" (6/27/87): faint, very small, round, small
brighter core. Located 13.6' ESE
of mag 7.5
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6097 = St. 11-42 on 13 Jun 1871 and measured an initial position 2' to the NNE. His published micrometric position was made 9 years later on 7 Jun 1880 with description "nebulous star of mag 13."
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16 15 34.2 +19 27 42; Her
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (7/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 30"-40" diameter, well concentrated with a bright core. An extremely faint 16th magnitude star is close off the east side [24"from center]. A superimposed 15th mag star [just 7" S of center] was suspected but difficult to confirm. NGC 6098 is the northwest component of a similar contact pair of ellipticals with NGC 6099 0.6' SE. The halo of NGC 6098 seems slightly larger.
17.5" (5/28/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated,
stellar nucleus. Located 10.2' WSW
of mag 7.7
Truman Safford discovered NGC 6098 = Sf. 76 = Sw. 6-88, along with NGC 6099, on 24 Apr 1867. In his 1887 list (too late to be included in the main NGC table) Safford described a "double nebula, pretty faint, dist 40"." His position is off the southeast side of this close pair. Lewis Swift found the pair again on 3 Apr 1887 and recorded "eF; vS; R; B * f 41s and is n of it; F * f 16s; np of 2 [with NGC 6099]." Swift is credited with the discovery in the NGC.
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NGC 6099 = VV 192a = UGC 10299se = MCG +03-41-146 = CGCG 108-170 = PGC 57640
16 15 35.5 +19 27 11; Her
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 13.9°
24" (7/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, roundish, ~30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a small very
bright core, high surface brightness.
NGC 6099 and 6098 form a contact pair of ellipticals with the companion
just 36" NW between centers.
Situated 10' SW of mag 7.8
17.5" (5/28/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, stellar nucleus. Forms a very close double system with similar NGC 6098 off the NW edge and just 36" separation!
Truman Safford discovered NGC 6099 = Sf. 76 = Sw. 6-89, along with NGC 6098, on 24 Apr 1867. In his 1887 list (too late to be included in the main NGC table) Safford described a "double nebula, pretty faint, dist 40"." His position is off the southeast side of this close pair. Lewis Swift found the pair again on 3 Apr 1887 and reported it as the 89th object in his 6th discovery list: "eF; vS; R; forms D neb with above." Swift is credited with the discovery in the NGC.
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16 16 52.5 +00 50 27; Ser
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 120°
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is at the east end. A wide unequal double star is 1.5' NW consisting of a mag 9.5/13 pair at 30" separation.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6100 = Sw. 4-28 on 3 Jul 1886 and
recorded "eeF; vS; a B and a F * nr np. point to it; an eeF * close p; e
diff.". His position is 9
seconds west and 1.7' north of
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16 25 48.5 -72 12 05; Aps
V = 9.2; Size 10.7'; Surf Br = 0.1
18" (7/6/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x; fairly large but apparently loose globular with about two dozen stars resolved and little central concentration. At 228x at least three dozen stars mag 14 and fainter stars were resolved including a clump of faint stars near the center. At this power the periphery was quite irregular and ragged with most of the brighter resolved stars hugging close to the edges of the halo. A group of brighter mag 11 field stars are just off the NNE side. A mag 10 star lies 8' NW of center and a similar star is placed 7' SE. Located 28' SE of a mag 6.7 star.
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x appears moderately bright, fairly large, round, 4'-5' diameter. This globular had an unusual appearance, as there was only a weak concentration except for a very small brighter nucleus. At 228x, many mag 14-15 stars were superimposed over the background glow, while a number of faint stars huddled around the edges of the halo. Several of the faint, resolved stars reside very near the center and togethers they may have formed the "very small brighter nucleus" I noticed at only 128x.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 140x this moderately faint globular spans ~4' diameter with just a weak concentration. A scattering of mag 14 stars peppered the face of the cluster and at the edges of the irregular halo.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6101 = D 68 = h3623 on 1 Jun 1826 from his backyard observatory in Paramatta NSW. He described "A pretty large rather faint round nebula, about 3.5' or 4' diameter, a little brighter in the middle. There is a very small nebula on the N.p. side joining the margin of the large nebula." The "very small nebula on the N.p. side" is probably a few 12th magnitude stars. Dunlop's position was off by a relatively small 4'.
On 18 Jun 1835 (sweep 598), John Herchel recorded "Globular cluster, large, faint, round, very gradually a little brighter in the middle, all resolved into stars 15..18th mag, 4' diam, with stragglers. A delicate and beautiful object." A week later (sweep 605) he called it "pretty bright, large, irregularly round, gradually brighter in the middle, resolved into stars 13..16th mag; pretty compressed, diam 5' or 6' by estimation, approx. 50 seconds in RA. A fine object."
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16 15 37.0 +28 09 30; CrB
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 70°
17.5" (6/24/95): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness. A mag 12 star lies 3.1' NNE of center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6102 = m 308 on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is accurate.
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16 15 44.6 +31 57 50; CrB
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 80°
17.5" (6/18/93): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, low even surface brightness. Located on line between a mag 14 star 1.2' WNW and a mag 14.5 star 1.6' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6103 = H. III-888 = h1950 on 27 May 1791 (sweep 1013) and recorded "eF; vS; R; 300 showed it very plainly and of a considerable size." JH described it as "vF; vglbM; 30...40"." and measured an accurate position (2 sweeps).
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16 16 30.8 +35 42 28; CrB
V = 13.2; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5
24" (6/12/15): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
round, 30" diameter, broad weak concentration, no nucleus. Forms a physical pair with
17.5" (6/27/87): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak
concentration. Located 8.4' W of
mag 8.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 6104 = H. III-688 = h1951 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 739) and recorded "vF, cS, iR." His RA was 10 seconds too large. John Herschel made two observations and measured a more accurate position.
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16 17 09.3 +34 52 44; CrB
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8
18" (7/13/07): faint, small, oval 3:2 NW-SE,
0.5'x0.35'. Forms a close pair
with
17.5" (5/10/86): faint, very small, slightly elongated, small brighter core. Located 2.6' SW of NGC 6107 in cluster.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6105 = St. 11-43, along with NGC 6107, on 20 Jun 1871 and noted they differed by 12 seconds in RA and 1.5' in declination. His published micrometric position (list XI, #43) was made 9 years later on 1 Jul 1880. Stephan discovered all 7 NGC galaxies on this date though his logbook mentions 8 galaxies.
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16 18 47.3 +07 24 40; Her
V = 12.2; Size 2.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 140°
48" (5/10/18): at 375x; bright, large, elongated ~2:1 NW-SE, ~1.6'x0.8', large bright core, faint stellar nucleus. The large halo appeared as two irregular "wings", but there were no distinct spiral arms.
17.5" (5/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, gradually increases to a bright core, mottled appearance. A knot is visible on the west side (there is a brighter extension on the SW side on the POSS). A mag 15 star is 1.1' S of center and an extremely faint mag 16 star is just off the NNW end.
13.1" (7/5/83): fairly faint, fairly small, brighter core.
8" (7/5/83): very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6106 = H. II-151 = h1952 on 13 Apr 1784 (sweep 191) and recorded "not vF, pL, bM, roundish, r." John Herschel's description reads "F; pL; lE; vgbM; 50" l, 40" br."
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NGC 6107 = UGC 10311 = MCG +06-36-014 = CGCG 196-024 = WBL 612-002 = PGC 57728
16 17 20.1 +34 54 05; CrB
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 40°
18" (7/13/07): the largest and possibly brightest of 12 members of a cluster appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, broad concentration and then suddenly increased to a very small brighter nucleus. Situated just 0.9' SE of a mag 9 star that detracted from viewing. NGC 6105 and a near stellar companion lie 2.6' SW.
17.5" (5/10/86): this is the brightest member of the
NGC 6107 cluster. Fairly faint,
small, almost round, small bright core.
A mag 9 star (
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6107 = St. 11-44, along with NGC 6105, on 20 Jun 1871 and noted they differed by 12 seconds in RA and 1.5' in declination. His published micrometric position (list XI, #43) was made 9 years later on 1 Jul 1880.
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16 17 25.6 +35 08 09; CrB
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 124°
18" (7/13/07): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
25" diameter. A 15th
magnitude star is just off the WSW edge, 0.6' from center.
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated. A mag 15 star is at the
WSW edge 34" from center. This is one of the largest galaxies in the NGC
6107 cluster.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6108 = St. 11-45, along with 7 or 8 other cluster members, on 20 Jun 1871. His published micrometric position (list XI, #45) was made 9 years later on 10 Jul 1880.
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16 17 40.5 +35 00 15; CrB
V = 12.7; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7
18" (7/13/07): faint, small, round, 20" diameter, 20" diameter, weak concentration. Situated between NGC 6107 7.5' SSW and NGC 6110 5' N.
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter core. Member of the NGC 6107 cluster with NGC 6110 5.0' N.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6109 = St. 11-46, along with 7 or 8 other cluster members (shown on a diagram), on 20 Jun 1871. Another observation was made on 3 Jun 1878. His published micrometric position (list 11, #46) was made 9 years later on 7 Jul 1880.
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NGC 6110 = CGCG 196-027 = WBL 612-005 = PGC 57751
16 17 44.0 +35 05 13; CrB
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 105°
18" (7/13/07): faint, fairly small, round, 25"
diameter, weak concentration.
Slightly fainter than
17.5" (5/10/86): very faint, small, slightly elongated. In a trio with NGC 6112 3.7' ENE and an anonymous galaxy 1.9' SW, also nearby is NGC 6109 5.0' S. This is the faintest NGC galaxy in the NGC 6107 cluster.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6110 = St. 11-47, along with 7 or 8 other cluster members (shown on a diagram), on 20 Jun 1871. His published micrometric position (list XI, #47) was made 9 years later on 10 Jul 1880.
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16 14 22.4 +63 15 38; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 11°
24" (6/30/19): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, round, ~30" diameter, fairly high surface brightness. This is a double (merged) system with a
double nucleus and occasionally a faint "knot" was visible on the E
or SE edge (directly opposite
Forms a close pair with MCG +11-20-006, just 1.2' WNW. The companion appeared faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, diffuse with a very low even surface brightness.
17.5" (6/24/95): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, even surface brightness. Located 4.5' NW of a mag 9.5 star. Collinear with a faint double star 3' S (13/14.5 at 18").
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6111 = Sw. 9-57 on 31 May 1887
and recorded "vF; pS; lE; D * nr south points to it." The NGC position, based on personal
correspondence from Swift to Dreyer, is in error. His published position in his 9th discovery list is nearly a
degree further north and corresponds with
MCG and CGCG fail to label CGCG 320-014 as NGC 6111 and the
first edition of the Uranometria 2000 Atlas misplots NGC 6111. RNGC misidentifies
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NGC 6112 = MCG +06-36-017 = CGCG 196-028 = WBL 612-006 = PGC 57762
16 18 00.5 +35 06 37; CrB
V = 13.9; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4
18" (7/13/07): faint, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. This member of the NGC 6107 cluster is slightly brighter than NGC 6110 located 3.7' SW.
17.5" (5/10/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. Member of the NGC 6107 cluster with NGC 6110 3.7' WSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6112 = St. 11-48, along with 7 or 8 other cluster members (shown on a diagram), on 20 Jun 1871. His published micrometric position (list XI, #48) was made 9 years later on 7 Jul 1880.
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16 19 10.5 +14 08 01; Her
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 147°
17.5" (5/28/89): faint, very small, elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core. This galaxy is not identified as NGC 6113 in the CGCG or MCG.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6113 = Sw. 9-59 on 24 Jun 1878. His uncorrected position was 2' to the west. Stephan never published the discovery, though.
Lewis Swift rediscovered NGC 6113 on 19 Jun 1887 and recorded "eF; S; R." The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and referenced as list 6 in the NGC, but it was not published until his 9th list (#59) in 1890. His position is 2' northeast of CGCG 080-004 = PGC 57807. Swift was credited with the discovery.
Neither CGCG nor MCG label this galaxy as NGC 6113.
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16 18 23.6 +35 10 27; CrB
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 100°
18" (7/13/07): very faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter. Nestled in a
"W" shaped asterism of stars.
Located 6' NE of NGC 6112 and 6.4' WNW of
17.5" (5/10/86): faint, small, slightly elongated. Member of the NGC 6107 cluster with NGC 6116 6.4' ESE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6114 = St. 11-49 on 20 Jun 1871. His published micrometric position (list XI, #49) was made 9 years later on 10 Jul 1880.
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16 24 26 -51 56 54; Nor
V = 9.8; Size 3'
18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 236x): ~30 stars resolved
in a small 3' cluster. The
brightest mag 10.8 star is at the west edge and includes a number of mag
11.5-13 stars, mostly on the east side.
This cluster is unimpressive, though, as it sits in a glorious rich
Norma star field that overwhelms the cluster! Ruprecht 116, a scattered group of bright stars (brightest
is mag 8.6
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 6115 = D 379 = h3625 on 26 Jun 1826. He noted "a small faint round nebula, with a bright centre, slightly condensed to the center" and his position is just 5' NE the cluster.
John Herschel independently discovered NGC 6115 on 8 Jul 1834 (sweep 468) and recorded "A part of the milky way, so immensely rich as to be one vast cluster of clusters." His single position matches Ru 118. Sky Catalogue 2000.0 labels the cluster as Ru 118 and RNGC misclassifies the NGC 6115 as nonexistent (Type 7).
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NGC 6116 = UGC 10336 = MCG +06-36-021 = CGCG 196-032 = WBL 612-009 = PGC 57800
16 18 54.6 +35 09 14; CrB
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 12°
18" (7/13/07): faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.4', low even surface brightness. Last of a dozen galaxies viewed in the NGC 6107 cluster.
17.5" (5/10/86): faint, fairly small, broad concentration, elongated. NGC 6114 lies 6.4' WNW. Located at the east end of the NGC 6107 cluster.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6116 = St. 11-51, along with 7 or 8 other cluster members (shown on a diagram), on 20 Jun 1871. His published micrometric position (list XI, #51) was made 9 years later on 10 Jul 1880.
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16 19 18.2 +37 05 43; CrB
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8
18" (7/30/08): fairly faint, moderately large, oval
N-S, 0.9'x0.65'. There appears to
be a very small knot or star on the south side that may be detached. The surface is a bit mottled as if this
was a face-on spiral. Located 2.6'
S of a mag 9.7 star. Forms a pair with
17.5" (6/27/87): very faint, small, round, weak
concentration. A mag 14 star is
1.6' W of center. Located just
2.6' S of mag 9.5
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6117 = m 309 on 5 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, S, R." His declination is 1' too far south.
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16 21 48.6 -02 17 03; Ser
V = 11.7; Size 4.7'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 58°
13.1" (6/4/83): moderately large, elongated
WSW-ENE. This is a very diffuse
object with no concentration and ill-defined edges. Located 17' SW of mag 6.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 6118 = H. II-402 = h1953 on 14 Apr 1785 (sweep 400) and recorded "F, cL, E from sp to nf, about 3' l and 2' broad, r." John Herschel made a single observation on 15 Apr 1828 (sweep 146): "eF; vL; oval; 3' l, 2' br; cloudy; 3m preceding nearly in the parallel is a fine double star [STF 2033]." NGC 6118 is often mentioned as one of the most challenging objects on the Herschel 400 list.
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16 19 41.9 +37 48 23; CrB
V = 14.6; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 72°
17.5" (6/27/87): very faint, small, slightly
elongated. A mag 15 star is at the
south end just 19" from center.
Forms a trio with
John Herschel discovered NGC 6119 = h1954 on 27 Apr 1827 while observing nearby NGC 6120 and noted "vF; eS; R." His position falls closer to NGC 6120, but his relative position from NGC 6120 (7 seconds west and 100" north) is accurate.
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NGC 6120 = UGC 10343 = MCG +06-36-029 = CGCG 196-041 = I Zw 141 = Holm 739a = PGC 57842
16 19 48.0 +37 46 27; CrB
V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.2
17.5" (6/27/87): fairly faint, very small, almost round, even surface brightness. Located 2' N of a wide unequal double star mag 10/13 at 44". Brightest of three with NGC 6119 2.3' NW and NGC 6122 4.6' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6120 = H. III-623 = h1955 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 715) and noted "vF, vS, north of 2 stars. 300 confirmed it." John Herschel made 3 observations (first on 24 Apr 1827) and measured an accurate position. Nearby NGC 6119 and 6122, were discovered by John Herschel and Bigourdan, respectively.
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16 23 35.3 -26 31 32; Sco
V = 5.9; Size 26.3'; Surf Br = 1.1
24" (7/21/12 and 8/16/12): M4 displayed several orange/red supergiants, including the brightest star (mag 12) within the central bar. This star is situated at the northern intersection point of the bar and the partial oval ring of stars that extends mostly to the east of the bar. Another orange star is on the southwest side of the core, 4' from center. A bright, orange mag 10 star is on the SSW side of the halo, 6.5' from center. A wide, bright pair of orange stars (10.8/10.9 at 17") is SE of the bar (1.8' from center).
18" (7/12/07): at 225x, the remarkable 10' central region is bounded by a nearly complete ring of stars with a prominent string (bar) of brighter stars oriented SSW-NNE nearly bisecting the central region. The center of this ridge of stars is intersected by a dense, elongated ring of stars with major axis E-W, with the majority of the stars to the east of the bar. A wide, brighter pair of stars (10.8/10.9 at 17") to the SE of the bar has an orange tint. Sprays of stars appear to emanate from the bar in all directions with a beautiful arc of stars curving along the entire north side of the core. The outer halo is relatively sparse but includes a number of brighter stars and appears to extend 15'-18' in diameter.
17.5" (7/4/86): very bright, very large, 15' diameter. Resolved into an extremely dense swarm of several hundred stars with many stars arranged in strings. Appears fully resolved at moderate power including the distinctive bar extending N-S through the center. M4 is possibly the closest GC at a distance of 5600 light-years.
13.1" (6/19/82 and 8/16/82): the core is beautifully resolved including the bar which resolves into a number of faint stars. The halo is fully resolved with many star lanes.
8" (7/3/80): at 100x-125x; superb resolution of mag 11-13 stars. A brighter bar of stars extends N-S in the core. Somewhat straggling halo with some star-poor area.
Philippe Loys de Chéseaux discovered M4 = NGC 6121 = Lac I-9 by 1745-46 from Switzerland. Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille found it again in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. Messier observed the cluster the 4 May 1764 and called it a "cluster of very small stars; in an inferior telescopeit appears like a nebula." M4 is the only globular that Messier described as a star cluster!
William Herschel didn't include M4 in his three catalogs as he tried to avoid repeating the Messier objects. But he described M4 as "a rich cluster of considerably compressed small stars surrounded by many straggling ones. It contains a ridge of stars running through the middle from south preceding to north following. The ridge contains 8 or 10 pretty bright stars. All the stars are red." He noted in his 1814 publication that the observed red color was probably owing to the low elevation of M4, though there is one conspicuous red star in the bar. John Herschel has no entry in his Cape of Good Hope catalogue, though he undoubtedly observed this showpiece.
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NGC 6122 = MCG +06-36-032 = PGC 57858
16 20 09.5 +37 47 53; CrB
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 156°
17.5" (6/27/87): extremely faint, averted only, very small, round. Third and faintest of three in a group and located 4.6' ENE of NGC 6120 and 5.5' E of NGC 6119.
Édouard Stephan probably discovered NGC 6122 = Big. 78 on 10
Jun 1874 during an observation of NGC 6120, although he didn't record a
separate position in his notebook.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered it again on 6 May 1886.
Although there is nothing at his Comptes Rendus position for #78 (from 5
Dec 1887), his corrected position is 6' further north (published in the Corrections
table of his 1 Jul 1901 Comptes Rendus paper) and matches
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16 17 19.7 +61 56 21; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 4°
17.5" (4/15/93): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, small bright core, thin extensions. A mag 12.5 star is 1.4' SSW of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6123 = Sw. 2-40 in 1884-85 (exact date unknown) and recorded "pF; vS; E; * nr." His position was 15 seconds of time too far west. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 31 Aug 1888 as well as Hermann Kobold in Mar 1894.
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16 25 20 -40 39 12; Sco
V = 5.8; Size 29'
25" (4/5/19 - OzSky): gorgeous open cluster at 102x (31mm Nagler) and 244x (13mm Ethos). with several hundred resolved stars within a 25' field. Contains a very large number (perhaps 30) of 9th and 10th magnitude stars. There is a condensed group of roughly 3 dozen stars in the center, many forming easy but eye-catching pairs. The central stars are distributed irregularly with a nearly vacant lane running roughly NW to SE. The "halo" stars are spread out fairly evenly and a roughly circular outline of ~25'. Two 10" pairs forming a wide "double-double" is close east of the central group.
13.1" (6/18/85): bright, fairly rich, large, roughly 125 stars are resolved.
8" (6/27/81): fairly large but scattered, richer in center.
16x80mm (6/18/85): this bright cluster appears partially resolved even in my 16x80 finder.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6124 = Lac I-8 = D 514 = h3626 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x. It described it as "a fairly big tailless comet."
James Dunlop observed the cluster on 5 nights (first on 10 May 1826) with summary description, "a round cluster of small stars of nearly equal magnitudes, about 12' diameter, considerably congregated to the centre, not rich in small stars. This answers to the place of 44 Normae, but there is no nebula."
On 5 Jun 1834 (sweep 456), John Herschel logged "Viewed; a brilliant cluster class VII.; p rich, L, irregularly scattered, fills field, stars 8,9,10,11th mag." On 4 Aug 1834 he recorded the cluster as "cluster, bright, large, loosely scattered, not much compressed in the middle, fills nearly a field, consists of about 50 or 60 stars 9..11th mag."
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16 19 33.4 +57 36 55; Dra
V = 12.0; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.7
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 6125 = H. II-810 on 24 Apr
1789 (sweep 928) and noted "pF, pS, lE." His position is close to
But in an email on 28 Jan 2013, Steinicke wrote, "I've
now detected that [
This galaxy was also found twice by Swift on 6 Jul 1886 and
on 28 Jun 1886, so it received two more NGC numbers, NGC 6127 and
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16 21 27.9 +36 22 36; CrB
V = 13.6; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (6/18/93): faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, broadly concentration halo, slightly brighter core. Located 1.6' S of a mag 10.5 star.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6126 = St. 12-8 on 19 Jun 1871. His initial position was 3' to the NNE. Stephan's accurate micrometric position was made exactly 9 years later on 19 Jun 1880 with description "F, vS, R, bM, small nucleus."
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NGC 6127 = NGC 6128 = UGC 10345 = MCG +10-23-065 = CGCG 298-029 = I Zw 142 = PGC 57812
16 19 11.5 +57 59 03; Dra
V = 12.0; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (6/15/91): moderately bright, fairly small, 1.5' diameter, round. Sharp concentration with a small very bright core containing a stellar nucleus, faint round halo.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6127 = Sw. 4-29 on 6 Jul 1886 and logged "pF; vS; R." His position matches UGC 10345. He found this galaxy again just 3 weeks later (28 Jul) and recorded it as Sw. 4-30 = NGC 6128. His positions and descriptions are nearly identical, so it seems odd that neither Swift nor Dreyer suggested the equivalence NGC 6127 = NGC 6128.
It's been assumed that William Herschel discovered this galaxy and logged it as H. II- 810 (later NGC 6125) with a 20' error in declination. But Wolfgang Steinicke has shown that William could not have seen this galaxy, as it is too far north in his sweep. Instead, H. II-810 applies to NGC 6130.
******************************
NGC 6128 = NGC 6127 = NGC 6125 = UGC 10345 = MCG +10-23-065 = CGCG 298-029 = I Zw 142 = PGC 57812
16 19 11.5 +57 59 03; Dra
V = 12.0; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.7
See observing notes for NGC 6127.
Lewis Swift found NGC 6128 = Sw. 4-30 on 28 July 1886 and logged "pF, pS, R, bM." His position is less than 1' northeast of the center of UGC 10345. He discovered this galaxy just 3 weeks earlier on 6 July 1886 and included it in the same list as Sw. 4-29 = NGC 6127. Neither Swift nor Dreyer assumed an equivalence, although the positions and descriptions are very similar. So, NGC 6128 = NGC 6127. According to Wolfgang Steinicke, NGC 6125 = H II-180 is not the original observation of this galaxy. See notes on NGC 6125.
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16 21 43.2 +37 59 45; CrB
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
24" (7/22/14): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
24" diameter, weak concentration.
Forms a pair (similar redshift) with
17.5" (6/27/87): faint, very small, slightly elongated, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6129 = H. III-891 on 30 May 1791 (sweep 1015) and recorded "eF, vS, R, lbM. 300 confirmed it with great ease." His position was accurate.
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NGC 6130 = UGC 10347 = MCG +10-23-066 = CGCG 298-030 = PGC 57828
16 19 33.4 +57 36 55; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 25°
17.5" (6/15/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2
SSW-NNE, almost even surface brightness.
Several brighter stars in field including mag 8
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6130 = Sw. 4-31 on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "pF; pL; R; B * near preceding." His position is just 4 sec of RA east of UGC 10347 and the comment about the bright star applies.
But according to Wolfgang Steinicke, William Herschel discovered this galaxy on 24 Apr 1789 (sweep 928) and noted II-810 as "pF, pS, lE." Wolfgang states that WH's offset from SAO 29727 matches UGC 10347. In this case, NGC 6130 = NGC 6125.
Dreyer assumed that WH made a 20' error in dec for II-810 and NGC 6125 = NGC 6127 = NGC 6128. Corwin concurs with Dreyer's identification.
******************************
16 21 52.5 +38 55 56; CrB
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (6/27/87): very faint, small, round. Located 3.5' E of mag 9
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6131 = St. 12-84 on 11 Jun 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position 5' too far SSE. On 15 Jun 1882 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "very faint, pretty large, irregularly round, diffuse."
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16 23 38.8 +11 47 10; Her
V = 13.6; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 127°
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, small, elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is 1' SE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6132 = St. 7-7 on 17 Jun
1876. His micrometric position
(recorded on July 16th) is very accurate.
Lewis Swift apparently found this galaxy again on 22 Jul 1897 and
recorded Sw. 11-183 = IC 4602 as "eeeF; S; lE; F * near following; 2
bright stars south nearly point to it; eee diff." There is nothing near Swift's position,
but 1 degree south is NGC 6132 and his description of the nearby stars fits. So NGC 6132 = IC 4602. See Harold
Corwin's identification notes for more on
******************************
16 20 17.2 +56 39 08; Dra
= ***??, Corwin. =**?, Gottlieb.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6133 = Sw. 5-69 on 23 Oct 1886
and recorded "eeeF; S; cE; ee diff." There is nothing at his position. One possible candidate is
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16 27 46 -49 09 06; Nor
V = 7.2; Size 7'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x, NGC 6134 is a bright, fairly large open cluster, at least 10' diameter,
with roughly 150 stars resolved from mag 10 and fainter. Many of the stars are arranged in
chains, loops and rings although there was no central concentration. The brightest mag 9.3 star (
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6134 = D 412 = h3627 on 10 May 1826. His summary description reads "a pretty large round nebula, about 4' diameter, gradually a little brighter towards the centre. There is a small star on the north, and another on the south side, both involved. This is easily resolved into stars, with slight compression to the centre." He claimed 4 observations, though his notebook reveals he made a total of 7.
On 5 Jul 1834, John Herschel recorded "a pretty rich loose large, roundish cluster of stars 12..14th mag, 7' diameter, not m comp M." On 15 Apr 1836 he called it "VII class, rich, L, gradually a little compressed in the middle, irregularly round, 12', stars 13,14,15th mag, nearly fills field."
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16 14 24.9 +64 58 58; Dra
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 45°
18" (7/30/08): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated nearly 3:1 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.35', broad concentration. A mag 14 star is just off the west edge [30" from the center]. The identification of this galaxy with NGC 6135 is very uncertain as it differs quite a bit from Swift's position.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6135 = Sw. 4-32 on 9 Jul 1886 and
recorded "vF, vS, cE, 2 st nr."
There is nothing near his position. Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6135 may apply to
RNGC classifies NGC 6135 nonexistent and neither CGCG, MCG or PGC label PGC 57580 as NGC 6135.
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16 20 59.4 +55 58 14; Dra
V = 14.6; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 95°
17.5" (6/15/91): extremely faint, very small, round,
very low even surface brightness.
A nice row of stars is just north consisting of four mag 11-12 stars
oriented WNW-ESE ending at mag 8.5
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6136 = Sw. 4-33 on 6 Jul 1886 and
recorded "eeeF; S; R; nearly between 5 pB stars in a curve north and 3 F
stars in a curve south; ee diff.".
His position and description matches
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16 23 03.2 +37 55 19; CrB
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 175°
24" (7/22/14): at 375x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 N-S, 0.8'x0.5', broad concentration with a brighter core. Increases in size with averted vision. A mag 14.3 star is 1' E and a mag 14.8 star is 1' NW.
Three galaxies are aligned in a string to the NNW.
17.5" (6/27/87): faint, small, slightly elongated oval. Located between two mag 14 stars 1.0' NW and 1.0' E. Forms a close pair with NGC 6137B 1.7' NW. The companion appeared extremely faint, very small, round. A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' S (same one 1' NW of NGC 6137).
William Herschel discovered NGC 6137 = H. III-624 = h1956 on 17 Mar 1787 (sweep 715) and recorded "vF, S, bM. Discovered with 300x." On 9 May 1826 (sweep 73) John Herschel noted, "F; S; R; bM." Édouard Stephan made observations on 2 Jun 1878 and 20 Jun 1878, though I don't know if he picked up the companion to the north.
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17 22 40.0 +41 06 06; Her
See observing notes for
18" (7/29/08): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 25"x12", weak concentration.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6138 = St. 2-2 on 28 Jun
1869. His uncorrected position was
within 2' of NGC 6363, but his published position was roughly 25' west of NGC
6145 (within
RNGC and PGC (as well as secondary sources) misidentify MCG
+07-34-020 = PGC 58070 as NGC 6138.
This is an edge-on galaxy located 7' north of
******************************
16 27 40 -38 50 54; Sco
V = 9.0; Size 5.5'; Surf Br = 2.3
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this globular appeared moderately bright and well concentrated to a bright 1' core. The halo spanned ~3.5' and the overall structure was symmetric. A number of very faint stars winked in and out of view with the seeing and the cluster appeared on the verge of extensive resolution at 171x. I didn't examine it, though, at higher power.
8" (6/27/81): faint, small, even concentration to core. Although easily visible, there was no resolution.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6139 = D 536 = h3628 on 13 May 1826. His summary description (based on two observation) reads, "a round nebula, about 1' diameter, bright immediately at the centre, and very faint from the bright nucleus to the margin. Another observation makes the figure rather elliptical, with a bright nucleus." His position was pretty poor -- 23' east of center.
John Herschel acknowledged Dunlop's discovery despite the poor position and observed the globular on 4 nights. On 24 Jun 1834 (sweep 459) he logged "vB, R, pL, pgmbM, 2.5'. Evidently a globular, but moonlight very bright and near full, and I cannot see the individual stars." Four nights later (sweep 461) he wrote "pB, R, pgbM, resolvable, with left eye I can barely discern a few of the stars."
Using the Great Melbourne Telescope on 2 Jun 1877, Joseph Turner called it "very finely stippled but too faint for any stars to be seen distinctly" (p. 137 in logbook).
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16 20 57.3 +65 23 23; Dra
V = 11.3; Size 6.3'x4.6'; Surf Br = 14.8; PA = 95°
24" (7/22/14): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, broad concentration. Often a thin brighter "bar" oriented WSW-ENE stands out. It appears offset from center as the south portion of the halo is very weak. At 375x, a narrow spiral arm oriented E-W was occasionally visible just south of the bar, and it extends slightly further east than the brighter central region. A mag 11.5 star lies 2.3' NW and several mag 15 stars are nearby.
17.5" (7/9/88): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated ~E-W, broadly concentrated halo, very faint extensions. A mag 12 star lies 2.2' NW. Bracketed by three mag 15 stars 1.4' SE, 1.6' NNE and 1.9' SW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6140 = H. III-740 on 3 Jun
1788 (only nebula in sweep 845) and logged "cF, pL, iE." There is nothing at his position but 95
sec of RA following is
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16 23 06.4 +40 51 30; Her
V = 14.8; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (7/18/01): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated 25"x20". With
direct vision contains a fairly faint quasi-stellar nucleus. Since this galaxy is not in the MCG or
CGCG I expected the observation to be more difficult. A wide pair of mag 11/12 stars lies 3.5' NE and a mag 14.5
star is 1.2' N. The RNGC
incorrectly identifies
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6141 = Big. 79 on 27 May
1886. There is nothing at his
Comptes Rendus position, but 3.2' due north is
The RNGC and HyperLEDA misidentifies NGC 6147 = MCG +07-34-023 as NGC 6141. This galaxy is located 2.7 minutes of time east and 4.8' north of Bigourdan's position. See my RNGC Corrections #2 and Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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16 23 21.1 +37 15 29; CrB
V = 13.8; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 165°
17.5" (6/24/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, broad weak concentration. A mag 15 star is just off the SW edge 55" from center. Located almost at midpoint of two mag 12/12.5 stars 5.6' N and 4.4' S. Two mag 14.5-15 between 2'-3' NW are collinear with the galaxy.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6142 = H. III-892 on 30 May
1791 (sweep 1015) and recorded "eF, S, bM." Recomputing his offset from 25 Her shows his position is
less than 1' too far south and exact in RA. UGC does not label
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16 21 42.4 +55 05 09; Dra
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (6/20/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
weak concentration. Bracketed by
two bright stars; a mag 10 star 2.3' ESE and mag 8.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 6143 = H. II-811 on 24 Apr
1789 (sweep 928) and recorded "pB, iR, vgvlbM." His position (Caroline's reduction) is
20 sec of RA east of
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16 27 14.0 -26 01 25; Sco
V = 9.1; Size 9.3'; Surf Br = 1.1
18" (7/26/06): at 325x roughly two dozen stars were resolved over an irregular, scraggly glow. A mag 12 star at the west edge is probably a field star. Very weak central condensation (concentration class XI) so the appearance does not look like a typical globular.
17.5" (6/6/86): about 20 stars mag 12-14 resolved at 286x. The brightest mag 12 star is at the west edge. Located 37' NW of Antares. This globular is about 30,000 light years away or 5 times the distance of nearby M4.
13.1" (6/18/85): a dozen very faint stars are resolved at 220x over haze. Includes a string of stars to the SE.
13.1" (6/19/82): just resolves in steady moments into perhaps 15 very faint stars over haze. Otherwise the globular is very lively and mottled.
8" (6/5/81): faint, small. A mag 12 star is at the SW end but no other resolution. Located 40' NW of Antares.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6144 = H. VI-10 = h3629 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "a very close considerably L cluster of the smallest stars imaginable; all the stars are of a dusky red colour. This cluster is the next step to an easily resolvable nebula." John Herschel called the globular "pL; oval; gbM; resolved."
David Frew suggested that
******************************
NGC 6145 = MCG +07-34-021 = CGCG 224-017 = Holm 747a = PGC 58074
16 25 02.4 +40 56 48; Her
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 2°
18" (7/29/08): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.7'x0.35', weak concentration. First of 3 in a NNW-SSE line with NGC 6147 1.3' SSE and brighter NGC 6146 3.6' SSE within AGC 2197.
17.5" (7/24/95): faint, fairly small, 1.0' diameter,
slightly elongated N-S. Similar
size to
17.5" (7/5/86): faint, weak concentration, elongated ~N-S. Forms a pair with NGC 6146 3.5' SE. Member of AGC 2197.
13.1" (8/5/83): extremely faint, small, elongated N-S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6145 = h1957 on 12 May 1828,
while observing nearby NGC 6146 (discovered by his father). He logged it as "F; R; bM; sky
very clear." and his position was less than 1' south of
******************************
NGC 6146 = UGC 10379 = MCG +07-34-024 = CGCG 224-018 = PGC 58080
16 25 10.4 +40 53 33; Her
V = 12.5; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 75°
18" (7/29/08): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6', well concentrated with a very small bright core, bright stellar nucleus. Two mag 13/14 stars 1.2' and 2' E. In a line with NGC 6147 2.3' NNW and NGC 6145 3.6' NNW in AGC 2197.
17.5" (7/24/95): moderately bright, fairly small, 1.0' diameter, slightly elongated E-W. Broad concentration with a fairly high surface brightness core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.2' E of center. Brightest of a collinear trio with NGC 6145 3.6' NNW and NGC 6147 2' NNW in AGC 2197.
17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, almost round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 6145 3.5' NW.
13.1" (8/5/83): fairly faint, moderately large. Forms a pair with NGC 6145.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6146 = H. III-638 = h1958 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "vF, vS." His RA was 7 seconds too large, but the identification is definite.
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NGC 6147 = MCG +07-34-023 = Holm 747b = PGC 58077
16 25 05.8 +40 55 44; Her
V = 15.1; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (7/29/08): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Located 2.3' NNW of NGC 6146 and 1.4' SSE of NGC 6145 within AGC 2197. The three galaxies are collinear.
17.5" (7/24/95): extremely faint and small, 15" diameter, round. Only able to glimpse repeatedly <25% of time with averted vision. Faintest of trio and situated 1.4' SE of NGC 6145 and 2' NW of NGC 6146 in AGC 2197. Incorrect identification in the RNGC.
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered
NGC 6147 on 26 May 1849. He noted
"2 new neb, alpha (on diagram) eF st, Beta small." The diagram clearly shows NGC 6147 =
PGC 58077 (labeled as Alpha) on a line between NGC 6146 (not labeled) and NGC
6145 (labeled Beta), with NGC 6147 slightly closer to NGC 6145. The direction of drift is not shown but
is presumably down in the diagram. Dreyer later added the parenthetical comment
"Query h1957 [NGC 6145] and h1958 [NGC 6146] and one Nova." One faint star (labeled alpha) is shown
on the diagram and it appears to correspond with
MCG and UGC (notes section) does not label PGC 58077 as NGC 6147. The RNGC misidentifies PGC 58078 as NGC 6147 and mislabels NGC 6147 as NGC 6141.
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16 27 04.0 +24 05 36; Her
V = 16.1; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 60°
24" (7/7/13): at 282x appeared faint to very faint,
very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 15"x10", low even surface
brightness. Can just hold steadily
with averted. Located 9' SSE of
mag 8.9
17.5" (5/28/89): not found.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6148 = m 310 on 10 Jun 1864 and
noted "vF, S, with **."
There is nothing at his position.
RNGC identifies
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16 27 24.3 +19 35 50; Her
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 22°
17.5" (5/28/89): faint, very small, round, bright core,
stellar nucleus. Located 3.8' N of
mag 8.7
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6149 = Sw. 6-90 on 3 Apr 1887 and
recorded "vF; pS; R; pB * nr south." His position is just 6 seconds west of
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16 25 50.0 +40 29 19; Her
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.4'; PA = 61°
18" (7/30/08): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2
SW-NE, 24"x16", gradually increases to the center. Forms a close pair with
17.5" (5/23/87): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, weak concentration. MCG +07-34-033 lies 9.5' E. This is a double system (unresolved) on the southwest side of AGC 2197.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6150 = H. III-639 = h1959 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "eF, eS." Caroline's reduced position is 10 seconds of RA east of CGCG 224-022 (double system). John Herschel recorded on 28 Apr 1827 (sweep 73), "F; S; R."
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16 38 25.2 -73 15 09; Aps
Size 0.9'
18" (4/6/16 - Coonabarabran, 139x and 236x): at 139x, this asterism (very small group of faint stars) appeared fairly faint grainy patch, less than 1' in diameter. At 236x, two or three mag 14.5-15 stars were occasionally resolved. Situated 2.5' WSW of a mag 11 star and nearly collinear with a closer mag 13 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6151 = h3630 on 29 Jun 1835 and recorded "vF and S; is pointed to by 2 small stars 9m and 14m; the * 9m is the only one of that magnitude within 6'." His position corresponds with a 1' group of at least 7 stars. A 10th and 14th magnitude star are collinear to the east-northeast (by ~1.5' and 2.5'), matching his description. Harold Corwin also identifies this group of stars as NGC 6151.
ESO and PGC (and modern sources that follow these sources)
misidentify
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16 32 46 -52 38 36; Nor
Size 30'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): At 76x (27mm Panoptic), this is a large 30' cluster in a glorious Milky Way field. A couple of hundred stars generally mag 10 and fainter are resolved including a few dense clumps of stars. Many of the stars are arranged in loops and knots. A wide mag 8/10 pair is on the east side. The surrounding region is rich, so the cluster does no stand out except at low power.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6152 = h3631 on 8 Jul 1834 and logged a large and coarse milky way cluster, tolerably insulated, composed of large stars." His position is near the center of this large cluster.
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16 31 30.5 -40 15 13; Sco
V = 10.9; Size 28"x21"
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly bright, fairly small, almost round, picked up at 62x. Striking location as forms the southern vertex of a small "kite" or cruciform asterism (rhombus) with two mag 10 stars 2.6' N and 2.7' NW and a mag 9.5 star 2.5' NE. Although prominent, this planetary is very far south for viewing from northern California.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 6153 on 27 May 1883 near Lake Titicaca, using a 6.1" refractor with a direct vision Vogel-spectroscope. The position given in Copernicus III (1884) is just 1' too far north. In 1926, Willem van den Bos at the Cape Observatory, reported "This object is a planetary as seen through the 26 1/2-inch reractor. Major axis 28", Minor axis 22" in PA 7°-187°." The same year, W.S. Finsen called it a ring nebula.
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16 25 30.6 +49 50 24; Her
V = 12.7; Size 2.1'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.1
24" (6/30/19): at 282x and 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, ~50" diameter, strong concentration with a very small bright nucleus. Two mag 12.3/14.4 stars close NW are nearly collinear with the galaxy.
17.5" (7/2/89): fairly faint, fairly small. Sharp concentration with an elongated NW-SE core and a faint rounder halo with no distinct edges.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6154 = H. III-680 on 15 May
1787 (sweep 737) and recorded "eF, S, easily resolvable, near some small
stars." Caroline Herschel's
reduction was 10 sec of RA east and 2' north of
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16 26 08.5 +48 21 59; Her
V = 12.2; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 145°
17.5" (7/2/89): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, broadly concentrated halo. Located equidistant from two double stars; a mag 9.5/12.5 at 30" separation is 3.2' SW and an evenly matched mag 14 pair at 12" separation is 3.3' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6155 = H. II-690 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 735) and recorded "F; pL; gbM; iF." His position is 37 sec of RA too large. He logged this galaxy again on 13 Apr 1788 (sweep 832) and noted "eF, S, iF." His RA on this sweep was 17 sec too large. Bigourdan's measured an accurate position on 29 May 1884 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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16 34 52.3 -60 37 06; TrA
V = 11.6; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 0°
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W, 0.8'x0.6', high but irregular surface brightness, slightly brighter core. Appears brightest, though, at the west end; either a faint star is superimposed or perhaps a knot in the galaxy. Situated in a very rich star field with a mag 11 star 1.7' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6156 = h3632 on 24 Apr 1835 and logged "pF; lE; glbM; 50" long." A second observation called this galaxy "pF; R; gpmbM; 45"; in a field full of small stars."
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16 25 48.4 +55 21 38; Dra
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.5'; PA = 19°
17.5" (6/20/87): very faint, very small, almost round,
brighter core. A mag 15 star is
off the SW edge just 20" from the center. Located 13' ENE of mag 7.0
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6157 = Sw. 4-34 on 28 Jun 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; v diff." His position is fairly accurate.
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16 27 40.9 +39 22 59; Her
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 81°
18" (8/12/10): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
E-W, 25"x20", sharply concentrated with a very small bright
core.
13.1" (5/26/84): faint, very small, round. Located 2.1' NW of a mag 10 star and
5.3' N of a second mag 10 star.
Brighter than the faint companions of
William Herschel discovered NGC 6158 = H. II-647 on 17 Mar
1787 (sweep 715) and recorded "F, S, iF. Discovered with 300, but I could see very well with the
sweeping power. The time
inaccurate." His rough
position is ~1 min of RA east of
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16 27 25.1 +42 40 47; Her
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (7/2/89): fairly faint, easy with direct vision,
small, round, bright core.
Collinear with mag 8.8
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6159 = St. 10-30 on 2 Jun 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position 10' too far south. On 20 Jul 1879 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "very faint, small, irregularly round, little brighter middle."
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16 27 41.2 +40 55 36; Her
V = 13.2; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 65°
18" (7/29/08): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, ~40"x25", very small bright core ~10"x6". Two mag 14 stars are at the NE end. A few times I glimpsed an extremely faint star or stellar galaxy (2MASX J16273992+4054518) just off the SW end. A number of faint galaxies are huddled nearby:
2MASX J16282511+4051298 (9' SE): faint, small, round (elongated on DSS), 22" diameter, very small brighter core.
17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WSW-ENE, small brighter core. Two mag 14 stars are just off the NE side 23" and 37" from the center. Member of the galaxy cluster AGC 2197 with NGC 6146 28' WSW.
13.1" (8/5/83): faint, diffuse, moderately large, slightly elongated, extremely faint star at the NE edge. Located 28' E of NGC 6146.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6160 = H. II-652 = h1960 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "F, pL, r." His RA was 10 seconds too large. John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate RA.
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16 28 20.6 +32 48 38; Her
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 159°
24" (7/15/15): at 375x; fairly faint, small, elongated nearly 2:1 N-S, 24"x12", very small bright nucleus. A mag 16 star is at the south tip.
24" (6/16/12): at 322x this member of
18" (6/7/08): this is the third brightest member of the
HCG 82 quarter. At 260x it
appeared very faint, small, elongated ~5:2 N-S, 33"x12". Located 2.3' S of
18" (8/3/05): the third brightest member of HCG 82 appeared
very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, just 0.3'x0.2'. Forms the southwest vertex of a small
right triangle with NGC 6162 2.2' N and
17.5" (8/14/96): the third brightest member of HCG 82 appears very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S, slightly brighter core. In a compact quartet with HCG 82D 50" WNW and NGC 6162 = HCG 82A 2.3' due north.
17.5" (7/2/89): very faint, very small, low even
surface brightness. In a tight
trio (HCG 82 group) with NGC 6162 2.3' N and NGC 6163 2.6' NNE. Located 10' NE of mag 7
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6161 = St. 1-4, along with NGC 6162 and 6163, on 11 Jun 1869. He only mentioned 2 nebulae in his notebook (NGC 6162 and 6163), but reduced the positions of all 3 on 30 Jun 1870, so NGC 6161 was also likely observed.
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NGC 6162 = HCG 82A = UGC 10403 = MCG +06-36-047 = CGCG 168-014 = PGC 58238
16 28 22.3 +32 50 57; Her
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 30°
24" (7/15/15): at 375x; fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 24"x20", very small bright nucleus.
24" (6/16/12): at 322x appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.3', very small bright core. Slightly smaller and fainter NGC 6263 lies 1.2' E.
18" (6/7/08): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE,
0.4'x0.25'. Forms a similar pair with slightly fainter NGC 6163 just 1.2' E in
the HCG 82 quartet. Located 10' NE
of mag 6.9
18" (8/3/05): the brightest member of HCG 82 appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.3'. Contains a very small slightly brighter core with direct vision. Forms a very close pair with NGC 6163 = HCG 82B just 1.2' E and a right triangle with NGC 6161 2' S.
17.5" (8/14/96): this galaxy is the brightest in the very compact HCG 82. Appears faint, small, slightly elongated, ~30" diameter, slightly brighter core, very faint stellar nucleus. In the quartet are NGC 6163 1.2' E, NGC 6161 2.3' S and HCG 82D 2.5' SW.
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, small, round, bright core. Brightest of HCG 82 with NGC 6163 1.2' E and NGC 6161 2.3' S. Located 10' NE of mag 7 SAO 65320.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6162 = St. 1-5, along with NGC 6163 and 6161, on 11 Jun 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position 4' too far SE. His published position was reduced on 30 Jun 1870. He made a second observation on 5 Jun 1878 and probably discovered NGC 6161.
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NGC 6163 = MCG +06-36-048 = CGCG 168-015 = HCG 82B = PGC 58250
16 28 27.8 +32 50 47; Her
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.45'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 54°
24" (7/15/15): at 375x; fairly faint, small, elongated N-S, 24"x18", very small bright nucleus.
24" (6/16/12): at 322x this member of HCG 82 appeared faint to fairly faint, small, elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.25' very small brighter nucleus. Forms a very close pair with NGC 6162 1.2' W.
18" (6/7/08): just slightly fainter than similar NGC 6162 1.2' W. At 260x appeared faint, small, elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.25'. NGC 6161 lies 2.7' SW.
18" (8/3/05): second brightest member of HCG 82 appeared faint, small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.4'x0.3'. Appears pretty similar to NGC 6162 1.2' W, but it slightly fainter with a less concentrated core.
17.5" (8/14/96): second brightest of four in HCG 82 located just 1.2' following NGC 6162. Appears very faint, small, slightly elongated, ~30" diameter. More weakly concentrated and slightly fainter than NGC 6162 but has a similar size.
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, very small, elongated N-S, weak concentration. Second brightest of three in HCG 82 with NGC 6162 1' W and NGC 6161 3' SSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6163 = St. 1-6, along with NGC 6162 and 6161, on 11 Jun 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position 4' too far SSE. On 30 Jun 1870 he measured an accurate micrometric position and described the trio (with NGC 6161) as "very small and faint, a little brighter middle. (NGC 6161) and (NGC 6163) are nearly equal. (NGC 6162) a little less faint.
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16 33 52.4 -48 06 40; Nor
Size 6'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
striking bi-polar nebula was quite impressive at 200x and UHC filter. The two bright loops or arcs are
symmetrically placed along the rim, 2.6' NW and 3' SE of center with the
southeastern arc brighter. The
interior of the rim is filled with a fainter glow and the entire object forms a
slightly elongated, 6.2'x5.2' oval.
The nebula is dominated by the mag 6.8 central star (rRE magnetic O-type
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
bipolar emission nebula was a startling sight at 171x and UHC filter! A bright illuminating star (HD 148937
at V = 6.8) is surrounded by two lobes or loops to the NW (NGC 6164) and SE
(
John Herschel discovered NGC 6164 = h3633 on 1 Jul 1834, along with NGC 6165, and recorded "Neb violently suspected immediately preceding a double star." His rough position (marked as approximate in RA and Dec (nearest arcmin)) is less than 2' south of the northwest wing of this large emission shell. NGC 6165 refers to the southeast wing.
In 1959, Karl Henize announded this object as "A new planetary nebula NGC 6164-65 (Cederblad 135a, b)." He wrote "This object is clearly a planetary nebula from a morphological viewpoint, but spectroscopic observations of the nebula and central star are required to determine whether or not it fits this description from an evolutionary point of view." As a result Sulentic and Tifft's RNGC misclassified NGC 6164.6165 as a planetary nebula. The illuminating star is a massive, evolved O-star, losing mass from its outer layers through a strong stellar wind.
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NGC 6165 = ESO 226-014 = Gum 52 = RCW 107 = Ced 135b
16 34 03 -48 09 12; Nor
Size 6'
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this striking bi-polar nebula was quite impressive at 200x and UHC filter. The two bright loops or arcs are symmetrically placed along the rim, 2.6' NW and 3' SE of center with the southeast arc brighter. The interior of the rim is filled with a fainter glow and the entire object forms a slightly elongated, 6.2'x5.2' oval. The nebula is dominated by the mag 6.8 central star (HD 148937). Mag 9 HD 148988 lies 3' NE of center.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this bipolar emission nebula was a startling sight at 171x and UHC filter! A bright illuminating star (HD 148937 at V = 6.8) is surrounded by two lobes or loops to the northwest (NGC 6164) and southeast (NGC 6165). Both loops contain brighter arcs symmetrically placed at the opposite ends. This is a large object, ~6' diameter, with the southeast knot a bit brighter. A mag 9 star is 3' NE, outside the nebulosity. Located near the midpoint of mag 4.5 Epsilon Normae 1.3° NW and NGC 6188/6193 a similar distance SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6165 = h3634 on 1 Jul 1834, along with NGC 6164, and recorded "F; S; lE; vglbM; 35"; certain; follows a double star." His position corresponds with the bright arc on the southeast end. Harold Corwin notes the central star is not double on the DSS.
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NGC 6166 = UGC 10409 = VV 364 = MCG +07-34-060 = CGCG 224-039 = 3C 338 = Holm 751a = PGC 58265
16 28 38.4 +39 33 05; Her
V = 11.8; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 35°
18" (7/13/07): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, clumpy with a brighter core. The major axis is collinear with mag 14 star 2.7' NE. This cD galaxy is surrounded by a swarm of very small, faint galaxies and 10 companions were viewed from Lassen within a 9' circle!
17.5" (8/1/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 SW-NE, broad concentration.
Brightest and largest of seven galaxies in AGC 2199 within a 5'
circle! The following close
companions were viewed:
13.1" (5/26/84): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated. Brightest and largest in AGC 2199. Several faint companions are near.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6166 = H. II-875 = h1961 on 30 May 1791 (sweep 1015) and recorded "pB, S, lE, vgmbM." His position was poor - roughly 20 seconds of RA too far west and 3' too far north. John Herschel made a single observation, "F; S; R." and measured an accurate position.
Édouard Stephan made several observations, though I don't know which companions he saw as he only gave a single position (though noted 3 new on 16 Jun 1876). See Harold Corwin's identification notes for a discussion of the close companions and the letter suffixes.
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16 34 35 -49 46 18; Nor
V = 6.7; Size 8'
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): this bright cluster contains
roughly 150 stars in a 10' region.
The brightest mag 7.4 star (
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): about 50 stars within a 10' diameter at 63x. Bright, fairly large, rich and pretty with both bright and faint stars. Includes many faint stars over unresolved haze. Includes curved arcs of stars and a nice string of stars to the south. The brightest mag 7.4 star is at the west side. Located on the Norma-Ara border.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6167 = D 400 = D 401 = h3635 on 26 Jun 1826 with his 9-inch reflector from Parramatta, New South Wales. His description for D 400 reads, "a pretty large faint nebula, about 6' diameter, easily resolvable, round figure, with two rows of small stars following." and his position is 15' too far NE. D 401 (from 26 Jun) was described as "A very faint cluster of small stars, with a branch extended; the head of the cluster is rich in small stars." His position was 16.5' too far ESE.
On 15 Apr 1836 (sweep 693), John Herschel recorded "a large irregular cluster of loose stars 11..14th magnitude which fills field; place that of an 8th magnitude star in the preceding part."
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16 31 21.4 +20 11 06; Her
V = 14.3; Size 1.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 111°
17.5" (5/28/89): very faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE. A mag 14.5 star is attached at the east end 39" from center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6168 = Sw. 1-46 on 21 May 1884
and recorded "eeF; vE; F * at p[receding] end; v diff." There is
nothing at his position, and
A more likely candidate, though, is
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16 34 05 -44 02 42; Nor
Size 7'
18" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 139x and 236x): at low power a number of scattered stars surround mag 4.9 Mu Normae, but these are not eye-catching or cluster-like as the star density is high in this area, especially to the north and west. At 236x, a number of very faint stars surround Mu itself, particularly in a wreath-like shape on the north side and a east-west trending chain of mag 12-13.5 stars about 5' south. A nice triangle of mag 12 stars (sides ~1') lies 4' S of Mu.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6169 = h3636 on 1 Jun 1834 and recorded "Cluster; place of a * Mu Normae in it."
The 1973 study by Vogt and Moffat "Southern Open Star Clusters III." (1973A&AS...10..135M) states "According to the Catalogue of Star Clusters and Associations this cluster has a diameter of 7' and is centered on the bright super-giant mu Nor. However, there is no obvious clustering here. To check this, three stars close to mu Nor were observed which show no genetic relation to one another or to mu Nor." A 2011 study ("A Catalog of 120 NGC Open Star Clusters") also found no CMD could be determined, so this group is an asterism.
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16 27 36.4 +59 33 45; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 90°
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6170 = Sw. 4-35 on 9 Jul 1886 and
recorded "eeF; vS; R; in vacancy; many pB stars south; e diff." His position is 39 seconds of RA west
of
Jack Sulentic, in the RNGC, equated NGC 6170 = NGC 6176 and Harold Corwin concurs. By prior discovery, this galaxy should be identified as NGC 6170, but it is known as NGC 6176 because of the accurate position.
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16 32 31.9 -13 03 13; Oph
V = 8.1; Size 13'; Surf Br = 1.0
18" (7/26/06): beautifully resolved at 325x and framed by three mag 11.5-12.5 stars to the east, west and south. Roughly 35-40 stars were resolved in the halo and the bright 1.5' core was partially resolved into a large number of densely packed stars. The cluster extends roughly to 6'x4.5', reaching the bright stars off the east and west side and elongated E-W at least 4:3.
17.5" (7/10/99): this bright globular was well resolved at 220x, with a ~5'x3' halo elongated in an E-W orientation although the sharply defined core is circular and ~2' in diameter. Enclosing the globular on the west, east and south sides are brighter mag 11.5-12.5 stars. Roughly 30 stars were scattered throughout the outer halo at 280x and a couple of dozen densely packed stars overlay the core of the globular in steady moments.
13.1" (6/19/82): bright core with several faint stars resolved in the halo and a few stars resolved at the edge of the core.
8": bright core, fainter halo, mottled. A few stars are visible at the northwest edge.
15x50 IS binoculars (7/26/06): faint but not difficult.
Pierre Méchain discovered
William Herschel rediscovered the globular on 12 May 1793 (sweep 1043) and called it "a very beautiful extremely compressed cluster of stars, extremely rich, R, about 5 or 6' dia, gradually more compressed toward the center." It was found again by Karl Harding around 1823 and reported as new. John Herschel, observing from the Cape of Good Hope on 5 Jun 1836, recorded "Globular; v rich; gpmbM; diam in RA = 20.0s; that of the most compressed part 4.5s; stars well separated."
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16 22 10.2 -01 30 54; Oph
V = 12.8; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (7/24/95): fairly faint, small, round, 30"
diameter. Moderate concentration
with a very small bright core which stands out well surrounded by a small
halo. Preceded by three mag 13 and
14 stars within 3'. Located 9' NW
of a mag 10 star and 11' NE of a similar star. Incorrectly listed as
nonexistent in RNGC. Identified as
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6172 = St. 13-86 on 30 Mar
1870 and logged a rough unpublished position 2' too far NW. On 21 Jun 1884 he measured a
micrometric position but due to a misprint in Stephan's 13th discovery list,
the RA is 10 minutes of time too large.
The position for his comparison star (
Lewis Swift rediscovered NGC 6172 on 19 Apr 1890, and reported it as new in his 9th discovery list (#61, later IC 1213) although his RA was 9 seconds too small. So, NGC 6172 = IC 1213 with historical priority to the NGC number. But because of the erroneous position in the NGC, the RNGC misclassified NGC 6172 as nonexistent. Furthermore, NGC 6172 was labeled IC 1213 in UGC, MCG and CGCG. RC3 has the correct identification.
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16 29 45.0 +40 48 40; Her
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 140°
18" (7/29/08): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.7'x0.45', contains a large bright core that gradually
increases to the center. Nearby
companions included
17.5" (7/5/86): moderately bright, moderately large,
strong bright core, oval NW-SE.
One of the brightest and largest members of AGC 2197. NGC 6174 lies 3.5' N and
13.1" (8/5/83): fairly faint, moderately large, brighter core, slightly elongated. A mag 8 star is 9' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6173 = H. III-640 = h1962 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "vF, vS."
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NGC 6174 = MCG +07-34-085 = IV Zw 63 = PGC 58351+ 58350
16 29 47.7 +40 52 19; Her
V = 14.5; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4
18" (7/29/08): faint, small, slightly elongated,
20" diameter. Appears to have
an extremely faint star involved.
This is a double system (
17.5" (7/5/86): very faint, small, slightly elongated, requires averted vision. Located 3.5' N of NGC 6173 in AGC 2197. This is a double system (unresolved).
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's observing assistant, discovered two new nebulae in the field of NGC 6173, on 26 May 1849. The 1861 LdR publication mentioned "another near" in the entry for NGC 6160, 6173 and 6175. But the 1880 LdR monograph includes a diagram and states, "3 new neb as in diagram, double star suspected in Alpha, Beta faint, Gamma pL & eeF." The three nebulae shown in the diagram are not labeled, but assuming the arrowed direction is west, the configuration fits NGC 6173 (Gamma), the double system IV Zw 63 = PGC 58350 + 58351 (Alpha, shown with two nuclei on the sketch!) to the north, and CGCG 224-047 = PGC 58334 (Beta) due west of the double system. The separations indicated on the sketch are too large -- IV Zw 63 is marked 6' north (actual separation is just under 4') and CGCG 224-047 is marked 8' to its west (actual separation is 4.5'). Two years later (30 May 1851) Bindon Stoney confirmed "Alpha is a double neb, Gamma is vF." Dreyer added the comment "diagram agreeing with the one made in 1849."
John Herschel only included a single LdR nova in the GC
based on the note in 1861 publication.
In the NGC, Dreyer added a note to NGC 6174, "Second of 3, forming
a rectangular triangle, the 2 others being assumed to be h1962 [NGC 6173] and
h1963 [NGC 6175], but the identity of the group is doubtful." RNGC and PGC identify the double system
IV Zw 63 = PGC 58350 + 58351 as NGC 6174 (as here). Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke favor CGCG 224-047 =
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NGC 6175 = UGC 10422 = MCG +07-34-087 = CGCG 224-050 = PGC 58362
16 29 57.6 +40 37 50; Her
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 100°
24" (7/10/18): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 E-W, 0.6'x0.4', slightly brighter core. A mag 15.8 star is just off the west
edge.
A number of members of AGC 2197 are nearby including MCG
+07-34-092 4' NE,
18" (7/30/08): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 30"x20". The very small brighter core appears offset from the center. A very faint star is just off the WNW edge with a brighter mag 13 star 1.4' ESE. Located 8' SW of mag 7.9 HD 149025.
17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, elongated ~E-W, fairly small, brighter core. Bracketed by a mag 15 star at the west edge and a mag 13 star 1.5' E of center. Located 11.3' SSE of NGC 6173 in AGC 2197.
13.1" (8/5/83): faint, diffuse. A star is off the east edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6175 = H. III-641 = h1963 on 18 Mar 1787 (sweep 718) and noted "vF, vS." Édouard Stephan made an observation on 19 Jun 1876.
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NGC 6176 = NGC 6170 = MCG +10-23-076 = CGCG 298-038 = PGC 58188
16 27 36.4 +59 33 45; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (6/20/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter core, stellar nucleus. Located 30' WSW of NGC 6176.
Lewis Swift found NGC 6176 = Sw. 5-70 on 1 Oct 1886 and
recorded "eF; eS; e diff.; in vacancy; 2 others and Comet 1884 I
near." His position is a good
match with CGCG 298-038 = PGC 58188 (7 seconds east). Perhaps one of the "2 others" nearby is
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16 30 39.0 +35 03 22; Her
V = 13.6; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 10°
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, bright
core. A mag 12 is 1.1' NE of
center. Pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 6177 = H. III-890 = h1964 on 28 May 1791 (sweep 409) and recorded "vF; pL; lE; lbM." John Herschel logged "F; irr fig; r; 2 or 3 of its stars seen, also on 13m 30" distance nf. RA reduction fluctuating and uncertain in this sweep." Nevertheless, his mean position from two sweeps is accurate. Nearby NGC 6179 was discovered at Birr Castle.
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16 35 47 -45 38 36; Sco
V = 7.2; Size 4'
17.5" (7/4/86): about 15 stars in a triangular outline
with mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 6178 = h3638 on 27 Jul 1834 and noted "middle of a small group of pB stars." On a later sweep (20 Apr 1836) he recorded "Chief * 9m of a small, bright clustering group of from 12 to 20 pL stars, with stragglers." His position is accurate.
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NGC 6179 = CGCG 196-073 = PGC 58401
16 30 47.0 +35 06 08; Her
V = 15.3; Size 0.35'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (7/2/89): extremely faint and small, stellar nucleus, very small halo with averted. Located 3.2' NE of NGC 6177.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 6179 on 19 Apr 1855. While observing NGC 6177, he noted "another neb 4' nf, vF, S, has a nucl."
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16 30 34.0 +40 32 21; Her
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 9°
18" (7/30/08): fairly faint to moderately bright,
small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, 30"x22", gradually increases to a very
small bright core and faint stellar nucleus. Forms a close 1.7' pair with
MCG +07-34-097 appeared very faint, very small, round, 20", low even surface brightness. Forms a close 1.7' pair to the SE of brighter NGC 6180.
17.5" (5/23/87): faint, very small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. A pair of mag 11/12 stars oriented E-W are 2.5' WSW and 3.7' WSW, respectively. Located on the east side of the core of AGC 2197.
17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus. Two stars preceding.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6180 = St. 7-8, along with
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16 32 21.2 +19 49 32; Her
V = 11.9; Size 2.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 175°
17.5" (5/28/89): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated N-S, gradually increases to a small bright core, mottled appearance, brighter along the major axis. There is a hint of arm structure at the north and south ends.
8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, elongated N-S, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6181 = H. II-753 on 28 Apr
1788 (sweep 835) and recorded "pF, pS, mbM, vlE." There is nothing at his position but 40
seconds of RA west and 3' north is
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16 29 34.2 +55 31 03; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 146°
17.5" (6/20/87): fairly faint, fairly small, small
bright core, thin fainter extensions NW-SE. Located 3.0' SE of mag 9
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, small bright core, elongated NW-SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6182 = H. III-813 on 24 Apr
1789 (sweep 928) and logged "vF, vS, iR." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 25 sec of time
following
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16 41 41.9 -69 22 21; TrA
V = 13.8; Size 1.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 36°
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x and 230x): fairly
faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.3', contains a small
brighter core. A mag 13 star is
1.3' SSW of center and mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 6183 = h3639 on 25 Apr 1835 and noted "vF; eS; R; gbM; 10"." His single position is accurate.
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NGC 6184 = MCG +07-34-109 = CGCG 224-070 = PGC 58432
16 31 34.5 +40 33 56; Her
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 128°
18" (7/30/08): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 27"x20", very weak concentration. Located on the SE end of AGC 2197 and 11' ENE of NGC 6180.
17.5" (5/23/87): faint, small, round. Located 11.6' E of NGC 6180 in AGC 2197.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6184 = St. 7-9, along with NGC 6180, on 18 Jun 1876. His positions for both galaxies are accurate.
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16 33 17.8 +35 20 32; Her
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 0°
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 45" N of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6185 = h1965 on 27 Apr 1827 and
recorded "F; S; R; gbM; has a * 11m 75° np (by diagram)." His position is just off the east side
of
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16 34 25.5 +21 32 26; Her
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (5/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, small bright core, substellar nucleus, faint extensions SW-NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6186 = H. III-730 on 28 Apr 1788 (sweep 835) and recorded "eF, vS, E." Eleven minutes later he noted the "moon very bright" and ended a short sweep. John Herschel made no observations although Stephan took a look on 23 May 1871, 13 Jun 1871 and 3 Jun 1878.
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16 31 36.6 +57 42 24; Dra
V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (6/20/87): faint, small, round, bright core. Located 3.4' S of a mag 8 star and 8.2'
SSE of mag 7.7
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, round, slightly brighter core. Located 3' S of a mag 8 star.
Charles Augustus Young discovered NGC 6187 on 5 Oct 1883 with the 23-inch Clark refractor (erected the previous year) at Princeton University. While observing Comet Pons-Brooks he found a "minute nebula" that was "very faint, slightly brighter in the middle". His discovery position, published in Sidereal Messenger, Vol II, p. 252, is accurate.
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NGC 6188 = ESO 226-019 = RCW 108 = Gum 53 = Ced 136a
16 40 06 -48 39 42; Ara
Size 20'x12'
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): With
the 27mm Panoptic at 76x and UHC filter, this is an amazing region of bright
and dark nebulosity involving open cluster
A nearly perfect ellipse of moderately bright stars is just SW of the main body of the NGC 6193 cluster and beyond the edge of nebulosity into the rift. The center of this ring is within the highest contrast portion of the dark rift, although the eastern side of the ring intersects the bright edge. This 15'x10' loop of stars spans the two sections of nebulosity.
The western portion of the nebulosity extends mostly NW of the elliptical ring and is clearly fainter. The highest contrast is along its eastern rim and runs N-S, roughly parallel to its brighter counterpart on the east side of the rift. The nebulosity fades towards the north and west with no well-defined edge but again is quite extensive. The catalogued dimensions of 20'x12' are too small and covers only the brightest portion of this much more extension HII/dark nebula complex.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very large faint nebulosity which envelops open cluster NGC 6193, about 20' diameter. Extends roughly E-W through the cluster but also a very long brighter streak oriented N-S extends mainly to the south on the west side of cluster. This streak is well defined with an abrupt edge but there is no contrast gain with a UHC filter.
8" (7/16/82): faint, moderately large, low surface brightness glow on the west side of open cluster NGC 6193. This object is very low on the horizon from Northern California (less than 3 degrees max elevation).
John Herschel discovered NGC 6188 = h3640 on 15 Apr 1836 and recorded "The brightest part of a vL, faint, diffused, branching nebula, which involves in it nf part the star Brisbane 5789, and extends into the cluster D 413 [NGC 6193], which it in part surrounds. No doubt about the nebula, which in the brightest part of it precedes the cluster about 1 min of time. The following stars behind the double star, and quite free of nebula. I presume the neb and cluster to be unconnected." His rough position (nearest minute of RA and nearest minute of dec) was poor; it lands to the southwest of the nebulosity, about 22' SW of NGC 6193, although he states the "brightest part of precedes the cluster about 1 min of time."
Despite many attempts, Joseph Turner (on 2 Jun 1877 and 16 Oct 1878) and Robert Ellery were unable to find this nebula with the Great Melbourne Telescope. This might be due to Herschel's poor position or the GMT's field of view was too small at the lowest power of 234x with a 14' field.
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NGC 6189 = NGC 6191? = UGC 10442 = MCG +10-23-081 = CGCG 298-043 = CGCG 299-003 = PGC 58440
16 31 40.9 +59 37 35; Dra
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 20°
17.5" (6/20/87): moderately bright, moderately large, oval SSW-NNE, the halo is weakly concentrated but has a sharp stellar nucleus or star is superimposed [a star is superimposed close SSE of center].
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6189 = Sw. 2-41 on 3 Aug 1885 and
recorded "vF; pS; lE; v coarse double star nr, forming with it an
equilateral triangle." His
position and description matches
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16 32 06.6 +58 26 20; Dra
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 60°
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6190 = Sw. 2-42 on 30 Oct 1883
and recorded "vF; pS; R; F * nr." His position is at the west edge of
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NGC 6191 = NGC 6189? = UGC 10442 = MCG +10-23-081 = CGCG 298-043 = CGCG 299-003 = PGC 58440
16 31 40.9 +59 37 35; Dra
V = 12.7; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 20°
See observing notes for NGC 6189. Identification uncertain.
Lewis Swift found NGC 6191 = Sw. 4-36 on 6 Jul 1886 and recorded "pF; pL; E; 2 stars near preceding." There is nothing near his position. If Swift made a 50' error in declination, then NGC 6191 is a second discovery of NGC 6189, though the two stars near this galaxy are east, not west. Swift discovered this galaxy on 3 Aug 1885 and catalogued it in his second discovery list (#41). As expected, Bigourdan was unable to find NGC 6191 at Swift's position. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. So, possibly NGC 6191 = NGC 6189, with much uncertainty. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for additional candidates.
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16 40 24 -43 22 00; Sco
Size 8'
8" (6/19/82): 20 faint stars mag 11-12.5 over unresolved haze, small, fairly rich with averted. Easy to identify in the field, though very far south for viewing from Northern California.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6192 = D 483 = h3641 on 13 May 1826. His summary description (based on 3 observations) reads "a cluster of very minute stars, of a round figure, about 4' diameter, following v Normae." D 470 is probably another observation but his position was off by 19' to the east.
On 1 Jun 1834 (sweep 454), John Herschel logged "Cluster VII, pretty rich, irr R, gbM, 10', stars 12..14th mag, a straggling group." Two nights later, he called it "a coarse but rich cluster of stars 11.12th mag, which leaves dark lines unoccupied, forming sections (see fig 4, Plate V)." The central section in his sketch shows 4 circular wedges separated by dark lanes.
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NGC 6193 = Cr 310 = ESO 226-020 = Gum 53 = Ced 136b
16 41 20 -48 45 48; Ara
V = 5.2; Size 15'
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
117x, ~75 stars were visible in a 15' field surrounding the ionizing source HJ
4876, a bright 10" double consisting of mag 5.6 O3-type
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): 45 stars in a 15'
diameter at 63x. Includes a bright
mag 5.6/6.8 double star at
10" separation and mag 7
8" (7/17/82): three bright stars including h4876 (6.0/7.0 at 10"). Many faint stars are visible with averted vision. Includes emission/reflection nebula NGC 6188. This star-forming region is extremely far south for viewing from the Sierra foothills (only 2.5° above the horizon)!
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6193 = D 413 = h3640 with his 9-inch f/12 reflector on 14 May 1826. He made 3 observations and recorded on 5 June, "A cluster of small stars, with a bright star in the preceding side. A very considerable branch or tail proceeds from the north side, which joins a very large cluster." He didn't mention any nebulosity.
On 15 Apr 1836 (sweep 693), John Herschel described a "cluster VIII; consists of about a dozen stars 10..11m, and perhaps as many less, with stragglers, which fill field. In its preceding part is a fine double star [HJ 4876] and yet more preceding is a vL, faint nebula [NGC 6188], in which the preceding part of the cl is involved."
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16 36 37.1 +36 12 01; Her
V = 13.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.1
18" (6/7/08): fairly faint, small, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core surrounded by a 24" halo with averted.
17.5" (6/6/86): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core. Member of the
13.1" (8/5/83): faint, extremely small, visible without averted.
13.1" (7/5/83): faint, very small, requires averted.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6194 = h1967 on 27 Apr 1827 and
recorded "vF; vS; smbM to a * 12m; 12"." There is nothing at his single position,
but 44 sec of RA west is
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16 36 32.6 +39 01 41; Her
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 45°
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core. Located midway between a mag 12 star 1.0' WSW and a mag 13 star 1.1' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6195 = H. III-893 = h1966 on 30 May 1791 (sweep 1015) and recorded "eF, vS, iF. 300 confirmed it with some difficulty, but left no doubt." His position is good. John Herschel made 3 observations, first logging "vF; S; between 2 stars."
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NGC 6196 = IC 4615 = UGC 10482 = MCG +06-36-058 = CGCG 196-088 = PGC 58644
16 37 53.9 +36 04 22; Her
V = 12.9; Size 2.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 140°
18" (6/7/08): middle and brightest of three on a
line. At 260x it appeared fairly
faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, sharply concentrated with a bright,
20" core that increases to a stellar nucleus with direct vision and a
35"x25" halo.
17.5" (6/6/86): brightest in the NGC 6196 group. Fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core, fairly faint stellar nucleus. A pair of mag 15 stars are 1.3' S and 1.3' SSE. NGC 6196 is the middle of a linear trio with IC 4614 3.0' NNW and NGC 6197 = IC 4616 4.8' SSE. An extremely faint galaxy (2MASX J16374842+3603393) lies 1.3' SW.
13.1" (8/5/83): fairly faint, bright core.
13.1" (7/5/83): faint, small, round, small bright core. Brightest in group located 45' W and 24' S of M13!
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6196 = m 311, along with NGC
6197 and 6199, on 9 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vs, stellar." There is nothing at his position, but 39 seconds of RA east and 1.6'
south is
MCG and CGCG label this galaxy as IC 4615 and UGC does not use either the NGC or IC designation. See Harold Corwin's notes for more on this field.
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NGC 6197 = IC 4616 = MCG +06-36-059 = CGCG 196-089 = PGC 58655
16 37 59.8 +35 59 43; Her
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 38°
18" (6/7/08): faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 20"x14". Located 5' SSE of NGC 6196 and second brightest in chain of three galaxies.
17.5" (6/6/86): faint, very small, almost round. A mag 12.5 star lies 1.5' SE. This is the second brightest and
furthest south in a trio with NGC 6196 4.8' NNW and IC 4614 7.6' NNW. This galaxy is identified as
13.1" (8/5/83): very faint, very small, near visual threshold.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6197 = m 312, along with NGC
6196 and 6199, on 9 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, E, stellar." There is nothing at his position, but
39 sec of RA east and 1.4' south is
CGCG, MCG and UGC label this galaxy as IC 4616, though NGC
6197 technically should apply by historical precedence. RNGC misidentifies
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16 35 30.6 +57 29 12; Dra
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 90°
17.5" (6/20/87): faint, small, slightly elongated,
small bright core surrounded by a diffuse halo. Located 16' S of mag 7.4
17.5" (6/18/88): very faint, very small, round, low surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6198 = Sw. 4-37 on 28 Jun 1886
and recorded "vF; vS; R; forms right angle with 2 stars
following." His position is
12 second east and 1' north of
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16 39 29.0 +36 03 32; Her
= *, Corwin. Incorrect identification in the RNGC. (R)NGC 6199 = NGC 6197.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6199 = m 313, along with NGC 6196 and 6197, on 9 Jul 1864 and simply noted "eF". Marth's positions for both NGC 6196 and NGC 6197 are off by 39 seconds in RA and 1.5' in declination. Assuming NGC 6199 suffers from the same systematic error, his recomputed position falls very close to a wide pair of mag 12.5 and 15.5 stars. Harold Corwin suggests the fainter star applies to NGC 6199, though this is not certain.
RNGC misidentifies NGC 6197 as NGC 6199 and then reassigns NGC 6197 to PGC 214518, located 1.3' southwest of NGC 6196. See Malcolm Thomson's article on the identifications here in Webb Society Quarterly Journal, July 1982 and in my RNGC Corrections #1.
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16 44 07 -47 27 48; Ara
V = 7.4; Size 12'
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): at 110x this large, rich open cluster resolves into roughly 200 stars, extending over one-half the 22mm Panoptic field (~20'x15'). A very close triple star is near the center (one component fainter) and a wider pair lies 3.5' NE.
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 80x perhaps 150 stars were visible in a roughly 20' cluster (the catalogued dimension of 12' appears significantly too small). Includes roughly 30 brighter mag 9.5-11.5 stars over a rich background of mag 12-14 stars. No distinct boundary to the cluster. A mag 7 star is off the SE side.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): about 75 stars in a 20'
diameter at 63x. Bright, large,
rich, many stars mag 9-11 over a carpet of faint stars. Mag 7.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 6200 = h3643 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "a great space full of milky way stars, so thickly sown as to merit being called a cluster." His position and description matches this large cluster.
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16 40 14.4 +23 45 55; Her
V = 14.7; Size 0.35'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0
17.5" (5/28/89): extremely faint, very small,
round. A mag 14.5 star is at the
NE edge 26" from center.
Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6201 = m 314, along with NGC
6203, on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "eF, vS." His position matches
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16 36 12 +61 57; Dra
= Not found, RNGC. =NGC 6226?, Corwin
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6202 = Sw. 4-38 on 9 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeF, pS, * nr following". There are no candidates near his position and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (not found by Sulentic).
Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6202 may be a duplicate of NGC 6226 as this galaxy has a mag 11.5 star 2' east and the declination is within a couple of arc minutes. But this implies his RA was 7 minutes too small, perhaps a typo or copyilng error. I've left this number as lost.
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NGC 6203 = MCG +04-39-019 = CGCG 138-055 = PGC 58729
16 40 27.4 +23 46 29; Her
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (5/28/89): very faint, very small, round. A mag 14.5 star is just 27" NNE of center. Forms a pair with NGC 6201 about 3' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6203 = m 315, along with NGC 6201, on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "eF, vS." His position is fairly accurate. Bigourdan measured a very accurate micrometric position on 14 May 1887.
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16 46 09 -47 01 00; Ara
V = 8.2; Size 2.3'
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): ~100 stars mag 10-14 in an 8'
group. A number of the stars are
arranged in interesting chains and loops.
A north-south star chain on the east side leads to a knot of bright
stars including mag 7.5
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
171x, this is a bright cluster with roughly 80 stars in a 7' circle. Near the center is knot of four stars
with additional very faint stars huddled around at 228x. Many of the stars in the cluster are arranged
in a few loops and chains. Most of
the brighter stars in the cluster are situated around the edges including a
line of four stars at the east edge.
Four bright stars are off the SE side including mag 7.3
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): about 40 stars in 8' diameter at 63x. Rich appearance over an unresolved haze. A close triple star is in the center with four bright mag 8-9 stars in a tight group off the SE edge (this is a separate cluster Hogg 22).
8" (7/16/82): only a few faint stars are visible over unresolved haze but appears to be rich. This is one of the southernmost clusters I've viewed from Northern California latitude.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6204 = D 442 = h3644 on 13 May 1826. Based on two observations he described "seven or eight small stars in a group, about 1' diameter, with a minute line of stars on the north side." His position was 15' too far NE (typical of his rough positions), but the identification is not in doubt.
John Herschel first recorded NGC 6204 on 1 Jul 1834 (sweep 463) as a "cluster moderately compressed class VIII; stars 11.12th mag; S.f. is a brilliant knot of stars, one of which is 8th mag, and the others 9th magnitude." On 20 Apr 1836 (sweep 695) he noted a "singular shaped cluster, irregularly round, compressed VII class, set as it were in a nearly rectangular frame of stars detached from cluster." He included a sketch of the unusual star chains in Plate V, figure 6 and the "brilliant knot of stars" south following is Hogg 22.
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16 41 41.6 +36 27 27; Her
V = 5.8; Size 16.6'; Surf Br = 0.1
17.5" (7/9/94): several hundred stars in a 10'-12'
diameter with a bright central core of 6' diameter. Many stars are arranged in strings and loops including a
distinctive streamer attached on the SE side which heads south and curves west
forming a semicircle and another string is attached on the west side of the
core and precedes the cluster.
Several chains of stars are also resolved over the 6' core. Running along the north edge of the
core is a starless strip or a long dark lane which separates the central region
from the northern outer halo members.
A dark "lane" protrudes into the core on the SE side - this is
one of three dark lanes that converge forming a "Y" and referred to
as the "Propeller" (first described by Lord Rosse).
8" (many dates starting July 1980): very bright, very large, round, highly resolved into several hundred stars mag 11.5-13.5 over the entire disc. Includes several star chains and streamers.
Naked-eye: fairly easy object in a dark sky, appearing as a dim bloated star.
Edmond Halley discovered M13 = NGC 6205 = h1968 in 1714 with a 24-foot (focal length) refractor. He noted "This is but a little Patch, but it shews itself to the naked eye, when the sky is serene and the Moon absent." Charles Messier independently found the cluster on 1 Jun 1764 and reported (first Messier catalogue), "I have discovered a nebula in the girdle of Hercules, of which I am sure it doesn't contain any star; having examined it with a Newtonian telescope of four feet and a half [FL], which magnified 60 times, it is round, beautiful & brilliant, the center brighter than the borders.."
M13 was probably the second deep-sky object that William Herschel observed (after the Orion Nebula) before starting his sweeps. Using a 6-inch (7-ft focal length) on 22 Aug 1779 he noted M13 was "without stars". On 16 May 1787 (sweep 739 with his 18.7-inch) he recorded, "a most beautiful cluster of stars, exceedingly compressed in the middle and very rich, the scattered stars which belong to it extend to 8 or 9' diam. The most compressed part about 2' or 2 1/2'; the later is R. The former more irregular."
William Parsons (LdR), in his 1850 monograph, noted "an unquestionable curvilinear sweep in the disposition of the exterior stars." Bond later "confirmed" this spiral structure (seems a case of imagining spiral arrangements in deep sky objects, which was common at the time) in 1860. Bindon Blood Stoney's sketch on 26 May 1851 (Plate 28, Fig. 33 in the 1861 Monograph) clearly showed three dark "lanes"in a "Y" configuration. The dark lanes, sometimes referred to as the "propeller" nowadays, were mentioned in numerous observations with the 72". Mark Harrington, director of the Detroit Observatory in Ann Arbor, made a study of the dark rifts for a month in 1887 with the 6" and 12.5" refractors. Comparing Stoney's sketch with his observations and a drawing made with the aid of H.C. Markham, Harrington mistakenly concluded the rifts "have shifted their position slightly" since Stoney's drawing.
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16 40 08.1 +58 37 02; Dra
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (6/20/87): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6206 = Sw. 5-71 on 23 Oct 1886
and recorded "pF; eS; R; stellar; 3 vF stars near north point to
it." His position is 22
seconds west of
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NGC 6207 = UGC 10521 = MCG +06-37-007 = CGCG 197-007 = PGC 58827
16 43 03.9 +36 49 57; Her
V = 11.6; Size 3.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 15°
24" (6/16/12): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core. A blazing stellar nucleus is apparently a superimposed star. The outer extensions clearly have an irregular surface brightness and an asymmetric appearance.
17.5" (6/6/86): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, bright stellar nucleus, possible asymmetric appearance. Located 28' NE of M13. The noted stellar nucleus is likely a superimposed 13th magnitude foreground star.
13.1" (8/5/83): moderately bright and large, elongated SSW-NNE.
8" (8/11/80): faint, fairly small, elongated
William Herschel discovered NGC 6207 = H. II-701 = h1969 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 739). His description reads, "pB, pS, E from sp to nf, vgmbM."
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16 49 28 -53 43 42; Ara
V = 7.2; Size 16'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): best at 76x with 27mm Panoptic. Appeared as a 10' cloud of mostly fainter stars which blends into the surrounding field with many stars arranged in an elongated, curving shape. Includes a mag 10 star on the south side, though the majority are 12-13th magnitude.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6208 = h3648 on 8 Jul 1834 from the Cape of Good Hope. He recorded, "A pretty insulated milky way cluster, class VII of large stars; 8' diameter; stars 9...12th magnitude." On a second sweep he called it a "cluster class VII; rich; not much compressed in the middle; more than fills field; stars 11...14th mag but chiefly small."
James Dunlop's D 364 may be an earlier discovery on 28 Jul 1826. He found a"A round, faint nebula, about 1' diameter, with three small stars in it; a bright star south of the nebula." His position is 8' SSW of the center of the cluster, but the size estimate is much too small. He also possibly made an observation on 26 June: "a large faint nebula with a small star near the center, about 20' long and 10' or 12' broad, slight condensation, easily resolvable." The description is a much better fit and the position matches, but he crossed out the declination in his notebook and changed it to 10° further north.
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16 54 57.7 -72 35 12; Aps
V = 11.8; Size 2.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 10°
24" (4/4/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE. I noticed a faint star or knot at the south end. A mag 11.5 star is located 4' and a couple of fainter stars are at the SW and SE ends.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6209 = h3645 on 28 Jun 1835 and recorded "eF; pL; vgvlbM; 2' dia; quite hopeless, except in the clearest and finest night, and with the mirror bright.". The next night he confirmed the observation: "Found in the place, and viewed. It is very visible, and PD is right per index." His position is accurate.
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16 44 29.4 +23 48 00; Her
V = 8.8; Size 20"x13"
48" (5/5/16): at 488x; extremely bright, high surface brightness planetary, oval 5:4 WSW-ENE, somewhat rectangular main body. The central star was continuously visible and situated slightly east of center. A small darker region surrounds the central star. On close inspection the main body has an irregular outline; it is slightly brighter along the north side and bulges out on the southwest end. A thin fainter "strip" or shell with a much lower surface brightness and a pinkish color encases the main body. Two or three broad "jets" or wings (broadest at the base) extend out of the halo on the north and south ends (images show the central part is NNW and SSE) with the northern wing more obvious. A third wing was sometimes visible on the west side.
24" (6/12/15): at 375x and 500x; slightly elongated oval disc E-W or WSW-ENE. The very high surface brightness central region is encased in a small, but obvious lower surface brightness shell. Extremely faint "wings" appear to extend to the north and south, though the northern extension is more definite. These are roughly in the direction of the minor axis.
28" (7/8/13): viewed at 375x with an "inverse OIII" or central star filter, which dramatically dimmed this extremely high surface brightness green planetary. Without the filter the central star was not seen at this magnification (the planetary had a strong green color), but with the filter the central star was easily visible!
18" (7/20/06 and 7/22/06): appears as a beautiful light blue cosmic egg at 225x with an extremely high surface brightness. Appears slightly elongated ~E-W, ~25"x20" with a very faint thin outer envelope. At 325x and 435x the faint outer halo is obvious, increasing the size ~35"x28" with the elongation possibly WSW-ENE. Viewed in fairly poor seeing on 7/20 but on 7/22 in good seeing I was able to use as much as 807x. With these better conditions the surface brightness was irregular and the faint outer shell fairly prominent. The bright inner disc was oval but not symmetric.
17.5" (5/27/00): beautiful bluish oval at 220x, elongated 4:3 E-W, roughly 24"x18". At 380x, there appears to be a very small fainter halo. At 500x, the narrow outer envelope is more evident and is elongated in the direction of the major axis, increasing the size to ~30"x20".
17.5" (7/4/86): very bright, small blue oval 20"x15" with an unusually high surface brightness. At 572x, a fainter outer envelope is suspected. An evenly matched close double star STF 2094 = 7.4/7.7 at 1.3" lies 17' SSW.
13.1" (7/5/83): very bright, extremely high surface brightness, blue, takes very high power. The mag 12.6 central star was not seen.
Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 6210 = ∑ 5 = h1970 in 1825 while searching for double stars with the 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor at the Dorpat Observatory in Estonia. It was included as #5 in a list of 9 "Nebulae dectae" that was added as an appendix in his 1827 catalogue of double stars. He described a "bright planetary nebula, diameter 6", like a star of mag 7". The planetary was earlier catalogued as a star in Lalande's catalogue of 1801 (LL 30510).
John Herschel observed the nebula on 25 May 1830 and recorded, "Struve's fifth nebula, very bright, equal to a star of 8 to 9m, 6" diameter and of uniform light, but with the edges boiling and ragged. A fine object like a star out of focus". Vogel observed and sketched the central star with the 27" Grubb refractor at the Vienna observatory on 4 Jun 1883. He noted a "Bright planetary nebula of elliptical shape. A delicate star is in the nebula, nearly at the centre. The nebula is surrounded by a faint elliptical shell."
On 5 May 1850, George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, recorded, "intense blue centre fading off to some distance all around. Small star nf to which neb nearly extends. Fancied a projection from the bright centre towards np, but I think it was only fancy." It is possible, though, that Rosse detected the wing or extension to the northwest! Sir William Huggins observed the emission line spectrum in 1865-66 and resolved three bright lines. James Keeler clearly sketched the wings using the Lick 36-inch refractor on 15 May 1890.
Sherburne Burnham observed the planetary in 1891 while at Lick Observatory, but did not notice the central star. Later at Yerkes (1908) he commented, "At the present time it could not be overlooked with any moderate aperture. It is nearly 12th magnitude, and appears with favorable atmospheric conditions as a sharp, brilliant point. Doubtless this has been seen by others. If it is not variable, I cannount account for my failure to see and measure it with the 36-inch at Mt. Hamilton.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported, "Central star about mag 11, surrounded by bright matter in the form of an oblong 8" in length. Outside of this is an oblong of somewhat fainter matter 20" X 13", from the ends of which extend two fainter ansae in p.a. 97-277°. From the north and south sides of the central oblong extend two longer ansae in p.a. 167-347°, showing a ring formation, making the nebula 43" long in this direction."
Wolfgang Steinicke explained why William Herschel missed NGC 6210 in his sweeps: "On 15 May 1784 he swept the region (sweep 217). However he stopped for about 30 minutes for star counts, i.e. the sky passed horizontally through the eyepiece. Unfortunately the strip runs about 1° below the nebula, starting 25 tmin west and ending 6 tmin east of it. Thus the object could not enter his field of view (15'). On 10 April 1785 he inspected the field again (sweep 395), but saw only some Flamsteed stars in the morning twilight."
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16 41 27.6 +57 47 01; Dra
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 105°
18" (6/23/09): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 5:4 SW-NE, 1.2'x1.0', well concentrated. First of four in a string of galaxies to the NE (identical
redshifts) with
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright compact core.
17.5" (6/20/87): moderately bright, moderately large, almost round, strong bright core, stellar nucleus. Brightest in chain of four with NGC 6213 2.2' NE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6211 = Sw. 9-63, along with NGC 6213, on 25 Jun 1887 and recorded "vF; pS; lE; D * nr south points to it." His position is 3' too far west-northwest, a similar offset as NGC 6213. Swift's original discovery was sent directly to Dreyer and noted as list 6 in the NGC, but it wasn't published until his 9th list in 1890. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 27 Aug 1888 and Dreyer published the correct position in the IC 2 Notes.
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16 43 23.2 +39 48 23; Her
V = 14.1; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (7/8/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, gradually brightens but no well-defined core.
Édouard Stephan probably discovered NGC 6212 = St. 2-3 on 7
Jun or 8 Jun 1869, though his uncorrected position was poor. In any case, on 26 Jul 1870 he measured
a micrometric position matching brighter
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NGC 6213 = MCG +10-24-030 = CGCG 299-017 = PGC 58778
16 41 37.2 +57 48 54; Dra
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 57°
18" (6/23/09): faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE,
0.5'x0.25'. Second of four
galaxies in a SW-NE string with NGC 6211 2.2' SW,
CGCG 299-018 is very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.4'x0.2'. Situated between two stars 1' NW and 1' ESE. CGCG 299-019 appeared very faint to extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Located 1.3' N of a mag 14.5 star. Faintest of 4 on a line and furthest NE with similar CGCG 299-018 3.9' SW.
17.5" (6/18/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, low even surface brightness.
17.5" (6/20/87): faint, small, elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration, fairly low surface brightness. Second of four with NGC 6211 2.2' SW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6213 = Sw. 9-64, along with NGC 6211 on 25 Jun 1887 and recorded "eF; vS; R; nf of 2." His position is 2' too far west-northwest, a similar offset as NGC 6213. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 27 Aug 1888 and Dreyer published the correct position in the IC 2 Notes. Swift's original discovery was sent directly to Dreyer and noted as list 6 in the NGC, but wasn't published until his 9th list in 1890.
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16 39 31.9 +66 02 22; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 150°
17.5" (7/9/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6214 = Sw. 1-47 = Sw. 4-39 on 2
Aug 1884 and recorded "vF; S; R: coarse double star in field
north." His position is an
excellent match with
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16 51 06.9 -58 59 32; Ara
V = 11.5; Size 2.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 78°
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright and large, round, 1.3' diameter, weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is superimposed on the north edge ~25" from the center and a couple of additional faint stars are very near or involved. This spiral is situated in a rich star field 11' ENE of mag 3.8 Eta Arae. Brightest in a group along with NGC 6221 19' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6215 = h3647 on 9 Jul 1836 and recorded "pF; R; vglbM; has a yellow * 5m preceding it [Eta Ara], 1min 19s +/- Delta RA, and 3' or 4' south." His single position is on the south side of the galaxy. First resolved as a "spiral nebula" on a plate taken at Harvard's Arequipa station with the 24-inch Bruce refractor around 1900.
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16 49 25 -44 43 36; Sco
Size 4'
17.5" (7/4/86): faint, fairly small, ~3' diameter, roundish. About a dozen faint stars are visible over haze at low power.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6216 = D 454 = h3648 on 13 May 1826. Based on 6 observations his summary reads, "a faint nebula, about 4' or 5' diameter, irregular round figure, easily resolvable into stars; with stars of larger magnitudes scattered in the preceding side of it."
On 1 Jun 1834 (sweep 454), John Herschel logged the cluster as "a p rich cl of small stars, 11m and under, broken up into 2 or 3 groups; fill 2/3 of field." Exactly a month later (sweep 463), he recorded "a round cl of stars 13m; gbM; 4'; with two appendages of stars, n and s, making together a long cluster." Just two nights after his first observation (3 Jun 1834), he found the cluster again, but his position was 1.4 minutes too far east and he assumed it was new! He recorded h3650 = NGC 6222 as "a vL, v rich cl; not brilliant; not materially comp M; full 20' diameter; stars 12...13m." His descriptions appear to describe the same object, so NGC 6216 = NGC 6222.
RNGC labels the cluster
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16 32 39.3 +78 11 54; UMi
V = 11.2; Size 3.0'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.2
48" (10/22/11): at 375x, this beautiful, two-armed barred spiral spans ~2.3'x1.5' NNW-SSE. A bright central bar is well-defined, mottled and sharply concentrated with an intensely bright, very small nucleus. A mag 15 star is superimposed just SE of the nucleus. The bar contains a brighter, mottled patch at the NNW end. A long spiral arm is attached at this patch and wraps counterclockwise around the north and northwest side. A thinner second arm on the SSE side wraps around the south side towards the west.
18" (7/5/08 and 9/3/08): this fascinating barred spiral displays subtle spiral structure. At 280x, the main portion appears to be a large central bar, 1.5'x1.0', oriented NNW-SSE. The bar is punctuated by an unusually bright stellar nucleus. An extremely faint star is close SSE along the central bar. Off the north end of the bar is a faint appendage or arm that gently curves to the SE and increases the overall dimensions to 2'x1.5' . Off the SSE end of the bar, some very weak haze extends to the southwest (beginning of an arm).
17.5" (7/22/01): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, ~2.5'x1.5', small bright core. Contains a bright stellar nucleus. A very faint star is just off the NW edge. At the NW end a faint spiral arm is attached to the main body, winding north and then trailing back nearly halfway along the NE flank (this increases the dimensions to ~2.5'x2.0'). With concentration a dark gap is visible between the arm and the main body (bar) of the galaxy. A very short extension is strongly suggested at the SE end, bending towards the west. All of these features were sketched and later verified on the DSS.
17.5" (5/14/88): bright, fairly large, bright stellar nucleus, elongated. Irregular appearance; either darker or an indentation on one side (this is probably a gap between the spiral arms).
13.1" (8/24/84): fairly bright, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus, fairly diffuse outer halo.
8" (8/24/84): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6217 = H. I-280 on 12 Dec 1797 (sweep 1071) and logged "cB, cL, E, lbM. The extent points almost to 2 np pB stars, or rather a little on the following side of them. This is one of the later galaxies he discovered while searching in the far north to finish up his third catalogue. Hermann Kobold measured a very accurate micrometric position in 1892 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg Observatory
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16 47 14.5 -01 56 52; Oph
V = 6.8; Size 14.5'; Surf Br = 0.6
18" (7/11/07): at 325x this globular nearly fills the field and extends roughly 11' in diameter. Contains a very bright 3.5'x2.5' oval core, extended WNW-ESE. A mag 10 star with an orange tint is just south of the core, 2' from the center. Two other mag 10-11 stars lie 4' N and 5' ENE of center in the halo. The core is plastered with an immense number of mag 12.5-13.5 stars and in the central 2' is an incredibly dense mat of mag 13.5 and fainter stars. Very irregular sprays of stars emanate from the central region and form part of the very scraggly outer halo.
17.5" (7/15/99): at 220x this bright cluster was highly
resolved over the entire disc.
Appears smaller than
13.1" (many dates 6/19/82 to 6/30/84) : bright, large, round, very intense core with faint stars scattered over the core. The outer halo is highly resolved into scores of stars. Slightly inferior to M10 in faint stars.
8" (7/3/80 to 6/19/82): the outer halo is well resolved and partial resolution of the core. There are two or three brighter stars in the outer halo.
Charles Messier discovered
On 15 Apr 1828 (sweep 146), John Herschel called M12 a "v rich globular cluster. The stars 10...16m; vgmbM, but has stragglers in lines and branches extending some distance from the condensed part, which is 3' diam. Comes almost to a blaze in the middle, and has a * 10-11m in the centre." His first observation was on 30 May 1821, while just learning how to sweep.
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16 46 22.5 +09 02 16; Her
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 157°
17.5" (7/2/89): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6219 = m 316 on 10 Jun 1863 and
noted" F, S." There is
nothing at his position (marked as verified) but 28 seconds of time preceding
is
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16 47 13.2 -00 16 32; Oph
V = 13.6; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 135°
17.5" (7/14/93): very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is at the SSW edge of the halo [30" from center] and a mag 16 star was highly suspected at the south edge of the halo [25" from center].
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6220 = Sw. 9-65 and recorded
"eeF; pS; iR; 3 F stars south point to it." His position is 1.5' northeast of
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16 52 46.1 -59 13 07; Ara
V = 9.9; Size 3.5'x2.5'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 5°
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated N-S, ~2.5'x2.0', broad concentration to a small brighter core. I was surprised there was a strong impression of a spiral arm along the west side of the halo extending to the north. A very small knot was seen at the northern end, probably within this spiral arm. Brightest in a group with NGC 6215 19' NW. Located 25' SE of mag 3.8 Eta Arae in a rich Milky Way field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6221 = h3649 on 3 May 1835 and recorded "pF; L; R; glbM; 80"." On a second sweep (5 Jul 1836), he logged it as a "Globular cluster; pB; pL; R; gbM; 2 1/2' dia; barely resolvable." First resolved as a "spiral nebula" on a plate taken at Harvard's Arequipa station around 1900.
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NGC 6222 = NGC 6259 = Cr 322 = Mel 158
17 00 45 -44 39 18; Sco
V = 8.0; Size 10'
See observing notes for
John Herschel found NGC 6222 = h3650 on 3 Jun 1834 and recorded "a vL, v rich cl; not brilliant; not materially comp M; full 20' diameter; stars 12..13m." There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin checked the sweep record and found that JH made a transcription error of 10 minutes in RA. Once this correction is made, his position lands on the southeast of side of open cluster NGC 6259. Interestingly, he first observed this cluster just two nights previously and placed h3660 = D 456 (later NGC 6259) accurately. So, NGC 6222 = NGC 6259 and not equal to NGC 6216 as previously assumed.
RNGC misidentifies NGC 6216 as NGC 6222 and ESO equates NGC 6222 with NGC 6216.
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16 43 04.4 +61 34 44; Dra
V = 11.8; Size 3.5'x2.6'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 88°
18" (6/21/09): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.6'.
Contains a large bright core and a fainter envelope.
17.5" (6/18/88): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, very bright core, faint halo. Contains a stellar nucleus with direct vision.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6223 = Sw. 2-43, along with
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16 48 18.6 +06 18 43; Her
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, very small, round, small bright
core. A mag 11 star is 1.6'
N. Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6224 = Sw. 9-66, along with NGC 6225, on 15 Jun 1887 and recorded "eeeF; vS; lE; pB * nr north both in trap; eee diff; np of 2 [with NGC 6225]." His RA is 9 seconds too large (similar offset as NGC 6224). The discovery was sent directly to Dreyer, reported as list 6 in the NGC, but wasn't published until after the NGC in his 9th list.
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NGC 6225 = UGC 10556 = MCG +01-43-003 = CGCG 053-011 = PGC 59024
16 48 21.7 +06 13 21; Her
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 156°
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated. A mag 16 star is involved at the east edge just 12" from the center. Pair with NGC 6224 5' N.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6225 = Sw. 9-67, along with NGC 6224, on 15 Jun 1887 and recorded "eF; vS; lE; 2 or 3 vF stars involved; sf of 2 [with NGC 6224]." His RA is 8 seconds too large (same offset as NGC 6224). The discovery was sent directly to Dreyer, reported as list 6 in the NGC, but the discovery wasn't published until 1890 (after the NGC) in his 9th list.
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NGC 6226 = UGC 10532 = MCG +10-24-043 = CGCG 299-022 = PGC 58847
16 43 23.2 +61 59 02; Dra
V = 13.2; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.7; PA = 68°
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval WSW-ENE, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 1.8' ESE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6226 on 24 Sep 1862, along
with NGC 6223, with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted it formed an
equilateral triangle with two mag 12/14 stars. His single position is ~40" south of
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16 51 33.7 -41 13 50; Sco
18" (6/12/10): this description assumes NGC 6227 refers
to the beautifully rich fields to the east and northeast of mag 5.2
vdB-Ha 202, situated 10' NNW of mag 6.1-6.4 V861 Sco, is located in a beautifully rich region on the SW side of Tr 24. Within this string is a 15" pair of mag 10 stars and just south of a mag 9 situated 2' NW of the double is vdB-Ha 202, a faint, very rich dusting of stars that is elongated ~N-S. The cluster is dense, just 2' in length and only partially resolved. A group of faint stars spread out E-W off the south end.
vdB-Ha 205, situated 20' NE of vdB-Ha 202, consists of 20
stars mag 7.5 to 13.5 in a distinctive 4' group. The brightest star is on the NW side. The
center and south side of the group is devoid of stars. A smaller clump of stars 7' S of vdB-Ha
205 is catalogued as
John Herschel discovered NGC 6227 = h3651 on 5 Jun 1834 and
noted "A star 5m in a great cl, or an immensely rich milky way
patch." His position
corresponds with mag 5.2 HD 151804 at 16 51 37.7 -41 13 50 (2000). Although the location is definite, the
actual size of an "immense" and "great cl" is
uncertain. This star is 45' NW of
Burnham's Celestial Handbook mentions this object as a "rich milky way field northwest NGC 6231. Not a true cluster." The ESO description reads "Part of Milky way only." RNGC classifies NGC 6227 as a nonexistent cluster.
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16 48 02.9 +26 12 46; Her
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
17.5" (5/28/89): extremely faint, fairly small, edge-on NW-SE, very low surface brightness.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6228 = m 317 on 28 Jun 1864 and
noted "vF, S." His
position is just 1' south-southwest of
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16 46 58.8 +47 31 40; Her
V = 9.4; Size 4.2'; Surf Br = 0.0
18" (7/23/06): at 225x, appears bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~3.5' diameter with a blazing core. Several extremely faint stars popped in and out of view in the halo. At 435x a number of very faint stars were clearly visible in the halo (roughly two dozen) and the core was quite mottled with several brightness levels towards the center. The globular forms a perfect equilateral triangle with two 8th magnitude stars 6' W and 6' SW. While searching for NGC 6229 I ran into a neat little asterism of 6 stars (Leiter 6) located 27' NNW that I had observed the previously month.
17.5": bright, fairly small, very bright core, faint mottled halo. Roughly 10 extremely faint mag 15-16 stars are resolved around the edges of the halo at 280x. Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 8 stars 6' W and 6' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6229 = H. IV-50 on 12 May 1787 (sweep 735) and recorded "vB, R, about 4' dia. The whole of it is almost equally bright with a faint, resolvable margin." It was misclassified as a planetary nebula (class IV). Caroline's reduced position is 4'-5' too far north. Giuseppe Bianchi independently found this globular on 11 Jun 1839 and announced the discovery in an AN letter, apparently unaware of WH's prior discovery.
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16 50 46.7 +04 36 17; Her
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (6/12/15): at 375x; faint, small, round, 18"
diameter. A mag 14.5 star is at
the southeast edge. A wide pair of mag 14.1/14.9 stars is less than 1' NW. Located 5' W of mag 9
Forms a close pair with
17.5" (7/2/89): very faint, extremely small, round. A mag 15 star is off the south edge. NGC 6234 lies 22' SE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6230 = Sw. 4-40 on 3 Jul 1886 and
recorded "eeeF; pS; R; between a distant B * following and a distant F *
preceding; ee diff." His
position is 4 seconds of RA west and 1' north of
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NGC 6231 = Gum 55 = Cr 315 = Mel 153 = False Comet Cluster
16 54 11 -41 49 30; Sco
V = 2.6; Size 240'
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): NGC 6231 is a remarkable naked-eye cluster sits just north of Zeta Scorpii. At 103x this stunning grup contained a half-dozen stars brighter than 7th magnitude and a dozen of mag 8 or brighter. This bright subset is set over a rich carpet of 100-150 fainter stars in a roughly 20' field. Extending to the north following a 1° chain of stars is the sprawling open cluster Tr 24 (60' diameter) that includes IC 4628, a large irregular HII region (see notes below). NGC 6231 is the core of the young Sco OB1 association.
18" (6/12/10): at 108x Tr 24 is a striking, very large, bright scattered group that overfills the 56' field. A number of the stars appeared to be grouped into long chains with smaller knots and concentrations including vdBh 202 and vdBH 205. On the northern side is IC 4628, a very large, irregular HII nebula that shows up best with a UHC filter. On the south edge of IC 4628 is mag 7.2 HD 152723 and 5' SW is a distinctive 8' string oriented NW-SE. About 20' S of the mag 7.2 star is a mag 6.2 star (V861 Sco) and to the NW is another 20' string extending WNW. To the south of this string is another 20' string oriented NW-SE that includes vdBH 202.
IC 4628 is a large, HII region embedded on the northern half of Tr 24. At 108x and UHC filter IC 4628 stood out as a very large, fairly bright glow within Tr 24. The main glow was elongated E-W, roughly 30'x12' with mag 7.2 HD 152723 just off the south side. A number of mag 8-10 stars are embedded along the SW and west end of the nebulosity. A fainter extension begins on the east end and extends NE for ~15', ending in a brighter patch with several stars involved.
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 103x the 40' field to the north of NGC 6231is filled with a huge, scattered grouping with no distinct boundaries.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): over 100 stars mag 8-12. Bright, very large, scattered. Divided into two main groups and fills the 40' field. Emission nebula IC 4628 is involved on the north side (seen from Baja) and a trail of stars extends towards NGC 6231.
8" (6/27/81): bright, large, scattered cluster in two main groups.
17.5" (7/4/86): 100 stars at 84x in the main part including 10 bright stars. Impressive cluster at low power.
13.1" (7/6/83): five bright stars are in the cluster with a dozen stars in the central portion and 50 stars in a 20' field. There is a 1° field to the NW and NE consisting of fairly bright stars = NGC 6227 and Tr 24 = H12.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): bright group of stars in center appeared like jewels over rich sprays of stars, excellent low power field. Located 30' N of Zeta Scorpii. Partially resolved in 8x50 finder.
8" (6/27/81): impressive cluster at 100x with a bright group of 8 stars in the center. Partially resolved in the 8x50 finder.
7x50mm binocs (7/6/83): partially resolved, very large region of ~2° with fairly bright stars.
Naked-eye (numerous times): this is an easy naked eye cluster, even from northern California, looking like a comet heading north from Zeta Scorpii. From further south (southern Baja or southern Hemisphere), it is a very prominent naked-eye cluster.
Giovanni Hodierna first observed NGC 6231 = Lac II-13 = D 499 = h3652 telescopically by 1646 from Sicily. He mentioned it was "highly remarkable, because of the coordination of 17 stars, and with an adjoining nebulosa..." The "nebulosa" is probably NGC 6231. Edmond Halley independently discovered the cluster in 1677 whle cataloging southern stars from the island of St. Helena.
The discovery credit is often given to Nicholas-Louis de Lacaille, who observed it in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He noted a "close group of seven or eight close faint stars". James Dunlop made 3 observations in 1826 and described "a cluster of pretty bright stars of mixt small magnitudes, considerably congregated to the centre, about 10' diameter, with a large branch of very small stars extended on the north side; this is 150 Scorpii." John Herschel wrote, "a fine bright, large cluster; pretty rich; class VII; 10'; stars 10...13 mag. Place of a double star 5m, the preceding but one of 7 bright stars in the middle."
Ashworth argues in the "Journal for the History of Astronomy" (1981) that Ptolemy listed NGC 6231 in his catalogue as a star (14 Scopii), though did not observe it as nebulous. It was included as a star or nebula, in every major catalogue and atlas since, but it's position and different labels were so inconsistent that it was not recognized as the same object found by Lacaille in 1752. For example, it was listed as Bayer's southern Mu, and Sharp's Zeta. It was depicted as the southern of a pair of stars in Bayer's atlas and the northern in Hevelius' atlas.
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16 43 20.1 +70 37 57; Dra
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (7/9/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small
bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
A mag 15 star is at the west edge.
Located 10.9' SW of
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6232 = Sw. 1-48, along with NGC
6236, on 28 Jun 1884 and recorded "pF; pL; lE. 1st of 4 [with NGC 6236, 6237, 6245]." His position RA was 15 seconds too
small, but at this declination the separation is just 1' west of UGC
10537. Hermann Kobold measured an
accurate micrometric position in 1892 with the 18" refractor at
Strasbourg. See notes on
MCG mislabels NGC 6232 as NGC 6237. The RNGC has the correct identification.
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16 50 15.6 +23 34 47; Her
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 33°
17.5" (5/28/89): faint, small, almost round, gradually increases to a small bright core.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6233 = St. 11-51 on 21 Jun 1871. His initial position was off the NW side. His published micrometric position (list XI, #51) was made 9 years later (12 Jul 1880).
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NGC 6234 = MCG +01-43-007 = CGCG 053-018 = PGC 59144
16 51 57.3 +04 23 01; Oph
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (6/8/91): very faint, very small, round, low
surface brightness. Located 9.4'
WNW of mag 8.8
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6234 = m 318 on 17 Jun 1863 and noted "F, S, R." His position is 1' too far south.
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16 53 25.3 -22 10 39; Oph
V = 10.2; Size 5.0'; Surf Br = 1.0
24" (8/29/19): unusual observation of NGC 6235 with Jupiter just 8' of the globular and Callisto superimposed on the outer south portion of the halo of the globular! Using 260x, with Jupiter off the edge of the field and Callisto resolved as an obvious 1.3" disc, the core of NGC 6235 was seen as a small, hazy patch and the halo was occasionally seen as a low surface brightness glow.
18" (7/24/06): at 435x this globular was quite scraggly with a small, irregularly shaped core surrounded by a much fainter low surface brightness halo extending to 3'-3.5' diameter. At least 15 to 20 stars were resolved with 3 or 4 fairly easy brighter stars but most are very faint, in the mag 15-16 range. With extended viewing, several extremely faint stars popped in and out of visibility in the halo, increasing the overall total to 25-30 stars, though a lower number were visible simultaneously.
17.5" (6/8/91): fairly bright, small, 3' diameter, mottled. A few stars are resolved at the edges of the halo including a fairly prominent mag 14 star at the east edge of the halo and another mag 14 star at the west edge of the core. The remaining resolved stars are mag 15 or fainter. The core is elongated N-S. The globular has an irregular scraggly halo due to unresolved star lanes. Located within a triangle of three mag 12-13 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6235 = H. II-584 = h3653 on 26 May 1786 (sweep 566) and recorded "pB, cL, gbM, easily resolvable. No doubt that it consists of stars." His position is accurate. John Herschel made the single observation "pretty compressed; S; 2'; rather triangular than R; mbM; resolved into stars 14...16m."
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NGC 6236 = UGC 10546 = MCG +12-16-008 = CGCG 339-019 = Kaz 88 = PGC 58891
16 44 34.4 +70 46 52; Dra
V = 11.9; Size 2.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 15°
17.5" (6/24/95): faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, 2.0'x1.4', almost even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 3.0' WSW.
17.5" (7/9/88): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, broad concentration. Located 3.7' NW of a mag 10.5 star. Brightest of three with NGC 6232 10.9' SW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6236 = Sw. 1-50, along with NGC
6232, on 28 Jun 1884 and recorded "F; pL; B * nr. 2nd of 4 [with NGC 6232, 6237 and
6245]." His position is 2.5'
due west (30 seconds of RA) of
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16 44 06 +70 38; Dra
= Not found, Gottlieb and Thomson. =NGC 6232?, Corwin. (R)NGC 6237 = NGC 6248.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6237 = Sw. 1-49 on 28 Jun 1884 and recorded "vvF; E; pL; S. 3rd of 4 [with NGC 6232, 6236, 6245]." There is nothing at his position, just 50 seconds of time due east of NGC 6232 = UGC 10537, which was discovered the same night. Harold Corwin comments that NGC 6237 might refer to a faint star(s), but perhaps Swift was confused and recorded NGC 6232 twice. Interestingly, his position for (nonexistent) NGC 6245 is similar amount off from NGC 6236, suggesting he might have recorded both objects twice. As this is just a theory, Corwin classifies NGC 6237 as lost.
RNGC mislabels
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16 47 16.7 +62 08 50; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 17°
17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, elongated SSW-NNE,
very faint star involved. Second
of three with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6238 = Sw. 4-41, along with NGC 6244, on 28 Jun 1886, and recorded "eeF; eS; eF * very close; e diff; sp of 2 [with NGC 6244]." The faint star is at the north edge.
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16 50 05.6 +42 44 22; Her
V = 12.4; Size 2.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 118°
24" (7/2/16): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.6'. The north edge has a sharper light cut-off apparently due to a dust lane and is slightly concave near the center. A small, slightly brighter core is offset from center, just south of the dust lane. The south edge gently bulges out, so overall the galaxy has a weak "banana" shape. A small knot (blue HII region on the SDSS) is just distinguishable at the WNW end of the galaxy.
17.5" (5/28/89): moderately bright, moderately large, oval NW-SE, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6239 = H. III-727 = St. 7-10 on 12 Apr 1788 (sweep 831) and recorded "cF, S, E in the parallel [E-W]." Caroline made a 1° error in declination which was copied by John Herschel into his General Catalogue (#4247). Arthur Auwers reduced the position correctly in his catalog. Stephan found the galaxy on 10 Jun 1874 with follow up observations on 20 Jun 1876, 11 Jun 1877, 5 Jun 1878 and 24 Jun 1878 (was he searching at Auwers' position?). He reported it as new in his 7th discovery list (#10), published in 1876, with an accurate position. Dreyer cataloged St. 7-10 separately in the GC Supplement (#5832), but identified NGC 6239 = GC 4247 = GC 5832.
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16 52 58.9 +02 24 04; Oph
V = 12.9; Size 2.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 20°
48" (4/6/13): NGC 6240, a highly disrupted merger, appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.2'x0.8', irregular shape! A prominent, thin extension or spike extends 4:1 or 5:1 to the NNE from the central region. This wing is sharply defined and narrow. A short, bright, broader extension juts out to the SSW, in the opposite direction of the NNE wing. Finally, a faint short wing (~15"x5") extends south from the central region on the east side (on the DSS, this branch curves at the south end). A mag 13.5 star is 30" E, a mag 15.5-16 star is 0.8' SSE and a 12" pair of mag 13.5/15 stars lies 1.5' S.
24" (7/22/14): the Rumpled Starfish appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, irregular but roughly elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, ~60"x40", though it increased in size with averted vision. The surface brightness is irregular, with a mottled texture. The brightest portion had an offset nucleus or knot on the east side. On the northeast side, a faint narrow wing extended to the north. A very short extension was also glimpsed on the southeast side. A mag 13.5 star is 0.6' NE and a mag 15.7 star is 50" SSE of center.
24" (8/15/12): this irregular galaxy appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~1.0'x0.5', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core. The shape is unusual as the NNE end is narrow, like an edge-on, while the south-southwest end appears wider. With careful viewing, a very faint extension branches south from the central region, creating a forked appearance with the brighter portion trending SSW. A mag 13.5 star is 0.6' NE and a mag 15.5 star is 0.8' SE of center.
18" (7/22/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.4', weak concentration, appears slightly brighter along the major axis. With extended viewing, there is an impression of an irregular shape with a very faint extension off the main bar near the center.
17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is at the NE edge 0.6' from center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6240 = St. 2-4 = Big. 80 on 2 Jun 1869, with an additional observation on 8 Jul 1871. His reduced position in list 2, #4 was made on 12 Jul 1871 and ~6' too far southeast, an unusually large error. A later observation was made on 3 Jun 1878. Guillaume Bigourdan independently found this galaxy on 2 Jul 1886 and measured an accurate position. Dreyer realized the equivalence and added a note in the NGC that "Stephan's comparison star must have been LL 30519. Adopting this star his observation agrees well with Bigourdan's."
E.E. Barnard rediscovered this galaxy on 7 Jul 1888 and
noted (in his observing log) "Ran upon a nebula close south-preceding a
10m star. 2 seconds p[receding]
the star and 1/4' +/- south."
Assuming Barnard's object was probably new, Dreyer recatalogued it as IC
4625 though added the note "? = 6240" Barnard's position was 2' too far north, but
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16 50 11.0 +45 25 15; Her
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2
24" (7/19/12): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
30" diameter, gradually increases to a very small brighter nucleus.
17.5" (8/22/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 50"x35". Weak, even concentration to a slightly brighter core and very faint quasi-stellar nucleus. Picked up while observing Zwicky's Triplet ~7' WNW.
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~E-W, weak concentration.
In a group with UGC 10586 6.7' ESE and "Zwicky's Triplet" =
William Herschel discovered NGC 6241 = H. III-735 on 29 Apr
1788 (sweep 838) and recorded "eF, pS, 300 verified it and shows
iF." His position matches
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16 55 33 -39 27 42; Sco
V = 6.4; Size 9'
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): bright, rich group of ~100
stars in a 12' region with most of the stars to the north of a mag 7.3 orange
luminary (K2-type
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): 80-100 stars in a 12' cluster including a mag 7.3 orange star (HD 152524) on the SE side. There is an elongated group (N-S) of ten mag 10 stars to the NW of the bright star. These brighter stars are set over a rich carpet of mag 13-14 stars. A couple of curved chains of stars forms the southern boundary of the cluster.
17.5" (7/16/93): ~100 stars in a 10' region at 220x, rich in faint stars. Includes red mag 7.3 SAO 101654 in the SE corner of cluster and 8 brighter mag 10-11 stars. Includes several curving arcs of stars with a few dozen mag 13 stars and a rich background carpet of mag 14.5-15.5 stars.
8" (6/27/81): two dozen stars mag 8-11, fairly rich, compact, nice at low power. Faint stars are visible with averted vision.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6242 = Lac I-10 = D 520 = h3654 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He simply noted an "elongated faint oval spot."
James Dunlop made 3 observations with his 9-inch f/12 reflector in 1826. His description from 13 May reads, "a cluster or group of small stars, about 4' diameter, with extensive branches extending S.p. and N.f. A pretty bright star south of the center. Considerable compression of the stars towards the centre of the group."
John Herschel first observed the cluster from the Cape on 5 June 1834 (sweep 456) and logged "a p rich brilliant cluster of stars 10...12th mag, with one 7-8th mag near middle." On 28 Jun (sweep 461) he recorded "cluster VI class, B, L, rich, discrete, 12', irregular figure, vlbM, fine object; place of a red star 9th mag, rest 11th mag, white." The next night he logged it as "a fine large rich cluster, class VII, stars 9..12th mag, fills field, place of a red star 8-9th mag in centre."
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16 52 26.4 +23 19 57; Her
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 154°
17.5" (5/28/89): very faint, small, elongated NW-SE, weak concentration.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6243 = St. 11-52 on 19 Jun 1871. His initial position was 3' to the ENE, consistent with other errors that night. Stephan's accurate micrometric position (list XI, #52) was made exactly 9 years later on 10 Jun 1880 with description "vF, vS,irregular, diffuse, slightly brighter nucleus.
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NGC 6244 = UGC 10568 = MCG +10-24-059 = CGCG 299-032 = Kaz 96 = PGC 59009
16 48 03.8 +62 12 01; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 140°
17.5" (7/9/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE. A mag 12.5 star is 0.9' W. Third of three with NGC 6238 6.4' SW and MCG +10-24-052 13' WNW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6244 = Sw. 4-42, along with NGC 6238, on 28 Jun 1886, and recorded "vF; vS; R; bet 2 stars; nf of 2 [with NGC 6238]."
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16 45 24 +70 48; Dra
= Not found, Gottlieb or Corwin. =NGC 6236?, Corwin.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6245 = Sw. 1-51 on 28 Jun 1884 and recorded "vF; pL; R. 4th of 4 [with NGC 6232, 6236, 6237]." There is nothing at his position, just 48 seconds of time east of NGC 6236 = UGC 10546, which was discovered the same night. Harold Corwin comments that NGC 6245 might refer to a faint star(s), but perhaps Swift was confused and recorded NGC 6245 twice. Perhaps coincidentally, his position for NGC 6237 is similar amount off from NGC 6232, suggesting he might have recorded both objects twice. Without additional information, Corwin classifies NGC 6245 as lost.
RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 58917 (at 16 45 19.2 +70 49 53) as NGC 6245. HyperLeda still identifies this galaxy as NGC 6245, though with B magnitude of 18.0, it is clearly much too faint to have been seen by Swift.
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16 49 53.4 +55 32 34; Dra
V = 13.6; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 43°
17.5" (7/4/86): at 222x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 SW-NE, broad concentration.
Forms a pair with
17.5" (6/19/88): faint, fairly small, elongated WSW-ENE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6246 = Sw. 4-43 on 28 Jun 1886
and recorded "eF; S; R."
His position is just 9 tsec of RA west of
The RNGC has reversed the identifications of NGC 6246 and NGC 6246A = UGC 10584, which is located 10' south-southeast of NGC 6246. Although these galaxies have similar magnitudes, NGC 6246 is more prominent visually due to a higher surface brightness. NGC 6246 is correctly identified in UGC, MCG and RC3. The error was mentioned in my RNGC Corrections #2.
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16 48 20.2 +62 58 35; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 58°
17.5" (7/9/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6247 on 24 Sep 1862 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
He noted the nearby mag 12 star, which he measured as 15.1 seconds east
and 35" north. His position
for the galaxy is ~40" south of
Harold Corwin notes that Lewis Swift found this galaxy again
(on 24 Jul 1889) and reported Sw. 9-70 (later
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NGC 6248 = UGC 10564 = MCG +12-16-009 = CGCG 339-020 = PGC 58946
16 46 22.8 +70 21 20; Dra
V = 13.1; Size 3.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 150°
17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, fairly large, very diffuse, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, weak concentration.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6248 = Sw. 2-44 on 11 Aug 1885 in
a group with NGC 6232 and NGC 6236, discovered the previous year. He reported "eeF; pL; R; bet a
bright star and 3 stars in a line; v diff." His position is less than 2' west of
Nevertheless, the RNGC misidentifies UGC 10564 as NGC
6237. In addition, RNGC and CGCG
mislabel
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16 57 41 -44 48 42; Sco
V = 8.2; Size 6'
14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 145x and 178x): bright, moderately large cluster with ~50 stars mag 10 to 14 scattered over a 7' region. Many of the stars are arranged roughly in a "C" or horseshoe shape open to the east. The most prominent part includes 4 mag 10-11 stars in a small trapezoidal shape (parallel sides N-S). Three additional mag 10-11 stars are spread out south of this trapezoid; the northern one is a 10" pair and several additional pairs caught my eye. NGC 6259, a showpiece cluster, lies 33' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6249 = h3655 on 1 Jun 1834 and recorded "cluster VIII class, coarse, p rich, stars 9...12m." On a second sweep (27 Jul 1834) he logged it as "VII class, p rich, loose irreg fig; large and small stars, 9...15m; 10' long, 7' broad."
James Dunlop *may* have been the first to find this cluster on 31 Jul 1826 with his 9-inch homemade reflector from Parramatta. He described D 455 as "an extremely faint ill-defined nebula, easily resolvable into stars; this is in the milky way." His position, though is just over 40' WSW of the cluster, so the identification is very uncertain.
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16 57 56 -45 56 12; Ara
V = 5.9; Size 8'
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): small group of a dozen stars in
a tight 2' cluster including mag 9.2
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 127x a dozen stars are packed into a tight 2' group. Consists of a knot of 6 stars on the NE side and a looping curve of 5 or 6 stars on the SW side. This "core" is surrounded by a scattered 10' group of perhaps three dozen stars including three mag 7.5-8.5 stars to the SW and SE by 3' and to the east by 6'.
13.1" (4/10/86): tight, rich group of 6-10 stars over an unresolved haze. Set among a larger scattered group of bright stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6250 = h3656 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded a "cluster VIII class; loose and straggling; place that of a D * [HJ 4899 = 9.8/10.0 at 2"] in central more condensed group; has a * 8m sf, 5' dist, and another 7m more remote. His position is on the close double star.
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NGC 6251 = UGC 10501 = MCG +14-08-010 = CGCG 367-013 = PGC 58472
16 32 31.8 +82 32 16; UMi
V = 12.6; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (8/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round. Contains a sharp, bright core which
rises to a bright stellar nucleus.
Pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 6251 = H. III-974, along with NGC 6252, on 1 Jan 1802 (late sweep 1106) and recorded "Two, the preceding [NGC 6251] cF, S, bM. The following [NGC 6252] vF, vS. The place is that of the first. The 2nd is about 3' more north, and only a few seconds of time following, they being nearly in the same meridian." His description is accurate, though his position is 2.8' too far north. This is the second most northerly galaxy that WH discovered. It wasn't until the later sweeps that the large 20-ft was used to search for nebulae near the pole as it was mechanically difficult to observe and accurately record positions in that direction.
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NGC 6252 = MCG +14-08-011 = CGCG 367-014 = PGC 58456
16 32 40.2 +82 34 36; UMi
V = 14.2; Size 0.75'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 62°
17.5" (8/1/86): fairly faint, round, weak concentration, can hold with direct vision. NGC 6252 is slightly smaller and has a much smoother surface brightness than NGC 6251 2.4' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6252 = H. III-975, along with NGC 6251 on 1 Jan 1802 (sweep 1106) and recorded "Two, the preceding [NGC 6251] cF, S, bM. The following [NGC 6252] vF, vS. The place is that of the first. The 2nd is about 3' more north, and only a few seconds of time following, they being nearly in the same meridian." This is the most northerly galaxy that WH discovered.
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16 59 05 -52 42 30; Ara
V = 10.2; Size 5'
14" (4/4/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x, 178x and 230x): fairly small 5' cluster, but quite rich with 60-70 stars mag 12-14.5 resolved at 230x. Stands out as a bright, partially resolved glow at 73x. Irregular shape but expands E-W on the south side and tapers on the north side. Contains no bright stars but a mag 8.9 star is just off the southwest side. Located 27' NNW of 4th magnitude Epsilon1 Arae. This well-studied cluster is an old, very metal-rich with an age of ~4 billion years.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6253 = D 374 = h3657 on 14 May 1826. His summary description (based on 4 observations) reads "a very faint nebula, of an irregular round figure, about 2' diameter, slightly bright towards the centre, easily resolvable into very minute stars, slightly compressed to the centre; this also precedes Epsilon Arae." His position was off by ~8' (too far southeast).
John Herschel observed it on 8 Jul 1834 (sweep 468) as "a small triangular cl 2' diameter; stars = 13m."
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16 57 08.9 -04 05 58; Oph
V = 6.6; Size 15.1'; Surf Br = 0.9
18" (7/14/07): large, gorgeous GC at 225x, extends ~15' in diameter and fills most of the field. The cluster is sharply concentrated with an intense 5' core containing a huge number of resolved mag 13-15 stars over an unresolved background glow and beautiful strings of stars in the halo. At 323x the core is slightly elongated SW-NE, ~5'x4' in size. Strings of stars crisscross the core with a very small triangle of stars at the geometric center. At 393x, one of the 3 stars in this central triangle is a very close double. The core is pretty uniformly rich and evenly resolved and does not compress towards the center.
17.5" (7/15/99): beautifully resolved at 220x. The halo appears to extend to nearly 14' although the star density is very low in the outer edge of the halo. The inner halo is sharply concentrated with a very bright 5'x4' core which is elongated SW-NE. The cluster is highly resolved into mag 12/13 stars from edge to edge (too numerous to count) with the stars very densely packed over the core. A second layer of mag 13/14 stars is superimposed over the core. The halo contains a number of strings including a long string to the south which curves east and a string to the north which curves west. Also two parallel linear strings head north or NNE from the core.
13.1" (many dates 6/19/82 to 6/30/84): very bright, fairly large, intense core richly covered with fairly bright stars. Scores of stars are resolved in the outer halo.
8" (7/3/80 to 6/19/82): bright lively core highly resolved. The outer halo is highly resolved with several long, distinct streamers (strings of stars).
Charles Messier discovered M10 = NGC 6254 = h1972 on 29 May 1764. William Herschel first observed the globular on 21 May 1783 with his 8-inch (10-ft focal length) and noted "With 227 I suspected it to consist of stars; with 460 I can see several of them, but they are too small to be counted." In 1784 and 1791 he observed M10 with his 18.7-inch and noted "A beautiful cluster of extremely compressed stars; it resembles the 53d [M53]; and the most compressed part is about 3 or 4 minutes in diameter."
On 1 Jun 1831 (not registered as a sweep), John Herschel logged, "a superb cluster of very compressed stars, gbM. The stars are 10...15m, and run up to a blaze in the centre, but I see no nucleus. Diam about 6'; a noble object." His first observation was on 30 May 1821, the second night he was learning how to sweep.
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16 54 47.1 +36 30 07; Her
V = 12.7; Size 3.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 85°
24" (6/12/15): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 1.5'x0.6', low but uneven surface brightness. At the east end of the galaxy is either a blue dwarf companion (HS 1653+3634) or more likely an intensely active star forming complex. At 375x a very small, nearly stellar knot was visible just off the east end of the main glow. The knot had a higher surface brightness than the main galaxy.
17.5" (7/8/89): very faint, moderately large, very diffuse, low even surface brightness, elongated 5:2 E-W. A mag 14 star is off the south edge 1.8' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6255 = H. III-689 = h1973 on 16 May 1787 (sweep 739) and recorded "eF, cL, iE nearly in the parallel." John Herschel made the single observation "eF; vL; E in parallel; 2' l, 1' br." On 6 May 1850, LdR (or observing assistant George Stoney) noted "Query is it a double streak with a nucleus or a * at f end." The "star" at the following end is an HII complex seen in my observation.
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16 59 32.6 -37 07 17; Sco
V = 11.3; Size 1.5'; Surf Br = 3.4
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is a small, faint globular with a small, brighter core. A brighter mag 12 field star is attached at the south edge. At 171x appears just 2' diameter with a few mag 15 stars resolved around the periphery and occasionally over the mottled core.
13.1" (5/30/87): very faint, small, round, requires averted but definite at 62x and 166x. A faint star is visible at the SW end.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6256 = h3658 on 28 Jun 1834 and recorded "globular cluster; eF; vL; vglbM; 4' diam; perceived with the upmost attention to be resolved into vS stars 20th magnitude." The next night he logged "VI. class. A vL neb, or rather vF, R, cl VI class; vF; irreg R; vglbM; 4'." His position is fairly accurate.
Sky Catalogue 2000.0 misidentifies Terzan 12 as NGC 6256.
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16 56 03.5 +39 38 44; Her
V = 15.1; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 123°
17.5" (6/24/95): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter (elongated NW-SE on the POSS). Requires averted vision but sighting certain using GSC field chart. A mag 13 star is 1.7' SW (part of collinear string of stars oriented NW-SE). Uncertain RNGC identification.
17.5" (7/8/89): not seen in fairly poor seeing and transparency.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6257 = h1974 on 16 May 1831 (sweep 357) and recorded "a suspicious object. It is pointed to by a faint double star nf. Doubtful whether a nebula or a vF double star, with perhaps a third star near (of course ill seen)." There is nothing at his position. It was looked for once at Birr Castle, but not found.
RNGC, CGCG and PGC identify
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16 52 29.9 +60 30 51; Dra
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 70°
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated,
small bright core. A mag 15-15.5
star is in contact at the NW end.
Located 5' ENE of mag 8.4
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6258 = Sw. 4-44 on 28 Jun 1886
and recorded "eF; vS; R; a bright star and a double star near
preceding." His position is 7
seconds west and 1' north of
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NGC 6259 = NGC 6222 = Cr 322 = Mel 158
17 00 45 -44 39 18; Sco
V = 8.0; Size 10'
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x this cluster appears as a beautifully rich cloud of stars. A couple of hundred stars are resolved in an 8' diameter. Fairly uniform in density and magnitude and roughly circular (similar to NGC 7789). This very rich cluster would be a showpiece for U.S. observers if further north! NGC 6249 lies 33' SW.
8" (7/16/82): 12 faint stars mag 11-12.5, over unresolved haze, elongated N-S. Appears to be rich but observed at a very low altitude which diminished the view.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6259 = D 456 = h3660 on 13 May 1826. He made two observations and described it as "a very large patch of strong nebula, about 20' long, and 16' broad, rich in small and extremely minute stars." One observation estimates the size as 10' or 12'. His position (only to the nearest minute of time in RA) was 11' too far southeast.
On 1 Jun 1834 (sweep 454), John Herschel called it "a superb, vL, v rich cluster, which fills field; R, vglbM, stars 11..12th mag, thickly sown at intervals from each other from 10" to 20"." On 27 Jul 1834 (sweep 472) he called it "vL, v rich, fills more than a field, has one or two straggling appendages p and s; stars 11 and 12th mag, nearly equal." Herschel also found the cluster on 3 Jun 1834 but made a 10 minute transcription error in RA. As a result, h3650 = NGC 6222 is a duplicate observation.
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16 51 50.6 +63 42 52; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (7/9/88): faint, small, round, even surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6260 = Sw. 4-45 on 5 Aug 1886 and
recorded "eF; pS; R; near south-following are 4 or 5 stars in form of a
curve." His position and
description matches
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16 56 30.5 +27 58 39; Her
V = 14.0; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 88°
17.5" (7/2/89): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated E-W. Bracketed by two
mag 15 stars. First of eight in
the
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6261 = St. 11-53 on 20 Jun
1871. His initial position was 3'
too far NE. His published
micrometric position (list XI, #53) was made on 13 Jul 1880 with description
"extremely faint, very small, irregular, brighter nucleus. It is quite distinct from those
cataloged in Dreyer from [NGC 6263] to [
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16 53 36 +56 56; Dra
= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6262 = Sw. 5-72 on 23 Oct 1886 and recorded "eeeF, pS, R, eee diff". His position falls on a blank piece of sky and the number is not associated with a galaxy in any modern catalogue. Harold Corwin suggests two possible (distant) candidates, but these are just guesses as his description is unhelpful and the observation might also apply to a faint star or stars.
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NGC 6263 = UGC 10618 = MCG +05-40-008 = CGCG 169-014 = PGC 59292
16 56 43.1 +27 49 19; Her
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (7/2/89): very faint, extremely small,
round. A mag 13.5 star is just off
the south edge 40" from center.
Located 2.6' S of a mag 9 star.
Second of 8 in the NGC 6269 group (AWM 5) with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6263 = m 319 = St. 2-5 on 28 Jun 1864, along with NGC 6264, 6265, 6269, 6270, and noted "eF, vS, R." His position is accurate. Édouard Stephan observed this galaxy again, along with the other four, on 22 Jul 1871, probably aware of Marth's earlier discovery. He reported it as new in his second discovery list (#5). Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.
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NGC 6264 = MCG +05-40-009 = CGCG 169-015 = Holm 763a = WBL 625-001 = PGC 59306
16 57 16.1 +27 50 59; Her
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 15°
17.5" (7/27/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.5'. Two mag 13.5 and 14.5 stars lie 1' SW and 1' S, respectively. Forms a pair with NGC 6265 2.9' ESE in the NGC 6269 group (AWM 5 = USGC U782).
17.5" (7/2/89): very faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, very low surface brightness. Two faint stars off the south side; a mag 14 star 1.1' SW and a mag 15 star 1.0' S. Third of eight in the NGC 6269 group with NGC 6265 2.9' ESE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6264 = m 320 = Sf. 38 = St. 2-6 on 28 Jun 1864. Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy, along with NGC 6265 and 6269, on 11 Jul 1866 at the Dearborn Observatory. Édouard Stephan observed this galaxy again, along with the other four, on 22 Jul 1871, probably aware of Marth's earlier discovery. But he reported it as new in his second discovery list (#6). Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.
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NGC 6265 = UGC 10624 = MCG +05-40-011 = CGCG 169-017 = WBL 625-002 = PGC 59315
16 57 29.0 +27 50 39; Her
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 35°
17.5" (7/27/95): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 40"x30", very faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2.4' ENE. Located 6.4' W of NGC 6269 in a group (AWM 5 = USGC U782). Forms a pair with NGC 6264 2.9' WNW.
17.5" (7/2/89): very faint, small, very low surface brightness, elongated SW-NE. Fourth of 8 in NGC 6269 group with NGC 6264 2.9' WNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6265 = m 321 = Sf. 39 = St. 2-7 on 28 Jun 1864. Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy, along with NGC 6264 and 6269, on 11 Jul 1866 at the Dearborn Observatory. Édouard Stephan observed this galaxy again, along with the other four, on 22 Jul 1871, probably aware of Marth's earlier discovery. But he measured an accurate position and reported it as new in his second discovery list (#7). Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.
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17 01 12.5 -30 06 44; Oph
V = 6.6; Size 14.1'; Surf Br = 1.4
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x this is a very striking globular set in a fine star field. The halo is very irregular and elongated due to a flattening along the SE side. The halo is easily resolved into several dozen faint stars, many in strings and chains. A long string of stars extends from a mag 10.5 star off the SE side along the east edge of the halo. The center appears offset due to the flattening and is very compressed with a large, blazing core.
13.1" (6/19/82): very bright nucleus, asymmetric appearance with a flattened SE region. The outer halo is very mottled and just resolved into many faint stars at 220x.
8" (6/19/82): bright nucleus, nonsymmetrical appearance, fans out to the west from an off-center core. A few very faint stars are resolved at the west edge.
Charles Messier discovered
William Herschel first observed the globular on 28 May 1783 with his 6-inch (10-foot telescope) and noted "With 250 power, a strong suspicion, amounting almost to a certainty, of its consisting of stars. In observations with his 18.7-inch (20-foot telescope) in 1785 and 1786, he called the cluster "Extremely bright, round, very gradually brighter in the middle, about 4 or 5' in diameter; 240 power with strong attention showed the stars of it. The cluster is a miniature of the 3d of the Connoissance." James Dunlop was next to observe it from Paramatta on 13 May 1824. One observations reads, "a pretty bright round nebula, gradually faint to the margin - suddenly bright at the center and very much condensed at the center, about 2 1/2' diameter, pretty well defined at the margin."
On 8 May 1834 (sweep 451), John Herschel was the first to note its off-center core: "globular, vB, L, R, pgvmbM, perfectly resolved with left eye, hardly with right. The most condensed part is a perfect blaze, but not quite in the centre. The southern part runs out further. A beautiful object (See figure 13, Plate VI). [Semi] Diam = 13.5 seconds in RA."
Using the Great Melbourne Telescope on 8 Oct 1874, Joseph Turner called it a "superb object and almost a miniature of Omega Centauri". He noted "this condensed portion is not quite central, but (offset) toward the north-following side, the cluster branching out considerably in the south-preceding direction."
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16 58 08.8 +22 59 05; Her
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 35°
17.5" (8/1/89): faint, moderately large, almost round, low but irregular surface brightness, appears slightly brighter on the north side. An extremely faint mag 15.5 star is involved on the south side.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6267 = H. III-123 on 15 May 1784 (sweep 217) and recorded "vF, pL, R, lbM. Following and near a star; with several other stars in the field following." His position was 2' too far NE. The discovery was on the first night he experimented using a "front-view", observing at the edge of the tube without use of a secondary.
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17 02 10 -39 43 42; Sco
Size 6'
8" (6/5/81): 30-40 stars mag 10-12.5 in a 10' diameter. A denser group of stars in the center is arranged in a line.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6268 = D 521 = h3662 on 5 Jun 1826. He described "2 rows or lines of pretty bright small stars in the parallel of the equator, with a multitude of minute stars resembling a faint nebula, 5' diameter." He made another observation on 4 August and noted a 5' diameter.
On 3 Jun 1834 (sweep 456), John Herschel recorded a "cluster, rich, pL, brilliant, 8', stars irregularly scattered 10..12th mag, place of a double star in the following angle of a triangular condensed group."
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NGC 6269 = UGC 10629 = MCG +05-40-012 = CGCG 169-019 = WBL 62-003 = PGC 59332
16 57 58.0 +27 51 16; Her
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80°
17.5" (7/27/95): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 1.5' diameter. Even concentration to a bright core and stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5-14 star with an extremely faint companion lies 1.3' S of center. Brightest in a "poor" group of faint galaxies (AWM 5 = USGC U782).
17.5" (7/2/89): fifth and brightest in a string of 8 NGC galaxies with NGC 6264 6.5' W and NGC 6265 9.4' W. Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, gradually increases to a small bright core.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6269 = m 322 = Sf. 40 = St. 2-8 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "F, S, R." Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy (along with NGC 6264 and 6265) on 11 Jul 1866 at the Dearborn Observatory. Édouard Stephan found it again on 2 June 1869 (probably aware of Marth's earlier discovery). He measured an accurate micrometric position on 22 Jul 1871 and reported it as new in his 2nd discovery list (#8). He made a late observation on 10 Jun 1877. Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.
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16 58 44.0 +27 51 33; Her
Size 0.6'x0.4'; PA = 93°
17.5" (7/27/95): very faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, 20" diameter. Very weak concentration with an occasional very faint stellar nucleus. Can hold steadily with averted vision although not included in the UGC, MCG or CGCG. Located 10' E of NGC 6269 in the AWM 5 group (6th of 8). Misidentified in the RNGC.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6270 = m 323 = St. 2-9 on 28 Jun 1864. His position was 5' too far north. Édouard Stephan observed this galaxy again, along with the other four, on 22 Jul 1871, probably aware of Marth's earlier discovery. He reported it as new in his second discovery list (#9). Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.
The RNGC and PGC misidentify
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16 58 50.8 +27 57 53; Her
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (7/2/89): extremely faint, very small, round. Seventh of 8 in the NGC 6269 group and forms a close pair with NGC 6272 3' SSE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6271 = m 32, along with NGC 6270 and 6272, on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, R." His position is accurate.
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NGC 6272 = CGCG 169-022 = PGC 59367
16 58 58.3 +27 55 51; Her
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.2'
17.5" (7/2/89): extremely faint, very small, round. Forms a pair with NGC 6271 3' NNW. Located along a line of faint stars and last of 8 in the NGC 6269 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6272 = m 325, along with NGC 6270 and NGC 6271, on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "vF". His position is within 1' of CGCG 169-022 = PGC 59367.
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17 02 37.6 -26 16 05; Oph
V = 6.8; Size 13.5'; Surf Br = 1.2
17.5" (6/3/00): bright, moderately large globular, unusual appearance with an extended halo ~6'x4.5' (elongated N-S) and a bright 3.5' core. The cluster breaks up into several dozen stars at 220x and at 500x at least 50 stars are resolved over the entire face of the globular. There are a couple of strings of stars on the SE side of the halo with a dark lane between the strings. The brightest star (foreground?) is on the northeast side.
13.1" (7/27/84): bright, elongated N-S, very mottled, brighter core. The outer edges barely resolves into one or two dozen stars at 220x.
13.1" (7/17/82): a number of faint stars just resolve at 280x, particularly around the south edge.
8" (7/17/82): lively, two or three very faint stars are resolved at the north edge.
Charles Messier discovered
William Herschel first resolved the cluster using his 6-inch (10-foot focal length) on 28 May 1783, before his sweeps began. "I can count 5 or 6; & all the rest of the light appears mottled like other nebulas when not sufficiently magnified and illuminated to shew the stars." John Herschel, observing from Slough on 16 Apr 1828, recorded "a fine globular cluster, stars vS, 12...18m, with one = 10m, and one 10-11m; nearly R; vgpmbM, but does not come up to a blaze. Insulated; 3' diam. It forms a link between I. 70 [NGC 5634] and M10 or M12."
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17 00 35.2 +29 43 33; Her
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 170°
24" (7/15/15): faint to fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated N-S, 18"x12", small slightly brighter nucleus. A mag 15 star is just off the southwest
side [20" from center]. Forms
a pair with
17.5" (7/8/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is off the southwest edge 19" from the center. Located 6' SSW of NGC 6282.
UGC 10643, which is identified as NGC 6274 in the RNGC and PGC, is located 21' NW. It appeared faint, small, possibly elongated E-W, brighter core. Located 2' E of an isosceles triangle consisting of three mag 13-14 stars. The nearest of these stars is a close double.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6274 = m 326 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "eF, vS." There is nothing close to his position.
RNGC and PGC identify UGC 10643 as NGC 6274. UGC 10643 is a double system (with PGC 59381) situated 11' north and 15 seconds of RA west of Marth's position, so it's a pretty poor match. Karl Reinmuth first gave this identification in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel".
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16 55 33.4 +63 14 32; Dra
V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 120°
48" (4/21/17): at 375x; fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~20"x15", slightly brighter core. With averted vision a very faint tail or "hook" extends east on the south end. On the SDSS, this is the beginning of a knotty loop (tidally deformed tail?) that extends to the north end of this disrupted galaxy.
17.5" (7/9/88): extremely faint, very small, round, small slightly brighter core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6275 = Sw. 4-46 on 5 Aug 1886 and
recorded "eeeF; S; lE; eee diff.; nearly in center of a large
vacancy." His position is 1'
west (10 seconds of RA) of
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17 00 45.0 +23 02 39; Her
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.2
24" (9/5/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
slightly elongated, ~25"x20" diameter, weak concentration to the
center but no distinct nucleus. In
a trio with
UGC 10650 (misidentified as NGC 6276 in the RNGC) appeared very faint, moderately large, extremely thin edge-on SSW-NNE, ~45"x5", low surface brightness, slightly brighter core. A mag 15.2 star is at the SSW tip.
17.5" (5/28/89): very faint, small, round. Forms a pair with NGC 6278 2.3'
SE. Two faint mag 14.5/15 stars
are 2' E. The northern of these
two stars is
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6276 = m 328 = St. 2-10 on 10
Jun 1864. His position was 1' to
the northwest. Édouard Stephan
observed it on 6 June 1869, 20 Jun 1871 and 5 Jun 1878. He reduced an accurate micrometric
position on 13 Jul 1871 reported as new in his 2nd discovery list (#10). Was he aware of Marth's earlier
discovery? Finally, Bigourdan
found this galaxy on 19 Jun 1887, reported it as a "nova" in Comptes
Rendus list 5 (#213), and Dreyer catalogued again as
RNGC misidentified UGC 10650 as NGC 6276. In addition, CGCG and RNGC mislabel NGC 6276 as NGC 6277 and MCG and UGC refer to it as NGC 6276 = NGC 6277. The identifications were sorted out in the Webb Society Quarterly Journal #87, Malcolm Thomson's unpublished Catalogue Corrections, my RNGC Corrections #4 (on the NGC/IC Project site) and Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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17 00 48.8 +23 02 22; Her
V = 15.6
17.5" (5/28/89): this number refers to a mag 14 star just under 1' ESE of NGC 6276. It was noted in the observation of NGC 6276, along with a fainter mag 15 star about 15" south.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6277 = St. 2-11 on 20 Jun 1871 while measuring the positions of NGC 6276 and 6278. His micrometric position (reduced on 13 Jul 1871) matches a faint star (northern of a 16" pair). In the main NGC table, Dreyer equated m 328 (from Albert Marth) with NGC 6277, but m 328 refers to NGC 6276 (corrected by Dreyer in his comments section of the NGC).
The RNGC and CGCG misidentify NGC 6276 as NGC 6277. The UGC and MCG incorrectly equate NGC 6276 = NGC 6277. See Harold Corwin's notes for more.
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NGC 6278 = UGC 10656 = MCG +04-40-011 = CGCG 139-029 = Holm 765a = WBL 629-003 = PGC 59426
17 00 50.3 +23 00 40; Her
V = 12.4; Size 2.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
24" (9/5/18): at 375x; bright, fairly large, oval 5:3 NW-SE, ~1.2'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a sharp stellar nucleus. The halo has a fairly low even surface brightness. Third and brightest in a trio (WBL 629) with NGC 6276 2.4' NW and UGC 10650 10' NW.
17.5" (5/28/89): fairly faint, small, dominated by a very small bright core with stellar nucleus, faint halo elongated NW-SE. Close pair with NGC 6276 2.3' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6278 = H. III-124 = St. 2-12 on 15 May 1784 (sweep 217) and logged "vF, stellar, 240 verified it." His RA (copied into the GC) was 25 seconds too large. The discovery was on the first night he experimented using a "front-view", observing at the edge of the tube without use of a secondary. Stephan observed the galaxy again on 6 Jun 1869, with additional observations on 20 Jun 1871, 16 Jun 1876, 10 Jun 1877 and 5 Jun 1878. He measured an accurate micrometric position on 13 July 1871 and reported it as new in his second discovery list (#12), though commented that it was probably identical to Herschel's object. Stephan's position was used in the NGC.
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16 59 01.3 +47 14 14; Her
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 10°
17.5" (8/1/89): faint, small, round, gradually increases to a small bright core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6279 = Sw. 5-73 on 23 Oct 1886
and recorded "vF; pS; lE; wide double star near
north-following." His
position and description (the two stars are mag 11-12) applies to
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17 01 57.5 +06 39 58; Oph
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 140°
17.5" (7/20/90): faint, small, slightly elongated
WNW-ESE, small bright core.
Located 4.5' NE of mag 8.7
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6280 = m 329 on 8 May 1864 and
noted "pB, S, lE."
Although his position is within 1' of
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17 04 41 -37 59 06; Sco
V = 5.4; Size 8'
18" (6/12/10): this bright 10' diameter cluster was even resolved in my 80mm finder at 25x. Excellent in my 18" at 175x with roughly 50 resolved stars to mag 14 including two dozen brighter mag 9-10.5 stars in a distinctive, well-defined outline. Several double stars are involved including h4915 = 9/10.8 at 11" on the NE side and a 10" pair of mag 10.5/11.5 stars in the center. Several of the cluster's fainter stars are situated on the south side. A number of the brighter stars are in two strings forming a right angle. The northern line is oriented SW-NE and the southwest line is oriented NW-SE. The vertex is at the west end of these strings (NW edge of the cluster). NGC 6281 is located 2.5 degrees east of Mu1/2 Sco.
8" (6/5/81): two dozen stars mag 9-11 in a distinct fairly bright, rectangular group of ~10' diameter.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6281 = D 556 = h3664 on 5 Jun 1826 and described (summary), "a curiously curved line of pretty bright small stars, with many very small stars mixt." Dunlop made 3 observations but his published position was 20' too far E.
John Herschel made a single observation on 28 Jun 1834 (sweep 461) and recorded "a p rich, L, pB, cluster VII class, of loose stars 9, 10, 11th mag, which fills 2/3 of field." His position is on the double star HJ 4915 on the north side of the main group.
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NGC 6282 = CGCG 169-029 = PGC 59418
17 00 47.2 +29 49 15; Her
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.5'; PA = 36°
24" (7/15/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, roundish, 25" diameter, even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is at the east edge [0.4' from center]. Forms a pair with UGC 10654 6.2' SSW.
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, very small, irregularly round, no concentration. A mag 15 star is attached at the east end. Forms a pair with UGC 10654 7' SSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6282 = m 330 on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is accurate.
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16 59 26.4 +49 55 18; Her
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, moderately large, broad concentration. A double star lies 3.7' SW (mag 12/14 at 20").
William Herschel discovered NGC 6283 = H. III-728 on 13 Apr
1788 (sweep 832) and noted "vF, cS, iR." Caroline's reduction is an excellent match with
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17 04 28.8 -24 45 53; Oph
V = 9.0; Size 5.6'; Surf Br = 0.9
18" (7/12/07): easily picked up at 25x in the 80mm finder with a very bright core and fainter halo. At 220x, this globular is sharply concentrated with an intense core that increases to the center. The 2' halo is very lively and several very faint stars are just visible. Clouds then interrupted this observation and I wasn't able to use high power.
17.5" (6/3/00): moderately bright, small, round, 2' diameter, bright core, very small intense nucleus. At 500x, ~12-15 stars are resolved, mostly in the outer halo, and the cluster is very clumpy as if on the verge of more extensive resolution.
13.1" (6/19/82): very small intense core, fainter halo with a few faint stars resolved over a mottled haze.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6284 = H. VI-11 = h1976 = h3665 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "a cluster of stars, in respect of the size of the whole, as well as the distance and magnitude of the stars in it, a good miniature of the preceding. The colour of the stars also preserve a faint red; about 1.5 or 2' in diam. It may be called the next step to an easily resolvable nebula." He later commented "It is a good miniature of the 19th of the Connoiss. not only with respect to the size of the cluster, but also with regard to the mutual distance the reduced magnitude of the stars of which it consists." From the CGH, John Herschel recorded "globular cluster; B; R: gbM; diam = 7.0s; resolved into stars 16m."
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16 58 24.0 +58 57 22; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 95°
48" (5/15/12): moderately bright to fairly bright,
moderately large, elongated 5:2 E-W, ~40"x12", well concentrated with
a bright core, faint extensions.
Very low surface arm structure is just visible at the east and west ends
of the bar. Smaller and fainter of
a pair (
24" (7/2/19): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 E-W, broad and mild concentration. The spiral arms extending north on the west end of the bar and south on the east end were not noticed.
24" (7/20/17): at 322x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, broad concentration with a relatively large brighter core. I wasn't able to see arm structure coming off the central bar with any confidence. Forms an interacting pair Arp 293 (with low surf. br. tidal bridge and plumes) with NGC 6286 1.5' SE.
24" (6/28/16): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W (central bar), ~30"x10", small bright core. Occasionally, very low surface brightness haze (arms) could be glimpsed on the north side of the west end of the bar and the south side of the east end. Forms an interacting pair (Arp 293) with NGC 6286 1.5' SE.
18" (7/14/07): faint, fairly small, very elongated E-W, 0.6'x0.2, small brighter core. Fainter member of an interacting pair (Arp 293) with NGC 6286 1.5' SE.
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, oval WNW-ESE, weak concentration. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 6286 1.5' SE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6285 around 1886 and recorded "eeF, S, R, v diffic, np of 2". The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer, who referenced his 6th discovery list, which was under preparation when the NGC was published. But Swift didn't include it in either his 6th or later 9th list, which included several objects Swift discovered prior to the publication of the NGC. His position is just 7 seconds west and 1' north of this galaxy. Nearby NGC 6286 was discovered earlier on 13 Aug 1885.
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NGC 6286 = Arp 293 NED2 = UGC 10647 = MCG +10-24-084 = CGCG 299-040 = PRC C-51 = PGC 59352
16 58 31.8 +58 56 13; Dra
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6
48" (5/15/12): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, ~1.5'x0.4', well concentrated with a slightly bulging core and thin extensions. The outer loop on the southeast side was not seen. Brighter member of an interacting system (Arp 293) with NGC 6285 just 1.5' NW.
24" (7/2/19): at 282x; moderately bright and large,
very attractive edge-on 5:1 SW-NE with a bright core.
24" (7/20/17): at 322x; moderately bright and large, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.25', contains a bright bulging core. Slightly brighter of an interacting pair (Arp 293) with NGC 6285 1.5' NW. UGC 10641, an extremely low surface brightness superthin 4.4' SW, was just glimpsed and only the core region, ~15"x5", extending E-W was seen with confidence. Situated 0.4' NW of a mag 13.7 star.
24" (6/28/16): NGC 6286 is the slightly brighter of an interacting pair (Arp 293) with NGC 6285 1.5' NW. At 375x it appeared moderately bright and large, edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.25', well concentrated with a bright core, the extensions taper at the ends.
UGC 10641, an extremely low surface brightness edge-on, lies 4.5' SW. It appeared extremely faint and slender 8:1 E-W, ~40"x5". A mag 13.7 star is 0.4' SW of center. Based on the DSS image and low magnitude (mag 16.2-16.5B) I was surprised to pick up this superthin with certainty. The SQM-L reading at the time was over 21.8.
18" (7/14/07): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 9:2 SW-NE, ~1.5'x0.3', very weak concentration with a small slightly brighter core. A 52" pair of mag 10/11 stars is in the field 7' NE.
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, bright core. Form a close pair with NGC 6285 1.5' NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6286 = Sw. 2-45, along with NGC 6290 and 6291, on 13 Aug 1885 and recorded "eF; pS; R." His position was just 5 seconds of time too small. He missed nearby NGC 6285 on this observation, but discovered it on a later observation.
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17 05 09.3 -22 42 29; Oph
V = 9.3; Size 5.1'; Surf Br = 1.9
18" (7/24/06): I was surprised to find this fairly faint 3' cluster was partially resolved at 435x and 565x. At 565x the cluster was very lively and mottled with roughly 20 stars barely resolved over the disc (some popping in and out of visibility). The core was only weakly compressed. The cluster appeared on the verge of being well resolved with a number of extremely faint mag 16 stars sometimes momentarily sparkling and increasing the total to perhaps three dozen stars.
17.5" (6/8/91): fairly bright, irregular, 3' diameter, mottled but not resolved at 280x. The core is elongated SW-NE. Two very faint unresolved star lanes stream to the north and east from the core giving the appearance of a tail.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6287 = H. II-195 = h3666 on 21 May 1784 (sweep 222) and recorded "pB, cL, iR, r, lbM." John Herschel made the single observation "globular cluster; irreg R; gpm comp M; 3' diam; barely resolved into stars 16...18m." and measured an accurate position.
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16 57 24.5 +68 27 26; Dra
V = 14.5; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 105°
17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, very small, round, very
small bright core. Forms a pair
with
Edward Swift discovered NGC 6288 = Sw. 1-52, along with NGC 6289, on 19 Aug 1884. Lewis' son was only 13 years old at the time. The description reads "vvF; vS; R; vF * nr; sp of 2 [with NGC 6289]." The published RA was 12 seconds too large.
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NGC 6289 = MCG +11-21-007 = CGCG 320-056 = PGC 59322
16 57 44.9 +68 30 53; Dra
V = 14.5; Size 0.8'x0.6'; PA = 13°
17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, very small, round. A pair of stars is 1.5' NE and a mag 15.5 star is at the SW edge. Forms a pair with NGC 6288 4' SSW.
Edward Swift discovered NGC 6289 = Sw. 1-53, along with NGC 6288, on 19 Aug 1884 and recorded "eF; eE; pL; 2 B stars nr n; nf of 2 [with NGC 6288]." The RA is ~0.4 minutes too large (small distance at this declination).
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17 00 56.4 +58 58 13; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 30°
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core, faint stellar nucleus.
Brightest of three in a compact group with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6290 = Sw. 2-46, along with NGC 6291 and 6286, on 13 Aug 1885 and recorded "eF; pS; R; * nr following; 2 bright stars nearly point to it; n of 2 [with NGC 6291]." The note "2 bright stars nearly point to it" refer to 2 mag 10 stars to the northwest, but there is no star "nr following."
MCG misidentifies NGC 6290 as NGC 6291.
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NGC 6291 = MCG +10-24-086 = CGCG 299-042 = PGC 59433
17 00 55.9 +58 56 16; Dra
V = 13.9; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, round, small bright core. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 6290 2.0' N and part of a group (LDCE 1228) that includes NGC 6285/6286 (Arp 293).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6291 = Sw. 2-47, along with NGC 6290 and 6286, on 13 Aug 1885 and recorded "eeF; eS; R; s of 2 [with NGC 6290]." MCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 6291, though the identification is certain.
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17 03 03.7 +61 02 37; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 105°
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. Located within a star group with a mag 15 star at the east end.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6292 = Sw. 2-48 on 8 Jul 1885 and
recorded "eF; E; several vF stars near; v diff." His position is 30 seconds too far
west, but the description confirms the identification with
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17 10 10.4 -26 34 54; Oph
V = 8.2; Size 7.9'; Surf Br = 1.1
17.5" (6/6/86): small, compact, 10-20 stars resolved at 286x and on the verge of more extensive resolution.
13.1" (7/27/84): fairly bright, high surface brightness, compact core, much fainter mottled halo. Between 6-12 very faint stars are resolved in the halo at 360x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6293 = H. VI-12 = h1977 = h3667 on 24 May 1784 (sweep 224) and noted "a miniature cluster of stars of the former cluster [M19]; such as described sweep 223 [NGC 6284], but rather coarser." From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel recorded "globular cluster; B; R; psbM; diam 7.0s; resolved into stars 16m."
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17 10 16.2 -26 34 29; Oph
= ** on the east side of NGC 6293 [1.4' ENE of center], Dreyer.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6294 = h1978 on 16 Apr 1828 and recorded "F; S; vsbM; is a companion to the globular cluster VI. 12 [NGC 6293, observed just previously in the sweep]." His position (corrected by a small offset for NGC 6293) corresponds with pair of mag 13 stars at 10" separation. Herbert Howe, was the first to make this identification in 1898, observing with the 20-inch refractor in Denver. He noted "This follows 6293 closely, and appears to be simply a very faint double star of mag 13 and 13.5, with an angle on 315°, and distance of 8"."
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17 03 15.4 +60 20 16; Dra
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.4'; PA = 77°
24" (7/20/17): at 322x; faint or fairly faint, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, ~40"x16", broad weak concentration but no distinct core. A dust lane bisects the galaxy, but it was not seen. The brighter component of a 25" pair of mag 14/15 stars (oriented SW-NE) lies 45" N of center.
17.5" (6/18/88): extremely faint, very small, elongated
WSW-ENE. A mag 14 star is 30"
N. The
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6295 = Sw. 4-47 on 9 Jun 1886 and
recorded "eF; S; cE; F * nr."
His position is 10 seconds east and 2.5' north of
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17 08 44.6 +03 53 37; Oph
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 130°
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, small, slightly elongated
NW-SE, broad concentration. On
line with mag 7.8
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6296 = m 331 on 17 Jun 1863 and noted "pB". His position was 2' too far north.
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17 03 36.4 +62 01 32; Dra
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 90°
17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, round, bright core. Located between a mag 12 star 1.8' ESE and a mag 13 star 0.9' WNW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6297 = Sw. 2-49 on 8 Jul 1885 and
recorded "pB; pS; R; bet 2 stars; np of 2 [with
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NGC 6298 = NGC 6297 = UGC 10690 = CGCG 299-050 = PGC 59525
17 03 36.4 +62 01 32; Dra
See observing notes for NGC 6298. Incorrect identification (and RA typo) in the RNGC.
Lewis Swift found NGC 6298 = Sw. 2-50 on 1 Aug 1885 and recorded "vF; eS; R; between 2 stars, nf of 2 [with NGC 6297]." This observation was made just 3 weeks after discovering NGC 6297 = Sw. 2-49. His two positions are nearly identical and there is only 1 galaxy here "between 2 stars", though on the first observation he described this object as "pretty bright". Swift must have added the comments "sp of 2" and "nf of 2" later, assuming he had observed different nebulae on the two nights. In any case, NGC 6297 = NGC 6298. Bigourdan observed this galaxy and corrected the RA but of course failed to find NGC 6298.
The RNGC misidentifies some "very flat" galaxy as NGC 6298 (possibly 2MASX J17042122+6202573, but the position has an obvious typo (RA listed as 11h) so it is difficult to interpret. I reported this error in my RNGC Corrections #3 list.
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17 05 04.3 +62 27 28; Dra
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, round, stellar nucleus or faint star superimposed.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6299 on 27 Oct 1861 (first official night of nebula hunting) with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
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NGC 6300 = ESO 101-025 = VV 734 = PGC 60001
17 16 59.4 -62 49 14; Ara
V = 10.2; Size 4.5'x3.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 118°
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): NGC
6300 is a very unusual galaxy at a low galactic latitude with an appearance
similar to a fairly large emission nebula in a rich Milky Way star field! The shape seemed irregular, but
elongated 5:3 NW-SE, ~3.0'x1.8' with a weak concentration to a slightly
brighter core. Two brighter stars
(mag 12.5) are superimposed on the core and another two mag 13.5 stars are
superimposed near the north and south ends of the halo! These stars confuse the observation of
this strange looking galaxy (a dusty barred spiral with ring). Located 9.5' SW of mag 7.6
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6300 = h3668 on 30 Jun 1826. He described (handwritten notes) a "faint round nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, slightly condensed very gradually to the center - not very well defined at the edge. Preceding and forming a triange with two stars of the 7 and 8th mag." He made 4 more observations in July and Aug., but the discovery is missing in his catalogue, which I assume was an oversight (NGC 1947 is a similar case).
John Herschel rediscovered NGC 6300 on 7 Aug 1834 and recorded "F; vL; R; vgvlbM; 3'; has several stars, one = 11m; involved but being on a rich ground, there appears no connection." Herschel was credited with the discovery in the NGC.
NGC 6300 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as a large 2-branched spiral with a double nucleus.
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17 08 32.9 +42 20 19; Her
V = 13.4; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 115°
17.5" (8/1/89): faint, moderately large, oval
WNW-ESE. A mag 13 star is embedded
in the SW portion. Forms a pair
with
William Herschel discovered NGC 6301 = H. IV-57 on 11 Jun
1787 (sweep 746) and recorded "suspected stellar; but too faint to be
verified." He confirmed the
discovery on 12 Apr 1788 (sweep 831) and noted "F, stellar or a vS star
involved in extremely F nebulosity.
Suspected in sweep 746."
His mean position from two observations matches
Johann Palisa apparently independently rediscovered this
galaxy at Vienna. It was announced
in AN 143 (#3412), and later recatalogued as
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17 13 44.6 -37 06 12; Sco
V = 9.7; Size 83"x24"
48" (5/3/19): amazing view of the Bug Nebula at 375x! The central section was elongated roughly N-S and displayed an extremely high surface brightness. Four distinct "wings" were attached; two to the west and two to the east. A surprisingly long wing is on the southwest side. It has a noticeable bright section after dimming. The wing tapers and then fades, stretching to the WNW for a total length of near 2'! A mag 12 star is ~30" NW of the end of the wing. The lowest surface brightness wing is on the NW side and extends in the direction of the mag 12 star for about 1' in length, but extends ~1.5' with averted vision. The third extension on the southeast side is the narrowest and tapers at the east end. It appeared fairly uniform in surface brightness. Finally, the 4th and brightest wing is on the northeast side. It extends towards the ENE but curls to the SE forming the shape of a "pincher claw" with the southeast wing.
18" (7/22/06): fascinating view unfiltered at 325x. A very high surface brightness "core" of only 10"-12" in diameter brightens slightly to the center and is encased in a larger, fainter envelope. Two remarkable wings oriented WSW-ENE extend from the central core! The following wing is much shorter but slightly brighter and this extension abruptly shoots towards the southeast near the end. The much longer preceding wing heads WSW and is cut by a darker lane that detaches the western tip.
17.5" (6/30/00): at 280x (unfiltered) the Bug Nebula is a remarkable, high surface brightness object, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, ~2.0x0.7'. The intensely bright 10" core appears elongated SW-NE and is offset to the east of center. A quasi-stellar nucleus sharpens to a stellar point when the seeing steadies (this is not the central star, though). The western wing is longer and is nearly split at the midpoint by a dark slash oriented N-S with a brighter condensation at the west end. The shorter eastern wing is more pinched and just past its midpoint there is a kink and it angles towards the SE.
13.1" (7/27/84): structure highly suspected with the western extension cut by a dark lane. The eastern extension bends north following the core.
13.1" (7/6/83): bright, fairly small, elongated E-W, very high surface brightness. Subtle structure but the western extension is notably longer, brighter and possibly cut by a dark lane.
8" (6/5/81): fairly bright, small, elongated, bright core and brighter along the western extension.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 6302 in 1880 with his 5-inch refractor. He wrote, "A small flickering indefinite nebula slightly elongated (east and west) with 5-inch refractor." This was the first nebula that Barnard found, though the discovery was not published until 1884 (AN 108, 369 and Sidereal Messenger, Vol 2, p226). He noted "Prof. Swift, with his 16 inch refractor finds it to be a triple and elongated; its major axis nearly perpendicular to the meridian; a smaller nebula at each end, one of which is exceedingly faint. Its place is from one observation with the meridian circle." In 1892 Barnard made a detailed observation and sketch with the 36-inch refractor at Lick Observatory. As far as the popular nickname, Barnard commented, "from its singular appearance, I have called it the "Bug Nebula".
Dreyer noted "seems to be Dunlop 567 [found on 5 Jun 1826]" in the IC 1 Notes. Dunlop's description reads "a very faint small ill-defined nebula, with a small star in it, with two small stars south of it, but not involved." If this description applies to NGC 6302, his position was particularly bad -- 1.1° NE of the planetary. But Glen Cozens, in a 2010 article in the "Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage" states "D 567 is an asterism, not the planetary nebula NGC 6302, as suggested by Hartung." It's surprising the John Herschel missed this bright planetary during his sweeps.
Williamina Fleming discovered the emission line spectrum on a Harvard objective prism plate taken at the Arequipa station. The discovery was listed in Harvard College Observatory, Circular 12 (1896) in a table of stars having a peculiar spectra.
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17 05 02.9 +68 49 40; Dra
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 60°
17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6303 = Sw. 1-54 on 14 Oct 1884 and noted "vvF; cE; pL; nearly bet. 2 stars." There is nothing near his position. Bigourdan's "corrected" position on 15 Sep 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes) refers to a star.
Harold Corwin equates
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17 14 32.5 -29 27 44; Oph
V = 8.4; Size 6.8'; Surf Br = 1.7
17.5" (8/27/92): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated E-W. The brightest portion is 2' diameter although a very faint halo increases the diameter to 3'-3.5'. Appears flattened on the south or southeast side. There was no significant central condensation although the central region was very mottled and a few faint mag 15-15.5 stars popped in and out of view. Within the faint halo 10-20 very faint mag 15-16 stars are just resolved.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6304 = H. I-147 = h3670 on 30 Apr 1786 (sweep 559) and recorded "vB, R, gmbM, between 2 & 3' dia. A very pretty object. A miniature of M62." His position is accurate. John Herschel made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope and described the cluster on sweep 478 as "B; R; at first s, the vgvlbM; brighter part 2' diam; but there is a much fainter portion which extends a good deal further; stars 16-17 mag."
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17 18 00.5 -59 10 18; Ara
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 133°
14" (4/3/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x and 230x): moderately
bright, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15" (probably the core
region). Two mag 13.5-14 stars
just off the north side are collinear with the galaxy. Located 32' NNW of mag 5.9
The Stingray Nebula (He 3-1357), the youngest known planetary nebula, lies 23' SW. It appeared ~13th magnitude and was stellar up to 230x. It was easy to confirm by blinking with an NPB filter at 178x. A mag 10.8 star is 35" W and provided an excellent comparison. This star is noticeably brighter unfiltered, but dimmer after inserting an NPB filter, so there was a very good filter response due to its strong OIII lines.
Up until around 1980, He 3-1357 was an ordinary
The brightening of the nebula likely stopped in the early 1990’s with the turn-off of the fast stellar wind associated with the 1980s ionization event. The fading of the nebula started afterwards in the early 1990s. At this time, the central star underwent fast fading and its illumination of the nebula declined from V = ~10.5 to currently ~12.5.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6305 = h3669 on 5 Jul 1836 and logged "vF; vS; R; glbM; 12"." RNGC classifies this galaxies as an unverified southern object.
Joseph Turner sketched this object on 14 Jul 1876 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. He noted "the nebula has a stellar center as shown above [in sketch] and looks like a star of 14th magnitude surrounded by a slight haze." (page 110 in his logbook and unpublished lithograph plate VII, figure 73)
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NGC 6306 = UGC 10724 = MCG +10-24-098 = CGCG 299-053 = Holm 769b Kaz 5 = PGC 59654
17 07 37.1 +60 43 42; Dra
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 166°
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated ~N-S, bright core. Forms
a close pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6306 = Sw. 2-51 on 8 Jul 1885 and
recorded "vF; vS; lE. Close
to 4278 [
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NGC 6307 = UGC 10727 = MCG +10-24-099 = CGCG 299-054 = Holm 769a = PGC 59655
17 07 40.6 +60 45 02; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 145°
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, small, elongated NNW-SSE, bright core. A mag 13.5 star is at the north end 0.5' from center. Forms a close pair with NGC 6306 1.4' SW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6307, along with NGC 6310, on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen (first night he made discoveries with this telescope). He noted the mag 13 star at the north end (measured at 20") and his position is accurate.
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17 11 59.8 +23 22 47; Her
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 150°
17.5" (5/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~N-S, diffuse. A mag 15
star is at the north edge 0.7' from center. First and largest of three with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6308 = m 332, along with NGC 6314 and 6315, on 6 Jun 1863 and noted "vF, S, R, sbM." These were the first three galaxies he discovered with William Lassell's 48-inch on Malta.
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17 14 04.2 -12 54 39; Oph
V = 11.5; Size 52"
24" (8/13/15): this very bright, bipolar, compact planetary was viewed at 375x and 500x. The two lobes are extended at least 3:2 NNW-SSE with an overall size of ~25"x16" and a pear shape. A bright, roundish lobe is on the NNW side, with a 12th magnitude star just off this side in the direction of the major axis [22" from center]. The smaller lobe on the SSE end is slightly fainter and separated by a small darker gap near the center. A mag 15 star is just off the west edge [14" from center]. An extremely faint outer shell or extension was just visible bulging out on the east side perhaps 10", creating an asymmetric appearance.
24" (7/16/15): excellent view at 450x unfiltered. The larger and brighter lobe on the NNW end appeared roughly circular and slightly brighter along the outer rim. The smaller knot on the SSE end is slightly irregular and the nebulosity dims near the center. A mag 12 star is just north of the north-northwest end.
18" (7/22/06): superb view at 807x! This bipolar elongated planetary appears pear-shaped with the brighter, larger lobe on the north-northwest end and a smaller, slightly fainter nodule on the south-southeast end. The nebulosity dims between the lobes but there appears to be a very small bridge of faint haze bridging the knots.
18" (7/20/06): at 325x this bi-lobed planetary is striking with a mag 12 star situated just off the northwest edge. The PN is elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE in the direction of the neighboring star. At the north-northwest end is the larger and brighter lobe with a smaller, fainter condensation forming the south-southeast end. A very faint irregular halo encases the entire structure. In moments of better seeing (overall the seeing was poor), the lobes were nearly resolved.
17.5" (6/30/00): at 280x using a UHC filter, this bright but compact PN was elongated 2:1 in the direction of a 12th magnitude star at the NNW edge, with dimensions of ~25"x12". There is a large, bright lobe or condensation at the north end with a smaller, fainter knot at the SSE end. At moments the lobes appear completely "resolved" with a darker gap in the center. The view at 500x was excellent! The fainter southern lobe appears elongated and slightly offset from the major axis of the PN. The lobes are bisected by a darker lane oriented SW-NE and oblique to the minor axis. The brighter knot at the north end has a mottled appearance and irregular shape.
13.1" (7/27/84): moderately bright, small, elongated NNW-SSE. A mag 12 star is at the NNW edge 20" from the center. Appears slightly brighter or a condensation is at the SSE end.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 6309 = T. 1-46 = T. 5-31 in 1876 (specific date unknown) using the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory in Florence. He only gave a rough position in his first discovery list I (AN 93, p. 59) but measured an accurate position in 1878 that was published in his fifth list. NGC 6309 is the only planetary discovered by Tempel.
Edward Pickering independently found the planetary on 15 Jul 1882 with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory using a direct-vision spectroscope. He wrote it was the "nebula found by Tempel (GC 4851). Tempel's description 'between 2 stars' does not seem applicable." There is only one close star. In Jun 1888, Baron von Engelhardt noted a "12th mag star and an oval nebula", using his 12-inch Grubb refractor. In 1898 Herbert Howe described NGC 6309 as a close double nebula, using the 20-inch Saegmuller refractor in Denver. Guillaume Bigourdan made 4 observations between 1891 and 1895 with the Paris Observatory's 12.4-inch refractor. Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "at first sight this nebula appears binuclear, but the southern condensation is not stellar. Quite irregular; about 19"x10" in p.a. 163°. The southern condensation is 7.5" from the central star."
The nickname "Box Nebula" was probably coined by
Ron Morales in an August 1984 Sky & Tel article, though both this planetary
and
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NGC 6310 = UGC 10730 = MCG +10-24-100 = CGCG 299-055 = PGC 59662
17 07 57.6 +60 59 24; Dra
V = 13.1; Size 2.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 69°
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on 5:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.3', small bright core.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6310 = Sw. 2-52, along with NGC 6307, on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen (first night he made discoveries with this telescope). Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 8 Jul 1885 and reported it as new in his second discovery list (#52). His description reads "pF; vE; 3 stars in line point to it. nf of 2 [with NGC 6306]." Dreyer assumed this observation referred to NGC 6307.
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17 10 43.7 +41 39 04; Her
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (8/1/89): faint, small, irregularly round, weak
concentration. Forms a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6311 = St. 7-11 on 2 Jun 1869 and recorded a rough position 6' too far south. On 30 Jun 1876 he reduced an accurate micrometric position with description "pretty bright, very small, round." A later observation was made on 20 Jun 1878.
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17 10 48.1 +42 17 15; Her
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.75'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, small, round, low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is 0.7' NW of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6312 = St. 10-31 on 5 Jul 1877. His micrometric position (reduced on 25 Jul 1879 and published in 1880) was accurate.
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17 10 20.9 +48 19 53; Her
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 156°
17.5" (8/1/89): faint, fairly small, edge-on NNW-SSE. Bracketed between two mag 14 stars at the north tip and off the south end 0.8' from center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6313 = Sw. 9-74 on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "eeF; vS; F * on each side in meridian." Both stars are mentioned in my observation. The discovery was relayed directly to Dreyer as he was compiling the NGC and referenced as list 6 in the NGC, though Swift published the discovery in 1890 (after the NGC) in his 9th list.
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NGC 6314 = UGC 10752 = MCG +04-40-022 = CGCG 139-044 = PGC 59838
17 12 38.7 +23 16 12; Her
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 175°
14.5" (8/31/21): at 264x; fairly faint, elongated ~5:2
N-S, ~45"x20", well concentrated with a small bright nucleus. A wide double star (POU 3263 =
10.2/12.5 at 16") is 3' ENE and
17.5" (5/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, small bright core, substellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 6315 3.3' SE. NGC 6308 lies 11.2' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6314 = m 333, along with NGC 6308 and 6315, on 6 Jun 1863 and noted "F, vS, R, bM." These were the first three galaxies he discovered with William Lassell's 48-inch on Malta and his position is accurate.
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NGC 6315 = MCG +04-40-023 = CGCG 139-045 = PGC 59843
17 12 46.1 +23 13 25; Her
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9
14.5" (8/31/21): at 182x and 264x; extremely faint glow (requires averted), very low surface brightness, ~0.4' diameter. A mag 14.2 star is 0.8' NW. Located 3.3' SSE of brighter NGC 6314.
17.5" (5/28/89): very faint, very small, 30" diameter, low surface brightness, slightly elongated. A mag 14 star is off the NW edge 0.8' from center. Last and faintest of three with NGC 6314 3.3' NW and NGC 6308 14' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6315 = m 334, along with NGC 6308 and 6314, on 6 Jun 1863 and noted "eF, S." These were the first three galaxies he discovered with William Lassell's 48-inch on Malta and his position is fairly accurate.
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17 16 37.4 -28 08 24; Oph
V = 9.0; Size 4.9'; Surf Br = 1.7
17.5" (8/27/92): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 2' diameter, broad concentration with no distinct core. This globular was mottled across the disc but only marginally resolved with a few 16th magnitude stars visible. A brighter mag 12 field star is off the SE edge by 1' and a mag 13 field stars is at the SW side and another 2' W of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6316 = H. I-45 = D 621 = h3671 on 24 May 1784 (sweep 224) and recorded "B, R, mbM, but the brightness decreasing very gradually. A faintish dusky red colour is still perceptible. It is a perfect miniature of the former miniature [NGC 6293, which is itself a miniature cluster of the 19th of the Connoissance des Temps." So he recognized NGC 6316 as a distant globular.
James Dunlop observed the globular on 13 May 1826. He described "a very small faint round nebula, about 8" or 10" diameter, bright in the centre. There is a very small star south [and following] of the nebula, distant about 10" from it, but it is not involved or connected with the nebula." Although his single position was 36' too far ESE, the description matches.
John Herschel made two observations from the Cape of Good Hope. On 30 Jul 1834 (sweep 475) he recorded "globular, B, R, gbM, resolvable, 90", has 2 small stars very near." Again on 15 Jul 1836 (sweep 723) he logged "globular, pB, S, R, pgvmbM, 2', resolved into stars 16..17th mag."
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17 08 59.5 +62 53 53; Dra
V = 14.5; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 44°
17.5" (7/9/88): extremely faint, small, oval ~E-W, low
even surface brightness. A mag 15
star is off the north side 51" from center. Pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6317 = Sw. 1-55 on 2 Jun 1883 and recorded "eeF; S; R; F * nr; sp of 2 [with NGC 6319]." His position is 14 seconds of RA too large and the faint star is ~50" north. This was one of his first discoveries at Warner Observatory, made while still testing and adjusting the telescope. The discovery date for NGC 6319 was nearly two years later, so the comment "south-preceding of 2" was apparently added when his table was prepared. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 7 Sep 1888, which Dreyer repeated in the IC 2 Notes. MCG and UGC (notes section) fail to label this galaxy as NGC 6317.
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17 16 12 -39 25 30; Sco
Size 4'
13.1" (7/27/84): large, fairly rich group of stars mag 11 and fainter, fairly prominent, elongated N-S. The NGC RA is 1.6 tmin too far east and this cluster is misplotted on U2000.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6318 = D 522 = h3672 on 13 May 1826. He made 4 observations, describing it on 31 July as "an exceedingly faint nebula, about 1.5' long and 1' broad, elliptical in the direction of the meridian, with two or three very small stars in it.". His published position was 18' too far east, though one position was off by "only" 8'.
John Herschel observed the cluster on 5 Jun 1834 (sweep 456) and wrote "cluster VII class. Rich, pL, R, gbM, stars 12...14th mag, not a globular." He gave a very approximate position (nearest minute +/- in RA and arcmin of Dec). In the GC, Herschel improved the position, but it was still 1.5 minutes of time too large. Gösta Lynga (open cluster catalogue) and NGC 2000.0 repeat the erroneous NGC position.
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NGC 6319 = UGC 10744 = MCG +11-21-010 = CGCG 321-015 = PGC 59717
17 09 44.1 +62 58 23; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (7/9/88): faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with difficult NGC 6317 6.8' SW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6319 = Sw. 1-56 on 14 May 1885 and noted "vS; vF; lbM; nf of 2 [with NGC 6317]." His position is 25 seconds of time too small. Bigourdan measured a fairly accurate position on 7 Sep 1888, which Dreyer repeated in the IC 2 Notes. MCG fails to identify this galaxy as NGC 6319.
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17 12 55.8 +40 15 58; Her
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 85°
17.5" (8/2/89): very faint, slightly elongated E-W, 0.8'x0.6', low even surface brightness, very diffuse. A mag 14 star is attached on the south side, 25" from the center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6320 = St. 4-1 on 2 Jun 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position 4' too far SSE.. On 27 Jul 1872 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "extremely faint, *13 preceding 0.5 seconds." A later observation was made on 20 Jun 1878, along with NGC 6311, another Stephan discovery on 2 Jun 1869.
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17 14 24.3 +20 18 50; Her
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (8/2/89): faint, moderately large, round, almost even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is at the west edge 40" from center and a mag 13 star 1.0' SE of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6321 = St. 2-13 on 6 Jul 1871. His initial position was nearly 4' too far SE. His published micrometric position (list 2, #13) was made a week later on 14 Jul 1871 and he noted it was about 40" diameter.
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17 18 26 -42 56 00; Sco
V = 6.0; Size 10'
14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 73x and 178x): very
distinctive, eye-catching cluster outlined by a very bright equilateral
triangle (sides, 6', 6', 7') consisting of mag 7.6
8" (7/16/82): consists of a near equilateral triangle of mag 7.5, 7.6 and 7.8 stars (sides ~7') with roughly 12 faint stars scattered nearby, moderately large.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6322 = h3673 on 1 Jun 1834 and recorded "vl cl VII. class, of loose st, on a v rich ground of S stars. The chief *, 6m, at the nf edge taken. The next sweep 2 nights later he logged "Coarse B cluster VII mainly included within an equilateral triangle formed by 3 B stars 5 and 6m. The nf of these taken."
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17 13 18.1 +43 46 57; Her
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 172°
18" (7/27/03): faint, fairly small, very elongated 4:1
~N-S, 0.6'x0.15'. Contains a small
brighter core. A mag 13.5 star
lies 1.9' NW. Second of 8 in the
17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1
NNW-SSE, weak concentration. First
of five in a group with NGC 6329 12' ESE and
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6323 = St. 7-12 on 12 Jul 1876 (date the position was reduced). The original discovery was possibly made on 20 Jun 1876.
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17 05 25.1 +75 24 26; UMi
V = 12.8; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 78°
17.5" (5/14/88): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, diffuse, small brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6324 = H. III-945 on 12 Dec
1797 (sweep 1071) and logged "vF, S, E. I saw it also with 320x. A small star is south of it; a 2nd is preceding and a 3rd
following." His description
is a perfect match with
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17 17 59.2 -23 45 58; Oph
V = 10.7; Size 4.3'; Surf Br = 2.8
17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, small, 2' diameter, slightly mottled but no resolution, weak central concentration. At 412x appears very granular with a brighter core that is offset to the west. A faint star visible off the WSW edge of the halo may be a field star. Located 30' N of the double star 39 (Omicron) Ophiuchi (5.4/6.9 at 10").
8" (6/27/81): very faint, weak concentration, small, no resolution.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6325 = h3676 on 24 May 1835 and logged "pF; R; gbM; r; 60". No doubt it is a globular cluster." His single position is good.
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17 20 46.3 -51 45 16; Ara
V = 11.1; Size 16"x11"
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very
bright, small, round compact PN in a dense field of stars. A couple of mag 13-14 stars are just
off the north and east sides. At 171x and UHC filter, the crisply defined
periphery is slightly elongated and evenly illuminated with no hint of a
central star. The diameter appears to be ~15" with a V mag of
approximately 10.5. Located 3.5°
NE of gc
James Dunlop possibly discovered NGC 6326 = D 381 = h3675 on 26 Aug 1826 and described "an extremely faint small nebula, about 12" diameter, with a bright point in the centre." The size certainly fits, though his position was off by 24' (too far east) and this identification is uncertain.
Joihn Herschel gave two very detailed observations. On 19 Jun 1835 he logged "planetary nebula, delicate, F, vS, diam = 6 or 7 arcseconds, exactly round, perfectly uniform (as respects the graduation of the light from the centre to the edges), but the light a very little curdled. Not the slightest haziness, but like a star out of focus. 320x shows rather more fur at the edges than I think it would to a planet of equal size and light. Its light is = a star 10-11th mag. It would be quite useless to look for this object under less favourable circumstances -- of instrument and sky. A night of gloriously perfect definition! It is in a very rich place. There are 40 or 50 small stars in field. Measures of the two companions; 1st pos = 351 degrees, dist = 1 diam from edge, star = 14th mag; 2nd pos = 91.4, dist = 2/3 diam, star = 13th mag. Showed it to my attendant, J. Stone, who saw it well". His sketch in on Plate VI, figure 6.
In a later sweep (6 Jun 1837) the comment was added "Referring to the description of D 381, I see no ground to suppose that this can by possibility have been the object intended by that place and description. At all events the remarkable planetary character has escaped notice by the author of that description."
In 1868, Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, strongly suspected that NGC 6326 was an emission line object in an early spectroscopic investigation of southern nebulae while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.
Joseph Turner sketched the planetary on 16 Aug 1874 using the 48" Great Melbourne Telescope. His sketch (unpublished plate VII, figure 74) shows the two nearby stars and no additional features though he noted a softness at the edges and a slight "curdling" appearance.
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NGC 6327 = CGCG 225-074 = WBL 635-001 = PGC 59889
17 14 02.3 +43 38 58; Her
V = 15.0; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8
18" (7/27/03): very faint, small sliver oriented ~NNW-SSE, 0.5'x0.15'. Squeezed between two mag 13/14 stars 0.8' N and 0.6' S with a 3rd mag 13 star 1.6' E. Third of 8 galaxies in a group and situated 3.2' SW of NGC 6329.
17.5" (8/1/89): extremely faint and small, round. Located between a mag 14.5 star at the southern tip 0.6' from center and a mag 13 star 0.8' N of center. Located 3.2' SW of NGC 6329 and the second of five in a group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6327 = St. 7-13, possibly during the 20 Jun 1876 observation of NGC 6329. His pubished position in list 7 (#13) was reduced on 18 Jul 1876.
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17 23 41.0 -65 00 37; Ara
V = 12.3; Size 2.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 157°
14" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 178x): fairly faint, fairly
small oval NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.5', broad weak concentration to a slightly brighter
core. Mag 8.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 6328 = h3674 on 2 May 1835 and
recorded "vF; R; gbM; 15".
He logged it again on 20 Jun 1835 and noted, "vF; vS; lE; lbM;
15" l, 12" br." His
position matches
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NGC 6329 = UGC 10771 = MCG +07-35-051 = CGCG 225-077 = WBL 635-002 = PGC 59894
17 14 15.0 +43 41 05; Her
V = 12.8; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.1
18" (7/27/03): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly
round, 0.7' diameter. Contains a
small bright core that increases to a distinct stellar nucleus. Fourth of 8 galaxies and second
brightest in the
17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Third of five in a group with NGC 6327 3.2' SW and NGC 6332 8.1' ESE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6329 = St. 7-14 on 20 Jun 1876. His micrometric position (measured on 11 Jul 1876) in his 7th discovery paper was accurate.
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17 15 44.6 +29 24 13; Her
V = 14.0; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 160°
17.5" (8/2/89): very faint, fairly small, edge-on
N-S. A mag 15 star is just off the
NE end 35" from center.
Located 4.8' SSE of mag 8.5
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6330 = St. 11-54 on 14 Jun 1871 and measured an initial position 3' to the E (similar offset as his other discoveries that night). His published micrometric position on the east side of the galaxy was made 9 years later on 12 Jun 1880.
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17 03 34.1 +78 37 48; UMi
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 126°
24" (8/7/13): brightest member of Abell Galaxy Cluster
2256 and first in a 6' string to the east containing a total of 6 galaxies. At 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly
small, oval 5:3 NW-SE, ~30"x18", broad concentration, brighter
core. This is a very close double
system (two nuclei on the SDSS) with a companion on the NW side. A mag 13 star lies 1.8' E and this star
is attached on the southwest side of
UGC 10726: faint to fairly faint, irregularly round, ~35" diameter, broad weak concentration. This galaxy and NGC 6331 are the two largest in the cluster.
MCG +13-12-019: faint, fairly small, round, 18" diameter.
PGC 59471: extremely faint and small, only 6" diameter.
MCG +13-12-020: very faint, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness. A mag 11.3 star is 1.4' E.
PGC 59495: very faint, extremely small, round, 10" diameter.
18" (7/5/08): at 280x, appeared fairly faint, fairly
small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE (a very faint companion at the WNW end may
contribute to the impression of elongation), 40"x20", even surface
brightness. Brightest in the core
of distant
17.5" (5/14/88): faint, small, elongated NW-SE. A mag 13.5 star is 1.8' E. UGC 10726 lies 2.7' E. This is the brightest galaxy in AGC 2256 galaxy cluster and a triple system in a common halo.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6331 = H. III-951 on 20 Dec
1797 (sweep 1075) and noted "eF, S, better with 320 power." The NGC position is ~3' southwest of
This galaxy is certainly one of the most distant in the NGC at 800 million light years (z = .059), although it is relatively easy to view, so must be intrinsically extremely bright.
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NGC 6332 = UGC 10773 = MCG +07-35-054 = CGCG 225-082 = WBL 635-003 = PGC 59927
17 15 02.9 +43 39 36; Her
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 42°
24" (9/5/18): at 225x; moderately bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 3:1 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.4', bright elongated core, moderate surface brightness. A mag 12.4 star is 2.1' NE of center, while two 14th mag stars lie 1.3' NW and 1.7' WNW. Member of a group (WBL 635) with NGC 6329 9' WNW.
18" (7/27/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 or 4:3 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.7', broad concentration to a slightly brighter
core. Two mag 14 stars are 1.3'
and 1.7' NW. Appears slightly more
prominent than NGC 6329 8.7' WNW and these two galaxies are the brightest in a
group of 8 galaxies ~50' NW of M92.
Located 6' SW of mag 9.4
17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE, even surface brightness. NGC 6329 lies 8.7' WNW. Fourth of five in a group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6332 = St. 7-15 on 4 Jun 1869 with a second observation on 20 Jun 1876. On 11 Jul 1878 he measured a micrometric position with description "very faint, oval, little brighter middle", though his declination was slightly off. Emmanuel Esmiol corrected the position in his 1916 re-reduction ("Réduction des Observations de Nébuleuses Découvertes par M. Stephan").
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17 19 11.7 -18 30 59; Oph
V = 7.6; Size 9.3'; Surf Br = 1.2
17.5" (8/1/92): at 220x, bright, fairly large, 4'
diameter. The bright core is
elongated N-S somewhat like M4.
The outliers or unrelated field stars appear to extend the halo
E-W. The halo is fairly well
resolved into two dozen mag 13.5-14.5 stars. The core is very mottled and lively and just breaks up into
numerous, densely packed mag 14-15 stars.
At 420x, the core is easily well-resolved and two very close double
stars are at the west and east edges of the halo. The dark nebula
13.1" (6/19/82): the central region is very bright and mottled. A number of faint stars are resolved in the outer region of the core at 150x as well as a number of stragglers.
8" (6/19/82): very mottled, few stars resolved at edges
at high power especially on the east side. Dark nebula B64 is close SW.
Charles Messier discovered
William Herschel first observed this globular on 3 May 1783 with an 8-inch (10-foot focal length) and noted, "With a power of 250, I see several stars in it, and make no doubt a higher power, and more light, will resolve it all into stars. This seems to be a good nebula for the purpose of establishing the connection between nebulae and clusters of stars in general." Using his 18.7-inch on 18 June 1784 (sweep 230) at 157x, he recorded "A vL and vB cluster of excessively compressed stars. The stars are but just visible, and are of unequal magnitudes: the large stars are red; and the cluster is a miniature of [M53]. Again on 28 May 1786, he reported "a cluster of extremely compressed, excessively small stars, with a very few scattered one chiefly to the north of it."
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17 20 53 -36 04 21; Sco
Size 40'x30'
18" (7/17/07): The "Cat's Paw Nebula" is a
fascinating HII complex and molecular cloud (RCW 17) with several distinct
sections. At 73x and OIII or UHC filter, the brightest section or toe is on the
southeast side (NGC 6334 = Gum 62) and consists of a 4'-5' glow extending
mostly north of a mag 8.5 star (
A second large section or toe forming the southwest
component (VdBH 86 = Gum 61) lies 13' to the west and consists of a faint, 5'
glow involving a 17" pair of mag 10.7 stars (
A group of smaller pieces forming the NE toe (Gum 64b) is
12'-15' N of the brighter SE section.
An obvious 2' glow surrounds a mag 10 star (
Finally, midway between Gum 64b and Gum 61, a small extremely faint detached glow (Gum 64a) was glimpsed close SE of a mag 11 star at 17 20.1 -35 57.
13.1" (7/6/83): fairly easy nebulosity surrounds mag 8 star with UHC filter and extends 30' N. This is an unusually large nebulosity, mostly visible surrounding stars and includes a close faint triple star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6334 = h3678 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "pB; vL, v irr oval, in which, though eccentric is a *8, whose place is that taken. One side of the neb is brighter than the other." The next night he called this nebula "vF; vL; vglbM; 5'x4', out of middle is a *8.9 or 9 mag, whose place is taken. The densest part of the nebula follows this star 4.5 sec on the same parallel."
Massive HII region/molecular cloud complex with five distinct centers of massive star formation.
The nickname "Cat's Paw" is apparently from astrophotographer Jerry Lodriguss. He writes "I believe that I was also the one who actually gave the "Cat's Paw" nebula its popular name. I started calling it that because of its resemblance to, of all things, a cat's paw (!), and because of its proximity to the "Cat's Eyes", Lambda and Upsilon Scorpii. I think the name was first published in an article I wrote in Sky and Telescope magazine in August of 1998, and documented in Hartmut Frommert's "A Collection of Some Common Names for Deep Sky Objects" on the SEDS web site."
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17 19 32 -30 09 54; Sco
24" (7/7/13): at 125x this Milky Way field (roughly
15') includes a mix of faint and moderately bright stars overlaying a bright
Milky Way background glow.
Includes a 6' string, oriented NW to SE, of mag 11-12 stars as well as a
group of a half-dozen stars mag 9.5-12 stars (brightest is
John Herschel discovered NGC 6335 = h3679 on 27 Jun 1837 and recorded "The whole lower end of the zone is strongly affected with nebulous patches." There is no distinguishable cluster or nebula at his position, though Harold Corwin notes "the Southern Sky Survey films show a patchy field of star clouds, defined by the dust of dark nebulae. It is apparently these star clouds that JH saw in the summer of 1837, giving him the impression of patchy nebulosity all through his field." Herbert Howe was unable to find NGC 6335, searching on a good night with both the 20-inch refractor and its 5-inch finder in Denver.
JH's original Cape position is 4° too far south, but he made a correction to the declination on his errata page at the end of the CGH. The corrected position was used in his GC and copied by Dreyer from there into the NGC.
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17 16 16.6 +43 49 14; Her
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 170°
24" (9/5/18): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large,
slightly elongated N-S, broad weak concentration but no distinct core or
nucleus. An extremely faint star
(mag 16.5) is at the west edge. A
mag 10 star (
18" (7/27/03): faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S or
NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.5'. The outer halo
is ill-defined but contains a slightly brighter, rounder core ~15"
diameter. Located 2.5' N of mag 10
17.5" (8/2/89): faint, fairly small, elongated ~N-S, small bright core. Last in a group of five NGC galaxies located roughly 50' NW of M92. Located 2.5' N of mag 10 SAO 46594.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6336 = St. 7-16, possibly as early as 4 Jun 1869 or certainly on the 20 Jun 1876 observation. His published position in list 7 (#16) was reduced on 11 Jul 1876.
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17 22 15.6 -38 29 01; Sco
V = 12.0; Size 49"x45"
18" (7/16/07): at 220x and UHC filter the "Cheerio Nebula" is a gorgeous annular planetary, ~45" diameter with a large, dark circular hole of 25"-30" diameter. The rim is uneven in surface brightness and perhaps brighter on the northeast side. A mag 12.5 star is inside the northeast rim and a similar mag star is off the southwest side, along with a mag 13.5 companion. An extremely faint star is on the SSW edge of rim. At 323x, the striking rim appears brighter in a 50-60° arc centered on the brighter star on the NE side. The amount of structure was surprising given the low altitude at -38.4° declination.
17.5" (6/30/00): very pretty annular planetary at 280x, ~45" and set in a rich star field. A mag 12 star is superimposed on the inner edge of the NE rim and an extremely faint star is symmetrically placed at the SW edge. The darker hole is 20"-25" diameter and perfectly circular. The outer rim appears irregularly lit.
13.1" (5/30/87): at 166x with a UHC filter appears fairly faint, fairly small, roundish. Slightly darker center (annular) with averted vision although the contrast with the rim is low due to the elevation. No central star seen.
13.1" (7/6/83): at 144x-166x appears fairly small, faint but fairly easy, darker center (annular), somewhat like a smaller and dimmer version of M57.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6337 = h3680 on 28 Jun 1834 and recorded an "Annular Nebula. A delicate, eF, but perfectly well defined annulus 15-20" diameter. The field crowded with stars, two of which are on the nebula (see figure 3, Plate VI.)" A later observation records "A beautiful delicate ring, of a faint ghost-like appearance, about 40" diameter; in a field of about 150 stars, 11 and 12 mag and under. In it is one *12 mag very conspicuous, and one 15 mag much less so. Near it are two stars 14 and 15 mag, and south of it at distance 60" is another."
Using his 48-inch from Malta, William Lassell also sketched a thin, perfectly symmetric ring with a star "perhaps 10.5 or 11 magnitude" on the north side and a faint one embedded on the south rim. Joseph Turner made a similar sketch in 1874 with the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope (plate VII, figure 75, unpublished) as well as Pietro Baracchi in Sept. 1884 with the GMT.
The 5 superimposed stars were described in the 1921 Helwan Observatory list (based on photos taken in 1914-16) as follows: "Along a diameter of the ring in p.a. 25° is a line of stars, so straight as to suggest some connection with the nebula rather than a chance superposition. The two brightest stars are at opposite ends of this line, that to the north being just inside the ring and the south one on the ring itself. Between the central star and this south star is first (distant 5" from the former) a star 17-18 mag, and then either a still fainter star or possibly a small piece of nebulosity."
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17 15 23.0 +57 24 40; Dra
V = 12.3; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 15°
24" (7/21/17): NGC 6338 is the brightest in a compact group of 10 galaxies that was viewed at 375x. It appeared bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 1.25'x1.0'. Moderately concentrated with a bright core that increases to a small brighter nucleus.
The following galaxies lie within 7' distance:
18" (7/12/07): brightest in a compact group of 7 galaxies (WBL 636 = NGC 6338 Group) viewed within a 10' circle. At 262x, appears fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.4', broad weak concentration. A 22" pair of mag 13 stars lies 2' N.
Forms a close pair with
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, broad concentration. Brightest in a group with NGC 6345 4' S and NGC 6346 6' S in field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6338 = H. II-812 on 24 Apr
1789 (last object in sweep 928) and noted "F, S, R, vglbM. The increase at a distance from the
center." His position
(Caroline's reduction) is 30 sec of RA west of
MCG misidentifies CGCG 299-067 (just north) as NGC 6338 and labels NGC 6338 as NGC 6345. Error noted by Malcolm Thomson.
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17 17 06.5 +40 50 41; Her
V = 12.7; Size 2.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 10°
24" (7/16/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, large, overall low surface brightness but contains an easily visible "bar" 3:1 or 4:1 WNW-ESE, ~25"x7". The large, roundish halo is slightly elongated N-S and contained a hint of (spiral) structure.
13.1" (6/18/85): large, slightly elongated. Very diffuse appearance with a broad
concentration.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6339 = Sw. 9-78, along with NGC
6343, on 21 Apr 1887 and recorded "vF; pL; iR; sp of 2 [with NGC
6343]." His position is 6
seconds of time too large and 1.8' north of
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17 10 25.1 +72 18 17; Dra
V = 11.0; Size 3.2'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 120°
17.5" (7/16/93): fairly bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 2.2'x1.8', prominent bright core, stellar nucleus
with direct vision. A double star
mag 11.5/12.5 is off the NW edge 1.7' from core. Forms a trio with
IC 1251 was recorded as "faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~E-W, fairly low almost even surface brightness. Located in a string of stars which ends at the double star adjacent to NGC 6340 6' SSE." IC 1254 was described as "faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, even surface brightness. Slightly fainter than IC 1251 6' W."
17.5" (7/9/88): fairly bright, moderately large, round, very small bright core. A wide mag 11/12 double star is 2' NW. Brightest of three with IC 1251 and IC 1254 in field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6340 = H. II-767 = h1980 on 6 Jun 1788 (sweep 847) and recorded "pB, pL, vgmbM, R." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; R; gbM; 25" sf a small double star 2' dist."
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17 17 07.2 +43 08 11; Her
V = 6.5; Size 11.2'; Surf Br = 0.1
18" (7/24/06): at 435x the cluster overfilled the 9' field with several hundred stars resolved stars. The 3' to 4' core itself was highly resolved into roughly 100 densely packed stars (including a very compact knot of stars) with long streams of stars appearing to spiral out from the core.
17.5": very bright, large, very high resolution of 150-200 stars many in curving lanes. A tight knot of stars in the core is resolved.
13.1" (many dates 7/16/82 to 6/30/84): highly resolution over entire disc, dozens of stars resolved in bright core. A bright knot in the core is partially resolved at 416x. Overall a couple of hundred stars were resolved.
8" (7/9/80): at 125x-160x; very bright, moderately large. Well resolved into many long streamers from the small bright nucleus and some core resolution. One string heads south from the core and curves north on the east side of the core.
Johann Bode discovered M92 = NGC 6341 on 27 Dec 1777. Charles Messier independently rediscovered M92 on 18 Mar 1781. William Herschel's earliest observation was on 25 Aug 1783 using his 12-inch, calling it "A most beautiful sight. I can count 50 or 60 stars besides numberless that only distinguish themselves by twinkling..." Surprisingly, John Herschel recorded no observations in his Slough Catalogue.
Christian Peters reported finding it around 1850 at Capodimonte Observatory in Naples and claimed it did not appear in any of the books.
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17 21 10.1 -19 35 15; Oph
V = 9.9; Size 3.0'; Surf Br = 1.4
18" (7/26/06): at 325x this small 2' globular was well
concentrated to a fairly bright 40" core. A mag 12.5 star is off the SSW side of the halo [1.2' from
center]. Perhaps a half dozen
stars are resolved in the halo including three close stars on the NE side. Additional stars are sometimes visible
in the WSW side and the north side of the halo. The core is very mottled and there is a strong impression of
a couple of star lanes below the threshold of visibility. Located 70' SE of M9.
17.5" (7/27/92): moderately bright, fairly small, 2' diameter with an irregular outline, increases to fairly well-defined bright core, mottled. A mag 12 is just off the south tip and a very faint extension or lane extends towards this star. One or two very faint stars mag 14.5-15 are at the NE edge. A less well-defined extension to the SW includes one or two threshold stars. The cluster has a lively appearance but there was no additional resolution.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6342 = H. I-149 on 28 May 1786 (sweep 569) and recorded "cB, lE, pS, easily resolvable." His position is at the northwest edge of the globular.
Pietro Baracchi observed the GC on 3 Sep 1885 with the Melboure telescope and showed a separate small clump or knot on the NE side.
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NGC 6343 = MCG +07-35-060 = CGCG 225-095 = PGC 60010
17 17 16.3 +41 03 10; Her
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6
13.1" (6/18/85): faint, small, round, compact. Located 12.5' NNE of brighter NGC 6339.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6343 = Sw. 9-79, along with NGC
6339, on 21 Apr 1887. He recorded, "vF; S; lE; nf of 2 [with NGC
6339]." His position is 10
seconds of time too large and 1.4' north of
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17 17 18.2 +42 26 03; Her
V = 12.5/13.5
24" (6/28/19): relatively bright mag 12.5/13.5 pair of
stars at ~20" separation.
These are situated only 1' S of
17.5" (8/2/89): this is a pair of mag 12/13 stars just
1' S of PGC 60004 (misidentified as NGC 6344 in the RNGC). PGC 60004 appeared extremely faint and
small, round. Located 2.1' SW of
mag 8
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 6344 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in England. The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and never published separately. The NGC description states "F, S, R, *12 nf, nr." At his position is a wide mag 13.5/12.5 pair at 23" that Harold Corwin identifies as NGC 6344. From his description "*12 nf, near", though, it appears the fainter southwest star is NGC 6344. In any case, considering Lohse's poor record of logging double stars as nebulous, this identification is fairly certain. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position for the double star in 1898 (identified as NGC 6344).
RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 60004 as NGC 6344. This distant galaxy (merging system) is only 1' north of Lohse's micrometric position, but Harold Corwin feels it is too faint to have been picked up by Lohse - and there is no nearby mag 12 star north-following. HyperLeda now classifies NGC 6344 as a double star.
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NGC 6345 = MCG +10-24-115 = CGCG 299-065 = WBL 636-005 = PGC 59945
17 15 24.3 +57 21 01; Dra
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 33°
24" (7/21/17): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 SW-NE, ~30"x10", very small bright core. Lies on a N-S line between
18" (7/12/07): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.2', weak concentration with a slightly brighter core. Located 3.6' S of NGC 6338 in a compact group. Forms a close pair with NGC 6346 1.7' S and IC 1252 lies 3.6' E.
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, elongated SW-NE, small bright core. Member of a close trio with NGC 6346 2' S and NGC 6338 4' N.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6345 = Sw. 6-91, along with NGC
6346, on 13 May 1887 and recorded "eeeF; vS; R; eee diff; middle of 3, one
being [GC] 4291 [= NGC 6338]."
His position is 2' north of
MCG mislabels NGC 6345 as NGC 6346 (error noted by Malcolm Thomson). Swift's position for NGC 6346, given as 2' south of NGC 6345, happens to fall on NGC 6345, causing the confusion.
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NGC 6346 = MCG +10-24-114 = CGCG 299-064 = WBL 636-004 = PGC 59946
17 15 24.5 +57 19 21; Dra
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 90°
24" (7/21/17): at 375x; fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, ~30"x25", gradually increases to the center. At the south end of a north-south string with NGC 6345 1.7' N and NGC 6338 5.3' N.
IC 1252 lies 4.4' NE and
18" (7/12/07): faint, small, oval, 0.5'x0.35', broad weak concentration. Forms a close pair with NGC 6345 1.7' N. Located 5' S of NGC 6338 in a group.
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W, gradually brighter halo. Forms a close pair with NGC 6345 2' N in a NGC 6338 group.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6346, along with NGC 6345, on 13 May 1887. Swift communicated the position (2' south of NGC 6345) directly to Dreyer. Dreyer referenced Swift's 6th discovery list, which was still being prepared when the NGC went to press, but Swift only included a separate entry for nearby NGC 6345 and NGC 6346 never appeared in any of his dozen discovery lists.
Malcolm Thomson notes that MCG mislabels NGC 6345 as NGC 6346. Then it misidentifies NGC 6346 as IC 4650.
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17 19 54.7 +16 39 39; Her
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 100°
17.5" (8/2/89): faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, low even surface brightness. Three mag 14 stars in a line SW-NE are just off the NW edge and a mag 15.5 star is involved at the NW end 23" from center.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 6347 = St. 11-55 on 14 Jun 1871 (probably aware of Safford's discovery) and measured an initial position 3' to the E (similar offset as his other discoveries that night). He measured an accurate micrometric position on 6 Jul 1880 and reported it as new in his 10th discovery list, #55.
Truman Safford made the original discovery of this galaxy on
6 Jun 1866 and his position for Sf. 29 is accurate. Stephan was credited in the NGC as Safford's discovery
wasn't published until 1887, too late to be incorporated into the main NGC
table. Dreyer made an error of 2°
in declination when he precessed Safford's (correct) position and so he missed
the equivalence with NGC 6347 and listed Sf. 29 as
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17 18 21.2 +41 38 51; Her
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (8/2/89): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated. A mag 15 star is
30" SW. Pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6348 = St. 11-56 on 5 Jul 1877 during an observation of NGC 6350. He perhaps observed it earlier on 17 Jun 1876 though only gave a single position (3' NE of NGC 6350) in his notebook. A final reduced position was made on 29 Jun 1880 and reported in his 11th discovery list in 1881.
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17 19 06.5 +36 03 39; Her
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 81°
17.5" (8/2/89): faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. Forms a close pair
with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6349 = St. 10-32, along with NGC 6351, on 4 Jun 1869. His single rough unpublished position was 14' too far south. On 15 Jul 1879 he measured micrometric positions for the pair with the description "very faint, extremely small, round, vF, eS, R, little brighter middle, preceding of 2."
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NGC 6350 = UGC 10800 = MCG +07-35-064 = CGCG 226-001 = PGC 60046
17 18 42.3 +41 41 39; Her
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (8/2/89): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 6348 4.9' SW. Located 10' S of TX Herculis.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6350 = St. 11-57, probably along with NGC 6348, on 17 Jun 1876. A follow up observation (in which NGC 6348 is specifically mentioned) was made on 5 Jul 1877, as well as 21 Jun 1878. His published reduced position (list 11, #57) was measured on 29 Jun 1880.
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NGC 6351 = MCG +06-38-017 = PGC 60063
17 19 11.1 +36 03 37; Her
V = 15.0; Size 0.5'x0.5'
17.5" (8/2/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S. Two very faint mag 15.5 stars are off the south edge. Forms a close pair with NGC 6349 0.9' W.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6351 = St. 10-33, along with NGC 6349, on 4 Jun 1869. His single rough unpublished position was 14' too far south. On 15 Jul 1879 he measured a micrometric positions for the pair with the description "very faint, very small, fainter than the preceding [NGC 6349]."
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17 25 29.1 -48 25 22; Ara
V = 8.2; Size 7.1'; Surf Br = 0.7
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 127x appears fairly bright, moderately large, ~5' diameter, broadly concentrated to a 2' core. Fairly well-resolved into ~30 stars, particularly along the south and southwest side of the halo. A few faint stars were just resolved directly over the core.
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly bright, fairly large. Even at 128x, the cluster was fairly well-resolved into roughly 75 stars. It displayed a rather loose concentration class with a broad central concentration to a moderately bright 3' core. The irregular halo extended to nearly 8' diameter. Set in a rich Milky Way field.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): moderately bright, fairly large, 5' diameter, fairly low surface brightness, not condensed, brighter core but no sharp nucleus. Partially resolved into 5-10 faint stars mostly on the SW side.
13.1" (7/12/86): faint, small, diffuse, low surface brightness spot. A few faint stars are off the SW edge but there is no resolution. This is the farthest southern globular I ever observed from Northern California (Digger Pines) with an elevation of only a couple of degrees.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6352 = D 411 on 14 May 1826. He described (summary) "A rather faint nebula, of an irregular round figure, 4' diameter, slightly branched; easily resolvable into stars, with slight compression of the stars to the centre." Dunlop made 6 observations and his published position was ~15' too far east. John Herschel didn't observe this globular from the Cape, so it doesn't have a General Catalog designation.
E.E. Barnard independently found it on 7 Jul 1885 (Sidereal Messenger 4, page 223) and assumed it was new since it was missing from the General Catalog, but Lewis Swift informed him of Dunlop's prior discovery. Probably based on E.E. Barnard's recovery, it received a NGC designation.
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17 21 12.5 +15 41 19; Her
18" (6/7/08): at 63x visible as a small, hazy knot probably less than 15" in diameter. Increasing the magnification to 260x resolved the clump into a trio of mag 14.5 stars packed into a tight 10". A 4th member is just off the south side. Located 0.9' SSW of a mag 9.8 star.
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 6353 around 1886 with the 15.5-inch refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England. His position (communicated directly to Dreyer) and description "pB, pS, 3 S st inv, * 10 nf 1'." applies to a small clump of stars. RNGC classifies the number nonexistent (Type 7).
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17 24 34 -38 32 30; Sco
= 4 stars, Corwin and Dorothy Carlson.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 6354 in 1884 with the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University. His description in Sidereal Messenger Vol 3, page 184, reads "small, faint object in a 6-inch telescope, the light being of an even tint. There is a faint star a little south, which confuse the light of the nebula". At his position there are three mag 12 and 13 stars in a tight knot, with a 4th fainter star. Both Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC Correction paper and ESO identify NGC 6354 with this group of stars.
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17 23 58.6 -26 21 12; Oph
V = 9.6; Size 5.0'; Surf Br = 2.4
17.5" (7/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, 2' diameter, slightly elongated N-S, gradually increases to a 1' core. At 280x, appears granular and three or four very faint mag 15 stars are just visible. The brightest two stars are on north side of core.
8" (5/21/82): faint, small, round, diffuse, no resolution.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6355 = H. I-46 = h3681 on 24
May 1784 (sweep 224) and recorded, cL, rather B, R, r, brighter in the middle
and colourless. It was preceded by
many vacant fields and I had just been saying that I was upon nebulous
ground." From the CGH, John
Herschel made the single observation "vF; L; R; gbM; 2' diam; resolved
into stars 18m." In early
catalogues NGC 6355 was described as an open cluster, with designations
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17 23 34.9 -17 48 47; Oph
V = 8.3; Size 7.2'; Surf Br = 0.9
17.5" (7/10/99): this fairly bright globular is ~3.5' in diameter and sharply concentrated with a prominent 1.5' core. The core is slightly elongated N-S, although the halo is circular or slightly elongated WSW-ENE. At 220x it was lively and mottled but there was no obvious resolution. At 280x and especially 380x, the edge of the halo was very ragged and the surface extensively mottled. Around the periphery some threshold stars popped in and out of view, particularly on the south side.
13.1" (7/5/83): bright core surrounded by a round, even glow. No resolution evident in poor seeing.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6356 = H. I-48 = h3683 on 18 Jun 1784 (sweep 230) and recorded "a large, bright, round, easily resolvable nebula, bM and the brightness diminishing gradually. It is a miniature of the last [M9, which itself a miniature of M53] and I suppose if I had looked enough I might have perceived some of the stars that compose it." From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel recorded "globular, vB; R; vgvmbM; 90" resolved into stars barely resolvable with left eye. A beautiful softly shaded object."
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17 24 44 -34 12 06; Sco
Size 50'x40'
18" (7/16/07): at 115x a faint elongated hazy glow was visible just north of a nice 15" pair of mag 11/12 stars. Adding an OIII filter dramatically improved this HII region (G353.19+0.91) and showed a bright, elongated nebulosity oriented WSW-ENE, ~5'x2', which appeared brighter in the middle just north of the double star. A faint star is off the north side, oppositely placed from the double. At 174x the nebula was slightly brighter and clumpy in the middle on the south side and a couple of very small slightly brighter knots were occasionally visible. The group of stars to the south (including the double) is catalogued as Pismis 24. Only the brightest portion of this huge HII complex was noticed. NGC 6357 is located 8' WNW of mag 7 HD 157528 and this star is the northernmost of a 27' line of four mag 6-7 stars that extends to the south (nicknamed "Las Cuatro Juanitas" in Chile). NGC 6334, the Cat's Paw Nebula, lies 2° SW.
17.5" (5/30/92): at 82x using an OIII filter, this emission nebula is a bright, distinctive object, elongated 3:1 E-W, 4.0'x1.5'. A close mag 11/12 double star is at the south edge. The whole field appears weakly nebulous and the nebulosity is just very faintly visible without a filter at 220x. Excellent contrast gain with the OIII filter!
Pismis 24 contains ~14 stars in a 4' diameter, including a
close double star 11/12 at 4" and a mag 10.4 star (HDE 319718 = Pismis
24-1) at 15". A group of
10-12 very faint stars lies within 4' to the south. The mag 10.7 Wolf-Rayet star
John Herschel discovered NGC 6357 = h3682 on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "F; L; E; vglbM; milky nebulosity; 2' l; 1 1/2' br; close to and almost involves a double star." His position is on the double star mentioned in my observation.
NGC 6357 was photographed in 1920 at the Helwan Observatory near Cairo with the 30" Reynolds reflector and described as "F, 4' long, irr.nebula, mE 90° ±; a line of structureless nebulosity, looped around two small stars at preceding end. There are indications of fainter outlying nebulosity, and possibly absorption to the south."
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17 18 53.0 +52 36 55; Dra
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 110°
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, even surface brightness. A double star is 1.8' WNW consisting of two mag 12 stars at 18" separation E-W.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6358 = Sw. 6-92 on 2 May 1887 and
recorded "eF; S; R; double star near north-preceding." There is nothing at his position but
2.0 minutes of RA east is
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17 17 53.0 +61 46 50; Dra
V = 12.6; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 145°
24" (6/28/16): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated NNW-SSE, 40"x30", strong concentration, high
surface brightness. A mag 10 star
is 2.8' N. Located 9' WNW of mag
7.7
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very
bright core, stellar nucleus, faint oval halo NNW-SSE. Located 2.8' S of mag 9.3 SAO
17423. Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6359 = Sw. 2-53 on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen (first night he made discoveries with this telescope). He measured the mag 10 star to the north as 3.4 seconds east and 168.4" north and computed an accurate position. Lewis Swift rediscovered the galaxy on 1 Aug 1885, and included it in his second discovery list as "vF; vS; R; forms arc of a circle with 2 stars; nebula between."
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17 24 28 -29 52 18; Oph
17.5" (8/2/97): I'm not certain of the identification
but the most noticeable object near Herschel's position in the 100x field is an
elongated group of a dozen stars in a 8' string oriented NW-SE, which is just
north of mag 7.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 6360 = h3685 on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "A portion of the milky way which is decidedly nebulous, and by no means rich in L stars." There is no distinguishable cluster at his position and ESO says "stars only. In a crowded region of the milky way." Harold Corwin notes the "nebulous" appearance is due to dust in the Milky Way and affects a large region. The brightest patches of stars is about a minute of RA W of Herschel's position and ~7'-8' N. This corresponds with the ESO position.
Herbert Howe reported "on one good night nothing definite was discernible here. However, the general background of the sky in this region was noted as being not so dark as would be expected if no nebulous matter were present."
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17 18 41.1 +60 36 29; Dra
V = 13.1; Size 2.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 54°
24" (9/25/19): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 1.6'x0.4', contains a large brighter, elongated central region but no nucleus. The outer extensions are thin and low surface brightness. Located 16' ESE of bright orange VW Draconis.
Forms a close pair (
48" (5/15/12): fairly bright, fairly large, nearly edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.45', sharply concentrated with a bright elongated core. The center bulges slightly and the tips taper. The SW arm has a very faint extension (partial bridge) in the direction of companion MCG +10-25-003, increasing the total length to 2.0'. MCG +10-25-003, 1.8' SW of center, appeared fairly faint, very small, oval 3:2 ~N-S, ~15"x10", very small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 15.9 star lies 24" NW.
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, brighter core. A mag 14.5 star is 1.5' SE and a pair of mag 14 stars at 22" separation lie 1.5' NW. Forms a pair (Arp 124) with extremely faint MCG +10-25-003 1.8' SW. The companion is extremely faint and small, round. A mag 15 star lies 25" NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6361 = Sw. 4-48 on 18 Aug 1886
and recorded "vF; pS; eE; spindle, nearly bet 2 pB distant stars, nearer
the preceding." His position
is 1' northwest of the center
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17 31 54.8 -67 02 52; Ara
V = 7.6; Size 10.7'; Surf Br = 0.3
18" (7/11/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly impressive globular cluster; bright, large, scraggly, with roughly 60 stars resolved over a 7'-8' diameter. A distinctive string of resolved stars passes through the entire cluster in a NNW to SSE orientation. A mag 10 star is near the edge of the halo on the S side, 3.5' from center.
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): at 186x, this fairly loose globular appeared moderately bright and large and broadly concentrated. It was resolved into 25-30 stars with several arranged in a line bisecting the cluster. The ragged halo was roughly 8' in diameter. Located 1.2° NE of mag 4.7 Zeta Apodis.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6362 = D 225 = h3684 on 25 Jun 1826 and described a " pretty large rather bright round nebula, 3' or 4' in diameter, very moderately condensed to the centre, resolvable into extremely minute stars; the stars are more scattered on the south side." He also mentioned in his handwritten notes that a star of 7th mag was north preceding and the identification is certain.
On 22 Jul 1835, John Herschel recorded "globular cluster, B; L R; vgmbM; diam. in RA = 50 second; diam 7' or 8'; stars all seen, 12..16th mag with outliers extending a good way."
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NGC 6363 = NGC 6138 = UGC 10827 = MCG +07-36-005 = CGCG 226-008 = PGC 60164
17 22 40.0 +41 06 06; Her
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 140°
17.5" (8/2/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, gradually increases to a small bright core.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 6363 = St. 10-34 on 24 Jul 1879 (date position reduced). Stephan discovered this galaxy nearly 7 years earlier in 1872 and catalogued it as St. 2-2 (later NGC 6138). But he transposed the digits of the offset star and his published position (and the NGC) are in error. I don't know whether NGC 6363 was based on a second observation or he just rereduced the 1879 observation. Emmanuel Esmiol corrected the position of NGC 6138 when he re-reduced Stephan's positions in 1916. So, NGC 6138 = NGC 6363. Nevertheless, modern sources such as the RNGC misidentify NGC 6138, using the erroneous NGC position.
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NGC 6364 = UGC 10835 = MCG +05-41-013 = CGCG 170-027 = PGC 60228
17 24 27.4 +29 23 23; Her
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 5°
17.5" (8/2/89): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, 0.6' diameter. A mag 13.5 star is just off the north edge 0.5' from the center.
Auguste Voigt discovered NGC 6364 = Voigt 6 = Sf. 49 = St. 10-35 = Sw. 2-54 on 15 Jul 1865. Observing with the 31-inch Silver-on-glass Marseilles reflector, his logbook position was just off the W end of the galaxy. Voigt's own discovery list (with 10 entries) wasn't published until 1987. Truman Safford found this galaxy again on 5 Sep 1866, though his discovery list wasn't published until 1887. Next, Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 13 Jun 1871 and 21 Jun 1871 (perhaps notified of Voigt's or Safford's prior observation?). His published position in list 10 (#35) was reduced on 21 Jul 1879 and is accurate. Finally, Lewis Swift found the galaxy on 11 Sep 1885 and reported it in his second discovery paper as "pF; vS; R; F * close; stellar." His RA was 20 seconds too small. Dreyer credited Stephan in the NGC.
This galaxy was independently "discovered" 4 times
before the NGC was published, and is tied for the most independent discoveries,
along with NGC 1360 and
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17 22 43.7 +62 10 12; Dra
V = 14.0; Size 1.3'x1.1'+1.1'x0.2'
48" (5/15/12):
24" (7/20/17): at 322x and 375x; NGC 6365A appeared
fairly faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, broad concentration but
no definite core or nucleus. This
face-on spiral forms an overlapping pair (
24" (6/28/16): at 375x; NGC 6365A is the southern and brighter member of Arp 30. At 375x it appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 40"x35", weak concentration. NGC 6365B (perhaps Arp's "heavy arm"), attached at the northwest edge, appeared extremely faint to very faint, edge-on ~3:1 SSW-NNE, ~30"x10", very low surface brightness so difficult to judge size. A distracting mag 10.2 star is ~1.5' NE and a 6" pair of mag 14-15 stars is 1' NE.
17.5" (7/16/88): this is a double galaxy (Arp 30) with a separation of 30" oriented NNW-SSE with the brighter component at the SSE end. NGC 6365A is very faint, small, weak concentration, very diffuse. Bracketed by two mag 14 stars off the SW and NE ends. NGC 6365B is attached at the NW end of NGC 6365A and appears extremely faint, small, very elongated SW-NE [1.1x0.2], requires averted vision.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6365 = Sw. 4-49 on 15 Aug 1884
and recorded "eeeF; pL; iR; sev eF stars involved; B * nr south-following." There is nothing at his position,
though 1.1 minutes of RA due east is Arp 30 = UGC 10832/10833 (double
system). The bright star in his
description is actually north-following.
MCG fails to identify either
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17 27 44.3 -05 04 36; Oph
V = 9.0; Size 8.3'; Surf Br = 2.2
18" (7/26/06): at 325x, 30-35 stars can be resolved with careful viewing in a 4' region with roughly two dozen of these generally visible and another dozen sparkling in and out of visibility. The resolved stars seemed spread out over the entire disc, which was only weakly concentrated. The outline of the halo was quite irregular and ill-defined and may have extended more than 4'. Several brighter stars, which are clearly not part of the cluster, are around the border. Located just 17' E of mag 4.5 47 Ophiuchi. Faintly visible in 15x50 IS binoculars.
17.5" (7/20/98): at 220x appears as a diffuse irregular glow, ~4' diameter, with only a weak concentration. Two mag 9 and 10 stars are off the west side, the nearest is less than 4' from center and a closer pair of mag 11.5-12 stars [45" separation] is at the south edge. There are perhaps a half dozen faint but obvious stars visible over the ill-defined glow including a couple of mag 14 stars 2' S of center, one a similar distance east of center and an addition pair on the SE side. About a dozen stars are visible with careful viewing. At 280x, the cluster is pretty clumpy and starting to really break up into numerous very faint stars. Roughly two dozen stars can be glimpsed with averted vision, many near the threshold of visibility. The full extent of the cluster is difficult to trace but extends beyond the central 4' region.
13.1" (7/6/83): large, diffuse, very weak concentration. About a dozen faint stars are resolved over a hazy background. Located 17' E of 47 Ophiuchi (V = 4.5).
13.1" (6/19/82): few faint stars resolved over a large, hazy region.
8" (6/5/81 and 5/21/82): large, very diffuse, unresolved. Located 15' E of a mag 4.5 star that detracts from viewing.
Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 6366 = Au 36 on 12 Apr 1860 with his personal 3-inch Merz refractor, while at the Pulkovo Observatory. He described it as "faint, 2 to 3' diam, no significant central brightening." Auwers included this globular cluster in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae.
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17 25 08.9 +37 45 35; Her
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 161°
17.5" (8/2/89): very faint, very small, round, weak
concentration, very faint stellar nucleus or star superimposed. Located 4.3' WSW of mag 7.9
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6367 = St. 11-58 on 19 Jun 1871. His initial position was 5' to the NE, consistent with other errors that night. Stephan's accurate micrometric position (list XI, #82) was made exactly 9 years later on 5 Jul 1880 with description "vF star in vf, vS, R nebula."
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17 27 11.6 +11 32 33; Oph
V = 12.3; Size 3.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 42°
17.5" (6/22/90): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo. A mag 14 star is at the SW end 0.9' from center and a mag 15 star is at the NE end 1.5' from center. The bright double star STF 2166 = 7.1/8.9 at 27" lies 14' SE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6368 = m 335 on 9 Jul 1863 and noted "F, S, E." Édouard Stephan made observations at Marseilles Observatory on 20 Jun 1876, 6 Jun 1877 and 20 Jun 1878, though did not include it in one of his discovery papers.
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17 29 20.4 -23 45 35; Oph
V = 11.5; Size 30"
24" (7/14/18): at 500x; gorgeous annular planetary with a prominent 30" ring and a relatively large, dark central hole. The rim is noticeably brighter along an arc running from the west side counterclockwise to the northeast. The rim's surface brightness is quite irregular with at least a couple of sharp brighter spots, the brightest on the northwest rim.
18" (7/14/07): striking view of this annular planetary at 280x. The 30" halo is punctured by a relatively large 18" hole. The rim is noticeably uneven in surface brightness with a brighter arc along the northern side. Spectacular at 700x and the brighter northern rim has a couple of very small brighter spots.
18" (7/22/06): beautiful view at 435x. The 30" annular ring is brightest along a "C" shaped section from NE moving clockwise to the SW and locally brighter at the NW end. The central hole is round, well-defined and relatively large compared to the rim.
17.5" (6/30/00): at 500x this planetary has a beautiful annular appearance with a 25-30" halo perforated by a 12" dark hole. The northern rim is noticeably brighter with a nearly stellar spot near its center. Located 31' NW of mag 4.8 51 Ophiuchi.
17.5" (6/5/99): bright, beautiful annular planetary at 380x with a well-defined dark central hole. The rim is clearly brighter along the north edge and slightly weaker on the following edge.
17.5" (7/4/86): bright, fairly small, about 30" diameter, green-blue color. Appears as a perfect annular ring at 286x with a 15" central "hole". No central star visible.
13.1" (8/5/83): use at least 220x to clearly resolve the annularity.
13.1" (7/16/82): beautiful ring at 214x and UHC filter, small, slightly elongated. Visible with direct vision as annular. The north edge of the rim appears brighter at 312x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6369 = H. IV-11 = h1981 = h3686 on 21 May 1784 (sweep 222) and recorded "a curious round, tolerably defined pB nebula 30 or 40" in diameter." On 26 May 1786 (sweep 566), he called it "pB, R, S, of equal brightness throughout." From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel gave a detailed description: "Annular Nebula. Exactly round; pF; 12" diameter; well terminated; but a very little cottony at the edge, and with a decided darkness in the middle; = a * 10m at the most. Few stars in the field [situated in the bowl of the Pipe Nebula!]; a beautiful specimen of the planetary annular class of nebulae." His published sketch is on Plate VI, figure 4. Joseph Turner also sketched the planetary in Sep 1874 using the Great Melbourne Telescope (unpublished plate VII, figure 76).
Arthur Searle confirmed a gaseous spectrum at Harvard Observatory in 1879. Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) described NGC 6369 as "a regular, nearly round ring, slightly longer in p.a. 120°; much fainter at the eastern end of the major axis and brightest at the north. Diameter 28" center of ring perfectly blank. Quite faint; the ring just shows in 10m on S27. The central star is magn. 16."
John Mallas coined the nickname "Little Ghost" in his Apr/May 1963 article "Visual Atlas of Planetary Nebula-IV", published in the "Review of Popular Astronomy".
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17 23 25.4 +56 58 26; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (6/30/16): at 322x; moderately bright, fairly small, round, 25"-30" diameter, bright core. Situated just 2.2' SSE of mag 6.5 HD 158013. The extremely low surface brightness outer halo was not seen.
NGC 6370 is the brightest member of a cluster (SDSS-C4-DR3
3375). The Ring Galaxy
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, small, round, weak
concentration. Located 2.2' S of
mag 6.6
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6370 = Sw. 1-57 on 19 Apr 1885
and recorded "vF; vS; R; B * nr n." His position is just off the west side of
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17 27 20.6 +26 30 18; Her
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 162°
17.5" (8/2/89): very faint, small, oval 3:2 N-S, low
even surface brightness. Located
3.1' NW of brighter
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6371 = m 336 = Sf. 45 on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is accurate. Dreyer added the comment "np of 2 [with NGC 6372]" in the NGC. Truman Safford discovered this galaxy again on 1 Aug 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and listed it as new in the 1887 publication. Stephan made an observation on 23 Jun 1871, probably aware of the prior discovery.
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NGC 6372 = UGC 10861 = MCG +04-41-013 = CGCG 140-028 = PGC 60330
17 27 32.0 +26 28 29; Her
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 90°
17.5" (8/2/89): faint, moderately large, diffuse halo elongated E-W, small brighter core. Forms a pair with NGC 6371 3' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6372 = H. III-137 on 19 May
1784 (sweep 220) and recorded "vF, not vS, irregular long." Caroline's reduction is 2' northwest of
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17 24 08.2 +58 59 42; Dra
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 90°
17.5" (6/18/88): extremely faint, fairly small, very diffuse. Appears very faint for V = 13.6.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6373 = Sw. 1-58 on 13 Jun 1885
and recorded "eeeF; pL; vv diff.; forms a right angle triangle with two
stars, preceding star in the same parallel 30 seconds distant." His position is matches
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17 34 43 -32 35 00; Sco
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 6374 = h3687 on 27 Jun 1837 and recorded "Cluster VIII class, 3' or 4' in extent, a bright * (= B 6125) taken." But there is no bright star near his single position, and ESO classifies the number as uncertain.
Jenni Kay suggested this number is identical to NGC 6383
with a 2.5 minute error in time.
Brian Skiff confirmed that
******************************
17 29 21.8 +16 12 24; Her
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0
17.5" (8/2/89): fairly faint, moderately large, even
concentration to a small bright core, substellar nucleus. Surrounded by several mag 14-15 stars
including a mag 14 star 0.6' NE and a mag 15 star 0.9' E. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6375 = m 337, along with NGC 6379, on 15 May 1864 and noted "F, vS, R." His position is less than 1' too far north. Brightest in a group, though he missed nearby UGC 10873.
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17 25 19.2 +58 49 01; Dra
V = 15.1; Size 0.6'x0.3'; PA = 172°
24" (7/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated ~N-S, 15"x10", no core or zones. NGC 6376 is the fainter of an interacting pair with
17.5" (6/18/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, weak concentration. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 6377 35" NE of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6376 = Sw. 4-50, along with NGC 6377, on 1 Sep 1886, and recorded "eeF; eS; R; e diff; sf of 2 [with NGC 6377]." His position is fairly close and the relative offsets for the pair are accurate.
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NGC 6377 = UGC 10855e = MCG +10-25-026 = VII Zw 712 = KAZ 136 = PGC 60264
17 25 23.2 +58 49 22; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 58°
24" (7/20/17): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 30"x10". Contains a very small bright core and that increases to a stellar nucleus. Forms an interacting pair with NGC 6376, just 0.6' SW. The major axis of NGC 6377 "points" to the center of the companion, which is highly disturbed. The pair is located 3' NE of a mag 9.8 star and the two galaxies are collinear with the star.
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, round, small bright
core, faint halo. Forms a contact
pair with NGC 6376 35" SW of center.
Located 12' NNW of mag 6.5
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6377 = Sw. 4-51, along with NGC 6376, on 1 Sep 1886, and recorded "eF; eS; R; lbM; in center of equilateral triangle; np of 2 [with NGC 6376]; verified both with 200x." His position is fairly close and the relative offsets for the pair are accurate. His note "np of 2" should read "nf of 2".
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17 30 42.1 +06 16 55; Oph
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 5°
24" (7/18/20): at 260x and 375x; fairly faint, fairly
small, oval 3:2 N-S, ~45"x30", brighter elongated core but overall
pretty diffuse. Situated in a very
rich Ophiuchus star field with two mag 11 stars 1.5' W and 1' S.
CGCG 55-2 appeared faint, small, oval 5:3 SW-NE, 20"x12, just held continuously.
17.5" (7/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval 3:1 N-S, almost even surface brightness. Forms the vertex of a right angle with two mag 11 stars 1.5' W and 1.0' S. Located in a rich star field.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6378 = St. 7-17 on 19 Jun 1876. His published position (list 7, #17) was made on 13 Jul 1876.
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NGC 6379 = UGC 10886 = MCG +03-44-010 = CGCG 111-044 = CGCG 112-002 = PGC 60421
17 30 35.0 +16 17 19; Her
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (8/2/89): faint, fairly small, round, very diffuse, broad mild concentration, no distinct core. Located 4.8' E of a mag 10 star. Member of the NGC 6375 group with NGC 6375 18' WSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6379 = m 338, along with NGC 6375, on 15 May 1864 and noted "vF, pL." His position is 1' too far north.
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17 34 28.2 -39 04 10; Sco
V = 11.3; Size 3.9'; Surf Br = 3.6
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): faint but not difficult. Appears as a 2' diffuse glow with no concentration. A mag 10 star at the south-southwest edge hampered the observation. Ton 2 is located 37' NE.
13.1" (5/30/87): extremely faint, small, very low
surface brightness, visible only 20% of time with averted. Mag 9.7
13.1" (7/6/83): not found.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6380 = h3688 on 29 Jun 1834 and recorded "A star 9m, with a very evident eF nebulous wisp 90" l, 30" br." A note was added "The wisp by the diagram is fan-shaped and extends in the np direction from the star. See figure 18, Plate VI." Joseph Turner searched for it carefully on two clear nights without success using the 48-inch Great Melbourne Telescope in Sep/Oct 1874, although in the process he discovered the planetary H 1-26. Pietro Baracchi made an accurate sketch in Sep 1885. Paris Pismis reported it as new in her 1959 paper of 24 new clusters and 2 new globular clusters found with the Schmidt camera at the Tonantzila observatory. Some onine sources claim that this cluster was first discovered by James Dunlop and cataloged as Dunlop 538. Although his position is just 23' to the NW (not an unusual discrepancy), I seriously doubt he could have picked up NGC 6380 in his 9-inch speculum reflector and his desription makes no mention of being involved with a bright star.
Herschel's and Pismis' positions were accurate, but the RA was 1.0 minute too far east in Hartung's 1968 "Astronomical Objects for Southern Telescopes", Sulentic and Tifft's 1974 "Revised New General Catalogue", Sinnott's 1988 NGC 2000.0, the first edition of the Sky Atlas 2000.0, the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 atlas, Sky Catalogue 2000.0, etc.
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17 27 16.7 +60 00 50; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 25°
24" (7/2/16): at 225x and 375x; moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.75', irregular surface brightness. A mag 15-15.5 star is at the southwest edge. Forms a close pair with UGC 10870 1.2' SW. The companion appeared faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 0.3'x0.2', low even surface brightness.
24" (7/15/15): moderately bright to fairly bright,
slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.8', broad concentration. A mag 15 star is at the southwest edge
[30" from center]. Located
12' ESE of mag 5.7
Brightest in a group (WBL 641) with
17.5" (6/18/88): fairly faint, fairly large, diffuse
oval SW-NE, even surface brightness.
A mag 15 star is at the WSW edge 30" from center. Located 12' ESE of mag 5.7
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6381 = Sw. 1-59, along with NGC
6390, on 7 Jul 1885 and recorded "vF; pL; E; DM +60°1754 much interferes
with visibility. His position and
description matches
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17 27 55.2 +56 52 08; Dra
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, round. A mag 11.5 star is 1.2' SSE of center.
Edward Swift discovered NGC 6382 = Sw. 1-60 on 2 Jun
1883. The description reads
"pF; pS; R; * near."
Lewis Swift's son Edward was only 12 years old at the time. This was his first discovery of 25
objects in the NGC (two of these are lost -- NGC 5309 and
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NGC 6383 = NGC 6374 = ESO 393-7 = Cr 335 = Gum 67 = Ced 147 = RCW 132
17 34 43 -32 35 00; Sco
V = 5.5; Size 5'
17.5" (8/27/92): 20 stars mag 12-14 surround mag 5.7 HD 159176. Elongated WNW-ESE in a 5' string. The bright star has 4 or 5 faint companions within 1' (HJ 4962 = 5.7/10.5/10.5 at 5"/13"). Also just west is 20' scattered string of 20 stars including 8 mag 10-11 stars visible in the 80mm finder. This is a striking cluster.
8" (6/5/81): Includes a mag 5.8 star and 12 faint stars, excellent with averted, brightest star appears triple. Surrounded by very large, very faint nebulosity.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6383 = h3689 on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "a curious cluster consisting of one large * 6-7m, and some 15 or 20 small ones 13m clustering close to it." His position is on the bright star. On a second sweep he reported "a star 7m with a cl of st 12m assembled about it. The great * occupies the centre. A very remarkable object." NGC 6374 is a duplicate observation, verified by his mention of the bright star.
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17 32 24.4 +07 03 37; Oph
V = 10.4; Size 6.2'x4.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 30°
24" (8/14/15): at 260x; fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE. There are three distinct zones. Towards the center is a sharply concentrated, bright, elongated 2:1 nucleus. The nucleus is surrounded by an oval central region, roughly 1.5'x1.0'. The central region is surrounded by a large, very low surface brightness halo, extending ~4.0'x2.5'. Although spiral structure wasn't seen, the outer regions were noted as irregular. A mag 12.5 star is on the northeast side of the halo, 1.8' from center, and a mag 13.3 star is 1.3' SE of center.
17.5" (7/20/90): moderately bright with a large core slightly elongated SSW-NNE, broad moderate concentration, large faint halo. Two mag 12 stars are at the SE and NE ends 1.3' and 1.7' from center, respectively.
8" (6/22/81): faint, diffuse, slightly elongated, brighter core.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6384 = m 339 = St. 2-14 on 10 Jun 1863. He noted "pB, S, vlE" and his position was 4' too far north. NGC 6384 is the brightest of Marth's discoveries. Heinrich d'Arrest rediscovered NGC 6384 on 8 Apr 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. Édouard Stephan observed it again on 9 Jun 1869, 6 Jul 1871, 17 Jun 1876 and 24 June 1878! Was he aware from Lassell's publication in 1867? He reported it as new in his 2nd discovery list (#14), published in 1871. Dreyer credited all three observers in the NGC, though listed d'Arrest first instead of Marth.
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17 28 01.5 +57 31 19; Dra
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, round, brightens
gradually. Located 2.9' ENE of mag
8
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6385 = Sw. 4-52, along with NGC 6387, on 22 Jul 1886, and logged "eF; S; R; B star nr s[outh]; sp of 2 [with NGC 6387]. His position is fairly accurate, though the bright star is 2.9' WSW.
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17 28 51.7 +52 43 24; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, round, weak concentration, low surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6386 = Sw. 1-61 on 8 Jun 1883 and
logged "vF; pS; R; be 2 st."
His position is just 10 seconds east of
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NGC 6387 = CGCG 300-037 = I Zw 189 = PGC 60355
17 28 23.8 +57 32 44; Dra
V = 14.4; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.8
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Close pair with brighter NGC 6385 3.3' WSW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6387 = Sw. 4-53, along with NGC
6385, on 22 Jul 1886 and logged "eF; S; R; nf of 2 [with NGC 6385]; this
and the preceding point to the bright star about 8th magnitude." His position and description matches
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17 36 17.0 -44 44 06; Sco
V = 6.8; Size 8.7'; Surf Br = 1.1
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x, this bright globular appears moderately large, round and granular but with no definite resolution within the main halo. The appearance was very symmetric and strongly concentrated with a blazing core that ranks as one of the highest surface brightness globular cluster cores. I didn't use higher power to try and resolve.
13.1" (7/12/86): bright at 214x, moderately large, increases to a small very bright core. Has a grainy, lively appearance but no resolution. Elevation at most 7°.
8" (6/19/82): bright, moderately large, intense core, fainter halo, no resolution. Very far south (altitude less than 8°).
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6388 = D 457 = h3690 on 13 May 1826. His summary description based on 7 observations reads, "a beautiful round nebula, about 5' diameter, with a bright round well-defined disk or nucleus, about 15" diameter, exactly in the centre; this has the appearance of a planet surrounded by an extremely faint diluted atmosphere; there is a small star involved in the faint atmosphere: the atmosphere is at least 6' diameter - Figure 18." His position is just 1.5' south of center.
John Herschel, observing on 5 Jun 1834, recorded "globular, vB, R, at first pg, then psvmbM to an intense almost nuclear light. The right eye does not resolve or barely makes it resolvable; the left resolves it completely into stars 17...20m. A superb object on a rich ground of milky way." On 1 Jul 1834 he logged "globular, vB, R, first p g, then psvmbM, 4' diam, easily resolved with left eye into stars 17m, more difficulty with right eye into 18m, excessively close and comp; shading off insensibly in borders into the general ground of the heavens."
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17 32 39.8 +16 24 06; Her
V = 12.1; Size 2.8'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 130°
17.5" (8/2/89): moderately bright, moderately large,
oval NW-SE, sharp small bright core.
A mag 16 star is superimposed on the south side. Several mag 11.5-12 stars are near, the
closest 2.3' SE. Located 15' WNW
of mag 5.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 6389 = H. II-901 on 29 Jun 1799 (sweep 1090) and recorded "F, S, iF, er, about 2' long." His RA was 20 seconds too small. Stephan made observations on 23 Jun 1871 and on 20 Jun 1878. Christian Peters measured an accurate position on 7 Jul 1878 while observing Comet 1878a.
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NGC 6390 = UGC 10881 = MCG +10-25-047 = CGCG 300-040 = WBL 641-004 = PGC 60356
17 28 28.1 +60 05 39; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 1.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 8°
24" (7/2/16): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint to
moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 N-S, 0.8'x0.2', broad weak
concentration, no distinct core.
Brightest in a linear triplet with
NGC 6381 is 10' SW (close pair with UGC 10870) and
24" (7/15/15): fairly faint to moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 N-S, 0.9'x0.3', broad concentration but no sharp zones. Brightest and middle of three in an east-west line with CGCG 300-036 4.5' W and CGCG 300-042 4.2' E. NGC 6381 lies 10' SW.
CGCG 300-036 (V = 14.4) was fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, gradually increases to the center. CGCG 300-042 (V = 15.2) appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, round, 18" diameter, low even surface brightness.
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, moderately large, edge-on N-S, low even surface brightness. Second of three in a string with CGCG 300-036 4' W and CGCG 300-042 (not seen) 4' E. CGCG 300-036 appeared very faint, extremely small, round, faint stellar nucleus.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6390 = Sw. 1-62, along with NGC
6381, on 7 Jul 1885 and recorded "eeeF; cE; ee diff; one of my minima
visible." There is nothing at
his position, but 6' south is
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17 28 49.0 +58 51 03; Dra
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 85°
17.5" (6/18/88): very faint, very small, round, bright core, very faint stellar nucleus.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6391 = Sw. 4-54 on 1 Sep 1886 and logged "eF; vS; R; nearly bet 2 stars." His position is 13 seconds of time too far west. The two stars he mentions are 3.2' south and 3.0' northwest.
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17 43 30.3 -69 47 06; Aps
V = 11.6; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.0
25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, the surface brightness is fairly high and irregular (probably due to a superimposed mag 15.5 star on the southeast side). A mag 13 star is 50" WSW of center and a mag 15 star is at the southwest edge [20" from center]. Situated in a rich Apus star field with a mag 8.8 star 7' ESE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6392 = h3691 on 17 Jun 1835 and
logged "pF; S; R; glbM; 20"; 50 stars in field." His position (measured on two nights)
matches
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17 30 08.5 +59 31 55; Dra
V = 15.3; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6
18" (7/30/08): extremely faint, very small, round,
15" diameter, low even surface brightness. I could just barely hold this galaxy continuously with
averted vision once it was identified but it took knowing the exact position to
initially pick up. This galaxy is
generally identified as
17.5" (6/18/88): not found
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6393 = Sw. 1-64, along with NGC
6394 and 6399, on 7 Jul 1885. His
description for NGC 6393 reads "vvF, pS, R, 2 B st nr north; south of
2" and for NGC 6394, "vvF, pS, R, 2 st point to it, the nearest is
D[ouble]; the other and the nebula are equally distant from D star; north of
2." The description of NGC
6394 is a perfect match
Swift's poor declination for NGC 6393 coincidentally matches UGC 10889. As a result, all modern galaxy catalogues misidentify UGC 10889 as NGC 6393. RNGC and PGC reverse the identifications of NGC 6393 and NGC 6394, labeling the fainter southern galaxy as NGC 6394. MCG does not attach a NGC label to MCG +10-25-054. See Harold Corwin's notes for NGC 6394.
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NGC 6394 = UGC 10889 = MCG +10-25-055 = PGC 60410
17 30 21.4 +59 38 23; Dra
V = 14.4; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 42°
18" (7/30/08): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1
SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.2', very weak concentration. An extremely faint star is off the NNE tip. Located 3.9' SE of mag 8.0 HD 159266,
which detracts from viewing. NGC
6393 = MCG +10-25-054 (identified as NGC 6394 in RNGC, MCG and PGC) is located
6.6' SSW.
17.5" (6/18/88): very faint, fairly small, very
elongated SW-NE. Three mag 14/15
stars are near the north end.
Located 3.8' SE of mag 8
Note: This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 6393 in all modern catalogues.
See identification notes for NGC 6393.
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17 26 31.1 +71 05 43; Dra
V = 12.3; Size 2.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 15°
24" (6/28/16): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated ~5:2 SSW-NNE, ~1.5'x0.6'.
The surface brightness is low but irregular on the northern end and
brighter on the southern half. The
galaxy is somewhat mottled or knotty, though one knot is probably the
core. A mag 15 star is just east
of the northern end.
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE. Two mag 12 stars are at the north end 1.5' and 2.5' NNE of center and a mag 14.5 star is off the south end 2.3' from center.
Edward Swift discovered NGC 6395 = Sw. 1-63 on 18 Sep 1884. Lewis Swift's son was only 13 years old at the time. The description reads "vF; pL; lE; double star north; 2 stars near point to it." The RA was 30 seconds of time too large. Bigourdan's measured an accurate position on 8 Aug 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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17 37 36 -35 01 36; Sco
V = 8.5; Size 3'
17.5" (6/8/91): consists of a dozen mag 9-13 stars in a small group of 4' diameter. Includes four stars in a distinctive 2' string oriented NNW-SSE and continuing north a pretty double star (h4966 = 9.8/10.8 at 12") which is oriented E-W. The brightest star mag 9 SAO 209043 is just off the WSW edge 4' from the center. Not rich or impressive but stands out well. Also a large scattered group of fairly bright stars is roughly 20' to the north.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6396 = h3693 on 7 Jul 1836 and recorded "Cluster VIII; small, 5', place of chief D star". His position is 35 seconds east of the double star at the northwest side of the cluster, and well outside the confines of the cluster. Herschel's poor RA is used in the RNGC, NGC 2000.0 and the Sky Catalogue 2000.0. The ESO and Uranometria 2000.0 Atlas position is correct.
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17 40 41.3 -53 40 25; Ara
V = 5.7; Size 25.7'; Surf Br = 0.6
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): The view of this showpiece globular at 171x was amazing at nearly 70° elevation. It extended across 2/3 of the field - perhaps 20' in diameter. The cluster was very highly resolved into hundreds of stars, many surprisingly bright at mag 10-11 and overall noticeably brighter than most globulars (1st in ranking of brightest stars). The globular appeared fully resolved in the halo and even the blazing core was covered wall-to-wall with stars. Many of the stars are arranged in small groups, chains, curves, etc. The concentrated core appeared ~3.5' diameter and at 228x had a 3-dimensional appearance with the mag 10.5-11.5 stars layered over a dense, uneven background carpet of stars. Visible naked-eye.
20" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): I also had a fantastic view in the 20" f/5 at 212x - the stars seemed to radiate out from the core in spiral curves and completely filled the 23' field!
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very bright, very large, 10' diameter, irregularly round. At least 50 stars mag 10-12 are resolved at 63x. Bright intense core 3' diameter with dozens of stars superimposed and at the edges of the core. The cluster contains a large halo with many faint and brighter stars superimposed over a mottled background. Beautiful globular although observed at only 13° elevation from Baja. This is the nearest globular and first in ranking by brightest stars.
10x30 and naked-eye (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): picked up very easily while sweeping in IS binoculars close to the SSW horizon from Haleakala. Once the position was pinpointed, this mag 5.8 globular was just visible naked-eye less than 1 degree NNE of mag 5.3 Pi Arae.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6397 = Lac III-11 = D 366 = h3692 in 1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. He simply noted "faint star in nebulosity." James Dunlop independently found this globular on 28 Jun 1826 with his 9-inch reflector and described "a pretty large nebula, extended nearly in the parallel of the equator, brightest and broadest in the middle; a group of very small stars in the middle give it the appearance of a nucleus, but they are not connected with the nebula, but are similar to other small stars in this place which are arranged in groups. The nebula is resolvable into stars." Dunlop made 4 observations in June and July and his position was 5' east of center.
John Herschel's first observation (8 Jul 1834) reads, "globular cluster; fine; large; bright; round; gradually brighter to the middle; not very compressed; 5' diameter, but stragglers extend a great way. In the middle is a more compact group of much smaller stars. The stars at circumference are larger than in the middle; at N.f. border is a double star."
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17 42 43.9 -61 41 39; Pav
V = 12.5; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 6°
25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): moderately bright
and large, slightly elongated N-S, 45"x35", strongly concentrated
with a bright core surrounded by a faint halo. A mag 14.5 star is at the west edge and a mag 15.5 star is
at the northeast edge. A mag 12.5
star (close double) is 1.3' NW.
Situated in a rich Pavo star field. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 6398 = h3694, along with NGC 6403, on 7 Jul 1836 and recorded "eF; S; R; almost certain it is not small double star. Definition much improved. It is certainly a nebula, and with long attention, I see another [NGC 6403], still fainter, exactly on parallel, and 30 seconds following." His position is accurate.
Nevertheless, the RNGC classified both galaxies as nonexistent (Type 7) probably because DeLisle Stewart reported "eF, hazy * only" based on plates taken at Harvard's Boyden Station, in Arequipa, Peru.
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NGC 6399 = UGC 10896 = MCG +10-25-059 = CGCG 300-047 = PGC 60442
17 31 50.4 +59 36 55; Dra
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 5°
18" (7/30/08): faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 25"x20", sharply concentrated with a very small bright nucleus. NGC 6394 (generally listed as NGC 6393) lies 11' WNW. An extremely faint mag 16.7B companion was glimpsed a couple of times 54" NNE.
17.5" (6/18/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, bright core, very faint halo SSW-NNE. Forms a pair with NGC 6393 11.3' WNW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6399 = Sw. 1-66, along with NGC 6393 and 6394, on 7 Jul 1885 and recorded "vvF; vS; R." His position is 1' too far southwest.
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17 40 13 -36 56 54; Sco
Size 8'
17.5" (6/30/00): ~50 stars are resolved in an 8'x5' region at 220x. The stars are fairly uniform in brightness, though irregular in outline. The cluster is elongated N-S with a nice string extending through the cluster to the SSE and NNE with a slight bend near the center. At the kink in the center of the string is a denser clump of stars. There are circular voids on the NW and SW ends. The two brighter strings (on the following side) and two less distinct rows of stars create a vague "X" shape through the cluster with a loop of stars on the north end.
8" (6/5/81): faint, fairly small, fairly rich. Many stars are aligned in rows.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6400 = D 568 = h3696 on 13 May 1826. His first (of 3) observations reads "a faint nebula of a triangular igure, about 4' or 5' in length - resolvable into small stars nebulae remaining and further resolvable into very minutes stars." John Herschel observed the cluster on 28 Jun 1834 (sweep 461) and recorded "Cluster class VII, p rich; pL, irr R, 8', stars 9..10m."
The RA in Sulentic and Tifft's RNGC is 0.6 minutes too large.
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17 38 36.9 -23 54 32; Oph
V = 9.5; Size 5.6'; Surf Br = 2.2
17.5" (7/27/92): fairly faint, small, round, 1.5'-2.0' diameter. Unusual appearance as a mag 12 field star is embedded southeast of the core within the halo. No other resolution was seen and the globular has a very weak concentration.
8" (6/27/81): faint, small, round, compact, diffuse. A single bright mag 12-13 star is involved.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6401 = H. I-44 = h1982 = h3697 on 21 May 1784 (sweep 222) and recorded "cB, pL, having a kind of nucleus towards the following side." On 26 May 1786 (sweep 566), he called it "pB, gbM, L, r, some of the stars visible." From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel logged "pB; R; vgbM; 25"; a * 13m involved, following the centre."
Sven Cederblad catalogued this globular as the nebula Ced 149. This incorrect classification is probably from Julius Scheiner, who gave its spectrum as gaseous (before 1912) at the Potsdam Observatory.
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17 37 36.1 -03 14 45; Oph
V = 7.6; Size 11.7'; Surf Br = 1.9
24" (7/30/16): at 432x; very bright, large, nearly fills the 10' field. The outer halo is resolved into dozens of star, perhaps 50 or 60 total. The relatively large core is plastered with tiny resolved stars; roughly 50 additional stars were resolved over a lively background, so overall at least a 100 total though difficult to count due to density and the bright background glow. The outer halo is slightly elongated E-W as well as the core, but the overall appearance is symmetrical. The core only exhibits a broad, weak concentration.
17.5" (7/1/00): this bright, large, fairly symmetric globular appears elongated ~E-W and ~7'x5' in size at 220x. The bright core is relatively large at 4', very lively and granular with a layer of very faint stars. At 280x, ~30 stars are resolved in the small halo and at the edge of the intense core. A rich, even sprinkling of faint stars cover the core. It was difficult to count the resolved stars as numerous dim stars pop out with averted vision over the bright background haze, but perhaps 60-70 stars in total were glimpsed.
17.5" (7/16/88): bright, large, 25-30 very faint stars are resolved mostly at the edges which have a ragged appearance.
13.1" (7/6/83): fairly large, broad concentration. About a dozen very faint stars are resolved across the disk. The outer halo fades out smoothly.
Charles Messier discovered
William Herschel, observing with his 12-inch (small 20-foot) on 23 Jul 1783, noted "With a power of 200, I see it consists of stars. They are better visible with 300. With 600, they are too obscure to be distinguished, though the appearance of stars is still preserved. This seems to be one of the most difficult objects to be resolved. With me, there is not a doubt remaining; but another person, in order to form a judgment, ought previously to go through all the several gradations of nebulae which I have resolved into stars." On 25 May 1791 (sweep 1010), he recorded with his 18.7-inch, "eB, R, easily resolvable. With a power of 300 I can see the stars. Resembles the 10th of the Connoiss. which probably would put on the same appearance as this, if it were off half as far again as it is."
On 30 May 1821, his second night of being instructed how to sweep and record objects, 29-year old John Herschel logged M14 as "a globular cluster of excessively small stars, barely but certainly resolved with the examining power and difficult with the sweeping power, brighter in the middle." The sweep was registered out of order in his Slough Catalogue as sweep 54.
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NGC 6403 = ESO 139-019 = PGC 60750
17 43 23.7 -61 40 56; Pav
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): moderately bright, fairly small, irregularly round, 30" diameter, broad concentration with a slightly bright nucleus. Situated in a rich Pavo star field with a mag 11.2 star 1.1' SSE. Forms a pair with NGC 6403 4.7' WSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6403 = h3695, along with NGC
6398, on 7 Jul 1836 and simply noted "eeF. The following of 2." His position, though 10 seconds too small, clearly applies
to
RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent. See notes for NGC 6398.
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17 39 37 -33 14 48; Sco
Size 5'
13.1" (7/6/83): 20 stars mag 12-14 over unresolved
haze. The three brightest stars
form a small triangle on the west edge, most other stars are very faint. Located one degree south of
John Herschel discovered NGC 6404 = h4020 on 27 Jun 1837 and recorded "a p rich, L, F, cluster; class VII; nearly fills field; composed of concave flakes; no m comp; stars 13 or 15m." The observation was included in a list of "omitted observations of nebulae and supplementary nebulae" at the end of the Cape Catalogue. Dreyer identified these objects as "h o n" ([John] Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC. His position is accurate.
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17 40 21 -32 15 18; Sco
V = 4.2; Size 25'
18" (7/21/04): at 92x roughly 200 stars are visible in this beautiful naked-eye cluster. There are four bright mag 6-7 stars in the main group which form a perfect parallelogram with longer sides of 7' oriented WSW-ENE and shorter sides of 4' oriented NW-SE. A string of stars connects the two stars on the long southern side of the parallelogram (the star at the SE vertex is orange-tinged BM Sco) with a nice double star embedded in the string. The NW vertex is part of a bright isosceles triangle with two mag 8-9 stars and ~7' further NW of this star is a small, nice asterism consisting of a trio and a double. Also a wedge-shaped group of 7 stars extends between this NW vertex (which also has two additional fainter companions) and the SW vertex (short side of parallelogram) Another distinctive string of stars runs through the center of the parallelogram roughly parallel to the two long sides. A nice mag 9/10 double resides along the long northern side of the parallelogram. An additional mag 7 star is the SW of the parallelogram. Around the main group there are numerous scattered stars and the cluster does not have a distinct border. Over 70 stars in the cluster are brighter than 11th magnitude.
13.1" (7/5/83): very bright, fairly large. Includes a curving rows of stars and a
close group of 7 stars near the center.
The brightest star BM Scorpii is on the east side. Smaller than
Giovanni Hodierna discovered M6 = NGC 6405 = Lac III-12 = D 612 = h3699 before 1654 and recorded 18 stars. He didn't report coordinates for the cluster but called it "the second and smallest of the two in the Scopion's stinger, westwards." Philippe Loys de Chéseaux independently found the cluster by 1745-46 in Switzerland. Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille found the cluster again in 1752 with his 1/2-inch telescope at 8x, during his star survey at the Cape of Good Hope, and found a "remarkable group of faint stars in parallel lines making a diamond 20-25 minutes diameter filled with nebulosity." Lacaille was credited with the discovery in the NGC. Although a naked-eye cluster, it apparently was not included in any earlier list.
In his Messier survey, William Herschel observed M6 on 30 Jul 1783 and wrote, "I counted about 50 stars; it contains the greatest variety of magnitudes of any nebula I recollect. The compound eye-piece shows more of them variously and intermixed."
On 13 May 1826 James Dunlop described M6 as "a cluster of pretty bright small stars in irregular curved and bent lines - no very sensible marks of central attraction, 15' diameter."
According to Sue French, the popular nickname "Butterfly Cluster" may come from "Splendour of the Heavens" (1923) by Phillips and Steavenson, where M6 was described as "somewhat irregular in shape, with central rib of stars, and resembles a butterfly with open wings."
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17 38 19.1 +18 49 58; Her
= **?, Gottlieb. = Not found, RNGC.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6406 = Big. 81 on 10 Jun 1885 and noted "mag 13.3, 7" or 8" diameter, stellar appearance." Two mag 14 stars with a similar separation are very close to his Comptes Rendus position, so this identification is certain.
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17 44 57.6 -60 44 22; Pav
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 60°
25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): bright, moderately
large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 50"x40", sharply concentrated with
a very bright, relatively large core and a much fainter halo. Mag 9.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 6407 = h3700 on 7 Aug 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R: lbM; 15"; near 3 stars." His position is accurate.
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17 38 47.3 +18 52 40; Her
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (8/2/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration, fairly low surface brightness. Located in a rich star field between a mag 13.5 star 1.8' W and a mag 14 star 1.1' SE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6408 = m 340 = St. 2-15 on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "F, S, R, gbM." His position is 1' too far north. Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 14 Jun and 7 Jul 1871 (probably already aware of Marth's prior discovery). He measured an accurate micrometric position on 16 Jul 1871 and reported it as new in his second discovery list (18 of the 30 objects in the list were discovered earlier by Marth). Dreyer credited both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) in the NGC.
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17 36 35.4 +50 45 57; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 60°
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, small, round, broad concentration.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6409 = Sw. 1-67 on 18 Jun 1885 and noted "vF; S; R." His position is 30 seconds of RA too far west. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 7 Aug 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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17 35 20.5 +60 47 32; Dra
= **?, Gottlieb. = *, RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6410 = Sw. 6-93 on 2 May 1887 and
recorded "eeF, S, R, nearly between 2 stars, GC 4320 [
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NGC 6411 = UGC 10916 = MCG +10-25-068 = CGCG 300-052 = PGC 60536
17 35 32.5 +60 48 48; Dra
V = 11.8; Size 2.3'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 70°
17.5" (6/22/90 and 7/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 1.1'x0.8', gradually increases to a very small bright core. A mag 13.5 star is 20" off the SW edge and 57" from the center.
17.5" (7/10/99): viewed the Type Ia SN 1999da, which was discovered on images taken just 4 days earlier. It appeared mag 15.5-16 and is situated 1.2' W of center of NGC 6411.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6411 on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured on 4 nights) is accurate and noted the mag 12 star 6 seconds preceding and 30" south. The MCG declination is 30' too far south, and NGC 6411 is not referenced.
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17 29 37.0 +75 42 15; Dra
V = 11.8; Size 2.5'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.4
48" (10/22/11): at 375x appeared bright, large, round, 2' diameter. Broad concentration with a large, brighter 30" core, hint of spiral structure in the halo though it was difficult to trace the arms. An HII knot or companion was easily seen superimposed at the edge of the halo on the north side (37" from center) and appeared faint, small, oval, ~12"x8". A mag 13.5 star lies 1' SW and a mag 16 star is 1.8' SW; both stars are collinear with the core. A bright mag 11.3 star lies 2' SE. Listed by Arp as a spiral with a "low surface brightness companion on arms", but the "companion" may be an HII region.
17.5" (7/9/88): moderately bright, irregularly round,
2.0' diameter, diffuse halo, weak even concentration to a brighter core. A mag 13.5 star is at the SW edge 1.1'
from center. A string of three
equally spaced stars begins with a mag 11 star 2' SE and includes two bright
stars; mag 8.3
8" (8/5/83): very faint, small, diffuse. Located north of two mag 8 stars in field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6412 = H. VI-41 on 12 Dec
1797 (sweep 1071) and surprisingly described this galaxy as a cluster of class
VI (very condensed and rich clusters of stars) -- "round, resolvable,
about 3' diameter, vgbM. I suppose it to be a cluster of stars compressed
extremely. 320 power confirms the supposition, and shews a few of the stars; it
must be immensely rich."
Caroline's reduced position is 30 tsec west (only 1.8' at this dec) of
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17 40 40.7 +12 37 26; Oph
= ***, Gottlieb. = Not found, RNGC.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6413 = St. 2-16 on 28 Jun 1869. His uncorrected position was 4' S of a group of three or four close stars including a 3" double. His published position in list 2 (#16) was reduced on 20 Jul 1870 with description "extremely small and faint, a small star (nucleus) surrounded by a nebulosity". The RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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17 30 36.7 +74 22 34; Dra
V = 14.6; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 143°
17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, extremely small, round, very small bright core. Bracketed by two faint mag 14.5/15 stars.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6414 = Sw. 3-94 on 30 May 1886
and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; ee diff.; bet 2 stars; 4 F stars near preceding
in form of arc of circle".
His position is just 1' south of
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17 44 40 -35 03; Sco
= Not found, RNGC and ESO.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6415 = h3701' on 26 Aug 1826 and recorded "a great Nebulous projection of the milky way." His RA is given roughly to the nearest minute of time. Herschel didn't assign a number in the Cape Catalogue, but placed it (in RA order) after h3701, so Dreyer called it h3701' in the NGC. This is likely just a rich section of the Milky Way and RNGC and ESO list the number as "Not found". Harold Corwin places the center about 1 minute of time larger than Herschel's position and 3'-4' south.
Wolfgang Steinicke lists James Dunlop with the discovery (numbers D 595 and D 596), but Glen Cozens associates these number with Ruprecht 128. Dunlop described a much smaller object than h3701' -- D 595 is only 1' diameter and D 596 is 5' x 30".
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17 44 20 -32 21 42; Sco
V = 5.7; Size 18'
17.5" (8/2/97): best view at 100x as it fills the 220x
(9mm Nagler) field. The most
detached portion consists of a large cloud of at least 15' diameter and
containing roughly 75 stars. There
are four brighter stars (including mag 8.6
8" (6/19/82): almost two dozen faint stars, large, scattered, not impressive as fairly coarse.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6416 = h3702 = D612? on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "Cl class VIII of stars 11m; fills field; not rich; stars in zig-zag lines." His position is accurate. James Dunlop possibly discovered the cluster earlier on 13 May 1826 and described "a cluster of small stars of mixt magnitudes, about 15' diameter, irregular figure." His position, though, is nearly 40' west of the cluster and actually falls on the east side of M6, 13' from the center. So, his identification is uncertain though seems to describe NGC 6416 better.
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17 41 47.9 +23 40 19; Her
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (8/2/89): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, almost even surface brightness. Located 4.9' S of mag 7.8
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6417 = m 341 on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "pF, S, vlbM." His position is accurate.
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17 38 09.3 +58 42 54; Dra
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated. A mag 15 star is at the east edge 17" from the center. Contains a very faint stellar nucleus or a mag 15 star involved.
Edward Swift, Lewis' 14 year-old son, discovered NGC 6418 =
Sw. 1-68 on 4 May 1885 and recorded "eF: pS; R; forms a right angle
triangle with 2 stars, one mB."
Their position is just 1' north of
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17 36 06.2 +68 09 20; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 134°
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, elongated NW-SE,
bright core. Two mag 15 stars are
close north (one is 43" NNW of center). In a group of 6 galaxies (WBL 644) with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6419 = Sw. 2-55, along with NGC
6420, on 17 Aug 1883 and recorded "eeF; eS; R; e diff. n of 2." His position is 14 seconds of RA west of
Harold Corwin notes it is very possible that NGC 6423 (discovered by Swift 16 days earlier) is an earlier observation of this galaxy and NGC 6422 is an earlier observation of NGC 6420. But Guillaume Bigourdan assigned the numbers to the four brightest galaxies in the field, which are a good match with Swift's declinations (the RAs are 14 to 24 seconds too small). Bigourdan's corrected positions for all 4 galaxies (measured in Sept 1888), were published in the IC 2 Notes.
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NGC 6420 = MCG +11-21-013 = CGCG 321-025 = WBL 644-004 = PGC 60553
17 36 16.2 +68 03 08; Dra
V = 14.4; Size 0.65'x0.2'; PA = 54°
24" (6/16/20): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 25"x20", small bright nucleus. In a group with brighter NGC 6422 1.4' ENE.
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, bright
core. In a compact trio with NGC
6422 1.3' ENE and
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6420 = Sw. 2-56, along with NGC
6419, on 17 Aug 1883 and recorded "eeF; eS; R; ee diff. s[outh] of 2 [with NGC 6419]. His description is not of any real
help, but his position is 23 seconds of RA west of
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17 45 44 -33 41 36; Sco
24" (7/7/13): large, bright Milky Way cloud at 125x (50' field). Sharply defined by dust clouds on the west edge and along the east side up to the north end. Includes a nice string of a half-dozen stars (mag 9.5-11.5) on the southeast side and a couple of 1' pairs (oriented N-S) of mag 10.5-11.5 stars are at the east end of the cloud.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6421 = h3702' on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "A most remarkable, well insulated, semi-nebulous milky way patch of a branching rounded figure, within the limits of the field, quite insulated on the p, n and f side, and only connected on the south side by a narrow isthmus with a branch of the milky way, which runs meridionally to a great extent. It forms a VI. class cluster of the utmost tenuity, barely resolvable, no resolved. See [sketch] fig 1, plate V." Herschel listed this observation (and coordinates) after h3702, but didn't assign it a unique h-designation (it's called 3702 1/2 in his list of sketched nebulae), indicating it was just an interesting field and not a discrete object. He included it, though, in the GC as h3702', but Dreyer dropped the prime in the NGC. As a result there are two NGC listings for h3702 (NGC 6416 and NGC 6421).
James Dunlop's D 605 probably applies to this Milky Way field. On 5 Jun 1826 he wrote "The milky way for several degrees in this place is very beautiful. The patches of starry nebulae and alternate(?) black places of the sky - through the telescope very much resembles small cumulus clouds."
Joseph Turner searched unsuccessfully for this object witht the Great Melbourne Telescope on 25 Sep 1875.
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NGC 6422 = MCG +11-21-015 = CGCG 321-026 = WBL 644-005 = PGC 60558
17 36 29.9 +68 03 31; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.75'; PA = 58°
24" (6/16/20): at 260x; between fairly faint and
moderately bright, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~50"x40", contains a
bright core and a low surface brightness halo. A mag 8.9 star (
PGC 60553 appeared faint, round, 20" diameter, fairly low nearly even surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus.
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, round, bright
core. In a compact trio with
similar NGC 6420 1.3' WSW and MCG +11-21-014 1' NW. The MCG was the faintest of the trio and appeared extremely
faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. Located in a group with NGC 6419 6.3' NNW and CGCG 321-023 =
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6422 = Sw. 2-57, along with NGC 6423, on 1 Aug 1883 and recorded "eF; pS; R; nearly between a F and a B *." His position is 16 seconds west of CGCG 321-025 = PGC 60553, the brightest of four galaxies in a 3' circle. The "B *" in the description probably refers to the mag 8.9 star 3' east. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 6 Sep 1888 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes). MCG doesn't label +11-21-015 as NGC 6422. See notes for NGC 6419.
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NGC 6423 = MCG +11-21-016 = CGCG 321-027 = WBL 644-006 = PGC 60576
17 36 53.3 +68 10 17; Dra
V = 14.7; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 165°
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 6419 4.5' W. Member of the NGC 6422 group (WBL 644)
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6423 = Sw. 2-58, along with NGC
6422 = Sw. 2-57, on 1 Aug 1885, and recorded "eeF; vS; R; * nr east; v
diff." His position is 12
seconds west and 0.8' south of
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17 36 11.9 +69 59 20; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.75'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, extremely small, round. Appears as a stellar nucleus with a small, round halo.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6424 = Sw. 2-59 on 5 Aug 1885 and
logged "vF; pS; R." His
position is less than 1' from
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17 47 02 -31 31 48; Sco
V = 7.2; Size 8'
17.5" (8/2/97): roughly three dozen stars in a 16'x7' detached region about 20 of which are mag 11 and the remainder mag 12-13.5. The group stands out well using a 14mm UltraWide, although the stars are fairly scattered with no dense regions. Near the center is a nice 30" equilateral triangle (brightest of the trio is at the SE vertex) of mag 10.5-11.5 stars. Following this triangle is a large "hole" in the cluster devoid of any stars. The brighter stars form an irregular border although there are two noticeable strings of stars in the cluster. Located 1.5 degrees NE of M6.
8" (6/5/81): 15 stars mag 11-13 in a triangular outline.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6425 = h3703 on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "Small cl VIII class; 8' dia; has 20 or 30 st 10...12, nearly insulated." His position is good.
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17 44 54.7 +03 10 13; Oph
V = 11.2; Size 3.2'; Surf Br = 1.1
24" (7/30/16): at 260x and 432x; fairly faint, round, moderately large, 2.5' diameter. Contains a very small, slightly brighter core that is elongated N-S and lively. A few faint stars are resolved around at the edges of the halo and several additional stars occasionally sparkle within the halo. A 15-15.5 magnitude star is at the north edge of core. In addition, five slightly brighter stars are arranged N-S along the west side of the halo; a single mag 14 star is near the NW side, two mag 14.5-15 stars on the west side, and two mag 15/15.5 stars on the SW side.
18" (8/23/03): at 160x, appears fairly faint with an irregular triangular outline, 2.5' diameter. There is only a weak concentration though the surface has a patchy, irregular appearance with a few faint stars superimposed. At 435x, the brightest resolved star is at the northwest edge. A few others are collinear in the halo along the western side. The slightly brighter core is offset east of the geometric center and just resolved into several extremely faint stars at moments. A total of up to 10 mag 15/16 stars are barely resolved.
17.5" (5/30/92): fairly faint, 3' diameter, slightly elongated, only a weak central condensation, slightly granular. Two or three faint stars are resolved at the edge of the halo. At 286x, a few additional very faint stars are resolved over the core for a total resolution of just six stars. A striking double ∑2202 = 6.2/6.6 at 21" lies 36' S.
8" (6/22/81): faint, small, round, diffuse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6426 = H. II-587 = St. 7-18 on 3 Jun 1786 (sweep 572) and recorded "F, cL, iF." His position is reasonably accurate. Stephan found the cluster 90 years later on 18 Jun 1876 and reported it as new in his 7th discovery list (#18). As a result, Dreyer catalogued it again in the GC Supplement as #5870, but he combined both GC entries in the NGC. According to Wolfgang Steinicke Herschel first observed the cluster on 15 Jul 1781 with his 6.2-inch before starting his sweeps.
The position given in Sky Catalogue 2000.0, Deep Sky Field Guide (first version) and NGC 2000.0 is 10' too far south!
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17 43 38.7 +25 29 38; Her
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 36°
17.5" (8/3/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:2 SW-NE, small bright core, faint extensions. A mag 15 star is just off the SW end 26" from the
center and a mag 14.5 star is 36" S of center. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6427 = m 342 = Sf. 48, along
with NGC 6429, on 2 Jul 1864. His
position was 1' to the N. Truman
Safford discovered it again on 28 Aug 1866 and recorded Sf. 48 as "pB, pL,
vmbM." His position was 20'
too far north, but matches in RA (he noted "position not certain" in
a footnote). Édouard Stephan
rediscovered this galaxy again on 12 July 1869 with his unpublished position
just 2' W (perhaps aware of Marth's discovery?). He measured a micrometric position on 23 Jun 1870 and
reported it in his first discovery list (St. 1-7, later
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17 43 52.9 +25 33 23; Her
= *, Corwin. Not found, RNGC. =**?, Gottlieb.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6428 = Big. 82 on 7 Jul 1885. A 13" double star is near his Comptes Rendus position, though Harold Corwin notes that Bigourdan references the northern star as the intended "object". RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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NGC 6429 = UGC 10960 = MCG +04-42-004 = CGCG 141-007 = PGC 60770
17 44 05.4 +25 21 01; Her
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 23°
17.5" (8/3/89): fairly faint, small, elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A very close faint double star mag 14.5/15.5 is off the south side 33" S of center. Forms a pair with NGC 6427 10' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6429 = m 343, along with NGC 6427, on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "F, S, stellar." Édouard Stephan made observations on 17 Jun 1876 and 4 Jul 1877, probably aware of Marth's discovery, as he didn't list it as new.
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17 45 14.3 +18 08 18; Her
V = 13.5; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 97°
17.5" (8/7/02): at 220x appeared as a faint, moderately large edge-on oriented E-W, 1.2'x0.3' with a low even surface brightness. A mag 13.7 star is at the following end 50" from the center and the galaxy extends nearly due west.
Albert Marth's position for NGC 6430 was off by 38 tsec in RA and although
his description matches, modern catalogues and the U2000 (second edition)
identify this galaxy as
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6430 = m 344 on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, mE." There is nothing at his position, but 38 seconds of time east is UGC 10966, and Marth's description is appropriate for this galaxy.
Karl Reinmuth failed to find NGC 6430 in his photographic survey using Heidelberg plates and wrote "no mE neb seen; a chain of 4 st 14-15, 150°, in 17h 38.9m (1860)". Based on Reinmuth, RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent with the note "4 stars".
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NGC 6431 = NGC 6427 = UGC 10957 = MCG +04-42-003 = CGCG 141-006 = PGC 60758
17 43 38.7 +25 29 38; Her
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 36°
See observing notes for NGC 6427.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 6431 = St. 1-7 on 12 July 1869 and recorded an uncorrected position 2' too far W. His published position in list 1 (#7) was reduced on 23 Jun 1870, but Bigourdan (visually) and Reinmuth (on Heidelberg plates) found nothing at his position. However, Harold Corwin found Stephan misidentified his comparison star and once corrected his position matches NGC 6427 = UGC 10957, which Albert Marth discovered earlier on 2 Jul 1864. This is one of Stephan's few errors that were not caught by Emmanuel Esmiol during his re-reduction of Stephan's positions ("Réduction des Observations de Nébuleuses Découvertes par M. Stephan", 1916). Stephan made a later observation on 17 Jun 1876 with a rough position 2' SE, but apparently it wasn't carefully reduced.
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17 47 23 -24 53 12; Sgr
= 4* mag 12-13, Howe.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6432 = h1984 on 1 Jul 1826 and noted "a cl of vs stars. Twilight." A group of 4 stars within 40" is just 1' north of his position. Herbert Howe was the first to make this identification in 1899. Using the 20-inch refractor in Denver, he reported "This 'cluster' contains only four stars, two of mag 12 and two of mag 13."
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17 43 56.3 +36 48 01; Her
V = 13.3; Size 2.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 163°
17.5" (8/3/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core.
Pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6433 = m 345 on 9 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, S, pmE, bM." Stephan made an observation on 14 Jun 1871, though did not include it in any of his discovery lists (he was likely using Marth's discovery position).
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17 36 49.0 +72 05 20; Dra
V = 12.4; Size 2.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 100°
17.5" (6/11/88): moderately bright, fairly small, very
elongated WNW-ESE, bright core.
Located 2.0' N of mag 7.3
William Herschel discovered NGC 6434 = H. III-741 = h1987 on 6 Jun 1788 (sweep 847) and recorded "eF, stellar. A few minutes north of a considerable B star, verified by 300, which showed it lE in the parallel [E-W]." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; vS; R; bM; 6"; 90" n of a * 8m."
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17 40 11.1 +62 38 29; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 5°
17.5" (7/21/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated,
small bright core, stellar nucleus.
Forms a pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6435 = Sw. 9-86 on 15 Jun 1887 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; vF double star near following." His position is 2' too far northeast, but the double star, which is 2.8' northeast, clinches the identification. Swift relayed the discovery directly to Dreyer, who assigned it to list 6 in the NGC, but the discovery wasn't published until a couple of years later in his 9th list (along with others he didn't include in list 6).
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17 41 13.2 +60 26 59; Dra
V = 14.2; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 173°
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, elongated 2:1 N-S, even surface brightness. An extremely faint 16th magnitude star is just west of the core. Almost collinear with three mag 13 stars off the south edge which are aligned E-W.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6436 = Sw. 5-74 on 25 Sep 1884
and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; v close n of the s * of 3 in a line." His position is just 50" north of
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17 48 45 -35 26 00; Sco
Size 20'x5'
18" (8/19/09): at 73x (31mm Nagler) appeared as a very
large group or star cloud of over 100 stars, mostly mag 10-13, in a 30'x15'
region elongated NW to SE. The
mass of stars is just west of mag 7.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 6437 = h3704 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "A very decided, tolerably defined semi-nebulous mass in milky way, with abundance of vS st, forming altogether a telescopic magellanic cloud. It fills about a field, and has branches and sinuses and is altogether a remarkable object". On the DSS, this is a rich Milky Way field (Herschel's position is at the southeast side), which is detached on the east end by dust. ESO did not include it as a cluster and RNGC also classifies the number as nonexistent.
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18 22 17.7 -85 24 07; Oct
V = 11.4; Size 1.6'x1.3'; PA = 156°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
260x, the appearance of this interacting pair was very strange! NGC 6438 appeared moderately bright,
small, round, 0.4' diameter. NGC
6438A (a disrupted peculiar galaxy) is attached on the east side and appeared
as a faint, diffuse glow, elongated SW-NE, ~0.8'x0.5'. This system is the second closest NGC
galaxy to the south celestial pole and is located 4' NE of a mag 9.5 star (an
uncatalogued double star) and 16' NE of mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 6438 = h3701 on 2 Jun 1835 and logged "pB; R; vgbM. RA rudely taken, and may be very erroneous." His RA was 3 minutes of time too large, though this translate to only 3.6' in the sky at this far southerly declination.
Pietro Baracchi observed NGC 6438 on 3 Oct 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and described a "Double nebula or a small round pretty bright, [?], pmbM almost to a star like nucleus, with faint roundish flat appendage south following about 40" in diameter which might be a close companion to [NGC 6438]." His sketch clearly shows a double galaxy with a bright, small nebula on the NW side (NGC 6438) and a larger, fainter glow (NGC 6438A) attached on the SE edge.
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17 48 19.8 -16 28 44; Sgr
V = 12.7; Size 6"x5"
14.5" (7/1/21): confirmed by blinking with an OIII filter at 182x only 1' S of a mag 10.4 star. Excellent contrast gain with the filter and equal to the much brighter star. At 226x a small blue-grey disc was visible, just a few arcseconds in diameter. The best view, though, was unfiltered at 352x and 566x with the disc spanning 4" or 5". Occasionally I had the impression of a brighter central peak (central star?).
18" (7/25/06): easily picked up at 115x as a quasi-stellar light-blue mag 12.5 "star" just 1' S of a mag 10.5 star. Very good response to the OIII filter. A very small disc was visible at 225x, perhaps 3" in size. Adding a UHC filter this compact planetary was similar in brightness to the mag 10.5 star and appeared to increase slightly in diameter. At 435x a small oval, ~4"x3" was resolved of uniform surface brightness except it seemed to fade around the periphery, hinting at a thin faint envelope. Located in the NW corner of Sgr near the border of Ophiuchus and Serpens Cauda.
13.1" (7/12/86): fairly bright stellar planetary at 79x, verified with OIII blinking. At 166x a mag 10.5 star just 1.2' N is perfectly placed for blinking comparison! Appears stellar at 214x. Estimate V = 12.0-12.5.
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6439 on 18 Aug 1882 with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory using a direct-vision spectroscope. He reported the discovery in AN 2459 and Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882 and noted "mag 13. A star, mag 11, north 1' and follows 1 second." His position and description is accurate. MegaStar software (and probably others) misidentify the mag 13 star that is 1' north as NGC 6439.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) described NGC 6439 as "a minute round disk 5" in diameter, there is a very wind in p.a. 290°. The disk is slightly fainter at the edges."
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17 48 52.6 -20 21 35; Sgr
V = 9.1; Size 5.4'; Surf Br = 3.3
24" (8/14/15): at 375x; bright, relatively small globular, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and a much fainter, well-defined circular halo, roughly 2' across. The core was mottled and very granular but unresolved. NGC 6440 is collinear with an 11' string of four mag 11-12 stars extending from NW to SE, barely fitting in the field, with the closest star 1.7' NNW of center. At 500x, a few extremely faint stars were resolved in the halo. The bright core contains a handful of resolved stars (mag 16.5 or fainter) that popped in and out of view over the extremely granular background.
NGC 6440 is a highly obscured, metal-rich globular at a low galactic latitude, so resolution is quite difficult.
17.5" (7/14/99): this globular forms an unusual pair with planetary NGC 6445 just 21' NNE and is situated within a string of four mag 11-12 stars oriented NW-SE. It appears fairly faint, round, at least 2' diameter. At 280x the diffuse halo increases to a moderately bright, round core. Although the globular appears granular, there was no resolution in good seeing except for a very faint star that was intermittently visible off the north edge of the core.
13.1" (6/29/84): moderately bright, small, broadly concentrated to a brighter core, no resolution. Forms a striking pair with planetary NGC 6445 20' NNE. Brightest member stars are only V = 17.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6440 = H. I-150 = h1985 on 28 May 1786 (sweep 569) and recorded "cB, R, vgmbM, about 1 1/2' diameter."
Based on early Crossley plates of the region, Heber Curtis wrote a note in 1918PASP...30..161C titled "A Spiral Nebula in the Milky Way." He stated "The nebula NGC 6440 appears to form practically the only known exception to this rule [that spiral nebulae are never found in the Milky Way itself]. Although this object is some distance from the center of all available Crossley plates of this region, rendering its details somewhat indistinct, there seems to be no doubt that it is a rather bright, nearly round, very compact, spiral nebula 1.5' in diameter. Its unusual interest lies in the fact that it is less than 2° from the galactic plane." Before this erroneous note was published a footnote was added stating another plate was taken and "the probabilities are that it is a compact star-cluster showing evidences of spiral formation." Based on photographs taken at the Helwan observatory in 1919-20, the description also reads "some indication of the stars being in spiral formation".
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17 50 12.8 -37 03 04; Sco
V = 7.4; Size 7.8'; Surf Br = 1.4
17.5" (7/14/99): NGC 6441 is situated just 4.5' following mag 3.2 G Scorpii! At 220x it appeared moderately bright, round, ~2.7' diameter, fairly sharp concentration with a prominent 1' core. A mag 11 field star is at the southwest edge of the halo (1.3' SW of center), a mag 13.5 star is just inside the west edge of the halo (1.2' from center), and a mag 12.5-13 star is just off the northwest side. There was no definite resolution into cleanly visible stars, although the globular had a granular appearance. H 1-36, a symbiotic star (mimics a stellar planetary), is located just 1.3' NW of the mag 3.2 star!
13.1" (6/18/85): very bright core, mottled halo but no certain resolution. Located just 4.5' E of G Scorpii (V = 3.2), which hampers viewing.
8" (5/21/82): bright, intense core.
80mm finder (7/14/99): the globular was easily visible at 21x in the finder.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6441 = D 557 = h3705 on 13 May 1826. He made 5 observations and published the description "a small well-defined rather bright nebula, about 20 arcseconds diameter, a very small star precedes it, but it is not involved; following gamma (G) Telescopii."
John Herschel first recorded on 28 Jun 1834 (sweep 461), "globular cluster, B, R, 90", vgbM, resolvable (barely so), a very regularly graduating neb or cluster; in field with gamma Telescopii." The next night (sweep 462) he logged "globular, B, R, vgbM, up to a blaze. In field with Gamma Telescopii, and nearly on the same parallel; with left eye I barely see it resolved into stars 18 or 20m. The whole ground of the heavens, for an immense extent, is thickly sown with such stars. A beautiful object." Christian Peters claimed he discovered it around 1850, while at the Capodimonte Observatory in Naples (AJ 2, 1856).
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17 46 51.3 +20 45 40; Her
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (8/3/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated NNW-SSE, small well-defined core, faint halo. Pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6442 = m 346 on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "pF, S, irr R, gbM." His position is 1' too far north. Édouard Stephan made an observation on 6 Jun 1877. The previous object he recorded was NGC 6368, also a Marth discovery.
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17 44 33.9 +48 06 50; Her
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 128°
17.5" (8/3/89): faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, almost even surface brightness. Located along one side of a thin isosceles triangle of three mag 14 stars (two lie 1.6' N and 1.5' S). A mag 11 star is 3.3' E.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6443 = Sw. 5-75 on 22 Oct 1886
and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; e diff." His position is less than 1' north of
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17 49 35 -34 49 12; Sco
Size 12'
17.5" (7/8/94): about 50 stars in a 10' string oriented
due E-W. Stands out reasonably
well in the field at 100x. Very
uniform in mag 12-13 stars over some unresolved haze. A more ill defined branch of stars begins at the west end
and trails NE. An arc of stars
begins at the east end and curls back west on the south side. Located in the same low power field
with globular
John Herschel discovered NGC 6444 = h3706 = D 597? on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "A very fine L, rich sc cl of st 12...13m." His position is 40 seconds of RA too large, but marked the coordinates with a +/-, indicating uncertainty.
James Dunlop possibly discovered the cluster earlier on 28 Jun 1826 and logged Dun 597 as a "pretty large faint nebula, easily resolvable. This precedes a cluster of stars." Dunlop made a single observation and his position is 26' too far east-southeast, but this cluster is due west of M7 by 52', so this identification is certainly reasonable. RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent.
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NGC 6445 = PK 8+3.1 = ESO 589-9 = PN G008.0+03.9 = Box Nebula
17 49 15.3 -20 00 34; Sgr
V = 10.9; Size 38"x29"; Surf Br = 9.9
24" (8/14/15): this highly structured planetary was observed using 500x. NGC 6445 has an unusual rectangular shape, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, with dimensions ~45"x30". The planetary is brighter in fairly narrow strips along the four sides, creating an annular appearance. The short northwest facing side is slightly brighter and contains a bright knot or section near the middle. In addition, a faint knot is at the north vertex. Another bright knot is at the east vertex and either a faint knot or very faint star is at the south vertex. The short southeast facing side is sharply defined and quite straight. A very low surface brightness glow can be seen outside (east) of the eastern vertex. In addition, with careful viewing an extremely faint outer shell or loop is outside the long southwest facing side, connected at the two vertices along this side. A mag ~15.5 star is just outside the midpoint of the loop. The outer shell or loop on the northeast side was not seen.
18" (7/22/06): this fascinating planetary was viewed at 435x. The overall shape is rectangular with the longer sides oriented NW to SE. Both ends are noticeably brighter giving an annular appearance. The NW end is slightly brighter and irregular in surface brightness with a brighter spot or two. The rim at the NW end is slightly bowed out and has a well-defined boundary edge in the interior. The rim at the SE end of the planetary is unusually straight and well-defined. With averted vision it appeared to extend slightly beyond the main body of the planetary. The bright lobe at this end is bar-shaped and extended SW to NE in the direction of the minor axis.
17.5" (7/14/99): this bright PN is striking at 280x with a great deal of structure evident. It has a boxy appearance, elongated NW-SE with dimensions ~45"x30". The ends of the major axis are clearly brighter with a bright, shallow arc or crescent-shaped curve on the NW end. This lobe has an irregular surface brightness with a couple of brighter spots. The SE lobe is brighter but has an oddly flat edge. At 380x, the eastern end of the southeast lobe is brighter and has a small extension or nodule that bulges out beyond the rectangular outline to the east. The center is clearly darker and with careful viewing appears as a dark band running SW-NE. A mag 12 star lies ~45" NW of center and the planetary precedes a wide uneven mag 8/10.5 pair by 5'. The planetary forms an unusual pair with GC NGC 6440 20' SSW.
13.1" (8/5/83 and 6/30/84): bright, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, brighter along the NW side. A darker center visible at 288x appears to cut through the minor axis. The NW edge is slightly curved while the other sides and corners are "boxy" giving an irregular rectangular outline. The ends of the minor axis are fainter. A wide double star h2810 = 7.7/10.5 at 41" lies 5.3' E. A mag 12 star is just off the NW end about 40" from the center. Forms a striking pair with globular cluster NGC 6440 20' SSW in the same low power field.
13.1" (7/16/82): dark center at 280x appears to bisect the planetary ~E-W.
8" (6/5/81): fairly bright, elongated, uniform. Located within string of four mag 11/12 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6445 = H II-586 = h1986 on 28 May 1786 (sweep 569) and recorded "pB, S, iF." He placed it in his class II of "Faint Nebulae". John Herschel called this planetary "pB; pL; R; r; 40"." On 11 Mar 1848, LdR (or assistant William Rambaut) described NGC 6445 as "curious circular-shaped neb with large dark spot at one side [f side in a diagram], around which is a close cluster of well defined vS stars." Edward Pickering apparently found NGC 6445 while searching with a direct-vision spectroscope at Harvard College Observatory (Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882). In 1887, Frank Muller reported with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory, "Two nuclei forming an elliptical nebula, elongated 150°, largest diameter 26", northern nucleus brighter. A sketch shows each nucleus to be elongated in the direction 90° +/-, the center being almost devoid of nebulosity. The nuclei are entirely separated from each other except by very faint nebulosity, and are of the 12.5 magnitude."
Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) reported "..the brighter portion is a very irregular "square-shouldered ring 38"x29"; from this extend very faint ring like ansae in p.a. 50-230°, along which the total length is about 50". Brightest on NW edge..." Based on Helwan photographs in 1919-20, it was reported as "trapezium-shaped object with very sharp corners; the two parallel sides are considerably brighter than the other pair and lie in p.a. 60° and 240°; the NE corner is a right angle; no indication of a central star."
The Sky Catalogue 2000, Volume 2 and the Deep Sky Name Index
2000 incorrectly refer to NGC 6445 as the "Little Gem". The
nickname applies to
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17 46 07.5 +35 34 10; Her
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 29°
17.5" (8/3/89): very faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. A pair of mag 14
and 15 stars is 0.9' NNE and 1.2' N of center, respectively. Forms a close pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6446 = m 347, along with NGC 6447, on 9 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, vS, irr R." His position is accurate. Rudolph Spitaler rediscovered both galaxies on 26 May 1884 while observing Comet 1858 III (AN 2446).
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NGC 6447 = UGC 10975 = MCG +06-39-019 = CGCG 199-019 = PGC 60829
17 46 17.2 +35 34 20; Her
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 145°
17.5" (8/3/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated N-S, brighter middle with faint extensions. Forms a close pair with NGC 6446 1.9' W.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6447 = m 348, along with NGC 6446, on 9 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is accurate. Rudolph Spitaler rediscovered both galaxies on 26 May 1884 while observing Comet 1858 III (AN 2601).
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17 43 42.8 +53 32 44; Dra
18" (8/27/11): At 175x I identified a mag 11.6 star
that possibly appeared to have one or more faint companions as there was a
slightly hazy glow very near extended E-W. At 393x, three close, very faint companions were resolved;
two following and one preceding, with all 4 stars roughly collinear. The two companions to the east are at
17" and 30" from the brighter star, while the companion to the west
is at a separation of 19".
The brightest of the three faint stars is at the east end, though all
three are near V = 15.5. Located
15' S of 5.8-magnitude
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6448 = Sw. 2-60 on 16 July 1885 and logged "vF, pS, R, lbM". There are no galaxies near his position, but about 30 seconds of RA preceding is a east-west string of 3 very faint stars and one brighter star that may be Swift's object. According to Harold Corwin's identification notes, Jeff Corder suggested this possible identification. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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17 43 46.3 +56 48 14; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 135°
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE. Three faint stars very near; a mag 15.5 star is at the south edge, a mag 15 star is just west of the core and a mag 14 star is off the north edge.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6449 = Sw. 1-69 on 19 Apr 1885 and recorded "vF; pS; R; bM." His position is at the northeast edge of the galaxy.
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17 47 30 +18 35; Her
= Not found, Dreyer.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6450 = Sw. 2-61 on 1 Jul 1884 and logged "vF; vS; B * f 8 seconds; bet 2 sts." There are only faint stars near his position and the nearest faint galaxies in the CGCG have no nearby bright star, so clearly there is an error in his position. Both Bigourdan and Herbert Howe were unsuccessful in finding NGC 6450. Father Hagen notes in the Vatican Zone Catalogue that there no "B*" in this place.
No modern catalogue has an entry for NGC 6450 and Harold Corwin was also unable to recover this object despite the specific description.
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17 50 42 -30 12 30; Sco
Size 8'
13.1" (6/18/85): about three dozen stars in a 8' diameter. The brighter stars around the edges form the outline. Includes many very faint stars inside the bright border but unconcentrated towards the center.
8" (6/5/81): faint but rich group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6451 = H. VI-13 = h3707 on 24 Jun 1784 (sweep 232) and recorded "a cluster of small and pretty compressed stars of several magnitudes; about 5 or 6' in diam, not very rich." On 3 Aug 1834 (sweep 478), John Herschel logged "a remarkable cluster; divided into two by a broad, vacant, straight band; irreg R; 8' diam; st 12...15m. See fig 5, Pl V." His sketch shows two elongated groups of stars separated by a starless lane.
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17 47 58.5 +20 50 16; Her
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (7/1/89): very faint, very small, round, low
surface brightness. Situated
almost between two mag 14/15 stars aligned E-W. Located about 12' WNW of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6452 = m 349, along with NGC
6458 and 6460, on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "eeF, S." His position is less than 2' north of
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17 50 52 -34 36 00; Sco
V = 9.9; Size 3.5'; Surf Br = 2.0
17.5" (7/4/86): at 220x appears very faint, small, very mottled. A few stars are resolved at the edges (possibly foreground stars). Located beyond the NW edge of M7, about 40' from the center. Open cluster NGC 6444 lies 20' SW.
8": faint, small, diffuse. Located NW of M7 in the field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6453 = h3708 on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "a highly condensed nebulous mass, 3' diam, or an irreg R neb; pmbM; resolvable." His RA was 28 seconds too large, but it was reported as rounded to the nearest minute (marked as +/-) and the description fits.
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17 44 56.6 +55 42 17; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, very small, round, small bright
core. A mag 14 star is
superimposed or contains a fairly bright stellar nucleus. Located 5.9' SE of mag 8.7 SAO
30546. This is the brighter of a
pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6454 = Sw. 1-70 on 19 Apr 1885 and noted "vF; pS; R; lbM." His position is 18 seconds of RA too small. Bigourdan remeasured an accurate RA on 4 Oct 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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17 51 08 -35 20 18; Sco
24" (7/7/13): at 125x (50' field), this position
corresponds with a very large, bright Milky Way field just southwest of
M7. The field includes a nice mix
of mag 7 and fainter stars centered near a bright, very wide pair (mag 7 HD
162145 and mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 6455 = h3709 on 7 Jun 1837 and
recorded "a very extensive nebulous clustering mass of the milky way. The stars of excessive smallness, and
infinite in number." His
position is marked uncertain, possibly due to the large size of the field but
falls close to mag 7.3
RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent and ESO has only a placeholder for the NGC designation.
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17 42 31.7 +67 35 33; Dra
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 45°
24" (8/23/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 20"-24" diameter, slightly brighter middle. A mag 16.6 star is 0.4' N of center.
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. First of 7 and in a
trio with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6456 = Sw. 5-76, along with NGC
6471, 6472 and 6477, on 25 Sep 1886 and recorded "eeeF; eS; R; ee diff;
between 2 stars; 1st of 6."
His position is 11 sec of RA west and 1' north of
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17 42 53.0 +66 28 33; Dra
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 140°
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, gradually increases to a small bright core.
Edward Swift, Lewis' 14 year-old son, discovered NGC 6457 =
Sw. 1-71 on 8 Jun 1885 and recorded "F; vS; R; bM." The position matches
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NGC 6458 = UGC 10994 = MCG +03-45-029 = CGCG 112-051 = PGC 60911
17 49 10.9 +20 48 15; Her
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 155°
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, almost round, weak concentration. Located in a N-S string of three mag 14 stars. Pair with NGC 6460 5.2' ESE in a group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6458 = m 350, along with NGC 6460, on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar." His position is within 1' of UGC 10994. MCG misidentifies NGC 6460 (5' southeast) as NGC 6458.
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NGC 6459 = MCG +09-29-029 = CGCG 278-025 = PGC 60817
17 45 47.1 +55 46 36; Dra
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 78°
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, very small, round. Located 1.6' NNE of a mag 9.5 star. Forms a pair with NGC 6454 8' SW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6459 = Sw. 1-72 on 19 Apr 1885 and recorded "eF; vvS; R; vv diff.; stellar. May be a few eF stars." His position is accurate, despite his uncertainty. MCG mislabels this galaxy as NGC 6460.
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NGC 6460 = UGC 10997 = MCG +03-45-031 = CGCG 112-055 = PGC 60925
17 49 30.3 +20 45 49; Her
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 157°
17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration. Located between mag 7.6
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6460 = m 351, along with NGC
6458, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, pL, iR." His position matches
CGCG misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 6459 and MCG misidentifies it as NGC 6458.
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17 39 56.7 +74 02 03; Dra
Size 1.0'x0.5'; PA = 20°
18" (8/11/07): faint, small, slightly elongated
SSW-NNE, ~20"x16".
Located 1.4' NW of a mag 10.5 star. NGC 6461 is incorrectly identified as
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6461 = Sw. 5-77 on 18 Sep 1884
and recorded "eF; pS; R; nr terminal * of 5 forming
semi-circle." There is
nothing near his position. The
nearest galaxy is
Harold Corwin identifies
******************************
17 44 48.9 +61 54 38; Dra
V = 14.2; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.8
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, extremely small, round, weak concentration.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6462 = Sw. 1-73 on 5 Jun 1885 and noted "F; vvS; R; planetary." His RA as 15 seconds too large.
******************************
NGC 6463 = MCG +11-21-022 = CGCG 321-037 = CGCG 322-007 = WBL 645-003 = PGC 60755
17 43 34.2 +67 36 13; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
24" (8/23/14): fairly faint, round, 24" diameter,
very weak concentration. Near the
center of a group of faint galaxies with
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round,
diffuse. Third of seven in NGC
6456 group with NGC 6472 3.2' ENE,
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6463 = Sw. 4-55, along with NGC
6470, on 9 June 1886, and logged "eeF; S; R; v diff; p of 2 [with NGC
6470]." His position is less
than 1' south of
******************************
17 45 47.6 +60 53 51; Dra
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (7/27/92): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. Preceded by an elongated group of 10 stars mag 14-15. A distinctive trapezoid of four mag 11 stars with bases oriented N-S lies between 2' and 6' N. The galaxy is collinear with the shorter east base and is located 3' further south.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6464 = Sw. 1-74 on 18 Sep 1884 and recorded "eeeF; R; pS; ee diff.; south of 4 stars in form of a square." His position is 1.2' too far north and his description of the four stars to the north matches the sky.
******************************
17 52 55 -25 23 54; Sgr
= 2 double stars, Howe.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6465 = h1988 on 1 Jul 1826 and noted "suspected; small; twilight." At his position is a small group of 5 stars, including two double stars (an additional star is to the southeast). Herbert Howe, observing in 1888-1889 with a 20-inch refractor, reported "search was made for this on two nights. On the first no nebula could be found. On the second, it was discovered that, instead of a nebula, there are simply two doubles of mag 12. In each pair the distance is 4", and the two pairs are 15" apart." Harold Corwin concurs with this identification.
******************************
17 48 08.1 +51 23 57; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 111°
24" (7/15/15): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated,
0.4'x0.3', brighter stellar nucleus.
Nearby are
17.5" (6/22/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated, very small bright core. NGC 6478 lies 16' SSE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6466 = Sw. 1-75 on 18 Sep
188. He recorded, "eF; vS; R;
bet 2 stars which with 2 others forms a cross like cross in Cygnus. Neb placed as in Gamma
Cygni." His position is 27
seconds of RA west of
Dorothy Carlson (in her 1940 NGC Correction paper) equated NGC 6466 with NGC 6478 (based on Mt Wilson photographs). RC 1, RC 2 and Sky Catalogue 2000 (first edition) all repeat this misidentification. RNGC and CGCG correctly identify NGC 6478. Both Harold Corwin and Malcolm Thomson (in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections") report this error.
******************************
17 50 40.1 +17 32 16; Her
V = 12.5; Size 2.6'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 77°
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, fairly small, round, low even surface brightness. Located in a rich star field among a group of stars. Unusual appearance as appears similar to an unresolved clump in an open cluster.
Based on redshift, NGC 6467 is part of the
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6467 = m 352, along with NGC 6468, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, vS, lE." His positions for both objects is a good match with UGC 11004 = PGC 60972, the only galaxy at his position. Perhaps he accidentally recorded the same object twice??
******************************
17 50 40.1 +17 32 16; Her
V = 12.5; Size 2.6'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 77°
See observing notes for NGC 6467.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6468 = m 353, along with NGC 6467, on 2 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is just 1 second of time east of NGC 6467, but there is only a single galaxy here.
Karl Reinmuth identifies NGC 6468 with three mag 13-14.5 stars east of NGC 6467 (separations of 17", 19" and 24"), but these are wide enough to easily resolve. Alternatively, a single mag 14.5 star is 49" southeast of NGC 6468.
As the descriptions for NGC 6467 and 6468 are similar, perhaps Marth accidentally recorded this galaxy twice. RNGC equates the two NGC designations and Corwin tentatively agrees as there is no other compelling nearby candidate.
******************************
17 53 12 -22 16 30; Sgr
Size 12'
24" (7/23/20): at 200x; large scattered group of ~125 stars with no distinct borders in a 12' circle. At 375x, the total is easily over 200 stars. The densest region is a 3.5' patch on the SW side. At its west edge is a mag 10.7 star with a 7" pair (ARA 1826) of mag 12.4/12.8 stars just 20" E. Both of these stars are close pairs. On the S edge of the patch is a 13" pair (ARA 1827) of mag 12/13 stars. In addition to a few more brighter stars, the patch contains a large number of very faint stars.
A string of stars oriented WNW-ESE extends out the SE side of the cluster, including two wide pairs (the western one is HJ 4990 = 10/11 at 23"). A few scattered mag 10-12 stars are on the E end of the cluster. A mag 10.3 star is at the NW edge of the cluster, and 1' to its NW is a faint clump of 5 stars.
The planetary
17.5" (8/27/92): 75 stars in a 15'x10' scattered region. Bordered by two brighter rows of stars oriented SSW-NNE and WNW-ESE that intersect at a mag 10 star in the west corner of the cluster. A close faint double star is just east. At the end of the ESE string is a wide double star (HJ 4990 = 9.5/11 at 23"). Between the two strings the cluster extends north forming a triangular outline and consists mainly of mag 13 stars except for three mag 10-11 stars at the east boundary. The planetary nebula M1-31 is located near the west edge of NGC 6469!
At 105x with an OIII filter, M 1-31 appeared as a faint but easy stellar object, estimate V = 14.5-14.8. It was just visible unfiltered and the filter provided an excellent contrast gain.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6469 = h3711 on 27 Jun 1837 and recorded "a pretty rich insulated milky way cluster; place of a coarse double star in it. The milky way hereabouts is very poor."
******************************
NGC 6470 = UGC 10974 = MCG +11-21-025 = CGCG 321-039 = CGCG 322-009 = Kaz 159 = WBL 645-005 = PGC 60778
17 44 14.8 +67 37 10; Dra
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 159°
24" (8/23/14): at 375x appeared faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 24"x18", small bright core. A mag 14 star is 0.7' NE. Brightest in a rich knot of galaxies with NGC 6471 = UGC 10973 1.6' SSW and NGC 6472 = PGC 2703230 1.3' NW and NGC 6477 = PGC 2702901 1.5' SE.
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated, small bright core. A
mag 14 star is off the NE edge 0.7' from center. Member of the NGC 6456 group with NGC 6472 1.3' NW, NGC 6471
1.6' S,
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6470 = Sw. 4-56, along with NGC
6456, on 9 Jun 1886 and logged "eeeF; vS; R; ee dif; f of 2 [with NGC
6456]. His position is 4 tsec W
and 0.4' south (41" southwest) of
RNGC, UGC, CGCG and MCG misidentify UGC 10973 as NGC 6470. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for NGC 6456.
******************************
NGC 6471 = (R)NGC 6470 = UGC 10973a = MCG +11-21-023 = CGCG 321-038w = CGCG 322-008w = WBL 645-004 = PGC 60773
17 44 13.0 +67 35 35; Dra
V = 14.6; Size 1.3'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 173°
24" (8/23/14): extremely faint or very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 20"x6". Located 1.6' S of brighter NGC 6470 and 3.7' ESE of NGC 6463.
17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint and small, round. Forms a double system with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6471 = Sw. 5-78, along with NGC 6456, 6472 and 6477, on 25 Sep 1886. His description simply mentions how faint and difficult the observation was and that NGC 6471 was the "4th of 6". His position is very close southeast of UGC 10973, a thin edge-on.
UGC 10973 is misidentified as NGC 6470 in RNGC, UGC, CGCG, MCG. PGC labels it NGC 6470 = NGC 6471, but NGC 6470 is a separate brighter galaxy 1.6' north. The RNGC and CGCG misidentify MCG +11-21-024, a compact galaxy just off the east edge of NGC 6471, as NGC 6471. See Corwin's identification notes for NGC 6456.
******************************
NGC 6472 = (R)NGC 6477 = PGC 2703230
17 44 03.0 +67 37 49; Dra
V = 15.0; Size 0.6'x0.35'; PA = 10°
24" (8/23/14): very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. A mag 17.0 star (based on SDSS photometry) was occasionally glimpsed 30" E. Located 1.3' NW of NGC 6470.
17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint and small, round. In a crowded region of NGC 6456 group with NGC 6470 1.3' ESE, NGC 6471 2.4' SSE and NGC 6463 3.2' SW. Misidentified as NGC 6477 in the RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6472 = Sw. 5-79, along with NGC
6456, 6471 and 6477, on 25 Sept 1886.
His description simply comments on how faint and small this galaxy
appeared. He notes this is the
"5th of 6" in the group, and the declination is the furthest
north. His position is 7 sec of RA
east and 1' north of
NGC 6472 is mislabeled as NGC 6477 in the RNGC. Furthermore, NGC 6470 = UGC 10974 (discovered by Swift earlier on 9 Jun 1886) is misidentified as NGC 6472 in RNGC, UGC, CGCG and MCG. See Corwin's notes to NGC 6456 for more.
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17 46 54 +57 18.5; Dra
= Not found, Gottlieb. Possibly = UGC 10980, Corwin.
Lewis Swift found NGC 6473 = Sw. 4-57, along with
Unless he somehow recorded NGC 6474 twice that evening,
Harold Corwin mentions
******************************
NGC 6474 = UGC 10989 = MCG +10-25-092 = CGCG 300-068 = PGC 60850
17 47 05.5 +57 18 04; Dra
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 75°
17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, small, slightly elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, small bright core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6474 = Sw. 4-58 on 22 Jun 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; R; 3 st. in a line nr and 3 others in a line point to it; e diff; n of 2." His position is 12 seconds of RA west of UGC 10989 = PGC 60850 and his description applies. The "3 st. in a line nr" are probably the three equally spaced stars to the southwest in a 3.7' string. The "3 others in a line point to it" refer to three stars to the northeast. See NGC 6473, recorded the same night as the "s of 2", has a nearly identical position. But, there is only a single galaxy here, so Swift made some error. See that number for more.
UGC identifies UGC 10989 as NGC 6473, MCG labels it NGC 6474, and CGCG labels it NGC 6473 = NGC 6474. Since the description of NGC 6474 is more complete and unambiguous, it makes sense to use it as the primary designation.
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17 53 51 -34 47 36; Sco
V = 3.3; Size 80'
18" (7/21/04): at 92x at least 300 stars are visible in
the cluster, though very difficult to count due to the very large size
(overfills the 42' field). The
more concentrated part of the cluster spans perhaps 30' and includes a dozen
stars of mag 7.5 or brighter in the main body. This cluster is much larger and brighter (very prominent
naked-eye), but it is much more scattered than M6 and so is less
impressive. There are several
bright, distinctive strings in the cluster including a N-S string of ~8 stars
on the east side of the central region.
An equilateral triangle of mag 6, 7 and 8 stars with sides of 3' is on
the NW side of the core of the cluster.
A clump of 5 stars is near the center including two mag 6 and 7
stars. On the south side of the
center of the cluster is an 11' string of 5 mag 5.6 to 7.8 stars oriented SW-NE
with the bright mag 5.6 star (
13.1": very bright, very large, impressive but scattered, overfills 52' field. Open cluster H18 lies 45' SE and globular cluster NGC 6453 40' WNW of center. Prominent naked-eye cluster in dark sky. Includes several blue-white and yellowish stars.
8": overfills 40' field, not many faint stars, scattered.
Giovanni Hodierna made the first telescopic observation of M7 = NGC 6475 = Lac II-14 = h3710 in 1654 and resolved the cluster into at least 30 stars. Edmond Halley made an early observation of M7 in 1677 from St. Helena while cataloging southern stars and Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille "discovered" it again on 15 Jun 1752 from the Cape of Good Hope, as he unaware of Hodierna's earlier observation. At a declination of -34.7°, M7 culminates only 7° above the horizon from Paris, so Messier's confirmation on 23 May 1764 is impressive. Halley was credited with the discovery in the NGC.
M7 is often referred to as "Ptolemy's Cluster" as it was possibly included in the Almagest as a "nebula following the sting of Scorpius." (found ~138 AD). But David Frew states that G Scorpii is the object described as nebulous and Ptolemy may have accidentally precessed the position of G Scorpii in Hipparchus' catalogue.
******************************
17 54 02 -29 08 39; Sgr
18" (8/19/09): at 73x appeared as a very large, bright
Milky Way patch that was very elongated N-S, ~20'x6'. A number of faint stars are superimposed, but the unresolved
glow really caught my eye first.
Near the NE side is mag 9.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 6476 = h3712 on 15 Jul 1836 and simply noted "Nebula. No description. It is probably only nebulous portion of the Milky Way." His RA and Dec are both given as approximate but correspond with a 10th magnitude star at the west edge of a very rich Milky Way field. RNGC classify the number as nonexistent (Type 7) in the RNGC and ESO only includes a placeholder for the NGC number.
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NGC 6477 = 2MASX J17443006+6736380 = PGC 2702901
17 44 30.1 +67 36 38; Dra
Size 0.5'x0.2'
24" (8/23/14): at 375x, extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter. At moments it appeared essentially stellar (perhaps only the nucleus seen). Located 1.6' SE of NGC 6470 and 1.9' NE of NGC 6471.
17.5" (8/25/95): extremely difficult, perhaps 10" diameter, round. Only detected for moments using averted vision and knowing the exact location. Located 1.6' SE of NGC 6470 = UGC 10974 (misidentified as NGC 6472 in modern catalogues). A mag 14.5 star is just 30" due north.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6477 = Sw. 5-80, along with NGC 6456, 6471 and 6472, on 25 Sept 1886. His description simply comments on how faint and small this galaxy appeared and notes it as the "6th of 6". There is nothing close to his position except for a mag 16.5 star, which is perhaps too faint to have been picked up.
Corwin proposes NGC 6477 may be
******************************
NGC 6478 = UGC 10998 = MCG +09-29-032 = CGCG 278-033 = PGC 60896
17 48 38.4 +51 09 25; Dra
V = 13.3; Size 1.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 37°
24" (7/15/15): moderately bright and large, very elongated 4:1 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.3', brighter core. Appears mottled (perhaps dust) along the major axis. NGC 6466 lies 15' NNW.
17.5" (6/22/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 SW-NE. Appears brighter along the major axis with a bright core. NGC 6466 is 16' NNW. Located 23' N of 30 Draconis (V = 5.0).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6478 = Sw. 3-95 on 30 May 1886
and recorded "pB; S; eE; spindle." His position is 10 seconds west and 1.5' south of
******************************
17 48 21.7 +54 08 56; Dra
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (5/10/91): faint, fairly small, round, fairly low almost even surface brightness with a very weak concentration. Observation hampered by mag 6.6 SAO 30593 6.5' NE. Collinear with three stars to NNW including two mag 12 stars at 2.9' and 4.3' and a mag 10 star at 7.7'.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6479 = Sw. 1-76 on 20 Apr 1885
and recorded "pS; eF; R; 3 stars north point to it, the north one the
brighter." His position is
less than 1' northeast of
******************************
17 54 26 -30 27 07; Sco
18" (7/2/11): NGC 6480 is a bright, rich, glowing section of the Milky Way that is sharply cut off by LDN 1795 to the east. The dust cloud creates a distinctive "V" shaped wedge to the Milky Way glow pointing east with the vertex in the middle of the dark cloud. There is no termination to the Milky Way star cloud on the west side and no indication of a true cluster. On the south side of the "V", LDN 1795 cuts off the Milky Way to the south (not as dramatic) creating a "zig-zag" border to the Milky Way. The view may be more impressive in the 80mm finder at 25x as the much larger field displays the full dark cloud (roughly 30') as well as dark "finders" and "pools" of dust that intrude into the Milky Way on the north side.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6480 = h3713' on 27 Jun 1837 and recorded "An extraordinary B nebulous portion of the Milky Way, on a black ground vL; an angle taken where there is a *12m". His position corresponds with a mag 12 star at the east edge of a rich Milky Way field outlined on the east side by dark cloud LDN 1795. His sketch (plate V, figure 2) captures the appearance of this object very well.
NGC 6480 follows h3713 in the CGH catalogue, but was not given a separate designation, though JH used the designation h3713' in the GC and h3713 1/2 in his list of figured nebulae. Dreyer dropped the prime in the NGC, leaving two objects (NGC 6480 and 6483) equivalent to h3713.
Joseph Turner searched unsuccessfully for this object on two nights in the fall of 1874 as well as Pietro Baracchi on 3 and 4 Oct 188 using the Great Melbourne Telescope. Perhaps the 14' field of view in the GMT at 234x was too restricted to encompass this object.
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17 52 48.9 +04 10 04; Oph
= ****, HC. =**, DC
Christian Peters discovered NGC 6481 on 21 Aug 1859 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College Observatory in New York. Close to his micrometric position is a line of four stars oriented east-west. Dorothy Carlson classifies this object as a double star and Harold Corwin calls it four stars.
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17 51 48.9 +23 04 19; Her
V = 11.4; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 70°
17.5" (7/1/89): fairly bright, small, very bright stellar nucleus (this is a superimposed star 8" from center!), small halo WSW-ENE. Forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 10 stars 2.4' NW and 2.5' NE.
13.1" (7/6/83): fairly bright, very small, compact, bright stellar nucleus (superimposed star), surrounded by a faint halo with averted. Located in a rich star field.
NGC 6482 is the nearest "Fossil Group" -- the end-product of extensive merging of a once normal group, leaving a massive central galaxy that dominates the luminosity of a X-ray luminous group (delta Rmag ≥ 2.0 with next brightest group member).
John Herschel discovered NGC 6482 = h1989 on 12 Jul 1830 and recorded "a S, R, very perceptible disc 1" or 1.5" dia, with a vF nebula surrounding it – among many stars 12 and 14m, none of which are so affect. A curious object." His position is accurate and his description reflects the sharp stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus.
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17 59 30.7 -63 40 07; Pav
V = 11.9; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 122°
25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5'. Contains a bright, roundish core that increases to the center. Situated in a striking star field with a number of bright stars and on a line between a mag 10.0 star 2.3' SW and a mag 9.7 star 1.5' NE. A mag 9.7 star is 6' S and a similar star is 7' N. A mag 8-9 variable star (OW Pavonis) lies 10' WNW.
NGC 6483 forms a close (physical) pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 6483 = h3713 on 8 Jun 1836 and
recorded "F; S; E; bM; between 2 stars 10m 45° sp and nf
(diagram)." His position and
description matches
******************************
17 51 47.0 +24 29 00; Her
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (7/9/13): at 375x appeared bright, fairly large,
slightly elongated E-W. Sharply
concentrated with a relatively large, intense oval core ~30"x20",
that gradually increases to the center.
The core is embedded in a fairly large, low surface brightness halo that
increases in size with averted to 1.5'x1.2'.
24" (6/8/13): at 282x appeared moderately bright to fairly bright,
sharply concentrated with a fairly oval core of high surface brightness,
~24"x18", oriented SW-NE.
The core is centered within a very low surface brightness halo,
~1.4'x1.0' E-W. Pou 3316, a mag
11.3/12.5 pair at 14", lies 4.2' SW.
MCG +04-42-010 and -011, a close pair of faint edge-ons, lies 5.8' ENE;
MCG +04-42-010 appeared very faint, small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE,
18"x8" and the companion -011 is very faint, very small, elongated
2:1 WSW-ENE, 12"x6". NGC
6484 is the brightest member of
17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, small bright core, fairly faint stellar nucleus.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 6484 = Sf. 41 = St. 7-19 on 11 Jul 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. Édouard Stephan observed this galaxy on several nights: 19 Jun 1871, 8 Jul 1874, 17 Jun 1876, 10 Jul 1877 and 22 Jul 1881 (was he aware of Safford's earlier discovery?). He included it in his 7th discovery list (published in 1876). Safford's discovery list wasn't published until 1887 as the NGC was being prepared for print so Stephan was credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement and the NGC.
******************************
17 51 52.7 +31 27 45; Her
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (8/3/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, diffuse halo. Situated in a rich star field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6485 = m 354 = St. 2-17 on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R." Édouard Stephan observed this galaxy on 6 Jul 1871 (probably already aware from Lassell's publication in 1867). He measured an accurate position on the 15th and reported it as new in his 2nd discovery list (#20). Stephan made a later observation on 18 Jun 1876. Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.
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17 52 35.2 +29 49 05; Her
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.8'
17.5" (8/3/89): faint, small, round, weak
concentration. Two mag 14 stars
are 0.7' S and 2.1' SE. Forms a
pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6486 = St. 11-59 before 28 Jul 1880 (position reduced on this date). Perhaps he discovered NGC 6486 on 7 Jul 1871 when he discovered NGC 6487 or on 21 Jun 1878, when he made observation
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NGC 6487 = UGC 11022 = MCG +05-42-008 = CGCG 171-014 = PGC 61039
17 52 41.9 +29 50 20; Her
V = 11.9; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (8/3/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 6486 1.9' SW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6487 = St. 11-60 on 7 Jul 1871, though he apparently missed NGC 6486 on this date. His initial position was nearly 2' too far SE. He made a follow up observation on 21 Jun 1878 and reduced an accurate position on 28 Jul 1880 that was published in list 11, #60.
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17 49 20.8 +62 13 22; Dra
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Located within a curving lane of 8 mag 11-14 stars oriented NW-SE including three mag 11 stars roughly 2' NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6488 = Sw. 4-59 = Sw. 5-81 on 1
Sep 1886 and recorded "pF; pS; E; between a pair of stars and a trio of
stars in form of a semi-circle."
His position was 21 seconds of RA west of
Harold Corwin concludes that Swift rediscovered this galaxy
a third time on 11 Jun 1888 and reported in his 7th discovery list, #93 (later
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17 50 01.3 +60 05 32; Dra
V = 15.0; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 24°
17.5" (7/27/92): very faint, very small, round, even
surface brightness. Located
between two mag 10-11 stars oriented WNW-ESE with separation of 2.5'. Also two mag 13.5 stars are 1'
WSW. About 5' SE is a faint double
star and the eastern component appears nebulous.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6489 = Sw. 1-77 on 5 Jun 1885 and
recorded "eeeF; pL; lE; between 2 stars; ee diff.; coarse double star
south." His position is 30
seconds of RA west and 1' south of
MCG and PGC misidentify
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17 54 30.4 +18 22 33; Her
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 115°
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated,
bright core. Forms a small
triangle with a mag 14 star 40" S and a mag 13 star 52" SE of
center. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6490 = m 355 = St. 2-18, along with NGC 6495, on 11 May 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar." Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 7 Jul 1871 (likely already known from Lassell's publication in 1867), though his position was nearly 8' to the N. He measured an accurate position on the 17th and reported it as new in his 2nd discovery list (#18), published in 1871. He made a later observation on 22 Jul 1881. Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC. Emmanuel Esmiol made a typo of 6 minutes in RA in his re-reduction of Stephan's positions, which was published in 1916.
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17 50 00.6 +61 31 54; Dra
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 39°
18" (7/27/03): fairly faint, small, round, sharply
concentrated with a very small bright core and stellar nucleus. The outer halo has a very low surface
brightness and core may be offset within the halo. Brightest of a close trio with
17.5" (8/4/94): fairly faint, fairly small, round, even concentration to a small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 6493 3.1' ENE. The identifications of NGC 6491 and NGC 6493 are reversed in the RNGC.
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated. NGC 6493 3.1' NE not visible.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6491 = Sw. 1-78 on 13 Jun 1885
and recorded "pF; vvS; vF* in or just in contact with it, np of 2 [with
NGC 6493]." The other galaxy
mentioned is NGC 6493 = Sw. 1-79, discovered a week earlier (June 5th) and
described as "F; vvS; R; planetary; F* v nr; sf of 2". Swift perhaps observed both galaxies on
the 13th and tacked on the comments "np of 2" and "sf of
2". His position for NGC 6491
is just 10 seconds of time preceding
NGC 6493 = Sw. 1-79 is assumed to refer to
Another possibility, though, is that Swift observed UGC
11008 on both nights and never saw UGC 11011. Perhaps he later assumed his observations referred to
different objects and added the comments "np of 2" and "sf of
2" when he submitted his list for publication. In support of this idea, it's reasonable to assume he picked
up the brighter, more obvious galaxy on the first night -- that is
Philip Keenan found NGC 6491 on a Yerkes Observatory
plate. It was included in a list
of new nebulae in the 1935 paper "Studies of Extra-Galactic Nebulae, Part
I: Determination of Magnitudes" (ApJ, 82, 62). He assumed the galaxy to the NE (UGC 11011) was NGC 6493, so
labeled NGC 6491 as
With two NGC numbers and two galaxies it seems reasonable to assign the NGC numbers to the two galaxies in order or RA, but I think it's more likely that NGC 6491 = NGC 6493 = UGC 11008. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate position for NGC 6491 in 1899 (published in 1907).
******************************
18 02 48.4 -66 25 50; Pav
V = 11.5; Size 2.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 75°
25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): fairly bright,
fairly large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, ~1.8'x0.9', brighter along the major
axis. Situated in a bright star
field, along numerous faint stars.
A mag 11.2 star is at the east edge, 50" from center, a mag 13.5
star is 1.2' SW and a mag 14.5 star is 40" SE of center. A mag 6.8 yellow-orange star (HD
163880) lies 8' SE, mag 8.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 6492 = h3714 on 22 Jul 1835 and recorded "pF; S; pmE; in direction of the parallel; precedes a * 12m, which is all but involved." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 6493 = UGC 11011 = MCG +10-25-105 = CGCG 300-084 = PGC 60961
17 50 22.7 +61 33 34; Dra
V = 14.4; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.5
18" (7/27/03): extremely faint, fairly small. Appears as a very low surface
brightness glow with averted vision.
Two mag 14 stars 1' N and 1.3' NE.
Located 3' NE of NGC 6491 in a trio with extremely faint
17.5" (8/4/94): extremely faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, very low even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is about 30" off the north edge. Located 3.0' ENE of NGC 6491. Not found on a previous attempt on 6/11/88.
See notes for N6491.
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17 57 05 -18 59 06; Sgr
V = 5.5; Size 27'
18" (8/12/10): stunning bright, rich cluster at 175x
with several hundred stars visible in the 35' field with a large number of mag
9-11 stars sprinkled throughout the cluster. Many of the stars are arranged in long chains and loops with
a distinctive chain of 5 stars curving NNW to SSE near the center and a longer
curve of stars to the southwest. A
string of stars heads NW out of the cluster to mag 6.5
13.1" (6/29/84): bright, large, rich, appears fully resolved. Very pretty open cluster.
8" (6/29/84): bright, fairly large with long star lanes to the edge of the field.
Charles Messier discovered
******************************
NGC 6495 = UGC 11034 = MCG +03-45-039 = CGCG 112-070 = CGCG 113-004 = PGC 61091
17 54 50.7 +18 19 37; Her
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, increases to a small very bright core, substellar nucleus. Pair with NGC 6490 5.6' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6495 = m 356 = St. 2-19, along with NGC 6490, on 11 May 1864 and noted "F, S, R." Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 7 Jul 1871 (likely already known from Lassell's publication in 1867). He measured an accurate position on the 17th and reported it as new in his 2nd discovery list (#19), published in 1871. Stephan made additional observations on 8 Jul 1874, 13 Jul 1877 and 22 Jul 1881. Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.
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17 59 03.2 -44 16 02; Sco
V = 9.0; Size 6.9'; Surf Br = 0.5
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright, low surface brightness globular of 4'-5' diameter. The globular has a loose concentration
class with only a little central condensation. About a dozen stars were resolved over the face although
some of these may be superimposed foreground stars as the cluster is set in a
very dense Milky Way star field.
Three of the stars are 12th magnitude with the remainder mag 14-15. The globular straddles the
Scorpius/Corona Australis border, ~25' following mag 4.8 yellow
8" (6/19/82): faint, diffuse, two faint stars at
edge. Located 24' ENE of mag 4.9
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6496 = D 460 = h3715 on 28 Jun 1826 and reported 7 observations. His summary description reads, "a very faint nebula, extended about 2 1/4' in length, oblique to the equator, with a bright point in each extremity; the northern, I think, is a very small star; but the southern of the two, or the one at the southern extremity, is a small nucleus or condensation of the nebulous matter. This follows 16 Telescopii - Figure 19." His sketch shows the globular elongated NW-SE, which is probably due to several brighter stars. Dunlop's position for D 461 (dated as 28 Jun) is 3 minutes of RA too far east with the same declination, so this might be another observation.
John Herschel noted a possible equivalence with D 460 and D 461 and observed the cluster on two sweeps. On 1 Jun 1834 he logged "Cluster very rich, irregularly round, including to triangular; vglbM, 4' or 5' diam, with many large and small stars in it. Nebulous." Then 2 nights later he swept the area again and reported "a distinctly nebulous insulted group, mE, 2' long, 1.5' broad, many stars of considerable size, mixed."
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17 51 18.2 +59 28 14; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 113°
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core. A mag 14 star is 37" N of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6497 = Sw. 1-80 on 16 Sep 1884
and recorded "vvF; pS; lE; diff.; close s of middle * of 3 in a line,
middle * the fainter; np of 2."
His position is 15 seconds of RA west and 1.3' north (or 2.4'
northwest) of
******************************
NGC 6498 = NGC 6497: = UGC 11020 = MCG +10-25-109 = CGCG 300-087 = PGC 60999
17 51 18.2 +59 28 14; Dra
See observing notes for NGC 6497.
Lewis Swift found NGC 6498 = Sw. 1-81 on 26 Sep 1884 and recorded "pF; pS; R; B * nr; F * v[ery] nr; sf of 2." His position is just 14 seconds of RA west of NGC 6497 = Sw. 1-80, which he discovered just 10 days earlier. UGC 11020 is the only galaxy near his position and his description applies (the "B * nr" is probably the mag 11 star 2.3' east and the "F * v nr" is the 14th mag star off the north side). Swift perhaps thought these were different nebulae as NGC 6497 was logged as "vvF", compared to "pF" for NGC 6498. He later added the qualifiers "np of 2" and "sf of 2" as he prepared his first discovery list. By prior discovery, NGC 6497 should be the primary designation. Hermann Kobold's position (measured in 1899 but published in 1907) for NGC 6498 matches NGC 6497. See NGC 6491 and 6493, which may be another situation where he recorded the same galaxy on different nights and later assumed they were different. See Harold Corwin's notes.
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17 55 20.0 +18 21 35; Her
= **, Carlson.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6499 = m 357 on 11 May 1864 and noted "small double star in nebulosity." Close to his position is a 4" pair of stars, with a third star 25" west. Karl Reinmuth, using a Heidelberg plate, identified NGC 6499 as a "**14 and 15 pf, ? inv in F vs neb?" Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 list of NGC corrections, identifies NGC 6499 as a double star and Harold Corwin concurs.
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NGC 6500 = UGC 11048 = MCG +03-46-003 = CGCG 113-008 = LGG 414-003 = PGC 61123
17 55 59.8 +18 20 18; Her
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 50°
14.5" (8/31/21): at 264x; nearly moderately bright,
elongated 4:3 SW-NE, at least 40"x30", good concentration. The bright core rises to a nearly
stellar peak. A mag 13.4 star is
1.5' NW. Located in a rich star field 6' W of the excellent 2.6" double
star STF 2245. Forms a close pair
with
Type Ia SN 2021wuf, discovered just a week ago (8/23/21), may be hosted by either galaxy. It was easily visible this night as a 14th mag star just east of the midpoint between NGC 6500 and 6501. A much fainter mag 14.8 star was seen close SE of the supernova.
24" (7/14/18): at 225x; bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, well concentrated with a prominent core and small intense nucleus, much fainter halo. Forms a very striking pair with similar NGC 6501 2.3' NNE. The star field is rich and highlighted by STF 2245, a gorgeous bright pair of mag 7.4/7.5 stars at 2.6" separation, which is situated 5.6' ESE. The double star forms the vertex angle of a thin isosceles triangle with the two galaxies. An extremely low surface brightness galaxy (uncatalogued) was highly suspected just 0.9' N of the double star.
17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
small bright core, stellar nucleus.
Forms a pair with similar NGC 6501 2.3' NNE. Located 6.1' WNW of mag 6.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 6500 = H. III-957 = St. 12-85, along with NGC 6501, on 29 Jun 1799 (sweep 1090). He noted "Two, both vF, vS. The place is that of the following one [NGC 6501], the preceding one is about 4' more south and about 5 or 6 sec of time preceding." His RA was about 25 seconds of time too small and 3' too far south. Édouard Stephan observed the pair on 7 Jul 1871, 8 Jul 1874, 18 Jun 1876, 13 Jul 1877, 20 Jun 1878, 21 Jun 1878 and 22 Jul 1881! He reduced an accurate position on 15 Jul 1880 and included it in his 12th discovery list (#85). He added a note, though, that #85 was probably identical to GC 4348 [NGC 6500], but he was uncertain due to Herschel's poor position.
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NGC 6501 = UGC 11049 = MCG +03-46-004 = CGCG 113-009 = LGG 414-004 = PGC 61128
17 56 03.7 +18 22 23; Her
V = 12.0; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.3
14.5" (8/31/21): at 264x; nearly moderately bright, irregular round, ~45" diameter, good concentration with a bright core and a stellar nucleus. Forms the northern member of a 2' pair of 12th magnitude galaxies with NGC 6500. The excellent double star STF 2245 (2.6" separation) is 5.5' SE. A supernova (mag ~14.2 SN 2021wuf) was easily seen between NGC 6501 and 6500.
24" (7/14/18): at 225x; bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, well concentrated with a prominent core and a small intense nucleus. NGC 6501 is the northern member of an excellent, similar pair with NGC 6500 2.3' SSW. The galaxies form the base of a thin isosceles triangle with STF 2245, a superb equal mag (7.4/7.5) double star at 2.6" separation.
17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, fairly small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Twin of NGC 6500 2.3' SSW. Located 5.6' NW of mag 6.6 SAO 103227.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6501 = H. III-958 = St. 12-86, along with NGC 6500, on 29 Jun 1799 (sweep 1090). Stephan made numerous observations of NGC 6500 and 6501. See comments on NGC 6500.
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18 04 13.7 -65 24 35; Pav
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 42°
25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): moderately bright and large, slightly elongated, roughly 1.0'x0.8', gradually increases to a small brighter core and a faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13.7 star is at the west edge [24" from center] and a small string of very faint stars is just off the southeast edge. Floats in a rich star field with a mag 9.5 star 7' SE and a mag 10 star 9' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6502 = h3716 on 20 Jun 1835 and noted "the following star (14m) of a vF double * 11m is nebulous. The nebula is excessively faint, but I am sure of its existence. The preceding star is free." On a second observation he logged "vF; 30"; involves 2 or 3 stars." His mean position is on the east side of the halo.
******************************
17 49 26.3 +70 08 42; Dra
V = 10.2; Size 7.1'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 123°
17.5" (6/11/88): very bright, large, very elongated 3:1
NW-SE, large brighter core. The
surface has a mottled appearance.
A mag 13.5 star lies 2.2' NNE of center. Located 3.9' W of mag 9
8" (6/5/81): moderately bright, very elongated, high surface brightness. A mag 9 star is 4' E.
Arthur von Auwers discovered NGC 6503 = Au 37 on 22 Jul 1854 with his 2.6" Fraunhofer refractor while a 15-year old student at Gottingen University. He showed the new nebula to his friend Friedrich Winnecke, who was also a student there at the time. Winnecke, using a 9.6-inch Fraunhofer refractor in 1856 in Berlin, described "..a beautiful object; very bright, slightly brighter in the middle and extraordinarily extended from north preceding to south following, 3-4' long, 50" wide." Auwers observed NGC 6503 again on 19 Feb 1862 with the Konigsberg heliometer and wrote "bright 3'-4' long, at most 1' wide; gradually brighter in the middle. There appears to be a faint star in the northern part, which makes the nebula nearly look like a double nebula." Auwers' description was published in his 1862 list of 50 new nebulae.
William Herschel missed NGC 6503, mainly because of the high northern declination which he only searched in his later sweeps, though he did discover NGC 6434, which is about 3° from NGC 6503.
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17 56 05.7 +33 12 31; Her
V = 12.5; Size 2.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 94°
14.5" (8/31/21): at 264x fairly faint, extremely thin edge-on 10:1 ~E-W. Dominated by a small but bulging core and a stellar nucleus. The arms are very thin and extend ~1.5 long. Situated just west of the line connecting mag 11 stars 2' SE and 2' NNW.
24" (6/21/20): at 375x; fairly bright, large, very thin
edge-on ~8:1 E-W, ~2.0'x0.25'.
Contains a bright very elongated core and a nearly stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2' SE and a slightly
fainter star is 2' N. Located 20'
SW of mag 6.9
17.5" (8/3/89): moderately bright, edge-on E-W, sharp concentration, almost stellar nucleus. Situated between a mag 11 star 1.9' N and a mag 10.5 star 2.1' SE of center.
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, small, pretty edge-on WNW-ESE, bright core, thin faint extensions. Located 22' SW of a mag 7 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6504 = m 358 on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "F, vmE, sbM, 2' l." His position is accurate.
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17 51 07.3 +65 31 51; Dra
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 149°
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, small, round, weakly concentrated, very diffuse halo.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6505 = Sw. 4-60 on 27 Jun 1884
and recorded "eeF; vS; R; bet. 2 pairs of coarse D[ouble] st." His position is 14 seconds of RA east
and 1' north of
******************************
17 59 53 -24 41 00; Sgr
17.5" (8/3/97): at 100x appears as a weak, circular Milky Way enhancement of approximately two dozen mag 13-14.5 stars over an unresolved glow situated in a rich portion of the Milky Way. At 220x, this group is ~6' diameter, although it is not very well detached so the borders are somewhat arbitrary. As many as 50 stars are now visible as a number of mag 15 and fainter stars are resolved. Some unresolved background haze is still evident. Also noticed at 100x was Ru 136, a smaller circular glowing spot ~8' WSW of NGC 6506. At 220x, Ru 136 appeared ~2.5' diameter with about 10 extremely faint stars are resolved over the background glow. It is situated just NW of two mag 10-11 stars.
John Herschel's description for NGC 6506 probably applies to the entire low power Milky Way field and this object is listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
17.5" (7/20/96): at 220x, the most noticeable grouping is a small cloud of roughly two dozen mag 13-15 stars in a 5' diameter over unresolved background haze. Situated in a fairly rich Milky Way field of mixed stars, so does not stand out.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6506 = h3717 on 29 Jul 1834 and recorded "A very loose but rich cluster, which fills many fields. Stars small." This is a rich region of the Milky Way, though probably not a true cluster.
The position is given here is from Harold Corwin's NGC positions file and is 2' southeast of Herschel's position. Skiff & Luginbuhl recorded 30 stars 11-14 in a 7-8' area although Herschel's description refers to several fields. ESO (521-SC60) classifies this as a questionable cluster and RNGC as nonexistent.
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17 59 50 -17 27 00; Sgr
Size 7'
17.5" (6/8/91): about 30 stars mag 13-14 in a 7' diameter elongated N-S. Loose appearance with no dense spots. Stars are fairly uniform in brightness. The brightest member is variable WX Sagittarii (9.6-11.3) just west of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6507 = H. VIII-53 on 27 Jun 1786 (sweep 576) and recorded "a cluster of scattered small stars; about 8' diam; not very rich. His position is ~3' too far north. The position in the Gosta Lynga catalogue (and other modern sources such as the RNGC) is ~5' too far northwest.
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17 49 46.3 +72 01 16; Dra
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, round, even concentration to a small bright core.
Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 6508 = Sw. 1-82 on 19 Sep 1883
with the 18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory and measured an
accurate position (AN 2544). He
found this galaxy while searching for "Comet Swift" (later
Swift included NGC 6508 in his first list with a discovery date of 17 Jun 1884 and description "vF; S; forms with 3 stars a square." His position was 40 seconds of RA too far east, but the description of the nearby stars, which lie to the north, clinches the identification. Dreyer credited Swift with the discovery in the NGC, though Hartwig made the first observation.
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17 59 25.5 +06 17 12; Oph
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 105°
17.5" (7/19/90): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated 3:2 E-W, weak concentration.
A mag 14.5 star is at the east edge 41" from the center. Located 7.9' S of mag 7.1
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6509 = St. 10-36 on 21 Jun 1870. His unpublished position was 1' E of center. His accurate published position (list 10, #36) was made 9 years later on 20 Jul 1879 with description "eF, pL, irr R, weak concentration."
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17 54 39.4 +60 49 05; Dra
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 30°
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift found NGC 6510 = Sw. 4-61 on 30 May 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; e diff.; in vacancy except one vF * nr." His position is 21 seconds of RA west of NGC 6511 = UGC 11051, the only reasonably bright galaxy near his position and his description applies. Swift discovered this galaxy earlier on 9 Oct 1884. His first position was 19 seconds of RA too large, so perhaps he felt these were different objects. In any case, NGC 6510 = NGC 6511 with NGC 6511 the primary designation (due to earlier discovery). Dreyer himself added the query "? = last one" in the summary description for NGC 6511. Bigourdan measured a position for NGC 6510 on 6 Oct 1890 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes), but his position is well off and probably refers to a faint star.
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NGC 6511 = NGC 6510 = UGC 11051 = MCG +10-25-114 = CGCG 300-092 = PGC 61086
17 54 39.4 +60 49 05; Dra
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 30°
24" (7/21/17): at 375x and 500x; fairly faint, fairly small, irregular shape and changes shape/orientation with averted, slightly brighter core, ~30" diameter. A mag 14 star is 2.6' W. The spiral arm on the east side was not seen with confidence.
17.5" (7/27/92): at 140x appears faint, small, slightly
elongated, broad mild concentration with no well-defined nucleus, overall
diffuse. Located between mag 8.8
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, slightly brighter core, diffuse.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6511 = Sw. 1-83 on 9 Oct 1884 and
recorded "F; pL; BM; 2 nearest of 3 st in a curve point to it." His position is 19 seconds of RA east
of
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17 54 50.2 +62 38 42; Dra
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.5'
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. A mag 15 star is at
the south edge just 21" from the center. First of three with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6512 = Sw. 3-96, along with NGC 6516 and 6521, on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is accurate. Lewis Swift independently discovered all three of these galaxies on 28 May 1886 and recorded "eF; pS; vE; np of 2". Swift's RA was 24 seconds too small and the description should read "sp of 2 [with NGC 6516]."
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17 59 34.3 +24 53 14; Her
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 40°
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, round, small bright core. Several bright mag 9-11 stars are in the field including a mag 9 star 4.3' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6513 = m 359 = St. 1-8 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar." Édouard Stephan discovered it again on 11 Jun 1869 and recorded an unpublished position 5' to the ESE. On 22 Jun 1870 he measured an accurate micrometric position with the description "very small and very faint nucleus of 15th mag." He reported it as new in his first discovery list (#8). Dreyer credited both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) in the NGC.
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18 02 42 -22 58 18; Sgr
V = 6.3; Size 29'x27'
18" (8/12/10): the emission component of
Four lanes (
13.1" (4/24/82 and 7/16/82): bright, fairly large, contains three inky black dark lanes (B85) with sharp edges. Structure is visible along the dark lanes and in the center. The prominent central star is a quadruple (4th star difficult) consisting of a mag 7.6/10.4 pair at 6" and a mag 8.7/10.5 pair at 2.3", the brighter stars separated by 11". The NW lane is wider and fainter than the other two lanes but easily traced. A round, bluish reflection nebula is separated, but very close north. The view improves using a UHC filter.
8" (many dates from 7/3/80 to 7/16/82): the famous rift structure (3 parts) is fairly prominent with a triple star at the center. The NW rift is more subdued. An easily visible reflection nebula is close north.
15x50 IS binoculars: visible as a small, faint glow surrounding a the central "star".
Charles Messier discovered M20 = NGC 6514 = H. IV-41 = H.
V-10/11/12 = h1991 = h3718 on 5 June 1764. He only noted it as a cluster of stars. William Herschel first observed M20 on
12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236) and recorded, "Three nebulae, but they seem to
join faintly together, forming a kind of triangle; in the middle of which is
less nebulous, or perhaps free from nebulosity is a double star of the 2nd or
3rd class. As I intended to
revisit this place very soon I passed on, but think more very faint
nebulosities are following."
He assigned it three catalogue numbers, V 10, V 11 and V 12. His reference star was misidentified,
though (4 Sgr = SAO 186061 instead of 5 Sgr = SAO 186074), so his position is
incorrect. William Herschel also
reobserved the Trifid on 26 May 1786 (sweep 566) and recorded IV-41 using a
different reference star as "a double star with extensive nebulosity, of
different intensity; about the double star is a black opening, resembling the
nebula in Orion, on a small scale."
John Herschel combined these numbers into a single GC entry (4355). Harold Corwin notes he made the same
error with
John Herschel first used the name "Trifid" to describe M20 in the Slough Catalogue (1 Jul 1826): "vL; trifid, three nebulae with a vacuity in the midst, in which is centrally situated the double star Sh 379, neb = 7' in extent. A most remarkable object." Interestingly neither William or John referred to this object as M20, possibly because of positional confusion or because Messier called it a "star cluster". The equivalence was given in the GC 4355.
In John Herschel's Cape Observations (1847) and "Outlines of Astronomy" (1849) he described "One of the them [several nebulae in Sagittarius] is singularly trifid, consisting of three bright and irregularly formed nebulous masses, graduating away insensibly externally, but coming up to a great intensity of light at their interior edges, where they enclose and surround a sort of three-forked rift, or vacant area, abruptly and uncouthly crooked, and quite void of nebulous light. A bright triple star is situated precisely on the edge of one of these nebulous masses just where the interior vacancy forks out two channels. A fourth nebulous mass spreads like a fan or downy plume from a star at a little distance from the triple nebula."
William Lassell made a detailed study and diagram of the nebula with his 48" reflector at Malta, measuring the positins of numerous superposed stars. He wrote, "Amost remarkable object, consisting of several bright nebulous patches, sprinkled over with many stars of various magnitudes, distinguished by the brightest two forming a conspicuous and unequal double star in the centre of the brightest part of the nebula.
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17 57 25.3 +50 43 40; Dra
V = 13.0; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 10°
17.5" (6/22/90): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, broad concentration, stellar nucleus. Several mag 10-11 stars in field and mag 9.0
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6515 = Sw. 3-99 on 2 Jul 1884 and
recorded "vF; vS; R; 2 B stars near; in finder field with Gamma
Draconis." His position is 4
seconds of RA east and 1' N of
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NGC 6516 = MCG +10-25-118 = CGCG 300-094 = CGCG 301-001 = SBL 650-002 = PGC 61109
17 55 16.8 +62 40 11; Dra
V = 14.8; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 147°
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, extremely small. A mag 15.5 star is at the north edge. Second of three in the NGC 6521 group (WBL 650) with NGC 6512 3.4' SW and NGC 6521 5.0' SE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6516 = Sw. 3-97, along with NGC 6512 and 6521, on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. Lewis Swift independently discovered all three of these galaxies on 28 May 1886 and recorded NGC 6516 as "eeF; vS; R; pB * nr; sf of 2". Swift's RA is 30 seconds was RA too small and the description should read "nf of 2 [with NGC 6512]."
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18 01 50.5 -08 57 32; Oph
V = 10.3; Size 4.3'; Surf Br = 3.3
24" (7/30/16): at 260x, moderately bright, round, 2.5'-3' diameter, well concentrated with a brighter, round core that increases to the center. A little lively but no definite resolution. The cluster appeared clumpy at 432x but only a couple of star were at the edge of visibility. At 500x, the nucleus was very clumply several extremely faint stars started to resolve (V tip magnitude = 16.0).
17.5" (6/8/91): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, 2' diameter. The faint halo is slightly elongated SSW-NNE and increases to a small bright core. No resolution at 280x.
8" (5/21/82): faint, small, brighter core, no resolution.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6517 = H. II-199 = h3719 on 16 Jun 1784 (sweep 228) and logged "pB, pL, R, bM, r and the brightness diminishing gradually." John Herschel made two observations, first recording it (sweep 591) as "globular cluster; F; R; psbM; 90"; r; with left eye I discern the stars in it."
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17 59 43.7 +28 52 00; Her
V = 14.2; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (8/3/89): very faint, extremely small, round. A mag 14 star is just at the west
edge. Appears like a close double
star with one component "fuzzy". In a rich star field with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6518 = St. 13-87 on 31 Jul 1883. His position was reduced on 18 Jun 1884 with description "2 vF similar stars in vF and vS nebulosity."
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18 03 20.1 -29 48 15; Sgr
= **. Not found, RNGC and ESO.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 6519 in Oct 1860 with the 6.2" Plössl refractor at Athens Observatory. The discovery was mentioned in a 1865 paper (AN 65, 261-268) with a micrometric position in AN 70, 343 (1868) that matches a double star.
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18 03 24 -27 53 12; Sgr
Size 6'
17.5" (7/8/94): striking cluster following the
remarkable dark nebula
Located in a rich star field on the northwestern side of the
Large Sagittarius Star Cloud, though at a distance of only ~5200 l.y. Globular clusters Djorgovski 2 lies 21'
WNW and
William Herschel discovered NGC 6520 = H. VII-7 = h3721 on 24 May 1784 (sweep 224) and recorded "a cluster of stars, chiefly large ones; considerably rich, but rather coarsely scattered; a little more compressed towards the middle. It is visible in the finder." Nearly 5 minutes earlier, he noted "Daylight very strong", though observed a couple more objects.
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NGC 6521 = UGC 11061 = MCG +10-25-119 = CGCG 300-095 = WBL 650-003 = PGC 61121
17 55 48.5 +62 36 44; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 160°
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly small, large brighter core. Bright wide pair O∑∑ = 7.2/7.7 at 55" is 4' E and detracts from viewing. Brightest in a group (WBL 650 = LDCE 1271) and third of three with NGC 6516 5.0' NW and NGC 6512 6.9' WNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6521 = Sw. 3-98, along with NGC 6512 and 6516, on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured on 2 nights) is fairly accurate and he measured the bright wide pair of stars are 32.5 and 37.7 seconds following. Lewis Swift independently discovered all three of these galaxies on 28 May 1886 and recorded NGC 6521 as "eF; 2 B st nr foll.". Swift's RA was 30 seconds too far small (same offset as NGC 6516).
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18 03 34.0 -30 02 02; Sgr
V = 8.5; Size 5.6'; Surf Br = 1.5
17.5" (7/11/99): this globular is the larger and
brighter of a fairly faint pair with
13.1" (6/29/84): moderately bright, mottled. A single brighter 13th mag star is on the ENE side. This is the larger and brighter of a pair of globulars with NGC 6528 15' E in Baade's Window.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6522 = H. I-49 = h3720, along with NGC 6528, on 24 Jun 1784 (sweep 232) and recorded "B, pL, bM, r." John Herschel logged this cluster twice, first recording on 3 Aug 1834: "Globular cluster; pB; S; R; 80: resolved into stars 16m." On a later sweep he logged "GC; B; R; gvmbM; in a nebuloid portion of the milky way; resolved; stars 16...17m."
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18 03 41 -24 22 48; Sgr
V = 5.8; Size 90'x40'
17.5" (numerous dates starting in 1985): extremely bright, detailed nebulosity that nearly fills a 50' field. Extensive fainter nebulosity fills the region to the north and a thin extension is to the east. Cut by a large high contrast dark lane ("Lagoon") oriented SW-NE. The brightest luminary within the nebula is 6th mag 9 Sgr (O-type spectroscopic binary), situated to the west of the dark lane. A mag 7 star is 3' NNE. A very bright 30" nebulous knot ("Hourglass Nebula", ionized by 10th-magnitude Herschel 36 (O7 and O9 components) is situated 3' SW of 9 Sagittarii.
8" (numerous dates starting 7/3/80): remarkably large and detailed emission nebula and cluster, overfills 100x field. Contains three bright sections with faint extensions to the NE and SE, large northern extension, fluffly texture to fainter outer regions. Structured dust lane ("Lagoon").
John Flamsteed called M8 = Lac III-13 = h3722 a "nebula" around 1680, though Guillaume Le Gentil was perhaps the first to recognize (telescopically) the mix of nebulosity and stars around 1747. Using a small 18- to 20-foot focal length refractor, he noted "a small nebulosity like the tail of a comet with numerous stars." His position was off, though, by more the one degree.
Earlier observers appear to have thought the naked-eye glow resolved into stars in a telescope. When Philippe de Cheseaux reviewed Flamsteed's observation in 1745-46 he concluded the object appeared as a "truly nebulous" star naked-eye but as a star cluster through a telescope. Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille catalogued M8 as a nebulous star (III. 13), based on his observation at the Cape in 1751-52, though with a 1/2-inch telescope he couldn't resolve the object. Messier's 1764 observation mentioned "a cluster of stars that appears to be a nebula when observed with a simple three-foot refractor; with an excellent instrument, however, one sees only a large number of faint stars. Near this cluster there is a fairly bright star [9 Sgr], which is surrounded by a very faint glow."
William Herschel observed M8 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and logged "large, extended, pretty bright, broad. The nebulosity of the milky kind, there are some pB stars in it, but they seem to have no connection with it, being of very different sizes [magnitudes] and colours and resembling the other stars that are everywhere scattered about in this neighborhood. This is probably the star surrounded with nebulosity mentioned by Messier. There is indeed one of the stars which are in the nebula that is somewhat larger [brighter] than the rest and may be the only one he saw." John Herschel produced a beautiful drawing of the nebula with carefully positioned stars (Plate I, fig 1), though Wilhelm Tempel questioned it as differing significantly from his own.
John Herschel wrote, "A collection of nebulous folds and matter surrounding and including a number of dark, oval vacancies and, in one place, coming to so great degree of brightness as to offer the appearance of an elongated nucleus. Superimposed upon this nebula and extending in one direction beyond its area, is a fine and rich cluster of scattered stars which seems to have no connection with it as the nebula does not, as in the region of Orion, show any tendency to congregate about the stars."
Agnes M. Clerke probably first used the nickname "Lagoon" in her 1890 book "The System of the Stars." Based on Herschel's description of "a number of oval dark vacancies" in the nebula, she wrote it "might be designated the 'Lagoon' nebula"
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17 59 14.9 +45 53 13; Her
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 155°
17.5" (8/3/89): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, fairly high surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6524 = Sw. 5-82 on 22 Oct 1886 and noted "pF; pS; lE." His position was 1.3' too far north. Hermann Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1896 (published in 1907).
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18 02 04.7 +11 02 17; Oph
Size 10'
17.5" (7/24/95): bright, large, very scattered group. On the west side is the prominent subgroup highlighted by a pair of mag 9.5/10 stars at 32" separation with three other mag 12/13 stars within 1'. There are about two dozen stars total in a 5' rectangular group with the brighter stars scattered around the outline but no dense spots or core. Appears to be an asterism with no distinct borders.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6525 = h1992 on 29 Jul 1829 and recorded "A coarse and poor cluster of L stars." At his position is a small group of stars. Based on a Heidelberg plate, Karl Reinmuth reported "a very loose Cl of pB st, not well defined." RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7), though the status as a true cluster is uncertain.
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18 04 06 -24 26 30; Sgr
See observing notes for NGC 6523. This is the southeast portion of M8 = Lagoon Nebula.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6526 = H. V-9 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "large, extended, broad; its nebulosity is of the milky kind, but fainter and more uniform, than the preceding [M8]; otherwise in situation and shape, it resembles it pretty much. It may be taken into the field with the preceding [M8]." Dreyer comments, in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that the "NPD in GC and NGC is 1 degree too small; the error dates from C.H.'s Zone Catalogue. The nebulosity is just following M8 and is = IC 1271 (Swift, VIII)." The "corrected" NGC position is then 18 04 15 -24 27.5 (2000) and places it within the main M8 complex.
Corwin suggests (e-mail on 6/1/96) that NGC 6526 applies to the part of the Lagoon following the dust lane which swings up to include the star cluster NGC 6530. Swift's IC 1271 (VIII) apparently applies to a nebulous knot near the end of the "branch" heading east of the main complex, so is not equal to NGC 6526 as Dreyer stated.
RNGC places NGC 6526 at 18 04.8 -23 40 (2000) which corresponds with the center of the large, irregular nebulosity plotted on the Uranometria 2000 about 45' NNE of M8. Sky Catalogue 2000 gives a position of 18 02.6 -23 35, repeated in Sinnott's NGC 2000.0.
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18 01 46.3 +19 43 43; Her
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 150°
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 6527 = Sf. 46 = Sw. 4-64 on 1
Aug 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. and
noted "pB, pS, vmbM."
His position is 2' north of
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18 04 49.5 -30 03 21; Sgr
V = 9.5; Size 3.7'; Surf Br = 1.7
17.5" (7/11/99): this is the smaller and fainter of an unusual double pair of globulars with NGC 6522 just 16' W. At 220x, it appears round, ~1.5' in diameter. The brightness gradually increased towards the center but there was no distinct core. The surface brightness was fairly smooth overall and the outer halo was fairly well defined. A mag 13.5 field star is at the SW edge. The surrounding field was noticeably more vacant than around NGC 6522. Both clusters can be placed at the edges of the 14' field of the 7mm Pentax XL. Situated within "Baade's Window" (absorption hole in the Milky Way).
13.1" (6/29/84): fairly faint, small, 2' diameter, not resolved. This is a smaller and fainter version of globular cluster NGC 6522 15' W.
8" (6/19/82): fairly faint, small, easily visible but no resolution.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6528 = H. II-200 = h3723, along with NGC 6522, on 24 Jun 1784 (sweep 232) and logged "F, pL, unequally bright, r." On 3 Aug 1834, John Herschel recorded "globular cluster, B; R; R; glbM; resolved into stars 16m. Both this and I. 49 [NGC 6522] occur on a ground so astonishing rich and stippled over with stars 17m individually discernible, as hardly to admit a pin's point between the stars, and this fills more than the whole field or many fields."
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18 05 29 -36 17 48; Sgr
= Not found, Corwin. = Concentration of stars, ESO. = No cluster, JS.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6529 = D 569 = h3724 on 3 Sep 1826 and recorded "A pretty large faint nebula, round figure, 5' or 6' diameter, resolvable into very minute stars, with nebula remaining." He lists 2 observations. John Herschel made a single observation on 8 Jun 1837 and recorded "A large milky way patch, much compressed, one portion much more so." His position (to the nearest min of RA and arcmin in Dec) is marked as approximate and falls ~6' SW of Dunlop's. But, there is no recognizable cluster or group of stars that stands out near either position.
ESO classifies this object as a concentration of stars and RNGC calls it nonexistent. Harold Corwin was unable to find a candidate for NGC 6529 (either at the published position or's re-reduced position), so it is classified here as "Not Found".
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NGC 6530 = Cr 362 = ESO 521-021
18 04 31 -24 21 36; Sgr
V = 4.6; Size 15'
17.5" (7/8/94): bright scattered group of 40-50 stars
at the east edge of M8 just following the edge of the dark "Lagoon"
lane which runs SW-NE. The group
forms a rough triangular outline 10'x6' oriented N-S with the longest base
along the east side running N-S.
The cluster is encased in the fairly bright eastern portion of the M8
nebulosity that passes directly through most of the cluster. Mag 6.8
8": 30 stars mag 7-13 in a 10' diameter. Bright, moderately large. Located on the east edge of M8!
Giovanni Hodierna discovered NGC 6530 = h3725, the cluster within M8 and catalogued it as II. 6 in his 1654 "De Admirandis Coeli Caracteribus". He mentioned it "encompasses some brighter stars...shows much candescence, elongated in shape...", though it's not clear he observed the nebulosity in M8.
Messier described "a cluster of stars that appears to be a nebula when observed with a simple three-foot refractor; with an excellent instrument, however, one sees only a large number of faint stars. Near this cluster there is a fairly bright star [9 Sgr], which is surrounded by a very faint glow." John Herschel recorded (sweep 474) "a B, p Rich, irreg R cl; place that of a double * in the following part of the cluster, which is itself involved in the great nebula M8."
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18 04 13 -22 29 24; Sgr
V = 5.9; Size 13'
18" (8/12/10): In the center of the cluster is the
brightest member; mag 7.2
17.5" (8/10/91):
Charles Messier discovered M21 = NGC 6531 = h1993 on 5 Jun 1764. On 26 May 1786 (sweep 556), William Herschel noted "a rich cluster of large stars." On 28 Jul 1830, John Herschel recorded "A tolerably rich, sc, coarse cl; one star 9m, the rest 10....12." His single position was 6' too far east.
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17 59 14.1 +56 13 54; Dra
V = 13.9; Size 1.8'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 123°
17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, low even surface brightness. Located 1° SW of Xi Draconis (V = 3.8).
Edward Swift, the 15 year-old son of Lewis, discovered NGC
6532 = Sw. 5-83 on 19 Sep 1886.
Lewis recorded "eeF; pS; R; e diff.; in a small vacancy; 3 F stars
in line point to it." The
position is 25 sec of RA preceding
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NGC 6533 = NGC 6523 = M8 = LBN 25 = NGC 6526 = IC 1271
18 03 41 -24 22 48; Sgr
See observing notes for NGC 6523 = M8.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6533 = H. V-13 on 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236) and recorded "extensive milky nebulosity divided into two parts, the most northern part is the strongest and of more than 15' extent; the southern one is followed by a parcel of stars." This description appears to describe M8, but using the reference star 5 Sgr, WH's position falls on a empty portion of the sky ~30' south-southeast of M8.
Harold Corwin found (personal email on 1 Jun 1996) that the same reference star was used by WH in his observation of V10, V11, V12 = M20. His offset again points 30' SSE of M20 indicating an error in the offset star which should be 4 Sgr = SAO 186061. Once this correction is made, his position points to the center of M8. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for the full story.
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17 56 08.6 +64 17 01; Dra
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 16°
24" (9/1/16): fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter, occasional faint stellar nucleus. Located just 48" of a mag 10.4 star. A 1' pair of mag 10/11 stars is 3.5' NE. Forms a close pair with LEDA 2666218 1.2' S. The companion is faint, small, round, 15" diameter, low even surface brightness.
17.5" (8/4/94): very faint, extremely small,
round. Located 50" S of a mag
10 star. With direct vision
appears stellar, about mag 15.
With averted vision a very small halo was visible, perhaps 15"
diameter. Located 22' NW of mag
7.7
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6534 = Sw. 4-63 on 28 Jun 1886
and recorded "eeF; pS; R; in center of a semi-circle of 4
stars." There is nothing at
his position, but 70 seconds of RA west and 1.2' south is CGCG 322-022 = PGC
61126, which the RNGC, CGCG and PGC identify as NGC 6534. But this galaxy doesn't fit Swift's
description as there is no semi-circle of 4 stars surrounding the galaxy. Furthermore, a mag 10 star is less than
1' north and Swift would have likely mentioned it. Harold Corwin agrees this identification is very uncertain
due to the discrepancy with the description and mentions
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18 03 50.6 -00 17 49; Ser
V = 10.6; Size 3.6'; Surf Br = 1.1
24" (7/30/16): at 500x; moderately bright and large, roundish, ~3' diameter, fairly weak concentration with a slightly brighter core. A mag 13 star is on the southwest side of the halo, two mag 13.5 stars on the west side and another near the northwest edge. A half-dozen stars additional stars are resolved in the halo with a few additional around the edges of the halo. A number more scintillate in and out of view, emerging for brief moments in better seeing, ~20-25 total seen in the halo. The core region includes another half-dozen stars with one standing out more prominently.
18" (8/23/03): at 435x, appears fairly faint, ~3' diameter with an irregular outline, and just a weak concentration. A trio of mag 13-13.5 stars is easily resolved on the west edge and the middle star has two close, mag 14.5 and 15.5 companions. With careful viewing about a dozen extremely faint stars sparkled over the central glow, often popping in out of averted vision. At 538x, the cluster barely breaks up into a swarm of extremely faint stars in steady moments.
17.5" (8/10/91): moderately bright, roughly circular, 3' diameter. Three mag 13 stars and a mag 14 star are almost on a line oriented N-S on the west edge. Very mottled and granular appearance with an irregular outline. Can just steadily resolve a few very faint stars and another half a dozen extremely faint stars pop in and out of view over the core. Located within a rich star field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6535 = Au 38 on 24 Aug 1780. It was found with his 6.2-inch reflector (used to discover Uranus) during his initial inspection of Flamsteed stars. According to Wolfgang Steinicke, who uncovered this observation ("a nebula with stars") in his Herschel research, this was the first non-stellar object he discovered! As a result NGC 7009 = Saturn Nebula, found on 7 Sep 1782 with the same reflector, was his second discovery. The same night he also observed M8 ("a Nebula not marked in the map full of stars in via Lactea"), before being aware of Messier's catalogue.
John Russell Hind rediscovered NGC 6535 on 26 Apr 1852 (MN, 12, 208) with a 7-inch Dolland refractor at George Bishop's private observatory in London and recorded "a nebulous object which does not occur in any of the Catalogues of Nebulae hitherto consulted. It is very small and rather faint, perhaps 1' in diameter and is preceded a few seconds by a very minute hazy-looking star." Hind was credited with the discovery in the NGC. Auwers observed it with the 6-inch Heliometer at Königsberg Observatory and reported "pF, round, 2' diameter, gradually very slightly bM." Édouard Stephan also made observations at Marseilles.
Based on photographs with the 30" reflector in 1914-16 at the Helwan Observatory, NGC 6535 was reported as a "small loose cluster of a few bright stars. No nebulosity."
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17 57 16.5 +64 56 16; Dra
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, unconcentrated.
Edward Swift discovered NGC 6536 = Sw. 1-84 on 18 Aug 1884 and recorded "vF; R; pL; 3 stars in form of a triangle near." Lewis Swift's son was 13 years old at the time. The reported RA iwass 10 seconds too large. The triangle probably refers to 3 mag 11 stars to the north.
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18 05 13.0 -19 50 35; Sgr
V = 11.9; Size 5"
24" (7/11/18): at 225x; very small disc with a warm or ruddy color. Excellent view at 375x; very small, slightly elongated, ~6" diameter. The disc has a very high surface brightness and appears to be surrounded by a very faint thin shell. The PN forms an obtuse isosceles triangle with a mag 11.6 star 1.5' W and a mag 12.6 star 2.4' N.
17.5" (8/17/01): picked up at 220x as a fuzzy mag 12 "star" forming the eastern vertex of an obtuse, isosceles triangle with two similar stars 1.5' W and 2.4' NW. Excellent view at 380x and 500x. Clearly nonstellar at the higher powers, ~5" diameter with a bluish color and occasionally a slightly brighter center.
13.1" (8/17/85): appears mag 12.0 or fainter with OIII filter at 79x. In the field SW of a mag 7 star forming the southern "star" of an arc of three stars.
13.1" (8/11/85): stellar at 166x, estimate mag V = 12.5. Just non-stellar at 220x and clearly
nebulous at 360x, about 4" diameter.
Appears fainter than computed V magnitude. Located 7' SW of mag 6.8
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6537 on 15 Jul 1882 with the
15-inch refractor at the Harvard College Observatory.
Based on Crossley photographs, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6537 as "a minute disk 5" in diameter, just distinguishable from a star. Round, with clear-cut edges; a slightly condensation at center is suspected, and a very faint ansa in p.a. 25". The huge hourglass-shapes structure visible in deep images that surrounds the central part was missed in the Lick photographs.
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17 54 17.1 +73 25 27; Dra
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 48°
17.5" (7/9/88): faint, very small, elongated SW-NE, small bright core. Located directly between a mag 14 star 1.2' NW and a mag 15 star 1.0' SE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6538 = Sw. 4-62 on 30 May 1886
and recorded "eF; vS; lE; between 2 eF stars." His position is 25 seconds of RA west
and 44" south of
Swift apparently made the initial discovery several years earlier. On 11 Sep 1883 Swift announced finding a supposed comet (see NGC 6654 for the story). While searching for the comet, Ernst Hartwig discovered NGC 6508. Two other astronomers, Palisa and Lamp, found NGC 6654 and thought it was new. Swift was apparently upset and probably embarrassed with being deceived and tartly replied (AN 107, p273), "It would appear from his (Hartwig's) silence that he missed another about 4 minutes east and 1° 20' north, which I found Oct 3 [1883]." This offset matches NGC 6538, but Swift didn't report it in his discovery lists, until it was rediscovered on 30 May 1886.
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18 04 49.7 -07 35 09; Ser
V = 9.8; Size 6.9'; Surf Br = 3.1
24" (7/30/16): at 260x; fairly faint, moderately large, round, ~3' diameter, very weak concentration. A brighter mag 12.8 star is just off the northwest edge and a mag 13.5 star is off the southwest edge. The cluster was very lively at 432x and several faint to extremely faint stars were resolved around the edges of the halo including a few easy ones just off the west side. Several very faint to extremely faint stars scintillate over the core and main portion of the halo, popping in and out of view with the seeing, though only a couple of these were consistently visible.
18" (7/19/04): at 225x appears fairly faint, moderately large, round, weakly concentration. The diameter is ~3.5' diameter with averted vision. A few mag 15-15.5 stars are along the west edge of the halo with some brighter mag 13 stars off to the west and NW. At 435x, 3 or 4 mag 15 stars are grouped near the west edge of the halo and a single mag 15.5-16 star is near the center. The edges appear ragged at this magnification.
18" (8/23/03): at 323x appears fairly faint, round, pretty diffuse with only a broad, fairly weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is off the NW side and a few mag 13 stars are off the SW edge and further off the SE side. A couple of mag 15 stars are resolved between the two brighter stars on the west side. At 435x, the surface brightness was quite mottled and seemed on the verge of resolution but only one or two extremely faint stellar sparkles are intermittently visible.
17.5" (8/10/91): fairly faint, moderately large, 3' diameter, round, diffuse, broad weak concentration. A number of stars are very near including a mag 12.5 star off the NW edge and a fainter mag 13.5 star off the SE edge. In addition, an extremely faint 15th mag star is resolved near the NW edge and a mag 15 star is visible near the center but no other resolution was evident.
8" (6/22/81): faint, moderately large, very diffuse, no resolution. This globular straddles the Serpens/Oph border, 44' NE of Tau Ophiuchi, an excellent 1.5" double star.
Theodor Johann Christian Brorsen discovered NGC 6539 = Au 39 in 1856 (probably Sept) at the Senftenberg Observatory in the present-day Czech Republic, probably using a 9.4-cm comet-seeker. Arthur Auwers observed this globular on 10 Oct 1860 with the Konigsberg 6-inch refractor and reported (in the notes to his 1862 list of new nebulae) that it "looked faint, but pretty well at 65x; it appears to be a faint star group of about 3' diameter, centrally surrounded by numerous stars 12m." (translation by Wolfgang Steinicke). NGC 6539 is one of the brighter southern objects that John Herschel missed.
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NGC 6540 = ESO 456-053 = Cr 364 = Djorgovski 3
18 06 08.5 -27 45 55; Sgr
V = 10.4; Size 1'; Surf Br = 2.0
18" (7/11/07): this very unusual globular is buried within a small asterism and requires careful viewing. At 325x a very distinctive 1.5' string or shallow arc of stars is oriented E-W and contains 6 stars (these are possible cluster members). Within this shallow arc is a 20" knot just east of the midpoint and this knot is probably the core of the globular. The entire string is superimposed on a rich Milky Way background so it was very difficult to determine a diameter for the outer halo.
17.5" (7/10/99): this interesting globular is located nearly midway along a short 1.5' E-W arc of a half dozen or so mag 13-14 stars that are bowed out to the north. The globular is a faint, round, 40" glow, embedded just inside the center of this string which extends beyond the globular to the west and east. At 100x, this string, along with the haze of the cluster creates the impression the globular is quite elongated.
13.1" (9/3/83): very faint, small, rich spot, slightly elongated E-W, mottled but no resolved. Also a group of six faint stars in an arc to the SE. Dark nebula B86 lies 41' W.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6540 = H. II-198 on 24 May 1784 (end of sweep 224) and recorded "pF, crookedly extended easily resolvable nebula; or rather a cluster of very close stars; not large."
Guillaume Bigourdan's description mentions a size of 1.5' x 25", elongated E-W, stars mag 13 and fainter containing possible "nebulous material". So, Bigourdan was clearly describing the entire string of stars.
Originally identified as an open cluster, NGC 6540 was reclassified as a globular cluster in 1987 by Djorgovski.
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18 08 02 -43 43 00; CrA
V = 6.1; Size 13.1'; Surf Br = 0.4
22" (6/28/06 - Hawaii): the view was spectacular at 200x as NGC 6541 was well concentrated with a blazing core and a large halo extending to at least 8'. Roughly 200 stars were resolved, mostly in the halo but even close to the center of the core. Includes a few brighter mag 10.5-11 stars are in the halo on the NE and S side.
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): excellent view at 127x! Well concentrated to a small, intense 1.5' core. The halo extended to roughly 8' and was well-resolved into perhaps 100 stars. A brighter star is at the northeast side of the halo and a couple of brighter stars are at the S and SW edge of the cluster. Prominent in 10x30 IS binoculars.
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this beautiful globular is set in a rich star field and is strongly compressed with a blazing core. At 171x, the halo is ~8' and highly resolved into a couple of hundred stars mag 12 and fainter. A few brighter stars (field?) are mixed in, including mag 11 stars on the east and southwest side of the halo. The stars are densely packed towards the core - another southern showpiece globular!
8" (7/16/82): bright, fairly small, well concentrated to bright core. Mottled halo but no resolution. Located 20' SE of a mag 5 star (h 5014 = 5.8/5.8 at 1.8"). Very far south (low elevation) for viewing from Northern California.
Niccolo Cacciatore, an assistant to Giuseppe Piazzi at Palermo, discovered NGC 6541 = D 473 = h3726 on 19 Mar 1826, while searching for Comet C/1825 N1 (Pons) with a small refractor.
James Dunlop independently discovered the globular a few months later on 2 Jun 1826. He made 5 observations and described it as "a very bright round highly condensed nebula, about 3' diameter. I can resolve a considerable portion round the margin, but the compression is so great near the centre, that it would require a very high power, as well as light, to separate the stars; the stars are rather dusky."
John Herschel's first observed it on 1 Jun 1834 (sweep 454) and reported "globular, B, R, e comp, v Fine; diameter of most comp part = 11 seconds of time in RA; stars 15..16m. The scattered stars extend to three times the diameter and die away very gradually." He referenced D 473 but wasn't aware of Cacciatore's earlier observation.
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17 59 38.9 +61 21 33; Dra
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 98°
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, small, very elongated WNW-ESE, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. Located 3.9' SE of a mag 10.5 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6542 = Sw. 4-65 on 22 Jul 1886
and recorded "eF; S; eE; coarse D[ouble] * sp points to it." His position matches
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17 58 33.2 +66 37 59; Dra
V = 8.1; Size 22"x19"
48" (4/1/11): the extremely bright inner section [22"x19"] of the Cat's Eye was a vivid green color at 375x. But besides the bright central star I didn't take notes on the interior structure. A fairly faint (middle) halo was easily visible, extending ~1.4' diameter and dramatically increased the generally observed size. This halo had a well-defined periphery and was slightly elongated N-S or the border on the east and west sides were very slightly flattened. A very faint star is near the west edge.
Surrounding the middle shell is a much larger and fainter
outer halo that extends ~5' in diameter.
18" (7/21/04): at 435x, it was fairly clear that there were two shells in the main body of different sizes and orientations creating a complex overlapping appearance. Surrounding the high surface brightness main body was a thin, very faint outer envelope (inner portion of the outer envelope). The central star was visible continuously.
IC 4677 was easily visible at 160x using a UHC filter as a slightly elongated, low surface brightness glow 1.7' W of center of NGC 6543 and 1.5' SE of a mag 11 star which lies 2.7' WNW of NGC 6543. This shock-excited knot in the outer halo was elongated 3:2 SW-NE, roughly 20"x13". At 225x it was barely visible unfiltered, but could be held continuously at this power adding a UHC filter.
18" (6/21/03): remarkable view at 538x. The central star shone steadily in the center of what appeared to be two superimposed shells, offset in orientation by ~90 degrees. Interior filamentary or arc-like structure was highly suspected.
17.5" (several observations from 6/11/88 to 6/23/00):
viewed at 280x and 412x; the Cat's Eye nebula appears very bright, fairly
small, oval SW-NE, blue-green color.
Appears darker (annular) surrounding the mag 11 central star. The prominent visual portion is
surrounded by a very faint oval outer envelope (386") which was not seen
but includes the bright irregular knot IC 4677 1.7' W of center.
IC 4677 was suspected at 220x without filtration close to a mag 15 star located 1' W of the planetary. Using a UHC filter, IC 4677 was clearly visible with averted vision as a very faint elongated patch, ~25"x15" oriented SW-NE. Requires averted for a good view but could hold steadily almost continuously. It was also visible at 140x with an OIII filter and 280x with the UHC, but 220x provided the best view.
13.1" (7/27/84): at 400x appears very bright, oval N-S, blue color, central star visible with averted.
8" (7/27/84): bright, elongated, blue, high surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6543 = H. IV-37 on 15 Feb 1786 (sweep 523) and recorded "vB, about 35" diameter. A planetary disk, but very ill defined edge; the center of it is rather more luminous than the rest. With long attention a very bright, well defined, round center becomes visible. This seems to be a nebula that connects my former planetary ones with two other sorts; viz with those that are very bright in the middle and suddenly grow more diluted; and with those that have a bright central star, or nucleus and a milky chevelure."
In 1790, Lalande included this object as a 9th magnitude "star" (LL 38303 in his major star catalogue. Giuseppe Bianchi independently rediscovered it on 16 Jun 1839 and announced the discovery an Astronomische Nachrichten letter, apparently unaware of WH's prior discovery (there were many similar cases). Surprisingly, NGC 6543 does not appear in John Herschel's Slough catalogue, which was more accessible and easier to check than WH's catalogues.
Sir William Huggins examined NGC 6543 with a spectroscope on
29 Aug 1864 (the same night he viewed
The 1888 paper "Observations of Nebulae at the Lick Observatory" (1888MNRAS..48..388H) included a schematic labeled "Helical Nebula in Draco (Holden)" showing two overlapping ellipses or coils, along with a detailed sketch and description of the nebula. Heber Curtis wrote "We have, therefore, ventured to designate this object as a helical nebula - the first of its class - because its brighter portions unquestionably appear to the eye in a helical and not simply in a spiral form; and also because it seems to us at least probable that the real disposition of the brighter parts in space may be in the form of a helix." Generally, the nickname "Cat's Eye Nebula" is used today (mentioned by Tom Reiland in a 1976 Astronomy article, though probably older).
E.E. Barnard discovered IC 4677, a shock-excited knot in the outer halo of NGC 6543, on 24 Apr 1900 with the 40-inch Yerkes refractor. See Harold Corwin's notes.
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18 07 20.6 -24 59 50; Sgr
V = 8.2; Size 7'; Surf Br = 2.4
24" (7/30/16): at 260x; bright, moderately large, irregular scraggly halo, ~4'x3' roughly E-W. Well concentrated with a bright irregular core with resolved stars. A mag 11.2 is at the southwest side of the halo, 1.5' from center. Roughly 15-20 stars are resolved in the halo (horizontal branch magnitude ≈ 15.2), though some of these are likely field stars. At least a half-dozen stars are resolved in the central core including a pair of close brighter stars and a third nearly in line. At 375x at least a dozen stars were resolved over an irregular core region.
17.5" (5/10/91): bright, 4'x3', elongated NW-SE, irregular and scraggly outline, mottled. Located in a rich star field. About six stars are superimposed including two or three mag 13 stars in a tight knot near the center. In addition, several faint stars are resolved at the edges (or nearby field stars). A double star with components mag 11.5/13.5 lies 2' SW.
8" (8/23/84): at 200x, appears moderately bright with two stars are visible at the center and two or three stars are resolved at edges. The appearance is grainy with a brighter core.
8" (7/31/81): fairly faint, small, brighter core, easy but no resolution.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6544 = H. II-197 = h1994 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "pB, pL, iR, r." John Herschel made the single observation "F; L; lE; bM; resolved." It was noted as probably a globular cluster in the 1921 Helwan Observatory lists, based on photographs taken in 1914-16.
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18 12 14.8 -63 46 34; Pav
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 151°
25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): fairly faint or
moderately bright, small, round, 24" diameter, contains a small brighter
nucleus. The field is rich in
faint stars with four mag 13-15 stars in a small quadrilateral close east
(sides 30"-50") and a mag 15 star is at the southwest edge. In the field is a mag 9.7 star 4' S and
a mag 10 star 6.7' NE. NGC 6545
resides 14' SW of mag 6.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 6545 = h3727 on 20 Jun 1835 and
recorded "eeeF, vvvS, R, 4".
This is the smallest nebula I recollect to have seen. Its light is not greater than that of a
*14m. A diagram made for security of finding it again. See figure 16, Plate VI." His position is a perfect match with
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18 07 23 -23 17 48; Sgr
V = 8.0; Size 13'
17.5" (8/27/92): bright, large, scattered, 10' diameter. Includes three mag 9 stars on the east side, 10 mag 11-12 stars mag and roughly 70 stars total. Between the three mag 9 stars is a very faint, rich group of 15-20 stars. Near the west edge is a faint, very close double. The majority of the cluster stars are fairly evenly distributed with no other dense regions. Situated in a rich Milky Way field.
8" (8/23/84): scattered group of about 40 stars with 20 stars easily visible and three brighter mag 9 stars on the east side, elongated ~E-W. A mag 8 star is in the field to the NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6546 = h3729 on 27 Jun 1837 and noted "the middle of a great and rich cluster in the milky way." The ESO position is about 5' further south.
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18 05 10.0 +25 13 58; Her
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 136°
17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, very small bright core. A well-matched double star is 2' S (12.5/12.5 at 16").
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6547 = m 360 on 7 Aug 1864 and
noted "F, vS, E, mbM."
His position matches
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18 05 59.1 +18 35 14; Her
V = 11.7; Size 3.0'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated NNW-SSE, sharp concentration with a very bright core dominating a faint halo. Forms a pair with NGC 6549 3.7' SW. The apparent companion lies in the background (3x redshift).
William Herschel discovered NGC 6548 = H. III-555 on 22 Jun
1786 (sweep 574) and noted "cF, S, iF, lE, r." His re-reduced position with respect to
101 Her is accurate to within 1'.
But Caroline's reduced position (used in the GC and NGC) was 3.5' to the
southwest and falls close northwest of
The MCG (+03-46-013) misidentifies NGC 6548 as
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NGC 6549 = NGC 6550 = UGC 11114 = MCG +03-46-012 = CGCG 113-019 = PGC 61399
18 05 49.5 +18 32 16; Her
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 53°
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, low even surface brightness. A very faint mag 16 star is involved. Forms a non-physical pair with NGC 6548 3.7' NE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6549 = m 361 on 27 Jul 1864 and
noted "vF, pL, iR (near III. 555 [= NGC 6548])." His position matches
Édouard Stephan found this galaxy on 8 Jul 1877 (possibly aware of Marth's discovery), with a second observation on 24 Jul 1881. He measured an accurate micrometric position on 19 Jul 1882 and included it in his 12th discovery list (#87). He incorrectly stated St. 12-87 was distinct from GC 4377 [NGC 6548] and GCS 5892 [NGC 6549], so Dreyer assigned a second designation, NGC 6550. But there are only two galaxies here, so NGC 6549 = NGC 6550, with discovery priority to Marth. E.E. Barnard swept up NGC 6548 on 29 Jan 1889 and also observed NGC 6549 on 3 Feb, using the 12-inch Lick refractor. MCG incorrectly equates NGC 6548 = NGC 6549.
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NGC 6550 = NGC 6549 = UGC 11114 = MCG +03-46-012 = CGCG 113-019 = PGC 61404
18 05 49.5 +18 32 16; Her
See observing notes for NGC 6549.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 6550 = St. 12-87 on 8 Jul
1877. His micrometric position
(reduced on 19 Jul 1882) is a perfect match with
Lewis Swift must have examined the field and realized there were only two galaxies here. In his notes to his large 11th discovery list, he mentions "NGC 6550 = H III 555 [NGC 6548]. 6550 must be struck out." In the IC 2 notes, Dreyer repeated that NGC 6550 is identical to NGC 6548 (from Swift), instead of NGC 6549. This error is repeated in UGC, CGCG, NGC 2000.0 and Deep Sky Field Guide (to the Uranometria Sky Atlas). This error is mentioned in Malcolm Thomson's unpublished "Catalogue Corrections". See Harold Corwin's notes for more.
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18 08 45 -29 34 06; Sgr
= NGC 6528 or NGC 6522?, Corwin. =concentration of stars in Milky Way, ESO.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6551= LM 1-230 on 7 Jul 1885 and noted "vF, vS, R, rr." His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is just 17 seconds west of ESO 456-**60, an asterism of a half-dozen stars within 4'. Herbert Howe, probably found this asterism with his 20-inch at Denver around the turn of the century and remarked "simply a few stars of mag 13." ESO (Lauberts) calls it a "Concentration of stars in Milky Way."
But Harold Corwin, who examined Leavenworth's sketch, notes that it shows a globular cluster-like object between two stars and does not match this asterism. So, the group of scattered stars near his position seen by Howe is very unlikely. Corwin suggests NGC 6528 or perhaps NGC 6522 as candidates, though the nearby stars are not a good match with the sketch.
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NGC 6552 = UGC 11096 = MCG +11-22-018 = CGCG 322-026 = PGC 61252
18 00 07.2 +66 36 54; Dra
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 105°
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W, bright core. Located just 10' E of NGC 6543, the Cat's Eye Nebula! Position is nearly coincident with the North Ecliptic Pole so the RA and Dec are virtually constant over time!
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6552 = Sw. 4-66 on 6 Oct 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen while observing NGC 6543. Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 27 May 1886 and recorded in his 4th discovery paper (#66) as "vF; S; cE; [NGC 6543] in field."
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18 09 15.6 -25 54 28; Sgr
V = 8.3; Size 6'; Surf Br = 1.9
24" (7/30/16): at 260x, moderately bright and large, ~3' diameter, weak concentration with no well defined core. A mag 11.8 star is on the northwest side of the halo and fainter stars are on the northeast side (pair) and southwest side, bounding the cluster into a somewhat rectangular appearance. At 432x, the cluster was very lively or mottled with a couple of additional resolved stars and others just on the verge of resolution. A few additional stars were resolved around the edges of the halo.
17.5" (6/6/86): grainy, mottled globular with a single bright star at the north edge and four or five additional stars at the edges may also be resolved members. Located in a rich field. The brightest member star is V = 14.7.
8" (7/31/81): fairly bright, moderately large. A single star is at the north edge, elongated or fan-shaped N-S, no resolution.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6553 = H. IV-12 = h3730 on 22 May 1784 (sweep 223) and recorded "pB, L, difficulty resolving; the nebulosity inclining to milkiness. It is unequally bright." John Herschel called this cluster "globular; vF; a little oval; vglbM; barely r; stars 20m; one * 14m; diam in RA = 7.5 sec." Christian Peters independently found the cluster around 1849 at the Capodimonte Observatory in Naples and claimed it did not appear in any catalogue.
Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 5 Oct 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote "pB, pL, irr shape, gbM, a little elongated 150°, 90" long, 60" broad. Resolvable into extremely minute stars. A multitude of small stars in the field."
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18 08 59 -18 26 06; Sgr
18" (9/3/05): at 115x appears as a large, scattered group of ~100 stars in a 25' x10' region. Most of the brighter stars form a triangular outline with a 15' string of stars oriented NW to SE forming the western leg of the triangle being most evident. A number of faint stars pepper the interior at 225x, though at this power the group filled the field and was not recognizable at all. This appears to be a random Milky Way asterism although the triangular outline is somewhat detached in the field at low power. Contains a number of mag 10.5-11.5 star although there is no single brighter star. A fairly small triangle of stars including a mag 11 pair at 27" is off the west side.
17.5" (8/12/01): large, very scattered, elongated group at 100x. Roughly three dozen stars are visible in an arbitrary 20'x6' region, extended NW-SE. A close quadruple is at the west side of the NW end. There are no rich concentrations and the group looks just like an random asterism. At 220x, ~50 stars are seen with some faint clumps visible but as the group now fills the field I would not have noticed it at all at this power. The outline is easier to trace along the western flank and around the NW end. An evenly matched mag 12 pair is off the west side but is not within the main group. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6554 = h1995 on 14 Jul 1830 and recorded "A v coarse and scattered but p rich cluster of L and S stars. Has several double stars in it." A 24" pair of mag 10/12 stars just 1' north of Herschel's position in a Milky Way field. Karl Reinmuth reported "many st in milky way, no distinct Cl" and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7). Harold Corwin notes that although this is likely not a true cluster, Herschel's position and description matches this field.
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18 07 49.3 +17 36 17; Her
V = 12.4; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 110°
17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, moderately large, almost round, mild concentration but no sharp core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6555 = H. II-902 on 29 Jun 1799 (sweep 1090) and recorded "F, pL, R, vgbM, about 3 1/2' dia." A few minutes earlier he noted that twilight was very strong. His time is 20 seconds too small and declination 1' too far south. Herman Schultz measured a micrometric position at Uppsala (used in the NGC), but it was 40 seconds of time too small, so he probably either made a copying error or misidentified the comparison star. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 16 Jun 1884 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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18 09 57 -27 31 30; Sgr
24" (7/7/13): very bright but patchy Milky Way field,
rich in faint stars at 125x (21mm Ethos).
Excellent region to scan, although no distinct boundaries or dark clouds
to isolate the object, so does not stand out conspicuously. The position, though, was easy to
identify as an as a large triangle (sides ~12') with four mag 7-8 stars
(including
John Herschel discovered NGC 6556 = h3732 on 15 Jul 1836 and recorded "Cl VI. An oval patch comprised within limits of the field, barely resolvable into infinitely minute points, but which, without attention, appears as a great nebula 15' l; 12' br; hardly bM." In his survey of NGC objects with the 20-inch refractor at Denver, Herbert Howe wrote "I see nothing in the entire region except thousands of the minutest stars." Dreyer noted "No nebulosity (Howe)" in the IC 2 Notes.
Although there is no cluster per se, Harold Corwin writes that Herschel's position falls in a "complex region of star clouds and obscuring dust clouds near the Galactic Center."
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18 21 24.8 -76 34 59; Oct
V = 13.0; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 77°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x appeared moderately bright, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.7', brighter core. Located 14' E of mag 7.1 HD 15844 and 8.6' W of a 25" pair of mag 10.4/12.5 stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6557 = h3728 on 30 Jun 1835 and logged "vF; R; glbM; 15"." His position in the Cape Catalogue and GC is accurate, but Dreyer made a typo in the NGC and placed this object 50° too far north. The error was caught and corrected in the IC 1 Notes.
RNGC classifies this as an "Unverified Southern Object" (Type 0). it is missing from the ESO-LV, Deep Sky Field Guide and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 Sky Atlas.
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18 10 18.3 -31 45 49; Sgr
V = 9.8; Size 3.7'; Surf Br = 1.4
17.5" (7/29/92): moderately bright, small, 1.5'-2.0' diameter, irregular outline. Has a fairly smooth halo with a small bright core offset to the north side with a stellar nucleus sometimes visible. Five or six very faint mag 14.5-15 stars are embedded within the halo. Located in a rich star field.
8" (7/31/86): faint, small, round, six faint stars lie to the south.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6558 = h3731 on 3 Aug 1834 and recorded "globular cluster; not vB; R; glbM; 2'; resolved. The stars barely discernible." On sweep 794 (June 1837) he logged "globular; pB; irreg R; gmbM; composed of st 16m, on a milky way ground of mixed L and vS stars." This object may be a compact open cluster.
Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 5 Oct 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote "pB, pS, round, gbM, resolvable clluster of very minute stars. A multitude of small stars in the field." It was described as "probably be classed as a globular" in the 1921 Helwan list (based on photos taken in 1914-16).
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18 09 58 -24 06 36; Sgr
Size 8'x5'
17.5" (7/20/96): at 140x an irregular glow is easily visible surrounding a group of 5 stars and brightest around a 30" pair of mag 9.5/10.5 stars. The 4'x3' nebulosity extends mainly to the west and NW of this pair. Best view probably unfiltered at 140x (nebulosity dims with OIII and similar with UHC), but with a UHC filter a very large hazy nebulosity ~10' diameter stands out to the northwest involving a number of brighter stars.
17.5" (7/17/93): observation made at 100x using an OIII filter: Brightest portion of extensive nebulous complex, most prominent along two converging rows of stars oriented SW-NE and NW-SE. A mag 10 star is located in the second chain. This description appears to describe the large region of nebulosity to the NW of NGC 6559 mentioned in the July '96 observation.
17.5" (6/20/87): 88x with UHC filter: fairly bright, fairly large nebulosity about 5' diameter. Surrounds two mag 11 stars and extending to four or five fainter mag 12/13 stars.
13.1" (7/16/82): fairly faint, curved strip of nebulosity, includes five stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6559 = h1996 = h3733 on 1 Jul 1826 and recorded "several stars affected with nebulosity; the brightest taken." His position corresponds with a mag 8.8 star (brighter of pair) clearly involved with nebulosity. The CGH catalogue lists a similar position and notes "vF; L; oblong; 5' long; 3' broad; place of a D* involved; 6 other st near. Query, if involved."
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18 05 14.0 +46 52 53; Her
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 55°
24" (7/20/17): at 225x and 375x; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~45"x30", broad concentration, small slightly brighter core. There is a strong suggestion of a spiral arm on the southeast side [galaxy is a bit "beefier" on this end], extending a short distance north. Situated 2' SW of a mag 10.4 star (with a companion at ~30") and two 10th magnitude stars lie 5' ESE.
17.5" (8/3/89): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, low almost even surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6560 = Sw. 5-84 on 22 Oct 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; iR; 5 stars near sf in a line, middle one double." His position is 1' too far northeast and the distinctive string of stars is 4'-5' east-southeast.
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18 10 30 -16 43 30; Sgr
17.5" (7/27/95): very large, fairly rich Milky Way field, roughly 15'x10' elongated ~N-S. Along the eastern border are four mag 9 stars with a 28" pair at the midpoint of the other two bright stars which are oriented SW-NE at 7' separation. The stars are fairly evenly distributed and includes a large number of mag 12-13 stars with a background of very faint stars at 220x. Unable to determine any specific borders or count the large number of stars but the group stands out reasonably well at 80x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6561 = H. VIII-54 = h1997 on 27 Jun 1786 (sweep 576) and recorded "a coarsely scattered cluster of considerably L stars. The place is that of a small triangle or treble star." John Herschel observed this group of stars twice, first noting on 2 Aug 1826, "very coarsely straggling and loose, hardly entitled to be called a cluster. The place (roughly taken) is that of 2 or 3 bright stars." RNGC classifies this object as a nonexistent cluster.
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18 05 00.9 +56 15 47; Dra
V = 13.7; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, very small, round, 0.5' diameter, small bright core. A mag 14 star is about 30" off the SW edge and 51" from center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6562 = Sw. 1-85 on 8 Jun 1885 and logged "F; pS; BM; R; bet 2 st." His position is 10 seconds of RA too large. Howe measured an accurate micrometric position in 1899-00.
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18 12 02.5 -33 52 06; Sgr
V = 10.8; Size 50"x37"; PA = 50°
24" (7/11/18): at 200x and NPB filter; bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~50" diameter, crisp-edged, irregular surface brightness, weakly annular, resides in a rich star field. At 375x the elongation was more evident as well as a noticeably irregular surface brightness with slightly darker interior areas. A faint star is at the SSW edge and one or two extremely faint stars seemed to be superimposed.
18" (7/16/07): at 323x appears as a fairly bright, sharply defined disc, slightly elongated SW-NE and perhaps 48"x40". The disc exhibits a subtle irregularity in surface brightness but there was no evident annularity. A couple of extremely faint stars occasionally sparkled over the disc, though it was difficult to tell if one was situated right at the center.
17.5" (6/28/00): at 280x this moderately bright PN appears elongated 5:4 SW-NE, ~50"x40". The surface brightness is pretty smooth with no sign of a central star. A UHC filter provided a moderate contrast gain. Set is a rich star field.
13.1" (8/17/85): observation at 166x and 220x: fairly
faint, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, no annularity. Prominent using UHC filter, moderate
surface brightness. Located in a
rich star field 15' ESE of mag 6.2
8" (7/16/82): faint, elongated N-S, fairly small.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6563 = h3734 on 7 Jun 1837 and recorded "a L, F, oval, planetary nebula, about 60" long, 50" broad, or 55"; considerably hazy, or rather indistinctly terminated at the borders, but not bM; a star 6-7m precedes it, just 1 diameter of the field and nearly in the parallel."
Glen Clozens has suggested James Dunlop possibly discovered this planetary on 3 Sep 1826 and reported D 606 as a "faint nebula, about 1 1/4' long and 30" or 40" broad, with a considerable brightness near each end and faint in the middle, resembling two small nebulae joined." But his single position is 36' to the NE (off by 25' in both RA and Dec) and generally Dunlop underestimated diameters, not overestimated as would be the case here.
Joseph Turner sketched the planetary on 30 Jul 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope as an oval and "a close double star just touches its south edge."
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6565 as "a faint oval 50"x37" in p.a. 50°; stronger regions at the ends of the minor axis give it an indistinct ring or shell effect; it is considerably fainter along, and at the ends of the major axis."
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18 09 02.4 +17 23 40; Her
= **?, Gottlieb. =***?, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6564 = m 362 on 15 May 1864 and noted "eF, vS." There is nothing near his position and no galaxy catalogue has a listing for NGC 6564. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6564 may be a triple star at the position given here, though this is very uncertain as his description is of no help.
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NGC 6565 = PK 3-4.5 = PN G003.5-04.6 = ESO 456-70
18 11 52.4 -28 10 43; Sgr
V = 11.4; Size 10"x8"
17.5" (8/17/01): picked up at 100x as fuzzy mag 12 star. At 500x in good seeing, I had an excellent view of a crisp, slightly elongated 10" disc with an irregular surface brightness. In steadier moments, annularity was evident and there appeared to be a tiny darker hole in the center with a brighter rim but no hint of a central star. NGC 6565 is situated within a rich Sagittarius star field with a few faint stars within 1' and several brighter stars in the field.
13.1" (8/17/85): at 166x and UHC filter; moderately bright, small, round, clearly non-stellar, 10" diameter, high surface brightness. Easy at 360x without filter, appears slightly elongated NW-SE, no central star visible. Similar view on 8/11/85.
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6565 = HN 42 on 14 Jul 1880
with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory. NGC 6565 was the second of 17
planetaries he found using a direct-vision spectroscope attached to the large
refractor. He announced the
discovery of the first dozen in Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882. Compared to
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6565 as "a minute oval ring 10"x8" in p.a. about 5°. Considerably fainter along the major axis, and the center is relatively vacant."
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18 07 00.6 +52 15 37; Dra
V = 14.5; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, extremely small, round. A mag 15 star is 0.6' W of center and an extremely faint mag 16 star is at the NW edge.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6566 on 27 Oct 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His single position is 1.4' too far north. He mentions a mag 16 star is near. This may be either of the stars mentioned in my observation.
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18 13 45.2 -19 04 33; Sgr
V = 10.9; Size 11"x7"
18" (8/14/07): picked up at 94x as a
"bloated" blue star of 11th magnitude. Easy to verify with a UHC blink though only a moderate
contrast gain. Situated in a
beautiful star field on the southwest side of the Small Sagittarius Star
Cloud. A very long dark lane (part
of
17.5" (7/8/94): bright very compact planetary at 220x
with a mag 13 star at the east edge.
Excellent contrast gain with OIII filter. At 280x, a high surface brightness small disc was visible
and cleanly resolved from the following star. Has a brighter center but no central star was seen. Located in a very rich Milky Way field
on the SW side of the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud (
8" (8/15/82): appears as a mag 11 "star" at 100x. Slightly non-stellar at 200x. A slightly elongated disc N-S is visible at 400x. Forms a close pair with a mag 12 star just east. Situated in a rich star field.
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6567 on 18 Aug 1882 using a direct-vision spectroscope with the 15-inch refractor at the Harvard College Observatory. NGC 6567 was the 9th of 17 planetaries he found using this technique. His RA, though, was 1.5 minutes too small. The discovery was announced in AN 2459 and Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6567 as "an oval dic, growing rapidly brighter toward the center; 8"x5" in p.a. 150° in the shorter and about 11"x7" in the longer exposures. Exceedingly faint ansae are suspected in the prolongation of the major axis, making the total length 20", but these may be very faint stars..."
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18 12 44 -21 37 42; Sgr
Size 13'
17.5" (8/1/92): at 82x, 75 stars mag 11-14 in 15'x10' region elongated N-S. Appears as a large enhancement of the Milky Way with no sharp edges. Most stars are at the periphery and the central region is devoid of stars. An irregular outline is formed by winding arcs of stars in a "S" pattern with most stars 13th magnitude. The densest region is a very winding lane along the NW edge.
8" (6/5/81): faint, rich dusting of mag 11-13 stars, forms a nice arc. A mag 5.5 star is 30' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6568 = H. VII-30 = h1998 = h3735 on 26 May 1786 (sweep 566) and recorded "a cluster of pS, scattered stars; above 15' diameter." His position is good. From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel called this object a "cluster VIII class; loose; scattered; fills field; is decidedly richer than any part of the milky way that has occurred tonight."
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18 13 38.8 -31 49 35; Sgr
V = 8.7; Size 5.8'; Surf Br = 1.6
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, fairly small, round,
2.5' diameter, weakly concentrated but no distinct core. The surface brightness is irregular and
the cluster is mottled with darker areas on the east side. But there was no definite resolution
into stars. Four stars cradle the
globular to the southwest and southeast and mag 6.6
8" (7/31/81): faint, small, round, no resolution. A mag 7 star is 9' S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6569 = H. II-201 = D 619 = h3736 on 13 Jul 1784 (sweep 237) and recorded "F, pL, lbM, r." His position (Caroline's reduction) is 9' too far NE. This globular was the second most southerly object WH discovered.
James Dunlop observed the globular on 2 Jun 1826 and recorded (2 observations) "a pretty well-defined round nebula, about 2' diameter, slight condensation to the centre."
On 3 Aug 1834 (sweep 478), John Herschel described the cluster as "globular; pB; L; R; glbM; 4' diam, resolved into stars 15m." He also noted that on 16 Jul 1836 the cluster was "Found in equatorial [5-inch refractor] in a zone review for double stars, where it appeared as a F, R neb 1' diam."
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18 11 07.3 +14 05 34; Oph
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 30°
17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, oval SSW-NNE, fairly small, very weak concentration, rich star field. Bracketed by four mag 13-14 stars.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6570 = m 363, d'A on 2 Jun 1864
and noted "pF, pL, R."
His position and description matches
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18 10 49.4 +21 14 19; Her
V = 14.3; Size 0.4'x0.4'
17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated,
broad concentration. First in the
large
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6571 = m 364 on 27 Jul 1864 and
noted "eF, vS, stell."
His position is less than 1' due south of
******************************
NGC 6572 = PK 34+11.1 = PN G034.6+11.8 = ∑6 = Blue Racquetball Nebula = Emerald Nebula
18 12 06.3 +06 51 13; Oph
V = 8.0; Size 16"x13"
48" (4/4/11): I only took a quick look at this colorful planetary in the 48-inch at the end of the last night when the seeing the poor, but I could tell the very high surface brightness blue/green component was surrounded by much fainter outer halo that appeared slightly pinkish!
24" (9/1/16): at 200x, 375x and 500x; extremely high surface brightness, saturated blue-green disc slightly elongated oval N-S, perhaps 14"x10". A very thin shell appears to encase the disc and occasionally an extremely low surface brightness outer halo appears to extend mostly north and south.
18" (8/2/05): at 225x I noticed an interesting color effect; although the color was a quite prominent bluish-green, while staring at the center the planetary decreased in size and the color changed to a deep emerald green (color vision is strongest with a direct view).
18" (8/14/04): at 225x, strikingly bright emerald green oval, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~15"x12". Increasing to 435x this compact planetary appears elongated 3:2, ~16"x11" and brightens towards the center with direct vision, although the color becomes bluish and washed out. The surface brightness is too high to pick out a central star. There appears to be small, faint envelope encasing the planetary.
18" (7/20/04): at 225x this small planetary is very bright, with an obvious blue-green color. Generally, the color appeared a vivid emerald green and other times there was bluish tint to the color. The main body is only ~8" in size with a thin halo elongated ~SW-NE increasing the size to roughly 15"x11". It appears to have a much larger, very low surface brightness halo, though perhaps this is scattered light as the planetary has such as a high surface brightness. This halo is still evident at 322x, roughly 30" in diameter.
17.5" (6/3/00): at 220x appears as a very bright, small, intense blue oval, ~15"x12". At 280x-500x, a thin outer envelope is obvious with the inner oval a uniform high surface brightness. No central star visible.
13.1" (8/24/84): very bright, small, about 15" diameter, slightly elongated N-S, extremely high surface brightness, blue color. Very faint outer halo is elongated N-S. No central star seen.
8" (7/79): bright, small, very high surface brightness.
Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 6572 = ∑ 6 = h2000 on 18 Jul 1825 with the 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor at the Dorpat Observatory. It was included in a list of 9 "Nebulae detectae" in an appendix to his main catalogue of double stars, which was published in 1827. According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Bessel earlier measured NGC 6572 in 1822 during his "Zone observations" at Konigsberg, but didn't mention it as being nebulous.
John Herschel first observed this planetary on 9 May 1828 and recorded "a beautiful round, perfectly well defined and brilliant disc, equally a star 8-9 mag. White equably bright. Well seen in broad morning twilight. A * 9-10m follows, 2' dist. The sweeping power shows it as a * of large diameter, which could not escape examination in a good night; with 240 the disc seen as described. It cannot be more than 4" diameter." On 19 Aug 1830, Herschel showed the planetary to Wilhelm Struve at Slough. Auwers made several measurements of the size, including 6.4"x5.3", and Secchi (1856) measured it at 7.5"x7.2" and noted a brighter center. At Birr Castle, the color was described as "very blue".
William Huggins first observed the emission spectrum in 1864 and reported seeing three lines. It was confirmed by Father Angelo Secchi in 1866 (3 lines) and again in 1868 by Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel. He was stationed in Bangalore, India for a trigoometric survey, but performed an early spectroscopic survey of southern nebulae.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6572 as "an oval disk, fading out slightly towards edges, 14"x9" in a 5 min exposure and 16"x13" in the long exposure. No structural details visible."
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18 13 54 -22 09 48; Sgr
Size 12'
24" (7/7/13): at 125x this is a nice 12' field (not a
cluster) with the stars mostly arranged in three distinct groups. On the west side is an 8' string
oriented NW-SE with a clump at the NW end. On the north side is more scattered circular group of a couple
dozen stars. Finally on the east
side is another elongated group oriented NW-SE with the brighter stars on the
SE end. This field is located 25'
due west of the rich cluster
John Herschel discovered NGC 6573 = h1999 on 28 Jul 1830 and reported "A cluster composed of 2 or 3 clusters of very small stars, and loose large ones. Perhaps this is an outlier of V. 31 [NGC 6583]." NGC 6583 lies 2.0 min of RA east of Herschel's position. ESO calls this number NGC 6573 a "Concentration of 5 or 6 stars only".
According to Harold Corwin, Jeff Corder suggested this was a large scattered clump of stars right around Herschel's position, based on an observation with his 17/5-inch. This is the same group of stars described in my observation.
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18 11 51.2 +14 58 54; Her
V = 12.0; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 160°
17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration. A mag 14 star is involved at the south end 30" from the center.
8" (6/19/82): faint, small, slightly elongated N-S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6574 = m 365 on 9 Jul 1863 and
noted "pB, S, R." His
position is accurate. Stephan
discovered the galaxy again on 19 Jun 1876 (was he already aware of it?). His position was recorded in his
logbook just 1' to the S. But there is nothing at his reduced
position in his 7th discovery list, #21 (later
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18 10 57.6 +31 06 57; Her
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 65°
24" (9/5/18): at 225x and 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~0.6'x0.45', well concentrated with a very bright, very small nucleus. An extremely low surface brightness halo increases the diameter to ~1.0'x0.75'.
17.5" (8/3/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE,
bright core. Forms a pair with IC
1277 9' SW. Located 8.0' S of mag
8.2
Truman Safford discovered NGC 6575 = Sf. 33 = St. 12-88 on 7 Jun 1866 and recorded "bN (12m) diam 20"." Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 8 Jul 1874 (perhaps aware of Safford's discovery?). He included it in his 12th discovery (#88), with an accurate position measured on 1 Jul 1880 and description "mB, S, R." Safford's discovery wasn't published until 1887 when the NGC was going to press, so Stephan was credited with the discovery.
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18 11 48.0 +21 25 42; Her
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (7/16/88): extremely faint, very small, round,
weak concentration. Located 3.3'
SW of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6576 = m 366, along with NGC 6577, 6579 and 6580, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, vS." His position is 1' too far north.
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NGC 6577 = UGC 11148 = MCG +04-43-009 = CGCG 142-017 = PGC 61543
18 12 01.2 +21 27 49; Her
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, round, small bright core. A mag 14/15 double star is 1' E. Located in the NGC 6579/NGC 6580 group with NGC 6576 3.3' SW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6577 = m 367 = Sf. 30, along with NGC 6576, 6579 and 6580, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S." His position is accurate. Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy on 6 Jun 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. The discovery was not announced until the 1887 Dearborn Observatory publication.
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18 16 16.4 -20 27 02; Sgr
V = 12.6; Size 13"x10"
17.5" (8/17/01): Situated within a clump of stars at 100x and appeared stellar at low power. At 500x, a small unevenly lit 4" disc was easily visible close ENE [21"] of a mag 11 star. An extremely faint star is just off the SE edge and an evenly matched 20" pair of mag 11 stars lie 1' SE. Located 7' NW of a mag 7 star.
13.1" (6/18/85): just non-stellar at 220x, estimate V =
13.0, 5" diameter. Suspected
nebulous at 144x, confirmed by UHC blinking. Located 7.2' NW of mag 7.1
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6578 on 18 Aug 1882 using a direct-vision spectroscope with the 15-inch refractor at the Harvard College Observatory. NGC 6578 was found on the same night with NGC 6439 and NGC 6567. His RA, though, was 1.5 minutes too small (same error as NGC 6567) and his declination was 10' too far north. The discovery was announced in AN 2459 and Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported NGC 6578 as "nucleus almost stellar; mag 15. Disk nearly round, 8.5" in diameter; no ansae or structural details discernable."
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NGC 6579 = MCG +04-43-011 = CGCG 142-022 = Holm 775b = WBL 652-007 = PGC 61562
18 12 31.8 +21 25 14; Her
V = 13.7; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.9
17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, very small, slightly elongated. A mag 15.5 star is 30" SW (this is a double star on the POSS). Nearly attached at the SW edge of NGC 6580 (34" separation) in a large group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6579 = m 368, along with NGC
6580, 6576 and 6577, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "F, Dneb [with NGC
6580]." His position is less
than 1' north of
CGCG misidentifies
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NGC 6580 = MCG +04-43-012 = CGCG 142-022 = Holm 775a = PGC 61566
18 12 33.7 +21 25 35; Her
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 126°
17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, elongated NW-SE, small bright core, diffuse halo. A mag 12 star is off the north edge. Forms a double system with NGC 6579 off the SW edge 34" from centers. Brightest in the cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6580 = m 369 = Sf. 31, along with NGC 6579, 6576 and 6577, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "F, Dneb [with NGC 6579]." His position matches CGCG 142-022 = PGC 61566. Truman Safford rediscovered this galaxy on 6 Jun 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. CGCG misidentifies CGCG 142-020 as NGC 6579/6580. This error is mentioned in Malcolm Thomson's unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".
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18 12 18.4 +25 39 44; Her
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 56°
17.5" (7/8/89): faint, small, round. A mag 14.5 star is at the NE end and a
mag 15 star at the south end.
Image confused by these two close faint stars. A wide pair of stars is 12' SW. Located in the
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6581 = St. 1-9 on 30 Jun 1869
with description "barely visible, seems hazy, very small, between two
faint stars." His unpublished
position was only 1' SSW of
Bigourdan independently found this galaxy on 1 Jul 1886
while searching for NGC 6581 and listed it as Big. 222 in his fifth Comptes
Rendus list. Dreyer recatalogued
the galaxy as
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18 11 05.2 +49 54 33; Her
V = 13.5/14.3; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
14.5" (8/31/21): at 264x; the brighter eastern member of the NGC 6582 pair (33" between centers) was faint, fairly small, round, 25"-30" diameter. The western galaxy took some effort and was quite faint, small, round, 0.3' diameter. The pair is very close but just separated.
24" (7/28/16): at 260x; the brighter eastern member
(
17.5" (7/22/01): the eastern component of this double
system is faint, fairly small, round, ~30" diameter. Just off the northwest end is MCG
+08-33-029, a fainter companion that was cleanly resolved in good seeing. It appeared very faint, very small,
slightly elongated, 0.3'x0.2'.
17.5" (8/3/89): this is the following member of a double system. Faint, small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A companion is very close west just 33" separation between centers and appears very faint, small, round, low surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6582 = Sw. 4-67 on 24 Jul 1884
and recorded "eeF; pS; R; in vacancy, between 6 stars like sickle in Leo,
and 4 like alpha, beta, gamma and delta Ursae Majoris." His position is 14 seconds of RA west
of the double system
MCG and PGC (and secondary sources including Megastar software) misidentify CGCG 254-021 as NGC 6582. This is a fainter galaxy that does not match Swift's description. UGC has the correct identification.
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NGC 6583 = Cr 370 = ESO 590-011
18 15 49 -22 08 18; Sgr
Size 3'
24" (7/7/13): excellent, very rich cluster at 175x with at least 50 stars mag 12-15, many of which are arranged in long intersecting lanes. Three distinct strings of stars stand out. Some brighter stars are off the south side. NGC 6573 (asterism) lies 25' due west.
17.5" (8/1/92): fairly faint, small, very rich. Contains 30 mag 13-15 stars in a 3'x2' field. Appears elongated SSW-NNE due to string of five stars through the center. Also a curving string of a half-dozen stars extends out of the cluster to the west. Three mag 11-12 stars are a few arc minutes off the SE edge.
8" (7/16/82): few faint stars resolved over haze, appear rich but stars too faint to resolve well.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6583 = H. VII-31 = h2001 = h3739 on 26 May 1786 (sweep 566) and recorded "a cluster of very small, and pretty compressed stars, considerably rich; 2 or 3' diam, but twilight too strong to see it well." From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel logged "oblong cluster, not v rich nor v compressed, but well insulated; stars 13m; 5' long; 4' broad." His position is accurate.
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18 18 37.6 -52 12 55; Tel
V = 8.6; Size 7.9'; Surf Br = 0.3
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x this globular appeared fairly bright, moderately large, ~4' diameter with a broad concentration and a fairly symmetric appearance. It was resolved into a couple of dozen faint stars, mostly in the halo, which appeared a bit ragged. The central core was very mottled but unresolved. A few brighter mag 11 stars are just outside the halo, but these appeared to be foreground stars. A mag 7.5 star is 13' NW and mag 7.0 star 15' NNE. Located 2.8° SE of mag 3.7 Theta Arae at a distance of ~45,000 light years in the inner halo.
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 127x appeared fairly faint, ~3.5' diameter, broadly concentrated to a 2' core. The globular seemed slightly elongated ~NNW-SSE. Three mag 11 stars cradle the globular on the south, east and northwest sides but appear to be field stars. A few faint stars were just resolved in the halo but the central region was unresolved.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): moderately bright, fairly small, 3' diameter, round, broad concentration to core. Slight resolution at edges and three brighter field stars are off the NW, west and SW sides. Observed at 14° elevation from Baja.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6584 = D 376 = h3737 on 5 Jun 1826 and described (summary) a "pretty bright round nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, moderately condensed to the centre; three very small stars involved in the preceding margin." He claims 4 observations and his position is 6.5' due west of center. John Herschel made two observations, first recording on 8 Jul 1834, "globular cluster; B; R; gmbM; entirely resolved into stars 16m; easily seen."
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18 12 21.6 +39 37 58; Her
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 50°
24" (9/6/18): fairly bright, fairly large, edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, ~1.5'x0.25', brighter core, irregular surface brightness. The mottled appearance strongly suggested a dusty surface and this was later verified on the PanSTARRS image. Nestled in a striking location, surrounded by a group of brighter stars to the north, east and south [extending ~9'x4' N-S].
17.5" (8/3/89): fairly faint, fairly small, edge-on SW-NE, weak concentration. Located within a group of ten mag 10-12 stars including a mag 11 star 1.5' N and a mag 10 star 2.5' NE that is collinear with the major axis.
Edward Swift, the 16 year-old son of Lewis, discovered NGC
6585 = Sw. 9-87 on 25 May 1887. He reported, "eeeF; pS; E; eee diff;
between several bright stars."
The Swift's position is 3' north of
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18 13 38.5 +21 05 24; Her
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 105°
17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, weak
concentration. A mag 13 star is
off the south edge 0.6' from center.
Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6586 = m 370, along with NGC
6591, on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, S, R." His position is within 1' of
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18 13 50.8 +18 49 31; Her
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, small, almost round, very bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 1.4' NNW. Located in a rich field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6587 = m 371 on 31 Jul 1864 and noted "F, vS, R, stell." His position is accurate to within 30".
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18 20 33 -63 48 30; Pav
= several faint stars, ESO. Not found, Dreyer.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6588 = h3738 on 8 Jun 1836 and
recorded "eF; S; among st. A
* 6m sp 10' distant." There
is nothing but faint stars near his position, which seems to be accurate as a
mag 6.2 star (
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18 16 53 -19 46 42; Sgr
Size 5'x4'
17.5" (8/18/01): at 100x (unfiltered) this is a bright,
roundish glow, ~4' diameter, surrounding a wide pair of mag 10/11.5 stars. On the following side, a small 1' glow
seems overlapping, causing the east side to bulge out and extending the
diameter to 5'x4'. Forms a
prominent pair with
17.5" (6/20/87): at 88x with UHC filter appears as a
bright, prominent nebula surrounding a mag 9 star. The nebulosity is more extensive on the following side of
the star. Forms a pair with
reflection nebula
13.1" (7/16/82): very faint, larger than NGC 6590 to
the south. Surrounds two
stars.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 6589 = Sf. 81 = Sw. 2-63 on 28 Aug 1867 and noted "*10m [with] pF nebulosity." His position is 2.6' too far north, but accurate in RA. Lewis Swift independently discovered this reflection nebula on 12 Jul 1885 and recorded "Another D* in center of an eF, pL nebulosity; np of 2 [with NGC 6590]. Except for the inequality of the stars and the excessive faintness of the nebula, it would resemble the preceding [Sw. 2-62 = NGC 6590]." Swift's position was 35 seconds of time too far west (same error as NGC 6590, found the same night). As Safford's discovery list was not published until 1887 when Dreyer had already compiled the NGC table, Swift was credited with the discovery. E.E. Barnard measured an accurate micrometric position, which was published in AN 3101 and repeated in the IC I Notes section.
Finally, Harold Corwin suggests that Barnard's
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NGC 6590 = NGC 6595 = IC 4700 = ESO 590-15 = Lund 819 = LBN 43 = vdB 119 = Ced 157b
18 17 05 -19 52 00; Sgr
Size 4'x3'
17.5" (8/18/01): at 100x, this reflection nebula appears as a bright, round glow surrounding a similar pair (h2827) of 10th magnitude stars separated by 20". The glow is fairly large, extending roughly 4' in diameter. Forms a similar pair of RN with NGC 6589 6' NNW. The entire field is weakly glowing and this nebulosity is connected to the large region IC 1283/84 to the NE. A dark patch or globule on the NW side was not seen with certainty.
17.5" (6/20/87): at 88x with UHC filter appears as a bright, prominent nebulosity surrounding a pair of mag 10 stars. Similar or slightly larger than NGC 6589 in field 7' NNW.
13.1" (7/16/82): moderately bright, small, surrounds a closely matched double star.
Lewis Swift found NGC 6590 = Sw. 2-62, along with NGC 6589, on 12 Jul 1885 and recorded "A nebulous D*; pF; sf of 2. A D* in center of a pF, pL circular atmosphere, each * of the 8.5 mag and about 20" distant. A wonderful object, not diff". His position is 45 seconds of RA too far west, but his description clearly applies to this bright reflection nebula.
John Herschel was the original discoverer on 14 Jul 1830 and it was catalogued as h2002 = GC 4395 = NGC 6595. Herschel's position was good, so it's surprising that Swift didn't realize the prior discovery. E.E. Barnard corrected Swift's poor RA in AN 3101 and Dreyer noted NGC 6590 = NGC 6595 in the IC 1 Notes section. By order of discovery, NGC 6595 should take precedence, though for some reason this reflection nebula is generally called NGC 6590. Barnard's IC 4700, which derives from his mention that BD -19°4946 was densely nebulous (from a review of various photographic nebulae in AN 4239 in 1908), is another identity! See Corwin's identification notes..
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18 14 03.5 +21 03 48; Her
Size 0.3'x0.1'; PA = 95°
17.5" (7/16/88): extremely faint, small, possibly elongated. A mag 15 star is at the south edge and a wide mag 13.5 pair is 1' NW. Located 6' ESE of NGC 6586 in the NGC 6579/80 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6591 = m 372, along with NGC
6586, on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "eeF, vS, stell." His position is 3 seconds west and less
than 1' south of
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18 09 50.8 +61 25 19; Dra
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (7/19/12): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, small brighter core. A mag 12.3 star lies 1.7' W. First in a group of 8 NGC galaxies (all discovered by Swift) and one IC.
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round, bright core. An extremely faint star is possibly at the west edge. First in a group of at least 7 extremely faint galaxies.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6592 = Sw. 1-86 on 14 Jun 1885
and recorded "vF; vS; R; nearly bet. 2 stars." His position is 14 seconds of RA west
of
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18 14 03.5 +22 17 02; Her
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 170°
17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 30" N.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6593 = m 373 = St. 7-20 on 10 Jun 1864. His position was 1.8' too far south. Stephan observed this galaxy on 21 Jun 1871 (perhaps known from Lassell's publication in 1867). He measured an accurate position on 23 Jun 1876 and reported it as new in his 7th discovery paper (#20) with description, "excessively small and faint, round, slightly brighter middle." Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.
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18 10 05.5 +61 08 00; Dra
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 90°
24" (7/19/12): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3
E-W, 24"x18". Second in
a group of 8 NGC galaxies (and one IC), with
17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint, very small, slightly
elongated ~E-W. Located 5.8' SW of
mag 7.8
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6594 = Sw. 1-87, along with NGC
6597, on 14 Jun 1885 and recorded "vF; vS; R; between a F and a more
distant B *. 2nd of 8." His position is at the north edge of
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NGC 6595 = NGC 6590 = IC 4700 = ESO 590-15 = Lund 819 = LBN 43 = Cr 371 = vdB 119 = Ced 157b
18 17 05 -19 52 00; Sgr
Size 4'x3'
17.5" (8/18/01): at 100x, this reflection nebula appears as a bright, round glow surrounding a similar pair (h2827) of 10th magnitude stars separated by 20". The glow is fairly large, extending roughly 4' in diameter. Forms a similar pair of RN with NGC 6589 6' NNW. The entire field is weakly glowing and this nebulosity is connected to the large region IC 1283/84 to the NE. A dark patch or globule on the NW side was not seen with certainty.
17.5" (6/20/87): at 88x with UHC filter appears as a bright, prominent nebulosity surrounding a pair of mag 10 stars. Similar or slightly larger than NGC 6589 in field 7' NNW.
13.1" (7/16/82): moderately bright, small, surrounds a closely matched double star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6595 = h2002 on 14 Jul 1830 and recorded "a double * h2827, involved in a pB large nebula 50". See description of that star." He reobserved this object the next two nights as well as sketched it. The RA was only measured on one sweep, but his position and description clearly apply to the bright RN surrounding the double star h2827.
Lewis Swift independently found this reflection nebula on 12 Jul 1885, though his RA for NGC 6590 in his second discovery paper was 45 seconds too small. Barnard also mentioned that the central star (BD -19°4946) was densely nebulous in AN 4239 and the nebula also received the designation IC 4700. Dreyer missed the equivalence with the previous NGC identifications, but NGC 6590 = NGC 6595 = IC 4700 (see NGC 6590 for more).
Sky Catalogue 2000.0 labels the nebula as NGC 6590/6595 and NGC 6595 is also catalogued as an open cluster at the same position (from Lynga). The RNGC has an error in declination, placing NGC 6590/6595 9' too far south.
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18 17 33 -16 39 00; Sgr
Size 5'
17.5" (8/10/91): about two dozen stars in a 5' diameter. Unusual arrangement as the stars form a perfect ellipse outline elongated N-S. The brightest mag 10.5 star is at the north end. A small group is to the southeast of the mag 10.5 star. The ellipse is only broken on the east side and the center is void of stars. Two nice faint double stars are on the northwest side. Just barely stands out in a very rich field with many bright stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6596 = H. VIII-55 = h2003 on 27 Jun 1786 (sweep 576) and recorded "a coarsely scattered cluster of large stars." His position is on the north side of the cluster. John Herschel made a single observation and simply noted "a cluster with a triple star in it."
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NGC 6597 = MCG +10-26-020 = CGCG 301-018 = PGC 61520
18 11 13.4 +61 10 50; Dra
V = 14.8; Size 0.9'x0.45'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 99°
24" (7/19/12): faint, small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 18"x12", gradually increases to a faint stellar nucleus. Situated 3.3' E of mag 8.2 HD 167347. In a 30' group of 9 NGC/IC galaxies with NGC 6594 8.7' WSW.
17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint, very small, elongated
~E-W. Located 3.3' E of mag 7.8
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6597 = Sw. 1-89, along with NGC 6594, on 14 Jun 1885 and recorded "vF; vS; R; diff. by proximity to a B *." His position is just 9 seconds of RA too small and the bright star is mag 8.2 HD 167347.
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18 08 56.0 +69 04 04; Dra
V = 13.2; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 40°
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 15.5 star is at the east end.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6598 = Sw. 1-88 on 6 Sep 1883 and
recorded "vvF; pS; R; in vacancy; 3 st in a curve south." Swift's position is just off the south
edge of
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18 15 43.0 +24 54 45; Her
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
E-W, small bright core. Two mag 13
stars are 32" W and 1.1' NW of center and a fainter mag 14 star is
30" WNW. Forms a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6599 = St. 12-89 on 6 Jul 1874, though he apparently made a error in recording or transcribing the RA (10 minutes too large). His published accurate position (list 12, #89) was made 6 years later on 27 Jul 1880 with description, "pretty faint; small; round; gradual central condensation; tangent to a very faint star W10°N." Harold Corwin suggests Albert Marth may have discovered this galaxy on 6 Jun 1864 and recorded it as m 374 = NGC 6600, but his declination was 7' too far north. Perhaps Stephan was looking for Marth's object. As the identification of NGC 6599 is certain, it's the primary designation.
27 Jul 1880
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18 15 43.0 +24 54 45; Her
See observing notes for NGC 6599.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6600 = m 374 on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "F, vS, stell." The observation is marked as "verified", but there is nothing at his position. However, 52 seconds of RA further east is NGC 6602 = UGC 11184 (separation of 12') and 7' due south of his position is NGC 6599 = UGC 11178. So, either an error in RA or Dec leads to a galaxy he could have seen. There is nothing (except a pair of very faint stars) at Bigourdan's "corrected" position made on 1 Jul 1886.
The RNGC equates NGC 6600 with NGC 6602. However, Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6600 is more likely a duplicate of NGC 6599, as it is brighter and has a higher surface brightness. Stephan independently found NGC 6599 on 27 Jul 1880, measured an accurate position and reported it in his 12th list (#89). As the identity of NGC 6599 is not in doubt, that is the primary designation.
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18 11 44.2 +61 27 10; Dra
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 42°
24" (7/19/12): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, ~20"x12", very small brighter nucleus. A group of stars including two mag 9 and 10 lies 4' N. Fourth of 9, including 8 NGC galaxies discovered by Lewis Swift.
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is 1.1' W. Fourth in a large group of extremely faint galaxies.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6601 = Sw. 1-90 on 4 Aug 1883 and
logged "eF; R; pS; near end of a curve of stars. 4th of 8."
His position is 13 seconds of RA west of
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NGC 6602 = UGC 11184 = MCG +04-43-021 = CGCG 142-035 = PGC 61674 = NGC 6600?
18 16 34.2 +25 02 38; Her
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 179°
24" (8/12/18): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, strong concentration with a very
small very bright nucleus. A mag 14.4 star is at the east side. A mag 10.7 star is 3.5' NW.
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness. A mag 14 star is attached at the east end. Located in the field of NGC 6599, which lies 14' SW.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6602 = Big. 83 on 1 Jul
1886 and recorded "appears to be a cluster of 30" dia, consisting of
very dim stars, perhaps interspersed with nebulosity, distinct from GC 5907 [=
NGC 6600]. There is nothing at his
Comptes Rendus position but exactly 41 seconds of RA east is
UGC, MCG and CGCG fail to label this galaxy as NGC 6602. RNGC, though, identifies it as NGC 6602. NGC 6600 may be a duplicate (earlier) observation of this galaxy (see notes on NGC 6600).
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18 18 27 -18 24 24; Sgr
Size 5'
13.1" (8/16/82 and 8/17/85): excellent resolution into
30-50 faint stars including a string oriented NW-SE running through the
center. The outline forms an
arrowhead shape pointing to the east.
Situated in the northeast corner of M24 in a glorious region of the
Small Sagittarius Star Cloud!
Located 4' N of mag 8
17.5" (7/4/86): between 50 and 70 stars are resolved, extremely dense.
8" (7/4/80): bright, very easily visible luminous spot.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6603 = h2004 on 15 Jul 1830 and recorded "a glorious concentrated part of Milky Way, almost amounting to a globular cluster. Star 14 and 15m. The next night he logged "fine cluster of stars 15m; R; 6'; the stars are all of a size. The cl seems connected with the Milky Way. JH gave M24 as a synonym and this was mistakenly repeated in his General Catalog (GC) and the NGC. Dreyer noted, though, "h2004 = M24. h's two observations hardly consist with this description [!, Cl, vRi, vmC, R, st 15 (M Way)], and their deviation of nearly +3m from Messier's place makes it very doubtful whether he really saw this object."
Herschel's description and position applies to this small, rich cluster within M24 (the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud).
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18 18 03 -12 14 35; Ser
V = 6.5; Size 5'
17.5" (8/10/91): at 140x appears as a prominent 2' arc of five stars including a mag 7.5 star and a double star on the southwest end. Surrounding this arc is a 5' group of roughly two dozen stars elongated N-S, which includes two faint pairs. My observation of the surrounding emission complex Sh 2-54 is appended below.
16x80 finder (8/10/91): very large, very faint emission haze
(Sh 2-54 = Gum 84) surrounding a very large group of stars, improves with UHC
filter. The Eagle Nebula was very
prominent in the field to the south.
On the north side of this large HII region is a small brighter knot =
William Herschel discovered NGC 6604 = H. VIII-15 = h3740 on 15 Jul 1784 (sweep 238) and noted "a cluster of coarsely scattered stars." His position is roughly 9' too far north-northeast. John Herschel made the single observation (sweep 617) "a poor cl class VIII having coarse stragglers to a great distance. The chief * 7m taken."
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18 16 21 -15 00 06; Ser
Size 29'
18" (8/27/05): at 73x, this is a very undistinguished
group of 80-100 stars scattered over 20' and appears to be just a typical Milky
Way field. Includes a mag 7.8 star
(
John Herschel discovered NGC 6605 = h2005 on 31 Jul 1826 and logged "A loose straggling cluster of stars 11...12m." There is nothing at his position but 2 minutes of RA preceding is a scattered group of bright stars that Corwin identifies as probably NGC 6605. Karl Reinmuth simply reported "no Cl" and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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18 14 41.7 +43 16 07; Lyr
V = 13.6; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 105°
24" (9/5/18): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
slightly elongated, 45"x40", diffuse halo, broad concentration
towards the center but no distinct nucleus. Located at the midpoint of mag 7.8
17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W, small very bright core, stellar nucleus, faint extensions.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6606 = St. 13-88 on 24 Jul
1881 and logged "vF, S, R, gbM, vf * center." His published position
in list 13 was reduced on 8 Aug 1883 and matches
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18 12 14.8 +61 19 59; Dra
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (7/19/12): faint, small, round, 24", low even
surface brightness. In a trio with brighter
17.5" (7/21/98): this very difficult object required averted to glimpse a 15" spot just 2.2' W of brighter NGC 6608.
17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint and small, round. Forms a pair with slightly brighter NGC 6608 2.2' E. This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 6608 in the CGCG.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6607 = Sw. 1-91, along with
nearby NGC 6608 and 6609, on 4 Aug 1883, and recorded "eF; pS; R; v difficult." His position is 17 seconds of time due
west of
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NGC 6608 = MCG +10-26-024 = FGC 2194 = PGC 61556 = PGC 2615431
18 12 28.9 +61 17 53; Dra
V = 15.6; Size 0.8'x0.1'; PA = 42°
24" (7/19/12): at 375x momentarily glimpsed 3 or 4 times as an extremely thin ghostly streak, perhaps 20"x5". Verified, though, as this difficult galaxy popped out just west of the midpoint of two mag 11 and 11.5 stars oriented NW-SE with a separation of 5.5'. Located 2' SSW of NGC 6609 and 2.7' SE of NGC 6607.
17.5" (7/20/98): not found.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6608 = Sw. 1-92, along with NGC
6607 and 6609, on 4 Aug 1883 and recorded "vvS; R; vF; vF * nr." His position is just 5 seconds of RA
preceding NGC 6609 = CGCG 301-021 = PGC 61559. Although his positions for NGC 6607 and 6609 are offset
16-17 seconds of RA too far west, there is no third galaxy on the same
parallel, just preceding NGC 6609.
However,
MCG +10-26-024 is an extremely faint, narrow edge-on that I missed in my 18-inch on several attempts and I doubt Swift could have picked it up in his 16-inch refractor. Howe missed it with a 20" when he examined the field in 1899-00. Furthermore, there is no "vF * nr" to MCG +10-26-024 as in the description. Finally, MCG +10-26-024 is extremely thin, so "R" does not apply. Despite these inconsistencies, Corwin still favors NGC 6608 = MCG +10-26-024.
As an alternative, perhaps NGC 6608 is a duplicate of NGC 6609 = CGCG 301-021. His description for NGC 6608 also fits this galaxy, but that implies Swift was confused and recorded the same galaxy twice. MCG reverses the identifications of NGC 6608 and 6609 given here. See Corwin's notes for NGC 6607 for the full story.
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NGC 6609 = NGC 6608? = MCG +10-26-025 = CGCG 301-021 = VII Zw 773 = PGC 61559
18 12 33.6 +61 19 55; Dra
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
24" (7/19/12): fairly faint, very small, round, 18" diameter, weak concentration. Bracketed by a mag 14.5 star 30" SSW and a mag 15.2 star 35" NE. A mag 11 star lies 1.5' E. Brightest in a close trio with NGC 6607 2.2' W and NGC 6608 (identification unlikely) 2.1' SSW. MCG and PGC misidentify this object as NGC 6608
17.5" (7/21/98): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, brighter core. A mag 14.5 star is off the south edge 30" from center.
17.5" (6/11/88): very faint, extremely small, round. A mag 14 star is 1' S. Forms a close pair with NGC 6607 2.2' W.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6609 = Sw. 1-93, along with NGC
6607 and 6608, on 4 Aug 1883 and recorded "vF; lE; pS; F * nr." His position for NGC 6607 is 17 seconds
of RA too far west, so applying this same offset to his position for NGC 6609,
lands at the north edge of
Herbert Howe searched for these 3 galaxies in 1899-00 with the 20" at Denver and reported "a nebula supposed to be 6609 was measured in 2 nights. Its position differs from that given by Swift only 16 seconds in RA and 0.4' in declination. The "F * nr" is of mag 12, and lies about 25" south of the nebula, a little preceding. There is another star of mag 13.5 which is one the opposite side of the nebula, at about the same distance." His position matches CGCG 301-021.
MCG, RNGC and PGC misidentify CGCG 301-021 as NGC 6608, instead of NGC 6609. CGCG and RNGC have the correct identification. See notes on NGC 6608, which has an identification problem.
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NGC 6610 = NGC 6574 = UGC 11144 = MCG +02-46-010 = CGCG 084-024 = CGCG 113-026
18 11 51.2 +14 58 54; Her
V = 12.0; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 160°
See observing notes for NGC 6574. Identification uncertain.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 6610 = St. 7-21 on 19 Jun 1876 with description "F, S, E, mbM, resolvable." His uncorrected position was off by only 1', but there is nothing at his published position (reduced on 13 Jul 1876). He made additional observations on 31 Jul 1877 and 24 Jul 1881. Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's observations deleted NGC 6610 (due to the incorrect position) and replaced it with an "anonymous" nebula, using a different offset star and separations. Esmiol's position coincides with NGC 6574 (discovered by Marth on 9 Jul 1863). So NGC 6610 = NGC 6574, with priority to Marth. See Harold Corwin's identification notes. NGC 218 is a similar case I uncovered. See notes for that one.
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18 18 48 -13 48 24; Ser
V = 6.0; Size 35'x28'
13.1" (8/17/85): a thin dark "finger" extends towards the cluster, positioned just south and beyond the two bright mag 9 stars near the center. This is an extension of the wider projection seen previously several times and which is better defined along the south edge.
13.1" (8/15/82): the "Eagle Nebula" is a fairly bright 30' nebulosity in a striking outstretched eagle shape with a bright scattered cluster superimposed. There is a considerable contrast gain to the nebulosity using a UHC or OIII filter. With a UHC filter, a dark projection (called the "Star Queen") enters on the SE edge of the nebula and extends inward to the west. The cluster members surrounding the "head" of the eagle include ten mag 8-10 stars and a bright pair of mag 8.5 stars (8.2/8.8 at 27"). A dark triangular wedge is visible off the north side.
13.1" (5/26/84): dark protrusion fairly easy at 88x.
Philippe Loys de Chéseaux discovered M16 = NGC 6611 = h2006 by 1745-46 and reported it as a star cluster to the French Academy of Sciences. Charles Messier independently found the cluster on 3 Jun 1764 and stated it "appears nebulous in a small telescope" and "enmeshed in a faint glow." But this appearance was due to the poor resolution of the stars in his telescope - not the involved nebulosity. William Herschel, observing on 30 Jul 1783 with his small 20-foot (12-inch reflector), described "Large stars with small ones among them; within a small compass I counted more than 50, and there must be at least 100 without taking a number of straggling ones, everywhere dispersed in the neighborhood." So, Herschel didn't note any nebulosity either.
Isaac Roberts discovered the nebulosity in the "Eagle Nebula" on a photographic plate taken in 1894 and it was catalogued as IC 4703. But Wolfgang Steinicke claims that Étienne Léopold Trouvelot made a visual discovery of the nebulosity in 1876 with the 26-inch refractor at the USNO! Robert Innes, observing in 1914 at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg, reported "with the 9-inch refractor the nebula is just visible and it fills the perimeter of the cluster with faint extensions beyond."
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18 16 10.8 +36 04 43; Lyr
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, extremely small, slightly elongated. A mag 16 star is involved at the NE edge, a mag 15 star is 1' NE and a mag 13.5 star is 1.6' SSW. Located 4.5' NNE of a mag 10 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6612 around 1886. The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer, who referenced his 6th discovery list which was under preparation when the NGC was published. But Swift didn't include this object in either in his 6th or later 9th list, which included several objects Swift discovered prior to the publication of the NGC. His description reads "eeF; eS; R; v diff." and his position is 12 seconds of RA west and 3' north of CGCG 200-014 = PGC 61665, the only nearby galaxy.
Bigourdan measured an accurate position for this galaxy on 3
Jul 1897. Howe reported "I
was unable to find anything at the NGC position for this "v. diff."
object, but I measured a supposed nebula about 5' away, making at the time of
observation the note "eF, eS"; a little question whether there really
is nebulosity here." Possibly
6612 is identical with [IC] 1279, with an error of 5 minutes in R.A." His position for the measured nebula
matches
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18 19 58.5 -17 06 07; Sgr
V = 6.9; Size 9'
17.5" (8/1/92): at 100x, bright, scattered, includes three mag 9 stars and 10 mag 11 stars. The bright stars form a "V" asterism with the vertex to the NNE. Includes a few wide double stars. At 220x, 40 stars are visible in a 7' diameter, scattered but distinctive. The bright group of 15 stars forming the "V" asterism is surrounded by a dark circular void. The rest of the cluster is to the south and west of the "V". Only a few faint stars are involved and the cluster appears fully resolved.
Charles Messier discovered
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18 25 07.2 -63 14 53; Pav
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65°
25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, ~40"x30", broad concentration to an ill-defined brighter core. Situated in a rich Pavo star field 14' S of a mag 6.1 star. There are several fairly bright stars along with a large number of faint stars in the field. A mag 11.2 star lies 1.5' S. To the NW are three collinear stars; a mag 9.4 star at 3.1', a mag 11.2 star at 4.9' and a mag 12 star at 7.5'. Probably an outlying member of ACO S805 = Pavo II cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6614 = h3741 on 20 Jun 1835 and recorded "eF; S; R; or vlE; vlbM; it follows a * 9m about 7 or 8 sec of time, and is about 3' S of it." His position is accurate.
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18 18 33.6 +13 15 53; Oph
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165°
24" (8/29/19): at 375x;, fairly bright, moderately
large, slightly elongated N-S, sharply concentrated with an intense core, much
fainter 50"x40" halo.
Situated in a rich star field 17' N of mag 6.8
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus, in a rich star field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6615 = m 375 on 9 Jul 1863 and noted "vF, vS." His position is 1.8' too far south.
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18 17 41.0 +22 14 18; Her
V = 13.8; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 59°
17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, small, elongated SW-NE, broad concentration. A mag 13 star is 1.1' W of center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6616 = Sw. 2-64 on 14 July 1885
and recorded "vF; eS; eE; forms S equilateral triangle with 2 F
st." There is nothing at his
position, but 25 seconds of RA west is
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18 14 02.5 +61 19 10; Dra
V = 14.6; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.7; PA = 80°
24" (7/19/12): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~22"x18", low even surface brightness. Based on my size estimate, I missed the extremely low surface brightness halo with a ~1' diameter. Located 11' E of NGC 6609 and last in a group of 8 faint NGC galaxies.
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, round, bright core. Last in a group of 7 faint galaxies. Located 12' E of the NGC 6607/NGC 6608 pair.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6617 = Sw. 1-94 on 14 Jun 1885
and noted "eeeF; pL; R; ee diff.; in vacancy. 8th of 8." in a group. His position is just 8 seconds of RA west of
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18 20 47 -16 10 18; Sgr
V = 6.0; Size 46'x37'
13.1" (7/16/82): the "Swan Nebula" is very bright, very large, with fantastic detail along the bright bar. Has a turbulent texture with dark areas near the "hook". A nebulous halo surrounds the brighter star to the south.
8" (many dates from 7/3/80 to 7/16/82): very bright, large, very detailed. The brightest portion consists of a long bright ray that hooks south at the west end. A fainter section oriented N-S section follows. The main bar is mottled. The irregular hooked portion is clearly mixed with a dark nebula intruding. Fainter nebulosity is visible north and south of the main bar.
Philippe Loys De Chéseaux discovered M17 = NGC 6618 = h2208 by 1745-46 from Switzerland and wrote, "It has perfectly the form of a ray, or of the tail of a comet, of 7' length and 2' broad; its sides are exactly parallel and rather well terminated, as are its two ends. Its middle is whiter than the borders. Charles Messier rediscovered M17 on 3 Jun 1764 and described "a train of light without stars, 5' or 6' in extent, in the shape of a spindle, a little like that in Andromeda's belt, but the light is very faint..."
William Herschel, using his small 20-ft (12-inch aperture) telescope on 2 Aug 1783, called M17 "a curious train of light. I cannot resolve it." On 27 Jun 1786 (sweep 576) he logged "an extensive milky nebulosity of more than 20' in length, with a hook to the preceding side, bended towards the south; the extent is from np to sf and looses itself imperceptibly. The hook includes a dark place, almost resembling that in the nebula of Orion."
On 6 Aug 1823 (sweep 48), John Herschel recorded "A large extended nebula. Its form is that of a Greek Omega with the left (or following) base-line turned upwards. The curved (or horse-shoe) part is very F, and has many stars in it. The preceding base-line hardly visible. The following, which is the principle branch, occupies nearly half the field (7 1/2'). Its light is not equable, but blotty. Strong twilight." He didn't describe the nebula from the Cape of Good Hope, but his published sketch (plate II, figure 1) shows from 1837 shows a second curve at the east end, hooking north. Based on the sketch, Dreyer referred to M17 as "2-hooked" in the NGC, an odd description.
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18 18 55.7 +23 39 21; Her
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (7/15/15): fairly faint to moderately bright,
fairly small, round, 25" diameter, increases to a very small, very bright
nucleus and stellar center. A
couple of mag 15 stars are at the edges, including one 25" S of center and
one 15" W of center, and two mag 11-11.5 stars are 1' E and 1.7' S.
17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, bright core, faint halo. Several mag 15 stars are near including a mag 15 star at the west edge just 15" from the center. Two mag 12 stars with faint companions are following. Pair with NGC 6623 11.4' ENE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6619 = m 376, along with NGC 6623, on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "F, S, E." His position is 1' too far south.
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18 22 54.1 -26 49 18; Sgr
V = 12.7; Size 5"
13.1" (7/12/86): stellar planetary at 79x located 2.1' NW a mag 10.5 star. Verified with OIII blinking. At 214x and UHC filter appears moderately bright and a very small disc about 4" diameter is visible. A mag 13 star lies 0.9' E.
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6620 = HN 43 on 3 Sep 1880 using a direct-vision spectroscope on the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory. Pickering noted in The Observatory (1881) this is "the smallest planetary nebula known and could not be distinguished from a 13th magnitude star in an ordinary telescope." His position is exactly 1 minute of time too far west.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "round; about 5" in diameter; just distinguishable from a star. No structural details can be made out, although faint ansae are suspected in p.a. 70-250°..."
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18 12 55.2 +68 21 49; Dra
V = 13.1; Size 2.1'x0.8'; PA = 145°
48" (5/5/16): at 610x and 697x; NGC 6621/6622 is a
spectacular interacting system (
The southeast end merges with the halo of
On the northwest end, a broad tidal arm wraps sharply counterclockwise to the southeast (the arm is easily visible in this part), dims into a narrow tail and extends southeast, paralleling (about 30" to the east) the major axis of NGC 6621. This one-sided tail extends ~1.5' in length in the direction of a mag 15 star due east of NGC 6622 and ends in a slightly brighter knot, ~25" NE of NGC 6622.
48" (10/22/11): at 488x the main body of NGC 6621, which completely merges with NGC 6622, appears bright, fairly large, elongated nearly 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~1.1'x0.4'. Including NGC 6622 at the southeast end, the entire glow extends ~1.6'x0.4'. NGC 6621 is fairly sharply concentrated with a bright 20" core that gradually increases to the center. At 610x, a faint spiral arm is fairly evident attached at the NNW end and winding around counterclockwise to the north side of the main glow. On the HST image this is the beginning of a long tidal tail that wraps around the north side of both galaxies.
18" (7/14/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~1.0'x 0.4', small bright core. Brighter of a double system with NGC 6622 (Arp 81) attached at the southeast end in a common envelope. The two nuclei of the galaxies generally appear as two knots near the ends of a single elongated bar though at moments the pair seems barely resolved.
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a double galaxy in a common envelope with NGC 6622 just 40" SE of center. A mag 15 star is 30" E.
Edward Swift discovered NGC 6621 = Sw. 1-95 = Sw. 2-66 on 2 Jun 1885. Lewis Swift's son was 14 years old at the time. This galaxy is the brighter of a very close double system, just 40" between centers. Apparently Lewis took another look in the eyepiece and discovered NGC 6622 = Sw. 1-96. The note "n of 2" and "s of 2" were probably added after noticing it was double. Lewis Swift "discovered" this close pair again just two months later on 11 Aug 1885 and placed them in his second list (#65 and #66). He noted "forms a close double with the preceding. Very difficult to separate with power of 265. Well seen."
Dreyer combined the two observations in the NGC, though the published position is 14 seconds of time too large and 2' too far south. In addition, the RA is identical, though the orientation is northwest-southeast, and NGC 6622 is placed 0.2' north of NGC 6621. Bigourdan measured an accurate position for the pair on 28 Aug 1891 as well as Hermann Kobold in May 1899. When Herbert Howe measured the positions in 1899-00, he assigned NGC 6622 to the northwest galaxy and NGC 6621 to the southeast (agreeing with Swift's dec values), but modern catalogues reverse the identifications, placing the numbers in order of RA.
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NGC 6622 = Arp 81 NED2 = VV 247b = UGC 11175 = MCG +11-22-031 = CGCG 322-036 = VII Zw 778 = PGC 61579
18 12 59.5 +68 21 15; Dra
V = 15.3; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.8
48" (5/5/16): at 610x and 697x; fairly bright, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20", high surface brightness, very small intense core. A mag 15 star is 0.6' E. NGC 6622 and 6621 form a spectacular interacting pair (Apr 81 = VV 247) with NGC 6622 fully merged on the southeast end of this trainwreck. The cores of the two galaxies are separated by 40". A small knot is clearly visible directly on a line between the two cores [16" NW of NGC 6622]. The HST image reveals this is a prominent blue star-forming complex at the edge of the two galaxies. The amazing tidal tail of NGC 6621 that parallels the galaxy on the east side extends as far south as NGC 6622.
48" (10/22/11): at 488x, NGC 6622 appears bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 30"x25", sharply concentrated with a bright core that increases to the center. Merged with NGC 6621 on the NW side. A mag 15.5 star lies 35" due east.
18" (7/14/07): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Forms the fainter member of an interacting pair with NGC 6621 (Arp 81) and appears as a knot at the southeast end of NGC 6621 in a common halo. At moments this galaxy appeared barely detached.
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, possibly round. Forms an interacting double system with NGC 6621 and visually both galaxies appear enveloped in a common envelope with NGC 6621 just 35" NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6622 = Sw. 1-96 = Sw. 2-65 on 2 Jun 1885, although his son Edward was credited with the discovery of NGC 6621 = Sw. 1-95. Apparently Lewis took a look in the eyepiece and noticed the smaller southeast component of this double galaxy. Swift found the close pair again on 11 Aug 1885 and reported the discovery a second time in his second discovery list (#65 and #66). Dreyer combined both observations in the NGC. Howe measured an accurate micrometric position, though called this galaxy NGC 6621 as Swift's position is slightly south of NGC 6622.
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NGC 6623 = UGC 11203 = MCG +04-43-026 = CGCG 142-040 = PGC 61739
18 19 42.9 +23 42 33; Her
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 155°
24" (7/15/15): fairly faint to moderately bright,
moderately large, roundish, ~0.9' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very
small bright nucleus. A mag 14
star is 45" NE of center. Resides in a rich star field 4.1' NW of mag 8.8
17.5" (7/16/88): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated NW-SE, bright core, diffuse halo. Located 4.1' NW of mag 8.6
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6623 = m 377, along with NGC 6619, on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "pF, S, R, bM." His RA was 6 seconds too large. Édouard Stephan made an observation on 10 Jul 1877. Kobold measured an accurate micrometric position in 1892 (published in 1907).
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18 23 40.6 -30 21 39; Sgr
V = 8.1; Size 5.9'; Surf Br = 0.9
17.5" (5/10/91): bright, fairly small, round, 3' diameter. Very symmetric appearance as increases to a sharp, small bright core and brighter stellar nucleus. There was some resolution in the halo, particularly on the north edge. Approximately six mag 14-15 stars were glimpsed. A close mag 12/14 double star at 10" separation is 1.7' WSW of center. Located 45' SE of mag 2.7 Delta Sagittarii in a rich star field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6624 = H. I-50 = h3742 on 24 Jun 1784 (sweep 232) and recorded "cL, R, vBM. The brightness appears to be at least 3/4 of the whole visible diameter, but I suppose if the altitude was more considerable a different proportion would be seen. The nebulosity appears to be of the milky kind, but from similar phenomena in low situations, I have no doubt that it is resolvable."
John Herschel made three observations from the Cape of Good Hope, first logging on 3 Aug 1834, "Globular Cluster; B; S; R; psmbM; diam 6 seconds in RA; barely resolved so as to be sure it consists of stars." On a later sweep, the cluster was "clearly resolved into stars 16m; a fine object."
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18 23 01 -12 01 24; Sct
Size 39'
17.5" (8/3/97): at 100x, appears to be a Milky Way
field in a large triangular region roughly bordered by mag 5.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 6625 = h2009 on 31 Jul 1826 and logged "A loose straggling cluster of stars 11...12m.". His position is very close to mag 5.7 HD 169033, although if his position is accurate I'm surprised he didn't mention the nearby bright star.
Harold Corwin identifies NGC 6625 with a group of stars (possibly a cluster) to the west of the bright star or perhaps a larger Milky Way field. Brian Skiff could not make a visual identification on two attempts and nothing stood out in my observation. Karl Reinmuth also reported no clustering was found on a Heidelberg Observatory plate. See Corwin's notes for more.
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18 24 32.8 -24 52 11; Sgr
V = 6.9; Size 11.2'; Surf Br = 1.2
17.5" (7/10/99): striking globular at 220x, with the halo appearing ~4.5' in diameter and a very bright core ~2'x1.5' elongated SSW-NNE. Extensive resolution at 280x and 380x with roughly 50 stars resolved in the halo. At 380x the edges of the core really started breaking up into numerous stars with a rich sprinkling of stars is superimposed on the well-defined core. On the north side of the halo a long star chain heads directly north and a fainter but richer chain starts to trail off the east side of the core but abruptly turns in a chain heading NNW.
13.1" (6/29/84): a prominent star chain extends to the north. A few dozen stars in the outer halo resolved and a smaller number in the inner halo. Very bright mottled core.
13.1" (7/16/82): very bright, fairly large, sharp concentration with a lively unresolved core. A few stars are resolved at the edges of the core over haze and many stragglers resolved including long spidery chains. A total of a few dozen stars resolved. Excellent view at 290x and a star chain to the north is prominent.
8" (7/16/82): bright, sharp concentration, lively halo just resolves into many faint stars at 200x!
Charles Messier discovered
John Herschel recorded (sweep 474 from the CGH) "globular; vB; R; vm comp; gbM, but not to a nipple; diam in RA = 12 seconds; resolved into st 14...16m; a fine object. Occurs in the milky way, of which the stars here are barely visible and immensely numerous."
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18 22 39.0 +15 41 52; Her
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 70°
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W. Contains a very small brighter core within a diffuse outer halo. Located in a rich star field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6627 = m 378 on 13 Jul 1863 and
noted "vF, pL." His
position is 1' south of
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18 22 21.8 +23 28 41; Her
V = 12.9; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 90°
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated,
small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
Located 3.0' WNW of mag 8.7
17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, very small, round, small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6628 = m 379 on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, S, lE, bM." His position is accurate.
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18 25 42.3 -23 12 10; Sgr
V = 11.4; Size 16"x14"
24" (7/11/18): at 375x; bright, small, round, high surface brightness, 15" diameter, sharp edge, bright central star. A mag 15.5 star is barely off the NNE edge (15" from center) and a 15.1 mag star is 25" NW of center.
17.5" (8/10/91): at 140x, very bright, small, 15"
diameter, round, high surface brightness, crisp-edged. The mag 13 central star is visible with
direct vision. Mag 9.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 6629 = H. II-204 = h3744 on 7 Aug 1784 (sweep 245) and reported "I suspected a pB, S, stellar nebula np a pB star, but there was too much daylight to verify it." John Herschel recorded (sweep 793 from the CGH) "pB; vS; 4" at the utmost in diameter; a good deal furry at the edges, and ? if not a little brighter in the M. It is not a "Stellar Nebula", but rather a link between a planetary and a globular; it probably a v distant and highly compressed globular; has a * 9m 3' dist, sf; night superb and vision perfect. This is one the smallest if not the very smallest nebulous objects I remember to have seen. It is a very remarkable object."
In 1915 Knox-Shaw reported it was a not a globular cluster, but a planetary nebula, based on a photograph taken at the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector. Curtis (1918) reported "..the central star is about mag 13. The nebular disk is 16"x14" in p.a. 150°, and is nearly equal density throughout, without ansae or other structural details." (Crossley photograph).
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18 32 34.5 -63 17 32; Pav
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint,
fairly small, irregularly round, 30"x25" diameter, weak
concentration. Located 17' SE of
mag 7.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 6630 = h3745 on 8 Jun 1836 and
recorded "pF; S; R; gbM; 15"." His position is a perfect match with
David Frew mentioned in a Sky & Space article (Oct 1995)
that Harlow Shapley misclassified NGC 6630 and IC 4723 as a pair of planetaries
in his 1936 announcement "Five Planetary Nebulae and a Globular
Cluster" (Harvard Bulletin No. 902).
The same list includes Shapley 1, Shapley 3 and
Evans & Thackeray (1950) first imaged NGC 6630 (Plate II, No. 19) with the Radcliffe 74-inch in Pretoria, South Africa, and they questioned the PN classification. "The classification is by appearance. We find an object with a quadrilateral of 4 stars or nuclei surrounded by a nebulous envelope. The object is difficult, and it seems open to doubt whether the object is correctly classified as a planetary nebula. Dimensions about 19"x15"." As a result of Shapley's error, Burnham's "Celestial Handbook", MOL (Master Optical List), Becvar's "Atlas Coeli - II Katalog 1950", the NGC 2000.0 catalogue (Sinnott) classify it as a PN. Also, the first edition of Sky Atlas 2000.0 and Becvar's "Atlas of the Heavens" plot it as a PN. It was omitted, though, in Perek and Kohoutek's 1967 Catalogue of Galactic Planetary Nebula. RNGC misclassifies NGC 6630 as nonexistent (Type 7).
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18 27 11.4 -12 01 52; Sct
Size 5'
17.5" (7/1/89): at 220x about 40 stars are resolved in
a 5' region over unresolved background haze. A mag 11 star is at the NW edge but most stars are mag
13/14. Includes an equal mag
11.5/12 double star off the SE edge.
8" (7/16/82): a dozen stars were resolved over unresolved haze. A double star mag 11/11.5 at 10" is at the south edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6631 = h3746 on 12 Jul 1836 and recorded "cl VII class; p rich; 5' diam; with appendages, st 12...15m. Much richer than any part of the milky way seen tonight."
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18 25 03.2 +27 32 07; Her
V = 12.1; Size 3.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 155°
17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, large brighter core. A pair of mag 12 and 13 stars lie 1.3' W and 1.0' NW of center, respectively. A group of brighter stars are about 7' S including mag 6.3 HR 6904 8.5' S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6632 = m 380 on 24 Jun 1864 and noted "F, S, R, gbM." His position was fairly accurate. Stephan observed it on 25 Jul 1873 (probably already aware from Marth's discovery) and again on 26 Jul 1881. He measured an accurate position on 14 Aug 1873, but didn't include it in a discovery list. E.E. Barnard found it while sweeping on 30 Jan 1889 with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory and noted "Faintish, R, vgbM, 2 small stars involved preceding, 1' diameter." He later noted the NGC designation in his logbook after checking.
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18 27 15 +06 30 30; Oph
V = 4.6; Size 27'
15x50mm IS binoculars (6/19/09): this easy naked-eye cluster
is more obvious than nearby, larger
13.1" (9/9/83): very bright, very large but loose and
scattered. At 62x, 150 stars are
visible in a 60' field with several bright stars on the SW side and many bright
stars are outside this field including mag 5.5
Philippe Loys de Chéseaux discovered NGC 6633 by 1745-46 from Switzerland, although his discoveries were little known until the late19th century (published by Bigourdan). Caroline Herschel rediscovered the cluster on 31 Jul 1783 with her 4.2" comet-sweeper reflector. She wrote, "About halfway from S Serpentarii [Ophiuci] towards Theta Serpentis, a cluster of large stars. I counted about 80. Messier has it not." On 30 Jul 1788 (sweep 850), William Herschel called it "a coarsely sc. cl. of L stars."
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18 29 57 -33 30 48; Sgr
18" (6/30/11): this is an unusual asterism of 4
brighter stars mag 8.4-9.2 forming a near isosceles trapezoid with a longer
base of 4.4' and shorter base 1.5'.
Three of the stars were easily resolved in my 80mm finder at 12.5x and
all four at 25x. The asterism is
striking at 115x in the 18-inch due to the shape and brightness of the
stars. The identification of NGC
6634 is uncertain and is traditionally applied to
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6634 = Lac I-11 in 1751-52 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. Messier thought this entry was duplicate of M69, though John Herschel assigned it a separate GC designation (5076) and Dreyer followed in the NGC. If NGC 6634 = M69, then Lacaille made a one degree error in declination.
But Glen Cozens argues that M69 is fainter than other objects discovered by Lacaille with his 1/2-inch telescope and the position is further out than others he discovered. Near Lacaille's position is a small group of 4 stars that he may have mistook for nebulous with his small telescope. See Harold Corwin's notes for more on this identification and Jeff Corder's observations. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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18 27 37.1 +14 49 09; Her
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated,
small bright core, stellar nucleus.
A mag 12 star is 1.0' S.
Located 7.7' NNW of mag 8.6
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6635 = m 381 on 9 Jul 1863 and noted "vF, S, R." His RA is accurate but his dec is 2' too far south.
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18 22 02.7 +66 36 58; Dra
V = 13.4; Size 2.3'x0.35'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 3°
48" (5/5/16): fairly bright, fairly large, warped
edge-on 6:1 ~N-S, 1.8'x0.3', bright elongated core. The southern half of the galaxy (including the core region)
is slightly bowed out towards the west.
The northern extension, though, is subtly convex to the east. So the opposite ends seem slightly
misaligned and form a weak integral sign.
Adding to the asymmetry, the outer half of northern extension has a much
lower surface brightness than the southern arm.
24" (7/21/12): moderately bright, moderately large,
very elongated 7:2 ~N-S, 1.1'x0.3', small slightly brighter core. Forms a contact pair with MCG
+11-22-047 = PGC 61780, which is attached on the east side of the northern
half. The companion was easily
visible as a very small "knot", perhaps 10" diameter with a
fairly bright stellar nucleus that sometimes dominated the small halo. The core of NGC 6636 (much lower
surface brightness than
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated SSW-NNE, even surface brightness. The compact companion attached at the northeast side was not seen.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6636 = Sw. 4-68 on 23 Jul 1884 and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; forms triangle with 3 st." His position is at the west edge of UGC 11221 and the description fits. Herbert Howe, observing in 1899-00, reported "the 3 stars mentioned by Swift are of mags 9, 9.5 and 10.5. The one of mag 9.5 follows the nebula 4 seconds, 1.0' south. The others precede, and are also south."
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18 31 23.2 -32 20 53; Sgr
V = 7.7; Size 7.1'; Surf Br = 0.6
17.5" (7/29/92): M69 is bright, moderately large, 3'
diameter, round, fairly symmetric appearance with a large core surrounded by a
small halo. A bright mag 12.5 star
is embedded in the core or it contains a bright stellar nucleus. Several easy mag 13.3-14.0 stars were
resolved around the edges of the halo and 15-20 very faint mag 14-15 stars were
resolved in the halo with averted vision.
Additionally, a few stars are also detected over the core. This is a very
pretty globular with averted vision.
Located 4.5' SE of mag 7.9
8": fairly bright, bright core, lively halo, few stars at edges, difficult to achieve resolution.
15x50mm IS binoculars (8/3/11): small, fairly faint glow. The mag 7.9 star 4.5' NW was cleanly resolved from the globular.
Charles Messier discovered M69 = NGC 6637 = D 613 = h3747 on 31 Aug 1780 and described "a nebula without star in Sagittarius... Near to it is a 9 mag star; the light is very faint; can be seen only in a good sky, and the least illumination of the micrometer wires extinguishes it... This nebula has been observed by M. de Lacaille and reported in his catalogue. It resembles the nucleus of a little comet. Diam. 2'." Glen Cozens states that Messier mistakenly assumed Lac I-11 referred to M69 and Lacaille's object is more likely just an asterism. See NGC 6634 or more.
William Herschel observed M69 in 1784 and noted "Very bright, pretty large, easily resolvable, or rather an already resolved cluster of minute stars. It is a miniature of the 53d of the Connoissance [M53]." James Dunlop observed it on 4 nights in 1826 and described "a pretty bright round well-defined nebula, about 1 1/4' diameter, gradually condensed to the centre; there is a small star about 1' south of the nebula." John Herschel made 3 observations from the Cape of Good Hope. On 1 Aug 1834, he logged "globular, B, R, vgbM, resolved into stars 14..15m, diam 10 seconds in RA." Two nights later he noted "globular, pB, R, 3' diam, stars 14..15m." Christian Peters reported finding it around 1850 in Naples (AJ 2, 1856) and claimed it do not appear in any of his books.
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18 30 56.2 -25 29 47; Sgr
V = 9.2; Size 5.0'; Surf Br = 1.3
18" (7/22/06): at 435x this globular appeared fairly bright, ~3' in diameter with an intense 1' core. The core appears very mottled and just begins to break up into a swarm of faint stars, particularly around the edges. Several very faint stars pepper the halo and pop in and out of visibility. The halo has an irregular scraggly appearance. I was able to pick up this globular with 15x50 IS binoculars as a very small, faint glow along with a mag 9.4 star close south.
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, fairly small, round,
2.5' diameter, gradually increases to a bright core. The halo has a fairly even surface brightness. A few extremely faint mag 15-16 stars
are resolved at the mottled edges.
Located 3.6' N of mag 9.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 6638 = H. I-51 = h3748 on 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236) and recorded "a pretty cons. easily resolvable R nebula, vBM and faint red perceivable. A second miniature of that near the 42nd Comae [M53]." John Herschel made the single observation "B; S; R; psbM; diam in RA = 4.5s; barely resolved; a very delicate object; doubtless a globular cluster." His position is accurate.
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18 30 59 -13 09 18; Sct
17.5" (7/24/95): unimpressive group of two dozen stars
at 220x in a 5' region. The
brightest mag 11 star is at the west side, with most stars mag 12.5-13.5. There are two small elongated subgroups
of stars close NE and SE of the mag 11 star. Located in a rich field 5' NE of mag 8.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 6639 = h2011 on 31 Jul 1826 and noted "A closely clustering portion of the milky way, which is one continued cluster here." His position is a close match with this group of stars. Although listed as a cluster in the RNGC, the RA is 48 seconds too small.
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18 28 08.2 +34 18 10; Lyr
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 153°
17.5" (7/7/94): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.6', weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is close east of the core, a mag 13.5 star is 1.5' N and a mag 11 star is 4.0' SSE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6640 = St. 13-89 on 26 Jul 1883. His published position was reduced on 21 Aug 1884 and is accurate.
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18 28 57.4 +22 54 10; Her
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 102°
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, oval 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6', even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' NW.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 6641 = Sf. 47 = St. 5-2 on 9 Aug 1866 and noted "pB, pS, vmbM." Édouard Stephan observed this galaxy on 20 and 26 Jul 1873 (perhaps aware of Safford's discovery), as well as 27 Jul 1875 and 26 Jul 1881. He measured an accurate position on 20 Aug 1873 and reported it as new in his 5th discovery list (#2) with description "vF, vS, R, bM." Stephan was credited in the GC Supplement and the NGC as Safford's discovery was published too late to be included.
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18 31 54.2 -23 28 34; Sgr
V = 9.4; Size 4.5'; Surf Br = 1.2
24" (8/23/14): at 375x, this fairly bright gc contains
a very bright core and an irregular 2' halo. Stars stream out to the east and west creating an impression
of elongation. The core is very
lively and a few brighter stars are clearly resolved, though packed together
very tightly. Roughly 20 stars are
resolved in the halo. At 500x,
30-35 stars are resolved (many popping in/out of view) including 8-10 in a
clump at the center and close to the core. A single brighter star is just south of the core and a nice
pair (~3" separation) is in the halo on the NNE side. A string of stars extends out of the
cluster to the north. Easily
visible in the 80mm finder at 25x and the finder field contains
18" (7/14/07): at 393x appears as a fairly small but fairly bright globular with a very bright 30" core and 2' halo. The small core is very mottled and partially resolved into 2 or 3 clumps. Roughly 15-20 mag 14.5-16 stars are just visible in the halo including a very close pair on the NNE edge. Located just 1.1 degrees NW of M22.
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright, fairly small, round, 2' diameter, bright core seems slightly offset. Half a dozen mag 14-15 stars are resolved in the mottled halo. A mag 11 field star 2.2' NW and a mag 13.5 star 1.5' NW of center are collinear with the core. Located in a field rich in faint stars.
8" (6/19/82): fairly bright, small, bright core, fainter halo, no resolution.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6642 = H. II-205 = h2012 = h3749 on 7 Aug 1784 (sweep 245) and recorded "pB, cL, irregularly E, bM." His position is at the east edge of the globular. From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel reported (sweep 793) "globular cluster; pB; R; gpmbM; 2'; resolved into visible, but vS stars 15...16m." His position is good. From Slough (sweep 275), he logged "a beautiful little globular cluster of excessively minute stars, 60" diam; seen in twilight. It must be pB when seen in dark sky."
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18 19 46.6 +74 34 08; Dra
V = 11.1; Size 3.8'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 38°
17.5" (7/9/88): fairly bright, large, oval 2:1 SW-NE, broadly concentrated halo. Forms the east vertex of a triangle with two mag 11.5 stars 1.6' NW and 2.0' W. Also a mag 15 star is off the west edge 1.4' from center.
8" (6/19/82): faint, diffuse, moderately large, elongated SW-NE. Two mag 12 stars are at the west edge.
Eduard Schönfeld discovered NGC 6643 = Au 40 = HN 21 in 1858 while measuring stars for the Bonner Durchmusterung (BD +74 766). This relatively bright galaxy was missed by both Herschels. Horace Tuttle rediscovered the galaxy on 1 Sep 1859 using a 4-inch comet-seeker at Harvard College Observatory and called it "an elongated faint nebula" (reported in AN 1337). Using the 6-inch Heliometer at Königsberg, Auwers described the nebula as "fairly bright, gradually brighter in the middle, elongated in PA 50°, 2.5 'l, 1.5' br. Two small star are immediately preceding; the major axis of the nebula is inclined only slightly with respect to their connecting line." Auguste Voigt made an observation in July 1865 with the Marseilles Observatory's 31-inch reflector.
Around the time of discovery there was discussion this was possibly a "variable nebula" (a popular topic in the mid to late 19th century), based on very disparate descriptions by Tuttle and d'Arrest (4 observations in "Siderum Nebulosorum"). Wolfgang Steinicke provides the observational history in his book on the NGC discoveries.
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NGC 6644 = PK 8-7.2 = ESO 522-23 = PN G008.3-07.3
18 32 34.6 -25 07 44; Sgr
V = 10.8; Size 2.5"
17.5" (8/1/86): bright bluish "star" at 105x that brightens dramatically with OIII blinking. A mag 12 star (good for blinking comparison) is 1.0' N. At 286x, a small disc is visible about 3" or 4" diameter. Estimate V = 11.0.
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6644 on 13 Jul 1880 (Sidereal Messenger, Oct 1882) with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory. This was first of 17 planetaries he found using a direct-vision spectroscope (15 new discoveries in the NGC). Pickering noted in The Observatory (1881) that "its disk is so small that it can scarcely be detected with an ordinary eyepiece even if brought into the field of view."
Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "this object is indistinguishable from a star on the Crossley negatives, but visual observations made by Mr. Moore and Aitken with the 36-inch refractor show that it is a minute disk 2" to 3" in diameter."
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18 32 37 -16 53 00; Sgr
Size 10'
17.5" (8/1/92): at 82x, this is a striking, rich cluster of 20' diameter! Quite rich in faint stars but a noticeable "hole" in center is devoid of stars. A rich knot of stars is on the south side of void and a close triple star is on the north side. A string of stars extends out of the cluster to the east. Three mag 7-8 stars are in the field to the NE. At 220x on the south side of the void are 8 stars in a "V" asterism. Roughly 75 stars are resolved within the central 10' diameter. A rich clump of 8 stars is just resolved at the south edge of the circular hole.
8": about 50 stars resolved, moderately large, unresolved haze, including a close triple star, rich in faint stars, several dense patches.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6645 = H. VI-23 = h2013 on 27 Jun 1786 (sweep 576) and recorded "a beautiful cluster of vS stars; very rich, the stars are of various sizes and some of them form an almost circular row in the middle. About 15' diameter." John Herschel made a single observation; "a rich, p comp cluster; irreg figure having a vacancy in the middle; stars = 11...15m."
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18 29 38.8 +39 51 54; Lyr
V = 12.6; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 50°
24" (7/19/17): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately
large, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~1.2'x1.0', strong concentration with a bright
core that increases to a small brighter nucleus. Mag 8.8
13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, fairly small, small brighter core, diffuse halo. Forms an obtuse angle with mag 8.5 SAO 67027 3.9' NNW and mag 9.5 SAO 67032 3.3' ESE. Forms a trio with IC 1288 9' SSW and IC 1289 7.5' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6646 = H. II-907 on 26 Jun 1802 (sweep 1109) and recorded "F, S, iF." This is one of the last few "nebulae" that Herschel discovered and the only one that evening. He probably observed that evening solely to reach the 500 threshold for a new catalogue, although after the manuscript was submitted to the Royal Society, Caroline discovered the list only included 497 new entries. So, there were a couple of additional sweeps made in late September to bring the total past 500.
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18 32 49 -17 13 42; Sgr
24" (7/7/13): patchy Milky Way star cloud at 125x (50' field). Unimpressive and does not stand out from the surrounding region except the position is centered on a scattered group of a half-dozen mag 10-11 stars, spread out over 7' in a SE to NW orientation. Located ~23' SSE of the rich open cluster NGC 6645.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6647 = H. VIII-14 = h2014 on
18 Jun 1784 (sweep 230) and recorded "A cluster of scattered stars filling
the field; not rich and stars less than those in the foregoing
[
Harold Corwin identifies this number with a Milky Way field (unknown size) centered about 3' north-northeast of WH's position. RNGC classifies the number as a nonexistent cluster. See his identification notes for more.
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18 25 37.8 +64 58 34; Dra
V = 10.2/12.7; Size 11"
18" (6/30/11): at this position is a 10" double
star (∑7) oriented ~E-W with the brighter component on the east side and a
difference of ~2 magnitudes.
Easily resolved at 175x.
Located 9' NNE of mag 6.9
Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 6648 = ∑ 7 = Au 41 in 1825 or 1826 with the 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor at the Dorpat Observatory. It was included in a list of 9 "Nebulae detectae" that was added as an appendix to his main catalogue of double stars. He also listed it in the main catalogue of double stars as STF 2332. Struve's sketch (shown in Wolfgang Steinicke's book on the NGC) shows a double star encased in an oval nebula. Using the 6-inch Königsberg Heliometer in Feb 1861, Auwers found a double star, which he measured at 10" separation in PA 260°, but no nebulosity. This is not a physical double.
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18 33 27 -10 24 12; Sct
V = 8.9; Size 6'
17.5" (7/1/89): 40-50 stars in a 5' diameter, fairly rich, over unresolved haze. The brightest star is the close double ADS 11441 with components 9.7/11.4 at 4" located at the south edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6649 = h3751 on 10 Jul 1787 and recorded "a cluster of very small and pretty compressed stars of various sizes; but it seems to be of the same nature with the Milky Way, which is at a little distance towards the south." Because of his uncertainty, he didn't assign it an internal discovery number or list it in his catalogues, but the position is a good match.
John Herschel found this cluster on 27 May 1835 and recorded "cl VIII class; a small well insulated group of a roundish figure, 5' diam; st 12...13 m; one * 9m, at the southern edge." His position is accurate. JH was credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC.
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18 25 27.9 +68 00 21; Dra
V = 13.9; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.8
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, very small, round, only a very small weak concentration at the center. A mag 14 star is 1.0' NNW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6650 = Sw. 2-67 on 11 Sep 1883
and noted "vF; vS; R; 2 stars range with it." His position is just 7 seconds west of
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18 24 19.7 +71 36 06; Dra
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 30°
17.5" (6/11/88): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6651 = Sw. 4-69 on 18 Jun 1884
and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; e diff.; between a F[aint] nr *, and a distant
B[right] one." His position
is 24 seconds of RA west of
UGC and CGCG and misidentify
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18 35 45.7 -32 59 25; Sgr
V = 8.9; Size 3.5'; Surf Br = 0.3
17.5" (5/10/91): fairly bright globular cluster, fairly
small, slightly elongated E-W, 2.0'x1.5', sharp small bright core with a
substellar nucleus embedded. The
mottled halo was not resolved except for a mag 13 star 1' WSW of the core near
the edge of the halo and a mag 14 star at the east edge. Located 7' SE of mag 6.9
8" (7/31/81): moderately bright, small, compact bright core. A mag 13 star is at the SW edge but there was no other resolution.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6652 = D 607 = h3747 with his 9-inch f/12 speculum reflector on 28 Jun 1826. His summary description (3 observations) is "a rather bright well-defined round nebula, about 12 or 14 arcseconds diameter, following a star of the 6th mag." His published position was 33' too far E but his identification is secure and the bright star = HD 171034.
John Herschel observed this globular on 4 sweeps. On 31 Jul 1834 he logged "B; pmE in parallel; gmbM, 60" long, 35" broad, all clearly resolved." A few nights later he wrote "pB; S; lE; 90" long, 75" broad, stars 15m." On a third sweep he described "vB; S; 40"; resolved. Among close stars, which give it an elongated appearance, but do not seem to belong to it."
Pietro Baracchi observed the cluster on 5 Oct 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote "cB, small, irregular shaped, roundish, small vmbM to a very bright center. Resolvable - cluster of minute stars - yes, a little elongated south-following."
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18 44 38.6 -73 15 48; Pav
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 51°
24" (4/11/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 260x this Pavo galaxy appeared moderately bright, slightly elongated SW-NE, 1.1'x0.9', weak even concentration to the center. A faint star is at the NE edge 32" from the center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6653 = h3750 on 28 Jun 1835 and recorded "vF; lE; glbM; 20"." His position is accurate.
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NGC 6654 = UGC 11238 = MCG +12-17-023 = CGCG 340-045 = VII Zw 793 = PGC 61833
18 24 07.9 +73 10 59; Dra
V = 12.0; Size 2.6'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 0°
17.5" (7/9/88): moderately bright, moderately large, round. Sharply concentrated with a very bright, just non-stellar nucleus embedded in a large low surface brightness halo. A mismatched mag 11/14.5 double star lies 2.4' W.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6654 = Sw. 1-97 on 11 Sep 1883
and "supposed it to be a nebula, though he had a slight suspicion it might
be a comet." He confirmed the
object on 14 September, measured a different (more accurate) position matching
At least two other observers searched for Swift's "comet", but ended up rediscovering NGC 6654. Johann Palisa, observing with the 12" refractor at the Vienna Observatory on 20 Sep 1883, and Ernst Lamp, observing with the 8-inch refractor at the Kiel Observatory on 23 Sep 1883, both found this galaxy and assumed it was a new nebula. Swift was probably both upset and embarrassed he was deceived by this "nebula". He explained his error in Astronomische Nachrichten 107 (p. 273) and stated the nebula found by Palisa and Lamp was the same as the one that discovered but mistook for a comet. Swift also mentioned he was surprised that so bright an object was previously missed. He included it in his first discovery list, with description "pB; R; mbM. Looks like a comet."
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18 34 30.8 -05 55 15; Sct
V = 13.3/13.3; Size 11"
18" (7/1/11): The identification of NGC 6655 is
uncertain but may apply to an 11" pair of mag 13.3 stars that was easily
resolved at 175x. A third star of
similar magnitude lies 35" NNW.
Located in a rich Milky Way field near the edge of the Great Rift and
17' E of mag 6.4
Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 6655 = Au 42 in June of 1855 with the 9.6-inch Fraunhofer refractor at the Berlin Observatory. He described it as "pF, S, E, 10" x 3", but there is nothing near his position. Arthur Auwers couldn't find this object on two attempts in 1859 and 1860 at Königsberg, but included it in his 1862 catalogue of new nebulae. In 1865, Heinrich d'Arrest found a "small, inconspicuous, easily resolvable star cluster."
Harold Corwin suggests this may be a 11" pair of mag 14 stars, situated 19 seconds of time west, and 3.3' north of Winnecke's position. See his identification notes. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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18 36 24.1 -23 54 12; Sgr
V = 5.2; Size 24.0'; Surf Br = 1.1
24" (7/21/12): M22 displayed a few distinct orange/red supergiants. Two colored stars are on the southwest and southeast side of the core. A third fainter star forming an isosceles triangle to the north (closer into the core) is also orange/red.
17.5" (8/4/94): at 220x appears 10' diameter although outliers may significantly increase the total diameter. The very bright core appeared irregularly round and 3.5'-4' diameter but not concentrated to the center. M22 was extensively resolved to the center and there was no distinct nucleus. At the NE edge of the core I noticed a rich small clump with 8-10 stars that collectively stood out well and an easy bright pair at the SE edge of the core. The very irregular halo appeared more extensive on the NE side and seemed elongated SW-NE. Dark lanes appeared to intrude into the cluster and involve the surrounding region, though this may be an optical effect.
8" (many dates starting July 1980): very bright, very large, extremely rich. A few hundred mag 11-13 stars were resolved and the globular appeared highly resolved down to the core. A bright clump as visible in the NE section of the core. The cluster contained a wide variation of magnitudes. M22 is the second best globular for viewing from Northern California (next to M13), although it has brighter members).
Naked-eye (8/19/09 and 8/3/11): fairly easy naked-eye fuzzy (non-stellar) glow from Northern California. Bracketed by two mag 5.5-6 stars about 35' NE and a similar distance west.
Naked eye: This is the third brightest globular in integrated magnitude (V = 5.2) and generally a difficult naked-eye object in a dark sky from northern California. It was a fairly easy naked-eye from Australia, though not as obvious as I expected.
Johann Abraham Ihle discovered M22 = NGC 6656 = Lac I-12 = h2015 = h3753 on 26 Aug 1665 during an observation of Saturn. This was the first globular cluster discovered. It was reported that Hevelius had seen it earlier, but he didn't include M22 in his list. Edmond Halley observed and included this globular in his 1715 list of six nebulae. Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille observed it on 6 Apr 1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape of Good Hope. William Herschel noted it was "All resolved into stars" on 4 Jul 1783 using his 12-inch reflector (small 20-foot). On 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236), he called it "a most beautiful extensive cluster of stars of various magnitudes, very compressed in the middle. R and about 8' dia besides the scattered ones which do more than fill the extent of the field, L, r."
From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel recorded (sweep 793), "globular cluster; vB; vL; vm comp; vgvmbM; 7' diam. The stars are of two magnitudes, viz., 15..16m and 12m; and what is remarkable, the largest of these latter are visibly reddish; one in particular, the largest of all (= 11-12m) sf the middle, is decidedly a ruddy *, and so I think are all the other large ones."
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18 33 01.4 +34 03 38; Lyr
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 138°
13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, diffuse, slightly elongated NW-SE, fairly small, broad concentration with no distinct core. Located in a rich star field.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6657 = St. 7-22 on 29 Jul 1873. His published micrometric position (list 7, #22) was made 3 years later on 16 Jul 1876 with description "very faint, extremely small, a small brighter nucleus almost central." On 30 Jul 1877 he noted "2 nebulae", though the second object was probably two or more faint stars. He made a late observation on 20 Jul 1881.
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18 33 55.8 +22 53 19; Her
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 5°
17.5" (7/1/89): faint, small, edge-on N-S, small very
bright core with very faint extensions.
A mag 13 star is just off the east side of the north edge 40" from
center. Pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6658 = m 382, along with NGC 6661, on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "F, vS, lE."
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18 33 59 +23 35 42; Her
17.5" (8/3/97): at 100x a very unimpressive scattered group of ~15 stars elongated SW-NE is visible just south of a mag 9 star. This weak collection includes 5 brighter mag 10-11 stars and a mag 9.5 star on the south end. I would have passed over this grouping without using a GSC plot centered on the mag 9.5 star at JH's position. At 220x, ~20 stars were counted in a 7'x3' region over some background Milky Way haze. A small extension of this faint glow was seen to the south of the group with a few mag 15 stars resolved. Looks entirely like a weak asterism and it is very surprising that it was logged as a cluster. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6659 = h2016 on 12 Jul 1830 and simply noted "A very poor cluster 8th class." His position corresponds with a mag 9.5 star, the brightest in a 6'x4' (or larger) asterism, mostly north of this star. Karl Reinmuth described "a very loose clustering of a few st 10...15."
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18 34 36.7 +22 54 35; Her
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 145°
See observing notes for NGC 6661.
Lewis Swift found NGC 6660 = Sw. 2-68 on 14 Jul 1885 and recorded "pB; pS; R; mbM; between 2 stars. Larger and brighter than [GC] 5918 [= NGC 6658]." There is nothing at his position, but exactly 10' north is NGC 6661 (discovered by Albert Marth on 6 Jun 1864) and his description applies (the two stars are north and south). NGC 6660 is noted as identical to NGC 6661 in the IC 1 Notes (Pechüle, AN #3259). Herbert Howe measured an accurate position.
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NGC 6661 = NGC 6660 = UGC 11282 = MCG +04-44-003 = CGCG 143-003 = PGC 62072
18 34 36.7 +22 54 35; Her
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 145°
17.5" (7/1/89): moderately bright, moderately large, bright core, elongated NW-SE. Located just south of a shallow arc consisting of five mag 12-13 stars and just north of a line of four mag 11 stars oriented SW-NE. Forms a pair with NGC 6658 9.7' WSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6661 = m 383 = St. 2-20 on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "F, vS, R." His position was 1' too far S. Édouard Stephan observed this galaxy on 21 Jun 1870 and 7 Jul 1871 (probably already known from Lassell's publication in 1867). He measured a precise position on 16 Jul 1871 and reported it as new in his second discovery list (#20), which includes 18 objects (out of 30) already discovered by Marth. Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the GC Supplement and NGC.
NGC 6660, found by Lewis Swift on 14 Jul 1885, is a duplicate observation. See that number.
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18 34 11.3 +32 03 51; Lyr
V = 13.7; Size 1.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 20°
13.1" (9/3/86): faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE, brighter core. A mag 11 star [4" pair] is 2.2' NE. Not identified as NGC 6662 in the UGC or CGCG.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6662 = St. 13-90 on 22 Jul 1881 and noted it was a little elongated N-S. His position was 4' too far south, once corrected for a 5.0 minute error in RA. He reduced an accurate position on 7 Aug 1883 and included it in his 13th discovery list (#90) Neither UGC nor CGCG label this galaxy as NGC 6662, despite the good position. MCG, RNGC and RC3 have the correct designation.
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18 33 33.8 +40 02 56; Lyr
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 140°
17.5" (8/1/89): very faint, fairly small, almost round, extremely weak central brightening, diffuse.
Edward Swift discovered NGC 6663 = Sw. 9-88 on 29 May
1887. The position is 3.4' due
north of
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18 36 30 -08 11; Sct
V = 7.8; Size 16'
17.5" (7/1/89): at 220x, about 100 stars in a 15' scattered field including several mag 11 stars. Many stars are arranged in strings although no dense parts. Located 29' E of Alpha Scuti (V = 3.9).
William Herschel discovered NGC 6664 = H. VIII-12 = h3754 on 16 Jun 1784 (sweep 228) and recorded "a cluster of very coarsely scattered stars; or, the milky way uncommonly crowded. The cl. did more than fill my field of view." His position is on the east side of the cluster. John Herschel made the single observation "a cl of L stars. It is the commencement of the bright milky way, which here comes on suddenly in the main body."
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18 34 30.0 +30 43 14; Lyr
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 30°
13.1" (9/3/86): faint, fairly small, very diffuse, very
weakly concentrated core. Located
24' ENE of mag 5.5
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6665 = St. 2-21 on 23 Jun 1871. His position was on the SW end of the galaxy. He determined an accurate micrometric position (list 2, #21) a month later (19 Jul 1871). The CGCG didn't label this galaxy as NGC 6665.
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18 34 44 +33 35; Lyr
= Not found, RNGC and Corwin.
Edward Swift discovered NGC 6666 = Sw. 9-89 on 25 May 1887 and noted "eF; S; R." This discovery was directly communicated to Dreyer but it was later included in his 9th list (#89), published in 1890 after the NGC. There is nothing near Swifts' position or Bigourdan's "corrected" position from 3 Jul 1897. Howe reported "an unsuccessful search for this was prosecuted on two nights. As it is called "v diff", the region may well be examined with a larger telescope." No modern catalogue has an entry for NGC 6666. So for now it is lost. See Harold Corwin's NGC identification notes.
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18 30 40.1 +67 59 14; Dra
V = 12.7; Size 2.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 105°
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, moderately large, oval 2:1 WNW-ESE, weak concentration.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6667 = Sw. 2-69 on 11 Sep 1883
and recorded "vF; pL; lE; vF D * near." His position is at the west edge of
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18 30 40.1 +67 59 14; Dra
See observing notes for NGC 6667.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6668 = Sw. 4-70 on 31 Jul 1886
and logged "pB; pS; vE."
There is nothing near his position. Herbert Howe, observing in 1899-00, reported "this is
called 'pB, pS, mE' by its discovered, and therefore ought to be an easy
object. I have searched for it on
3 nights unsuccessfully, and conclude that no such nebula exists in or near the
place given for it. It may be
identical to [NGC] 6677, which follows about 3 min at about the same
declination." Bigourdan was
also unable to find NGC 6668.
Dreyer noted in the IC 2 Notes that NGC 6668 was probably identical to
Instead, Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6668 is a duplicate observation of NGC 6667. This galaxy is exactly 50' north of Swift's position and his description "vE" applies (the NGC description is "mE"). It is also possible that Swift's NGC 6678 is another observation of NGC 6667, in which case NGC 6667 = NGC 6668 = NGC 6678, all found by Swift. RNGC classifies NGC 6668 as nonexistent. See Corwin's identification notes.
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18 37 15.1 +22 11 45; Her
18" (7/21/04): at 225x, this is just an inconspicuous, 20" hazy patch that is lively. A couple of extremely faint stars are on the verge of visibility. Several bright and faint pairs are in the field including a faint, close pair 2.4' NW.
17.5" (8/7/02): at 100x, I noticed a very faint, small hazy patch at the plotted position. At 263x, the glow was still faint, ~1' diameter, with an irregular surface brightness with three very faint stars resolved (two of these are on opposite sides of the glow). Located 10' NE of a mag 6.8 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6669 = m 384 on 2 Jul 1864 and noted 'eF, pL." Just 1' north of his position is a very faint, rich knot of stars that could fit his description. Harold Corwin equates NGC 6669 with this group of stars.
RNGC and PGC probably misidentify
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18 33 37.3 +59 53 22; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5
48" (11/2/13): this fascinating interacting pair was
observed at 488x and 813x.
24" (7/21/12): the main two components of this interacting triple were easily resolved at 322x. The western component (NGC 6670B) appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WSW-ENE, 25"x8", even surface brightness. NGC 6670A is nearly in contact at the east end and appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 24"x12". The tiny companion at the eastern tip of NGC 6670A was not resolved. Located 4.5' E of mag 9 HD 238901.
Nearby is
17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small. With close inspection resolves into two
galaxies oriented WSW-ENE (actually a triple system). The ENE member is larger and brighter and a mag 13 star is
30" SE. Forms a trio with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6670 = Sw. 4-71 on 31 Jul 1886 and recorded "eeF; S; cE; e diff.; between a F and a pB *, nearer the former." His position is fairly accurate and the "pB *" is mag 9 HD 238901, located 4.7' due west. Swift did not resolve this double system.
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18 37 26.2 +26 25 01; Lyr
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (8/2/86): moderately bright, small, high surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is at the ENE edge 28" from center. A line of brighter mag 11-12 stars begins with a mag 11.5 star 0.7' NW and extends to the NW. Situated in a rich star field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6671 = m 385 = St. 2-22 on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R." Stephan observed this galaxy on 23 Jun 1871 (probably known from Lassell's publication in 1867). He measured a precise position a month later on 19 Jul 1871 and reported it as new in his 2nd list (#22). Stephan made a later observation on 23 Jul 1881. Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.
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18 36 14.4 +42 56 51; Lyr
= close double star, Thomson and Gottlieb.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6672 = St. 10-37 on 12 Jul 1869. His published position was reduced on 24 Jul 1879 with description, "Two faint stars, the northern one appears wrapped in almost imperceptible nebulosity." At his position is a 12" pair of star, with the northern star a close double (~3"), matching his description. Bigourdan measured an object just 1' from Stephan's position and also described it as "a double star which appears to have a trace of nebulosity."
The RNGC and CGCG misidentify
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18 45 06.5 -62 17 49; Pav
V = 11.6; Size 2.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 26°
30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, fairly
large, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, sharply concentrated with a very bright core. A star is just off the east edge and at
the south tip. A mag 9 star (
Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 6673 = h3755 on 7 Aug 1834 NGC and recorded "pF; R; psbM; r; 25"." His position (measured on two nights) is accurate.
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18 38 34.0 +25 22 30; Her
V = 12.2; Size 4.0'x2.2'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 143°
17.5" (7/1/89): fairly faint, fairly large, very diffuse, elongated NW-SE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus or a faint star is superimposed. Several faint stars are near.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6674 = m 386 = Sf. 32 = St. 2-23 on 6 Jun 1864 and noted "F, pS, bM." Truman Safford rediscovered the galaxy on 6 Jun 1871 and noted "pB, pL". His discovery wasn't published until 1887 and didn't receive credit in the NGC.
Édouard Stephan made observations on several nights; 23 Jun 1871, 20 Jul 1873, 5 Jul 1877 and 24 Jul 1881. He measured a precise position on 18 Jul 1871 and reported it as new in his second discovery list (#23). Was he aware of this galaxy from Lassell's publication in 1867 or Safford's observation? His description reads, "A small nucleus, very faint, surrounded by moderately large nebulosity, round, ill-defined outline." Marth was the original discoverer of 18 out of the 30 objects in Stephan's second list and Saffard first discovered 6 more! Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC.
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18 37 26.6 +40 03 28; Lyr
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 130°
17.5" (7/5/86): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, mottled, broad concentration.
13.1" (7/27/84): faint, fairly small, almost round, fairly low even surface brightness.
Auguste Voigt discovered NGC 6675 = Voigt 7 = Sf. 54 = St. 7-23 on 19 Jun 1864 with the 31-inch Foucault reflector at the Marseilles observatory. His unpublished logbook position was only 20" S of center. Truman Safford found this galaxy again on 28 Sep 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory and noted "pB, pS, gbM." Édouard Stephan also observed it on 16 Jul 1869, as well as 25 Jul 1873 (notified of either Voigt's or Safford's discovery?). His published position in his 7th discovery paper (#23) was reduced on 27 Jul 1870. As Safford's discovery was published too late to be included in the NGC, Stephan was credited with the discovery.
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18 33 09.9 +66 57 32; Dra
V = 14.4; Size 1.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 142°
17.5" (6/11/88): extremely faint, fairly small, edge-on
NNW-SSE, requires averted vision.
Located 10' S of NGC 6677/
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6676 = Sw. 4-72 on 30 May 1886
and recorded "eeeF; pS; lE; lbM; ee diff.; 2 or 3 others in
field.". His position is 13
seconds of RA west of
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NGC 6677 = UGC 11290 = MCG +11-22-057 = CGCG 322-047 = CGCG 323-002 = PGC 62035
18 33 36.1 +67 06 36; Dra
Size 0.9'x0.35'; PA = 102°
48" (10/22/11): fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 3:1 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.3', broad concentration with a slightly brighter
core. A mag 14.5 star is just south of the eastern end. NGC 6679 lies 1.7' NNW. This galaxy is identified as
24" (8/27/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, very weak concentration, ~40"x16". A mag 14.5 star is barely off the SE end.
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated WNW-ESE. A mag 14 star is off the SE end 18" from center. Forms a close pair with NGC 6679 1.7' NNW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6677 = Sw. 1-98 = Sw. 3-100 on 8
Jun 1885 and logged "pF, pS, R." His position was 17 sec of RA west and 2' north of UGC
11290, the largest of a compact trio.
Swift made a second observation on 25 Oct 1885 and included it as the
last object in his 3rd discovery paper.
His second position was 12 seconds of time west of
Bigourdan's position from 5 Sep 1891 matches UGC 11290 as well as Kobold's micrometric position in 1899 with the 18-inch refractor at Strasbourg. Herbert Howe, observing in 1899-1900 with the 20" refractor at Denver reported "The NGC says "bet. * v close and vF D *." I did not notice the very faint double star; the other is mag 12, and follows the nebula 2 seconds, 10" south." His position corresponds with UGC 11290, though Dreyer did not publish his corrected position in the IC 2 Notes. So, NGC 6677 = UGC 11290.
UGC and CGCG misidentify NGC 6677 as IC 4763, though RNGC appears to have the correct identification. Malcolm Thomson discusses the identification in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections". Harold Corwin arrives at some different conclusions for identifications of NGC 6677, NGC 6679 and IC 4763.
******************************
NGC 6678 = NGC 6667? = NGC 6668? = UGC 11269 = MCG +11-22-053 = CGCG 332-044
18 30 40.1 +67 59 14; Dra
See observing notes for NGC 6667.
Lewis Swift found NGC 6678 = Sw. 1-99 on 8 Jun 1885 and noted "pF; pS; R." There is nothing obvious near his position that he might have picked up and the closest galaxy is NGC 6667 = UGC 11269, situated 2.5 minutes of RA west and 8' further north. Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 6678 may be a duplicate observation of NGC 6667, which Swift discovered earlier on 11 Sep 1883. In addition, Swift's IV-70 = NGC 6668 may be a third observation of this galaxy (his position is off by 50' in declination). So, it's possible NGC 6667 = NGC 6668 = NGC 6678 refer to UGC 11269. Due to Swift's poor position, neither Bigourdan nor Herbert Howe could find NGC 6678. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.
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NGC 6679 = IC 4763 = UGC 11288 NED1 = MCG +11-22-055 = CGCG 322-046 NED1 = CGCG 323-001 NED1 = VV 672 NED1 = VII Zw 814 = PGC 62029
18 33 30.5 +67 08 14; Dra
Size 0.4'x0.3'
48" (10/22/11): bright, fairly small, round, high
surface brightness, 20" diameter.
A 14th magnitude star is attached at the southwest edge and a mag 16.5
star is 20" NE. In a close
trio with NGC 6677 1.7' SSE and
Zwicky described the pair (
24" (8/27/14): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round, 18" diameter, fairly high surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is attached at the southwest edge.
MCG +11-22-056 = PGC 62026 lies just 0.6' N. At 375x it appeared extremely faint or very faint, round, just 8"-10" diameter. Once in my averted vision sweet spot, I could nearly hold this galaxy continuously. A mag 15 star (brighter than the galaxy) lies 0.3' NNE.
17.5" (6/11/88): fairly faint, very small, elongated SW-NE. One or two extremely faint stars are possibly involved or close off the edge. Forms a close pair with NGC 6677 1.7' SSE. MCG +11-22-056, a nearly stellar galaxy just 38" N was not seen.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6679 = Sw. 9-90 on 24 Jun 1887
and described "an extremely close double with [NGC] 6679; suspected with
132, confirmed with 200; perfectly separated with 250." This was the third
time he visited the field, the previous nights on 8 Jun 1885 (list 1-98) and 25
Oct 1885 (list 3-100). Dreyer
concluded the first two numbers referred to NGC 6677, which is probably UGC 11290,
the largest in the compact triplet.
Swift's position also matches UGC 11290, but in a 1894 issue of Popular
Astronomy, Swift clarified that NGC 6679 is a close double, which is a better
fit with
Dreyer made an error in the declination of NGC 6679, placing
it nearly 10' further north than Swift's position in list IX. Confusing the issue further is that NGC
6679 is a double system with an extremely faint component 35" north. Bigourdan made an observation on 5 Sep
1891. He couldn't find NGC 6679 at Dreyer's incorrect place, but accurately
measured
The double system
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18 39 44.0 +22 18 59; Her
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.5'; PA = 60°
17.5" (8/3/89): faint, small, round, diffuse, weak concentration. An extremely faint star is possibly involved. Located within a line of six mag 14-15 stars in a very rich star field!
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6680 = m 387 on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, S, close to a small *." His position is accurate. This system appears to have at least two components and several superimposed stars and knots. Perhaps one of these components is Marth's "small *".
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18 43 12.6 -32 17 31; Sgr
V = 8.1; Size 7.8'; Surf Br = 0.2
17.5" (7/14/99): at 220x,
13.1": very small bright core, faint stars are resolved at the edges. A bright string of stars at the following side trails to the NNE.
8": few faint stars resolved at high power, bright core. The halo appears flattened on the east side.
15x50mm IS binoculars (8/3/11): very small, fairly faint glow, brighter center, not difficult.
Charles Messier discovered M70 = NGC 6681 = D 614 = h3756 on 31 Aug 1780 and described "a nebula without star, near the preceding [M 69] and on the same parallel. Near to it is a 9 mag. star and four small telescopic stars, almost in the same straight line, close to one another and situated below the nebula as seen in a reversing telescope. Diam. 2'."
On 13 Jul 1784 (sweep 237), William Herschel recorded "easily resolvable, cB, pL, iR. A very faint red perceivable." James Dunlop made 5 observations (first on 2 Jun 1826) and called it "a pretty bright round nebula, about 1 1/2' diameter, very much condensed to the centre." On 1 Aug 1834 (sweep 477) John Herschel recorded "globular, B, R, gmbM, diam in RA = 7 seconds; resolved into stars 14...17m."
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18 39 37 -04 48 48; Sct
17.5" (8/12/01): this appears to be a large Milky Way field in the Scutum Star Cloud, at the eastern edge of the great rift. At 64x (31 Nagler), there is no obvious cluster but two large, fairly rich, elongated condensations were noted. The larger southern group is about 20' in size, extended NW-SE. Connected on the following end to the north is another Milky Way patch, perhaps 15' in size. Both groups are fairly rich with a background of haze. The star density dramatically drops just east of this cloud (part of Great Rift) and then the Milky Way bursts into view again on the opposite side of the rift. So the grouping only barely stands out due to location in an absorption hole at edge of the Great Rift. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6682 = h2017 on 25 Jul 1827 and recorded "A L p rich cl of straggling stars, having a vacuity in M and broken into 2 or 3 clusters. Fills field. 70 or 80 stars of all magnitudes from 10 to 18 counted. Extended, in parallel. The most comp part f." There is nothing at his position, but 2 minutes of time west is a large, scattered group fitting his description. The positional error was repeated in the NGC, though Harold Corwin notes that Bigourdan gave a corrected position. The RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent at the erroneous NGC position. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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18 42 13 -06 12 42; Sct
V = 9.4; Size 4
17.5" (7/1/89): about 20 faint mag 13-15 stars in two
converging rows in a very rich field.
The edge of the "Great Rift" is just 10' W (part of dark
nebula
8" (7/5/83): 10 faint stars in an elongated group over unresolved haze. The "Great Rift" is obvious just 10' W. In a rich field.
8" (7/16/82): elongated group of about 12 stars mag 11 and fainter in a rich star field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6683 = h2018 on 28 Jul 1827 and recorded "A more than usually condensed portion of the enormous cluster of the Milky Way. The field has 200 or 300 stars in it at once." His position is accurate. Based on Heidelberg plates, Karl Reinmuth noted "irregular clustering in extremely dense region, not well defined."
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18 48 57.9 -65 10 23; Pav
V = 10.4; Size 4.0'x2.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 35°
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x
this galaxy appeared fairly bright and large, slightly elongated SW-NE, 2.0'x1.6'. Sharply concentrated with a strikingly
bright core and a large, slightly oval halo. The core brightens evenly to a stellar nucleus with direct
vision. A mag 11 star is off the
south side, 2.5' from center.
Located 6' SSE of mag 5.7 Theta Pavonis! Member of the
John Herschel discovered NGC 6684 = h3757 on 8 Jun 1836 and recorded "vB; R; first vg, then psmbM; 90"; a * 6-7m, 7' sp." The RNGC misclassifies this galaxy as a globular cluster.
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NGC 6685 = UGC 11317 = MCG +07-38-015 = CGCG 228-021 = PGC 62220
18 39 58.6 +39 58 54; Lyr
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 30°
17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, bright core. Located
8.7' SSE of mag 8
Edward Swift discovered NGC 6685 = Sw. 9-91 on 29 May 1887 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; e diff; sp of 2 [with NGC 6686]; in finder field with Epsilon Lyrae." The positions for both objects are 3' too far north, though Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 2 Aug 1888 (published in his 8 Jul 1901 Comptes Rendus paper).
Unfortunately, Swift's published position falls close to a fainter third galaxy (IC 4772 = PGC 62217), which was discovered by Herbert Howe on 7 Sep 1898 and placed accurately. The CGCG (228-021), MCG (+07-38-015) and UGC (11317) reverse the identifications of NGC 6685 and IC 4772, calling the NGC 6685 the fainter third galaxy. The RNGC also misidentifies IC 4772 as NGC 6685. These errors were noted in my RNGC Corrections #2 as well as by Malcolm Thomson in his CGCG corrections.
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NGC 6686 = MCG +07-38-017 = CGCG 228-022 = PGC 62224
18 40 07.0 +40 08 15; Lyr
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (7/5/86): faint, small, round, bright core. Located 4.8' ENE of mag 8 SAO 47678. Slightly smaller and fainter than NGC 6685 9.5' SSW. IC 4772 is 7.9' SSW.
Edward Swift, the 16 year-old son of Lewis, discovered NGC
6686 = Sw. 9-92, along with NGC 6685, on 29 May 1887. The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and wasn't
published until 1890, after the NGC.
The declination for both galaxies is 3' too far north and several
seconds of RA too far west.
Bigourdan measured an accurate position (matching
******************************
18 37 22.3 +59 38 33; Dra
V = 14.0; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.4
17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, roundish, low even surface brightness. Collinear with two mag 11 stars to the east. There are several stars mag 10-12 to the SW in a group. Situated in a rich and bright star field!
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6687 = Sw. 1-100 on 11 Jul 1883
and recorded "eF; pL; R; bet 2 st; also bet 2 coarse clusters; np of
2." His position is 13
seconds of RA too large and 1' too far north. His description "bet 2 stars, also bet 2 coarse
clusters" applies to scattered groups of stars to the southwest and
northeast. So the identification
is certain. The comment
"north-preceding of 2" might apply to
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18 40 40.3 +36 17 22; Lyr
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (7/5/86): moderately large, diffuse, round,
prominent small bright core, possible stellar nucleus. Pair with
13.1" (7/27/84): faint, small, low surface brightness, faint stellar nucleus. Located 30' ENE of STF 2362.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6688 = m 388 = Sf. 35 = St. 2-24
on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "F, pS, R, bM." His position matches
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18 34 50.0 +70 31 27; Dra
See observing notes for
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6689 on 22 Aug 1863 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position and description (he measured the offset to mag 7.7 HD
172803 7' southeast) matches
******************************
NGC 6690 = NGC 6689 = UGC 11300 = MCG +12-17-026 = CGCG 340-050 = KAZ 210 = PGC 62077
18 34 50.0 +70 31 27; Dra
V = 12.5; Size 3.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 171°
17.5" (6/11/88): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated NNW-SSE. A mag 14 star is just off the west side 0.6' from center. A brighter mag 13 star is east of the north tip and an extremely faint mag 15-15.5 star is involved at the NNW end.
Lewis Swift found NGC 6690 = Sw. 5-86 = Sw. 5-85 on 16 Aug 1884 and recorded "pF; L; R; bet 2 st." His position is just east of the core of UGC 11300 and the two stars are southwest and northeast. He found this galaxy on 31 Oct 1886 and reported it as new in his 5th discovery list (#85) as "vF; pS; lE; nearly bet. 2 near st." His second position was 2.5' too far northwest, although clearly it applies to the same galaxy. Dreyer combined the two Swift entries into NGC 6690.
Heinrich d'Arrest made the first discovery on 22 Aug 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and listed it as #188 in his AN 1500 table. His position (measured twice) is accurate and Dreyer catalogued this galaxy as NGC 6689, despite the very similar positions. So, NGC 6689 = NGC 6690. UGC 11300 is usually identified as NGC 6690, although by d'Arrest's prior discovery it should be labeled NGC 6689.
Herbert Howe observed NGC 6690 in 1899-00 and reported "this is given as "R" in the NGC. But it really has two faint wings stretching out north and south from the much brighter centre, making the nebula 1.5' long. At its northern end is a star of mag 12."
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18 39 12.3 +55 38 30; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.7
14.5" (8/31/21): at 264x; fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, ~0.8' diameter, low surface brightness suggesting a face-on spiral, weak concentration. Confused appearance as changes shape/orientation with averted vision as parts of the halo or spiral structure is glimpsed. A mag 9.6 star is 3' S.
17.5" (7/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round, low
surface brightness, broad concentration.
Located 2.9' N of mag 9.1
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6691 = Sw. 4-73 on 16 Aug 1884
and recorded "vF; pL; R; pB * nr s[outh].". His position is 2' south-southwest of
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18 41 41.6 +34 50 37; Lyr
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 110°
17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, small, round, weak concentration, slightly elongated ~E-W. A bright double star (∑2372 = 6.4/8.1 at 25") is 8' SE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6692 = St. 13-91 on 26 Jul 1883. His published position was reduced on 11 Aug 1883 with description "vF, vS, irr elongated E-W, sev vf * inv."
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18 41 32 +36 54 54; Lyr
= Not found, Corwin. =*, RNGC.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6693 = m 389 on 3 Aug 1864 and simply noted "vF". There is nothing nebulous near his position and as expected Bigourdan reported a negative sighting. RNGC classifies NGC 6693 as a star as there are only stars near his position. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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18 45 18 -09 23 00; Sct
V = 8.0; Size 15'
17.5" (6/30/00): this rich, distinctive cluster stands out well in the field at 100x. At 220x, ~60 stars are resolved in a 7' diameter. A mag 9 star marks the SW end. About a dozen stars are arranged in a striking arc (concave to the west) just north of the mag 9 star. A dark lane oriented N-S bisects the cluster just following this star chain and extending past the bright star. On the east side of this lane is a rich group of stars, roughly arranged into two irregular ovals.
13.1" (7/27/84): about 40 stars mag 9-14 are resolved
in a 7' diameter at 220x. The
brightest star is mag 8.8
8" (7/27/84): 20 stars mag 11-13, fairly small. Consists mostly of faint stars except for the four brighter central stars that form a "kite" asterism. Some dense sections of faint stars lie north and south in strings.
Charles Messier discovered
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18 42 42.9 +40 21 59; Lyr
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 12°
48" (10/24/11): this excellent two-armed barred spiral appeared fairly bright, moderately large with a slightly curving "bar" that is elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, ~0.6'x0.3'. Contains a slightly brighter, elongated core. An arm emerges from the NNE end of the bar and curves clockwise, bending northwest towards a mag 15.5 star and fading out just before intersecting the star. The second arm is attached at the soiuth-southwest end extending south, though dimming out rapidly before reaching a mag 16 star off the south end. Overall, the galaxy has an elongated "S" appearance.
17.5" (7/5/86): faint, elongated lens, fairly diffuse, slightly brighter along the major axis.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6695 = St. 13-92 on 1 Aug 1883. His published position was reduced on 22 Aug 1884 with description, "eF, S, irr, lE N-S, vlbM."
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NGC 6696 = MCG +10-26-047 = PGC 62215
18 40 05.0 +59 20 02; Dra
V = 15.1; Size 0.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 0°
24" (9/6/18): at 225x; faint, fairly small, very
elongated 5:2 N-S, low even surface brightness. I could hold this galaxy
continuously using averted vision, though it was quite faint. Surrounded a several mag 12.5-14
stars. Located 13' SSE of mag 6.9
17.5" (8/25/95): extremely faint, very small, elongated 3:2 N-S, very low surface brightness. Not seen initially but once the position was determined using a finder chart, the galaxy was visible about 75% of time with averted vision and concentration. Located 2.1' N of a mag 13 star.
17.5" (6/24/95): extremely faint and small, round (elongated N-S on the POSS), requires averted vision. Forms a right angle with a mag 13 star 2.1' S and a mag 14.5 star 1.3' E.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6696 = Sw. 2-70 on 17 June 1884
and recorded "eeeF; in(?) vacancy pL; sev B st f and p it, e
diff." There is nothing close
to his position but 1.0 minute of RA west and 3' south is
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18 45 15.1 +25 30 44; Her
V = 12.7; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (8/3/89): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, small bright core. A mag 15 star is just off the SW edge 14" from center, rich star field. Several bright stars near including three mag 10 stars 1.9' ESE and 4.2' ESE on a line and also 2.3' SSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6697 = m 390 on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "F, vS, stell."
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18 48 12 -25 55; Sgr
18" (9/3/05): at 115x there was nothing notable at William Herschel's position. Harold Corwin suggests a denser grouping about 25' N and at this location there is a very scattered Milky Way field of stars, ~20'-25' in diameter, but this star field does not stand out at the eyepiece. In fact, the only object in the area that caught my eye was a small glowing 2' knot of stars at ~18 48.0 -25 43.7 (10' N of Herschel's position), though this knot doesn't match his description of "A suspected cluster of vF stars of considerable extent". At 225x, ~10 stars were resolved within 1.5'-2'. The planetary M3-33 (see description) is situated within the grouping observed 25' N of the NGC position. Listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6698 = H. VI-15 on 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236) and recorded "A suspected cluster of vF st of considerable extent." There is no particular clustering at his position, although a 2' group of five mag 11-13 stars is 4' north. JH did not make an observation, so there is little else to go on. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
Harold Corwin suggests NGC 6698 may be a group of stars about 27' north of WH's position. See Corwin's notes.
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18 52 02.1 -57 19 14; Pav
V = 12.0; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.7
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; bright,
large, round, 1.25' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small, very
bright nucleus and a fairly smooth halo.
The field is fairly rich in fainter stars and mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 6699 = h3759 on 12 Jul 1834 and logged "pF; lE in parallel; pslbM; 40" l, 30" br." His position is 1' too far north.
NGC 6699 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "extremely faint, close, 2-branch spiral."
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18 46 04.5 +32 16 46; Lyr
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 115°
17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, moderately large,
slightly elongated WNW-ESE, diffuse, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 is at the west edge 37"
from center. Located 2.8' WSW of
mag 8.9
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6700 = St. 5-3 on 21 Jul 1873 with an approximate postion 5' to the NE. His published micrometric position (list 5, #3) was made the following month on 17 Aug 1873 with description "extremely faint, moderately large, irregularly round, diffuse. He made a late observation on 24 Jul 1881.
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18 43 12.6 +60 39 12; Dra
V = 12.1; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 25°
14.5" (8/31/21): at 264x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, ~45" length, good concentration, bright core with an occasional stellar peak. A mag 11.8 star is just off the SE end [40" from center].
17.5" (8/13/88): bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, bright core, substellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is at the SE end 40" from the center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6701 = Sw. 2-71 on 6 Aug 1883 and
recorded "pB; pS; vE; F * close to f[ollowing] end." His position and description matches
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18 46 57.6 +45 42 20; Lyr
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65°
17.5" (8/1/89): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated WSW-ENE, bright core, very small or stellar brighter nucleus. Forms an optical pair with
8" (8/12/83, Mt. Hamilton): very faint, diffuse, small, almost round, even surface brightness. Located 10' NNW of NGC 6703.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6702 on 8 Sep 1863 with the 11-inch Merz refractor at Copenhagen. His position (measured on two nights) is accurate. Just 4 nights earlier he discovered NGC 6703. Edward Fath claimed the positions of NGC 6702 and 6703 were incorrect in his 1914 paper "A Study of Nebulae", but the NGC positions are accurate.
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NGC 6703 = UGC 11356 = MCG +08-34-020 = CGCG 255-014 = PGC 62409
18 47 18.9 +45 33 01; Lyr
V = 11.3; Size 2.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (8/1/89): fairly bright, fairly small, round, very bright core, stellar nucleus. Located within a string of four mag 12/13 stars (two are south and two are north) including two mag 12.5 stars 1.3' S and 1.7' NNW of center. Forms an optical pair with NGC 6702 10' NNW, but NGC 6703 lies in the foreground at roughly half the distance.
8" (8/12/83): fairly faint, small, fairly high surface brightness, bright core. Collinear with two mag 12 stars to the SSW. NGC 6702 lies 10' NNW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6703 on 4 Sep 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted a bright stellar nucleus of 12th magnitude and measured an accurate position. NGC 6702 was discovered 4 nights later on a second observation.
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18 50 45 -05 12 18; Sct
V = 9.2; Size 6'
17.5" (7/1/89): at 220x, 40 stars mag 12-15 are visible
over unresolved haze, elongated N-S.
Three collinear mag 12.5 stars oriented NNW-SSE are equally spaced near
the center. Located 55' N of
Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 6704 = Au 43 on 23 Jul 1854 at age 19 with his personal 3-inch Merz comet seeker at Gottingen. In AN 1072 he reported "In July 1854 I discovered a faint nebula in Scutum with the comet-seeker. In the Berlin refractor [9.6-inch Fraunhofer] it appears as a faint star cluster, but the place might be interesting, because it looks cometary in a small scope." Arthur Auwers measured an accurate position with the Konigsberg Heliometer (AN 1392) and described the cluster as elongated in the meridian (N-S), 3'x2'. He included it in his 1862 list of new nebulae.
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18 51 05 -06 16 12; Sct
V = 5.8; Size 14'
13.1" (many dates from 7/16/82 to 5/27/84): at 140x,
several hundred stars mag 11-15 and a brighter mag 8 star (
8" (7/16/82): this is the most impressive open cluster with this aperture. Appears as an extremely rich carpet of faint stars and dense clumps in an arrowhead shape.
Gottfried Kirch discovered M11 = NGC 6705 = h2019 on 1 Sep 1681 in Leipzig, Germany and made a rough sketch (the bright mag 8 star is prominently drawn but no other stars). English clergyman William Derham first resolved it into stars around 1733 with an 8-foot (focal length) speculum reflector and described "..not a nebulose, but a cluster of stars, somewhat like that which is in the Milky Way" (PT XXXVIII, 70). De Chéseaux also resolved it into "a wonderful cluster of small stars."
William Herschel observed the cluster with his 10-ft telescope (4-inch aperture) around 1780 and noted the cluster was visible naked-eye. John Herschel wrote (23 Jul 1827), "A beautiful irregularly R cl 10' or 12' diam. The stars are all 11m except one = 9m whose place is taken. Examined with high magnifiers [I have often viewed it with 800 and even 1200]; it is broken into 5 or 6 distinct groups with rifts or cracks between them." Observing with a 9.5" refractor around 1856, Father Secchi described the cluster as having three leaf-shaped dark lanes (AN 43, 157).
The nickname "Wild Duck Cluster" is from Admiral Smyth's 1844 guidebook "A Cycle of Celestial Objects". He describes the telescopic appearance as "A splendid cluster of stars ...which somewhat resembles a flight of wild ducks in shape, is a gathering of minute stars, with a prominent 8th-magnitude in the middle, and two following".
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18 56 51.1 -63 09 58; Pav
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 123°
30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.5', broad concentration to
a small, brighter core.
IC 4800 appeared fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1
NNW-SSE, 1.6'x0.8', well concentrated with a small bright core and fainter
halo. The major axis is collinear
with a mag 14.3 star and a mag 12.8 star, 0.8' and 1.3' NNW of center,
respectively. At the southern
vertex of a large isosceles triangle with mag 6.5 HD 174877 23' NW and mag 6.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 6706 = h3760 on 8 Jun 1836 and
simply noted "Nebula. No
description." His position matches
NGC 6706 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "vF, vS, eE 120°, stell ncl."
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18 55 22.2 -53 49 08; Tel
V = 12.6; Size 2.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 143°
30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
fairly large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.9', broad concentration to a large,
elongated core. Located 2' SSW of
a mag 11 star and 15' E of mag 8.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 6707 = h3761 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; vS; R; gbM; 12"." On a later sweep his size estimate was 80". His mean of two position is accurate.
Based on a plate taken with the 24" Bruce astrograph at Arequipa in 1904, Royal Frost incorrectly described NGC 6707 as "very faint planetary, elongated about 2'." (similar error with NGC 6708). Both objects were included in a 1921 list by John Reynolds of far southern NGC spirals (-40 to -90) identified on Franklin-Adams plates.
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NGC 6708 = ESO 183-027 = AM 1851-534 = LGG 425-002 = PGC 62569
18 55 35.6 -53 43 25; Tel
V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 167°
30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.0'x0.9', moderately concentrated to a small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 6707 6' SSW. Situated in a fairly rich star field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6708 = h4021 on 9 Jun 1836 and recorded "F; S; R; 15"; the following of a group." On 6 Jun 1837 he logged "pB; R; 90"; gpbM." This observation was not included in the main table of the Cape of Good Hope catalogue but added in a "supplementary nebulae" list at the end (h4016 to h4021), which Dreyer identified as "h o n" (Herschel Omitted Object) in the NGC.
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18 51 18 +10 19 06; Aql
V = 6.7; Size 13'
18" (8/14/04): excellent open cluster at 115x with roughly 100 stars mag 10-13. Appears triangular, ~20' diameter with an additional loop of stars bowed out to the south attached at the ends of the southern side of the triangle. At the eastern end is a distinctive 22" pair of mag 9.2/9.7 stars (Burnham 1464) oriented SSW-NNE, with the SW star an orange color. A closer 10" pair lies 1' E (h870 = 9.8/11.3 at 12") and forms a quadrilateral with this brighter pair. The stars are irregularly distributed with some vacant regions and there appears to be dust throughout the field, particularly west of the cluster but also intruding into the cluster. A N-S string of a half-dozen stars is on the west side forming one of the bases of the triangle.
17.5" (8/1/86): over 100 stars mag 9-14 resolved in a 15-20' field but not dense. Appears best at 83x-105x. An easy mag 10 double star at 22" separation is at the east side and a close fainter pair follows. Visible in 16x80 finder.
13.1": fairly large, about 70 stars in cluster, includes some close double stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6709 = h2020 on 29 Jul 1827 and recorded "a p considerable cl; 15' diam; irreg fig, 50 or 60 stars, large and scattered. The place is that of the double star No. 870 [HJ 870] of my third catalogue." His position is accurate.
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18 50 34.2 +26 50 16; Lyr
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 40°
13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, broad concentration, elongated SW-NE, possible faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 1.6' SSE of center. Located 26' NNE of ∑2406 = 6.9/10.9 at 5" in a rich star field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6710 = m 391 = St. 2-24 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, R, bM." Édouard Stephan observed it on 23 Jun 1871 (probably known from Lassell's publication in 1867). He measured a precise position a month later on 18 Jul 1871 and reported it as new (list II, #24). Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC, though Dreyer mistakenly referenced Stephan's first discovery list.
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18 49 01.1 +47 39 29; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.4
13.1" (7/20/85): faint, fairly small, diffuse, weak
concentration, slightly elongated WSW-ENE. Located 8.6' N of mag 7.5
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6711 = Sw. 2-72 on 5 Aug 1885 and
logged "vF; pS; R; lbM."
His position is 7 seconds west of
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18 53 04.3 -08 42 21; Sct
V = 8.2; Size 7.2'; Surf Br = 1.4
24" (8/12/15): at 450x (10mm ZAO + 2x Powermate);
nearly fills 5' field, excellent resolution over the entire surface with well
over 50 stars resolved. A dense
group of easily resolved stars is on the west side of the halo. A large number of fainter resolved
stars is also on the south side.
The outer halo was ragged and straggling, with no distinct border but
shot with numerous stars. A well
resolved, detached elongated section (separated by a lane) is on the south and
southeast side of the halo. Set in
a beautiful low power field with planetary nebula
18" (7/23/06): situated in a gorgeous low power Milky Way star field at 115x with a dense background mat of faint stars filling the 45' field and planetary IC 1295 24' ESE. At 435x roughly three dozen stars are resolved in a 6' region, mostly on the western half of the cluster. The core is moderately bright but not sharply concentrated. The irregular halo is peppered with faint stars though at the periphery it was impossible to really distinguish from these from the numerous faint field stars that surround the cluster. A dark lane is quite obvious on the south side, appearing to detach the outer section of the halo on the southeast side. The outer halo is poorly resolved on the eastern end.
18" (8/23/03): at 435x, approximately three dozen stars can be counted, although the eastern edge of the halo resists resolution. A dark lane cuts through the cluster on the south side running SW-NE and detaching a small piece of the halo on the SE side and flattening the central blaze which begins just north of the lane. IC 1295 lies 24' ESE and both are nicely framed within the field of the 20mm Nagler.
17.5" (6/29/00): at 220x this is a bright, moderately large cluster, ~6' diameter in a very rich Milky Way field. Contains a relatively large, intense 3' core with a number of very faint stars peppered over the background glow. A small, partially resolved piece is detached at the southeast end by a dark lane. The surrounding halo includes a number of brighter stars, though it is difficult to untangle the maze of stars in the halo from the rich Milky Way background. Roughly 30 stars were resolved at 280x, although it was difficult to accurately count. The core has irregular appearance with a flattened side caused by a sharp light cut off on the south side. PN IC 1295 lies 24' ESE.
17.5" (7/1/89): about two dozen stars resolved over haze. A very rich clump is visible at the west side and a detached clump is at the southeast end. The outline is irregular.
13.1" (7/27/84): about 15 stars resolved including several extremely faint stars, very mottled, ragged edges, non-symmetric (flattened on the southeast side).
8" (6/5/81 and 7/24/82): grainy, very lively but only a few stars resolved over haze at high power. Strong impression that in excellent seeing or a bit more aperture would resolve more fully.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6712 = H. I-47 = h3762 on 16 Jun 1784 (sweep 228) and recorded "B, vL, easily resolvable, with many stars visible in it; of an irregular form." John Herschel made a single observation on 27 May 1831 (sweep 591): "globular cluster; pL; F; R; rather irreg; vglbM; 6' or more in diam; all resolved. A fine object, the stars being very close and numerous."
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18 50 44.6 +33 57 35; Lyr
V = 13.6; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.1
17.5" (7/5/86): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness, rich star field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6713 = m 392 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, R, bM." His position is accurate.
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18 46 50 +66 44 42; Dra
Size 1
18" (7/2/11): at 285x, I initially noticed at this
position a low surface brightness glow, ~1' diameter, mimicking a nebulous
object. When the seeing sharpened,
though, the glow resolved into 4 extremely faint stars mag 15-16 (difficult to
hold all simultaneously). Nearly
on a line with mag 8.6
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6714 = Sw. 4-74 on 27 May 1886 and noted "eeeF; pS; ee diff.; sev B st nr north." There is nothing near his position though several brighter stars are in the field. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
Jeff Corder suggests NGC 6714 may be a small asterism of
extremely faint stars 1 minute of time following Swift's position and 1'
north. Harold Corwin lists this
asterism as a good candidate. It
fits Swift's description and three mag 8/9 stars (
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18 55 03.2 -30 28 43; Sgr
V = 7.7; Size 9.1'; Surf Br = 0.5
17.5" (8/2/86): very bright, fairly large, increases to a sharp bright core. Five brighter stars were easily visible around the edges, though these are probably field stars as the brightest cluster members are V = 15.5. The globular had a mottled, grainy appearance but there was no additional obvious resolution into stars. Easily visible in the 16x80 finder.
15x50mm IS binoculars (8/3/11): easily visible as a small fairly faint glow.
Charles Messier discovered
James Dunlop made 4 observations from Paramatta with his 9" speculum reflector and described D 624 as "a very beautiful nebula, with a very bright round well-defined disk or nuclei, about 15 arcseconds diameter, surrounded by a gradually decreasing light or chevelure, about 1 1/4' diameter, this is exceedingly bright immediately at the centre." John Herschel made several observations and noted on 1 Aug 1834 (sweep 477) from the Cape of Good Hope, "Globular cluster; B; pL; vlE; gbM; 2 1/2' diam; resolved into st 15m, with a few outliers 14m."
M54 is the most distant Messier globular, roughly 85,000 light years away and lies close to the center of the Sgr Dwarf Spheroidal (SagDEG or Sgr dSph). M54 is thought to be the core of the disrupted galaxy but it has been proposed that it formed independently and plunged into the nucleus of the Dwarf as a result of the decay of its orbit due to dynamical friction.
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18 54 34 -19 54 06; Sgr
V = 6.9; Size 7'
17.5" (5/10/91): about 40 stars visible in a 9' diameter, bright, fairly large but scattered. Divided in two groups; the SSW group includes a mag 8 star and two mag 10 stars. A mag 9 star is at the NE edge of the NNW group, which also includes several mag 10-12 stars in a curved arc. Pretty empty between these two groups with just four stars in the center. Not very impressive.
8": 20 stars mag 10-13 including a row of stars at the north edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6716 = h2021 on 14 Jul 1830 and recorded "a p rich cluster, figure like the letter S, 7' in extent. Stars 9...13m. Counted 40 of them." His position is accurate.
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18 55 06.0 -22 42 06; Sgr
V = 9.2; Size 3.9'; Surf Br = 0.7
24" (8/23/14): this unusual globular, located just 2' S
of Nu2 Sgr, was viewed at 375x and 500x.
The "core" appears as a fairly circular, fairly smooth glow,
~1' diameter, with a half-dozen stars superimposed. With extended viewing a very low surface, irregular halo was
noticed that increased the diameter to perhaps 2.5'. At the center is an unequal pair oriented N-S (~5"
separation), with the southern component, brighter and quasi-stellar. A second pair of mag 14 stars at
~5" separation is on the NE side (this is
18" (7/15/07): at 280x, stands out prominently just 2' S of mag 5 Nu2 Sagittarii. The globular appears as an unconcentrated, low surface brightness hazy glow just 1' in diameter but with five likely field stars superimposed, giving the appearance of a small open cluster over unresolved background haze. At 393x, four out of these five mag 13 and fainter stars are grouped into two close pairs with roughly similar separations and orientations. One pair is near the center (oriented ~N-S) and another is at the NE edge oriented NNW-SSE (catalogued as IC 4802) while the 5th star is at the WNW edge. The glow of the cluster is irregularly round (slightly elongated E-W) and has a well-defined edge, unusual for a globular.
18" (7/19/04): at 225x the view is quite unusual as the glow of the globular is just 2' S of mag 5 Nu 2 Sag. The globular is just a fairly faint, round 1' glow with a low surface brightness and no evident concentration. Quite striking, though, are several superimposed stars including a close pair of mag 14 stars at the NE edge. At 434x, a star near the center is also clearly double and the halo of the globular has a ragged periphery.
17.5" (7/20/98): very unusual small, faint glow located 2' S of mag 5 Nu 2 Sagittarii! The very faint background glow is ~1' diameter but more notable are several superimposed stars. A close pair of mag 13.5 stars is at the NE edge 25" from center (this is IC 4802!) and a similar star is at the WNW edge 20" from center. A very small bright core appears on closer inspection to be a close pair of mag 12.5 stars or possibly a bright stellar core and nearby star. Other than the central "knot", the unconcentrated 1' background patch has a low surface brightness and is much smaller than the listed diameter of 4'.
13.1" (6/18/85): fairly faint, very small. This globular appears as a hazy patch easily visible just 1.8' S of Nu 2 = 35 Sagittarii (V = 5.0)! About half a dozen stars are either superimposed or resolved including two close pairs.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6717 = H. III-143 = h2022 = h3766 on 7 Aug 1784 (sweep 245) and recorded "two or three minutes south of 35 Sagittarii are three vS stars which I suspect to contain nebulosity; but it is probably a deception, circumstances are not favourable enough to determine it." His position was accurate. At the Cape of Good Hope on 27 Jun 1837 (sweep 793), John Herschel reported "Close, to the south of, Nu2 Sagittarii; a very small clustering knot, with perhaps nebula. A doubtful object. I see 3 or 4 of the st, but there is also a nebulous appearance."
According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan's IC 4802, described
as "neb *13, 15" nf III 143 [NGC 6717]" refers to a clump of
stars northeast of the nucleus of NGC 6717 but part of the cluster. George Abell found the cluster again
while inspecting plates for the POSS1 around 1952 and didn't make the
connection with NGC 6717. As a
result, this globular is also known as
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19 01 28.7 -66 06 36; Pav
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 172°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright,
moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.0'x0.5', strong concentration with a
small bright core that increases gradually. A star is possibly superimposed at the north edge of the
core. Located 5.3' NNE of mag 8.6
2MASX J19023094-6601086 = PGC 3903657 lies 8.4' NE. It appeared faint to very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter. Situated 27" ESE of a mag 11 star. A mag 15-15.5 star is off the south side, 20" from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6718 = h3764 on 23 Jun 1835 and recorded "vF; R; glbM; 20"; a * 9m 5' dist; pos = 220°." The star is mag 8.6 HD 175607.
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19 03 07.5 -68 35 17; Pav
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 107°
30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
fairly large, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.0', broad concentration but no
distinct core or nucleus. A faint
star is at the SW edge. Located
10' NNW of mag 5.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 6719 = h3765 on 23 Jun 1835 and
recorded "vF; L; R; vgvlbM; 60"; RA:: being by an auxiliary
star." Nevertheless, his
position is close to
NGC 6719 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "!! a very small, 2-branch spiral."
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18 53 35.1 +33 01 45; Lyr
V = 8.8; Size 86"x63"
48" (10/24/11): at 488x and 610x the central star was easily visible continuously in fair seeing. Using 287x and an NPB filter, a much fainter large outer halo was easily visible surrounding the main bright ring (86"x63"). It appeared much more circular than the ring and ~2.5' diameter (roughly doubling the size), so appeared to extended further out in the direction of the ring's minor axis. This outer shell was surprisingly evident and even displayed a slightly ragged or irregular edge.
28" (7/8/13): the Ring Nebula was examined at 658x using a 4mm ZAO and an "inverse OIII" or central star filter, which dramatically dimmed the nebulosity. The central star was visible most of the time once acquired, though quite dim. Surprisingly, a second interior star close northwest of the central star would occasionally pop and it was confirmed in the same position. Finally, a third star was seen embedded in the brighter portion of the rim on the NNW edge (along the minor axis), though often it looked like a quasi-stellar knot. In my 24" the central star was nearly continuous and the second interior star was highly suspected with the filter, although I didn't compare with the non-filtered view.
24" (5/25/14): observed M57 at 1000x (4.5mm Delos + 2x Powermate) in excellent seeing. The Ring itself was stunning with mottling, textured surface, and brightness variations across the ring clearly visible. The central star was very faint, but visible ~75% of the time (sometimes as a quasi-stellar brightening). Often, though, it was seen as a sharp stellar point. Overall, this was certainly one of the finest views of the Ring I've experienced.
18" (6/21/03): I took a look at the Ring Nebula at very high powers in steady seeing for the first time using my Starmaster w/Zambuto optics. With the 2.5x Powermate, I used 538x, 807x and finally 1087x! At 538x and 807x, the mag 15.7 central star flicked on and off several times, but only momentarily. At 1087x, the central star was visible more consistently, flickering on/off regularly and cleanly visible for a few seconds at a stretch.
17.5" (6/5/99): Viewed under very steady seeing at 380x. The halo was elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE and clearly brighter along the north and south sides (minor axis). The ends of the major axis were clearly "thinner" and slightly fainter at the following end. The interior had a pale gauzy appearance. The edge of the ring has a "wooly" appearance with a strong impression of small irregular wisps or filaments hinting at the extremely faint outer halo. The central star popped in and out of view a few times. A mag 13 star is close off the east side and a very faint mag 15.7 star is a similar distance off the west end. Another mag 15.6 star is 1' due south of center. At high power a 3" pair of mag 14-15 stars ~1.3' NNW of center were just resolved with a difficult mag 16.1 star ~30" further north.
17.5" (7/2/89): extremely faint central star visible
for moments at 412x just east of center.
The central star was held steadily for a few seconds at best with
averted vision. Forms an unusual
pair with the extremely faint galaxy
13.1": very bright, moderately large, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, high surface brightness, best example of annularity although interior not dark. Slightly fainter at ends of major axis. Central star not seen.
6" (7/78): first view in a dark sky (Bryce Canyon), high surface brightness, ring-shape obvious, easily takes high power, slightly elongated. Visible in 8x50 finder as a faint "star".
15x50mm IS binos (6/19/09): fairly faint but clearly non-stellar, appearing as a very small but definite disc.
Antoine Darquier discovered M57 = NGC 6720 = h2023 using a 2.5-inch refractor in early 1779. He wrote, "nebula between Gamma and Beta of Lyra; it is pretty dull, but perfectly outlined; it is as large as Jupiter and resembles a fading planet." This description possibly inspired William Herschel to coin the classification "planetary nebula". It has been assumed the Darquier's discovery preceded Messier's independent discovery, but Don Olson and Giovanni Maria Caglier reported in the June 2017 issue of Sky & Tel, that Messier definitely observed the Ring Nebula on 31 Jan 1779 while searching in the region of Bode's comet. Darquier wasn't aware of Bode's comet until at least 9 February, so Messier deserves discovery credit. In any case, M57 was the second PN discovered, after M27 in 1764.
In 1785 William Herschel logged, "A perforated Nebula, or Ring of Stars. Among the curiosities of the heavens should be placed a nebula, that has a regular, concentric, dark spot in the middle, and is probably a Ring of stars. It is of an oval shape, the shorter axis being to the longer as about 83 to 100; so that, if the stars form a circle, its inclination to a line drawn from the sun to the center of this nebula must be about 56 degrees. The light is of the resolvable kind [i.e., mottled], and in the northern side three very faint stars may be seen, as also one or two in the southern part. The vertices of the longer axis seem less bright and not so well defined as the rest. There are several small stars very near, but none seems to belong to it."
The discovery of the challenging central star (V = 15.7 according to http://arXiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0611543) is generally attributed to Friedrich von Hahn in 1795 using a 12" f/20 reflector (mirror from William Herschel). Though he subsequently reported the "small star is no longer visible", I find his original observation unlikely as his telescope was probably equivalent to a modern 8" or 9" reflector. William and John Herschel never reported seeing the central star, nor Lord Rosse in his 36-inch. Apparently it was missed by Trouvelot with the Harvard 18" and Holden with the Washington 26" refractor. Rosse found the central star "pretty bright" with the 72-inch (first seen in 1848) and William Lassell sketched the central star with his 48" in 1860 (unpublished). Father Secchi claimed an interior star was seen with the 9.5" refractor in Rome around 1865. A second interior star was observed through the Lick 36-inch refractor and one at the end of the major axis. William Huggins first observed the emission line spectrum in an 1864 investigation of several planetary nebulae. He reported "one bright line, second not so bright, no sign of third [line]."
William Huggins reported the characteristic emission line spectrum of M57 in 1864 during in his first investigation of planetary nebulae, ending debate whether it consisted of stars.
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19 00 50.8 -57 45 34; Pav
V = 12.0; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 155°
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
moderately large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, sharply concentrated with a very small
bright core increasing to a bright, stellar nucleus, halo appears as an
irregularly shaped oval.
IC 4806 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated
4:1 SSW-NNE, 0.8'x0.2', sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core and
stellar nucleus. A brighter star
is superimposed on the SE edge and a very faint star is at the NNE tip. Located 14' NNE of the large spiral NGC
6721 and 6' SE of mag 9.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 6721 = h3767 on 12 Jul 1834 and logged "pF; R; psbM; 30"; the central brightness comes almost to a nucleus." His position is accurate.
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19 03 40.4 -64 53 41; Pav
V = 12.7; Size 2.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 166°
30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
very elongated 9:2 NNW-SSE, fairly large, 1.8'x0.4', contains a small brighter
core within a bulging middle. Two
stars are on the north end (one superimposed and the other barely off). A mag 11.8 star is 2' NW of center. Located 10' due east of mag 8.3 HD
175882 and 7' WNW of mag 7.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 6722 = h3768 on 8 Jun 1836 and
recorded "pF; S; E; glbM; 15"; 2 st 8m precede; the nearest about
8'. Both are nearly on the
parallel, or a little south of the neb, by diagram." His position and description is a
perfect match with
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18 59 33.1 -36 37 53; Sgr
V = 7.3; Size 11.0'; Surf Br = 0.1
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): very bright, beautiful symmetric globular at 128x. The halo measures at least 7' with a sharply concentrated, blazing 3' core. Roughly 100 stars were resolved with a strong impression the core would more fully resolve using a higher magnification. A single mag 10.5 star is at the NE edge of the halo.
17.5" (6/30/00): this is a beautiful, symmetric GC at 220x. The halo extends to ~6' and is sharply concentrated with a very bright 3' core. This core is highly resolved into a dense overlay of faint stars with a single brighter star just north of center. The extent of the halo is ill-defined and consists of numerous brighter stragglers (or field stars) mixed with a sprinkling of dim stars. Perhaps 70 stars are resolved in total. In a remarkable region with a complex of unusual reflection nebulae (NGC 6726/27/29).
17.5" (several dates from 8/2/86 to 7/29/92): at 220x,
bright, fairly large with about 50 stars visible in a 4'-5' diameter. Fairly symmetric appearance with no
distinct edge. Beautifully
resolved into several dozen stars.
A mag 10.5 star is off the NE edge 3' from the core. Mildly concentrated but no distinct
nucleus although a star appears embedded at the center of the core. The outer halo was well-resolved and a
peppering of stars was resolved over the core. In the same low power field with bright nebula
13.1" (8/24/84): at 220x many faint stars resolved beyond the main disc.
13.1" (5/26/84): bright, large, mottled, many faint stars resolved across disc and at edges of halo.
13.1" (8/15/82): bright, very lively or mottled, ~20 very faint stars resolved around the periphery at 140x.
8" (7/31/81): bright, large, bright core, mottled, some resolution of extremely faint stars around edges.
10x30mm (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): fairly bright in binoculars, situated just north of the top of the looping curve forming Corona Australis.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6723 = D 573 = h3770 on 2 Jun 1826. His summary description (based on 6 observations) reads "a beautiful bright round nebula, about 3.5' diameter, moderately and gradually condensed to the centre. This is resolvable. The moderate condensation, and the bluish colour of the stars which compose it, give it a very soft and pleasant appearance. This is rather difficult to resolve, although the condensation is not very great." He mentioned (notebook) "It is scarcely so much condensed as M68 which I viewed this evening."
John Herschel credited Dunlop with the discovery despite the poor position and recorded on 31 Aug 1834 a "globular cluster; B; L; R or vlE; vgbM; diam 5'; perfectly resolved into stars 14..16m, with stragglers extending to 8' diam." Christian Peters independently found the globular around 1849 at the Capodimonte Observatory in Naples and it was reported as new in AJ 2, 1856. Apparently Peters didn't have access to JH's Cape Catalogue.
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18 56 46 +10 25 42; Aql
Size 3'
17.5" (7/24/95): at 100x appears as a small indistinct group in a rich Milky Way field. Stands out better at 220x which increases the number of stars to 15 in a 2.5'x2.0' region (slightly elongated E-W). There are five brighter mag 12-13 stars and 10 faint stars in this group and visually it appears to be an asterism.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6724 = h2237 on 5 Sep 1828 with a 5-inch Tully refractor (7-ft focal length) purchased in 1828 from James South and normally used for measurements of double stars. This is the only object JH discovered using this refractor. Only a rough RA (to the nearest minute of time) is given in the Slough Catalogue and there is no description. Harold Corwin found there is no additional information in the Herschel Archive DVD material.
Karl Reinmuth states "no cluster" based on Heidelberg plates and this is repeated in Dorothy Carlson's 1940 paper. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. Corwin mentions NGC 6724 may refer to a small, unimpressive group of stars about 5' northwest of his (rough) position. But based on my 18-inch observation, I doubt this group of stars would have caught JH's attention in a 5-inch. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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19 01 56.6 -53 51 47; Tel
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 40°
30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright,
edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, 1.8'x0.45'; contains a bright, very elongated core, tapered
at the tips (spindle shape). A
group of mag 12-13 stars extends to the north.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6725 = h3769 on 8 Jul 1834 and
recorded "eF; pL; R." The
RA was only approximated but his position is 4' S of
NGC 6725 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "not pL, R but eF, eS, stell ncl, with straight wisp at 40°." RNGC misclassifies this galaxy as nonexistent (Type 7).
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NGC 6726 = ESO 396-13 = Ced 165b
19 01 39 -36 53 30; CrA
Size 2'x2'
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
is the south-southwest component of two very bright, similar reflection nebulae
oriented SSW-NNE. Both
surround bright stars and are each 1.5'-2.0' in diameter with a separation of
57" (the two stars form the pair
17.5" (7/29/92): two bright, round nebulae oriented
SSW-NNE: The SSW component (NGC 6726) surrounds a mag 7.2 star and the NNE
component (
8" (7/31/81): two fairly bright, round patches in contact surrounding a wide pair (B 957) consisting of a mag 7.2 star and the variable TY CrA (8.8-12.5) at 58". A closer double star BRS 14 (6.5/7.0 at 13") to the SW. In a stunning low power field with NGC 6729 and globular cluster NGC 6723.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 6726, along with NGC 6727, in October 1860 with the 6.2" Plössl refractor at the Athens Observatory. He made a second observation on 8 Feb 1861 (also NGC 6729) that was published in 1865 (AN 65, 263) and mentioned it was first seen in 1860. Albert Marth rediscovered this bright reflection nebula on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "* 7m in a F, pL, white envelope." As these bright reflection nebulae are only 30' SE of the showpiece globular NGC 6723, it's surprising they were missed by John Herschel.
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NGC 6727 = ESO 396-14 = Ced 165b
19 01 42 -36 52 36; CrA
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the north-northeast component of two very bright, similar reflection nebulae oriented SSW-NNE. Surrounds the variable star TY CrA and 1.5'-2.0' in diameter. The nebulae are in contact with overlapping halos forming a figure 8.
17.5" (7/29/92): bright, round, 1.5' diameter, surrounded variable star TY Coronae Australis (mag 9-10). Forms a pair with NGC 6726 in contact at the SSW end. See NGC 6726 for description.
8" (7/31/81): fairly bright circular halo surrounds star in contact with NGC 6726.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 6727, along with NGC 6726, in October 1860 with the 6.2" Plössl refractor at the Athens Observatory. He made a second observation on 8 Feb 1861 (also NGC 6729) that was published in 1865 (AN 65, 263) . Albert Marth independently discovered this bright reflection nebula on 2 Jul 1864 and noted "* 7.5m in a F, pL, white envelope."
In October and November 1915, Robert Innes, at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg, reported the star CPD -37 8450 (= TY CrA) was a new variable. Although normally mag 8.7, he noticed it was mag 12.4 on 29 Oct 1915 and mag 11.5 on 24 Nov. He also remarked "that the nebulous envelope is also variable. As this envelope actually touches another one of about the same size [NGC 6726] it is most excellently situated for comparison."
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18 58 48 -08 57 30; Sct
Size 7'
24" (7/18/20): at 200x, this scattered group stood out reasonably well, though visually it didn't appear as a distinct cluster. Roughly 30 stars were counted in a 6' region (about a dozen mag 11/12) including a few short arcs of 3 stars and one clump of 5 mag 11/12 stars. A mag 7.6 star is ~5' E. Located ~1 degree east of planetary nebula IC 1295.
Roughly 25' further east is a much larger, very scattered field with nearly 50 stars in a 15' region. But no clumps or denser areas caught my eye. Of the two candidates for NGC 6728, the first field (also described on my 27 Jul '95 observation) was more prominent visually.
17.5" (7/27/95): large, scattered group of mag 11-14 stars in a 7' triangular outline. Fairly easy to pick out at 100x. There are no rich clumps but many stars are arranged in strings and loops, forming the outline. A small equilateral triangle of mag 12 stars with sides ~30" is situated at the center of the group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6728 = H. VIII-13 on 16 Jun 1784 (sweep 228) and noted "A coarsely scattered clusters of stars; the stars nearly of an equal magnitude." There is nothing of note at his position. Karl Reinmuth reported "no Cl, a dense region" in his photographic survey at Heidelberg. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
Harold Corwin suggests WH's object may be the cluster (centered on Isserstedt 662, from a 1968 paper on "Stellar Rings"), a little over a minute of RA west near 18 58.8 -08 58 (2000) or a larger, more scattered group at 19 00 28 -08 59 (2000).
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NGC 6729 = ESO 396-15 = R Coronae Australis = HH 104 = PP 87 = Parsamyan 2 = Ced 165c
19 01 55 -36 57 30; CrA
Size 1'
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this remarkable variable reflection nebulae has a distinct cometary or fan-shape similar to Hubble's Variable Nebula. The cometary nebula extends from mag 10 erratic variable R CrA (9.7-13.5) at the NW end and fans out towards the SE towards the fainter variable T CrA (mag 11.7-13.5) at the SE edge of the nebula. R CrA is a pre-main sequence star with 2 to 10 times the mass of the sun and is embedded in the Corona Australis molecular complex, one of the closest star-forming regions.
The region to the southeast (DN Bernes 157) of NGC 6729 is remarkably void of stars! This opaque dark void (molecular cloud) appeared as a huge, elongated dark swath. Within a field of nearly 20', the absorption is very high with only a couple of stars visible near the edges (a solitaire interior star is 14th mag VV CrA) and beyond that only a scattering of faint stars! Also the field centered on NGC 6726/27/29 was strangely devoid of stars. The appearance of this entire region was unusual and striking. Gamma CrA lies just off the east edge of this molecular dust cloud.
17.5" (7/29/92): fairly faint, elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 2.0'x0.5'. Variable star T Coronae Australis (mag 11.7-13.5) is attached at the SE end and the nebulosity extends to WNW. Variable star R Coronae Australis (mag 9.7-13.5), which illuminates the nebula, is at the NW end. The unusual cometary appearance is similar to Hubble's Variable Nebula. The brighter reflection nebulae NGC 6726/NGC 6727 lies 5' NW. Located in a remarkable field of nebulosity and the bright globular cluster NGC 6723.
13.1" (8/15/82): at the edge of the field with NGC 6723 is this cometary nebula. Elongated with a star attached at the tip.
8" (7/31/81): faint, elongated nebulosity attached to R Coronae Australis (9.7-13.5) with a comet-like appearance. Located 5' SE of brighter NGC 6726/6427 in a remarkable field.
Julius Schmidt discovered NGC 6729 on 15 Jun 1861 with the 6.2" Plössl refractor at the Athens Observatory. He noted a faint, but clearly visible stellar nebula involved with a star identified as "nx", though his reported RA in 1865 was 4 minutes too large (typo). Albert Marth independently discovered this bright reflection nebula on 1864.50 (about 2 Jul) and noted "*13m with a vF, nebulous tail." His position is accurate.
The illuminating star is variable R CrA (T Tauri type). Schmidt discovered the variability of R CrA in 1866 and the variability of T CrB in 1876. He also suspected the nebula was variable. Observing with the 7" refractor at the Cape Observatory, Robert Innes confirmed the probability of the nebula's variability and reported R and T CrA "seem to be placed at the two ends of the major axis of a faint elliptical nebula, which is brightest to R." With the 18" refractor on 15 Oct 1900, he noted "the nebula does not extend to T CrA and that it is fan-shaped, agreeing very closely with Marth's description."
Delisle Stewart first photographed the region on 4 Aug 1899 at Harvard's Arequipa station, followed in 1910 at the Transvaal (Union) Observatory at Johannesburg with the Franklin-Adams camera. The following year Harold Knox-Shaw made a photographic study at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt with the 30-inch Reynolds reflector.
In 1910, Robert Innes, director of the Transvaal Meteorological Observatory in Johannesburg, described the opaque dark cloud that spreads SE of NGC 6729 as follows: "Both Mr. Worssell and the writer when examining this region have suspected the presence of an obscuring medium as the cause of the unusual lack of stars. In fact, the 9-inch refractor with a field of 25' can be pointed to one part of the region, so that not a solitary star of any magnitude is to be seen. There is probably no other such region in the whole sky. Mr Worssell considers that when the edge of the blank region is made to cross the field of the low-power Zeiss eyepiece with an apparent diameter of about 30', a distinct difference in tint between the blank and starry parts of the sky is perceptible."
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NGC 6730 = ESO 072-009 = PGC 62796
19 07 33.8 -68 54 46; Pav
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 35°
30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
moderately large, irregularly round, 1.1'x0.9', high surface brightness
elliptical. Located 2.2' SW of mag
7.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 6730 = h3771 on 23 Jul 1835 and recorded "vF; S; R; pmbM; 10" diam; south preceding a * 7.8m; a great many st 12 and 13m in field." His position is accurate.
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18 57 13.5 +43 04 36; Lyr
= **?, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 6731 around 1886 using the 15.5-inch refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in England. The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer. There is nothing at his position and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
Harold Corwin tentatively identifies NGC 6731 as a 10" double star near Lohse's position, though this is just a best guess without additional information.
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18 56 24.1 +52 22 38; Dra
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 103°
24" (7/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, small,
irregularly round, 20"-24" diameter, very weak concentration. A mag 12.6 star is 40" NNW of
center. At 500x, an extremely
faint and small glow (quasi-stellar) often popped momentarily into view just
off the east end. This very
compact companion [20" E of center] is catalogued as
17.5" (7/20/90): faint, extremely small, round, fairly high surface brightness. A star is possibly involved or a stellar nucleus is offset stellar.
On the POSS there is an extremely compact companion with dimensions 0.1' x 0.1' just off the east end, and this is probably the "star" noted in the observation.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6732 = Sw. 5-87 on 16 Oct 1886 and logged "pB; vS; R; F * preceding close north." His RA was 19 seconds too small. Bigourdan measured an accurate RA on 8 Sep 1888. Herbert Howe, observing in 1899-00, reported "this is star-like, and of mag 12.5. The "F * nr" is of mag 11, and precedes 1 second, 0.6' north."
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19 06 10.8 -62 11 48; Pav
V = 12.4; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 110°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', small bright core, increases to a bright stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is just off the north edge and a mag 15 star in involved in the halo on the west side. A distinctive quartet of mag 13-14 stars lies 3'-4' SE, with one of the stars a 5" or 6" double. Outer member on the northeast side of the Pavo II cluster = ACO S805.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6733 = h3772 on 8 Aug 1834 and logged "eeF; vglbM; 20; a very difficult object." His position is accurate.
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19 07 14.3 -65 27 42; Pav
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0
30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): brighter and
slightly larger of a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 6734 = h3773, along with NGC 6736, on 8 Jun 1836 and recorded "vF; R; glbM; 20"; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 6736]." His position is accurate.
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19 00 37 -00 28 30; Aql
V = 7.5; Size 14'
17.5" (8/1/92): about 50 mag 13 stars in a 10' field
which are very uniform in brightness.
The exception is a mag 7.2 multiple star (SA0 142915 = h874) on the
north side, which has three faint companions including a mag 13.4 star at
10" and a mag 12 companion at 22". This is a large but basically faint group. The outliers form a circular pattern
and the west to north side is well-defined by a semicircle of stars. Planetary nebula
John Herschel discovered NGC 6735 = h2025 on 18 Jul 1827 and described "a considerable cluster; not rich, but fills the field. *'s = 12m; place that of a double * No. 874 of my third catalogue." His description and position matches a group of ~30 stars surrounding SA0 142915 = HJ 874. RNGC classifies the number as a nonexistent cluster.
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NGC 6736 = ESO 104-037 = AM 1902-653 = PGC 62792
19 07 29.3 -65 25 43; Pav
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 73°
30" (11/3/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): slightly smaller
and fainter of a close pair with NGC 6734 located just 2.5' SW. Appeared fairly faint to moderately
bright, fairly small, 0.7'x0.55'.
Located 4.7' E of a mag 10.4 star and 11' NW of mag 7.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 6736 = h3774, along with NGC 6734, on 8 Jun 1836 and recorded "eF; R; glbM; 25"; the following of 2 [with NGC 6734]. His position is just off the southeast side of the galaxy.
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19 03 03 -18 32 12; Sgr
18" (7/21/04): at 115x, ~30 stars are visible in an 8' diameter including two mag 8.5-9 stars and a wide pair of mag 10.5 stars. The majority of the stars are 13th-14th magnitude including a group of faint stars to the north of the eastern mag 8.5 star. There is also a group of stars following this brighter star and trailing to the east. Not impressive but stands out reasonably well at low magnification.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6737 = h2026 on 14 Jul 1830 and noted "A *10 in p rich, roundish cluster 8' dia; stars 12...15m." His position corresponds with mag 9 HD 176682 and there is a weak enhancement of stars nearby described in my observation.
Karl Reinmuth called it "a dense region, but no Cl.", based on its photographic appearance. ESO also notes "concentration of stars only". Dorothy Carlson followed Reinmuth and says "No Cl" and this is repeated in the RNGC. See Corwin's notes.
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19 01 21 +11 36 54; Aql
Size 15'
17.5" (7/20/90): at 82x, 125 stars are visible. This cluster is bright and very large but scattered. Located between a mag 7.5 star and a mag 8 star with a 30' separation N-S. A nice string of fairly bright stars is between these two bright stars. Most of the cluster is west of this string but also a faint stream of stars is just following.
NGC 6738 is not a true cluster but an optical alignment of stars seen through various amounts of dust (see "NGC 6738: Not a real open cluster" in 2003A&A...406..893B).
John Herschel discovered NGC 6738 = h2027 on 29 Jul 1829 and noted "the central star (double) in a coarse and poor cluster." His position corresponds with HJ 1359, a wide unequal pair (9.1/12.6 at 18").
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19 07 48.9 -61 22 04; Pav
V = 12.2; Size 2.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 171°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large oval, elongated 5:2 ~N-S, 1.5'x0.4'. Contains a relatively large very bright core! The 15' field contains several mag 13 and fainter stars, but no brighter stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6739 = h3775 on 7 Aug 1834 and recorded "pF; vS; E; psbM; 12" l; has 3 stars preceding." His position (also measured the next night) is accurate. The RC2 position of 19 08 03 -61 23 40 (2000) is incorrect.
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19 00 50.5 +28 46 16; Lyr
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (7/15/93): very faint, very small, round, 30" diameter, low surface brightness, weak concentration. Located within a 8' string of stars oriented SW-NE near the intersection point with another string which is perpendicular. Situated within an extremely rich Milky Way field! Not identified as NGC 6740 in UGC or MCG.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6740 = m 396 on 28 Jun 1864 and
noted "eeF, S." His
position is an excellent match with
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NGC 6741 = PK 33-2.1 = PN G033.8-02.6 = J 475 = Phantom Streak
19 02 37.0 -00 26 57; Aql
V = 11.4; Size 9"x7"
24" (9/1/16): easily picked up at 200x as a very small, soft bluish glow. At 500x (unfiltered) the planetary appeared fairly bright, small, slightly elongated E-W, ~8"x6", brighter along the rim on the north side. There was no sign of a central star or any superimposed stars. A mag 13 star is 34" NW, a mag 14 star is 18" W and a mag 14.5 star is 25" SSW. Located 16' N of ∑2434, a wide pair of mag 8.5 stars at 27" separation.
18" (8/25/06): picked up at 115x by blinking with an OIII filter. Appears light blue and soft at this magnification, making the identification as a planetary evident. At 323x a small, crisp-edged disc is fairly bright, ~8" diameter. Excellent view at 565x and the planetary appears slightly elongated ~E-W with a faint, very thin outer envelope with total size of ~10"x8".
17.5" (7/28/92 and 7/16/93): fairly bright, very small, round, clearly non-stellar at 220x, fairly high surface brightness, greenish tinge. Set in a rich field with several stars near including a mag 12 star 35" NNW, a mag 14 star 20" W and a mag 15 star 30" SW. A striking equal magnitude double star STF 2434 = 8.5/8.5 at 24" is located 15' S. At 410x, the easily visible disc is slightly elongated ~E-W. The PN forms the SE corner of a rough parallelogram with three brighter mag 11-12 stars 2.7' N, 4' WSW and 4' WNW and several other faint stars are near. The planetary has an irregular surface brightness but no clear structure. Estimate V = 11.0-11.5.
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6741 on 19 Aug 1882 using a direct-vision spectroscope with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory. The discovery was announced in AN 2459 and The Observatory, Vol 5, for Oct 1882.
Robert Jonckheere mistakenly catalogued this object as a double star (J 475) in 1911, based on observations with the 14-inch equatorial refractor at the University of Lille. The following year he reobserved it with the 28-inch Greenwich refractor and realized it was nebulous and identical to the planetary NGC 6741 (see http://articles.adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-iarticle_query?1915Obs....38..478J).
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "No central star. A small bright oval, 9"x7" in p.a. 95°. It shows traces of an indistinct ring structure, being somewhat fainter along the major axis. There is a small, scarcely perceptible protuberance at the western end."
John Mallas coined the nickname "Phantom Streak" in his Jun/Jul 1963 article "Visual Atlas of Planetary Nebula-V", published in the "Review of Popular Astronomy". He writes: The "Phantom Streak." First you see it and then you don't...In the 4-inch looks like a broad silver line. Almost uniform in brightness, the ends appear broken and diffused...My visual impression agrees with H.D. Curtis's description of this object. He states "It shows some trace of a ring structure, being somewhat fainter along the major axis."
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18 59 19.7 +48 27 57; Dra
V = 13.4; Size 32"x32"
14.5" (9/29/21): easily visible unfiltered at 87x and 140x as a relatively bright (for an Abell PN) disc, ~35" in diameter. Nice contrast gain with a NPB filter, which sharpened up the edge to a very well defined disc. Excellent view at 260x; fairly bright, round, ~30" diameter. Adding a NPB filter, appeared slightly brighter along the N side of the rim.
24" (10/4/13): picked up unfiltered at 200x but an excellent contrast gain adding an OIII filter. Appeared fairly bright, round, 30"-35" diameter, slightly unevenly lit. At 280x and 375x unfiltered, an extremely faint star (mag 16?) is barely inside the west edge and a mag 15 star is just off the NNE edge. Adding an NPB filter the rim appear to be slightly brighter, particularly along the north side.
18" (6/11/07): picked up unfiltered at 174x as a round, moderately bright, crisp-edged disc of ~30" diameter. Excellent contrast gain with UHC or OIII filter.
18" (8/25/06): excellent view at 323x without a filter. The planetary appeared slightly elongated E-W, ~30"x25" with a slightly brighter rim giving a weakly annular appearance. A very faint 15th magnitude star is just off the NNE edge and a 16th magnitude star occasionally pops out at the west edge.
18" (7/20/04): beautiful view at 322x, appears
moderately bright, fairly small, round, crisp-edged, ~30" diameter. The rim is slightly brighter giving a
weak but definite annular appearance.
A mag 15 star is just off the NNE edge and a mag 15.5-16 star is
intermittently visible right at the west edge of the halo. Located 3.5' NE of mag 8.8
17.5" (7/22/01): moderately bright, fairly small,
perfectly circular. Easily picked
by scanning region at 100x just 3.5' NE of mag 8.9
17.5" (5/10/86): at 220x without filter appears fairly faint, round, fairly small. At 105x using an OIII filter the planetary is bright and compact with crisp round edges.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6742 = H. III-742 on 8 Jul 1788 (only object in sweep 849) and noted "vF, stellar, 300 verified it." He included this planetary in class III of "Very Faint Nebulae". d'Arrest's single position is accurate to within 1'.
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19 01 20 +29 16 36; Lyr
17.5" (8/4/94): about 35 stars in a 6' diameter group centered on a bright wide double star HJ 1361 = 8.3/10.6 at 18". The boxy outline stands out reasonably well at 100x. There are no dense spots and the group appears fully resolved. A mag 10 star is at the NW end 4' from h1361.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6743 = h2028 on 6 Jul 1828 and
reported "A pL, poor cl of stars forming irreg groups or patches, 11..12m;
dia =8'." His position is
close to mag 8.4
Karl Reinmuth called it "not well defined loose Cl around BD +29°3445." RNGC classifies it as nonexistent and it may be a random asterism. In any case, the identification is certain.
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NGC 6744 = ESO 104-042 = AM 1905-635 = PGC 62836
19 09 46.2 -63 51 27; Pav
V = 8.3; Size 20.0'x12.9'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 15°
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): I primarily
scanned NGC 6744 looking for very small HII regions. The offsets stated here are relative to a very small bright
nucleus, which was sharply concentrated within the core. A non-stellar knot was noted 2.5' NW of
the nucleus. A second knot was
seen 2.9' ESE of the nucleus and a third was just 1.6' NE of center. Roughly a dozen "stars" are
superimposed on the galaxy and some of the fainter ones may be stellar HII
knots. Spiral structure was too
subtle to see any definite arms.
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
massive barred spiral appeared fairly bright, large, oval 3:2 ~N-S, roughly
8'x6' with a large, bright core. About a half-dozen stars are superimposed over
the face of the galaxy - some of these are possibly small HII regions. A hint
of spirality was suggested within the outer region but no definite spiral
structure was observed.
20" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): bright, large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, ~9'x6'. A bright, oval core or bar is surrounded by a moderately low surface halo with an impression of "motion" or arcs embedded within the outer glow.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6744 = D 262 = h3776 on 30 Jun 1826 with his 9" reflector from Parramatta (20 km W of Sydney). His summary description based on 3 observations reads "a pretty large very faint nebula, about 5' or 6' diameter, slightly bright towards the centre; a minute star is north of the nebula, and two stars of the 7th mag preceding." His rough published position was 1 min 45 sec of time too far west (12' error). On 20 Jun 1835, John Herschel recorded "pB; R; at first vg, then svmbM; total diam 2', but that of the bright part = 15"."
NGC 6744 was first photographed and resolved as a spiral on a photograph taken at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901. DeLisle Stewart called it "!! spiral, complex in structure, diam. 10'."
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19 01 41.7 +40 44 45; Lyr
V = 12.3; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 24°
48" (10/24/11 and 10/26/19): we observed the
"Bird's Head" galaxy at 488x and 610x and the same detail visible in
the April observation was seen. In
addition, I took notes on the detached companion (
48" (4/1/11): this interacting galaxy pair or triple was a fascinating sight at 488x. The main body is bright, very asymmetric, extending 2:1 N-S, ~1.1'x0.5'. The brighter east side is noticeable curved or bulging to the east and bends on the north end towards the west. A thin strip along the eastern edge glows brighter. The western edge of the main galaxy is relatively straight and dimmer. The south end has a fairly blunt or rectangular appearance. At the north end, a very unusual bright spike or "bird's beak" with a high surface brightness juts out of the main body, perhaps 12"x4" (catalogued as NGC 6745 NED03 = PGC 200362 = KTG 69B). A very faint, very small detached glow, ~5" diameter, is just north of the "beak" (catalogued as NGC 6745 NED02 = PGC 200361 = KTG 69C).
13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, edge-on SSW-NNE. At 220x appears to bend on the NNE end to the west. This is a disrupted interacting system on the POSS and the extension seen at the NNE end may be the contact pair.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6745 = St. 10-38 on 26 Jul 1875 and noted it was elongated N-S. A second observation was made on 4 July 1877. His published accurate micrometric position (list 10, #38) was measured on 24 Jul 1879 with description "vF, lE north and south."
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19 10 22.3 -61 58 07; Pav
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 173°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright or fairly
bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 N-S, ~50"x30". Contains a brighter core that
occasionally appears elongated (bar?).
Situated in a dazzling star field with four brighter stars in the 15'
field including mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 6746 = h3777 on 11 Aug 1836 and logged "eF; R; glbM; 30"." His single position is accurate.
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18 55 21.5 +72 46 18; Dra
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (7/9/88): very faint, very small, round, bright core. The galaxy is located SW of a 1.6' string of four mag 14 stars oriented SW-NE, the closest being 1.0' NE. A brighter mag 10 star is 3.1' SE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6747 = Sw. 5-88 on 31 Oct 1886
and recorded "eeeF; eee diff.; pB * nr sf; 3 vF course D st in line near
nf point to it." His position
is 1.9' northwest of
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19 05 55.4 -05 59 32; Aql
V = 11.5; Size 21"
See observing notes for
Édouard Stephan found NGC 6748 = St. 2-26 on 7 Jul 1871 and recorded a rough position 4' N of NGC 6751. Was he aware of Marth's prior discovery on 20 Jul 1863 and published in 1867? His published position in list 2 (#26) was reduced on 17 Jul 1871 with description "pB, vS, bM." But there is nothing close to Stephan's position despite 5 measurements from his reference star. This object was considered lost until 2016. Harold Corwin found that Stephan's offsets from one observation (of 2) of NGC 6751 on 17 Jul 1871 (listed in Emmanuel Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions) matched the calculated offsets Stephan reported for 2-26. Esmiol left NGC 6748 off of his table and made no special note of the 1871 observation, but clearly NGC 6748 = NGC 6751. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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NGC 6749 = Berkeley 42 = C1902+018 = OCL-91 = Lund 876
19 05 15.2 +01 54 03; Aql
V = 12.4; Size 6.3'; Surf Br = 4.6
24" (7/20/12): NGC 6749 was surprisingly easy to sweep up at 200x and it was immediately noticed in the field as a fairly faint, fairly large, irregular glow, ~2.5' diameter. Still, the surface brightness is low for a globular, there was no noticeable concentration, and it somewhat blends into a rich Milky Way star field. At 325x several very faint stars were resolved, mostly around the edges. The easiest group to resolve are four or so along the north and northeast side. Another couple of stars are at the south and southeast edges. Brighter (field?) stars are off the southwest and east edges. Sh 2-71, a large planetary nebula, lies 50' NE.
18" (8/2/11): this challenging NGC globular is highly
obscured and just stands out clearly from the rich Milky Way background
glow. At 225x it appears as a very
faint diffuse glow, roughly 2' diameter, with a low surface brightness and a
small brighter core. A 12th magnitude
star is superimposed and the slightly brighter core of the globular is located
about 45" SW of this star.
The edge of the globular is not well defined but appears to just reach a
mag 12.5 on the south end.
Additional mag 11-13 stars are clearly off the east, west and south side
of the halo. Four mag 12-13 stars just off the south side form a small
trapezoid that helps to pinpoint the location of the globular. Located 26' ENE of mag 5.8
17.5" (7/1/00): very faint, very low surface brightness globular in a dusty portion of the Aquila Milky Way (dimmed by at least 4.5 magnitudes of extinction). The core is 15"-20" slightly brighter spot less than 1' SW of a mag 12 star. The surrounding halo is just a weak glow with averted vision, 2'-2.5' in diameter with an ill-defined edge, and just brighter than the Milky Way background. The glow encompasses the mag 12 star on its northeast side but does not reach two mag 13.5 stars off the south side. This cluster would most likely be overlooked if just quickly scanning the field and along with NGC 6380 it is one of the two most difficult NGC globulars!
17.5" (7/24/95): very faint, ~3' diameter, unusually low surface brightness for a globular cluster with only a very weak central brightening. A mag 12 star is superimposed on the north side and two mag 13.5 stars are at the south end (not members). The core appears to be located ~1' SW of the mag 12 star. Does not appear like a globular but rather a diffuse nebula in a rich Milky Way field. Difficult to determine exact outer extent.
13.1" (8/11/85): extremely faint, moderately large,
very low surface brightness and fades at high power. Near the visual threshold this is one of the two faintest
NGC globulars along with NGC 6380.
Estimate V = 14. Located at
the NW edge of an elongated group of six mag 12/13 stars and 25' ESE of mag 5.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 6749 = h2029 on 15 Jul 1827 (single observation) and recorded "a cluster of loose small stars of various magnitudes; fills the field." His position is 8' south-southwest of a highly reddened globular cluster that all modern sources identify as NGC 6749. But, I'm not convinced JH was referring to the globular, which is only ~3' diameter visually, quite faint and unresolved in most telescopes. The visual appearance doesn't correspond with a object that "fills the field" with "loose small stars of various magnitudes." His description really applies to the general Milky Way field here, which is very rich. JH catalogued a number of rich Milky Way fields that caught his eye and this is probably another case.
Bigourdan examined the area on 24 August 1891 and wrote (Corwin's translation), "Extended region, slightly rich in stars, but which offers nothing remarkable. "Using Heidelberg-Königstuhl plates, Reinmuth remarked "a dense region, but no distinct cluster." Dorothy Carlson repeated "No Cl" in her 1940 paper on NGC identifications.
Harold Corwin writes, "A more appropriate scattering of stars actually overlaps the globular but extends well to the southwest...even if this is JH's intended object, I think that it is no more than a random clumping of Milky Way stars."
The globular cluster, generally identified as NGC 6749, was discovered by Arthur Setteducati and Harold Weaver in 1962 and cataloged as Berkeley 42. The position is close off the SW edge of the cluster and a note mistakently equates it with NGC 6749 with the comment "Probably Globular". The RNGC references Carlson's paper but classifies NGC 6749 as a globular cluster.
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19 00 36.1 +59 10 00; Dra
V = 13.0; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 3°
17.5" (7/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, weak concentration. A line of three mag 10/11 stars oriented WNW-ESE (length 4.3') lies 5'-6' S.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6750 = Sw. 2-73 on 10 Sep 1885 and noted "vF; vS; R." His position is unusually accurate.
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NGC 6751 = PK 29-5.1 = PN G029.2-05.9 = NGC 6748
19 05 55.4 -05 59 32; Aql
V = 11.5; Size 21"
24" (9/30/16): symmetric, very attractive planetary at 450x (unfiltered). The edge of the 20" rim is crisply defined. The mag 14.5 central star was easily visible. Annularity is evident with a brighter rim except for a section of the south edge. The center appeared slightly darker around the central star. In a rich star field with carbon star V Aql 30' NW.
18" (8/26/06): excellent view at 257x. The central star was easily seen and
the rim appeared brighter with a slightly darker center. There also appeared to be a thin outer
shell. A mag 14.5 star is close
off the east edge and two mag 14/15 stars are off the west side. At 435x, the planetary is perhaps
slightly elongated ~E-W. One or
two extremely faint stars (or slightly brighter spots) occasionally sparkle,
with one possibly on the west edge. The stunning carbon star V Aql is in the
same low power field 30' NW and dark nebula
18" (7/20/04): at 322x, this is a beautiful 20" fairly bright disc with an easy mag 14.5 central star. At 435x, the surface brightness is irregular and there is an impression that an extremely faint star or knot is superimposed on the north side or perhaps the rim is irregularly brighter along the north side. The planetary is bracketed by two stars just off the leading and trailing sides.
18" (9/20/03): moderately bright, round, 20" planetary. Excellent view at 435x; the halo has a subtle irregular surface brightness and seems slightly fainter near the center. The outer edge of the halo appears to slightly fade. The mag 14.5 central star shines steadily. Situated in a rich star field with a mag 13.5 star at the east edge with fainter stars off the west side. The dark nebula B134 lies 20' SE and the deep red variable V Aquilae in 30' NW.
17.5" (6/3/00): fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter. At 500x, the surface brightness was uneven and the planetary appears darker on the SE side of the center. The mag 14.5 central star is obvious at 500x. Two stars just off the east and west edge (fainter star is at the preceding side) bracket the planetary. Situated in a rich Milky Way star field.
13.1" (8/16/82): fairly faint, small, round. The mag 15 central star was suspected at high power. A mag 13.5 star is right at the east edge and a mag 12.5 is 55" ESE of center. Located 30' SE of the striking deep red variable V Aquilae (6.6-8.4).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6751 = m 397 = St. 12-90 on 20 Jul 1863 and noted "pB, S." His position was 2' too far south. Édouard Stephan observed it on 7 Jul 1871 (rough position 4' to the N) and 25 Jul 1872 (11' to the NNE), probably aware of Marth's earlier discovery. Stephan reported it as new in his second discovery list #26 (later NGC 6748) with a position taken on 17 Jul 1871. His description reads, "bright, small, round, central condensation, seems resolvable." Stephan misidentified his reference star and there is nothing at his position. But in 2016 Harold Corwin noticed the offsets for an observation of NGC 6751 given in Esmiol's re-reduction matched Stephan's computed offsets for NGC 6748. So, NGC 6748 = NGC 6751. Stephan made a second observation (St. 12-90) of NGC 6751 on 3 Aug 1881 and measured an accurate micrometric position. In the notes section to the 12th list, he mentions a 2' error in Marth's polar distance, so he was aware the objects were the same. Both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) were credited in the NGC. Williamina Fleming first classified NGC 6751 as a planetary nebula in 1907 based on its spectrum (Harvard Circular 143).
Referring to a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector at Lick Observatory, Curtis (1918) reported "central star about mag 12. The nebular disk is 21" in diameter, nearly round, and shows indistinct evidences of a very irregular ring formation."
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19 10 51.7 -59 58 55; Pav
V = 5.5; Size 20.4'; Surf Br = 0.1
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory): NGC 6752 is one of the top globulars (4th brightest in integrated magnitude and 2nd in terms of brightest members) and was spectacular from Australia. At 128x, the cluster seemed fully resolved with an uncountable number of stars densely packed over a large region. Streamers in the halo greatly increased the diameter to roughly 20'. The central region was well-compressed to a very bright core! There was a strong 3-dimensional effect as the core was covered with scores of fairly bright stars seemingly superimposed over a rich mat of fainter stars and all set over a background glow. The nucleus was small and very bright. Many 11-12th magnitude stars in the halo formed complete loops and long chains. A mag 7.7 double star is superimposed on the SW edge of the halo (HJ 5085 = 7.7/9.2 at 2.8"). This was one of my favorite objects from Australia!
12.2" (6/29/02 - Bargo, Australia): this naked-eye cluster (V = 5.5) ranks second in terms of brightest members (mag 11.5). The 4' core contains several dozen mag 12-13 stars, many arranged in streaming curves and chains layered over a dense central glow. The halo was large but irregular with knots of mag 11-12 stars over a diffuse background. The brighter members, particularly in the outer halo gave the visual impression of a globular embedded in a larger, open cluster!
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very bright, fairly
large, 10' total diameter with a 2' brighter core that increased to very bright
nucleus. The large halo was very
mottled and partially resolved although viewed at only 6 degrees elevation as
the brightest stars are mag 11.
15-20 stars mag 11-12 were visible around the edges of the core and
within the halo in curved strings.
Mag 7.7
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6752 = D 295 = h3778 on 30 Jun 1826 at Parramatta Observatory (near Sydney) with his homemade 9-inch f/12 reflector. His summary description, based on 5 observations, reads: "a pretty large and very bright nebula, 5' or 6' diameter, irregular round figure, easily resolved into a cluster of small stars, exceedingly compressed at the centre. The bright part at the center is occasioned by a group of stars of some considerable magnitude when compared with those of the nebula. I am inclined to think that these may be two clusters in the same line; the bright part is a little south of the centre of the large nebula."
John Herschel also made multiple observations. On sweep 480 (7 Aug 1834), he recorded "globular cluster; B; rich; psmbM; 7'. The stars are of 2 magnitudes, the larger 11m, run out in lines like crooked radii. The smaller, 16m, are massed together in and round the middle."
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19 11 23.8 -57 02 58; Pav
V = 11.1; Size 2.5'x2.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 30°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, large,
slightly elongated N-S, ~2.2'x1.8', fairly sharply concentrated with an intense
elongated core that gradually increases to the center. A mag 12 star is at the SE edge, 1.0'
from center and a fainter star is off the SW side.
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): moderately bright and
large at 127x, round, 1.2' diameter, fairly well-concentrated to a small bright
core. A mag 12 star is off the SE
edge of the halo and a mag 13 star is off the SW side (1.3' from center). Located 3.2' S of mag 10 HD
178302. Viewed at ~12 degrees
elevation. Brightest in a group
including
John Herschel discovered NGC 6753 = h3779 on 5 Jul 1836 and logged "pB; R; gbM; 80"." His position is accurate.
According to Sandage (1975), this galaxy is a member of the
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19 11 25.7 -50 38 31; Tel
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 80°
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.4'x0.6', weak concentration to a slightly brighter core. Surrounded by a number of stars including a mag 11.6 star 2' N.
Forms a close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 6754 = h3780 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; pmE in parallel; glbM; 90" l." On a second observation he logged "pB; pmE in pos 63°, vglbM; 60"."
Petro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 7 Nov 1885 with the Melbourne telescope and wrote "pB, pL, pmE, vglbM. Diffused about 90" long, 45" broad - outline uncertain, fading away gradually - perhaps large than these given measures. Observed 4 hours off the meridian. More suspected.." The last comment could apply to nearby PGC 464622, though it is not shown on his sketch.
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19 07 49 +04 16 00; Aql
V = 7.5; Size 15'
24" (8/27/14): although the listed diameter is 15', the most eye-catching region extends only 5' and is described as the southern group in the earlier observation. The stars are arrange in two main groups. On the west side is a "U" shaped group of a dozen stars, open to the northwest, with the brightest mag 10.3 star at the southwest end of the loop. A nice unequal pair (~12" separation) is ~40" SE. Another couple of pairs (one very close) is along the east side of the loop. A smaller (~2' dia) but richer group of a dozen stars is 2'-3' NE. A long looping string of ~20 stars, including two 10th magnitude, begins close southeast of this group and curves to the south and west, ending in a small knot of 4 stars. The region between this loop and the two groups described above contains 10-12 mag 15 stars.
17.5" (8/8/91): at 140x this is a bright group of 80 stars mag 10-14 in a 10' diameter. The stars are arranged in two groups separated by a fairly wide, obvious dark rift oriented SW-NE. The southern star group is larger and richer (about 50 stars) and contains several stars in two rich subgroups. The northern group is also catalogued as Czernik 39. A mag 10 star is at the west edge of the northern group. NGC 6756 lies 30' NE.
8" (8/28/81): large, scattered, two parts are resolved into rich clumps.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6755 = H. VII-19 = h2030 on 30 Jul 1785 (sweep 416) and recorded "a pretty compressed cluster of pS scattered stars, of various magnitudes and colour, 12 or 15' diameter. On 21 Aug 1791 (sweep 1017), he recorded "a cl of stars of various sizes, considerably rich, the condensed part of it is divided in two." On 13 Aug 1830, JH described a "vL, v rich cluster, composed of 2 or 3 clustering groups running together; place that of the most condensed part." His position matches the richest part of the cluster.
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19 08 42 +04 42 18; Aql
Size 4'
17.5" (7/27/92): at 280x, about two dozen mag 11.5 and fainter stars in a 6'x4' field surrounding a bright knot just east of center. A mag 13 star is at the NE edge of the knot. With concentration the central knot resolves into half a dozen very tightly packed mag 14 stars. The brightest mag 11.5 star in the cluster is 3' S of this knot. Set over unresolved background haze. Located 30' NE of open cluster NGC 6755.
8" (8/28/81): few faint stars at 100x over background haze.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6756 = H. VII-62 = h2031 on 21 Aug 1791 (sweep 1017) and recorded "a small pretty compressed cl. of stars, not very rich." John Herschel made a total of 4 observations. On 13 Aug 1830 (sweep 278), he called it "pretty rich; S; m compressed; oval or rather fan-shaped. The stars 11...12m, 4' in extent; the nf side most compressed."
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19 05 06.3 +55 43 02; Dra
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 105°
17.5" (7/20/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, faint stellar nucleus or very faint star superimposed. Unusual appearance as a mag 14.5 star is at the west end and a very faint star or knot is at the ENE end! The DSS confirms a knot at the ENE end of the central bar as well as at the west end just following the mag 14.5 star.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6757 = Sw. 2-74 on 15 Aug 1884
and recorded "pF; vE; 3 vF stars curiously placed in it on the line of
major axis, which also point to a double star." His position is 24 seconds of time preceding
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NGC 6758 = ESO 184-037 = LGG 426-003 = PGC 62935
19 13 52.5 -56 18 36; Tel
V = 11.6; Size 2.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 121°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, large, oval
4:3 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x1.2', sharply concentrated with an intense core that increased
to a very small, extremely bright nucleus. A 9" pair of mag 15-16 stars lies 1' NNE of
center. Brightest in a group with
ESO 184-033 is moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.6' diameter. ESO 184-026 appeared fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 5:3, sharply concentrated with a small very bright core.
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): at 127x appeared
fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter, broad concentration, very
small brighter core. Three IC
galaxies are within 20' (
John Herschel discovered NGC 6758 = h3781 on 9 Jun 1836 and noted "pB; R; 20"." His position is fairly accurate. Joseph Turner observed and sketched the galaxy on 2 Aug 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. He noted a diameter of about 25", gradually brighter in the middle, 3 faint stars forming an obtuse triangle follows.
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19 06 57.1 +50 20 51; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 30°
17.5" (7/20/90): faint, very small, round, even surface brightness. Two extremely faint 16th magnitude stars are involved at the south edge and two mag 13/14 stars are 1' SW.
Auguste Voigt discovered NGC 6759 = Voigt 8 = Sw. 5-89 on 22 Jul 1865 with the 31-inch Foucault reflector at the Marseilles observatory. His unpublished logbook position is on the SW side of the galaxy and he mentioned the two stars mag 12/13 close southwest. Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 16 Mar 1886 and recorded "vF; S; R: vF D* close sp." Swift was credited with the discovery in the NGC. Herbert Howe, observing with the 20-inch refractor in Denver in 1899-00, commented "the "vF D* close sp" noted by Swift is of mags 11.5-12.5, and distance 15"."
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19 11 12.0 +01 01 50; Aql
V = 9.0; Size 6.6'; Surf Br = 2.4
24" (8/12/15): viewed at 564x in excellent seeing and I was impressed with the resolution compared to previous views. The 2' core was extremely mottled and lively with roughly two dozen very faint stars popping in and out of view, but only a relative few constantly visible. Another couple of dozen stars were resolved in the halo, mostly in a 180° arc along the entire southern side. The stars along this arc are confined to a fairly thin strip that appeared detached from the core. Also a sparse string of stars extends northeast of the core.
18" (7/19/04): at 225x, moderately bright and large, round. The halo extends to 4'-5' and increases fairly rapidly to a fairly bright 2' core. The cluster had a very mottled appearance and some very faint stars were resolved in the halo. At 435x, the core was extremely lively and several extremely faint stars popped in and out of visibility for moments. There are several stars in the halo that were easily resolved, mostly notably on the east and southeast side. Also the globular appeared slightly elongated at this magnification.
18" (8/23/03): at 323x this globular appears moderately bright, round, nearly 4' diameter, broad concentration to a slightly brighter 2' core. A half-dozen stars are were resolved around the periphery with several of these on the southeast and east side. With averted vision a few additional stars sparkle over the center. At 538x, 10-12 stars were resolved around the edges of the halo and the core is very lively and on the verge of resolution.
17.5" (8/8/91): moderately bright, round, 3' diameter slightly elongated E-W, very mottled or granular appearance. A few very faint stars are resolved over the core and at the edge of the core. With averted vision the faint halo increases in size to 4' diameter. Several stars bracket the halo including a mag 13.5 star off the east edge. A rich mostly unresolved clump of extremely faint stars is close west.
8" (6/22/81): faint, small, no resolution, very diffuse.
John Russell Hind discovered NGC 6760 = Au 44 on 30 Mar 1845 using a 7-inch Dollond refractor at George Bishop's private observatory in London. He reported "On the night of 1845 March 30, I found a faint nebula of a circular form... There does not appear to be any previous notice of this nebula, and Sir James South informs me that he can find no registered nebula within two degrees of this place. This somewhat singular as the present object was found while searching for comets with our 11 foot refractor."
Heinrich d'Arrest rediscovered the cluster in 1852 while searching for comets with the 4.6-inch Fraunhofer refractor in Leipzig, though he later retracted the claim it was new. Arthur Auwers reported that in the 6" Heliometer it was "quite bright, R, gbM, 2-3' diameter." but once he commented it was "surprisingly faint." Édouard Stephan made several observations at Marseilles with the 31-inch reflector, perhaps trying to resolve it. At Birr Castle, Dreyer reported it as "vB, L, iR, vgpmbM, like a distant glob. Cl, although not distinctly resolved with the higher powers. eF curved branches go out from the south side."
John Herschel noted in the General Catalogue that this object was suspected of variability due to the widely disparate visual brightness estimates. A photograph was taken with the Mount Wilson 60-inch in 1914 due to comments about variability and the cluster was resolved into "1200 stars ranging approximately from 16.5 to 19.5 photographic magnitude...No trace of nebulosity is found."
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NGC 6761 = ESO 231-028 = PGC 62957
19 15 04.7 -50 39 24; Tel
V = 13.4; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 19°
30" (11/6/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.3'x1.0', broad concentration except for a very small brighter core. Unusual appearance as several mag 15 stars are superimposed in the halo. Located 10' W of mag 8.5 HD 179703. NGC 6754 lies 35' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6761 = h3782 on 8 Jul 1834 and logged "eF; R; pL; 50"." On a second observation, he noted "vF; irr R; 40"."
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19 05 37.1 +63 56 03; Dra
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 119°
24" (6/21/20): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, very elongated NW-SE, ~50"x20". Contains a brighter bulging core. A mag 15 star is at the SE tip [22" from center] and a mag 14.7 star is 1' NW.
17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, small bright core. A mag 14.5 star is 1.0' NW and a mag 12 star is 2.0' NW.
Lewis Swift found NGC 6762 = Sw. 2-75 on 30 Apr 1884 and
noted "eF; vE." His
position and description is nearly identical to
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NGC 6763 = NGC 6762 = UGC 11405 = CGCG 323-009 = PGC 62757
19 05 37.1 +63 56 03; Dra
V = 13.3; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 119°
See observing notes for NGC 6762.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6763 = Sw. 2-76 on 30 Aug 1883
and recorded "eF; vS; cE; F * nr; D * in field. n of 2" His
position is 14 seconds of time due west of
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19 08 16.4 +50 56 00; Cyg
V = 11.8; Size 2.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 62°
48" (11/5/21): at 610x; bright and impressive barred spiral that appears like an edge-on galaxy on first glance. The bar is elongated ~7:1 WSW-ENE, nearly 2' x 0.3'. The galaxy displayed a sharp and prominent stellar nucleus that seems like a bright, superimposed star. The bar has a small bend at the ENE end, ending at a faint (HII) knot, ~6" diameter. A 17th mag star is just off the tip. Similarly, I noted a slightly brighter 15" patch (also a large HII region) on the WSW end of the bar. Three mag 14-15 stars form a thin triangle on the south side of a very low surface brightness halo.
24" (6/29/16): at 260x; moderately bright, very elongated 5:1 WSW-ENE (central bar), ~1.7'x 0.35', broad weak concentration, sharp stellar nucleus. After careful viewing, a very low surface brightness halo surrounds the bar, which increased the size to ~1.7'x0.6'. Three mag 14-15 stars are at the south side including a 10" pair parallel to the major axis [25" south of the nucleus]. A faint non-stellar knot was visible at the ENE end of the bar. Occasionally it was elongated and angled towards the north. A matching knot was suspected (lower contrast) at the WSW end of the bar.
Forms a pair with LEDA 214715 2.7' ESE. At 260x, the companion appeared faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 20"x16" or perhaps 15"x12", weak concentration, slightly brighter nucleus. Visible continuously at this magnification.
13.1" (10/20/84): fairly faint, diffuse, fairly small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, very diffuse edges. Two or three faint stars are superimposed on the halo south of center although one of these may be a faint stellar nucleus. A nice double star is 6' WNW (mag 11/12 at 20"). Located on the Cygnus-Draco border.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6764 = Sw. 2-77 on 4 Jul 1885 and recorded "pF; pL; cE; sev vF stars involved." His position is on the west side of UGC 11407 and the involved stars are on the south side of the galaxy. Herbert Howe, observing with the 20-inch refractor in Denver in 1899-00, commented "the elongation is north and south. Four stars of mag 13.5 are involved, one near each end, and the others in the middle." Howe's description seems inaccurate.
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19 11 06.4 +30 32 45; Lyr
V = 13.1; Size 38"
18" (7/16/07): this unusual planetary was picked up at 174x unfiltered as an elongated glow. The view is confused, though, as a star or knot in directly involved at the NE end, along with 1 or 2 additional stars around the edges. An OIII filter provided an excellent contrast gain. The edges sharpened up and the halo appeared elongated 2:1 SW-NE, ~0.6'x0.3'. At 225x, a mag 14-15 star is just off the NE end and the involved knot seemed to occasionally resolve into a couple of faint stars just north of center near the NE edge. Finally, an extremely faint star occasionally sparkled at the SW end.
17.5" (9/5/99): picked up at 100x as a small, irregular glow in a rich star field by moving 20' NW of STF 2483 = 7.9/9.0 at 10". At 220x, the PN is clearly elongated ~2:1 SW-NE. The appearance is odd with a much brighter NE end and a fainter extension to the SW end. A mag 14.5-15 star is just off the NE end in the direction of the elongation. At 380x, a very faint star was intermittently glimpsed within the NE end. If this is the central star it is very eccentrically placed.
13.1" (6/18/85): faint, elongated SSW-NNE, appears similar to a diffuse galaxy. A faint mag 14.5 star is at the NE tip. Located 20' NW of ∑2483 = 7.9/9.0 at 10".
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6765 = m 398 = Sf. 42 = St. 2-27
on 28 Jun 1864 and noted "F, S, mE or ray." Truman Safford found it again on 12 Jul 1866 using the
18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory in Chicago (he also found the
planetary
Édouard Stephan found it on 12 Jul 1869, probably already aware of Marth's observation. He measured an accurate position on 20 Jul 1870 and listed it as new in his second discovery list (#27). This is one of six in Stephan's second list of 30 objects (published in 1871) that were previously discovered by Marth as well as Safford. Dreyer credited Stephan with the discovery in the GC Supplement (GCS 5941), though both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) are listed in the NGC. Stephan made a later observation on 22 Jul 1881.
Minkowski entered it as the 68th object in his first
discovery list (
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20 10 23.6 +46 27 40; Cyg
V = 11.0; Size 6"x5"
See observing notes for
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6766 = HN 53 on 8 May 1883
by means of a spectroscopic sweep with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College
Observatory. The discovery was
announced, along with
Ralph Copeland independently discovered this planetary on 20 Sep 1884 at Dun Echt, Aberdeen using an objective-prism sweep with a 6.1-inch refractor. His position is accurate. His observation was catalogued as NGC 6884. So, NGC 6766 = NGC 6884. Although Pickering's NGC 6766 was the earlier discovery, the primary designation is NGC 6833 due to its unambiguous NGC position. RNGC classifies NGC 6766 as nonexistent.
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19 11 33.9 +37 43 31; Lyr
= **, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 6767 around 1886 using the 15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in Scarborough, England. The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and reported as "vF, S, R, stellar, S* nr N". There are no nebulous objects near his position and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
Harold Corwin identifies NGC 6767 as a 12" pair of mag 14/15 stars very close to Lohse's position.
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19 16 32.6 -40 12 33; CrA
Size 1.2'x1.1'; PA = 36°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly large,
1.1'x0.9', sharply concentrated.
Contains a very bright, relatively large core! A mag 11 star is 4' WSW. Forms an excellent double system with
17.5" (7/20/96): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, low surface brightness (due to low elevation from Northern California). ESO 337-017 was not seen in these conditions. A string of three mag 14 stars are close preceding. I had a very difficult time identifying the correct field.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6768 = h3786 on 4 Aug 1834 and
logged "vF; S; R; pslbM."
His position is 1' north of
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NGC 6769 = VV 304a = ESO 141-048 = AM 1914-603 = KTS 59A = LGG 427-008 = PGC 63042
19 18 22.7 -60 30 04; Pav
V = 11.8; Size 2.3'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 123°
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; brightest member in a group and interacting with NGC 6770. It appeared bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, 1.6'x1.2'. Sharply concentrated with a very bright elongated core. A mag 12.2 star is at the east edge, 0.9' ENE of center. NGC 6771 lies 3.5' SE, forming a striking triplet in a rich star field with IC 4842 11.5' SE and IC 4845 16' NE.
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest member and first of four in an interesting galaxy group! It appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated NW-SE, 1.5'x1.2'. In a close trio with NGC 6770 1.9' E and NGC 6771 3.5' SE with a 4th galaxy, IC 4842, 11' SE. On the DSS image this galaxy is clearly distorted from interacting with NGC 6770 with streamers, plumes, loops and H II regions in the outer arm. IC 4842 appeared appears fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.8', slightly brighter core. IC 4845 lies 16' NE.
The trio is listed as an isolated southern triplet (
John Herschel discovered NGC 6769 = h3783, along with NGC
6770 and 6771, on 11 Aug 1836 and recorded "vF; R; lbM; 20". The first of 3." His RA is 1.0 minute too small. DeLisle Stewart provided an accurate RA
(given in the IC 2 Notes), based on plates at Harvard's Arequipa Station in
Peru around 1900. While observing
NGC 6769 on 3 Aug 1883 with the 48" Melbourne telescope, Joseph Turner
discovered
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NGC 6770 = VV 304b = ESO 141-049 = AM 1914-603 = KTS 59B = LGG 427-009 = PGC 63048
19 18 37.3 -60 29 47; Pav
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 20°
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; NGC 6770 is the disrupted, eastern member of an interacting pair with NGC 6769 (1.8' between centers). It appeared moderately bright or fairly bright, roundish, sharply concentrated with a bright elongated core or bar oriented NW-SE. In a rich star field with a mag 12.2 star is just off the west side [0.9' W of center] and a mag 13 star is at the east edge of the halo. NGC 6771 is 3' S and IC 4845 lies 14.5' NE.
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this close companion to NGC 6769 is just 1.9' following and appears fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter with a small brighter core. On the DSS a straight spiral arm points directly towards the southeast end of NGC 6769, apparently as a result of the interaction. NGC 6771 lies 2.9' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6770 = h3784, along with NGC 6769 and 6771 on 11 Aug 1836 and logged "eF; 15". The 2nd of 2." His RA is 1.0 minute too large and he probably reversed the declinations of this galaxy and NGC 6767. DeLisle Stewart provided an accurate RA, based on plates at Harvard's Arequipa Station in Peru around 1900 (repeated in the IC2 notes section).
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NGC 6771 = ESO 141-050 = AM 1914-603 = KTS 59C = LGG 427-006 = PGC 63049
19 18 39.5 -60 32 46; Pav
V = 12.5; Size 2.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 118°
25" (10/17/17 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly bright, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, ~1.25'x0.3'. Contains a bright, elongated core. Three mag 13.5 stars are close south. Southern member of a triplet with interacting NGC 6769 and 6770 ~3' N.
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): third of three galaxies with NGC 6769 3.5' NW and NGC 6770 3.2' N in a tight trio. Fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.4', small brighter core. Forms the southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with NGC 6769 and NGC 6770.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6771 = h3785, along with NGC 6769 and 6770, on 11 Aug 1836 and logged "eF; 20". The 3rd of 3." His RA is 55 seconds too large (similar offset as the two others). DeLisle Stewart provided an accurate RA (given in the IC 2 Notes), based on plates at Harvard's Arequipa Station in Peru around 1900.
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19 14 36.2 -02 42 24; Aql
V = 12.6; Size 70"x56"
24" (8/30/16): at 225x and 375x (unfiltered); moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~70"x55". The rim is slightly brighter, particularly along the east and west side and weaker on the south end. The surface brightness is irregular or mottled and there appeared to be a small knot [the DSS reveals two faint, very close stars] embedded on the northeast side. A mag 15.7 star is just off the east side [44" from center] and a mag 16.3 star is just off the north end [52" from center].
18" (8/26/06): excellent view at 323x and UHC filter. Appears moderately bright, round, fairly large, ~60" diameter. The rim is sharply defined and slightly brighter with a subtly darker center giving a weak annular impression.
18" (8/23/03): at 215x with a UHC filter, this planetary appears as an irregular, 60" disc, slightly elongated N-S. The rim is slightly brighter, particularly along an arc from the southwest to the north side, giving a weakly annular appearance. At 538x the view was too dim but I noticed a couple of extremely faint stars along the edge of the rim.
17.5" (9/5/99): easily picked up at 100x as a 1' disc, appearing slightly irregular. Best view at 220x and 280x using a UHC filter. The disc was quite irregular in surface brightness and slightly elongated N-S. Most notably, the rim is generally brighter along the northern side in a broad "U" shape with the center weakly annular. The south rim of the planetary is fainter and less well defined. No central star seen at 380x.
13.1" (8/8/86): moderately bright, slightly elongated N-S, estimate V = 13.0. Pretty view at 214x and UHC filter with a slightly mottled or uneven surface brightness.
8" (7/31/81): faint, diffuse, moderately large.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6772 = H. IV-14 = h2032 on 21 Jul 1784 (sweep 242) and recorded "vF, r, nearly of equal light throughout; about 1' in diam. In the midst of numberless stars of the milky way." On 23 Jul 1827, John Herschel noted "vF; R; vlbM; r; 30"."
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "the nebula is a very faint and vague oval ring 75"x56" in p.a. about 173°. Brightest on the east and west edges; considerably fainter along and at the ends of the major axis."
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19 15 08 +04 51 24; Aql
17.5" (7/27/95): unimpressive coarse group of ~20 stars in a 7'x2' rectangular outline elongated N-S and appears to be nothing but an asterism. Includes six brighter mag 9-11 stars. The stars in this weak asterism simply form the border and there are no stars inside. The extent of the group is arbitrary but I included a few mag 11 stars to the south giving the elongation. A mag 8.5 star located 14' NE is closely surrounded by a group of six faint stars. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6773 = h2033 on 13 Aug 1830 and noted "Coarse, not very rich, eighth class." His position corresponds to the brightest mag 9.5 star at the west end of the group. Karl Reinmuth, based on its photographic appearance, wrote "no Cl, a few st pretty much sc." Dorothy Carlson repeated "No Cl" in her 1940 paper on NGC corrections as well as the RNGC.
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19 16 18 -16 15; Sgr
Size 20'
13.1" (8/5/83): large, scattered field of 50 stars mag 11 and fainter in a 20' diameter although no real borders. Does not contain any rich spots. Possibly not a true open cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6774 = h2034 on 27 Jul 1830 and
recorded "a very large straggling space of loose stars, 8, 9, and
10m." On a second sweep (27
Jul 1830), he logged "a fine, L, loosely scattered cl of large with some
small stars. Fills 2 or 3
fields." His single good
position matches mag 8.4
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19 16 42 -00 56 00; Aql
Size 12'x4'
24" (9/30/16): at 200x; the most compressed grouping is at the east end and includes a half-dozen brighter stars including a nice linear string. Perhaps 20 stars are resolved in a 2.5' region. A nice sprinkling of 13th and 14th magnitude extends to the east for ~10'. There are no dense clumps, but just enough stars to catch the eye. Combined, the group is somewhat detached in the wider field and extends ~12'x 5', roughly elongated WNW-ESE, with the main clump at the ESE end.
17.5" (8/25/95): at 220x appears as a small, faint group of about a dozen stars mag 12.5-14.5 in a 2.5' region. Most striking is a rich string of six stars oriented E-W just 1.5' in length. Stands out reasonable well at 100x but higher power brings out a few fainter stars. Listed as a nonexistent cluster in the RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6775 = h2035 on 19 Jul 1828 and logged "A cluster, poor, loose, irreg fig, stars 10 and 11m." At his position is a distinct group of 10-12 stars described in my observation. This may be an asterism and RNGC lists the cluster as nonexistent (Type 7).
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NGC 6776 = ESO 104-053 = AM 1920-635 = PGC 63185
19 25 19.2 -63 51 37; Pav
V = 12.1; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15°
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 264x; fairly bright,
moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, ~0.9'x0.75'. Sharply concentrated with an intensely
bright core that increases to a very bright stellar nucleus. A mag 14.8 star is off the south side,
1.2' from center and a mag ~14.5 star is at the northwest edge [25" from
center]. Mag 9.8
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, fairly small, roundish, 0.8'x0.7'. A faint star is just off the northwest side, ~30" from the center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6776 = h3787 on 20 Jun 1835 and
logged "pB; R; psbM; 15"."
There is nothing at his single position, but 1.7 minutes of RA east and
1.5' north is
NGC 6776 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901. He corrected the RA 1.6 minutes further west, instead of east!
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19 26 32 -71 27 54; Pav
V = 8.0/8.3; Size 2
= ** (mag 8-8.5
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered NGC 6777 = Lac I-13 in
1751-1752 with a 1/2" telescope at 8x, during his expedition to the Cape
of Good Hope. He noted "it
resembles the preceding [a small nucleus of a comet]." There is a 2' pair of mag 8-8.5 stars
(
James Dunlop looked for it in 1826 (D 69) from Paramatta and reported, "I cannot find the nebula answering to this place; perhaps there may be a mistake in the right ascension." Based on plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa Station around 1900, DeLisle Stewart stated "Not seen, 2 st 8 or 9 mag nr, but no neb."
The RNGC classification is galaxy, but the position falls on a blank piece of sky just 4' east of Lacaille's. As an alternative, Harold Corwin states "NGC 6777 may be NGC 6752 (first suggested by Owen Gingerich in a Sky and Telescope article which appeared in the February 1960 issue on page 207). If so, there is a large error in Lacaille's position."
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19 18 24.8 -01 35 47; Aql
V = 12.1; Size 25"x19"
18" (8/26/06): at 115x appears as a fairly bright but small, round disc with a blue-grey color. Excellent view at 435x with an irregular shape slightly elongated ~E-W, ~25"x20". A brighter knot at the west end gives the appearance of being double or bipolar. At 565x the surface brightness is noticeably irregular and an extremely faint "stellaring" was occasionally visible at the west edge and I caught fleeting glimpses of a centrally located star.
17.5" (9/5/99): fairly bright, but small disc picked up
at 100x. Easily takes high power.
Nice view unfiltered at 280x - the PN has an irregular surface brightness with
a brighter center but no central star and appears slightly elongated WNW-ESE,
perhaps 20"-25" in diameter.
At 500x the outer edge of the rim fades and is not sharply defined. At moments a sparkle was visible at the
center with this magnification.
Located 5.0' WSW of mag 9
13.1" (8/8/86): bright, fairly small, estimate V = 12.0-12.5. Very nice view at 214x with a UHC filter and slightly elongated WNW-ESE with a fainter rounder halo suspected.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6778 = m 399 on 25 Jun 1863 and noted "S, E, ill defined whitish disc." His position was 1.8' to the southwest. John Herschel made an earlier observation on 20 Aug 1825 (sweep 6), though his rough RA was two minutes too large. While measuring the wide double star HJ 266 = 10.9/11.7 at 14" (situated 10' ENE) he noted a "suspected stellar nebula in the field." Edward Pickering found the planetary in Aug or Sep 1882 at Harvard College Observatory, though he noted the equivalence with GC 5942 [= NGC 6778].
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "the brighter part of the nebula takes an hour-glass shape; is 19"x13"; faint ansae in p.a. 18° bring the total length to 25". Fainter along the major axis."
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19 16 35.4 +30 11 04; Lyr
V = 8.3; Size 7.1'; Surf Br = 0.8
24" (8/12/15): superb view at 564x (10mm ZAO + 2.5x Powermate) in excellent seeing and transparency. This bright globular was highly resolved over the entire large central region and within a straggling, irregular halo that filled the 5' field. Roughly 100 or more stars were resolved, though it was difficult to judge the extent of the halo as it thinned into the density of the surrounding Milky Way star field. The unresolved background glow of the halo was more evident on the south side.
17.5" (8/22/87): about 30 stars resolved including many mag 15 stars at 280x. Resolution is evident over the entire disc and at the edges of the ill-defined halo. Situated in a rich star field.
13.1" (5/26/84): many faint stars and some brighter stars near the west edge.
13.1" (8/16/82): a number of faint stars resolved, particularly at the west edge.
8" (10/4/80): very grainy, ragged, few faint stars resolved.
80mm (8/27/87): easily visible at 11x.
Charles Messier discovered
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NGC 6780 = ESO 184-062 = AM 1918-555 = LGG 426-005 = PGC 63151
19 22 51.0 -55 46 33; Tel
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 168°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright,
elongated 5:4 N-S, 1.5'x1.2', broad concentration and grows to a slightly
brighter core and quasi-stellar nucleus.
Weak spiral structure was just visible in the halo. Located 8.8' SE of mag 8.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 6780 = h3788 on 9 Jun 1836 and recorded "vF; L; R; vglbM; 90"." His single position is accurate.
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19 18 28.2 +06 32 23; Aql
V = 11.6; Size 111"x109"
24" (6/30/16): at 322x and 500x; fairly bright and large, round, just under 2' diameter. Contains a relatively thick, much brighter rim, except on the north side. The annulus is unevenly in surface brightness, but brighter along a 180° arc, centered on the side south and dimming gradually but extending ~240°. This gives the planetary a "C" shape appearance. The remaining 120° arc, centered on the north edge, is noticeably fainter. A mag ~13.5 star is at the northeast edge, a mag ~14.5 star is just off the north-northwest edge and a mag 15.5+ star is barely off the south edge. An extremely faint star is superimposed just north-northeast of center (probably not the central star).
18" (7/14/07): at 225x appeared fairly bright, fairly large, round, perhaps 1.8' diameter. A brighter rim is evident, particularly along the entire south half and extending for nearly 180 degrees. The rim is weaker on the north side giving a partial thick "C" or crescent appearance. A mag 13.5 star is at the northeast edge.
18" (8/14/04): at 225x, appears moderately bright, fairly large, round, at least 1.5' diameter. A mag 13.5 star is at the NE edge of the rim with a fainter star off the NNW edge. The rim is clearly brighter, particularly along the entire south side, with the rim fading on the north side giving an asymmetric or crescent appearance. A large central "hole" appears slightly darker. At 160x, one or possible two extremely faint stars flickered on and off within the interior of the disc but neither appeared to be the central star.
17.5" (6/30/00): at 220x unfiltered this fairly bright PN has a 1.5' round halo. The rim is brightest and more well-defined along an arc on the south and southeast rim. The central 45" hole is slightly darker and irregular in surface brightness. A mag 13 star is at the northeast edge and once or twice I caught a fainter glimmer of an interior star north of center.
17.5" (7/12/99): at 100x appears fairly bright, round, ~1.6' diameter with a darker center. I used a variety of magnifications and filters but the most interesting view was at 220x using a UHC filter. With this combination the PN is slightly elongated E-W and clearly brighter along the southern rim with the brightening tapering towards the ends so this brighter portion had a crescent appearance. Because of this asymmetric rim the darker center seems offset and only weakly brightens at the NW rim. A mag 13 star is just off the NE edge 1' from center.
17.5" (8/2/86): at 222x and UHC filter; very large, about 1.8' diameter, much brighter on the SW portion of the rim, darker center. A mag 13 star is just off the NE edge.
13.1" (6/29/84): the rim is brighter mainly on the SW side giving a slightly annular appearance. A faint star is off the east edge.
13.1" (8/15/82): brighter rim mostly evident on the south side and a darker center just visible at 140x-200x.
8" (7/24/82): large and easily viewed but the annularity was not seen with any certainty.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6781 = H. III-743 = h2037 on 30 Jul 1788 (sweep 850) and recorded "cF, irregularly round, 3 or 4' diam, resolvable." John Herschel made a detailed observation on 15 Aug 1830 (sweep 280): "A most beautiful, vL, F planetary nebula. Diameter in RA = 6.5 seconds = 1' 37"; its light nearly uniform, only very little hazy at the edge and perhaps rather brighter at the southern limb. It nature seems to have been overlooked or mistaken by my Father, who has placed it in his third class [Very Faint Nebula]. In Milky Way. Many stars in field, one 11m near the north-following limb." On 28 Aug 1850, Lord Rosse (or assistant) described the planetary as "annular or perhaps spiral, star distinctly seen in dark part n of centre, others seen at moments. The dark space is undoubtedly irr in form."
Johann von Lamont made a sketch on 7 Jul 1837 with the 11" Merz refractor at the Munich Observatory. William Lassell observed the planetary on Malta with his 48" reflector and made a sketch on 29 Aug 1862. Another sketch was made around 1877 by Wilhelm Tempel with the 11" refractor at Arcetri Observatory in Florence. Temple compared his results with Lamont and Lassell. E.E. Barnard described the planetary as annular using the Yerkes 40" refractor in 1899.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "this object is `06" in diameter from east to west, and a little longer than this along a major axis in approximately p.a. 5°. Exceedingly faint at the north; brightest at east and west edges, and fainter along the major axis. Indistinct ring structure shown around edges."
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19 23 58.0 -59 55 21; Pav
V = 11.8; Size 2.2'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 45°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, large, oval
3:2 N-S, ~1.2'x0.8', sharply concentrated with an intense core that increases
steadily to a very bright stellar nucleus. Located 3' N of mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 6782 = h3789 on 12 Jul 1834 and logged "not vF or pB; R; psmbM; 30"." His mean position (3 observations) is fairly accurate.
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19 16 47.6 +46 01 02; Cyg
V = 14.3; Size 0.5'x0.45'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (8/10/91): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, weak concentration. A mag 15.5 is at the SE edge 13" from the center and a mag 15 star is 20" off the NW edge.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6783 = St. 4-2 on 25 Jul 1872, though his rough position was 8' to the NNW. His published micrometric position (list IV, #2) was made a week later on 4 Aug 1872 with comment "extremely faint, barely observable." Emmanuel Esmiol made a digit error in his 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's position and his computed RA was 1.0 minute too small.
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19 26 34 -65 37 24; Pav
Size 0.9'x0.5'; PA = 160°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; NGC 6784 is a close
pair of similar galaxies oriented SW-NE that were both easily visible.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6784 = h3790 on 23 Jun 1835 and recorded "eeF; pL; among small stars." He made three observations (all called "eeF"), but made no reference to it being double. So, as Harold Corwin notes, its impossible to tell whether he saw one or the other, or both.
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19 18 24.8 -01 35 47; Aql
V = 12.1; Size 25"x19"
See observing notes for NGC 6778.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6785 = h2038 on 20 Aug 1825 (sweep 6) and made a small diagram in his logbook. He recorded, "An infinitely small stellar nebula = a star of the 15th mag. It is in the field with (a) the double star and precedes it. (b) is a star of 9m half way between (a) and (c) the nebula. The nebula the angle made with a-b-c with the parallel = 25 or 30°. Dist [from] c-a = 2/3 diam of field. A most delicate and trying object, but the sky is rather hazy. Requires verifying." There is nothing at his rough position (the RA is marked as uncertain) but two minutes of RA directly west is NGC 6778 (discovered again by Marth in 1863), and his sketch and description matches! In the Slough Catalogue, Herschel erroneously references sweep 5, instead of sweep 6. This was his first PN discovery and his 5th overall. Harold Corwin states that Bigourdan's corrected position refers to a close trio of stars.
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19 10 54.0 +73 24 36; Dra
V = 12.8; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 40°
24" (7/23/14): using 200x and 375x; moderately bright and large, slightly elongated N-S, 0.6'x0.45', contains a small bright core. A mag 12.2 star is 1.8' N and a similar star is 1.2' NE.
NGC 6786 forms a close pair with
17.5" (7/9/88): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core. Two mag 12 stars are 1.8' N and 1.2' NE of center. The mag 12 star just 1.2' NE is superimposed directly on the center of UGC 11415, so the halo was not visible.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6786 = Sw. 5-90 on 3 Oct 1886 and recorded "eeF; S; R; south-preceding of and near 2 stars." His position and description is an excellent match. Herbert Howe, observing with the 20-inch refractor in Denver in 1899-00, commented "the 2 stars north-following are of mag 10. The nearer one follows 11 seconds, 1.0' north. The more distant is very nearly north of the nebula, at a distance of about 2'. The NGC description is "eeF", but the nebula appears to be only "F"."
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19 16 10.6 +60 25 03; Dra
V = 13.9; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (8/13/88): faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is at the NW side.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6787 = Sw. 2-78 on 10 Sep 1885 and recorded "eeeF; pS; 4 stars in semi circle sf; e diff." His RA is 12 seconds too small and the "4 stars in semi-circle sf" lie 5' southeast, so the identification is certain. Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position in 1899-00 and commented that "the '4 stars south-following' form a rude square."
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19 26 49.8 -54 57 03; Tel
V = 12.0; Size 2.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 71°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, large, edge-on
4:1 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a very bright core. A bright mag 12 star is near the WSW
end (0.8' WSW of center) and somewhat detracts from viewing the outer halo on
this end. Located south of a line
connecting mag 7.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 6788 = h3791 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "pB; pmE; S; follows a * 11m." His RA was accurate on one sweep and 1 minute too small on the other. He assumed the erroneous one was correct.
The galaxy was photographed at Harvard's Arequipa station in Peru in Sep. 1901 and described by DeLisle Stewart as "extremely faint, extremely small, cE at 175°." The measured position was correct.
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19 16 42.1 +63 58 17; Dra
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 60°
17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration. Appears fainter than CGCG mag of 13.7.
NGC 6789 is the nearest blue compact dwarf galaxy and resides at a distance of 2.1 Mpc (close to the Local Group).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6789 = Sw. 4-75 on 30 Aug 1883
and noted "eeeF; pL; R; ee diff." His position is 1.4' south-southwest of
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19 22 56.9 +01 30 47; Aql
V = 10.7; Size 10"x5"
17.5" (7/28/92): at 82x, very bright, stellar, surprisingly prominent, estimate V = 10.0. Blinks well with an OIII filter. At 280x appears very bright and a very small but definite disc about 5" diameter is visible with a bluish color. A mag 11.5 star lies 35" W.
13.1" (7/85): bright, just non-stellar 220x, estimate mag 10, easy blinker with OIII. A mag 11 star is 30" W. Forms the east vertex of a thin rhombus of mag 10 stars.
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6790 on 16 Jul 1882 using a direct-vision spectroscope with the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory. He noted "very bright and minute." The discovery was announced in AN 2454 and The Observatory, Vol 5, for Oct 1882.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) reported "Indistinguishable from a star on the Crossley negatives, but shown to have a minute disk visually with the 36-inch refractor."
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19 20 53 +37 46 18; Lyr
V = 9.5; Size 16'
24" (8/12/15): gorgeous field at 200x (1/2°) using a 13mm Ethos, but this rich cluster was superbly resolved at 200x using a 10mm Zeiss Ortho. Roughly 100 stars were visible in an irregular oval outline, slightly elongated NW to SE. The stars are remarkably uniform but slightly brighter along the southeast edge. Interestingly, a large percentage of the resolved stars form the outline as the center is richer and contains more fainter stars (like a very weakly compressed globular cluster). A string of stars extends roughly through the center, bisecting the oval and a "void" is created by this string on the southeast interior. The outline is fairly well-defined, with some brighter field stars beyond, including a couple of mag 10-10.5 stars off the south side and a mag 9.5 star 11' NW of center. Excellent cluster!
13.1" (9/11/82): fairly faint, moderately large, many faint stars are resolved over haze with averted, low surface brightness.
8" (7/17/82): moderately large, very faint hazy patch like a low surface brightness galaxy, no resolution.
NGC 6791 is one of the very oldest open clusters, along with Berkeley 17, with an age of 8 to 10 Gyr!
Friedrich August Winnecke discovered NGC 6791 = Au 45 in December 1853 with his 2.8-inch Merz refractor. At the time he was an 18-year old astronomy student at Gottingen University. He described the cluster (repeated in Auwers' 1862 list of new nebulae) as "very faint; a miniature image of M74", so the cluster was clearly not resolved. But at Königsberg, Auwers noted that it consisted of many mag 12 stars that appeared nebulous in smaller instruments. Horace Tuttle independently discovered the cluster on 17 Jul 1859 with a 10-cm comet-seeker at Harvard College observatory (announced in AN 1453).
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19 20 57.5 +43 07 59; Lyr
V = 12.1; Size 2.2'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 25°
13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, prominent bright core,
faint extensions SW-NE. Located
1.5' SE of a mag 10 star. Forms a
pair with
Gerhard Lohse discovered NGC 6792 around 1886 using the
15.5-inch Cooke refractor at the private Wigglesworth Observatory in
Scarborough, England. The
discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer. His position is 1.7' south of
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19 23 14 +22 08 30; Vul
Size 6'
17.5" (9/7/91): three dozen stars mag 10.5-14 in a 8' field. Fairly distinctive in the field. Located within a 30' loose, indistinct group with a mag 8 star at the west edge. The core of the cluster contains a 1' triangle of mag 10.5-11 stars with the north vertex a nice double star (HJ 886 = 10.5/11.5 at 8"). Just south is a 1' quadrilateral consisting of four mag 13 stars. No other distinct groups are in the cluster, although 4' N and 4' E are two small groups of seven and four stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6793 = H. VIII-81 = h2039 on 18 Jul 1789 (sweep 932) and recorded "a sc. cl. of cL stars, pretty rich, iF, above 15' in extent." His position is accurate. On 24 Aug 1827 (sweep 90), John Herschel logged "place that of a double star (HJ 886) at the northern extremity of the more condensed part of a L, loose, poor cluster of st 10...15m."
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19 28 03.8 -38 55 08; Sgr
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 80°
17.5" (7/20/96): very faint, fairly small, round, ~40" diameter. Low surface brightness with no concentration although may be hampered by very low elevation. A mag 14 star is 1.4' ENE. Located 3.7' E of a mag 10 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6794 = h3792 on 24 Aug 1834 and
logged "eF; R; vgvlbM; 40"." His position is 2.4' northwest of
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19 26 22 +03 30 54; Aql
17.5" (6/24/95): about 40 stars in a 8' elongated group
WSW-ENE. At the west end of the
group is mag 8.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 6795 = h2040 on 24 Aug 1827 and recorded "The first of 3 stars 9m, nearly in parallel, joined by a rich clustering portion of the Milky Way." His position corresponds with mag 8.3 SAO 124619 at the west end of the group.
Karl Reinmuth says "no cl", based on the appearance on Heidelberg plates, and Dorothy Carlson repeated this in her 1940 NGC Correction paper and the RNGC. See Harold Corwin's comments.
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19 21 31.1 +61 08 42; Dra
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 179°
17.5" (8/13/88): moderately bright, moderately large, pretty edge-on 4:1 N-S, 1.4'x0.3', bright core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6796 = Sw. 2-79 on 5 Jul 1885 and recorded "vF; pS; vE in meridian [N-S]." His RA is 13 seconds too small but the description matches. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 8 Sep 1888. Herbert Howe, in his series of observations of NGC and IC nebulae in MNRAS, commented "this is very much elongated at 0°, and certainly contains one bright spot of mag 13.5; perhaps there are others. There is a resemblance to the great nebula in Andromeda."
CGCG misidentifies this galaxy as
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19 29 00.7 -25 39 59; Sgr
= line of 4*, Corwin. = Triple star, ESO.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 6797 around 1860 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College in New York and noted "star 9m attached following." At his position is a double or triple star (wider pair at ~8" separation) situated 25" west of a mag 10 star. ESO/Uppsala identifies this multiple star as NGC 6797 ("Triple star; B star 0.5' f.")
The CGCG misidentifies NGC 6796 as NGC 6797. Malcolm Thomson noted this error in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".
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19 24 03.2 +53 37 29; Cyg
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 150°
17.5" (7/20/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is off the SE edge 43" from center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6798 = Sw. 2-80 on 5 Aug 1885 and
recorded "F; vS; R; * v nr; in field with 51 Draconis." His position is just 9 seconds of time
west of
Howe searched unsuccessfully for IC 1300 on two nights at
Swift's position and afterwards communicated with Swift, who responded that the
IC position was one degree too far south.
This implies IC 1300 = NGC 6798.
In the same letter Swift state that the declination of
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19 32 16.8 -55 54 29; Tel
V = 12.4; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 110°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, contains a small bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. Cradled by three stars around the edge of the halo; a mag 12.3 star is 0.5' SE of center, a mag 14.4 star is 0.6' W of center, and a mag 13.5 star is 0.7' SW. Situated in a busy star field (20' diameter) with many brighter and fainter stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6799 = h3793 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; within [partly within] a small triangle formed by 3 st 11, 13 and 14m." His position and description is a perfect match.
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19 27 07 +25 08 24; Vul
Size 5'
17.5" (9/7/91): over 100 stars in a 25' field. Bright, very large, fairly rich in
spots but not concentrated and very weak in the center. Bordered by a circular outline of mag
10-11 stars. A rich double group
of about ten stars each is at the south side and includes a few bright stars
and many faint stars. Off the west
side is mag 7.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 6800 = H. VIII-21 = h2041 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 263) and logged "a cluster of coarsely scattered L stars intermixed with small stars." His position is on the northwest edge of the cluster. On 17 Jul 1785 (sweep 415), he called it "a coarsely scattered cl of considerately L stars, not rich." John Herschel made a single observation, noting "vL; p rich; very straggling; stars 10m; fills field."
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19 27 35.9 +54 22 21; Cyg
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 44°
17.5" (7/20/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core. A mag 13.5 star is off the SW end.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6801 = Sw. 4-76 on 5 Aug 1886 and
recorded "eF; pS; R; F * nr s."
His position and description matches
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19 30 35 +20 15 42; Vul
V = 8.8; Size 3'
13.1" (8/11/85): about two dozen stars are visible over extensive unresolved haze in an elongated N-S group. Located just east of the "Coathanger" asterism, in line with the long base of the Coatthanger.
8" (10/4/80): bar-shaped N-S, faint, even surface brightness. A few mag 13 stars are resolved. Surrounded by two double stars to the west and north.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6802 = H. VI-14 = h2042 on 11 Jul 1784 (sweep 235) and recorded "a cluster exceedingly small and v compressed stars, in the form of a parallelogram, about 4' l and nearly 2' broad; in the direction nearly of the meridian. But the weather is very hazy. On 18 Jul 1789 (sweep 932) he logged "a compressed cl of considerably small stars, very rich, about 5 or 6' l, 3' br, E nearly in the meridian." But Wolfgang Steinicke reports that Herschel first observed the cluster on 22 Sep 1783 with his 6.2-inch, before starting his sweeps.
On 8 Aug 1831 (sweep 364), John Herschel called it a "rectangular cluster; v m comp; 3' or 4' l; 2' br; stars 14...18m; among B stars."
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19 31 16.4 +10 03 22; Aql
V = 11.5; Size 6"
17.5" (9/5/99): at 100x; appeared as a mag 11.5 "star" that was confirmed by blinking with an OIII filter. Increasing to 220x it was just non-stellar and displayed a good response to a UHC filter. NGC 6803 is situated ~2' S of a mag 10.5-11 "comparison" star, which is a half magnitude brighter than the PN unfiltered but much dimmer with a filter.
At 280x and 380x, the PN was very small but clearly nonstellar, <5" diameter, with a blue-gray color. Easily takes 500x but no other details were visible except for two mag 15 stars that are close W and NW that form a tiny equilateral triangle with the PN.
13.1": fairly bright stellar planetary at 88x, good OIII blinker in a rich star field, estimate V = 11.5. Just non-stellar at 350x and about 3" diameter. A mag 11 star is 1.8' N.
8" (8/5/83): appears slightly non-stellar at 385x. A similar field star is just 2' NW.
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6803 = HN 52 on 17 Sep 1882 using a direct-vision prism attached to the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory. His position in Sidereal Messenger, Vol 1. No. 6 (Oct 1882) is accurate to within 1'.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote, "a minute round disk, 5.5" in diameter, just distinguishable from a star; fades out a little at the edges."
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19 31 35.3 +09 13 31; Aql
V = 12.2; Size 62"x49"
24" (6/30/16): at 501x (unfiltered): bright, irregular planetary with interesting structure! The overall shape is roughly oval, extending WSW-ENE, ~0.7'x0.5'. The 14th magnitude central star is very easy. A brighter mag 12.5-13 star is along the rim on the northeast side and a fainter mag 14-14.5 star is at the west edge of the rim. The latter star has a mag 15-15.5 companion 12" SSW. Also a 10" pair of mag 14/15 stars is off the northeast side. The rim is brightest along thin 90° strips centered on the southeast and northwest side and weak or open on the southwest side. Along with the brighter star on the northeast end, this creates a "C" or horseshoe appearance with a darker center.
18" (7/11/07): at 450x this striking planetary appeared elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, ~60"x45". Three stars are involved including the 14th magnitude central star. A mag 12.5-13 star is at the northeast edge of the halo and a mag 14.5 star is at the west edge with a mag 15 companion close southwest. The surface brightness is irregular; weakest on the southwest side and slightly brighter along the east side, giving a "horseshoe" appearance.
17.5" (7/11/99): at lower powers appears moderately bright, irregularly round, ~1' diameter with several stars involved or nearby. At 280x, the view was very unusual with three stars involved and others nearby. The brightest is a mag 12.5-13 star at the NE edge. The mag 14 central star was visible with direct vision. Finally, a mag 14.5-15 star is at or just off the west side. The planetary is slightly elongated 4:3 SW-NE with an irregular surface brightness. The rim appears brighter along the east and northeast side and weakest at the west edge. Nearby stars include a mag 13 star ~1.5' NE (nearly on a line with the central star and the star on the northeast edge) and a mag 15-15.5 star close south-southwest of the star at the west edge.
13.1" (8/5/83): moderately bright, elongated WSW-ENE. Unusual appearance as four faint stars are very near or involved including the faint mag 14 central star visible with averted vision. A mag 13 star is at the NE edge 27" from the center, a very faint mag 15 star is at west edge and a similar star is just NW. The rim is possibly slightly brighter on the east edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6804 = H. VI-38 = h2043 on 25 Aug 1791 (sweep 1018) and recorded "cB, S, iF, easily resolvable. Some of the stars visible." He mistakenly placed this planetary nebula in classification class VI , which includes "Very compressed and rich clusters of stars." John Herschel also assumed it was a cluster, though on his first of four observations (21 Aug 1827), he logged "doubtful if a resolved cl or a neb of first class. pL; R; bM; 60"; with 2 or 3 accidental stars of the Milky Way." Lord Rosse's assistant Bindon Stoney reported (1861), "4 stars in nebula, and two more on preceding edge." Sir William Huggins was the first to observe a single emission line spectrum in 1865. Francis Pease confirmed it as a planetary in 1917.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote, "an irregular ring 33" from north to south and 30" from E to W; brightest on north and south and fades out along an axis in p.a. 48°. The oval disk of much fainter matter outside is 63"x50" in p.a. 0°, and stronger at western and southern edges."
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19 36 45.7 -37 33 16; Sgr
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 163°
17.5" (7/20/96): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, slightly brighter core. A mag 13.5 star lies 1.7' ESE. Viewing suffers due to low elevation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6805 = h3796 on 24 Aug 1834 and
logged "eF; R; vgbM."
One week later, he returned to the field and noted "well looked
for, but only a small star-group found." There is nothing at his position (used in the NGC), but
exactly 1° north is
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19 37 05.0 -42 17 47; Sgr
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 24°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright,
fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, contains a brighter elongated core. The halo appears to spread out somewhat
on the east side. A mag 13.8 star
is attached at the west edge.
Situated 3.7' SE of mag 8.4
18" (8/19/09): at 175x appeared as a very faint, small oval glow with a mag 13.5 star superimposed on the west end. Probably due to the very low elevation (10-11 degrees), no additional structure was evident. Located 3.6' SE of mag 8.4 HD 184556. A loop of mag 14-14.5 stars elongated SW to NE is between the galaxy and the bright star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6806 = h3795 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; vS; appended to a * 14m." His position is accurate.
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19 34 33.4 +05 41 02; Aql
V = 12.2; Size 2"
17.5" (7/20/90): at 140x appears as a mag 12 stellar object. Shows an excellent contrast gain with OIII filter. A brighter mag 10.5 comparison star 1.5' NE is similar to NGC 6807 with the OIII filter (so there is a two magnitudes contrast gain with the filter). Increasing the magnification to 286, it appeared to be quasi-stellar with a tiny disc surrounding the central star.
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6807 = HN 51 on 4 Sep 1882 using a direct-vision spectroscope attached to the 15-inch Merz refractor at Harvard College Observatory. His position in Sidereal Messenger, Vol I, No 6 (Oct 1882) is ~30" too far north.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote, "indistinguishable from a star on the Crossley negatives, but shown to have a minute disk visually with the 36-inch refractor."
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19 43 54.6 -70 37 57; Pav
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 40°
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 171x
appears moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.5'x0.7', weak
concentration. Located 9' W of mag
7.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 6808 = h3794 on 27 Jun 1835 and
recorded "Not vF; lE; gbM; 25"." On a second sweep he logged "pB; pmE; gb to one end (or
by diagram a double nebula). A
star 8m [HD 185618] follows on the parallel." His mean position is at the south edge of
Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 7 Nov 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope. He wrote "pF, pS, E, uneven surface, pretty much brighter in some parts on its axis - no decided nucleus. The area only appears confusedly little brighter in the middle or brighter along the axis. This brighter internal portion of the object being somewhat uneven in light." His sketch shows brighter knots at the NE and SW ends of the galaxy.
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19 39 59.3 -30 57 44; Sgr
V = 6.4; Size 19'; Surf Br = 0.3
24" (9/2/16): at 200x; superb, very highly resolved showpiece globular of several hundred stars, spreading out at least 15' in diameter. Contains a very large, very bright core that is uniformly covered with similar, relatively bright resolved stars. The core has a loose appearance and doesn't increase to a nuclear peak. The central portion has a distinct 3-dimensional appearance with the brighter stars overlaying a second dense carpet of fainter stars against an unresolved background glow. The halo is very large and well resolved with a mix of brighter and fainter stars. The periphery of the halo is irregular or scraggly, but roughly symmetrical.
17.5" (7/14/99): at 100x this a beautiful, highly resolved cluster with outliers extending out to at least 12' in diameter. At 220x, there is uniform covering of easily resolved stars across the halo and the broadly concentrated core. In addition the central region is contains a layer of very faint stars over unresolved haze. The star density drops off rapidly in the outer halo and becomes very scraggly around the periphery. The core also seems indented on the SE side with a void in the halo on this edge.
13.1" (9/3/83): bright, large, superb resolution of at least 75 stars mag 12 and fainter. Loosely compressed with a broadly brighter core, irregular background glow. One of the easiest resolved globulars.
8" (9/3/83): at 100x; faint stars resolved across entire disc, no compact core, over unresolved haze. Highly resolved at 165x.
Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille discovered
William Herschel mentions in Philosophical Transactions for 1818: "30 Jul 1783, small 20 feet telescope (12-inch). With 250 power fairly resolved into stars; I can count a great many of them, while others are too close to be distinguished separately. 1784, 1785, 20 feet telescope (18.7-inch). A rich cluster of very compressed stars, irregularly round, about 8' long."
James Dunlop described the cluster as "a beautiful, large round bright nebula, about 6' or 7' diameter, moderately condensed gradually to the centre, easily resolvable." His position was over 20' too far east. On 3 Aug 1834 (sweep 478), John Herschel recorded "Globular cluster; pB; vL; R; vglbM; diam in RA 30.0s; all resolved into separate st 13...16 m; not so comp M as to run together into a blaze or nipple. "
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19 43 34.4 -58 39 21; Pav
V = 11.4; Size 3.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 176°
18" (7/9/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x appears moderately bright and large, elongated 3:1 N-S, 2.0'x0.7'. The bright core is concentrated to a stellar nucleus with direct vision. On the DSS image, this Seyfert galaxy shows an absorption lane along the eastern side but this was not seen visually.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6810 = h3797 on 10 Jul 1834 and recorded "B; mE, in position 169.2°; psbM; 90"." His position is accurate. On the next sweep he called this object "R; vgbM; 30" haze thickening rapidly." The second (poorer) description was given in the GC and NGC.
NGC 6810 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "not round, but cF, S, eE 179°, stell ncl."
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19 37 17 +46 23 18; Cyg
V = 6.8; Size 13'
17.5" (7/1/00): large, beautiful cluster at 100x. The central section is ~8' in diameter, roughly triangular and contains a scattering of ~20 10-11th magnitude stars. There are no prominent members - the brightest star (at the west edge) has a faint companion. Perhaps 85 stars are resolved in the unconcentrated central region (there is nearly a void in the center) over haze. The richest knot of stars is on the northeast side. An isolated 5' tails of stars extends NW and another curving string of stars can be traced 8' to the east.
13.1" (9/3/83): fairly large and rich group of approximately 60 stars including many mag 11-12 stars. A long trail of stars follows and a bright group of stars is WNW. Prominent in 16x80 finder, some resolution with averted.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6811 = h2044 on 29 Aug 1829 and recorded "a double star in the southern part of a fine, large, pretty rich coarse cluster of about 100 stars 11...14m; it fills the field." His position is near a mag 11 star on the southeast end of the cluster. The next sweep (2 Sep 1829) he logged "The centre of the more condensed part of a considerable cluster, 10' diameter, of irregularly scattered stars." His position, though, is about 45 seconds of RA too large. Harold Corwin mentions "Unfortunately, the position JH adopted for the GC carries the RA of the second, and a Dec 10 arcmin further on north. I think he meant to use only the second observation (he notes that the first observation refers to "A double star in the southern part ..."), so the incorrect Dec must be a transcription or typographical error." The end result is the GC and NGC position is 15' too far northeast, well outside the confines of the cluster.
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19 45 24.0 -55 20 50; Tel
V = 12.6; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 94°
25" (4/5/16 - Coonabarabran, 318x): moderately bright
oval, elongated ~3:2 E-W, 0.7'x0.45'.
Almost immediately I noticed the shape was either irregular or perhaps
there was an attached companion.
On careful examination, an extremely faint, compact companion (LEDA
2802344), 8"-10" diameter, was occasionally resolved (barely
separated) or attached to the southwest edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6812 = h3799 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "pB ; pmE; glbM; 40" l, 30" br." His position is accurate.
Pietro Baracchi observed NGC 6812 on 8 Nov 1885 with the
Melbourne telescope and wrote "Rather faint, small, pmbM. The center
sparkling at times as if a star was in it." The last comment may refer to
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19 40 22.4 +27 18 34; Vul
Size 3'
18" (7/12/07): picked up at 115x as a small, hazy glow surrounding a mag 13.5 star. Adding an OIII filter, this emission nebula appeared as a moderately bright, round, 1.5' glow surrounding the star. At 174x the center "star" appears double and the nebulosity responds well to an OIII filter. At 225x, the two close central stars are cleanly resolved and a third fainter star is just at the northern edge. Adding a UHC filter, the shape is irregular and the overall outline shifts with averted vision, though it does not appear to be larger than 1.2'-1.5' visually despite a catalogued diameter of 3'.
17.5" (6/15/91): at 140x, fairly faint emission
nebulosity, round, 1.5' diameter.
Surrounds a very close mag 14 double star. Using an OIII filter the nebulosity is very prominent and
increases to 3' in size. Located
3' SE of mag 9
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6813 = m 400 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "D* in vF, S neb." His position is accurate.
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19 42 40.6 -10 19 23; Aql
V = 11.2; Size 3.0'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.4
24" (8/7/13): fairly bright, fairly large, round, ~1.5' diameter. Well concentrated with a bright core that increases to a very bright nucleus. A mag 13 star lies 1' NW and two mag 14/14.4 stars are a bit further northeast. Spiral structure is strongly suggested in the halo with an ill-defined segment of a curving arm on the east side and a counterpart on the west side. A very faint star (V = 15.6) is superimposed on the western arm.
13.1" (7/20/85): this Seyfert galaxy appears fairly faint, round, 2.0' diameter, broad concentration, stellar nucleus, diffuse outer halo.
8" (8/15/82): faint, small, slightly brighter core, larger faint halo with averted.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6814 = H. III-744 = h2045 on 2 Aug 1788 (sweep 851) and noted "vF; pL; R; vgmbM." On 30 Jul 1826 (sweep 86) John Herschel wrote, "Not vF; pL; R; bM; r; 50"."
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19 40 44 +26 45 30; Vul
17.5" (6/15/91): at 100x, ~100 stars mag 10-14 in a large 30' field elongated ~E-W. Includes six brighter mag 10-11 stars although most members are mag 12-13. Scattered appearance with no rich sections although over unresolved background haze. A mag 8 star is off the NW edge. Difficult to define borders as basically appears as a Milky Way field enhancement.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6815 = h2046 on 18 Aug 1828 and recorded "vL, p rich, straggling cluster; it mores than fills the field. Stars 10...15m." His position (marked as uncertain in both RA and NPD) is in a rich Milky Way field, though Harold Corwin defines the center as ~3.5' southwest. Does not appear to be a true cluster.
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19 43 59.1 -28 29 11; Sgr
V = 13.4; Size 2.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 105°
24" (9/23/17): at 200x-375x; faint or fairly faint, moderately large, elongated ~4:3 WNW-ESE, fairly low surface brightness, small slightly brighter nucleus, ~45"x35".
24" (9/29/16): at 375x; fairly faint, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, ~40"x24", broad concentration with a brighter core. A faint star is off the NW edge [Note: there no star here but a compact companion is at the ESE end - probably my directions are reversed].
In a group with ESO 460-030 6' NNE. This galaxy (usually identified as NGC
6816) appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, small, round,
20"-24" diameter, very small bright nucleus, higher surface
brightness than NGC 6816. Two mag 13.5-14.5 stars attached at the west edge
interfere a bit and a mag 10.8 star is 1' SW.
17.5" (6/8/91): very faint, fairly small, very low surface brightness. Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 13 stars 2.8' SW and 2.8' SSE of center. A close mag 14.5 star is 1' NNE (?). Located 4.5' S of a mag 10.5 star.
Forms a pair with ESO 460-030 = MCG -05-46-006 6' NNE. ESO 460-030 is identified as NGC 6816 in RNGC, ESO, PGC, NED and HyperLeda. It appeared very faint, very small, round. Two mag 13.5 stars at the west and northwest edge confuse the observation as well as a mag 10.8 star 1' WSW that is detracting.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6816 = h3800 on 30 Jul 1834 and
recorded "eF; R; vlbM; 40"; a *9m north of it; at 6' distance has
what may be easily taken for a nebula attached to it, but it is only a little
group of vS stars." There is
nothing his position, which is 4' due south of
The question remains that if NGC 6816 = ESO 460-029 how did JH miss brighter ESO 460-030 = PGC 63587? His description suggests he probably noticed this galaxy or the nucleus of the galaxy ("what may be easily taken for a nebula attached to [the star]") but decided it was part of the group of stars. In the GC, JH shortened his description to read "eF; pS; R; vlbM; * np." The 6' separation to the star was not included and it's not clear why he changed the direction to "np" [northwest].
All modern sources, including RNGC, ESO, RC3, PGC, NED and HyperLeda, misidentify ESO 460-030 as NGC 6816. I listed this error in RNGC Corrections #5. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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19 37 22.3 +62 23 00; Dra
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (8/13/15): this double system was resolved at 375x and 500x. The brighter galaxy is on the east side and appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~24"x18". A mag 15.5 star is close north-northeast [26" from center] and a mag 16.1 star lies 39" NW. The companion galaxy is just off the west side [16" between centers] and extremely to very faint (V = 15.7, B = 16.5), round, only 6"-8" diameter! On the SDSS the halos of the two galaxies are merged and the brighter eastern component is tidally disturbed.
17.5" (8/13/88): very faint, fairly small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is off the NE edge and an extremely faint mag 16 star is off the NW edge. This is a very close double system oriented E-W, although apparently the individual components were too faint to resolve separately.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6817 = Sw. 2-81 on 10 Sep 1885 and recorded "eeF; pS; lE; a curve of stars west like Northern Crown." His position is 12 seconds of RA too far west. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 30 Aug 1889 as well as Howe in 1899-00 at Denver. The "curve of stars" in the description begins 3.5' WSW.
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NGC 6818 = PK 25-17.1 = PN G025.8-17.9 = Little Gem Nebula
19 43 57.7 -14 09 11; Sgr
V = 9.4; Size 22"x15"
24" (8/25/19): viewed at 375x, 500x, 644x, and 1000x; easily takes high power due to its high surface brightness and good seeing. The annular structure, though only moderate contrast, was very interesting with a relatively large, oval darker center and a very irregular, relatively narrow ring with an irregular surface brightness (brighter spots). The edge was soft in sections with a strong impression of a thin faint halo.
24" (7/19/17): at 375x, 500x, 750x and 1000x: small,
very high surface brightness oval, slightly elongated N-S, with a blue color at
375x, takes up to 1000x! The planetary is encased in a thin outer shell. Occasionally the center seemed to sharpen
to a point, but I couldn't confirm the central star with confidence. The rim seemed to sparkle with slightly
brighter regions. Located 40' N of
Barnard's Galaxy (
18" (7/23/06): this very high surface brightness blue planetary takes high magnification well and 565x provided an excellent view. Appears slightly elongated N-S, ~20"x15". Most striking is an annular structure with a brighter rim and darker center. The rim has an irregular surface brightness and is brighter along the southeast and east side. Although the contrast of the rim with the darker center is fairly low, the relative thickness of the rim is comparable to M57. Barnard's Galaxy lies just 40' S.
17.5" (7/12/99): at 100x this striking PN is bright and small with an obvious blue color. The high surface brightness easily allows high power. At 380x, there is subtle but obvious structure with a darker center and an irregular brightness to the halo. Most noticeably the PN is brighter on the east end and mildly annular. Appears slightly elongated N-S, ~20"x15" in size. Three mag 13-13.5 stars are nearby at 40" NW, 1.0' E and 1.3' SW.
17.5" (7/16/88): at 412x appears very bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, blue color, very high surface brightness. Appears brighter along the east side and slightly brighter along the west side compared to the center. Has a darker elongated center but the annularity has a pretty low contrast. Barnard's galaxy NGC 6822 lies 40' SSE.
13.1" (9/3/83): very bright, slightly elongated N-S, fairly small.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6818 = H. IV-51 = h2047 on 8 Aug 1787 (sweep 749) and recorded "a small beautiful planetary nebula, but considerably hazy upon the edges; it is of uniform light throughout, considerably bright. Perfectly round, 10 or 15" in diameter. My brother Jacob being in the gallery, I showed it to him." His position was very accurate.
John Herschel reported that "It is exactly like a
planet and two satellites. Distance of A, the nearer, 20", Pos 45° np; of
B, 25", 20° nf."
Herschel was interested in the idea that in some cases PN were
accompanied by satellites (
On 28 Aug 1850, Lord Rosse (or his assistant) recorded, "vB, blue planetary neb, edges not sharp, a little darker in the middle." A year later, assistant Bindon Stoney logged "the dark part is a little np middle." In 1856 Father Secchi noted (and sketched) a darker center in the shape of a cross using a 9.5" refractor at 1000x.
William Huggins first identified an emission line spectrum in 1864 and reported "two brighter lines seen, third only by glimpses". Father Angelo Secchi examined the spectrum in 1866 as well as Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, in 1868. He made an early spectroscopic investigation of southern nebulae while stationed in Bangalore, India.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote "A rather irregular oval ring 22"x15" in p.a. 10°, fainter along and at the ends of the major axis. A fainter narrow ring shows at east and west outside of the inner bright ring."
John Mallas coined the nickname "Little Gem" in the Jun/Jul 1963 article "Visual Atlas of Planetary Nebulae-V", published in the "Review of Popular Astronomy". He noted it was "the bluest of the planetaries I have observed."
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19 41 18.1 +40 11 12; Cyg
V = 7.3; Size 5'
17.5" (7/1/00): this is a rich, beautiful cluster at
100x. The central 6' contains
80-90 stars over unresolved haze and has an irregular outline with the brighter
stars forming a squared off "U" shape open to the north. The cluster extends to ~8' diameter
with many faint stars on the SW side.
The outline appears elongated SW-NE with the inner bars of the
"U" on the NE border delineating a distinct border. Located 8.5' SE of mag 6.3
13" (8/24/84): over 40 stars resolved at 166x including two intersecting strings. Striking very rich group situated in a rich star field. A mag 10 star is off the SW end and several bright stars are in the field at low power.
13.1" (9/11/82): striking cluster at 144x. Nearly three dozen stars are resolved over haze mainly in two rows. This is a very rich, dense group.
8" (8/16/82): rich, well-resolved, pretty.
Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 6819 = h2048 on 12 May 1784 with her 4.2" comet-sweeper reflector. William didn't record the cluster during his sweeps (though observed it on 31 Dec 1801), so it doesn't carry an H-designation. Karl Harding independently found it in 1823, reported the discovery to Johann Bode, and it was listed as new in Astronomisches Jahrbuch for 1827 (published in 1824). John Herschel rediscovered it again on 31 Jul 1831 and logged "a beautiful cluster, v rich, vL; stars 11...15m and l = 7m nf, a reticulated mass, central part = 4', but fills field with its loose stars. A very fine object." His position is accurate.
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19 42 28.0 +23 05 17; Vul
17.5" (8/10/91): at 100x using OIII filter, open
cluster
The observation above refers to Sh 2-86, the usual identification of NGC 6820. But based on Marth's position and description, NGC 6820 more likely refers to a compact knot to the southwest of the cluster at this position. At 220x, it appeared as a small, 20" knot surrounding a faint stellar or quasi-stellar core. Interestingly, this object dimmed with OIII, UHC and H-beta, so it's likely a reflection nebula that is detached from the main mass of nebulosity to the northeast.
13.1" (8/15/82): cluster NGC 6823 is encased in nebulosity (Sh 2-86) using a filter and averted vision. Very difficult to identify the nebulosity unfiltered.
8" (10/4/80): Sh 2-86 extremely faint nebulosity in field of NGC 6823. Involves four stars in the north and two stars in the south side.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6820 = m 401 on 7 Aug 1864 and
noted "F, S, R, bM." This number is usually associated with the large
HII region Sh 2-86 = LBN 135, but Marth's position (and Bigourdan's
measurements) point to
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19 44 24.3 -06 50 02; Aql
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 135°
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated NW-SE, broad mild concentration, fairly diffuse.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6821 = m 402 on 8 Aug 1863 and noted "F, pL, R." His position is accurate to within 1'.
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NGC 6822 = MCG -02-50-006 = DDO 209 = IC 4895 = PGC 63616 = Barnard's Galaxy
19 44 58.3 -14 48 03; Sgr
V = 8.8; Size 15.5'x13.5'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 5°
48" (5/16/12): the four HII regions on the north side
of the galaxy were carefully observed.
18" (8/12/10): under superb conditions at Lassen (8200'), I tracked down Hubble VII, the brightest and oldest globular cluster in Barnard's galaxy, situated near the center of the galaxy. At 285x, the globular was visible ~50% of the time as an extremely faint (~16th magnitude) and small glow, ~10" diameter. I couldn't resolve an extremely faint star attached on the SSE edge, but the glow was definitely non-stellar. I also viewed this challenging object at 393x and it appeared roughly similar in terms of visibility.
18" (7/16/07): very easily picked up at 73x as a very large, low surface brightness glow with no central concentration and extending ~5:2 N-S, ~11x4.5'. The two HII knots at the north end (IC 1308 and Hubble V) were blinked with an OIII or UHC filter and showed a good response. Surprisingly the galaxy was quite evident in my 80mm finder at 25x as a faint, elongated glow and it was just at the edge of visibility in my 15x50 IS binoculars.
17.5" (7/14/99): the exact position of the HII ring Hubble III on the NW side of the galaxy was examined carefully at 280x without a filter and on several occasions an extremely faint, round, 15" glow popped into view with averted vision ~1.5' W of a mag 13.5-14 star. A mag 15.5 star is visible a similar distance SSE of the reference star. This HII knot was clearly nonstellar, although it didn't have the annular ring appearance seen on images. Viewed on an evening of exceptional transparency at the Sierra Buttes.
17.5" (5/10/91): at 82x, this Local Group Member appeared fairly faint, very large, low but uneven surface brightness, elongated 5:2 N-S, 14'x6'. Diffuse appearance and the boundary is difficult to define, requires low power. Several faint stars are superimposed with a couple of brighter stars on the north side. Using an OIII filter two small, faint HII knots (Hubble X = IC 1308 and Hubble V) stand out well on the north and NW edges. Both of these knots are 2' NW of mag 12 stars. Planetary nebula NGC 6818 lies 40' NNW.
17.5" (7/16/88): easily visible as a large, elongated, low surface brightness glow.
13.1" (7/17/82): faint but clearly visible at 58x, elongated N-S.
8" (8/28/81): very faint, elongated N-S, similar to a faint Milky Way patch.
E.E. Barnard discovered NGC 6822 on 17 Aug 1884 with either his 5-inch refractor or possibly the 6-inch refractor at Vanderbilt University. The discovery was announced in Sidereal Messenger, vol 3, p 254. In AN 2624 he reported "it is some 2' diameter, and very diffuse and even it its light. With 6-inch equatorial it is very difficult to see, with 5-inch and a power of ~30 (field about 1.25°), it is quite distinct. This should be borne in mind in looking for it." Later in 1886 (Sidereal Messenger, vol 5, p 31) he commented "it certainly seems to be much larger and much denser than last year and I certainly think it has increased in density and size since that time." He gave a size estimate of 10' to 15' and concluded "probably this is a variable nebula."
When Max Wolf photographed Barnard's galaxy on 16 Jul 1906
and 8 Aug 1907, he assumed the two brighter HII regions at the north end were
NGC 6822 and IC 1308 (the mistake originates from Ormond Stone at the Leander
McCormick observatory) and thought the galaxy itself was a new discovery (AN
4207). Dreyer later catalogued it as
Hubble reviewed the historical inconsistencies in his seminal study, "NGC 6822, A Remote Stellar System" (1925ApJ....62..409H) and also made the comment "NGC 6822 is fairly conspicuous in a short 4-inch finder with a low-power eyepiece, but is barely discernible at the primary focus of the 100-inch. The latter, however, shows the bright details which are invisible in the finder." As far as these "details", Hubble recorded ten non-stellar objects in NGC 6822 that were measured on a 3.5 hour exposure with the 100-inch reflector. Later studies revealed his list included several giant HII regions as well as a couple of clusters. IC 1308 is generally referred to as Hubble X. In addition, Hubble discovered 15 variable stars in it including 11 Cepheids. . Using Henrietta Leavitt's relationship between the period and luminosity of Cepheids, Hubble announced NGC 6822 as "the first object definitely assigned to a region outside the galactic system." Extragalactic astronomy was now firmly established. Modern studies place the distance at 1.6 million light years, making Barnard's Galaxy an isolated member of the Local Group.
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NGC 6823 = Cr 405 = Lund 903 = OCL-124 = LBN 135
19 43 09 +23 18 00; Vul
V = 7.1; Size 12'
17.5" (8/10/91): about 50 stars in the central 5' diameter, bright, moderately large, fairly rich. Includes four bright mag 9.5-11 stars in a tight group at the core of the cluster plus two or three very faint stars in a 20" diameter. Most of the stars form a distinctive 5' oval ring, elongated ~E-W.
At 100x using OIII filter, NGC 6823 is immersed in faint nebulosity (Sh 2-86). The glow also extends 5'-10' SW from the core of the cluster to a group of stars not included in the description of NGC 6823.
NGC 6820 (often identified as the nebula) probably refers to a compact knot (IRAS 19403 +2258) to the SW of the cluster at 19 42 28 +23 05.3 (J2000). At 220x, it appeared as a small, 20" knot surrounding a faint stellar or quasi-stellar core. Interestingly, this object dimmed with OIII, UHC and H-beta, so it's likely a reflection nebula that is detached from the main mass of nebulosity to the NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6823 = H. VII-18 = h2049 on 17 Jul 1785 (sweep 415) and recorded "an elongated cluster of irregularly scattered stars of various sizes, considerably rich; the place taken is that of the brightest part of it, which is towards the south." John Herschel made the single observation "p rich, irreg R; 5' diam; a cl of loose stars; the chief = 10m, the rest = 11...12. Four or five in centre [multiple star BD + 22 3782] form a lozenge."
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19 43 40.9 +56 06 33; Cyg
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 60°
14.5" (8/31/21): at 264x; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~1' diameter, contains a relatively large bright core with a stellar nucleus. A mag 13.8 star is close off the S edge. A wide double star, STI 2452 = 9/11 at 12" separation and an orange primary, is 3.5' N. Located in a rich Cygnus star field.
24" (9/16/17): I observed SN 2017glx (Type Ia-91T), discovered on 9/3/17 just 3" W and 2" N of center of NGC 6824. It was highly suspected at 375x, as the galaxy appeared to have a double nucleus with a superimposed "star" attached on the NW side of the core. It took 500x, though, to clearly confirm and distinguish from the nucleus. When the seeing steadied, the supernova appeared as a sharp stellar point, perhaps mag 14.5-14.8, superimposed at the NW edge of the small, but nonstellar nucleus.
17.5" (6/8/91): moderately bright and large, 1.5'x1.1', elongated 4:3 SW-NE, bright core with a substellar nucleus, high surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is just off the south edge 34" from the center and a pretty yellow/blue double (Stein 2452 = 9.0/11.1 at 15") is 3.5' N. Unusually bright for a galaxy in a Milky Way field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6824 = H. II-878 on 16 Sep 1792 (sweep 1028) and logged "pB, iF, bM, has 2 stars in it." Caroline's reduction is 5' south of UGC 11470, but his description fits. A change in the PD cord was noted at the end of the short sweep.
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19 41 54.8 +64 04 23; Dra
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 174°
17.5" (8/13/88): faint, small, oval NNW-SSE, small bright core. A mag 13.5 star is off the NNW edge 35" from center.
Note: The single glow I noted is a merged pair (separation 8"), along with two superimpsed stars, all within a 0.4' clump.
Edward Swift, the 13 year-old son of Lewis Swift, discovered
NGC 6825 = Sw. 2-82 on 18 Sep 1884 and recorded "eF; vS; F * nr; v
diff." The position is 15 sec
of RA east of
NGC 6825 is classified as a multiple galaxy in NED and the DSS2 reveals four nearly stellar objects in a 12" circle, though one or more may be a faint star(s).
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19 44 48.1 +50 31 31; Cyg
V = 8.9; Size 30"
48" (10/27/16): at 610x and 813x; both internal FLIERS (see observation below) were visible on the NW and SE sides of the central disc. The disc had a slight bulge on the northwest and southeast ends creating a slightly elongated, irregular oval NW-SE. A fainter inner halo was visible at 610x, roughly doubling the size. At 244x and NPB filter, a third large outer shell was fairly prominent forming a well defined 2' circular halo.
24" (9/13/12): at 325x the main 30" disc appeared slightly brighter in the east-southeast region. Adding an H-beta filter, a very small knot was sometimes visible near the rim at the ESE edge. This difficult knot is a red FLIER (Fast Low-Ionization Emission Region) and is prominent on the HST image. The corresponding knot on the west edge was not seen. The red color is from ionized nitrogen and the knot disappeared switching to an OIII filter, although the large outer halo became visible.
24" (8/16/12): at 300x and an OIII or NPB filter, the main high surface brightness disc (slightly elongated) was surrounded by a very faint, fairly uniform giant halo, extending 2' diameter and quadrupling the size of the bright 30" disc! The outer halo seemed perfectly round with a well-defined edge and was easily visible.
18" (7/17/07): at 500x the "Blinking" Planetary is slightly elongated ~E-W, ~30"x25" with a bright 10th mag central star surrounded by a small, slightly darker annulus. The disc is pretty evenly lit but slightly weaker on the west or west-southwest side.
17.5" (8/17/01): beautiful view at 500x; the disc is slightly elongated WNW-ESE, with subtle structure. There is small, slightly darker region around the bright 10th magnitude central star. The halo appears to dim slightly along the preceding edge and this edge is not as sharply defined. Located 28' E of the double star 16 Cygni.
17.5": very bright 25" roundish nebula surrounding a bright 10th magnitude central star, slightly elongated ~E-W, high surface brightness. With direct vision the planetary appears brighter on the south side. The planetary is too bright with this aperture to have the striking "blinking" effect seen with smaller apertures.
8": the famous "blinking" planetary blinks
well with this aperture. Contains
a bright mag 10 central star (
William Herschel discovered NGC 6826 = H. IV-73 = h2050 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1049) and recorded "a beautiful phenomenon. A bright point, lE, like two points close to one another; as bright as a star of the 8-9 magnitude surrounded by a very bright milky nebulosity suddenly terminated, having the appearance of a planetary nebula with a lucid center. The border, however, is not very well defined. It is perfectly round and I suppose about 1/2' in diameter. It is of a middle species between the planetary nebula and nebulous stars." John Herschel recorded "a most curious object. A * 11m surrounded with a vB, perfectly R planetary nebula, of equal light throughout. Diameter in RA = 3.5 sec. Perhaps a little hazy at the edges. With 320x the * is not seen double."
On 28 Aug 1850, Bindon Stoney recorded at Birr Castle, "A very remarkable object, probably analogous to h450 [NGC 2392]. The dark ring is not easily seen, but there can be no mistake about it, seen by Lord R and myself, my brother (George Stoney) saw it dark under [preceding] the central star." Observing with a 9.5" refractor at 760x in 1856, Father Secchi described (and sketched) the outer halo resolving into a number of small stars and claimed it was an open cluster (AN 43, 157). William Huggins first observed the emission spectrum in 1864 and noted "three lines" were seen.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote
"The central star...is surrounded by an oval disk of bright matter
27"x24". Within this are
rather obscure evidence of a brighter ring formation, the condensations at the
ends of which are 22" apart in p.a. about 125°." An outer shell of 110" in diameter
was first photographed with the 100-inch at Mt Wilson on 27 July 1936 (M57 and
The Herschels never mentioned a blinking effect, though it is less prominent in larger scopes. In an article titled "Suggestions to Amateurs: Nebulae and Clusters" by Lewis Swift in Popular Astronomy (1894) he mentions, "According to Professor Mitchell, "now you see it, and now you don't". The blinking effect was noted by James Mullaney and Wallace McCall in the August 1963 issue of Sky & Tel, though the nickname was coined by Mullaney.
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19 48 53.4 +21 12 54; Vul
Size 4'
17.5" (9/7/91): in a very rich Milky Way field is a faint, smooth, 2' unresolved glow similar to a low surface brightness galaxy. A mag 13 star is at the west edge. A slightly brighter knot or a 15th magnitude star is superimposed but no other resolution. Located just west of a very large, scattered group that just stands out due to many stars mag 11/12 at the edges.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6827 = St. 9-25 on 15 Jul 1869. His rough unpublished position was at the SW edge of the cluster. On 16 Oct 1878 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "extremely faint; moderately extended; poorly defined edges; envelops several very faint stars." After publication in 1878 (list 9), he made another observation on 7 Aug 1880.
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19 50 17.5 +07 54 09; Aql
17.5" (8/25/95): group of stars about 8' diameter
surrounding mag 6.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 6828 = H. VIII-73 = h2051 on 30 Jul 1788 (sweep 850) and recorded "A coarsely scattered cluster of stars, with a pB one in the center." John Herschel made two observations and logged on sweep 89, "a *8 in a poor cl; hardly to be called a cluster (night very bad)." His position corresponds with mag 6.5 SAO 125116 at 19 50 17.5 +07 54 09 (2000). At Birr Castle on 14 Aug 1876, Dreyer called this a "Rich part of the heaven, many S, P, lC Clusters, none remarkable."
Karl Reinmuth reported a very dense region, no distinct cluster. Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC correction paper, called it nonexistent and this is repeated in the RNGC. See Corwin's notes.
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19 47 07.5 +59 54 24; Dra
V = 14.1; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 31°
17.5" (6/15/91 and 8/8/91): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 or 4:1 SSW-NNE. A mag 10.5 star, which detracts from viewing, is close east of the SSW end, 0.7' from the center. Pair with NGC 6831 6.3' ESE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6829 = Sw. 4-77, along with NGC
6831, on 3 Sep 1886 and recorded ""eF; pS; R; pB * close s; p of 2
[with
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19 50 59 +23 06 00; Vul
V = 7.9; Size 12'
17.5" (8/8/91): 30-35 stars in the central 5' diameter. Most stars are mag 11-12 and arranged in two rows forming a rough "X" shape. The richest group is at the NW corner and a very faint group is off the SW corner. The brightest star is just SW of the intersection point of the "X". Located 30' N of 4.9-magnitude 12 Vulpeculae.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6830 = H. VII-9 = h2052 on 19 Jul 1784 (sweep 241) and simply noted "a cluster of stars." On 17 Jul 1785 (sweep 415), he called this "a L cl of p compressed st, most of the same size, with many adjacent scattered ones." John Herschel made the single observation "fine large coarse cl; fills field. Stars 11...12m, some outliers = 9, 10m." His position is in the center of the cluster.
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NGC 6831 = UGC 11483 = MCG +10-28-011 = CGCG 303-011 = PGC 63674
19 47 57.2 +59 53 33; Dra
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.0
17.5" (6/15/91 and 8/8/91): faint, fairly small, round, small bright core, sharp stellar nucleus, faint halo. Pair with NGC 6829 6.3' WNW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6831 = Sw. 4-78, along with NGC 6829, on 3 Sep 1886 and recorded "eF; S; R: f of 2 [with NGC 6829]." His position is 1.5' too far northeast. Bigourdan measured an accurate micrometric position on 30 Aug 1889 as well as Howe in 1899-00.
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19 48 15 +59 25 24; Dra
17.5" (8/25/95): this group consists of roughly two
dozen stars in a 6' region surrounding mag 6.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 6832 = h2053 on 11 Aug 1831 and noted "A *7 in midst of a field full of 40 stars 10...12m." His position corresponds with mag 6.7 SAO 32016 at 19 48 15.4 +59 25 23 and matches the group of stars described in my notes. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. This is likely an asterism (not in the Lynga catalogue), but certainly the group Herschel noted.
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NGC 6833 = PK 82+11.1 = PN G082.5+11.3
19 49 46.6 +48 57 40; Cyg
V = 12.1; Size 2"
13.1" (7/30/85): visible as a mag 11.5-12 stellar
object without a filter at 144x and verified with OIII blinking. A mag 10.5 star lies 2.8' NE and mag
9.0
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6833 = HN 54 on 8 May 1883 using a direct-vision prism with the 15-inch Merz refractor at Harvard College Observatory. His discovery position in AN 2517 was accurate.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote "indistinguishable from a star on the Crossley negative, but shown to have a minute disk visually with the 36-inch refractor."
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19 52 12 +29 24 30; Cyg
V = 7.8; Size 5'
17.5" (8/7/91): 40 visible stars in a 8' diameter. A mag 10 star is in the middle of a line of seven mag 13 stars oriented SW-NE and also at the center of four mag 11/12 stars on a line oriented E-W. Sprays of stars emanate from the bright star to the SW and SE. A small clump of five stars lies 4' S of the mag 10 star. Planetary nebula NGC 6842 lies 38' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6834 = H. VIII-16 = h2054 on 17 Jul 1784 (sweep 239) and recorded "a cl of not very compressed stars; closest in the middle. It may be compared to a cluster which is forming or gathering and not yet arrived to the state of those that are more advanced, or contain more stars." John Herschel logged this cluster as "coarse irreg R; with detached portions of smaller stars. Those in the main cluster = 11 or 12 mag." His position was accurate.
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19 54 33.1 -12 34 09; Sgr
V = 12.5; Size 2.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 70°
13.1" (9/3/83): faint, small, edge-on WSW-ENE, weak
concentration. Forms a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6835 = St. 12-91, along with NGC 6836, on 22 Jul 1881. His description reads "small spindle, very faint, elongated SW to NE, 1.5' l." He reduced the position on 2 Aug and included it in his 12th discovery list (#91).
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NGC 6836 = MCG -02-50-010 = PGC 63803
19 54 40.4 -12 41 16; Sgr
V = 12.9; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 140°
13.1" (9/3/83): extremely diffuse, visible with averted only, round, fairly small, very low surface brightness. Located 7.4' S of NGC 6835.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6836 = St. 12-92, along with NGC 6835, on 22 Jul 1881. His description reads "vF, pL, R, diffuse, no central condensation." He reduced the position on 2 Aug and included it in his 12th discovery list (#92). Herbert Howe reported "In this nebula, or just on its following edge, is a star of mag 13.5, apparently not noticed by its discoverer."
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19 53 08 +11 41 54; Aql
Size 3'
17.5" (6/24/95): this asterism only stands out reasonably well at 100x. Consists of roughly 15 mag 12-14 stars in a 4' group elongated E-W. There is a small rich subgroup bulging out on the north side in a semi-circular arrangement (better resolved at 225x). Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6837 = H. VIII-18 = h2055 on 4 Sep 1784 (sweep 256) and recorded "a small (forming) cluster of stars, not rich." His offset with respect to 61 Aql is 19 53 20 +11 43.4 (2000), just 12 seconds of time east of the small clump of stars described in my observation. John Herschel simply noted "Viewed. In place by working list? It is a coarse straggling part of the Milky Way."
RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Harold Corwin's comments.
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19 53 46.1 +18 46 42; Sge
V = 8.1; Size 7.2'; Surf Br = 0.8
24" (9/2/16): at 200x and 375x; beautifully rich cluster mostly defined by an intense triangular central or core region with vertices on the north, southwest and southeast corners and sides ~3', 3' and 2.3'. Roughly 100 stars are densely packed over the background glow within this triangular outline, though the north end is less well defined. The surface brightness falls off rapidly outside this core, though the halo includes some brighter stars, and the cluster blends into the fairly rich field density beyond a diameter of 5'. Open cluster Harvard 20 lies 28' SSW.
17.5" (8/22/87 and 8/5/94): roughly 75 stars resolved in a 5' diameter but with a very irregular ill-defined outline to the halo. The brightest section is elongated SSW-NNE with dimensions 3'x2'. The brightest star is on the east side of the core and is a close double. Located in a rich field with likely many field stars superimposed around the halo. Located just south of the midpoint between Gamma and Delta Sagittae.
Harvard 20, less than 30' SSW, contains about three dozen stars in a 6'x3' field, elongated ~E-W. Two bright mag 9 stars are off the west side but the cluster is dominated by 20 mag 12/13 stars. Also includes a scattering of faint mag 14-15 stars. A pretty evenly matched mag 12.5/12.5 double star is at the east end and an uneven mag 12/14 double star is to the west of the well matched double.
13.1" (7/16/82 and 8/22/87): a few dozen stars are resolved over haze, only weakly concentrated, non-symmetrical shape. Impression that many faint field stars may be superimposed. Located in a very rich star field.
8" (10/4/80 and 7/13/83): roughly 20 faint stars resolved a hazy background with averted. The west edge is brighter.
15x50mm IS binoculars (6/19/09): bright, obvious glow is elongated with a brighter center.
Philippe Loys de Chéseaux possibly discovered
William Herschel first observed the cluster on 30 May 1783 using his 8-inch (10-ft focal length) and noted it was "resolved into stars. I can count between 20 and 30 of them." He viewed it several times in his larger scopes and logged "a very compressed cl of stars." on 18 Aug 1784 (sweep 252) and "a cl. of stars; the stars pretty large, nf is a part seemingly separated" on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 276). John Herschel recorded on sweep 90, "vL; loose; fills field; a fine object; stars 11...16m; the most condensed part = 3', of an acute triangular figure, the angle northwards."
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19 54 06 +17 57; Sge
17.5" (9/23/95): at 100x there is a very weak
enhancement of stars within 10' of mag 8.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 6839 = H. VI-16 = h2057 on 18 Aug 1784 (sweep 252) and noted as "a very small cl of compressed stars." There is nothing of special interest near his position. John Herschel made two observations and described (sweep 92) "an insignificant bunch of little stars in the milky way. Hardly more marked than the general mass, which is astonishingly rich here" and "A quantity of Milky Way stars, immensely close, one small patch of which may be the cluster VI 16." (Repeats his father's position with +/- signs in sweep 362). So, the identification is quite uncertain and WH's intended group of stars may be lost.
Karl Reinmuth calls this "a very dense region, no distinct Cl", based on Heidelberg plates and both Dorothy Carlson and RNGC repeat this assessment.
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19 55 14 +12 07 06; Aql
17.5" (7/27/95): fairly poor group of 20-25 mag 11-15
stars in a 6'x4' rectangular group.
Includes about 10 brighter mag 11 stars. There are no rich groupings but a very distinctive 3' string
or stars oriented NW-SE marks the NE side of the group. Stands out reasonably well at 80x but
not distinguishable at 220x.
Located 11' N of mag 8.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 6840 = H. VIII-19 = h2058 on 4 Sep 1784 (sweep 256) and recorded "another much larger [than NGC 6837] but coarsely scattered and not rich." John Herschel called this "a small, poor cluster; the preceding of two distinct clusters [with NGC 6843]. The stars 11m." Dreyer, as an observing assistant at Birr Castle in 1876, noted "a S group of F st with 2 of 10-11m."
Reinmuth reported "a very loose clustering of a few st 12...15." RNGC classifies this object as nonexistent (Type 7) and it may be an asterism, but the identification is certain.
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19 57 49.1 -31 48 39; Sgr
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4
24" (10/18/12): moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a 20" bright core that gradually increases to the center. The outer halo is very faint and extends ~35" (fades into background).
Brightest in a trio with
17.5" (8/10/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE. Evenly concentrated to a small bright round core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6841 = h3802 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; R; psbM; 15" on a highly stipled or dotted ground." His position is less than 1' too far southeast.
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NGC 6842 = NGC 6847? = PK 65+0.1 = Sh 2-95 = LBN 149 = PN G065.9+00.5
19 55 02.2 +29 17 21; Vul
V = 13.5; Size 57"
24" (9/1/16): at 375x and 500x (unfiltered); moderately bright and large, round, ~50" diameter, crisp edge to the rim, fairly evenly illuminated. The mag 15.5-16 central star was visible, along with several nearby stars; a mag 15.5 star is just off the NE edge [38" from center], a mag 15 star is off the south edge [47"] and a mag 14 star is off the east edge [50"]. Using 220x with a UHC filter, the planetary is fairly bright and the rim appears slightly brighter in sections.
18" (8/26/06): a sketch was made at 435x showing the numerous faint stars that huddle nearby this planetary. A mag 14 star is off the east edge [50" from center] and a mag 14.5 star is just off the south end [47" from center]. A mag 15-15.5 star is barely off the NE edge [38" from center] and an extremely faint mag 16 star is at the NNW edge. A mag 13.5 star is 1.1' SE. Finally a very faint central star is often visible.
17.5" (8/7/91): fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, soft edges. A very faint mag 15.5 central star is visible and a second extremely faint mag 16.0 star is near the east edge. Several stars are at the edges including a mag 15-15.5 star at the NE edge and two mag 13-14 stars off the east side. Appears brighter around the central star.
13.1" (7/12/86): at 62x and OIII filter appears moderately bright, moderately large, estimate V = 13.0. A mag 14.5 star is off the east edge. NGC 6834 lies 38' WNW.
8" off-axis mask (7/28/19): at 107x; very faint but definite unfiltered as a fairly small (~45"), roundish glow. Visible with direct vision when I added a NPB filter.
8" (9/20/81): I was surprised to glimpse NGC 6842 from home in El Cerrito (limiting mag of 4.5) using a Daystar 300 filter at 125x, even using a black hood, averted vision and concentration. Walter Scott Houston wrote about this observation in detail in his Deep Sky Wonder's column of November 1982.
8" (7/31/81): extremely faint, fairly small, diffuse. Located in a rich star field.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6842 = m 403 = Sf. 43 on 28 Jun
1863 and noted "vF, pL, R."
Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered it the following year on 26
Aug 1864 while searching for William Herschel's H. II-202 = NGC 6847. Truman Safford found the planetary
again on 12 Jul 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn
Observatory. See
In 1919, Heber Curtis reported it was undoubtedly a planetary nebula based on a Crossley photograph and described it as "Very faint. It is about 50" x 45", showing traces of an irregular ring formation. It has a central star of about the 13th magnitude."
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19 56 06.1 +12 09 49; Aql
17.5" (9/23/95): A very unimpressive scattered group of about two dozen stars mag 11-14 in a 8' region. Generally elongated N-S in a string with a separate line of six stars at the north end oriented E-W. There is one close isolated double star and the fainter stars are at the south end of the string. Appears to be a very weak asterism of no special interest except follows NGC 6840 by ~10' in the same field, a better asterism. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6843 = h2059 on 29 Jul 1829 and recorded (single observation) "A poor, small cluster. The following of two [with NGC 6840], just alike." Karl Reinmuth stated "no distinct Cl, milky way." in his photographic survey and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
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20 02 50.0 -65 13 46; Pav
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 0°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright,
moderately large, elongated 4:3 N-S, ~50"x36", sharply concentrated
with a very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. A collinear trio of mag 11.5/13/12.5
stars oriented E-W extends to the west beginning 1.5' WNW. Located 4.8' NW of mag 8.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 6844 = h3801 on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "eF; R; vS; psbM; has a * 11th mag 90" north-preceding, and one 8th mag 6' dist, south-following." His position is accurate.
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20 00 58.4 -47 04 13; Tel
V = 13.1; Size 2.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 70°
25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x;
NGC 6845B, just 1.4' NE, appeared very faint, very small,
slightly elongated, 15"-20" diameter.
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this is the brightest component of a compact interacting quartet. At 128x it appeared fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, 1.0'x0.7', very weak concentration. Two companions were resolved - NGC 6845B at 1.4' NE (at the end of a long tidal tail) and NGC 6845C at 0.8' SW.
NGC 6845B required averted vision and appeared extremely faint and small, round, 0.3' diameter, very low surface brightness. NGC 6845C appeared very faint, small, very elongated 4:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.15'. On the DSS image, faint tidal plumes appear to connect NGC 6845A with this companion.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6845 = h3803 on 7 Jul 1834 (sweep 467) and recorded "eF; lE; glbM; 30"." In a second observation he logged "vF; R; bM; 15". Found and viewed by the place of sweep 467." This is a compact interacting group of four galaxies (Klemola 30) and RC3 identifies the brightest member as NGC 6845A.
The entire quartet was found during an examination of 24-inch Bruce astrograph plates taken at Harvard's Arequipa station in Peru between 1908 and 1913. The individual members were catalogued in a list by Solon Bailey of 1659 new nebulae in the 1913 Annals of the Astronomical Observatory of Harvard College, Vol. 72.
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19 56 28.1 +32 20 58; Cyg
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'
17.5" (9/7/91): at 225x appears as a small, faint clump of stars over unresolved haze. Elongated about 3:2 E-W with dimensions 1.5'x1.0'. A mag 13.5 star is off the NW edge, a mag 14 star is at the west edge and three additional mag 14 stars in a clump are just visible over of the haze although clean resolution is difficult.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6846 = St. 5-4 on 21 Jul 1873 and measured an accurate position on 17 Aug with description "eF, vS, surrounds 3 faint stars." At his position is a small knot or cluster of faint stars.
RNGC places this open cluster 2° too far south. I searched for the cluster using this erroneous position with my 17.5" scope. The same error is in the Lynga catalogue (source of the original error?) and repeated in NGC 2000, Deep Sky Field Guide, and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 star atlas. Listed in my RNGC Corrections #6. See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 6847 = NGC 6842? = PK 65+0.1 = Sh 2-95 = LBN 149 = PN G065.9+00.5
19 55 02.2 +29 17 21; Vul
V = 13.5; Size 57"
See observing notes for NGC 6842.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6847 = H. II-202 on 17 Jul 1784 (sweep 239) and recorded "a resolvable nebulous patch; there are great numbers of them in this neighborhood like forming nebula, but this is the strongest of them; they are evidently congeries of small stars." There is nothing that stands out on the DSS near his position and Dreyer commented that "according to Bigourdan there is no second class nebula here; a region rich in stars, but if there is any nebulosity about, it is very diffused." (1912 revision of WH's catalogues)
Harold Corwin suggests that H. II-202 may apply to the "cluster and HII region [Sh 2-97] 1 degree north and 30 seconds west of Herschel's single position.” Alternatively, Herschel's position is 2.0 minutes of RA east of NGC 6842. Could Herschel have observed this planetary nebula? Wolfgang Steinicke suggests this identification. In fact, Édouard Stephan made an observation on 27 Jul 1875 (and perhaps earlier) and identified it as GC 4527 [= NGC 6847].
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20 02 47.5 -56 05 22; Tel
V = 12.1; Size 2.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 157°
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x, fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.4', broad
concentration to a brighter core.
Two mag 13 stars 1' NE and 1.5' SE of center run parallel to the major
axis! Forms a trio with
ESO 185-054 is moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 1.3'x1.0', broad concentration. A mag 13 star is just off the south edge, 1.1' from center. This galaxy appears slightly brighter than NGC 6848, which lies 10' SW, so it's curious that JH missed it. ESO 185-053, just 3.6' to the west, appeared faint, small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.15'. A mag 13 star is just off the NNW extension 50" from center and a fainter mag 14 star lies 30" W of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6848 = h3804 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; L; R; vglbM; 90"; forms a triangle with 2 st 11 and 12m, following it." His position (and description) is accurate.
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20 06 15.6 -40 11 54; Sgr
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 18°
17.5" (10/5/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~N-S, weak concentration, diffuse halo fades into background. A mag 13 star is off the east side 1.4' from center. Located 3.5' S of a mag 10 star. Low elevation detracts from viewing. John Herschel's position was exactly 5 tmin of RA to the west so this identification not certain.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6849 = h3805 on 4 Sep 1834 and
recorded "pB; S; R: has a vS star np." There is nothing near his position matching this
description, but exactly 5.0 minutes of RA east is
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20 03 30.0 -54 50 43; Tel
V = 12.5; Size 2.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 153°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, irregular halo elongated NW-SE, ~1.4'x0.7'. The central region is broadly concentration then sharply increases at the center to a very small bright core and stellar nucleus. The outer halo has a fairly low but irregular surface brightness. Within a triangle of stars including a mag 12 star 1.9' N.
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 128x, fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.5', pretty even surface brightness. Forms a pair with IC 4933 8.0' S but I didn't look for the IC companion.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6850 = h3806 on 9 Jun 1836 and noted "vF; R; bM; 25"." His single position is accurate. It is very surprising that he didn't notice IC 4933, a fairly bright galaxy just 8' south.
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20 03 34.3 -48 17 05; Tel
V = 11.8; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 160°
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x, it appeared moderately bright and large, oval 4:3 NNW-SSE,
1.2'x0.9'. The galaxy is
well-concentrated with a bright core and is collinear with two mag 9.5 stars 5'
SE and 13' SE. NGC 6851 is a
member of the loose Telescopium Group (ACO S851) with dominant members
John Herschel discovered NGC 6851 = h3807 on 5 Sep 1836 and recorded "pF; pS; R or vlE; psbM; 15"." His position is at the north edge of the halo.
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20 00 39.1 +01 43 41; Aql
V = 12.9; Size 28"
24" (6/30/16): at 501x (unfiltered); very bright compact planetary, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~25"x21". A darker center and bright knots in the rim give a bipolar annular appearance. A very small bright knot is at the southeast end, close to a mag 14.4 star that is just off the edge [22" from center]. A matching knot (slightly less contrasty) is along the northwest edge of the rim. A mag 13 field is less than 30" W of this knot. The rim is slightly weaker on the southwest and northeast sides (the south edge is not well defined), so in effect a darker strip or bar extends through the center in a SW-NE orientation, nearly slicing the planetary into two sections.
18" (8/26/06): at 435x, this planetary appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~25"x18". A mag 14.5 star is close off the SE end. At this magnification the planetary was occasionally bipolar with a well-defined, very small bright knot just NW of the mag 14.5 star and a second less defined knot that forms the NW end of the planetary. The two knots appear resolved though I never had a steady view of both simultaneously. Located less that 5' ENE of a mag 7.5 star.
17.5" (7/16/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
slightly elongated NW-SE, no annularity noted. A mag 13.5 star is 34" WNW and a mag 14.5 star is
23" SE of center. Located
4.6' ENE of mag 7.5
13.1" (7/20/85): moderately bright, slightly elongated NW-SE, diffuse, no structure. Two stars are off NW edge about 40" and a faint star is at the SSE edge. Located 5' NE of a mag 8 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6852 = m 404 on 25 Jun 1863 and
noted "F neb, within a group of small stars." The same night he also discovered the
planetary NGC 6778. Lubos Kohoutek
rediscovered this object a century later during a visual survey of the POSS and
included it in a list of new PN (
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19 59 36.3 +22 43 16; Vul
V = 7.1; Size 480"x340"
18" (8/23/03): breathtaking view at 215x; with the fainter but larger outer lobes increasing the dimensions to nearly 7.5'x6' and the ends of the major axis (southeast and northwest) appear to open up and bulge out further. With careful viewing, ~10 superimposed stars can be counted including the easy mag 14 central star.
17.5" (6/15/91): very bright, very large, 7'x6', bright dumbbell lobes are oriented SSW-NNE. The SSW lobe is brighter with a bright outer rim. Large fainter sweeping side lobes fill in the dumbbell and reverse the major axis to WNW-ESE. The planetary has an irregular surface brightness with a darker center. At high power 5 or 6 stars are superimposed including the easy mag 13.8 central star. Overall, this is the most impressive planetary.
13.1" (8/15/82): central star easily visible along with a half dozen faint superimposed stars.
8" (9/25/81): central star faintly visible at 200x. The fainter side lobes are prominent.
15x50 IS binoculars (multiple dates): easily the most prominent planetary visible in binoculars.
Charles Messier discovered M27 = NGC 6853 = h2060 on 12 July 1764. This was the first planetary nebula discovered. Caroline Herschel independently found it on 30 Sep 1782, her second night of sweeping. William Herschel reported "My sister discovered this nebula this evening in sweeping for comets; on comparing its place with Messier's nebulae we find it is his 27. It is very curious with a compound piece; the shape of it though oval as M. [Messier] calls it, is rather divided in two; it is situated among a number of small stars, but with this compound piece no star is visible in it. I can only make it bear 278. It vanishes with higher powers on account of its feeble light. With 278 the division between the two patches is stronger, because the intermediate faint light vanishes more." This discovery may have spurred WH to search for new nebulae.
On 19 Jul 1784, William Herschel recorded "The nebula in Vulpecula I suppose to be a double stratum of stars of a very great extent. The ends next to us are not only resolvable nebulosity, but I really do see very many of the stars mixt with the resolvable nebulosity; farther on the nebulosity is but barely resolvable and ends at last in milky whitishness of the same appearance as that in Orion. The idea I form of the shape of the nebula is ...[diagram follows]." As far as the nickname "Dumbbell" or "Hour-glass Nebula", John Herschel wrote on 24 Aug 1827 "A most extraordinary object; vB; an unresolved nebula, shaped something like an hour-glass, filled into an oval outline with a much less dense nebulosity. The central mass may be compared to a vertebra or dumb-bell". In another sweep he describes the shape as "like a double-headed shot or a dumb-bell."
Lord Rosse's 36" sketch on 21 Sep 1843 was published in his 1844 PTRAS paper. He noted "Cannot say positively whether resolvable, but see through it an immense number of stars apparently united with nebulous matter. If they are stars seen through the neb and unconnected with it, it is strange they should be so much more numerous than in the adjoining part of the heavens." George Johnstone Stoney's sketch (started on 9 Sep, finished on the 16th) was published in the 1850 PT paper (figure 17). Bindon Stoney's sketch in the 1861 monograph (Plate XXX, fig. 43) included several superimposed and nearby stars using micrometric measurements. During a visit to Birr Castle on 29 Aug 1854, George Johnstone Stoney wrote a long note: "Both Dr. Robinson and I agreed that the beard of faint nebulosity extended farther down [sp?] than in my brother's drawing..."
William Huggins reported the characteristic emission line spectrum of M27 in 1864 during in his first investigation of planetary nebulae. He noted "one line, others not seen".
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20 05 38.8 -54 22 33; Tel
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 166°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
moderately large, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.8', broad concentration,
brighter along the major axis. A
mag 14 star lies 1.4' NE and
John Herschel discovered NGC 6854 = h3808 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; glbM; 12"." His mean position (2 observations) is accurate.
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20 06 49.9 -56 23 24; Tel
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright,
moderately large, round, 1.2' diameter, sharply concentrated to a very small
bright core, hint of structure in the outer halo. A very faint star is superimposed just southeast of the
core. An extremely faint star is
just visible near the west edge of the halo. Forms a close pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 6855 = h3809 on 10 Jul 1834 and logged "Not vF; S; R." His position is accurate.
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19 59 17.1 +56 07 29; Cyg
17.5" (7/24/95): 15 stars mag 12-15 in a 2' diameter. Stands out well as this group is very detached in the field. Appears to have unresolved background haze but there are no dense spots or concentration and the stars are pretty evenly distributed. About 3' north is a triangle of mag 10.5-11 stars, a bit larger than the cluster. Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in the RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6856 = h2063 on 24 Sep 1829 and recorded "A small pretty close cluster, irreg R, 3' dia, stars 12...16m." At his position is a small group or asterism of 15 stars, matching his description. Karl Reinmuth reported the photographic appearance on Heidelberg plate as "Cl, S, iR, pB, st 12..." Jack Sulentic reported "No cluster" in the RNGC and classified the number as nonexistent.
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20 01 47.6 +33 31 38; Cyg
Size 1.0'x1.0'
18" (7/14/07): at 174x and OIII filter appears as a small but high surface brightness nearly circular knot, just 1' in diameter and sharply defined in a very rich star field. Without a filter a mag 13 (illuminating?) star is visible at the center and two stars are at opposite edges (SW and NE). At 280x the outline surface brightness is slightly irregular. Located just inside a beautiful partial ring or loop of stars that includes a couple of double stars. While viewing this object I noticed a fairly large, 3' low surface brightness hazy region about 10' W in the field. This glow matches the location of Sh 2-99 (11' W of NGC 6857). There was no structure to this HII region and the surface brightness was uniform.
18" (9/25/06): easily swept up at 115x as a small, high surface brightness nebula, roughly 1' in diameter, situated in a rich star field. Excellent contrast gain with an OIII filter and appears quite bright with this combination. At 300x, the nebula appears as a 1'-1.5' bright glow that spreads out mostly to the south of an embedded (possibly illuminating) mag 13.5-14 star in an irregular shape. This HII region is located along one side of a near equilateral triangle of mag 12-13 stars with a mag 12 star just 40" SW. A close, faint equal pair of mag 13.5 stars follows by 4'.
17.5" (8/7/91): very bright, moderately large, about 1' diameter, irregular outline, roughly circular but edges difficult to define, irregular surface brightness. The mag 13.5 central star is quite prominent offset north of center. Surrounded by four fours; a mag 12 star at the SW edge [40" from center], two mag 13 stars off the NE end [40" from center] and off the NW end [52" from center], a mag 14 star at the SE end. Located in a rich star field. Excellent contrast gain with OIII filter. Extremely faint nebulosity may extend to the west. This is a compact HII region within Sh 2-100, which mainly spreads out towards the west.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6857 = H. III-144 = h2062 on 6 Sep 1784 (sweep 258) and recorded "a patch containing some nebulosity. 240 confirmed it, irregularly long." John Herschel made 3 observations and wrote on 1 Aug 1829 (sweep 198), "a nebulous looking patch; 12" diam; in Milky Way; ill-defined; perhaps only some extremely minute stars mixed with larger which as distinct." This nebula wasn't found (one attempt) at Birr Castle.
NGC 6857 is misplotted as a planetary nebula in Becvar's "Atlas of the Heavens" and the first edition of Tirion's Sky Atlas 2000.0
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20 02 59 +11 15 36; Aql
17.5" (9/23/95): this is an elongated group of 35 stars in a 10'x4' group oriented N-S which precedes a mag 9 star at 20 03 16 +11 16.4 (2000). Fairly uniform in brightness and distribution with no dense spots but includes a couple of nice doubles. Most stars are mag 12-13 with a scattering of fainter stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6858 = h2061 on 29 Jul 1829 and recorded "A pretty rich oblong cl; 10' l, 5' br; stars equal and of 13th mag. In Milky Way. Place that of double * [HJ 1466." The visual appearance is similar to JH's description and his position is fairly accurate, so the identification is definite.
Karl Reinmuth described its photographic appearance as "a very loose clustering of st 13...., no distinct cluster." Jack Sulentic stated "No cluster" in the RNGC and classified the number as nonexistent (Type 7).
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20 03 49.0 +00 26 43; Aql
= ***, Corwin.
George Bond discovered NGC 6859 = HN 6 = Au 46 on 24 Nov 1852 with the 15-inch Merz refractor during the Harvard Zone Survey of stars near the celestial equator. He noted a "faint nebula follows star #11 [10th mag] by 1 sec [of time] and north of it by 1' 29" north of it." Dreyer (at Birr Castle), d'Arrest and Schönfeld only reported finding faint stars. At Bond's precise offset are two mag 12.6/14.0 (12" separation) stars with a third mag 15 star ~16" east.
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20 08 47.1 -61 06 01; Pav
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 34°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately to fairly bright, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, ~50"x30", broad concentration.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6860 = h3810 on 11 Aug 1836 and logged "F; R; gbM; 40"." His position is accurate.
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NGC 6861 = IC 4949 = ESO 233-032 = LGG 430-003 = PGC 64136
20 07 19.4 -48 22 12; Tel
V = 11.1; Size 2.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 140°
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 429x; very bright, large,
fairly large, beautiful lenticular, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.8'x0.8' , sharply
concentrated with a very bright oval core. There was a hint of a dust lane. Two 12th mag stars are 1.6' NE and 2' E of center.
18" (7/7/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x, moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 NW-SE, 1.3'x0.8', fairly well concentrated with a small brighter core. Forms the SW vertex of a triangle with two equal mag 12 stars just 1.6' NE and 2' E. IC 4943 was viewed 8.5' W and probably NGC 6861D 14' NE but then clouds moved in and ended the observation.
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
128x this galaxy appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE
with a brighter core. Two nearby
mag 12 stars, 1.6' NE and 2.0' E run parallel to the major axis of the galaxy. Brightest of four galaxies in field
with
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, bright core. Forms the western vertex of an isosceles right triangle with two stars following [mag 12 star 1.6' NE and mag 12.5 star 2.0' E]. NGC 6868 lies 25' E. Brightest along with NGC 6868 in a group including IC 4943 8.5' W (not seen).
James Dunlop discovered NGC 6861 = D 425 = h3811 on 30 Jul 1826 and recorded "a very small faint nebula, about 15" diameter." There is nothing at his position, but Glen Cozens found he made a 1° transcription error (to the north) from his handwritten notebook position to his published catalog (verified). The corrected position is just 6' NW of NGC 6861, the brightest galaxy in the area.
On 7 Jul 1834, John Herschel recorded "B; S; lE; pgmbM; 20"." On a second sweep he called it "B; S; E; gpmbM; 25" dia. If a misprint of 42° 12' instead of 41°12' be presumed in Mr. Dunlop's catalogue, this object is identified with No. 425."
Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 8 Jul 1897 and
reported it as new in his 11th discovery list, #189 (later
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NGC 6862 = ESO 186-002 = LGG 429-004 = PGC 64168
20 08 54.8 -56 23 31; Tel
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 149°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, moderately large, round, 1' diameter, broad concentration . Situated between a mag 14.5 star 1' W and a mag 15 star 1.4' E. NGC 6855 lies 17' W.
NGC 6862 has a redshift of z = .014 (~200 million l.y.) and
is superimposed in the foreground of
John Herschel discovered NGC 6862 = h3812 on 9 Jul 1834 and logged "vF; lE; glbM; 20"."
NGC 6862 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "S, 2-branch spiral."
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20 05 07.3 -03 33 18; Aql
Size 1'
17.5" (9/23/95): at 225x five mag 14-15 stars are resolved within a 1' region. Detached in field and nebulous at low power but unimpressive at high power. Appears fully resolved and just an asterism though may be a possible "open cluster remnant". There are no brighter stars within the 20' field at 225x.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6863 = h2065 on 25 Jul 1827 and recorded "A little compact knot of 7 or 8 stars taken at first for a nebula (and liable to be taken as one hereafter). Stars 19m." There is a knot of four faint stars within 35" of Herschel's position (see visual description). Karl Reinmuth, in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel", describes "4-5 vS st alm in line 85d; *14 n nr." and Harold Corwin also identifies this as a group of 8 stars. Moni et al (2010, A&A, 510, 44) conclude this is not a cluster but a random enhancement of field stars.
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20 06 04.7 -21 55 16; Sgr
V = 8.6; Size 6.0'; Surf Br = 0.5
17.5" (7/14/93): bright, moderately large, 3' diameter, round, very bright striking core 30" diameter, very mottled. Several extremely faint 15th mag stars popped in and out of view with averted vision in the outer halo. A mag 14 star is in the inner region just NE of core. The cluster almost reaches four mag 12.5-13 stars, which cradle the globular on the south and NE sides, and a fainter star is off the NW side. This cluster is quite concentrated and is the only Shapley-Sawyer class I globular in the Messier catalogue.
13.1" (8/25/82): bright intense core surrounded by a fainter halo that is slightly mottled but with no obvious resolution.
15x50 IS binoculars (9/26/11): easily picked up as a very small, round glow with a bright, nearly stellar center and a small fainter halo.
Pierre Méchain discovered
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20 05 56.5 -09 02 28; Aql
V = 14.9; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 130°
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, elongated 2:1 E-W, very small bright core, stellar nucleus.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6865 = m 405 on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "F, S, E." His position is accurate.
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20 03 55 +44 09 30; Cyg
V = 7.6; Size 15'
17.5" (9/7/91): about 100 stars in a 20'x10' region are visible at 100x. Appears rich and very appealing. The main string is very elongated roughly E-W and contains a brighter intersecting subgroup 8'x2' NW-SE of about 45 stars with a close triple star on the NW end consisting of a mag 10 star and two very faint companions. Two mag 10-10.5 stars are at the SE end of this string. The western end of the main string curves north into a nice semi-circle.
Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 6866 = H. VII-59 = h2066 on 23 Jul 1783 with her 4.2" comet-sweeper reflector. The same night she also viewed M27 and found M71. William Herschel probably found the cluster on 16 Oct 1783 (before his sweeps). On 11 Sep 1790 (sweep 959) he rediscovered the cluster (unaware of the previous observations) and logged, "a very rich cl of L stars, considerably compressed, above 15' diam. By the size of the stars, it is situated among the milky way towards us." His position is accurate. Karl Harding found the cluster again in 1823, reported it to Johann Bode and it was listed as new (#8) in Astronomisches Jahrbuch for 1827 (printed in 1824). John Herschel made the single observation on 21 Aug 1829: "a coarse rough cluster. Taken for VII. 59, but the place does not agree." His position is on the double star HJ 1478 = 10.3/10.9 at 2.2", which is situated 10' south of the cluster.
Brian Skiff found the Lund catalogue has a -10' error in declination, and this error may be carried over into over sources (misplotted on the Millennium Star Atlas).
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20 10 29.7 -54 47 00; Tel
V = 13.1; Size 2.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 156°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated at least 4:1 NNW-SSE, 1.5'x0.35', tapers at the NNW and SSE tips, broad weak concentration. Nearly collinear with a mag 9.5 star 3.5' ENE and a mag 10.5 star 6.6' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6867 = h3813 on 9 Jun 1836 and
recorded "eeF; L; pmE."
His position and description matches
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NGC 6868 = ESO 233-039 = AM 2006-483 = LGG 430-004 = PGC 64192
20 09 54.3 -48 22 43; Tel
V = 10.7; Size 3.5'x2.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 86°
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 429x; this giant elliptical
is the brightest member of the Telescopium Group = ACO S851. It appeared very
bright, fairly large, slightly elongated 5:4 WSW-ENE, ~1.8'x1.5' sharply concentrated
with an intensely bright core that increases to the center, halo gradually
fades. 2MASX J20095889-4821262 is
off the NE edge, 1.6' from center, and was fairly faint to moderately bright,
round, 20" diameter, weak concentration, with a fairly high surface
brightness. NGC 6770 lies 6.3'
NNE,
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this giant elliptical is one of the brightest members of the Telescopium Group (ACO S851), at a distance of roughly 120 million light-years. At 128x, NGC 6868 appeared moderately bright and large, slightly elongated E-W, ~1.5'x1.2'. Contains a bright core that is concentrated to the center. Forms the southern vertex of an equilateral triangle with members NGC 6870 6' NNE and ESO 233-035 7' NW.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): fairly faint, fairly
small, slightly elongated 4:3 N-S, bright core. Pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 6868 = h3814 on 7 Jul 1834 and recorded "vB; S; R: pgmbM; 20"."
Pietro Baracchi discovered 2MASX J20095889-4821262 off the
NE edge, as well as nearby
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20 00 42.4 +66 13 39; Dra
V = 12.0; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (8/13/88): moderately bright, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Two mag 10 and 11 stars lie 4.5' SSE and 2.8' SSE, respectively.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6869 = Sw. 2-83 = Sw. 4-79 on 26 Aug 1884 and recorded "pB; R; pS; 2 B stars and it form an arc of a circle" Swift found this galaxy again two years later on 6 Sep 1886 and recorded it as "pB; pS; R; bM." Dreyer combined both observations in the NGC. Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position in 1899-00 as well as Hermann Kobold at Strasbourg in 1896 (not published until 1907).
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NGC 6870 = ESO 233-041 = LGG 430-005 = PGC 64197
20 10 10.7 -48 17 13; Tel
V = 12.3; Size 2.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 85°
30" (10/18/17 - OzSky): at 264x and 429x; bright, large, very elongated 5:2 E-W, ~1.5'x0.6'. Strong concentration with a very bright elongated core. Forms a striking pair in the Telescopium Group (ACO S851) with NGC 6868 6.2' SSW. NGC 6861F, located 10' E, appeared very faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 E-W, very low surface brightness with no concentration, ~0.9'x0.25'.
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): last in a trio with NGC 6868 6' SSW and ESO 233-035 7.5' W within the core of the Telescopium Group (ACO S851). At 128x it appeared moderately bright, very elongated 5:2 E-W, ~1.5'x0.6', with a bright core.
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): extremely faint, small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE. Forms a pair with NGC 6868 6.2' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6870 = h3815 on 7 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; pmE in parallel; gbM; 30" l." His position is accurate.
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20 05 59.4 +35 46 38; Cyg
V = 5.2; Size 20'
18" (9/26/11): bright, large, rich cluster but not isolated in the field, so the catalogued diameter of 20' seems somewhat arbitrary. At 175x, roughly 200 stars are visible within the region, though there are really too many to count. The dominant feature are two bright multiple stars near the center: SHJ 314 = 6.8/7.3 at 35" with 4 faint companions and SHJ 315 = 7.9/8.8 at 20" with 8 companions including a trio of mag 11 stars close west, a 15" pair of mag 10.5 stars close east and a tight string of 3 or 4 fainter stars close southeast. NGC 6871 forms a close pair of clusters with Biurakan 1 (centered on a mag 7.3 star), just off the southeast side. The little-known Wolf-Rayet shell surrounding W-R 134/135 lies 45' NE.
13.1" (8/25/84): dominated by two bright multiple stars: SHJ 314 = 6.8/7.3 at 35" with four additional close companions and SHJ 315 = 7.9/8.8 pair at 20" surrounded by several mag 11 stars. The bright pairs are oriented N-S and separated by about 2'. The cluster itself is in a bright, rich field with no apparent boundaries.
8" (6/81): two sets of multiple stars in a very rich field including ß440 = mag 7, 12, 11, 9.5, 11.5, 8 at 7", 11", 11", 28" and 36". Located 13' SW of a mag 5.5 27 Cygni.
Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 6871 = h2067 in 1825 or 1826 with the 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor at the Dorpat Observatory. It was included in his 1826 catalogue of double stars as STF 2630. On 5 Aug 1831, John Herschel recorded "A double star ∑2630, in a cluster of 5 bright and many small stars." His position is near the two bright double stars in the center of the cluster and he credited Struve with the discovery.
But by analyzing William Herschel's early "reviews" of bright stars (before his systematic sweeps), which resulted in the discovery of many double stars, Wolfgang Steinicke found (email Oct 2016) that Herschel first discovered the cluster on 23 Sep 1783 using his 6.2" reflector.
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20 16 56.9 -70 46 04; Pav
V = 11.8; Size 6.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 66°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): NGC 6872 is a remarkably
stretched spiral with extremely distended arms spanning roughly 750,000 light
years. At 303x it appeared very
bright, fairly large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 1.2'x0.7', sharply concentrated with
a bright core encasing an extremely bright nucleus. A mag 10.4 star is off the west side of the halo, just 1.1'
WSW of center. The initial
portions of the spiral arms are visible as thin, very low surface brightness
wings, extending ~1' southwest on the south side and northeast on the north
side. The tidal extensions were
not seen. A mag 13 star lies 2.4'
ENE.
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): second
brightest in the Pavo-I Group with brightest member
IC 4970 appeared faint, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15". Images reveal a distorted bridge and plumes due to interaction with NGC 6872. PGC 64439, nearly at the midpoint of NGC 6872 and NGC 6876, appeared very faint and small, round, 0.3' diameter, low surface brightness.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, elongated 2:1 SW-NE towards a mag 10.5 star off the SW edge, 1.2'x0.5'. Fairly well concentrated with a small bright core.
In 1979A&A, 79, 22, the abstract for "NGC 6872 - A remarkable barred spiral" states, "The extent of the arms is probably greater than in any other spiral known; it is concluded that NGC 6872 is a conventional barred spiral in which severe tidal interaction took place."
John Herschel discovered NGC 6872 = h3816 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "F; R; glbM; 30"; has a vS * preceding. first of 4 [with NGC 6876, 6877 and 6880]." On a second observation he called it "F; E; 40" l; has a * 9m 10.5 seconds preceding."
Joseph Turner discovered nearby IC 4970 on 27 August 1881during an observation of NGC 6872 with the Great Melbourne Telescope.
NGC 6872 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "2-branch spiral, the following branch shows condensation into hazy stars, also deviates from its course near another faint star."
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20 07 13 +21 06 06; Sge
24" (9/9/18): excellent low power field (centered on STF 2631) at 124x but nothing resembling a cluster was evident. STF 2631 (8.1/9.1 at 4.5"), a striking orange/light blue pair, is at the eastern vertex of a distinctive pentagon-shaped asterism (roughly 5'x3.5') that includes two mag 9.5 stars. There are only few stars in the interior of this pentagon.
17.5" (8/25/95): fairly rich region but there is no noticeable clustering. There is a 15' string starting from the mag 10 star at the NGC position heading due west and ending at the bright double STF 2631 = 8.4/9.8 at 4.6". This star is very possibly the double referred to in John Herschel's description with a 1.0 tmin error in RA -- Corwin concurs.
17.5" (7/7/94): the low power field (100x using 20 Nagler) surrounding the pretty double star Theta Sagittae = STF 2637 (6.5/9.0 at 12") includes several bright stars but appears too sparse to be a cluster. But 5' NE of Theta is a neat elongated group of 15 stars mag 12-13 forming a "?" asterism about 6' in length. Theta Sagittae is located 1.7 tmin east and 11' S of Herschel's position so this identification is less likely than the one given above.
Wilhelm Struve discovered NGC 6873 = h2068 in 1825 or 1826 using the 9.6" Fraunhofer refractor at the Dorpat Observatory. He listed the principal double star STF 2631 in his main catalogue of double stars, published in 1827. On 5 Aug 1831, John Herschel recorded "A double star the chief of a coarse straggling group of stars 10...13m, hardly entitled to be called a cluster." He credited Struve with the discovery, though his position (copied into the GC and NGC) is exactly 1.0 minute of RA east of the double star (STF 2631 = 8.4/9.8 at 4.6"). Coincidentally, his position falls very close to a wide 1.1' pair of mag 10/11 stars. Reinmuth called this "a dense region; no Cl; double star 11.8 in Dreyer's place." He may have examined the erroneous NGC position.
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20 07 33 +38 14 48; Cyg
V = 7.7; Size 8'
17.5" (8/25/95): large, fairly rich and uniform triangular group. Consists of about 60 stars in a 10'x5' triangular region with the longer 10' base oriented NW-SE along the following side of the cluster. The brightest mag 10 star lies at the east end and most stars are between mag 12-13. Only stands out at low power due to large size.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6874 = H. VIII-86 = h2069 on 15 Sep 1792 (sweep 1027) and recorded "A coarsely sc. cl. of L st, of a rectangled triangular shape." John Herschel reported "a coarse scattered cluster of about 60 stars. The largest (10m) taken." He position corresponds to a brightest 10th mag star on the east side of the group at 20 07 50.1 +38 14 27.
Brent Archinal notes the probable equivalence with Basel 6, although the Lynga RA is at least 1 cluster diameter west-northwest. RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent (Type 7). See Harold Corwin's comments.
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20 13 12.3 -46 09 42; Tel
V = 12.1; Size 2.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 22°
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very faint, very small,
round, weak concentration. Located
on a line between mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 6875 = h3819 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; vS; R; vgmbM; 10"; a * 7m sf dist 5'." His position is accurate.
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NGC 6876 = ESO 073-035 = LGG 432-001 = PGC 64447
20 18 19.1 -70 51 30; Pav
V = 11.1; Size 2.8'x2.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 80°
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this
is the brightest member of the Pavo-I Group (mean redshift 3800 km/s). At 171x, it appeared moderately bright
and large, slightly elongated ~E-W, 1.5'x1.3', containing a brighter core. A star is at the south edge 0.5' from
center. Forms a close pair with
NGC 6877 just 1.5' following. I also observed these additional members of the
group: NGC 6872, NGC 6877, NGC 6880, IC 4970,
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): moderately bright, round, 1.5' diameter. Broadly concentrated with a slightly brighter core. A star is superimposed on the south edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6876 = h3817 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "pB; S; R; r; 15"." On a second observation he logged "pF; R; 20"; a vS almost invisible star sf; 2nd of 4 [with NGC 6877 and 6880]."
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NGC 6877 = ESO 073-036 = LGG 432-004 = PGC 64457
20 18 36.2 -70 51 11; Pav
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 169°
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this Pavo-I Group member is located just 1.5' E of the brightest member, NGC 6876, and is just outside the halo. At 171x it appeared faint, very small, oval N-S, 0.3'x0.15'. NGC 6880/IC 4981 lies 4.4' following.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.7'x0.5'. Forms a close pair with NGC 6876 to the west. A close equal mag double star follows by 1'.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6877 = h3818 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "eF; eS; the 3rd of a group of 4." On a second observation, he noted "vF; vS; R."
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20 13 53.3 -44 31 33; Sgr
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 125°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, fairly
large, slightly elongated E-W, ~1.2'x1.0', irregular, contains a small bright
round core. Weak spiral structure
is evident in the halo. A mag 14.5-15 star is at the north edge [35" from
center] and a mag 16.4 star is on the south edge [25" from center]. Mag 9.2
A number of ESO galaxies are within 30', but I only took
notes on
24" (9/15/12): at 175x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.8' diameter. The view was severely hampered by low altitude (less than 10° elevation), poor seeing and sky glow low in the south. Located 5.5' NNE of mag 9.2 HD 191827. A wide 40" pair of mag 12.5-13 stars is on line with the brighter star ~2' SSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6878 = h3821 on 27 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; L; R; glbM; 90"." His position is on the west side of the galaxy.
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20 10 26.7 +16 55 22; Sge
V = 12.7; Size 5"
24" (9/2/16): picked up at 200x unfiltered as a slightly soft, pale blue "star". Excellent response to an OIII filter. A slightly brighter 12th mag star is 1.4' SW, though with the filter the planetary dominates this star. Improved view at 286x and 375x. A small 5" disc is easily resolved. Nearby a mag 13.5 star is 50" WNW and a mag 14 star 50" SSE. At 500x, a 15-15.5 mag star is just off the north side (15" separation) and another 15th mag star is 30" SSE. The center is brighter but the seeing wasn't steady enough to resolve the central star.
17.5" (9/5/99): picked up at 100x with OIII blinking as a mag 12 "star" by star hopping from the double star STF 2634 = 7.9/9.4 at 5" which is 14' SW. A good comparison star for blinking is situated just 1.5' SW. At 280x, the PN has a slight bluish tinge with a "soft" edge. At 380x, a very disc ~4" is resolved with a brighter center. The disc is easier at 500x and a mag 16 star is occasionally visible at the north edge.
13.1" (7/85): observation from El Cerrito: stellar planetary at all powers, confirmed by OIII blinking, estimate V = 12.0. A similar mag 12 star is 1.4' SW. Located 14' NE of ∑2634 = 7.9/9.4 at 5".
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6879 = HN 55 on 8 May 1883 using a direct-vision spectroscope attached to the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory. The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer (probably in 1885) and not published until 1908 (Harvard Annals 60). Ralph Copeland independently rediscovered it on 9 Sep 1884 at Dun Echt, Aberdeen using an objective-prism with a 6.1-inch Simms refractor. He remarked "equal in brightness to a star 10.2 mag. Diameter 4.6" by micrometric. It has an 11 mag star at 222.27°, distance 83.2"." His micrometric position in Monthly Notices XLV 2 is very accurate. Both Pickering and Copeland are listed as discoverers in the NGC. Sherburne Burnham described it in 1911 at Yerkes as resembling an out of focus star of of mag 10.7 and he measured a diameter of 3.7".
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Curtis (1918) wrote "A minute disk, 5" in diameter, just distinguishable from a star. Fades out slightly at the edges."
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NGC 6880 = ESO 073-037 = LGG 432-002 = PGC 64479
20 19 29.7 -70 51 34; Pav
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 21°
18" (7/10/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy in the Pavo-I Group appeared faint, small, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.2'. A mag 13 star is at the west edge. Forms a close pair with IC 4981 off the NE edge 1.1' from the center. NGC 6877 lies 4.4' W.
IC 4981 appeared very faint, very small, 20" diameter.
18" (7/8/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint, fairly small, 0.8'x0.4'. A 13th magnitude star is at NW edge of the halo and a fainter star is superposed on the south end.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6880 = h3820 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "pF; S; R; r; 15"; the last of 4 [with NGC 6872, 6876 and 6877]." His position is accurate.
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20 10 52.4 +37 24 42; Cyg
V = 13.6; Size 5"
13.1" (8/7/85): visible as a mag 13.5 "star"
without a filter. Verified with
OIII blinking and appears brighter than a mag 12 just 44" SE. Stellar at 144x. Located in a rich Milky Way field. Several bright stars are near including
mag 8.7
Edward Pickering discovered NGC 6881 = HN 44 on 25 Nov 1881 using a direct-vision spectroscope attached to the 15-inch refractor at Harvard College Observatory. His position in Sidereal Messenger, Vol 1, No 6 (Oct 1882) and The Observatory 1882 is accurate.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) noted, "Probably has a central star. Just distinguishable from a star; a minute disk 5" in diameter, with very faint ansae in 150-330°."
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20 11 58 +26 29 00; Vul
Size 18'
17.5" (9/7/91): conspicuous subgroup at the NW corner
of
8" (8/23/84): in the field of NGC 6885 to the north with a mag 7 star surrounded by five faint stars. Two additional mag 7 stars are nearby.
William Herschel found NGC 6882 = H. VIII-22 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 263) and recorded "a cl. of coarsely scattered stars." There is nothing at his position, but ~15' south is NGC 6885 = H. VIII-20, which WH discovered just the previous night! Corwin suggests that WH made two observations of this cluster and made an error with the declination on the second night. Brent Archinal concurs with this solution. So, NGC 6882 = NGC 6885. NGC 6882 is often taken as a richer subgroup on the NW side of NGC 6885. See Corwin's notes for more.
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20 11 19.8 +35 49 55; Cyg
Size 15'
18" (10/8/05): at 115x, 60 stars over haze are visible in a 6' group that is set in an incredibly rich Milky Way field. Five of the brighter stars on the south side form an elongated "Y" or "Wishbone" asterism with a bright pair of mag 9.5/10 stars (17" separation) at the base of the wishbone. The west side of the cluster is defined by a gently curving string of 10 faint stars. At 220x, up to 80-90 stars can be counted in an 7'x5' region as a number of faint stars emerge from the background. At low power this region is surrounded by other concentrations or asterisms including Ruprecht 172, which spreads out to the southeast. WR 134/135 Nebula, an uncatalogued but relatively bright Wolf-Rayet shell nebula, lies about 30' NW.
17.5" (8/19/95): two dozen stars in a 4' diameter surrounding a prominent "Y" asterism of five mag 10 stars with twenty additional mag 13-14.5 stars. The brightest star at the base of the "Y" is a mag 9.5/10 double at 17" and the center star about 1.5' NE is an unequal closer pair. Surrounding this group is a oval border of 7' diameter consisting of several strings of mag 13 stars, which increase the total to roughly 50 stars. Appears to be an asterism in a rich Milky Way field and best view at 100x. Attached to Ruprecht 172.
8" (8/15/82): elongated string of stars N-S, moderately large, over background haze. Situated in a very rich star field and difficult to identify.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6883 = h2070 on 19 Aug 1828 NGC 6883 and recorded "a double star in a cluster of a good many stars 10...13m." Dreyer, the observing assistant at Birr Castle on 23 Aug 1876, simply noted "rich field, no remarkable cluster."
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NGC 6884 = NGC 6766 = PK 82+7.1 = PN G082.1+07.0
20 10 23.6 +46 27 40; Cyg
V = 11.0; Size 6"x5"
17.5" (9/7/91): bright, very small, very high surface brightness. Appears as a slightly out of focus mag 11 bluish star at 100x. Moderate contrast gain using an OIII filter. At 412x appears prominent with a very small 5" blue disk.
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, very small, high surface brightness, definite bluish disk at 166x, excellent contrast gain with OIII filter. Easily takes 350x due to surface brightness.
Ralph Copeland found NGC 6884 on 20 Sep 1884 at Dun Echt, Aberdeen, using an objective-prism sweep with a 6.1-inch refractor. He remarked "planetary nebula; most of the light in a single line" and measured a very accurate micrometric position (MN XLV).
Edward Pickering discovered this planetary earlier on 8 May 1883 using a direct-vision spectroscope (same technique) at Harvard College Observatory. Unfortunately, Pickering made a 1 hr error in RA (later corrected), so Dreyer catalogued it as NGC 6766 at the wrong position and this number is usually considered nonexistent. By historical precedence, this planetary should be called NGC 6766, but it is now known as NGC 6884.
Based on Crossley photographs at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) noted "no central star can be distinguished. A minute, bright, round disk, of nearly equal brightness throughout, with a suggestion of an elongated brighter central portion in p.a. 135°; 7.5" in diameter in a 5 min exposure."
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NGC 6885 = NGC 6882: = Cr 417 = Lund 933 = OCL-132
20 11 58 +26 29 00; Vul
V = 8.1; Size 18'
17.5" (9/7/91): about 80 stars mag 6-13 in 15' triangular group, bright. Includes the bright star 20 Vulpeculae (V = 5.9) surrounded by seven very faint stars in the SE corner of the cluster. Weak in the center of the triangle except for about 10 other stars. A wide bright pair is at the east vertex and a wide unequal double star is at the SW side. Most stars are located along the west side particularly at the NW corner (this subgroup is catalogued as NGC 6882, although it may refer to the entire scattered group).
8" (8/23/84): about 50 stars at 100x, triangular-shaped, large, scattered, includes 20 Vulpeculae (V = 5.9). NGC 6882 is superimposed 5' N.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6885 = H. VIII-20 = h2071 on 9 Sep 1784 (only discovery in sweep 261) and recorded "a cl of coarsely scattered stars, not very rich." His position is 6' west of 20 Vul, within the boundaries of the cluster. This same cluster was probably observed the next night and recorded as H. VIII-22 = NGC 6882, but with a 15' error in declination. So, NGC 6882 = NGC 6885, though NGC 6882 is often taken as a richer subgroup on the northwest side of the cluster. John Herschel made the single observation "Splendid cluster. More than fills the field; loose and straggling; poor in stars, one = 6.7m, whose place is given; the rest 9, 10, 11." Karl Harding found the cluster again in 1823 (probably with a 8.5-inch reflector built by WH, according to Wolfgang Steinicke) and included it in a list of discoveries he sent to Johann Bode.
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20 12 42.8 +19 59 23; Sge
V = 11.4; Size 9"
17.5" (11/6/99): this compact planetary was easily identified by blinking at 100x using an OIII filter as a "soft" mag 11 star. A small disc, less than 10" diameter is visible at 220x without filter. Situated at the NW vertex of a small isosceles triangle with a mag 11 star 0.8' SSE and a mag 10 star 1.6' E. The nearer star is double with a faint companion close north. NGC 6886 is clearly non-stellar at 280x-380x and slightly oval.
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, very small, just non-stellar at 166x. At 415x, easily visible small disc elongated ~E-W. Forms the NW vertex of a thin isosceles triangle with a mag 10.5 star 45" SSE and a mag 10 star 1.5' E. These two brighter stars form a parallelogram with two mag 12 stars to the SE with sides of 1' and 1.5'.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 6886 on 17 Sep 1884 at Dun Echt, Scotland, using a direct vision objective-prism or Secchi prism attached to a 6.1-inch refractor. He recorded "Nebula about 2 1.2" diam, equal to a 9.8 mag star." His micrometric position in Monthly Notices XLV is very accurate.
Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) noted, "no central star can be made out. A round disk 6" in diameter, of nearly equal brightness throughout, forms the central part. Two wings (of ring structure) in p.a. 135-315° bring the total length to 9"."
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20 17 17.5 -52 47 49; Tel
V = 12.1; Size 3.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 102°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, larger,
nearly edge-on 7:2 WNW-ESE, 2.5'x0.7', broad concentration with a brighter
core. The galaxy has a sharp
linear edge along the north edge with a suggestion of a dust lane just
beyond. Located 7' SW of mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 6887 = h3822 on 24 Jul 1835 and
recorded "pF; L; pmE; glbM; 2' l, 1' br." His description and position matches
NGC 6887 was photographed by Royal Frost on a plate taken in Arequipa in 1904 and described as "Elliptical, 3.0'x0.6' at 90° [E-W], hazy * at center."
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20 12 06.5 +38 21 17; Cyg
Size 20'x10'
48" (5/3/19): at 287x and NPB filter; I was amazed by the interior filamentary structure, particularly in the southern half that was not previously observed. I was surprised the nebulous filaments that connect the central mag 7.4 Wolf-Rayet star to the western rim continues SE of the star in a well defined, distinctive filament to the dim eastern rim.
24" (9/7/18): absolutely gorgeous view of this huge cosmic
bubble at 124x (21mm Ethos) and OIII filter. The entire very irregular oval outline was easily visible
and full of wispy structure and wide variation in brightness levels. Two bright stars are involved along the
rim; mag 7.2
17.5" (6/29/00): Stunning view at 100x (20mm Nagler) using an OIII filter. The outline appeared as a huge, irregular cosmic egg, ~18'x11', floating in a very rich Cygnus star field. The complete annulus was easily visible. The brightest section is along the north side and passes through a mag 7.2 star (very unequal double) at the north edge. This piece displays much structure with several knots and wispy tendrils. The interior has an irregular surface brightness with wispy striations that appear to radiate from the mag 7.4 Wolf-Rayet central star towards the NW rim at the end of the bright arc. The rim is widest on the SW end with more nebulosity filling in towards the center, including an isolated bright knot that is on a line passing through the mag 7.2 star on the north end and the central star. The fine texture and structure of the nebulosity creates an "electric" effect with a 3-dimensional sense.
17.5" (numerous from 7/5/86 to 6/3/00): the "Crescent Nebula" is one of my favorite large nebulae at 100x with a OIII filter (excellent contrast gain). Appears as a bright, 16'x11' oval or egg-shaped annulus elongated SW-NE. The rim is virtually complete except for a small piece of the east side and exhibits a great deal of turbulent, wispy structure. The rim is brightest just SW of mag 7.2 HD 192182 (unequal pair O∑ 401 = 7.2/10.5 at 14"), which is embedded in the rim at the north end. The nebula also passes through mag 8.2 SAO 69611 on the NE side. Just north of center in the interior is the mag 7.4 Wolf-Rayet star HD 192163 = W-R 136, whose strong stellar wind created this shocked ring-type nebula. This is beautiful nebulosity set in a very rich Milky Way field.
13.1" (9/11/82): using a Daystar 300 filter; bright, large, oval shell, nearly complete loop visible, striking unusual appearance! The surface brightness varies quite a bit around the loop, much brighter on the north end and faintest (or a small gap) on the east side.
8" (9/7/18): used an 8" off-axis mask on my 24-inch, along with a 31 Nagler (84x) and an OIII filter. I was surprised how much of the ellipse could be easily traced -- perhaps 240°, extending clockwise from mag 8.2 SAO 69611. The most prominent section is the piece SW of mag 7.3 HD 192182, but the thick section at the SW end with a somewhat lower surface brightness was easily seen.
8" (8/9/80): faint, elongated arc of nebulosity connecting two mag 7.5/8.5 stars and extending SW of the brighter star. Set in a very rich star field. Only the brightest portion at the north end of the nebula was noticed.
6" (8/23/03): used a 6" off-axis mask on my 18", along with a 31 Nagler (73x) and an OIII filter. A faint curving arc was visible which begins SW of the mag 7.2 star on the north edge and curves around to the mag 8.2 star on the NE side, extending nearly 90° of arc along the annulus of the Crescent Nebula. No other nebulosity was visible.
80mm finder (6/7/08): using 25x and an OIII filter, the brighter northern side of the shell was clearly visible and appeared locally brightest in an elongated arc on the north side passing through mag 7.2 HD 192182. A very faint hazy glow with no structure completed most of a large oval.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6888 = H. IV-72 on 15 Sep 1792 (sweep 1027) and recorded "8m. Double. A faint milky ray south preceding joins to the double star; it is about 8' long, and is 1 1/2' broad." His position is within the interior of this Wolf-Rayet shell, but Bigourdan's corrected RA from 18 Oct 1895 (copied to the IC 2 notes) matches the brightest arc. Dreyer made three detailed observations and a sketch using the 72", which was published in plate V of the 1880 publication "Observations of Nebulae and Clusters of Stars".
NGC 6888 is illuminated by the Wolf-Rayet star
HD 192163 = SAO
69592 at 20 12.1 +38 21. This
emission star was "discovered" spectroscopically by Copeland while
sweeping with a Secchi prism at Dun Echt, Aberdeen and listed in MN 45,
p91. Copeland noted "this is
the 7.1 mag star DM +37°3821. It
has a spectrum of several bright lines near D, and a very bright band in
wavelength 464 mmm."
As far as the nickname "Crescent Nebula", in the 1920 Mt Wilson observations (based on 60" plates), Francis Pease description reads: "It is roughly elliptical, 18'x9', p.a. 42°. The N, Np and Sp edges include the bulk of the nebulosity, which gives it a crescent form, the bowl of which is filled with faint and scattered nebulosity."
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20 18 52.8 -53 57 27; Tel
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 63°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; fairly bright, moderately large, 0.9'x0.6', broad concentration, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 SW-NE, weak core, mottled appearance, hint of spiral structure in the halo. Two mag 15 stars are very close; one is 0.6' ESE of center and other is at the northeast edge of the halo, 0.3' from center. I also noted an extremely faint mag 17.5 star at the north edge of the halo, 21" from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6889 = h3823 on 9 Jun 1836 and recorded "vF; L; lE; 2' l, 90" br." His position is accurate.
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20 18 18.1 -44 48 24; Sgr
V = 12.3; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 152°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright,
moderately large, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~1.2'x0.9', sharply
concentrated with a well defined bright core that gradually increases to the
center. Located 13' WSW of
mag 8.2
24" (9/15/12): at 175x appeared moderately bright and large, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.9', brighter core. The view was compromised by low altitude (less than 10° elevation), fairly poor seeing and sky glow near the horizon. A number of ESO galaxies are within 1° NW, though they were too faint to be seen in these conditions except for NGC 6878 50' NW. Possibly a member of the Telescopium Group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6890 = h3824 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; R; vglbM; 15"." On a second sweep he logged "pB; S; R: gbM; 25"." His position is accurate. In a group with NGC 6878 50' WNW.
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20 15 08.8 +12 42 15; Del
V = 10.4; Size 15"
24" (7/1/16): at 375x; very bright bluish disc slightly elongated NNW-SSE, perhaps 10"x8". A fainter outer halo increases the diameter to roughly 18". The mag 12.5-13 central star was steadily visible. A mag 14.5 star is close off the NE edge [17" from center]. At 750x the brighter inner disc seemed more elongated with tapered ends like a lens.
18" (9/10/07): Using 225x; the bright, blue disc of high surface brightness surrounds the central star. At 300x the very bright oval disc of 8"x6" diameter is surrounded by a fainter, round outer envelope that increases the diameter to ~15". With direct vision the central star is visible embedded in the center of the high surface brightness disc. A mag 12.5 star lies 1' WNW and a mag 13 star is a similar distance ESE with NGC 6891 nearly at the midpoint.
18" (7/15/07): at 174x this small blue disc has a high surface brightness and is very prominent in the field. With direct vision the mag 12.5-13 central star is easily visible. At 280x appears as a very bright, small disc with an unusually high surface brightness and the central star shines steadily. At 700x, the extremely bright inner region is slightly elongated or lens-shaped N-S and is surrounded by a fainter outer halo or envelope that is still quite evident.
17.5" (8/27/87): very bright at 140x and OIII filter. Appears as a small high surface brightness bluish oval of 10"-15" diameter. At 410x, a brighter center or mag 13 central star is visible. At this magnification, the planetary appears as a bright oval with a fainter outer halo.
8" (6/29/84): fairly high surface brightness, small blue disk.
80mm (9/10/07): visible as a faint "star" at 12.5x in the 80mm finder and easy to verify as a planetary by blinking with an OIII filter.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 6891 on 22 Sep 1884 at Dun Echt, Scotland, using a direct vision objective-prism (Secchi prism) sweep with a 6.1-inch refractor. He remarked "this seems to be identical with the 9.5 mag star DM +12°4266. It is in reality a planetary nebula about 4" in diameter with a nearly monochromatic spectrum."
Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) noted, "mag 11.8 central star (Burnham). A round disk 15" in diameter, of which the central 7" is considerably the brighter. From this brighter center extend indistinct traces of wings in p.a. about 135-315°."
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20 16 56.7 +18 01 10; Sge
Size 15"
24" (7/16/15): at 375x, this asterism consists of three mag 13.5-14.5 stars resolved in a small 15" knot, including a 5" pair. A brighter mag 13.0 star is 30" SW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6892 on 19 Jul 1865 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
He described it as a very faint star or cluster involved in nebulosity,
but it was not resolved at 231x.
Just 1' southeast of his position is a small knot of 3 or 4 stars within
15". Karl Reinmuth identified
NGC 6892 as "3 or 4 eF st + ? eeeF pL neb?, identif doubtful; *13 sp,
*12.5 and *15 np, *13.3 nf;
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20 20 49.7 -48 14 21; Tel
V = 11.8; Size 2.6'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 10°
8" (7/13/91 - Southern Baja): very faint, small, almost
round, gradually brightens.
Located 4.0' NNW of mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 6893 = h3825 on 7 Jul 1834 and recorded "pF; R; svmbM to a * 12m; 20"." His position is accurate.
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20 16 24.0 +30 33 55; Cyg
V = 12.5; Size 44"
24" (7/1/16): at 375x; striking annular planetary ~45" diameter, the annulus is relatively thin giving a nice 25" darker "hole". The rim in slightly irregular in brightness and thickness and appears weakly enhanced along the northern side. A faint star is visible on the inside edge of the ring at the NNW side.
18" (7/15/07): excellent annular planetary at 280x, ~40" diameter with a relatively large 25" darker central hole. The rim appears unevenly lit and possibly brighter along the north side although there are a couple of extremely faint stars involved on the north or NW portion of the rim that may have affected this impression. At 700x the rim was clumpy and a bit weaker on the west side.
17.5" (9/14/85): moderately bright and large, round. Annular appearance at 105x using an OIII filter and exhibits an obvious darker center at 222x and 294x with a UHC filter.
13.1" (9/9/83): fairly faint but easily visible at 88x. Darker center just visible at 144x and 176x with averted vision.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6894 = H. IV-13 = h2072 on 17 Jul 1784 (sweep 239) and recorded "pF, exactly R, of equal light throughout. I believe it is resolvable, but am not certain, about 1' in diameter." He published a sketch in his 1811 paper (Fig. 33) as an illlustration of "nebulae that are of an almost uniform light."
John Herschel made several observations. On 4 Sep 1825 (sweep 7), he logged "planetary nebula; diam [by inexperienced estimation] = 1'; light equable; exactly round; vF, a mere ghost." On 1 Aug 1829, he recorded "eF; annular; pretty sharply defined; a very little elliptic; the northern limb is the brightest; the darkness in the middle requires some attention to see; but once seen it cannot be mistaken. A most curious object, resembling much the annular nebula in Lyra, but rounder, small (not above half the diameter) and far fainter."
Lord Rosse (or assistants) also described NGC 6894 as "annular" on 23 Aug 1851 (first observation Aug 1 1848): "fine annular nebula like that in Lyra, R, the dark space is E pf, star easily seen in np edge and others suspected."
Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick Observatory (earliest in 1899), Heber Curtis called NGC 6894 "The Annular Nebula in Cygnus". He reported "the central star is about mag 16. A very vague and indistinct ring, 44" in diameter along a major axis in p.a. 50°. Quite faint; the brightest patch is at the north, near the 14th mag star involved in the ring."
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20 16 29 +50 13 48; Cyg
24" (7/29/16): at 124x (49' field): this Milky Way
field includes mag 6.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 6895 = H. VIII-83 on 30 Sep 1790 (sweep 960) and recorded "A cl of sc stars, above 15' dia, pretty rich and joining to the milky way, or a projecting part of it." There is nothing distinctive the DSS near his position though I observed a scattering of brighter stars northeast and west of his position, with an overall size of at least 15'. The field includes mag 6.4 HD 192983, though WH didn't mention a bright star. Karl Reinmuth notes "milky way, no distinct Cl." in his 1926 photographic survey "Die Herschel-Nebel" and RNGC calls the number as nonexistent.
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20 18 03.6 +30 38 23; Cyg
= **, Corwin. Not found, Reinmuth and Carlson.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 6896 on 16 Apr 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen and noted (3 observations) a small, nebulous group of stars. There is no nebulosity or cluster at his position, which is close to 16" pair of mag ~14/15 stars. Karl Reinmuth reported "no Cl + neb found" based on Heidelberg plates and both Dorothy Carlson, in her 1940 NGC Errata paper and the RNGC repeat Reinmuth's negative assessment. See Corwin's notes.
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20 21 01.3 -12 15 18; Cap
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 39°
17.5" (10/5/91): faint, small, elongated 2:1
SW-NE. A mag 11.5 star is just
west of the SW tip 1.1' from the center.
Pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6897 = m 406 = Sf. 80, along with NGC 6898, on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "vF, S." Truman Safford independently rediscovered this galaxy on 24 Aug 1867 with the 18.5-inch refractor at Dearborn Observatory, though his position is poor.
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NGC 6898 = MCG -02-52-002 = PGC 64517
20 21 08.0 -12 21 34; Cap
V = 13.7; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 150°
17.5" (8/7/91, 9/7/91 and 10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, brighter middle, small bright core. A mag 12 star is just off the SSE edge 39" from center. Pair with NGC 6897 6.5' NNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6898 = m 407 = Sf. 79, along with NGC 6897, on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "F, S, irr R." Truman Safford independently rediscovered this galaxy (along with NGC 6897) on 24 Aug 1867 with the 18.5-inch refractor at Dearborn Observatory. He logged "pB, S, R, N = 12m."
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20 24 22.4 -50 26 02; Tel
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 112°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright,
moderately large, oval 5:3 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.8', contains a relatively large
bright core, mottled with a hint of structure in the halo. Appears to have a brighter knot (or
part of an arm) on the west side.
A mag 10 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 6899 = h3826 on 24 Jul 1835 and recorded "F; R; S; glbM; 15"; among stars."
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20 21 35.1 -02 34 09; Aql
V = 12.1; Size 1.0'x0.9'; PA = 85°
17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, slightly elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, very diffuse, even surface brightness.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6900 = m 408 on 1 Oct 1863 and noted "vF, S, R."
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20 22 21.5 +06 25 48; Aql
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 63°
17.5" (7/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE,
overall diffuse with a low even surface brightness. A mag 13 star is 30" off the NW side and 1.4' from the
center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6901 = m 409 on 15 Aug 1863 and
simply noted "eF". There
is nothing at his position, although his observation was noted as verified. But one minute of time further east is
RNGC identifies UGC 11542 as NGC 6901, though their New Description reads "not found". Assuming Marth made a 1.0 minute clerical error in RA, this identification is reasonable. The CGCG mislabels UGC 11542 as IC 1316 and the UGC wrongly states IC 1316 = IC 5000. RC2 and RNGC equate all three numbers. I included this number in my RNGC Corrections #5.
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20 24 28.0 -43 39 12; Sgr
V = 10.9; Size 5.6'x3.9'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 153°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, large, elongated 5:3 NNW-SSE, ~4'x2.5'. There are three distinct zones; a very large, low surface bright halo (spiral arms) that contains several stars, a large brighter core ~60"x45", and a small bright nucleus. Five or six mag 14.5-15.5 stars are superimposed on the large halo, the closest is 45" W of center.
18" (8/19/09): fairly faint, fairly large, oval 3:2
NW-SE, 1.8'x1.2'. Contains a
large, brighter core with a higher surface bar running along the major
axis.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6902 = h3827 on 2 Sep 1836 and
recorded "F; R; psbM; 25"." His position is accurate. Harold Corwin suggests that Lewis Swift made an 18 minute
error in time in recording the RA of Sw. 12-15 = IC 4946 as well as Sw. 12-16 =
Glen Cozens has suggested James Dunlop's D 451 may be NGC 6902. Dunlop found "an extremely small faint elliptical nebula, about 12" long and 8" broad, with a small bright point in the following extremity, which may be a star." He made a single observation but his position is 1.2° due south of NGC 6902 and furthermore there is no bright star near the eastern end of the galaxy, so I'm quite skeptical of this identiication.
John Reynolds included NGC 6902 in a 1921 paper on far southern NGC spirals (-40 to -90), based on its appearance on Franklin-Adams plates. Evans & Thackeray (1950) imaged NGC 6902 with the 74-inch Radcliffe telescope in Pretoria, South Africa and reported "short exposures do show a structure closely resembling a planetary nebula, but longer ones reveal spiral arms. These are very faint, but the object is extragalactic, presumably a late-type spiral."
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20 23 44.9 -19 19 31; Cap
V = 11.9; Size 2.7'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (8/5/91): fairly faint, very small, round, very small bright core. Very unusual appearance as a mag 10 star is attached at the NNE end. The main body of the galaxy just extends up to the bright star but an extremely faint larger halo was suspected to encompass the bright star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6903 = h2073 on 14 Jul 1830 and recorded "a * 10m, with a considerable nebulous appendage sp, in which by glimpses may be fancied a star 15m." A total of 3 observations were made. This galaxy wasn't found on two attempts at Birr Castle in the 1850s, though it was later observed in the 1860's. d'Arrest followed up with two observations at Copenhagen in 1864 with the 11" refractor and commented it was hard to understand how Rosse missed this object.
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20 21 48.1 +25 44 29; Vul
17.5" (8/25/95): appears to be a random scattering of
brighter stars mainly noticeable because it includes mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 6904 = h2074 on 18 Aug 1828 and recorded "A small straggling cluster of stars 10...11m. One of the 9m, whose place is taken." His position corresponds with mag 8.8 SAO 88571 at 20 21 42.9 +25 45 02. Reinmuth described this asterism as "a very dense region, no distinct Cl".
Dorothy Carlson noted "No Cluster" in her 1940 paper on NGC misidentifications and RNGC claims the number is nonexistent. See Harold Corwin's notes.
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NGC 6905 = PK 61-9.1 = PN G061.4-09.5 = Blue Flash Nebula
20 22 23.0 +20 06 16; Del
V = 10.9; Size 47"x37"
24" (8/14/15): the "Blue Flash" planetary was
observed at 500x and 750x in excellent seeing. The main body is oval 5:4 NNW-SSE, ~48"x40" and
annular. The rim appeared
brightest along a thin strip on the east side and enhanced in a slightly
brighter triangular wedge (roughly 60°-80°) extending east from the mag 15.7
central star. The opposite western
rim was also brighter, but the north and south ends as not enhanced. The interior was mottled with a slightly
darker, irregular central "hole", particularly on the south and west
side of the central star, but not to the east. Mag 10.4
An extremely faint outer halo or wing was occasionally glimpsed off the north-northwest end, tapering in the direction of the major axis and extending 10"-12" in length. The corresponding extension off the south-southeast side and ending at the mag 12 star (completing a lens-shaped outline out of a truncated ellipse on deep images) was not seen, although Jimi Lowrey felt it was equally visible.
48" (5/16/12): beautiful blue oval planetary with a fairly bright central star. Very nice annular appearance with an irregular darker interior. A bright arc is along the east or northeast rim and a slightly weaker counterpart was on the west or southwest edge. The ends are somewhat chopped off, creating a rectangular appearance.
18" (7/2/08): at 565x, this interesting planetary had a very irregular surface brightness and appeared weaker on the north and south sides and slightly brighter in a triangular wedge that fanned out to the east from the central star. The edge of the western rim was also very slightly enhanced but there wasn't a complete brighter wedge on the west side of the central star, which would have created a subtle bipolar dumbbell shape. The faint central star was visible continuously at this magnification.
18" (8/23/03): beautiful planetary at 320x and 538x. The mag 15.7 central star is easily visible continuously. The interior seems unevenly lit and there appears to be a very slightly darker "hole" to the north of the central star. Bracketed by a mag 11 star off north edge and a mag 12 star just off the south edge and the planetary is slightly elongated N-S in the direction of these stars.
17.5" (8/31/86): very pretty planetary at 280x. Fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated. A very faint central star (V = 15.7) is visible. Takes 440x well. Just off the north edge is a mag 11 star 1.4' from center and a mag 12 star is just off the south edge 39" from center.
8" (6/29/84): moderately bright, uniform, slightly elongated N-S, two stars at the northeast and south edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6905 = H. IV-16 = h2075 on 16 Sep 1784 (sweep 275) and recorded "pB, perfectly R, pretty well defined, about 3' in diameter." The next night he noted "I do not doubt but it consists of very much compressed stars." His size estimate was much too large, but his position is just 6 seconds too far west. John Herschel made 3 observations and logged on sweep 364, "Fine planetary nebula; B; exactly R; rather hazy at the edges, but not materially brighter in the middle, but no hollow. It has four small stars near it like satellites." The nearby stars were micrometrically measured as the possibility of physical satellites of planetaries intrigued JH and he mentioned it regarding NGC 6818 and 7662.
On 10 Aug 1850 Lord Rosse's assistant reported, "* or B nucl nf the middle. A dark curved line p[receding] this plainly seen, which at moments I fancied went round the sf part". Two years later, George Johnstone Stoney stated "this planetary nebela is a beautiful little spiral". This is a case of imagined spiral structure as it was a primary focus at Birr Castle. R.J. Mitchell's sketch from 12 Aug 1855 with a spiral appearance was included in the 1861 publication (Plate XXVIII, figure 34). Father Secchi noted a bi-polar brightening or mottling, particularly on the east side (1856, 9.5" refractor). Sir William Huggins was the first to observe an emission line (single) spectrum in 1865. Vogel made an excellent sketch of the planetary in Sep 1883 with the 27" Vienna refractor with a dark lane oriented ~N-S, tapering towards the central star and two brighter triangular "wings" on the east and west side, with the eastern wing more prominent.
Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) reported "the main portion is a very patchy truncated ellipse 44"x37" in p.a. 163°. Very faint cone-shaped ansae extend from each end. A star of mag 12 lies nearly at the end of the southern ansa."
John Mallas coined the nickname "Blue Flash" in his Aug/Sep 1963 article "Visual Atlas of Planetary Nebulae-VI", published in the "Review of Popular Astronomy". He described NGC 6905 as "The Blue Flash. After turning a telescope on this object one will notice the small triangle of stars superimposed upon it. Glimmering and flashing between the triangle is the little planetary. Using about 120x on a 4-inch reveals all that can be seen in small apertures."
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NGC 6906 = UGC 11548 = MCG +01-52-003 = CGCG 399-006 = LGG 435-001 = PGC 64601
20 23 34.0 +06 26 38; Aql
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 36°
17.5" (6/20/87): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated SW-NE, small bright core.
NGC 6901= IC 1316 lies 18' W.
A mag 9.5 star lies 3.6' SW.
13.1" (7/27/84): fairly faint, fairly small, very small bright core, diffuse outer halo, elongated SW-NE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6906 = m 410 on 15 Aug 1863 and
noted "pF, pL, R." His
position is 1' north of
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20 25 06.6 -24 48 33; Cap
V = 11.2; Size 3.3'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 76°
48" (10/25/14): the central 1.2' bar of NGC 6907 runs
E-W and contained a bright core and very bright nucleus that increased to the
center. The more prominent spiral
arm is attached on the E end of the bar and the section that hooks N contains
24" (8/14/15): the companion galaxy superimposed on the eastern arm was clearly visible and fairly well defined, elongated 5:2 N-S, ~20"x8".
24" (7/25/14): striking example of a barred spiral with a prominent 1.5'x0.5' central bar oriented directly east-west. The bar contains a bright 30" core, which increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. A bright arm is attached at the E end of the bar and extends due N for 0.7', at a right angle to the bar. A bright, elongated N-S "knot" is embedded in the middle (superimposed companion NGC 6908). At the N end, the arm curls west a short distance while dimming out. A difficult, ill-defined arm is attached at the W end of the bar. It vaguely curves south and west, but quickly disappears into very low surface brightness haze.
24" (9/15/12): excellent barred spiral with the 1.5' central bar oriented E-W. The bar has a small, brighter core that increases to a faint stellar nucleus. On the east side of the bar a prominent spiral arm is attached that hooks at a 90° angle to the north for ~45". The arm dims and curves clockwise to the west a short distance, creating a "comma" appearance in the eyepiece with north down and west left. There is a noticeable elongated brightening or N-S streak in the arm at the northern end (before curving west). This streak is NGC 6908, a superimposed companion. On the west side of the bar, the beginning of a low surface brightness arm (hazy extension) bends southwest a very short distance and dims out.
18" (9/3/08): beautiful view at 280x using an 8mm Ethos. A large 2' "bar" is oriented E-W with a broad, weak concentration but suddenly rises to a very small, bright core and faint stellar nucleus. On the east side of the bar, a spiral arm is attached that hooks directly to the north and just begins to sweep clockwise around on the north side of the galaxy towards the west. There appears to a brightening (faint knot) near where the arm is attached to the bar. Off the west side is faint haze on the south side, but the arm structure is very weak. A mag 11.5 star lies 2.8' due east of center on line with the central bar. An elongated galaxy (NGC 6908) oriented N-S is superimposed on the eastern arm as it hooks north though visually the galaxy and the arm appear indistinguishable.
17.5" (8/8/02): beautiful view at 220x. This barred spiral appeared moderately bright and large with a fairly bright bar elongated "bar" oriented ~E-W with a small bright core. At the following end of the bar an obvious arm is attached sweeping north of the galaxy in a comma-like appendage. On the preceding end there seems to be a faint knot and there is a very short extension bending south that quickly fades out.
17.5" (9/14/85): at 192x appears moderately bright, bright core, elongated E-W. Barred spiral structure is evident; fainter extensions form the bar and an arm at the eastern end of the bar curves north and then hooks slightly back to the west. This spiral arm appears to end at a faint knot. Two mag 11.5 stars lie 3' E and a similar distance south.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6907 = H. III-141 = h2076 on 12 Jul 1784 (sweep 236) and recorded "a pretty considerable vF nebula, lE, vlbM than at the extremes. 240 showed the same appearance; it makes a trapezium with 3 stars and is at the northern and following corner of it." John Herschel made the single observation (from Slough), "vF; L; R; vglbM; 3' diam; r; the sky hazy." His position is accurate. In a 5-inch refractor at Vanderbilt, Barnard called it "faint and somewhat faint; it is close preceding a 9-magnitude star, and is gradually pretty much brighter in the middle."
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20 25 09.0 -24 48 04; Cap
Size 0.3'x0.12'; PA = 3°
48" (10/25/14): at 610x; the elongated brightening in the northeast spiral arm appeared fairly bright, elongated 3:1 N-S, ~21"x7", very small bright core. This was the first time this object appeared as a superimposed galaxy and not just as a weak brightening in the arm itself.
24" (8/14/15): the companion galaxy superimposed on the eastern arm was clearly visible and fairly well defined, elongated 5:2 N-S, ~20"x8".
24" (7/25/14): A bright arm is attached at the east end of NGC 6907's bar and extends due north for 0.7', at a right angle to the bar. A bright, elongated N-S "knot" is embedded in the middle (superimposed companion NGC 6908). At the north end, the arm curls west a short distance while dimming out.
24" (9/15/12): the spiral arm that extends north on the eastern end of the bar of NGC 6907 contains a noticeable brightening on the north end that is actually a superimposed galaxy. The companion is elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.3'x0.1' and appears as a short streak within the arm. NGC 6908 may apply to the entire spiral arm or this elongated brightening (galaxy).
18" (9/3/08): this number refers to the prominent spiral arm on the NE side where an anonymous galaxy (elongated N-S) is superimposed on the arm in roughly the same orientation! Visually the spiral arm hooks directly to the north from the east end of the central bar, just where the galaxy is located, though the galaxy was not distinguishable.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6908 = m 411 on 24 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, vS, lE, (close to h2076 [= NGC 6907]." His position corresponds with the brighter trailing spiral arm, or more specifically the elongated companion that is superimposed on the northeastern arm. The companion is clearly visible on a deep image.
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20 27 38.9 -47 01 37; Tel
V = 11.7; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 68°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 1.4'x0.6'; sharply concentrated with a very bright and small core, increasing to bright stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star lies 0.6' S of center and a mag 13 star is 1.3' SE. Two mag 9-9.5 stars lie 8' NE and another mag 9.5 is 12' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6909 = h3828 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "pB; pL; gbM; near 2 st 10m." His position is accurate. Joseph Turner sketched the galaxy on 9 Aug 1877 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and showed it elongated ~2:1 SW-NE and sharply concentrated with a very small, very bright nucleus. He placed a 15th mag star close off the south side. (p. 141 of his logbook).
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20 23 12 +40 46 42; Cyg
V = 7.4; Size 8'
17.5" (8/7/91): about 40 stars mag 7.5-15.5 in a 7'
diameter dominated by two mag 7.5 stars oriented NW-SE. A mag 7.4 star (
William Herschel discovered NGC 6910 = H. VIII-56 = h2077 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 612) and recorded "a small cluster of coarsely scattered stars, of various sizes; of an extended form; like a forming one [cluster]." On 1 Oct 1828 (sweep 183) John Herschel logged "a poor and coarse but rather brilliant cl, 2 st 9m (the np taken) and 30 or 40 more 10...12."
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20 19 38.7 +66 43 40; Dra
V = 14.3; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.8; PA = 115°
17.5" (8/13/88): very faint, moderately large, very diffuse, slightly elongated NW-SE. A mag 11 star is 2' W.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6911 = Sw. 2-84 on 9 Jun 1885 and
recorded "eF; L; lbM; pB * nr."
His position is at the west edge of
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20 26 52.1 -18 37 03; Cap
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 55°
17.5" (8/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 4:3
WSW-ENE, no significant central brightening, edges fade into background. Two mag 13.5 star are off the NE edge
collinear with galaxy 1.4' and 2.2' from the center. A bright wide pair of stars mag 8.6 (
13.1" (7/20/85): faint, extremely diffuse, almost round, two faint stars 2' NE, two brighter stars 5' NE are collinear. Pair with IC 1319 12' NW.
Edward Holden discovered NGC 6912 on 14 Aug 1881 at Washburn Observatory with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor. He noted "vF, 8th mag star follows nebula 16 seconds. There is a pair of stars 14-15 mag a few seconds np the nebula." His position is accurate.
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20 23 57 +38 30 30; Cyg
V = 6.6; Size 7'
13.1" (9/9/83):
Charles Messier discovered M29 = NGC 6913 = h2078 on 29 July 1764. Caroline Herschel observed this group on 6 Apr 1783 and logged "About 1 deg under Gamma Cygni; in my telescope 5 small stars thus [diagram]. My Brother looked at them with the 7 ft and counted 12. It is not in Mess. catalogue." According to Michael Hoskins, the position and diagram applies to M29, despite her comment that it wasn't a Messier. On 15 Sep 1792 (sweep 1027), William Herschel recorded "a cluster of very coarsely sc. vL stars; not rich." John Herschel reported "a coarse cluster of 8 large stars (10m) and a dozen or 20 smaller in a roundish form."
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20 24 43.3 +42 28 57; Cyg
Size 13'x12'
18" (8/11/07): at 73x, this rich Milky Way region
contains three sections of reflection nebulosity. The brightest piece (GN 20.22.9) was discovered by Stephan
and is located 11' SW of mag 6.9
A third weak reflection nebula (
To the SE of the NGC 6914 complex is a very faint, hazy HII
region (LBN 279), situated just east of mag 7.5
17.5" (8/7/91): at 100x appears as a fairly bright
field of reflection nebulosity locally brightest surrounding two pairs of
fairly bright stars. Two mag 11
stars are at the north end with a separation of 51" and a mag 9 (SAO
49589)/mag 11 pair with a separation of 42" is at the south end. These two sections are separated by ~6'
and are connected by a fainter elongated piece of nebulosity. Very faint nebulosity also extends NE
towards a mag 7 star (
8" (7/24/82): fairly large nebulous field locally brighter surrounding a wide faint double star and to the south surrounding a double star mag 9. The brightest section is elongated N-S.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6914 = St. 12-93 on 23 Jul
1881 and recorded "vF, vL, iR, dif, 2 stars attached on west
side." The position was
reduced on 29 Aug 1881 and included in his 12th discovery list (#93). The patch ~6' south is sometimes called
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20 27 46.1 -03 04 37; Aql
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 100°
17.5" (7/16/88): moderately bright faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, large brighter core with a small faint halo. Bracketed by two mag 13 stars 1.2' SW and 1.5' N of center. An extremely faint mag 15.5 star is at the NE edge.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6915 = m 412 on 24 Jul 1863 and noted "pB, S, R." His position was 2' too far north. Édouard Stephan measured an accurate position at Marseilles on the night of 4 Sep 1872, probably aware of the prior discovery, as well as Engelhardt at Dresden. This is a bright galaxy was missed in the UGC, MCG and CGCG.
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20 23 32.9 +58 20 39; Cyg
V = 13.5; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 90°
17.5" (8/7/91): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W. A mag 14 star is at the west end 25" from center.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6916 = Sw. 9-94 on 26 Jun 1887 and recorded "eeF; pS; F * close p; 2 single and 2 D stars in line n point to it." The discovery was communicated directly to Dreyer and not published until his 9th list in 1890, though Dreyer assumed it would be included in the 6th list. Swift's position is 2.3' too far northeast, although his description is a perfect match. According to Wolfgang Steinicke, this was the last discovery to make it into the NGC (published in 1888). Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 and noted the "F * close p" was 12th magnitude.
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20 27 28.4 +08 05 53; Del
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 44°
13.1" (7/27/84): very faint, low even surface brightness, almost round, 0.8' diameter. A mag 14 star is at the south end 22" from the center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6917 = m 413 on 15 Aug 1863 and
noted "vF, S, attached to a small *." His position and description matches
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20 30 47.0 -47 28 26; Ind
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 0°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.6'x0.4', weak concentration. A mag 13.7 star is barely off the southwest edge, just 24" from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6918 = h3830 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; attached to a * 12m sf [N.B. - By a diagram made at the time, the star is s p." The note is correct.
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20 31 38.0 -44 12 58; Mic
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 148°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright and
large, relatively low but uneven surface brightness with a broad and weak
concentration to a slightly brighter core. I had a strong impression of spiral structure in the halo. Three stars are around the edges (at
least one may be an HII knot in the halo) including a mag 15.5 star 0.8'
NNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6919 = h3831 on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "eF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 40"." His position is accurate.
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20 43 57.2 -80 00 03; Oct
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x, this far southern galaxy appeared moderately bright, fairly small, round, sharply concentrated with a very small intense core, 35" diameter. This is one of only 7 NGC galaxies south of -80° declination.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6920 = h3829 on 21 Jul 1835 and recorded "pB; R; psmbM; 25"."
Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 3 Oct 1885 with the 48" Melbourne telescope and wrote "pB, pS, psmbM to a star like nucleus - looks as if it had a very minute star in the center - no certainty about this star o- may be very likely only a sudden condensation."
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20 28 28.8 +25 43 24; Vul
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 11.4; PA = 141°
17.5" (8/5/91): fairly faint, very small, very
elongated 3:1 NW-SE, faint stellar nucleus. One or two very faint stars are at the edges. Unusual location for a galaxy as
situated in the midst of a very rich Milky Way field over unresolved background
glow. Located only 7.6° from the
galactic equator and less than 3° SW of open cluster
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6921 = m 414 = Voigt 9 on 6 Sep 1863. His position was off by ~1' and he noted "F, S, E." Auguste Voigt made a second discovery in the summer of 1865 with the 31-inch silver-on-glass reflector at the Marseilles Observatory. Although he measured an accurate position, his discovery list of 10 nebulae wasn't published until 1987.
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20 29 53.0 -02 11 29; Aql
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 150°
17.5" (7/16/88): faint, round, diffuse, fairly even surface brightness
17.5" (8/1/86): moderately large, almost round,
diffuse, pretty low even surface brightness with no core. A very faint star is at the west edge
and mag 8.7
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6922 = m 415 on 24 Jul 1863 and noted "vF, pL, R." His position (noted as verified) is accurate.
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20 31 38.7 -30 49 58; Mic
V = 11.9; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 78°
13.1" (9/9/83): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is close to the NW edge 1.2' from center.
8" (8/12/83): not found.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6923 = h3832 on 31 Jul 1834 and
recorded "F; S; lE; bM; 15" l, 12" br." He made a total of 4 observations and
on sweep 619 logged "pB; R; gbM; has 2 or 3 st very near it." Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on
22 Jul 1897 and called it "eF; pS; lE; wide D * near s[outh]." But his position for Sw. 11-189 (later
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20 33 19.2 -25 28 29; Cap
V = 12.8; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 154°
17.5" (7/21/90): fairly faint, small, oval 3:2 NW-SE,
bright core. A mag 13 star is at
the south tip. NGC 6924 is at the
southwestern end of
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6924 = LM 1-231 on 8 Jul
1885 with the 26-inch refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and noted
"mag 13.2, pS, R, sbMN, * 1.0' N, neb * in field?, env 14.0." His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is 45 seconds due west of
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20 34 20.6 -31 58 48; Mic
V = 11.3; Size 4.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 5°
17.5" (8/5/91): moderately bright, fairly large, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, 3.0'x0.8', thin long arms extend from the core. A mag 13 star is at the north tip 1.4' from center.
8" (7/16/82): very faint, elongated SW-NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6925 = h3834 on 31 Jul 1834 and recorded "B; mE; pslbM; 2 1/2' l, 40" br." His mean position (3 observations) is accurate.
Harold Corwin suggests that Lewis Swift's XII-20 (later IC 5015), found on 18 Aug 1897, may be a duplicate observation. He feels Swift's description "pB, pS, R, nearly bet 2 st with dist. companion" is a reasonable fit, though the position is poor (typical for those made in 1897). But I would be surprised if Swift called this galaxy "pretty small" as well as "round", and his position is well off in both RA (6 minutes of time) and Dec (17'), so I've listed it as not found.
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20 33 06.2 -02 01 40; Aql
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 0°
48" (11/5/21): at 610x; bright, very large, highly asymmetric spiral, halo elongated nearly 2:1 N-S, 1.5' diameter. The core region was bright and slightly elongated. A thin spiral arm attaches on its east edge. It shot north and bent west, brightening in a small section just SW of a star [mag 16.8] and ends ~40" NNW of center. The southern arm had an uneven surface brightness and thicker and less defined in the section extending south from the core. At the south end the arm hooked sharply NE. A thin ~20" piece separated from the main glow and faded into the eastern halo.
NGC 6926 is the brightest in a group with 7 members (USGC
U788).
24" (7/23/20 and 10/12/20): at 225x and 375x; moderately bright and large, elongated nearly 2:1 N-S, ~1.4'x0.7', uneven surface brightness with a distorted appearance and strong suggestions of structure. The north end is brighter with a sweeping feature (arm) that curves towards the NW. The outer edge of this arc was more sharply defined than the interior side and a few times was resolved as a thin spiral arm.
UGC 11585, located 18' SW, appeared fairly faint, round, ~40" diameter, weak concentration, no distinct nucleus. A mag 15.3 is at the S edge (0.6' from center). This star forms a 15" pair with a mag 13 star. A mag 13.5 star is 1' N.
17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, fairly large, elongated
NNW-SSE, broad concentration.
Brighter of pair with
17.5" (8/1/86): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated, slightly brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6926 = H. III-142 = h2079 on
21 Jul 1784 (sweep 242) and recorded "vF, E, nearly of equal light
throughout and about 2' long. A
patch of not very close small stars north following." His RA was poor (too large), but clearly
applies to
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20 32 38.2 +09 54 59; Del
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 9°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x; between faint and fairly faint,
small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 20"x10". Faintest and smallest of the three NGCs in the group.
24" (9/1/16): faint, small, elonated 3:2 N-S,
0.3'x0.2', stellar nucleus.
Faintest and smallest in a trio with
18" (7/11/10): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x12" (not as elongated as appears on the DSS). This is the faintest of the three NGC galaxies in the group.
18" (9/10/07): very faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S, 18"x12". Located 3' WSW of NGC 6928 and faintest in a trio with NGC 6930.
18" (7/29/03): very faint, extremely small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~15"x12", low surface brightness. Either I viewed the core only or this galaxy is much smaller than this listed dimensions. Faintest in a trio with edge-ons NGC 6928 and NGC 6930. Located 3' WSW of NGC 6928.
17.5" (9/14/85): very faint, very small, almost stellar at 222x. Thin faint extensions 3:1 N-S are visible at 294x. Located 3.0' WSW of NGC 6928 and 5.7' NW of NGC 6930 in a group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6927 = m 416, along with NGC 6928 and 6930, on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "eF, lE." His position, although marked as verified, is 1.7' too far south. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor at the University of Denver. Hermann Kobold position for NGC 6927 (measured in 1895) refers to a double star located 2.8' NNW of NGC 6928.
The RNGC new description for NGC 6927 appears to describe NGC 6928, although the position is correct.
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NGC 6928 = IC 1325 = UGC 11589 = MCG +02-52-017 = CGCG 424-021 = LGG 438-003 = WBL 663-002 = PGC 64932
20 32 50.4 +09 55 37; Del
V = 12.6; Size 2.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 106°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.3', bright core. A mag 13.5 star is close north [15" from center of the galaxy].
18" (7/11/10): moderately bright, very elongated 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.5'x0.35', bright core. A mag 13.5 star is pinned against the north side, just north of the core. Forms the northern vertex of a trio with fainter NGC 6927 3' WSW and NGC 6930 3.8' SSE.
18" (9/10/07): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.2'x0.3', weak concentration with a 0.4'x0.3' brighter core and faint, thin extensions. A mag 13.5 star is close NE of the core (15" from the center) and a mag 12.5 star lies 1.4' ENE. Brightest in triplet with NGC 6927 3' WSW and NGC 6930 3.8' SE.
18" (7/29/03): moderately bright, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 1.1'x0.25', small brighter core. A 13th magnitude star is at the north edge of the core. Brightest in a trio with NGC 6927 and NGC 6929.
17.5" (9/14/85): moderately bright, pretty edge-on WNW-ESE, bright core. A mag 13 star is superimposed north of the core just 20" from center. Brightest in a group with NGC 6927 3' WSW and NGC 6930 4' SE.
13.1" (6/29/84): fairly faint, elongated E-W. An extremely faint star is at the north edge.
8" (8/12/83, Mt. Hamilton): extremely faint, averted only, elongated ~E-W, small bright nucleus? A fairly bright wide double star is in the field to NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6928 = m 417, along with NGC 6927 and 6930, on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "pB, pL, mE." His declination is 1' too small. Engelhardt and Howe measured a precise micrometric position.
Lewis Swift independently rediscovered this galaxy on 23 Sep
1888 and reported Sw. 8-98 (later
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NGC 6929 = MCG +00-52-035 = CGCG 373-035 = Holm 781b = PGC 64949
20 33 21.6 -02 02 14; Aql
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 95°
48" (11/5/21): at 610x; fairly bright, oval 4:3 or 5:4 E-W, 30" diameter, small bright core. Two mag 14.5-15 stars are lined up and equally spaced with the galaxy 0.4' E and 0.8' E. Physically paired with NGC 6926 4' W.
24" (7/23/20): between fairly faint and moderately bright, slightly elongated 5:4 E-W, major axis 25" to 30" diameter, very small bright core, moderately high surface brightness. Collinear with two mag 15.1/14.7 stars close E [27" and 49", respectively]. A number of other mag 14 stars are nearby. Forms a pair with NGC 6926 4' W.
17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core, two mag 15 stars follow. Located 4' E of NGC 6926.
17.5" (8/1/86): faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright stellar nucleus or a star is superimposed. Two mag 15 stars oriented E-W are collinear close following and this may enhance the impression of elongation. Elongated at a right angle to NGC 6926 3.9' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6929 = h2080 on 21 Jul 1827 and recorded "vF; vS; the s[outh] f[ollowing] of 2 [with NGC 6926]." His position is accurate.
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NGC 6930 = IC 1326 = UGC 11590 = MCG +02-52-018 = CGCG 424-022 = LGG 438-004 = WBL 663-003 = PGC 64935
20 32 58.8 +09 52 28; Del
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 8°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large,
very thin edge-on 5:1 N-S, 50"x10", slightly brighter core. A mag 15.5 star is barely off the S
tip.
24" (9/1/16): at 220x, moderately bright and large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, 0.9'x0.2', brighter core. A mag 15.5 star is at the south end [38" S of center]. At 322x, a companion (LEDA 200365) is attached at the north end. It appeared extremely to very faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, 10"x6".
18" (7/11/10): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, ~50"x12". An extremely faint star (V = 15.7) is barely off the south tip. Occasionally there appeared to be a very small brightening at the north tip (this is LEDA 200365). In a small group with brightest member NGC 6928 3.8' NW. Located 4.3' NNE of mag 8.6 HD 195765.
18" (9/10/07): faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1
N-S, 1.0'x0.25', very weak concentration, low surface brightness. Located 2.2' NW of a 40" pair of
mag 10/11 stars and 4.3' NNE of mag 8.6
18" (7/29/03): fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on
4:1 ~N-S, 0.9'x0.2', weak concentration.
A mag 11 star is off the south edge, 1.1' SSW of center, and a pair of
mag 10/11 stars lie 2.3' SSE.
Second brightest in a trio with a similar edge-on NGC 6928 4' NW and NGC
6927 6' NW. Located 4.4' NNE of
mag 8.7
17.5" (9/14/85): faint, thin streak ~N-S, weak concentration. A mag 11 star is 1.4' SSW. Elongated at right angles to NGC 6928 4.0' NW. NGC 6927 lies 5.7' NW.
13.1" (6/29/84): very faint, elongated ~N-S. A mag 11 star is off the south edge. Member of the NGC 6928 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6930 = m 418, along with NGC 6927 and 6928 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "F, mE." His declination is 1' too small.
Lewis Swift independently rediscovered this galaxy on 23 Sep 1888 and reported Sw. 8-99 (later IC 1326) as "eeeF; S; eE; spindle; pF * nr south; wide D * nr sf; ee diff; nf of 2 [with IC 1325]." His position is 1' too far north-northeast and he confused the orientation of the two galaxies, which is northwest [NGC 6928 = IC 1325] and southeast [NGC 6930 = IC 1326]. Herbert Howe suggested the NGC/IC equivalences and measured an accurate position.
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20 33 41.3 -11 22 06; Cap
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 125°
17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, very small, elongated ~E-W, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star is off the NW edge.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6931 = LM 1-232 on 4 Jun
1886 and recorded "mag 15.0, 0.6'x0.2', E 120°, gbM, divided into 2
parts?" His rough position
(nearest minute of RA) is 20 seconds east and 1.5' south of
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20 42 08.8 -73 37 10; Pav
V = 12.3; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 115°
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): this galaxy appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 1.0'x0.7', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core. A nice string of 5 stars begins with a mag 10 star 2.8' W of center and extends to the south. On the DSS, this is a striking ring galaxy.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6932 = h3833 on 29 Jun 1835 and logged "F; S; R; glbM; follows a hook of 5 stars." His position is 40" too far south and the "hook of 5 stars" is southwest.
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20 33 38.2 +07 23 14; Del
= *, Reinmuth. = **, Carlson.
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 6933 = Nova VII on 14 Sep 1865 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory. He recorded "1/2 minute [of time] preceding h2081 [NGC 6934]. Neb is near stellar, its nebulous atmosphere barely perceptible, yet looks quite differently from the surrounding stars." His precise position in the "Preliminary Catalogue of Nebulae observed at Uppsala" (1875) corresponds with a mag 12 star. Karl Reinmuth reported a "*12; no nebulosity seen; *10 sf" (based on a Heidelberg plate). Dorothy Carlson classified the number as a double star in her 1940 NGC Corrections paper.
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20 34 11.4 +07 24 15; Del
V = 8.8; Size 7'; Surf Br = 0.3
14.5" (8/31/21): at 304x; bright and attractive globular with a very bright mottled core with a few sparkles occasionally resolving. The much fainter halo was resolved into 20-25 stars, most of which popped in and out of visibility, so it was very difficult to count. The south side had more resolved stars.
18" (6/25/04): at 300x, partially resolved into a couple of dozen stars, particularly on the south side of a very ragged 3' halo that surrounds the bright 50" core. At 538x, perhaps 3 dozen stars are resolved mostly in the halo, but also several are superimposed on the very mottled core including one very close to the geometric center. The halo is irregular, but clearly elongated N-S with more extension resolution on the south side. A number of extremely faint stars pop in and out of view with the seeing and the cluster seems of the verge of more extensive resolution.
17.5" (8/5/94): bright, 3.0' diameter, round. Fairly sharp concentration with a 1.5' diameter very bright core. The halo has about two dozen stars peppered in the outer regions; the brightest star is on the NE side of the core. The core is very lively and just starts to break up in to several very faint stars and a single obvious star. A mag 9.5 star is just 2' W of center.
17.5" (7/9/94): bright, fairly small, 3.5' diameter, very bright core. At 225x, 20-25 stars are resolved in the halo mostly in the southern portion. Contains an intense 1.5' core with a much fainter halo to 3.5' which extends almost to a mag 9.5 star 2' W of center. The bright core itself is very lively and mottled with a few faint stars resolved and a single brighter star just east of the geometric center.
13.1" (8/16/82 and 6/29/84): fairly bright, moderately large, bright core, small outer halo resolved into approximately 15 stars mainly south of the core, mottled. A mag 9 star is 2' W.
8" (6/29/84): mottled, fainter halo, clumpy at 400x but no resolution.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6934 = H. I-103 = h2081 on 24 Sep 1785 (sweep 440) and recorded "vB, L, gmbM, easily resolvable. A beautiful object." His position was poor: 36 seconds of RA too far west and 7' too far north. The large error was apparently the result of using an unfinished "new Polar distance machine contrived to shew the polar distance of the tube in every situation." John Herschel called it "A beautiful, v compressed, B, R, globular cluster, 3' diam, well resolved. Stars = 16...20m." On 19 Aug 1855, Lord Rosse's assistant R.J. Mitchell recorded "very fine glob Cl, comes up to a blaze in centre. From f side of Nucl a stream of stars runs np, rather brighter and more condensed than in the rest of the border."
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20 38 20.1 -52 06 39; Ind
V = 12.0; Size 2.0'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 8°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): brighter of a
striking pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 6935 = h3835, along with NGC 6937, on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "pF; L; R; glbM; 2'; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 6937]." On a second sweep he noted "B; pL; R; gbM; r; 80"."
Based on photographs taken with the 30" Cordoba reflector in 1919, the pair was described by Charles Perrine as "both almost perfect circles of essentially the same diameter (40"-50"), and having central stars of the same magnitudes (15). The nebulosity of 6937 is considerably fainter, however, than that of the preceding one, 6935. No other nebulæ of appreciable size are within a degree. Their ring forms and central stars give them strongly the appearance of planetaries. There are suspicions, however, of very faint structures about them both, which may be spiral. This is most marked in the case of 6937, in which three spiral arms can be traced (two of them opposite).
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NGC 6936 = ESO 528-022 = MCG -04-48-021 = PGC 65033
20 35 56.3 -25 16 48; Cap
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 4°
17.5" (7/21/90): fairly faint, small, round, gradually increases to a small bright core. This is the dominant galaxy in AGC 3698, which appears to be a loose, poor cluster on the DSS. It also a member of SSRS Group 74 triplet with NGC 6924 37' SW and ESO 528-021 12' SW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6936 = LM 1-233 on 1 Sep
1885 and recorded "mag 13.8, vS, R, slbMN, env 14.0." His rough position (nearest minute of
RA) is ~36 seconds east of
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NGC 6937 = ESO 234-060 = AM 2035-521 = PGC 65125
20 38 46.0 -52 08 35; Ind
V = 12.9; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.4; PA = 105°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): fainter of a pair with NGC 6935 4.4' NW. Fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 2'x1.5'. There are three distinct zones. At the center is a small, very bright nucleus ~15" diameter. This is surrounded by a bright, round, 40" core. Finally the core is surrounded by a much fainter halo up to 2' with an irregular surface brightness, though no distinct arms. Located 50' WSW of mag 4.5 Eta Indi.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6937 = h3836, along with NGC 6935, on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; R; 40"." On a second sweep he noted "F; R; glbM; 30"."
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20 34 42.2 +22 12 55; Vul
Size 5'
17.5" (8/19/95): at 220x there are 20 scattered stars
in a 5' region with the brightest mag 9.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 6938 = H. VIII-17 = h2082 on 18 Jul 1784 (only discovery in sweep 240) and recorded "A cl of scattered stars more than 20' in diameter, not very crowded and containing a great many large ones." A scattered group of stars matching his description is ~1 min of time east. On 17 Aug 1828, John Herschel logged "Place of the chief * 10m of a coarse, poor, straggling cluster." His position is fairly accurate. At Birr Castle, Ralph Copeland described this group as "Cl, very poor, scarcely richer than neighborhood." This may not be a true cluster but RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent.
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20 31 30 +60 39 42; Cep
V = 7.8; Size 8'
18" (10/9/04): beautifully rich cluster of ~150 stars
in a 10'-12' triangular region over haze.
Beyond the ends of the triangular vertices are four 10th magnitude stars
with the star towards the ENE an easy double. The cluster is fairly uniform with a rich clump of a
half-dozen stars near the center.
A number of the stars are in chains, including a string of equally
spaced 12-13th magnitude stars along the south side that is oriented NW-SE.
18" (8/17/04): this triangular-shaped rich cluster is beautifully framed in the 160x field (24'). The cluster is enclosed within a kite asterism of four mag 10 stars with two of these stars near the east and west vertices of the triangular outline. ~125 stars are visible in a 10' diameter, with most of the stars mag 12-14. Just west of center is a very rich 3' group and just following this group is a small knot of 4 very faint stars. The west side is well-defined by a string of mag 12 stars oriented NW-SE.
17.5" (9/14/85): about 100-140 stars mag 12-15 are resolved. Difficult to count as stars fill the 22' field at 220x with no distinct boundaries. NGC 6946 is located less than 40' SE.
13.1" (7/27/84): ~80 stars resolved but richness makes an accurate count difficult.
13" (7/5/83): ~70 stars resolved at 166x, very rich, beautiful in faint stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6939 = H. VI-42 = h2083 on 9 Sep 1798 (sweep 1077) and described "a beautiful compressed cluster of small stars, extremely rich, of an iF. The preceding part of it R and branching out on the following side; both towards the north and towards the south; 8 or 9' diam." John Herschel made 4 observations and logged on sweep 366 "very fine rich cluster; 5' diam; stars 12m and nearly equal; shape rather convex towards the preceding side."
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NGC 6940 = Cr 424 = Mel 232 = Lund 961
20 34 26 +28 17 00; Vul
V = 6.3; Size 31'
13.1" (7/27/84): beautiful rich star field although not dense. About 100 stars mag 9-14 resolved including the orange semi-regular variable star FG Vulpeculae near the center. The double star STF 2698 = 8.8/9.7 at 4.5" is off the southwest edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6940 = H. VII-8 on 17 Jul
1784 (sweep 239) and recorded "a vL cl of scattered stars, very rich and
most of the stars nearly of a size and pretty small. About 20' in diameter." His position is close to mag 8.3
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20 36 23.6 -04 37 08; Aql
V = 13.3; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 115°
17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, small, round, bright core. Incorrectly listed as a globular cluster in the RNGC, NGC 2000 and U2000.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 6941 = Sf. 83 = St. 4-3 on 29 Aug 1867 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory. Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 27 Jul 1972, probably already notified of Safford's discovery. He reported it as new in his 4th discovery list based on a position taken 1 Sep 1872. Safford's discovery list wasn't published until 1887 as the NGC was being prepared to go to press, so Stephan was credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement and the NGC. But Stephan reported two dozen of Safford's 51 Dearborn discoveries as new (several discovered earlier by Marth!).
NGC 6941 was misclassified as a globular cluster in the RNGC and this error as repeated in NGC 2000.0 as well as early versions of the Uranometria 2000 star atlas. This error was listed in my RNGC Corrections paper #3.
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20 40 37.8 -54 18 11; Ind
V = 11.8; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 150°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 1.8'x1.2', well concentrated with a small bright core surrounded by a smooth, fainter halo. No brighter stars are nearby, though a mag 13 star lies 2' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6942 = h3837 on 9 Jun 1836 and recorded "pB; R; pslbM; 60"." His position is accurate.
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20 44 33.6 -68 44 51; Pav
V = 11.4; Size 4.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 130°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, large,
elongated ~5:2 NW-SE, 3.5'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a very small bright
elongated core. Spiral structure
is evident in the halo, though I couldn't trace distinct arms. A mag 9.5 star lies 5' NE. Located 26' W of mag 5.4 Sigma Pavonis
(2' pair with mag 7
John Herschel discovered NGC 6943 = h3838 on 27 Jun 1835 and recorded "pF; L; mE; vgbM; 3 1/2' l; 1 1/2' br; has a barely perceptible point in the middle."
NGC 6943 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "Spiral appearance, stellar nucleus."
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20 38 23.8 +06 59 47; Del
V = 13.8; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 57°
24" (7/16/15): moderately to fairly bright, moderately
large, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, sharply concentrated with a prominent, small round
core, ill-defined low surface brightness halo ~50"x30". Located 2.6' SSE of mag 8.4
18" (9/10/07): faint, small, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.45'. Weak even concentration to the center with a faint stellar nucleus. Located 2.5' SSE of mag 8.5 HD 196612. This star is at the southwest vertex of a quadrilateral (roughly a parallelogram) with three other mag 10-11 stars.
17.5" (7/4/86): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, very small bright core.
Located 2.5' S of mag 9
13.1" (6/29/84): faint, very small, almost round, weak concentration. A bright rectangle of stars is in the field to the north. Located 43' E of a mag 6.5 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6944 = m 419 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "pF, S, R." His position is fairly accurate.
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20 39 00.6 -04 58 21; Aqr
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 30°
17.5" (7/16/88): moderately bright, small, round,
bright core, stellar nucleus. A
mag 15 star is 28" SW of center.
Located 2.9' SW of bright mag 6.6
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6945 = m 420 = St. 1-10 on 12 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R, stellar or nebulous *." Édouard Stephan found it on 15 Jul 1869. He measured a micrometric position on 1 Jul 1870 and included it in his first discovery paper (#10) as "small, round, whitish, moderately bright, brighter towards the center." He made a later observation on 21 Jun 1878. Dreyer credited both Marth (1) and Stephan (2) in the NGC.
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NGC 6946 = Arp 29 = UGC 11597 = MCG +10-29-006 = CGCG 304-006 = PGC 65001
20 34 52.3 +60 09 14; Cyg
V = 8.8; Size 11.5'x9.8'; Surf Br = 13.8
24" (5/20/17, 5/22/17 and 6/23/17): Type II supernova 2017eaw in NGC 6946 was easily identified as a 13th magnitude "star" 2.7' NNW of the nucleus using a photographic finder chart. I was surprised the supernova was only slightly fainter in June, over a month later than first viewed. This is the 10th known supernova in the galaxy.
48" (10/23/11): this very bright, showpiece face-on spiral stretches roughly 9'x7' E-W. At 375x, four arms were visible, each containing one or more HII regions. The brightest arm is attached on the west side of the central region and curves counterclockwise to the north and then heads east, passing just south of a mag 13.5 star and spreads out to the NE of the central region. At the eastern tip (4.2' from center) is a bright HII knot of 12" diameter, catalogued as #3 under NGC 6946 in Paul Hodge and Robert Kennicutt's 1983 "Atlas of HII Regions in 125 Galaxies" (HK83-3) and #1 in Hodge's 1969 paper "HII regions in twenty nearby galaxies" (H69-1). A second shorter arm vaguely emerges from the core on the north side, and rotates more sharply around the galaxy on the north side, passing south of the brighter arm, and curving around to the east side. It contains HK83-63/76 = H69-6, an elongated knotty HII complex at its tip, 2.5' due east of center.
On the west side are two additional arms, though the brighter inner arm is better defined. It begins on the south side of the central region and curls sharply to the north on the west side. It passes through a few mag 14 foreground stars and nearly fades out 3.2' NW of center. A dim extension finally ends 3.5' N of center at HK83-285 = H69-20, a very faint, very small knot inside a triangle of stars. An outer arm on the south side rotates towards the west and intersects HK83-503/507 = H69-33, a very bright, round knot of 20" diameter, that rivals the inner core in size. Using a DGM Optics "Galaxy Contrast" filter, the core was dimmed more and the knot appeared nearly as bright. Studies reveal this feature is a circular bubble containing numerous, tightly packed small clusters and a bright supermassive star cluster that resembles a young globular. After this point, the arm becomes more patchy as it spreads to the northwest, but near the end is HK83-527/528, an extremely faint knot just west of a mag 14 star 3.5' NW of center.
24" (9/13/12): the bright, long, outer spiral arm on the north side passes very close south of a mag 13.5 star before terminating near the small knot HK83-3 = H69-1. Besides the knot at the end, this arm is a bit clumpy with two slightly brighter regions roughly 1.7' N of center, HK83-213 = H69-11, and 2.4' NE of center, HK83-123/124 = H69-10. The spiral arm extending north on the west side has several mag 14 stars superimposed. A very small brighter nucleus is embedded the very broadly brighter central region.
18" (8/1/08): I took another look at the bright, circular knot that contains a young massive globular. This knot is located 2.8' WSW of the core of NGC 6946. It was fairly easy to identify using a pair of mag 13/13.5 stars [18" separation] with the cluster situated 1.5' NW of this fairly wide double. At 280x it appeared as a very faint, hazy glow, ~15" diameter (nearly the separation of an unequal double star to the southeast).
18" (7/31/05): using the photographic finder chart in the 2000 Astrophysical Journal (535,748) paper titled "A Young Globular Cluster in the Galaxy NGC 6946", I tracked down this "knot" which contains numerous star clusters as well as a 15 million year old supermassive star cluster or young globular. This object is located 2.8' W of the core and 1.5' NW of a wide, unequal pair of stars. On the DSS, it appears to be located near the end of a faint arm (not seen) that attaches to the core on the south side and extends to the west. Using the image, I quickly pinpointed the location and at 323x a very faint, small, roundish glow of ~15" diameter was visible. This very low surface brightness spot was visible 80-90% of the time with averted vision once identified and appeared similar to a faint Abell planetary. Without the finder chart, I would probably have passed over this object without noticing it, and in fact missed it in my observation from the White Mountains in 8/29/02. Using ALADIN, the position of the young globular is 20 34 31.7 +60 08 17.
18" (10/9/04): viewed type II supernova 2004e, discovered 9/27/04 (13 days ago) and appearing at approximately mag 12.8. It was easily identified using a photographic finder chart. The supernova is located 4.1' E and 1.9' S of the nucleus, just west of a pair of mag 13/13.5 stars at 12" separation and was comparable to the brighter star of this pair. A fainter mag 14.4 star is close WSW and the three stars plus supernova form a small wedge or Sagitta shaped group. This is the 8th supernova discovered in NGC 6946 since 1917. NGC 6939 and 6946 were both easily visible in 15x50 IS binoculars and of similar size, but NGC 6939 is brighter with a higher surface brightness.
17.5" (8/29/92, White Mountains at 12,470 ft): bright, very large, 6' diameter to main body, elongated 3:2 ~E-W. Three arms are visible. A long bright arm is attached at the north side of the core and trails to the east (Arp's "One Heavy Arm"). This eastern arm splits; a short fainter branch bends south following the core and a long curving bright arm terminates with a very faint, very small HII knot (HK83 #3). On the west side a fainter arm shoots sharply to the north from the core. These outer arms significantly increase the diameter of the main body. The galaxy has a very large brighter middle but the core is just a very small brighter region close SW of the geometric center. A very faint stellar nucleus was seen with direct vision.
17.5" (8/13/88): main spiral arm very prominent and easily seen to split.
17.5" (9/14/85): bright, large, brighter central core. A prominent arm is attached on the NE side of the core and trails to the east. This arm splits - the shorter arm is close to the core and a brighter region or arm to the west.
13.1" (7/27/84): bright arm on the east side highly suspected to branch or split into two arms. Also an arm or brighter region seen on the opposite side of the galaxy pointing west a short way.
13.1" (7/16/82): the central region is elongated and fairly low surface brightness though a spiral arm clearly trails off to the east from the main body creating a non-symmetrical appearance.
8" (6/22/81): faint, large, diffuse, brighter core. Situated in a rich star field.
80mm (8/13/88): easily visible with direct vision at 16x in finder.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6946 = H. IV-76 = h2084 on 9 Sep 1798 (sweep 1077) and recorded "cF, vL, iF, a sort of BNM. The nebulosity extends 6 or 7'. The N seems to consist of some vS stars; the nebulosity is of the milky kind. It is a pretty object." John Herschel made 3 observations and on 11 Aug 1831 logged "vF; eL; vglbM; r; 5' or 6' dia; irreg fig. A curious object; no doubt a great cluster of eF stars. Requires the eye to be well prepared for seeing it."
Bindon Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 6 Sep 1850, described a "New spiral, very fine but faint; 3 branches, of which two terminate in knots, a fourth branch north preceding very doubtful." Two nights later he made an excellent sketch (Plate XXX, fig. 36 in the 1861 Monograph). On 6 Sep 1855, R.J. Mitchell recorded, "The two following branches unite in one before meeting the nucleus; I certainly see a fourth branch preceding which seems to join the other preceding branch in the same way before reaching the nucleus. Of the four, those which terminate in knots are the brightest."
E.E. Barnard reported (Sidereal Messenger, vol. 5, p286) he first viewed NGC 6946 around 1881 with the 5-inch refractor and marked it as "vvF". But on 28 May 1885 he found it "almost bright, certainly not faint. It is moderate in size, round, vgbM with some small stars grouped around it. Its brightness is a little less than cluster GC 4590 [NGC 6939]."
Ten supernovae (most of any galaxy) have been detected in NGC 6946 as of 2017. The first, SN 1917A, occurred on 19 Jul 1917 when it was discovered by Ritchey and was considered a nova. This supernova, situated 37" W and 105" S of the galaxy's nucleus, peaked at 14.6 mag.
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20 41 15.0 -32 29 11; Mic
V = 13.4; Size 1.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 51°
17.5" (8/5/91): faint, small, irregularly round, low even surface brightness, ill-defined edges. A mag 12 star is just off the NW edge 1.3' from the center and a mag 11 star is 2.8' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6947 = h3839 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; L; R; gbM; on a faintly stippled ground." His position is accurate.
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20 43 29.0 -53 21 26; Ind
V = 12.9; Size 2.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 115°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.6'x0.7', broadly concentrated to a brighter, elongated center but no distinct zones. A 6' line connecting four mag 12-14 stars mag oriented SW to NE intersects the halo on the NW side.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6948 = h3840 on 24 Jul 1835 and recorded "vF; E; lbM; 35" l." On a second sweep he logged "eF; pL; lE; 60" l; 50" br."
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20 35 07.1 +64 48 09; Cep
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (8/13/88): faint, small, oval WNW-ESE, even surface brightness except for a very faint stellar nucleus.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6949 = Sw. 5-91 on 20 Sep 1886
and noted "eF; pS; iR."
His position is at the northeast edge of
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20 41 05 +16 37 18; Del
17.5" (9/23/95): very scattered group of mag 9.5-13 stars in roughly a 10'-15' region. Barely stands out in the 20mm Nagler field and not worth noting as a cluster. There are no specific borders but the stars have the appearance of being aligned in strings or groups. Most prominent is an elongated group oriented WNW-ESE through the two brightest mag 9-10 stars (brightest star at 20 41 10.5 +16 38.9). A small line of three mag 13 stars is near the western end of the string. Appears to be a random grouping and listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6950 = H. VIII-23 = h2085 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "A Cl of coarsely sc. stars." John Herschel described this group of stars as a "Poor, large, scattered cl, the brightest * 10m." His position is very close to a mag 9.5 star at 20 41 10.5 +16 38 55. Karl Reinmuth reported "a very loose clustering of st 10...15 in a dense region.", based on a Heidelberg plate. This star group may not be a true cluster, but the RNGC classification of nonexistent is very misleading.
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20 37 14.2 +66 06 20; Cep
V = 10.7; Size 3.9'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170°
48" (10/23/14): NGC 6951 is a large spiral with a brighter central region extending ~1.8'x1.2' ~E-W and outer spiral arms (reaching north and south) that increase the dimensions to 2.8'x2.0'. Well concentrated with an intensely bright, circular core that is embedded with a bright, elongated oval "bar" extending E-W. A fairly narrow spiral arm is attached at the west end of the central region and curves strongly counterclockwise to the north, passing between two mag 15.8 stars [1.3' WNW and 0.8' NW of center]. This fairly low surface brightness arm is widely detached from the glow of the central region as it curls to the east, ending about 1.5' NNE of center. On the east side of the elongated core region a faint, shorter spiral arm curves south, passing near 3 or 4 faint stars oriented N-S and fades out ~1' SSW of center.
24" (7/23/14): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~2' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core. A fairly broad "bar" extends E-W through the central region. Weak spiral structure is definite with careful viewing. An eastern arm appears as a subtle arc curving counterclockwise and passing west and then south of a mag 12.7 star 1.4' E of center. I expected the western arm to be more obvious, but it was only visible as a slightly brighter curving "edge" of the outer halo from W to N.
18" (8/17/04): at 225x appears moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~1.8'x1.1'. On the east end is a mag 12.5 star. The galaxy suddenly brightens to a very small, brighter core. The edge of the halo fades and increases in size with averted vision. Appears slightly brighter along the major axis with a hint of structure.
17.5" (10/30/99): I observed SN 1999el (Type II), which was discovered 11 days ago (Oct. 20th). It appeared as a mag 14.5-15 star just following the core (22" E and 8" S) and was easily visible at 280x. The galaxy is fairly faint and moderately large. Sharply concentrated with a small bright core surrounded by a diffuse halo elongated 3:2 E-W. A mag 12 star is 1.5' following the center and a mag 15 star is just visible a similar distance WNW.
17.5" (8/13/88): bright with a very bright core surrounded by a fainter large oval halo 3:2 E-W. A mag 13 star is just off the east edge 1.4' from center and a mag 15 star is off the NW end.
8" (6/22/81): faint, small, bright core. A mag 13 star is at the east edge.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6951 = Sw. 2-85 with his 4.5" comet sweeper (date unknown), though didn't announce the discovery. He recorded it on 14 Sep 1885 with his 16-inch Clark refractor and noted "pB; pL; lE. Discovered many years ago with 4 1/2 inch”.
His RA was 13 seconds too small. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver as well as Hermann Kobold at Strasbourg in June 1899.
Jérôme Coggia made the original discovery of this galaxy sometime before 1878 at the Marseilles Observatory and it was catalogued as NGC 6952. Coggia's position was 20' too far north, so Dreyer assumed these were two different objects. In 1892, William Denning proposed the equivalence NGC 6951 = NGC 6952 (The Observatory, 15, 106) and Dreyer reported the identity in the IC 1 appendix, though suggested it was 6951's position that was in error. This confusion was corrected in the IC 2 appendix.
Based on a Crossley reflector photo, Heber Curtis (1918) described NGC 6951 as "Rather faint, symmetrical spiral 3.5' in diameter. Very bright, slightly oval nucleus 0.2' long. {Phi}-type.
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20 37 14.2 +66 06 20; Cap
V = 10.7; Size 3.9'x3.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170°
48" (10/23/14): NGC 6951 is a large spiral with a brighter central region extending ~1.8'x1.2' ~E-W and outer spiral arms (reaching north and south) that increase the dimensions to 2.8'x2.0'. Well concentrated with an intensely bright, circular core that is embedded with a bright, elongated oval "bar" extending E-W. A fairly narrow spiral arm is attached at the west end of the central region and curves strongly counterclockwise to the north, passing between two mag 15.8 stars [1.3' WNW and 0.8' NW of center]. This fairly low surface brightness arm is widely detached from the glow of the central region as it curls to the east, ending about 1.5' NNE of center. On the east side of the elongated core region a faint, shorter spiral arm curves south, passing near 3 or 4 faint stars oriented N-S and fades out ~1' SSW of center.
24" (7/23/14): fairly bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~2' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a small, very bright core. A fairly broad "bar" extends east-west through the central region. Weak spiral structure is definite with careful viewing. An eastern arm appears as a subtle arc curving counterclockwise and passing west and then south of a mag 12.7 star 1.4' east of center. I expected the western arm to be more obvious, but it was only visible as a slightly brighter curving "edge" of the outer halo from west to north.
18" (8/17/04): at 225x appears moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~1.8'x1.1'. On the east end is a mag 12.5 star. The galaxy suddenly brightens to a very small, brighter core. The edge of the halo fades and increases in size with averted vision. Appears slightly brighter along the major axis with a hint of structure.
17.5" (10/30/99): observed SN 1999el, which was discovered 11 days ago (Oct 20). It appeared as a mag 14.5-15 star just following the core (22" E and 8" S) and easily visible at 280x. The galaxy is fairly faint and moderately large. Sharply concentrated with a small bright core surrounded by a diffuse halo elongated 3:2 E-W. A mag 12 star is 1.5' following the center and a mag 15 star is just visible a similar distance WNW.
17.5" (8/13/88): bright with a very bright core surrounded by a fainter large oval halo 3:2 E-W. A mag 13 star is just off the east edge 1.4' from center and a mag 15 star is off the NW end.
8" (6/22/81): faint, small, bright core. A mag 13 star is at the east edge.
Jerome Coggia discovered NGC 6952 around 1877 at the
Marseilles Observatory, probably using a 7.2-inch refractor. The discovery was
apparently communicated directly to Dreyer and first appeared in the GC
Supplement. There is nothing at his position, but 20' south is
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20 38 00 +65 46; Cep
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 6953 = Sw. 2-86 on 14 Sep 1885 with his 16" refractor and noted "eeeF, pL, R, ee difficult." There is nothing near his position other than a mixed variety of stars.
Herbert Howe examined the field in 1899-00 with the 20-inch refractor at the University of Denver and reported "I could not find this, which is called by Swift 'eeF, pL, vdiffic.' 17 seconds preceding and 0.2' south of the place given by Swift is a small group of at least four stars of mag 14, which was scruntinised for nebulosity, but in vain." Bigourdan also identified the same stars, at 20 37 45 +65 46 00 (2000), as NGC 6953. This identification is very uncertain and perhaps Swift made a large error in his position. See Harold Corwin's comments for more on this number.
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20 44 03.2 +03 12 33; Del
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 68°
18" (9/10/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, irregular oval 0.5'x0.35', weak concentration to a very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star lies 1.6' S.
17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, small, oval WSW-ENE,
small bright core, faint stellar nucleus.
13.1" (6/29/84): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, weakly concentrated.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6954 = m 421 on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "F, S, vlE." His position is a good match.
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NGC 6955 = UGC 11621 = CGCG 374-005 = PGC 65287
20 44 17.9 +02 35 41; Del
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 30°
17.5" (8/1/87): extremely faint, fairly small, very
diffuse, low surface brightness, requires averted vision. Pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6955 = m 422, along with NGC 6957, on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "eF, pL, R." His position is fairly accurate.
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20 43 53.7 +12 30 43; Del
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (6/8/13 and 8/5/13): moderately bright to fairly
bright, moderately large, elongated ~3:2 NW-SE, 60"x40". The view is somewhat hampered by a mag
11 star that is superimposed on the east edge and a mag 14.5 star is ~20"
E of the bright star. This galaxy
appears to be a barred spiral with a brighter bar oriented ~N-S extending down
the middle of the glow. The
brighter nucleus is quasi-stellar (~5") and similar to the mag 14.5 star
in brightness. A faint extension
(spiral arm) curves east from the south end of the bar, extending south of the
mag 11 star. Brightest in a trio
(
UGC 11620 appeared faint/fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 21"x14". Two mag 13/14 stars are off the SE end and a mag 15.5 star is near the NNE end [22" from center]. UGC 11623 is fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SW-NE, 36"x20", a small brighter core is embedded in a fairly smooth halo. A small trio of mag 13/14.5.15 stars is close preceding.
18" (7/29/03 and 9/10/07): fairly faint, moderately large, round, weak concentration except for a quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 10.5 star is superimposed on the east edge of the halo and somewhat hampers the view.
17.5" (10/13/01): this moderately bright glow appears unusual as a mag 10.5 star is attached at the east side and interferes with viewing. The surface brightness of this barred spiral is pretty uniform except for a faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 companion star (double) follows the brighter star. Brightest in a trio with UGC 11620 and 11623 situated 7' SSE and 8' ESE, respectively.
13.1" (6/29/84): faint, diffuse, even surface brightness, possibly slightly elongated E-W. A mag 10.5 star is attached at the east edge 26" from center and detracts from viewing. Brightest of three with UGC 11620 6.7' SSE and UGC 11623 8.0' E.
8" (7/16/82): faint, small. A mag 10 star at the east edge interferes.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6956 = H. III-219 = h2086 on 19 Oct 1784 (sweep 299) and noted "eF; vS; stellar; just preceding a small star, 240 verified it with difficulty." John Herschel made a single observation and recorded "vF; S; 15" precedes and is attached to the double star No. 1566 of my 4th catalogue." His position for HJ 1566 matches the two stars mentioned in my 24" observation, altlhough the WDS identifies a pair that is off the east side of UGC 11620.
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NGC 6957 = CGCG 374-007 = PGC 65302
20 44 47.6 +02 34 52; Del
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (8/1/87): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 1.1' SE. Pair with NGC 6955 7.4' W.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6957 = m 423, along with NGC 6955, on 28 Jun 1863 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is fairly accurate.
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20 48 42.5 -37 59 52; Mic
V = 11.4; Size 2.1'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 107°
24" (9/8/18): at 260x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, sharp strong concentration with a very bright, 0.6' core that gradually increases towards the center. With careful viewing the core is surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo with no distinct edge, but perhaps 1.0' diameter. Just east of a group of four stars including a mag 9.5 star 2.8' NW.
NGC 6958 is projected (in the foreground) near the center of
ACO S900.
17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, gradually increases to a very small bright core. Forms the SE vertex of an equilateral triangle with a mag 11 star 2.5' WSW and a mag 10 star 2.8' NW. There are four stars total in this V-shaped asterism.
8" (7/24/82): faint, small, round, just nonstellar at low power. Located at the edge of a small "V" asterism of stars. Located 25' WSW of a mag 5.5 star. Pretty low elevation from Northern California.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6958 = h3841 on 24 Aug 1834 and recorded "B; R; pgmbM: 25"; follows 4 stars; of which one is 9m." His position is accurate. Using his 5-inch refractor at Vanderbilt, Barnard described NGC 6958 as "close following three or four small bright stars. The light from these stars makes it difficult to see the nebula, which small pretty suddenly much brighter in the middle to a flickering, ill-defined nucleus. I can not see why it should be called bright in G.C., probably in the southern hemisphere it is much brighter."
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20 47 07.2 +00 25 49; Aqr
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 57°
24" (9/25/19): between fairly faint and moderately
bright, very elongated 5:2 SW-NE, ~0.7'x0.3', slightly brighter core. Forms a close pair with
18" (8/1/05): fairly faint, small, very elongated SW-NE, 0.6'x0.2', weak concentration to a slightly brighter core. Nestled within a semi-circular arc of stars including three collinear stars to the SW.
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, elongated WSW-ENE, brighter along the major axis, small bright core.
17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, small, very elongated
SW-NE, brighter along the major axis.
A line of three mag 13/14 stars lies 2' SSW. This is the fourth brightest in the
13.1" (8/23/84): slightly fainter than NGC 6967 but easily visible at 220x, small, very elongated WSW-ENE. Three stars are close SW.
13.1" (7/27/84): faint but easily visible with averted vision, very small, elongated WSW-ENE. A small arc of three stars is just SW.
R.J. Mitchell, LdR's observing assistant, discovered NGC
6959 = Big. 84 on 27 Aug 1857, while observing the NGC 6962 group. He noted "[labeled object] a is
lE, bM" and his sketch confirms the identity with
The RNGC misidentifies LEDA 162626 as NGC 6959. The RNGC then mislabels the correct NGC
6959 as
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20 45 58 +30 35 42; Cyg
Size 70'x6'
13.1" (5/21/82 and 8/15/82): this is the prominent western section of the "Veil nebula" and is spectacular with an OIII filter. Bright, extremely large, very elongated N-S, stretches across the entire low power field while passing through the bright unequal double 52 Cygni = 4.3/9.5 at 6". The nebulosity fans out to the south and splits into two delicate branches and fainter wisps (the source of nickname "Witch's Broom"). The bright curving nebulosity north of 52 Cygni has a remarkable "electric" quality. It has an abrupt bend about midway and then tapers down to a narrow tip towards the north end gently bowing out towards the west side. Fantastic detail using a 20mm Nagler and OIII filter.
11x80 (5/26/84): both sections of Veil are easily visible in the 11x80 finder using a filter.
15x50 IS binoculars (8/27/11): the entire Veil was visible (eastern section was striking) using a pair of UHC filters threaded over the objectives. The western section through 52 Cygni took more care to view and the forked southern half was the most difficult section to pick up.
2x handheld image-intensifier with 6nm H-alpha filter. The western half of the veil was easily visible at just 2x as a ~40' strip oriented N-S, though smaller and fainter than NGC 6960.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6960 = H. V-15 = h2088 on 7
Sep 1784 (sweep 259). His description reads, "Extended from one number to
the other [in declination]; pB, taking in 'k' [52] Cygni in its extent. The milky ray is convex towards the
following side in that part which lies north of k, pretty compact and equally
bright. On the southern side of
'k' it is less bright and at last loses itself with some extension, perhaps in
two braches, but it is not bright enough that I may determine this circumstance
with certainty. The breadth of the
northern parts is near 2', the southern branch is less defined." Soon after in the same sweep he
encountered
John Herschel recorded 3 observations. On sweep 178 he noted "The place is that of k Cygni, through which the nebula passes. It is very long and winding and runs northward from k full 2 fields breadth (30'). One branch is pretty conspicuous, even in a little moonlight. The nebulosity is milky, and does not seem to arise from small stars of the Milky Way." Isaac Roberts took the first photograph of the NGC 6960 on 28 Sep 1891.
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NGC 6961 = CGCG 374-014 = WBL 666-003 = PGC 65372
20 47 10.4 +00 21 48; Aqr
V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 134°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter nucleus. A mag 15.3 star is only 0.5' NNE of center.
18" (8/1/05): very faint, very small, round. Contains a faint stellar nucleus with
direct vision surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo, perhaps
15" diameter. A very faint
star is off the north end. Located
3.3' NW of NGC 6962 and collinear with
17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, round, very small. A mag 15 star is off the NE edge. Located 3.3' NW of NGC 6962 in a group and the fifth brightest of six. NGC 6959 lies 4.1' NNW.
17.5" (8/31/86): very faint, very small, round, a mag 15 star is less than 30" NE but cleanly resolved.
13.1" (7/27/84 and 8/23/84): extremely faint, very small. A very faint star appears to be very close.
J.L.E. Dreyer, as the observer at Birr Castle, probably
first discovered NGC 6961 on 23 Aug 1876.
His offset from NGC 6962 (195" in PA 322.7°) is a close match with
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NGC 6962 = UGC 11628 = MCG +00-53-003 = CGCG 374-015 = WBL 666-005 = PGC 65375
20 47 19.0 +00 19 14; Aqr
V = 12.1; Size 2.9'x2.3'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 75°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x; bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W. Sharply concentrated with a very bright core, ~40" diameter, with an intense nucleus. I initially noticed only the central region, but lowering the power to 200x there appeared to be a very large, low surface brightness halo, extending ~2.5' diameter. A mag 14.5 is at the W edge, 1.4' from center, and a similar star 1.7' E of center. Brightest of 4 NGC galaxies and 8 overall in the immediate group (USGC U792).
18" (8/1/05): moderately bright, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter. Contains a bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus with direct vision. Brightest in the group and collinear with NGC 6964 less than 2' SE and NGC 6961 3' NW. A distinctive obtuse triangle of mag 11 and 12 stars is a few arc minutes to the SW.
17.5" (7/16/88): brightest in the NGC 6962 group. Moderately bright, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. On a line with NGC 6964 1.8' SE and NGC 6961 3.3' NW. Also forms an equilateral triangle with NGC 6959 7.1' NW and NGC 6967 6.6' NE.
17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, roundish, strong bright core, stellar nucleus.
13.1" (7/27/84 and 8/23/84): fairly bright, fairly small, small bright core, almost round. Largest and brightest in a group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6962 = H. II-426 = h2087, along with NGC 6964, on 12 Aug 1785 (sweep 425) and recorded "Two, the preceding [NGC 6962] F, S, iR, mbM... 240 showed the same. The time and NPD is that of the preceding." His position is within the halo. On sweep 81, John Herschel logged "pF; S; R: gbM; 15...20"." His mean position (2 measures) is accurate.
Based on Helwan Observatory photos (1914-16), NGC 6962 was described as "vF, 2.5'x2.0', lE 60°, open spiral with bright nucleus."
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20 47 19.3 +00 30 33; Aqr
18" (8/1/05): this is a very faint double star at 12" separation, which was cleanly resolved at 160x and 225x. The components are mag 15.0-15.5. Located 1.5' N of NGC 6965.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6963 = Big. 85 on 12 Aug 1885 and recorded "mag 13.4; a star involved in nebulosity." The NGC position is 2.6' N of NGC 6965 = CGCG 374-016 and the RNGC, CGCG, UGC and MCG misidentify this galaxy as NGC 6963. This error goes back to the 1921 Helwan Observatory bulletin 21, based on photos taken in 1914-15. According to Harold Corwin, Bigourdan's micrometric position falls precisely on a double star 1.5' north of NGC 6965.
See my article in Deep Sky, Fall 1985 and Corwin's notes.
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NGC 6964 = UGC 11629 = MCG +00-53-005 = CGCG 374-017 = WBL 666-006 = PGC 65379
20 47 24.2 +00 18 03; Aqr
V = 13.0; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 171°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 N-S, 60"x45", strong concentration with a very bright core. A mag 13.5 star is at the SE edge, less than 40" from center.
18" (8/1/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.5'x0.4'. Moderate even concentration to a small bright core and quasi-stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is just of the SE end of the galaxy. Forms a close pair with NGC 6962 1.8' NW and this galaxy is just slightly smaller and fainter than its companion.
17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint to moderately bright, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core. A mag 13.5 star is 38" SE of center. This is the second brightest in the NGC 6962 group and located just 1.8' SE of NGC 6962.
17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, strong bright core, substellar nucleus, almost round.
13.1" (8/23/84): slightly fainter than NGC 6962 in size and brightness, a faint star follows.
13.1" (7/27/84): second brightest in the NGC 6962 group. Moderately bright, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6964 = H. II-427 = h2089, along with NGC 6962, on 12 Aug 1785 (sweep 425) and recorded "Two, the following [NGC 6964] vF, vS, lbM, about 3 or 4' from the preceding and a little more south. 240 showed the same." John Herschel's mean position (2 measures) is accurate.
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NGC 6965 = IC 5058 = MCG +00-53-004 = CGCG 374-016 = WBL 666-004 = PGC 65376
20 47 20.4 +00 29 03; Aqr
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 68°
24" (9/25/19): between faint and fairly faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.4' S and a mag 13.5 star is 1.8' W.
18" (8/1/05): faintest of six in the NGC 6962 group. Appeared very faint, very small, round, 15"-20" diameter. At first I thought it had a faint stellar nucleus with direct vision, but with careful viewing this was a mag 15-15.5 star at the south edge. Located 1.3' N of a mag 13 star, on a line with two mag 14 stars a similar distance to the east and west. This galaxy is misidentified as NGC 6963 in most modern catalogues.
17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, broad concentration, barely visible continuously with direct vision. Located 10' N of NGC 6962 within a triangle of mag 13-14 stars including a mag 14 star 1.4' E and a mag 13 star 1.3' S. Faintest of six in NGC 6962 group.
17.5" (8/31/86): very faint (requires averted), small, slightly elongated ~N-S, faint stellar nucleus.
13.1" (8/23/84): requires averted vision to confirm, similar to NGC 6961.
13.1" (7/27/84): extremely faint, very small, round. Located 10' N of NGC 6962 within a small equilateral triangle of faint stars.
R.J. Mitchell, LdR's observing assistant, discovered NGC
6965 on 27 Aug 1857 in the NGC 6963 group. He labeled this galaxy as "b" and noted "S,
nearly R, bM.". The sketch
clearly indicates NGC 6965 = CGCG 374-016. In compiling the NGC, Dreyer had to estimate the position
and placed this galaxy 3' too far south.
This was caused by a poorly indicated direction of drift (west) in the
sketch. Bigourdan later reobserved
this galaxy, gave an accurate position, and it was catalogued again as
The Helwan Observatory 1921 bulletin has descriptions (and misidentifications based on the poor positions) for the entire NGC 6962 group. NGC 6965 was described as "Not shown, exposure 90. min. Inclusion in the NGC probably a mistake."
As far as more modern catalogues, RNGC, UGC, CGCG, and MCG all misidentify this galaxy as NGC 6963. The galaxy labeled as NGC 6965 in RNGC is actually NGC 6959 = CGCG 374-013. UGC, MCG, CGCG all mislabel NGC 6967 = CGCG 374-018 as NGC 6965. In Deep Sky, Fall 1985 I incorrectly concluded that NGC 6965 was a duplicate entry for Bigourdan's NGC 6963, but NGC 6963 is a double star.
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20 47 26.8 +00 22 03; Aqr
18" (8/1/05): this difficult double star appears as an extremely faint, sub-stellar object at 225x (only a few arcseconds in size) that was slightly elongated like an unresolved double. At 323x it was occasionally resolved but it was easy to see how this might be assumed to be a nebulous object. Located 3.4' NE of NGC 6962 and at the midpoint of NGC 6962 and NGC 6967 3.2' further NE.
Heinrich d'Arrest probably discovered NGC 6966 = Big. 86 on 26 Jul 1865. About 1' north of his (single) position is a close double star at 20 47 26.8 +00 22 04 (2000) with a separation of 3"-4" (currently). Guillaume Bigourdan rediscovered the same pair on 27 Jul 1884. His micrometric position is unambiguous. The Helwan Observatory list for 1921 reported "no nebula here" and Dorothy Carlson perhaps first made the identification with a double star in her 1940 NGC errata list.
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NGC 6967 = UGC 11630 = MCG +00-53-006 = CGCG 374-018 = WBL 666-007 = PGC 65385
20 47 34.0 +00 24 42; Aqr
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 105°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x; fairly faint, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, 0.8'x0.4', strong concentration. The western half of the disc seems brighter, probably due to the glare of a mag 10.8 star off the E end [45" E of center].
18" (8/1/05): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 0.7'x0.3'. Contains a very small brighter nucleus. A mag 10 star is close following and the galaxy is elongated nearly in the direction of the star.
17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated ~E-W. A mag 10 star is just 44" E of center. Third brightest in the NGC 6962 group. Forms the NE vertex of an equilateral triangle with NGC 6962 6.6' SW and NGC 6959 6.7' WNW. Misidentified as NGC 6965 in the UGC, CGCG, MCG.
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, small, elongated ~E-W, brighter core. A bright star follows closely that detracts from viewing.
13.1" (8/23/84): fairly faint though the mag 10 star interferes with viewing, small E-W streak, lens-shaped.
13.1" (7/27/84): faint, small, very elongated E-W. A mag 10 star is off the SE edge.
R.J. Mitchell, LdR's observing assistant, discovered NGC 6967 on 27 Aug 1857, while observing the NGC 6962 group. He labeled this galaxy as "c" on the sketch and noted "c is lE, bM and has a conspicuous * close nf." The description and sketch clearly establishes NGC 6967 = CGCG 374-018.
MCG (+00-53-006) and UGC (11630) misidentify this galaxy as NGC 6965. RNGC and CGCG give the correct identification. See my article in Deep Sky, Fall 1985 and Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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20 48 32.4 -08 21 37; Aqr
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 135°
17.5" (7/8/89): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 55" NW of center. A faint double star (IC 5062)at 10" separation is 6' W.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 6968 = St. 13-93 on 10 Aug
1882. His published position was
reduced on 11 Aug 1883 and matches
MCG misidentifies this galaxy as
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20 48 27.7 +07 44 25; Del
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 15°
17.5" (8/1/86): faint, small, edge-on streak SSW-NNE, small bright core. Located 21' WSW of 14 Delphini (V = 6.3).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6969 = m 424 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "F, pL, E." His position and description is good.
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20 52 09.5 -48 46 42; Ind
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 105°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 WNW-ESE, sharply concentrated with a very small, bright core punctuated by a quasi-stellar nucleus. A very faint star is superimposed on the halo. A scattered group of mag 12-14 stars lies 5' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6970 = h3842 on 2 Oct 1834 and recorded "pB; S; lE; gmbM; 18" l." His position is on the west side of the halo.
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20 49 23.8 +05 59 44; Del
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 60°
24" (9/5/18): at 225x; fairly faint, fairly small,
roundish, 35"-40" diameter, fairly low surface brightness. Contains a slightly brighter nucleus
that rises slightly to a faint stellar peak. This galaxy was a bit fainter than expected. Located in a pretty rich star field
7.2' SE of mag 7.7
17.5" (8/1/86): fairly faint, moderately large, pretty diffuse, weak concentration, slightly elongated WSW-ENE. Located 7.1' SE of mag 7.7 SAO 126248. This bright star is at the midpoint of two nearby mag 9/10 stars on a line WNW-ESE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6971 = m 425 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is accurate to within 1'.
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20 49 58.9 +09 53 57; Del
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 143°
18" (9/10/07): fairly faint, small, oval NW-SE, 0.4'x0.25', very small brighter core, stellar nucleus. Situated within a oval ring of 8 stars (4.5'x2') mag 11-13.
13.1" (6/29/84): very faint, brighter core, irregular shape, slightly elongated NW-SE. A mag 12 double star at 23" separation is 2' WSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6972 = m 426 on 15 Aug 1863 and noted "F, S, R." His declination is 1' too large.
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20 52 06.0 -05 53 42; Aqr
= *, Corwin.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6973 = Big. 87, along
with
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20 51 04 +31 49 42; Cyg
18" (8/3/11): although the NGC position (from the 4th Earl of Rosse) is 74' further south in an empty section of the Veil, this number is generally applied to the southeast end of the 25' section of nebulosity between the north end of Pickering's Triangular Wisp and the north end of NGC 6992/5 (eastern section of the Veil). This patch is roughly 4'x2.5' in size and contains three brighter stars. A thread of nebulosity extends NW and then spreads out at the NW end (see NGC 6979). Extremely faint haze extends at least 20' SE towards a slightly brighter patch (see notes on section G).
18" (7/31/08): at 73x (31mm Nagler) and an OIII filter, this is a locally brighter patch at the SE end of a 25' elongated section of the Veil to the east of the northern end of Pickering's Wedge. Although not plotted on Megastar, Uranometria or MSA, very faint nebulosity continues to stream to the SE throughout most of the 1.1° field of the 31mm Nagler and ending near a slightly brighter patch (see notes on piece G) at 20 51.1 +32 23 (2000).
17.5" (9/7/91): smaller southern portion of a very faint elongated patch with NGC 6979 in the Veil Nebula. Several faint stars are superimposed. Located east of the north edge of the widest section of the huge triangular wedge of nebulosity in the center of the Veil. Also see NGC 6979.
The NGC identification is very uncertain as the 4th Earl of Rosse's position was 74' further south and there is no nebulosity near his position.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 6974 on 20 Aug 1873 and described a "Nebulous *, neby cE pf, 20h 45.5m NPD 59d 50'±." This position precesses to 20h 50.8m +30d 38'± (2000) and places it somewhere in the central region on the Veil.
The RNGC position is on the southeast end of the section that includes NGC 6979, over a degree due north of Parsons' position. Also, this piece of nebulosity is not "cE pf", but extended generally north-south." Still, Corwin feels this is a plausible candidate (digit error in the declination). In any case, the identification of this number is uncertain because of these discrepancies.
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20 52 25.9 -05 46 19; Aqr
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 5°
See observing notes for
Guillaume Bigourdan found NGC 6975 = Big. 88 on 23 Sep 1886 and noted "30" - 40" in diameter." There is nothing at his position in his second Comptes Rendus list, but in the remarks section of his 6 May 1901 Comptes Rendus list he stated Big. 88 was identical to NGC 6976 and this was repeated in the IC 2 Notes/Corrections section. See Corwin's identification notes.
RNGC, MCG, PGC and RC3 misidentify MCG -01-53-014 = PGC 65612 as NGC 6975. The MCG galaxy is located 3' southwest of NGC 6976.
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NGC 6976 = HCG 88C = NGC 6975 = MCG -01-53-015 = PGC 65620
20 52 25.9 -05 46 19; Aqr
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 5°
24" (9/27/19): at 375x; fairly faint, small, round,
24" diameter, fairly low surface brightness, slightly brighter core. Third brightest of 4 in
18" (8/3/05): very faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter, very low surface brightness, no concentration. Furthest southwest in a string with
brighter
18" (7/21/04): very faint, small, round, ~25" diameter, very low even surface brightness. Faintest of collinear trio with NGC 6977 and NGC 6978 and furthest SW.
18" (6/25/04): faintest and further SW of a trio on
line with NGC 6977 and NGC 6978 ~2' and 4' NE, respectively [
17.5" (7/16/88): extremely faint, very small, round, very diffuse. This is the furthest south of three galaxies on a line in HCG 88 with NGC 6977 1.8' NE and NGC 6978 4.3' NE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6976 = m 427, along with NGC
6977 and 6978, on 12 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, irr R." His position is less than 1' north of
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NGC 6977 = HCG 88B = MCG -01-53-016 = PGC 65625
20 52 29.6 -05 44 46; Aqr
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 162°
24" (9/27/19): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, round, 50" diameter, brighter core. The halo had a slightly uneven surface brightness like a face-on spiral.
24" (7/23/20): at 375x; fairly faint, roundish, ~40" diameter, small slightly brighter core occasionally elongates SW-NE. A mag 14.8 star is 1.2' NE and NGC 6978 is 1.8' SW.
18" (8/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.7'x0.5', broad concentration with a slightly brighter core, occasional very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located 1.8' NE of slightly brighter NGC 6976. A very faint star lies between NGC 6977 and NGC 6976.
18" (7/21/04): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, ~35"x30", broad weak concentration. A mag 14.5 or 15 star lies between NGC 6977 and brighter NGC 6978 just 2.6' NE. Second brightest in HCG 88 along with NGC 6976 just 1.8' SW.
18" (6/25/04): faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter, very weak concentration to a slightly brighter core. Middle of a collinear triplet (HCG 88) with slightly brighter NGC 6978 2.6' NE and fainter NGC 6976 1.8' SW. A mag 15 star lies midway between NGC 6977 and NGC 6978.
17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, fairly small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness. Second of three on a line with NGC 6976 1.8' SW and NGC 6978 2.5' NE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6977 = m 428, along with NGC 6976 and 6978, on 20 Jul 1863 and noted "vF, S, irr R." His position is accurate.
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NGC 6978 = HCG 88A = MCG -01-53-017 = PGC 65631
20 52 35.4 -05 42 39; Aqr
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 125°
24" (9/27/19): at 375x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 1.1'x0.35', small bright core, brighter along the central axis. A mag 14.8 star lies 1.3' SSW, halfway to NGC 6977 = HCG 88B. Situated in a busy star field 18' ESE of mag 6.1 4 Aquarii.
24" (7/23/20): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated 5:2 NW-SE, broad concentration with a small brighter core. A mag 14.8 star is 1.3' SSW.
18" (8/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2
NW-SE, 1.0'x0.4', broad concentration to a small brighter core and an
occasional very faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. A very faint star lies midway between
NGC 6977 and NGC 6978. This galaxy
is the brightest in HCG 88 and furthest NE in a string of three. Located 14' SE of mag 5.5
18" (7/21/04): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.35', moderate concentration to a very small brighter core and occasional stellar nucleus that seems offset to the NW side. Brightest of collinear trio in HCG 88 with NGC 6977 and NGC 6976.
18" (6/25/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.4', broad weak concentration. Largest and brightest of a collinear triplet with NGC 6976 4.4' SW and NGC 6977 2.6' SW.
17.5" (7/16/88): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, elongated 2:1 NW-SE. Brightest and farthest NE of three on a line (HCG 88 group) with NGC 6977 2.5' SW and NGC 6976 4.3' SW. HCG 88D not seen.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6978 = m 429, along with NGC 6976 and 6977, on 20 Jul 1863 and noted "vF". His position is accurate.
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20 50 28 +32 01 36; Cyg
Size 5'x3'
18" (8/3/11): this number is generally applied to the NW end of a fairly faint 20'x4' section of the Veil, located the NE of the northern end of Pickering's Triangular Wisp. The NW end is roughly 5'x3' and involves a few stars including a couple on the SW side and a couple on the north side. An isolated filament (section "F") oriented NNW-SSE is situated 10' ENE of NGC 6979. To the south of NGC 6979 the nebulosity thins and a faint thread extends to the SE before spreading out again on the SE end (see NGC 6974), about 15' from NGC 6979.
18" (7/31/08): this is the north end of a very elongated section of the Veil to the NE of Pickering's Wedge. Although the entire section is reasonably prominent at 73x using an OIII filter, the northern end which corresponds to the position of NGC 6979 doesn't really stand out, other than ending here and involving a few mag 10 stars. The north end of Pickering's Wedge is in fact much brighter with a wealth of filamentary detail.
17.5" (9/7/91): very faint, fairly large, elongated ~NNW-SSE, detached patch in the Veil Nebula. The SSE portion of this patch (identified in the RNGC as NGC 6974) is smaller and has several faint stars superimposed. The northern part (NGC 6979) is larger and wider but less well-defined and has some brighter stars superimposed. This patch is located NE of the northern end of the huge triangular wedge ("Pickering's Wedge") that forms the north central section of the Veil.
13.1" (8/16/82): faint patch picked up to the east of the northern part of Pickering's Triangular Wedge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6979 = H. II-206, along with NGC 6960, on 7 Sep 1784 (sweep 259) and noted "F, S, crookedly elongated, r[esolvable]". Dreyer mentions in Scientific Papers that this section of the Veil nebula was not found at Birr Castle on three occasions although on one observation "extremeley faint" nebulosity was noted.
RNGC and Uranometria 2000 use the NGC position, though this points to extremely low surface brightness filaments. Harold Corwin's position matches the northeast section of a fairly faint 20'x4' filament situated northeast of the north end of Pickering's Triangular Wisp.
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20 52 48.9 -05 50 17; Aqr
= *, Corwin.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 6980 = Big. 89, along with NGC 6973, on 5 Jul 1886 and noted a mixed star and nebulosity, 30" diam." His position corresponds with a mag 14.6 star at this position.
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20 53 27.9 -12 32 13; Aqr
V = 9.2; Size 6'; Surf Br = 0.1
17.5" (7/17/01): at 380x, the halo is very irregular and the globular has a very uneven surface brightness. The non-symmetrical halo is elongated ~E-W, perhaps 4'x3'. The brighter 1.5' core is covered with a sprinkling a 8-10 faint stars. From the core there are short ragged extensions to the SW and NW with a few resolved stars. More prominent is a nearly detached clump on the east side which is extended ~N-S and contains roughly 8 easily resolved stars over haze. In total, perhaps two dozen stars are resolved in moments of good seeing.
17.5" (8/13/88): very mottled at 280x, 3' diameter. About 20 stars are resolved at the edges and over the core.
17.5" (8/2/86): very mottled, ragged irregular appearance. 15-20 stars resolved over the disc.
13.1" (8/16/82 and 9/29/84): very mottled non-symmetrical appearance with a bright core. Roughly a dozen stars are resolved mostly on the east side of the core. A brighter mag 13.5 star is in the NE side of the halo.
Pierre Méchain discovered
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20 57 18.5 -51 51 45; Ind
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 152°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 30"x20". NGC 6982 is sandwiched between a mag 14 star 50" NE and a mag 15 star 1' SSW. Just off the south edge [26" from center] is another 15th magnitude star.
In a trio (same redshift) with
John Herschel discovered NGC 6982 = h3843, along with NGC 6984, on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 6984]."
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20 56 43.4 -43 59 09; Mic
V = 13.3; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 147°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly faint to
moderately bright, fairly small, 0.5' diameter, irregularly round, contains a
very small brighter core. Located 13' NW of mag 6.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 6983 = h3844 on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "eF; S; R; 45"." He missed ESO 286-010, 26' WSW, which is just as prominent.
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NGC 6984 = ESO 235-020 = AM 2054-520 = PGC 65798
20 57 54.1 -51 52 12; Ind
V = 12.7; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 101°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): brightest in a trio with NGC 6982 5.5' W and PGC 65805 (Fairall 927) 5.6' NNE. Fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.9', broadly concentrated halo, then sharply brightens to a small bright nucleus. A mag 10.6 star lies 4' NW and a mag 12 star is 1.4' E.
Fairall 927 was not plotted on my Megastar chart as there was no listed magnitude, so I was surprised to find a reasonably bright galaxy completing a trio. It appeared fairly faint (slightly fainter than NGC 6982), fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 30"x20". Located 5.6' NNE of NGC 6984 and 9' NE of NGC 6982.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6984 = h3845, along with NGC 6982, on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; L; lE; glbM; 90" l; the following of 2 [with NGC 6982]."
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20 45 03.0 -11 06 15; Aqr
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 90°
48" (11/5/21): this overlapping double system consists
of a bright barred spiral (NGC 6985) on the east side and a Magellanic
Irregular (
NGC 6985A was faint, fairly small, low surface brightness, elongated ~SW-NE but ill-defined periphery, ~30" diameter, diffuse with no core/nucleus.
24" (7/28/16): at 260x; fairly faint, oval 4:3 ~E-W, ~30"x20", small bright core. A mag 15.2 star is just off the ENE side [36" from center]. Situated 2.5' WNW of mag 8.7 HD 197625. I looked for NGC 6985A and there appeared to be some haze extending off the southwest side, but I wasn't able to confirm in soft seeing conditions.
17.5" (8/3/94): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W,
weak concentration to a small brighter core. A mag 15 star is just 40" ENE and a mag 13 star 1.2' W
of center. Located 2.5' WNW of mag
8
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6985 = LM 1-234 on 11 Jun
1886 and noted "mag 16.0, 0.2' dia, iR." There is nothing anywhere near his very rough position
(nearest minute of RA). Harold
Corwin identifies NGC 6985 with
The Uranometria Deep Sky Field Guide (first edition) has no listing for NGC 6985 and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. MCG does not label this galaxy as NGC 6985.
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20 56 30.6 -18 33 59; Cap
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 8°
24" (9/27/19): at 200x and 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.5'x0.4', very small bright core increased to a brighter nucleus, overall moderately high surface brightness. A group of 5 mag 12-13 stars is directly southeast.
17.5" (7/21/90): faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright core. A small group of five mag 13 stars is 2'-3' SE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6986 = LM 1-235 on 2 Sep
1885 and recorded "mag 14.0, vS, R, glbMN." His rough position (nearest minute of RA) is just 16 seconds
west of
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20 58 10.4 -48 37 49; Ind
V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): moderately to fairly bright,
sharply concentrated with a very bright core surrounded by a relatively large,
slightly elongated NW-SE halo extending 1.1'x0.8'. A mag 13 star is near the west edge, 40" from
center. A mag 12 star is 2' S and
an 11th mag star 3' SW. In
addition mag 8.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 6987 = h3846 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; S; lE; gbM; among B stars." His position (2 observations) is fairly accurate.
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20 55 48.9 +10 30 28; Del
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, oval NW-SE, even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is at the SE end 23" from center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6988 = m 430 on 15 Aug 1863 and
noted "eF, pL, R." His
position is nearly 2' southeast of
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20 54 06 +45 14 24; Cyg
17.5" (9/23/95): at 100x appears to be simply a large
Milky Way field about 20' diameter in the "Canada" portion of the
"North American" nebula.
Weakly more enhanced than the surrounding star field and only
distinguished because of four bright stars off the south side including mag 5.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 6989 = H. VIII-82 on 11 Sep
1790 (sweep 959) and recorded "A large cl of pS stars of several
sizes." His position is 10'
northeast of mag 5.5
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20 59 57.0 -55 33 43; Ind
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 0°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 0.9'x0.35', slightly mottled appearance but no well defined core. A mag 12 star is at the south tip, 0.6' from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6990 = h3847 on 9 Jul 1834 and recorded "a * 10m, to which is attached or almost so, by its extremity an eF, vS nebulous ray; vmE in meridian 15" l; 4" br; night superb, and without this condition it were useless to look for this object." His position (measured twice) is accurate.
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20 54 56 +47 19 18; Cyg
Size 5'
17.5" (10/24/92): at John Herschel's position and
matching his description for h2091 is a scattered group of approximately 20
stars in a 6' field which is located about 10' SW of
At William Herschel's original position and description (VIII 76) is a scattered group of stars involved with IC 5076 and mag 5.7 SAO 50246. Nebulosity (IC 5076) is visible on the west side of a striking 5' group of stars centered on the bright star. Ten of the stars surrounding the mag 5.7 star form a semi-circle including a tight quadruple 2' SE. John Herschel's grouping lies ~10' WSW and either object could be taken for NGC 6991.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6991 = H. VIII-76 = h2091 on
27 Sep 1788 (sweep 866) and recorded "A st 6m not in H. A L star
surrounded with many considerable stars, forming a brilliant though much
sc[attered] cluster; the star 6m is not in the center but towards the following
side." His offset points to mag 5.7
So, there are two candidates for NGC 6991. My notes described both candidates. Lynga and RNGC identify WH's group as NGC 6991. Also see Harold Corwin's identification notes and Brent Archinal's monograph on the nonexistent RNGC open clusters.
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NGC 6992 = SNR G74.0-08.5 = Ced 182b = Veil Nebula
20 56 19 +31 44 36; Cyg
Size 60'x8'
17.5" (7/5/86): this section of the Veil nebula is
probably the most detailed and exciting emission object to explore in the
17.5" using a 20mm Nagler and OIII filter. Appears very bright, extremely large, very elongated, about
1° length, crossed by darker rifts.
Feather-like side branches are at the south edge running off towards the
west. The breathtaking filamentary
detail at 83x using an OIII filter is too intricate to describe, particularly
on the southern half! The
filaments appear like intertwined threads or twisted ropes giving a striking
3-dimensional appearance along the length! Attached to
13.1" (5/21/82): incredibly detailed at the south edge. Wispy structure with two long tails. Darker rifts and filamentary structure along the entire length.
8" (5/21/82): bright at 50x with UHC filter. Some structure seen with darker rifts and branches at the south edge.
15x50 IS binoculars (8/27/11): NGC 6992/6995 is striking at just 15x using a pair of UHC filters threaded over the objectives as a long, curving filament. Although NGC 6960, which passes through 52 Cygni, was also visible in the same binocular field, it's is a tougher object, particularly the fainter (forked) southern portion.
2x handheld image-intensifier with 6nm H-alpha filter. Easily visible as a 1.2° long strip, that was bowed or opening to the west forming a crescent outline. NGC 6960 was also fairly easy, though slightly less prominent.
William Herschel discovered NGC 6992 = H. V-14 = h2092 on 6 Sep 1784 (sweep 258) and recorded "eF, above 3/4° long and 6, 8 or 10' broad. The whiteness entirely of the milky kind, brighter in 3 or 4 places than in the rest. The position of the ray or extent is from np to sf [northwest to southeast], making an angle of 30 or 40° with the meridian. The stars of the galaxy [Milky Way] are scattered over it in the same manner as the rest of the heavens. The time and number is taken in the brightest part of the nebula. The ray is faint enough to have been overlooked had it not been for the brighter places in it." The following night (sweep 259) he discovered the western section of the Veil Nebula (NGC 6960) and reobserved the eastern section, finding "Branching nebulosity of the extent of the number that is 53' in polar distance, and in RA reaches through 5 or 6 fields that is near 1 1/2 degrees. The following part of it is divided into several streams and windings which after separating meet each other again towards the south." Herschel's rough sketch was publication in his 1811 paper (Fig. 1) as an example "of extensive diffused Nebulosity". NGC 6992 is generally applied to the northern portion of the eastern half of the Veil Nebula.
John Herschel first observed the Veil on 7 Sep 1825 (sweep 8) mentioned "The whole neighborhood seems affected with wisps or cirro-stratus-like masses of nebula." This was the original of the nickname "Cirrus Nebula", though the moniker "Veil Nebula" was probably first introduced by Leland Copeland. E.P. Mason made an excellent sketch in 1838.
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20 53 54.1 -25 28 21; Cap
Size 1.3'x1.1'; PA = 108°
17.5" (8/4/02): at 220x appeared very faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, low even surface brightness. Not noticed initially near position, but once identified could just hold steadily with concentration.
The identification of this galaxy with NGC 6993 is uncertain because of a very poor discovery position, but it roughly matches Leavenworth's field sketch and description.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 6993 = LM 1-236 on 8 Jul
1885 and recorded "mag 14.0, vS, R, sbMN." His very rough position (nearest minute of RA) happens to
correspond with extremely faint
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20 58 56 -12 38 07; Aqr
V = 9.7; Size 3'
17.5" (9/7/91): four stars in a "Y" asterism. On the west side are the two fainter stars mag 11.5 and 12 oriented WNW-ESE which form the stem of the "Y". A mag 10 star is on the SE branch and a mag 10.5 star is on the NE branch. This is an unimpressive asterism.
8": four stars mag 10.5, 10.5, 11.0 and 12.0 in a small group, easily resolved at 100x.
Charles Messier discovered
Hipparcos data places the four stars at different distances, so this is an optical quadruple -- a true asterism.
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NGC 6995 = Ced 182c = SNR G74.0-08.5 = Veil Nebula
20 57 10 +31 14 06; Cyg
Size 12'
17.5" (7/5/86): feather-like side branches on the south end run off towards the west. Using an OIII filter at 83x, the breathtaking filamentary detail is too detailed to fully describe but the filaments appear like intertwined threads or twisted ropes giving a striking 3-dimensional appearance!
13.1" (7/5/86): this is the amazingly detailed southern end of the eastern section of the Veil Nebula attached to NGC 6992 and contains beautiful feather-like side branches to the west, especially using an OIII filter. See description of NGC 6992.
John Herschel discovered NGC 6995 = h2093 on 7 Sep 1825 (sweep 8) and recorded "A most wonderful phenomenon. A very large space 20' or 30' broad in PD and 1m or 2m in RA, full of nebula and stars mixed. The nebula is decidedly attached to the stars and is as decidedly not stellar. It forms irregular lace-work marked out by stars, but some parts decidedly nebulous, wherein no stars can be seen. A figure (from which the drawing for the engraving was copied), represents the general character, but not the minute details of this objects, which would be extremely difficult to give with any degree of fidelity." Ebenezer Mason was first to point out the Herschel's position was exactly 1° too far south based on Mason's careful observations and sketch (around 1838). Herschel's description and sketch clearly refer to the southern portion of the eastern half of the Veil Nebula. The northern half carries the number NGC 6992. This was only John Herschel's 6th overall discovery!
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20 56 30 +45 28 24; Cyg
Size 5'
18" (8/11/07): at 115x, ~40 stars mag 10-14 in a 6'
region are mostly arranged in a "C" arrangement (or three sides of a
rectangle), opening on the NW side.
Stands out somewhat in the field but not striking. Located on the north (Canada) side of
the North America Nebula. More
interesting is that on the east side of the group and curving around the north
side is a well-defined fairly high contrast dark nebula (
17.5" (9/23/95): about 50 stars mag 10 and fainter
within an 8'-10' group in the northeast part of the North American nebula. Fairly well-detached and
distinguishable in a low power field but appears to be a typical Milky Way
cloud with no particular dense spots.
Situated about 10' NW of a striking equilateral triangle of mag 8/9
stars with sides 2' (center at 20 57.0 +45 19). Barnard 353 (low contrast) is just following. The RNGC
misidentifies
John Herschel discovered NGC 6996 = h2094 on 28 Oct 1828 and noted "viewed. A mere clustering portion of the Milky Way." No position was given. On sweep 293 he logged "Coarse, poor, pL cluster, stars small." His position corresponds with a scattered group of stars in the northern portion of the North America nebula. He was apparently looking for his father's H. VIII- 82 = NGC 6989 and was uncertain if they were equivalent. NGC 6996 and 6989 are two different Milky Way fields, based on JH's single position.
The RNGC misidentifies NGC 6997 (50' further south) as NGC 6996 (error originated by Hogg). See Corwin's notes.
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20 56 39 +44 37 54; Cyg
Size 8'
18" (8/11/07): very nice group of ~75 stars at 73x in a
12' diameter. A number of the
stars are arranged in an oval outline extended ~E-W. The cluster is fairly rich although there is no clear border
and another smaller grouping is nearly adjacent to the NW. Located towards the "East
Coast" (west side) of the North America Nebula (on images the cluster is
closer to the position of Lake Erie).
Several mag 6-7 stars are within 15'-20' of the cluster including mag 6
17.5" (7/17/93): about 50 stars in a 10' diameter. Located in the eastern U.S. portion of the North America Nebula. Includes many mag 10.5-12 stars. There are no rich portions and the group is somewhat scattered. Roughly circular outline, weak concentration in center.
13.1" (6/30/84): fairly prominent scattered group at
the west edge of
William Herschel discovered NGC 6997 = H. VIII-58, along with NGC 7000 (next entry in the sweep), on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 620), and recorded "a cl of stars." On 11 Sep 1790 (sweep 959) he logged "a cl of considerably L stars." and measured a good position. This star group is situated within the East Coast part of the North America nebula and is possibly superimposed in the foreground of the North America nebula. The RNGC and Lynga misidentify the group as NGC 6996. See Corwin's notes.
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21 01 37.7 -28 01 55; Mic
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (7/16/93): extremely faint, very small, round,
extremely low surface brightness, requires averted vision. Forms a pair with
17.5" (8/27/92): not found from Grandview (8400') in the Eastern Sierras.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6998 = m 431, along with NGC
6999, on 19 Oct 1864 and noted "eeF, vS." His position is less than 1' north of
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NGC 6999 = ESO 464-015 = PGC 65940
21 01 59.6 -28 03 32; Mic
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 175°
17.5" (7/16/93): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. Located 2.2' N of a mag 10.5 star. Brightest member of AGC 3733. Forms a difficult pair with NGC 6998 5.1' WNW. (R)NGC 6999 = 2MASXi J2102037-275216 lies 10' NE.
17.5" (8/27/92): not found from Grandview campground in the White Mountains.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 6999 = m 432, along with NGC
6998, on 19 Oct 1864 and noted "eeF, vS." Although Marth's position (copied correctly into the NGC) is
accurate, the RNGC misidentified
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NGC 7000 = LBN 373 = Sh 2-117 = Ced 183d = North American Nebula
20 59 18 +44 31; Cyg
Size 120'x100'
18" (7/16/07): superb view of the entire North American nebula in the 80mm finder at 12.5x and at 73x in the 18-inch with UHC filters in both. The entire outline of the U.S., Mexico and Central America was well-defined and very high contrast with the surrounding dark fields particularly around the Gulf of Mexico region (LDN 935) and the West Coast. A 7th magnitude star is at the edge of the center of the gulf (Texas area) and another 7th magnitude star is at the south tip of Florida. The "Baja peninsula" and Central American extension jut out very prominently from the gulf region. The edge of the northern Canadian region is less well defined. Open cluster NGC 6997 was very prominent on the East Coast (west side of the nebula). It was breathtaking to scan around the entire outline, though it overfilled the 67' field.
17.5" (7/17/93): at 100x and OIII filter appears very bright, extremely large (fills several fields), amazingly high contrast around the "Gulf" of Mexico and "Baja" region (LDN 935) and to a lesser extent along the west and east coasts. I traced around the entire border except for the "Canada" region, which consists mostly of scattered star fields with weak nebulosity. The open cluster NGC 6997 is easily picked out in the NE section.
8" (5/26/84): bright, very large, sharp border and details around the "Gulf" section, "Southwest border" and "Baja region". Rich with faint stars. Viewed with a Rich Field adapter at 33x-50x.
80mm (8/23/84): striking contrast at 16x using a filter at Mt. Rose.
80mm (5/26/84): bright with a well-defined "Gulf" region at 13x using a narrowband filter.
Naked-eye: Easy naked-eye glow in a dark sky, though this is mostly from the rich Milky Way star cloud and not the involved nebulosity. The contrast is highest on the southwest side where the star cloud and nebulosity is adjacent to the dark "Gulf of Mexico" region.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7000 = H. V-37 = h2096 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 620). His description reads, "vL. Diffused nebulosity plainly visible, bM, 7 or 8' length, 6' broad and losing itself gradually." In the next few minutes of the sweep he also commented, "All this time suspected diffuse nebulosity through the whole breadth of the sweep." He gave two positions at the east and southwest coast of the North American nebula, which became numbers 44 (Southeast US) and 46 (Central America region) in his list of 52 regions with "extensive diffused nebulosity." Arthur Auwers wrote (in a review of the General Catalogue) that John Herschel omitted this large object, but h2096, described as "immense nebulosity", refers to NGC 7000.
German Astronomer Max Wolf referred to this HII region as "The 'America' Nebula" in a 1902 German paper based on an image taken in 1901. In the 1903 paper "Diffused nebulosities in the heavens", Barnard refers to the object photographed by Wolf and states "The "North America Nebula" would perhaps be more definite, for it is North America to which Dr. Max Wolf intends the compliment." Agnes Mary Clerke refered to it as the "America" Nebula in the caption of Wolf's photograph in her 1905 second edition of "The System of the Stars". In a 1922 paper Hubble suggested the source of ionization may be Deneb, but the actual star is a highly obscured O3.5 star between Deneb and the Pelican Nebula.
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21 01 07.7 -00 11 43; Aqr
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 162°
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated, weak concentration. Located between a mag 14 star 1.0' N and a mag 13 star 1.4' SSE. Similar notes on 6/20/87.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7001 = h2095 on 21 Jul 1827 and
noted "eF; S; E in the meridian [north-south]." His position and description matches
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21 03 44.9 -49 01 47; Ind
V = 12.4; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 3°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): brighter of a pair
with
John Herschel discovered NGC 7002 = h3848 on 30 Sep 1834 and logged "F; S; R; smbM; 15"." A couple of nights later, he noted "pF; pL; R; glbM."
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21 00 42.4 +17 48 18; Del
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 120°
13.1" (7/27/84): very faint, small, low even surface brightness, almost round. A faint star is at the NE edge.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7003 on 26 Aug 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted a mag 15 or 16 star follows the center by 2 seconds of time. His RA (measured on two sweeps) is ~4 seconds too small. MCG fails to label this galaxy NGC 7003.
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NGC 7004 = ESO 235-046 = PGC 66019
21 04 02.2 -49 06 52; Ind
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 73°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 264x): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.3', contains a bright, elongated core. A mag 13 star lies 1.3' E and a 16th magnitude star is barely off the WSW tip. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 7002 5.8' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7004 = h3849 on 2 Oct 1834 and
recorded "eF; R; lbM; has a * 11m 60 seconds following on
parallel." His position and
description matches
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21 01 57.3 -12 52 53; Aqr
17.5" (7/24/95): small very unimpressive asterism of five stars including three mag 12 stars in a 1.5' right triangle and three additional mag 14 stars. Only noticeable at all due to the three brighter stars in a small group.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7005 on 23 Aug 1855 with an 4.6-inch Fraunhofer refractor at Leipzig and noted a "nebulous star cluster". His position is 45' southeast of M73. This was the first object discovered by d'Arrest (along with the double star NGC 607). According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Arthur Auwers observed it on 9 Sep 1861 at Königsberg and logged "not a nebula, but only a triangle of three stars." Herbert Howe called it "simply a coarse cluster, the 3 brightest stars being 9th mag. No nebulosity discernable." Reinmuth gave a similar description based on its appearance on a Heidelberg plate. Also see Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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21 01 29.3 +16 11 15; Del
V = 10.6; Size 2.8'; Surf Br = 0.1
24" (7/11/18): at 375x; bright, very bright mottled
core with a half-dozen very faint stars resolved around the edges of the
halo. Three very faint to
extremely faint galaxies lies to the southwest;
18" (7/24/06): this small globular was viewed at 435x and 565x and it appeared very mottled and lively in excellent seeing. Two or three very faint stars were visible pretty steadily and a number of extremely faint mag 16 stars appeared to sharpen up and momentarily sparkle, particularly in the 1.5' to 2' halo. Perhaps a total of a dozen stars, sparkled or popped in and out of view.
CGCG 448-030 is located just 3.6' SW of the core of NGC
7006! It appeared extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.
Requires averted and cannot hold steadily but repeatedly reacquired.
There is an extremely faint star at the northeast edge which was
sometimes noticed instead of the galaxy. Forms the south vertex of a
small triangle with two mag 12.7/13.5 stars ~0.6' N and NE. It is nearly on a
line between the globular and mag 7.3
17.5" (8/5/94): moderately bright, small, 1.5' diameter
containing a 1' core and a small halo. The core has a broad weak
concentration with no nucleus. The halo is mottled but difficult to
achieve clear resolution. Four or five mag 15.5 stars or fainter popped
in and out of view around the edges of the halo. The easiest resolved star is
just at the north edge of the halo, a close pair is at the east edge and a single
star is at the southeast side. An easy pair of mag 14 foreground stars at
20" separation is off the south side 1.6' from the center. The
interacting system
13.1" (6/29/84): fairly faint, small, small bright nucleus, small fainter halo. Mottled and clumpy but not resolved at 360x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7006 = H. I-52 = h2097 on 21 Aug 1784 (sweep 253) and recorded "pB, iR, easily resolvable, about 1' diam. Hazy, otherwise I suppose I might see the stars in it." On 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294), he logged "vB, R, mbM, the brightness extending a good way, resolvable (see 253 sweep)." John Herschel made a single observation: "B; R; gbM; 60".
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21 05 27.9 -52 33 07; Ind
V = 12.0; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 2°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 N-S, ~1.25'x0.75', sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. A string of 5 mag 12-13 stars (oriented E-W) passes to the south and a mag 15.6 star is 0.8' W of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7007 = h3850 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "pB; vS; R; pslbM; 12"." His mean position (3 observations) is accurate. Joseph Turner observed it on 5 Sep 1877 with the 48" Melbourne Telescope and notes it was suddently brighter in the middle to a nucleus.(p. 142 of logbook).
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21 00 32.8 +54 32 36; Cyg
V = 11.0; Size 98"x75"
48" (10/24/14): We had a superb view of NGC 7008
unfiltered at 488x and 610x. This irregular, annular planetary extended
~1.5'x1.2' SSW-NNE with a roughly oval outline, except on the southwest
end. Several stars are involved or just off the edge, including HJ 1606 =
9.6/11.7 at 19" separation, which is just off the SSE edge. A very
bright, elongated knot is at the NNE edge of the rim. A larger elongated knot
is just on its inside (towards the central star), with the pair of close knots
virtually attached. On the opposite SSW end is the next brightest region,
extending nearly 45° along the rim. This larger glow spreads irregularly
into the darker center and dims. Another brighter knot is on the WNW edge
of the rim (probably
18" (9/10/07): The "Fetus Nebula" is a fascinating annular planetary, best viewed at high power. Using 452x the oval halo is elongated SSW-NNE, ~85"x65". The most striking feature is a bright, 25" knot on the NNE end that is irregular in surface brightness with a very small brighter condensation near its south end. The SW quadrant of the planetary is also brighter in an elongated region and it is weakest on the east and SE edge facing the wide double star off the south edge. In the darker center, a mag 13.5 central star is visible and a second fainter mag 14 star is near the NE edge. Also a mag 14 star is just off the west edge. NGC 7008 is situated just north of h1606, a mag 9.3/10.2 pair at 18" oriented N-S.
17.5" (6/28/00): this beautiful, highly structured PN is situated just north of a wide double star (9.2/10.5 at 18"). At 280x, the annular oval is elongated SSW-NNE, ~90"x65". A bright 30" irregular knot is prominent at the NE end. The SW end of the major axis has a fainter condensation and the rim is clearly dimmest near the double star. The mag 14 central star shines steadily as does a slightly fainter mag 14.5 on the NE edge. Just off the west edge is another 14th magnitude star. The darker center is faintly luminous and the surface brightness is irregular over the entire oval giving a mottled, wispy appearance.
13.1" (9/11/82): bright planetary with unusual structure and several stars involved. The striking complete annular ring is elongated SW-NE. A mag 14 central star mag is visible as well as a mag 14 star at the NE edge and a faint star is off the west edge. A small brighter knot marks the NE end. The planetary is located just north of double star HJ 1606 = 9.3/10.5 at 18".
8" (8/16/82): unusual structure, curves and extends further south on the west side. A faint star is embedded.
80mm (9/10/07): the planetary was faintly visible in the finder at 25x using an OIII filter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7008 = H. I-192 = h2099 on 14 Oct 1787 (sweep 765) and recorded "cB, strong nebulosity of an irregular square figure. Seems to contain faint large stars, about 3' l and 2 1/2' broad." Two nights later (sweep 768) he noted "the stars which are visible in it, do not seem to belong to it." On sweep 211, John Herschel logged "L; E; r; has an appearance of two nuclei or points of greatest condensation; it touches a fine double star [h1606 = 9.3/10.2 at 18"]." R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 19 Aug 1855, recorded "seen as in sketch [1861 Monograph, Plate XXX, fig. 37]. 3 st in it, F neby reaches nearly up to the star sf; B knots in it, the nf one seems triangular in shape and sometimes I thought it split up by a dark line from sf to np."
Sir William Huggins first observed a single emission line in the spectrum in 1865. Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) reported "irregular ring structure indicated; the dimensions are 86"x69" in p.a. 20°. The two brightest patches are at the north.. three stars lie in roughly circular gaps in the nebulosity..."
In a 2001 issue of Amateur Astronomy magazine, Eric Honeycutt called NGC 7008 the "Fetus Nebula" due to its appearance in his 22-inch telescope.
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NGC 7009 = PK 37-34.1 = PN G037.7-34.5 = Saturn Nebula
21 04 10.7 -11 21 49; Aqr
V = 7.8; Size 30"x26"
48" (10/29/16): the remarkable Saturn Nebula was viewed at 1084x. The intense, inner "ring" is very elongated (~25"x10") with an unusual warped appearance. The inner ring is brighter on the west end. The rounder shell extends ~30"x25", slightly elongated WSW-ENE and contains an obvious "knot" on the north side of the shell. The ansae or FLIERS at the end of the jets varied in size and orientation, with the western one larger, brighter and angled outward on the north end. The central star was easily visible.
48" (10/24/14): at 610x; the western ansa (handle) at the end of the jet appeared as a small, narrow bar, roughly perpendicular to the extension, but slightly tilted, so the north end was pointing outward (west). The eastern ansa was much smaller but with careful viewing was slightly elongated and tilted in a mirrored orientation. Also, a very small, low contrast knot was noted on the north end of the outer shell. Otherwise, the details mentioned in the observation from last November were all noted.
48" (11/1/13): the double-shell structure was fascinating at 813x. The bright, inner ring was surprisingly elongated WSW-ENE, ~30"x10", with an irregular surface brightness and uneven thickness. The inner darker hole was also elongated, extending nearly the length of the nebula and was punctuated by a fairly easy central star. This annulus is encased in a rounder, outer shell, ~30"x25" diameter, with a slightly irregular rim (brighter at the north edge). Extending from the main body were the two easily visible "jets" extending WSW-ENE with prominent FLIERS or "ansae" (handles) at each tip [separation 44"] with the western tip slightly brighter. The color was generally greenish, though the outer halo had a salmon-colored tinge.
24" (7/24/14): viewed at 1000x in good seeing at Lassen National Park (elevation 8200 ft). The intense, inner annulus is 30"x18" with a bright, moderately thick green rim and darker center. The central star was nearly visible steadily within the darker center. The oval annulus was slightly irregular in surface brightness. It was surrounded by a rounder, fainter envelope, which varied slightly in brightness, particularly on the north side, which contained a noticeable knot. The fairly narrow jets were readily visible, though brighter on the west side. An obvious knot ("ansa") that was slightly elongated was visible at the tip of the western jet. The eastern extension only had a weak brightening at the tip.
18" (7/28/03): Viewed at 1087x in very good seeing. The 30" brighter inner oval is elongated WSW-ENE and has a noticeable irregular surface brightness (first time this was noted) with a brighter, thick rim and darker center (partially annular). Surrounding the high surface oval is a fainter, outer shell although interestingly, the transition appeared more gradual than at lower power. The extensions or jets were easily visible with very small knots ("ansae") occasionally visible at the tips.
17.5" (many dates 9/14/85 to 8/10/91): extremely bright, fairly small, very high surface brightness, blue-green color, about 30" diameter to the main oval body. At 412x, the two famous extensions or "jets" were easily visible extending WSW-ENE from the oval disc using direct vision. The western extension is brighter and a very small knot (ansae) is visible at moments with concentration at the tip of the west extension. A faint outer shell surrounds the bright disc.
13.1" (9/3/83): similar view to 17.5", but the eastern extension was more difficult to view.
13.1" (7/16/82 and 8/16/82): both ansae were definite at 280x as faint extensions though the western ansa was easier to see. A thin fainter shell encases the main body.
8" (10/31/81): bright, small, blue-green, high surface brightness. Rays extending outward are suspected, particularly on the western side in excellent seeing at 200x.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7009 = H. IV-1 = h2098 on 7 Sep 1782 at Datchet, over a year before he began his sweeps, while still reviewing naked-eye stars and discovering double stars. This was Herschel's first documented deep sky discovery (Wolfgang Steinicke found an unpublished discovery of NGC 6535 on 24 Aug 1780 while he inspected the Flamsteed stars). It was found with either his 6.2-inch or his 12-inch f/20 reflector ("small 20-foot") built in 1776 to survey the Messier objects. He described "a curious nebula, or what else to call it I do not know. It is of a shape somewhat oval, nearly circular, and with this power [460] appears to be about 10 or 15" diameter. It is of the same shape with 278 but much less in appearance. With 932 it is still the same shape but much larger. So that its appearance seems to follow the law of magnifying, from whence it is clear that it is of some real magnitude in the heavens and not a glare of light. The brightness in all the powers does not differ so much as if it were of a planetary nature but seems to be of the starry kind, tho' no star is visible with any power. It is all over of nearly the same brightness. The compound eyepiece will not distinguish it from a fixt star, at least not sensibly...". He observed the planetary during 6 sweeps with his 18.7" and on 2 Aug 1788 (sweep 851) logged, "The planetary nebula, considerably oval, in the direction of the parallel nearly. Of a bluish light, but not very well defined." In his 1787 paper "On the construction of the heavens", Herschel wrote "The planetary appearance of the first two [NGC 7009 and NGC 7662] is so remarkable, that we can hardly suppose them to be nebulae; their light is so uniform, as well as vivid, the diameters so small and well defined, as to make it impossible they should belong to that species of bodies. On the other hand, the effect of different powers seems to be much against their light's being of a planetary nature, since it preserves its brightness nearly in the same manner as the stars do in similar trials."
Although Herschel is often credited with first coining the phrase "planetary nebula", some credit should go to Antoine Darquier's description of M57, which he discovered on 31 Jan 1779: "it is pretty dull, but perfectly outlined; it is as large as Jupiter and resembles a fading planet."
Wilhelm Struve independently found NGC 7009 (∑ 8) in 1825 or 1826 with the 9.6-inch Great Dorpat refractor. It was included in his list of 9 "Nebulae dectae" in an appendix to his main catalogue of double stars. Auwers and d'Arrest measured accurate positions. Lord Rosse, Romney Robinson and George Johnstone Stoney observed the planetary on 23 Oct 1848 resulting in a sketch (Stoney's first observation and sketch) and description, "we have not detected any perforation, but it has ansae, which probably indicate a surrounding nebulous ring seen edgeways". (Fig 14, 1850 paper).
Stoney made another observation on 16 Aug 1849 and measured the "position of ring taken with an eyepiece furnished with a level and a position circle. Inclination of ring to horizon 9°." Although the nickname "Saturn Nebula" was not mentioned in Robinson's report to the Royal Irish Academy, the description in the 1880 publication (given as 16 Sep 1849) states, "Saturn neb. Pos of ring 81 deg".
Using a 9.5" refractor in 1856, Father Secchi sketched NGC 7009 and noted the nebula was fainter at the ends of the major axis and brighter along the north and south sides (AN 43, 157).
In 1867 Lassell reported his "Observations with the Four-foot Equatoreal at Malta" and his description from 23 Aug 1862 begins "My first impression of this Nebula was that it was a sky-blue likeness of Saturn". In a letter dated 26 Sep 1862, he goes into much more detail: In directing my large equatoreal upon the well-known planetary nebula situated in AR 20h 56m N.P.D. 101° 56' (1862), it has revealed so marvellous a conformation of this object that I cannot forbear to send you a drawing of it [see www.docdb.net/history/texts/display.php?article=1863rsps___12__269l], with some description of its appearance. With comparatively low powers, e.g. 231and 285, it appears at first sight as a vividly light-blue elliptic nebula, with a slight prolongation of the nebula, or a very faint star, at or near the ends of the transverse axis. In this aspect the nebula resembles in form the planet Saturn when the ring is seen nearly edgewise. Attentively viewing it with higher powers, magnifying respectively 760, 1060, and 1480 times, and under the most favourable circumstances which have presented themselves, I have discovered within the nebula a brilliant elliptic ring, extremely well defined, and apparently having no connexion with the surrounding nebula, which indeed has the appearance of a gaseous or gauze-like envelope, scarcely interfering with the sharpness of the ring, and only diminishing somewhat its brightness. This nebulous envelope extends a little further from the ends of the conjugate than from the ends of the transverse axis; indeed, it is but very faintly prolonged, and only just traceable towards the preceding and following stars....
Lassell's sketch shows the two ansae or handles as faint stars but the outer halo does not extend as far as the ansae. Hermann Vogel produced an excellent sketch on 20 Sep 1883 using the 27" refractor at Vienna. Besides the prominent inner elliptical ring and an oval darker central hole, the outer halo extends ENE-WSW and tapers on the ends with a star-like knot on the WSW end.
William Huggins first identified the emission line spectrum in 1864 (three lines were noted), along with several other planetaries. It was confirmed in 1868 by Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, in an early spectroscopic investigation of southern nebulae while he was stationed in Bangalore, India.
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NGC 7010 = IC 5082 = MCG -02-53-024 = PGC 66039
21 04 39.5 -12 20 18; Aqr
V = 13.5; Size 2.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 30°
17.5" (7/8/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, weakly concentrated.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7010 = h2100 on 6 Aug 1823 (sweep 48). This galaxy was the first deep sky object Herschel discovered during his early "practice" sweeps. He recorded it as "a round, excessively faint nebula, 1' in diameter, resolvable, scarcely (?) perceptible, bM, found in looking vainly for M72."
His practice sweep, along with 6 others in May to September of 1823, were mislaid and later found after he started numbering his sweeps. For completeness, he sequenced these initial sweeps as numbers 43 to 49. His position for NGC 7010 was 10' too far south but Herbert Howe measured an accurate position at the turn of the century. Herschel's first astronomical notebook entries date back to Nov 1816 and include some double stars as well as M31, M32 and M36.
Harold Corwin writes that Guillaume Bigourdan misidentified
NGC 7010 with a star and rediscovered the galaxy (at the correct
position). Dreyer didn't realize
the equivalence, so NGC 7010 was catalogued again as
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21 01 49.7 +47 21 15; Cyg
17.5" (9/23/95): at the NGC position are just some
scattered faint stars near a mag 9.5 star located at 21 01 52 +47 24.9. These do not appear to be worth noting
at all by John Herschel. About 15'
NE, though, is a fairly bright scattered group located to the southeast of mag
7.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 7011 = h2101 on 19 Sep 1829 and simply noted "A cluster. No further description." There are only weak concentrations near his position and Karl Reinmuth concludes "no cluster", based on a Heidelberg plate. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
A small group of 8 mag 13-14 stars in a 3' region lies 2' north of Herschel's position, and Harold Corwin lists this asterism as the most likely candidate. But I didn't feel it stood out visually. Another candidate is ~15' northeast (see visual description). Brent Archinal was unable to visually identify a candidate. See Harold Corwin's identification notes for the full story.
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21 06 45.5 -44 48 53; Mic
V = 12.7; Size 2.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 100°
30" (11/5/10 - Coonabarabran, 429x): brightest galaxy
in the core of ACO S921. I quickly
took notes on 10 galaxies within a 10' circle including four small companions
of NGC 7012 within 2'! NGC 7012
appeared fairly bright, moderately large, round, 50" diameter, well
concentrated with a small bright core.
The brightest nearby companion is ESO-LV 2860520 situated 1.3' SE but
two fainter, very small companions (not included in Megastar) are just off the
east and NE edge of the halo. ESO
286-048, a nice edge-on, lies 3.4' NW.
A mag 12 star lies 1' SW and a mag 15 star is 27" SE of
center. The cluster is centered
roughly 14' NE of mag 6.9
Anon J2106481-444853
Situated just 32" NE of the center of NGC 7012 in a
tight group of 5 galaxies within 2'.
Appeared as a very faint knot, round, 10" diameter. LCRS
LCRS B210329.4-450104
Situated just 40" E of the center of NGC 7012. Appeared as a very faint knot, round, 10" diameter with a similar galaxy (uncatalogued) 25" NW. A very faint star is just off the SW edge, 17" from center, sandwiched between this galaxy and NGC 7012.
ESO-LV 2860520 = 2MASX J21065143-4449340 = PGC 66118
This galaxy is situated 1.3' SE of NGC 7012. It appeared fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, small brighter core. 2MASX J21065660-4449137 lies 1' NE.
2MASX J21065660-4449137 = MAC 2106-4449 = PGC 533284
Picked up 2' ESE of NGC 7012 in the core of galaxy cluster. Appeared very faint, very small, 15"x10". This is the last of four galaxies that follow within 2' of NGC 7012!
Fairly faint, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, 0.9'x0.25', brighter core. Located 3.4' NW of NGC 7012 in the central part of the cluster.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7012 = h3851 on 1 Jul 1834 and recorded "A nebulous looking but doubtful object following a star 10 mag. My eye is too much fatigued to be able to decide on its nature." On a later sweep, he added "F; E; vgvlbM; 60" l; 30" br; near a star."
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21 03 33.3 +29 53 49; Cyg
V = 11.3; Size 4.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 157°
13.1" (7/20/85): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated NNW-SSE, dominated by a bright core containing a faint stellar nucleus. A mag 9.5 star (BD+29 4291) lies just off the north edge 1.8' from center. Located ~ 2° SE of the bright eastern section of the Veil nebula (NGC 6995)!
William Herschel discovered NGC 7013 = H. II-203 = h2102 on 17 Jul 1784 (sweep 239) and noted "pB, bM, irregularly E, resolvable. Near a bright star." His RA was nearly a minute of time too large. On 11 Sep 1784 (sweep 265) he noted "F, pL, lE, bM, south following a pB star." John Herschel made two observations. He described it on 15 Sep 1828 (sweep 177) as "pB; S; psbM; 12"; has a * 10m, pos 345° by micrometer; field full of stars."
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21 07 52.2 -47 10 44; Ind
V = 12.4; Size 1.9'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 130°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): this galaxy is the brightest
member of
John Herschel discovered NGC 7014 = h3852 on 2 Oct 1834 and
recorded "pF; S; R: bM; has 2 st 12th mag north." His position is at the south edge of
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21 05 37.4 +11 24 51; Equ
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 165°
13.1" (6/29/84): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, diffuse, weak concentration. A mag 15 star is at the south edge 40" from the center.
8" (7/24/82): very faint, small, slightly elongated N-S.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7015 = St. 9-26 = Sw. 2-87 on 17 Sep 1878. His published position (list 9, #26) was reduced on the 29th of Sept. and was very accurate. Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 11 Sep 1885 and reported it as new in his second discovery list (#87) with description, "pF, pS, R, lbM." His position was 3.5' too far north. Both Stephan and Swift were credited in the NGC.
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21 07 16.3 -25 28 08; Cap
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (9/26/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, ~25" diameter, very small brighter nucleus.
24" (8/14/15): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
round, ~20" diameter, contains a brighter core. In a group with
24" (9/27/14): faint, very small, round, 18" diameter. Brighter NGC 7017 (double system) is just 1.5' SE with NGC 7018 (also a double system) 3.2' NE.
18" (8/25/06): faint, small, round, 25" diameter,
weak even concentration to a very small brighter nucleus that is occasionally
stellar. Located 3' SW of
17.5" (8/21/98): first of trio with NGC 7017 and NGC 7018 within AGC 3744. Appears very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter core. Forms a close pair with NGC 7017 1.5' SE.
17.5" (7/21/90): faint, small, round, bright core. Forms a close similar pair with NGC 7017 1' SE with brighter NGC 7018 3' NNE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7016 = LM 1-237, along
with NGC 7017 and NGC 7018, on 8 Jul 1885. He noted "mag 14.0, eS, R, bMN, 1st of 3." These three the brightest galaxies in
the core of AGC 3744. His rough
position (nearest minute of RA) is about 1.5' south of
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NGC 7017 = ESO 529-026 = MCG -04-49-014 = VV 764 = AM 2104-254 NED2 = PGC 66137
21 07 20.6 -25 29 16; Cap
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 90°
24" (9/26/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, ~0.5'x0.4', increases gradually to a brighter core.
24" (8/14/15): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, ~30"x18", bright core. Although sometimes it appeared roundish, occasionally the elongated glow just resolved into a very close pair [separation 12" between centers] with the smaller (barely nonstellar) and fainter component on the east side.
24" (9/27/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 25"x20". Occasionally a very faint "knot" was attached at the east end, ~6" diameter. This is a merged double system with the east "knot" listed in NED as NGC 7017 NED2.
18" (8/25/06): faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, brighter core. Similar brightness to nearby NGC 7016 but contains a more condensed core. Located 3.7' SSW of NGC 7018 in the core of AGC 3744.
17.5" (8/21/98): very faint, very small, ~30"x20". Similar to NGC 7016 just 1.5' NW within AGC 3744.
17.5" (7/21/90): faint, small, round, bright core. Forms a close similar pair with NGC 7016 1' NW.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7017 = LM 1-238, along
with NGC 7016 and NGC 7018, on 8 Jul 1885. He noted "mag 15.0, vS, R, bMN, 2nd of 3." His rough position (nearest minute of
RA) essentially matches
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NGC 7018 = ESO 529-027 = MCG -04-49-015 = VV 764 NED1 = AM 2104-253 NED1 = PGC 66141 = PGC 93985
21 07 25.4 -25 25 44; Cap
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 86°
24" (9/26/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 E-W, ~0.6'x0.4', broad concentration. A mag 13.5 star is close north [1' from center].
24" (8/14/15): at 225x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 E-W, ~30"x18". At 375x, resolved into a very close pair of galaxies [just 10" between centers!] oriented E-W. The western component is slightly smaller and fainter, with the brighter 15" component is on the east side. A mag 13.5 star lies 1' N.
24" (9/27/14): at 375x, the brightest member in AGC 3744 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 ~E-W. This double system often resolves into two tangent components; the eastern member (NGC 7018 NED02 = 2MASX J21072565-2525430) is slightly larger and brighter (18" diameter) and the western component (NGC 7018 NED01 = 2MASX J21072463-2525569) is very compact (12" diameter).
Nearby are NGC 7016 3.2' SW, NGC 7017 3.7' SSW and MCG -04-49-016 2.6' ENE. The MCG appeared very faint, extremely small, round, 12" diameter. A mag 15 star is 0.6' SW.
18" (8/25/06): brightest in the AGC 3744 cluster. At 220x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 45"x30", gradually brighter core and slightly brighter along the major axis. A mag 12.5 star lies 1' N. Located 10' NE of an 8th magnitude star and 25' S of 4.5-magnitiude 24 Capricorni.
17.5" (8/21/98): the brightest member of AGC 3744 appeared faint, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 30"x20", weak concentration. A mag 13 star lies 1' N. Brightest in a quartet with NGC 7016 3.2' SW and NGC 7017 3.7' SSW.
17.5" (7/21/90): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 1.0' N. Brightest in a trio with NGC 7016 and NGC 7017 3' SW. Located 30' SSE of 24 Capricorni (V = 4.5).
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7018 = LM 1-239, along
with NGC 7016 and NGC 7017, on 8 Jul 1885. He noted "vF, vS, vlE, glbMN, 3rd and brightest of
3." His rough position
(nearest minute of RA) is 2' south of
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21 06 25.7 -24 24 46; Cap
V = 14.2; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 137°
17.5" (7/26/95): very faint, small, round, 40" diameter, low even surface brightness, can just hold steadily with averted vision. Follows a very distinctive "V" shaped asterism of six equal mag 13-13.5 stars with the vertex at the west end. This vertex star is 3.4' due west of center.
17.5" (8/7/91): very faint, very small, round. Located 3' E of a striking line of four mag 13 stars oriented SW-NE which are equally spaced and part of a larger string.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7019 = LM 1-240 in 1886
and noted mag 15.0, vS, sbMN. His
rough position (nearest minute of RA, which itself is marked as uncertain) is 1
minute of RA east of
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21 11 19.9 -64 01 27; Pav
V = 11.8; Size 3.7'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 165°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly large,
elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~2.5'x1.2', sharply concentrated with a very bright
elongated core that increases to the center and a very low surface brightness
halo. Located 8' E of mag 6.9 HD
201020. Brightest in a small group
with
John Herschel found NGC 7020 = h3853 on 31 Aug 1836 and
recorded "pB; lE; pgbM; 30" long." He had discovered this galaxy earlier on 22 Jun 1835, but
made a 30' error in declination (too far north) and it was catalogued
separately as h3854 (later
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NGC 7021 = NGC 7020 = ESO 107-013 = AM 2106-641 = PGC 66291
21 11 19.9 -64 01 27; Pav
V = 11.8; Size 3.7'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 165°
See observing notes for NGC 7020.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7021 = h3854 on 22 Jun 1835 and
recorded "pF; R; psbM; 25"; has a * 7-8m 10' preceding, exactly in
the parallel. There is nothing at
his position, but 30' south is
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21 09 35.2 -49 18 13; Ind
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 16°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x, moderately bright and
large, elongated 2:1 N-S, ~45"x20", irregular surface brightness with
slightly brighter middle and major axis but no distinct core. A mag 16 star is at or just off the
north tip. A string of 3 mag
11.5-13 stars oriented NNW-SSE lies 5' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7022 = h3855, along with NGC 7029, on 2 Oct 1834 and recorded "eeF; S; R; on a delicately and uniformly stipled ground; a bright triple star 6' or 7' sf nearly points to it."
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21 01 36 +68 10; Cep
Size 18'x18'
18" (7/24/06): viewed at 160x, this detailed reflection
nebula displayed a great deal of interesting structure! Surrounding the mag 7.4 illuminating
star
17.5" (8/13/88): very prominent unusual nebulosity
surrounding mag 7.4
13.1" (9/22/84): the dark lane appears to be following the central star and oriented ~N-S.
13.1" (9/11/82): bright, large nebulosity surrounding a mag 7 star. There is a sharp light cut-off on the east side near the bright star, although nebulosity extends beyond.
8" (8/28/81): nebulosity extends south of the mag 7.5 star with averted vision using 100-125x. A very faint star is at the south edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7023 = H. IV-74 on 18 Oct
1794 (sweep 1063) and recorded "7m.
A star very much affected with nebulosity that more than fills the
field, it seemed to extend to at least a degree all round; small stars such as
9 or 10m of which there are a great number, are perfectly free from this
appearance, but everything about the telescope being very damp, I have suspicion
of a deception." Per
Collinder mistakenly equated a cluster (
In 1907 Max Wolf photographed the nebula with the 28"
reflector of the Konigstuhl Observatory and found the nebula was encircled by a
lacuna or ring 0.5° in diameter, which is "absolutely empty of faint
stars" [dubbed a "Hohlennebel" or "cave-nebula"]
. He noted "In spite of the
small field of the reflector-plate, there was evidence that the cavity was the
end of a channel entering the picture almost exactly from the south...The
nebula itself is a very remarkable object. In many respects it resembles in form the Pi2 Cygni nebula
[
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21 06 09.1 +41 29 22; Cyg
Size 8'
17.5" (10/21/95): this fairly rich Milky Way field shows up reasonably distinctly at low power with a 20 Nagler. The densest part consists of 30 mag 12-14 stars in a 6' irregular outline. There is also a looser group of stars attached to the NE extending the diameter to 15'. The group on the NE side appears part of the same stream and includes several mag 11 stars. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7024 = H. VIII-57 = h2103 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 612) and recorded "A cluster of coarsely scattered pS stars of several sizes, not rich." On 1 Oct 1828 (sweep 183), John Herschel logged "A loose struggling coarse cl. Stars 10...11m, place that of 3 *s 10m in a triangle in the closest part. Several st precede the cl, which seems to be an outlier of the second branch of the Milky Way."
Karl Reinmuth reported its photographic appearance as "an irregular loose clustering of st 10..." Although it may not be a true cluster, RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent.
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21 07 47.3 +16 20 09; Del
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 33°
18" (10/8/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 0.8'x0.6', sharply concentrated with a well-defined bright core and a faint halo. The core brightness somewhat to the center. Located 40" E of a mag 9.7 star, which is on the east edge of a bright, scattered group of stars ("Toadstool" or French 1).
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly faint, very small, almost round, small bright nucleus. Located close following a large, scattered group of bright mag 8-10 stars (dubbed the "Toadstool" by Sue French) and just 0.7' E of a mag 9.5 star!
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7025 = m 433 on 17 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, vS, R, stell." His position is accurate.
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21 06 18.6 +47 51 08; Cyg
V = 10.9; Size 29"x13"
18" (9/10/07): at 565x the "Cheeseburger Nebula' was easily resolved into two small, elongated knots oriented ~E-W and with both lobes slightly extended ~N-S. Both knots are lively or mottled and slightly tapered in shape. They both contain stellar or quasi-stellar points near their centers with the western nucleus slightly easier. The eastern lobe is barely larger and brighter. The lobes are nearly tangent [6" apart between centers] but just separated by a darker lane and both lobes are encased in a common halo. At 807x, the two lobes were clearly separated by a dark lane (the Cheeseburger's "patty"!) oriented SSW to NNE. A central star was not seen. A mag 10.5 star is off the NE side, less than 30" from the center. Located 13' NNW of mag 4.6 73 Cyg.
17.5" (7/9/99): fascinating object at 380x both with and without a UHC filter. The double-lobed structure was clearly visible with the western lobe slightly elongated N-S and containing a brighter center. The eastern knot also has a quasi-stellar center at moments using direct vision and the knot has an irregular outline. Using the UHC, the lobes were more cleanly separated and the small fainter halo that encases the two bright lobes as more obvious. A mag 11 star is just 0.5' NE of center. Located 12.5' NNW of mag 4.7 63 Cygni.
13.1" (9/3/83): at 333x appears fairly bright, very small, elongated WSW-ENE. Two brighter condensations at the opposite ends are possibly barely detached at the center. Forms a double at low power with a comparable mag 11 star 27" NE of center.
Sherburne Burnham discovered NGC 7026 on 6 Jul 1873 with his personal 6-inch Clark refractor at his home in Chicago (Memoirs of the RAS, Vol 44, p295). It was described in his "Third Catalogue of Double Stars (1873) as "a very remarkable and curious double, or elongated planetary (?) nebula. It is close to a 9.3m star. This may have been noted before, but it is not in Herschel's General Catalogue, or Lassell's Catalogue of New Nebulae." It was also included in his 1879 "Double Star Observations made in 1877-8 at Chicago with the 18 1/2-inch Refractor of the Dearborn Observatory, comprising: I. A Catalogue of 251 New Double Stars with Measures; II. Micrometrical Measures of 500 Double Stars." He noted the "distance between nuclei as 2.57". Dreyer missed Burnham's two discovery notes, so NGC 7026 wasn't added to the General Catalog Supplement.
Ralph Copeland independently found this planetary on 18 Nov 1880 using a visual spectroscopic sweep and announced "a new planetary nebula has been found by Dr. Copeland at Dunecht, using Prof. Pickering's method of search." Burnham caught Copeland's "discovery" note and claimed priority in another 1881 article ("The planetary nebula in Cygnus"). Burnham later studied NGC 7026 with the 36" Lick refractor.
In 1909, Rev. Thomas Espin wrote (1909MNRAS..70..184E), "This autumn I have observed the nebula on several occasions. It consists of two elongated masses running N and small, each of which has a nucleus. To my eye the preceding nucleus is slightly brighter, and I have estimated them as 11.2, 11.4 mag, respectively. On Nov. 15 it seemed to me that the south part of the nebula ends more abruptly than the north. On the same night a faint star was suspected at the south end, and attempts were made to measure it. On all occasions the space between the two masses has seemed filled with nebulosity, and the object has appeared as one nebula with two nuclei."
Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) reported "very irregular; there are two bright lobes 5" long in the shorter exposures symmetrically placed with regard to the central star, and about 6" apart from center to center. A bright of nebulosity connects these and involves the central star, so that it resembles the letter H. Irregular wisps extend from each end of this formation, making the total length about 25" in p.a. about 10°.
Jay McNeil coined the nickname "Cheeseburger Nebula" in 1994 with a 10" f/5 Cave reflector. "It very much so reminded me of a small, nebulous hamburger with two perfectly shaped "buns" separated by a long thin dark lane (the meat ;-)."
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21 07 01.5 +42 14 10; Cyg
V = 8.5; Size 18"x11"
48" (10/24/14): this fairly small, ultra-high surface brightness green planetary was observed at 610x. Overall, the object extends ~18"x12" NW-SE, but split up into three distinct components. The first and brightest component is an elongated glow (~10"x6" NW-SE) on the northwest side, which contains a very small, intensely bright knot at its western edge! The second bright component is adjacent to its east and is separated by a thin, darker lane. This section has an elongated, irregular outline (~10"x6" NW-SE), and is slightly mottled with brighter spots. A thin, high-contrast dark lane runs WSW-ENE at the south edge of these two sections. The third bright component, just southeast of this lane, appeared as an irregular, elongated bar, running 2:1 WSW-ENE, ~12"x6" and formed a "cap" on the southeast side. The two ends of this cap are very slightly curved (concave to the northwest).
18" (9/10/07): at 175x; appears as a small, very high surface brightness oval with a blue-green color. At 450x, this planetary is elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~18"x12" and has an unusual bipolar appearance with two lobes. The 10" NW component has a very high surface brightness and contains a quasi-stellar brighter knot on its west edge. A fainter lobe juts out towards the SE and is slightly smaller (~8"). At 565x the SE lobe seems incomplete as if it was partially obscured and the two lobes are encased in a thin outer envelope. The view was fascinating at 807x with the sense of peering at a 3-dimensional object - the brighter NW lobe being closer and the partially overlapped SE lobe extending away in space. At this power both lobes were clearly irregular in shape and surface brightness.
17.5" (10/2/99): At 100x, the small greenish disc is very prominent but at higher powers appears bluish. Easily takes very high power and the view unfiltered at 380x and 500x was striking. Appears elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.3'x0.2', with two distinct lobes. The NW knot is slightly brighter and at times a stellar spot or star appears embedded at its SW tip. At 500x, the two knots are encased in a very small common halo that extends further out on the north side. The southern edge of both knots has a sharp, flat appearance.
13.1" (9/11/82): at 288x; small, bright, unusually high surface brightness, elongated NW-SE. There are two distinct overlapping nuclei and a narrow dark lane possibly separates these two condensations.
80mm (9/10/07): visible as a mag 8.5-9 "star" at 12.5x in the 80mm finder and easily identified using an OIII blink.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7027 = St. 9-27 on 18 Sep 1878 with the 31-inch Foucault reflector at the Marseilles observatory. This planetary is probably the brightest object he discovered. From some reason it wasn't included in Esmiol's 1916 re-reduction of Stephan's positions.
The following observational history is from Wolfgang Steinicke. The Reverend Thomas Webb independently rediscovered NGC 7027 on 14 Nov 1879 using his 9.4-inch With reflector. He described it as an "object like a bluish 9 mag star, not quite of stellar character - a small pair, too close to be separated?" At higher magnifications it was seen as "bright, very ill-defined, nebulous disk of about 4" diameter, surrounded probably by a little glow, and much resembling the planet Uranus." Webb's announcement in several publications created a flurry of interest in late 1879 with spectroscopic observations by Knott, Copeland, Winnecke, Vogel. In 1880, Dreyer noted Stephan's prior discovery, though it was still commonly assumed that Webb was the discoverer. E.E. Barnard observed NGC 7027 in June of 1889 with the Lick 36-inch at 500x (with Burnham) and logged, "In the p part there is a small bluish -green star like object - shining through ? haze. Occasionally a darkish space separates the condensations into two."
Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) reported "the condensations are not stellar in the shortest exposures. Quite irregular and roughly trinuclear, though the southern condsation is apparently two masses close together. The southern condensation and the brighter at the north are 7.5" apart in p.a. 135°."
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21 08 18 +18 29; Del
= Not found, Carlson.
= **?, Gottlieb. Possibly
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7028 = m 434 on 17 Sep 1863 and
noted "vF, S, vlE." Near
his position are only stars and its possible he mistook some close pair of
stars as a nebula, though the observation is marked as verified. Harold Corwin found no systematic
offset on the sweep that would point to a specific star(s). Two possible candidates are
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NGC 7029 = ESO 235-072 = PGC 66318
21 11 52.0 -49 17 01; Ind
V = 11.5; Size 2.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 71°
30" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 1.8'x1.2', strong concentration with a very bright core, rounded ends to the major axis. A mag 15.1 star is 50" WSW of center, just off the tip. NGC 7022 lies 22' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7029 = h3856, along with NGC 7022, on 2 Oct 1834 and logged "B; R; gpmbM; 35"." His position is accurate.
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21 11 13.3 -20 29 09; Cap
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 70°
17.5" (7/21/90): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core. An anonymous galaxy is 13' WNW. Located 25' E of 27 Capricorni (V = 6.2).
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7030 = LM 1-241 on 3 Sep
1885 and noted "mag 14.0, vS, iR, sbnMN." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 minute of time
west of
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21 07 12 +50 52; Cyg
V = 9.1; Size 5'
17.5" (8/10/91 and 7/30/92): at 220x, about two dozen stars mag 11-15 in a 6' diameter. At the east edge is close double star 11.4/11.8 with a third mag 11.5 star close SW. A nice string of stars is along the north side extending NW from the trio including a close double star 12/13 1' N. A mag 11 star is on south side but the rest of the stars are mag 13-15. Not very rich but stands out in a rich field. The cluster is fairly scattered except for this region with brighter stars. At 410x, I used the sequence of magnitudes in Clark's Visual Astronomy to identify a faint V = 16.1 star and suspected a V = 16.3 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7031 = H. VIII-74 = h2105 on 21 Sep 1788 (sweep 860) and recorded "a coarsely sc cl of L stars, not very rich, about 5 or 6' diam." John Herschel made the single observation "a curious scattered cluster of triple stars; RA taken from the working list [of Caroline Herschel]."
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21 15 22.9 -68 17 16; Pav
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 85°
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.6'x0.5', broad weak concentration. A distinctive 7' group of mag 10.5 and fainter stars that is extended N-S lies ~6' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7032 = h3857 on 20 Jul 1835 and noted "vF; R; glbM; 25"." His position is accurate.
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21 09 36.2 +15 07 30; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 170°
24" (6/30/16): at 322x; moderately bright, fairly small,
round, 24" diameter, well concentrated with a small bright core. A mag 10.8 star is 2.3' NNW. Forms a similar pair with
17.5" (8/2/89): very faint, small, round, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus. Close pair with NGC 7034 1.6' N.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7033 = m 435, along with NGC 7034, on 17 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, R." His RA is 2 seconds too large.
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NGC 7034 = UGC 11687 = MCG +02-54-003 = CGCG 426-007 = PGC 66227
21 09 38.2 +15 09 02; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 125°
24" (6/30/16): at 322x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, 30"x24", well concentrated with a small bright nucleus. A mag 10.8 star is 1.4' NW. NGC 7034 is the slightly larger of a similar pair with NGC 7033 1.6' SSW. Located just east of the border of Delphinus into Pegasus.
17.5" (8/2/89): very faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus. Close pair with NGC 7033 1.6' S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7034 = m 436, along with NGC 7033, on 17 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, vS, R." His position is accurate.
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21 10 46.3 -23 08 09; Cap
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (8/2/97): brightest in a small group of galaxies
- this object was quickly noticed to be double at 220x oriented WNW-ESE. The very close components are just
resolved, round, ~20" diameter each and very similar in brightness. Several faint galaxies are in the field
to the east including
ESO 530-018 is an extremely faint and small object in the NGC 7035 group. Located 8' ESE of NGC 7035 and 4' W of the ESO 530-020 triplet. It required concentration and extended viewing to glimpse this threshold object close (NE) of a mag 15 star. Confusing the observation further is a second threshold galaxy (MCG +05-50-004) that was also glimpsed on a couple of occasions close southeast of the star.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7035 = LM 2-460 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. His rough position (nearest minute of
RA) is 21h 11m -23d 05' and he only noted "iR" with a size of 0.5'. ESO/Uppsala and Harold Corwin identify
The RNGC identifies either edge-on ESO 530-018 or nearby MCG -04-50-004 as NGC 7035. This pair lies 5' to 6' south of Muller's position, though happen to match in RA. As the Leander McCormick positions tend to be fairly accurate in declination, this identification is less likely. It is also possible that NGC 7035 refers to a close chain of three galaxies 4' east of the edge-on, though Muller would have probably resolved this trio. There are a number of galaxies in the area, roughly matching Muller's declination, so if he was too far west in RA then there are several additional candidates!
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21 10 12 +15 22 36; Peg
17.5" (10/21/95): very poor scattered asterism of 10 mag 11-13 stars in a 4' diameter. This is totally unimpressive group and surprising it would be noted by John Herschel. Most of the stars form an oval outline highlighted by a tighter group of four stars within 1' diameter at the south end of the oval. There are no stars within the asterism's outline.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7036 = h2104 on 11 Oct 1825 and noted "A scattered cluster of small stars." A scattered group of stars is centered about 5' south of Herschel's position, and this is likely the intended object. Karl Reinmuth notes "no distinct Cl" and the RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent.
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21 10 49 +33 44 48; Cyg
Size 8'x3'
17.5" (8/25/95): this asterism is elongated 8'x3' in a SW-NE orientation and is situated in a fairly rich field. Consists of about 50 stars mag 11-14.5 with the brightest two mag 11/11.5 stars near the center at 50" separation. The region northeast of this pair is fairly rich in mag 13 stars. Appears best at 100x where it is detached in the field. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7037 = h2106 on 5 Aug 1829 and recorded "a cluster, not very rich; irreg figure, 8' l, 5' br; stars 11...15m." His position is very close to the brightest star (11th magnitude) near the center of this group. At Birr Castle in 1876, Sir Robert Ball called it "Many st, but no remarkable cl." Based on its photographic appearance at Heidelberg, Karl Reinmuth noted "Cl, pS, E, pP, st pF." Though this group of stars may be an asterism, it stands out clearly on the DSS and the RNGC misclassifies it as nonexistent.
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21 15 07.5 -47 13 14; Ind
V = 11.8; Size 3.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 127°
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 244x; fairly bright, large, elongated nearly 2:1 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.4', broad concentration with a small brighter core. Spiral structure is evident in the outer halo with two arms noted. One is attached on the northwest side of the middle region and curls to the south. A second arm is attached on the south side and curls to the east and north. A mag 14 star is 1.8' E. A mag 11 star situated 2.6' NE is the brightest in a string oriented northwest to southeast.
NGC 7038 is an outlying member of AGC 3742 = ACO S924 = Indus Group of galaxies. The cluster is roughly 200 million years distant.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7038 = h3858 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; L; pmE; gbM; 2' l; 90" br." His position (also measured on the next sweep) is accurate.
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21 10 48 +45 37; Cyg
V = 7.6; Size 25'
17.5" (9/7/91): about 125 stars in a 15'-20' diameter. This is a very large, rich triangular group. Two bright mag 7.5 stars are at the SSW and NNE ends. Also two mag 9 stars are involved. Very rich in mag 12-13 stars. Overall, this is a pretty uniform cluster with a sprinkling of brighter stars. Excellent low power Milky Way field using a 20mm Nagler.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7039 = h2107 on 19 Sep 1829 and
recorded "a star 6-7m situated just beyond the nf edge of a L, p rich
cluster, 11...15m, 20' long, 7' broad.
Extended from nf to sp."
His position matches mag 6.7
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21 13 16.5 +08 51 54; Equ
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 150°
24" (8/31/16): fairly faint or moderately bright,
fairly small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", small brighter
nucleus. A mag 15 star is at the
south edge of the halo. The SDSS
shows an E-W line of 3 faint stars on the south edge, though the middle
"star" is classified as a galaxy.
17.5" (8/10/91): faint, fairly small, diffuse, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, low almost even surface brightness. A very faint mag 15.5 star superimposed at the south edge is identified in CGCG and UGC as an extremely compact companion with dimensions 15"x7" but NED notes this may be a close line of three stars.
Forms a pair with
17.5" (8/31/86): faint, diffuse, irregularly round, no noticeable core. A faint "star" is embedded on the south edge.
Mark Harrington, director of the Detroit Observatory in Ann
Arbor, discovered NGC 7040 on 18 Aug 1882 with a 12 5/8-inch Fitz
refractor. His discovery note in
AN 2479 mentions "it is so faint that I can only see it after resting my
eyes in the dark a few moments. It
is about 3' long by half that in breadth and is extended north and south, the
northern end preceding a bit."
Although the size estimate is too large, his position is a good match
with
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21 16 32.4 -48 21 49; Ind
V = 11.2; Size 3.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 85°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; extremely bright, very
large, elongated nearly 3:1 E-W, ~2.8'x1.0', high surface brightness, very
sharply concentrated with an intensely bright, very elongated core. A mag 10.7 star is 2' SSE and a mag
10.4 star is 6' WNW.
ESO 235-083 is fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
NNW-SSE, 24"x18", broad weak concentration. A mag 15.6 star is 35" N of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7041 = h3859 on 7 Jul 1834 and recorded "B; pmE; psmbM; 40" l; has a * 11m sf." His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.
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21 13 45.8 +13 34 30; Peg
V = 12.0; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 140°
24" (7/23/20): at 375x; moderately bright, relatively
large, ~1.2' diameter, broad concentration with a slightly brighter core that
appears offset to the NW within the brighter main portion of the galaxy. The outer halo has a very low surface
brightness with an indistinct edge.
In a rich star field with a mag 11.5 star 2.3' NE. Forms a pair with fainter
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, moderately large, round, bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 7043 5.4' NE. A mag 12 star lies 2.3' NE between the galaxies. Observed through haze.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7042 = H. III-209 on 16 Oct
1784 (sweep 294) and recorded "vF, S, R." Caroline's reduction is 12 seconds west and 1.5' north of
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NGC 7043 = UGC 11704 = MCG +02-54-014 = CGCG 426-024 = LGG 442-002 = PGC 66385
21 14 04.2 +13 37 33; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 135°
24" (7/23/20): at 375x; faint, fairly small, round, low nearly even surface brightness, at most 30" diameter. Several faint stars are within 1.5' and a mag 11.5 star is 3' SW. This star is roughly midway to larger and brighter NGC 7042 5.4' SW.
17.5" (8/31/86): very faint, small, round. Located 5.4' NE of much brighter NGC 7042. Observed through haze.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7043 = m 437 on 18 Aug 1863 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is accurate (noted as verified). Harold Corwin notes that Reinmuth reported NGC 7043 as "Not found" in his 1927 photographic survey "Die Herschel Nebel" based on Heidelberg plates, though his remark is in parenthesis indicating the plate was poor in some respect.
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21 13 09.4 +42 29 46; Cyg
Size 3.5'
24" (7/30/16): at 375x and 500x; perhaps a total of 50 stars in a circular 4' region are resolved over a mottled, scraggly glow. Several of the fainter stars were near my visual threshold, so popped in and out of view with the seeing. In any case, the cluster is impressively rich at 375x. A 20" pair of mag 11.5/13 stars is on the east side. A rich but faint curving chain of stars oriented ~N-S is on the west side (open to the west).
17.5" (10/5/91): at 100x, faint, small, a few stars are resolved over a 4' glowing spot. At 200x, about 20 faint stars are resolved over background haze, 4' diameter, irregular outline. A wide pair of brighter mag 10.5/12.5 stars is at the east edge. About 10 mag 12-13 stars are clearly visible and 10 additional mag 14-15 stars are visible with averted vision. Appears like a partially resolved low surface brightness globular cluster in a rich field.
8" (8/12/83): about 10 faint mag 12/13 stars over unresolved haze, unimpressive. Elongated N-S, small but not rich. Some scattered bright stars are in field to the NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7044 = H. VI-24 = h2110 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 612) and recorded "a very compressed and very rich cluster of extremely S stars, about 4' l and 3' br. Elongated nearly in the parallel." On 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 620) he also logged "a cl. of extremely small stars, very compressed wand very rich, about 6' l and 4' br." On 29 Aug 1829, John Herschel reported "vF; L; irreg fig; p rich; not mbM; 2 or 3 pL stars, the rest 16...18m; 5' diam."
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21 14 50.2 +04 30 24; Equ
= **, Corwin and Dreyer.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7045 = h2108 on 16 Jul 1827 and
logged "eF; field feebly illuminated by moonlight, but I remained
satisfied of its reality." His
position lies between mag 9.3
RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent, although the "New Description" appears to describe a galaxy.
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21 14 56.0 +02 50 05; Equ
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 115°
17.5" (5/10/91): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~E-W, very diffuse, weak concentration. Two mag 15 stars are off the north and south edges.
13.1" (6/29/84): faint, very diffuse, irregularly round, even surface brightness. A group of faint stars are off the SE edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7046 = H. III-858 = h2109 on 10 Oct 1790 (sweep 973) and recorded "eF, pL, iR, vlbM, requires great attention to be seen." John Herschel made two observations, first logging on sweep 94, "eF; R; barely visible; night exquisite." His mean position is accurate.
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21 16 27.6 -00 49 35; Aqr
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 107°
17.5" (10/12/85): fairly faint, elongated WNW-ESE, a very faint star is at the WNW end. Appears like a small comet with a star for the head. Located 13' S of mag 7.9 SAO 145257. Similar notes on 8/1/86.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7047 = St. 5-5 on 5 Sep 1871. His rough position was 5' too far N. He determined an accurate micrometric position (list V, #5) on 20 Aug 1873 with description "eF, vS; two condensation points on the same parallel at 2 seconds [RA] interval." One of the condensations points is probably the superimposed star at the west end.
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21 14 14.2 +46 17 28; Cyg
V = 12.1; Size 62"x60"
48" (10/27/16): at 375x (unfiltered); bright, fairly large, nearly round, irregular surface brightness. The rim is slightly brighter along the west and northwest side in a thin strip and very weakly enhanced on the east edge. A bright mag 10.5 star is just off the SSE edge and a mag 15.7 star is very near the NNW edge (180° opposite the bright star). A brighter interior star is on the northwest side [17" from center]. In addition a couple of very faint stars are superimposed.
24" (8/30/16): at 376x unfiltered; fairly bright, moderately large, very slightly elongated N-S, seen full size at ~60" diameter. The rim is slightly brighter along and the western side and very weakly enhanced on the eastern edge. On the northwest side is a brighter, circular region with a faint (interior) star embedded. Overall the planetary has a very weak annular appearance. A mag 8.3 star is 3.3' WSW, a mag 10.5 star is off the SSE edge [42" from center] and a faint star is barely off the NE edge [30" from center].
18" (9/10/07): at 280x unfiltered appears as a
moderately bright disc that is slightly elongated ~N-S,
~65"x60". A mag 10.5
star lies just off the south end (42" from center) and a mag 13 star is
off the north end (60" from center).
Appears slightly brighter along the west edge and to a lesser extent
along the east edge, giving a weak annular appearance. A faint star is right at the northeast
edge of the rim and an interior star is on the northwest side. Also, an extremely faint star is
sometimes visible at the north-northwest edge of the rim. Located 3.3' ENE of mag 8.3
17.5" (8/7/91): bright, fairly large, slightly elongated N-S. Extends between a mag 10.5 star just off the south end (46" from the center) and a mag 13 star off the north end (1.0' from center). Extremely faint stars are superimposed at the west and NNE edge. Appears slightly brighter along the west and east side of the disc and the planetary has a slightly darker center (weakly annular). No central star was visible. Located 3.3' ENE of mag 8 SAO 50601.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7048 = St. 9-28 on 3 Aug 1866, apparently his first discovery. His uncorrected position was 5' too far E but he published an accurate position in list 9 that was reduced on 19 Oct 1878. At +46° declination, NGC 7048 is the most northerly object discovered by Stephan at Marseilles as he only searched up to the zenith. Thomas Webb independently found it on 14 Nov 1879 and announced his discovery in AN 96, 191. He noted the "star" BD +48°4004 was not stellar, but a "bluish ill-defined disc of about 4", surrounded possibly with a feeble glow." Ralph Copeland was notified and examined it with a spectrscope at the Dun Echt observatory and verified emission lines consistent with a gaseous nebula.
In 1919, Heber Curtis reported it was undoubtedly a planetary nebula based on a Crossley photograph and described it as "A rather faint oval, with slight traces of ring structure. It is about 60" x 50" in p.a. 20°±. The brightest portions are at the east end of the minor axis. There is a very faint central star." In 1920, Francis Pease reported it was "a planetary resembling the Dumb-bell nebula, about 1' diameter, weak axis in p.a. 170°. The central star is very faint."
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NGC 7049 = ESO 236-001 = AM 2115-484 = LGG 444-003 = PGC 66549
21 19 00.3 -48 33 43; Ind
V = 10.7; Size 4.3'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 57°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; extremely bright, large, oval 4:3 SW-NE, at least 2.0'x1.5', high surface brightness, very sharply concentrated with a blazing core that is mottled and increases to a stellar nucleus. A faint star is embedded just west of the core (not visible on overexposed images).
Brightest in a group (LGG 444), along with NGC 7041 27'
NW.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 7049 = D 406 = h3860 on 4 Aug 1826 and recorded "a small round nebula, about 12 or 15 arcseconds diameter, very bright immediately at the centre, resembling a small star surrounded by an atmosphere. This is N.f. a star of the 6th magnitude." His position was 4' ENE of center. John Herschel observed the galaxy twice, improved the position, and logged on 30 Sep 1834, "vB, pS, pmE, psvmbM, 25" long, 15" broad." Two nights later he noted "B, R, pgmbM, 1'."
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21 15 08 +36 10 30; Cyg
Size 5'
17.5" (8/25/95): this interesting asterism consists of three distinct groups of stars each about 4' apart from the other two groups. The south group has five stars including the brightest mag 10 star. The west group has four stars in a small clump with a detached wide pair a couple of arc minutes south. Finally, the richest group is on the east side with 15 stars mag 12.5-15 in a 2' circle. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7050 = h2111 on 19 Aug 1828, though apparently didn't take any notes. The Slough Catalogue reports "No description. A cluster." His position falls near the brightest mag 12 star in one of the northeast subgroup in my visual description. Ld Rosse: " About a dozen B stars and a number of S ones scattered about." On 5 Oct 1866, Sir Robert Ball logged at Birr Castle, "about a dozen B stars and a number of S stars scattered about it." RNGC classifies this asterism as nonexistent, though it is pretty clearly JH's intended object.
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21 19 51.4 -08 46 53; Aqr
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (7/8/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval ~E-W, halo gradually increases to a small bright core containing a stellar nucleus. An extremely faint star is possibly involved at the east side. A wide double star is 2' W (mag 11/13.5 at 26").
John Herschel discovered NGC 7051 = h2113 on 30 Jul 1827 and
recorded "vF; R; gbM; near a double star." There is nothing at his position and it was not found on 3
attempts at Birr Castle. On a 4th try (a bad night), a nebula was suspected
near a faint double star but not confirmed. Exactly two minutes of time west of Herschel's position is
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21 18 33.0 +26 26 49; Vul
V = 12.4; Size 2.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 64°
13.1" (7/20/85): moderately bright, pretty edge-on WSW-ENE. Bulging bright core contains a substellar nucleus, fainter extensions. At 220x an extremely faint mag 15 star is visible off the NE edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7052 = H. III-145 = h2112 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 263) and noted "vF, lE, stellar." On 14 Oct 1786 (sweep 610), he reported "F, S, lE, bM. I see it much clearer this way [using the "front-view" without a secondary], than I have formerly done (263 sweep) in the Newtonian construction." Herschel reverted to the front-view method (first experimented with in May 1784) starting on 22 Sep 1786 (sweep 600). John Herschel logged "F; R; 20"; the RA may be 2 or 3 seconds out." His RA as 13 seconds of time too large.
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21 21 07.6 +23 05 05; Peg
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, small bright core. A mag 11 star is 45" SW. Located 12' NNW of a mag 7.9 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7053 = m 438 on 2 Sep 1863 and
noted "pB, S, vlE." His
position is off the southwest side of
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21 30 01.9 +26 43 04; Vul
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4
See observing notes for
Édouard Stephan found NGC 7054 = St. 4-4 on 28 Aug 1872. His rough notebook position was just 1.5' W of NGC 7080 (discovered earlier by Marth). His published position in list 4 (#4) was reduced three days later and there is nothing at this position. Emmanuel Esmiol re-reduced Stephan's position (published in 1916) but there is no listing for NGC 7054. Corwin noticed, though, an "anonymous" object in Esmiol's table is given with Stephan's original offset but using a different star. This leads to a position near NGC 7080 (was Stephan aware of Marth's discovery?). But Corwin found that Esmiol, like Stephan, misidentified the offset star. The star PPM 113035 is exactly at Stephan's offset from NGC 7080. See NGC 7080 for more.
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21 19 25 +57 35 24; Cep
Size 3'
17.5" (8/25/95): this is a small, unimpressive group of just 10 mag 12-14.5 stars in a 3' region. The group is only distinguishable because it is detached in the field. There are some brighter scattered stars to the south, which John Herschel may have included in his 8' estimate. The group of stars appears to be fully resolved and just an asterism. Interestingly, there is a large, fairly bright and rich star field about 30' SW centered about 21 16.5 +57 28" (2000) which appears to be a cluster but is not listed in the Lynga catalogue.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7055 = h2114 on 25 Sep 1829 and recorded "a F, S, poor cluster, 8' dia." His position corresponds with a very small group of 10 faint stars. Based on a Heidelberg plate, Reinmuth noted "a few F st clustered very loosely." RNGC classified this perfectly good asterism as nonexistent.
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21 22 07.5 +18 39 56; Peg
V = 12.9; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, small, almost round. A small brighter core appears offset to the west and gives the impression that the galaxy is slightly elongated.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7056 = m 439 on 17 Sep 1863 and
noted "pF, S, R." His position matches
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21 24 59.0 -42 27 37; Mic
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 132°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately
large, elongated 5:4 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.7', gradually brightens to a brighter core
and stellar nucleus. A mag 15 star
is at the east edge [27" from center]. Second brightest in a trio with
18" (8/19/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 30"x20". There appears to be an extremely faint star at the east edge. First of two with NGC 7060 10' ENE. Viewed at only 10° elevation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7057 = h3861, along with NGC 7060, on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "eF; vS; R; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 7060]." His position is accurate.
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21 21 39.8 +50 50 17; Cyg
17.5" (8/25/95): bright, scattered group including mag
7.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 7058 = h2115 on 8 Sep 1829 and simply noted "the chief star of a coarse, poor cl." There is no bright star near his position, but 40 tsec of RA following and 1.5' north is a bright, scattered group including 8th magnitude SAO 33352 at 21 21 39.8 +50 50 17. Copeland, observing at Birr Castle in 1871, noted it was a "Cl, vP, in milky way." and Reinmuth called it simply "a few B st", based on a Heidelberg plate. RNGC classifies this Milky Way asterism as nonexistent (Type 7) and Kharchenko et al, 2012, classifies it as a moving group so at least some of the stars may be related.
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21 27 21.5 -60 00 53; Pav
V = 11.9; Size 3.5'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 98°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly large,
elongated 2:1 E-W, ~2'x1', well concentrated with a round very bright
core. There is knot (in a spiral
arm?) near the northwest end of the core.
A mag 10.6 star is 1.9' S of center. This star is a fairly close, very unequal pair (not
catalogued in the WDS) and was just resolved. Two additional equally spaced
stars extend to the southwest.
Also, three collinear mag 13 stars extend to the west of the
galaxy.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7059 = h3862 on 22 Jul 1835 and recorded "B; lE; gpmbM; 90" l, 40" br." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7060 = ESO 287-022 = MCG -07-44-006 = AM 2122-423 = LGG 445-009 = PGC 66732
21 25 53.5 -42 24 37; Mic
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 124°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright or very bright, fairly large, ~1.2'x1.0' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core that increases to a stellar nucleus. Two mag 13 stars are 2.0' NNW and 2.8' NW, a mag 14 star is 2' E, and a mag 16 star is 30" SSW. Brighter in a trio with NGC 7057 10.5' WSW and much fainter AM 2122-424 5' SSW (logged as "very faint, small, round, 18" diameter). The physical group includes NGC 7060, 7057, 7070, 7072 and 7072A.
MLO 6, a very bright mag 5.6/8.2 pair at 2.7" lies 15' SW. The relatively faint companion in this large mag contrast pair appeared orange-red.
18" (8/19/09): faint, fairly small, orientation difficult to determine as sometimes appeared round (core?) and other times elongated 4:3 or 3:2, weak concentration, ~40"x30". Two mag 14 stars lies 2' N and 3' NW. Brighter of a pair with NGC 7057 10' WSW. Located 18' NW of a mag 5.6/8.1 pair at 2.9".
John Herschel discovered NGC 7060 = h3863, along with NGC 7057, on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "vF; S; R; the following of 2 [with NGC 7057]." His position is accurate.
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21 27 26.9 -49 03 48; Ind
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 137°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; moderately bright, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 NW-SE, ~36"x 18", small brighter core. NGC 7061 is nearly collinear with three nearby stars; mag 15.5 star 45" SE of center, 14.5 star 2' SE and 13.5 star 3' SE.
NGC 7061 is the brightest in a small (physical) group
including
John Herschel discovered NGC 7061 = h3864 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; 10"; the feeblest object imaginable." His position is accurate.
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21 23 27 +46 22 42; Cyg
V = 8.3; Size 7'
17.5" (8/7/91): about 30 stars mag 10 and fainter in a 5' diameter at 220x. The brightest stars form a parallelogram enclosing the cluster. A mag 10 star is at the east end and a mag 11 star is at the west end. Most of the cluster stars in the interior are mag 12.5-14.
8" (7/16/82): rich, small. Includes many mag 12-13 stars over haze, very mottled and dense.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7062 = H. VII-51 = h2116 on 19 Oct 1788 (sweep 868) and recorded "a pretty compressed cl. of pS stars, considerably rich, 5 or 6' dia, iR." John Herschel made 3 observations, first recording (sweep 203), "a neat, pretty compact cluster of 50 or 60 stars 4' diam; irreg fig; a * 13m taken, the chief in the preceding part."
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21 24 21 +36 29 12; Cyg
V = 7.0; Size 8'
17.5" (8/7/91 and 8/8/91): about 35 stars mag 9-15 in a 10' region. Very bright, fairly large, elongated ~N-S. Includes about ten bright stars mag 9-10.5. This is a scattered group with no rich sections. A line of four bright stars is at the west edge and a curving arc of bright stars is just following. Includes a triple star (ES 2126) consisting of a close 4" well-matched mag 11 double star and a third member at 9".
John Herschel discovered NGC 7063 = h2117 on 19 Aug 1828 and recorded "a poor cluster, stars 10m." His position matches this bright, scattered cluster.
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21 29 03.0 -52 46 03; Ind
V = 12.5; Size 3.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 91°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, very large, thin edge-on 7:1 E-W, ~2.5'x0.35', no distinct core. The surface is slightly mottled and two or three stellar or quasi-stellar knots were noted (probable HII regions); one near the west end, one east of center, and one near the center. A mag 10 star is 1.3' SSW of center and a mag 14 star is 1' to its east.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7064 = h3865 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; vmE; in pos = 90.8°; vgbM; 80" l; has a star south."
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21 26 42.4 -06 59 43; Aqr
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 25°
24" (9/27/19): at 225x and 375x; fairly faint, small, round, 24" diameter, dominated by a sharp stellar nucleus with a very low surface brightness halo. Checking the SDSS, a star is superimposed very close west of the nucleus!
17.5" (7/8/89 and 9/15/90): fairly faint, extremely
small, round, bright stellar nucleus or star superimposed, just non-stellar
(only core visible). Located 4.7'
WSW of mag 8.8
The companion appeared very faint, fairly small, weak
concentration, very low surface brightness diffuse glow. Collinear with mag 8.8
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7065 = St. 8a-12 on 24 and
25 Aug 1865 and his discovery positions match
21 26 42.4 -06 59 43 NGC 7065 = MCG -01-54-017 = PGC 66766
21 26 45.7 -06 59 41 d'Arrest (mean of 2 positions)
21 26 42.9 -06 59 48 Stephan (Esmiol's re-reduction)
21 26 57.8 -07 01 18 NGC 7065A = MCG -01-54-018 = PGC 66774
21 26 58 -07 02 Marth
So, d'Arrest discovered NGC 7065 (also observed by Stephan) and Marth apparently discovered NGC 7065A, a larger, lower surface brightness companion 4' southeast. Interestingly, all three observers only found a single galaxy, though both MCG galaxies were observed in my 17.5" and fairly similar in ease of visibility. So, NGC 7065A should have received a separate NGC number -- unless Marth's position was very poor, and coincidentally matches NGC 7065A. The RNGC positions for both galaxies are 2' too far south (see my RNGC Corrections #4). See Harold Corwin's identification notes for more.
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21 26 13.8 +14 10 57; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, very small, elongated, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is just north.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7066 = Sw. 4-80 = Sw. 5-92 on 31 Aug 1886 (included in both lists with the same dates) and recorded "eeeF; eee diff.; close sf of middle of 3 faint stars in a curve, middle star the brighter. Nebula nearly on the same parallel as the south star of 4 in a row preceding." His position and description matches except the last comment, which should read "Nebula nearly on the same parallel as the north star of 4 in a row preceding."
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21 24 12 +48 00 42; Cyg
V = 9.7; Size 3'
17.5" (8/10/91): about 20 stars in a 3' field. Faint but fairly rich, most stars very faint. Superimposed over unresolved background haze. The two brightest mag 12 stars are at the SW and NE corners. A rich string of very faint mag 14-15 stars oriented NW-SE is in the center as well as two mag 13 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7067 = H. VII-50 = h2118 on 27 Sep 1788 (sweep 866) and recorded "a few small stars with suspected nebulosity. 300 shows a great many smaller stars intermixed with the former, in the shape of a cluster." Although not visually distinctive, his position matches this small cluster. John Herschel made the single observation "A double star. The chief of a poor cl." His position matches HJ 1644 (SAO 5080), which is 4' east of the faint but rich section. Perhaps he failed to resolve these stars?
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21 26 32.4 +12 11 03; Peg
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 165°
17.5" (8/2/89): very faint, small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE. A mag 14 star is at the NNE edge 20" from center. Located just 1.1' SSE of a mag 9.5 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7068 = m 441 on 7 Nov 1863 and noted "eF, close to a small *." His position is 1' too far south and the small star is at the northeast edge.
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21 28 05.9 -01 38 49; Aqr
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 20°
18" (8/14/07): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.25', very small bright core. Five faint IC galaxies lie within 35' to the north.
17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, weak concentration.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7069 = m 442 on 12 Oct 1863 and noted "vF, S, R, stell." His position is accurate.
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21 30 25.4 -43 05 14; Gru
V = 12.3; Size 2.3'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 22°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly prominent due
to large size but overall modest surface brightness. Appears as a large cottony oval SSW-NNE, ~1.7'x1.4'. There appeared to be a brighter bar in
the center oriented E-W and a strong suggestion of structure in the outer
halo. Either a stellar knot or a
star appeared superimposed just on the west side of the weak "bar"
(Carnegie-Irvine image shows this to be a star) and the halo contained some
slightly brighter regions or knots.
18" (10/16/09): very faint, very low surface brightness
patch with no concentration.
Requires averted to glimpse a 1' hazy glow with no definite edge. First and largest in a trio with NGC
7072 4.5' SE and
John Herschel discovered NGC 7070 = h3866, along with NGC 7072, on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F, L, vlE, vglbM, 2' broad, the preceding of two [with NGC 7072]." On a later sweep he called it "F, pL, lE, gvlbM, 1'." His mean position is accurate.
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21 26 39.7 +47 55 15; Cyg
Size 7'
18" (10/8/05): this "nonexistent cluster" is located in a glorious low power Milky Way field. Several groupings (both large and small) caught my eye at 73x (67' field), but I was mostly drawn to a fairly distinctive 4' string of stars oriented NW-SE. At 225x, ~15 stars were packed into the string, most stars being mag 13-14 with a few fainter stars, and possibly over unresolved Milky Way background glow. This group would have likely caught John Herschel's eye as he swept the region, though it may be an asterism (not in Lynga).
John Herschel discovered NGC 7071 = h2119 on 19 Sep 1829 and recorded "A very poor and small cluster of an oblong figure. It is followed by a loosely scattered mass of stars." His position corresponds with a 7' to 8' curving string of stars. Surprising, Karl Reinmuth was unable to identify this group on a Heidelberg plate and noted "not found; = N7067?" Dorothy Carlson repeated this comment in her 1940 NGC Correction paper as well as in the RNGC.
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NGC 7072 = ESO 287-031 = MCG -07-44-018 = LGG 445-010 = PGC 66874
21 30 37.1 -43 09 08; Gru
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 90°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly faint to moderately bright, round, 30" diameter, weak concentration to the center. Second brightest in trio with NGC 7070 4.5' NNW and NGC 7072A 3.7' SSW. NGC 7072A appeared fairly faint, round, 35"-40" diameter, low even surface brightness, no core or zones.
18" (10/16/09): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated, 20"x15". Forms a trio with NGC 7070 4.5' NNW and NGC 7072A 3.7' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7072 = h3867, along with NGC 7070, on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; vglbM; 30"; the following of 2 [with NGC 7070]." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.
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21 29 26.0 -11 29 17; Cap
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, small, round, very low even surface brightness. A mag 14.5 star is off the SE end.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7073 = m 443 on 25 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, vS, irr R." His position is accurate.
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21 29 38.8 +06 40 57; Peg
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.3'; PA = 115°
24" (9/7/13): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 0.5'x0.2'.
There was no noticeable core but seemed brighter along the NE edge. Located 6' NNE of mag 6.4 HD
204603.
17.5" (10/17/98): faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE,
very weak concentration. A mag
13.5 star lies 1.4' NE. Located 7'
NNE of mag 6.6
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, round, weak concentration.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7074 = m 444 on 16 Oct 1863 and noted "vF, S, E." Although marked as verified, his position is nearly 7' north of CGCG 401-027 = PGC 66854 (double galaxy). Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 31 Jul 1886 as well as Rudolph Spitaler in 1891 with the 27-inch refractor at the Vienna University Observatory. CGCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 7074.
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21 31 33.0 -38 37 05; Gru
V = 12.7; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 116°
17.5" (10/5/91): very faint, small, round, small bright
core. Located 3.8' S of a mag 9.5
star (9.9/11.1 at 5") and 10' ENE of mag 7.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 7075 = h3868 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R; psbM; 15"." His position is accurate.
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21 26 23.6 +62 53 33; Cep
V = 14.5; Size 67"x47"
14.5" (9/29/21): the position was pinpointed at 87x and the planetary was faintly seen unfiltered as a hazy 40" glow. Good (but not excellent) contrast gain using an OIII filter and the PN was easily visible continuously. Increasing to 140x, it was very easy unfiltered and a mag 14.5 star was seen on the east edge. Adding a NPB filter it was often slightly elongated. At 264x, a 15th mag star was occasionally seen on the N edge. The field is rich in faint stars.
24" (10/3/13): picked up unfiltered but very good
contrast gain with a UHC filter at 225x.
Appeared moderately bright, slightly elongated ~48"x40". Clearly brighter along the eastern side
with the brightest portion directly east of center, giving a partially annular
appearance. Unfiltered a mag 14.5
star is at the east edge and a mag 15 star is involved at the north edge. Two mag 13.5/14 stars just north are
collinear with the planetary.
Located in a rich star field 16' SE of mag 7.4
18" (10/9/04): picked up at 73x (31 Nagler) as a fairly small (for an Abell planetary), fairly faint disc, perhaps 35"-40" in diameter. Appears evenly illuminated at low power. Viewed unfiltered at 160x and a couple of faint stars are embedded, one at the east edge and another at the north. Only a weak contrast gain using the OIII filter and easier to view unfiltered at 225x. At this power the shape appears irregular and brighter along the east side. Neither of the two stars appears to be the central star as they're situated near the edge of the halo. A number of 13-15th magnitude stars are in the field including a couple of 14th mag stars 1' and 2' N and a small, fainter trio close west. Located 56' ENE of mag 2.5 Alpha Cephei (Alderamin).
17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint at 79x using an OIII filter, slightly elongated, moderately large, estimate V = 13.5-13.8. Faintly visible unfiltered. At 222x two stars are superimposed; a faint star east of center and one at the north edge. The planetary is collinear with two mag 14 stars 1' N and 2' N. Located 15' SE of mag 7.2 SAO 19386. Not identified as NGC 7076 in CGPN and ESO-Strausberg catalogues.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7076 = H. III-936 on 15 Oct
1794 (sweep 1062) and noted "vF, easily resolvable." His position is 7 min 54 sec of RA east
and 16' north of Alpha Cephei.
Just 2' further north is the planetary
The ESO-Strausberg planetary catalogue uses the Abell designation. RNGC lists NGC 7076 as a diffuse nebula instead of a planetary and furthermore the declination is 6' too far south. I found the equivalency between NGC 7076 and Abell 75 and listed it in RNGC Corrections #3.
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21 29 59.6 +02 24 51; Aqr
V = 13.1; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 160°
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse,
fainter than
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7077 = m 445 on 11 Aug 1863 and simply noted "F". His position is fairly accurate, so the identification is certain.
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21 29 58.3 +12 10 01; Peg
V = 6.3; Size 12.3'; Surf Br = 0.3
17.5" (8/5/94): extremely bright with a halo extending
to about 11' diameter and a 3' very bright core containing a 30" intense
nucleus. The halo is very highly
resolved into fairly bright stars that are irregularly scattered in the outer
halo. The halo extends 85% to mag
7.7
13.1": very bright, very large, very small intense nucleus surrounded by a bright core. Superb resolution down to the center of core.
8": very bright, large, intense core is very compact and dense, surrounded by inner halo with many stars superimposed, outer halo well resolved into long distinct streamers. A mag 7.6 star is at the NNE edge of the halo.
Naked-eye (7/11/07): easily visible naked-eye at Lassen National Park as a small, hazy spot just west of a 6th magnitude star.
Naked-eye (7/26/06): Located 17' W of a naked-eye mag 6.1 star. The globular was sometimes visible naked-eye as a faint haze to the west of the star.
Jean-Dominique Maraldi discovered
William Herschel made an early observation using his 6-inch (10-ft focal length) on 31 May 1783 and commented, "all fairly resolved into stars." On 19 Oct 1784, he described "a beautiful cl. of v compressed and numerous stars, the most compressed part about 2' dia, the next about 7 or 8'; and all the stars within about 15' seem still to belong to the same by the colour, the size, the regular scattering and the gradual accumulation. The general figure is round; but within the space of 6 or 7' the stars are arranged in a sort of a square."
John Herschel reported "vB; vL; irreg. R; g b and v s m b M. A magnificent globular cluster; comes up to a perfect blaze in the centre, like a protuberance or nipple; not the condensation of a homogeneous globe; it has straggling streams of stars, as it were, drawing to a centre. It is not round. Has a * 8m, 30s following in parallel."
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21 32 35.2 -44 04 03; Gru
V = 11.6; Size 2.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 82°
18" (10/16/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:2 E-W, 0.8'x0.5', small bright core increases to center. Two mag 12/13 stars lie 1' and 2'
SW. Brightest in a group including
John Herschel discovered NGC 7079 = h3869 on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; R; psbM; 30"." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7080 = NGC 7054 = UGC 11756 = MCG +04-50-012 = CGCG 471-011 = PGC 66861
21 30 01.9 +26 43 04; Vul
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4
13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus or star superimposed, diffuse outer halo. Two mag 14 stars are off the NE and east edges 52" and 66" from the center, respectively.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7080 = m 446 on 6 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, vlE." Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 23 Jul 1873 and reduced an accurate position on 17 Aug 1873 (was he aware of Marth's discovery?). A couple of months earlier he reported it as new in his 4th discovery list (#4), but misidentified the offset star and his position was poor. This observation resulted in the extraneous designation NGC 7054. Later observations were made on 12 Sep 1876 and 18 Sep 1878. See NGC 7054 for more.
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NGC 7081 = UGC 11759 = MCG +00-54-030 = CGCG 375-049 = PGC 66891
21 31 24.1 +02 29 29; Aqr
V = 12.7; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, small, round, broad
concentration. A double star mag
13.5/15 at 16" separation is 1' SSE and is collinear with the galaxy. Forms a pair (similar redshifts) with
UGC 11760 appeared extremely faint and small, round, visible only with averted vision. A wide pair of mag 11 stars at 1.0' separation lie 1.5' N. I probably only viewed the inner core region as the listed dimensions are much larger.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7081 = H. III-859 = h2121 on 10 Oct 1790 (sweep 973) and recorded "cF, vS, iR, mbM. 360 shewed it very plainly, near a very small star." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; S; R; has a * 14m south. Dist from centre = 1 diam (by diagram)." His position is very accurate.
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21 29 17 +47 07 36; Cyg
V = 7.2; Size 25'
17.5" (9/7/91): fairly bright, large, 15' diameter, scattered, no distinct borders, situated in a very rich field. Two mag 8.5 star are on the west side, a mag 9 star is on the north side and also a mag 9 star is off the east edge. Not impressive and except for five or six brighter stars mag 8.5-9.5 at the edges this "cluster" would just be a weak field enhancement in the Milky Way.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7082 = H. VII-52 = h2122 on 19 Oct 1788 (sweep 868) and recorded "an extensive cluster of L stars, considerably rich, above 20' diameter." John Herschel made the single observation "a * 10m, the chief of a p rich, fine, L, coarse cluster. Stars 10...13m."
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21 35 45.0 -63 54 10; Ind
V = 11.2; Size 3.9'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 5°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; very bright, large,
oval nearly 2:1 N-S, 3.0'x1.7', strongly and sharply concentrated with an intense,
slightly elongated core that gradually brightens to the center. There was a strong hint of a spiral arm
along the east side and another extending north on the west side, though they
were not cleanly resolved from the general glow. The halo is a little irregular in surface brightness. A mag 14 star is just off the south
end, 1.8' SSW of center.
James Dunlop probably discovered NGC 7083 = D 263? = h3870 on 28 Aug 1826 and recorded "a small faint round nebula, 20 arcseconds diameter, a little brighter in the middle, following a group of pretty bright stars." His position is ~20' too far west. John Herschel found this galaxy on 22 Jun 1835 and logged "F; L; R of lE; vgpmbM; 60"; resolvable; with long attention it appears mottled. Perhaps Dunlop 263, with 3 minute correction in RA." On a later sweep he noted "pB; pL; R; gbM; 60"." First resolved as a "spiral nebula" on a plate taken at Harvard's Arequipa station around 1900.
NGC 7083 is one of the brightest members of the Pavo-Indus Cloud along with NGCs 7213, 7205, 7049 and 7144.
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21 32 33 +17 30 30; Peg
Size 20'
17.5" (8/12/96): there is no clustering visible at JH's position but about 5' E is a mag 10 star that is within a 20' string of mag 10-13 stars oriented N-S. At the north and south end of this long string are two additional rows of stars oriented NW to SE and SW to NE, respectively, which intersect 10' E of the mag 10 star and together form the outline of a large isosceles triangle. The star at the north tip is a close faint triple star. Most of the stars in this scattered group form the triangle with very few in the central portion. Does not appear to be a cluster but rather a unimpressive random grouping, noticeably aligned in lanes. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7084 = h2123 on 11 Oct 1825 and simply noted "A coarse scattered cluster." There is nothing at his position but 24 seconds of RA following is a 10th magnitude star, which is part of a 15' very scattered group. Karl Reinmuth reported the photographic appearance as "a very loose clustering of pF st, no distinct Cl." RNGC classifies it as a nonexistent cluster (Type 7), despite standing out reasonably well on the POSS.
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21 32 25.2 +06 34 53; Peg
V = 14.5; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 147°
17.5" (8/31/86): extremely faint, small, slightly elongated. Located just south of a 7' line of mag 11-13 stars. Observation compromised by clouds.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7085 = m 447 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, S, E." His position is accurate.
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21 30 27 +51 36 00; Cyg
V = 8.4; Size 9'
17.5" (9/7/91): about 75 stars mag 10-14 in a 10' diameter. Fairly rich and contains six brighter stars. Most stars are located in a compact, rich, 5' group. A second group is to the north. A straight line of stars trails off to the SE with a mag 9.5 star at the end of the string. Includes several faint double stars. There are two large dark voids to the NE. This is a pretty cluster at low power using a 20mm Nagler.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7086 = H. VI-32 = h2124 on 21 Sep 1788 (sweep 860) and recorded "a beautiful cl of pretty compressed stars, 8 or 9' diam, considerably rich; nearly round." On sweep 384, John Herschel logged "a rich fine cluster of st 11...16m; it fills field; but the most compressed part is about 6' in extent. The middle of the cluster taken, but no particular star fixed upon."
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21 34 33.4 -40 49 07; Gru
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 39°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 40"x30", brighter along the central axis (appears to be a bar).
Brightest in a group with
17.5" (10/30/99): NGC 7087 was just picked up at the lower elevation limit of Ray's mount! Appeared very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, brighter core. Seeing too mushy at low elevation for a good view and nearby ESO 343-007 to the west was not seen. Located 35' NE of mag 5.3 Xi Gruis.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7087 = h3871 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R: gbM; 15"." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.
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21 33 24 -00 23; Aqr
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.
Joseph Baxendell discovered NGC 7088 on 28 Sept 1880 using a 6" refractor at his private observatory in Birkdale, England. The discovery was announced in "A New Nebula", MNRAS 41, 48 (1880). The following history is from Wolfgang Steinicke.
Baxendell contributed only one object to the NGC. He published the discovery of a large faint nebula near M2 in Aquarius and described it being of "irregular oval form, its longer axis lying in a nearly east and west direction". It is 30' north of M2 and has a size of 75' x 52'. He writes "It seems to be similar in character to the large nebula near the Pleiades [found by Tempel], but is slightly less bright. I have, however, seen it on several nights, and have no doubt of its existence." But, its existence is the very problem!
NGC 7088 was seen visually by several observers, such as
Dreyer in 1885 with a 10" refractor (mentioned in the notes section of the
NGC), Bigourdan (1897, 12" refractor), Hagen (1915 and 1917, 16"
refractor), Wolf (1927, 6" refractor), O'Connor (1929, 15"
refractor), Becker (1930, 12" refractor) and Lehner (1930, 4"
refractor). The crucial thing is that, apart from these sightings, the object
could never be photographed (and was nicknamed "Baxendell's
Unphotographable Nebula"). Many attempts were made (Wolf, Baade, Shapley,
Strohmeier, Gürtler, Helwan), using different emulsions and filters, but the
result was always negative. The modern conclusion is: The object is not real
and all visual observations are due to physiological delusions, maybe caused by
reflections of the nearby bright cluster
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21 33 27.2 -00 49 23; Aqr
V = 6.6; Size 16'; Surf Br = 0.2
48" (10/26/11): hundreds of relatively bright stars resolved in this large, beautifully symmetric globular. The intensely bright core is overlaid with a mat of resolved stars.
18" (7/17/07): overfills the 8' field at 393x with resolved stars from edge to edge. M2 contains a very bright 3' core that increases to a very intense 1' nucleus. The halo is very symmetric and thins out fairly evenly. A few hundred stars were resolved in the cluster with the central region extremely densely packed.
17.5" (8/2/86): over 100 stars resolved over the entire disc at 286x. Superb view at this magnification.
13.1" (7/16/82): high resolution at edges, partially resolved core, symmetrical halo.
8" (8/9/80 and 10/4/80): intense core, faint halo. Faint stars are resolved in the outer halo.
Jean-Dominique Maraldi discovered M2 = NGC 7089 = h2125 on 11 Sept 1746 at the Paris Observatory. At the time he was tracking Comet de Chéseaux of 1746 with Jacques Cassini, son of Giovanni Cassini. Charles Messier made an independent discovery on 11 Sep 1760. William Herschel observed the globular on 31 Jul 1783 with his 12-inch (small 20-foot) and commented "I can count 18 or 20 of the stars." Using his 18.7" on 12 Aug 1785 (sweep 425), he recorded "an extremely rich, very compressed and very brilliant cluster of extremely small stars, 7 or 8' in diameter. The stars are plainly to be seen, especially on the borders where they are not so condensed." On 4 Sep 1799 he observed M2 with the 48-inch (40-foot), and logged "It appeared very brilliant and luminous. The scattered stars were brought to a good, well determined focus, for which it appears that the central condensed light is owing to a multitude of stars that appeared at various distances behind and near each other. I could actually see and distinguish the stars even in the central mass. The Rev. Mr. Vince, Plumian Profession or Astronomy at Cambridge, saw it in the same telescope as described."
On 12 Sep 1830 (sweep 288), John Herschel reported "A most superb cluster; round; stars eS; 12, 13, 14m; they are evidently globularly arranged, and not internally condensed towards the centre more than the spherical form would make them appear to be; but in the middle they blend into a blaze of light. It is like a heap of fine sand! With 9 inches aperture I can just see the stars; with 6 it is resolvable." William Parsons, the third Earl of Rosse, sketched M2 with his 36-inch by 1844 and published it in his "Observations on some of the Nebulae" (date of sketch not dated).
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21 36 28.9 -54 33 26; Ind
V = 10.7; Size 7.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 127°
25" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 244x; bright, very large
irregular edge-on ~7:1 NW-SE, ~5'x0.7'.
Overall the galaxy has a striking patchy appearance with an irregular
surface brightness (somewhat similar to NGC 253). It contains a very elongated, sightly brighter core region
with a mag 14 star superimposed just southeast of the core. The entire northern flank of the galaxy
is very uneven or patchy due to dust patches or a dust lane. The surface brightness of the galaxy
drops significantly as it extends southeast of the star for ~2'. The northwest wing beyond the core dims
more gradually to the tip. A mag 9
star (
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): moderately bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 NW-SE, 4.0'x0.8', broad concentration but with no distinct core. Irregular surface brightness with a mottled appearance at 127x. Appears to fade suddenly in a couple of spots (possibly due to dust) including just SE of a mag 14 star that is superimposed on the SE side. Viewed at an elevation of 13°.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7090 = h3872 on 4 Oct 1834 and recorded "pB; L; vmE in pos 127.1°; first gradually, the pretty suddenly lbM to a v feeble nucleus; 4' l, 40" br; has a * 11m preceding. In the foreground of the Pavo-Indus Cloud which includes NGCs 7213, 7205, 7049, 7083 and 7144.
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21 34 07.6 -36 39 12; Gru
V = 12.9; Size 2.1'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 86°
17.5" (9/7/96): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Requires averted vision and finder chart to pinpoint location but once identified could nearly hold continuously. I probably only viewed the core as listed dimensions are much larger. Located 7' W of mag 6.9 SAO 213103. Not found on a previous attempt.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7091 = h3873 on 1 Sep 1834 and
recorded "eF; pL; vgbM; 2'; place considerably uncertain [given to the
nearest min of time and minute of dec], having been found when much past the
meridian in searching in vain for Dunlop 561. This nebula is much too faint to have seen with 9 inches
aperture. It precedes a * 6m
nearly in parallel, about 40 seconds of time." His position is poor, but the description most likely applies
to
Lewis Swift probably found this galaxy again on 9 Jul 1897
and described Sw. 11-206 (later
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21 31 42 +48 25; Cyg
V = 4.6; Size 32'
17.5" (7/31/92): very bright, very large, about 30' diameter, scattered. Includes 18 bright stars mag 7-8. Most of the brighter stars form a triangular outline although a few bright stars are inside and outside. The bright star at the SE corner has about six faint stars close following. Includes several wide double stars. The bright stars are superimposed on a background of 100-150 faint stars. Fairly uniformly distributed though many stars are in short arcs and winding lanes. The faint stars are no richer than the Milky Way concentration. Best view with 20 Nagler at 100x.
13.1" (9/9/83): ~75 stars visible at 62x including 15 bright stars.
8": very bright, very large, 30' diameter, triangle shape, includes four bright stars mag 7 and ten fairly bright stars mag 8-9. Large and scattered, so needs very low power. Partial resolution in 8x50 binoculars. Naked-eye cluster in a dark sky.
15x50mm IS binoculars (6/19/09): excellent at 15x with 25-30
stars resolved in a triangular outline.
10x30 IS binoculars (6/13/07): naked-eye fuzzy patch is well
resolved into ~15 stars in the 10x30 binoculars and approximately two dozen in
the 15x50s. To the south of
Charles Messier discovered M39 = NGC 7092 = h2126 on 24 Oct 1764, although as a naked-eye object it was probably noticed much earlier. On 27 Sep 1788 (sweep 866), William Herschel logged "consists of such large and straggling stars that I could not tell where it began nor where it ended. It cannot be called a cluster." John Herschel recorded on 14 Sep 1829, "A * 7m, one of a large loose cluster of stars 7 .... 10m; very coarsely scattered, and filling many fields."
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21 34 20 +45 59 42; Cyg
Size 5'
17.5" (8/25/95): fairly well detached but scattered
group highlighted by mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 7093 = h2127 on 19 Sep 1829 and recorded "The chief star (9m) in a cluster of 8th class. The double star #1660 of my 4th catalogue belongs to this cluster." His position corresponds with mag 8.7 SAO 51043. R.J. Mitchell, observing with LdR's 72" on 6 Sep 1856, logged "a few B st, (not more than 10 or 12m), forming a very loose cluster." Based on a Heidelberg plate, Reinmuth reported "one vB* and a few pB st in a dense region." RNGC classifies NGC 7093 as nonexistent (Type 7 cluster).
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21 36 52.9 +12 47 19; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 99"x91"
24" (8/31/16): excellent view at 200x using a NPB filter. The 90" disc was fairly crisply defined and contained a bright central star (mag 13.5), even through the filter. Unfiltered, a mag 14.5-15 star was visible at the NE edge. The planetary apppeared weakly annular and brighter in a 90° arc along the W side. There appeared to be a knot or local brightening right at the west edge of the rim. Located 1.8° NE of M15.
The compact galaxy
18" (10/9/04): picked up at 73x using the OIII filter
as a fairly faint, round, evenly lit 90" disc. Good contrast gain with the filter. Faintly visible unfiltered at 160x as a
moderately large but low surface brightness halo surrounding the 13.5 magnitude
central star. A faint mag 14.5
star is at the NE edge of the halo.
A string of 3 mag 14-15 stars oriented NW to SE lies ~2' NE. Images show the a complex multi-rim
structure (brighter along the west side) with a darker center, but visually the
planetary appeared pretty featureless.
Located 7' S of a mag 10 star (
17.5" (10/2/99): at 100x and OIII filter appears fairly faint, round, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, even glow. At 220x without filter, the central star is easily visible surrounded by a round, low surface brightness glow. A very faint star is at the NE edge. No annularity seen.
13.1" (6/18/85): at 62x with filter appears faint, moderately large, round. Without a filter the faint mag 13.7 central star is visible surrounded by a very low even surface brightness halo 1.5' in diameter.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7094 = Sw. 2-88 on 10 Oct 1884 and recorded "nebulous star; B *; in eeF nebulosity; v diff.; nearly pointed to by 3 st. in a line." His RA is 34 seconds too small. He added in a footnote, "This is a prototype of GC 4634 [NGC 7023] and several others, and of No. 7 of my Catalogue No. 1 [NGC 2247], which differs from most nebulous stars by being exactly in the center of circular nebulous atmospheres of uniform brightness." Wolfgang Steinicke mentions that Swift called this object "the most wonderful of all [nebulous stars] - in fact it is the only instance known to me - for instead of the central star being single, it is double." There is a second star involved but it is not central, rather displaced to the northeast edge.
Lubos Kohoutek rediscovered NGC 7094 during a visual survey
of the POSS and included it in a list of new PN (
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21 52 26.4 -81 31 51; Oct
V = 11.5; Size 2.8'x2.7'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly large, 1.8'x1.5', slightly elongated ~E-W, weak concentration to the center. A mag 14 star is at the north edge of the halo.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7095 = h3875 on 21 Sep 1837 and
recorded "F; pL; R; vglbM; 50"." His mean position (2 observations) matches
Because of this error the RNGC, PGC and HyperLeda has misidentified
******************************
NGC 7096 = IC 5121 = ESO 107-046 = AM 2137-640 NED01 = PGC 67168
21 41 19.9 -63 54 29; Ind
V = 11.9; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 130°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, fairly large,
oval 4:3, ~1.4'x1.1', sharply concentrated with a relatively large, very bright
round core 0.4' diameter. An
8" pair of mag 13.5/14 stars lies 1.4' NE and a mag 14-14.5 star is 1.5'
S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7096 = h3874 on 31 Aug 1836 and
recorded "vF; S; R; 12"; has a vS double * north-following,
near." His position and
description is a perfect match with
Royal Frost's
******************************
NGC 7097 = ESO 287-048 = MCG -07-44-029 = AM 2137-424 = LGG 446-006 = PGC 67146
21 40 13.0 -42 32 14; Gru
V = 11.7; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 20°
18" (10/16/09): moderately bright, moderately large,
~1' ill-defined halo, sharply concentrated with a bright core that increases to
the center, occasional faint stellar nucleus, very faint halo extends to nearly
1'. Located 8' SE of mag 6.9 HD
205913 and 5' N of a wide pair (52") of mag 10 stars.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7097 = h3877 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; S; R; psmbM; 15"; (fog)." See notes for NGC 7095.
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21 44 16.1 -75 06 41; Oct
V = 11.3; Size 4.1'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 74°
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 200x appeared bright, large, sharply concentrated with a small, intense core ~20" in diameter. Surrounding the core is a large, fainter halo, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, ~2.0'x1.4'. This galaxy appears much brighter than NGC 7095, which was just previously observed, although the total B magnitudes are identical.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7098 = h3876 on 22 Sep 1835 and recorded "pF; R; first vg, the psbM; in a field with many large stars, and strongly stippled." His position is 1.8 minutes of RA too large, though at this declination, the actual separation is 7'.
The RA in RC 2 is 2.5 minutes too large and this error is repeated in RNGC. The correct position is given in ESO and RC3.
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21 40 22.2 -23 10 47; Cap
V = 7.4; Size 12.0'; Surf Br = 0.1
48" (10/27/19 and 10/24/14): at 375x; several hundred stars were resolved right down to a small brighter nucleus. Several very bright stars were in chains that emanated from the core. The halo seemed fully resolved with a very large range in magnitudes. The outer halo was scraggly and contained some bright stars, but overall the halo was fairly symmetric.
The first of three bright stars in a string directly to the north of the core (~40" N of center) was clearly orange (red-giant) as well as the first of a string of three bright stars starting at the west edge of the core (~55" W of center) extending northwest. A few other brighter stars either appear yellow or very pale orange!
17.5" (8/17/01): viewed at 575x in excellent seeing. Very irregular appearance with strings of stars emanating from an irregular bright, partially resolved core. A prong off the west side heads northwest and includes three equally spaced similar stars along with a close triple. Another bright line of three stars heads due north with a fainter bent elbow of stars angling towards the NE. Roughly a dozen stars trail to the east with a large gap towards the edge of the halo. A fairly well defined semi-circle of stars open to the north passes directly through the core and off the SE side. The outer halo was peppered with dozens of faint stars over a dim background haze and with concentration the overall diameter increased significantly to at least 10'.
17.5" (7/5/86): the small bright core was not resolved but the halo was well resolved into 50-60 stars. A small circular detached piece is east of the core with resolved stars. Along the north side the resolved stars are brighter and arranged in lanes.
13.1" (9/29/84): fascinating view at 350x; ~25 stars resolved in the outer halo. A few stars (half dozen) are bunched together near the bright, unresolved irregular core over a fainter diffuse halo.
13.1": three star lanes are obvious on the north side. Good resolution in the halo and outer stragglers. The core appears on the verge of resolution at 288x.
8" (10/4/80): two short straight star lanes to north and NW give a unique "prong" appearance. A few faint stars are resolved southeast of the core but the core is unresolved.
Charles Messier discovered
In PT 1814, WH summarized his observations of M30 as a "brilliant cluster, the stars of which are gradually more compressed in the middle. It is insulated, that is, none of the stars in the neighborhood are likely to be connected with it. Its diameter is from 2' 40" to 3' 30". Its figure is irregularly round. The stars about the centre are so much compressed as to appear to run together. Towards the north, are two rows of bright stars 4 or 5 in a line." He speculated in his 1814 publication that the "lines of bright stars, although by a drawing made at the time of observation, one of them seems to pass through the center, are probably not connected with it."
JH made the following detailed observation on 23 Sep 1830: "Fine cluster; irreg R, with two projections A, B, at its northern side. (See fig. 90.) A is directed from the central brightness and consists of 3 or 4 bright stars 12 m; its position taken with microm = 350.4°; B originates in the preceding side of the centre, and is directed in a position 331.7° in a line not passing the centre; diam = 6', stars = 12m; fine object; has a * 9 m preceding it (2 or 3 diameters by diagram)." From the Cape of Good Hope, he logged "Globular, B; lE; bM; 4' l, 3' br; all resolved into st 16m, besides a few 12m. Two lines of rather larger stars run out n[orth f[ollowing]."
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21 39 06.9 +08 57 02; Peg
= *, Corwin. =* or not found, Thomson.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7100 = Big. 90 on 31 Aug
1886. His position in the second
Comptes Rendus list (used by Dreyer in the NGC) is poor, landing 3.7'
west-northwest of
Unfortunately, Albert Marth's discovery position for NGC
7101 (CGCG 402-012) was also poor and as a result the CGCG, RNGC and PGC
misidentified CGCG 402-012 as NGC 7100 and the RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC
67112 as
******************************
NGC 7101 = MCG +01-55-007 = CGCG 402-012 = PGC 67118
21 39 34.6 +08 52 37; Peg
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (8/2/86): fairly faint, very small, round, broad concentration. Located 20' SSW of EE Pegasi.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7101 = m 448 on 3 Aug 1864 and
noted "F, vS, R, stell."
There is nothing near his position, but 6' due south is CGCG 402-012 =
RNGC, CGCG, PGC (and secondary sources such as Megastar)
misidentify CGCG 402-012 as NGC 7100 (see that number for the identification)
and the RNGC and PGC (as well as Megastar) misidentify
******************************
21 39 44.7 +06 17 10; Peg
V = 13.5; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 153°
24" (7/30/16): fairly faint, moderately large,
roundish, fairly low overall surface brightness, broad weak concentration. On images NGC 7102 appears to be
interacting with
24" (8/23/14): fairly faint, fairly large but diffuse, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~1.3'x0.9' but halo appears to alter its shape with averted vision (sometimes smaller) as fainter parts of the halo pop in and out of view. A mag 10.2 star lies 3.5' SSE.
PGC 214783, an extremely faint edge-on, is just 1' SW. With careful viewing I had 2 or 3 momentary "pops" at this position over a couple of minutes, too fleeting for any details.
17.5" (8/2/86): moderately large but very diffuse, gradually brightens in the middle, slightly elongated NW-SE. A mag 10 star is 3.5' SSE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7102 = m 449 on 16 Oct 1863 and
noted "F, pL, R." His
position is 1' northwest of
Harold Corwin notes that
******************************
21 39 51.4 -22 28 26; Cap
V = 13.8; Size 1.4'x1.2'
18" (8/9/10): brightest of 10 galaxies viewed in
cluster ACO S963 with
18" (8/11/07): largest and brightest of 6 members viewed in galaxy cluster ACO S963. At 260x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~30"x25", broad weak concentration. Occasionally I glimpsed a nearly stellar galaxy (2MASX J21394761-2228171) just 0.9' W. Located 45' NNW of gc M30.
17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Brightest in cluster ACO S963 with NGC 7104 4.0' NE, IC 5122 4.2' NNW, and IC 1393 6.4' NE. Globular cluster M30 lies 45' SSE.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7103 = LM 2-461, along with NGC 7104, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He noted "mag 14.0; 0.3' diam; R; gbM; 1st of 2 [with NGC 7104]." His position is 1.0 minute of RA too far east. Ormond Stone measured an accurate micrometric position the following year (repeated in the IC 1 Notes).
******************************
NGC 7104 = ESO 531-018 = MCG -04-51-008 = PGC 67137
21 40 03.2 -22 25 29; Cap
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 51°
18" (8/9/10): faint, small, irregularly round, 25"x20", very weak even concentration. Located in the core of ACO S963 with NGC 7103, IC 5122 and IC 1393 all within 4'.
18" (8/11/07): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, even concentration to a very small bright nucleus. Second brightest in ACO S963 with brightest member NGC 7103 4' SW. IC 1393 lies 2.7' ENE.
17.5" (10/13/90): faint, very small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Second brightest of four in ACO S963 with NGC 7103 4.0' SW, IC 1393 2.7' ENE and IC 5122 4.2' WNW.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7104 = LM 2-462, along with NGC
7103, in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick
Observatory. He noted "mag
14.3; 0.2' diam; iR; gbMN; 2nd of 2 [with NGC 7103]." His position is 1.0 minute of RA too
far east. Ormond Stone measured an
accurate micrometric position the following year (repeated in the IC 1
Notes). ESO/Uppsala misidentifies
******************************
21 41 41.3 -10 38 08; Cap
V = 13.0; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 135°
18" (7/30/03): at 257x appears faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.4', contains a small brighter core. Situated just 33" SE of a mag 10 star that detracts from viewing!
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7105 = LM 1-242 on 12 Sep 1885 and recorded "mag 11.0; vS; E; 310°?; smbMN; star n, PA 310°." There is nothing near his very rough position (the RA is given to the nearest min of time and marked as approximate). But based on Leavenworth's discovery sketch, Harold Corwin was able to identify MCG -02-55-001 = PGC 67181 as NGC 7105. This galaxy is ~20' south, but less than 1 min of RA east of Leavenworth's position. A brighter star is just 33" northwest (PA ~310°), matching his description. Because of the poor position, Howe was unable to find it on 3 nights. This galaxy is not labeled as NGC 7105 in most catalogues, though HyperLeda and NED makes this identification. RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent.
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21 42 36.6 -52 41 58; Ind
V = 13.3; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 81°
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 244x; moderately bright and
large, slightly elongated ~E-W, diffuse with only a weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 2' W, a mag 12 star is
1.8' N and a very faint mag 16 star is 0.6' E.. Brightest in a group with ESO
188-018 (close pair) at 4' ENE and
John Herschel discovered NGC 7106 = h3879 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; lE; vglbM; 30"; makes an obtuse angled triangle, with 2 st 9 and 10m to north." His position is on the south side of the galaxy, though I'm not sure which two stars he had in mind.
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21 42 26.5 -44 47 25; Gru
V = 12.8; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 128°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; appears as a large diffuse glow, very weak central concentration, contains a very small, very slightly brighter nucleus and a subtle bar oriented NW-SE. A group of 6 mag 11-14.5 stars is immediately to the west, the closest is a mag 13 star 1.7' W of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7107 = h3880 on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vglbM; 2' diam." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7108 = NGC 7111 = MCG -01-55-002 = PGC 67189
21 41 53.7 -06 42 32; Aqr
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 45°
See observing notes for
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7108 = m 450 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, R, stell." There is nothing near his position, but 1.0 min of RA following and 3' north is NGC 7111 = MCG -01-55-002, later found by Stephan on 30 Sep 1872 and correctly placed.
The RNGC misidentifies
******************************
21 41 58.5 -34 26 45; PsA
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (7/28/92): very faint, small, round, low even
surface brightness. An wide evenly
matched double star (mag 13.5-14 at 36") is 4' E.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7109 = h3881 on 25 Sep 1834 and logged "eF; vS; among stars." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 7110 = ESO 403-016 = MCG -06-47-012 = LGG 445-016 = PGC 67199
21 42 12.1 -34 09 44; PsA
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 76°
17.5" (7/28/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 ~E-W, broad concentration, low surface brightness. A wide double star 11.5/11.5 at 48" separation is 4' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7110 = h3882 on 23 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; bM." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 7111 = NGC 7108 = MCG -01-55-002 = PGC 67189
21 41 53.7 -06 42 32; Aqr
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 45°
17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated SW-NE. The nucleus
appears offset to the NW side.
Member of
Édouard Stephan found NGC 7111 = St. 4-5 on 28 Aug 1872. His uncorrected position was less than 1' to the NE. His published position in list 4 (#5) was reduced a month later on 31 Sep 1872. Albert Marth discovered this galaxy earlier on 3 Aug 1864 but his RA for Marth 450 (later NGC 7108) was 1 minute of RA too small. Was Stephan aware of Marth's discovery? So, NGC 7111 = NGC 7108.
******************************
21 42 26.6 +12 34 07; Peg
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift found NGC 7112 = Sw. 4-81 on 12 Jul 1886 and
recorded "eeF, S, R, pB * with distant companion close p; very difficult". Swift's position is 7 seconds of RA
west and 1' north (separation of 1.8') from
The RNGC, CGCG, UGC and PGC misidentify
******************************
NGC 7113 = NGC 7112 = MCG +02-55-009 = CGCG 427-016 = PGC 67208
21 42 26.6 +12 34 07; Peg
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Located 1' E of mag 8.7 SAO 107337. A mag 13 star is 1' NW. Forms a pair with NGC 7112 5' SSW.
17.5" (7/16/88): faint, small, round.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7113 = m 451 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, stell." His position is 3' due north of CGCG 427-016 = PGC 67208. Lewis Swift independently discovered the galaxy on 12 Jul 1886 and it was recatalogued as NGC 7112. See notes for NGC 7112.
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21 41 44.0 +42 50 30; Cyg
= Nova Cygni 1876 = Q Cygni, Dreyer. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 7114 on 2 Sep 1877 with a 15-inch Grubb refractor at Dunn Echt, Scotland while viewing Nova Cygni 1876 (discovered by Julius Schmidt on 24 Nov 1876). Copeland reported "through a low power eye-piece and a powerful direct vision prism, held between the eye and the eye-piece, the light of the star was found to be absolutely monochromatic." In Oct 1885, Lohse claimed the star was surrounded by a small nebulous disc (first reported in 1882). In the NGC notes and correction section, Lohse is mentioned but not Copeland. Sherburne Burnham observed the nebula in 1891 with the 36-inch refractor at Lick and noted "at times the new star did not seem to have a perfectly stellar appearance under moderately high powers, but rather to resemble an exceedingly minute nebula." This was the first of 22 objects in the NGC that was discovered by visual spectroscopy.
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21 43 39.3 -25 21 07; PsA
V = 13.7; Size 1.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 66°
17.5" (10/13/90): faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.2', brighter core. A very faint mag 15 star is involved at the WSW end.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7115 = LM 1-243 on 9 Jul 1885 and recorded "vF; pS; vE 90"; like a comet with tail; 2 st inv." His rough position is 39 seconds of RA too large and the description applies. Herbert Howe made a detailed observation in 1897-98 with the 20" refractor in Denver: "The length of the nebula was estimated to be 45", and its breath 10". There is a 13 mag star at the preceding end and a condensation at the following end; three or four other condensations were suspected lying along the axis. The position angle of the elongation was estimated at 65°."
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21 42 40.2 +28 56 48; Cyg
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 105°
17.5" (7/5/86): fairly faint, thin edge-on WNW-ESE, small, weak concentration. Located 24' NW of Mu 1 Cygni (V = 4.8).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7116 = m 452 on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, pL, mE." His position is accurate (to within 30"). Édouard Stephan independently discovered it on 11 Aug 1866, though didn't measure a micrometric position or publish the observation. The UGC fails to label this galaxy as NGC 7116.
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21 45 47.0 -48 25 14; Gru
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 27°
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 244x and 318x; moderately
bright, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 40"x30", weak concentration. Forms the northeast vertex of a
triangle with two mag 10 stars 3' SSW and 4' WSW. Fainter of a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 7117 = h3883, along with NGC 7118, on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; R; gbM; 15"." His position (measured also the next sweep) is accurate.
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NGC 7118 = ESO 236-045 = AM 2142-483 = PGC 67318
21 46 09.7 -48 21 14; Gru
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 50°
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 244x and 318x; fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~0.9'x0.7', small bright core. Brighter of a pair with NGC 7117 5.5' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7118 = h3884, along with NGC 7117, on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; R; gbM; 15"." His position (measured also the next sweep) is accurate.
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21 46 16.0 -46 30 58; Gru
V = 12.9; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 130°
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~30"x20", weak concentration. A mag 14.5 star is 0.8' SW. On carefully viewing NGC 7119 I noticed a "bulge" extending out slightly on the southwest side of the galaxy and occasionally there appeared to be a very faint superimposed "star" within this glow.
The contact "bulge" is identified in NED as NGC 7119B = ESO 288-001, and is probably an interacting companion (same redshift). The "star" that I noted is likely the brighter stellar nucleus of this galaxy. NGC 7119 is the brightest member of the cluster ACO S971.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7119 = h3885 on 6 Sep 1834 and
recorded "not vF; S; R; gbM; 20"." His single position is accurate. This is a contact double system (21" separation)
consisting of
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21 44 33.2 -06 31 23; Aqr
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 135°
17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, even surface brightness.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7120 = m 453 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, vlE." His position is accurate.
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21 44 52.6 -03 37 11; Aqr
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165°
17.5" (8/7/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 1.5'x0.75', weak concentration. A mag 11.5 star is 1.5' ESE of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7121 = St. 4-6 on 29 Aug 1872. His position (Emmanuel Esmiol's re-reduction from 3 Sept) is accurate.
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21 45 47.8 -08 49 47; Cap
= **, Corwin.
Edward Cooper discovered NGC 7122 = Au 47 on 24 Nov 1854 with the 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland. W hile compiling the comprehensive Markree ecliptic catalogue, Cooper or assistant Andrew Graham noted it as a nebulous star or possible cluster . At his position is an unequal double oriented northwest-southeast (nearly merged on the DSS), with separation ~7". Auwers noted in his 1862 list of new nebulae that in the Heliometer it appeared as an "11th magnitude star, surrounded by some 12-13m stars, perhaps nebulous." At Birr Castle, it was also found to be a double star. In fact, all objects noted as nebulous in the Markree catalogue are stars except for a duplicate observation of NGC 4989, which did not receive a NGC number. See Harold Corwin's comments.
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21 50 46.4 -70 19 59; Ind
V = 12.2; Size 3.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 146°
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
171x, appears moderately bright and large, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 2.2'x1.1',
fairly sharply concentrated with a bright core and much fainter
extensions. Located 5.2' WNW of
mag 7.8
This galaxy is an edge-on early-type spiral with a sharp, narrow dust lane (not seen) similar to NGC 7814.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7123 = h3886 on 24 Jul 1835 and recorded "pB; R; vgbM; 20"; a star 9m follows, 8' dist."
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21 48 05.4 -50 33 55; Ind
V = 12.3; Size 3.0'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 143°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, fairly
large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 2.0'x0.8'.
Contains a bright, elongated core that gradually increases to the center
where there is a stellar nucleus. A knot was seen near the southeast end of the galaxy. Images reveal this is an HII complex in
one of the main spiral arms of the galaxy. A mag 15 star is 1.1' SSW of center of the galaxy. Mag 9.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 7124 = h3888 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; lE; glbM; 70" l, 60" br." On 3 Oct 1834 (sweep 498) he logged "B; L; pmE; vgbM; 2' l, 80" br." His mean position from 3 sweeps is accurate.
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21 49 15.5 -60 42 39; Ind
V = 12.4; Size 3.1'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 110°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright,
large, slightly elongated ~E-W, ~2'x1.5', broad concentration with a slightly
brighter middle. Two spiral arms
are visible in the halo, though not detached from the general glow. One arm curves along the south side of
the halo towards the west and another curves to the east on the north
side. A mag 14-14.5 star is
superimposed on the north edge [45" from center] and several mag 13-14
stars surround the galaxy off the entire southern half. Forms a very nice pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 7125 = h3887, along with NGC 7126, on 22 Jul 1835 and recorded "eF; pL; R; 60"; the preceding of 2." First resolved as a "spiral nebula" on a plate taken at Harvard's Arequipa station around 1900.
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NGC 7126 = ESO 145-018 = PGC 67418
21 49 18.6 -60 36 29; Ind
V = 12.2; Size 2.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 80°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, ~1.5'x0.9', faint outer halo, central region gradually brightens. A mag 13.5 star is 1.5' SE and a mag 16 star is very close to the northwest edge, 0.7' from center. Forms a very nice pair with NGC 7125 6' due south.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7126 = h3889, along with NGC 7125, on 22 Jul 1835 and recorded "pB; pL; lE; gbM; 40" l, 35" br; the following of 2." His position is accurate.
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21 43 41 +54 37 42; Cyg
Size 3'
17.5" (7/30/92): at 220x, 15 stars mag 11-14 are
visible in a 3' diameter. Course
but evenly spaced and doesn't stand out in the field, appears fully
resolved. The brightest mag 11
star forms the center of fairly striking "stick figure" with six
stars or else a 5-pointed "star". Mag 7
8" (10/31/81): compact, about 10 stars mag 10-13 but not rich. Located 10' E of a mag 7 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7127 = h2129 on 25 Sep 1829 and recorded "A small, poor, but neatly defined cluster of stars 10...12 m; with appendages np at some distance." The "appendages np at some distance" is probably the more scattered group in my description.
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21 43 57 +53 42 54; Cyg
V = 9.7; Size 3'
17.5" (9/7/91): 22 stars mag 11-13 in rich and compact 2.5' region. Most stars are arranged in oval ring NW-SE. A mag 11.5 star at the east edge has several very faint companions. Two mag 11 stars are on the south side. A double star mag 12/12 is on the west side as well as a few other double stars. A string of stars oriented SW-NE is just NW of the oval ring.
8" (10/31/81): 15 faint stars, small, rich, over background haze, two mag 11 stars are at the south edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7128 = H. VII-40 = h2130 on 14 Oct 1787 (sweep 765) and recorded "a cl of small stars of several sizes, 3 or 4' in diam, pretty rich but like a forming one." John Herschel made the single observation "a star 9-10m of a ruby red color in an oval annulus of small stars, 4' diam."
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21 42 59 +66 06 48; Cep
Size 8'x7'
17.5" (10/17/98): fairly high surface brightness
nebulosity ~3'x2', surrounding three mag 9.5-10.5 stars at 220x. At 280x, the brightest region surrounds
the southern star (
17.5" (9/23/89): fairly bright reflection nebula surrounded three bright stars. The brightest portion includes the southern star. Also a bright knot is at the north end and it does not appear to be surrounding a star (or the star is embedded).
13.1" (7/20/85): fairly bright but dims using a Daystar 300 filter. This nebulous region includes four or five stars and appears brighter around these stars. A small knot is at the north end and a second knot is at the south end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7129 = H. IV-75 on 18 Oct 1794 (sweep 1063) and recorded "3 stars about 9m involved in nebulosity. The whole takes up a space of about 1.5' diam, 2 other stars of the same size and very near are not enclosed in the nebulosity." On 16 Sep 1798 (sweep 1079) he logged "3 stars about 9-10m involved in nebulosity; 2 sp stars very near them are free from that appearance. The nebulosity is of the milky kind and considerably strong. There is a small 4th stars in the nebulosity just north of the following one." John Herschel's description is similar: "a very coarse triple star involved in a nebulous atmosphere." On a second observation he gives the relative offsets for the 3 stars (A, B and C), which match my observation. His mean position for star A (southern star) is: 21 42 59.0 +66 06 12 (2000). Both father and son clearly refered only to nebulosity surrounding a few stars at the position given here.
Guillaume Bigourdan's position and description for IC 5134 =
Big. 339, found on 15 Oct 1895, clearly applies to the nebulosity around star A
only, as he thought NGC 7129 only applied to one of the northern patches. So, IC 5134 is part of NGC 7129. IC 5132 and
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21 48 19.5 -34 57 05; PsA
V = 12.1; Size 1.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (8/6/97): moderately bright, moderately large,
round, ~1.5' diameter. Well
concentrated with a prominent core and much fainter halo.
17.5" (7/16/93): moderately bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated ~N-S, large bright core. Appears to have a knot or star superimposed at the north
edge. Second of three with NGC
7135 19' ENE and
13.1" (8/5/83): faint, small, round, NGC 7135 in field 19' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7130 = h3890 on 25 Sep 1834 and
recorded "pB; R; glbM; 20"." There is nothing near his position, but exactly 30' south is
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21 47 36.1 -13 10 57; Cap
V = 13.7; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 115°
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, small, almost round, bright core. A mag 14.5 star is 35" SSE of center. A bright pretty double star (STF 2826 = 8.3/9.0 at 4") is located 5' NNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7131 = m 454 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, vlE, vgbM." His position is 3' too far south (matches in RA).
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21 47 16.6 +10 14 28; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 100°
17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, very small, elongated E-W, small bright core. An extremely faint star is possibly involved. A mag 10.9 star is located 1.1' W.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7132 = Sw. 2-89 on 18 Oct 1884 and recorded "vF; pL; lE; bet 2 stars; 5 stars west? in form of a pyramid. My memory locates the stars east of the nebula." His position is 22 seconds of RA too large but the description pins down the identification (the stars are west). Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate position on 6 Nov 1891 with the 27" refractor in Vienna (corrected in IC 1 Notes) as well as Bigourdan on 3 Oct 1888.
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21 44 26.7 +66 10 06; Cep
= Nonexistent, Corwin.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7133 = Big. 91 on 18 Sep 1884 while observing the NGC 7129 complex. According to Corwin, Bigourdan's offset is 1 min 26.8 seconds east and 3' 49.7" north of BD +65 1638. He described a "pretty extended area, perhaps 2' across, in which I suspect some extremely faint nebulosity, at the extreme limit of visibility." There isn't any visible nebulosity on the DSS at this offset and Harold Corwin classifies this number as non-existent. See his identification notes.
The RNGC classification is a diffuse nebula but there is no description. The RNGC position is 4' southwest of the center of NGC 7129, and it's not clear what object or section of the nebulosity the authors are referring to. The RNGC error is mentioned in my RNGC Corrections #4 and by Gordon Bond in Deep Sky magazine.
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21 48 55.8 -12 58 28; Cap
Size 0.5'
17.5" (7/20/96): interesting asterism consisting of a very tight group of four mag 14/15 stars in a 30" arc concave to the south. Situated just 30" S of a mag 12 star. The brightest star is 25" due south of the mag 12 star and the faintest mag 15 star is at the west end of the arc. Nicely resolved at 280x and 410x. NGC 7131 lies 23' SW.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 7134 around 1860 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory in New York. He described it as "very small, but not very faint; nearly S of a star 11m." Herbert Howe, in his visual survey at Denver, reported "not a nebula; it simply a group of three or four stars of mag 13-14, which is about 40" south of a 10th mag star. A most careful scrutiny revealed no trace of nebulosity." The DSS confirms there are four mag 14/15 stars in an arc, just 30" south of a mag 12 star. Harold Corwin agrees with this identification. RNGC classifies this asterism as nonexistent.
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NGC 7135 = ESO 403-035 = AM 2146-350 = MCG -06-48-001 = PGC 67425 = IC 5136?
21 49 45.6 -34 52 33; PsA
V = 11.7; Size 3.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 47°
17.5" (8/6/97): moderately bright, moderately large, ~2' diameter, irregularly shaped bright core. The halo appears to have an uneven or mottled surface brightness. A mag 14-15 star is embedded at the west edge [34" from center]. Located just following a bright triangle of mag 9.5-10.5 stars. NGC 7130 lies 19' WSW.
17.5" (7/16/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
broad weak concentration, small bright core. Follows an isosceles triangle of mag 9.5-10.5 stars
including mag 9.4
17.5" (7/30/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad mild concentration. Unusual location as three stars mag 9-10 just west form a right triangle. The galaxy is just east of a line connecting the two stars on the east side of the triangle.
13.1" (8/5/83): faint, small, round, similar to NGC 7130 19' WSW. A triangle of stars precedes the galaxy.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7135 = h3891 on 23 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; R; bM; 20"; a * 14m precedes just out of neb." On the next sweep he logged "pB; L; vgbM; has 5 st 8m in field surrounding it [the stars are 9th-11th mag]."
Lewis Swift found the galaxy again on 17 Sep 1897 at age 77
near the end of his observing career and assumed it was new. His description of Sw. 11-209 reads
"eeF; pL; R; 3 B st form a triangle; nf of 2 [with IC 5135 = NGC
7130]." Herbert Howe
reexamined the field in 1899 and realized Swift's #209 was identical to NGC
7135, so Dreyer didn't assign an IC desigation. But
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21 49 43.3 -11 47 35; Cap
= **, Corwin.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7136 = LM 2-463 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He noted "mag 16.0; vS; R; neb?; *9.5m PA 95°, separation 2'." There is nothing near his rough position (nearest min of RA) except stars. Herbert Howe searched for this object with the 20" at Denver and reported "this is a stellar object of mag 13, which Muller suspected to be a nebula. At times it looked slightly nebulous, and at other times distinctly stellar. Nothing is visible in the place give in the NGC." Howe's position is less than 1 min of RA east of Muller's and corresponds with a faint pair of stars (about 10" separation). A mag 11-12 star is 2' east, clinching this identification.
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21 48 13.0 +22 09 38; Peg
V = 12.4; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 36°
17.5" (9/2/89): moderately bright, moderately large, oval SSW-NNE. Mottled appearance with an irregular surface brightness and an impression of knots involved.
13.1" (8/5/83): fairly faint, moderately large, round. Fairly low surface brightness.
8" (8/5/83): very faint, small, round, diffuse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7137 = H. II-261 = h2132 on
17 Nov 1784 (sweep 319) and logged "F, iR, less than 1' dia." John Herschel made two observations,
noting on 17 Aug 1828 (sweep 166), "F; R; vglbM; 30"; r." His mean position matches
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21 49 01.1 +12 30 51; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 177°
17.5" (7/16/88): very faint, very small, elongated NNW-SSE. A mag 13.5 star is at the NW end 27" from the center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7138 = m 455 on 3 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stell." His position is 1' too far south.
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21 46 08.6 +63 47 29; Cep
V = 13.4; Size 86"x70"
24" (8/31/16): excellent contrast gain using a NPB filter at 200x. With this combination NGC 7139 is fairly bright, round, crisp-edged, 1.2' diameter. The rim is slightly brighter, particularly on the east and west sides and slightly weaker on part of the north and south rim, giving a subtle annularity. The interior is unevenly lit, and a bit darker on the north-northeast side. A mag 13.5 star is off the southeast end [0.9' from center] and a mag 15.5 star is right at the northeast edge of the rim.
18" (8/17/04): easily picked up at 115x unfiltered. At 225x appears moderately bright and large, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~1.2'x1.0'. A mag 13.5 star is just off the SE end. The rim appears to be slightly brighter, particularly along the SE side towards the mag 13.5 star.
17.5" (10/13/01): easily picked up sweeping at 100x without a filter. Appears moderately bright, round, 1.2' diameter, crisp-edged. A mag 13.5 star is off the SE edge. Excellent view at 280x without filter. The surface brightness appears irregular with a slightly brighter rim, particularly along the eastern half of the rim. An extremely faint star is intermittently visible right at the NE edge. A nice, elongated group of 6-8 stars follows the planetary in the same high power field. Central star not seen at 280x.
17.5" (8/8/91): moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, 1.2' diameter. A mag 13.5 star is just off the SE edge 40" from the center. A slightly darker center is visible with an OIII filter at 140x but the annularity was subtle. No central star visible.
8" (8/28/81): extremely faint, moderately large, round,
difficult, a faint star is near the south edge. Located about 4' NW of a faint curving arc of stars and 23'
E of mag 7
William Herschel discovered NGC 7139 = H. III-696 on 5 Nov 1787 (sweep 775) and recorded "vF, iR, may be a patch of stars but I have not been out long enough, about 1' diam." His position is within 2' of this planetary. Four nights later (sweep 776) he reported "vF, S, R, lbM, r." On 15 Oct 1794 (sweep 1062), he noted "F, irr figure, easily resolvable." On this sweep, his position is just 1.3' too far south. John Herschel didn't record an observation. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 24 July 1884.
Heber Curtis first found the spectrum to be of a planetary with a slitless spectrograph at Lick. Based on a Crossley photograph. Heber Curtis reported (1918) "the oval is 86"x67" in p.a. 20° +/-. Considerably fainter along the major axis; at the east and west edges slightly brighter streaks appear, indicating a ring or shell formation."
The declination is 8.5' too far south in the RNGC, Sky Catalogue 2000, Strausberg-ESO Catalogue, NGC 2000.0 and the first edition of the Uranometria 2000 Atlas. The position is correct in the NGC and the P-K catalogue. Kent Wallace was first to note the positional error.
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21 52 15.3 -55 34 11; Ind
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 7140 = h3892 on 4 Oct 1834 and recorded "pF; R; gbM; 35"." There is nothing at his position, but exactly one degree north is NGC 7141 = h3893, which he found again the following night! Herschel suspected he made an error and noted "It is not improbably that this and the nebula immediately preceding sweep 499 are identical, one or other being mistaken 1° in PD. Still, as both observations are clearly written in MS, and, as the difference in PD even then is rather considerable (1' 28"), I have thought it necessary to enter them separately." Despite his uncertainly, NGC 7140 = NGC 7141.
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NGC 7141 = NGC 7140 = ESO 189-007 = PGC 67532
21 52 15.4 -55 34 11; Ind
V = 11.5; Size 4.2'x3.0'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 18°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; very bright, fairly
large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, 2.5'x1.0', contains a very bright elongated
core. The halo has an irregular
surface brightness suggesting parts of spiral arms. A mag 15 star is just off the west edge, 40" from
center. Located 13' NNE of mag 7.0
Forms a pair with
John Herschel found NGC 7141 = h3893 on 5 Oct 1834 and
recorded "F; L; R; first g, then pslbM." His position matches
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21 45 09 +65 46 30 ; Cep
V = 9.3; Size 4'
13.1" (7/20/85): fairly rich but somewhat scattered in parts, large. Includes three brighter mag 10 stars but otherwise fairly uniform and rich in mag 12.5-13.5 stars.
8": large, spread out. There is a string of stars on the east and SE edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7142 = H. VII-66 = h2134 on 18 Oct 1794 (sweep 1063) and recorded "a cl of considerable compressed vS stars, intermixed with some pretty large ones. iF, 8 or 9' diameter. Some of the large ones from an irregular kind of circle." On 16 Sept 1798 (sweep 1079) he logged "a cluster; considerably rich, chiefly small stars, about 12' diameter." John Herschel made a single observation and recorded "the chief star in the sf part of a large, pretty rich, loose cluster of st 12...14m; diam 10'; has more than one star 10-11m in it." His position is on the double star HJ 1696 at the east side of the cluster.
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21 48 53.9 +29 57 24; Cyg
18" (10/25/03): this is a faint, very close pair of mag 15 stars that was just resolved at 257x. At first glance at 215x, this pair appeared nebulous. Also, an easier distinctive pair of mag 14 stars is just 2' E. Located 28' SW of mag 5.1 14 Pegasi.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7143 = h2133 on 15 Sep 1828 and recorded a "strongly suspected neb, or a vF double star with nebulosity. Has a *11 np." Four negative observations were made in the 1850's using Lord Rosse's 72". At Herschel's position is a small clump of stars and 1.5' NW is a brighter mag 11 star matching his description. The RNGC calls this a double star with no nebulosity. See Corwin's identification notes.
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21 52 42.4 -48 15 14; Gru
V = 10.8; Size 3.7'x3.6'; Surf Br = 13.6
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): moderately bright and
large, round, 1.5' diameter, increases to a very small brighter nucleus. This galaxy has a high surface
brightness. A mag 11 star lies 3'
NNE. In the same 38' field at 127x
as
Brightest in a small group along with
John Herschel discovered NGC 7144 = h3894 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "vB; pL; R; smbM to nucleus; 45"." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.
Pietro Baracchi observed this galaxy on 2 Nov 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and wrote, "B, small, round, svmbM to an almost star like nucleus - fades away outwards, the diameter being about 60". Very faint in every part except the nucleus, which alone justify the object to be called bright."
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NGC 7145 = ESO 237-013 = LGG 448-002 = PGC 67583
21 53 20.2 -47 52 57; Gru
V = 11.2; Size 2.5'x2.4'; Surf Br = 13.1
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater): moderately bright and
large, round, 1.2' diameter, small bright core. Bracketed by mag 13 stars just 0.8' SE and 1.3' NW of
center. A mag 11 star lies 2.4'
SSE. Forms a wide pair (same
field) with NGC 7144 23' SSW.
Located 17' ESE mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 7145 = h3895 on 2 Oct 1834 and recorded "B; R; pgbM; 20" within a triangle of 3 st 13m." His single position is accurate. Observing with the 48" Melbourne Telescope on 6 Sep 1877, Joseph Turner noted it was brighter in the middle to a stellar nucleus.
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21 51 47.4 +03 01 01; Peg
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 80°
17.5" (8/1/86): very faint, small, elongated ~E-W. A brighter star is at the east
end. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7146 = m 456, along with NGC 7147, on 11 Aug 1863 and noted "F, R." His position is 1' too far north.
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NGC 7147 = MCG +00-55-025 = CGCG 376-045 = PGC 67518
21 51 58.4 +03 04 18; Peg
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 5°
17.5" (8/1/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak
concentration. Forms a pair with
NGC 7146 4.3' SW. Located 14' S of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7147 = m 457, along with NGC 7146, on 11 Aug 1863 and simply noted "vF". His position is accurate. Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 15 Sep 1865. He noted it as slightly elongated and that a mag 10 or 11 star preceded by 10.7 seconds of RA (and a little south).
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21 52 08.5 +03 20 29; Peg
= **, Corwin. Incorrect identification in the RNGC.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7148, along with NGC 7149, on 15 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. At his position (measured 3 times) is a pair of stars (~10" separation on the DSS), so the identification is certain although he did not resolve the pair.
The RNGC and PGC misidentify
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NGC 7149 = UGC 11835 = MCG +00-55-026 = CGCG 376-047 = PGC 67524
21 52 11.7 +03 18 04; Peg
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 25°
24" (9/22/17): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, sharply concentrated with a bright oval core that increases to a very small brighter nucleus. The core is slightly elongated along the major axis. The outer halo is ~0.8'x0.6' and has a very low surface brightness. A mag 12.3 star is 1.4' SSW.
IC 1407 (misidentified as NGC 7148 in RNGC and PGC) lies 14'
NNE. It appeared fairly faint,
small, round, 24" diameter, very faint stellar nucleus. This is a double system (
17.5" (8/1/86): faint, small, round, weak concentration. On a line close south are two stars; a mag 14 star 0.8' SSW and a mag 12 star 1.4' SSW of center. Brightest of three with NGC 7146 and NGC 7147 15' SSW.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7149, along with NGC 7148 (just a double star) on 15 Sep 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position (3 measurements) is accurate.
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21 50 23.5 +49 45 20; Cyg
Size 0.7'
18" (9/26/11): this asterism was picked up at 175x as a
small knot of 4 faint stars, ~45" diameter. The stars are arranged in a slightly curving north-south
string, bowed out to the east with mags of 13.5-14.3. At 285x, a 5th star ~50" E of the string was
noticed. Collinear with two mag
10.5/11 stars situated 3' ENE.
Located 14' ENE of mag 7.0
George Bond discovered NGC 7150 = HN 1 on 10 Feb 1848 with the 15" refractor at Harvard. This was first deep sky object to be discovered in the United States! Less than 1' north of his position is a small clump of 4 stars that Harold Corwin identifies as Bond's object.
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NGC 7151 = ESO 237-015 = LGG 448-004 = PGC 67634
21 55 04 -50 39 24; Ind
V = 12.8; Size 3.0'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 75°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 ~WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.8' . There are no well defined brightness zones but the appearance is unusual; very mottled and knotty with an odd shape. It is brighter on the west side and wider, seeming to taper on the northeast end. A stellar knot [apparently an HII region, though perhaps a compact companion] is on the southeast side of the galaxy. In addition, a couple of stars are superimposed; a mag 14.5 star is at the northwest edge and a mag 16 star is place symmetrically on the south side [28" SW of center].
John Herschel discovered NGC 7151 = h3896 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "eF; mE; vgbM; rather wedge-formed; ? if not binuclear." His position (measured on 3 sweeps) is fairly accurate.
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21 53 59.0 -29 17 21; PsA
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 17°
17.5" (8/27/92): very faint, small, elongated 3:2
N-S. A mag 14 star is at the SW
end 34" from center and a mag 14.5 star is just off the SE end. A pair of mag 12-13 stars lie 3.5'
N.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7152 = h3897 on 18 Aug 1835 and recorded "eeF; vS; 10"; barely perceptible; sky perfectly clear." His position is accurate, though Dreyer notes in the NGC description that "Lassell not found." Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor in Denver in 1898-99, wrote (in his compilation of NGC/IC observations) "According to the NGC, Lassell did not succeed in finding this. It is a small, exceedingly faint and diffuse stain on the sky."
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NGC 7153 = ESO 466-016 = MCG -05-51-022 = PGC 67624
21 54 35.4 -29 03 49; PsA
V = 13.4; Size 1.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 68°
17.5" (7/28/92): faint, fairly small, very elongated
3:1 WSW-ENE, brighter core.
Located 10' NNW of mag 9.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 7153 = h3898 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; S; E; or has an eF * near." His position is 1.8' too far north.
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21 55 21.0 -34 48 51; PsA
V = 12.4; Size 2.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 102°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~1.5' diameter, weak concentration, fairly low - though irregular - surface brightness. A very faint mag 15-15.5 star is superimposed on the south side. A mag 14.8 star is 1.6' NW of center.
First in a large group (LGG 450) that includes
13.1" (8/5/83): very faint, elongated 3:2, low even surface brightness, diffuse, requires averted.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7154 = h3900 on 23 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; pL; glbM; more nebulae hereabouts." The next sweep he logged "B; pL; irreg R; glbM; r; 60"."
Based on photographs taken at the Helwan observatory in 1919-20, it was described as "pF, 1' x 1/2', irr shape. Appears to be two small spirals very close together."
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NGC 7155 = IC 5143 = ESO 237-016 = LGG 448-003 = PGC 67663
21 56 09.7 -49 31 19; Ind
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 4°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately
large, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~1.6'x1.1'.
Sharply concentrated with an intensely bright, roundish core and fainter
extensions (bar) oriented E-W. The
core/bar is encased in a much larger, low surface brightness halo. Located 14' NW of mag 7.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 7155 = h3899 on 30 Sep 1834 and
recorded "pB; S; lE; psmbM; 20"." His position (measured also the next sweep) is
accurate. Lewis Swift found this
galaxy again on 17 Sep 1897 and logged "eeF; pS; R; in line with 2 9m
st[ars]." His position was
28' too far north, but Harold Corwin comments that Swift's description of the
two bright stars clinches this identification. So,
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21 54 33.6 +02 56 35; Peg
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 105°
17.5" (8/3/89): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, irregular surface brightness, appears mottled.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7156 = H. III-452 = h2135 on
8 Oct 1785 (sweep 461) and recorded "vF, pL, R, r." Caroline's reduced position is 2'
northwest of
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21 56 56.7 -25 21 02; PsA
V = 14.1; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 5°
17.5" (8/3/94): very faint, fairly small, round, 0.7'
diameter, low even surface brightness.
A mag 14.5 star is 1.9' N of center. Located 2.7' ENE of mag 9.3
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7157 = LM 1-244 in 1886
and recorded "mag 14.0; vS; R; sbMN; B double star precedes 8 sec; env
16.0." His position is 0.7
minute of RA west and 1.5' south of
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21 57 28.1 -11 35 33; Cap
18" (8/31/11): At 220x this triple star appears as a soft or nebulous "star" that won't focus sharply. There is a strong impression, though, of a slightly fainter companion attached on the west side. I could easily see how the merged image of this triple could be taken as a possible nebula (described as a "vF neb[ulous] star"). At 285x it appears to be a double star, though the separation is quite small and the stars were not cleanly resolved in only fair seeing.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7158 = LM 2-464 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. Muller described a "neb*[estimated at mag 14]; *9.5 P 40° Δ2.8'." In 1898-99 Howe reported "this nebulous star is of mag 13. It may be double at 270° (west)." Howe's object is a close double star (fainter component to the west) about 30 seconds of RA east of Muller's rough position (nearest min of RA). Bigourdan also measured this same multiple star on 10 Sep 1888.
Harold Corwin also identifies NGC 7158 as this object
(calling it a triple star). A mag
10 star is 2.9' in PA 40°, clinching this identification. The RNGC misidentifies
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21 56 25.6 +13 33 45; Peg
V = 14.3; Size 0.65'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 168°
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S. A mag 14.5 star at the south end interferes with viewing.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7159 = Sw. 6-94 on 14 Nov 1886
and recorded "eeF; eS; R; pF * with vF distant companion 5' s." His position is 9 seconds of RA east of
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21 53 40 +62 36 12; Cep
V = 6.1; Size 7'
18" (8/17/04): at 160x, ~40 stars are visible in a
8'x6' group, extended SW-NE. Two
mag 7 and 8 stars (
17.5" (10/5/91): about three dozen stars in a 7'
diameter. Very bright, elongated
SW-NE although scattered outliers make the cluster rounder. Includes several fairly bright stars
with two stars mag 7.0/7.9 at 1.0' separation NE of center which are surrounded
by a semicircle of nine stars.
Includes several double stars with a mag 10 star that has a very faint companion
on its west side. Not rich but
distinctive. Mag 6.8
8" (10/31/81): about two dozen stars in a bright cluster, not dense. Includes two mag 8 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7160 = H. VIII-67 = h2136 on 9 Nov 1787 (sweep 776) and recorded "a coarsely scattered cluster of stars of several sizes, 6 or 7' diam, a forming one." His position is accurate. Both William and John only made a single observation.
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21 56 57.2 +02 55 39; Peg
18" (10/25/03): this is a close pair of faint mag 15
stars at 9" separation, situated nearly at the midpoint of two mag 13
stars ~2' N and 2' S. Resolved at
250x, but the faint pair appears nebulous at lower powers. Located 10' N of a distinctive
equilateral triangle of stars highlighted by mag 8.9
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7161 on 13 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He made two observations on consecutive nights and mentioned a mag 11-12 stars precedes by 11 seconds of time. On the 14th, he described this object as a small group of stars (19th mag), between two (16th mag) stars. About 2' south of his position is a pair of mag 15 stars and 1' further south is a fainter and closer pair with a third extremely close pair to its south. Karl Reinmuth reported this as a "double star 15 dist 0.2', 0 deg; bet 2 st ssp/nnf." [the northernmost pair]. RNGC follows Reinmuth and Carlson and calls it a double star, though Corwin mentions the other closer pairs might have also been glimpsed.
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21 59 39.1 -43 18 22; Gru
V = 12.7; Size 2.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 10°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright to
bright, very large, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, ~2.5'x0.9', broad concentration
with an elongated, brighter core.
A mag 16.2 star is at the west edge. Second brightest in a trio (similar redshifts) with
18" (10/16/09): very faint, fairly large, appears as a very hazy ill-defined glow, ~1.2'x0.8' N-S. This galaxy was surprisingly difficult for a V = 12.7 galaxy, though the low elevation affected the view. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 7166 11' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7162 = h3901, along with NGC 7166, on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; L; mE; vgbM; (fog)." His position is accurate.
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21 59 20.3 -31 52 55; PsA
V = 13.4; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 101°
18" (10/21/06): faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, 40"x30, low even surface brightness. Located 34' W of
17.5" (7/28/92): very faint, fairly small, irregularly round, low surface brightness, diffuse with ill-defined edges, weakly concentrated but no core, requires averted to see well. Located 7.5' W of a mag 9.5 star. The NGC 7172-7176 group (HCG 90) lies 35'-40' E.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7163 = h3902 on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "pF; lE; glbM; 40"."
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21 56 23.6 +01 21 50; Aqr
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 55°
17.5" (8/3/89): very faint, very small, round, low
surface brightness. Five stars mag
11-15 in a string to the NE are almost collinear with NGC 7164. Located 12' from core of the rich
cluster
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7164 = LM 2-465 in 1886
and recorded "mag 15.7, R, 4 vF stars from 1' to 4' n." There is nothing at his rough position
(nearest min of RA), but 2.2 minutes of time west and 3.5' south is CGCG
377-006 = PGC 67673. Despite the
poor positional match, there is a string of stars extending north. This is the northernmost galaxy
discovered at the Leander McCormick Observatory. See Corwin's identification notes for
******************************
21 59 26.1 -16 30 44; Aqr
V = 13.2; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 67°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, round, even concentration, small bright core. Located equidistant from a mag 13 star 2.1' WNW and a mag 12.5 star 2.0' SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7165 = H. III-930 = h2137 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1050) and noted "suspected, eF. 300 confirmed it." John Herschel noted on 5 Aug 1826 (sweep 37), "suspected, but the state of the air is most unfavourable." His position, though, is a good match. Herbert Howe, observing in 1898-99, commented "this nebula contains a condensation [nucleus] of mag 13."
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NGC 7166 = ESO 288-027 = MCG -07-45-004 = AM 2157-433 = LGG 449-003 = PGC 67817
22 00 32.9 -43 23 23; Gru
V = 11.9; Size 2.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 14°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 SSW-NNE, 1.5'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very small intense core and quasi-stellar nucleus. CPO 628, a nice mag 11.9/13.3 double at ~5" separation lies 4.8' due east and another mag 11.5 star is 2.5' NE. Brightest in a small group with NGC 7162 11' NW and NGC 7162A 15' N. NGC 7162A, a Magellanic spiral, appeared very diffuse, large glow, circular,~2' diameter, no distinct core or zones.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7166 = h3903, along with NGC 7162, on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; S; R; psmbM; 15"." His position is just off the east side of the galaxy.
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22 00 30.9 -24 38 00; Aqr
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 145°
17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 WNW-ESE, weak concentration. A mag 10.5 star is off the east end 1.3' from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7167 = h3905 on 29 Jul 1834 and recorded "F; R; vglbM; 45"; has a * 10m, 90" dist from centre, following in parallel." His position and description is a perfect match.
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22 02 07.4 -51 44 35; Ind
V = 11.9; Size 2.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 68°
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
228x, moderately bright, fairly small, round, 1' diameter, sharply concentrated
with a very small bright core. A
mag 14.5 star is close southeast, just 43" from the center. Located 27' S of brighter
John Herschel discovered NGC 7168 = h3904 on 8 Jul 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R: pslbM; 15"." On two later sweeps he called this galaxy "pB". JH missed IC 5152.
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22 02 48.6 -47 41 52; Gru
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 78°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly faint to
moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 0.55'x035', sharply
concentrated with a very bright, small core and much fainter halo. A mag 13 star is 1.4' NE and a mag 15.5
star is just off the northeast end, 0.5' from center. Situated 3.2' ESE of mag 8.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 7169 = h3906 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; difficult to distinguish from a * 15m; has a * 8m, distance 4' np, nearly in parallel, and another 11m, 60" nf." His position is 45 seconds of RA too far west, but the detailed description clinches this identification. The error in RA is noted in the ESO and SGC.
******************************
22 01 26.3 -05 25 58; Aqr
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 158°
17.5" (8/8/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, broad concentration. A nice double star is 5' W consisting of a mag 12/13 duo at 9" separation.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7170 = LM 1-245 in 1886
and recorded "mag 13.0; pS; iR; bMN; double star p 36 seconds." His rough position (nearest min of RA)
is 40 seconds of RA west of
******************************
22 01 02.0 -13 16 11; Aqr
V = 12.2; Size 2.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 120°
24" (9/22/17): at 200x and 375x; moderately or fairly bright, fairly large, elongated ~5:3 NW-SE, ~1.6'x0.9', irregular halo and surface brightness, broadly concentrated, occasionally seemed to have brighter elongated sections (arcs of spiral arms?) and darker regions (probably dust). A mag 14.7 star is at the southeast end.
13.1" (9/3/83): faint, very diffuse, moderately large, weakly concentrated but no nucleus, elongated 3:2 WNW-ESE. Appears fainter than the V magnitude suggests.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7171 = H. III-692 = h2138 on 12 Aug 1787 (his only discovery on sweep 750) and recorded, "eF, E from np to sf, about 2' long and 1' broad." John Herschel made three observations and recorded on 9 Sep 1825 (sweep 9): "vF; R; vgbM; r; 90"."
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NGC 7172 = HCG 90A = ESO 466-038 = MCG -05-52-007 = LGG 450-006 = PGC 67874
22 02 01.7 -31 52 18; PsA
V = 11.9; Size 2.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 100°
24" (8/23/14): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
large, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, ~1.5'x0.6', increases in size with averted. Contains a brighter, elongated core
that bulges slightly and the halo has a sharper edge along with south edge.
18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated ~2:1 E-W, ~1.8'x1.0', broad concentration. A mag 10.6 star lies 2.5' SE and two mag 13 stars 1.5' SW and 3' SW are collinear with the galaxy.
18" (9/3/05): moderately bright, fairly large,
elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.6', contains a brighter bulging core. A mag 10.5 star lies 2.5' SE. Located ~7' N of the main grouping (NGC
7173,
13.1" (7/27/84): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated, fairly diffuse. Brightest of four in HCG 90. The compact trio consisting of NGC 7173, NGC 7174, NGC 7176 is roughly 7' S.
8" (7/24/82): very faint, fairly small, elongated E-W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7172 = h3908 on 23 Sep 1834 and logged "pB; R; 40"." His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate. The dark rift was first noted by Knox-Shaw in 1912, based on a photograph taken in 1909-11 with the 30" Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory.
******************************
NGC 7173 = HCG 90C = ESO 466-039 = MCG -05-52-008 = UGCA 422 = VV 698 = LGG 450-007 = KTS 66A = PGC 67878
22 02 03.4 -31 58 27; PsA
V = 12.0; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 143°
24" (8/23/14): bright, moderately large, round,
45" diameter. Contains a
relatively large, very bright core that gradually increases to the center. NGC 7174/7176 (contact pair) is less than 1.5' southeast. NGC 7172 lies 6' north. The quartet forms HCG 90 and the close
triplet is
18" (10/21/06): fairly bright, fairly small, round, well concentrated with a very bright 30" core that increases to the center. The core is surrounded by a much fainter halo perhaps 45" diameter. In a trio with the contact pair NGC 7174/7176 1.4' SE.
18" (9/3/05): moderately bright, fairly small, round, evenly concentrated to a brighter core and quasi-stellar nucleus. Located 1.5' NW of the NGC 7176/7174 pair in HCG 90 and just slightly fainter and smaller than NGC 7174.
13.1" (7/27/84): faint, small, round. Similar in size and brightness to NGC 7176 1.5' SE in a compact trio with NGC 7174 1.3' SE. Member of the HCG 90 = NGC 7173 group = Klemola 34.
8" (7/24/82): faint, small.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7173 = h3909 on 25 Sep 1834 and
recorded "B; vS; R; sbM to a star." His position (measured on 4 sweeps) and sketch (plate IV,
fig 11) matches
RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 7173 and NGC 7174, making NGC 7173 and NGC 7176 the contact pair instead of NGC 7174 and NGC 7176, as described by Herschel. Sherburne Burnham measured accurate positions (Publications of Lick Observatory, II) and the galaxies were correctly identified. The identifications are also sorted out in my RNGC Corrections #1.
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NGC 7174 = HCG 90D = ESO 466-040 = MCG -05-52-010 = VV 698 = LGG 450-004 = KTS 66B = PGC 67881
22 02 06.8 -31 59 37; PsA
V = 13.3; Size 2.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 88°
24" (8/23/14): at 375x, NGC 7174 was elongated perhaps 3:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.3'. The surface brightness is irregular with no core region. The galaxy appears to taper and brighten at the west end with a bend or short kink angling northwest. The east end merges into the halo of NGC 7176 on the its southwest end!
18" (10/21/06): this is the western component of an interacting system with NGC 7176 attached to the east side. At 225x appears fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.4, very weak concentration, no noticeable core.
18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 0.9'x0.3'. This member of the HCG 90 quartet is attached at the west edge of NGC 7176 and extends due west. The identifications of NGC 7173 and NGC 7174 are reversed in the RNGC.
13.1" (7/27/84): fairly faint, small. Virtually in contact with NGC 7176 on the NE edge 26" separation. In a compact trio with NGC 7173 1.3' NW in the NGC 7172 group. The identifications of NGC 7173 and NGC 7174 are reversed in the RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7174 = h3910 on 28 Sep 1834 and
recorded "in sweep 493 this was taken for a vF star, but I now perceive it
plainly to a small faint round nebula." His position and sketch matches
The RNGC reverses the identifications of NGC 7173 and 7174, making NGC 7173 and 7176 the contact pair. This misidentification is listed in my RNGC Corrections #1.
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21 58 51.5 +54 49 01; Cyg
24" (10/17/20): at 200x (30' field): very scattered
field of ~80 stars in a 15' region. Many of the stars seemed for form curving chains; one 3'
chain on the south side passes through mag 9.6
About 20' to the south is a brighter and more distinctive
group of stars cataloged in SIMBAD as cluster [KPR2005] 116. The main part that stands out is an
elongated 13'x3' group of brighter stars oriented SW-NE. At the SW end is mag 8.9
17.5" (10/25/97): at 100x there is no noticeable clustering at the John Herschel's position centered on a mag 9 star at 21 58 51.5 +54 49 01. Visually, this appears to be a rich Milky Way field over unresolved haze.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7175 = h2141 on 25 Sep 1829 and
recorded "The chief * 9m of a vL, loose clustering group which fills two
fields and is pretty rich of large stars." His position corresponds with mag 9.1
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NGC 7176 = HCG 90B = ESO 466-041 = MCG -05-52-011 = UGCA 423 = VV 698 = LGG 450-008 = KTS 66C = PGC 67883
22 02 08.4 -31 59 30; PsA
V = 11.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 11.0
24" (8/23/14): at 375x appeared very bright, moderately
large, round, 1.0' diameter, intense core that increases to the center, which
contains a bright, stellar nucleus. NGC 7174, with an elongated, irregular
shape, is merged with NGC 7176 on the southwest side, and the combination forms
a striking triple with NGC 7173 1.5' northwest.
18" (10/21/06): slightly brighter than NGC 7173. Appears bright, moderately large, round, 1.1' diameter. Sharply concentrated with a very bright 30" core that increases to a stellar nucleus. Forms an interacting double system (merged) with NGC 7174 (elliptical/spiral pair) attached to the SW side.
18" (9/3/05): fairly bright, moderately large, 1' diameter, well concentrated with a bright, very small nucleus. This is the most obvious (along with NGC 7172) in a quartet comprising HCG 90. NGC 7174 is attached at the west edge.
13.1" (7/27/84): faint, small, round, similar to NGC 7173 1.5' NW. Forms a contact pair with NGC 7174 at the SW edge in the NGC 7172 group = HCG 90.
8" (7/24/82): faint, small. Component of an unresolved pair with NGC 7174.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7176 = h3911 on 23 Sep 1834
(sweep 492) and recorded "B; R; pgbM; 40"." Two nights later
(sweep 493) he logged "vB; pL; sbM to a star; has a very faint star
sp." His position (measured
on 6 sweeps and sketched on plate IV, fig 11) matches
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22 00 41.2 +17 44 17; Peg
V = 11.2; Size 3.1'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 90°
17.5" (8/5/91): very bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 E-W, 2'x1'. Unusual appearance as the very bright core is elongated at nearly a 45° angle (SW-NE) to the major axis and contains a stellar nucleus. There is a hint of an irregular surface brightness in the outer halo.
13.1": moderately bright, brighter core, elongated WSW-ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7177 = H. II-247 = h2139 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "pB, nearly R, bM, r, about 1' dia." On 11 Oct 1825 (sweep 12), John Herschel reported "pB; R; gbM; 60"-90" diameter." R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, sketched the galaxy on 31 Aug 1854 (Plate XXX, Fig. 38 in the 1861 publication). A total of 19 observations were made at Birr Castle.
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22 02 25.2 -35 47 26; PsA
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 172°
17.5" (9/23/95): extremely faint, small, round,
30" diameter. Appears as a
difficult low surface brightness patch with no concentration. Located 2.6' N of mag 8.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 7178 = h3912 on 31 Aug 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; 2' n of a *8m; a double star 10/10 m follows nearly on the parallel of the nebula, and pointing directly to it. A sure observation; but except in the finest nights this neb will not be seen."
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22 04 49.5 -64 02 49; Ind
V = 12.8; Size 2.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 48°
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): first
in a group of 5 galaxies with brightest member
John Herschel discovered NGC 7179 = h3907 on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "F; R or lE; vgbM; 40"." His mean position (2 sweeps) is very accurate.
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22 02 18.4 -20 32 53; Aqr
V = 12.6; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 68°
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3
WSW-ENE, 40"x30", very small bright core, occasional stellar nucleus.
Located 16' NNW of
18" (8/2/05): moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 1.0'x0.35'. Well concentrated with a relatively large bright core and much fainter extensions. Member of the NGC 7184 group of 4 NGC galaxies.
17.5" (10/12/85): fairly faint, very small, small bulging bright core, surrounded by oval halo. Located 16' NNW of NGC 7184 in a group. NGC 7185 lies 10' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7180 = h2140 on 23 Sep 1830 and recorded "vF; S; R; lbM; the first of 2 [with NGC 7185]." His position is just 1' too far west. Due to a mix-up, William was credited (H. III-693) with the discovery in the Slough Catalogue, General Catalogue and NGC, but H. III-693 applies to NGC 7185. See notes on that number.
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22 01 43.5 -01 57 38; Aqr
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 95°
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, small bright core. A
mag 14.5 star is just 0.6' SE of center.
Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7181 = m 458 on 31 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar." His position is just off the east side of the galaxy.
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NGC 7182 = MCG +00-56-006 = CGCG 377-015 = PGC 67864
22 01 51.6 -02 11 48; Aqr
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 110°
17.5" (8/31/86): faint, very small, round, easy with averted, small bright core. Forms a pair with NGC 7181 14' N. Located 21' W of Omicron Aquarii (V = 4.7).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7182 = m 459 on 31 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar." Édouard Stephan probably made an observation on 19 Sep 1876, though his position was poor.
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22 02 21.6 -18 54 59; Aqr
V = 11.9; Size 3.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 77°
17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, gradually increases to a small bright core. Located at the center of four stars mag 11-13; the closest of the four is a mag 12 star 1.9' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7183 = H. II-595 = h2142 on 23 Sep 1786 (sweep 601) and recorded "F, cL, irr E." He observed it again of 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 634) and noted "eF, S, lE nearly in the parallel, lbM." On 21 Sep 1830, John Herschel logged "vF; pL; R; pglbM; 50"."
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NGC 7184 = ESO 601-009 = MCG -04-52-009 = UGCA 425 = PGC 67904
22 02 39.8 -20 48 46; Aqr
V = 10.8; Size 6.0'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 61°
18" (10/21/06): bright, large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE, 4.5'x1.1'. The halo extends to a mag 11.5 star at the tip of the ENE arm. The core is fairly sharply concentrated, round, ~20" in diameter with a stellar nucleus. The extensions have a grainy appearance. Two wide pairs of mag 12 stars (~1' separation) lie 2' W and 7' NW. Brightest and largest in a group of three NGC galaxies (NGC 7180, NGC 7185, NGC 7188).
18" (8/2/05): fairly bright, large, nearly edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, ~4'x1'. Well concentrated with a brighter 30" roundish core. The extensions fade at the tips and increase in size with averted vision. A mag 11.5 star is off the NE extension in the same direction as the major axis and a wide pair of stars is near the southwest end. Brightest in a group with NGC 7180, NGC 7185 and NGC 7188.
17.5" (10/12/85): bright, large, very elongated WSW-ENE with long faint extensions 5'-6' length, small bright core. A mag 12 star is off the NE edge. In a group with NGC 7180, NGC 7185 and NGC 7188.
8" (8/28/81): faint, fairly large, edge-on, narrow.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7184 = H. II-1 = h2143 on 28 Oct 1783, the first night of his systematic sweeps! (internal discovery #1). He was using the "front-view" mode without a secondary (first 41 sweeps). He made another observation on 13 Oct 1786 (sweep 609, starting again using the front-view): "F, mE, er, making an angle with two pairs of stars, which are situated in a line from np to sf. The nebula is also followed by a small star, which continues the angle the nebula makes with the two pairs of stars." John Herschel made the single observation on 23 Sep 1830, "pB; pL; vmE; position = 64.3°; psvlbM; 2' long." On 7 Sep 1850, George Stoney (LdR's assistant) reported seeing 4 knots or faint stars in the nebula.
Photographs taken with the 30-inch reflector at the Helwan observatory in Egypt in 1919-20 revealed "spiral with rather compact but well defined whorls [spiral arms] and a B sharp stellar nucleus surrounded by a rather brighter patch of nebulosity. Ther are signs of absorption in the northwest portion."
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NGC 7185 = ESO 601-010 = MCG -04-52-011 = PGC 67919
22 02 56.7 -20 28 17; Aqr
V = 12.6; Size 2.3'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 15°
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:3 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.35', contains a small bright core, perhaps 5" diameter. There is an extremely faint star superimposed on the southwest side [20" SW of center]. Member of the NGC 7184 group with NGC 7180 10' WSW and NGC 7188 12' NE.
18" (8/2/05): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE. Contains a relatively large, bright core and possibly a stellar nucleus. The surface brightness seems irregular, though this may be due to a very faint star that is superimposed.
17.5" (10/12/85): fairly faint, elongated ~N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus, surrounded by faint extensions. Located within the NGC 7184 group. Appears slightly fainter than NGC 7180 10' WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7185 = H. III-693 = h2144 on
11 Sep 1787 (sweep 754) and noted "eF, vS. 360x confirmed it, but may consist of but a few
stars." His position is 33
seconds of RA east and 2' north of
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22 01 05.1 +35 04 41; Peg
= 4*, WH. = 7 faint stars, Reinmuth.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7186 = H. III-165 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 269) and recorded "Five or six stars forming a parallelogram and mixed with very faint nebulosity. 240 confirmed it." Although an elongated group of about 8 faint stars matching his description is about 4' southwest of his offsets, there is no involved nebulosity. Herschel used this object as an example of a "small patches consisting of stars mixed with nebulosity" in his 1814 PT paper. Bigourdan's corrected position from 24 Aug 1884 in the IC 2 notes is accurate. Reinmuth describes "7 F st; neb not found" (repeated by Carlson). See Corwin's notes.
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22 02 44.3 -32 48 11; PsA
V = 12.5; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (7/22/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
bright core, stellar nucleus.
Located 39' S of mag 6.7
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7187 = LM 1-246 in 1886
and recorded "pF; pS; R; lbM."
His rough position (nearest min of RA) is less than 1 min of time east
of
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NGC 7188 = ESO 601-011 = MCG -04-52-012 = PGC 67943
22 03 29.0 -20 19 05; Aqr
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 44°
18" (10/21/06): faintest of 4 NGC galaxies in the NGC
7184 group. Appears faint, fairly
small, slightly elongated, 45"x35", low even surface brightness. Located 14' WNW of mag 8.2
18" (8/2/05): faintest of four in the NGC 7184 group. At 225x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.5'. Fairly low surface brightness with just a weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is off the NE end 1.7' from center.
17.5" (10/12/85): very faint, small, slightly elongated, weak concentration, very diffuse. Located 10' NNE of NGC 7185 and a member of the NGC 7184 group.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7188 = LM 1-247 on 9 Oct
1885 and reported "eF; pS; E; lbM." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 25 seconds west
and 1' south of
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22 03 16.0 +00 34 16; Aqr
V = 13.5; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 115°
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, small, elongated NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus or faint star superimposed. Located 33' E of 28 Aquarii (V = 5.8).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7189 = m 460 on 12 Oct 1863 and noted "F, S, lE." His position is accurate.
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22 03 06.7 +11 11 57; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 66°
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, round, small bright
core. Located in field 10' S of 21
Pegasi (V = 5.8).
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7190 = St. 2-28 = St. 4-7 on 28 Sep 1869 and recorded a rough, unpublished position 4' too far NNW. Another observation was made on 29 Aug 1872, though apparently he didn't realize it was previously seen. He measured micrometric positions on 23 Jul 1870 (list 2, #28) and on 5 Sep 1872 (list 4, #7). His second position was a bit off, but close enough it's surprising he didn't realize the equivalence. Dreyer assigned two GC Supplelment numbers but queried "are these identical?"
UGC and PGC reverse the identifications of NGC 7190 = UGC
11885 and IC 5160 = UGC 11884 located 17' S. See Harold Corwin's notes on the identification of
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22 06 51.3 -64 38 03; Ind
V = 13.1; Size 1.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 136°
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
228x, fairly faint, moderately large, elongated nearly 3:1 NW-SE, 1.4'x0.5',
weak concentration. Located 19'
due south of NGC 7192 and second of 5 in a group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7191 = h3913, and NGC 7199, on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "vF; S; lE; vgbM; 20"." His single position is just off the south side of the galaxy.
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NGC 7192 = ESO 108-012 = LGG 452-002 = PGC 68057
22 06 50.2 -64 18 57; Ind
V = 11.2; Size 2.0'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.7
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly
bright, round, 1.5' diameter, well concentrated with a very small bright
core. A mag 10.5 star lies 5.7'
E. Brightest in a group with 5
members including NGC 7179, NGC 7191, NGC 7199 and
John Herschel discovered NGC 7192 = h3914 on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "pB; S; R; gpmbM; 20"." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.
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22 03 03.8 +10 48 06; Peg
Size 8'
18" (8/8/10): I noticed this asterism, while observing IC 5160, located in the same field 7' to the north. The group is a distinctive asterism of about a dozen mag 11-12 stars that is elongated NW to SE and extends 6'x1' or nearly twice this length if you include some scattered stars extending NW. The group stands out well at low power and is a good impostor of a scattered cluster.
17.5" (9/23/95): this asterism consists of almost two dozen scattered stars mostly mag 10 and 11 in an elongated 10'x2' group oriented WNW-ESE. The stars are spread out but well detached in the field and immediately catch the eye at low power. A faint galaxy IC 5160 lies 7' N of the center of the group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7193 = h2145 on 13 Oct 1825 and recorded "A coarse straggling cl, stars 9...10m." His position falls on a blank piece of sky, but 30 seconds of RA preceding is a distinctive string of mag 10 and fainter stars elongated E-W. Based on Heidelberg plate, Karl Reinmuth reported this object as a "Cl, E, pP, st sc, st 9...15; IC 5160 [galaxy] n." RNGC misclassifies the number as nonexistent, although the group of stars may be an asterism. A 2016 preprint titled "Investigation of Galactic open cluster remnants: the case of NGC 7193", concludes "that NGC 7193 is a 2.5 Gyr OCR [open cluster remnant] composed by 15 confirmed members and 19 probable members and located at about 500 pc away from the Sun."
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22 03 30.9 +12 38 12; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 20°
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, weak concentration.
Forms a close pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7194 = Sw. 2-90, along with NGC 7195, on 9 Nov 1884 and recorded "vF; S; R; lbM; s of 2 [with NGC 7195]." His position is 8 tsec of RA too far east and 1.8' too far north (similar offset as NGC 7195). CGCG fails to label this galaxy NGC 7194.
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NGC 7195 = MCG +02-56-008 = CGCG 428-022 = PGC 67940
22 03 30.3 +12 39 39; Peg
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, round. Located 1.5' N of NGC 7194.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7195 = Sw. 2-91, along with NGC 7194, on 9 Nov 1884 and recorded "eeF; R; v diff; n of 2 [with NGC 7194]." His position is 8 tsec of RA too far east and 1.3' too far north (similar offset as NGC 7195).
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22 05 55.1 -50 07 11; Ind
V = 11.5; Size 2.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 53°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, moderately large, very sharply concentrated with the core increasing to a very bright stellar nucleus. The halo extends 4:3 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.9'. A mag 13.5 star is just off the east edge, 0.6' from center. A curving chain of stars passes just north of the galaxy and continues to the northeast. NGC 7200 lies 14' NE and the pair is part of the same physical group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7196 = h3915 on 2 Oct 1834 and recorded "pB; R; pslbM; 20"; position of a * 14m from neb = 101.7°." His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate.
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22 02 58.0 +41 03 32; Lac
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 112°
17.5" (8/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 WNW-ESE, very bright core.
Located 4.1' WNW of mag 8.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 7197 = H. II-599 = h2146 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 612) and noted "F, pS, E." John Herschel made a single observation, "vF; lE; S; vglbM; 15"."
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22 05 14.2 -00 38 54; Aqr
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 5°
17.5" (8/31/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, sharp stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 0.7' SE of center. Located 21' SSW of Alpha Aquarii (V = 3.0).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7198 = m 461 on 31 Jul 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7199 = ESO 108-014 = PGC 68124
22 08 29.9 -64 42 23; Ind
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 30°
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at 228x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8'x0.7', brighter core. A mag 11 star lies 2.7' W. Fourth of five in a group with NGC 7191 11' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7199 = h3916, and NGC 7191, on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "vF; vS; R; pslbM; follows a * 11m, 3'." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate.
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22 07 09.5 -49 59 44; Ind
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 33°
30" (10/9/15 - OzSky): at 394x; bright, fairly small, sharply concentrated with an intense core that increases to an even brighter nucleus. The halo is slightly extended SW-NE and perhaps 0.6'x0.45'. NGC 7196 lies 14' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7200 = h3917 on 30 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R; smbM; 15"." His position is accurate.
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22 06 31.9 -31 15 47; PsA
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 128°
24" (8/16/12): moderately to fairly bright, moderately
large, elongated 5:2 or 3:1 NW-SE, ~45"x16", small bright core,
brightens to the center. Forms a
very nice trio with
18" (10/25/08): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2', small bright core. First and furthest south in a linear trio with NGC 7203 6.6'
NNE and
17.5" (7/22/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core. First of three on a line in field with NGC 7203 6.5' NNE and NGC 7204 13.5' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7201 = h3918, along with NGC 7203 and 7204, on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; R; gbM.
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22 06 43.3 -31 13 06; PsA
18" (10/25/08): this is a single mag 14.5 star located just east of the midpoint of a line connecting NGC 7201 and NGC 7203. Does not have a nebulous appearance at 280x.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7202 = h3920 on 15 Aug 1835 and recorded "eF; S; star like; [italics] the second of a group of 3." He later added the note, "It precedes the 3rds 2 beats of the chronom = 1 second. The RA here set down, it must be noticed, is comparable only with that single value of the RA of the others, which results from sweep 619]." At his offset from NGC 7203 (3rd in the sweep) is a single star (mag 14.6 in the GSC). Pietro Baracchi searched for this object carefully in Dec 1887 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and also found a single star at Herschel's position. ESO equates NGC 7202 with this star. See Harold Corwin's notes.
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NGC 7203 = ESO 467-007 = MCG -05-52-027 = PGC 68053
22 06 43.9 -31 09 45; PsA
V = 12.6; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 72°
24" (8/16/12): moderately bright, fairly small to moderately large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, bright roundish core, 40"x20".
18" (10/25/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WSW-ENE, 0.65'x0.4', gradually brightens to a large, brighter core. Middle of linear trio of elongated galaxies with NGC 7201 to the SSE and NGC 7204 to the NNE. A mag 11 star lies 2.9' ENE.
17.5" (7/22/87): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core. Slightly brighter than NGC 7201 6.5' SSW. Second of three on line with NGC 7204 7.0' NNE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7203 = h3921, along with NGC 7201 and 7204, on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; R; gbM." He made a total of 3 observations.
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NGC 7204 = ESO 467-008 = MCG -05-52-028 = MCG -05-52-029 = AM 2204-311 = VV 685 = PGC 68060 = PGC 68061
22 06 54.0 -31 02 59; PsA
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7
24" (8/16/12): this strongly interacting double system
appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, irregular,
~1.0'x0.7'. At 280x it resolved
into two galaxies. According to my
notes the northwest component (
18" (10/25/08): this interacting double system is the furthest NNE is an equally spaced trio with NGC 7203 6.9' SSW and NGC 7201 13.5' SSW. At 174x it appeared faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, fairly low surface brightness with no concentration. At 283x, it appeared brighter on the western side (due to the small companion galaxy just off the NW end), but the duo was not cleanly resolved.
17.5" (7/22/87): faint, fairly small, round,
diffuse. Faintest and last of
three with NGC 7201 13.5' SSW and NGC 7203 7.0' SSW. Mag 8.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 7204 = h3922 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; L; lE; gbM; 80"." Although described as single, this is a double system with two entries in MCG (-05-52-028 and -05-52-029) although the MCG declination is 4' too far south.
NGC 7204 was first recognized as a close pair in a Helwan Observatory photograph taken in 1914-16 with the 30" reflector and reported in the 1921 observations table: "a curious double nebula. The north portion is F, S, E30°, but not an ordinary spindle. The south-following portion is a slightly curved line; concave to the north, moderately bright at each end and E85°. The west end of this line is south-following the north portion by 20"."
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22 08 34.4 -57 26 33; Tuc
V = 10.9; Size 4.1'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 73°
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): at
228x, this galaxy was surprisingly bright and large, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE,
3.5'x1.8', increases to a small bright core. The outer halo on the west-southwest end seems to be more
extensive but has a noticeably lower surface brightness. A single spiral arm appears to emerge
from the core on the north side and wrap around clockwise towards the east! Situated between mag 8.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 7205 = h3919 on 10 Jul 1834 and
recorded "pB; lE; glbM; 2 1/2' l, 1 1/2' br." Member of the Pavo-Indus Cloud along
with
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22 05 40.9 +16 47 07; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, round, sharp
concentration with a very small core.
Pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7206 = m 462, along with NGC 7207, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "F, S, lE, bM." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7207 = CGCG 451-007 = PGC 68017
22 05 45.7 +16 46 04; Peg
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 93°
17.5" (8/20/88): very faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Forms a close pair with NGC 7206 1.6' NW. Forms an equilateral triangle with two mag 14.5 stars 1' E. Not identified as NGC 7207 in UGC or CGCG.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7207 = m 463, along with NGC 7206, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S." His position is accurate (to within 1'). CGCG and UGC (notes for NGC 7206) fail to label this galaxy as NGC 7207. Malcolm Thomson mentioned this omission in his unpublished "CGCG Corrections".
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22 08 24.4 -29 03 04; PsA
V = 12.8; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 142°
17.5" (8/10/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration but no nucleus. On a line between a mag 11.5 star 1.8' WSW and a mag 11 star 3.3' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7208 = h3923 on 28 Sep 1834 and
recorded "vF; vS; R; almost uniformly bright." There is nothing near his single
position, but exactly 1.0 minute of RA east is
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22 05 07 +46 29 00; Lac
V = 6.7; Size 25'
15x50 IS binoculars (6/19/09): while observing Barnard 168,
the fairly prominent, long dark lane that begins near M39 and heads east in the
direction of the Cocoon Nebula (IC 5146), I picked up this fairly faint, round,
diffuse patch that was easily visible in binoculars. NGC 7209 is perhaps two degrees further ESE and collinear
with the
17.5" (10/12/85): 100-125 stars are resolved, bright, large. Located in a very rich field so does not stand out conspicuously.
13.1" (9/22/84): about 75 stars, bright, fairly scattered.
8": fairly large, spread out, similar magnitudes. Framed by an 8th magnitude star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7209 = H. VII-53 = h2147 on 19 Oct 1788 (sweep 868) and recorded "a large cl. of pretty compressed considerable L stars, above 15' diameter." John Herschel made two observations, first recording on sweep 209, "place of a * 10m near the middle of a fine L p rich cluster; 50 stars from 10m to 13m counted. It fills field. Moon full."
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23 06 50.5 +28 10 45; Peg
V = 13.5; Size 1.8'x1.7'
See observing notes for
John Herschel discovered NGC 7210 = h2148 on 17 Nov 1827 and recorded "eF; R; bM; ill-defined; a vF double star 45° north-preceding 4' dist points just to it." Both his RA and Dec are marked as very uncertain (::) and there is nothing fitting his description near the position. There were three unsuccessful attempts to find this object at Birr Castle (twice with passing clouds) and Karl Reinmuth reported it was not found on a Heidelberg plate. But JH made two transcription errors contributing to the erroneous NGC position. His position in the General Catalogue (GC) and repeated in the NGC is 1 degree too far south. Furthermore Harold Corwin found (April 2016), that he made a transcription error in copying the RA from his logbook to the Slough Catalogue, so the RA (marked as uncertain) is 1 hour too small. Correcting both of these errors, the position of NGC 7210 = h2148 (as well as the description) matches NGC 7487, later discovered by Lewis Swift.
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22 06 21.9 -08 05 24; Aqr
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 90°
17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, extremely small, round, small bright core, stellar nucleus.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7211 = m 464 on 3 Aug 1864 and
noted "eF, S, stellar."
There is nothing at his position but exactly 1.0 minute of RA west is
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22 07 02.0 +10 14 00; Peg
V = 14.2; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 33°
24" (8/25/19 and 8/29/19): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~0.5'x0.4', contains a very small bright core and easy stellar nucleus. A mag 15.5 star is off the south side [33" S of center]. A 20" pair of mag 14.5/15 stars is 1.3' NW and another 20" pair of 15th mag stars (nearly collinear with the galaxy) is 2' N
A challenging companion is attached on the NE side [15" between centers] and it occasionally popped at 260x as a slightly brighter "knot", perhaps 12" diameter, involved on the north end of the halo.
24" (7/30/16): at 260x; faint to fairly faint, oval 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', very small bright core (round) stands out, occasional stellar nucleus. A mag 15.5 star is off the south edge [35" S of center]. The seeing was too soft to confidently see the attached companion at the northeast end.
17.5" (9/19/87): extremely faint, small, diffuse. A mag 15 star is involved at the southwest end. Located 16' NE of STF 2857 = 7.2/9.0 at 20". NGC 7212 is an interacting, overlapping pair with tidal plumes, but only a single glow was seen.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7212 = Sw. 5-93 on 2 Oct 1886 and
recorded "vF; pS; lE."
His position matches
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NGC 7213 = ESO 288-043 = AM 2206-472 = PGC 68165
22 09 16.3 -47 10 00; Gru
V = 10.1; Size 3.1'x2.8'; Surf Br = 12.3
18" (11/22/08): fairly bright [even from northern California!], moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter. Contains a bright 30" core that gradually increases to the center and a much fainter outer halo.
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): bright, moderately large, round, 1.8' diameter. Well concentrated with a small bright core that increases to a very bright stellar nucleus. Forms the western vertex of an acute isosceles triangle with two equal mag 10.5 stars 6' E and 6' SE. Located 16' SE of mag 1.7 Alpha Gruis (Al Nair).
11" (8/8/04 - Haleakala Crater, Hawaii): fairly bright, moderately large, round, 1.5' diameter, increases to a small bright core. Very symmetrical appearance. Easy to locate 16' SE of mag 1.7 Alpha Gruis. Forms the western vertex of an isosceles triangle with two mag 10.5 stars ~6' E and SE.
13.1" (7/20/85): fairly faint, small, bright core.
13.1" (9/11/82): faint, small, round. Located 16' SE of Alpha Gruis (V = 1.7). This is farthest southern galaxy observed from northern California.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7213 = h3924 on 30 Sep 1834 and
recorded "vB; R; gbM; 45"." His single position is accurate. NGC 7213 is the brightest in a group that includes NGCs 7232
and 7233,
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22 09 07.6 -27 48 34; PsA
V = 12.7; Size 2.2'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.8
24" (9/6/18 and 8/1/19): NGC 7214 is the dominant
member of the
18" (9/3/05): brightest and largest of four in the HCG
91 group = AM 2206-280 = Klemola 40.
At 225x NGC 7214 appeared fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round
or a ragged edge to the outer halo.
Diameter ~0.8', though grows slightly with averted vision. Contains a small, bright, round
core. Two mag 13 stars aligned E-W
are close south and southwest. MCG
-05-52-035 = HCG 91D is attached at the north end and appears as a very faint,
extremely small knot, ~10" diameter.
17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated, very small very bright core, a mag 13 star is just off the SW end,
1.1' from center. This galaxy is
the brightest of four in HCG 91.
An almost stellar companion,
John Herschel discovered NGC 7214 = h3926 on 30 Jul 1834 and recorded "a vS cluster or resolvable nebula; irreg R; lbM; 2' diam; has 2 or 3 stars larger than the rest." His position is accurate. Herbert Howe, observing with the 20" refractor in Denver in 1898-99, remarked "h calls this a globular cluster. To me it appeared to be a nebula having a nuclear condensation of mag 12; the surrounding nebulosity was indefinite in extent."I
In 1915 Knox-Shaw reported it was a not a globular cluster, but an open spiral, based on a photograph taken between 1912-13 the Helwan Observatory with the Reynolds reflector. Based on imges taken 1914-16 it was described as "spiral with two arms, lE 90°, vB stellar nucleus with faint star following 15"."
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22 08 34.5 +00 30 42; Aqr
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 88°
17.5" (8/31/86): faint, small, elongated E-W, a small
knot is possibly at the east end.
Located 10.4' N of mag 8
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7215 = m 465 on 11 Aug 1864 and
noted "vF, S, E." His
position is less than 1' south of
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22 12 35.8 -68 39 43; Ind
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 133°
30" (10/12/15 - OzSky): at 394x; fairly bright, sharply concentrated with a very bright core, the halo is extended 3:2 NW-SE, ~40"x25". Mag 8.8 HD 210473 lies 4.8' SE and a distinctive 1.3' string of three mag 10-12.5 stars is 6' WSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7216 = h3925 on 29 Jun 1835 and recorded "pF; R; gbM; 25"." His position is good.
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22 07 52.4 +31 21 33; Peg
V = 10.1; Size 3.9'x3.2'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 95°
17.5" (9/2/89): very bright, fairly large, round, dominated by small very bright core, surrounded by larger halo. A mag 10.5 star is 3.2' SE of center.
8": fairly bright, round, moderately large, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7217 = H. II-207 = h2149 on 7 Sep 1784 (sweep 259) and recorded "R, mbM, cL, easily resolvable, the brightness diminishing gradually." John Herschel made the single observation "B; R; 30"; gbM." and measured an accurate position. The Birr Castle observers also felt this object was resolvable -- and there are several faint stars involved or at the periphery. On 16 Sep 1854, R.J. Mitchell logged "there can hardly be a doubt that this neb is a Cl; some stars near centre seen by Lord R. with one-inch single lens [power 650] and filaments of stars at times suspected running out from the nucleus."
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22 10 11.7 -16 39 36; Aqr
V = 12.0; Size 2.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 20°
17.5" (9/15/90): moderately bright, fairly large, oval 2:1 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.0', broadly concentrated halo. Two mag 12.5/13.5 are just following; the brighter star is 1.0' E of center and the fainter star is at the NE tip.
8" (7/24/82): faint, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7218 = H. II-897 = h2150 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1050) and recorded "pB, lE, r, about 1 1/2' long, 1 1/4' br." His position is fairly accurate.
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NGC 7219 = ESO 108-019 = LGG 452-004 = PGC 68312
22 13 09.5 -64 50 49; Tuc
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 27°
18" (7/6/02 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): last of 5 NGC galaxies in the NGC 7192 group. At 228x it appeared fairly faint, small, round, 40" diameter. The brighter core is perhaps 15" and with averted vision the faint halo increased to ~1' diameter. A mag 13 star is less than 2' W.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7219 = h3927 on 22 Jun 1835 and recorded "pB; R; psbM; near 2 stars." His mean position (2 sweeps) is accurate.
NGC 7219 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as a "Ellipse of uniform nebulosity, B stellar nucleus, E at 55°."
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22 11 31.0 -22 57 10; Aqr
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 3°
24" (10/2/21): at 260x and 375x; fairly faint, small,
slightly elongated, 30"x25", very small brighter nucleus. A mag 14.8 star is 1' NNW and two mag
12.5 stars are 3' N and 2' NE. IC
5178 lies 14' E.
17.5" (8/8/91): very faint, very small, irregularly round, gradually weak concentration. A mag 15 star is 1' N and a mag 12 star lies 3.0' N.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7220 = LM 2-466 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported "mag 15.5, 0.2' dia,
vlE, gbM, *10 precedes 3.2' in PA 5° (NNE). There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 min of RA east and
2' north is
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22 11 15.2 -30 33 47; PsA
V = 12.1; Size 2.0'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 10°
17.5" (10/5/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, gradually brightens. A mag 13.5 star is just off the NE edge 1.3' from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7221 = h3928 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; R; gbM; has 2 stars 14m near; one almost involved." His mean position (measured on 4 sweeps) is good.
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22 10 51.7 +02 06 21; Aqr
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 5°
24" (9/10/15): at 260x; fairly faint, small, round, very small brighter nucleus, fairly low surface brightness halo ~24" diameter. A mag 12 star lies 2' S and a mag 13.5 star 1.6' NW. Viewed in fairly poor transparency.
17.5" (8/31/86): faint, fairly small, diffuse, broadly concentrated. Located between a mag 12 star 1.9' S and mag 13 star 1.5' NW. A mag 11 star is 4.9' WNW. Relatively large for such a faint galaxy.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7222 = m 466 on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S." His position is accurate.
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22 10 09.1 +41 01 02; Lac
V = 12.2; Size 1.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (8/1/86): moderately bright, fairly diffuse, slightly elongated ~N-S. There are two stars to the south including one at the south edge.
Forms a close pair with Holm 788B = PGC 214803 1.0' NW. The companion appeared very faint, very
small, slightly elongated. It's
situated west of a star off the north side of NGC 7223. Also
13.1" (8/17/85): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated N-S. Extends from a star on the south end in a fan-shape. A faint star is off the north end. A knot was suspected just west of the star at the north end (probably an anonymous companion).
William Herschel discovered NGC 7223 = H. III-862 = h2151 on 8 Nov 1790 (sweep 977) and recorded "eF, pL, iR, r. 300 showed it very plainly." John Herschel's description reads, "eF; S; E; among 3 stars, with which however it seems not connected."
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22 11 35.4 +25 51 52; Peg
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 110°
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, irregularly round, weak concentration.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7224 = m 467 = St. 2-29 on 6 Sep 1863 and noted "F, S, R." His position is accurate. Édouard Stephan rediscovered the galaxy on 26 Sep 1869 (perhaps aware from Marth's catalog) and measured an accurate micrometric position on 25 Jul 1870. He reported it as new in his second discovery list (#29) with description "very faint, small, round, diffuse. Dreyer credited both Marth and Stephan in the NGC.
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22 13 08.4 -26 08 54; PsA
V = 12.2; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 147°
48" (11/4/21): at 488x; bright, fairly large, oval ~2:1
NW-SE, ~2'x1', contains a bright elongated central region with a much fanter
halo. The galaxy has a sharp light
cut-off due to a dust lane along the western flank. The section of the halo cut off by a thin gap glows much
fainter and is less wide. Situated
11' NNE of mag 6.2
17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, gradually increases to a small bright core. Located 12' NNE of mag 6.2 SAO 190967. The strong dust lane on the DSS was not seen.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7225 = h3929 on 30 Jul 1834 and recorded "pF; S; lE; bM; 15" l, 12" br." His single position is accurate.
******************************
22 10 26.9 +55 23 54; Cep
V = 9.6; Size 2'
18" (8/17/04): at 225x, this is a small, faint group with 25-30 stars resolved in a 2'-2.5' region. The star at the northeast edge is a nice, mag 12/13 double. The remaining stars are generally 14th-15th magnitude and some pop in and out of view.
17.5" (11/2/91): 15 stars resolved at 220x within a compact 2' diameter. The brightest mag 11 star is at the WNW edge and a close double star mag 12/13 at 11" is at the NE edge. The remaining dozen very faint stars are 14th and 15th mag and located along the south side. Situated in a rich star field over unresolved background haze.
Edward Holden discovered NGC 7226 on 20 Jun 1881 with the 15.6" Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory and described a "pB nebula connected with a small cluster of stars which radiate in two streams from the f[ollowing] to p[receding] side. Diam of Neb 5', of Cl. 15'. North-preceding in p[osition angle] 315° is a small knot which may be nebulous." His position is just off the east side of this small cluster.
******************************
22 11 31.3 +38 43 17; Lac
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 8°
17.5" (8/27/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, weak
concentration, low surface brightness.
View hindered by a mag 10 star at the SW end 34" from the
center! Pair with
On two occasions, I have picked up nearby galaxies instead
of NGC 7227/7228 from the Sierra Buttes!
These include IC 5180/MCG
+06-48-014 (for the pair) and
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7227 = St. 4-8, along with NGC 7228, on 28 Aug 1872. He measured an accurate position on 1 Sep 1872 (List IV, #8). He observed the pair again on 19 Sep 1873.
******************************
NGC 7228 = UGC 11945 = MCG +06-48-016 = CGCG 513-013 = PGC 68254
22 11 48.6 +38 41 57; Lac
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 150°
17.5" (8/27/92): faint, small, round, broad concentration, no sharp core. Close pair with NGC 7228 3.6' WNW and UGC 11950 also in field 8' E.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7228 = St. 4-9, along with NGC 7227, on 28 Aug 1872. His published position (list 4, #9) was reduced a couple of days later (1 Sep.) He made a late observation on 1 Sep 1886 (one of his last of nights). I'm surprised he missed UGC 11950!
******************************
22 14 03.2 -29 22 58; PsA
V = 12.5; Size 1.8'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 157°
17.5" (10/5/91): very faint, fairly small, round, low
surface brightness, averted only.
Located between two mag 14.5 stars 1.7' E and 1.2' SW. Forms the north vertex of a flat
isosceles triangle with mag 9
John Herschel discovered NGC 7229 = h3930 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; L; R; glbM; r." His mean position (4 nights) is accurate.
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22 14 13.0 -17 04 27; Aqr
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, round, broad concentration with no well-defined core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7230 = H. III-931 = h2152 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1050) and noted "eF, S, iR." His position is accurate. John Herschel made a single observation on 5 Aug 1826 and called it "vF; R; bM; 20"."
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22 12 30.1 +45 19 42; Lac
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 88°
17.5" (8/8/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W,
unconcentrated glow. Two mag 14
stars are off the south edge.
Located 15' SW of mag 5.5
William Herschel discovered NGC 7231 = H. II-606 = h2153 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 620) and recorded "F, S, easily resolvable or rather a patch." His position is nearly 5' too far northwest. A second observation was made on 19 Oct 1788 (sweep 868), though he just noted "eF, r[esolvable]." John Herschel made the single observation "a most eF nebulous appearance, which is probably a few minute stars. No other near." His position is accurate to within 1'.
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22 15 38.0 -45 51 00; Gru
V = 12.0; Size 2.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 99°
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia):
moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, ~1.5'x0.6'. Well concentrated with a bright
30" core. Forms the western
vertex of an isosceles triangle with two bright stars – mag 8.8
13.1" (8/17/85): at 166x; faint, elongated WNW-ESE,
brighter core. Located just 3.0'
SW of mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 7232 = h3931, along with NGC 7233, on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; vS; pmE; psbM; 15" l, 8" br. The preceding of 2."
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NGC 7233 = ESO 289-008 = KTS 67B = LGG 455-004 = PGC 68441
22 15 49.0 -45 50 47; Gru
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 133°
18" (7/5/05 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): faint,
small, round, ~30" diameter, increases gradually to the center. The halo increases a bit with averted
vision to 0.6' diameter. This unassuming
galaxy is in a pretty striking arrangement, sandwiched between brighter NGC
7232 1.9' W and mag 8.9 HD 211121 1.5' following.
13.1" (8/17/85): not seen from northern California (very low elevation).
John Herschel discovered NGC 7233 = h3932, along with NGC 7232, on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; vS; R; 10". The following of 2 [with NGC 7232]." A star 8m follows nearly on the parallel, and another to the north."
******************************
22 12 25.0 +57 16 16; Cep
V = 7.7; Size 4'
See observing notes for
William Herschel discovered NGC 7234 = H. VIII-63 on 16 Oct 1787 (sweep 768) and recorded "A small cl of stars, the stars pL but not many of them." His position (Caroline's reduction) is just off the west side of the cluster. But the GC and NGC position is nearly 18' too far south (apparently John Herschel made a clerical error) and falls on a blank piece of sky. Harold Corwin also reduced WH's offsets (1 min 21 sec east and 56' south of Zeta Cephei) and they land directly on NGC 7235, which was found by JH again (h2154) on 16 Dec 1830. Because of the poor NGC position, Reinmuth looked in the wrong place and concluded "no distinct cluster". Dorothy Carlson and RNGC repeated this conclusion. But NGC 7234 = NGC 7235, with discovery credit to WH.
******************************
NGC 7235 = NGC 7234 = Cr 447 = Lund 1008 = OCL-229
22 12 25.0 +57 16 16; Cep
V = 7.7; Size 4'
18" (8/17/04): at 225x, nearly three dozen stars are resolved in a 4'x3' group, slightly extended E-W. The brightest mag 9 star is at the east end. A rich stream of faint stars over haze is the north side and angling WSW towards a mag 10.5 star on the west end.
17.5" (11/2/91): two dozen stars mag 9-15 in a 4' diameter at 220x. This moderately concentrated group is elongated WNW-ESE and includes several fairly bright stars. A mag 9 star is at the east end and there are eight other mag 10-11 stars. Just west of the mag 9 star is a 1.5' circular hole with no stars. A mag 10 star at the extreme west edge has 6 faint stars mag 13/14 close following.
A compact group of faint stars 13' S appears as a small, partially resolved nebulous glow at 100x. At 220x, 7 stars are resolved from mag 14-15.5 within a 1.5' diameter. I had taken this as NGC 7234 but Corwin's re-reduced position from William Herschel indicates that NGC 7234 is identical to NGC 7235.
John Herschel found NGC 7235 = h2154 on 16 Dec 1830 and recorded "a * 10m, the chief of a p compact cluster of 15 or 20 stars 10...17m. One, 11m, is of a ruby colour." His position (measured on two sweeps) is accurate. JH equated this object with his father's H. VIII-63 = NGC 7234, but they were given separate GC and NGC designation, due to an error in precessing the position of NGC 7234. So, NGC 7235 = NGC 7234.
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22 14 45.0 +13 50 48; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6
24" (9/27/14): first and brightest in a linear trio
(
Brightest in the poor cluster WBL 678 with
17.5" (8/20/88): first and brightest of three with NGC
7237 35" SE of center and
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7236 = m 468, along with NGC 7237, on 25 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, stellar." CGCG fails to label this double system as NGC 7236 + 7237. Malcolm Thomson mentions this omission in his unpublished CGCG Corrections.
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NGC 7237 = Arp 169 NED2 = UGC 11958 NED2 = MCG +02-56-024 =
22 14 46.9 +13 50 27; Peg
V = 13.5; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 143°
24" (9/27/14): At 375x; faint, very small, round,
fairly low even surface brightness, 18" diameter. NGC 7237 is the middle of three
collinear galaxies (and second brightest) in the compact Arp 169 triplet with
slightly brighter NGC 7236 0.6' NW and very compact
17.5" (8/20/88): fainter member of a double system with NGC 7236 35" NW of center. Very faint, extremely small, round. In a common halo with NGC 7236. NGC 7237C, an extremely faint anonymous galaxy, is also just 38" SE! This galaxy appeared extremely faint and small, round, at visual threshold. Located 2.8' NE of a mag 10 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7237 = m 469, along with NGC 7236, on 25 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, stellar." Dreyer questioned if this object was possibly only a faint star while an assistant at Birr Castle on 29 Oct 1877.
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22 15 18 +22 30; Peg
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7238 = Sw. 4-82 on 1 Sep 1886 and recorded "pF; S; R; mbM; 4 sts in form of a square nr p." His position is 7' following a mag 6.6 star (which likely Swift would have mentioned) and there is no nearby non-stellar object. Bigourdan was unable to recover NGC 7238 and Harold Corwin was unable to find a candidate. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Corwin's notes.
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22 15 01.3 -05 03 12; Aqr
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 75°
17.5" (8/10/91): very faint, very small, round, bright core. Three star mag 14-15 stars on a line are close south including a mag 14 star 1.4' S and a faint mag 15 star 2.2' S.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7239 = m 470 on 1 Oct 1864 and
noted "eF, vS." There is
nothing at his position but 1 minute of RA west is
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22 15 22.5 +37 16 50; Lac
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (7/28/92 and 7/15/93): faint, very small,
elongated 3:2 NW-SE, weak concentration.
Situated between a mag 11 star 3.0' NW and three mag 13 stars about 3'
SE. Fourth in the compact
13.1" (9/3/83): very faint, very small, near visual threshold. Located 3.5' W of NGC 7242 in a compact group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7240 = St. 5-6 on either 16
or 24 Sep 1873 and recorded "eF, eS, in contact in the north with a very
small star." His position
matches
MCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 7240. RNGC and Dorothy Carlson (in her 1940
list of NGC correction) incorrectly equate NGC 7240 with
******************************
22 15 49.9 +19 13 56; Peg
V = 12.6; Size 3.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 20°
17.5" (9/2/89): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated or edge-on SSW-NNE. Asymmetric appearance as the galaxy appears brighter on the SSW end and very faint at the NNE end. A mag 11.5 star is just following the south end 0.8' from center and a mag 13 star is at the NW end. A mag 10 star lies 3.4' SW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7241 = St. 4-10 on 28 Aug 1872 and measured an initial position 2.5' NE of center. His published position, measured on 3 Sep and given in his 4th discovery list (#10), was 16 seconds of RA too large. His description reads "Faint, irregular, Elongated N-S (1' x 0.3'). Mag 10 star in contact to the south." Bigourdan measured an accurate position in 1887, which Dreyer published in the IC 2 Notes. Emmanuel Esmiol's re-reduced position (published in 1916) corrected Stephan's error.
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NGC 7242 = UGC 11969 = MCG +06-48-025 = CGCG 513-023 = CGCG 514-003 = Holm 789a = WBL 679-004 = PGC 68434
22 15 39.4 +37 17 56; Lac
V = 12.9; Size 2.1'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 33°
24" (8/13/15): brightest in a group of 8 galaxies. At 375x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, oval 3:2 SW-NE, ~0.9'x0.6', large bright core ~30" diameter.
17.5" (7/15/93): brightest in a group of 7
galaxies. Fairly faint, fairly
small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, bright core.
A mag 13.5 star is at the south edge of halo 40" S of center. Two mag 14 stars are 1.1' WSW and 1.5'
ENE from the center.
17.5" (7/28/92): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 SW-NE. A mag 13 star is off the SE side of nucleus. A group of 10 faint stars to the east appears like a faint open cluster. Brightest of four galaxies in tight group including NGC 7240 3.5' WSW, IC 1441 4' W, IC 5191 7' W.
13.1" (9/3/83): brightest in a group. Faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, NGC 7240 3.5' W, IC 5191 7' W. Located 30' S of a mag 4 star.
Auguste Voigt discovered NGC 7242 = Voigt 10 = St. 5-7 on 18 Jul 1865 with the 31-inch silver-on-glass reflector at Marseilles. His unpublished notebook position is on the NE end of the halo. He apparently missed the fainter members of the group, including NGC 7240. Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 16 Sep 1873 (perhaps aware of it from Voigt's logbook) and measured an accurate position with description, "F; vS; diffuse; slbM; a faint star projecting." At the same time Stephan discovered fainter NGC 7240. Stephan received discovery credit in the NGC. The RNGC photographic description "ALMSTEL" is incorrect.
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22 15 08 +49 53 54; Lac
V = 6.4; Size 21'
17.5" (10/12/85): at 83x, 150-200 stars are visible in a 20' field. This is a striking cluster at low power and includes a number of fairly bright stars. On the east side is the nice pair ST 2890 = 9.3/9.6 at 9". The cluster is irregularly distributed into subgroups.
13.1" (9/22/84): about 80 stars resolved, rich, fairly large, excellent low power field, includes double star ∑2890.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7243 = H. VIII-75 = h2155 on 26 Sep 1788 (sweep 863) and recorded "an extended cluster of coarsely scattered vL stars, in the direction of the parallel nearly; about 16' long." John Herschel made the single observation "a double star in a very loose straggling cl, which more than fills the field."
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22 16 26.8 +16 28 17; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0
17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, round, weak concentration.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7244 = St. 4-11 on 28 Aug 1872 and measured an initial position 2' too far NE. His published position in discovery list 4 #11, was measured on 6 Sep and quite accurate.
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22 15 16 +54 20 12; Lac
V = 9.2; Size 5'
18" (8/27/05): small, rich group at 323x with at least
three dozen stars resolved within the borders of an isosceles triangle (long
sides ~4') formed by a mag 8.9 star (
King 9 is close northeast. At 323x, this rich, distant cluster appeared as a very small, faint knot of stars is just south of a mag 13.5-14 stars. Perhaps a half-dozen stars were resolved, though these may be superimposed field stars as the brightest cluster members are ~16.5.
17.5" (8/5/94): about two dozen stars in a 2.5'
diameter bordered by a mag 11 star on the west edge, a mag 10 star on the SSE
edge and a mag 9 star (
13.1" (9/9/83): about 20 fainter stars mostly in a string. Other rich enhancements are near in this Milky Way field.
8": 15 faint stars elongated N-S with a double star at the north edge. Includes three brighter stars mag 8-10 around the edges but the rest of the stars are mag 13 or fainter.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7245 = H. VI-29 = h2157 on 14 Oct 1787 (sweep 765) and noted "a compressed cluster of extremely small stars." John Herschel made the single observation "a Milky Way cluster. Stars 14...15m. It is more crowded than the Milky Way, so as to run up to a condensed but faint mass of light." His position is accurate.
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22 17 42.7 -15 34 17; Aqr
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 162°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star is involved at the north end 1.0' NNE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7246 = H. III-932 = h2156 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1050) and recorded "eF, S, lE. Just south of a small star, to which it seemed almost to be attached, but is free from it. The star is the first of 3 making a small triangle. His position and description is a perfect match with
Malcolm Thomson found that Bigourdan's
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22 17 41.2 -23 43 52; Aqr
V = 12.6; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 2°
17.5" (7/2/89): fairly faint, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration. A pretty double star h5324 = 9.1/10.5 at 10" is 2.5' NW!
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7247 = LM 1-248 in 1886 and recorded "pF, vS, R, B double star p 13 seconds, F double star follows 5 seconds." His rough position (nearest min of RA) as 27 seconds too large, with the bright double star h5324 to the NW by 2.6' and an extremely faint double that follows by 5 seconds. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 as well as Jermain Porter in 1906 at the Cincinnati Observatory.
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22 16 52.6 +40 30 16; Lac
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 133°
24" (9/2/16): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large,
elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 1.25'x0.5'.
Strong concentration with a very bright slightly elongated core that
increases to the center. The
outer extensions have a low surface brightness. Sitated in a rich star field between two doubles; a 12"
pair is 2' E and a 8" pair is 2.7' W.
24" (8/7/13): at 375x appeared fairly bright, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.9'x0.5', sharply concentrated with a bright oval core that increases to the center and a moderately large halo. A 12" pair of mag 13.5-14 stars lies 2' E, a 7" pair of mag 12-12.5 stars is 2.7' W, and finally a 10" pair of mag 14 stars lies 3' WNW. Not surprisingly in a Milky Way field. NGC 7250 is 17' ENE.
13.1" (8/54/84): fairly faint, small, very elongated 5:2 NW-SE, small bright nucleus. Two faint double stars are near including a mag 13/14 pair at 12" located 2' E. NGC 7250 lies 17' ENE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7248 = H. III-863, along with NGC 7250, on 8 Nov 1790 (sweep 977) and recorded "vF; vS; mbM." His position (Caroline's reduction) is off by 7 seconds of RA east and 1' north.
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22 20 31.0 -55 07 29; Gru
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 136°
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; fairly faint, fairly
small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 7249 = h3933 on 4 Oct 1834 and
recorded "eeF; R; rather a doubtful object." Despite his doubts, his
position is within 1' of
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NGC 7250 = UGC 11980 = MCG +07-45-024 = CGCG 530-022 = Mrk 907 = PGC 68535
22 18 17.8 +40 33 45; Lac
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 157°
24" (9/2/16): at 200x; this disrupted galaxy or interacting pair appeared moderately bright, elongated 5:2 N-S, 0.7'x0.3', bright core. A small, very faint knot or extension (HII complex) is at the north end. A mag 10.9 star is 0.9' SE of center. At 375x; the "knot" attached on the west side of north end of the galaxy extends ~20"x10" NNW-SSE (slightly different PA than the main galaxy), increasing the total size of the merged glow to nearly 1.0'x0.3'. NGC 7248 is 17' WSW.
24" (8/7/13): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 N-S, 0.75'x0.3', sharply concentrated with a very small brighter nucleus. A mag 11 star is just off the SSE edge. The structure at the north end was masked by Type-Ia supernova 2013dy at mag 13-13.5, which was discovered on July 10th, a couple of weeks before maximum. The supernova was 2" W and 25" N of the nucleus of NGC 7250.
18" (10/19/06): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.2', very small bright core. A mag 11 star is just off the SSE end. The galaxy fades at the tips, so the full extent was difficult to determine but appears to extend to 1.0'x0.25'. A very faint knot (PGC 214816) is occasionally visible at the NNW end. This nearly stellar "knot" is often noted as an interacting companion, though it's likely a bright HII complex in the galaxy. NGC 7250 is classified as a starburst galaxy.
13.1" (8/25/84): fairly faint, very elongated streak NNW-SSE, small bright core. A mag 11 star is off the SSE tip 0.9' from center. Pair with NGC 7248 17' WSW. This galaxy may be an interacting double system but it was not resolved.
HyperLeda catalogues the knot at the north end as a galaxy
(
William Herschel discovered NGC 7250 = H. III-864, along with NGC 7248, on 8 Nov 1790 (sweep 977) and recorded "vF; S; mE; 300 showed it very plainly. The extension from about 75° np to sf; bM." His position is 12 seconds of RA too large (typical error).
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22 20 27.2 -15 46 21; Aqr
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 0°
24" (9/29/16): at 225x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, fairly small, round, 45" diameter, broad concentration except for
a very small brighter nucleus with direct vision.
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, small, round, broad concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7251 = H. III-933 = h2158 on 6 Sep 1793 (sweep 1050) and recorded "vF, S, R, bM." John Herschel made three observations. On 27 Jul 1830, he logged "pF; lE; gpmbM; 20"." and measured an accurate position.
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22 20 44.8 -24 40 43; Aqr
V = 12.1; Size 1.9'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 118°
13.1" (9/9/83): fairly faint, very small, round, compact, weak concentration. Located 40' WNW of 49 Aquarii (V = 5.5).
William Herschel discovered NGC 7252 = H. III-458 = h3934 on 26 Oct 1785 (sweep 465) and recorded "vF, S, er. 240 confirmed it with difficulty." His position is at the north edge of the galaxy. John Herschel made the single observation "Not vF; S; R: bM; 30"."
The nickname "Atoms for Peace" galaxy originated with a 1953 speech by Eisenhower launching the "Atoms for Peace" program. The subsequent 1955 conference in Geneva used a logo consisting of an atomic nucleus surrounded by loops representing orbiting electrons.
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22 19 28.6 +29 23 32; Peg
V = 13.2; Size 2.1'x1.4'
24" (7/24/14): NGC 7253 = Arp 278, a disrupted,
interacting double system, was observed at 260x.
17.5" (9/2/89): NGC 7253A was very faint, small,
elongated WNW-ESE. Forms a double
system (
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7253 = m 471 on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, pE." His position is accurate though apparently he did not resolved this close pair.
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22 22 36.2 -21 44 14; Aqr
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 122°
See observing notes for
Frank Muller found NGC 7254 = LM 2-467 in 1886 and recorded "mag 13.0, 0.4' dia, R, *11 at 4.5' separation in PA 280° [WNW]. His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.6 minutes west of NGC 7256 (discovered by Marth on 27 Sep 1864, though placed 10' too far south). Furthermore, a mag 13 star is 4.7' west, matching his description. Herbert Howe was the first to equate the two numbers when he observed the field in 1897-98 and found only a single galaxy.
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22 23 08.0 -15 32 29; Aqr
V = 14.2; Size 1.3'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 130°
17.5" (7/27/95): very faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.4', even surface brightness.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7255 = LM 1-249 on 1 Oct
1886 and recorded "mag 16.0, 2.5'x0.5', vE 30°, sbMN." His rough position (nearest minute of
RA) is 1.2 minutes west of
The RNGC classifies NGC 7255 as nonexistent and the galaxy was not plotted on the first edition of the Uranometria 2000.0 atlas.
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NGC 7256 = NGC 7254 = ESO 602-013 = MCG -04-52-042 = PGC 68686
22 22 36.2 -21 44 14; Aqr
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 122°
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, fairly small, elongated WNW-ESE. A mag 15 star is involved at the NE end. Located 16' SE of mag 41 Aquarii (5.6/6.7 pair at 5").
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7256 = m 472 on 27 Sep 1864 and
noted " 3 stars involved in F nebulosity." There is nothing at his position by 10' north is
In 1898 Herbert Howe reported "These are identical. The place of NGC 7254 is wrong in right ascension, and the place of 7256 is 10' wrong in declination. I could find only one nebular object in this vicinity. Two of the three stars involved, and mentioned by Marth were seen; the third was suspected. The northernmost one was brightest and was of mag 14."
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22 22 36.4 -04 07 15; Aqr
See observing notes for
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7257 = m 473, along with NGC
7266, on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "F, vS, lE." There is nothing at his position but 24 seconds of RA east
and 5.5' south is NGC 7260. The
same offset identifies
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22 22 58.1 -28 20 43; PsA
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 141°
17.5" (8/27/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, weak concentration.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7258 = h3935 on 30 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R or E, as if it had a feeble neb south preceding; glbM; 15"." His position is good.
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22 23 05.5 -28 57 17; PsA
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 49°
18" (10/25/08): faint, fairly small, round, diffuse,
40"x30", diffuse with only a weak concentration.
17.5" (10/30/99): very faint, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.9', weak concentration. The nearby edge-on ESO 467-051 was not seen.
17.5" (8/27/92): faint, fairly small, round, 50" diameter, low even surface brightness. Collinear with two mag 12 stars 3.3' NE and 6.4' NE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7259 = h3936 on 28 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; pL; R; vglbM; 40"." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7260 = NGC 7257 = MCG -01-57-003 = PGC 68691
22 22 36.4 -04 07 15; Aqr
V = 12.9; Size 2.0'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 155°
17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small round halo although it noticeably increases in size with averted vision. Weak broad concentration, edges fade into background.
Édouard Stephan found NGC 7260 = St. 8a-13 = Sw. 4-83 on 19 Sep 1876. Albert Marth first discovered this galaxy on 1 Oct 1864, but his position for m 473 (later NGC 7257) was poor (see that number). Perhaps Stephan was searching for Marth's object. In any case, NGC 7260 = NGC 7257.
Lewis Swift also found this galaxy on 1 Sep 1886 and reported it as new in his 4th list (#83). His description "vF; pL; R; 4 stars near sf point to it" clinches this identification. He later noted the equivalence with GC 6040 (later NGC 7260) in the errata comments to his 6th discovery list.
******************************
22 20 12 +58 05; Cep
V = 8.4; Size 6'
18" (8/17/04): at 225x, ~30 stars are resolved in an
7'x3.5' group, elongated N-S. A
couple of scattered groups of stars are to the south, but are apparently
detached. 7 stars on the south
side form the outline of a perfect rectangle with the eastern vertex the
brightest star in the cluster (mag 9.5
17.5" (10/5/91): about 30 stars in a 7'x3' region elongated N-S. Set over a background of some unresolved haze on the north side of cluster. Includes six brighter stars with a mag 9 star on the SE side. Fairly rich in faint stars on the north side although not rich in other sections.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7261 = h2159 on 5 Oct 1829 and
recorded "The chief star of a coarse p rich cluster which fills the
field. Stars 10...15m." His position matches mag 9.6
******************************
22 23 28.5 -32 21 52; PsA
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (7/20/96): very faint, small, roundish, 35" diameter, low even surface brightness. Forms a near equilateral triangle with two mag 13 stars ~4' NE and 4' SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7262 = h3937 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; lbM." His position is fairly accurate.
******************************
22 21 45.2 +36 21 00; Lac
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 60°
24" (9/14/12): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
SW-NE, slightly brighter core, 0.4'x0.3'.
A mag 14.4 star is attached at the northeast end [13" from the
center]. Located 6' WSW of NGC
7264 and 12' NW of
17.5" (8/12/88): faint, very small, round. A mag 15 star is at the NE end. In a group with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7263 = m 474 on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "F, S, R." His position is accurate. Marth discovered NGC 7264 just a week later, so he must have revisited the field.
******************************
NGC 7264 = UGC 12001 = MCG +06-49-005 = CGCG 514-014 = PGC 68658
22 22 13.8 +36 23 13; Lac
V = 13.8; Size 2.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 57°
24" (9/14/12): fairly faint but excellent thin edge-on 6:1 SW-NE, ~1.2'x0.2', slightly brighter core, very thin extensions. Two mag 11.6/13.3 stars parallel the galaxy off the north side. NGC 7263 is 6.1' WSW and NGC 7265 (brightest in a small quartet) is 11' SSE.
17.5" (8/12/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE. A wide double star mag 12/13 at 34" separation is less than 1' N. Pair with NGC 7263 6.1' WSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7264 = m 475 on 17 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, pS, mE." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 7265 = UGC 12004 = MCG +06-49-006 = CGCG 514-015 = PGC 68668
22 22 27.5 +36 12 35; Lac
V = 12.2; Size 2.4'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 170°
24" (9/14/12): at 325x, fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, 1.2'x1.0', well concentrated with a small bright core. A mag 12 star lies 1.4' SSE, a mag 12.5 star 1.5' SE (12" pair), a mag 12 star is 2.4' ESE and a mag 10 star is 3' ESE.
Brightest in a group of at least 9 galaxies, which were all
viewed (USGC U813). In the
eyepiece, it's part of a small quartet with
UGC 12007 is faint to fairly faint, moderately large, roundish, roughly 45" diameter. View hampered by a mag 10 star superimposed just NE of center. In addition a mag 12 star is just off the NW side, though the halo has a very low surface brightness and fades into the glare from the stars. Contains a very small weakly brighter core just SW of the mag 10 star.
PGC 214824 is faint, small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 15"x10". A mag 14 star is attached at the north edge and the faint glow extends just south. PGC 214825 is faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.3'x0.2'. Visible continuously at 325x.
UGC 12013 is fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.2'. A mag 13.2 star is just east of the ESE tip.
17.5" (10/13/01): moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated. Contains a bright, 30" core embedded in a fainter halo extended NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.8'. The core increases to a faint, stellar nucleus. Brightest in a group and forms a pair with UGC 12007 2.8' ESE. Located 1.3' NNW of a mag 11.5 star.
17.5" (8/12/88): moderately bright, fairly small,
round, bright core, stellar nucleus.
A mag 11.5 star is 1.3' SSE.
Brightest in a group including NGC 7263, NGC 7264, NGC 7273,
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7265 = St 8a-14 on 12 Sep
1876 with a follow up observation on the 19th. Stephan's reduction is a perfect match with
******************************
NGC 7266 = MCG -01-57-006 = Mrk 910 = PGC 68758
22 23 58.9 -04 04 24; Aqr
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 85°
17.5" (8/7/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
broad concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Located 5.4' SW of mag 9.5
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7266 = m 476 on 1 Oct 1864, along with NGC 7257 = NGC 7260, and noted "F, vS, R, alm stellar." There is nothing at his position though this galaxy is 25 seconds of RA east and 5.7' south. Harold Corwin notes that despite the poor positional match, the same offset helps to identify NGC 7257, found the same night. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 5 Nov 1887 and the correction was given in the IC 2 Notes.
******************************
22 24 21.8 -33 41 39; PsA
V = 12.2; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 6°
17.5" (10/5/91): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, prominent bright core. Located 3.6' NE of Mag 8.4
John Herschel discovered NGC 7267 = h3938 on 23 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; R; pgbM; 40"; a large triple * sp."
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22 25 41.4 -31 12 02; PsA
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 66°
24" (9/6/18): at 375x; NGC 7268 is a merged double
system at 20" separation between centers, with NGC 7268 NED1, the brighter
and larger component, on the west end and NGC 7268 NED1 on the east end. Initially the combined glow appeared
fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~3:2 E-W, ~0.6'x0.4', slightly brighter
nucleus. With careful viewing, the
fainter and smaller eastern member occasionally resolved as a distinct glow;
faint, very small, round, 12"-15" diameter. The halos of the two
components appeared merged with no gap.
17.5" (10/5/91): very faint, very small, round. A wide double star mag 14/15 is 1' NE. Slightly brighter of a pair with NGC 7277 7.2' ENE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7268 = h3939 on 28 Sep 1834 and
recorded "vF, S, R." He
added the comment "The preceding of 2 [with NGC 7277]." At his position (mean of two
observations) is the double galaxy
The RNGC clearly misidentifies NGC 7268 (the position is 3'
south of
The 2 components of this merged double system are identified
as
******************************
22 25 46.6 -13 09 59; Aqr
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 140°
17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, small, almost round, even surface brightness.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7269 = LM 1-250 in 1886
and recorded "eF, pS, R, glbM."
His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 0.9 minutes too far west and
4' south of
******************************
22 23 47.5 +32 24 11; Peg
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 90°
17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, small, oval E-W, small
bright core, stellar nucleus.
Collinear with a mag 11.5 star 1.0' WNW and mag 12.5 star 2.4' WNW. In a group (WBL 680) with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7270 = m 477, along with NGC 7271 and 7275, on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, E." His declination is off by 2' too far north (same offset as NGC 7275).
******************************
NGC 7271 = MCG +05-52-016 = CGCG 494-022 = WBL 680-002 = PGC 68753
22 23 57.6 +32 22 01; Peg
V = 14.8; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 118°
17.5" (9/2/89): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 14 star is 0.9' W. Located 4' SE of NGC 7270 in a group (WBL 680). NGC 7275 is 6.4' NE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7271 = m 478, along with NGC 7270 and 7275, on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, vlE." His positions are all off by 1' - 2' too far north.
******************************
22 24 31.7 +16 35 17; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 39°
24" (8/14/15): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
slightly elongated 4:3 or 5:4 SW-NE, 30"x24", small bright core. A mag 12.5 star lies 1.3' WSW, a mag
13.6 star is the same distance NE and a mag 15.5 star is 40" NW. Brightest in a small triplet with PGC
1511999 just 52" SSW of center and
17.5" (8/20/88): very faint, small, round, even surface brightness. Located between two mag 13 stars and a mag 15 star is 30" NW. Neither of the faint companions were noticed.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7272 = m 479 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, S, irr R." His position is accurate.
******************************
NGC 7273 = MCG +06-49-012 = CGCG 514-024 = WBL 681-001 = PGC 68768
22 24 09.2 +36 12 00; Lac
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 8°
17.5" (8/12/88): faint, small, slightly elongated,
small bright core. This is the
northern galaxy of three on a line with NGC 7274 4.5' S and
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7273 = St. 8a-15, along with NGC 7274 and 7276, on 12 Sep 1876 with a follow up observation a week later. His micrometric position was accurate.
******************************
NGC 7274 = UGC 12026 = MCG +06-49-013 = CGCG 514-026 = WBL 681-003 = PGC 68770
22 24 11.1 +36 07 33; Lac
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (8/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. Largest and brightest of three with NGC 7273 4.5' N and NGC 7276 2.4' SSE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7274 = St 8b-16, along with NGC 7273 and 7276, on 12 Sep 1876 with a second observation a week later. His micrometric position was accurate.
******************************
NGC 7275 = UGC 12025 = MCG +05-52-019 = CGCG 494-025 = PGC 68774
22 24 17.2 +32 26 47; Peg
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 37°
17.5" (9/2/89): extremely faint, small, edge-on 4:1 SW-NE, very small brighter core. A pretty mag 13/13 double star is 2' W. Located 6.8' ENE of NGC 7270 in a group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7275 = m 48, along with NGC 7270 and 7271, on 9 Sep 1863 and noted "eF, S, mE." His declination is off by nearly 2' too far north (same offset as NGC 7270).
******************************
NGC 7276 = MCG +06-49-014 = CGCG 514-025 = WBL 681-002 = PGC 68773
22 24 14.4 +36 05 15; Lac
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (8/12/88): faint, very small, round, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is 26" SE of center. This galaxy is the furthest south of three on a line with NGC 7274 2.4' N and NGC 7273 6.8' NNW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7276 = St 8b-17, along with NGC 7273 and 7274, on 12 Sep 1876 with a follow up observation a week later. His micrometric position was accurate.
******************************
NGC 7277 = ESO 467-059 = MCG -05-53-004 = PGC 68861
22 26 10.9 -31 08 43; PsA
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 125°
24" (9/6/18): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, brighter core. The major axis is collinear with a mag 13.3 star 3.5' SE. NGC 7268, a close double system, lies 7' WSW. The sky contrast was poor (hazy), viewing at a low elevation.
17.5" (10/5/91): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE. Pair with NGC 7268 7.2' WSW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7277 = h3940 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; pL; lE; glbM." He later noted "[The following of 2]", when NGC 7268 was seen the following night.
******************************
22 28 22.4 -60 10 11; Tuc
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 23°
25" (10/10/15 - OzSky): at 318x; faint, very small,
round, 20" diameter, no internal details. A mag 12 star is 1.1' SE and another is 4.7' ENE. Located 8.2' SSW of mag 7
John Herschel discovered NGC 7278 = h3941 on 11 Aug 1836 and recorded "eeF; lE; vgvlbM; very difficult, but a certain observation. It is n p the first of 3 stars 10-11m." His position and description matches this faint galaxy.
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22 27 12.6 -35 08 25; PsA
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 68°
17.5" (7/20/96): extremely faint, round, 20". Appears to have a nearly stellar nucleus. A faint double lies 4.5' NW (GSC 14.2/14.9 at 23").
John Herschel discovered NGC 7279 = h3942 on 23 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; gbM; 15"." On a later sweep he noted "vF; pL; R; vgvlbM; 30"." His mean position is accurate.
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22 26 27.6 +16 08 53; Peg
V = 12.1; Size 2.2'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 78°
17.5" (8/20/88): moderately bright, small bright core, faint halo, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated WSW-ENE. Two mag 12 and 13 stars are roughly 2.5' N and 2' NE and a 10" pair of mag 13.5/14 stars are 1' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7280 = H. II-248 = h2160 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "F, pS, makes a small quartile with 3 small stars. The north and preceding whereof is double." He made a second observation the next night (sweep 294) and logged "vF, S. The south and preceding corner of a small quartile of very small stars. (See 290 sweep)." John Herschel made two observations and measured an accurate RA.
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22 25 12 +57 49; Cep
Size 12'
17.5" (8/10/91): about 20 stars in a 4' diameter. A string of three mag 9-9.5 stars is on the north side aligned E-W (separation 1' between pairs) and a pair of mag 12 stars just east aligned N-S (separation 0.9'). Includes two very faint double stars. Neither rich nor distinctive. Located in a rich field so extent difficult to determine and outliers greatly increases diameter and total number of stars. The classification of this group as a true cluster is doubtful.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7281 = h2161 on 5 Oct 1829 and recorded "Large, coarse, not extremely poor, the stars scattered and 10...16m." His position is on a 10th magnitude star at the west end of the group. Sky Catalogue 2000.0 calls it a possible asterism. Although this field is not distinctive visually, Herschel's position and description fits.
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22 25 53.8 +40 18 53; Lac
V = 13.7; Size 2.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.6; PA = 0°
17.5" (8/8/91): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, low even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is at the NE edge [39" from center].
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7282 = St. 9-29 on 28 Sep 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position 8' too far E. On 2 Oct 1878 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "extremely faint and diffuse, fairly large, between 3 stars."
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22 28 32.7 +17 28 13; Peg
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 9°
17.5" (8/20/88): extremely faint, very small, round,
weak concentration. Located 2.7' E
of a mag 10 star and 19' NNE of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7283 = m 481 on 7 Aug 1864 and
noted "vF, vS, R." There
is nothing at his position but 1 minute of RA east and 2' north is
******************************
22 28 35.9 -24 50 39; Aqr
V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 133°
48" (11/4/21): at 488x; NGC 7284 is the SW component of
the double system
24" (8/23/14): at 375x; bright, small, round, high surface brightness, ~0.4' diameter. The core of NGC 7285 is cleanly resolved [33" between center], though very close northeast. The twin nuclei are encased in a very low surface brightness halo.
17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, very small, very compact, almost round, high surface brightness, very small very bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a contact pair with NGC 7285 at the ENE edge with a separation of 30" between centers.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7284 = H. II-469 = h3943 on 26 Oct 1785 (sweep 465) and recorded "F, er [easily resolvable] or some of the stars visible; pS, lE." Perhaps one the "stars" was the second nucleus (NGC 7285). From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel logged (sweep 474) "F; E; bM; r; binuclear pos 62.3°. Rather an equivocal object, whether nebulous or a group, but I incline to regard it as a nebula." On a later sweep (14 Sep 1835), he wrote "pB; irr R; 25"; involves a double star (13m + 14m)." So, he clearly resolved the two nuclei.
Herbert Howe reported NGC 7284 and 7285 as follows: "The description of 7284 in the NGC is "cF, cS, lE, r, D * inv." The description of 7285, discovered by Lassell [Marth], is "Nebs. * 1' dist from 7284." I judge 7285 to be simply one of the components of 7284. Both seem to be nebulous stars. The brighter one is of mag 12.5 The other is of mag 13, and lies at P.A. 60°, distant about 40". Neither of the stars appeared to be double. I could not see any nebulosity uniting them, but the sky was rather dull."
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NGC 7285 = Arp 93 NED2 = VV 74a = ESO 533-032 = MCG -04-53-005 = LGG 457-003 = PGC 68953
22 28 38.0 -24 50 27; Aqr
V = 11.9; Size 2.3'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65°
48" (11/4/21): at 488x; NGC 7285 is the NE member of the double system VV 74 = Arp 93. It was bright, slightly elongated E-W, sharply concentrated with a bright grainy core. In a common envelope with slightly brighter NGC 7284 [center 35" SW]. Careful viewing revealed subtle spiral structure in the halo with a spiral arm on the south side (attached to the east end) and hints of an arm to the N.
24" (8/23/14): at 375x; fairly bright, small, elongated 3:2 E-W, 30"x20", high surface brightness. Forms a very close pair with slightly brighter NGC 7284 [just 33" between centers]. The twin nuclei are encased in a very low surface brightness halo
17.5" (10/13/90): this is the NE member of a double system with NGC 7284. Fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Slightly fainter than NGC 7284 just 30" WSW of center. Situated very close to the Aquarius-Pisces Austrinus border.
William Lassell discovered NGC 7285 in Oct 1862 using his
48-inch at Malta. For some reason
it wasn't included in Marth's catalogue, although
******************************
22 27 50.5 +29 05 45; Peg
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 98°
17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7286 = h2162 on 15 Sep 1828 and recorded "vF; R; 12"...15"; among stars." His position is exactly 30 seconds of time too small (digit error). Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 1Aug 1884.
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22 27 17.0 -22 07 00; Aqr
18" (8/31/11): this close pair of stars (seems to be a
trio of stars on the DSS) was barely resolved at 220x and initially could have
easily passed for a small, nebulous object, elongated NW-SE. The separation is just a few arc
seconds. Located 21' WSW of
7.4-magnitude
The NGC position happens to fall closer to
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7287 = LM 2-468 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He described it as "mag 15.0, 0.1' dia, E 330° [NNW-SSE]" with a note "slightly nebulous **." There are several faint galaxies near his position, but since the Leander McCormick are often 1 or 2 minutes off in time, Corwin suggests NGC 7287 may be a triple star at 22 27 17 -22 07 00 (2000). This pair is roughly 1 min 15 sec west of Muller's position and the orientation of the stars is northwest-southeast
As far as nearby galaxies, just 16 seconds east and 4' south
is
******************************
22 28 15.0 -02 53 04; Aqr
V = 13.0; Size 2.3'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 92°
17.5" (8/7/91): fairly faint, small, well-defined small bright core, bright stellar nucleus, faint halo slightly elongated E-W.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7288 = m 482 = Sf. 84 on 1 Oct
1864 and noted "vF, eS, stellar." His position is an exact match with
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22 29 20.0 -35 28 15; PsA
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 165°
17.5" (7/20/96): faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, brighter core. Halo grows to 1.0' with averted vision. Brightest in a group with an anonymous galaxy 5.2' SSE and 2.3' SW (star + galaxy?).
John Herschel discovered NGC 7289 = h3944 on 25 Sep 1834 and
recorded "vF; R: glbM; 20"." His position is just off the northwest side of
******************************
NGC 7290 = UGC 12045 = MCG +03-57-009 = PGC 68942
22 28 26.4 +17 08 51; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 161°
17.5" (8/20/88): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated NNW-SSE, even surface brightness. Located 7.7' SSE of ∑2908 = 7.7/9.4 at 9", a nice yellow-blue pair.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7290 = m 483 on 7 Aug 1864 and
noted "pB, S, pmE." Édouard Stephan made an observation of NGC 7290,
along with
******************************
NGC 7291 = UGC 12047 = MCG +03-57-008 = CGCG 452-015 = PGC 68944
22 28 29.5 +16 46 59; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.2
17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, almost round, small bright core. A mag 13 star is 0.9' ENE of center. Located 22'S of NGC 7290.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 7291 = Sf. 56 = St. 8a-18 on 1 Oct 1866 and recorded "pF, pS, neb MN." His position is accurate. Édouard Stephan observed the galaxy on 15 Sep 1876 (perhaps aware of Safford's discovery) and listed it as new in his discovery list 8a (#18). Stephan was credited in the GC Supplement and NGC due to the late publication of Safford's list. This was the case with ~20 out of 64 discoveries by Safford.
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22 28 25.8 +30 17 33; Peg
V = 12.5; Size 2.1'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.8
48" (10/29/16): at 813x; bright, fairly large, very irregular appearance. A faint star is superimposed just south of a very small brighter nucleus or knot. A bright "bar" extends through the nucleus WNW-ESE, (length ~50"), ending at a fairly bright knot at its WNW end. The knot (HII complex/OB assocation?) appears ~10"x7" SW-NE. A low surface brightness halo on the north and south side of the bar is roughly oval 3:2 and increases the overall size to ~1.5'x1.0'. Situated in a fairly busy star field.
17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, moderately large, oval WNW-ESE, broad concentration. A group of mag 13.5-14 stars are off the NW end including a two mag 13.5 stars 1.2' NW and 1.8' NW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7292 = St. 4-12 on 29 Aug 1872 and measured an initial position 3' too far W. His published position (list 4, #12) was measured a week later on 5 Sep 1872 and quite accurate.
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22 29 38.4 -20 50 13; Aqr
V = 7.6; Size 970"x735"
18" (11/13/07): superb view at 115x and OIII filter, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, ~14'x12' including a faint extension or filament on the west side. The bright rim is relatively thick and brightest along the north to NE side within the interior of the annulus (not at the very edge). A star is embedded at the west edge of this large, enhanced arc (due east of the mag 10.5 star just off the NW edge). The opposite SW rim is also enhanced in brightness and thicker. The rim is weakest and thinnest at the WNW end, but with averted vision this end bulges out due to a faint extension or large filament (second ring) that begins just south of the western side of the rim and extends north towards the mag 10.5 at the NW edge of the halo.
17.5" (10/2/99): gorgeous view at 100x and OIII filter. This huge, annular PN is 15'x12' in size and slightly elongated E-W due to an extension on the west side. The thick annulus is mottled and irregular with brighter regions along the N, NE and SW edge. The west side is slightly weaker but very faint extensions from the north and south side towards the west cause the rim to bulge on this side (part of a second ring). The west edge of the halo more gradually blends into the background near a mag 11 star off the west side. At 220x without a filter about a dozen stars are superimposed. The mag 13.5 central star is easy along with a similar star a couple of arc minutes following.
13.1" (8/16/82): the "Helix" nebula is extremely large, about 15' diameter, clearly annular. Significant contrast gain with OIII filter permits observation even from the Bay Area. The fairly bright rim is non-uniform appearing brighter along the north side. About 7 stars are superimposed including the mag 13.5 central star. Appears best at low power due to size and relative low surface brightness. Easy in the 80mm finder.
8" (10/4/80): huge annular planetary is fairly bright at low power using a Daystar 300 filter. The rim has an irregular surface brightness.
15x50 IS binoculars (8/27/11): easily visible in binoculars using a pair of narrowband filters.
Karl Ludwig Harding discovered NGC 7293 = Au 48 around 1823-24 at Gottingen University Observatory, probably using an 8.5-inch reflector built by William Herschel. According to Wolfgang Steinicke, Harding published a list of 8 new nebulae in Astronomisches Jahrbuch, although the Helix Nebula is the only object he actually discovered, the others being observations of previously discovered nebuae. Harding's list was not checked until 1857 by Winnecke, so the Helix was not generally known. Ernesto Capocci independently discovered this huge planetary in late 1824 at Capodimonte Observatory in Naples, but his position was over a degree too far west and the object wasn't found or generally known by others. In 1856, Christian Peters reported another discovery while he was at Capodimonte Observatory around 1850 (AJ 2, p16). As late as 1884 Jermaine Porter also reported a discovery, although at that point it was already in the John Herschel's General Catalogue. Both Herschels missed finding this planetary, most likely due to its large size.
Based on a September 1912 photograph (4 hour explosure) taken with the Crossley reflector at Lick, Heber Curtis wrote "I would suggest that this interesting object be referred to as "The Helical Nebula in Aquarius" [to distinguish it from the the Helical Nebula in Draco, NGC 6543]. In 1917, Robert Innes, at the Union Observatory in Johannesburg, noted it was "seen in both the 3-inch and 9-inch telescopes. Large, but no detail." and probably based on Curtis' comment, he referred to it as the "Helical nebula in Aquarius." The Heix was photographed several times with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory near Cairo and the 1921 bulletin reported "A recent plate shows an additional much fainter loop in the north-following portion, which extends 15' from the centre of the nebula."
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22 32 08.1 -25 23 52; PsA
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 47°
24" (7/29/16): at 200x; fairly faint, moderately large, elongated ~3:2 SW-NE, ~60"x40", contains a brighter core that gradually increases to a small brighter nucleus. The core itself sometimes appears noticeably elongated SW-NE.
17.5" (10/13/90): faint, small, round, bright core.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7294 = LM 1-251 in 1886
and recorded "vF, vS, R."
His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 2 minutes of time preceding
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22 27 54 +52 49; Lac
17.5" (10/21/95): this asterism consists of ~10 stars
including a mag 10 star at the east end and eight mag 12-13 star in an E-W
string about 3' length. Located 6'
SW of mag 7.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 7295 = h2163 on 8 Nov 1831 and recorded "A Milky Way straggler, a poorish cluster of stars 12...13m." His position corresponds with a mag 9 star accompanied by a small clump of stars close southwest. Karl Reinmuth called this a "a few st 11...13 in a dense region." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent ("No cluster"). But Harold Corwin suggests that if his declination is 30' too far north, then NGC 7295 is a duplicate of NGC 7296. As evidence, Herschel listed H. VII-41 as a synonym (with a question mark), so he was uncertain. The object described in my notes is the asterism at his position.
******************************
NGC 7296 = Cr 451 = Lund 1016 = OCL-228
22 28 02 +52 17 18; Lac
Size 4'
17.5" (10/5/91): compact group of roughly 30 stars in a 3'x2' area elongated N-S. A mag 9 star is at the NW edge. Most stars are arranged in a curved arc roughly N-S. A string of four perfectly collinear stars trail from this arc to the NE. Not particularly distinctive as located in a rich star field. Contains about ten faint stars mag 14-14.5. Located 40' E of Beta Lacertae (V = 4.4).
8" (11/8/80): 15 stars extended N-S between two mag 8 and 9 stars. Appears faint and small with an unresolved background haze.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7296 = H. VII-41 on 14 Oct 1787 (sweep 765) and noted "a small cluster of stars, not very rich; like a forming one." His RA was 40 seconds too large.
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22 31 10.3 -37 49 35; Gru
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 130°
17.5" (7/20/96): very faint, fairly small, irregularly
round, ~40" diameter. Located
2.7' WSW of a mag 13 star. Pair
with
John Herschel discovered NGC 7297 = h3945, along with NGC 7299, on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R. The preceding of 2 [with NGC 7299]." His position is less than 1' southwest of ESO 405-023 = PGC 68980.
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22 30 50.6 -14 11 18; Aqr
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 5°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated N-S, ~45" diameter, irregular halo with an indistinct shape
(face-on spiral), very weak concentration. In a group (LGG 458) with
17.5" (9/15/90): extremely faint, fairly small, very low even surface brightness, diffuse. Forms a pair with NGC 7300 11.3' NNE. Located 22' NNE of 56 Aquarii (V = 6.4).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7298 = m 484 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, pL, iR." His position is fairly accurate.
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NGC 7299 = ESO 345-019 = MCG -06-49-008 = AM 2228-380 = PGC 69060
22 31 33.1 -37 48 34; Gru
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (7/20/96): threshold object only glimpsed with concentration for moments, ~30" diameter. No details seen. Located 1.9' E of a mag 13 star and 4.6' ENE of slightly brighter NGC 7297.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7299 = h3946, along with NGC 7297, on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R. The following of 2 [with NGC 7297]." His position is fairly good.
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NGC 7300 = IC 5204? = MCG -02-57-011 = LGG 458-003 = PGC 69040
22 30 59.9 -14 00 13; Aqr
V = 12.8; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 160°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x; moderately bright and large, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 1.2'x0.4', broad concentration with a brighter elongated core. In a group (LGG 458) with NGC 7302 22' SE and NGC 7298 11' SSW.
13.1" (9/3/83): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, low surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 7298 11.3' SSW. NGC 7302 lies 24' ESE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7300 = h2164 on 26 Jul 1830 and
recorded "F; pL; a strong suspicion; almost sure." The next night he logged "vF; R;
vglbM; 20"; twilight commencing." His position is just off the south side of
Harold Corwin suggests Lewis Swift's list XI, #212 (later IC
5204) found on 8 Aug 1896, is probably a duplicate of NGC 7300 despite a very
poor position. Swift's description
reads "vF; eE; a ray; p of 2 [with
******************************
22 30 34.7 -17 34 26; Aqr
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 1°
17.5" (10/13/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, weak concentration.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7301 = LM 1-252 in 1886 at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "vF; pS; lE 0°; lbM." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1.3 min of RA too large, but his position angle (N-S) clinches this identification. Bigourdan was unable to find this galaxy.
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NGC 7302 = IC 5228 = MCG -02-57-013 = PGC 69094
22 32 23.8 -14 07 14; Aqr
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 97°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x; fairly bright, moderately large,
oval 2:1 WNW-ESE, at least 1.0'x0.5', sharply concentrated with an intense,
round core. Mag 9.2
Forms a pair with
13.1" (9/3/83): faint, very small, slightly elongated
E-W, small bright core. Located 3'
N of mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 7302 = H. IV-31 = h2165 on 3
Oct 1785 (sweep 450) and recorded "F, S, stellar, 3 or 4' north of a pB star. The chevelure pretty large." John Herschel made 4 observations,
reporting on 26 Jul 1830, "F; pL; R; vsbM to a S, F, R nucleus; diam = 2';
has a * sf in pos 352.5° by micrometer; dist 3'." Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on
8 Aug 1896 and reported Sw. 11-215 as "pB, pS, R; B * nr s; f of 2 [with
******************************
22 31 32.8 +30 57 22; Peg
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 125°
17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, moderately large, diffuse, almost even surface brightness, slightly elongated NW-SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7303 = h2166 on 15 Sep 1828 and
recorded "vF; R; vlbM; 20"." Harold Corwin points out that
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22 31 30 +30 58; Peg
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC. =NGC 7303, UGC.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7304 on 20 Aug 1862 while observing NGC 7303. He claimed it was 137" away and his offset (+2 seconds in RA and +1.2' in dec, implies it lies northeast. But there is nothing at this position. On a later observation (5 Oct 1864) of NGC 7303, he searched carefully but could not find the object again. Dreyer also searched unsuccessfully for NGC 7304 on 29 Sep 1875 at Birr Castle. A double star is 2' southwest of NGC 7303 (opposite direction). Perhaps d'Arrest reversed the orientation and this pair is NGC 7304. In any case, NGC 7304 is not a duplicate of NGC 7303.
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22 32 13.9 +11 42 44; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.7'
24" (12/1/16): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, roundish, ~24" diameter, small bright core, diffuse halo. A mag 15.7 star is 40" N of center.
The blazar CTA 102, located 5.6' ENE, was near the maximum of a historic outburst. It appeared marginally brighter than a mag 12.9 star on the AAVSO chart, so perhaps mag 12.7 or 12.8. This is 4.5 magnitudes brighter than its normal quiescent state. At z = 1.037, the light-travel time is ~8 billion years. This is certainly the most distant object in recorded times to be visible in a 6" scope.
17.5" (8/20/88): very faint, very small, round, small bright core. A mag 15 star is 30" N. Located between two stars mag 13.5 1.6' NW and 2.1' E.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7305 = Sw. 4-84 on 1 Sep 1886 and recorded "eF; S; R; in center of 4 F stars in form of a rhombus." His position is fairly accurate.
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22 33 16.5 -27 14 48; PsA
V = 12.7; Size 1.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 60°
17.5" (10/13/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 2:1 SW-NE, brighter core. A mag 12 star is 2.0' WNW. Pair with MCG -05-53-015 6' E.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7306 = h3948 on 30 Jul 1834 and recorded "vF; S; lE; follows a star 11m in the parallel." His position is accurate. Howe noted in 1900 that "The * 11m p" appears to be of mag 10 and precedes 8 seconds, 0.7' north. The nebula seems brighter near its preceding end."
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22 33 52.5 -40 55 58; Gru
V = 12.6; Size 3.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 9°
17.5" (8/26/00): very faint, moderately large, elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, ~2.5'x0.8', broad concentration, fades at tips. A mag 13.5-14 star is close west of the SW tip. This galaxy was difficult to view due to its very low elevation. Located ~40' SW of a wide mag 6 pair (Sigma-1 and 2 Gruis).
John Herschel discovered NGC 7307 = h3947 on 4 Oct 1836 and recorded "F; pL; pmE; about pos of 75° with parallel; 2 1/2' long. His RA is 6 seconds too small, and the description is a perfect match.
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22 34 32.1 -12 56 02; Aqr
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 145°
24" (9/29/16): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, 25"-30" diameter, slightly elongated, reasonably high surface brightness. Gradually increases to a very small brighter nucleus. Resides in a barren star field.
NGC 7308 forms a pair with
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, small, round, bright core.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7308 = LM 1-253 in 1886
and reported "pB; vS; R, no star in field." His very rough position (nearest minute of RA) is 40 seconds
west and 3' south of
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22 34 20.6 -10 21 25; Aqr
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.7
24" (8/14/15): moderately bright and large, irregular shape, slightly elongated, ~1.0'x0.8', contains a small bright core. A fairly thin spiral arm juts out to the west on the north end. On the DSS, this spiral has a second strong arm off the south end, extending east, though this arm was difficult to distinguish.
13.1" (9/3/83): faint, moderately large, very diffuse, slightly elongated ~E-W, even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7309 = H. II-476 = h2167 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and recorded "F, pL, iR, lbM." John Herschel made 5 observations, first reporting it on 9 Sep 1825 (sweep 9) as "F; R; vgbM; r; 2'." R.J. Mitchell, observing at Birr Castle on 2 Oct 1856, reported "has a * near center and I suspect a * or knot in np edge [spiral arm at this end]."
Heber Curtis described the photograhic appearance in 1913 based on Crossley plates at Lick as "a small nebula about 1.5' in size, of very unusual form. Has faint stellar nucleus; ther are three fainter nuclei from which spring short whorls [spiral arms]; these are not arranged as in an ordinary spiral, but overlap." At the Helwan observatory in Egypt, it was described (1921) as a "3 branched spiral with sharp stellar nucleus. The north branch starts from a faint almost stellar condensation just n.f. the nucleus. The branch just south of the nucleus forms an oval around it, much brighter on the south side. The third branch is also south and curiously broken in the middle."
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22 34 36.9 -22 29 06; Aqr
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 36°
17.5" (7/2/89): very faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, very low even surface brightness.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7310 = LM 1-254 on 20 Jul
1885 and reported "mag 15.0; pS; R; bMN." His rough position (nearest min of RA is marked as
uncertain) is 25 seconds east and 2' south of
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22 34 06.7 +05 34 12; Peg
V = 12.5; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 10°
17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, small, very
elongated ~N-S, small bright core, sharp bright stellar nucleus. This striking
galaxy forms a wide pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 7311 = H. II-428 = h2168 on 30 Aug 1785 (sweep 427) and recorded "F, pS, R, lbM." On 25 Oct 1785 (sweep 464) he noted "pB, S, irr R, r."
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NGC 7312 = UGC 12083 = MCG +01-57-010 = CGCG 404-023 = PGC 69198
22 34 34.8 +05 49 02; Peg
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 83°
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse, very small brighter core, slightly elongated ~E-W. Located 16.4' NNE of NGC 7311.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7312 = m 485 on 30 Oct 1863 and noted "F, S." His position is accurate.
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22 35 32.6 -26 06 06; PsA
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 170°
24" (9/25/19): at 375x; faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated NNW-SSE, ~24"x20", low even surface brightness. Located 4.5' SW of much brighter and
larger
17.5" (10/13/90): extremely faint, small, elongated ~N-S. Pair with NGC 7314 4.4' NE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7313 = m 486 on 24 Sep 1864 and
noted "eF, E." His
position is within 1' of
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NGC 7314 = Arp 14 = ESO 533-053 = MCG -04-53-018 = AM 2233-261 = PGC 69253
22 35 45.9 -26 03 01; PsA
V = 11.0; Size 4.6'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 3°
24" (9/25/19): at 200x and 375x; bright, large, elongated 5:2 N-S, ~2.5'x1.0'. Subtle spiral structure was seen. A bright linear arm extended ~N-S along the SW flank. A 15th mag star is close off the E side, 0.9' from center and a 12th mag star is 2' WNW of center. Pair with NGC 7313 4.5' SW.
17.5" (10/13/90): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 N-S, 2.7'x0.9', broad concentration. A mag 15 star is just off the east side. A brighter mag 12 star lies 2.0' W of center. Forms a pair with NGC 7313 4.4' SW.
8" (8/28/81): faint, moderately large, elongated, diffuse.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7314 = h3949 on 29 Jul 1834 and recorded "pB; L; mE in meridian; vlbM; 4' l, 2' br; moonlight." His position (also measured the next sweep) is accurate.
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22 35 31.7 +34 48 12; Peg
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (8/12/88): fairly faint, fairly small, round, bright core. A mag 15 star is 0.7' W of center. Located 30' NW of NGC 7331.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7315 = St. 4-13 on 29 Aug 1872 and measured an initial position 3' too far W. His published position (list 4, #13) was reduced two weeks later on 11 Sep 1872.
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22 35 56.3 +20 19 20; Peg
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 60°
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, elongated SW-NE,
irregular surface brightness. A
mag 14 star is 50" SSW of center. An extremely faint star is possibly
involved at the east end. Located
3.2' NNE of mag 6.7
William Herschel discovered NGC 7316 = H. III-180 = h2169 on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and noted "eF, vS, north of a star about 9m." His time is about 8 seconds too small, but the identification is certain.
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22 35 51.8 +33 56 42; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8
18" (6/25/04): faint, very small, round, ~20"
diameter. A mag 13 star just off
the NW side detracts from viewing.
This star is collinear with two mag 13.5 stars 0.7' NE and 1.7' SE with
a mag 14.5 star just off this line.
These and a few additional faint stars near or attached to galaxies in
the group (
17.5" (9/14/85): fourth brightest of five in Stephan's
quintet. At 222x; fairly faint,
small, round, brighter core, easy with direct vision. A mag 13 star is at the NW edge just 16" from the
center which confuses the observation.
The interacting pair
13.1" (9/29/84): very faint, small, round. A star is at the NW edge. Second faintest in Stephan's quintet.
13.1" (8/23/84): very faint, small, round, visible without averted vision.
13.1" (8/5/83): extremely faint, very small, round, close following a star, requires averted vision.
8" (7/24/82); suspected at 100x attached to a faint star.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7317 = St. 8a-19, along with the other members of the group, on 27 Sep 1873. His accurate published position (list 81, #19) was reduced on 23 Sep 1876.
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22 35 56.7 +33 57 56; Peg
V = 13.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (6/25/04): The brighter western component (NGC 7318A) appeared fairly faint, slightly elongated E-W, sharply concentrated with a bright stellar or quasi-stellar nucleus. The eastern component (NGC 7318B) is fairly faint, slightly elongated ~E-W, sharply concentrated with a stellar nucleus (not as prominent as NGC 7318A). The two galaxies are encased in a common halo.
17.5" (9/14/85): at 222x; the western member of this
double galaxy in Stephan's quintet is moderately bright, elongated ~E-W. The eastern member is moderately
bright, elongated ~E-W. This
double system appears as two stellar nuclei within a common elongated
halo. The three other members are
NGC 7317 1.6' SW, NGC 7320 1.9' SE and
13.1" (8/5/83 and 9/29/84): faint, elongated, two stellar nuclei are resolved in good seeing.
8" (6/27/81 and 8/28/81): extremely faint, small. This double galaxy appears as a single object.
6" (6/25/04): extremely faint, glimpsed intermittently at 105x and 140x, along with NGC 7320 using a 6" mask. This double system was unresolved.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7318 = St 8a-20, along with the other members, 27 Sep 1873. He reduced the position on 23 Sep 1876 and included it in his discovery list 8a (#20). He didn't resolve the NGC 7318 pair, so the two components are often called NGC 7318A and 7318B. Harold Corwin carefully re-reduced his offsets and found that Stephan measured the brighter western component, although his position is just off the nucleus of the eastern component.
Shapley and Ames mentioned NGC 7318 is "bi-nuclear and probably represents two interpenetrating system" in 1930BHarO.878....6S.
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NGC 7319 = HCG 92C = Arp 319 NED5 = VV 288b = UGC 12102 =
22 36 03.5 +33 58 33; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 1.7'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.8
18" (7/20/04): at 323x appears a very faint low surface brightness glow, small, elongated 3:2 or 2:1 NW-SE, ~40"x25", very weak concentration. Three mag 15-16 stars are very near. This galaxy is the faintest in Stephan's Quintet.
18" (6/25/04): very faint, small, round, low surface brightness, slightly elongated, ~25"x20", very small slightly brighter core. Faintest in Stephan's quintet.
17.5" (9/14/85): faintest in Stephan's quintet. At 222x; faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, very low surface brightness with only a very weak concentration. Located 1.7' N of NGC 7320 and 1.5' NE of the double system NGC 7318A/B.
13.1" (7/27/84): extremely faint, fairly small, requires averted.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7319 = St. 8a-21, along with others in the group, on 27 Sep 1873. His reduced position, published in list 8a (#21) was reduced on 23 Sep 1876.
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NGC 7320 = HCG 92A = Arp 319 NED4 = VV 288a = UGC 12101 =
22 36 03.4 +33 56 53; Peg
V = 12.6; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 132°
18" (6/25/04): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, ~50"x30". A mag 14 star is embedded on the SE portion of the halo, just 15" from the center. The brightness of NGC 7320 is comparable to the combined glow of NGC 7318A/B. The Quintet was viewed at 257x and 300x. This galaxy has a very low redshift compared to the other group members, so has been a subject of controversy but is likely a foreground object.
17.5" (9/14/85): brightest in Stephan's quintet consisting of five galaxies within a 4' diameter circle. At 222x; moderately bright, moderately large, brighter core, elongated 5:2 NW-SE. A mag 14.5 star is at the SE side 15" from the center. NGC 7317 lies 2.5' W, NGC 7318 pair is 1.7' NW and NGC 7319 1.7' N. Located 30' SSW of NGC 7331.
13.1": faint, elongated NW-SE.
8" (6/27/81 and 8/28/81): extremely faint, small.
6" (6/25/04): marginal but definitely glimpsed at moments with a 6" mask at 115x and 140x.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7320 = St. 8a-22, probably along with the other members of the group, on 27 Sep 1873. His published position (list 8a, #22) was reduced on 23 Sep 1876.
NGC 7320 lies in the foreground of the other galaxies. See S&T November 2004 and my observing piece in the article.
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22 36 28.0 +21 37 19; Peg
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 12°
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, elongated SW-NE, no
concentration. A mag 15 star is
attached at the NE end, 24" from center. Four bright stars are within the 20' field; mag 9
William Herschel discovered NGC 7321 = H. III-237 = h2170 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 319) and logged "eF, vS." His position is 2.5' north of UGC 12103. John Herschel recorded "pF; irreg R; vgvlbM; 15...20"." and measured an accurate position.
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22 37 51.5 -37 13 52; Gru
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 114°
17.5" (10/30/99): extremely faint, very small, round,
20" diameter. It required
averted vision in poor seeing.
Located just west of the midpoint of a mag 10 (
John Herschel discovered NGC 7322 = h3950 on 30 Aug 1834 and
recorded pF; R; gbM; 20". Two
nights later he called this galaxy "eF; S; vlE." His position matches
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22 36 53.7 +19 08 38; Peg
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 170°
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, broad
mild concentration. Forms a pair
with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7323 = m 487, along with NGC 7324, on 13 Sep 1863 and noted "pF, pL, irr R." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7324 = MCG +03-57-026 = Holm 794b = PGC 69321
22 37 00.9 +19 08 46; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 168°
17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, extremely small, round. A mag 11.5 star is 0.6' SE of center. Close pair with NGC 7323 1.8' W.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7324 = m 488, along with NGC
7323, on 13 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, vS neb. *." His position is less than 1' north of
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22 36 48.4 +34 22 02; Peg
Size 15"
17.5" (10/17/98): this is a very faint double star 4.5'
SW of the core of NGC 7331. At
220x only the brighter mag 14 component was evident but at 280x and 380x a
fainter mag 15 companion at 15" S was visible. A wide pair of mag 12/13 stars that are collinear with the
core of the galaxy lie 1.5' NW.
RNGC misidentifies NGC 7325 with
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7325 = Nova VIII on 20 Sep 1865 while observing NGC 7331 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory. His micrometric position matches a mag 14/15 double star at 15" separation with the northern component an extremely close double. This pair is situated 4.5' southwest of the center of NGC 7331. Dreyer also found this object and measured an accurate offset at Birr Castle on 8 Sep 1875 using NGC 7331 as the reference. It's shown unlabeled on the constructed sketch of the companions to NGC 7331 in the 1880 publication. Karl Reinmuth reported this object as a "? Neb *14.8" based on a Heidelberg plate.
RNGC misidentifies
******************************
22 36 52.0 +34 25 22; Peg
17.5" (10/17/98): NGC 7326 refers to a faint, close
double star just 2.5' preceding the nucleus of NGC 7331. It was not seen with certainty at 220x,
but was clearly visible at 280x and 380x as a mag 15.5 star (not
resolved). The RNGC misidentifies
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 7326 on 7 Oct 1874. His micrometric offset (also measured in 1875) from NGC 7331 (153" in PA 278°) points to a close double star 2.5' preceding the nucleus of NGC 7331. It's also shown unlabeled on the constructed sketch in the 1880 publication. Dorothy Carlson also equated this number with the double star based on Mount Wilson and Lick Observatory plates.
RNGC misidentifies CGCG 514-066 as NGC 7326. This galaxy is located 12' northwest of NGC 7331. This error was mentioned in my article on NGC 7331 and its companions in Deep Sky magazine for Fall 1986, as well as in RNGC Corrections #1.
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22 36 57.3 +34 28 02; Peg
17.5" (10/17/98): this number refers to one of the several nonexistent NGC entries in the NGC 7331 vicinity. A possible candidate suggested by Harold Corwin is a mag 13 star near the tip of the northern extension of NGC 7331. This single star appeared stellar, although it seems plausible that it might look slightly nebulous due to the faint background haze of the galaxy. Other fainter nearby stars may instead apply to NGC 7327.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7327, along with
Harold Corwin suggests the mag 13 star at 22 36 57.3 +34 28 02 (2000) as a reasonable candidate. Another possibility is the compact galaxy PGC 69261, which has a bright star superimposed (the RNGC misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 7325). Unfortunately, Tempel didn't leave any additional clues as to the identification of NGC 7327, so any assignment is really a guess. The identifications in the NGC 7331 group are discussed in my Deep Sky magazine article for Fall 1986.
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22 37 29.3 +10 31 54; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 2.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 88°
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W, broad weak concentration, faint outer halo.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7328 = h2171 on 12 Oct 1825 and recorded "eF; elongated in parallel [E-W]; 60" l, 40" br." His position (measured on 4 sweeps) is accurate.
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22 40 24.2 -66 28 44; Tuc
V = 11.3; Size 3.9'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 107°
30" (10/14/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, very large,
oval 5:3 ~E-W, at least 2.5'x1.5', sharply concentrated with a bright,
elongated core (bar E-W). The halo
is only slightly concentrated but shows weak spiral structure. A mag 12.5 is 3' NW and a pair of mag
14.5/15 stars is off the southwest side and collinear with the nucleus.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7329 = h3951 on 20 Jul 1835 and recorded "pB; mE in parallel; gbM; 50" l, 20" br."
NGC 7329 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "!! Ellip. and spiral form"
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22 36 56.2 +38 32 53; Lac
V = 12.2; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (6/15/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 1.2' NW of center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7330 = St. 2-30 on 27 Sep 1869 and logged a rough unpublished position 2' too far E. On 26 Jul 1870 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "moderately bright, small, little brighter middle, oval."
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NGC 7331 = UGC 12113 = MCG +06-49-045 = CGCG 514-068 = Holm 795a = LGG 459-003 = PGC 69327 = Deer Lick Group
22 37 04.1 +34 24 56; Peg
V = 9.5; Size 10.5'x3.7'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 171°
48" (10/24/14): at 488x, the long dust lane along the west side (running N-S) was very evident as the galaxy is sharply cut off at the bright edge of a thin inner spiral arm (the arm itself was not resolved). A clearly visible outer spiral arm curves sharply counterclockwise around the south side of the halo and shoots directly north. It continues or merges into a fairly narrow arm just west of the dust lane and extends north of the central region on the west side.
24" (7/21/12): at 322x this showpiece galaxy appeared very bright, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, ~9'x3'. Contains a very bright, elongated core that is sharply concentrated with an intense stellar nucleus. The galaxy exhibits subtle spiral structure in the outer halo and the brighter edge of the inner western arm is sharply defined as it shoots north. Just west of this arm the light drops off sharply due to a long dust lane and the dim glow of the outer halo is clearly visible west of the lane. Arm structure is also evident at the north and south ends of the central region. The four background companions to the east fit snugly in the field.
18" (8/1/08): The sharp light cut-off (dust lane) was evident, running along the west side of the galaxy, and the outer halo had subtle structure and variations in brightness that suggested spiral structure.
13.1" (many dates 7/16/82 to 7/27/84): very bright,
very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 9'x2.5', very bright elongated core, substellar
nucleus. The west side has a
sharper edge due to dust. Four
(background) companions are close following with the brightest three
8" (8/28/81): very bright, large, nucleus bulge, very elongated. Two extremely faint companions to the east are just visible.
80mm (9/29/84): faint streak at 16x in the finder.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7331 = H. I-53 = h2172 on 6 Sep 1784 (sweep 258) and recorded "pB, cL, E, lbM." His position is 10' too far south-southeast. On 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 269), he noted "vB, cL, mE, mbM, r." John Herschel reported "vB; pL; smbM; E 70° np to sf; 90" l, 30" br. If I. 53, the working list 9' out in PD [it is]."
George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant on 17 Aug 1849, logged "the preceding edge is well defined [dust lane] and Nucl near it. I strongly suspected an eF branch [spiral arm] from south end round following and north and then preceding of preceding edge." A month later he confirmed "appendage preceding certain, following branch suspected, 4 knots [companions] following, one preceding seen by Lord R to consist of 4 or 5 stars [wrong]." R.J. Mitchell's sketch on 16 Sep 1854 (Plate XXX, fig 39 in 1861 Monograph), clearly shows the dust lane along the major axis.
******************************
22 37 24.5 +23 47 54; Peg
V = 11.1; Size 4.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 155°
17.5" (9/2/89): bright, fairly large, edge-on 4:1
NNW-SSE, well-defined very bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2.4' SSE of center,
collinear with the major axis.
Forms a striking pair of edge-on systems with
8" (7/24/82): fairly bright, small bright nucleus, edge-on NNW-SSE. Forms a pair with NGC 7339 5' E.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7332 = H. II-233 = h2173, along with NGC 7339, on 19 Sep 1784 (sweep 278) and recorded "pB, E, easily resolvable. I can distinguish one or two stars." On 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 302) he reported "B, lE, the direction nearly in the parallel [N-S]." John Herschel's first observation on 17 Aug 1828 (sweep 166) reads, "B; S; mE in pos = 163° by microm; vsmbM to a * 11m."
******************************
22 37 11.6 +34 26 14; Peg
17.5" (10/17/98): extremely close double star just 2.0' NE of the center of NGC 7331. At 220x it appeared as a single mag 15 star 40" following a mag 13.5-14 star. This star is on a line between NGC 7335 and the core of NGC 7331.
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7333 = Nova IX on 20 Sep 1865 while observing NGC 7331 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory. His micrometric position matches an extremely close double star (less than 2" separation) situated 2' northeast of the center of NGC 7331. The components are just distinguishable on the SDSS. Karl Reinmuth reported this object as a "nebulous *15, *14 p 0.7'.", based on a Heidelberg plate. Dorothy Carlson classified it as a double star (misinterpreting Reinmuth's description) in her 1940 paper on NGC errata. I discussed NGC 7333 in my article on the identifications in the NGC 7331 group in Deep Sky magazine.
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NGC 7334 = NGC 7322 = ESO 405-033 = MCG -06-49-010 = PGC 69365
22 37 51.5 -37 13 52; Gru
See observing notes for NGC 7322.
John Herschel found NGC 7334 = h3950 on 23 Oct 1835 and recorded "eeF; barely, but certainly seen." A note was added "the observation makes the RA 29 min 6.5 sec [instead of 28 min], and as the PD fails of a perfect agreement [with his previously two observations of h3950 = NGC 7322], it is not impossible that this may be a different nebula." In the Cape catalogue, all three observations of this galaxy were listed under the single entry h3950, but he included a second entry in the GC at the wrong position, which became NGC 7334. So, NGC 7322 = NGC 7334, with a 1 minute error in RA.
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NGC 7335 = UGC 12116 = MCG +06-49-047 = CGCG 514-069 = Holm 795c = PGC 69338
22 37 19.4 +34 26 52; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 151°
48" (10/24/14): at 488x; fairly bright, moderately large, elongated nearly 5:2 NNW-SSE, 0.9'x0.35'. Contains a very bright core.
24" (7/21/12): at 322x was moderately bright and large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, ~50"x20", relatively large bright oval core that gradually increases to the center. This is the brightest of the four "companions" to NGC 7331 with the faintest galaxy, NGC 7336, situated 2.1' NNE. The quartet is actually far in the background (8x the redshift) of NGC 7331, at a similar redshift as Stephan's Quintet with the exception for NGC 7320, which has a similar redshift as NGC 7331.
18" (8/1/08): at 280x appeared fairly faint or moderately bright, very elongated nearly 3:1 NNW-SSE, well concentrated with a small, bright elongated core. With averted vision increases in size to 1.2'x0.35'. This is easily the brightest of four companions on the east side of NGC 7331.
18" (7/20/04): at 225x appears fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, contains a bright core which increases to a faint stellar nucleus, ~0.8'x0.35', though increases in size with averted vision to 1.0'x0.4'. Brightest of four companions on the following side of NGC 7331.
17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, bright core, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, small bright core. This is the brightest and largest of the four following companions of NGC 7331 located 3.5' ENE of center. A mag 14 star is 1.3' NE. Extremely faint NGC 7336 is 2.1' NNE.
17.5" (9/14/85): fairly faint, bright core, very elongated NNW-SSE.
13.1" (9/29/84): easily the brightest and largest of the companions to NGC 7331. Fairly faint but easily visible with direct vision at 220x, gradually increases to center, elongated NNW-SSE.
13.1" (7/27/84): fairly faint, elongated NNW-SSE, broad concentration. Located 3.6' E of the center of NGC 7331. Extremely faint NGC 7336 is 2' NNE.
8" (8/28/81): extremely faint, very small, requires averted.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7335 = H. III-166 = h2174 on 13 Sep 1784 (sweep 269) he recorded "eF, vS, E, between 4 & 5' distant from the former [NGC 7331] and north following it." John Herschel reported this galaxy as "eF; it is nf from I. 53 [NGC 7331]; pos by micrometer = 61.8°; Delta RA = 14.5 seconds."
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NGC 7336 = MCG +06-49-049 = Holm 795j = PGC 69337
22 37 21.9 +34 28 54; Peg
V = 14.8; Size 0.5'x0.4'
48" (10/29/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, very small brighter core. Faintest of the four galaxies to the east of NGC 7331.
48" (10/24/14): at 488x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.3', contains a small bright core. Located 2' N of NGC 7335.
24" (7/21/12): at 322x the faintest of the four "companions" to NGC 7331 appeared faint, small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 20"x14", small brighter core. Situated 2.1' NNE of NGC 7335 (brightest of the quartet). A mag 13.5 star is 1' S, between the two galaxies.
18" (8/1/08): at 283x appeared very faint but visible steadily with averted vision, very small, slightly elongated, 20"x15" in size.
18" (7/20/04): at 225x appears extremely faint, very small, roundish. At times only a 10" core was visible but with concentrated viewing an extended halo was visible increasing the size to 20"x10". Located 2' NNE of NGC 7335 and faintest of the quartet.
17.5" (8/12/88): very faint, very small, elongated, visible steadily. Located 1' NNW of a mag 14 star.
17.5" (8/27/87): Can just be held continuously with averted vision, elongated ~N-S. Faintest of the 4 galaxies on the east side of NGC 7331.
17.5" (9/14/85): very faint, very small, slightly elongated. Just visible with constant direct vision at 200x (10mm Clave). A mag 14 star is 1.0' SSE of center. This is the faintest of four companions of NGC 7331 and is located 2.1' NNE of NGC 7335.
George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 7336, along with NGC
7337 and 7340, on 10 Sep 1849 and noted "4 knots [including
******************************
NGC 7337 = UGC 12120 = MCG +06-49-050 = CGCG 514-071 = Holm 795b = PGC 69344
22 37 26.6 +34 22 27; Peg
V = 14.4; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.3
48" (10/24/14 and 10/27/19): moderately bright, fairly small, roundish, ~0.5'x0.4'. It was difficult to estimate the size of halo due to the superimposed star (just 8" SE of center!) and the low surface brightness outer halo faded into the background. Contains a very small bright core and stellar nucleus within a fairly low contrast "bar" extending N-S.
24" (7/21/12): fairly faint, fairly small, round, though a mag 14 star on the east side of the core of the galaxy distracts from a clean view. Sharply concentrated with a very small bright core ~10" diameter and a much fainter halo ~25" diameter.
18" (8/1/08): faint or fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.4'x0.25'. A mag 14.5 star on the east side confuses the view. Located 5' SE of NGC 7331.
18" (7/20/04): at 322x appears faint, very small, round, ~20" diameter. The observation is confused by a mag 14 star that is attached on the southeast side and the galaxy appears to bulge out from the star towards the NW.
17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated. A mag 14-14.5 star attached at the SE end just 9" from the center confuses the observation as the galaxy appears like a close double. Located 5.2' SE of the center of NGC 7331 in a group of four faint companions.
17.5" (9/14/85): faint, very small, round, star attached at SE end.
13.1" (9/29/84): very faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is superimposed at the SE side. This is the third faintest of the four companions to NGC 7331 and is located 5' SE of the center of NGC 7331. NGC 7340 is 4' NE.
George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 7337, along with NGC 7336 and 7340, on 10 Sep 1849 and noted "4 knots following [NGC 7331]." A diagram was made 2 nights later and NGC 7337 was labeled "E". Despite an accurate position, NGC 7337 was reported in the 1908 Catalogue of new nebulae and clusters found on plates taken with the Crossley reflector, generally of bright nearby galaxies [NGC 7331 in this case]. The plates were taken by Keeler in 1898-00 and this galaxy was recorded as #716 out of 744.
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22 37 31.7 +34 24 51; Peg
17.5" (10/17/98): at 220x, a single mag 14 star was clearly visible at this position. A fainter companion ~12" preceding was not seen at 280x or 380x.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7338, along with NGC 7327, in 1882 with the 11" refractor near Florence and reported in the narrative portion of his fifth paper (AN 2439). No position was given but NGC 7338 was noted as located "between the four brighter companions following [NGC 7331], closer to the southern two [NGC 7337 and 7340]." There are no additional galaxies he might have seen, so this number probably refers to a single or double star. Harold Corwin suggest NGC 7338 is probably the faint double star about 3' southeast of NGC 7335, which forms an isosceles triangle with NGC 7337 and 7340. The identifications in the NGC 7331 group are discussed in my Deep Sky magazine article for Fall 1986.
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NGC 7339 = UGC 12122 = MCG +04-53-009 = CGCG 474-013 = Holm 796b = PGC 69364
22 37 46.9 +23 47 12; Peg
V = 12.2; Size 3.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 93°
24" (6/14/15): bright, fairly large, edge-on 5:1 E-W, 2.2'x0.4', large bright core, slightly mottled appearance. The north edge of the central region had a sharper light cut-off (apparently due to dust) and a very low surface brightness glow was visible just beyond this edge. A mag 14.6 star is 1.6' WSW and a mag 15.4 star is 1.4' NW of center.
17.5" (9/2/89): moderately bright, thin edge-on 5:1 E-W, brighter core but no sharp nucleus. Forms a striking pair with edge-on NGC 7332 5.2' W.
8" (7/24/82): faint, very elongated ~E-W. Aligned nearly perpendicular to NGC 7332 5' WNW and has a similar size.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7339 = H. II-234 = h2175, along with NGC 7332, on 19 Sep 1784 (sweep 278) and recorded "F, E, r, the direction of the extent different from that of the foregoing [NGC 7332]." On 20 Oct 1784 (sweep 302) he reported "E of the size of the foregoing [NGC 7332], and the extension in a different direction, almost at rectangles to the former; the direction nearly in the parallel, about 1 1/2' in length." On 13 Sep 1830 (sweep 290), John Herschel recorded "vF; mE in parallel; 60" l; the following of two [with NGC 7332] and a third suspected." There is no other nearby third object, so perhaps he glimpsed a very faint star.
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NGC 7340 = MCG +06-49-052 = CGCG 514-075 = Holm 795e = PGC 69362
22 37 44.2 +34 24 36; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 170°
48" (10/24/14): at 488x; fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, 35"x25", sharply concentrated with a bright core and sharp stellar nucleus.
24" (7/21/12): moderately bright at 322x, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.5'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a very small bright core that increases to the center. Second brightest of the four "companions" to NGC 7331. Collinear with a mag 11 star 1.8' NNW and a mag 10.3 star 3.6' NNW.
18" (8/1/08): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 0.6'x0.5', very faint stellar nucleus. Collinear with two bright stars 1.8' NNW and 3.6' NNW.
18" (7/20/04): at 322x appears fairly faint, small, round, 25"-30" diameter, broad concentration to a brighter core. This is the second most prominent galaxy of the quartet following NGC 7331.
17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus. This is the last of four galaxies following NGC 7331 and lies 8.1' E of center. Nearby are NGC 7337 4.2' SW and NGC 7335 5.6' NW. Collinear with two 10 stars 1.8' NNW and 3.6' NNW.
17.5" (9/14/85): fairly faint, small, round, bright core.
13.1" (9/29/84): faint, small, round, bright core. Second brightest of four faint companions of NGC 7331.
8" (8/28/81): extremely faint, very small, requires averted.
George Johnstone Stoney discovered NGC 7340, along with NGC 7336 and 7337, on 10 Sep 1849 and noted "4 knots following [NGC 7331]." A diagram was made 2 nights later and NGC 7340 was labeled "D".
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22 39 05.1 -22 39 55; Aqr
V = 12.4; Size 2.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 94°
17.5" (7/2/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated
E-W, weak concentration. Located
just 2' SSW mag 8.3
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7341 = LM 1-255 on 20 Jul
1885 and recorded "pF; pS; E; lbM." His rough position (the nearest min of RA is marked as
uncertain) is coincidentally just 2' south of
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22 38 13.1 +35 29 56; Peg
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x1.3'; Surf Br = 14.3
18" (6/25/04): faint, fairly small, round, 40"
diameter, weak concentration to a small slightly brighter core. Overall, the surface brightness is
pretty low. A mag 14 star is
attached at the west side. Located
10.7' NNW of
17.5" (8/12/88): faint, small, round, weak concentration, very faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14 star is at the west edge 25" from the center. Member of the UGC 12127 group with NGC 7345 6.9' ENE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7342 = St. 4-14 on 28 Aug 1872 and measured an initial position 2.5' too far WNW. Apparently he missed or didn't note NGC 7345 on that date. His published position (list 4, #14) was measured two weeks later on 11 Sep 1872 and quite accurate.
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22 38 37.9 +34 04 17; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 160°
18" (8/1/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3, 0.6'x0.45', weak concentration. Located 28' SE of NGC 7331.
17.5" (8/12/88): faint, small, round, weak concentration.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 7343 = Sf. 53 = St 8a-23 on 14 Sep 1866. Safford's position was 5' too far south and 7 sec of RA too large. His discovery wasn't published until 1887 (just a position with no description), too late to be credited in the NGC. Édouard Stephan first observed NGC 7343 on 27 Sep 1873 and measured an accurate position on 26 Sep 1876. Stephen was credited with the discovery in the GC Supplement (6072) and NGC. But Stephan may already have been aware (he reported 19 Safford discoveries as new).
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22 39 36.2 -37 16 32; Aqr
V = 13.0; Size 1.5'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 160°
17.5" (8/10/91): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~N-S, almost even surface brightness. Either a faint knot is at the north edge or an extremely faint star is superimposed.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7344 = m 489 on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "pF, vS, R." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7345 = UGC 12130 = MCG +06-49-064 = CGCG 514-083 = WBL 685-005 = PGC 69401
22 38 44.8 +35 32 26; Peg
V = 14.3; Size 1.2'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 39°
24" (8/31/16): moderately bright and large, edge-on 6:1
SW-NE, 1.0'x0.15', relatively large bright core, the extensions taper at the
tips. A mag 9.6 star is 1.8'
S. Furthest north in the UGC 12127
Group (WBL 685) with NGC 7342 7' SW and
18" (6/25/04): faint, fairly small, thin edge-on 5:1 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.15', very small brighter core. Situated just north of a small group of stars highlighted by a mag 9.6 star 1.7' S. NGC 7342 lies 7' WSW and CGCG 514-087 is 7' SSE.
CGCG 514-087 is very faint, very small, round, 0.3' diameter. Contains a slightly brighter 5" core and faint stellar nucleus with direct vision at 300x. Located just south of a line connecting two mag 12.5/15 stars oriented E-W and 9' NE of UGC 12127.
17.5" (8/12/88): faint, fairly small, very elongated SSW-NNE, bright core. A mag 10.5 star is 2' S. Located 6.9' ENE of NGC 7342 in the UGC 12127 group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7345 = St. 4-15, along with NGC 7342, on 11 Sep 1872. His micrometric position is very accurate.
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22 39 35.4 +11 05 00; Peg
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 52°
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, very small, round, small
bright core. Pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7346 = m 490 on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar." His position is accurate (to within 30").
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NGC 7347 = UGC 12136 = MCG +02-57-009 = CGCG 429-019 = PGC 69443
22 39 56.2 +11 01 39; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 133°
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, fairly small, very elongated NW-SE, weak concentration. Pair with NGC 7346 6.1' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7347 = h2176 on 9 Oct 1830 and
recorded "eF; pL; 60" l, 30" br; a certain
observation." His position
and description is a good match with
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22 40 36.3 +11 54 22; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 12°
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, small, elongated, very diffuse, low surface brightness. Appears fainter than V = 13.8.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7348 = m 491, along with NGC
7350 and 7353, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, pL, irr R." His position is accurate, though NGC
7350 and
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22 41 14.8 -21 47 48; Aqr
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 166°
17.5" (10/30/99): this was a marginal object from Pacheco State Park and appeared extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S. Required averted vision and could hold for more than a few seconds at a time at 220x and 280x. Forms the southern vertex of a small triangle with two mag 13 stars 1.7' NE and 2.3' NW. Located 5' N of a mag 10.5 star.
17.5" (10/25/97): not found at 220x and 280x although examined exact position using GSC chart. The seeing was fairly poor and observed early in evening before mirror had reached thermal equilibrium.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7349 = LM 2-469 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He recorded "mag 15.0 (nucleus),
0.3'x0.1' in position angle 175°, binuclear; double." There is nothing at his position but
one degree north is
The RNGC misidentifies
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22 40 48.5 +12 00 23; Peg
= **?, Corwin (or triple star).
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7350 = m 492, along with NGC 7348 and 7353, on 7 Aug 1864 and simply noted "vF". There is nothing near his position, despite the fact that NGC 7348 was accurately placed. Dorothy Carlson equates this number with a star (repeated in the RNGC). Harold Corwin tentatively identifies this number as a double or triple star at this position. DSS shows a close pair with a much wider third component. See his notes for further investigation of this number.
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22 41 26.9 -04 26 41; Aqr
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 0°
17.5" (8/10/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE. This galaxy has a high surface brightness with a large prominent central region and a small bright core.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7351 = St. 9-30 = Sw. 2-92, on 19 Sep 1873. His published position (list 9, #30) was measured 5 years later on 3 Oct 1878. Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 18 Nov 1884 and reported it as new in his second discovery list (#92) with description, "vF; pS; R." Swift's RA was 19 seconds too small. Both Stephan (1) and Swift (2) were credited in the NGC. Herbert Howe commented in his series of NGC observations that "Swift calls this 'round', but to me it appeared much elongated at 180° [N-S]." Jermain Porter also measured an accurate micrometric position in 1906 at the Cincinnati Observatory.
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22 39 46 +57 23 18; Cep
18" (9/24/05): at John Herschel's position is just a
undistinguished scattered star field surrounding mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 7352 = h2177 on 24 Sep 1829 and recorded "A star 9-10m, the chief of a p rich, vL, very coarse cluster." His position corresponds with mag 8.5 HD 214833. Based on its photographic appearance, Karl Reinmuth described this object as "a very dense region, Cl not well defined." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Corwin's identification notes for an alternative identification.
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22 42 12.5 +11 52 38; Peg
V = 15.1; Size 0.45'x0.45'
17.5" (8/25/95): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration. Can barely hold continuously with averted vision at 220x once identified using GSC chart. Forms the NE corner of a nearly perfect rhombus with sides 2.7' with three mag 12-14 stars.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7353 = m 493 on 7 Aug 1864 and
simply noted "eF". There
is nothing near his discovery position of 22 41 24 +11 56 (2000). RNGC and RC3 misidentify
Harold Corwin suggests NGC 7353 may be KUG 2239+116 = PGC 85285. This galaxy is 49 seconds of RA east and 3' south (or 11' ESE) of Marth's position. Although closer to his position, this is still implies a large positional error, so the identification is very uncertain. There is no listing for NGC 7353 in MCG, CGCG or RC3 or Reinmuth's photographic survey.
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22 40 19.8 +61 17 06; Cep
V = 12.2; Size 28"x20"
24" (8/30/16): at 375x; fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, ~25"x20". The rim is brighter along the SE side and very slightly brighter along the NW side. The rim dims on the NE side. A mag 14 star is 0.5' SW, a mag 14-14.5 star is 0.8' W and a mag 15 star is 0.7' NW. At 500x, the planetary clearly had a mottled appearance with what appeared to be several very small brighter spots that wink in and out.
18" (8/17/04): at 225x, moderately bright, fairly small, ~30" diameter. A mag 14 star is just off the SW edge with a mag 14.5 star a bit further west. At 435x appears slightly brighter along portions of the rim, particularly along the SE side.
17.5" (11/6/99): a fairly bright, 25" disc is visible at 100x with one or two stars very close. At 280x, the PN is slightly elongated E-W, ~25"x20". A mag 14 star is close off the SW edge, 30" from center and a mag 14.5 star is 0.6' due west. At 380x, a mag 15-15.5 star is 0.6' WNW. In addition, the surface brightness is noticeably irregular with hints of brighter areas.
13.1" (7/12/86): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly elongated. A mag 14 star is just off the SW edge. Pretty with a UHC filter at 166x, estimate V = 12.0. Takes high power without a filter.
8": faint, small, round, but easily visible at 100x or higher and takes 200x. Very faint star is at the SW edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7354 = H. II-705 = h2178 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773) and recorded "pB, S, irr R, er, almost of an equal light throughout." John Herschel noted it was "B enough to be noticed and caught in sweeping in full moonlight, with the moon on meridian; pgbM; R; no nucleus seen." NGC 7354 was the most northerly object observed with the Lord Rosse's 72", culminating 8° beyond the zenith.
Sir William Huggins was the first to observe the spectrum (single emission line) in 1865. Based on Crossley photographs taken at Lick, Heber Curtis (1918) reported "a somewhat irregular oval ring, fading out at each end, 22"x18" in p.a. 27°. Outside this is a ring or disk of much fainter matter, rather more circular in form and 32" across from east to west. This outer portion likewise is fainter at the ends of the major axis, and shows brighter streaks at the east and west edges."
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22 43 30.4 -36 51 57; Gru
V = 14.3; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 43°
17.5" (8/26/00): at 220x, this was a marginal sighting as it appeared to pop into view a few times momentarily and I had the impression it was elongated. Forms the north vertex of a small equilateral triangle with two mag 15 stars ~1.5' SW and SE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7355 = h3952 on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "eeF; vS; R: a double star follows about 40 seconds on the parallel [east]." There is nothing near his position, but Harold Corwin notes that exactly 1° north is ESO 406-006 = PGC 69587 and his description applies (a 30" pair follows by 40 seconds of time). RNGC misses this identification and classifies the number as nonexistent.
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22 42 02.3 +30 42 32; Peg
V = 14.0; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 76°
17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, small, very elongated WSW-ENE. A mag 14 star is at the edge 32" SSE from center.
Édouard Stephan probably discovered NGC 7356 = St. 13-94 on 31 Aug 1867. His rough, uncorrected position was 25' SW of NGC 7356 and a similar distance NW of NGC 7357, so it's not clear which was seen on this date. His published position in list 13 (#94) was reduced on 4 Oct 1883 (probably based on a later observation) with description "eeF; pS; R; weak gradual concentration; *13 attached to southeast."
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22 42 23.9 +30 10 17; Peg
V = 14.0; Size 1.5'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 120°
17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, small, round, 20" diameter. A mag 14 star is just off the NW edge 25" from center. View severely hampered by Eta Pegasi (V = 2.9) located 8' NE!
Édouard Stephan probably discovered NGC 7357 = St. 13-95 on 31 Aug 1867. His rough, uncorrected position was 25' SW of NGC 7356 and a similar distance NW of NGC 7357, so it's not clear which was seen on this date. His published position was reduced on 26 Sep 1883 (perhaps based on a later observation) with description "vF; eS; vF * inv."
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22 45 36.4 -65 07 19; Tuc
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 176°
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright,
moderately large, elongated 3:1 ~N-S, 1.2'x0.4', sharply concentrated with a
very small, very bright nucleus. A
collinear trio of stars passes just north of the galaxy with the closest mag
13.5 star 0.8' NE. Also a mag 13.8
star is 1.5' WSW. Located 11' SW
of the brighter double system
John Herschel discovered NGC 7358 = h3953 on 20 Jul 1835 and recorded "F; S; R; bM; 15"." His position is accurate though he missed IC 5250 11.6' NE, which is brighter than NGC 7358 and probably found earlier by Dunlop (D 255).
NGC 7358 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and noted as "stellar nucleus with wisps at 175°."
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22 44 48.0 -23 41 17; Aqr
V = 12.5; Size 2.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 55°
17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated, sharp concentration, bright core. Located 7' NE of mag 8.5
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7359 = LM 1-256 on 14 Jul 1885 and reported "pF; vS; pmE; bMN." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is less than 1 min of RA too far west and the description fits. Ormond Stone's corrected micrometric position (in the IC 1 Notes) is incorrect as he misidentified the comparison star. Herbert Howe finally measured an accurate position in 1898-99 with the 20-inch refractor at Denver.
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22 43 34.0 +04 09 04; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 153°
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated NW-SE, weak concentration, slightly fainter than
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7360 = m 494 on 29 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, vS." His position is fairly accurate.
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22 42 18.1 -30 03 24; PsA
V = 12.3; Size 3.8'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 5°
13.1" (9/22/84): faint, moderately large, very diffuse,
very elongated 3:1 N-S. A faint
star is off the south end. Located
5.4' ESE of mag 7.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 7361 = h3954 on 28 Sep 1834 and
recorded "F; pL; vmE in meridian [N-S]; vgvlbM." There is nothing near his position, but
exactly 2.0 min of RA west is
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22 43 49.3 +08 42 20; Peg
V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 175°
17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, small, almost round, brighter core. An anonymous galaxy is 4' S. There are several very faint companions on the POSS.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7362 = Sw. 4-85 on 2 Sep 1886 and recorded "vF; S; R; lbM." His position is fairly accurate.
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22 43 18.4 +33 59 56; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, fairly small, irregularly round.
A faint star mag 15 is involved at
the SE side 17" from center and a second mag 15 star is off the east
end.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7363 on 27 Aug 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position is accurate and he mentioned a (wide) pair (~40") follows by 15 seconds and 1 1/2' north.
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22 44 24.4 -00 09 43; Aqr
V = 12.6; Size 1.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 65°
17.5" (8/31/86): moderately bright, round, large brighter core surrounded by much fainter halo. Located 30' SE of two mag 7 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7364 = H. II-442 = h2179 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 447) and logged "eF, S, r. 240 confirmed it." John Herschel made two observations, first logging it on 12 Sep 1830 (sweep 288) as "vF; S; R; psbM; 15"."
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22 45 10.0 -19 57 07; Aqr
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 34°
17.5" (10/5/91): moderately bright, small, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2.9' NE and a mag 12 star 4.3' SE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7365 = LM 1-257 in 1886 and recorded "mag 14.5; eS; R; gbMN; * 11 nf 4.0'." His rough position (nearest min) was fairly accurate and a mag 12 star is 3' northeast. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 at Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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22 44 26.6 +10 46 53; Peg
V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (8/4/97): extremely faint, small, round, 20" diameter, very weak concentration. Initially, I had a difficult time locating this object, but once identified could hold continuously with averted vision. Located 2' WSW of a nice pair of mag 12/12.5 stars [25" separation] oriented N-S.
17.5" (8/20/88): not found.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7366 = m 495 on 7 Aug 1864 and
noted "eF, S, stellar."
His position is 1' northwest of
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NGC 7367 = UGC 12175 = MCG +00-58-002 = CGCG 379-003 = PGC 69633
22 44 34.4 +03 38 47; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 1.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 128°
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, edge-on WNW-ESE. A faint star is just off the east edge
[19" ESE of center]. Located
12' WSW of mag 8.0
17.5" (11/1/86): similar appearance to observation of 8/31/86 but second very faint star suspected.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7367 = m 496 on 29 Aug 1864 and
noted "eF, vS, irr. R, stell."
His position is less than 1' south of
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22 45 31.4 -39 20 26; Gru
V = 12.3; Size 3.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 130°
17.5" (7/20/96): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.0'x0.5'. No concentration though viewed hampered by the very low elevation. In good moments, appears up to 1.5'x0.5' in size. Forms an isosceles triangle with two mag 13 stars 3.5' S and 3.5' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7368 = h3955 on 4 Oct 1836 and recorded "F; lE; glbM; 30" length."
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22 44 12.3 +34 21 04; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, small, round. Located between two mag 14 stars 0.7' SSW and 0.9' NE of center.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7369 on 29 Aug 1865 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He measured an accurate micrometric position on two nights and mentioned this object was between two stars of mag 14 and 15.
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22 45 37.2 +11 03 28; Peg
V = 15.2; Size 0.5'x0.2'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 132°
17.5" (8/20/88): extremely faint, very small, round,
low even surface brightness. A mag
14 star is 1.9' NNE. On a line
with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7370 = m 497, along with NGC 7372, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, vS." His position is accurate to within 1'.
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22 46 03.7 -11 00 04; Aqr
V = 11.5; Size 2.0'x2.0'; Surf Br = 12.9
13.1" (9/9/83): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak
concentration. Located 10' N of
mag 6.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 7371 = H. II-477 = h2180 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and logged "pB; pL; iR; lbM." John Herschel made 5 observations, first reporting it on 9 Sep 1825 (sweep 9) as "F; R; 1' diam; no other near."
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NGC 7372 = MCG +02-58-005 = CGCG 430-004 = PGC 69670
22 45 46.0 +11 07 51; Peg
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W, slightly brighter core.
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, small, round, diffuse, very weakly concentrated core. Located 4.6' SSW of mag 7.5 SAO 108159 that detracts from viewing. Pair with NGC 7370 4.9' SSW and MCG +02-58-009 is 13' ENE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7372 = m 498, along with NGC 7370, on 7 Aug 1864 and noted "F, S, irr R." His position is accurate to within 1'.
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22 46 19.4 +03 12 36; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 160°
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, small, round, increases to bright core with a sharp stellar nucleus.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7373 = m 499 on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "F, vS, bM, stellar." His RA is 12 seconds too small. Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 16 Aug 1890.
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22 46 01.0 +10 51 13; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 177°
24" (7/29/16): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small,
slightly elongated E-W, broad weak concentration, ~30"x24". Forms a close pair with virtually
stellar
17.5" (8/20/88): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W. Forms a close pair with IC 1452 = NGC 7374B just 1' NNW. IC 1452 appeared very faint, extremely small, round.
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, round, a mag 14 star is 30" N. Forms a double system with IC 1452 = CGCG 430-005 57" NNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7374 = m 500 on 7 Aug 1864 and
noted "vF, pL, R."
Marth's position is less than 1' north of
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22 46 32.0 +21 05 01; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 60°
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, very small, slightly elongated ~E-W, very small or stellar nucleus.
Truman Safford discovered NGC 7375 = Sf. 57 = Sw. 4-86 on 1
Oct 1866 with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at the Dearborn Observatory and
recorded "vS, R, bM, N = 13m."
Lewis Swift independently rediscovered the galaxy on 2 Sep 1886. Swift's
position is 12 seconds of RA west of
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22 47 17.4 +03 38 44; Peg
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 40°
17.5" (8/31/86): very faint, small, round, diffuse. A mag 14 star is very close off the north edge 0.8' N of center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7376 = m 501 on 29 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, vS, R." His position is 1' too far south.
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22 47 47.4 -22 18 38; Aqr
V = 11.1; Size 3.0'x2.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 101°
17.5" (10/5/91): fairly bright, fairly small, slightly
elongated ~E-W, 1' diameter, gradually increases to a small bright core. A group of stars lies south and mag 8.5
8" (9/25/81): faint, small, round, diffuse. Two mag 9 stars 6' NNW and 10' N are aligned N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7377 = H. II-598 = h2181 on 13 Oct 1786 (sweep 609) and recorded "pB, pL, iR, vgmbM." The observation was using the "front-view" configuration (adopted as the primary method after earlier experiments) at the edge of his tube, bypassing the need for a secondary. John Herschel made three additional observations.
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22 47 47.7 -11 49 00; Aqr
V = 12.7; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 175°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
2:1 SSW-NNE, large brighter center.
Located 3.6' WNW of mag 8.5
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7378 = T. 4-10 on 19 Sep 1879 and first reported it the narrative part of his third paper (AN 2284).
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22 47 33.0 +40 14 20; Lac
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 90°
17.5" (7/28/92): faint, small, round, broad weak
concentration. Collinear with two
mag 13.5 stars 20" SE and 1.5' SE.
Previously observed
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7379 = St. 8a-24 on 19 Sep 1876 and recorded "eeF; vS; R; lbM." He reduced an accurate position 3 days later and included it in his list 8a (#24), published in 1877. A later observation was made on 24 Sep 1878.
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22 47 21 +58 07 54; Cep
V = 7.2; Size 30'x20'
17.5" (10/30/99): Using 100x (with both an OIII and UHC filter) a bright triangular-shaped nebulosity (Sh 2-142) of 8'-10' diameter is superimposed on a rich cluster of stars (NGC 7380). All within a rich Milky Way field. A wide strip of nebulosity is attached near the southeast vertex and extends to the southwest. A dark band appears to separate this strip from the triangular patch. The surrounding region appears weakly nebulous and the "edge" can be traced with some certainty further the north. The brightest star is mag 8.5 DH Cep at the west vertex of the cluster. This star is a very rare spectroscopic eclipsing pair of massive O5.5/O6.5-type stars and the main ionizing source.
17.5" (7/31/92): at 100x, about 40 stars in a 10' diameter. The brighter stars form a "V" or chevron pattern. The brightest star is at the west tip of the "V" and is an unequal double mag 8.6/13. The cluster appears to be encased in nebulosity especially from the mag 8.6 star to the star at the east tip of the "V". Using an OIII filter the nebulosity was quite prominent with some structure and encased the entire cluster. A lane of nebulosity oriented SW-NE extends beyond the cluster from the star at the east end of the "V" and nebulosity also extends west of the mag 8.6 star. The double star STT 480 = 7.6/8.6 at 30" is in the field to the west.
13.1" (10/26/80): ~30-35 stars in a triangular outline, 10'-12' in diameter but not rich.
Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 7380 = H. VIII-77 = h2182 on 7 Aug 1787 with her 4.2" comet-sweeper reflector. William rediscovered it on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 876) as "a Cl of coarsely scattered stars 7' or 8' diameter." His position is accurate. John Herschel called it "a L, p rich, v coarse cl of stars 9.10 m and below." On a second sweep he noted "A double star, the chief of a fine, p rich, L cluster, 10' dia; stars 9...13m."
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22 50 08.2 -19 43 30; Aqr
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 123°
17.5" (9/23/95): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 ~E-W, 40"x30", very little concentration. Can hold steadily with averted once identified.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7381 = LM 1-258 on 9 Oct 1885 and recorded "eF; vS; R; gbM." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is 1 minutes of time too small and 2' of dec too small.
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22 50 23.9 -36 51 26; Gru
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 109°
17.5" (8/4/97): very faint, very elongated, ~1.0'x0.3', no concentration. View hampered by the low elevation in the sky. Has an unusual appearance as a mag 12 star is attached at the NW edge [0.6' from center] and the elongated ghostly galaxy appears to hang from the star towards the SE!
John Herschel discovered NGC 7382 = h3956 on 1 Sep 1834 and recorded "eF; vS; R: appended (sf 45°, dist 30") to a * 12m; place taken that of the star."
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22 49 35.6 +11 33 23; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9
24" (7/30/16): at 260x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, fairly small, round, 25" diameter, gradually increases to center
but no well defined core or nucleus.
Located 5.6' SW of NGC 7385, the brightest member of the group (WBL 688)
of 6 NGC galaxies.
18" (10/21/06): faint, small, irregularly round, ~25" diameter, very small slightly brighter core. First in a group of 6 NGC galaxies (brightest member NGC 7385). PGC 69819, just 2.5' E, appeared extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter.
17.5" (7/4/86): faint, small, slightly elongated, brighter core. Located 5.6' SW of NGC 7385 in a group.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 7383, along with
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22 49 42.6 +11 29 15; Peg
V = 15.7
24" (7/30/16): at 260x; continuously visible mag 15.7 star situated 4.5' SSE of NGC 7383. It forms the northern vertex of a small triangle with a mag 11.7 star 1.0' SSW and a mag 14 star 40" SE. RNGC and PGC misidentify PGC 69819 as NGC 7384. This galaxy, situated 2.5' E of NGC 7383, appeared very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter.
18" (10/21/06): PGC 69819 is extremely faint and small, round, 10" diameter, requires averted to glimpse and faintest member of the NGC 7385 group.
17.5" (7/4/86): PGC 69819 is extremely faint, very small, round. The faintest member of the NGC 7385 group is located 4.0' SW of NGC 7385 and 2.5' E of NGC 7383. This galaxy is identified as NGC 7384 in the RNGC and PGC although the number more likely applies to a faint star at Lord Rosse's position.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 7384 on 27 Nov 1850 in an observation of NGC 7385/7386 group. It was placed southeast of NGC 7383 on the diagram of the cluster but not labeled. Offsets were measured four other nebulae, but not to NGC 7384. Dreyer's comment "5' nf 7383" in the NGC is incorrect.
RNGC, PGC and SIMBAD misidentify PGC 69819 (due east of NGC 7383) as NGC 7384. Harold Corwin identifies NGC 7384 with a star (position given here) about 5' southeast of NGC 7383, although there are several other nearby stars that may as well be Stoney's star.
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NGC 7385 = UGC 12207 = MCG +02-58-017 = CGCG 430-015 = WBL 688-002 = PGC 69824
22 49 54.7 +11 36 30; Peg
V = 12.0; Size 1.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 36°
24" (7/30/16): at 260x; moderately to fairly bright,
slightly elongated SW-NE, ~1.3'x1.0', moderate concentration with a bright core
that gradually increases to the center.
A mag 11.5 is just off the NW edge, 1.0' from center. Brightest in a group (WBL 688, the core
of ZwCl 2247.3+1107 at roughly 360 million l.y.) with 6 NGC galaxies and
numerous additional fainter galaxies.
Only slightly fainter
18" (10/21/06): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE. Appears similar to NGC 7386, though slightly larger and brighter. Contains a bright, 25" core and a much fainter halo. A mag 10.8 star is just off the northwest side, 1' from the center. Brightest in a compact group of 7 galaxies (not rich enough to qualify as an Abell cluster).
17.5" (7/4/86): moderately bright, broadly concentrated
halo, small bright core, slightly elongated ~N-S. A mag 11 star is 1.0' NW. Brightest in a group with NGC 7383 5.6' SW, NGC 7384 ~5'
SSW, NGC 7386 5.8' NNE, NGC 7387 5.9' ENE,
William Herschel discovered NGC 7385 = H. III-216 = h2183, along NGC 7386, on 18 Oct 1784 (sweep 297). He described both as "Two, vF, S, R, r, about 5' distant from each other. The position is that of the last or north following [NGC 7386]." On 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) he noted "vF, pS, R, vlbM, not far south of a small star." John Herschel made two observations and recorded on 9 Oct 1830 (sweep 304), "pB; R; 20"; has a *11m near. The preceding of two neb. The * by diagram is 1 radius of the neb np its edge."
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NGC 7386 = UGC 12209 = MCG +02-58-018 = CGCG 430-016 = WBL 688-003 = PGC 69825
22 50 02.2 +11 41 54; Peg
V = 12.3; Size 1.8'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 150°
24" (7/30/16): at 260; moderately bright and large, oval 3:2 NW-SE, ~1.2'x0.8', well concentrated with a bright, round 25" core. One of the two brightest galaxies in a group (WBL 688) with NGC 7385 5.7' SSW.
18" (10/21/06): fairly faint to moderately bright, irregularly round, outer extent varies with averted vision though roughly 1.2'x1.0' diameter. Contains a brighter, 20" core surrounded by a very low surface brightness halo that was difficult to trace. NGC 7835 lies 5.8' SSW.
17.5" (7/4/86): fairly faint, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, very small bright core. Located 5.8' NNE of NGC 7385 in a galaxy group and appears as a slightly fainter version of NGC 7385.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7386 = H. III-216 = h2184, along NGC 7385, on 18 Oct 1784 (sweep 297) and recorded both as "Two, vF, S, R, r, about 5' distant from each other. The position is that of the last or north following [NGC 7386]." On 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) he noted "vF, pS, R, vlbM." John Herschel made two observations and recorded on sweep 9 Oct 1830 (sweep 304), "pB; S; R; pgbM."
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NGC 7387 = MCG +02-58-022 = CGCG 430-019 = WBL 688-005 = PGC 69834
22 50 17.6 +11 38 12; Peg
V = 14.0; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 48°
24" (7/30/16): at 260x; fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 25"x20", contains a very small bright nucleus. In a group (WBL 688) of 6 NGC galaxies with NGC 7389 4.3' S, brighter NGC 7386 5.4' NW and brighter NGC 7385 5.9' WSW. A wide pair of mag 10.5/11 stars lies 4' SE and the two stars "point" to the galaxy.
18" (10/21/06): faint, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", very small bright core. Collinear with a pair of mag 10.5-11 stars (40" separation) that are located ~4' ESE. Similar distance from NGC 7386 5' NW and NGC 7385 6' SW.
17.5" (7/4/86): faint, very small, slightly elongated, gradually increases to a very small bright core. Located 5.9' ENE of NGC 7385 in a rich galaxy group. NGC 7389 lies 4.2' S and NGC 7386 5.3' NW.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 7387, along with NGC 7383 and 7389, on 27 Nov 1850. It was labeled Delta on the diagram of the group with an offset of 5' 44" east-northeast (PA = 73°) from NGC 7385. Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 19 Sep 1862, measured an accurate position, and was credited with the discovery in the GC (John Herschel was confused with the identifications). Both Lord Rosse and d'Arrest were credited in the NGC.
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22 50 21.0 +11 42 39; Peg
V = 15.9; PA = 29°
24" (7/30/16): at 260x; at the discovery position is a single 16th magnitude star. It was visible as a very faint star 4.7' ENE of NGC 7386 and 4.5' NNE of NGC 7387.
Lawrence Parsons, the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 7388 on 11 Oct 1873 in the NGC 7385 group. His micrometric offsets from GC 4847 = NGC 7387 points precisely to a very faint star, whose position is given here.
RNGC and SIMBAD misidentifies
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NGC 7389 = MCG +02-58-019 = CGCG 430-018 = WBL 688-004 = PGC 69836
22 50 16.0 +11 33 58; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 144°
24" (7/30/16): at 260x; fairly faint, oval NNW-SSE, 0.7'x0.5', broad concentration, slightly brighter core gradually increases to the center. Member of the NGC 7385 Group = WBL 688 with NGC 7390 2.3' SSE, NGC 7387 4.3' N and NGC 7385 6' NW.
18" (10/21/06): this member of the NGC 7385 group appeared faint, small, round, 30" diameter, broad concentration to a slightly brighter core. Located 6' SE of NGC 7385. NGC 7390 lies 2.3' SSE.
17.5" (7/4/86): faint, very small, brighter core, slightly elongated. Located 5.9' ESE of NGC 7385 in a rich galaxy group. Appears similar to NGC 7387 4.2' N. Forms a close pair with NGC 7390 2.3' SSE.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 7389, along with NGC 7383 and 7384, on 27 Nov 1850. It was unlabeled on the diagram of the group and not very accurately placed. John Herschel apparently thought it was Delta (NGC 7387), resulting in a poor position in the GC and NGC. Dreyer measured an offset and position angle from NGC 7390 on 11 Oct 1873.
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NGC 7390 = MCG +02-58-020 = CGCG 430-020 = WBL 688-006 = PGC 69837
22 50 19.6 +11 31 52; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 3°
24" (7/30/16): at 260x; faint to fairly faint, small,
round, 15" diameter, fairly low even surface brightness. Situated 3.3' NNW of mag 9.3
18" (10/21/06): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, low surface brightness. Located 2.3' SSE of NGC 7389 and furthest southeast of a compact group of galaxies (brightest member NGC 7385).
17.5" (7/4/86): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. Located 7.7' SE of NGC 7385 in a rich, compact galaxy group. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 7389 3.3' NNW.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7390 on 9 Sep 1856 while examining the NGC 7385 group. He noted, "the 2 last sf ones [NGC 7389 and 7390] are vvF". NGC 7390 was misidentified as GC 4848 [NGC 7389] in the offsets measured on 11 Oct 1873. d'Arrest missed NGC 7390 when he observed the cluster. The (estimated) NGC position is 3' too far north; a similar offset error occurred with NGC 7389.
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22 50 36.1 -01 32 37; Aqr
V = 12.0; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 70°
17.5": moderately bright, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7391 = H. II-443 = h2185 on 1 Oct 1785 (sweep 447) and recorded "F, vS, stellar, about 1 1/2' south of small star." John Herschel made two observations, first logging it on 12 Sep 1830 as "pF; R; psbM; 50...70"; has a * np; pos by micrometer = 350.3°."
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NGC 7392 = ESO 603-022 = MCG -04-53-040 = LGG 463-008 = PGC 69887
22 51 48.7 -20 36 26; Aqr
V = 11.9; Size 2.1'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 123°
17.5" (10/24/92): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.8', moderately brighter core. Several stars are near including a mag 10.5 star 4.5' N. A pair of mag 13/14 stars 1.6' N and 2.2' N are collinear with NGC 7392 and finally a mag 12 star lies 2.6' ESE. Member of the NGC 7377 group (LGG 463) including IC 5261 40' ENE and NGC 7365 1.7° WNW.
8" (9/25/81): faint, small, slightly elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7392 = H. II-702 = h2186 on 11 Sep 1787 (sweep 754) and recorded "pF, pL, E from np to sf but nearer the parallel, mbM, about 1 1/2' long." John Herschel made 3 observations and on 3 Sep 1831 logged "not vF; lE; gbM; 60" l, 40" br."
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22 51 38.1 -05 33 26; Aqr
V = 12.9; Size 2.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 90°
48" (11/5/21): at 488x; bright, fairly large with a highly irregular appearance. The outer halo extended nearly 3:1 E-W, ~1.8'x0.6'. The brightest region is a prominent oval N-S situated just west of the geometric center. The core was seen as a small, slightly brighter patch attached on its east side. An elongated low surface brightness and diffuse halo extended ~0.5' to the west.
Two parallel "arms", roughly 0.5' in length, extended due east from the brightest region. These "tails" bent towards each other on the east end, but didn't connect. The southern arm as longer due to a dim extension to the east and the northern arm appeared patchy. The arms were clearly separated by a darker void.
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 E-W, broad concentration.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7393 = H. II-453 = h2187 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 455) and recorded "F, pL, E in the parallel [E-W], r." John Herschel logged it as "eF; R; vgbM; sky dull." and measured an accurate position.
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22 50 11.8 +52 10 03; Lac
17.5" (9/26/92): bright group of two dozen stars mag 9-13 in a 10' scattered field. Very elongated in a string NW-SE. Includes 10 stars mag 9-11 with a mag 7 star off the SSE end and a similar star 10' NNE. This group is probably an asterism.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7394 = h2188 on 12 Sep 1829 and logged "A double star, the last of a poor cluster of about a dozen stars." His position corresponds with this bright cluster or asterism. Reinmuth calls it "a few pB stars north preceding of BD+51°3485." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent, despite the fact it is quite striking on the DSS.
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22 51 02.9 +37 05 16; Lac
V = 13.8; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0
17.5" (10/5/91): faint, small, round, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is off the NW edge 0.9' from center.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7395 = St. 5-8 on 4 Sep 1872, logging a rough position 7' to the west. His published discovery position (list 5, #8) was made on 21 Aug 1873 with description "eF; vS; R; condensation in the centre."
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22 52 22.6 +01 05 33; Psc
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 103°
48" (10/25/14): very bright, fairly large, elongated
2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.7'x0.8', contains a very bright core that increases to an small,
intense nucleus. An obvious dust
lane extends along the major axis for most of the length of the galaxy, passing
just south of the core.
17.5" (7/22/87 and 8/21/87): moderately bright, oval
~E-W, moderately large, brighter core.
Brightest in a group of five or six galaxies including
John Herschel discovered NGC 7396 = h2189 on 12 Oct 1827 and recorded "pF; irreg R; bM; 60"; r." His mean position from two observations is accurate. The four fainter NGC galaxies to the northeast were discovered by Lord Rosse's assistants in 1856-57.
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NGC 7397 = MCG +00-58-008 = CGCG 379-011 = PGC 69904
22 52 46.7 +01 07 58; Psc
V = 14.2; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 30°
17.5" (7/22/87 and 8/21/87): faint, very small, elongated NW-SE, brighter core. Located 6.5' ENE of NGC 7396 in a group with NGC 7398 4.2' N, NGC 7401 3.0' ENE and NGC 7402 4.5' ENE.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7397, along with NGC 7401 and 7398, while observing NGC 7396 at Birr Castel on 2 Oct 1856. He noted "about 5' nf [of NGC 7396] is another neb, pF, S, R, bM and f[ollowing] the latter are 2 vF, S, R neb knots." A sketch was made on 23 Oct 1857 and NGC 7397 was labeled "C". On 22 Dec 1876, Dreyer measured micrometric offsets to NGC 7397 from a mag 12 star 3.8' northeast of NGC 7396.
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NGC 7398 = UGC 12225 = MCG +00-58-009 = CGCG 379-012 = PGC 69905
22 52 49.3 +01 12 04; Psc
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 75°
17.5" (8/21/87): fairly faint, small, small bright core.
17.5" (7/22/87): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, stellar nucleus. Located 4.2' N of NGC 7397 and 9.3' NE of NGC 7396 in a group.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7398, along with NGC 7397 and 7401, while observing NGC 7396 at Birr Castle on 2 Oct 1856. A sketch was made on 23 Oct 1857 with NGC 7398 labeled "B". On 22 Oct 1876, Dreyer measured micrometric offsets to NGC 7398 from a mag 12 star 3.8' northeast of NGC 7396.
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22 52 39.3 -09 16 04; Aqr
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 150°
17.5" (8/7/91): faint, small, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, bright core. A mag 13 star is 1.1' N.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7399 = Sw. 2-93 on 15 Nov 1884
and recorded "eF; pL; mistaken for Barnard's Comet 1884 II." There is nothing at his position, but
22 seconds of RA west and 1' south is
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22 54 20.8 -45 20 49; Gru
V = 12.8; Size 2.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 2°
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 7:2 N-S, 1.5'x0.4', broad weak concentration.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7400 = h3957 on 6 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; lE; glbM. Query if it has not a vS * involved." His Cape position is very accurate, though an error was made and the position in the GC (copied into the NGC) is 30 seconds of time too small.
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NGC 7401 = MCG +00-58-010 = CGCG 379-013 = PGC 69911
22 52 58.5 +01 08 33; Psc
V = 14.8; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 90°
17.5" (8/21/87 and 8/27/87): extremely faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Forms a close pair with NGC 7402 1.5' E. Located in a group 3.0' ENE of NGC 7397 and 9.5' ENE of brightest member NGC 7396. Identification reversed with NGC 7402 in the RNGC and not identified as NGC 7401 in the CGCG.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7401, along with NGC 7397 and 7398, while observing NGC 7396 at Birr Castle on 2 Oct 1856. A sketch was made on 23 Oct 1857 and NGC 7401 was labeled "D", along with a companion just following that was labeled as "E" (NGC 7402). The sketch identifies NGC 7401 = CGCG 379-013 (described here) and NGC 7402 = PGC 69914.
MCG, RC3 and DSFG all mislabel NGC 7401 as NGC 7402. CGCG doesn't attach a NGC designation
to
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22 53 04.5 +01 08 40; Psc
V = 15.7; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 50°
17.5" (8/27/87): extremely faint and small, round, at visual threshold. Forms a difficult pair with NGC 7401 1.5' W and last in a group. Forms a near equilateral triangle with NGC 7398 5' NE and NGC 7397 4.5' W. Appears just nonstellar on the POSS.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7402 with LdR's 72" at
Birr Castle on 23 Oct 1857. This
object is labeled "E" on the sketch and is shown on a line with
"C" [NGC 7397] and "D" [NGC 7401]. Mitchell noted, however, "E is
doubtful and needs confirmation."
Because of this comment, John Herschel didn't assign a GC designation
but Dreyer added it in the NGC.
Mitchell's sketch matches the position and orientation of
The galaxy identified as NGC 7402 in RNGC, MCG, PGC and RC3 is NGC 7401. NGC 7401 is the brighter of the close pair and is close west of NGC 7402. See NGC 7401 and my RNGC Corrections #2.
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22 53 06.4 +01 28 56; Psc
= *, Corwin. =
Sidney Coolidge discovered NGC 7403 = HN 22 on 15 Nov 1859 with the 15-inch refractor of Harvard College Observatory during the Zone Survey of equatorial stars. He simply noted "slightly nebulous" with a rough position (measured in 1 of 2 zones). As a result, Herschel didn't include this object in the GC but Dreyer added it in the GC Supplement (#6092). A mag 13.4 star is close to Coolidge's position at 22 53 06.4 +01 28 57 (J2000), which Harold Corwin equates with NGC 7403. All 9 of Coolidge's discoveries are stars (single or multiple).
In searching for this object, Sherburne Burnham found a nearby galaxy that he felt was probably NGC 7403. Dreyer catalogued it as IC 1455 (also observed by Spitaler). IC 1455 is 40 sec of RA east of Coolidge's rough position and 6.6' south.
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22 54 18.6 -39 18 54; Gru
V = 12.8; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 2°
18" (10/25/08): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:3 N-S,
0.4'x0.25', very small brighter core.
Located 22' NNW of the bright edge-on
John Herschel discovered NGC 7404 = h3958 on 4 Oct 1836 and
recorded "vF; S; R; 15"."
His position matches
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22 53 36 +12 28 36; Peg
= Not found, Corwin.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7405 = m 502 on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, S, R." There is nothing near his position and Harold Corwin was unable to recover this object. See Corwin's notes.
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22 53 56.2 -06 34 45; Aqr
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 75°
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, small, oval 2:1 WSW-ENE, even surface brightness. A mag 13.5 star is off the WSW end 1.8' from center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7406 = m 503 on 25 Aug 1864 and noted "F, S, lE." His position was 1' too far north. Édouard Stephan made an observation on 28 Aug 1872, likely aware of Marth's discovery.
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22 53 21.1 +32 07 46; Peg
V = 13.2; Size 2.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 152°
18" (9/16/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.3', very weak concentration, no core or zones.
A 20' string of faint galaxies oriented N-S follows,
including
17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval NNW-SSE, almost even surface brightness.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7407 = St. 5-9 on 4 Sep 1872, logging a rough position 6' to the west. His published discovery position (list 5, #9) was made the following year on 13 Sep 1873 with description "eF; vS; vaporous."
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22 55 56.9 -63 41 41; Tuc
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 167°
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright, fairly large, irregularly round, ~1.25'x1.0'. There is a hint of a central bar ~N-S, but no well-defined core. The outer halo has an irregular surface brightness with a hint of structure and extends further on the east side.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7408 = h3959 on 1 Nov 1834 and recorded "pB; R; vglbM; 40"." His position is accurate.
Donald Menzel misclassified this object as a planetary with diameter 72" in "Five New Planetary Nebula", Harvard Bulletin 772, 1922. Evans & Thackeray (1950) imaged NGC 7408 with the 74-inch Radcliffe telescope in Pretoria, South Africa and reported "the object is a barred spiral with a line of condensations or giant stars crossing it."
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22 53 48.1 +20 12 37; Peg
V = 14.5; Size 0.55'x0.45'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 160°
17.5" (9/2/89): extremely faint and small, round. A mag 13 star 1.2' NW. Located 11' WSW
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7409 = m 504, along with NGC 7411 and 7415, on 20 Sep 1863 and simply noted "eF". His position is accurate.
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NGC 7410 = ESO 346-012 = MCG -07-47-002 = PGC 69994
22 55 00.7 -39 39 42; Gru
V = 10.3; Size 5.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 45°
18" (10/25/08): bright, large, very elongated 7:2 SW-NE, ~3.0'x0.9'. Contains a bright, round core ~25" diameter, which gradually increases to a very bright nucleus. At moments a stellar nucleus was visible that appeared offset to the southwest of center. The surface appeared irregular or curdled (perhaps due to dust or spiral arms). NGC 7404 lies 23' NNW.
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly bright, fairly large, elongated 3:1 SW-NE, well concentrated to a small very bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is 1.8' NNE of center. Appears bright for such a far southern galaxy (observed from +38° latitude).
8" (7/24/82): faint, moderately large, very elongated SW-NE.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 7410 = D 518 = h3960 on 14 Jul 1826. His summary description based on two observations reads, "a very faint nebula extended preceding and following, about 1.5' long and 20 or 25 arcseconds broad; a little brighter in the middle, or rather nearer the N.p. extremity; the S.f. extremity is very ill defined." His handwritten notes specify the elongaton is SW-NE, clinching the identification.
John Herschel first observed this galaxy on 4 Sep 1834 and logged "B, pL, vmE in pos 41.9 degrees, pgmbM, 3' long, 20" broad, has a star 11m, 2' dist, pos from nucleus 12.9°." On a later sweep he wrote "a long pB ray, 4' long, psvmbM, elongated in pos 44.7°." His mean position is accurate.
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NGC 7411 = UGC 12241 = MCG +03-58-010 = CGCG 453-020 = PGC 69974
22 54 34.9 +20 14 10; Peg
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2
18" (10/29/11): at 283x, faint to fairly faint, fairly
small, round, gradually increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus,
~25" diameter. Located 2.3'
SE of a mag 10.7 star and 6' S of BU 847, an attractive pair of mag 9/10 stars
at 7" separation.
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, very small, round, bright core. Brightest of trio with NGC 7415 5' ENE and NGC 7409 11' WSW. A pretty double star is 6' N.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7411 = m 505, along with NGC 7409 and 7415, on 13 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, vS." His position is accurate.
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22 55 45.5 -42 38 30; Gru
V = 11.3; Size 3.9'x2.9'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 65°
13.1" (9/3/86): faint, fairly large, very diffuse,
elongated ~N-S. Located 6' SSW of
mag 7.3
John Herschel discovered NGC 7412 = h3961 on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "eF; vL; 3' diam at least; it is south-preceding a star 7m, 8' dist."
Based on a photo taken at the Helwan observatory in 1919-20, it was described as a "2-branched spiral with pF almost stellar nucleus and condensations; like the letter "S"."
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22 55 03.1 +13 13 14; Peg
V = 14.2; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 81°
18" (10/25/08): very faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter. A string of stars extends SW.
A very faint galaxy (
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, extremely small, round, weak concentration. Several fairly bright stars lie SW including a mag 10 star 3.8' SW and a mag 11 star 6.1' SW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7413 = Sw. 4-87, along with NGC 7414, on 2 Sep 1886 and recorded ""eeF; pS; R; e diff.; 8 or 10 stars in an irregular line p; s of 2 [with NGC 7414]." His RA is 15 seconds too small, but his comment of the string of stars applies to the loose string of stars extending southwest. Herbert Howe measured an accurate micrometric position in 1998-99. See NGC 7414.
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NGC 7414 = PGC 70008 = PGC 94273
22 55 24.4 +13 14 54; Peg
V = 15.7; Size 0.5'x0.2'; PA = 171°
18" (8/12/10): extremely faint, very small, irregularly round ~15"x12", required averted vision and visible at most 25% of the time but could repeatedly glimpse in the same position once the location was pinpointed. Based on the difficulty of this object in superb conditions, I feel this galaxy is probably too faint to have been discovered by Swift with his 16" refractor.
18" (11/22/08): Not seen at 175x or 283x.
18" (10/25/08): Not seen at 175x or 283x.
17.5" (9/2/89): Not seen at 220x.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7414 = Sw. 4-88, along with NGC 7413, on 2 Sept 1886 and recorded "eeeF; S; R; eee diff; n of 2 [with NGC 7413]." His RA is listed as the same as NGC 7413, which is 15 seconds too small, and 2.5' to the north.
There is nothing near Swift's published position for NGC 7414 or after correcting for the offset in RA for NGC 7413. The RNGC identifies PGC 70008 = PGC 94273 as NGC 7414. This galaxy is located 1.7' north, but 21 seconds of RA further east. Harold Corwin feels the RNGC candidate is a plausible identification, but I'm skeptical based on how faint it appeared in my 18". So, NGC 7414 may be nonexistent (perhaps a faint star). See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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NGC 7415 = UGC 12244 = MCG +03-58-012 = MCG +03-58-011 =
22 54 53.6 +20 15 42; Peg
V = 14.5; Size 0.9'x0.2'; PA = 128°
28" (10/29/11): at 295x, resolved into two tangent
glows oriented E-W, ~0.6'x0.3'. It
seemed the western component (
18" (10/29/11): at 283x, appeared very faint, small, elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, 0.4'x0.2'. I suspected the glow was double but couldn't confidently resolve this close pair so the description likely refers to the combined glow. Located 4.5' ENE of brighter NGC 7411 and 5.7' SE of
17.5" (9/2/89): extremely faint, small, edge-on NW-SE. Located 5' ENE of NGC 7411.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7415 = m 506, along with NGC 7409 and 7411, on 13 Sep 1863 and simply noted "eF". His position is fairly accurate. The MCG identifies MCG +03-58-011, the western component, as NGC 7415. Other sources identify the eastern edge-on component as NGC 7415, but the number should probably apply to the entire double system as Marth didn't resolve the pair and they are pretty comparable in brightness.
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22 55 41.7 -05 29 43; Aqr
V = 12.4; Size 3.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 110°
17.5" (10/12/85): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 WNW-ESE, broad concentration. On a line with a mag 9.5 star 6' SSW and mag 7.7
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7416 = m 507 = Sf. 86 on 25 Aug 1864 and noted" F, pL, pmE, vgbM." His position is accurate. Aaron Skinner, assistant to Truman Safford at the Dearborn Observatory, independently rediscovered this galaxy on 21 Sep 1867 with the 18.5-inch Clark Refractor.
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22 57 49.5 -65 02 19; Tuc
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 2°
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, moderately
large, oval 4:3 N-S, ~1.4'x1.0', well concentrated with a bright core that
increases to a stellar nucleus.
Brightest in a group including
John Herschel discovered NGC 7417 = h3962 on 20 Jul 1835 and recorded "B; R; gpmbM; r; 40"." His mean position (2 observations) is accurate.
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22 56 36.2 -37 01 48; Gru
V = 10.9; Size 3.5'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 139°
18" (10/25/08): fairly bright, very large, elongated
3:2 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.8', broad weak concentration. The halo fades into the background without a well-defined
edge. This is the largest galaxy
visually in the Grus Chain (brightest member
13.1" (10/20/84): fairly large, very diffuse, even surface brightness. Larger than NGC 7421 19' SSE.
8" (7/16/82): very faint, fairly large, round, diffuse.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7418 = h3963 on 30 Aug 1834 and recorded "pB; vL; R; or vlE; vgbM; 4' diam; with left eye r, hardly resolved, PD bad. A fine object."
Based on photographs taken in 1919-20 at the Helwan observatory with the 30-inch Reynolds telescope, it was described as "2.5' x 2.5', spiral with a pF almost stellar nucleus. This is a "left-hand" spiral with two main branches which are close together on the following side, and from these proceed a number of smaller subsidiary whisps."
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22 54 20.1 +60 48 55; Cep
Size 2'
18" (8/17/04): at 160x this is a small group of 25-30 stars down to mag 15, elongated 3'x1' NW-SE. Located ~3' SE of a mag 8 star. The brightest mag 9.5 star is at the NE tip of the cluster and the fairly rich cluster follows to the SE. A faint pair is near the center of the group
13.1" (8/25/84): about a dozen faint stars are visible
over unresolved haze with a mag 9.5 star at the NW edge. Appears to be a rich group. Mag 8.2
William Herschel discovered NGC 7419 = H. VII-43 = h2190 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773) and recorded "a small cluster of vS stars, considerably compressed and pretty rich." His position is accurate. On 29 Sep 1829 (sweep 213), John Herschel logged "a *10m in a cluster of vS stars 15...18m; p rich; vgbM. A star 8m is 2' S."
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22 55 32.0 +29 48 18; Peg
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, small, elongated 4:3
WSW-ENE, 0.7'x0.5', faint stellar nucleus or star superimposed. Located between a mag 9.0
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7420 = m 508 on 6 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7421 = ESO 346-017 = MCG -06-50-015 = AM 2254-373 = LGG 466-004 = PGC 70083
22 56 54.3 -37 20 50; Gru
V = 11.9; Size 2.0'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.2
18" (10/25/08): fairly faint, moderately large, ~1.5' diameter, diffuse with only a very weak concentration. At moments I had the impression of an elongated brightening or bar in the central region. Located near the southern end of the Grus Chain of 9 galaxies with NGC 7418 20' NNW and IC 1459 53' N.
13.1" (10/20/84): very faint, very diffuse, moderately large. Located 20' SSE of NGC 7418.
8" (8/16/82): extremely faint, small, round, at visual threshold.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7421 = h3964 on 30 Aug 1834 and recorded "B; L; R; gpmbM; 2'; r[esolvable] with right eye; with left, barely resolved in the centre." His mean position (3 measures) is accurate. Harold Knox-Shaw reported it was a spiral in 1912 based on a photograph taken with the 30" reflector at the Helwan Observatory in Egypt. On later photographs in 1919-20 showed the eastern halo suffered from dust obscuration.
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NGC 7422 = UGC 12254 = MCG +01-58-013 = PGC 70048
22 56 12.5 +03 55 36; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 140°
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
weak concentration. Located 21'
WNW of mag 6.3
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7422 = m 509 = Sf. 93 on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "F, S, irr R." His position is accurate. Otto Struve independently discovered this galaxy on 6 Dec 1865 at the Pulkovo Observatory in St Petersburg (in his unsuccessful attempt to recover Comet Biela), by d'Arrest on 29 Sep 1866 and by Safford with the 18.5-inch Clark refractor at Dearborn Observatory on 27 Sep 1867! So, this object was "discovered" 4 times, which along with NGC 1360 and NGC 6364, is the most of any NGC entry. Dreyer credited Struve and d'Arrest in the GC Supplement and Marth, Struve and d'Arrest in the NGC. Safford's observation was not published until 1887, a bit too late to be noticed when Dreyer compiled the NGC.
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22 55 09 +57 05 49; Cep
Size 5'
18" (9/24/05): at 225x, this cluster appears as a
small, rich, glowing spot 2' in diameter, peppered with roughly a dozen mag
14-15 stars, several of which are just on the edge of visibility. Set within a rich low power Milky Way
star field, although noticed immediately at 115x. A wide pair of mag 11 stars is just off the SW side. At 435x, the faint resolved stars are
easier to view, although the background glow fades. Planetary nebula
William Herschel discovered NGC 7423 = H. III-745 = h2191 on 1 Nov 1788 (sweep 876) and noted "pL, irr figure, easily resolvable, or a very distant patch of the milky way." His RA is 50 seconds too large. John Herschel recorded "A large patch of the milky way, consisting of stars so small as to be quite nebulous. If this be not III 745, I find no other." Dreyer used his position in the NGC but commented in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of William Herschel" that William's and John's positions differ by about 1 tmin, so the two entries may refer to different objects. RNGC lists the number as nonexistent, though the cluster is also catalogued as Berkeley 57. See Corwin's notes for discussion.
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22 57 18.5 -41 04 14; Gru
V = 10.5; Size 9.5'x8.1'; Surf Br = 15.1; PA = 88°
13.1" (9/3/86): very diffuse, hazy, fairly large,
round, weak concentration. Located
16' E of mag 6.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 7424 = h3965 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; vL; R; vgmbM; 3' diam." Based on Helwan photographs taken in 1919-20, it was described as "pF, 6'x6', pB nucleus elongated in p.a. 130°; spiral with open [spiral arms] and condensations."
This loose face-on spiral might show structure in the southern hemisphere.
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22 57 15.5 -10 57 00; Aqr
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 60°
17.5" (9/23/95): faint, small, slightly elongated, 30" diameter, very weak concentration. Located just south of three mag 14 stars (closest is 1.9' NNE of center).
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7425 = LM 1-259 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.5, lE? 90°, *10 in PA 260° [ESE] at 4.0' separation." His rough RA (nearest min of time) is 30 seconds too small and the star is 13-14th magnitude. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 with the 20" refractor at Denver (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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22 56 02.9 +36 21 41; Lac
V = 12.3; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 72°
17.5" (6/15/91): fairly faint, fairly small, round, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Observation slightly hampered by the bright wide double star HJ 975 = 5.6/9.5 at 50" located 3.5' W!
William Herschel discovered NGC 7426 = H. III-576 = h2192 on 18 Oct 1786 (sweep 617) and recorded "vF, S, iR, stellar." In Nov 1827 (sweep 105), John Herschel wrote, "eF; pL; R; a coarse double star 6m (HJ 975) precedes a little to south. Hurried observation."
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22 57 09.9 +08 30 20; Peg
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (8/27/87): faint, small, round, small bright core. Visible steadily with direct vision.
17.5" (8/21/87): very faint, extremely small, round A mag 10.5 star is 4.2' S. Located 34' SE of 50 Pegasi (V = 4.9).
Otto Struve discovered NGC 7427 on 22 Nov 1865 with the 15-inch refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory in St. Petersburg. It was found while unsuccessfully searching for Comet Biela (never seen after 1852). Struve's position is 2.5' too far south, though he correctly placed a mag 11.5 star 4' in PA 172°.
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22 57 19.5 -01 02 56; Psc
V = 12.5; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 160°
17.5" (7/22/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated SW-NE, small bright core.
13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, small bright core.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7428 = m 510, along with NGC 7434, on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "F, vS, R, bM." His position is accurate. Édouard Stephan made an observation on 12 Sep 1876.
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22 56 00 +59 58 24; Cep
Size 14'
17.5" (11/18/95): scattered group of 18 stars in a
6'x2' group elongated NNW-SSE.
Includes 8 mag 9.5-12 stars and the rest are mag 13-15. There are no rich spots and most stars
are scattered around the elongated irregular outline. The brightest two mag 9.5 stars are located near the center
(
John Herschel discovered NGC 7429 = h2193 on 29 Sep 1829 and recorded "VIII class; pretty compact, poor cluster; stars 9...11m." His position corresponds with the center of 6' group of 12 brighter stars (mag 9.4-13.3).
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22 57 29.7 +08 47 39; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.35'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 60°
17.5" (8/21/87): very faint, very small, round, brighter core. A faint star is very close south. Located 32' E of 50 Pegasi (V = 4.9).
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7430 on 27 Aug 1864 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured on 2 nights) is an exact match with
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22 57 38.9 +26 09 51; Peg
V = 16.0; Size 0.2'x0.2'
48" (10/26/16): at 610x; this object consists of a mag
15 star with a very small galaxy attached on the east side. A low surface brightness, round glow
extended ~10" diameter. The
star and the center of the galaxy are separated by only 5"! Located 4.3' WNW of
17.5" (8/25/95): with direct vision appears as a mag
14.5 star with no noticeable halo.
With averted vision, an extremely small halo is sometimes visible,
perhaps 10" in diameter.
Located 4.3' WNW of NGC 7436 and faintest in a group of four
galaxies. A mag 14.5 star is 1.4'
SW. On the DSS the galaxy is
virtually stellar with the star attached on the west edge. The galaxy identified as NGC 7431in the
RNGC, UGC (notes) and CGCG is
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7431 = Big. 92 on 30 Sep
1886 and noted "eF and eS."
His micrometric position is 19 seconds of time preceding NGC 7436 and
55" north. Precisely at this
separation is faint star with an extremely faint galaxy (
On 12 Oct 1855, R.J. Mitchell discovered the galaxy (CGCG 475-006) that RNGC, CGCG and UGC misidentify as NGC 7431. Although clearly shown on the sketch, the 29 Sept 1875 observation states "the object preceding in the 1857 sketch is a faint star, night bad." Because of this last statement, Thomson feels Dreyer decided not to include this object in the NGC but Corwin and Steinicke identify CGCG 475-006 = NGC 7433 and remove the companion jutting out of the west side of NGC. Malcolm Thomson discusses this case in detail in the Dec 1989 Webb Society Quarterly Journal and his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections."
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22 58 01.9 +13 08 04; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 40°
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, very small, strong bright core, slightly elongated. A mag 13 star is 1.6' E of center and a pair of mag 12/13 stars at 21" separation is 2' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7432 = H. III-465 = h2194 on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) and recorded "eF, S, irregular. 240 showed the same." John Herschel made three observations and logged (sweep 304), "eF; S; R; precedes a near double star 5 seconds."
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NGC 7433 = MCG +04-54-003 = CGCG 475-006 = WBL 692-002 = PGC 70112
22 57 51.7 +26 09 44; Peg
V = 15.3; Size 0.7'x0.25'; PA = 47°
48" (10/26/16): at 610x; moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 SW-NE, 35"x14", brighter nucleus. Located 1.5' NW of NGC 7436 in a group. A mag 14.3 star is 0.4' S.
24" (7/20/12): very faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, 24"x8". A mag 14.3 star is just 24" S of center. Located in the core of the NGC 7436 group, just 1.5' NW of NGC 7436.
The historical identification of NGC 7433 is ambiguous (see notes), but this galaxy is misidentified as NGC 7431 (which is 2.9' W) in CGCG, UGC, PGC, U2000 and Megastar.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 7433,
along with
Malcolm Thomson gives a detailed analysis of the identifications of NGC 7433 and 7435 in his Catalogue Corrections and concludes Dreyer rejected CGCG 475-006 so that NGC 7433 refers to the galaxy the western component of NGC 7436. On the other hand, Harold Corwin supports the view NGC 7436W was rejected by Dreyer and CGCG 475-006 is NGC 7433. Corwin's identification is used in NED and Steinicke and adopted here, though Thomson's argument is very persuasive.
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NGC 7434 = MCG +00-58-016 = CGCG 379-017 = PGC 70145
22 58 21.5 -01 11 02; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 80°
17.5" (7/22/87): very faint, extremely small, round, about 10" diameter. Located 17.5' SE of NGC 7428.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7434 = m 511, along with NGC 7428, on 27 Jul 1864 and noted "vF, vS, R, stellar." His position is 1' too far north.
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NGC 7435 = UGC 12267 = MCG +04-54-004 = CGCG 475-007 = Holm 800a = WBL 692-003 = PGC 70116
22 57 54.5 +26 08 20; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 1.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 132°
48" (10/26/16): at 610x; fairly bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, 30"x12", small brighter nucleus. A mag 15 star is on the NNW end [17" from center]. Situated 0.9' SW of NGC 7436 in the center of the cluster.
24" (7/20/12): faint or fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 24"x8". A mag 15 star is attached at the NNW tip. This close companion to NGC 7436 is situated just 1.0' SW of center.
17.5" (8/25/95): very faint, very elongated 3:1 NNW-SSE, 0.6'x0.2', no concentration. A mag 15 star is at the NNW end. In a tight group just 1.0' SW of NGC 7436.
17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, very elongated NW-SE. A mag 15 star is attached at the NNW end 17" from center. Located 1.0' SW of NGC 7436 in a group.
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7435, along with NGC 7433, on 12 Oct 1855 while examining the field of NGC 7436 at Birr Castle. The identification is certain based on the diagram and sketch in Plate V, including a star close northwest. The NGC position is 1' due south, instead of southwest of NGC 7436. Heinrich d'Arrest also measured the position twice in September 1865, although Dreyer only credited d'Arrest's observation of NGC 7433.
The NGC position falls very close to
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NGC 7436 = VV 84a = (R)
22 57 57.5 +26 09 00; Peg
V = 13.0; Size 2.0'x2.0'
48" (10/26/16): brightest of a total of 8 galaxies observed within 4'. At 610x; bright, moderately large, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright small core, increasing to a stellar nucleus. The halo has a much lower surface brightness and contains NGC 7436B, which pokes out of the halo on the west side. The contact companion appeared moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 E-W, 24"x8", very small bright nucleus.
24" (7/20/12): brightest and central galaxy in a group
with three extremely close companions.
At 325x appeared moderately bright and large, round, ~1' diameter. Sharply concentrated and dominated by a
very bright small core. The halo
has a low surface brightness and gradually fades out, but seems to encompass
NGC 7436B = VV 84b, which appeared as a faint or fairly faint thin spike,
~22"x8", emerging from the halo and extending west. NGC 7435 is just 57" SW and NGC
7433 is 1.5' NW. Also nearby are
MCG +04-54-007 2.4' S,
MCG +04-54-007 is extremely faint or very faint, very small, round, 12" diameter. A mag 16.1 star lies 20" E. PGC 1766408 is extremely faint, very small, irregularly round, 15"x12". PGC 1768375 is extremely faint and small, round, 9" diameter. Collinear with a mag 15 star 0.7' NE and a mag 13 star 1.2' NE.
17.5" (8/25/95): brightest in a tight group of four galaxies including NGC 7431, NGC 7433 and NGC 7435. Fairly faint, small, round, 1.2' diameter. Well concentrated with a small, bright core. The view is confused by a companion (NGC 7436B), which is partially superimposed on the west side of the halo [18" between centers] and creates the impression of elongation E-W. A mag 15 star is 50" SW and a mag 14.5 star 1.3' WNW.
17.5" (9/2/89): brightest in a group, faint, small,
slightly elongated N-S, bright core.
Forms a double system with NGC 7436B attached at the west end. In a group with NGC 7435 1.0' SW, NGC
7431 2' NW (not seen). Located 15'
E of mag 8.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 7436 = H. III-243 = h2195 on 2 Dec 1784 (only object in sweep 327) and recorded "vF, S, er, but I have not been out long enough to see very well, and it may be only stars." On 18 Aug 1828 (sweep 167), John Herschel logged "F; E in parallel; gbM; 60" l, 30" br." Although not resolved, the elongation was caused by the superimposed companion on the west side.
The RNGC identifies the brighter eastern component as NGC 7436A and the western component as NGC 7436B. The identification problems with this group (specifically NGC 7433 and 7431) are discussed in detail in the Oct 1989 Webb Society Quarterly Journal and in Malcolm Thomson's unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".
R.J. Mitchell discovered NGC 7436B = MCG +04-54-005 = PGC
70123 on 23 Oct 1855 and noted "3 neb; last one [NGC 7436] pB, bM, has
either a star or nebulous knot closely p [NGC 7436]; ...." The "nebulous knot" is NGC
7436B. He observed the group again
on 18 Sep 1857 and logged, "... closely p is a * or sharply defined
nebulous patch, ..." Dreyer
observed the group on 29 Sep 1875 and reported, "The object p in the
diagram from 1857 is a F *. Night
bad." Harold Corwin notes
that based on Dreyer's own observation, he didn't assign the western component
of NGC 7436 an NGC designation.
NED identifies this galaxy as
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22 58 10.1 +14 18 32; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.8'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.4
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, moderately large, slightly elongated, very diffuse, low surface brightness with a weak concentration. A mag 14 star is at the north edge.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7437 = Sw. 2-94 on 31 Oct 1885 and recorded "eeF; L; R; F * nr nf; v diff. Nearly in finder field with Alpha Pegasi." His RA is 10 seconds too large, but the dec is accurate. In 1900, Herbert Howe reported "the 'F * nr nf" is of mag 10.5 and follows 4 seconds, 1.4' north." Howe's micrometric position is very accurate.
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22 57 29.6 +54 21 17; Cas
Size 15'
17.5" (8/13/96): at 100x, there is a 20' elongated group of stars separated into two distinct scattered subgroups. The SW group is circular, ~6' diameter with roughly three dozen stars total, although there are a dozen brighter mag 10/11 stars which form the circular outline. Only a few faint stars populate the interior of the outline. The NE group is more elongated, ~7'x5', with two dozen stars. It includes a nice well-matched mag 11 pair at 15" separation. The two groups only stand out in a rich Milky Way field using a 20 Nagler but it still looks like a random grouping. Listed as nonexistent in Carlson and RNGC.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7438 = h2196 on 8 Nov 1831 and recorded "A large oblong cluster which fills 2 fields. Place that of the double star h3157 of my 5th catalogue." Based on the photographic appearance on a Heidelberg plate, Reinmuth notes "a very dense region, no distinct Cl." RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Harold Corwin's identification comments.
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22 58 09.9 +29 13 42; Peg
V = 14.3; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, very small, round, 0.4'
diameter, very weakly concentrated core, very faint stellar nucleus at
moments. A mag 12.5 star is 2.5'
WSW. Located 4.3' NW of mag 9.3
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7439 = m 512 on 9 Sep 1863 and noted a "long patch of F nebulosity." His position is 30 seconds of RA east and 1' north of UGC 12273. Interestingly, I recorded this galaxy as round, so his description does not fit this galaxy very well. Bigourdan published a "corrected" position from 3 Aug 1891 in his Comptes Rendus list for 22 Jul 1901, but his position is 3.6' south and 20 seconds of time too large and probably refers to one or more stars.
Karl Reinmuth reported "not found" in his
photographic survey at Heidelberg as well as Heber Curtis in Lick Observatory
Bulletin #248 (1913) based on photographs with the Crossley reflector. Harold Corwin searched unsuccessfully
for another candidate besides
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22 58 32.5 +35 48 09; And
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (8/27/92): faint, small, slightly elongated, broad concentration. Located just west of a string of four stars mag 13-14 oriented N-S.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7440 = St. 8a-25 on 12 Sep 1876. His micrometric position (measured 9 Oct) was quite accurate. Bigourdan's "corrected" position in the his 22 Jul 1901 Comptes Rendus paper (repeated in the IC 2 Notes section) lands of a double star which is 10 seconds of RA E and 4' N.
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22 59 29.2 -07 03 17; Aqr
V = 14.2; Size 1.2'x1.2'; PA = 5°
17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. This identification is very uncertain.
22 56 41.4 -07 22 45
V = 13.6; B = 14.4; Size = 1.3'x0.8'; Type = Scd
24" (9/22/17): at 375x; faint or fairly faint, low surface brightness patch, irregularly round, ~0.6' diameter, slightly irregular surface brightness but no distinct core.
18" (10/25/03): very faint, small, elongated 3:2
NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.7', low even surface brightness. A 15' string of stars oriented SW-NE with mag 9.5
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7441 = LM 1-260 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
14.0, 0.8' dia, iR, *10 p[receding]." His rough position (RA to the nearest min and Dec marked as
uncertain) is coincidentally just 14 seconds of RA east of
As an alternative, Harold Corwin suggests NGC 7441 = IC 1458 = PGC 70080. This galaxy has a 10th magnitude star 10' west, though the position is 3 minutes of RA east and 20' south of Stone's position. Neither identification is very secure.
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22 59 26.6 +15 32 54; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, broad concentration.
Located 27' SW of
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7442 on 24 Nov 1861 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His mean position (2 measures) is very accurate and he noted the mag 12 star (called mag 13) 2.0' north-northeast.
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23 00 08.9 -12 48 28; Aqr
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.2; PA = 40°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 5:2
SSW-NNE, small bright core, high surface brightness. Forms a distinctive similar duo of elongated systems with
William Herschel discovered NGC 7443 = H. II-450 = h2197 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 450) and recorded "Two [with NGC 7444], both lE and about 1.5' from each other; they extend in different directions. The sweeping power showed but one, but 240 distinguished them both, and I saw them afterwards also both with the former power. Both vF, vS." John Herschel made two observations and called it "F; R; psbM; rather the brighter of 2."
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NGC 7444 = MCG -02-58-016 = LGG 468-002 = PGC 70219
23 00 09.0 -12 50 03; Aqr
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 3°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, small bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 7443 1.6' NNW. NGC 7450 lies 10' ESE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7444 = H. II-451 = h2198 on 3 Oct 1785 (sweep 450) and recorded "Two [with NGC 7443], both lE and about 1.5' from each other; they extend in different directions. The sweeping power showed but one, but 240 distinguished them both, and I saw them afterwards also both with the former power. Both vF, vS." John Herschel made three observations and called it "pF; irr R; sbM almost to a nucleus; r; the southern of a double nebula."
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22 59 22.4 +39 06 27; And
V = 14.6; Size 0.7'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 88°
17.5" (9/26/92): very faint, extremely small,
round. A mag 12 star is 1.5' ESE
of center. Member of the
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7445 = St. 9-31, along with NGC 7446 and 7449, on 23 Oct 1878 ( (position reduced on this date). If he made a large error in position, the original discovery may have been on 15 Sep 1876.
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NGC 7446 = CGCG 515-017 = PGC 70185
22 59 29.0 +39 04 59; And
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (9/26/92): very faint, very small, round, even concentration, small bright core. A mag 12 star is 1.2' N. Farthest south of the members in the UGC 12298 group with NGC 7449 4.5' N and NGC 7445 2.0' NW. Appears unusually easy for a galaxy only 15.7pg.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7446 = St. 9-32, along with NGC 7445 and 7449, on 23 Oct 1878 (position reduced on this date). If he made a large error in position, the original discovery may have been on 15 Sep 1876.
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23 00 26 -10 31 42; Aqr
= Not found, Corwin. = *, Reinmuth.
Edward Cooper discovered NGC 7447 = Au 49 on 8 Oct 1855 with the 13.3-inch refractor at the Markree Observatory in Ireland. While compiling the comprehensive Markree Ecliptic Catalogue he thought he found a nebulous mag 11-12 star. Arthur Auwers searched and reported "no nebula can be seen" using the Heliometer at Konigsberg. Wilhelm Tempel was also unsuccessful on several attempts (AN 2284), as well as Sherburne Burnham (Publ of Lick Observatory, II). Reinmuth identified NGC 7447 as a mag 13 star but this number is likely lost. See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 7448 = Arp 13 = UGC 12294 = MCG +03-58-018 = CGCG 453-042 = LGG 469-001 = PGC 70213
23 00 03.6 +15 58 49; Peg
V = 11.7; Size 2.7'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 170°
48" (10/26/16 and 10/28/2019): at 610x; very bright, large, elongated ~2:1 N-S, 2'x1', interesting structure with knots. The central portion is brighter along the major axis like a weak bar and in the center is a small, very bright nucleus. A bright, prominent knot, 10"-12" diameter, is just west of the northern tip of the galaxy and a weak knot is close east [by ~15"]. The northern half of the galaxy is generally brighter with a slightly mottled surface. The galaxy has a weak enhancement along the southwest edge of the halo [spiral arm] and a fairly faint knot is on the southeast side [40" SE of center]. Overall, the southern part of the halo has a lower, more uniform surface brightness.
17.5" (9/19/87 and 9/14/85): bright, large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, small bright core, fainter extensions. Brightest in the NGC 7448 group.
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly bright, broad moderate concentration, thin fainter extensions NNW-SSE. Does not contain a well-defined nucleus.
8" (9/25/81): faint, small, elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7448 = H. II-251 = h2199 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294) and recorded "pB, cL, E, r." On his sweep 11, John Herschel logged "pB; L; vgbM; E pos 85° np to sf." Ralph Copeland commented it was "slightly concave towards p side" in a 1873 observation at Birr Castle. Christian Peters also measured an accurate position.
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NGC 7449 = UGC 12292 = MCG +06-50-016 = CGCG 515-018 = PGC 70196
22 59 37.6 +39 08 45; And
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 130°
17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, round, gradually brighter middle, small bright core. In the UGC 12298 group with NGC 7445 3.7' SW, NGC 7446 4.5' S and UGC 12298 9' NE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7449 = St. 9-33, along with NGC 7445 and 7446, on 23 Oct 1878 (position reduced on this date). If he made a large error in position, the original discovery may have been on 15 Sep 1876.
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NGC 7450 = MCG -02-58-019 = Mrk 1126 = LGG 468-003 = PGC 70252
23 00 47.8 -12 55 07; Aqr
V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, round, broad concentration. Third of three with the striking NGC 7443 and NGC 7444 pair 11' NW.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7450 = T. 1-47 = T. 4-11 on 19 Nov 1876. His RA in his 4th paper was 5 seconds too large.
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23 00 40.9 +08 28 04; Peg
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 67°
17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated WSW-ENE, weak concentration.
Otto Struve discovered NGC 7451 on 7 Dec 1865 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at Pulkovo Observatory at St. Petersburg. It was found while unsuccessfully searching for Comet Biela, which was never seen after 1852. His position is 3' too far south (common offset with his other objects). Bigourdan's "corrected" position from 7 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC 2 notes) is 5.8' too far SW, perhaps an error with the offset star.
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23 00 47.5 +06 44 44; Psc
V = 15.0; Size 0.4'x0.3; PA = 25°
24" (12/28/13): at 282x appeared faint, very small,
round, 12" diameter, extremely small or stellar nucleus. Located at 3.1' W of brighter
17.5" (11/18/95): extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter, very low surface brightness. Requires averted vision but observation repeatable. Located 3.1' W of NGC 7459. A mag 14.5 star lies 2.1' SSW. This galaxy is not listed in any modern catalogue and the identifications of NGC 7452 and NGC 7459 are uncertain due to poor positions by Lewis Swift.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7452 = Sw. 2-95, along with NGC 7455 and NGC 7459, on 14 Oct 1884 and recorded "eeeF; pL; R; e diff.; np of 2 [with NGC 7459]." His position falls within a small cluster, 9 seconds of RA east of UGC 12302. RNGC, MCG and PGC identify UGC 12302 as NGC 7452. It's the brightest member of the cluster and a double system with nuclei only 10" apart. Herbert Howe apparently also identified this galaxy as NGC 7452 (MN, Vol 60, 129).
As an alternative, Corwin suggests that NGC 7452 = LEDA 1306660, the second brightest in the cluster. This places NGC 7452 21 seconds of RA preceding Swift's position (matching in dec). This identification was first made by Kobold in his 1907 catalogue. NED and HyperLeda now both use this identification. This implies NGC 7459 = UGC 12302, which is 12 seconds of RA larger (Swift's difference is 20 seconds).
******************************
23 01 25.5 -06 21 19; Aqr
= ***, Corwin.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 7453 on 7 Nov 1860 with the 13.5-inch refractor at the Hamilton College Observatory in New York. At Peters' position of 23 01 25.4 -06 21 17 (2000) is a pair of mag 12.5 stars at 15" separation. His observation may refer to one of these stars as his description reads "*11 north, close to it."
RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent (Type 7) although the New Description ("E,R,BM") implies it refers to a galaxy. See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 7454 = UGC 12305 = MCG +03-58-020 = CGCG 453-045 = LGG 469-002 = PGC 70264
23 01 06.6 +16 23 18; Peg
V = 11.8; Size 2.2'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
17.5" (9/14/85): fairly bright, small, bright core, stellar nucleus, fainter extended halo. A mag 11 star is 52" WNW of center. Member of the NGC 7448 group.
13.1" (9/3/83): faint, small, extended NNW-SSE, small bright core. A brighter star is close WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7454 = H. II-249 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "F, vS, R, lbM." The next night (sweep 294), he logged "F, pS, E, following a pB star." Rudolph Spitaler measured an accurate micrometric position with the 27" refractor in Vienna in 1891.
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23 00 41.0 +07 18 11; Psc
V = 14.2; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 174°
17.5" (8/21/87): faint, very small, round, small,
brighter core. A mag 11 star is
1.1' NNE of center. Located 29' E
of mag 6.3
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7455 = Sw. 2-96, along with NGC
7452 and 7459, on 14 Oct 1884 and recorded "eF; cE; pS * nr p. Found while searching for Encke's Comet
1885 I." There is nothing at
his position, but 38 seconds of RA west is
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23 02 10.4 -39 34 10; Gru
V = 11.8; Size 5.5'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 23°
13.1" (9/3/86): very faint, diffuse, moderately large, elongated SW-NE. A pair of mag 13 stars is 3' E of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7456 = h3966 = h3967 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; L; mE; vglbM; pos of elongation 33.8°; 4' l, 1' br; loses itself imperceptibly. His Cape position for h3966 is 30' too far south but he corrected this clerical mistake in the errata page at the end of the catalogue. His position for h3967 is correct.
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23 01 00.0 +30 08 42; Peg
V = 11.2; Size 4.3'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 130°
17.5" (8/13/88): bright, fairly large, elongated 2:1
NW-SE, very bright core, very small bright nucleus. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 7457 = H. II-212 = h2201 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 267) and recorded "pB, pL, lE, mbM, r. South of 2 faint stars. Some stars visible in it." His position was just off the west side of the galaxy. John Herschel made a single observation, "B; L; lE; pgbM; 60"; has a stellar point in the centre." The observers at Birr Castle noted a star involved just preceding the nucleus.
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23 01 28.6 +01 45 12; Psc
V = 12.5; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15°
13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, small, round, small
bright core. An equilateral
triangle with sides 2' formed by mag 8.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 7458 = H. II-590 = h2200 on 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 589) and noted "F, S, bM." John Herschel described it on 18 Sep 1830 (sweep 295) as "vF; vS; psbM."
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NGC 7459 = UGC 12302 = MCG +01-58-021 = PGC 70261
23 00 59.9 +06 45 01; Psc
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 57°
24" (12/28/13): at 200x appeared fairly faint, fairly small, elongated ~5:3 SW-NE, 0.8'x0.5', brighter core. At 282x, the core appeared double [post merger system?], with the two extremely small nuclei just resolved [10" separation], and oriented along the major axis. The northeast component appeared quasi-stellar. A mag 13.2 star is 1.2' E of center.
17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 40"x25", weak concentration. Located 1.2' W of a mag 13 star. Forms a pair with NGC 7452 3.1' W. This is a double system (not resolved) and brightest in a faint cluster. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7459 = Sw. 2-97, along with NGC 7452 and 7455, on 14 Oct 1884 and recorded "eeF; pL; R; * nr; sf of 2 [with NGC 7452]." There is nothing at his position, but Harold Corwin suggests this number applies to UGC 12302 (the brightest in the cluster), located 30 sec of RA due west of Swift's position. This identity was first made by Hermann Kobold in his observation at Strasbourg in 1897 (published in 1907). This implies NGC 7452 = PGC 1306660, which is 21 seconds west of his position.
RNGC, MCG and PGC identify UGC 12302 as NGC 7452. UGC does not apply an NGC designation for this double system. RNGC classifies NGC 7459 as nonexistent (Type 7). See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 7460 = UGC 12312 = MCG +00-58-021 = CGCG 379-023 = PGC 70287
23 01 42.9 +02 15 49; Psc
V = 13.0; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 175°
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, round, diffuse, even surface brightness. NGC 7458 is 31' SSW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7460 = St. 8a-26 on 14 Sep 1876. An accurate micrometric position was determined a week later and included in list 8a (#26) in 1877 with an estimated diameter of 1.5'.
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23 01 48.3 +15 34 57; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 150°
17.5" (9/19/87): fairly faint, extremely small, round,
compact, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star lies 2.3' SW. Member of the NGC 7448 group
located 23' S of the
13.1" (9/22/84): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, even surface brightness, NGC 7467 11' E. Located 23' S of NGC 7463/64/65 in the NGC 7448 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7461 = m 513 on 8 Aug 1863 and
noted "vF, vS, alm stellar."
His position is 1' south of
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23 02 46.5 -40 50 07; Gru
V = 11.7; Size 4.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 75°
13.1" (9/3/86): fairly faint, fairly small, pretty
edge-on oriented ~E-W. A mag 11
star is at the west end and four other comparable stars including a nice double
at 36" separation are within 5'.
Located 10.6' W of mag 6.6
John Herschel discovered NGC 7462 = h3968 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "pB; S; vmE; has a *11m preceding its extremity." The mag 11 star at the west edge is MCG -07-47-012 (misclassified as a galaxy).
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NGC 7463 = UGC 12316 = MCG +03-58-022 = CGCG 453-048 = Holm 802a = PGC 70291
23 01 52.0 +15 58 55; Peg
V = 13.2; Size 2.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 90°
48" (10/26/16): at 610x; very bright, large, very elongated at least 4:1 E-W, ~2.0'x0.5'. Unusual structure [nearly edge-on barred spiral] with a fairly bright bar angling across the central section ~SW-NE, ~25"x10". A spiral arm extends west of the bar and a long, low surface brightness tidal arm stretches to the east. NGC 7464, situated 0.7' SE, is just south of the beginning of the eastern arm. The stretched appearance is likely due to an interaction with NGC 7465 2.6' SE. These galaxies, as well as the two described below, are part of the NGC 7448 group.
18" (7/29/03): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 5:2 E-W, 1.0'x0.4', weak concentration. Larger but lower surface brightness than NGC 7465 2.6' SE. A close companion, NGC 7464, is just 0.7' SE. Located 2.5' NE of a mag 8.5 star that is a bit of a distraction in viewing, though it makes the group quite distinctive.
17.5" (9/14/85): fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 E-W,
brighter core but no sharp nucleus.
Lower surface brightness than nearby NGC 7465 2.6' ESE. In a close trio with NGC 7465 and NGC
7464 just 42" SE of center.
Located 2.5' NE of mag 8.5
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, fairly small, diffuse.
13.1" (9/3/83 and 9/9/83): faint, fairly small, elongated E-W, lower surface brightness than NGC 7464 45" SE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7463 = H. III-210 = h2202, along with NGC 7465, on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294). He described both as "Two, the second of them [NGC 7465] stellar, both vF. The first [NGC 7463] lE and a little larger than the second; both vF." Both William and John Herschel missed NGC 7464 (discovered by d'Arrest).
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NGC 7464 = UGC 12315 = MCG +03-58-023 = CGCG 453-049 = Holm 802c = LGG 469-007 = PGC 70292
23 01 53.7 +15 58 26; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.7
48" (10/26/16): at 610x; moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~24"x20", broad concentration with no well defined core or nucleus but fairly high surface brightness. Smallest and faintest in an excellent trio with NGC 7463 40" NW and NGC 7465 1.8' ESE.
18" (7/29/03): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, no concentration. Located just 40" SE of the center of NGC 7463 in a trio with NGC 7465 and less than 3' NE of a mag 8.5 star.
17.5" (9/14/85): faint, very small, slightly elongated WSW-ENE, even surface brightness. Located just 42" SE of the center of NGC 7463 with NGC 7465 1.8' ESE. Located 2.5' NE of mag 8.5 SAO 108339. Member of the NGC 7448 group.
13.1" (9/22/84): appears as an extremely small "knot" attached at the southeast end of NGC 7463.
13.1" (9/3/83): extremely faint, very small, round, near visual threshold.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7464 = m 514 on 27 Aug 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen while examining NGC 7463 and 7465. NGC 7464 was labeled Roman numeral III in his sketch. Albert Marth also discovered this galaxy just two months later on 23 Oct 1864 with the 48-inch on Malta ("vF, eS, near [NGC 7463]") as well as Hermann Vogel with the 8.5-inch refractor in Leipzig on 10 Aug 1869. Both Marth (1) and d'Arrest (2) were credited in the NGC, though the order should be reversed.
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NGC 7465 = UGC 12317 = Mrk 313 = MCG +03-58-024 = CGCG 453-050 = Holm 802b = LGG 469-003 = PGC 70295
23 02 01.0 +15 57 54; Peg
V = 12.6; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.4
48" (10/26/16): at 610x; bright, moderately large, oval
NNW-SSE, ~0.9'x0.7'. There are
three distinct brightness zones; the oval halo, a slightly elongated bright
core, and a very small intensely bright nucleus. In an interacting triplet with NGC 7463 2.4' NW and NGC 7464
1.8' WNW. Mag 8.2
18" (7/29/03): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 or 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~0.6'x0.4'. Fairly high surface brightness with a weak, even concentration to a small brighter core and quasi-stellar nucleus. Brightest in a close trio with the tight duo NGC 7463/7464 ~2' WNW. The trio is situated ~3' NE of mag 8.5 SAO 108339.
17.5" (9/14/85): fairly bright, small, bright core, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE. Brightest in a close trio with NGC 7464 1.8' WNW and NGC 7463 2.4' WNW in the NGC 7448 group.
13.1" (9/22/84): very small, round, stellar nucleus surrounding a small outer halo.
13.1" (9/3/83): fairly faint, very small, stellar nucleus, fairly high surface brightness. Only viewing the nucleus? Brightest in subgroup of three with NGC 7464 and NGC 7463. Located 27' E of NGC 7448.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7465 = H. III-211 = h2203, along with NGC 7463, on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294) and recorded "Two, the second of them [NGC 7465] stellar, both vF. The first [NGC 7463] lE and a little larger than the second; both vF." John Herschel measured separate positions for the pair. They both missed NGC 7464.
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23 02 03.4 +27 03 10; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 26°
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, very elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7466 = St. 5-10 on 4 Sep
1872, listing a rough position 6' to the west. His published discovery position
(list 5, #10) was made the following year on 20 Sep 1873 with description
"eF; eS; with a condensation in the centre." MCG and PGC incorrectly equate
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NGC 7467 = MCG +02-58-057 = CGCG 430-053 = PGC 70310
23 02 27.4 +15 33 15; Peg
V = 14.2; Size 0.75'x0.55'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 33°
17.5" (9/19/87): very faint, extremely small, round. A mag 15 star is just off the east edge 1.0' from center. Located 9.5' ESE of NGC 7461 in the NGC 7448 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7467 = m 515 on 23 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, v." His position is accurate.
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23 02 59.3 +16 36 18; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, weak
concentration. Located 8.7' N of
mag 7.9
William Herschel discovered NGC 7468 = H. III-202 on 15 Oct
1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "eF, vS, stellar. 240 confirmed it." Caroline's reduction is a good match with
******************************
23 03 15.7 +08 52 26; Peg
V = 12.3; Size 1.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 125°
17.5" (11/1/86): sharp, bright stellar nucleus (Sy 1
galaxy) surrounded by a small faint halo.
A faint star is just east.
Forms a close pair (
13.1" (11/13/82): moderately bright, small, round, small bright nucleus surrounded by small diffuse halo. The nucleus dominates the galaxy. Located along the west side of three mag 9-10 stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7469 = H. III-230 = h2204 on 12 Nov 1784 (sweep 313) and noted "eF, eS, but 240 left a doubt." He found it again on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and logged "suspected a small irregular patch with seeming nebulosity." He didn't link the second observation with the first or assign it an internal discovery number. John Herschel made the single observation "F; S; R; vsmbM; equals a star 12m with a vF wisp about it. At first seems like a star." The RA in the RNGC is 1.0 minute too large. NGC 7469 is one of the 6 original Sy 1 galaxies studied by Seyfert in his seminal 1943 paper "Nuclear Emission in Spiral Nebulae".
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23 05 14.1 -50 06 42; Gru
V = 13.9; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 84°
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x and 394x; fairly faint
to moderately bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, ~50"x40",
contains a small slightly brighter core and a patchy halo. A mag 12.5 star is 2.5' NW. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 7470 = h3969 on 30 Sep 1834 and
recorded "eF; R; glbM; 60"; has a * 11m np 3' dist." There is nothing at his position but
0.8 min of RA east is
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23 03 54 -22 55; Aqr
= Not found, Corwin, RNGC and ESO. = *?, SG
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7471 = LM 2-470 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.8, 0.2' dia, lE 85°, sbM, 3 stars 10, p[recede] 20 seconds." There is nothing near his position. If Muller's object is the mag 15 star at 23 05 32.9 -22 53 44 (1 min 38 seconds of RA east), there are three mag 12-13 stars about 30 seconds preceding.
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23 05 38.6 +03 03 33; Psc
See observing notes for
Otto Struve found NGC 7472 on 7 Dec 1865 with the 15-inch Merz refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory outside St. Petersburg. While unsuccessfully searching for comet Biela he found a faint star with a nebulous halo. There is nothing near his position, but exactly 2.0 minutes of RA east is NGC 7482, which was discovered by Albert Marth the previous year on 11 Aug 1864.
Sherburne Burnham, who examined the field (see Publ of Lick
Obs, II), noted there was only one galaxy in the vicinity, essentially agreeing
with Marth's position for NGC 7482, and that NGC 7472 as well as d'Arrest's NGC
7477 were probably duplicates.
Dreyer mentioned this in the IC I Notes, although
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23 03 57.1 +30 09 37; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 45°
17.5" (8/13/88): faint, small, oval SSW-NNE, bright core. A mag 14 star is 46" N of center.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7473 = m 516 on 6 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is 6 seconds of time too small.
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23 04 04.4 +20 04 02; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8
24" (9/10/15): faint to fairly faint, small, round,
18" diameter, stellar nucleus.
First in a trio with
17.5" (9/2/89): very faint, extremely small, round. A mag 11 star is 2.0' N. Forms a pair with NGC 7475 1.6' NE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7474 = m 517, along with NGC 7475, on 9 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, vS." His position is accurate. Stephan probably first observed the pair on 4 Sep 1872 and measured an accurate micrometric position on 20 Sep 1876.
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NGC 7475 = UGC 12337 = MCG +03-58-027 = MCG +03-58-028 =
23 04 10.9 +20 04 52; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.5'x0.9'; PA = 54°
24" (9/10/15): at 260x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 or 4:3 WSW-ENE, ~0.6'x0.4', contains a very small bright nucleus that appears offset to the southwest side. NGC 7474 lies 1.6' SE. A mag 11.5 star lies 1.7' NW.
With careful viewing NGC 7475 was clearly seen as a double system with a companion attached at the northeast end (MCG +03-58-028 = PGC 70382). It was visible as a faint, small, round glow, 12" in diameter. The centers of the galaxies are separated by just 27" and nearly collinear with NGC 7474.
17.5" (9/2/89): faint, fairly small, elongated SW-NE. A mag 11 star is 1.7' NW. Forms a pair with NGC 7474 1.5' SW. The compact companion at the NE end was unresolved.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7475 = m 518, along with NGC 7474, on 9 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, S." His position is accurate. Stephan made an observation on 4 Sep 1872 (probably aware of Marth's discovery) and measured an accurate micrometric position on 20 Sep 1876.
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23 05 11.7 -43 05 51; Gru
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 175°
17.5" (10/20/90): very faint, fairly small, possibly
oval N-S, bright core. Forms the
southern vertex of an isosceles triangle with mag 7.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 7476 = h3970 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R; 12"; makes an obtuse-angled triangle, with 2 st 7m at some distance." His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.
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23 04 40.7 +03 07 05; Psc
V = 15.0; Size 0.3'x0.15'
18" (9/26/11): this number applies to an extremely faint galaxy with a star superimposed. At 175x, it appeared as a faint, nebulous patch (perhaps 15" diameter) with one or two very faint stars involved. At 225x, three mag 14.5 stars were resolved including a 15" pair but a third star close north was not involved in the glow. It was easy to see to see how this knot of stars could be taken as nebulous even if the galaxy was not seen. NGC 7482 lies 15' ESE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7477 on 9 Sep 1866 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
At his exact position is a group of 3 faint stars and an extremely faint
galaxy (
Burnham noted the odd situation that NGC 7477 and 7472 precede Marth's NGC 7482 by exactly 1.0 tmin and 2.0 tmin of RA, respectively, and felt all 3 numbers referred to the same galaxy. But Harold Corwin notes that only NGC 7472 (discovered by Otto Struve) is identical to NGC 7482.
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23 04 56.6 +02 34 40; Psc
V = 15.0; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, very small, round,
15" diameter, slightly brighter core. Located 1.0' SE of a mag 11.5 star and fainter of a pair
with
13.1": not found.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7478 = m 519, along with NGC 7480, on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "eF, E." His position is 1.2' too far northwest. This galaxy is mentioned in UGC notes to NGC 7480 but is not identified as NGC 7478.
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23 04 56.7 +12 19 23; Peg
V = 10.8; Size 4.1'x3.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 25°
48" (11/2/13, 10/30/16 and 10/28/19): The view of NGC 7479 was mesmerizing at 488x and 610x. Compared to the view last October, I noticed the fainter eastern arm was broader (split in two parallel branches on images) and although diffuse, obviously extended all the way to the southern edge of the galaxy, nearly reaching a mag 16 star. Also the bright arm on the western side of the bar dimmed as it extended north, but wrapped all the way or just beyond a mag 15.7 star situated 48" SW of the bright mag 12.5 star off the north end of the bar. The western arm clearly had a clumpy appearance with a couple of brighter patches. Near the south end of this arm [1.1' SSW of center] is a very faint quasi-stellar knot, which is catalogued as HII region #45 in Hodge and Kennicutt's 1983 "An Atlas of H II regions in 125 galaxies". Another brighter knot, ~12"x6", is at the southwest end of the arm [1.5' SW of center]. This is region #57 in the HK Atlas. A faint edge-on (V = 17.8), lies 3.5' NW of NGC 7479.
48" (10/22/11): NGC 7479 is probably the best barred spiral in the northern sky. At 488x and 610x the central bar appears very bright and extended over 2' N-S. The bar had a mottled appearance, bulging slightly in the center, was broadly concentrated with a small bright core. A bright mag 12.5 star is at the north end of the bar, 1.3' from the center.
At the northern end, an arm emerges from the bar and begins to curve counterclockwise to the east, but abruptly dims and merges with the halo on the east side. At the south end of the bar, a beautiful sweeping arm wraps counterclockwise around the south of a superimposed mag 13.5 star, extending to the west side of the core. This prominent arm dims and ends just north of an extremely faint HII knot (stellar) in the arm, which is catalogued as object #4 in Rozas' et al 1999 A&AS paper "Global properties of the population of HII regions in NGC 7479 from photometric H-alpha imaging". A mag 16.4 star is 0.7' due west (outside the arm) of this knot. A mag 15.7 star is also superimposed between the faint HII knot and the bright star at the north end.
18" (11/7/07): I was surprised the thin spiral arm was readily visible from Lake Sonoma extending from the south end of the bar and wrapping outside the mag 13.5 star situated 50' SW of the core. This arm dimmed out roughly due west of the star. The central bar extends 2.4'x0.6' N-S and contains a bulging 25" core that broadly brightens to an occasional faint stellar nucleus with direct vision. Barely off the north end of the central bar is a mag 12.5 star (1.3' due north of center) and there was just a hint of the spiral arm at the north end of the bar beginning to bend towards the east.
18" (10/19/06): fairly bright, fairly large, the main bar appears elongated 3:1 N-S, moderately concentrated with a bright core. A mag 12.5 star is just off the north tip of the bar. At the south end an extension is generally visible with averted vision hooking back sharply on the west side towards the north. This spiral arm dims as it hooks but intermittently appears to sweep due north though does not extend as far as the mag 13.5 star off the SW side of the core.
17.5" (7/19/90): this is one of few northern barred spirals in which the structure is clearly visible. A bright bar is oriented N-S with a bright core and nearly stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is off the north edge 1.4' from center and a fainter mag 14 star is 47" SW of center. A thin curving spiral arm attached at the south end curves to the west and then north beyond the mag 14 star SW of the core. This arm parallels the bar along the west side about 90°. At the Sierra Buttes, the spiral arm was held almost continuously with averted vision. Located 3.3' NNE of a mag 10 star.
17.5" (10/12/85): thin curving arm clearly seen attached at the SW end curving to the north around a faint star.
13.1" (9/29/84): fairly bright, elongated ~N-S. Strong impression of a dark lane or gap on the west wide and brief hints of haze beyond this gap, particularly around the south end towards the west (spiral arm).
13.1" (11/5/83): fairly bright, elongated N-S, bright core. Two faint stars are west and north.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7479 = H. I-55 = h2205 on 19 Oct 1784 (sweep 299) and noted "F, mE, r, near 3' in length and about 1' in breadth; I see 2 or 3 stars in it; but they do not seem to belong to it." On 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) he noted "cB, mE nearly in the direction of the meridian; about 4' long, about 2' broad, gbM." A sketch, showing the long bar (no arms), was included in his 1811 publication as an example of "Nebulae which are gradually brighter in the middle"
George Johnstone Stoney or Lord Rosse sketched NGC 7479 on 10 Sep 1849 (figure 4 in the 1850 PT paper). The sketch shows a single prominent spiral arm wrapping nearly completely back to the bar, though the form was uncertain: "Spiral, but query whether this is not more properly an annular than a spiral nebula." Wilhelm Tempel, John Herschel and Heinrich d'Arrest made additional sketches.
In the 1900 paper "The spiral nebula H. I 55 Pegasi" (1900ApJ....11....1K), Lick astronomer James Keeler compared the various sketches of NGC 7479 with a photograph taken with the Crossley reflector to demonstrate the subjectivity of sketches and their limitations compared to photographs.
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NGC 7480 = UGC 12349 = MCG +00-58-027 = CGCG 379-030 = Holm 804a = PGC 70432
23 05 13.6 +02 32 58; Psc
V = 14.0; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 105°
17.5" (11/18/95): faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.3.' Contains a small, round bright core with very faint thin extensions. Preceded by an isosceles triangle of mag 10.5 stars (with equal sides about 3.5' and base 5.5'). Forms a pair with NGC 7478 4.6' WNW.
13.1" (11/29/86): very faint, small, edge-on WNW-ESE. Nearby NGC 7478 not seen.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7480 = m 520, along with NGC 7478, on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, vS, vlE, vgbM." His position is accurate.
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23 05 48 -19 57; Aqr
= Not found, Corwin and RNGC.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7481 = LM 1-261 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.0, vS, R, gbM." There nothing near his rough position and Harold Corwin was unable to find a reasonable candidate in the area.
ESO assigned
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NGC 7482 = NGC 7472 = MCG +00-58-029 = CGCG 379-031 = PGC 70446
23 05 38.6 +03 03 33; Psc
V = 13.6; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.1; PA = 140°
24" (12/8/20): at 260x; fairly faint to moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, 25"x20", very small brighter nucleus.
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, very small, round. Collinear with a mag 11.5 star 5.8' NW and a mag 10.5 star 7.8' NW. NGC 7483 lies 29' N.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7482 = m 521 on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "F, vS, stellar." His position is accurate to within 1'. Otto Struve probably found this galaxy again on 7 Dec 1865 as his position for NGC 7472 is 2.0 minutes of RA west. So, NGC 7482 = NGC 7472.
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23 05 48.3 +03 32 42; Psc
V = 13.0; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 110°
13.1" (11/29/86): fairly faint, small, round, noticeable small bright core. Possible larger fainter outer halo. NGC 7482 is 29' S.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7483 = h2206 on 18 Sep 1830 and recorded "vF; E; psbM; 20" l, 8" br." His single position is accurate.
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23 07 04.9 -36 16 29; Scl
V = 11.8; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.9
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, bright
core. Located just 1' N of mag 9.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 7484 = h3971 = h3972 on 30 Aug 1834 and recorded "pB; S; R; gbM; attached to, or not much separated from, a * 8m just south of neb, 60" dist." His position (for h3971) is 1.0 min of RA too small. He observed this galaxy on 3 additional sweeps, recording the position accurately under h3972and noted the probable RA error with h3971.. The two entries were combined in the GC and NGC.
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23 06 04.9 +34 06 28; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 146°
17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated oval NW-SE, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A close mag 15 double star is 1.8' ESE = NGC 7486.
Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 7485 = h2207 on 19 Aug 1828 and
recorded "vF; S; R; bM; 12"; has a * 10m, 5' preceding in same
parallel. His position is just 2
seconds of RA west of
The RNGC misidentifies UGC 12358 as NGC 7485. This extremely faint edge-on galaxy is
located 4.8' northwest of NGC 7485.
The correct data for NGC 7485 is listed in the RNGC under
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23 06 06.7 +34 04 25; Peg
17.5" (8/13/88): this number refers to three mag 15 stars located ~2' ESE NGC 7485. Not knowing the nature of this object, I logged NGC 7486 as "very faint, extremely small, forming a close pair with a mag 15 star" and assumed this observation referred to a very small galaxy. But on the DSS the "extremely small" object is just two very close mag 15 stars that form a tight triple with the mag 15 star. Using Lord Rosse's 72", Copeland made the same error.
Ralph Copeland discovered NGC 7486 on 25 Aug 1871 while observing GC 4895 = NGC 7485. He noted a "D neb f a little south [of NGC 7485]." On 3 Dec 1877 Dreyer observed the field and logged "vF, vS, undoubtedly seen, position angle 109.5°± and distance 114"." At Dreyer's exact offset from NGC 7485 is compact group of 4 faint stars that I also mistook as a nebulous in my 17.5"! This is the last of 6 objects in Dreyer's Addenda to the GC Supplement (GC 6251).
RNGC misidentifies NGC 7485 as NGC 7486. This error was noted in my Catalogue Corrections #3.
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NGC 7487 = NGC 7210 = UGC 12368 = MCG +05-54-035 = CGCG 496-043 = PGC 70496
23 06 50.5 +28 10 45; Peg
V = 13.5; Size 1.8'x1.7'
17.5" (8/13/88): faint, fairly small, round, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. Located 40' ENE of Beta Pegasi (V = 2.4).
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7487 = Sw. 4-89 on 3 Aug 1886 and noted "vF; S; R." His RA is 8 seconds too large.
The original discovery of this galaxy was made by JH on 17 Nov 1827, but Harold Corwin found (April 2016) that he made a transcription error in copying his logbook RA to his Slough Catalogue, so the RA (marked as uncertain) is 1 hour too small. Furthermore, he made another error when transferring the declination to the General Catalogue, so his GC and NGC north polar distance is one degree too large! Correcting both of these errors, the position of NGC 7210 = h2148 matches NGC 7487. Although NGC 7210 should be the primary designation, all catalogues of course identify this galaxy as NGC 7487 only (as of 2016).
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23 07 48.9 +00 56 26; Psc
V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 150°
17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7488 = m 522 on 11 Aug 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar." His position in accurate.
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NGC 7489 = UGC 12378 = MCG +04-54-028 = CGCG 475-038 = PGC 70532
23 07 32.7 +22 59 53; Peg
V = 13.4; Size 2.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 170°
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, very diffuse, fairly
small. A mag 14 star is very close
southwest, just 33" from the center.
Located 4.5' SSW of mag 8.9
William Lassell discovered NGC 7489 = m523 on 14 Sep 1863 from Malta and recorded "F, S, R; found by L." This was his last of four NGC discoveries and occurred while Marth was already surveying Pegasus for new objects (10 were discovered between the 13th and 17th of Sep). His position is off by 1.5' in dec (too far south).
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23 07 25.2 +32 22 30; Peg
V = 12.3; Size 2.8'x2.6'; Surf Br = 14.3
17.5" (8/13/88): moderately bright, fairly large, round, bright core, stellar nucleus, large faint halo.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7490 = St. 10-39 on 2 Oct 1867 and recorded a rough position (12' too far SW) in his logbook. He measured a micrometric position on 11 Oct 1879. Edward Holden found this galaxy again on 21 Aug 1881 with the 15.6-inch Clark refractor at the Washburn Observatory. He assumed it was new and reported it as #23 in a list of new nebulae (Publications of the Washburn Observatory, Vol I). Both Stephan and Holden were credited with the discovery in the NGC.
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23 08 06.0 -05 58 00; Aqr
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 172°
17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, small, round, weak concentration. Located 2.5' N of a mag 10 star.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7491 = St. 12-94 on 2 Oct 1867, and recorded a rough unpublished position (3' too far NW) in his logbook. He measured a micrometric position on 21 Aug 1881.
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23 08 26.6 -15 36 41; Aqr
V = 11.5; Size 4.2'
24" (11/24/14): picked up at 200x as a faint, large, low surface brightness glow with a very weak concentration, 4'-5' diameter. At 375x, a few resolved stars shone steadily and quite a number popped in/out view consistently. Perhaps two dozen were intermittently resolved, though the surface was too lively (particularly with averted vision) to count reliably. These are the brightest red giant members and range from mag 15.5 to 16+.
17.5" (8/1/86): faint, large, round, diffuse, no resolution.
8" (8/28/81): very faint, diffuse, moderately large, no resolution. Very low surface brightness for a NGC globular and difficult with this aperture.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7492 = H. III-558 = h2208 on 20 Sep 1786 (sweep 595) and recorded "eF, cL, iR. By changing and wiping the eye glasses, I saw it with both so as to leave no doubt. 5 or 6' dia." John Herschel called this cluster "eF; vL; 2 or 3'; the faintest thing imaginable; half way between two coarse double stars in the same parallel."
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23 08 31.6 +00 54 36; Psc
= *, Corwin.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7493 = Big. 95 on 28 Oct 1886 and noted "mag 13.4; stellar. Sky mediocre." His micrometric position corresponds with a mag 15 star, so this identification is secure.
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23 08 58.6 -24 22 10; Aqr
V = 14.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.2
17.5" (10/21/95): extremely faint, small, round,
25" diameter, very low even surface brightness, requires averted
vision.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7494 = m 524, along with NGC 7498, on 24 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar." His position is accurate to within 1'.
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23 08 57.2 +12 02 53; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x1.7'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 5°
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE,
even surface brightness. A mag 13
star is at the NNE end. Located 7'
NW of mag 8.7
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7495 = Sw. 2-98 on 31 Oct 1885 and recorded "eF; lE; S; 9m star close nf." His position is just 6 seconds of RA too small. There is 9th magnitude star 7' southeast, but he is likely referring to the 12-13th magnitude star 1.3' northeast.
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23 09 47.3 -43 25 41; Gru
V = 11.1; Size 3.3'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 2°
17.5" (10/20/90): faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, brighter core. A mag 10.5 star is off the north end 1.8' from center! Located 32' W of mag 4.3 Theta Gruis (V = 4.3).
John Herschel discovered NGC 7496 = h3973 on 5 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; L; lE; vgmbM; to a * 13m."
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23 09 03.4 +18 10 38; Peg
V = 12.2; Size 4.9'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 48°
17.5" (9/2/89): fairly faint, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, brighter middle, fairly low surface brightness.
On deep images, NGC 7497 resides in a remarkable streak of "Integrated Flux Nebula" in Pegasus. IFN, also known as Galactic Cirrus is dust and gas outside the plane of the Milky Way. It dimly shines by reflected light (blue) as well as fluoresced by ultraviolet light of massive stars within the disk of our galaxy.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7497 = H. III-203 = h2209 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "vF, E, considerably L, about 2' long." John Herschel made two observations: "eF; E like the tail of a comet; lbM." (sweep 11) and "vF; mE; pos 45° nf to sp; 4' l, 1' br." (sweep 92).
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NGC 7498 = ESO 535-006 = MCG -04-54-008 = PGC 70590
23 09 56.2 -24 25 30; Aqr
V = 14.2; Size 0.9'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 2°
17.5" (10/21/95): very faint, small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 40"x20", very weak concentration. Located 4.7' SSW of a mag 11 star. A mag 13.5 star is 2.1' NW and a mag 15 star 1.5' NE of center. NGC 7494 lies 13.5' WNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7498 = m 525, along with NGC 7494, on 24 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, S, irr R." His dec is 1' too large. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 at Denver.
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23 10 22.4 +07 34 50; Psc
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 10°
24" (12/8/20): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated N-S, ~0.5'x0.4', broad weak concentration. Westernmost of a trio with
17.5" (8/1/87): faint, small, round, weak
concentration. First of three with
NGC 7501 2.1' ENE and
CGCG 406-005 required averted vision using 220x to momentarily glimpse a very low surface brightness circular patch, about 20" diameter. Situated 3.0' NW of a mag 12.5-13 star. A star appears to be very close or involved or possibly the galaxy contains a faint stellar nucleus. Located ~10' SW of the NGC 7499/7501/7503 trio.
MCG +01-59-002 was also a difficult target and appeared as an extremely faint, small thin sliver, ~0.3'x0.1', but too faint for any details. Collinear with brighter NGC 7499 and NGC 7501 to the east.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7499 = m 526, along with NGC 7501 and 7503, on 2 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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23 10 29.8 +11 00 44; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 2.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 125°
17.5" (9/19/87): faint, small, slightly elongated,
small bright core, possible faint stellar nucleus. Located 12' N of mag 7.4
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7500 = Sw. 4-90 on 8 Aug 1886 and noted "eF; vS; R." His position is 8 seconds too far west and 1' too far north (2.3' error).
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NGC 7501 = MCG +01-59-007 = CGCG 406-008 = WBL 698-003 = PGC 70619
23 10 30.4 +07 35 21; Psc
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7
24" (12/8/20): faint, small, round, 25", very small bright nucleus. Middle and faintest of a trio with NGC 7499 2' WSW and NGC 7503 3' ESE.
17.5" (8/1/87): very faint, very small, round, very small brighter core. NGC 7501 is the faintest in a trio with NGC 7499 2.1' WSW and NGC 7503 3.2' ESE. Located in the core of the Pegasus II galaxy cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7501 = m 527, along with NGC 7499 and 7503, on 2 Sep 1864 and simply noted "eF". His dec is 1' too large.
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23 10 19.8 -21 44 15; Aqr
= faint **, ESO.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7502 = LM 2-471 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported "mag 15.8; 0.3' dia; E 290°; double star?" There is nothing at his rough position, but Harold Corwin identifies NGC 7502 as a double star (20" separation on the DSS) just 30 seconds west of Muller's position and matching his PA and size estimates. ESO and RNGC also identify NGC 7502 as a double star.
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NGC 7503 = MCG +01-59-008 = CGCG 406-012 = WBL 698-004 = PGC 70628
23 10 42.3 +07 34 04; Psc
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (12/8/20): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, very small bright nucleus.
17.5" (8/1/87): faint, small, round. NGC 7503 is the third in a trio with NGC 7501 3.2' WNW and similar to NGC 7499 5.0' WNW but with a more compact core. Located in the core of the Pegasus II cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7503 = m 528, along with NGC 7499 and 7503, on 2 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, S, stellar." His position is accurate.
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23 10 41.1 +14 23 10; Peg
= *?, Corwin. =*, Carlson.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7504 = m 529 on 2 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, S, stellar." There is no nearby galaxy to his position. Bigourdan was unsuccessful in identifying it, of course, and Reinmuth identified a nearby mag 14 star as NGC 7504 (repeated by Carlson in her 1940 paper on NGC/IC corrections). Harold Corwin also tentatively identifies NGC 7504 with this star as he was unable to find another candidate. Still, we could just call this number lost.
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23 11 00.7 +13 37 54; Peg
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 111°
18" (10/25/03): very faint, extremely small, 10"
diameter. At 257x, a very faint
stellar nucleus was clearly visible embedded in a small halo. Located 22' WSW of
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7505 = Sw. 5-94 on 25 Sep 1886 and recorded "eeeF; eS; lE; nearly between a bright star and a very wide double star." His position is fairly accurate.
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23 11 41.0 -02 09 36; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 103°
17.5" (8/1/87): moderately bright, moderately large,
elongated WNW-ESE, bright core, fainter extensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7506 = H. III-184 = h2210 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and logged "eF, vS, stellar. 240 verified it." On 6 Sep 1831 (sweep 371), John Herschel called it "Not vF; R; gb and smbM to a * 15m." His mean position from two observations is accurate.
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23 12 07.6 -28 32 26; Scl
V = 10.4; Size 2.8'x2.7'; Surf Br = 12.5
17.5" (10/13/90): bright, fairly small, round,
unusually bright compact core, stellar nucleus. Located 6' NW of a mag 10 star.
8" (7/24/82) : fairly bright, small, small very bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7507 = H. II-2 = h2211 = h3974 on 30 Oct 1783 (#2 sweep discovery). He made a total of 3 observations and noted on 1 Sep 1785 (sweep 430), "pB, S, irr figure, mbM." John Herschel made observations both at Slough and at the CGH, where he logged "B; R; psvmbM; 60"."
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23 11 49.2 +12 56 25; Peg
V = 14.7; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 160°
17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, very small, edge-on 4:1 NNW-SSE, very thin extensions from stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2.5' NW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7508 = h2212 on 13 Oct 1825 (sweep 14) and called it "eF; R; seems to have a star in centre." His position is fairly accurate.
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23 12 21.4 +14 36 34; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated E-W, weak gradual concentration.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7509 = Sw. 4-91 on 8 Aug 1886 with
his 16-inch refractor and recorded "vF; S; R: bet 2 stars." His position is 7 seconds of RA west
and 1' north of
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23 11 04 +60 34 18; Cep
V = 7.9; Size 4'
18" (10/9/04 and 9/3/08): beautifully rich, small cluster with a triangular or wedge-shaded outline. Roughly 50 stars are resolved in a 4'x2' region with additional sprays of stars extending to the SW and NE. There is a well-defined border of brighter stars running SW-NE along the south side of the wedge with the brightest mag 9.6 member at the east end of this string. There are several 11-12th mag members, but most seem mag 13 and fainter. The north end of the giant HII complex Sh 2-157 lies ~30' E.
17.5" (10/17/98): very pretty triangular wedge of stars
in a 5x2' group. There are
brighter stars at the west and east vertex with the brightest star at the
following end. Within the triangle
are two dozen stars oriented SW-NE including a number of mag 14-15 stars on the
eastern side. Just following the
main grouping are another 8 or 9 stars that may be part of the cluster. Picked up while viewing nearby
13.1" (9/9/83): striking at 62x, about two dozen stars
in a wedge-shape elongated SW-NE.
Compact cluster
William Herschel discovered NGC 7510 = H. VII-44 = h2213 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773) and recorded "a cl of compressed pL stars, considerably rich, E, the stars arranged in lines." On 29 Sep 1829 (sweep 213), John Herschel logged "a very pretty fan-shaped cluster of pB close stars in two lines with other small to N. A * 10m taken. Another 11m dist 19 seconds; pos = 244°."
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NGC 7511 = UGC 12412 = MCG +02-59-007 = CGCG 431-012 = PGC 70691
23 12 26.3 +13 43 35; Peg
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 133°
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, small, elongated 2:1 NW-SW, even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is at the south end. A distinctive line of five stars mag 12-13 oriented NW-SE follows.
17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, almost even surface brightness.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7511 = Sw. 4-92 = Sw. 5-95 on 6 Sep 1886 and recorded "eeF; S; R; 5 or 6 stars nf in a line; e diff." His RA was 9 seconds too large. He found this galaxy again later in the month (25 Sep) and reported it as new in his 5th discovery list (#95) at the correct position and a similar description.
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23 12 20.9 +31 07 32; Peg
V = 12.6; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 30°
17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, small bright core.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7512 = St. 9-34 = Sw. 2-99 on 18 Sep 1873. His rough RA was 23 seconds too small (similar to other positions that night). His published discovery position (list 9, #34) was based on offsets taken 5 years later on 28 Sep 1878. Lewis Swift found this galaxy again on 10 Oct 1884. He reported it as new (list 2, #99) with description "B; pL; R; bM. Easy in presence of a half moon." His RA was 12 seconds too small.
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NGC 7513 = ESO 469-022 = MCG -05-54-023 = UGCA 437 = AM 2310-283B = PGC 70714
23 13 14.0 -28 21 27; Scl
V = 11.4; Size 3.2'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 108°
17.5" (10/13/90): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, bright core.
Located 3' NNW of a wide bright pair consisting of mag 8.1
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7513 = m 530 on 24 Sep 1864 and logged "vF, pL, E, gbM." His position is accurate. E.E. Barnard independently found this galaxy in Sep 1883 (Sidereal Messenger, Vol 2, p 226) with his 5-inch refractor at Nashville. Barnard described it as "faint, moderate size, in field with and 20' nf GC 4900 [NGC 7507] and close north-following 2 stars", but the galaxy is NNW of the stars. He soon published a note (Sidereal Messenger, Vol 2, p 290) that his object was the same as GC 6131 = NGC 7513.
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23 12 25.9 +34 52 53; Peg
V = 12.5; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 132°
17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, oval
WNW-ESE, weak concentration.
Located 3.2' SSE of mag 8.5
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7514 = St. 8a-27 on 18 Sep 1873. His rough RA was 15 seconds too small (similar to other positions that night). His published discovery position (list 8a, #27) was based on offsets taken 3 years later on 21 Sep 1876.
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23 12 48.7 +12 40 45; Peg
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 15°
17.5" (9/23/89): moderately bright, fairly small, oval ~N-S, bright core. Collinear with a bright wide double star 8' SSE (8.9/9.0 at 27").
William Herschel discovered NGC 7515 = H. III-220 = h2214 = Sw. 5-96 on 19 Oct 1784 (sweep 299) and recorded "vF, S, irr R, r." His position matches UGC 12418. He found the galaxy again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) and noted "F, R, bM, about 1 1/2' in diam." John Herschel also made 3 observations. Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 29 Sep 1886 and reported in his 5th discovery list, "pB; pS; R; double star points to it." Swift's position is 10' too far north, but his description applies.
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23 12 51.9 +20 14 54; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 110°
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, irregularly round, small bright core, faint halo.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7516 = m 531 on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "F, vS, stellar." His position is off by 1' northwest.
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NGC 7517 = MCG +00-59-008 = CGCG 380-010 = PGC 70715
23 13 13.8 -02 06 02; Psc
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 148°
17.5" (8/1/87): faint, very small, round, seen with
direct vision. A mag 13 star is
0.9' WNW. Located 2.3' S of mag
8.8
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7517 = m 532 on 5 Oct 1863 and noted "vF, vS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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23 13 12.7 +06 19 18; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 126°
24" (1/1/16): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 30"x24", small brighter
nucleus. Forms a pair with
superthin
17.5" (11/1/86): faint, fairly small, diffuse, very slightly elongated, small weak concentration. Observation in poor seeing.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7518 = m 533 on 29 Aug 1863 and noted "vF, S, R." His position is accurate.
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23 13 11.2 +10 46 20; Peg
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 165°
24" (10/6/18): at 260x; between faint and fairly faint, fairly large, irregularly round or slightly elongated (outer halo changes with averted), ~1.25'x1.0', broad concentration with an ill-defined brighter core. The surface brightness is slightly uneven and gave the sense of a face-on spiral (later confirmed).
17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, fairly small, almost round, diffuse. Located 6' N of a wide double star mag 9/11 at 21".
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7519 = m 534 on 5 Oct 1864 and
noted "vF, pL." His
position is a perfect match with
******************************
23 12 53.3 -23 28 09; Aqr
V = 13.2; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 66°
18" (10/25/08): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 0.6'x0.4', very weak concentration. Situated between two fainter doubles 5' NNE (a 15" pair of mag 13.5/14.5 stars) and 5' S (a 10" pair of mag 14 stars). Another mag 13 star lies 2' SE.
NGC 7520 is listed as nonexistent in most sources. Harold Corwin suggests the possibility
that NGC 7520 is equivalent to
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7520 = T. 1-49 in 1876 and noted "class II size; class III brightness; seen repeatedly; position difficult to determine." There is nothing near his rough position (given only to the nearest min of time and noted as very uncertain "::"). Herbert Howe was unsuccessful in locating it on two nights at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 7520 may be identical to IC 5290, discovered by Johann Palisa on 4 Oct 1896 with the 27-inch refractor at Vienna (1897AN....143...49W). This requires Tempel's declination to be 20' too far south, though the RA is less than a minute off.
******************************
23 13 35.3 -01 43 53; Psc
V = 13.9; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 165°
17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, very small, round, very
small bright core, stellar nucleus.
17.5" (7/20/90): similar appearance as earlier observation by NGC 7524 also observed.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7521 = m 535, along with NGC 7524, on 18 Nov 1864 and noted "vF, pS, psbM." His position is accurate. See notes for N7524.
******************************
23 15 36.4 -22 53 41; Aqr
= *?, Corwin. = Not found, RNGC
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7522 = LM 2-472 in 1886 at Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.0; 0.3' dia, iR, sbM?; *10 in PA 75° at 3.2' separation." There is nothing at Muller's rough position (nearest min of RA) and Howe was unsuccessful in finding it on 3 nights. Confusingly, ESO places 535-009 at the nominal NGC position but there is no obvious galaxy there. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent
Corwin suggests NGC 7522 might be a faint star 1 min 45 sec of RA following Muller's position (typical error). A mag 11-12 star is 3' separation in PA 70° matching Muller's description.
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23 13 34.7 +13 59 12; Peg
V = 14.8; Size 1.1'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 3°
17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, very small, round (must
have viewed the core only). A mag
14/15 double star is off the north edge.
Forms a close pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7523 = m 536, along with NGC 7525, on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eeF, E." His positions for both objects are off 1' too far southwest.
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NGC 7524 = MCG +00-59-010 = PGC 70737
23 13 46.6 -01 43 48; Psc
V = 14.7; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 172°
17.5" (7/20/90): extremely faint, very small, round. Located 2.8' E of NGC 7521 in the large NGC 7556 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7524 = m 537, along with NGC 7522, on 18 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS." His position and relative separation with NGC 7522 is accurate.
CGCG (380-046) completely misplaces NGC 7524 by over 5° and apparently this large error was repeated in the RNGC rectangular coordinates. The error was listed in my RNGC Corrections #5.
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NGC 7525 = CGCG 431-019 = Mrk 316 = PGC 70731
23 13 40.5 +14 01 16; Peg
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, very small, round, weak concentration, extremely faint star involved or faint stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 7523 2.5' SW. An extremely faint companion (not seen) is at the north edge.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7525 = m 538, along with NGC 7523, on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS, vlE, gbM."
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23 14 02.1 -09 13 15; Aqr
18" (10/25/08): at 174x this object appears as a mag 14 star with a nearby very small knot (sometimes resolved) close SSE [35"]. At 450x the "knot" is cleanly resolved into a close, faint triple star with components 15-15.5 and separations 9" and 13". Located 29' WSW of mag 4.2 91 Aqr.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7526 = H. III-470 on 28 Nov 1785 (sweep 479) and logged "eF, vS, 240x left it doubtful." There is no nebulous object near his position. Karl Reinmuth (1926) reported finding on a Heidelberg plate "3 F st in line 10°, no neb; *14 np nr." Harold Corwin also tentatively identifies NGC 7526 as a short line (length of 20") of three mag 15 stars (length of 20").
******************************
23 13 41.8 +24 54 08; Peg
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 165°
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, small bright core.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7527 = m 539 on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar." His position is accurate.
******************************
23 14 20.3 +10 13 53; Peg
V = 15.0; Size 0.4'x0.3'
17.5" (9/23/89): extremely faint and small, round, low
surface brightness. Located 5.5'
NE of mag 8.9
Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7528 = Nova #26 in August of
1880 with his 36-inch reflector and simply noted "F, S." His approximate position (obtained by
reading the setting circles) is 25 seconds of RA due west of
******************************
23 14 03.2 +08 59 33; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, almost
round, almost even surface brightness.
Located 14.5' E of mag 7.6
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7529 = T. 4-12 on 2 Jul 1880 and noted "vF, I thought it was Comet Faye."
******************************
23 14 11.8 -02 46 46; Psc
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 120°
24" (8/7/13): fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly
small, oval 3:2 NW-SE, 27"x18", moderate concentration with a small
brighter core. First in a trio
(
17.5" (8/1/87): faint, small, slightly elongated ~E-W,
very small brighter core. First in
a trio on a SW-NE line with NGC 7532 4.1' NE and
13.1" (9/29/84 and 10/20/84): faint, diffuse, even surface brightness, slightly smaller than NGC 7534 4.1' NE. Member of the NGC 7532-7556 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7530 = m 540, along with NGC 7532 and 7534, on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS, alm stellar." His position is accurate.
******************************
23 14 48.5 -43 36 00; Gru
V = 11.3; Size 4.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 15°
13.1" (9/3/86): moderately bright, fairly small, oval
~N-S, brighter core. Located 7.0'
due west of mag 8
John Herschel discovered NGC 7531 = h3975 on 2 Sep 1836 and recorded "pB; S; lE; pgmbM." His single position is accurate.
Pietro Baracchi observed this object on 2 Nov 1885 with the Great Melbourne Telescope and wrote, "B, vmE, gbM, about 2' long and 25" broad - ends indistinct, edges soft. The axis is in a direction n.f. (see diagram). A star 13m follows nebula by 17 seconds and is 18" north of it. Another star 7 mag follows nebula by 40" and is 10" south of it."
******************************
NGC 7532 = MCG -01-59-005 = Mrk 529 = KTS 71B = PGC 70779
23 14 22.2 -02 43 41; Psc
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 150°
24" (8/7/13): brightest and largest in a trio of NGC
galaxies (
17.5" (8/1/87): brightest and largest of three on a
line with NGC 7530 4.1' SW and NGC 7534 2.1' NE. Fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, small bright
core, stellar nucleus. Located
6.8' SE of mag 7.5
13.1" (9/29/84 and 10/20/84): brightest and largest of trio, fairly faint, small bright core, slightly elongated.
13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, small, round. Second of three with NGC 7530 3' SW and NGC 7534 2' NNE. Located SE of a mag 7 star in the NGC 7532/7556 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7532 = m 541, along with NGC 7530 and 7534, on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, vS, lE." His position is accurate.
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23 14 22.1 -02 02 01; Psc
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 135°
17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated WNW-ESE, small brighter core.
Located 5.6' NW of mag 8.9
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7533 = m 542 on 5 Oct 1864 and
noted "F, S, R." His
position is accurate. CGCG
misidentifies
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NGC 7534 = MCG -01-59-006 = KTS 71C = PGC 70781
23 14 26.6 -02 41 54; Psc
V = 14.5; Size 1.2'x0.8'; PA = 15°
24" (8/7/13): faintest and last of three with NGC 7530
and 7532. At 375x appeared fairly
faint, small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 24"x15". A mag 14 star is off the south
side. Located 2' NE of NGC 7532
(brightest in the trio) and 6' SE of mag 7
17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated N-S. A mag 15 star is just off the south edge 30" from the center. Third of three on a line with NGC 7532 2.0' SW and NGC 7530 6.1' SW. Located 6.3' SW of a mag 7.5 star in the NGC 7556 group.
13.1" (9/29/84): faintest of three in a group. Faint, very small, possibly slightly elongated. Located 3' NE of NGC 7532.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7534 = m 543, along with NGC 7530 and 7532, on 1 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS, lE." His position is accurate.
******************************
23 14 12.7 +13 34 54; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 1.5'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.4
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, fairly small, very diffuse,
sharp stellar nucleus or star superimposed. Pair with
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7535 = Sw. 5-97, along with NGC 7536, on 29 Sep 1886 and recorded "eeeF; pS; R; ee diff.; bet. a faint near star and a bright star following; n of 2 [with NGC 7536]." His position is accurate and the description applies.
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NGC 7536 = UGC 12437 = MCG +02-59-011 = CGCG 431-022 = LGG 471-004 = PGC 70765
23 14 13.3 +13 25 38; Peg
V = 13.4; Size 1.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 56°
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, bright core. A group of five stars are within a 3' radius including a mag 13 star 1.3' NW, a mag 12 star 2.5' NE and a mag 11 star 2.4' SSW. Pair with NGC 7335 9.2' N in the NGC 7556 group.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7536 = Sw. 5-98, along with NGC
7535, on 29 Sep 1886 and recorded "eeF; pS; R; curiously placed in a ring
of 6 stars np of center." His
position and description is accurate.
This is one of several candidates that Corwin suggests might be John
Herschel's
******************************
23 14 34.5 +04 29 54; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 2.2'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 79°
17.5" (8/10/91): moderately bright, fairly small,
elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 1.5'x0.5', much brighter core has a fairly high surface
brightness, narrow faint extensions from core. Forms a striking (physical) pair with
13.1" (9/3/83): faint, small, elongated ~E-W, thin extensions, slightly brighter core. Situated 3' SW of brighter and larger NGC 7541.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7537 = H. II-429 = h2215, along with NGC 7541, on 30 Aug 1785 (sweep 427). He recorded "Two, the time and polar distance is that of the largest [NGC 7541]; pB, mE about 4' l; extended mbM about 1' broad, the extent nearly in the parallel. The other [NGC 7537] is vF, cS, about 3 or 4' sp the large one; and but for the large one might have been overlooked." John Herschel reported (sweep 95), "F; S; R; bM; the sp of 2 [with NGC 7541]."
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23 13 38 +61 30 42; Cep
Size 10'x5'
18" (9/3/08): at 115x, this HII region appears bright, fairly large, surrounding two mag 11.5 stars SW-NE with a mag 14 star to the west of the SW star. The main portion of the nebulosity (Sh 2-158) is elongated SW-NE and extends 3'x2'. Using an OIII filter, fainter nebulosity extends on the NE side, making an oval 4.5'x3'. The brightest portion is on the southwest side and this high surface brightness area encases the faint star mentioned above. The SW mag 11.5 star (IRS 6) is a massive O3-type and the main ionizing source of Sh 2-158. The 14th mag star (IRS 5) is also an O9-type.
17.5" (8/10/91): fairly large elongated emission nebula 2.0'x0.75' oriented NW-SE. Surrounds two mag 11.5 stars oriented SW-NE (PA = 35°) with a separation of 30". The nebulosity extends SW of the pair and is brightest just west of the pair. A mag 15 star is at the SW end and a mag 14 star is 30" W of the southern mag 11.5 star. At 100x using an OIII filter the nebulosity is very bright and a fainter glow also extends east of the pair to a size of 3'x2'.
8": faint nebulosity with two mag 12 stars involved. Appears elongated and fairly large. Easy to view with averted.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7538 = H. II-706 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773) and recorded "vF nebulosity of 3 or 4' extent, contains two considerable stars, but they do not seem to be connected with it." On 26 Nov 1788 (sweep 887) he noted "2 pS stars involved in nebulosity, about 2' l and 1 1/2' broad, pBM." In his 1814 PT paper WH argued that this was too unusual to be line of sight arrangement and the stars had formed within the nebula! Ralph Copeland sketched the nebula using LdR's 72" in Sep 1873 and showed two extremely faint, curved thin "tails" extending east and west.
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23 14 29.5 +23 41 05; Peg
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 165°
17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, small bright core, stellar nucleus, diffuse elongated halo.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7539 = h2217 on 17 Aug 1828 and recorded "F; S; R: psbM; 12"." His single position is very accurate.
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23 14 36.1 +15 57 01; Peg
V = 14.5; Size 0.65'x0.45'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 140°
17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, very small, round, very
small slightly brighter core. A
mag 13 star is 1.9' ENE of center.
Forms a pair with
17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, very small, round, small
bright core. A mag 13 star is 2'
E.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7540 = m 544 on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "F, vS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7541 = NGC 7581 = UGC 12447 = MCG +01-59-017 = CGCG 406-030 = Holm 805a = PGC 70795
23 14 43.9 +04 32 04; Psc
V = 11.7; Size 3.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 102°
17.5" (8/10/91): bright, fairly large, edge-on 4:1 WNW-ESE, 3.0'x0.75', large slightly brighter middle bulges. Has an irregular surface brightness with mottling and appears brighter on the west side. A mag 12 star is off the east edge 2.1' from center. Forms a striking pair with NGC 7537 3.1' SW.
8" (11/8/80): faint, fairly large, edge-on E-W. A mag 12.5 star is close east. Forms a pair with NGC 7537 3' SW. Located in the Pisces Circlet.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7541 = H. II-430 = h2216, along with NGC 7537, on 30 Aug 1785 (sweep 427) and recorded "Two. The following [NGC 7541] pB, mE in parallel, mbM, about 4' long, 1' broad." John Herschel logged "vB; L; 10° np to sf; 80"; the nf of 2 [with NGC 7537]; a * 10m sf."
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23 14 41.6 +10 38 36; Peg
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 117°
17.5" (9/23/89): extremely faint, very small, round, weak concentration.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7542 = m 545 on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, eS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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23 14 34.6 +28 19 38; Peg
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 140°
17.5" (8/13/88): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated NW-SE, bright core, stellar nucleus. Pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7543 = St. 9-35 on 5 Oct 1869 and recorded an unpublished position just 1' NNW. On 19 Sep 1878 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "very faint, small, round, little brighter middle."
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23 14 56.9 -02 11 58; Psc
V = 14.9; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 58°
17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, round. A string of four stars mag 13 oriented N-S is 3' E including a pair at 23" separation. Member of the NGC 7556 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7544 = m 546 on 18 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS." His position is accurate to within 1'.
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23 15 32.0 -38 32 03; Gru
V = 13.0; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 80°
17.5" (10/20/90): extremely faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, low surface brightness. A mag 11 star is attached at the west end 27" from the center. Very difficult to view due to poor seeing at a low elevation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7545 = h3976 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "pF; S; R; or lE; vgvlbM; attached to a * 10m in parallel." His position is very accurate.
******************************
23 15 05.6 -02 19 29; Psc
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 5°
24" (9/29/16): at 375x; faint or fairly faint, fairly
small, elongated ~4:3, 0.4'x0.3', irregular shape. A knot or the core seems offset towards the north side. Forms a close pair with
17.5" (8/1/87): extremely faint, fairly small, almost round, can barely hold steadily with averted. Located in the NGC 7532-7556 group with NGC 7556 10.3' ESE.
13.1" (9/29/84 and 10/20/84): very faint, very diffuse, fairly small. Located 10' WNW of NGC 7556.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7546 = m 547 on 1 Oct 1864 and
noted "eF, S, lE." His
position matches
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23 15 03.4 +18 58 24; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 98°
24" (12/28/13 and 9/27/19): at 282x appeared fairly
faint to moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 or 5:2 ~E-W,
45"x20", moderate concentration to a brighter core. First in the
24" (12/1/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 ~E-W. Strongly concentrated with a nearly round, small bright core. First of 5 in HCG 93, with brighter NGC 7550 3.1' ESE.
18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2
~E-W, 0.7'x0.3'. Contains a nearly
stellar brighter core, otherwise the surface brightness is nearly even. Located 3' W of
18" (8/27/05): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.5'x0.25'. Located 3' W of NGC 7550 in HCG 93.
17.5" (9/7/96): faint, small, elongated 2:1 E-W, weak concentration with a slightly brighter rounder core. First of five in HCG 93 with NGC 7550 3.0' ESE.
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, oval ~E-W, weak
concentration. First of three with
John Herschel discovered NGC 7547 = h2218 on 26 Aug 1827 and simply noted "the np of 2 [with NGC 7550]. His single position is pretty accurate so there is no doubt with the identification. Herman Schultz measured an accurate micrometric position at Uppsala.
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23 15 11.1 +25 16 55; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 15°
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated,
broad concentration. Located 23'
SSE of mag 6.7
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7548 = Au 50 on 30 Sep 1861 with the 11-inch Merz refractor at Copenhagen. He noted a faint star (called mag 16 and mag 17 on his two observations) preceded by 11 seconds of time. The star is exactly where he placed it, though closer to mag 13.5. The discovery was early enough to be included in Auwers' 1862 list of 50 new nebulae.
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NGC 7549 = HCG 93B = Arp 99 NED3 = UGC 12457 = MCG +03-59-014 = CGCG 454-013 = KTG 78C = PGC 70832
23 15 17.2 +19 02 30; Peg
V = 13.0; Size 2.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 8°
24" (12/28/13 and 9/27/19): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, 0.8'x0.6', the central region is weakly concentrated. There was a hint of structure with a strong impression of a short arm on the west side extending south. A mag 11.0 star is 1.3' WNW of center. NGC 7547 = HCG 93C lies 3.8' ENE and NGC 7550 = HCG 93A is 5' due south.
24" (12/1/13): fairly faint or moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~60"x40". Contains a brighter central region that only has a weak, broad concentration towards the center and no distinguishable nucleus. A mag 11 star lies 1.4' WNW of center.
18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, irregular round, 0.5', weak concentration. Situated 1.3' following a mag 10.5 star and 5' N of NGC 7550 in HCG 93.
18" (8/27/05): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, low even surface brightness. Follows a mag 10.5 star and 4.8' N of NGC 7550.
17.5" (9/7/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 N-S, very weak concentration. Situated 1.3' following a mag 10.5 star within the HCG 93 quintet and 4.8' N of NGC 7550 = HCG 93a. Listed dimensions include extremely faint plumes not seen visually.
17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, almost even surface brightness. Located 1.3' ESE of a mag 10.5 star. Second brightest in HCG 93 with NGC 7550 4.8' S and NGC 7547 5.2' SW.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 7549 along with NGC 7553, on 2 Nov 1850 (Saturday). Bindon may have been observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. While he was observing NGC 7547 and NGC 7550 he found "4 neb in the field, perhaps another [including NGC 7547 and 7550]." No positions were measured. A diagram made in 1877 was published in the 1880 publication. Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 30 Aug 1864 and made a total of 4 observations. Herman Schultz also measured an accurate micrometric position, attributing the discovery to d'Arrest. Bigourdan noted the equivalence of d'Arrest's GCS 6151 and LdR's GCS 4912. Dreyer combined the two GC designations in the NGC.
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NGC 7550 = HCG 93A = Arp 99 NED2 = UGC 12456 = MCG +03-59-015 = CGCG 454-012 = KTG 78B = PGC 70830
23 15 16.0 +18 57 42; Peg
V = 12.2; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 171°
24" (12/28/13 and 9/27/19): at 282x appeared fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated, 0.9'x0.75', strongly concentrated with a very bright, prominent core that increased to a sharp stellar nucleus. Brightest in the HCG 93 quintet with NGC 7547 3.1' WNW and NGC 7549 4.9' N.
24" (12/1/13): at 375x appeared moderately bright to fairly bright, moderately large, irregularly round, 1.0'x0.8', strongly concentrated with a bright core that increases to a very bright small nucleus. Occasionally, a bright stellar nuclear pip was visible within the small nucleus. Brightest in the HCG 93 quintet.
18" (9/3/05): moderately bright, fairly small, round, slightly elongated, 0.8'x0.7', fairly strong concentration, small bright core, stellar nucleus.
18" (8/27/05): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, 0.8'x0.6', gradually increases to a small, bright core and stellar
nucleus.
17.5" (9/7/96): moderately bright, fairly small, halo elongated 4:3 N-S, 1.5'x1.2', sharply concentrated with a round, bright core and nearly stellar nucleus. Brightest in the HCG 93 quintet. HCG 94 lies only 32' SE!
17.5" (9/23/89): brightest in a group of 11 NGC
galaxies and HCG 93. Moderately
bright, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, small bright core, stellar
nucleus. Forms a triple system
with NGC 7549 4.8' N and NGC 7547 3.0' W.
Also nearby is
William Herschel discovered NGC 7550 = H. III-181 = h2219 on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and recorded "vF, vS, R, 240 confirmed it. His position is 34 sec of RA too large (noted by Dreyer in his 1912 "Scientific Papers of WH"). John Herschel measured an accurate position for this galaxy and listed it as h2219 with description "pB; R; 20", the sf of 2 [with NGC 7547]", although due to his father's poor position, he thought it was new.
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NGC 7551 = 2MASX J23152200+1556251 = LEDA 3978375
23 15 22.0 +15 56 25; Peg
V = 15.2; Size 0.5'x0.1'; PA = 145°
17.5" (7/17/93): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, very small brighter core, stellar nucleus. Located 11.1' E of NGC 7540.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7551 = m 548 on 3 Nov 1864 and
noted a "neb. star 13m."
His position is less than 1' south of
RNGC misidentifies a close companion 20" NE of NGC 7540 as NGC 7551. This identification is clearly wrong as Marth placed NGC 7541 45 seconds of RA following NGC 7540 (both were found on the same night). Malcolm Thomson reported this error in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections", as well as Harold Corwin in his NGC identification notes.
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23 16 11.0 -42 34 59; Gru
V = 10.6; Size 3.4'x2.7'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 1°
48" (11/4/21): at 375x; extremely bright, very large with the main body or bar extending 4:1 E-W, ~2.0'x0.5'. The center was sharply concentrated with a blazing nucleus. An obvious spiral arm is attached at the east end of the bar. It rotated clockwise, curling south and ending just before reaching a mag 12 star [1.8' S of center]. The root of the northern arm was at the western end of the bar, but it quickly faded out a short distance north. A mag 9.3 star is 4.4' W.
30" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 264x; very bright, very
large, elongated 5:2 E-W, ~2.3'x0.9'.
A brighter bar extends E-W along the major axis. The center is punctuated by a sharp,
extremely bright stellar nucleus!
A spiral arm was clearly visible attached at the east end of the major
axis (bar). The beginning of the
arm rotated counterclockwise towards the south but shortly dimmed out after a
distance of ~0.6'. The main part
of the galaxy is embedded in an extremely low surface brightness halo, ~3' in
diameter. A mag 13.5 star is off the west end [2.2' from center] and a mag 12
star is at the edge of the outer halo [1.8' S of center].
13.1" (11/5/83): fairly faint, small, elongated E-W,
small bright nucleus. A mag 10
star lies 4.4' W and a mag 11 star is off the south side. The Grus trio consisting of
James Dunlop discovered NGC 7552 = D 475 = h3977 on 7 Jul 1826 and made 4 observations. He described the first member of the Grus Quartet as "a small faint nebula, rather elongated in the parallel of the equator, about 30" broad, and 40" long; there is a pretty bright point situated near the centre of the nebula: a small star precedes it."
John Herschel made a single observation on 2 Sep 1836,
logging "B, S, mE, nearly in parallel; vsbM to a star 13m." Herschel credited Dunlop with the
discovery. Lewis Swift found the
galaxy again on 22 Oct 1897 and reported Sw. 11-226 (later
Based on a Helwan plate taken in 1919-20, NGC 7552 was described as "vB sharp stellar nucleus; irregular Phi-type spiral; the cross-arm [central bar] is in p.a. 90° and is moderately bright at each end rather than near the middle, where a curious faint circle occurs of diameter 50"; the outer circle [ring] of the Phi is extremely faint except the southeast side."
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NGC 7553 = HCG 93D = CGCG 454-015 = PGC 70842
23 15 33.1 +19 02 53; Peg
V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (12/28/13 and 9/27/19): faint to fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20"-24" diameter, nearly even surface brightness. A 12" pair of mag 15.5 stars was resolved 1.3' SE. In addition, a 7" pair of mag 16.1/16.4 stars was noticed 3.5' ENE and often was merged into a single slightly fuzzy glow at 282x.
24" (12/1/13): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter. Contains a faint, quasi-stellar nucleus. Located 3.8' ENE of NGC 7549 in HCG 93.
18" (8/25/06): very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. A very faint and close pair of mag 15 stars lies 1.4' SE.
18" (9/3/05): very faint, very small, round, 10" diameter. Contains a sharp stellar nucleus in steady moments. Located 4' E of NGC 7549 within HCG 93.
18" (8/27/05): very faint, extremely small, round, 0.2' diameter, occasional stellar nucleus. Located 3.9' E of NGC 7549 in HCG 93.
17.5" (9/7/96): very faint, very small, round. Located 3.9' E of NGC 7549 = HCG 93b. An extremely faint and close double star ~1.5' SE also appears as a nebulous object at times. Faintest of five (along with NGC 7558) in HCG 93.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 7553, along with NGC
7549, on 2 Nov 1850. Bindon may
have been observing with his brother George Johnstone Stoney, who visited Birr
Castle several weekends in Fall 1850. While reobserving NGC 7547 and 7550 they found "4
neb in the field, perhaps another [including NGC 7547 and 7550]." The 4th brightest galaxy in the field
is
******************************
23 15 41.3 -02 22 43; Psc
V = 14.9; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9
24" (9/29/16): at 375x; fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter. NGC 7554 is one of the close companions of brighter NGC 7556, which is centered just 48" E.
17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness. Forms a close pair with much brighter NGC 7556 47" ESE. Located in a large galaxy group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7554 = m 549 on 3 Aug 1864 and
noted "eF, eS, alm stell, near h 2220 [NGC 7556]." His position is just 3 seconds of RA
preceding NGC 7556 and matches
The RNGC appears to misidentify a faint galaxy 5' southwest of NGC 7556 as NGC 7554, although there may simply be an error in position for NGC 7556 as the rectangular coordinates don't match. This error is listed in my RNGC Corrections #5.
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23 15 36 +12 35; Peg
= Not found, Carlson.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7555 = h2221 on 11 Sep 1828 and
recorded "F; R; bM; place very rough; two or three more nebulae suspected
in the neighborhood." His RA
and NPD are marked with +/- to the nearest minute of time and minute of arc,
respectively. There is nothing
near his position, but if JH was off mostly in RA then NGC 7515 is a
candidate. If he was mostly off in
declination, then
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NGC 7556 = MCG -01-59-009 = PGC 70855
23 15 44.4 -02 22 53; Psc
V = 12.7; Size 2.5'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 123°
24" (9/29/16): at 375x and 500x; fairly bright,
moderately large, elongated 4:3 or 3:2 WNW-ESE, ~0.8'x0.5', well concentrated
with a bright core, high surface brightness. Surrounded closely by several smaller and fainter companions
including NGC 7554 48" W,
At 500x; NGC 7556A appeared extremely faint and small, round, ~8" diameter. Situated at the southwest edge of the halo of NGC 7556. At 375x LEDA 195267 appeared fairly faint, small, round, 15" diameter. LEDA 195265 was a difficult object, extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter.
17.5" (8/1/87): moderately bright, moderately large, oval ~E-W, bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 7554 47" WNW of center. Brightest in the large NGC 7532-7556 group.
13.1" (9/29/84 and 10/20/84): moderately bright, moderately large, almost round, brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7556 = H. II-235 = h2220,
along with
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23 15 39.7 +06 42 30; Psc
V = 14.0; Size 0.6'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.0
24" (1/1/16): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 0.4'
diameter, weak concentration to the center. Located 4.6' WNW of brighter
18" (11/22/08): faint, small, round, 25" diameter, weak concentration. Forms a pair with brighter NGC 7562 4.5' ESE.
17.5" (8/27/87): faint, small, round, small brighter core. A mag 15 star is 1' S. Located 4.7' WNW of much brighter NGC 7562.
17.5" (11/1/86): faint, small, slightly elongated NNW-SSE, diffuse. Precedes NGC 7562 by 5'.
George Johnstone Stoney and perhaps his brother Bindon Blood discovered NGC 7557 on 16 Sep 1852. With the 72" mirror freshly polished, he recorded "another neb about 6' p and 1' n of [NGC 7562], pB, vmbM, 40"." R.J. Mitchell found this galaxy again on 23 Oct 1857 and noted "a new neb about 4' p[receding] h2224, F, vS, R." His offset is accurate.
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NGC 7558 = HCG 93E = MCG +03-59-016 = PGC 70844
23 15 38.2 +18 55 11; Peg
V = 14.7; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8
24" (12/28/13 and 9/27/19): faint to fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~20"x16". Low even surface brightness with an occasional faint stellar nucleus. The redshift of this galaxy is over ~70% greater than the other four members of HCG 93, so it is probably a background object.
24" (12/1/13): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter, weak concentration. Nearly collinear with two mag 14.5 stars [22" separation] located ~2.8' S.
18" (8/25/06): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Collinear with two mag 14.5-15 stars. Furthest east of five members viewed in HCG 93.
18" (9/3/05): extremely faint, very small, round. Can hold steadily with averted vision. A close, faint pair of mag 14.5-15 stars (separation 22") lies 2.6' south.
18" (8/27/05): extremely faint, extremely small, round. Collinear with a pair of faint stars to the south that help in pinpointing the location.
17.5" (9/7/96): extremely faint, very small, round,
20" diameter. Collinear with
a pair of mag 14.5 stars oriented N-S that lie 2.5' S. This galaxy and
17.5" (9/23/89): extremely faint, very small, round. An easy pair of mag 14.5 stars with separation 22" oriented N-S lies 2.5' S. Located 5.8' ESE of NGC 7550 in HCG 93 and faintest of four viewed.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7558 = m 550 on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eeF, neb * 13m." His position is accurate. This galaxy was probably first found by LdR or assistant Bindon Stoney on 2 Nov 1850 and noted again on 6 Sep 1855, though it was just mentioned as an additional nebula in the field, without any comment about the location.
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23 15 46.6 +13 17 25; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (8/30/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, slightly elongated, 45"x35", small bright core. A mag 15.5 star is 0.8' NE. With averted vision,
17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, bright core, oval SW-NE. Forms a pair with NGC 7563 6.1' SSE. This is a double system but the fainter companion was not seen.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7559 = H. III-221 = h2222 on 19 Oct 1784 (sweep 299) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 7563 = H. III-222], eF, R, S, both alike." He found the galaxy again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) and noted "vF, S." John Herschel made 4 observations and remarked on sweep 15, "F; R; bM; 30"."
MCG lists the components separately as
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23 15 53.9 +04 29 45; Psc
= **, Carlson. = 8" double star, Gottlieb
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7560 = Nova X, along with NGC 7561, on 5 Oct 1864 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory. At Schultz's micrometric position is a double star (POSS2 separation 8"). Karl Reinmuth identified this double star as NGC 7560 in his photographic survey at Heidelberg (Dorothy Carlson and the RNGC repeated this identification).
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23 15 57.7 +04 31 20; Psc
= *, Carlson. = *14, Gottlieb.
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7561 = Nova XI, along with NGC 7560, on 5 Oct 1864 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory. At his micrometric position is a mag 14 star. Karl Reinmuth reported "mag 14.5 star, no nebulosity" and this is repeated by Dorothy Carlson and in the RNGC.
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NGC 7562 = UGC 12464 = MCG +01-59-024 = CGCG 406-039 = LGG 473-003 = PGC 70874
23 15 57.5 +06 41 15; Psc
V = 11.6; Size 2.2'x1.5'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 83°
24" (1/1/16): fairly bright, fairly large, oval 3:2
~E-W, ~1.2'x0.8'. Sharply
concentrated with a very bright core that increases to the center. The much fainter halo gradually fades
out at the periphery. A mag 13.8
star is 1.8' E. NGC 7557 lies 4.6'
WNW and
18" (11/22/08): fairly bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 1.2'x0.8'. Contains a very bright core surrounded by a much fainter halo. The core is concentrated to a bright, quasi-stellar nucleus.
17.5" (8/27/87): fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~E-W, bright core, stellar nucleus.
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly bright, fairly small, strong
bright core, fainter halo slightly elongated ~E-W. Forms a pair with NGC 7557 4.7' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7562 = H. II-467 = h2224 on 25 Oct 1785 (sweep 464) and recorded "pB, pL, irr figure." John Herschel reported it as "B; S; R; psbM; 15"." While observing NGC 7562 on 16 Sep 1852, George Johnstone Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 7557. His description reads, "Involves a very small star to north-following. Another nebula [NGC 7557] 6' preceding and 1' north of it."
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NGC 7563 = UGC 12465 = MCG +02-59-015 = CGCG 431-029 = LGG 471-007 = PGC 70872
23 15 55.9 +13 11 46; Peg
V = 12.8; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 155°
24" (8/30/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, contains a small bright round core with very faint extensions (bar) E-W. A very low surface brightness halo is elongated 2:1 NW-SE (clearly offset the axis of the "bar"), ~1.2'x0.6'. A group of stars is close east including a mag 10.5 star 2.2' ESE. NGC 7559 (double) lies 6.2' NNW. The trio lies at a distance of 200 million l.y.
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 2.3' WNW of a mag 10 star. Pair with NGC 7559 6.1' NNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7563 = H. III-222 = h2223 on 19 Oct 1784 (sweep 299) and recorded "Two [along with NGC 7559 = III-221], eF, R, S, both alike." He found the galaxy again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) and noted "vF, S." John Herschel made 4 observations and remarked (sweep 15), "pB; S; R; smbM; a B * near; the s f of 2 [with NGC 7559]."
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23 16 01.2 +07 20 52; Psc
= *, Corwin.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7564 = Big. 96 on 7 Oct 1885 and noted as 5"-6" diameter. At the exact position in the Comptes Rendus list is a mag 14 star. RNGC and PGC misidentify CGCG 406-036 = PGC 70843 as NGC 7564. Malcolm Thomson classifies NGC 7564 as nonexistent in his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections". Harold Corwin identifies NGC 7564 with the star at Bigourdan's position.
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23 16 19 -00 03 30; Psc
= Not found, Corwin. = *, Carlson.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7565 on 14 Dec 1865 while fruitlessly searching for Biela's comet using the 9.5-inch Merz equatorial at the College Romain. Like several other nebulae he claimed during his search, there is nothing near his position. Reinmuth reported a "*15 in Dreyer's place." based on a Heidelberg plate. No modern catalogue identifies NGC 7565 and Harold Corwin lists it as lost.
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NGC 7566 = MCG -01-59-010 = PGC 70901
23 16 37.4 -02 19 50; Psc
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 115°
24" (9/29/16): at 500x; fairly faint or moderately bright, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, ~0.6'x0.3', small bright nucleus. Bracketed by two mag 14.5 stars [27" ESE and 36" WNW of center]. Member of a group with brightest member NGC 7556 13.5' WSW.
17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, small, oval. Bracketed by two mag 14.5 stars 37" WNW and 27" E of center. Also a mag 14 star is 1.1' SW. Located 13' ENE of NGC 7556 in the NGC 7532-7556 group.
13.1" (9/29/84 and 10/20/84): within a triangle of 3 faint stars, elongated ~WNW-ESE, diffuse.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7566 = H. III-185, along with NGC 7554, on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and logged vF, pS, irr E." His summary description (based on a second observation) mentions "3 faint stars visible in it." Bigourdan measured an accurate position on 7 Nov 1885 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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NGC 7567 = UGC 12468 = MCG +03-59-019 = CGCG 454-016 = KUG 2313+155A = WBL 702-001 = PGC 70885
23 16 10.3 +15 51 00; Peg
V = 14.4; Size 0.9'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 76°
24" (12/20/17): at 375x; faint or fairly faint, very elongated ~4:1 WSW-ENE, ~40"x10", very weak concentration. Two mag 12.5 stars are 1' SE and 1.2' ENE A mag 10.7/13.7 pair at 8" is 2.8' NW. NGC 7567 is the brightest in a small group (WBL 702 at z = .015).
17.5" (7/19/90): very faint, very small, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE. A mag 12.5 star is off the ENE end [1.2' from center]. NGC 7551 lies 13' NW and NGC 7540 is 24' WNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7567 = m 551 on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eeF, vS, E." His position is 1' too far south.
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23 16 24.9 +24 29 49; Peg
V = 13.5; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 120°
17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, very low even surface brightness.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7568 = St. 8a-28 on 27 Sep
1873 and measured an accurate position on 17 Oct 1876. Harold Corwin proposes that
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23 16 44.5 +08 54 20; Peg
V = 13.4; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 88°
18" (10/25/03): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 4:3 E-W, 0.8'x0.6'. A distinctive group of four mag 12-13 stars is SE. The closest star is 2' SE while the other three are 4' SE are arranged in an isosceles right triangle with sides 0.9', 1' and 1.5'.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7569 = Sw. 4-93 on 6 Sep 1886 and
logged "vF; vS; R; 3 faint stars south-following form a small right angle
triangle." There are no
galaxies close to his position or even stars to the southeast matching his
description. But Harold Corwin was able to identify
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23 16 44.7 +13 28 59; Peg
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 30°
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, fairly small, oval SW-NE, fairly low surface brightness except for small bright core. NGC 7559 is located 20' SW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7570 = H. III-238 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 320) and logged "eF, eS. 240 confirmed with difficulty." His position is only 40" south of the center of UGC 12473. Édouard Stephan made an observation on 14 Sep 1876.
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NGC 7571 = NGC 7597?? = MCG +03-59-032 = CGCG 454-032
23 18 30.3 +18 41 19; Peg
See observing notes for NGC 7597. = **?, Bigourdan and Reinmuth. = NGC 7578, RNGC.
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7571 on 25 Sep 1867 with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory. In his remarks to NGC 7550 in "Micrometrical Observations of 500 Nebulae" he mentions "A poor stellar group of pretty bright stars follows the above nebulae [NGC 7547, 7549, and 7550] about 1 1/2 minutes; and the whole region following this stellar group seems nebulous: a group of small nebulae or a considerably extended nebulosity with several knots?...Description and position do not at all agree with III. 181 [NGC 7550]!" There is nothing near the NGC position. Karl Reinmuth reported "identif very doubtful; vF** dist 0.3' 135d, np * nebulous?, N7571 = N7578?" Bigourdan's "corrected" position from 23 Sep 1886 applies to this double star. This equivalence is repeated in the RNGC.
Harold Corwin notes there is no group of "pretty bright
stars" 1.5 minutes following NGC 7547/7550 as in Schultz's description,
but there is such as group at this separation from
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23 16 50.4 +18 28 59; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 162°
18" (8/25/06): faint, small, very elongated 7:2
NNW-SSE, 0.8'x0.25', *12 1' NNE.
Member of cluster
17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, very small, irregularly round, broad weak concentration. A mag 12 star is 1.3' NE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7572 = m 552 on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eeF, alm stellar." His position is just 1' too far south.
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23 16 26.3 -22 09 16; Aqr
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 42°
17.5" (7/25/95): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 50"x40", no concentration, very low surface brightness. Located 4.4' ENE of a mag 11 star.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7573 = LM 2-473 in 1886 and
recorded "mag 15.8; 0.7' dia; iR; bnp; *10 in PA 290° at 4.4'." There is nothing at his position but 1
min of RA west is
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NGC 7574 = NGC 7568? = UGC 12469 = CGCG 475-058
23 16 24.9 +24 29 49; Peg
See observing notes for NGC 7568. NGC identification very uncertain.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7574 on 2 Oct 1866 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. There is nothing near his single position. Karl Reinmuth reported it was not found on Heidelberg plates, and this was repeated by Dorothy Carlson and the RNGC. Harold Corwin suggests that if d'Arrest made both a 30' error in declination (too far south) and 30 seconds in RA (too far east), then NGC 7574 is equivalent to NGC 7568, discovered by Stephan 10 years later. As both errors involve single digits, this solution is reasonable (though not certain).
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23 17 20.9 +05 39 39; Psc
V = 14.4; Size 0.8'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 108°
18" (10/25/03): faint, small, slightly elongated,
~20"x15". Difficult to
pin down orientation, though appears roughly E-W. Forms a 1' pair with fainter
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7575 = m 553 on 29 Aug 1864 and noted "F, S, vlE." There are no galaxies near Marth's position, only mag 15 stars 2' northwest and 3' east-south. Karl Reinmuth reported "Not Found" on a Heidelberg plate and Dorothy Carlson equates it with star (repeated in the RNGC).
Harold Corwin suggests that NGC 7575 = CGCG 406-044 = PGC 70946 (brighter of a pair). This galaxy is located 1° south of Marth's position and requires he made a single digit transcription error. See Corwin's notes for discussion.
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23 17 22.7 -04 43 40; Aqr
V = 12.9; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 165°
17.5" (8/7/91): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
even concentration to a bright core containing a stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 7576 = H. II-454 on 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 455) and logged "F, S, almost stellar." His position is off by 1.6' southeast. Nearby NGC 7585 had been discovered previously.
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23 17 17.1 +07 21 56; Psc
V = 15.4; Size 0.3'x0.3'
17.5" (11/18/95): extremely faint and small, round,
10" diameter. Forms a close
pair with a mag 15 star off the ENE edge 23" from center that confuses the
observation. Cannot hold steadily
with averted at 220x but observation certain. Faintest in trio and located 8.8' due west of NGC 7583 and
9.5' SW of
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7577 = Big. 97 on 7 Oct
1885. His position in the Comptes
Rendus list is just 1' north of
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NGC 7578 = NGC 7578B = HCG 94A = Arp 170 NED2 = VV 181a =
(R)
23 17 13.6 +18 42 29; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.4'x0.4'
48" (10/27/16): at 488x; bright, fairly small, round,
sharply concentrated with a very bright core that gradually increases to the
center and a low surface brightness ~30" halo. A mag 14.5 star is at the NE edge [17" from center].
Forms a bright double system with NGC 7578A = HCG 94B 0.6' SW. The companion appeared fairly bright,
small, round, sharply concentrated with a very bright core increasing to small
intense nucleus.
24" (8/14/15): at 375x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, small, round, 24" diameter, very small bright nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is just off the northeast
side [17" from center]. Forms
a double system with NGC 7578A = HCG 94B just 34" SW. The companion appeared fairly faint,
small, round, 20" diameter, contains a very small, bright nucleus.
24" (8/16/12): at 376x the brightest member of HCG 94
appeared moderately bright, very small, round, 25" diameter, fairly high
surface brightness, very small bright nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is barely off the northeast end. Forms a close pair with
18" (8/25/06): this is the northeast component of a double system in HCG 94 (core of AGC 2572). It appeared faint, very small, round, 0.4' diameter with a mag 14.5 star just off the NE end.
18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, very small, round, 25" diameter. A mag 14 star is very close at the NE edge and somewhat confuses the view. Forms a double with slightly fainter HCG 94B just 0.6' SW of center. The SW component appeared faint, very small, round, 20" diameter.
18" (8/27/05): at 323x, this double system is cleanly resolved. The NE component is faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. A mag 14-15 star is just off the NE end and a second mag 14 star lies 50" south. Just separated from HCG 94B, which lies 34" SW of center.
17.5" (9/7/96): fairly faint, small, round, 45"
diameter. A mag 14 star is at the
NE edge and a second mag 14 star 0.9' S.
Forms a double system with
17.5" (9/23/89): this is the brightest member of the
HCG 94 compact group in AGC 2572 (identified as
William Herschel discovered NGC 7578 = H. III-182 = h2225 on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and recorded "2 vS stars about 2 or 3' distance with excessively faint nebulosity between them. I saw also a third star." He probably resolved the pair, though his separation estimate is much too large. On 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290), he logged "Suspected, E, 240 shewed 4 or 5 small stars with seeming nebulosity but left it doubtful." John Herschel simply called this object "F" but his position matches - no mention of being double or nearby faint stars. The brighter northeast member is designated NGC 7578B in RC2, RC3, UGC, MCG and Hickson. See Corwin's notes for a full discussion.
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23 17 38.9 +09 26 00; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.4'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 39°
24" (9/30/16): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
slightly elongated, 18"x15".
First in a small group of galaxies within Pegasus II cluster with NGC
7584 3.5' due east and
17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, slightly
elongated. This Pegasus II member
forms a trio with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7579 = m 554, along with NGC 7484, on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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23 17 36.4 +14 00 04; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 45°
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, bright core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7580 = Sw. 5-99 on 25 Sep 1886 and recorded "vF; pS; R; F * nr sp; 3 stars following point to it." His position and description is accurate.
******************************
23 14 43.9 +04 32 04; Psc
See observing notes for NGC 7541.
Horace Tuttle discovered NGC 7581 on 11 Jan 1875 with the 26-inch refractor at the U.S. Naval Observatory. Although Holden is credited with the discovery in the NGC, Wolfgang Steinicke found in the USNO observations for 1875 the entry "Jan. 11. Nebula (nova). In looking for Encke's Comet, found a vF, elongated nebula [alpha] = 23h 11m.4 [delta] = +3d 59. T[uttle].". There is nothing near his position. In Die Herschel Nebel (1927), Karl Reinmuth states "not found, =N7541". NGC 7541 is 3 minutes of RA west and 8' south of Tuttle's position, but there is a mag 12-13 star just east, which matches the NGC description. So despite the very poor position this identification is possible. See Harold Corwin's notes for more.
******************************
NGC 7582 = ESO 291-016 = MCG -07-47-029 = LGG 472-004 = PGC 71001 = Grus Trio
23 18 23.5 -42 22 14; Gru
V = 10.6; Size 5.0'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 157°
48" (11/4/21): at 375x; extremely bright, very large, first and brightest of the Grus Triplet. The main body or bar was elongated ~6:1 NNW-SSE and brighter along the major axis. The center increased sharply in intensity with an impressively bright elongated core rising to a stellar peak. A low contrast spiral arm is attached at the SE end. It curled sharply towards the NW (roughly parallel to the bar) and faded out close NE of a mag 13.4 star.
30" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 264x; extremely bright, very large, very elongated ~3:1 NNW-SSE, ~3.6'x1.2'. Strong concentration with an extremely bright elongated core and a prominent quasi-stellar nucleus. This barred spiral is brighter along the spine of the major axis and displays a mottled or patchy surface brightness. NGC 7582 is the largest and most impressive in the Grus Triplet with NGC 7590 5' NE and NGC 7599 12.5' NE.
13.1" (11/5/83): fairly large, diffuse, elongated NNW-SSE. First of three in the field with NGC 7590 9.8' NE and NGC 7599 12.6' NE.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 7582 = D 476 = h3977 on 7 Jul 1826 and recorded "a small faint round nebula, about 30" diameter: a double nebula follow this [NGC 7590 and 7599]." John Herschel made a single observation on 2 Sep 1836 and described "pB, L, pmE, gbM." His declination was 15' too large. NGC 7582 was first photographed by DeLisle Stewart at Harvard's Arequipa Station between 1898 and 1901 and the position was corrected.
When Pietro Baracchi observed the field on 2 Nov 1885 with
the Great Melbourne Telescope, he couldn't find NGC 7582 at Herschel's
position, but instead picked up
A photograph of NGC 7582, 7590 and 7599 was taken by Harlow Shapley and John S. Paraskevopoulos in the late 1930s with the 60-inch reflector (one of Andrew Ainslie Common's mirrors) at Harvard's Boyden Station in Bloemfontein, South Africa. They described the trio as "The spirals NGC 7582-90-99, which probably form a physical system, are much alike in dimensions, inclination and class, but they differ considerably in structural details. Faint spiral arms appear to envelop the main body of NGC 7582; and NGC 7599 has no strong nucleus."
******************************
NGC 7583 = NGC 7605 = MCG +01-59-034 = CGCG 406-047 = PGC 70975
23 17 52.8 +07 22 46; Psc
V = 13.8; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (11/18/95): faint, small, round, well-defined 30" halo. Weak concentration to a small brighter core. A mag 14 star is 1.1' W of center. Brightest of trio with NGC 7604 = MCG +01-59-033 = CGCG 406-048 3.0' N and NGC 7577 8.8' W.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7583 = m 555 on 2 Sep 1864 and
noted "vF, vS." His
position is 2' north of
******************************
NGC 7584 = MCG +01-59-035 = CGCG 406-049 = PGC 70977
23 17 53.0 +09 26 00; Peg
V = 14.4; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.1
24" (9/30/16): at 375x; fairly faint, small, round, 20" diameter. In a trio with CGCG 406-050 1.1' NE and NGC 7579 3.5' due W. Located 4.5' SSW of mag 7.6 HD 219728. CGCG 406-050 appeared faint, very small, round, 10"-12" diameter. A mag 14 star is 0.9' SE. Member of the Pegasus II cluster.
17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, round. A mag 15.5 star (or extremely faint and
small galaxy) is off the SW edge.
A mag 14 star is 1.3' ENE.
Forms a trio with CGCG 406-050 1.1' NNE and NGC 7579 3.5' W. Located 4.6' SSW of mag 7.6
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7584 = m 556, along with NGC 7579, on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7585 = Arp 223 = MCG -01-59-015 = PGC 70986
23 18 01.2 -04 38 58; Aqr
V = 11.4; Size 2.3'x2.0'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 105°
17.5" (8/7/91): bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2
WNW-ESE, small very bright core, stellar nucleus. Located 8.0' SSE of mag 8.5
8" (9/25/81): faint, small, small bright nucleus. Two mag 8 stars are in the field to the north and NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7585 = H. II-236 = h2226 = h3979 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and noted "pB, irr E, r." On 5 Oct 1785 (sweep 455) he called it "pB, pL, iR, mbM." John Herschel made an observation from Slough as well as the Cape of Good Hope.
******************************
23 17 55.6 +08 35 03; Peg
V = 14.8; Size 0.5'x0.4'
24" (8/29/19): at 375x; between faint and fairly faint, small, round, 25" diameter halo, very small brighter core, occasional faint stellar nucleus. Easily seen 3.8' NW of a mag 9.3 star. This galaxy lies in the bacground of the Pegasus I cluster.
17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, very small, round, 20"
diameter, slight central brightening.
Located 3.8' NW of mag 9
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7586 = m 557 on 2 Sep 1864 and
noted "eF, vS, alm stellar."
His position is less than 1' northwest of
But RNGC, CGCG, PGC, HyperLeda misidentified the double system CGCG 406-045 as NGC 7586. This galaxy is located 20' south of Marth's and Bigourdan's position. Malcolm Thomson discussed this identification in Q. Jl R. astr. Soc. (1991), 32, 17-24 and his unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".
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23 17 59.1 +09 40 49; Peg
V = 13.9; Size 1.3'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 123°
24" (9/30/16): moderately to fairly bright, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, ~50"x18", high surface brightness, small bright core. A mag 11 star is 2.5' NE. Forms a close pair with CGCG 406-051 [51" between centers]. The companion appeared very faint, small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE, 20"x10".
17.5" (10/28/89): faint, fairly small, very elongated
NW-SE, weak concentration. Forms a
close pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7587 = m 558 on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, vS, lE, gbM." His position is accurate.
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23 17 57.8 +18 45 08; Peg
V = 14.9; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6
18" (8/25/06): very faint, extremely small, round, 8" diameter with a well-defined halo, even surface brightness. Located 2' NW of a 9th magnitude star and 8.6' NW of NGC 7597 in the core of AGC 2572.
17.5" (9/23/89): extremely faint and small, round. This member of AGC 2572 is located on a
line with a mag 13 star 1.0' SE and mag 8.8
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7588 = m 559, along with NGC 7598 and 7602, on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, eS." His position is accurate.
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23 18 15.7 +00 15 40; Psc
V = 14.4; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 102°
17.5" (8/1/87): very faint, small, slightly elongated
SW-NE, weak concentration. Located
1.2' W of a double star with components mag 11/14 at 18" separation. Forms a pair with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7589 = m 560, along with NGC 7603, on 23 Oct 1864 and noted "eF, vS." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7590 = ESO 347-033 = MCG -07-47-030 = LGG 472-005 = PGC 71031 = Grus Trio
23 18 54.8 -42 14 21; Gru
V = 11.5; Size 2.7'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 36°
48" (11/4/21): at 375x; extremely bright, large, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE, just over 2' in length. Sharp and strong concentration with a very small, very bright elongated core and a stellar nucleus. A mag 12 star is attached just E of the NE end of the galaxy. Despite a very high, but uneven surface brightness, spiral structure wasn't noticed. NGC 7599 is 5' E and NGC 7582 10' SW, forming the Grus Triplet.
30" (10/21/17 - OzSky): at 264x; very bright prominent ellipse, very elongated 3:1 SSW-NNE,, ~2.1'x0.7'. Strongly concentrated with a very bright, elongated core that appeared mottled. A mag 12.0 is attached on the east side of the northern end of the galaxy. NGC 7590 is the second of three in the Grus Triplet with NGC 7599 5' ESE and NGC 7582 10' SW.
13.1" (11/5/83): faint, small, elongated SW-NE. A star is at the NE edge. Forms a pair with NGC 7599 4.9' ESE. Second of three with NGC 7582 9.8' SW.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 7590 = D 477.1 = h3980 on 14 Jul 1826, along with NGC 7599 and recorded "two very small round nebulae [NGC 7590 and 7599], nearly the same RA, and differing about 1' in polar distances." His single position for the pair was over 30' too far west.
John Herschel observed the pair of 2 Sep 1836 (sweep 728) and logged "pB; pmE; gbM; 90 arcseconds, the preceding of two [with NGC 7599]."
A photograph of NGC 7582, 7590 and 7599 was taken by Harlow Shapley and John S. Paraskevopoulos in the late 1930s with the 60-inch reflector (thin mirror originally from Andrew Ainslie Common) at Harvard's Boyden Station in Bloemfontein, South Africa. They described the trio as "The spirals NGC 7582-90-99, which probably form a physical system, are much alike in dimensions, inclination and class, but they differ considerably in structural details. Faint spiral arms appear to envelop the main body of NGC 7582; and NGC 7599 has no strong nucleus."
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NGC 7591 = UGC 12486 = MCG +01-59-038 = CGCG 406-053 = PGC 70996
23 18 16.3 +06 35 09; Psc
V = 13.0; Size 1.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 145°
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated NW-SE, weak concentration. Located 34' ESE of NGC 7562.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7591 = m 561 on 14 Aug 1864 and noted "pF, S, R, vgbM." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7592 = MCG -01-59-017 = VV 731 = PGC 70999
23 18 22.5 -04 24 59; Aqr
V = 13.5; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 57°
48" (10/29/19): NGC 7592 is an interacting, merged pair with a separation of only 13"! At 610x the western component (NGC 7592 W) appeared moderately bright, small, round, with a sharp stellar nucleus. A low surface brightness tidal arm was attached on the west side and it hooked to the north. The brighter eastern galaxy (NGC 7592 E) was fairly bright, fairly small, roundish, ~25" diameter, very bright core offset towards the north side. A very small HII knot, 6"-8" diameter, called NGC 7592 S, is at the southwest end [13" from center]. A very low surface brightness halo extended further southwest of 7592 E and directly south of 7592 W. This section is probably part of another tidal tail.
24" (8/23/14): at 375x appeared fairly faint, fairly
small, irregular. The component
with the highest surface brightness is the core of the eastern galaxy (NGC
7592B = 7592E). Most of the glow
extended southwest (
17.5" (8/7/91): faint, small, round. NGC 7592A, a very faint and extremely small companion (only the nucleus was observed) attached at the west edge, was just resolved. NGC 7585 lies 17' SW. This is an interacting/colliding pair on the POSS with nuclei only 15" apart!
William Herschel discovered NGC 7592 = H. III-186 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and noted "eF and vS." Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position on 2 Oct 1866.
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23 17 57.0 +11 20 57; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 104°
17.5" (8/27/92): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE, even surface brightness. A mag 15 star is at the NE edge.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7593 = m 562 on 5 Oct 1864 and
noted "F, S, R." There
is nothing at his position but 23 seconds of RA west is
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23 18 13.9 +10 17 54; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 30°
17.5" (11/18/95): faint, small, elongated 2:1 ~N-S,
0.8'x0.4', broad weak concentration.
The outer halo increases in size with averted vision. Brightest in a quartet (WBL 706) with
IC's 5305, 5306, 5307. NGC 7594 is
identified as
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7594 = Nova #27 in
August 1880 with his 36-inch reflector and recorded "Faint, round,
following 3 stars in a line [with orientation] 90° pointing to another fainter
nebula south." His discovery
position (estimated using setting circles) is ~6' southeast of
The "fainter nebula south" is IC 5306 (independently found by Kobold in 1897), and the northernmost of the "3 stars in line 90°" is IC 5305! The two ICs, as well as IC 5307 were found by Kobold in 1897. RC3, MCG, RNGC and DSFG misidentify IC 5306 as NGC 7594. I noticed this identification while examining John Vickers' CCD Atlas. Listed in my RNGC Corrections #7 as well as Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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23 18 30.2 +09 55 57; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.4'x0.4'
17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Collinear with two mag 14 and 15 stars 0.8' and 1.4' due S, respectively. A group of four mag 11/12 stars lie ~3' NE. Located about 20' S of the NGC 7594 group (including IC's 5305, 5306 and 5307) in the northern part of Pegasus I cluster.
Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7595 = Nova #28 in Aug of 1880
and simply noted "F, stellar."
His position corresponds with
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23 17 12.0 -06 54 43; Aqr
V = 14.1; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 34°
17.5" (7/25/95): faint, small, round, 30" diameter, very weak concentration. Located nearly at the midpoint of two mag 13.5 stars 1.1' W and 1.4' E. Two similar star are also 1.3' S and 2.3' SE. The PGC magnitude (B = 12.9) appears to be too bright.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7596 = LM 1-262 on 28 Sep
1886 and reported "mag 13.5; pS; lE 180° [N-S], lbMN." There is nothing at his rough position
(even the nearest min of RA is marked uncertain), but 1.5 min of RA west is MCG
-01-59-011 = PGC 70932. Harold
Corwin checked Leavenworth's sketched and confirmed it matches
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NGC 7597 = NGC 7571?? = MCG +03-59-032 = CGCG 454-032 = PGC 71006
23 18 30.3 +18 41 19; Peg
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.5
18" (8/25/06): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 0.8'x0.7', broadly concentrated halo rising quickly to a small, bright core. A faint double star lies 1.3' WSW. This galaxy is the brightest in the core of AGC 2572. The cluster is located within a group of 5 brighter mag 8-10 stars that detracts from viewing.
17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, small, round, small bright
core. Located between two mag 14
stars 1.2' SW and 1.3' NE.
Brightest of trio with
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7597 = m 563 on 23 Oct 1864 and
noted "eF, vS, gbM." His
position is 1'-2' south of
******************************
NGC 7598 = MCG +03-59-033 = CGCG 454-033 = PGC 71011
23 18 33.3 +18 44 58; Peg
V = 14.8; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0
18" (8/25/06): extremely faint and small, round, 8" diameter. Forms a close "double" with a slightly brighter mag 15 star. Located 2.2' NE of a mag 9.8 star and 3.7' N of NGC 7597 in the core of AGC 2572.
17.5" (9/23/89): extremely faint and small, round. This member of AGC 2572 is located 2.2' NE of a mag 9.5 star. In a close trio with NGC 7597 3.7' SSW and NGC 7602 3.9' SE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7598 = m 564, along with NGC 7588 and 7602, on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, eS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7599 = IC 5308 = ESO 347-034 = MCG -07-47-033 = LGG 472-006 = PGC 71066 = Grus Trio
23 19 21.1 -42 15 25; Gru
V = 11.5; Size 4.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 57°
48" (11/4/21): at 375x; very bright and large, roughly oval 5:2 SW-NE, ~3'x1.2'. Broad concentration with a slightly brighter core, but no nucleus. Brighter along the major axis like a bar. A mag 14 star is superimposed along the northern flank towards the NE end. The SW end tapered somewhat but the NE end was oddly truncated due to dust. A mag 12.8 star is 1.5' E of center. Last in the superb Grus Triplet with NGC 7582 and 7590.
30" (10/21/17 - OzSky): NGC 7599 is the third in the showpiece Grus Trio. At 264x it appeared very bright, very large, elongated nearly 3:1 SW-NE, ~3.25'x1'. It was broadly concentrated but there was no distinct core or nucleus. The surface brightness was uneven or mottled, though, likely due to spiral structure or dust. The southwest end appeared more tapered and had a very faint extension at the tip, while the northeast side ends more abruptly. A mag 14 star is superimposed on the north side, 0.8' NNE of center. A mag 12.8 star is off the east side, 1.5' from center. NGC 7590 lies 5' WNW.
13.1" (11/5/83): extremely faint, fairly large, very elongated SW-NE, at visual threshold. Located 4.9' ESE of NGC 7590. Faintest of three nearly edge-on galaxies in the field (Grus Quartet including NGC 7552). Observation hampered by very low elevation from Northern California.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 7599 = D 477.2 = h3981, along with NGC 7582, on 14 Jul 1826 and recorded "two very small round nebulae, nearly the same RA, and differing about 1' in polar distances." His single position was 30' too far W. John Herschel observed the pair of 2 Sep 1836 (sweep 728) and logged "F; pmE; gbM; 3'; [the following of two]."
Harold Corwin notes that Lewis Swift's XI-227 = IC 5308, found on 8 Aug 1897 and described as "eeF; S; cE; f of 3; f of 7599.", is probably a duplicate observation. Swift likely confused NGC 7590 as 7599 and assumed Sw. 11-227 was new. See Corwin's historical notes.
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23 18 53.8 -07 34 50; Aqr
V = 11.9; Size 2.5'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 69°
13.1" (11/5/83): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated E-W, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A group of bright stars mag 8-9 to the NW forms a
"V" asterism pointing to the E; includes mag 7.8
William Herschel discovered NGC 7600 = H. II-431 = h2227 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and recorded "vF, S, mbM, irregularly a little extended, r." John Herschel made two observation, logging (sweep 186), "pB; R; psbM; 15"."
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23 18 47.0 +09 14 01; Peg
V = 14.0; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 90°
24" (9/30/16): at 375x; fairly faint, moderately large,
slightly elongated E-W, 40"x32", low surface brightness, very weak
concentration. A mag 12 star is
1.4' N.
17.5" (10/12/85 and 10/28/89): very faint, fairly small, slightly elongated oval ~E-W, diffuse, even surface brightness. A mag 11.5 star is 1.4' N of center. Forms a pair with CGCG 406-063 7.1' NE in the Pegasus I cluster. NGC 7584/NGC 7579 pair lies 18' NW.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7601 on 4 Aug 1880 with
his 36-inch reflector. He reported
"pB, diffused. Found in
looking for Faye's comet."
His position is 2' due north of
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NGC 7602 = MCG +03-59-034 -
23 18 43.5 +18 41 54; Peg
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9
18" (8/25/06): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, very small brighter core. Located 3.2' NNW of an 8th magnitude star and 3' ENE of NGC 7597 in the core of AGC 2572.
17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, extremely small, round,
very faint stellar nucleus. A mag
15 star is 38" NNW of center.
Located 3.2' NNW of mag 8
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7602 = m 565, along with NGC 7588 and 7598, on 3 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, eS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7603 = Arp 92 = UGC 12493 = MCG +00-59-021 = CGCG 380-026 = Mrk 530 = PGC 71035
23 18 56.6 +00 14 38; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 1.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 165°
48" (10/29/16): at 610x; bright, moderately large,
round, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and an intensely bright
stellar nucleus! The roundish halo
gradually fades out around 1.0' diameter.
The beginning of a tidal arm is occasionally visible on the south side,
extending a short distance to the southeast, but not reaching
48" (10/22/11): at 375x, this Seyfert galaxy is unusually sharply concentrated and displayed an extremely bright stellar nucleus surrounded by an intensely bright, 20" core with a much fainter outer halo extending 1.3'x1.0'. Forms a close pair with NGC 7603B = PGC 71041 just 1' SE. At 610x, the small companion is just outside the halo of NGC 7603 and appeared fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20" diameter.
24" (9/1/16): at 220x; bright, small, round, contains a very small unusually bright core that increases to an extremely bright stellar nucleus (Seyfert galaxy)! Forms a close (line of sight) pair with NGC 7603B 1.0' SE. The companion appeared extremely to very faint, extremely small, only ~6" diameter, required averted to see (V = 15.9, B = 16.7).
17.5" (8/1/87): moderately bright, fairly small, oval ~N-S, sharp concentration, small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 7589 8' WNW. Located 5.1' SW of a mag 9.5 star.
13.1" (8/11/85): faint, small, round, sharp concentration, stellar nucleus. Located ~5' W of a mag 9 star.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7603 = m 566, along with NGC 7589, on 23 Oct 1864 and noted "F, vS, stellar." Stephan made observatiosn on 5 Oct 1869 and 14 Sep 1876.
There is a long-standing redshift controversy with this pair first mentioned by Arp in ApL, 7, 221, 1971. NGC 7603, the brighter galaxy, has a redshift z = .029 (~390 million ly) while its companion NGC 7603B has a much higher redshift z = .057, placing it about twice the distance (~740 million ly). But there appears to be a luminous bridge connecting the objects that is easily visible on the DSS. Also two quasars with much higher redshifts (z = .391 and z = .243) are embedded exactly on line of sight at the start and end of the bridge.
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NGC 7604 = MCG +01-59-033 = CGCG 406-048 = LGG 473-020 = PGC 70974
23 17 51.9 +07 25 48; Psc
V = 14.5; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 90°
17.5" (11/18/95): very faint, extremely small, round, 15" diameter, appears to brighten slightly at the center. Can just hold steadily with averted vision. Forms a pair with NGC 7583 = NGC 7605 3.0' S. Outlying member of the Pegasus I cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7604 = m 567, along with NGC 7605, on 29 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS, bM." There is nothing at his position bright enough to have been seen, but exactly 1.0 minute of RA preceding is CGCG 406-048 = PGC 70974. This galaxy is 3' north of NGC 7583. Assuming Marth made the same 1.0 minute recording error for NGC 7605 = m 568 (observed on same night), then NGC 7605 matches NGC 7583. Karl Reinmuth and RNGC also equated NGC 7604 with CGCG 406-048.
Hermann Kobold independently discovered CGCG 406-048 in 1899 with the 18-inch Merz refractor at the Strasbourg Observatory. He reported it as Kobold 20 (20th discovery) in his big table of NGC positions in the 1907 Strasbourg Annales, Vol 3.
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NGC 7605 = NGC 7583 = MCG +01-59-034 = CGCG 404-047 = PGC 70975
23 17 52.8 +07 22 46; Psc
See observing notes for NGC 7583.
Albert Marth found NGC 7605 = m 568, along with NGC 7604, on
29 Nov 1864 and noted "vF, S, R, glbM." There is nothing at his position, but 1.0 minute of RA
preceding is
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23 19 05.1 -08 29 05; Aqr
V = 10.8; Size 5.4'x2.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 145°
13.1" (11/5/83): fairly bright, large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, weak concentration, diffuse halo, possible faint stellar nucleus. Bracketed between two mag 12/13 stars that lie 3' N and 2.5' S of center.
8" (11/8/80): faint, elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7606 = H. I-104 = h2228 = h3982 on 28 Sep 1785 (sweep 445) and recorded "cB, cL, gmbM, nearly in the meridian, each end seems to terminate in a very faint ray." From the Cape of Good Hope, John Herschel reported "F; pL; pmE; 2' l, 1 1/2' br." On 18 Sep 1852, G. Johnstone Stoney, observing with LdR's 72", logged "seemed narrowest in the middle and to spread out at either end, a small star nnp nucl on edge of neby. Query, a brighter streak f nucl from np to sf [probably the eastern spiral arm]."
Based on a photograph taken at the Helwan observatory in 1919-20, NGC 7606 was described as "a fine compact spiral with dark lanes between the whorls, bright almost stellar nucleus."
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23 18 59.4 +11 20 30; Peg
= **, Corwin. Not found, RNGC.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7607 = T. 4-13 on 5 Aug
1880. A faint double star is at
his ring micrometric position and he notes a 16th magnitude star is 1/2'
northeast. Harold Corwin remarks
that Bigourdan found this double again on 30 Oct 1886 and called it a
"Small cluster 20 arcsec in diameter in which I can distinguish at least
two stars, perhaps accompanied by a little nebulosity." His entry B. 240
in his 5th Comptes Rendus list became
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23 19 15.3 +08 21 01; Peg
V = 14.2; Size 1.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 20°
24" (8/29/19): at 375x; between faint and fairly faint, moderately large, edge-on 4:1 SSW-NNE, 1.2'x0.3', broad and weak concentration, no distinct core. The major axis lines up with a 1' pair of mag 9.2 and 9.6 stars 7' SSW. Another pair with a similar position angle is 5' SE! Located 17' NW of NGC 7619 in the Pegasus I cluster.
17.5" (9/14/85): very faint, small, diffuse, very
elongated ~N-S, even surface brightness, requires averted.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7608 = m 569 on 25 Nov 1864 and noted "vF, pS, lE, lbM." His position is 2' too far southwest. Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 2 Oct 1866 (single observation).
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23 19 30.0 +09 30 30; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 135°
48" (10/27/16): at 488x; bright, fairly small,
roundish, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright nucleus and a slightly
elongated halo. NGC 7609 = HCG 95A
forms an interacting system with
48" (10/23/11): bright, fairly small, slightly elongated SW-NE, 30"x25" very bright core surrounded by a fainter halo. Forms an interacting pair with HCG 95D (25" between centers) on the southeast side. At 488x the close duo was connected on the north side by a very faint loop or bridge! The tidal plume to the south of 95D (forming a partial ring) was not seen. The total size of the system is ~45"x30", oriented NW-SE.
18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, very small, slightly
elongated, 25"x20".
Brightest in
18" (8/27/05): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. At times, appeared slightly elongated ~4:3, possibly due to HCG 95D which is attached to the southeast end. Located 3' WNW of a faint, unequal double star.
17.5" (9/7/96): very faint, small, elongated 4:3 WSW-ENE, 40"x30", very little concentration. This is an interacting pair with HCG 95D attached at southeast end (not seen) and HCG 95B lies just 1.2' SE. In the background of the Pegasus I cluster.
17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, stellar nucleus or star superimposed. Located 18' NNE of NGC 7601 in the Pegasus I cluster. On the POSS this is a close double galaxy with stellar nuclei. Brightest in HCG 95.
17.5" (10/12/85): faint, very small, faint stellar nucleus.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7609 = m 570 on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, vS, gbM." Although there are four galaxies here (HCG 95), it's reasonable to assign NGC 7609 to the brightest member only as it wasn't mentioned as double.
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23 19 41.4 +10 11 06; Peg
V = 13.0; Size 2.5'x1.9'; Surf Br = 14.5
17.5" (8/27/92): faint, moderately large, 1.5' diameter, low surface brightness, no central concentration. A mag 12 star is just off the southwest edge 1.1' from the center. Located at the north edge of the Pegasus I cluster.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7610 in August of 1880
using his 36-inch reflector and recorded "F, S, diffused." His position is 10 seconds west and
1.7' south of
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23 19 36.6 +08 03 48; Psc
V = 12.5; Size 1.5'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 139°
17.5" (9/14/85): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1
NW-SE, stellar nucleus. NGC 7619
lies 12.7' NE. Located 5.5' NNW of
mag 7.1
13.1" (several dates from 11/13/82 to 9/22/84): faint, small, round, stellar nucleus, slightly elongated. A mag 7 star is 5' S. NGC 7619 is 12' NE.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7611 on 21 Sep 1862 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
He observed this galaxy on 6 nights and noted several times it formed a
triangle with two stars (estimated at mag 17 and 18, though only mag 14). This galaxy appears to have been missed
at Birr Castle (
******************************
23 19 44.2 +08 34 35; Peg
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 2°
24" (12/8/20): at 260x; fairly bright, fairly high
surface brightness (core region), elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.6'x0.4'. Forms a pair with
17.5" (9/14/85): fairly faint, small, elongated, small
bright core. Member of the Pegasus
I cluster with
13.1" (11/5/83): faint, very small, almost round, small
bright nucleus, compact. Located
15' NW of
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7612 = m 571 on 26 May 1863 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. It was first reported as #205 in his AN 1500 discovery list from 1864. Albert Marth independently discovered it on 2 Sep 1864, listed it as new (m 571) and noted "pB, vS, psbM." Édouard Stephan made observations on 2 Oct 1869 and 19 Sep 1873.
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23 19 54 +00 12; Psc
= Not found, Corwin. Incorrect identification in the RNGC.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7613 = Nova #3, along with
******************************
23 20 00 +00 13; Psc
= Not found, Corwin. =4*, Steinicke.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7614 = Nova #4, along with NGC 7613, on 18 Dec 1865 while unsuccessfully searching for Biela's Comet. Both objects were given a single position, but there is no pair of galaxies in the area. Most his claimed discoveries in the fruitless search for the comet are missing (probably single or double stars). Karl Reinmuth was unable to identify a candidate of a Heidelberg plate and Corwin lists the number as lost. Wolfgang Steinicke identifies NGC 7614 as a group of 3 faint stars at 23 19 52.6 +00 10 56, very close to Ferrari's position.
******************************
NGC 7615 = MCG +01-59-051 = CGCG 406-070 = PGC 71097
23 19 54.4 +08 23 58; Peg
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 152°
17.5" (10/12/85): appears slightly brighter than NGC 7608, elongated ~NW-SE. A faint star is off the east edge.
17.5" (9/14/85): very faint, diffuse, slightly
elongated. A mag 14 star is off
the east edge 1.0' from the center.
This member of the Pegasus I cluster is located 6' WNW of
13.1" (11/5/83 and 9/22/84): extremely faint, at visual threshold, possibly slightly elongated. A mag 14 star is off the edge.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7615 = h2229 on 16 Aug 1830 and noted "pF; R; psbM." His position is fairly accurate although this galaxy was missed by d'Arrest (failed attempts in 1862 and 1865), Wilhelm Tempel and Herman Schultz (searched for in vain in 1865).
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NGC 7616 = NGC 7610?? = UGC 12511 = MCG +02-59-025 = CGCG 431-042 = LGG 473-010 = PGC 71073
23 19 41.7 +10 11 06; Peg
See observing notes for NGC 7610. (R)NGC 7616 not found 8/27/92, Grandview.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7616 in August of 1880 and noted "pF, diffused." There is nothing at his position, 28 seconds of RA east and 1' south of his position for NGC 7610 (probably UGC 12511). Kobold tentatively identified this galaxy as NGC 7610 and measured an accurate position in 1897. The most likely scenario (suggested by Harold Corwin) is that Common recorded this galaxy twice at different positions. See Harold Corwin's notes.
RNGC misidentifies
******************************
NGC 7617 = MCG +01-59-051A = CGCG 406-072 = WBL 710-001 =
23 20 09.0 +08 09 57; Psc
V = 13.8; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 42°
17.5" (9/14/85): faint, small, slightly elongated oval, brighter core. Forms a pair with much brighter NGC 7619 2.8' NNE in the Pegasus I cluster.
13.1": (9/22/84): faint, very small, round. Easy with averted.
13.1" (11/5/83): very faint, very small, round.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7617 = m 572 on 23 Sep 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He noted it preceded NGC 7619 by 6.5 seconds of time and 2' to 2 1/2' south. Albert Marth independently discovered NGC 7617 just two months later on 25 Nov 1864 while observing the cluster. Both are credited in the NGC (d'Arrest is listed first).
But Bindon Stoney probably made the original discovery on 30 Aug 1851 at Birr Castle, noting "I suspect 2 small nebula p[receding] h2330 [NGC 7619], though perhaps they are stars." A sketch in the 1880 publication shows NGC 7617 at the correct orientation with a separation of 4'. Because of his uncertainty, Stoney didn't receive credit in the NGC.
******************************
23 19 47.2 +42 51 09; And
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 5°
17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, elongated 3:2 N-S, 0.9'x0.6', weak even concentration to a brighter core. Situated midway between a mag 7.5 SAO 52915 6.8' N and a wide double star mag 9/11 at 26" located 8' S.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7618 = St. 10-40 on 14 Sep 1876. His reduced position (list 10, #40) was made 8 Oct 1879 and published in 1880.
******************************
NGC 7619 = UGC 12523 = MCG +01-59-052 = CGCG 406-073 = LGG 473-011 = WBL 710-002 = PGC 71121
23 20 14.5 +08 12 22; Peg
V = 11.1; Size 2.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 30°
17.5" (9/14/85): bright, elongated, bright core,
stellar nucleus. This galaxy is
the brightest and largest member of the Pegasus I cluster along with
13.1" (11/5/83 and 9/22/84): bright, small prominent core, largest in cluster.
8" (9/25/81 and 7/24/82): faint, small, small bright nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7619 = H. II-439 = h2230 on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and recorded "vF and vS." John Herschel made two observations, reporting "pB; R; bM; 30"." (sweep 89) and "B; pL; R; psbM." (sweep 280)
NGC 7619 is the most distant known galaxy mentioned by Hubble in his 1929 paper "A relation between distance and radial velocity among extra-galactic nebulae", although its recessional velocity of +3779 km/sec wasn't used in his graph of the velocity-distance relationship. Hubble mentioned a preliminary distance of 25 million l.y.
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23 20 05.7 +24 13 16; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.2
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, fairly small, almost round, brighter center surrounded by a small halo.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7620 = m 573 = T. 1-50 on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "F, S, vlE." His position is accurate. Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered this galaxy in 1876 and reported it as new in his first discovery paper. Engelhardt also measured an accurate micrometric position.
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NGC 7621 = MCG +01-59-055 = CGCG 406-074 = PGC 71129
23 20 24.6 +08 21 59; Peg
V = 14.7; Size 0.7'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 177°
17.5" (9/14/85): very faint, small, elongated N-S. Requires averted vision. Located 2.2' SW of NGC 7623 and 2.0' NE of a mag 12 star in the core of the Pegasus I cluster.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7621 = m 574 on 25 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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23 21 38.5 -62 07 04; Tuc
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 60°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; fairly faint, fairly
small, elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, ~30"x10"; contains a small slightly
brighter nucleus. Several brighter
stars nearby including a mag 11.4 star 1.4' NE, a mag 11.3 star 2.9' NW, and a
mag 11.9 star 3.8' NE. Located 34'
ESE of mag 5.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 7622 = h3983 on 1 Nov 1834 and recorded "eF; eS; rather a doubtful object; situated among 5 small stars." His position is fairly accurate and the stars are just north with one to the west.
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NGC 7623 = UGC 12526 = MCG +01-59-056 = CGCG 406-075 = LGG 473-012 = PGC 71132
23 20 30.0 +08 23 45; Peg
V = 12.8; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 175°
17.5" (10/12/85): bright core, stellar nucleus, very faint extensions ~N-S.
17.5" (9/14/85): fairly bright, small, elongated, small bright core. Forms a close pair with NGC 7621 2.2' SW in the Pegasus I cluster.
13.1" (11/5/83): fairly faint, small, round, very small bright core.
8" (7/24/82): very faint, small.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7623 = H. III-435 = h2231 on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and noted "vF and eS." His position is accurate. John Herschel made a single observation (sweep 281), "pF; R; psbM." Marth discovered nearby NGC 7621.
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23 20 22.6 +27 18 56; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 30°
24" (12/1/13): at 375x appeared fairly faint or
moderately bright, fairly small, oval 4:3 SSW-NNE, weak concentration. Appears mottled and patchy, agreeing
with my notes two months back! A
mag 16 star is just visible at the south edge and a mag 12.5 star is 1.5'
WNW.
24" (10/4/13): moderately bright, fairly small, oval 3:2 SW-NE, broad concentration with a small slightly brighter core. Seemed slightly clumpy or irregular in surface brightness at 375x. A mag 12.5 star lies 1.5' WNW, and an equilateral triangle of mag 13 stars is 3.5' W. PGC 169937 lies 4.8' SW and PGC 169936 is 7.8' SW. The first galaxy appeared very faint, small, round, low surface brightness, 20", diameter and the second faint to fairly faint, small, slightly elongated ~N-S, 0.4'x0.3'.
17.5" (10/13/01): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~SSW-NNE, weak concentration. Follows a group of four mag 12/13 stars.
17.5" (8/26/00): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration. A few times I had an impression of a slightly brighter arc along the west edge.
17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval SSW-NNE, smooth surface brightness. A group of four stars mag 12-13 precede; the closest is a mag 12 star 1.5' W.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7624 = St. 9-36 = Sw. 4-94 on 4 Sep 1872. His rough position was 5' too far W. His published discovery position (list 9, #36) was based on offsets taken later on 2 Oct 1878 and 7 Oct 1879. Lewis Swift found this galaxy on 8 Aug 1886 and reported it as new in his 4th discovery list (#94) with description, "pF; pS; cE; 3 stars in a line near preceding." His position was unusually accurate and perhaps modified to match Stephan's).
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23 20 30.1 +17 13 32; Peg
V = 12.1; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 60°
48" (10/28/19): viewed at 375x through thin clouds; very bright, fairly large, round, ~1.25' diameter, strong concentration with a very bright, slightly elongated or oval core. A low contrast dust lane wraps along the eastern edge of the core around to the south. The dust lane continues slicing through the galaxy towards the west, cutting off a southern piece of the galaxy, which mimicks the appearance of a broad spiral arm. A slightly brighter knot or patch is at the east end of this section, about 20" S of center. The outer halo was slightly fainter on the southeast side. Note: On the SDSS, there are two distinct, intersecting dust lanes, east and southwest of the core.
24" (8/30/16): at 375x; bright, moderately large, roundish, well concentrated with a large bright core that is irregular and mottled and a small nucleus. The halo is much fainter and extends at least 1.0' diameter. With careful viewing I had the impression there was two close nuclei or perhaps a knot was close to the nucleus. The DSS and SDSS shows at least two intersecting dust lanes, though this feature was not confidently seen.
24" (9/10/15): at 260x; fairly bright, fairly small, round, ~40" diameter, small bright core that increases to a quasi-stellar nucleus. The absorption lane on the southwest side was not seen in poor transparency.
13.1" (9/9/83): at 166x, fairly bright, small, round,
bright core. The dust lane on the
southwest side was not seen.
Located 6.8' WSW of mag 6.6
William Herschel discovered NGC 7625 = H. II-250 = h2232 on 15 Oct 1784 (sweep 290) and recorded "F, lE, followed by a very bright star." He made another observation on 29 Nov 1785 (sweep 480) and noted "cB, S, R, mbM." On 7 Oct 1825 (sweep 11), John Herschel logged "B; R; sbM; 60"." A total of 8 observations were made at Birr Castle, mostly commenting on the irregular surface brightness. On 27 Sep 1857, Mitchell logged "south edge certainly brighter than the other, and a * or nucleus near that side, perhaps vF neby outside the s edge [the piece is cut off by dust]."
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NGC 7626 = UGC 12531 = MCG +01-59-057 = CGCG 406-076 = LGG 473-007 = WBL 710-003 = PGC 71140
23 20 42.3 +08 13 02; Peg
V = 11.1; Size 2.6'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (9/14/85): bright, slightly elongated 4:3, brighter core (although less intense than NGC 7619), substellar nucleus. A mag 14.3 star is less than1' W. NGC 7626 is the second brightest in the Pegasus I cluster and appears similar to NGC 7619 6.9' W.
13.1" 11/5/83 and (9/22/84): bright, small prominent core, fainter halo, similar to NGC 7619.
8" (9/25/81): faint, small, bright core. A mag 6.5 star is at the south edge of the 40' field.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7626 = H. II-440 = h2233 on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and recorded "pB, pS, bM." John Herschel made two observations, "pB; R; bM; 30"." (sweep 89) and "B; R; pL; psbM" (sweep 280).
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23 22 30.7 +11 53 31; Peg
V = 13.9; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7627 = Sw. 6-95 on 18 Nov 1886 and recorded "vF; S; vE; coarse double star near north; the double star is between 2 stars." There is nothing near his position. Herbert Howe mentions in his 1899-00 observations that "I failed to find this on two nights. In reply to a letter of inquiry, Swift says that this is identical with 7641, one of Stephan's nebulae which I have measured. With this opinion I agree, having seen near 7641 the "2 star n" mentioned by Swift." Dreyer repeats this conclusion in the IC 2 appendix. If NGC 7627 is identical to NGC 7641, then Swift's position is off by 1.6 tmin in RA (too far west) and 10' too far north. His comment "vE" applies to this galaxy though the "coarse D * nr n; the D * is bet 2 stars" is not a good match. So this identification is uncertain. RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent. See Corwin's notes for more.
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23 20 54.9 +25 53 55; Peg
V = 12.7; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 117°
17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, small, round, bright core, stellar nucleus.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7628 = St. 9-37 = Sw. 4-95 on 27 Sep 1869. On 4 Oct 1878 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "very faint, small, round, brighter core." Lewis Swift made an independent discovery on 9 Nov 1884. He included it in his 4th discovery list (#95) with description "eF; pS; R." Dreyer credited by Stephan (first) and Swift (second) in the NGC.
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23 21 19.3 +01 24 11; Psc
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 170°
17.5" (8/1/87): faint, very small, round. A mag 14 star is 1.2' NE of
center. Similar to
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7629 = m 575, along with NGC 7642, on 19 Oct 1864 and noted vF, vS, stellar." His position is accurate.
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23 21 16.3 +11 23 50; Peg
V = 14.2; Size 1.1'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 162°
17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, very small, elongated
~N-S, low surface brightness.
Located 2' E of an unequal double star mag 11/13 at 20"
separation.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7630 before 8 Aug 1880
while viewing Faye's comet "as seen some 15' following...There are 2
similar nebulae within 30' south-following [NGC 7638 and 7639]." Common gives a very rough position in
his Copernicus list (nearest min of RA).
But just 2' south is
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23 21 26.7 +08 13 03; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 1.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 79°
17.5" (9/14/85): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, gradually brightens but no nucleus, fainter extensions. Located 11.0' E of NGC 7626 in the Pegasus I cluster.
13.1" (11/13/82 and 11/5/83): faint, weak concentration, elongated ~E-W.
George Johnstone Stoney or Bindon Stoney, LdR's assistants, discovered NGC 7631 on 30 Aug 1851. He noted "12' following h's second nebula [NGC 7626] is another E preceding and following, F, light unequal." Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered this galaxy on 21 Sep 1862 and made a total of 6 observations (noting the equivalence of the two GC entries from LdR and himself).
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23 22 00.9 -42 28 50; Gru
V = 12.1; Size 2.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 92°
18" (10/16/09): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated E-W, 0.5'x0.4' (core region probably viewed), contains a very small bright inner core, occasional stellar nucleus. Located 4' NE of a mag 10 star. Located 40' SE of the Grus Quartet (NGC 7582/NGC 7590/NGC 7599) and a member of the same group.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7632 = h3985 on 5 Sep 1834 and
recorded "pB; S; R; psbM; 20" [diameter]." On a later sweep he
called it "vF; R; glbM; 20"." His mean position (two
observations) matches
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23 23 03.5 -67 39 09; Ind
V = 12.4; Size 2.1'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 142°
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, fairly large,
oval 4:3 WSW-ENE, 1.2'x0.9', sharply concentrated with a very bright roundish
core. Subtle extensions (forming the bar) extend from the core. A mag 13 star is 1.7' N and a mag 15
star is 1.3' SSW. Located 29' SE
of mag 6.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 7633 = h3986 on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "pF; vS; pmE in parallel; psbM." E-W bar in larger ring oriented NW-SE.
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23 21 41.7 +08 53 13; Peg
V = 12.6; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 95°
17.5" (9/14/85): moderately bright, very small, small bright core, round. A mag 14 star is close south 20" SSE of center. Located 40' N of NGC 7619/NGC 7626 in the Pegasus I cluster.
13.1" (11/13/82 and 11/5/83): fairly faint, small, slightly brighter core. A star is off the south edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7634 = H. II-441 = h2234 on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and noted "F, S". John Herschel made the single observation (sweep 281), "a double star [HJ 3185] with some singular nebulous appendage. The stars are 14m." One star is certainly on the south edge and the other is probably the nucleus. At Birr Castle, Samuel Hunter was uncertain if the star at the south edge was nebulous, but on his third observation in 1862 noted "I think there is no neby round the * adjoining it."
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23 20 45 +61 11 42; Cas
V = ~10.5; Size 15'x8'
17.5" (8/2/86): the "Bubble Nebula" extends
mainly north of the ionizing emission-line star, mag 8.7 BD+60°2522 (O6.5-type
supergiant). Dark lanes are suspected to the north with very faint
nebulosity just north of this gap.
The main piece of nebulosity curves away from the involved star towards
the east but appears brightest at the western edge near the bright star. Only the portion of the rim extending
from north to east of the 3' diameter "Bubble" was seen (not the
south edge). The view improved
with both OIII and UHC filters but not dramatically. Located 6.5' NE of
mag 7
13.1" (9/29/84): unusual appearance - surrounds a mag 8 star with a mag 7 star nearby to the SW. The nebulosity mostly appears north of the mag 8 star with a suspected dark lane to the north of this nebulosity. Very faint nebulosity appears close north of this lane. The main section hooks around the involved star to the east.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7635 = H. IV-52 = h2235 on 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773) and recorded "a bright star with F nebulosity; but I saw it too late to verify it, as in the north I cannot follow the stars. I rather suspect a deception." On 26 Nov 1788 (sweep 887) he added "a star about 9m with vF nebulosity of very little extent."
Hubble announced NGC 7635 as a new planetary in his 1921 paper "Twelve New Planetary Nebulae", though he noted it "may possibly be transition forms between planetaries and diffuse gaseous nebulase." He again called it a giant planetary nebula in the 1922 paper "A general study of diffuse galactic nebulae." John Reynolds wrote an article in a 1924 issue of "The Observatory" titled "A remarkable planetary nebula in Cassiopeia", though didn't reference Hubble's earlier listings. Even in the early 1970's NGC 7635 was considered a possible or probable planetary (see ApJ, 167, 491-498 (1971)), though it was not included in Kohoutek's Catalogue of Galactic Planetary Nebulae (CGPN).
John Mallas called it a "Bubble" in his Aug/Sep 1963 article "Visual Atlas of Planetary Nebulae-VI", published in the "Review of Popular Astronomy".
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23 22 33.0 -29 16 51; Scl
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 30°
17.5" (10/13/90): very faint, very small, weak
concentration, low surface brightness.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7636 = h3987 on 28 Sep 1834 and logged "eF; S; R; sbM; rather a doubtful object." Despite his uncertainty, his position accurately matches this galaxy.
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23 26 30 -81 54 42; Oct
V = 12.5; Size 2.1'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.9
24" (4/12/08 - Magellan Observatory, Australia): fairly
faint, fairly small, round, 40" diameter, weak concentration, slightly
brighter core. A mag 13.5 star is
just off the north edge of the halo, 0.7' from the center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7637 = h3984 on 17 Oct 1835 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vlbM; 90"; 2 or 3 stars near it."
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NGC 7638 = IC 1483 = MCG +02-59-030 = CGCG 431-046 = PGC 71246
23 22 33.1 +11 19 44; Peg
V = 14.4; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (9/7/96): very faint, small, round, 30"
diameter, low even surface brightness.
Located 8' N of mag 8.3
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7638, along with NGC
7639 and 7630, on or before 8 Aug 1880 while viewing comet Faye. Common only mentions "there are 2
similar nebulae [to NGC 7630] within 30' sf" but does not provide
coordinates for NGC 7638 and 7639.
A group of faint galaxies is ~20' ESE of NGC 7630. It's likely that common picked up the
two brightest, NGC 7638 = CGCG 431-046 and
Stephane Javelle independently discovered these galaxies on 2 Dec 1893 and measured accurate positions. So, NGC 7638 = IC 1483 and NGC 7639 = IC 1485. MCG and CGCG label these galaxies using the IC designation only. See Harold Corwin's NGC/IC notes.
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NGC 7639 = IC 1485 = MCG +02-59-032 = CGCG 431-050 = PGC 71256
23 22 48.2 +11 22 22; Peg
V = 14.6; Size 0.6'x0.5'; PA = 123°
17.5" (9/7/96): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter. Similar size as IC 1483 = NGC 7638 but contains a very small brighter core that makes it a little easier to view. Just preceding a small triangle of mag 12-14.5 stars. Also collinear with a wide pair 5' SW near IC 1483. Brightest in a trio with IC 1484 2.1' WNW and IC 1483 4.5' SW.
The identification of IC 1483 is certain but NGC 7639 is uncertain.
Andrew Ainslie Common discovered NGC 7639, along with NGC 7638, on 8 Aug 1880 while viewing comet Faye. This is the last entry in his discovery list. See notes for NGC 7630 and 7638.
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23 22 06.6 +40 50 44; And
V = 11.3; Size 10.5'x2.0'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 167°
24" (10/4/13): at 200x appeared bright, very large, nearly edge-on 4:1 N-S, ~6.5'x1.5'. Very asymmetric appearance with a brighter, elongated core, 1.0'x0.5', which is oddly angled to the major axis in PA 160° (NNW-SSE). A mag 14 star is just off the SE side of the core. The galaxy dims more noticeably on the south side, but is brighter along the western half (DSS shows this is a long spiral arm). A mag 11 star is just west of the northern end of the galaxy [3.1' NNW of center] and two mag 15.5 stars at the north tip are collinear with the mag 11 star. The northern half of the galaxy is also asymmetric with a slightly brighter strip (arm) extending N-S and a very low surface brightness (outer arm) near the mag 11 star. Additional mag 11 stars bracket the galaxy just west of the S end and 1.8' NE of center.
24" (10/17/20): at 375x an extremely compact HII knot, perhaps 8" in diameter, was glimpsed 3.7' SSE of center and just 25" SW of a mag 12.8 star. The observation required extreme averted vision but was repeated a few times and confirmed, though only for brief moments.
17.5" (8/8/91): moderately bright, very large, very elongated 4:1 N-S, 7.0'x1.5'. The large, slightly brighter middle bulges out a little. A mag 13.5 star is at the SE edge of the core 33" from the center. Bracketed by two mag 11 stars at the north end 3.0' NNW of center and just west of the south end 2.6' SSW of center. An extremely faint mag 15 star is embedded near the north end.
8" (11/8/80): faint, large, very elongated streak N-S. There are stars at both the north and south end.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7640 = H. II-600 = h2236 on 17 Oct 1786 (sweep 613) and recorded "pB, mE a little np to sf but nearly in the meridian, lbM, resolvable, about 5' long and 1.5' broad." On 1 Oct 1828, John Herschel logged "F; L; mE from a bright to a faint star; vlbM; 2 1/2' l, 20" br. See fig. 60."
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NGC 7641 = NGC 7627 = UGC 12556 = MCG +02-59-029 = CGCG 431-047 = PGC 71241
23 22 30.7 +11 53 31; Peg
V = 13.9; Size 1.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 144°
17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, small, low even surface
brightness, elongated 5:2 NW-SE.
Located 8' SW of
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7641 = St. 5-11, probably on 4 Sep 1872. Only a single position was given on that date that is close to NGC 7643. His published position in list 5 (#11) was reduced on 24 Sep 1873 with description "eF, S; roundish, but of irregular form; diffused, with a slightly brighter centre." NGC 7626, found by Swift on 18 Nov 1886, is probably a duplicate observation. See that number.
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NGC 7642 = UGC 12560 = MCG +00-59-035 = CGCG 380-048 = PGC 71264
23 22 53.4 +01 26 34; Psc
V = 13.7; Size 0.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.1
24" (1/1/16): at 375x; faint/fairly faint, very small,
round, 20" diameter, weak concentration to center.
17.5" (8/1/87): faint, very small, round, weak concentration. Appears about a half a magnitude fainter than the CGCG mag 14.5z.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7642 = m 576, along with NGC 7629, on 19 Oct 1864. He noted "vF, vS, bM" and measured an accurate position.
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NGC 7643 = NGC 7644? = UGC 12563 = MCG +02-59-033 = CGCG 431-051 = PGC 71261
23 22 50.5 +11 59 20; Peg
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 45°
17.5" (10/28/89): faint, fairly small, very elongated SW-NE, weak concentration. Pair with NGC 7641 8' SW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7643 = St. 5-12, along with
NGC 7641, on 4 Sep 1872. His
approximate logbook position was 3' too far WNW. His published position (list 5, #12) was reduced on 24 Sep
1873 with description "irr R, of moderate extent; faint and diffused, with
a slightly brighter center."
He made a late observation on 24 Sep 1878. Harold Corwin suggests that
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NGC 7644 = NGC 7651? = MCG +02-59-036 = CGCG 431-055a = PGC 71344
23 24 26.0 +13 58 20; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.5'; PA = 100°
See observing notes for
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7644 = Sw. 5-100 on 29 Sep 1886 and recorded "vF, pS, lE." There is nothing reasonably bright near his position and the description is too generic to be of help. However, 74 seconds of RA due east is the double system NGC 7651, which Swift discovered earlier in the month on 1 Sep 1886 and placed correctly. Most likely NGC 7644 is a second observation of NGC 7651. Harold Corwin also suggests NGC 7643 as a possible candidate. See his notes for more.
The RNGC misidentifies 2MFGC 17581 = PGC 1445975 as NGC 7644. This is an edge-on galaxy situated 1.7' east-northeast of NGC 7651 and too faint to have been seen by Swift.
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NGC 7645 = ESO 470-003 = MCG -05-55-007 = PGC 71314
23 23 47.3 -29 23 12; Scl
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 165°
17.5" (10/13/90): very faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration. NGC 7636 lies 17.3' WNW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7645 = h3988 on 27 Sep 1834 and logged "vF; S; R: glbM; 15"." His position is accurate.
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23 24 32.3 -11 59 07; Aqr
= **, Yann Pothier and Harold Corwin. All modern catalogues equate NGC 7646
with
17.5" (8/25/95): very faint, very small, probably elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 30"x20". The view is severely hindered by mag 11.5 star that is attached at the northwest end! It was difficult to determine the dimensions and orientation due to glare from star and faintness of galaxy.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7646 = LM 2-474 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported "mag 14.5; 0.2'x0.1', E 260°, neb?; *9 in PA 10° at 3.6' separation." There is nothing near his rough position, though 8' north is IC 5318 = PGC 71338. All modern catalogues identify this galaxy as NGC 7646, although NED comments the identification is uncertain.
Harold Corwin notes several inconsistencies with Muller's description; the elongation is NW-SE (not ~E-W) and the star at 3.6' separation is 10° west of north, not east. A more serious omission, though, is that Muller makes no mention of the bright, superimposed star on the west side. So, this identification is very unlikely.
In 2016, Yann Pothier suggested NGC 7646 is the double star at 23 24 32.3 -11 59 07. Harold Corwin agrees this is a good candidate as the position angle of the pair matches Muller's estimate and a star is at the required separation and position angle matching Muller's description.
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23 23 57.4 +16 46 38; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x1.0'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 170°
24" (9/2/16): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated, 30"x25", gradually increases to the center. With averted vision a very low surface brightness outer halo was detectable.
NGC 7647 is the brightest galaxy (cD) in
17.5" (9/26/92): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated N-S. A mag 13 star is 1.5' ENE. Appears unusually faint for mag 15.2z due to low surface brightness.
Note: There is no mag 13.5 star to the ENE, so my observation may refer to another galaxy.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7647 = H. III-473 on 29 Nov 1785 (sweep 480) and recorded "eF, cL, some doubt left. It precedes an irregular row of scattered stars. His RA is 10 seconds too small, but the description matches.
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23 23 54.0 +09 40 03; Peg
V = 13.0; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 85°
13.1" (11/2/86): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated, gradually increases to a small bright core. A mag 15 star is 30" E of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7648 = H. III-218 = St. 9-38
on 18 Oct 1784 (sweep 297) and noted "eF, pS, lE." There is nothing at his position, but
15' south is
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23 24 20.1 +14 38 49; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 80°
18" (8/26/06): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, 0.7'x0.6', very weak concentration. Forms a close pair with
17.5" (8/22/98): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, 0.9'x0.6'. Located less than 3' SW of a mag 11 star. This galaxy was the brightest of four members viewed in AGC 2593 in Jim Shields' scope at 220x.
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, fairly small, almost round,
weak concentration. A mag 11 star
is 2.8' ENE of center. Brightest
of five in the core of AGC 2593.
Surrounded by three anonymous galaxies 1.0' NE, 2.6' SW and 3.6' NNE and
MCG +02-59-037 lies 5' ESE.
Located 9' N of mag 7.9
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7649 = Sw. 6-96 on 25 Sep 1886
and recorded "vF; pL; R."
His position is barely off the west side of
Harold Corwin reports that Swift may have
"discovered" this galaxy again on 15 Oct 1887 and reported Sw. 9-99
(later
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23 25 21.2 -57 47 21; Tuc
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.0
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, fairly
large, slightly elongated, 1.0'x0.9', appears brighter along a central bar
oriented E-W. A spiral arm is just visible on the north side and containing a
bright HII knot (or companion?) at its northern end. Brightest in a trio (
John Herschel discovered NGC 7650 = h3989 on 28 Oct 1834, along with NGC 7652, and recorded "pB; R; glbM; 40"; the preceding of 2 [with NGC 7652]." His position (measured on 2 sweeps) is accurate.
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NGC 7651 = NGC 7644? = MCG +02-59-036 = CGCG 431-055a = PGC 71344
23 24 26.0 +13 58 20; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 0.7'x0.5'; PA = 100°
24" (1/1/16): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, 0.5'x0.4', very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a double system with
Several additional galaxies are nearby (part of the southern
extension of AGC 2593).
17.5" (7/17/93): faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, very small brighter core, diffuse halo gradually fades into background. The companion at the south edge was missed.
17.5" (8/27/92): fairly faint, small, round, halo gradually increases to a small bright core. Forms a double system with a companion attached at the south-southwest end. LEDA 3085862 is an extremely faint small knot, round, just nonstellar.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7651 = Sw. 4-96 on 1 Sep 1886 and recorded "eF; S; R; in vacancy." His position is accurate. This is a double system (not resolved by Swift) with an extremely small companion at the south edge. NGC 7644 may be a duplicate observation by Swift. See that number.
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NGC 7652 = ESO 148-011 = KTS 73B = PGC 71402 = PGC 71403
23 25 37.4 -57 53 15; Tuc
V = 13.6; Size 1.2'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 85°
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; moderately bright,
fairly small, round, 30" diameter, gradually increases to the center. A mag 11.5 star is 2' WNW. Southernmost member of the
John Herschel discovered NGC 7652 = h3990, along with NGC 7650, on 28 Oct 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R: the following and fainter of 2 [with NGC 7650]." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7653 = UGC 12586 = MCG +02-59-038 = CGCG 431-058 = PGC 71370
23 24 49.3 +15 16 32; Peg
V = 12.7; Size 1.6'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.5
24" (9/29/16): at 375x; moderately to fairly bright, moderately large, slightly elongated ~N-S, 1.0'x0.8', bright core, very small well-defined nucleus.
Brightest in a group of galaxies with
24" (1/1/16): at 375x; fairly faint or moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S, 0.6'x0.5', small bright core. LEDA 214955 is a challenging target 3.2' NNE. It appeared extremely faint (V = 15.6) and small, round, 6" diameter, only visible intermittently.
17.5" (7/28/92): fairly faint, fairly small, round, broad concentration to a small bright core.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7653 = h2237 on 2 Nov 1823 (sweep 1) and recorded "eF; R; gbM; 30"; appears as M71 does in the 7-feet reflector with the double eye-piece." This galaxy was Herschel's second deep sky discovery. NGC 7010 was discovered earlier on 6 Aug 1823, before formally starting his sweeps (later sequenced as sweep 48 for completeness). The following spring he embarked on a 6 month tour of Europe and his next discovery was not made until 11 Apr 1825 (sweep 3).
Both Harold Corwin and Malcolm Thomson report that IC 1488 has an erroneous position (misidentified offset star) is not identical to NGC 7653 as claimed in the PGC, UGC, etc. The correct identification is IC 1488 = LEDA 2800840, located 12.8' northeast of NGC 7653. See Harold Corwin's identification notes.
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23 24 43 +61 35 36; Cas
V = 6.9; Size 13'
13.1" (9/29/84): 150-175 stars in a 15' diameter, a mag
8 star (
17.5" (8/2/86): fills 21' field, fully resolved at 105x.
8" (10/4/80): beautiful cluster with a full field of stars, including numerous bright and fant stars.
15x50mm binoculars (9/6/10): prominent roundish glow ~10-15' diameter located 40' S of 5th magnitude 4 Cas and on a line with Alpha (Schedir) and Beta (Caph) Cas. A few mag 8-9 stars are resolved.
Charles Messier discovered M52 = NGC 7654 = h2238 on 7 Sept 1774. WH made an early observation on 29 Aug 1783 with his 6-inch and noted, "All resolved into innumerable small [faint] stars without any suspicion of nebulosity." On 3 Nov 1787 (sweep 773), he reported "A very beautiful cl of very compressed stars about 12' dia., nearly R and most compressed in the middle." John Herschel made the single observation, "A ruddy star 9m in the p part of a p rich irreg cl of stars 13m, all separate, 6' diam; a v little more comp in the s f part." Admiral Smyth described M52 as resembling "a bird with outspread wings" and added "the field is one of singular beauty under a moderate magnification."
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NGC 7655 = ESO 077-018 = PGC 71452
23 26 45.9 -68 01 39; Ind
V = 13.2; Size 0.7'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.1
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, very
small, round, 18" diameter.
Contains a very high surface brightness core surrounded by only a small
halo! Situated 2.3' ENE of mag 9.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 7655 = h3991 on 24 Jul 1835 and
recorded "eF and feeble, if a nebula; pslbM; vS; R; 10". It follows a large star." His
position and description matches
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23 24 31.4 -19 03 33; Aqr
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5
48" (11/1/13): at 488x and 610x appeared fairly faint to moderately bright, round, ~24" diameter, high surface brightness. Surprisingly, a low surface brightness wing or loop extending to the northeast was immediately noticed. This loop is brighter along the northern edge and passes through a mag 16.7 star (or stellar galaxy), increasing the overall length to 45" extending southwest (core) to northeast (loop). A mag 16.5 star lies 1.3' W and another mag 16.5 star is 1.4' N. 2MASX J23242536-1902139, an extremely compact galaxy (V = 15.7) lies 1.9' NW. Finally, 2MASX J23243030-1903019, an extremely faint quasi-stellar galaxy was glimpsed less than 30" NNW, although another loop in that direction was not seen.
24" (9/30/16): at 282x; fairly faint, fairly small,
slightly elongated, 20" diameter, contains a small slightly brighter
nucleus.
24" (8/23/14): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 20"-24" diameter, weak concentration. The loop structure to the northeast was not noticed. ESO 605-004 lies 13' WNW.
17.5" (10/21/95): very faint, small, round, 30" diameter. Contains a very small brighter core surrounded by a very faint halo. This is an unusual, distorted interacting system with loops and filaments, though no structure was seen.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7656 = LM 1-263 on 9 Oct
1885 and recorded "vF; vS; R; bMN." There is nothing at his rough position (nearest min of RA),
but approximately 1 minute of RA west is
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NGC 7657 = ESO 148-012 = KTS 73C = PGC 71456
23 26 47.1 -57 48 20; Tuc
V = 14.2; Size 1.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 106°
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly faint to moderately bright, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, 45"x15", fairly low even surface brightness. A mag 14.8 star is off the north side [27" from center] and a mag 16.6 star at the south edge [20" from center]. NGC 7657 is the faintest member of a KTS triplet with NGC 7650 11.5' WNW and NGC 7652 10.5' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7657 = h3992 on 2 Oct 1836 and
noted "eF; R." His
position is just 1' southwest of
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23 26 25.0 -39 13 38; Gru
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 128°
18" (8/19/09): only glimpsed for short moments at 175x. Appeared extremely faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, ~25"x20", very low even surface brightness. The close companion to the north was not seen.
18" (10/25/08): difficult observation due to low altitude and faintness of this double system. This is the southern "knot" of two extremely faint glows (separation 40") that were occasionally visible. Too faint for any details.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7658 = h3994 on 4 Sep 1834 and recorded "double nebula; individuals equal; eF; R; bM; 20"; follows a line of 4 stars at 11 and 12m, somewhat oblique to the meridian. He confirmed the description on 4 Oct 1836, though for some reason he only assigned a single h- and GC-designation. So, we have NGC 7658A and 7658B.
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23 25 55.7 +14 12 35; Peg
V = 14.0; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 110°
17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, even concentration to a small brighter core. This galaxy has a fairly high surface brightness for CGCG mag = 15.1z.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7659 = H. III-212 = h2239 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294) and recorded "eF, eS, stellar. 240 verified it completely though with difficulty." John Herschel made the single observation "vF; S; R; psbM; 15"." and measured an accurate position.
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23 25 48.7 +27 01 48; Peg
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 35°
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, small bright core. A mag 11.5 star is 1.7' W of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7660 = h2240 on 5 Sep 1828 and recorded "F; vS; psmbM; 6"; almost stellar; a star 10m preceding; dist 1' in parallel." His position is accurate.
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23 27 14.3 -65 16 14; Tuc
V = 13.4; Size 1.8'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.1; PA = 25°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x; faint, fairly large, somewhat elongated or irregular,~1.4'x1.1', very low surface brightness (face-on spiral?) halo with only a very weak concentration. A 12' string of 7 stars extends southwest. Observed under windy conditions, though my query "face-on spiral" is accurate.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7661 = h3993 on 1 Nov 1834 and recorded "eF; L; R; vgvlbM; 100"; a difficult object." His position is accurate. RNGC classifies this galaxy as a unverified southern object.
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NGC 7662 = PK 106-17.1 = PN G106.5-17.6 = Blue Snowball
23 25 53.8 +42 32 06; And
V = 8.3; Size 32"x28"
48" (10/24/14): superb view of the double-shell structure at 610x and 813x. The inner shell is elongated ~3:2 SW-NE, ~18"x12", and contains a remarkable, bright thin rim, so it appears like a racetrack with a dark interior. This delicate but high surface brightness ring is brightest along a 90° arc around the northeast end and nearly as bright in a matching 90° arc on the southwest end. The rim is noticeably weaker on the west and east sides. The elongated darker hole spans a large percentage of the inner shell and was punctuated by a faint, but steadily visible central star.
The outer shell is twice the size (~35"x25"), slightly less elongated, and a bit offset in its major axis (SSW-NNE). The outer rim also has two brighter arcs or strips, but only 25°-30° in length. The more prominent arc is on the southeast side with a weaker strip symmetrically placed on the northwest edge. These strips are 90° offset from the much brighter inner arcs. The outer shell appears irregular in surface brightness with an impression of striations. Surrounding the outer shell there appeared to be a very low surface brightness outer halo.
18" (9/10/07): viewed this gorgeous double-shelled planetary at 807x in good seeing. The outer envelope is a sharply defined 35"x25" oval, oriented SSW-NNE. Roughly halfway to the center is a remarkable, thin oval ring oriented SW-NE (slightly offset in orientation compared to the outer shell) of very high surface brightness. This annular ring is brightest along a 90° arc on the south side and is also enhanced along a shorter arc along the northern part of the ring. The ring fades and appears broken with a gap along the west to WNW edge. Inside the ring is a darker oval hole that is weakly luminous.
18" (10/19/06): In steady seeing, the double-shell structure was remarkable at 807x (7mm Pentax + 2.5x Powermate). The outer envelope is noticeably oval SW-NE, ~35"x25". Embedded within this envelope is a fairly thin, very bright inner ring with a sharply defined outline. The ring was irregular in surface brightness but clearly brightest at the SW and NE ends of the ring (ends of the major axis). The ring fades on the NW side and there was a small, distinct gap in the ring at the NW end. The surface brightness of the inner ring was high enough to give a glowing "electric" quality with an impression of a rope-like or twisted structure. The center of the ring was much darker than the ring and formed a substantial dark oval at this magnification, but was still clearly luminous.
17.5" (9/19/98 and 10/13/01): at 500x, this blue high surface brightness planetary has a beautiful double-shell structure with a small, dark center. The bright inner structure has a delicate, embedded thinner ring of very high surface brightness, though weaker at the following end. In the center of this ring is a small, darker hole. The fainter, outer envelope is elongated SW-NE, ~35"x25", giving an asymmetric appearance with the outline of the inner ring.
17.5" (10/12/85): extremely bright, very high surface brightness, fairly small, easily takes very high power. At 410x, the planetary appears weakly annular with a slightly darker center. There is a second outer shell, which exhibits subtle structure due to an irregular surface structure, blue-green color is evident. Central star not seen.
13.1" (9/11/82): darker center at 288x, faint outer shell.
8" (8/15/82) : slightly darker center at 300-400x, irregular surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7662 = H. IV-18 = h2241 on 6 Oct 1784 (during sweeps 281-285, which was made in the east) and noted "bright, round, a planetary [with a] pretty well defined disk, 15" diameter with a 7 feet reflector." In his 1811 PT paper, he write "A beautifully bright round nebula, have a pretty well defined disk of about 10 or 12" in diameter. It is a little elliptical, and has a very small star following, which gives us the idea of a small satellite accompanying its planet [from 3 Oct 1790, sweep 964]. It is visible in a common finder as a small star." This may be the first time "planetary" is actually used although earlier, Darquier describes M57 "... as large as Jupiter and resembles a fading planet."
On 1 Oct 1828, John Herschel recorded "A fine planetary nebula. Diameter 12"; with 240 beautifully defined, light, rather mottled, and the edge the least in the world unshaped. It is not nebulous, but looks as if had a double outline, or like a star a little out of focus. A perfect circle." He measured the 13th magnitude star ~50" NE of center several times (interested in it as a possible satellite of the planetary) and noted "These satellites of planetary nebulae out to be especially attended to."
32 observations were made with Lord Rosse's 72". Rosse and George Johnstone Stoney on 31 Oct 1848: "Has a central spot, at moments very dark." Rosse and Stoney made sketches on 16 Dec 1848 revealing the double ring structure and brighter arcs (1850 publication, Fig. 13). Rosse included NGC 7662 in the list of objects showing "dark spaces" in his 1850 publication. Stoney's sketch on 16 Sep 1852 (Plate XXX, Fig. 40 in the 1861 Monograph), using a freshly polished speculum, shows a prominent central star within a spiral shaped nebula and well-defined "arms".
Using a 9.5" refractor in 1855, Father Secchi described (and sketched) a slightly darker horseshoe-shaped central region and a brighter outer arc, a questionable amount of detail for that aperture. Joseph Winlock and George Searle, observing with the HCO 15-inch refractor around 1866, did not report the central star but "Two edges seen...as of a brighter nebula placed over a dimmer one. The brighter and fainter ellipses have major axes slightly differing in direction; the brighter having the position angle of its major axis 10° to 15° the large"
William Huggins first observed the emission line spectrum of NGC 7662 in 1864 and noted "three lines". It was confirmed by Father Angelo Secchi in 1866 and again by Lieutenant John Herschel, son of John Herschel, in 1868. At the time he was stationed in Bangalore, India for a trigonometric survey.
Barnard thought the central star was variable based on observations with the Yerkes 40-inch in 1897 and wrote a paper in 1908 on "The Variability of the Nucleus of the Planetary Nebula NGC 7662" (MNRAS, 68, 465). The paper includes a superb sketch made with the 40-inch refractor at Yerkes. In 1935, John Duncan wrote "The bright ring of NGC 7662, like that of NGC 6720, has a vivid bluish-green color; but the outer shell, seen with a large reflector [probably with the 60"] on a favorable night, has a pronounced reddish hue."
The nickname "Blue Snowball" is from Leland S. Copeland’s description "looking like light blue snowball" in a 1960 Sky & Tel article.
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23 26 45.2 -04 57 59; Aqr
V = 14.5; Size 0.4'x0.4'
17.5" (12/16/95): this observation refers to MCG
-01-59-022 which is located 4.4' W of (R)NGC 7663 = MCG -01-59-023. It appeared extremely faint and small,
round, 20" diameter, very weak concentration to an occasional 10"
core. Located on a line between a
mag 14 star 1.2' NW and mag 9.5
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7663 = Nova #5 on 18 Dec
1865, while searching for Biela's Comet with the 9.5-inch Merz equatorial at
the College Romain. There is
nothing near his position or several other objects he claimed. The RNGC and PGC identify
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23 26 39.8 +25 04 49; Peg
V = 12.7; Size 2.6'x1.5'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 90°
17.5" (9/23/89): moderately bright, moderately large,
oval E-W, brighter core. A mag 14
star is just off the south edge 1.0' from center and a mag 15 star is just off
NE edge 38" from center.
Located midway between mag 6.8
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7664 = St. 8a-29 = T. 1-51 on 27 Sep 1869 with additional observations on 25 Sep 1873 and 14 Sep 1876. His reduced position was published the following year (list 8, #29) with description "extremely faint and small, irregularly round, slightly brighter middle, very faint star involved." Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered this galaxy in 1876. Both Stephan (1) and Tempel (2) were credited in the NGC.
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23 27 14.8 -09 23 13; Aqr
V = 12.7; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.3
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, round, small bright
core. Located 2.9' WNW of mag 9.1
William Herschel discovered NGC 7665 = H. III-438 on 28 Sep 1785 (sweep 445) and logged "eF, S, stellar, about 1 1/2' a pB star." His dec is 2' too small.
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23 27 24 -04 11; Aqr
= Not found, Corwin and Steinicke.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7666 = Nova #8 on 21 Dec 1865 while searching for Biela's Comet, which never returned after 1852. There is nothing near his position. Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke were unable to identify a candidate and classify it as lost (along with several others that Ferrari claimed).
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23 24 23.1 -00 06 29; Psc
V = 14.0; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 90°
48" (10/27/16): at 488x; fairly faint, large, elongated roughly 5:2 E-W but the shape is irregular. Low though uneven surface brightness with no core. The galaxy bends to the north on the east side and spreads out into a very low surface brightness haze.
This barred Magellanic irregular (possible merger) contains a series of blue HII knots along the west side and three were seen at 488x. A very faint stellar or quasi-stellar knot (UM 160 NED1) is detached off the west end. A slightly brighter tiny knot (UM 160 NED2) is close ESE [by 15"], at the west edge of the galaxy. A third collinear knot (UM 160 NED3), 15" further ESE, was intermittently visible. The NED designations are from the University of Michigan emission line survey.
24" (9/29/16): at 375x; very faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 ~E-W, ~30"x20", low even surface brightness (surprisingly faint). This is highly irregular or disrupted merger with several blue knots on the western half, but these were not noticed. UGC 12589 lies 12' NE. This peculiar galaxy (another merger?) appeared extremely faint, fairly small, very elongated 5:2 or 3:1 SW-NE, 30"x12", very low surface brightness.
17.5" (8/31/86): very faint, very diffuse, elongated 3:2 E-W. A faint star is 2' N and another 6' ENE (mag 14.5/15 double at 16"). UGC 12589 lies 12' NE.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7667 = Nova #9, along with
******************************
23 27 12 -00 11; Psc
= Not found, Corwin.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7668 = Nova #10, along with NGC 7667, 7669 and 7670, on 21 Dec 1865 while searching for Biela's Comet (lost after 1852). There is nothing near his position (along with several others objects he claimed) and both Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke list this number as lost. See NGC 7667.
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23 27 12 -00 11; Psc
= Not found, Corwin.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7669 = Nova #11, along with NGC 7667, 7668 and 7670, on 21 Dec 1865 while unsuccessfully searching for Biela's Comet. There is nothing near his position and both Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke list this number as lost. Only 3 out of 14 objects he claimed during the search are reliably identified. See NGC 7667.
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23 27 12 -00 11; Psc
= Not found, Corwin.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7670 = Nova #12, along with NGC 7667, 7668 and 7669, on 21 Dec 1865 while fruitlessly searching for Biela's Comet (never returned after 1852). There is nothing near his position and both Harold Corwin and Wolfgang Steinicke list this number as lost (along with several others that Ferrari claimed). See NGC 7667.
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23 27 19.3 +12 28 03; Peg
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 138°
17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, oval
NW-SE, prominent small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 2.1' W. Pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 7671 = H. III-226 = h2242 on 21 Oct 1784 and simply logged "eF, S. The moon up(?)." He found the galaxy again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 476) and described it as "vF, vS, stellar. 240 confirmed it; a few minutes following a pB star." On 12 Oct 1825 (sweep 13) , John Herschel recorded "pB; S; R; 20"; mbM, with a hazy border. Approaching to a stellar, or a planetary character."
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NGC 7672 = MCG +02-59-045 = CGCG 431-070 = PGC 71485
23 27 31.4 +12 23 07; Peg
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 36°
17.5" (10/28/89): very faint, small, round, low surface brightness, no central brightening. Pair with NGC 7671 5.7' NW.
R.J. Mitchell, assistant to Lord Rosse, discovered NGC 7672 = Sw. 2-100 on 23 Oct 1857. While observing NGC 7671 he logged "I see a S, vF, neb about 6' south. and this latter is followed by a double star." Lewis Swift independently discovered this galaxy on 31 Oct 1885 and reported it as new in his second discovery paper. Swift described it as "eF; pS; R; v diff.; [NGC 7671] near; [William Herschel] is wrong and [John Herschel] right as to brightness of [NGC 7671]."
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23 27 41.4 +23 35 20; Peg
V = 12.8; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1
48" (11/4/21): at 610x; bright, fairly small, roundish,
~30" diameter, irregular surface brightness. Contains a bright, very mottled core or knot(s) that is offset
towards the SW side. Another knot
less than 5" in size is near the NNE edge. A mag 16.4 star is 0.8' N and a
1.4' pair of mag 8/9 stars is 4' E.
13.1" (9/22/84): moderately bright, small, weak concentration,
round. Forms a pair with NGC 7677
7' SE. Located 4' W of mag 7.9 SAO
91280 and 5' WNW of mag 8.6
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7673 = m 577 on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "F, S, R." Heinrich d'Arrest independently discovered the galaxy again on 30 Sep 1866 with the 11" refractor at Copenhagen Observatory.
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23 27 56.7 +08 46 44; Peg
V = 13.2; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
48" (10/30/16): at 610x; very bright, moderately large,
round, 0.9' diameter, sharply concentrated with an intensely bright core that
increases to a blazing stellar nucleus!
The halo has an irregular surface brightness with a strong hint of
spiral structure, though no clearly defined arms. A faint star (mag ~16.5) is at the northeast edge and NGC
7674A = HCG 96C is just beyond this star.
The contact companion is moderately bright, small, roundish, ~18"
diameter, slightly brighter stellar nucleus.
24" (12/28/13): at 375x appeared fairly bright, fairly
small, round, 0.8' diameter, sharply concentrated with a small, very bright
core. Brightest in the HCG 96
quartet with
HCG 96D: extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter, only pops with averted (at same position) but cannot hold for an extended period.
18" (9/3/05): moderately bright, fairly small, round,
~0.8' initially though with averted the halo appeared ~1' diameter. Contains a brighter core and stellar
nucleus. Brightest and largest of
a trio in HCG 96.
18" (8/27/05): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 0.7' diameter (though somewhat larger with averted vision), even concentration to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. Forms a similar pair with NGC 7675 2.5' E in HCG 96.
17.5" (11/28/97): fairly faint, small, roundish, 0.6' diameter, increases to a very small brighter core and a stellar nucleus. Forms a very close pair with MCG +01-59-081 = HCG 96C close off the NE side. Brightest of three visible in the group. CGCG 406-113 is also in the field 8.5' due north.
17.5" (7/16/93): brightest in HCG 96. Fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, bright core, substellar nucleus. A companion (
17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 7675 2.5' ESE. Seeing poor.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7674 = h2243, along with NGC 7675 on 16 Aug 1830. His description reads "F; R; gbM; 30". The p of 2 [with NGC 7675]." Samuel Hunter observed the pair as an assistant at Birr Castle on 30 Sep 1862 and described "Two neb p and f; preceding one [NGC 7674] is double, north-south, north component may only be a * enveloped in nebulosity". The "north component" is MCG +01-59-081 = HCG 96C and if Hunter was more certain, this object would likely have received a NGC designation. Édouard Stephan made another observation on 14 Sep 1876. The MCG misidentifies MCG +01-59-081 as NGC 7674 and NGC 7674 itself is mislabeled as NGC 7675.
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NGC 7675 = HCG 96B = Arp 182 NED2 = VV 343 = MCG +01-59-083 = CGCG 406-114 = PGC 71518
23 28 05.9 +08 46 07; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 35°
48" (10/30/16): at 610x; very bright, moderately large, well concentrated with a very bright core that increases to the center. The halo is oval 4:3 SSW-NNE. NGC 7675 is the second brightest member of the HCG 96 quartet with HCG 96D 1.5' W. LEDA 1353595, situated 1.9' NE though not a member, appeared very faint (V = 16.9), small, irregularly round, 10" diameter, very low surface brightness.
24" (12/28/13): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 or 5:4 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.45', well concentrated with a small, very bright core. Second brightest in the HCG 96 quartet with NGC 7674 2.4' WNW.
18" (9/3/05): fairly faint, fairly small, round, very small brighter core and stellar nucleus with direct vision. Located 2.5' ESE of slightly brighter and larger NGC 7674.
18" (8/27/05): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated, 0.6'x0.5', very small bright core. Located 2.4' following NGC 7674.
17.5" (11/28/97): faint, very small, round, 20" diameter, very small brighter core. At 280x a stellar nucleus is visible. Located 2.4' ESE of NGC 7674 in HCG 96.
17.5" (7/16/93): faint, small, round, broad concentration, substellar nucleus. Second brightest in NGC 7674 group = HCG 96 group with NGC 7674 2.5' WNW. Appears brighter than listed magnitude.
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, very small, round, weak concentration, slightly smaller and fainter than NGC 7674 2.5' WNW. Poor seeing during observation.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7675 = h2244, along with NGC 7674, on 16 Aug 1830 and noted "vF; R; gbM; 20". The f of 2 [with NGC 7674]." MCG (+01-59-083) doesn't label this galaxy as NGC 7675.
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23 29 01.7 -59 43 00; Tuc
V = 12.5; Size 1.7'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 85°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; bright, moderately
large, elongated 2:1 E-W, ~1.4'x0.7'.
The galaxy is sharply concentrated with a small, intense core that
increases to the center. ESO
148-017, situated 17' NNE, appeared fairly bright, fairly large, oval ~2:1
SW-NE, ~1.8'x0.8'. Contains a
bright elongated core that appears slightly askew from the major axis of the
halo. The galaxy is also located
10' ESE of mag 7.1
John Herschel discovered NGC 7676 = h3995 on 28 Oct 1834 and recorded "B; S; lE; vsvmbM to a * 11m." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7677 = UGC 12610 = MCG +04-55-015 = CGCG 476-043 = Mrk 326 = VV 619 = LGG 474-002 = PGC 71517
23 28 06.2 +23 31 53; Peg
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 35°
48" (11/4/21): at 610x (quick look); fairly bright, 30"
roundish central region with a sharp stellar nucleus and an irregular surface
brightness. Very weak, ill-defined
halo (containing spiral arms) A
mag 14.6 star is 0.6' N and a mag 12.3 star is 0.9' NW. Two very bright stars were kept out of
the field; a mag 8.8 star less than 3' NNW and mag 7.9
13.1" (9/22/84): faint, small, almost round. Located 6.6' SE of brighter NGC
7673. Two bright stars to the
north interfere with viewing! Mag
8.6 SAO 91282 lies 2.7' N and mag 7.9
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7677 = m 578, along with NGC 7673, on 5 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, vS, stell." His position is accurate.
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23 28 27.9 +22 25 16; Peg
V = 11.8; Size 2.3'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 5°
48" (10/27/16 and 10/28/19): at 610x; very bright, fairly large, slightly elongated SSW-NNE, 2.0'x1.5'. Contains and small bright core and an extremely bright, very small nucleus with a pinpoint stellar peak. The core is elongated WNW-ESE and appeared as a weak bar. A bright thin arm was nearly attached on the east side of the "bar" and swung counterclockwise to the south of the core. This arm was sharply defined and brightened significantly on the southwest end [~30" SW of center]. The northern arm was only visible at its root near the west end of the "bar" as well as a small, detached piece on the northeast side of the halo [30" NE of center]. The galaxy sits within a bright isosceles triangle of mag 11/12 stars. The observation was made in good seeing but through thin clouds.
24" (10/5/13): NGC 7678 is in the Arp group of "spiral galaxies - one heavy arm", which is evident visually. At 260x the galaxy is beautifully framed with a thin triangle of mag 11.3/11.4 stars to the north and a mag 12 star off the south end. It appeared fairly bright, moderately large, elongated SW-NE, ~1.8'x1.3'. Contains a brighter elongated core that increases to a very small brighter nucleus. The "heavy arm" is visible on the south side as a thin, shallow arc in the outer halo and brightens right at its western tip.
13.1" (9/9/83): faint, moderately large, diffuse, slightly elongated ~N-S, 1.8'x1.4', weak concentration. Located within a thin isosceles triangle of mag 10.5-11 stars with the vertex at the south end and height 2.5'. The mag 11 star just off the south end is just 1.1' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7678 = H. II-226 = h2245 on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274) and recorded "F, pL, bM, elliptical, between an acute triangle of pretty considerable stars." On 25 Aug 1828 (sweep 91), John Herschel described this galaxy as "F; vR [sic?]; pL; lbM; very symmetrically situated in the southern part of a lozenge of 4 stars, on the longer diagonal, forming an elegant object." He included a sketch in the Slough catalogue (fig. 85).
NGC 7678 was sketched at least 4 times Lord Rosse's assistants. On 5 Nov 1850, George Johnstone Stoney (returning from studies at Trinity) or his brother Bindon reported "I saw two knots and a dark space between them [gap between nucleus and southern arm]. I think the nebula is connected above the dark space." On 17 Oct 1854, R.J. Mitchell made a sketch (Plate XXX, Fig. 41 in the 1861 Monograph) noted "spirality distinctly seen. I thought the coil double in more closely upon itself than shown in Mr. Stoney's drawing, and that the central knot had a stellar nucleus. The whole nebula looked sparkling, though I could not see any separate stars."
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23 28 46.7 +03 30 41; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 93°
24" (9/29/16): at 200x; moderately to fairly bright, fairly small, round, 25"-30" diameter, high surface brightness. Contains a small bright core that increases to a faint stellar nucleus. Burnham 1222, a close 1.4" pair of mag 10 stars, is 5.2' NW and cleanly resolved at 375x.
On the SDSS NGC 7679 appears disrupted and surrounded by an
off-center ring or tidal arm with a condensation (former companion?) at the
eastern edge (
17.5" (8/1/87): moderately bright, very small, round, very small bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a pair with NGC 7682 4.3' ENE. A mag 12 star lies 2.4' WNW. Located 5.3' SE of a mag 9.5 star.
13.1" (9/3/83): fairly faint, extremely small, dominated by a very small intense nucleus.
8" (8/16/82): faint, small bright nucleus surrounded by a small halo.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7679 on 23 Sep 1864 with
the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His position (measured again 2 nights later with nearby
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23 28 35.1 +32 24 57; Peg
V = 12.6; Size 1.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.8
24" (10/12/20): at 375x; moderately bright, unusual appearance as sharply concentrated with a very bright, very small core (~0.4') increasing to a stellar nucleus. The halo is diffuse with a low surface brightness and perhaps 1' in diameter, but very difficult to estimate the size.
17.5" (8/13/88): moderately bright, very bright core,
moderately large halo slightly elongated SSW-NNE. Several faint stars are near including two 14th mag stars
40" S and 1.2' E of center.
In a trio with
William Herschel discovered NGC 7680 = H. III-860 = h2246 = St. 9-39 on 2 Nov 1790 (sweep 975) and "vF, S, lbM." Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate micrometric position on 7 Nov 1863. Stephan also observed NGC 7680 on 27 Sep 1873 and 24 Sep 1878. He reduced the position of 30 Oct 1878 and surprisingly reported it as new in his 9th discovery list (#39). Dreyer credited d'Arrest and Stephan for the NGC position.
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23 28 54.9 +17 18 35; Peg
V = 13.7; Size 1.6'x1.4'; PA = 42°
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, very small, round, small prominent core with stellar nucleus. A wide pair of stars mag 11.5 and 13 at 25" separation is 2.5' NE.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7681 = H. II-242 = h2247 on
11 Oct 1784 (sweep 274) and recorded "F, vS, irr R, resolvable." His
position is good (within 1'). On
29 Nov 1785 (sweep 480), he logged "F, S, lrr E, near and preceding 2 or 3
stars." John Herschel made
two observations and noted on sweep 11, "vF; R; gbM; 20" to 30";
near a double star. Bigourdan also
measured the position of NGC 7681 as 23 26 21 +17 02 52. All of their positions are in good
agreement with
Despite this match RNGC, RC3, CGCG, UGC notes and NGC 2000
all misidentify
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NGC 7682 = Arp 216 NED2 = VV 329b = UGC 12622 = MCG +00-59-047 = CGCG 380-062 = PGC 71566
23 29 03.9 +03 32 00; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3
24" (9/29/16): at 200x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 4:3 NNW-SSE, ~32"x24", bright core. In a trio with NGC 7679 4.5' WSW and UGC 12628 10' SSE. UGC 12628 appeared fairly faint, fairly large, slightly elongated, ~1.2'x1.0', low but uneven surface brightness (face-on spiral). A few times I detected a central bar running SW-NE (confirmed on the DSS).
17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 ~N-S, brighter core, faint stellar nucleus. Larger of a pair with NGC 7679 4.3' WSW.
13.1" (9/9/83): very faint, diffuse, slightly elongated.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7682 on 23 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position is accurate (measured a total of 3 nights) and he mentioned a mag 14 star preceded by 13.7 seconds of RA. d'Arrest didn't record brighter NGC 7679 until 2 years later.
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23 29 03.8 +11 26 43; Peg
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 140°
17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
NW-SE, weak concentration, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 1.2' NNW. Located 6.0' SE of mag 8.7
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7683 = Nova #1 = T. 1-52 on 14 Nov 1865 while unsuccessfully searching for Biela's Comet. Although the positions of the other 13 objects in the discovery list (AN 1571) were found using the setting circles, NGC 7683 was measured using a comparison star, so has a more accurate position. Wilhelm Tempel independently discovered this galaxy in 1876.
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23 30 32.0 +00 04 52; Psc
V = 13.6; Size 1.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 21°
17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, small, very elongated ~N-S, small intense core. A mag 12 star is just off the NW side 45" from center. A faint companion 5' NNW (15.6z) not seen.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7684 = m 580 on 5 Oct 1863 and noted "F, vS, stell." His position is accurate and the observation is marked as verified.
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23 30 33.5 +03 54 06; Psc
V = 13.7; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.5; PA = 170°
17.5" (8/27/87): faint, moderately large, round, diffuse. Located within the Pisces circlet.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7685 = H. III-426 = h2248 on 30 Aug 1785 (sweep 427) and logged "eF; pL; iR; requires great attention to be seen." John Herschel noted "eF; L; 60" to 90"." and measured a fairly accurate position.
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23 30 07 +49 08 00; And
V = 5.6; Size 15'
17.5" (7/31/92): about 75 stars in a 15' field
surrounding mag 6.3
8" (8/16/82): about three dozen stars resolved including three bright stars mag 6.5/7.5/8.5 and many faint stars over haze, elongated E-W, irregular outline.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7686 = H. VIII-69 = h2249 on 3 Dec 1787 (sweep 787) and recorded "a coarsely scattered cluster of pretty large stars. Contains one 8m in the sf part." On 14 Sep 1829 (sweep 209), John Herschel logged "a bright coarse cluster 7' diam; seen in full moonlight. Place of the chief star = 7m; about a dozen 9...11m, and many 12...14m."
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23 30 54.4 +03 32 48; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 75°
17.5" (8/1/87): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, small brighter core. A mag 12 star is 1.5' N of center. Located 27' E of NGC 7682.
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7687 on 21 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. He made a total of 4 observations and measured the mag 11 star 1.5' north.
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23 31 05.5 +21 24 42; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, round. A mag 14 star is 1.4' SSW of center.
Christian Peters discovered NGC 7688 on 13 Oct 1865 with the 13.5-inch refractor at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York, while searching for Biela's Comet (which never returned after 1852). Otto Struve independently discovered this galaxy a few months later on 12 Dec 1865 (also searching for the comet) with the 38-cm Merz & Mahler refractor at the Pulkovo Observatory outside St. Petersburg. Struve noted a mag 14 star in PA 201° at a separation of 80", which pins down this identification. Peters' discovery was not published until his 1882 list in Copernicus, so Dreyer credited Struve in the GC Supplement (6206). Both are listed in the NGC.
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23 33 16.1 -54 05 37; Phe
V = 11.5; Size 2.9'x1.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 162°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, very large, oval 3:2 or 5:3 NW-SE, ~2.7'x1.8', contains a relatively large brighter core that is only weakly concentrated. Spiral structure is evident. A short arm is attached on the southeast side of the core and extends east. A second arm appears to be attached on the southwest side of the core and extends southeast. Finally a third arm appears to the north of the core. The halo is patchy or mottled on the northwest side (HII regions or parts of an arm). A mag 11 star is 2.2' E of center, a mag 15 star is at the north-northwest edge of the halo and a mag 16 star (or stellar knot) is at the northeast edge of the halo.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 7689 = D 347 = h7689 on 5 Sep 1826 and described a "faint round nebula, about 20" diameter." His position was 17' too far ESE, but his notes also mention "preceding a small star" which matches NGC 7689.
John Herschel found it again on 24 Sep 1835 and reported "pF; L; R; vglbM; 2'." His RA was 40 seconds too small and this error was repeated in the RC2 and RNGC. Herschel questioned if D 347 was identical. Listed in my RNGC Corrections #6.
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23 33 02.6 -51 41 54; Phe
V = 12.4; Size 2.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 132°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; bright, fairly large,
oval 5:2 NW-SE, ~100"x40", sharply concentrated with a very bright core
that increases to a stellar nucleus.
The galaxy bulges very slightly at the center and rounds near the
ends. Located 6.2' WNW of mag 8.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 7690 = h3997 on 3 Oct 1834 and recorded "B; S; E; psbM." On a later sweep he noted "pB; S; R; 20"; precedes a * 8m 37 seconds [of time]."
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23 32 24.4 +15 50 52; Peg
V = 12.9; Size 2.1'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 175°
17.5" (7/19/90): faint, fairly small, almost round, diffuse, low surface brightness. The galaxy forms the vertex of an obtuse triangle with a mag 10.5 star 1.3' SSW and a mag 11.5 star 1.7' E. The two stars detracted from viewing.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7691 = H. III-213 = h2250 on 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294) and recorded "eF, cL, between 2 pB stars but a little north of them. 240 verified it." John Herschel made the single observation "eF; pL; forms a triangle with 2 st 10m, near it". Curiously, this object was not found on 4 attempts in 1856-57 with Lord Rosse's 72" and d'Arrest found it "hard to understand" (gloating?) after 2 successful observations at Copenhagen with the 11" refractor. It was observed at Birr Castle in a final attempt by Dreyer in 1876.
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23 32 46.8 -05 35 49; Aqr
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 80°
17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, very small, round, weak
concentration. Located 4.9' NNW of
mag 9.5
George Phillips Bond discovered NGC 7692 = HN 2 on Oct 23 1848 at Harvard College Observatory with the 15" Merz refractor. His position in AN 1453 is accurate.
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23 33 10.5 -01 17 31; Psc
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 30°
17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, round, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 1.4' ESE. Located 15' WSW of 14 Piscium (V = 5.9).
Asaph Hall discovered NGC 7693 on 1 Dec 1881 while observing Faye's Comet with the 26-inch Clark refractor at the U.S. Naval Observatory (see AN 2394) and noted a "small nebula or nebulous star." His position is an exact match with PGC 71720. Sherburne Burnham also measured the position (Publ of Lick Obs, II) and commented it was not a "nebulous star". This is the Hall's only NGC discovery, though he is famous for discovering the two moons of Mars.
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23 33 15.8 -02 42 10; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 1.6'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 80°
17.5" (11/30/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2
~E-W, 1.1'x0.7', broad concentration.
Almost collinear with two mag 13 stars 1.8' NNE and 3.0' NNE of
center. Located 4.2' SW of a mag
10 star. Forms a close pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 7694 = H. III-187 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and recorded "eF, stellar. 240 verified it, and showed it of a considerable magnitude." Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position on 2 nights, so the NGC position is accurate. Albert Marth discovered nearby NGC 7695.
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23 33 15.0 -02 43 12; Psc
V = 15.1; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 81°
17.5" (11/30/91): extremely faint and small, round, requires averted. Located just 1.1' SSW of NGC 7694 in the NGC 7701 group.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7695 = m 581 on 18 Nov 1864 and
noted "eF, stell, very near III. 187 [NGC 7694]." His position is within 1' of
******************************
23 33 50.1 +04 52 15; Psc
V = 14.0; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 96°
24" (11/24/14): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
5:3 E-W, 30"x18", weak concentration.
18" (11/14/09): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W,
40"x20", weak concentration with no core or nucleus. Located on the SW side of a group of 10
galaxies (4 NGCs) centered about
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly
elongated, diffuse. A mag 13 star
is 1.7' WSW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7696 = m 582 on 14 Nov 1863 and
noted "F, S, lE." His
position is 1' south of
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23 34 53.0 -65 23 46; Tuc
V = 13.5; Size 1.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 87°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 397x; fairly faint to moderately bright, very thin edge-on ~8:1 E-W, ~1.2'x0.15', tapers at the tips, contains a thin brighter elongated core. The galaxy is at the eastern vertex of a triangle with a mag 11 star 4' SW and a mag 12.5 star 3.5' NW. Also a mag 14.3 star is 1.7' ENE, along with a 15.2 star 1.6' ESE.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7697 = h3998 on 6 Sep 1836 and recorded "eeF; pL; 40"; very difficult but certain". His position in the CGH catalogue is accurate, but his declination in the GC is 9' too far south. Then Dreyer made another clerical error and his NGC RA was 3.0 minutes too large. He later mentioned the misprint and corrected the RA in the IC 2 Notes.
DeLisle Stewart failed to find this galaxy (at the erroneous
position) around 1900 on a plate taken at Harvard's Arequipa Station, but
reported a new object HN 784 (later
******************************
23 34 01.5 +24 56 41; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 170°
24" (9/7/18): at 375x; between fairly faint and moderately bright, round, small bright core, much fainter halo ~50" diameter. A mag 15 star is 40" E of center.
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, very small, round, very small bright core. A mag 14 star is 38" E of center. A wide double star mag 9/10 (1.0' separation in PA 0°) lies 5' SSE.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7698 = St. 13-96 on 5 Oct 1869 and recorded an unpublished position just 1' WSW. On 26 Sep 1883 he measured an accurate micrometric position with description "very faint, extremely small, round, very small core."
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23 34 27.0 -02 53 58; Psc
V = 15.0; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 109°
24" (9/22/17): at 260x; very faint, very small, round,
18" diameter, low even surface brightness. A mag 11 star is 1' E.
Situated nearly midway between
17.5" (11/30/91): extremely faint, very small, round, requires averted vision. Located just 1.0' E of a mag 11 star. Also located just west of the midpoint of the line connecting NGC 7700 3.2' SSE and NGC 7701 3.0' NNE. NGC 7699 is the faintest in this trio.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7699 = m 583, along with NGC 7700 (near NGC 7701), on 18 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, vS." His position is fairly accurate.
******************************
NGC 7700 = MCG -01-60-006 = PGC 71777
23 34 30.3 -02 57 13; Psc
V = 13.8; Size 1.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 155°
24" (9/22/17): at 260x; fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 7:2 NNW-SSE, ~1.0'x0.25'. A mag 12 star is 3' ENE. NGC 7699 is 3.3' N and 7701 is 6' N.
17.5" (11/30/91): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, weak concentration. A mag 13 star is 2.0' SSE. In a group with NGC 7701 6.0' N and NGC 7699 3.3' NNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7700 = m 584, along with NGC 7699, on 18 Nov 1864 and noted "vF, eS, stellar. (not far from [NGC 7701])." His position was accurate.
The identifications for NGC 7700 and NGC 7701 were reversed in the pre-publication version of the ESGC and this error was repeated in the RC3, PGC and secondary sources such as the first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide and WikiSky. See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 7701 = MCG -01-60-007 = LGG 476-003 = PGC 71779
23 34 31.5 -02 51 15; Psc
V = 13.3; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 175°
24" (9/22/17): at 260x; moderately bright, fairly
small, elongated 5:2 N-S, well concentrated with a small bright elongated
core. Brightest in a group (LGG
476) with NGC 7699 3' SSW, NGC 7700 6' S,
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, prominent core, stellar nucleus, halo gradually fades into background. A mag 11 star is 3.3' SW. Brightest in a group with NGC 7700 6.0' S, NGC 7699 3.0' SSW, NGC 7710 19' E and NGC 7694 20' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7701 = H. III-188 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and recorded "eF, stellar. I did not verify this because it looked exactly like the former [NGC 7694] before I verified it." His position was 7' too far southwest, comparable to the offset for NGC 7694, the previous object in the sweep. Heinrich d'Arrest measured the position on 4 nights, though questioned if it was NGC 7701 due to the discrepancy in position.
The data for NGC 7700 and 7701 are reversed in the ESGC, PGC and the first edition of the Deep Sky Field Guide.
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23 35 28.9 -56 00 44; Phe
V = 12.2; Size 2.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 117°
30" (10/13/15 - OzSky): at 303x; very bright, fairly
large, elongated at least 2:1 WNW-ESE, 1.4'x0.6', sharply concentrated with an
intensely bright core that increases gradually to the center. On images this galaxy has a strong
apparent ring though it is not connected to a bar. Visually the ring was evident as a well defined oval
periphery that brightened slightly at the ends of the major axis (WNW and ESE
ends). A mag 8.2 star (
John Herschel discovered NGC 7702 = h3999 on 28 Oct 1834 and recorded "vB; pmE; smbM; 30" l; has a * 9m 23.5 seconds preceding, 10" north." His mean position (measured on 2 nights) is accurate.
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23 34 46.9 +16 04 33; Peg
V = 13.4; Size 2.2'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 147°
17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 NW-SE, well-defined small bright core, thin faint extensions.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7703 = h2251 = Sw. 4-97 on 7
Oct 1825 and recorded "vF; vS; gbM; 10"; has a * 1' dist north following." His position is at the south edge of
******************************
NGC 7704 = UGC 12684 = MCG +01-60-005 = CGCG 407-014 = WBL 718-002 = PGC 71810
23 35 01.0 +04 53 51; Psc
V = 13.4; Size 1.1'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 67°
24" (11/24/14): at 375; fairly faint to moderately
bright, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, bright core, halo increases with averted, 0.6'x0.4'.
A mag 15 star is off the SE side [45" from center].
18" (11/14/09): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.6'x0.4', very weak concentration. PGC 214966 lies 1.9' WSW and appeared extremely faint and small, round, 6" diameter. This compact galaxy was near my visual threshold and only occasionally visible as a tiny knot. A mag 12 star is 3' W and a mag 15-16 star is less than 1' ESE.
17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated SW-NE, small brighter core. A mag 15 star is 0.8' SE of center. In a group with NGC 7705 5.7' S and NGC 7706 4.7' NE. NGC 7696 lies 19' W.
17.5" (11/1/86): fairly faint, fairly small, very little concentration, slightly elongated SW-NE. A faint star is 1' off the SE end. Observation in very poor seeing.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7704 = h2252 on 13 Oct 1827 and logged "eF; hardly perceptible; a * 12m precedes." His position is accurate.
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NGC 7705 = CGCG 407-013 = WBL 718-001 = PGC 71811
23 35 02.5 +04 48 14; Psc
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 105°
24" (11/24/14): faint to fairly faint, small, round, 20"-24" diameter, contains a very small brighter nucleus. Faintest of 3 NGC's in a N-S string with NGC 7704 5.7' N.
18" (11/14/09): faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter, weak concentration to center with no zones, though an occasional stellar nucleus. Located 5.7' due south of NGC 7704.
17.5" (8/27/87): very faint, very small, slightly elongated NW-SE, just a weak concentration at the core. Located 5.7' S of NGC 7704 in a group with NGC 7706.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7705 = m 585 on 27 Oct 1864 and briefly commented "eF". His position is accurate.
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NGC 7706 = UGC 12686 = MCG +01-60-006 = CGCG 407-015 = WBL 718-003 = PGC 71817
23 35 10.4 +04 57 51; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 1.2'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 120°
24" (11/24/14): moderately bright and large, oval 4:3 WNW-ESE, contains a bright, elongated core and a faint, oval halo. A mag 14.8 star is on the south edge [27" from center]. Brightest in the WBL 718 group.
18" (11/14/09): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated ~E-W. Contains a very small, slightly brighter center with an occasional very faint stellar nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is just off the south side. One of the brightest members of a group that includes 10 galaxies in a one-degree circle (USGC U850). Similar NGC 7704 lies 4.5' SSW.
17.5" (8/27/87): fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated WNW-ESE, broad concentration. A mag 14 star is 27" SW of center. Similar in size and brightness to NGC 7704 4.7' SSW but a weaker concentration.
17.5" (11/1/86): similar in size and brightness to NGC 7704 but contains a slightly brighter core. Slightly elongated NW-SE, a faint star is 1' SW.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7706 = h2253 on 16 Oct 1827 and logged "vF, but brighter than the preceding." The preceding refers to NGC 7704, which was discovered on the previous sweep just 3 nights earlier.
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23 34 51.4 +44 18 15; And
V = 13.4; Size 1.3'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 45°
17.5" (8/29/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 4:3 SSW-NNE, 1' diameter, bright core, faint stellar nucleus. The impression of elongation may be due to a mag 15 star at the NNE tip. Located 53" SE of a mag 10.5 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7707 = H. III-579 = h2254 on 24 Oct 1786 (sweep 621) and logged "vF, vS, just following a pB star." John Herschel made two observations, first noting "eF; R; 20"; has a * 11m, 45° np; distance 25"." This object was missed at Birr Castle on one attempt.
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23 34 39 +72 48 54; Cep
Size 13'
17.5" (12/20/95): large, scattered group that requires
at low power. At 100x, about 30
stars are spread out in 15' triangular outline (borders are arbitrary)
elongated NW-SE. Includes one
bright star (mag 7.4
William Herschel discovered NGC 7708 = H. VIII-62 = h2255 on 19 Sep 1787 (sweep 760) and recorded "a cl. of coarsely scattered large stars, not rich, but the stars are brilliant." John Herschel observed this group of stars on 20 Nov 1829 and noted "A poor and coarse cluster of large and small stars. The largest (= 9m) taken." On a later sweep he reported "a * 8-9m, the chief of a scattered cluster of 30...50 stars, 10...15m. It more than fills the field. His positions correspond with mag 7.6 SAO 10785. RNGC classifies this object as a nonexistent cluster (Type 7). See Corwin's notes.
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23 35 27.5 -16 42 18; Aqr
V = 12.7; Size 2.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 54°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, bright core.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7709 = Sw. 6-97 on 21 Oct 1886
and recorded "pF; S; R; betw 2 distant B stars." His RA was 12 seconds too large, but
the description matches
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NGC 7710 = MCG -01-60-010 = PGC 71844
23 35 46.1 -02 52 51; Psc
V = 13.9; Size 1.1'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 135°
24" (9/22/17): at 260x; fairly faint to moderately bright, fairly small, very elongated 7:2 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.25', well concentrated with a small bright core. NGC 7701 (brightest in a group) is 19' WNW.
17.5" (12/16/95): faint, small, 40"x30" halo extended NW-SE, broad concentration to a slightly brighter core. Situated in a poor star field at 220x with only scattered mag 14-15 stars. Located 19' following NGC 7701 (which is the brightest of a trio).
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7710 = m 586 on 24 Sep 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. Albert Marth independently found this galaxy in Nov 1864 and noted "vF, vS, stellar."
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23 35 39.4 +15 18 07; Peg
V = 12.2; Size 2.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 95°
17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, sharp bright core, fainter extensions.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7711 = H. II-244 = h2256 on 14 Oct 1784 (sweep 289) and logged "F, S, lE. 240 showed it better, resolvable." On 16 Oct 1784 (sweep 294), he noted "F, stellar but not vS." This is one of the first objects John Herschel recorded. On 2 Nov 1823 (sweep 1), he recorded "vF; R; gmbM; 20"; r; like a blotted star."
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23 35 51.6 +23 37 08; Peg
V = 12.7; Size 0.9'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.1
17.5" (9/23/89): fairly faint, small, round, weakly concentrated.
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7712 = T. 1-53 in 1876 with the 11-inch "Amici I" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory. His position is 1.6' northwest of UGC 12694.
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23 36 15.2 -37 56 22; Scl
V = 11.2; Size 4.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 168°
24" (9/26/19): at 200x and 375x: fairly bright, large, very elongated 3:1 ~N-S, ~3.5'x1.2', broad concentration and slightly brighter center in a N-S orientation but no distinct nucleus. The surface brightness appeared irregular but this galaxy is too far south to resolve any knots or other detail. A mag 11.3 star is 1.8' SW of center with a mag 10.1 star 4.8' W. A mag 13.3 star is off the N end [3.3' from center] and a mag 15 star is off the S end [2.6' from center].
17.5" (10/20/90): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 5:2 NNW-SSE, broad concentration. A mag 13 star is at the north tip. Located just east of two mag 10 and 11 stars; the closer mag 11 star is 2' W of center. NGC 7713A lies 17' NE (not seen).
8" (8/16/82): very faint, elongated NNW-SSE, weak concentration. Located 40' ESE of Beta Sculptoris (V = 4.4).
John Herschel discovered NGC 7713 = h4000 on 4 Oct 1836 and recorded "pB; oval; or pmE; vgbM; 3'." The NGC has 30' error in north polar distance due to a misprint in GC, but JH's original NPD is accurate. Innes noted the error in Monthly Notices 58,330 and Dreyer included the correction in the IC 2 Notes.
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23 36 14.1 +02 09 18; Psc
V = 12.5; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 4°
48" (10/26/16): at 610x; very bright, moderately large,
unusual irregular structure, ~1.2' diameter. This deformed, interacting Wolf-Rayet galaxy is dominated by
an extremely bright stellar nucleus (starburst activity). A short bar-like central region is
elongated NNW-SSE. A curved arm
bends sharply west on the south end of the "bar" and contains a very
small knot (southwest of the nucleus).
A second arm, which appears to consist of a series of HII knots on the
SDSS, begins on the NNW end of the "bar" and extends a short distance
northeast. A low surface
brightness halo appears as a hazy glow on the eastern side only [a tidal loop
on the SDSS]. The western tidally
stretched arm of
NGC 7714 is located just 4' NW of mag 5.7 16 Psc and the bright star needs to be kept out of the field. [HB89] 2333+019, an 18th magnitude quasar with a light-travel time of over 10 billion years, faint distant quasar, lies 4.4' ENE of center and was the subject of an article by Howard Banich in the Oct. '17 issue of Sky & Tel.
24" (8/30/16): at 322x; bright, moderately large,
irregular shape. Contains a very
bright quasi-stellar nucleus and a close knot on the NW side. The halo is irregular in outline. Brighter of a close, interacting pair
(
17.5" (8/7/91): moderately bright, very small, unusually bright 13th magnitude stellar nucleus! Surrounded by a small halo slightly elongated NW-SE. Forms a close pair with NGC 7715 1.8' E. Located 4' NW of 16 Piscium (V = 5.7), which adds to an interesting view! This is a distorted Wolf-Rayet starburst galaxy.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7714 = h2257 on 18 Sep 1830 and recorded "pB; S; R; psbM; in field with 16 Piscium; a star 12m near south preceding (dist = 1 diameter of neb by diagram)." His position is fairly accurate. NGC 7715 was discovered at Birr Castle.
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NGC 7715 = Arp 284 NED2 = Arp 284:C1 = VV 51b = UGC 12700 =
23 36 22.1 +02 09 24; Psc
V = 14.2; Size 2.6'x0.5'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 73°
48" (10/26/16): at 610x; fairly bright, moderately large, thin edge-on 6:1 WSW-ENE. Dominated by a small, bright elongated core ~20"x8" that increases to a star-like nucleus. Long stretched tidal arms or plumes extend WSW-ENE, ~1.8'x0.3'. The western "arm" heads towards the center of NGC 7714 [1.9' W], but dims out before reaching the halo. Mag 5.7 16 Psc is just 3.3' S and the glare affected viewing unless moved off the field.
[HB89] 2333+019, a faint distant quasar, lies 2.6' NE of the center of NGC 7715. At a redshift of z = 1.871, the light-travel time is 10.2 billion years. It was generally visible with averted vision despite a V magnitude of 18.3. The quasar wasn't our target - Jimi noticed it on his monitor when we were observing NGC 7714/15, so of course Howard, Jimi and I had to take a look and we were pleased it was readily visible.
24" (8/30/16): at 322x; fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 4:1 WSW-ENE. Contains a brighter core and low surface brightness extensions (arms) that increase in size with averted vision to ~1.4'x0.35'. On images the western arm or tidal bridge stretches to brighter NGC 7714 1.8' W, though there was no visual connection. Located 3' N of mag 5.7 16 Psc!
17.5" (8/7/91): very faint, very small, elongated 2:1 WSW-ENE. Located 3.2' N of mag 5.7 16 Psc, which detracts from viewing. Forms a close pair (Arp 284) with much brighter NGC 7714 1.8' W.
Bindon Blood Stoney discovered NGC 7715 on 4 Nov 1850. While making an observation of NGC 7714 he noticed "a faint neb follows [NGC 7714] about 2'." Dreyer measured an accurate position in 1876 using the offset from 16 Psc.
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23 36 31.5 +00 17 50; Psc
V = 12.1; Size 2.1'x1.8'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 35°
13.1" (11/5/83): fairly faint, fairly small, round, 1.0' diameter, faint stellar nucleus. Located 2.0' N of a mag 9.5 star.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7716 = h2258 on 6 Sep 1831 and recorded "Not eF; pL; lE; gbM; has a * 10m exactly south, dist 2'." His position is accurate.
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23 37 43.7 -15 07 07; Aqr
V = 12.8; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 8°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, very small, round, small
bright core, stellar nucleus.
Located 4.9' WSW of mag 6.4
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7717 = T. 1-54 in 1876 with
the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory near Florence. He mentions
the nebula precedes Lalande 46286 (
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23 38 05.0 +25 43 11; Peg
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 160°
17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, small, elongated NW-SE, even surface brightness.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7718 = m 587 on 6 Sep 1863 and noted "vF, S, R." His dec is 2' too far south.
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23 38 02.6 -22 58 28; Aqr
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (12/20/95): extremely faint, very small, slightly elongated ~N-S? [DSS orientation SW-NE], 30" diameter, can just hold steadily with averted vision. A mag 14 star is 2.2' SW. There are no stars brighter than mag 12 in the 21' field.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7719 = LM 1-264 on 11 Aug 1885 and noted "eF; vS; R." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is less than 1 min of RA too large. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1898-99 (repeated in the IC 2 Notes).
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23 38 29.4 +27 01 53; Peg
V = 12.4; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 20°
17.5" (9/23/89 and 8/8/91): located at the center of
the rich cluster
IC 5341: very faint, extremely small, round.
CGCG 476-090: very faint, extremely small, round. A mag 11 star is 2.1' E. This is the central galaxy in a very tight trio 3' S of NGC 7720.
IC 5342: very faint, small, round, bright core. Located 2' N of a mag 11 star and 2.4' SE of NGC 7720.
PGC 85575: extremely faint and small, round, <5" diameter. Located just 0.9' E of the center of NGC 7720.
PGC 71991: extremely faint and small, slightly elongated N-S. A mag 14 star is 30" WSW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7720 = H. III-146 = h2259 on
10 Sep 1784 (sweep 264) and recorded "vF, E, small stars with nebulosity
between." There is nothing at
his position, but 36 seconds of time west is
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23 38 48.7 -06 31 04; Aqr
V = 11.6; Size 3.5'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 15°
17.5" (9/15/90): moderately bright, fairly large, elongated 5:2 SSW-NNE, broad weak concentration.
8" (8/15/82): faint, moderately large, low surface brightness, elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7721 = H. II-432 = h2260 on 10 Sep 1785 (sweep 435) and logged "pB, cL, E." On 30 Sep 1786 (sweep 605), he reported "F, lbM, about 3' l, E from sp about 10 or 15° from the meridian to nf." John Herschel made 3 observations in Oct 1828, calling the galaxy "vF; L; R; vgbM; 60"." and "pB; pL; pmE; irreg fig."
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23 38 41.2 +15 57 17; Peg
V = 12.4; Size 1.7'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 150°
17.5" (10/28/89): fairly faint, fairly small, almost round, even concentration to a bright core, very small or stellar nucleus. A mag 15.5 star is close off the SW edge [44" from center].
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7722 on 12 Aug 1864 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His position is accurate (observed on two nights) and he mentions the mag 12 star 2' NNE (3.8 seconds of time east and ~1.5' north).
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23 38 56.6 -12 57 35; Aqr
V = 11.2; Size 3.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 35°
17.5" (9/15/90): moderately bright, moderately large,
oval 3:2 SW-NE, very small bright core, large diffuse halo.
8" (8/28/81): faint, moderately large, elongated. Located 20' ENE of a mag 6 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7723 = H. I-110 = h2261 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "cB, cL, mbM, lE." His position is accurate. John Herschel logged (sweep 9) "Irreg R; gbM; 2' diam; r. I certainly see one star near the middle."
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23 39 07.2 -12 13 27; Aqr
V = 12.9; Size 1.4'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 37°
13.1" (10/10/86): faint, moderately large, slightly
elongated SW-NE, diffuse but edges well defined, even surface brightness. A mag 10 star (
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7724 = St. 5-13 = T. 1-55 = T. 4-14 on 1 Sep 1872, during an observation of NGC 7727. His published position (list 5, #13) was made on 23 Sep 1873 with description "eF, moderate extent; irregular.", with a late observation on 18 Sep 1878. Wilhelm Tempel found the galaxy on 26 Nov 1877, assumed it was new and measured an accurate micrometric position in 1880. He was surprised that the Herschel, d'Arrest and Lord Rosse missed this galaxy, although they all observed nearby NGC 7727.
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23 39 14.8 -04 32 22; Aqr
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.0
17.5" (10/21/95): faint, very small, round, 25" diameter, weak even concentration down to a slightly brighter core and nucleus. A wide pair of stars (h990 = 9.2/11.5 at 41") is 10' SE. Incorrect identification in the RNGC. The PGC magnitude (13.0B) is too bright.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7725 = H. III-189 on 20 Sep
1784 (sweep 279) and simply noted "eF". His single position is ~6' southeast of
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23 39 11.9 +27 06 55; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 60°
17.5" (8/8/91): very faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE,
weak concentration. A mag 11 star
is 2.6' SW. Located 10.7' NE of
NGC 7720 in AGC 2634.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7726 = Sw. 4-98 on 8 Aug 1886 and
reported "eeeF; pS; R; e diff.; pB * nr foll; 6218 [NGC 7728] nr north
following but is not little but very elongated." There is nothing at his position (14' east-southeast of NGC
7720), but the number probably applies to one of the galaxies within the galaxy
cluster
Harold Corwin suggests NGC 7726 = UGC 12721, though notes
some inconsistencies. Swift's
position is 19 seconds of RA east and 8' south of this galaxy. Swift mentions a "pB* nr foll". A mag 9 star is due east, but it
follows by 9'. Also a mag 10 star
is only 2.6' southwest of
The RNGC and RC3 misidentifies IC 5342 as NGC 7726. This galaxy is just 2.5' southeast of NGC 7720. I called NGC 7726 nonexistent in RNGC Corrections #4, but my comments were revised in RNGC Corrections #6.
******************************
NGC 7727 = Arp 222 = VV 67 = MCG -02-60-008 = LGG 480-003 =
23 39 54.2 -12 17 31; Aqr
V = 10.6; Size 4.7'x3.5'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 35°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly bright, moderately large, oval 4:3 E-W, very bright core, almost stellar nucleus, large fainter halo. Forms a pair with NGC 7724 12' NW.
13.1" (10/10/84): moderately bright, bright core, faint stellar nucleus, faint outer halo, slightly elongated. Forms a pair with NGC 7724.
8" (8/28/81): faint, moderately large, round, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7727 = H. I-111 = h2262 on 27 Nov 1785 (sweep 478) and recorded "pB; pL; bM; iR." His position is unusually accurate. d'Arrest made two observations, measured an accurate position, and gave the diameter as 37"-42".
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NGC 7728 = UGC 12727 = MCG +04-55-041 = CGCG 476-103 = PGC 72064
23 40 00.8 +27 08 01; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 75°
17.5" (8/8/91): fairly faint, small, slightly elongated
WSW-ENE, bright core, stellar nucleus.
Located 2.3' NE of a mag 10 star in AGC 2634. Forms a pair with
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7728 on 16 Feb 1862 with the 11-inch refractor at Copenhagen. His mean position (measured on 3 nights) is just off the south side of the galaxy and he mentions the nearby 9th magnitude star (9 seconds of RA west). Stephan made an observation on 2 Oct 1869.
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23 40 33.7 +29 11 17; Peg
V = 13.5; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 7°
17.5" (7/30/92): fairly faint, fairly small, very elongated 3:1 N-S, 1.2'x0.4', small bright core.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7729 = St. 13-97 on 17 Oct 1882 and recorded "eF; S, irr elongated SSW to NNE. Small star (or nucleus) eccentrically placed to the south." His published position (list 13, #97) was reduced on 5 Oct 1883 and is accurate.
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23 40 45.9 -20 30 32; Aqr
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 134°
18" (11/22/08): very faint, very small, round, 15"
diameter (viewed core only?), weak concentration. Located 8' WSW of a mag 9.6
Wilhelm Tempel discovered NGC 7730 = T. 1-56 in 1876 with the 11" refractor at the Arcetri Observatory and recorded "Nebula, good class II, elongated, 2' dia; no known star in the vicinity." There is nothing at his very rough position (RA to the nearest minute and marked +/-) in his first list (AN 2212). The GC Supplement and NGC position, though, is about 50 seconds further east based on a position communicated directly to Dreyer. Herbert Howe reported he unsuccessfully searched for this object on two nights in 1898-99.
The ESO identifies
******************************
23 41 29.1 +03 44 24; Psc
V = 13.5; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.9
48" (10/26/16): at 610x; bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated E-W, 1.0'x0.8', well concentrated with a slightly elongated
bright core SW-NE and a sharp, very bright stellar nucleus! Situated just 1.3' W of a distracting
mag 11 star. Forms a striking pair
with
24" (11/24/14): fairly faint, fairly small. Sharply concentrated with a brighter "bar" oriented SW-NE within a very faint halo increasing the size to ~30". A mag 11 star is 1.3' E and NGC 7732 is 1.5' SE.
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 ~SW-NE, small bright core. A mag 11 star is 1.3' E. Forms a close pair with NGC 7732 1.4' SE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7731 = m 588, along with NGC 7732, on 27 Oct 1864 and noted "F, S."
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NGC 7732 = UGC 12738 = MCG +00-60-035 = CGCG 381-026 = Holm 813a = LGG 482-002 = PGC 72131 = Zwicky's Pierced Galaxy =
23 41 33.9 +03 43 30; Psc
V = 13.8; Size 1.9'x0.6'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 96°
48" (10/26/16): at 610x; fairly bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 or 7:2 E-W, 1.4'x0.4'. There was no brighter core in the central region but the galaxy was asymmetric, appearing wider and brighter on the west end [SDSS shows a series of blue HII knots]. At 697x, the western end was mottled and occasionally appeared to bulge out a bit to the south on the southwest side.
24" (11/24/14): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 E-W, ~35"x14", low even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 7731 1..5' NW. A mag 11 star is 1' due north.
17.5" (11/30/91): very faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 E-W, low even surface brightness. Located just 1.0' S of a mag 11 star. Forms a close pair with NGC 7731 1.4' NW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7732 = m 589, along with NGC 7731, on 27 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, pL." His position is accurate.
******************************
23 42 33.0 -65 57 23; Tuc
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 107°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; fairly faint,
fairly small, roundish, 35" diameter. Very weak, if any, concentration. Forms a close interacting pair with slightly brighter NGC
7734 1.25' NE. Located 25' NE of
mag 6.9
John Herschel discovered NGC 7733 = h4001, along with NGC 7734, on 2 Nov 1834 and logged "eF; S; R; the p of 2; pos from the other = 210°."
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23 42 42.9 -65 56 41; Tuc
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5; PA = 119°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; moderately bright, roundish, ~45" diameter. Contains a relatively large, slightly brighter central region. NGC 7734 is the slightly brighter of a close 1.25' pair with NGC 7733 off the southwest side. The outer halo of the two galaxies are separated by roughly 30".
John Herschel discovered NGC 7734 = h4002, along with NGC 7733, on 2 Nov 1834 and recorded "eF; S; R; 25"; the following and largest of 2."
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23 42 17.3 +26 13 54; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.3'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 90°
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, very small bright core, faint halo. A mag 13 star is off the NE edge 34" from center and a mag 15 star is at the SW edge 21" from center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7735 = h2263 on 5 Sep 1828 and
recorded "vF; a star 14m with a nebulous branch extended towards the star,
and on its south preceding side; position from the star by diagram = 250° or
260° [WSW]. This disagrees with my
Father's description of II. 208 [
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23 42 25.8 -19 27 08; Aqr
V = 12.9; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.8
17.5" (10/21/95): fairly faint, fairly small, round,
45" diameter. Even
concentration to a small bright core and a faint stellar nucleus with direct
vision. Located 7.8' SE of mag 8.3
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7736 = LM 1-265 in 1886 with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory. He reported "mag 15.0; eS; gbM; bet 2 st 12m." His rough position (nearest min of RA) is just 15 seconds of RA too large. This galaxy is between two mag 14 stars 1.8' NNW and 2.9' SSE so the identification is certain. Herbert Howe measured an accurate position in 1897-98 with the 20" refractor at the Chamberlin Observatory in Denver.
******************************
23 42 46.4 +27 03 11; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 1.0'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 147°
24" (12/8/20): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
0.6'x0.35', gradually increases to the center.
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, slightly elongated NW-SE, weak concentration at the center. A mag 11 star is 2.7' NE. Pair with CGCG 476-117 3' NW ("very faint and small, oval NNW-SSE.")
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7737 = Big. 98 on 3 Oct 1886. His position is accurate although CGCG does not identify this galaxy as NGC 7737.
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23 44 02.1 +00 31 00; Psc
V = 13.1; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 80°
17.5" (11/2/91): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SW-NE,
brighter core.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7738, along with NGC 7739, on
20 Dec 1865 using the 9.5-inch refractor at the College Romain as an assistant
to Secchi. He reported finding
these while searching for Biela's Comet, which was lost after 1852, and simply
noted as "vF. The 7th [NGC 7739] is near to the south." The single position in AN 66, 161
(1866) is 30 seconds of RA west of
******************************
NGC 7739 = CGCG 381-038 = PGC 72272
23 44 30.1 +00 19 14; Psc
V = 14.0; Size 0.9'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.7
18" (10/25/03): faint, small, irregularly round, 0.6'x0.5', weak concentration with a very small, slightly brighter core. A 9' east-west string of five mag 13-14 stars passes 2' N. The identifications of NGC 7739 and 7738 (both found by Secchi) are uncertain.
Gaspare Ferrari discovered NGC 7739, along with NGC 7738, on 20 Dec 1865 while searching for the lost Comet Biela. NGC 7739 was simply noted as near south of NGC 7738, but the nearest galaxy is CGCG 381-038, 14' south-southeast. Bigourdan couldn't recover NGC 7739 and it was not found on Heidelberg or Mt Wilson plates.
RC3 identifies CGCG 381-038 as NGC 7739, although this is very uncertain due to the large separation. UGC identifies UGC 12757 = NGC 7738 = NGC 7739. RNGC classifies NGC 7739 as nonexistent.
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23 43 32.3 +27 18 43; Peg
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 140°
24" (12/8/20): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 30"x15", contains a brighter, roundish core and a faint halo. Outlyng member of AGC 2666.
Several sources misidentify
17.5" (9/23/89): very faint, very small, round.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7740 = Big. 99 on 4 Oct
1869. His unpublished notebook
position is just 1' NE of
RNGC, CGCG and PGC misidentify CGCG 476-122 as NGC 7740. This galaxy is situated 4.3' northwest of CGCG 476-123 and was not seen in my 17.5". Furthermore, MCG misidentifies UGC 12746, an edge-on, as NGC 7740. It's situated 10' WSW of NGC 7740.
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NGC 7741 = UGC 12754 = MCG +04-55-050 = CGCG 476-125 = PGC 72237
23 43 54.0 +26 04 34; Peg
V = 11.3; Size 4.4'x3.0'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 170°
48" (11/4/21): at 375x, very bright and large, low surface brightness halo elongated nearly 3:2 N-S, ~3.5' in length. The northern halo just reaches a wide pair [24"] a mag 10/12 pair at the NNW end.
The galaxy is dominated by a very bright, well defined E-W bar, extending ~0.8'x15". A fairly low contrast, broad spiral arm is attached at the west end. It shoots south (perpendicular to the bar) a short distance and merges into the inner halo. Only the root of the eastern arm was seen. Although the two arms quickly become indistinct, they blend into a slightly enhanced glow surrounding the bar, forming an oval N-S ring (the bar defines the minor axis), with dimmer regions to the north and south of the bar!
24" (8/30/16): at 226x; bright, fairly large, dominated by a central bar extending at least 3:1 E-W, ~45"x15". A very low surface brightness arm is attached at the west end of the bar and extends to the south. The corresponding arm extending north on the east end was less obvious and only marginally glimpsed. The arms blend into a low surface brightness halo at least 2' in diameter. A nice mag 9.8/12 double star is off the NW side 2' from center.
13.1" (9/9/83): faint, moderately large, diffuse, elongated ~N-S. A pretty double star mag 9/11 at 24" is just off the north edge 2' from center and interferes with viewing.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7741 = H. II-208 = St. 12-95 on 10 Sep 1784 (sweep 264) and recorded "F, cL, R, brightest in the middle; the brightness diminishing by very gradual shades, sf a star (of the 10 or 11 magnitude by memory)." His position was too far 4' northwest. Heinrich d'Arrest observed the galaxy on 6 nights (first on 1 Sep 1864), noted the error in Herschel's position, and accurately measured the offset to the double star off the northwest side.
Édouard Stephan observed NGC 7741 on 2 Oct 1869, 27 Sep 1873 and 15 Sep 1876 (likely already aware). He measured an accurate micrometric position on 25 Oct 1881 with description "eF, fairly large, irr oval, elong E to W, two points of condensation." In the remarks section at the end of the his 12th discovery list, Stephan notes his entry was identical to GC 5005 [NGC 7741], but Herschel's position was poor. Perhaps while preparing his manuscript, he read d'Arrest's observations and added the comment or perhaps he inserted it in the table just to provide an accurate position. The 10 Dec 1873 observation at Birr Castle reads "cB, L, mE 108°, much diffused neby south and following, which Lord Rosse suspected to be divided into branching [spiral] arms." d'Arrest and Stephan were listed as "Other Observers" in the NGC.
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23 44 15.7 +10 46 01; Peg
V = 11.6; Size 1.7'x1.7'; Surf Br = 12.7
17.5" (10/28/89): moderately bright, moderately large, round, bright core. A mag 12 star is 1.1' ESE of center (outside halo).
8" (9/25/81 and 8/16/82): faint, small, round, small
bright nucleus. A mag 12 star is
very close east.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7742 = H. II-255 = h2264 on 18 Oct 1784 (sweep 297) and recorded "pB, pS, R, bM, r." He swept up the galaxy again on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 477) and noted "pB, R, gbM." John Herschel observed this galaxy on 5 sweeps and logged on 13 Oct 1825 (sweep 14), "B; R; gmbM; 60"; has a small * one diameter following."
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NGC 7743 = UGC 12759 = MCG +02-60-011 = CGCG 432-022 = PGC 72263
23 44 21.1 +09 56 03; Peg
V = 11.5; Size 3.0'x2.6'; Surf Br = 13.6; PA = 80°
17.5" (10/28/89): moderately bright, fairly large, slightly elongated NW-SE, prominent core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is at the southeast edge 1.0' from center. A mag 10 star is 2.8' SW.
8" (8/16/82): faint, elongated, small bright nucleus, faint halo with averted. A mag 13 star is off the SE edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7743 = H. II-256 = h2265 on
18 Oct 1784 (sweep 297) and logged "R, like the foregoing [NGC 7742], but
rather fainter." His position
matches
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23 44 59.2 -42 54 39; Phe
V = 11.9; Size 2.2'x1.7'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 105°
13.1" (9/3/86): fairly faint, elongated WNW-ESE,
broadly concentrated halo, faint extensions. Located 10' NE of mag 7.8
John Herschel discovered NGC 7744 = h4003 on 5 Sep 1834 and
recorded "B; S; lE; vsvmbM to a small round almost stellar
nucleus." His mean position
from 3 sweeps is accurate. Despite
a good NGC position, Lewis Swift found the galaxy again at Echo Mountain on 23
Sep 1897, assumed it was new and reported it in list XI, #235 (later
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23 44 45.8 +25 54 32; Peg
V = 14.5; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6
17.5" (12/16/95): extremely faint, very small, round, 20" diameter. Appeared as a very low surface brightness spot that required averted vision. Collinear with a wide pair of mag 13/14 stars 3.0' and 4.0' NW of center. Located 15' SE of NGC 7741.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7745 = m 590 on 6 Sep 1863 and measured an accurate position. MCG (+04-56-004) fails to use the NGC designation and as a result the RNGC doesn't reference the MCG.
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23 45 20.0 -01 41 06; Psc
V = 13.1; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 160°
48" (10/29/16): fairly bright, moderately large, well concentrated with a bright core and a very bright quasi-stellar nucleus. The halo is oval 3:2 NNW-SSE, ~45"x30". A 6" (uncatalogued) double star is 2.3' SSE (recorded as a single star in 17.5" observation). Two 16th mag stars 1.5' and 2.5' NW are collinear with the galaxy. Shakhbazian 21, a distant compact galaxy cluster (1 billion l.y.), is 22' ESE.
17.5": fairly faint, small, round, small bright core. In line with three mag 14 stars oriented E-W 2.5' W and 2.2' E of center. A mag 12.5 star is 2.3' SSE.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7746 = Sw. 4-99 on 7 Sep 1886 and logged "eF; pS; R; * nr south, which with one following and preceding forms a double triangle." His RA is 7 seconds too small (1.5'), but there is no question with the identification.
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NGC 7747 = UGC 12772 = MCG +04-56-005 = CGCG 477-003 = PGC 72328
23 45 32.3 +27 21 39; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.5'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 36°
24" (12/8/20): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small,
elongated 5:2 SW-NE, ~45"x18", contains a very elongated
"bar" in the central part of the major axis. A mag 13.2 star is 2'
NE.
17.5" (9/23/89): faint, small, very elongated or edge-on SW-NE, weak concentration. Forms a pair with CGCG 477-004 3.6' ESE. The companion was very faint and small, slightly elongated.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7747 = St. 5-14 on 4 Sep 1872 and logged a rough position 7' to the W. His published measure (list 5, #14) was taken on 23 Sep 1873 with description "very faint and small; roundish; with an eccentric condensation." His position was off in RA by 10 seconds and 2.5' in dec. Emmanuel's Esmiol's re-reduction in 1916 is off by only 3 seconds of RA.
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23 44 56.7 +69 45 18; Cep
V = 7.2
= *7.2
John Herschel discovered NGC 7748 = h2266 on 16 Nov 1829 and
noted "about a * 8m is a very extensive space which I am certain is
affected with nebulosity." At
his exact position is mag 7
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23 45 47.6 -29 31 04; Scl
V = 12.8; Size 1.6'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 28°
17.5" (12/16/95): faint, fairly small, irregularly round, 1.0' diameter, only a broad weak concentration. A mag 12.5 star is 1.3' following.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7749 = h4004 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "F; S; R; glbM; has a * 12m 1' dist following."
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23 46 37.9 +03 47 59; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 1.6'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 171°
17.5" (11/30/91): fairly faint, moderately large, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, broad concentration. A mag 11 star is 3.2' ESE and a mag 10 star is 5.8' SE of center. Located 20' N of the deep red variable 19 = TX Piscium.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7750 = H. III-427 = h2267 on 30 Aug 1785 (sweep 427) and recorded "vF, S, lE nearly in the meridian." John Herschel made 3 observations, first logging it (sweep 94) as "Not eF; pL; R; lbM." CGCG fails to label this galaxy as NGC 7750.
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23 46 58.3 +06 51 42; Psc
V = 12.8; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, irregularly round, brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7751 = H. III-437 = h2269 on
27 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and logged "eF, vS, er, resembles a patch of
stars. 240x confirmed
it." His RA is 30 tsec east
of
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23 46 58.5 +29 27 32; Peg
V = 14.3; Size 0.8'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 113°
48" (10/28/19): at 375x and 542x; bright, elongated 2:1
WNW-ESE, 0.6'x0.35', irregular shape, large bright core that bulges at the
center. Situated at the end of the
western spiral arm of
18" (7/14/07): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WNW-ENE, 0.5'x0.3', even surface brightness. Fainter of a double system (attached at end of spiral arm) with NGC 7753 just 2' NE. A mag 14 star lies between the two galaxies
13.1" (9/22/84): faint, very small, elongated ~E-W. Forms a close pair with brighter NGC 7753 2' NE. A mag 14 star is 1.2' NE of center and situated between the galaxies.
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 7752 on 22 Nov 1854 while observing NGC 7753. He mentioned that "south preceding [NGC 7753] is a vS oblong nebula, resolvable?" It was observed again in 1857, but no offset or sketch was made. Heinrich d'Arrest discovered this galaxy again on 24 Sep 1865, though confused the orientation and placed NGC 7752 1.5' north of NGC 7753, instead of 1.6' south. As a result the relative positions in the NGC are incorrect.
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NGC 7753 = Arp 86 NED2 = VV 5a = UGC 12780 = MCG +05-56-005 = CGCG 498-010 = Holm 816a = PGC 72387
23 47 04.8 +29 29 00; Peg
V = 12.0; Size 3.3'x2.1'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 50°
48" (10/28/19): at 375x and 542x; very bright and large spiral, with the main body about 2' diameter (slightly elongated SW-NE), but the tidally stretched arm that wrapped towards NGC 7752 increased the length to at least 2.6'. Strongly concentrated with a bright core that increased to an intense nucleus. A faint star (mag 16.5?) was visible close southwest of the nucleus.
A spiral arm is connected to the east side of the core, though wasn't separated initially from the central region. It rotated sharply clockwise to the north, and was well defined as it passed directly through a mag 15 star on the north side of the halo. The arm faded as it separated away from the center and gradually curved south on the west side of the galaxy. The arm faded out just east of a mag 16.9 star [1.7' SW of center], before reaching companion NGC 7752, 2.0' SW of center.
The southern spiral arm emerged from the east or northeast side of the core. It curled tightly clockwise to the south and passed barely inside a mag 14.5 star. The arm was brightest in a strip near this star and then faded as it rotated to the east side of the galaxy.
18" (7/14/07): moderately bright, moderately large,
slightly elongated, ~1.5'x1.3', broad concentration with a relatively large,
brighter core that is also elongated.
A mag 14 star is near the SW edge, less than 1' from center and a mag 15
star is on the NW side. Brighter
of a close pair (
13.1" (9/22/84): fairly faint, moderately large, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is 0.9' SW of center. Forms a close pair with NGC 7752 2.0' SSW. This is a M51-type system (Arp 86) with NGC 7752 attached at the end of a spiral arm.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7753 = H. II-213 = h2268 on 12 Sep 1784 (sweep 267) and logged "F; pL; lbM; a longish round." John Herschel reported "pF; L; vgbM; 70"; r." Both Herschels missed the fainter companion.
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23 49 11.2 -16 36 02; Aqr
V = 14.5; Size 0.6'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 128°
17.5" (9/26/92): extremely faint, very small, slightly
elongated. Two stars mag 13.5 and
15.0 are 1.5' S. Forms a pair with
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7754 = LM 1-266, along
with NGC 7759, on 28 Nov 1885. He
simply recorded "mag 16.0 [NGC 7759 is listed at mag 14.0], vS".
There is nothing at Leavenworth's rough position (nearest min of RA), but 1.5
min of RA due east is
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23 47 51.8 -30 31 19; Scl
V = 11.9; Size 3.8'x2.9'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 20°
17.5" (12/16/95): moderately bright and large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 2.0'x1.3'. Fairly low surface brightness halo surrounding a bright 30" rounder core and an occasional stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 2.2' E of center.
8" (8/16/82): very faint, moderately large, elongated 3:2 E-W, diffuse.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7755 = h4005 on 27 Sep 1834 and recorded "B; L; R; psmbM; 90" diameter." His mean position from two consecutive sweeps is fairly accurate.
Harold Knox-Shaw first identified this galaxy as an "open spiral" in 1915, based on a photograph taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory between 1912-14.
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23 48 28.6 +04 07 31; Psc
= * or ** 5' SW of
Lawrence Parsons, 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 7756 on 11 Dec 1873 while observing NGC 7757. Parsons simply mentions "another neb 5' south preceding." A single mag 11 star is at this offset from NGC 7757 though perhaps he was misled by a pair of faint stars (probably too faint) 4.2' southwest of NGC 7757. Harold Corwin mentions another possibility is a brighter, 22" pair of mag 14.5/15 stars 5.5' southwest. In any case, NGC 7756 is probably either a single or double star. RNGC misidentifies an extremely faint anonymous galaxy located 1' west of NGC 7757 (Arp's "small high surface brightness companion on arm") as NGC 7756 and CGCG equates NGC 7757 with NGC 7756. Discussed in RNGC Corrections #2.
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NGC 7757 = Arp 68 = UGC 12788 = VV 407 = MCG +01-60-037 =
23 48 45.5 +04 10 16; Psc
V = 12.7; Size 2.5'x1.8'; Surf Br = 14.2; PA = 115°
13.1" (11/29/86): faint, small, round, diffuse, even
surface brightness. Collinear with
two mag 12 and 13 stars 1.3' N and 2.5' N, respectively. Located 13' E of mag 7.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 7757 = h2270 on 24 Sep 1830 and recorded "vF; pL; R; vglbM; 40"; a * 13m, 1' N." His mean position (2 sweeps) is accurate. On 11 Dec 1873, it was described at Birr Castle as "vF, cL, lE, shaped like an "S" backward." So, clearly he noticed the brighter spiral arms. Arp (68) and CGCG misidentify this galaxy as NGC 7756. See that number.
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23 48 55.2 -22 01 27; Aqr
V = 14.4; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 118°
17.5" (12/16/95): extremely faint and small, requires averted. Position verified using GSC chart. Appears barely nonstellar, ~10" diameter though possibly only the core observed. Forms a near equilateral triangle with two mag 14 stars 3.1' NNE and 3.6' ENE.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7758 = LM 2-475 in 1886 and reported "mag 15.5; 0.3' dia; irr R; sbM; double star mag 10, north following 50 seconds." His position is fairly accurate and the double star is HJ 3218.
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NGC 7759 = MCG -03-60-018 = PGC 72496
23 48 54.7 -16 32 28; Aqr
V = 13.7; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.8; PA = 141°
24" (8/31/16): at 282x; fairly faint to moderately
bright, fairly small, roundish, sharply concentrated with a bright core that
gradually increases to the center.
The 45" outer halo has a low surface brightness. A mag 14.8 star is 1.6' SSE.
17.5" (9/26/92): fairly faint, very small, round, bright core, almost stellar nucleus. Located 2.8' S of a mag 9.5 star. Forms a pair with NGC 7754 6' SE.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7759 = LM 1-267, along
with NGC 7754, on 28 Nov 1885 and noted "mag 14.0; vS; R." His rough position falls just 1' south
of
Lewis Swift found the galaxy again in 1886 and communicated the discovery directly to Dreyer, who referenced Swift's 6th discovery list, which was in preparation when the NGC went to press. But Swift didn't published the rediscovery in either his 6th or later 9th list, possibly due to Leavenworth's earlier discovery. Howe measured a very accurate micrometric position in 1899-00. The identifications of NGC 7754 and 7759 are reversed on the Uranometria 2000 Atlas, placing them in RA order.
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23 49 11.9 +30 58 59; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.3
17.5" (8/29/92): faint, very small, round, 15" diameter, small brighter core. Unusual appearance as a mag 12.5 star is attached at the southwest end and the galaxy appears as a small attached knot.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7760 = H. III-854 = h2271 on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 971) and recorded "two very small close stars, with seeming nebulosity between them. 360 confirmed it nearly." On sweep 975, he was more certain, "the 2 close stars affected with nebulosity of the 971 sweep. 360 confirmed it."
JH made a total of 5 observations and generally recorded this object as a faint double or triple star possibly with nebulosity, though one was clearly the nucleus.
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23 51 28.9 -13 22 54; Aqr
V = 13.1; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.4
17.5" (8/29/92): fairly faint, small, round, 1' diameter, very even concentration, small bright core, very symmetrical appearance. Two brighter stars mag 10 are 3.5' W and 7' WSW. Located in a field that is strangely devoid of any faint stars.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7761 = LM 1-268 in 1886 at
Leander McCormick Observatory and noted "mag 13.0; vS; R; gbM; *10
precedes 8.0'." There is
nothing near his rough (nearest min of RA) position, though 2 minutes of time
east is
Guillaume Bigourdan independently found this galaxy again (Big. 356) on 30 Nov 1891 and measured an accurate position. Herbert Howe found it a third time on 1 Oct 1897, measured a very accurate micrometric position, and included it in his first discovery list. Dreyer combined Bigourdan and Howe's observations into IC 5361. So, NGC 7761 = IC 5361. See Corwin's notes for discussion.
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23 50 01 +68 02 18; Cep
Size 11'
17.5" (10/13/90): about 100 stars in a 20' field including many mag 12-13 stars. Very large, fairly coarse but there is a rich region near the center consisting of six tight stars almost on a line oriented NNW-SSE with much haze nearby including a partially resolved clump close north. A mag 8 star is at the east edge. Located 15' NE of mag 5.0 SAO 20853.
8" (10/31/81): scattered cluster but one rich subgroup, fairly large, elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7762 = H. VII-55 = h2272 on 23 Nov 1788 (sweep 883) and described "a cluster of scattered vS stars, irr figure, pretty rich. Contains a vacancy n the middle." A second observation was made the next night. In his 1814 PT paper he speculated "this appearance may be accounted for by supposing, for instance, three, four or a greater number of preponderating attracting centres near each other, situated so as to enclose a certain space, the stars in which, then, cannot be accumulated, while the clustering power arising from the combined attractions with be exerted on the surrounding stars." John Herschel made the single observation "a vL, v coarse, rather poor cluster of *s 11...15m. The most compressed part taken."
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23 50 15.8 -16 35 24; Aqr
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 158°
17.5" (9/26/92): faint, small, round. A very faint mag 15 star is almost attached on the east side. Located 18' ENE of NGC 7754.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7763 = LM 1-269 on 28 Nov
1885 and logged "mag 15.0; vS; R; faint star following." His rough position is just 24 seconds
of RA east of
******************************
23 50 53.6 -40 43 46; Phe
V = 12.2; Size 1.9'x1.4'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 148°
13.1" (9/3/86): fairly faint, moderately large,
elongated 2:1 NW-SE, brighter core.
Located 11' NW of mag 6.7
John Herschel discovered NGC 7764 = h4006 on 4 Oct 1836 and noted "B; R; gbM; 90"."
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23 50 52.2 +27 09 59; Peg
V = 14.6; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (8/5/13): faint, small, round, 24" diameter,
pretty even surface brightness.
Located 1.8' NW of
18" (8/26/06): very faint, small, round, 35"
diameter, low even surface brightness.
Located 1.7' NW of NGC 7768 and furthest north in a string of 4 galaxies
including
17.5" (7/20/90): extremely faint, very small, elongated, very low surface brightness. Located 1.7' NW of NGC 7768 and 4' W of a mag 10.5 star in the core of AGC 2666.
R.J. Mitchell, LdR's assistant, discovered NGC 7765 on 12 Oct 1855 and noted "a little np [NGC 7768] is another neb, vvF." It is labeled as Gamma in a sketch made on 9 Oct 1872.
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NGC 7766 = MCG +04-56-017 = CGCG 477-018 = Holm 818d = PGC 72611
23 50 55.9 +27 07 35; Peg
V = 15.4; Size 0.6'x0.1'; PA = 36°
24" (8/5/13): very faint to faint, thin edge-on 3:1 SW-NE, 20"x6". Situated just 1.4' SSW of NGC 7762. A mag 13 star lies 1.2' NE and a mag 14.5 star is just 0.8' WSW.
18" (8/26/06): very faint, very small, appears elongated SW-NE at moments, though only 0.3'x0.2'. Located only 1.4' SSW of NGC 7768 in the core of AGC 2666.
17.5" (7/20/90): extremely faint, very small, round, low even surface brightness, requires averted vision. A mag 14.5 star is 45" WSW of center. Located 1.4' SSW of NGC 7768 and 2.3' N of NGC 7767 in the core of AGC 2666. Extremely faint NGC 7765 lies 2.5' NNW.
Ralph Copeland, assistant to the 4th Earl of Rosse,
discovered NGC 7766 along with 7767, on 9 Oct 1872. He labeled it "Delta" in a sketch and measured a
separation of 85" SSW from NGC 7768. At this exact offset is
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NGC 7767 = UGC 12805 = MCG +04-56-016 = CGCG 477-017 = Holm 818b = PGC 72601
23 50 56.3 +27 05 13; Peg
V = 13.6; Size 1.0'x0.2'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 142°
24" (8/5/13): faint, fairly small, edge-on 4:1 NW-SE, 30"x8". A mag 12.6 star is just 21" SW of center. Located on the south side of the core of AGC 2666 with NGC 7766 2.4' N and NGC 7768 (brightest member) 3.7' N.
18" (8/26/06): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:1 NW-SE, 0.6'x0.2', very small brighter core. A mag 12.5 star is just SW of the core. Second brightest member of AGC 2666 and furthest south in a N-S chain of four NGC galaxies.
17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, even surface brightness. A mag 12 star is just off the west edge 20" from the center. This is the second brightest galaxy in AGC 2666 with NGC 7768 3.6' N and NGC 7766 2.5' N.
Ralph Copeland, assistant to the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 7767 along with 7766, on 9 Oct 1872. He labeled it "Beta" in a diagram and measured a micrometric offset to the mag 12.6 star off the west side. Harold Corwin notes that Bigourdan's IC 1511 is not identical to NGC 7767, as stated by Karl Reinmuth, CGCG and PGC. Instead it refers to a single star 1.8' SSE of NGC 7767.
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NGC 7768 = UGC 12806 = MCG +04-56-018 = CGCG 477-019 = Holm 818a = PGC 72605
23 50 58.6 +27 08 51; Peg
V = 12.3; Size 1.6'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 60°
24" (8/5/13): the dominant galaxy in AGC 2666 appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE, 0.9'x0.6', contains a bright core with a very small brighter nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is superimposed west of the core, just 13" from the center. A mag 11 star (GR Peg) lies 2.6' ENE. NGC 7768 is surrounded by a number of faint galaxies including a N-S string of 4 galaxies to the north (with an additional 3 nearby). Another group of 3 or 4 galaxies (including NGC 7765, 7766, and 7767) are also arranged in a N-S string close west, so most of the cluster is in a 12' chain oriented north-south.
18" (8/26/06): by far the brightest member of AGC 2666. At 220x appeared moderately bright, fairly small, slightly elongated, ~1.0'x0.8', very small bright core. A mag 13.5 star is attached at the west edge. Located 2.5' WSW of mag 10.5 GR Pegasi. Several fainter NGC galaxies are strung out along a N-S line including NGC 7768.
CGCG 477-020, 4.3' N of NGC 7768, is extremely faint, small, elongated 2:1 in the direction of a mag 12 star 1.3' SE, 0.5'x0.25'. PGC 72608, 6.6' N of NGC 7768, is extremely faint and small, round, 15" diameter. PGC 72609, 8.5' due N of NGC 7768, is very faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. CGCG 477-016, just 3' to the west, is very faint, small, round, 25" diameter. Collinear with three mag 11-13 stars extending 9' to the SE.
17.5" (11/6/99): the brightest member of AGC 2666 is
faint, small, round. A mag 14 star
is attached at the west end of the halo.
Appears slightly elongated WSW-ENE, 35"x25". Located 2.6' SW of mag 10.5-11.0 GR
Peg. A mag 13 star lies 1.1' SE of
center. The unusual collisional
ring galaxy
17.5" (7/20/90): fairly faint, small, round, fairly
high surface brightness. A mag
13.5 star is at the west end 12" from the center. This is the brightest galaxy in AGC
2666 with NGC 7767 3.6' S, NGC 7765 1.7' NW, NGC 7766 1.4' SSW. Also
John Herschel discovered NGC 7768 = h2273 on 5 Sep 1828 and recorded "vF; S; irreg fig; appears by glimpses to contain a vF double *, but it *is* a nebula." His single position is accurate, although he missed the fainter nearby members of the cluster that were discovered at Birr Castle.
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23 51 04.0 +20 09 01; Peg
V = 12.0; Size 1.7'x1.6'; Surf Br = 12.9
24" (10/5/13): at 260x; bright, fairly large, round,
1.6' diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core and stellar
nucleus. The low surface
brightness outer halo (spiral arms) is slightly elongated and gradually fades
out. Brightest in a trio (
17.5" (8/31/86): bright, moderately large, round, 1.5'
diameter, brighter core, sharp stellar nucleus. A mag 13 star is 2.1' SSW. This galaxy is the brightest in a compact quartet with the
NGC 7770/
13.1" (9/9/83): fairly bright, moderately large, round, bright core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7769 = H. II-230 = h2274, along with NGC 7771, on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277). His desription reads, "F, pL, R, bM, r." On 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 635) he wrote, "cB, pL, iF, mbM." John Herschel reported "pB; S; R; bM; the np of two [with NGC 7771]."
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NGC 7770 = UGC 12813 = MCG +03-60-034 = CGCG 455-057 = KTG 82B = Holm 820b = PGC 72635
23 51 22.5 +20 05 47; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (10/5/13): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:3 SSW-NNE, 0.5'x0.3', contains a small bright core. Forms a close pair with much larger NGC 7771, 1.1' NNE.
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly faint, slightly elongated, brighter core. Forms a double system with much brighter NGC 7771 just 1.1' NNE in the NGC 7769 group.
13.1" (9/9/83): very faint, very small, round. Forms a close pair with NGC 7771 1' SSE.
William Herschel noticed NGC 7770 on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) during his discovery of NGC 7771. He commented, "towards the sp part [of NGC 7771] seems to be a vS stellar nebula within the nebulosity of the large one, but it may be only a small star." But due to his uncertainty he didn't assign NGC 7770 an internal discovery number or H-designation, so received no later credit.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7770 again on 25 Aug 1827 while observing NGC 7771. His description from 25 Aug 1827 (sweep 91) reads, "pB; E; bM; has a vS almost stellar nebula about 45° sp, dist 40"." On the following sweep, he made a sketch and noted "... has a smaller neb, 60° sp, 35" dist." Wolfgang Steinicke mentions that JH used object class "N2" (two nebulae), so it's surprising he didn't assign NGC 7770 a separate designation in the Slough or General Catalog. As a result, JH received no credit in the GC or NGC.
Bindon Blood Stoney, Lord Rosse's assistant, discovered NGC 7770 again on 5 Nov 1850 while observing NGC 7769 and 7771. A diagram of the trio is in the 1861 publication (NGC 7770 is labeled Gamma). A more accurate sketch from 1855 is on plate V of the 1880 publication. Lord Rosse was credited with the discovery in the GC and NGC.
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NGC 7771 = UGC 12815 = MCG +03-60-035 = CGCG 455-058 = KTG 82C = Holm 820a = LGG 483-002 = PGC 72638
23 51 24.8 +20 06 42; Peg
V = 12.3; Size 2.5'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 68°
24" (10/5/13): bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 WSW-ENE, 2.0'x0.7', moderate concentration with a large, elongated core that gradually increases to the center. Largest in the KTG 82 triplet with NGC 7770 1.1' SSW and NGC 7769 5.4' NW.
17.5" (8/31/86): fairly bright, pretty lens-shape 2:1 WSW-ENE, 1.4'x 0.7', bright core, possible faint stellar nucleus. A mag 12.5 star lies 2.1 ENE of center. Forms a close pair with NGC 7770 1.1' SW of center. NGC 7769 lies 5' WNW.
13.1" (9/9/83): fairly bright, very elongated WSW-ENE. In a trio with faint NGC 7770 just 1' SW and similarly bright NGC 7769 5' NW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7771 = H. II-231 = h2275, along with NGC 7769, on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and recorded "F, pL, E in the direction of the parallel [E-W], towards the sp part seems to be a vS stellar nebula within the nebulosity of the large one, but it may be only a small star." The "vS" nebula is probably NGC 7770. He observed NGC 7771 again on 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 635) and noted "cB, pL , lE, mbM." but missed NGC 7770. John Herschel made two observations (sweep 91 and 92). On 25 Aug 1827, John Herschel logged "pB; E; bM; has a vS almost stellar nebula about 45° sp, dist 40"." This clearly refers to NGC 7770.
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23 51 46 +16 14 54; Peg
Size 5'
13.1" (9/29/84): small group of 7 stars from mag 11.5-14.5. The two brightest stars are at the southwest and north end. The other five stars are arranged in a distinctive "V" asterism with a vertex and open to the east. The status as a cluster is questionable and this group may be an open cluster "remnant".
John Herschel discovered NGC 7772 = h2276 on 7 Oct 1825 and noted "a cluster of scattered stars 10m." His position matches this small, well detached group of 7 stars. The status as a true cluster is questionable. Harold Corwin notes this is one of JH's earliest discoveries, found on only his 11th sweep (out of 810).
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23 52 09.9 +31 16 36; Peg
V = 13.4; Size 1.2'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (8/29/92): fairly faint, small, round, fairly even surface brightness except for stellar nucleus which appears offset to SW side. A mag 13 star is attached at the NNE edge and a mag 12 star is 2' NNW. The stellar nucleus may be a superimposed mag 15 star.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7773 = H. II-851 = h2277 on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 971) and logged "vF, S, R, lbM, south preceding a very small star." John Herschel called this galaxy "eF" on two nights and "the faintest conceivable" on a third.
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23 52 10.7 +11 28 13; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.6
24" (1/1/16): at 375x; this very close, merged system
(15" between nuclei) was easily resolved as double at 375x. The brighter and larger component is on
the west side. It appeared fairly
faint, fairly small, round, ~24" diameter, contains a very small bright
nucleus.
17.5" (11/30/91): this is a small double system
elongated E-W and just resolved at 220x into a double nuclei but not cleanly
separated. The brighter component
is at the west side and appears faint, very small, round. The fainter companion (
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7774 = Sw. 4-100 on 9 Aug 1886
and recorded "eF; S; R; in center of equilatoral triangle of 3 stars;
double star near np." His RA
is 10 seconds too large (a similar offset as NGC 153, 163 and 217, all observed
the same night) and his description matches
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23 52 24.4 +28 46 22; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.0'x0.8'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 20°
17.5" (8/29/92): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
4:3 SSW-NNE, very weak concentration.
Located 4.2' N of mag 9
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7775 = St. 13-98 on 18 Oct 1882. His published position (final 13th list) was reduced on 6 Oct 1883.
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23 54 16.6 -13 35 11; Aqr
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.3'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 153°
17.5" (10/21/95): faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2
NNW-SSE, 1.0'x0.4'. Weak
concentration with a slightly brighter core. Located 2.3' NE of a mag 10.6 star. A mag 12.5 star is 1.3' SW between the
galaxy and the brighter star.
Incorrectly listed as nonexistent in RNGC and identified as
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7776 = LM 1-270 on 31 Oct 1885
with the 26" refractor at Leander McCormick Observatory and noted
"mag 15.0; vS; lE 315; gbM; near #268 [NGC 7761]." There is nothing at his rough position
(nearest min of RA), but Harold Corwin examined his field sketch and found it
matches
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NGC 7777 = UGC 12829 = MCG +05-56-018 = CGCG 498-026 = PGC 72744
23 53 12.5 +28 17 00; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 48°
24" (10/13/12): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 4:3 SW-NE, ~48"x35", sharply concentrated with a very bright 20" core surrounded by a low surface brightness halo. Picked up while viewing Comet 168P/Hergenrother, which was in the same 30' field.
17.5" (8/29/92): fairly faint, small, elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, small bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 7775 is 30' NNW.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7777 = St. 8a-3 on 18 Sep 1873. His rough RA was 17 seconds too small (similar to other positions that night). His published discovery position (list 8a, #30) was based on offsets taken 3 years later on 25 Oct 1876.
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23 53 19.7 +07 52 15; Psc
V = 12.7; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.7
18" (9/15/07): moderately bright but fairly small,
round, 30" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very small bright core
and stellar nucleus. This is the
3rd brightest of 5 NGC galaxies in the
17.5" (11/1/86): third brightest of five in the NGC 7782 group. Moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, small bright core. Not as large or bright as NGC 7779 1.8' E. A mag 12.5 star is 1.7' NW.
13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, small bright core. Observed at 220x.
13.1" (9/9/83): at 166x; faint, small, round, small bright core. Appears just slightly fainter than similar NGC 7779 1.8' E in the NGC 7782 group.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7778 = H. III-231 = h2278, along with NGC 7779, on 12 Nov 1784 (sweep 313) and recorded "Two, vF, stellar." His single position is between the pair. On 15 Aug 1830 (sweep 280), John Herschel logged "pB; R; psbM; 20"."
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NGC 7779 = UGC 12831 = MCG +01-60-045 = CGCG 407-070 = WBL 727-002 = PGC 72770
23 53 26.8 +07 52 32; Psc
V = 12.7; Size 1.4'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 10°
18" (9/15/07): moderately bright and large, irregularly round, 0.9'x0.8'. Well concentrated with a bright, 30" core. With direct vision the core contains a very small, bright nucleus. Forms a 1.8' pair with NGC 7778 to the west. Second brightest in the NGC 7782 group.
17.5" (11/1/86): second brightest of five in the NGC 7782 group. Moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, bright core, diffuse halo. Forms a close pair with slightly fainter NGC 7778 1.8' W.
13.1" (9/29/84): moderately bright, slightly elongated, even surface brightness, similar size to NGC 7778. Viewed at 220x.
13.1" (9/9/83): at 166x; faint, small, round, brighter core.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7779 = H. III-232 = h2279, along with NGC 7778 on 12 Nov 1784 (sweep 313) and recorded "Two, vF, stellar." On 15 Aug 1830 (sweep 280), John Herschel logged "pB; R; psbM; 20"."
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23 53 32.2 +08 07 05; Psc
V = 13.9; Size 1.0'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 3°
18" (9/15/07): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 N-S, 0.4'x0.2', slightly brighter along the major axis, weak concentration with a small, slightly brighter core. Located 10' NW of NGC 7782, the brightest of 5 NGC galaxies in a group.
17.5" (11/1/86): faintest of five in the NGC 7782 group. Faint, small, very diffuse, elongated N-S, very weakly concentrated core. Two faint stars are off the NE edge with the closest 1.7' NE of center.
13.1" (9/29/84): very faint, small, very diffuse, elongated ~N-S. Two mag 14.5 stars are off the NE edge. Located 9' NNW of NGC 7782 in a group.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7780 = St. 12-96 on 25 Sep 1873. His RA was 8 seconds too small (similar to other positions that night). A follow up observation was made on 2 Nov 1877 with his published micrometric position (list 12, #96) measured on 18 Oct 1881.
Lewis Swift found NGC 7780 in 1886, assumed it was new and communicated the discovery directly to Dreyer. Dreyer credited Stephan (1) and Swift (2), based on his 4th discovery list, though he probably meant his 6th list, which was under preparation when the NGC was published. But Swift didn't include it in either his 6th or later 9th list, which included several objects Swift discovered prior to the publication of the NGC. Perhaps Swift became aware of Stephan's prior discovery, though a few other objects never appeared in his dozen lists.
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23 53 46.0 +07 51 38; Psc
V = 13.9; Size 0.8'x0.2'; Surf Br = 11.9; PA = 13°
18" (9/15/07): one of the two faintest members of 5 in the NGC 7782 group. At 260x appears faint, very small, slightly elongated, 15"x10". A mag 14.5 star is at the west edge. Located 5' E of NGC 7779 and 7' SSW of NGC 7782.
17.5" (11/1/86): fourth brightest of five in the NGC 7782 group. Fairly faint, very small, bright core, elongated WNW-ESE. A mag 14.5 star is at the west edge of the core just 12" from the center. Located 4.8' ESE of NGC 7779 and 6.9' SSW of NGC 7782.
13.1" (9/29/84): faint at 220x but visible with direct vision. Faint star just at the west edge. At 220x, appears very small, slightly elongated ~N-S.
13.1" (9/9/83): at 166x; very faint, very small. A faint star is involved.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7781 = h2280 on 16 Aug 1830 and logged "F; S; R; the faintest of 3 [with NGC 7779 and 7778]." Willliam Herschel discovered nearby NGC 7778, 7779 and 7782, but missed this fainter galaxy.
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NGC 7782 = UGC 12834 = MCG +01-60-048 = CGCG 407-073 = WBL 727-004 = PGC 72788
23 53 53.9 +07 58 14; Psc
V = 12.2; Size 2.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 13.3; PA = 175°
18" (9/15/07): largest and brightest in a group of 5 NGC galaxies viewed at 260x. Moderately bright, moderately large, oval 5:3 N-S, 1.0'x0.6'. Broadly concentrated with a relatively large, brighter core that is slightly offset to the north side as the halo is more extended towards the south.
17.5" (11/1/86): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 2:1 N-S, halo broadly concentrated to core, substellar nucleus. Brightest in a group of five galaxies with NGC 7781 7' SSW and the NGC 7778/NGC 7779 pair about 10' SW.
13.1" (9/29/84): Largest and brightest in a group of five with NGC 7778, NGC 7779, NGC 7780, NGC 7781. Appears moderately bright, moderately large, fairly even surface brightness.
13.1" (9/9/83): at 166x; fairly faint, diffuse but easy, elongated N-S.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7782 = H. III-233 = h2281, along with NGC 7778 and 7779, on 12 Nov 1784 (sweep 313) and recorded "vF, E; but very hazy weather." On 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) he noted "cF; pL glbM." On 15 Aug 1830 (sweep 280), John Herschel logged "pB; pL; gbM; 40"."
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23 54 10.1 +00 22 58; Psc
V = 13.1; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 100°
48" (10/25/14): at 610x;
HCG 98B appeared moderately bright, small, elongated 3:2
NNW-SSE, 21"x14", small brighter nucleus. Located 1.8' S of mag 9.4
18" (9/3/05): the brightest member of HCG 98 appeared moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WNW-ESE, 1.0'x0.4'. Forms a near contact double system with HCG 98B nearly attached to the SE end. View hampered by mag 9.4 HD 223975 just 1.8' N. HCG 98B is very faint, very small, elongated 3:2 NNW-SSE, 0.3'x0.2'. HCG 98C was barely visible; just an extremely faint and small, round, 5" knot. Situated close south of a mag 15.5 star.
17.5" (9/7/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated
3:1 WNW-ESE, 1.1'x0.4'. Seems
brighter on the west end.
Brightest member of three viewed in HCG 98 and merges with
17.5" (11/6/88): fairly faint, small, elongated
WNW-ESE, weak concentration. Forms
a contact pair with NGC 7783B = HCG 98B at the SE end. HCG 98B is faint, very small, slightly
elongated NW-SE. The pair is
situated 1.8' S of mag 9
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7783 = m 591 = Sf. 99 on 9 Sep
1864 and noted "F, S, lE."
His position matches
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23 55 13.6 +21 45 44; Peg
V = 14.1; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 13.1
17.5" (7/20/90): very faint, very small, round, broad
concentration. Forms a pair with
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7784 = St. 13-99 on 29 Oct 1877. In his description for NGC 7786, he questioned if another nebula was 10' further north, matching the position of NGC 7784. His published position in list 13 (#99) was reduced on 1 Oct 1883 and is accurate.
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23 55 19.0 +05 54 57; Psc
V = 11.6; Size 2.5'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 143°
17.5" (8/29/92): fairly bright, fairly small, elongated
3:2 NW-SE, striking bright core. A
mag 14 star is 1.0' N of center.
Three bright stars are near and the galaxy forms a near equilateral triangle
with two mag 9 stars 3.0' SE and 3.3' SSE. Located 4.4' ESE of mag 8.2
8" (7/24/82): faint, small, elongated NW-SE. A mag 8 star is 4' W and two other mag 9 are close south and east.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7785 = H. II-468 = h2282 on 25 Oct 1785 (sweep 464) and recorded "vF, pS, irr figure." John Herschel made 4 observations, calling this galaxy "B" and "pB".
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NGC 7786 = UGC 12842 = MCG +03-60-038 = CGCG 455-065 = CGCG 456-001 = LGG 483-003 = PGC 72870
23 55 21.5 +21 35 17; Peg
V = 13.5; Size 0.6'x0.4'; Surf Br = 11.6; PA = 2°
17.5" (7/20/90): fairly faint, fairly small, oval 3:2 SSW-NNE, bright core. Pair with NGC 7784 10' N.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7786 = St. 13-100, along with NGC 7784, on 29 Oct 1877. His published position (last object in his final list) was reduced on 1 Oct 1883 and is accurate.
******************************
23 55 52.0 +00 33 28; Psc
V = 14.5; Size 0.8'x0.65'
24" (8/31/16): at 324x; faint to fairly faint, small,
round, stellar nucleus, ~15" diameter. Located 4' W of
UGC 12849 appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 5:2 WSW-ENE, 30"x12", slightly brighter core. A mag 12.6 star is just 36" NW of center and interferes somewhat with the visibility.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7787 = m 592 on 23 Oct 1864 and
noted "vF, S, R." His
position is 17 seconds of RA west of UGC 12849, the galaxy generally taken as
NGC 7787 and in fact lands on
Harold Corwin agrees with my identification, and notes "Aside from the possibility of a systematic offset in Marth's positions on the night he found the galaxy, there is no reason to suppose that he didn't see UGC 12847. We will check the possibility of a systematic error in other of Marth's positions measured on the same night. I am reasonably confident that the earlier cataloguers did not make this check, so am reassigning the NGC number to what is undoubtedly the galaxy that Marth actually saw."
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23 56 46 +61 24 00; Cas
Size 9'
18" (11/26/03): fairly small, 4' rich clump of roughly
two dozen stars. Includes a mag
9.7 star (
13.1" (9/29/84): about a dozen mag 12-14 stars over haze in a 1.5' diameter. Includes a single bright star mag 9.3 SAO 20947 on the west edge. This is a small but distinctive group in a very rich field. Situated within a string of open clusters with NGC 7790 and Harvard 21.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7788 = h2283 on 5 Oct 1829 and recorded a "vS and close cluster. One * 10m with a great many minute stars close to it."
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NGC 7789 = Cr 460 = Lund 1053 = OCL-269 = Caroline's Rose Cluster = Caroline's Cluster
23 57 24 +56 42 30; Cas
V = 6.7; Size 16'
17.5" (10/12/85): a few hundred stars were resolved in a 20' field. Remarkably rich and fairly uniform carpet of stars mag 11 and fainter.
8" (11/8/80): extremely rich, uniform in faint stars. Certainly among the top open clusters with this aperture.
15x50mm (9/6/10): bright but unresolved 15' glow.
15x50mm (7/26/06): moderately bright glow, at least 10' diameter. Observed using IS binoculars.
Caroline Herschel discovered NGC 7789 = H. VI-30 = h2284 on 30 Oct 1783 (William had just started his sweeps two nights earlier) with her 4.2-inch comet-seeker reflector, noting "between Sigma and Rho Cass, a fine nebula, very strong." William resolved the cluster with his 6.2-inch reflector on 11 Mar 1784. On 18 Oct 1787 (sweep 769) he called it "a beautiful cluster of very compressed stars, very rich." That evening he swept with a binocular set-up, using two eyepieces. John Herschel called it "a most superb cluster, which fills the field and is full of star; gbM; but no condensation to a nucleus; st 11...18m."
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NGC 7790 = Cr 461 = OCL-276 = Lund 1054 = C 2355+609
23 58 24 +61 12 30; Cas
V = 8.5; Size 17'
18" (11/26/03): ~30 stars resolved in a 4.5'x2.5' region, fairly rich. Three mag 11 stars are along the west side of the cluster and a slightly brighter mag 10 star is ~4' SE of the main group. This cluster is slightly larger than NGC 7788 ~16' NW. Fainter Be 58 lies 20' SE.
13.1" (9/29/84): largest of three open clusters on a line. Roughly two dozen stars mag 10-15 are resolved in a 5'x2' region elongated E-W. A mag 10 star is about 4' SE of the center and a couple of similar stars are on the west side of the cluster. The slightly fainter cluster NGC 7788 is located 15' NW. The three clusters span about 1° including Harvard 21.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7790 = H. VII-56 = h2285 on 16 Dec 1788 (sweep 892) and recorded "a pretty compressed cl of small stars of several sizes; considerably rich; E nearly in the parallel. 5 or 6' long." John Herschel reported "a double star in the p part of a pretty rich cluster; diam 4'; stars 12...13m; the f part most compressed."
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23 57 57.3 +10 45 56; Peg
= **, Reinmuth and Carlson.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7791 = h2286 on 10 Oct 1830 and noted "vF; vS. Query if not a star." At his position is a very faint double star. d'Arrest was unable to find it and Reinmuth described a "F double star 15 and 16 cont 130 deg; no neb." Carlson repeated this conclusion in her 1940 list of NGC/IC errata. DSS shows a very close double star (~6.5") oriented NW-SE.
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23 58 03.6 +16 30 05; Peg
V = 13.8; Size 0.8'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.1
24" (10/17/20): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, round, 30" diameter, slightly brighter nucleus. A mag 15.2 star is 2' E. A trio of mag 13-14 stars is 2'-3' S.
17.5" (8/29/92): faint, small, round, weak even concentration, faint stellar nucleus. Forms a vertex of a small parallelogram with three mag 14 stars with sides 1.5' length.
Édouard Stephan discovered NGC 7792 = St. 5-15 on 4 Sep 1872. His rough RA was 25 seconds too small (similar to other positions that night). His published discovery position (list 5, #15) was computed on 20 Sep 1873 with description, "eF, eS, with a condensation in the centre." The CGCG declination is 30' too far north due to a typo.
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23 57 49.8 -32 35 28; Scl
V = 9.1; Size 9.3'x6.3'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 98°
48" (10/31/13): bright showpiece galaxy, very large, oval 3:2 E-W, ~7'x4.5', large bright core. Spiral structure was evident, though it was difficult to trace individual arms except for one better defined arm attached on the west side of the core. This arm sweeps towards the east on the south side of the core (~2' from center) and ends just east of center. The halo appeared lumpy with an irregular surface brightness and several HII knots/associations were visible. The brightest individual knot is [H69] #20 from Paul Hodge's 1969 paper "HII Regions in 20 Nearby Galaxies". This fairly faint, 10" knot was easily seen 1.5' S of center, near the south side of the halo. [H69] #27, a slightly smaller and fainter patch is near the west-northwest end of the halo (1.9' from center). On the west-southwest side of the halo were two additional close, faint knots, both ~8" in diameter; [H69] #32 situated 2.3' from center and [H69] #33 at 2.4' from center. Finally, [H69] #3/5 is a fairly faint, 15" patch near the northeast edge of the halo, 2.8' from center. A mag 12.5 star is just off the northern edge, 2.9' from center.
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; most of the detail seen in the 48" was visible, but the HII regions were not as obvious. The galaxy extended roughly 8' x 5' WNW-ESE and contained a relatively large core region that gradually brightened towards the center. Although the halo appeared mottled and ragged, spiral structure was subtle. A very low contrast "arm" extends due west on the northwest side of the core and another "arm" appeared to extend east on the southeast side of the core. I noted 4 HII regions: the most obvious is [H69] 20, a faint, 10" knot near the south edge of the halo, ~1.5' from center. [H69] 3/5, a larger, very diffuse isolated patch, perhaps 20" in size, was seen on the northeast edge of the halo, 2.9' from center. Closer to the core I noted two very low contrast knots, both ~8" in diameter. [H69] 11 is 1.3' NE of center and [H69] 10 is 1.2' E of center.
17.5" (8/20/88): bright, very large, oval 3:2 WSW-ENE, very large broadly brighter halo, small bright core. A mag 12 star is off the north side 2.8' from center.
8" (11/8/80): very large, oval, low surface brightness.
16x80mm (8/20/88): easily visible in the finder.
James Dunlop discovered NGC 7793 = D 608 = HN 4 on 14 Jul 1826 and recorded a "faint round nebula, about 2' diameter, with a very slight condensation towards the centre; a double star is north preceding" (2 observations). His position was 14' too far east (typical error) and the double star is probably a wide pair (~1' separation) about 8' N. Apparently John Herschel didn't observe this galaxy from South Africa.
George Bond independently found the galaxy on 7 Nov 1850 at Harvard College Observatory with a 4" comet-seeker and he announced it as a new discovery. Dreyer credited Bond with the discovery in the GC Supplement (6233) and the NGC. His RA was 40 seconds too large though he mentioned his position required further confirmation. An accurate position from the Cordoba D.M was stated in the IC 1 notes. Stephen O'Meara called NGC 7793 "Bond's Galaxy" in his book "Hidden Treasures", apparently unaware that Dunlop made the first observation.
NGC 7793 was first photographed at Harvard's Arequipa Station in Peru around 1900, but it was only described as a "* involved in circular nebula with nebulous dot." Based on a photograph taken with the 30" Reynolds reflector at the Helwan Observatory between 1912-14, Harold Knox-Shaw first identified this galaxy as an "open spiral, knotty and complex." A later plate revealed a "bright sharp stellar nucleus" and "very many knots and patches."
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NGC 7794 = UGC 12872 = MCG +02-01-004 = CGCG 433-010 = PGC 73103
23 58 34.2 +10 43 41; Peg
V = 12.6; Size 1.3'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 0°
17.5" (10/5/91): fairly faint, fairly small, irregularly round, weak concentration. A mag 14 star is just off the SW edge 50" from center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7794 = H. III-466 = h2288 on 23 Nov 1785 (sweep 477) and logged "vF, S, R, lbM." John Herschel made the single observation "eF; irreg fig; pL; 40"." Heinrich d'Arrest measured two micrometric positions and noted the mag 14 star that precedes by 1.9 seconds and a separation of 40".
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23 57 33.5 +60 01 25; Cas
Size 10'
17.5" (12/20/95): scattered group of two dozen stars in
a 10' diameter mostly north and east of mag 6.5
John Herschel discovered NGC 7795 = h2287 on 29 Sep 1829 and recorded "A star 7m, the chief of a vL coarse scattered but poor cl which fills the field. Stars 10m." There is no bright star near his (single) position, but exactly 1.0 minute of RA preceding is mag 6.5 SAO 35922. The DSS shows a good scattering of fairly bright stars nearby, mainly to the north. RNGC classifies this number as nonexistent, using the incorrect NGC position. See Corwin's notes.
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23 58 59.8 -55 27 30; Phe
V = 11.5; Size 2.2'x1.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 168°
25" (10/15/17 - OzSky): at 244x and 397x; very bright,
large, ~1.5'-1.7' diameter.
Sharply concentrated with a very well defined intensely bright core and
much fainter halo. The core
gradually increases to either a quasi-stellar or stellar nucleus. Mag 8.0
John Herschel discovered NGC 7796 = h4009 on 11 Sep 1836 and recorded "pB; S; R; gmbM; 25"." His single position is accurate.
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23 58 58.9 +03 38 05; Psc
V = 13.7; Size 1.0'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.4; PA = 10°
17.5" (11/6/88): very faint, fairly small, oval ~N-S, almost even surface brightness.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7797 = H. III-867 = h2289 on 6 Dec 1790 (sweep 984) and recorded "eF, pS, lbM, irr R. I saw it with difficulty, but very well." John Herschel made the single observation "eF; not vS." and measured an accurate position.
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23 59 25.5 +20 44 59; Peg
V = 12.4; Size 1.4'x1.3'; Surf Br = 12.8
17.5" (7/20/90): moderately bright, fairly small, round, increases to bright core, faint stellar nucleus. A mag 11 star is 1.4' SSW of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7798 = H. II-232 = h2290 on 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) and recorded "F, S, R, or large stellar." He observed the galaxy again on 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 635) and noted "B, S, R, mbM, near a star." John Herschel made the single observation "pB; S; R; bM; has a * 10m 60° sp [SSW], distance 65"."
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23 59 31.5 +31 17 44; Peg
V = 14.5
18" (10/29/11): this number refers to the fainter
northeast component of a 20" pair of mag 13.6/14.4 stars. The pair was easily resolved at 225x
and there was no hint of a nebulous image. Another 13" pair (with a 3rd component squeezed
between) lies 3' SW. Located 13'
NW of mag 8
Heinrich d'Arrest discovered NGC 7799 on 7 Nov 1863 with the
11-inch refractor at Copenhagen.
His single observation mentions a mag 16 star is southwest by 20"
and at his position on the DSS is a 21" pair of stars oriented
southwest-northeast. So, d'Arrest
must have thought the northeast component was slightly nebulous. Coincidentally his position is 9
seconds of RA east of
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23 59 36.8 +14 48 25; Peg
V = 12.6; Size 2.3'x1.6'; Surf Br = 14.3; PA = 42°
17.5" (8/8/91): moderately bright, fairly small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, weak concentration. A mag 13.5 star is 1.6' ESE and a mag 14.5 star is just off the NE end, 1.5' NNE of center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7800 = H. II-10 = h2291 on 24 Dec 1783 (early sweep 62) and noted "a nebula, vF, E. Has two or three places in which I suspect vF stars." On 18 Sep 1786 (sweep 590) he logged "F, E, bM, pL, the extension not far from the meridian; from sp to nf." John Herschel apparently observed this galaxy on his first sweep of 2 Nov 1823, but didn't identify it later. On 12 Sep 1828 (sweep 175), he logged "F; S; E; irreg fig; 18"."
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00 00 22 +50 44 24; Cas
Size 12'x6'
17.5" (11/6/93): three dozen mag 9-14 stars in a coarse
12'x6' group. The rectangular
outline is elongated 2:1 ~N-S.
Includes several brighter mag 9-10 stars (
John Herschel discovered NGC 7801 = h2292 on 8 Sep 1829 and reported "A double star [HJ 1923] in a tolerable cluster in which is one star 9m." His position corresponds with a scattered group of brighter stars (probably an asterism).
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00 01 00.4 +06 14 31; Psc
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 52°
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, well defined small bright core, much fainter extensions.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7802 = h2293 on 25 Sep 1830 and logged "vF; S; R; psbM." His single position is accurate.
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00 01 20.0 +13 06 41; Peg
V = 13.1; Size 1.0'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 85°
48" (10/24/11): at 610x appeared bright, oval 3:2
WSW-ENE, 0.8'x0.5'. Sharply
concentrated with a very small, very bright core. A 17" pair of mag 14.4/15.1 stars is 1' NW. Flanked by
24" (11/7/18): at 375x; moderately bright and large,
oval ~3:2 E-W, ~45"x30". Contains a relatively large, very bright
core region that gradually increases towards the center. A pair of mag 14.5/15 stars lie 1'
NW. Forms a close pair with HCG
100B 1.5' E. The companion was faint, fairly small, slightly elongated N-S,
25"x20", low even surface brightness. A mag 12 star lies 45" E.
18" (9/24/05): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 ~E-W, increases in size to ~0.8'x0.4' with averted vision. Contains a small, brighter core that is rounder. A faint pair of mag 14/15 stars lies 1' WNW. Precedes a mag 11 star by 2'. Forms a close pair with HCG 100B, which appeared very faint, elongated 3:2 NW-SE, 0.3'x0.2'. A mag 11 star is less than 1' following.
17.5" (11/10/96): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated nearly 2:1 WSW-ENE, brighter core. A pair of mag 14/15 stars lie 1' WNW. This galaxy is the brightest in the compact HCG 100 group. Forms a close pair with HCG 100B 1.5' E. The fainter companion was very faint, small, round, 0.4' diameter. Sandwiched between NGC 7803 1.5' W and a mag 11 star 46" ENE.
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, small, elongated 3:2 WSW-ENE,
almost even surface brightness. A
pair of mag 14 and 14.5 stars is 1' WNW.
Collinear with two stars mag 12.5 and mag 11 2.3' E and 4.0' E,
respectively.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7803 = Sw. 6-98 on 5 Aug 1886 and
recorded pF; pS; F * nr np; near and between the 2 preceding of 3 stars in a
line; np of 2 [with NGC 7810?]."
His position is 12 seconds of RA west and 50" north of
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00 01 18.7 +07 44 55; Psc
Size 10"
18" (11/17/08): this 10" unequal pair of faint stars was resolved at 175x and easily split at 325x. Located 3' N of a pale orange/blue-white pair (Du 4 = 9.6/10.2 at 15"). A third mag 10 star lies just 1.4' ESE of the closer pair.
Kaspar Gottfried Schweizer, director of the Moscow Observatory, discovered NGC 7804 on 22 Oct 1860. The discovery wasn't published until 1875 (Observations de Moscou, II, 115). At his exact position is a pair of mag 14 stars at 10" separation. In four observations Engelhardt could only find this double star and no nebulosity (micrometric position given). Sherburne Burnham also carefully examined the region (Publ of Lick Obs, II) on two nights and only the faint pair was found, "but there was no trace of nebulosity about it, or anywhere in the vicinity." He measured the separation (1891) as 9.8" in PA 55.6°. Finally, Reinmuth says "no neb; double star 13 and 14 alm cont 50°". This is Schweizer's only NGC entry (bio at http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1904Obs....27..314L).
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00 01 26.8 +31 26 01; Peg
V = 13.3; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 47°
24" (12/1/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly
small, compact, very slightly elongated SW-NE, 25"x20", small bright
core, very small bright stellar nucleus.
Forms a similar double system (
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very small, slightly elongated, bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 13.5 star is 1.0' W. Forms a close similar pair with NGC 7806 30" off the NE edge and 54" between centers (the pair is Arp 112).
William Herschel discovered NGC 7805 = H. III-855 = h2294, along with NGC 7806, on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 971), and recorded "Two, eF, stellar, between 1' of each other, from 30° sp to nf." On sweep 178, John Herschel reported "eF; S; R: sbM; double; the sp of 2."
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NGC 7806 = Arp 112 NED2 = VV 226a = UGC 12911 = MCG
+05-01-025 = CGCG 498-065 = CGCG 499-037 = Holm 826b = Mrk 333 = LGG 001-002 =
00 01 30.1 +31 26 31; Peg
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 20°
24" (12/1/16): at 375x; moderately bright, fairly small, compact, slightly elongated ~N-S, ~24"x18", small bright core, stellar nucleus. NGC 7806 is the northeastern of a double system with NGC 7805 50" SW. A mag 15.2 star is 50" SE.
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, very small, oval 4:3 ~N-S, bright core, stellar nucleus. Forms a close double system with NGC 7805 54" SW of center and about 30" off the edge.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7806 = H. III-856 = h2295, along with NGC 7805, on 9 Oct 1790 (sweep 971) and recorded "Two, eF, stellar, between 1' of each other, from 30° sp to nf." John Herschel made 3 observations and noted (sweep 178) "eF; S; R; sbM."
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00 00 26.6 -18 50 31; Cet
V = 14.6; Size 0.7'x0.5'; Surf Br = 13.1; PA = 27°
17.5" (8/25/95): extremely faint, very small, probably elongated 3:2 SSW-NNE, 0.6'x0.4'. Located 6.5' WNW of a mag 11 star. I needed to use a Guide Star Catalog chart and averted vision to pick up this galaxy. No details were seen as it required concentration just to detect the low surface brightness glow. A mag 15 star lies 2.9' E.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7807 = LM 1-271 at Leander
McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 16.0; pS; irr F; E 90°?" There is nothing at his rough position
(nearest min of RA), but 1.2 min of RA west and 4' south is
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00 03 32.1 -10 44 41; Cet
V = 13.5; Size 1.1'x1.1'; Surf Br = 13.5
17.5" (8/16/93): fairly faint, fairly small, round
bright core dominates, slightly elongated much fainter halo SSW-NNE. Located 3.5' NE of a mag 10 star and
20' SW of 3 Ceti (V = 5.1). Forms
a pair with
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, round, weak concentration. A mag 9.5 star is 4' SW.
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7808 = LM 1-272 in 1886 with the
26" refractor at the Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag
15.0; vS; R; stellar N; star 8.5m at 3.6' separation in PA 240°
[southwest]. There is nothing at
his rough position (nearest min of RA) but 2 minutes of RA east (common error)
is
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00 02 09.4 +02 56 28; Psc
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 95°
17.5" (11/6/88): very faint, very small, round. Located 24' SSW of
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7809 = m 593 on 9 Sep 1864 and noted "eF, vS." His RA is 3 seconds too small.
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NGC 7810 = UGC 12919 = MCG +02-01-015 = CGCG 433-018 = PGC 163
00 02 19.2 +12 58 18; Peg
V = 13.0; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.0; PA = 80°
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, very small, slightly elongated E-W, small bright core, stellar nucleus. A mag 14.5 star is just 0.4' NW of center. NGC 7803 lies 18' WNW.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7810 = H. (III-984) = h2296
= Sw. 6-99 on 17 Nov 1784 (sweep 320) and recorded "suspected but 240
showed 2 small stars, and left it doubtful whether they contained nebulosity
between them or not; rather against." He decided to not include this object in his three
catalogues and Caroline crossed out the internal discovery number (649) in her fair
copy. Her reduced position is 1.5'
north of
John Herschel made 3 observations and noted on sweep 174 "eF; follows 2 stars which point a little south of it. It is called a suspected nebula by my Father in his sweeps." He added the designation "H.MS" (Herschel manuscript) as a synonym for h2296 and Dreyer called it "(III-984)" in the NGC.
Lewis Swift independently found this galaxy on 5 Aug 1886 and recorded it as the 99th object in his 6th discovery list. Swift's position is 16 tsec too far west but his comment "2 F stars v near and in line with it" fits perfectly.
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NGC 7811 = MCG +00-01-020 = CGCG 382-019 = III Zw 127 = Mrk 543 = PGC 168
00 02 26.5 +03 21 07; Psc
V = 14.6; Size 0.4'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.4
17.5" (11/6/88): faint, very small, round, bright
core. A bright triangle of stars
follow including mag 8.6
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7811 = m 594 on 5 Oct 1864 and noted "vF, S, R, stellar." His position is accurate.
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00 02 54.5 -34 14 08; Scl
V = 13.1; Size 1.1'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 146°
17.5" (10/29/94): faint, fairly small, slightly elongated 4:3 NW-SE, 0.8'x0.6', slightly brighter core. Lies just north of a line of three mag 12-13 stars 1.5' SSE, 2.2' SSW and 3.9' SW of center.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7812 = h4010 on 25 Sep 1834 and recorded "vF; S; R; among S stars." His position is less than 1' too far south.
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00 04 09.1 -11 59 02; Cet
V = 14.2; Size 0.8'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.5; PA = 158°
17.5" (11/6/93): very faint, very small, round, weak
concentration, can just steadily with direct vision. A mag 13 star is 3' NW. Located 12' ESE of mag 8.2
Frank Muller discovered NGC 7813 = LM 2-476 in 1886 at the
Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 15.2; 0.5'x0.2' E 80°,
*8.5 follows 38 seconds; *9 north preceding 40 seconds." There is nothing at his position, but
1.0 minute east is
MCG labels this galaxy as IC 5384. Roger Sinnott's NGC 2000.0 and the Deep Sky Field Guide both give the wrong position (based on the NGC position). See Corwin's notes.
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NGC 7814 = UGC 8 = MCG +03-01-020 = CGCG 456-024 = PGC 218 = The Little Sombrero
00 03 14.9 +16 08 43; Peg
V = 10.6; Size 5.5'x2.3'; Surf Br = 13.2; PA = 135°
48" (10/23/11): gorgeous view of this showpiece edge-on spiral at 375x and 488x. The oval central bulge was large and very bright, increasing to an intense core. A very thin, very high contrast dust lane sliced through the major axis of the galaxy, neatly bisecting the galaxy. On close inspection, the halo on the south side of the lane was marginally more extensive. At the center, a small nucleus is apparently obscured, leaving only two very small brilliant "knots" on either side of the lane. Beyond the central region, much fainter arms extend NW and SE, increasing the total size to 5'x1.5'. The dust lane was easily visible splitting the edge-on arms until they dimmed out at the tips.
17.5" (8/2/86): very bright, very bright large core,
fainter extensions NW-SE. Forms a
pair with
17.5" (12/19/87): faint stellar nucleus visible.
14.5" (12/17/20): at 182x; bright, large, elongated ~5:3 NW-SE, 2.5'x1.5', contains a large bright core that gradually increases to the center. IC 5381 lies 10' S.
13.1" (10/10/86): bright, large, large bright core, elongated NW-SE, faint stellar nucleus.
8" (11/8/80): moderately bright, slightly elongated.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7814 = H. II-240 = h2297 on 8 Oct 1784 (sweep 286) and logged "pF; pL; irr R; easily res." On 7 Oct 1825 (sweep 11) John Herschel logged, "B; L; irreg R; vgbM; 2' or 3' diam; no nucleus."
R.J. Mitchell, Lord Rosse's assistant on 12 Oct 1885, wrote "pL and B, E, gmbM, a decided dark lane runs through it in the direction of the major axis. The neb is rather narrower in the middle of its length and spreads out laterally towards its extremities, fading away gradually." A sketch, published in the 1861 Rosse Monograph (Plate XXX, Fig. 42) and in the 1880 Lawrence Parsons compilation (Plate V, Fig 11), shows the thin dust lane bisecting the core and extending out through the arms.
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00 03 24.9 +20 42 14; Peg
= *, Gottlieb. "Not found", Carlson.
Herman Schultz discovered NGC 7815 = Nova XII on 15 Oct 1866
with the 9.6-inch refractor at Uppsala Observatory. His micrometric position of 00 03 24.9 +20 42 15 (2000)
falls on a mag 14.4 star, just 2.2' north of mag 7.5
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00 03 48.9 +07 28 43; Psc
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x1.5'; Surf Br = 13.7
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, moderately large,
round. Contains a bright core
surrounded by a grainy halo. The
periphery gradually fades into the background. Forms a pair with
William Herschel discovered NGC 7816 = H. III-436 = h2298 = h2299 on 26 Sep 1785 (sweep 442) and recorded "vF, pL, lbM." John Herschel probably made two observations on 15 and 16 Aug 1830 that he assumed were of different objects as his dec differed by 7.5'. One of these observations is certainly NGC 7816 (assumed to be a nova), but the other could possibly be NGC 7818 (matches in dec).
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00 03 58.8 +20 45 03; Peg
V = 11.8; Size 3.5'x0.9'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 45°
17.5" (9/15/90): moderately bright, fairly large, very elongated 3:1 SW-NE, broad concentration. An evenly matched mag 14 pair of starts with separation of 17" lies just south of the SW extension 1.3' from the center.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7817 = H. II-227 = h2300 on 15 Sep 1784 (sweep 274) and recorded "F, pL, E, r." On 18 Sep 1784 (sweep 277) he reported "pF, cL, E, r." Again on 13 Nov 1786 (sweep 635) he logged "F, E, about 2 1/2' long from sp to nf." John Herschel made the single observation "pB; mE; lbM; 2' l, 20" br; pos 45° nf to sp by diagram."
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NGC 7818 = UGC 21 = MCG +01-01-019 = CGCG 408-019 = PGC 288
00 04 08.9 +07 22 46; Psc
V = 14.0; Size 1.0'x1.0'; Surf Br = 13.9
17.5" (9/15/90): extremely faint, small, round, very low even surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 7816 7.7' NW.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7818 = Sw. 6-100 on 23 Oct 1886
and recorded "eeeF; pS; ee diff.; follows 5048 [NGC 7816] 22 seconds and
is 5' south." His position is
5 seconds of RA west and 2' north of
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00 04 24.5 +31 28 20; Peg
V = 13.5; Size 1.5'x1.2'; Surf Br = 14.0
17.5" (11/14/87): very faint, very small, round, diffuse. Collinear with a mag 13.5 star 1.4' NNE and a mag 12.5 star 2.5' NNE of center. Located 37' E of NGC 7806. Appears fainter than CGCG magnitude = 14.3pg.
Ralph Copeland, assistant to the 4th Earl of Rosse, discovered NGC 7819 on 26 Oct 1872. His full description reads "eF, L. Nova f 2m 57.0s and 2' 32.5" n of 5042 [NGC 7805]". His micrometric offset is accurate. Dreyer made a second observation on 5 Oct Also and he noted "3 minutes f [NGC 7805] an eF, L , diffused neb was seen."
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00 04 30.8 +05 12 01; Psc
V = 12.9; Size 1.3'x0.6'; Surf Br = 12.4; PA = 165°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, elongated 2:1 NNW-SSE, small well-defined bright core. A mag 13.5 star is 43" SW of center. First and brightest of four in a group (WBL 002) with NGC 7825 14' E.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7820 = h2301 on 24 Sep 1830 and recorded "B; S; mE; vsmbM to a *; 12" long, has a * preceding." His position is accurate.
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00 05 16.7 -16 28 37; Cet
V = 13.2; Size 1.4'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 111°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, moderately large, very elongated 3:1 WNW-ESE, moderate concentration but no core. Located 14' E of mag 5.8 SAO 147064. The WLM System lies 1.3° NW.
Ormond Stone discovered NGC 7821 = LM 1-273 on 3 Nov 1885 at
Leander McCormick Observatory and recorded "mag 14.0; pS; irr figure, E
125°; glbM." His rough
position (nearest min of RA) is 0.6 minutes of RA west of
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00 03 18 +68 30; Cep
Size 60'x30'
18" (9/15/07): at 73x (31mm Nagler) unfiltered, extends nearly 60' in length (roughly E-W). A group of stars are involved near the middle and includes a nice isosceles triangle of mag 8/8/9 stars with separations of 2.7', 2.7' and 4' with several fainter stars nearby. This group is clearly encased in nebulosity and extends to the east for nearly 30' with quite a few stars involved. Fainter nebulosity also extends to the west in a wide curving lane. The entire glow shows up well at 12.5x in the 80mm finder. Did not experiment with filters.
17.5" (8/25/95): very faint, very large nebulosity best
viewed in the 16x80 finder as it gives a higher contrast with the surrounding
sky. Appears elongated E-W and at
least 40' in size. At 82x,
nebulosity is clearly visible in the region of a triangle of mag 8-9 stars
including mag 7.9
The identification of NGC 7822 is uncertain and may apply to
18" (9/15/07): at 73x (31mm Nagler) unfiltered, Ced 214
appears as a huge, faint, irregular glow of at least 50' diameter surrounding
mag 5.7
17.5" (10/4/97): Ced 214 was not detected unfiltered at 82x or using an OIII filter. With an H-Beta filter, a 40' field surrounding the mag 5.7 illuminating star appeared weakly nebulous in contrast to the immediate periphery. No structure was noted, although the glow seemed roughly circular. The small open cluster Be 59 is embedded on the NW side. This object may be NGC 7822 if John Herschel made a 1.5 degree error in declination.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7822 = h2302 on 16 Nov 1829 and recorded "the central part of what I am positive is an enormously L, but eF neb of a round figure, though I cannot trace its limits. Diam 10'±. The night exquisite. I swept often across it to be sure, but always recurred to the same place. No doubt but can never be seen but in the best state of the air and sky. Diameter 10' +/-." Herschel's position is just north of the 60'x30' nebula described here, though it is not of a "round figure". Two unsuccessful obsesrvations were made by Lord Rosse's assistants, probably due to the size.
Isaac Roberts gave dimensions of 42'x38' in MNRAS, Vol
LXIII, p301 based on plates taken in 1901 and 1902, although his description
(as well as possibly Herschel's) refers to Ced 214 = Sh 2-171, about 1.5° south
of Herschel's position (part of the same complex). Dreyer repeated Robert's dimensions in the IC 2 Notes
section. Harold Corwin's favors
identifying Robert's nebula as NGC 7822, with
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00 04 45.6 -62 03 42; Tuc
V = 12.6; Size 1.1'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.6
30" (10/15/15 - OzSky): at 303x; fairly bright, moderately large, round. Sharply concentrated with a bright, bar elongated N-S, punctuated by a bright, very small nucleus. A mag 14.6 star is 1.5' SE and a mag 16.2 star is just 0.8' S. The 20' field is very star poor.
John Herschel discovered NGC 7823 = h4011 on 11 Aug 1836 and recorded "F; S; R; gbM; 15"." His mean position (2 observations) is fairly accurate.
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00 05 06.2 +06 55 12; Psc
V = 13.2; Size 1.6'x1.2'; Surf Br = 13.7; PA = 145°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, slightly
elongated, even concentration down to very small bright core. A mag 10.5 star is 2.1' NW of
center. Forms a pair with
John Herschel discovered NGC 7824 = h2303 on 25 Sep 1830 and recorded "not vF; S; R; 12"; a * 9m north preceding." His position is very accurate.
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00 05 06.6 +05 12 13; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.9'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.6; PA = 135°
17.5" (9/15/90): very faint, very small, round, bright
core. A mag 14.5 star is 1.1'
NE. Forms a trio with
John Herschel discovered NGC 7825 = h2304, along with NGC
7827, on 25 Sep 1830 and recorded "vF; S; gbM." His single position
matches
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00 05 17 -20 41 30; Cet
17.5" (12/4/93): about 20 scattered mag 9-13 stars in a 15' diameter form this asterism. Most of the stars are arranged in an elongated string oriented NNW-SSE including five brighter mag 9-10 stars. A double star (mag 10/11.5 at 30" in pa 45°) located 10' E forms an equilateral triangle with the endpoints of the string. The asterism stands out in field because of the brighter stars.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7826 = H. VIII-29 = h2305 on 9 Dec 1784 (sweep 330) and recorded "a cl of a few coarsely scattered L stars." At his position is a group of stars matching this description. John Herschel noted a "A triangular group of about a dozen stars." ESO states "concentration of stars only". Proper motion of these stars indicate this is an unrelated asterism. The RNGC classified as a nonexistent cluster (Type 7).
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NGC 7827 = UGC 38 = MCG +01-01-027 = CGCG 408-028 = WBL 002-005 = PGC 378
00 05 27.7 +05 13 20; Psc
V = 13.9; Size 1.2'x0.9'; Surf Br = 13.9; PA = 36°
17.5" (9/15/90): fairly faint, small, irregularly round. A mag 12 star is 1.5' ENE. Brightest of three with UGC 37 2.7' S and NGC 7825 5.3' WSW (group WBL 002).
John Herschel discovered NGC 7827 = h2306, along with NGC 7825, on 25 Sep 1830 and recorded "vF; S; R; sbM; has a * nf." His position is accurate. d'Arrest also measured an accurate position (on 3 nights) and noted the star to the northeast follows by 6 sec of time. MCG misidentifies this galaxy as NGC 7825.
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00 06 27.1 -13 24 58; Cet
V = 13.9; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.9; PA = 140°
48" (10/23/14): at 488x; fairly bright, moderately
large, elongated 5:2 NW-SE, 40"x18", irregular shape with a mottled
or clumpy appearance, slightly brighter along with south side. The galaxy
displayed an extension or bend (slightly north) on the northwest side as if it
consisted of two merged galaxies. A fainter 15" knot or patch is attached.at
the northwest end. NGC 7828 forms
an interacting pair (
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, even surface brightness. Forms a double system with NGC 7829, an extremely compact galaxy off the SE end.
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7828 = LM 2-274, along with NGC 7829, in 1886 and recorded "mag 15.4; 0.5' dia; pE 130° sbMN; * 15 [NGC 7829] sf 3 seconds; Double [with NGC 7829], PA 100° at 0.3' separation." Howe measured an accurate position in 1897 at Denver (given in the IC 2 Notes).
In the Arp catalogue, NGC 7828 has a very unusual distorted appearance. According to Higdon (1988), this is not a classical ring but possibly the result of stripping of the gaseous disk from a spiral galaxy during the collision with an intergalactic HI cloud. It was rejected as a ring galaxy in "Stellar Disks of Collisional Ring Galaxies" (AJ 136, 1259,2008) by Romano et al.
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NGC 7829 = Arp 144 NED2 = VV 272b = MCG -02-01-025A = PGC 488
00 06 29.0 -13 25 14; Cet
V = 13.9; Size 0.7'x0.7'; Surf Br = 12.9
48" (10/23/14): at 488x; bright, small, 15" diameter, sharply concentrated with a very bright core ~4" diameter increasing to an intense stellar nucleus. The core is surrounded by a small round halo. Forms a close, interacting pair (Arp 144 = VV 272) with much larger NGC 7828 just 0.6' NW.
17.5" (9/15/90): faint, round, extremely small, barely non-stellar. Appears at first glance to be as a mag 14 star just off the SE end of NGC 7828!
Francis Leavenworth discovered NGC 7829 = LM 2-275, along with NGC 7828, in 1886 and noted "mag 15.0; 0.2' dia; R; sbMN; neb?; Double, pair at 0.3' separation in PA 100°." Herbert Howe reported "I can see no nebulosity; it appears to be simply a star of mag 13." Perhaps he was not using a high enough magnification. Its appearance on the DSS is very compact but definitely non-stellar.
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00 06 12.5 +08 22 46; Psc
= *, Corwin.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7830 = m 595, along with NGC 7834, 7835, 7837, 7838 and 7840, on 29 Nov 1864 and noted an "eF, neb * 13 m." At his position (25 seconds of time west of NGC 7834) is a 16th magnitude star. This is perhaps Marth's object, though it's surprising he would call it 13th magnitude." In any case, there is no other nearby galaxies (besides the ones he discovered) that he might have picked up instead. So, this number either refers to a faint star or is lost.
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NGC 7831 = IC 1530 = UGC 60 = MCG +05-01-032 = CGCG 498-078 = CGCG 499-050 = LGG 001-005 = PGC 569
00 07 19.5 +32 36 34; And
V = 12.8; Size 1.7'x0.4'; Surf Br = 12.3; PA = 38°
17.5" (10/12/87): fairly faint, fairly small, very
elongated SW-NE, weak concentration.
A mag 14 star is at the SW end 45" from center. Located 2.2' NNW of mag 8.9 SAO
53654. Identified in the UGC and
CGCG as
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7831 = Sw. 2-1 on 20 Sep
1885. His description reads,
"eF; vS; eE; bright star south; vF star very near." There is nothing at his position, but
62 seconds of RA east and 8' north is
Bigourdan couldn't find NGC 7831 at Swift's position so when he rediscovered UGC 60 he assumed it was new and Dreyer catalogued Big. 357 as IC 1530. CGCG, UGC, MCG label this galaxy as IC 1530 because of the unambiguous IC position, though Swift's number should apply by prior discovery. For more, see Harold Corwin's identification notes and Malcolm Thomson's unpublished "Catalogue Corrections".
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00 06 28.5 -03 42 58; Psc
V = 12.3; Size 1.9'x1.0'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 25°
17.5" (11/6/88): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 SSW-NNE, bright core, stellar nucleus.
William Herschel discovered NGC 7832 = H. III-190 = h4013 on 20 Sep 1784 (sweep 279) and noted "vF, vS." John Herschel made a single observation from the Cape of Good Hope: "F; R; first vg, the psbM; has 2 stars 9m sf." His position is accurate.
Lewis Swift rediscovered this galaxy on 12 Sep 1896 and
described
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00 06 31.9 +27 38 26; Peg
Size 2'
17.5" (10/21/95): this asterism consists of four faint mag 14.5-15 stars within a 1.3' diameter although three of the stars form a very small triangle with the fourth star 1' N. The faintest of the four stars is the northern star in the small triangle. Located 2' NE of a close well-matched double star and in the same low field with NGC 1 and 2, just 10' ENE. Listed as nonexistent in RNGC.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7833 = Big. 101, along
with
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NGC 7834 = UGC 49 = MCG +01-01-030 = CGCG 408-030 = PGC 504
00 06 37.9 +08 22 04; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 1.1'x0.8'; Surf Br = 14.0; PA = 18°
18" (10/21/06): extremely faint, very small, round, 15" diameter. Just follows a 40" pair of mag 13/14.5 stars oriented N-S that are close off the NW and SW side (40" NW and 25" SW).
17.5" (8/2/86): very faint, very diffuse, fairly small, even surface brightness. Two stars are very close off the NW and SW end oriented N-S. Largest in the NGC 3 group with NGC 7837/NGC 7838 4.3' ESE and NGC 7835 4.2' NE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7834 = m 596, along with NGC 7835, 7837, 7838 and 7840, on 29 Nov 1864 and noted "eeF, vS." His position is just off the northwest edge of the galaxy.
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NGC 7835 = MCG +01-01-031 = PGC 505
00 06 46.8 +08 25 33; Psc
V = 14.6; Size 0.5'x0.2'; Surf Br = 12.0; PA = 162°
18" (10/21/06): extremely faint, very small, appears elongated 2:1 ~N-S but only 0.4'x0.2', very low surface brightness. Located 3.4' E of a mag 12.5 star in the NGC 3 group. NGC 7834 lies 4' SW and NGC 7837/7838 5' SE.
17.5" (8/2/86): very faint, very small, slightly elongated, diffuse. Forms an isosceles triangle with a mag 12 star 3.4' W and a mag 13 star 4.5' NNW. Located 4.0' NE of NGC 7834 in the NGC 3 group. The NGC 7837/38 pair lies 5' SSE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7835 = m 597 on 29 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, S, R." His position is accurate. The same night he found NGC's 7834, 7837, 7838, 3 and 4.
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NGC 7836 = UGC 65 = CGCG 498-079 = CGCG 499-051 = Mrk 336 = LGG 001-006 = PGC 608
00 08 01.6 +33 04 15; And
V = 13.7; Size 0.9'x0.5'; Surf Br = 12.7; PA = 133°
17.5" (11/14/87): fairly faint, small, round, small bright core. A string of four mag 11-12 stars of 5' length follows. Not identified as NGC 7831 in the UGC or CGCG. Listed as Anon 1 in the Webb Society Deep Sky Observers Handbook on Anonymous Galaxies.
Lewis Swift discovered NGC 7836 = Sw. 2-2 on 20 Sep 1885 and
recorded "eF; vS; R; between 2 stars." There is nothing near his position but 75 seconds of RA east
and 8' north is
UGC 65 is not labeled as NGC 7836 in the UGC or CGCG. RNGC and PGC have the correct identification. See Malcolm Thomson's "CGCG Corrections" and Corwin's notes for more on the story.
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NGC 7837 = Arp 246 NED1 = MCG +01-01-035 = CGCG 408-034 =
00 06 51.4 +08 21 05; Psc
V = 14.4; Size 0.5'x0.3'; Surf Br = 11.8; PA = 171°
18" (10/21/06): extremely faint and small, round, attached at the west edge of NGC 7388 (just 0.6' between centers). The pair is occasionally resolved with this galaxy appearing as a separate knot on the west edge of elongated NGC 7388.
17.5" (8/2/86): very faint, very small, round. Forms a tight double system with NGC 7838 at the east edge 38" between centers. Member of the NGC 3 group with NGC 7834 4.2' WNW and NGC 7835 4.7' NNW.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7837 = m 598, along with NGC 7838, on 29 Nov 1864 and simply noted "eF, D neb [with NGC 7838].
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NGC 7838 = Arp 246 NED2 = MCG +01-01-036 = CGCG 408-034 =
00 06 54.0 +08 21 03; Psc
V = 14.3; Size 0.7'x0.3'; Surf Br = 12.8; PA = 93°
18" (10/21/06): very faint, small, very elongated 2:1 E-W, 0.4'x0.2', low even surface brightness. Forms a double system with NGC 7837 at the west edge. The galaxies are only resolved part of the time, otherwise the single glow appears elongated ~3:1 E-W. Located 6.4' NW of NGC 3.
17.5" (8/2/86): very faint, very small, round. Forms a very close pair with NGC 7837 just 38" W of center. Located in the NGC 3 group with NGC 7834 4.5' WNW and NGC 3 8' SE.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7838 = m 598, along with NGC 7837, on 29 Nov 1864 and simply noted "eF, D neb [with NGC 7837].
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00 07 00.9 +27 38 15; Peg
V = 15.3
24" (10/12/20): NGC 7839 is a single mag 15.3 star located 5.4' SW of NGC 1. It was identified at 200x and also viewed at 375x. The appearance was completely stellar. A very nice 6" pair of 11th mag stars (uncataloged) lies 8' WSW.
Guillaume Bigourdan discovered NGC 7839 = Big. 102, along with NGC 7833, on 18 Nov 1886. He noted the size as 40"-50" with several points of condensation." At his position (just 5' southwest of NGC 1) is a mag 15 star (with a mag 17 star at 21" separation), though the fainter star is likely too faint to have been seen in his 12-inch refractor. The RNGC new description appears to apply to NGC 2, though the coordinates seem to refer to NGC 7839.
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00 07 08.8 +08 23 01; Psc
V = 15.5; Size 0.4'x0.3'; PA = 127°
48" (10/24/11): at 610x appeared faint to fairly faint, fairly small, slightly elongated NW-SE, 24"x20", low even surface brightness. Located 5.3' NNW of NGC 3 and 3.9' WNW of NGC 4.
18" (10/21/06): marginal galaxy in the NGC 3 group only glimpsed with averted and concentration, though it seemed to pop into view at the same location on a couple of occasions as a stellar or quasi-stellar knot. Located 4' NE of NGC 7837/7838 and 5' NNW of NGC 3. Incorrectly classified as nonexistent in the RNGC.
Albert Marth discovered NGC 7840 = m 600 on 29 Nov 1864 and noted "eF, S." The same night he discovered NGC's 7830, 7834, 7835, 7837, 7838, 3, 4. With the exception of NGC 7830, which is mostly likely a star, the other members can be confidently identified with faint galaxies. But there is no galaxy at his position for NGC 7840 and RNGC classifies the number as nonexistent.
However, Harold Corwin identifies
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